Page 34 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“Could you get me a drink?” I ask him to get him to slow down. His behavior was uncalled for. Or maybe he did have the right to be upset, given my history with Archer. If he only knew all the things I wanted to do with Archer. “The dance made me thirsty.”

“Are you allowed to drink?” He frowns at me. “You’re the Swan Queen.”

“I can still drink water.” I slowly ease my arm from his grip. “I need to talk to Dad.” I make a break for it before he can protest.

But instead of going to the study, where Dad has been talking to many of the guests all night, I head straight to the dining room where the buffet table is set up. As soon as I see the many dishes on display, I realize I haven’t eaten since before rehearsals earlier today.

I quickly ogle all the food then grab a piece of smoked salmon on a tiny bagel and pop it in my mouth. “Hmm.” I nod as the fish melts in my mouth. I grab a couple more then move on to the Wagyu mini steaks on some kind of canapé. I put that in my mouth, and only then I decide I may need a napkin.

“Slow down, Paloma.” Hunter barges into the room with a glass of water in his hand. “Are you allowed to eat that much, weeks before opening night?”

I let out a breath and turn to face him. “It’s a just few bites.”

“Here.” He takes the napkin and replaces it with the glass. “Drink some water. You’ll feel better. Go on.”

“Thank you.” I take several sips.

“You know, the way Chuck speaks of this Mr. Archer, I thought he was going to be this bigger-than-life character. He’s so pompous. Kind of full of himself, isn’t he? What do you think?”

“I think he’s a good friend to Chuck. He gets him.” I shrug.

“Oh yeah, I heard.” He rolls his eyes. “Mr. Archer to the rescue. Whatever, as long as he gives us the money we need for the campaign, I’ll play along. I’m sorry you had to endure his company tonight.”

“Happy to help.” I force a smile and finish my water. “I’m going to get another water. And then I have to speak to Dad. I’ll see you later.”

“What? You’re leaving me? I haven’t seen you in months.” He braces his hands on his hips, eyeing me with hurt in his eyes. “They expect to see us together. And dance.”

“Whoevertheyare, they’ll have to understand that I need to talk to my father. Good night, Hunter.” I pat his shoulder and make a quick exit before he stops me.

Out on the main hall, the party is dying down. I don’t need to search the room to know that Archer is gone. I can feel the cold on my skin, and the void his presence left behind. Biting my lower lip, I glance up at the door in front of me. As much as I hate to admit it, Archer is right. I have to tell Dad the truth. He needs to know the diamond is gone.

I’m grateful that Archer decided to leave early. Because that means that when he gets announced as the bid winner for the necklace, he won’t be here to collect his prize. Even though he said he couldn’t help, he’s still decided to give me a bit more time. But I can’t accept it. I have to face the consequences of my actions and tell Dad the truth.

I push the door open and find Dad facing the oversized fireplace with his palm on the mantel. He leans into it as if his body weight is too much for him.

“Dad?” I approach him slowly.

“Paloma.” He surveys my face and smiles with pride. “You look wonderful tonight. Everyone said so.”

“Thanks.” I take in a breath. “Doesn’t look like this is the right time to talk, but what I have to say can’t wait.”

“I always have time for you.” He offers me his hand. When I place my fingers on his palm, he dips his head and kisses them. “What’s on your mind? Talk to me.”

“Where do I start?” I glance behind me to the door. Too late to back down now. “Dad, Mom’s necklace is gone. I looked everywhere for it. It’s just gone.” Tears stream down my cheeks. “It’s all my fault. I was so tired and distracted, I didn’t put it back in the safe like you asked me to. I don’t know if it fell off my neck when I was downstairs or on my way up. I don’t know. It’s just gone.”

“Alright. Sweetie.” He chuckles, wiping my tears. “Alright. I understand. There’s no diamond.” He wraps his arms around me and hugs me tight. His kindness makes me lose it. I don’t deserve it. I bury my face in his chest and sob as he pats my head. “It was unfair for me to ask you to part with something as precious as your mother’s heirloom. I’ll figure out another way to come up with the money. Don’t you worry.”

“Really?” I step back to look at him, wiping my face, leaving streaks of black mascara on my fingers. “You’re not mad?”

His eyes do show anger. But he smiles at me. He has every right to be disappointed and furious at me, but he won’t show it. He loves me too much.

“I said don’t worry, sweetie.” He moves his head to the side to catch my gaze. “It’s time for bed.”

“Wait. There’s one more thing.” I smile, feeling a new sense of hope now that the worst part is over.

I open my mouth to say Mr. Archer says he has a friend who can lend us the money, but I decide it’s better not to get him involved. I don’t want Dad to know I went to Archer for help. Or that I told him about our financial problems with the mob. It would be too humiliating for Dad.

“And what is that?” He frames my face with his hand, his eyes roaming my features.

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