Page 33 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“How long have you and Hunter been together?” he asks suddenly.

“A couple of years.” Has it really been that long?

“How did you meet?” He cocks his head.

“I’m not sure.” I glance up, trying to remember. “I think Dad introduced us.”

“Love at first sight, huh?” He smirks.

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “Do you believe in love at first sight, Mr. Archer?”

A part of me wants to be the woman back at the hotel bar, the one with Odile’s confidence, the one there to make Archer fall at her feet. But here, surrounded by my father’s friends and Chuck and Hunter, I just can’t. There is no room for that side of me in here. On stage, I can play both characters. I can be the sweet princess Odette, and the evil seductress Odile. On stage, I’m free to be anything I want.

“No, Miss Davis. I don’t believe in love at first sight.” His gaze roams my face.

“Why won’t you help us?” I realize I’ve been wanting to ask that question since I stopped him from talking to Dad in the study. “Chuck says it would be nothing for you.”

“Chuck knows about your predicament?” His brows lift in surprise.

“No, of course not. He would be devastated.” I shake my head.

“What about the Senator? Have you told him the diamond is gone?” he asks.

My heart races because anyone within earshot could catch his words. Luckily, Gardenia is keeping Hunter entertained. Other than shooting angry looks our way, he’s a safe distance away. The other two couples are too drunk to notice or care.

“Please keep your voice down.” I scan the dance floor again. “My father doesn’t know. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Why?” He squints at me. “This is his mess, not yours.”

“He has a weak heart. If he finds out, I don’t know what would happen.” I don’t know why I’m telling him this. It’s not like he cares.

“Weak hearts are a convenient thing, aren’t they?” He presses his lips together as he looks away. “You should tell him. He’s a grown person. Too old to be hiding behind a woman’s skirt.”

“Tell him? You make it sound so easy.” I swallow the lump in my throat.

It’s my fault Dad is in this situation. I lost the diamond that could get him out of his debt with the mob. It’s up to me to find an alternative solution. I admit, I’ve had my head buried in the sand these past few months. But seeing how determined Archer is not to get involved, I realize that I should’ve gone to his friend right away. I would have that loan by now.

“It is easy. Unless you’re afraid to endure his disappointment?” He lets out a dark laugh. “I had front row seats to that show for two years.”

“It isn’t that.” I don’t think it is.

“Then wash your hands of it. Don’t get involved. Let the Senator deal with the consequence of his own actions.” He cups my face and for the first time since that night in my bedroom, his eyes show lust again. “It is not your job to protect your father. Just like it’s not your job to date a man just because he told you to.” His gaze darkens.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re just jealous,” I blurt out. Not so deep down I know it’s all wishful thinking.

“Yes, I am.” His jaw clenches.

“What?”

“I think that’s enough dancing for one night.” Hunter wraps his fingers around my upper arm and pulls me away from Archer. “Don’t you have an early day tomorrow, sweetheart?” He glances at Archer. “It’s her bedtime.”

I’m too stunned to react to Hunter’s interruption or even tell him my bedtime is not his concern. My mind is still reeling from Archer’s confession. He’s jealous? Does that mean he cares?

“Of course.” Archer nods and he’s the epitome of cold and uninterested. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Davis. And good luck with opening night.”

“Nice meeting you.” Gardenia hangs from Archer’s arm, smiling at me sweetly.

“Let’s go.” Hunter walks off the dance floor with my arm still glued to his hand.

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