Page 103 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

I UNDERESTIMATED THOSE ASSHOLES

Paloma

“Turn around.” A smile pulls on his lips as he draws circles at the nape of my neck.

“Why?” I shift my weight on the leather bench of the limousine. My heart races because the way he’s looking at me, I can only imagine what he plans to do with me. I shoot a quick glance to William behind the stirring wheel. “Here?”

He chuckles. “You really are insatiable, Little Dove.”

“Why is that funny?” Heat rises to my cheeks.

“While you’re particularly beautiful tonight.” He reaches for me and brings me closer but facing away from him. “I don’t wish to ruin another one of your dresses. Especially before we even get to the ballet.”

“Oh.” That single word is laced with so much disappointment.

His lips touch the spot where his thumb has been torturing me for the past thirty minutes. We’re almost to the city. Though I’m excited to see Dad again, I don’t like that it has to be in public and at the ballet of all places. I’m not sure I’m ready to face all the other dancers, not even my friends. Paul disowned me days after I left for not texting him back. He was being dramatic. But now that so much more time has gone by, I’m sure he really doesn’t want to see me again.

“I can’t let my wife go out in public without being properly accessorized.” He opens a black velvet box.

“Are you serious?” I look over my shoulder at the diamond earrings and necklace. Shifting my weight to face him again, I run my fingers over the huge pendant. “You got me a Winston?”

“You know your diamonds?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Mom had an extensive collection. Over the years, I learned what made them valuable. A Winston setting is classic.” I bring my fingers to my lips to hide the downturn of my lips.

“She had?” Archer moves my hand away from my face and puts it on my lap. “What happened?”

I have never told anyone about Mom’s diamonds. For one, it wouldn’t be safe for people to know we had a sizable fortune in diamonds stashed in the house. But also, because through the years, Dad used them to get out of debt. I’m embarrassed to tell Archer about Dad and his struggles with bad investments.

“You make me tell you all about my father and now you can’t say what happened to your mother’s diamonds?” He cocks his head to look at me.

“I do want to tell you.” I do love that he opened up about how his dad died. Telling that horrible story must’ve been awful. But now that I know more about him and what his scars mean to him, I feel closer to him. I have no doubt in my mind. I’m utterly in love with him, which is why I don’t want him to think so poorly of Dad. “But first promise me you won’t judge him.” I reach for his hand.

“The man negotiated a virgin auction for his only daughter. I am judging him. He deserves to be judged.” His jaw clenches.

“I told you. The auction was my decision. It was my fault that he found himself in that position. I lost the last of the diamonds.”

“What?” His gaze darkens with hate.

“See?” I point at his eyes. “It’s not his fault. He’s expected to do all these great things and then also be a senator. It’s too much.” I recite the usual excuses.

Before the auction, they all sounded like reasonable explanations as to why Dad couldn’t manage his wealth. But with Archer’s dark stare, looking as if he’s ready to murder Dad, I can’t keep lying to myself. Dad needs help.

“He took it too far this time. I’ll admit.” I suck in my lower lip.

“You think this is the worst he’s done in the name of saving his ass?” He scoffs.

“Please. Don’t be so hard on him.” I brace my hands on his thighs.

He studies my features for a long minute before he captures my mouth with his. His kiss is hard and desperate as if he wants our connection to erase all the bad. Our marriage isn’t exactly what people would consider conventional. I’m here with him because he paid for me. And he had to pay for me because of Dad.

“He needs our help,” I say when he pulls back.

“He’s not getting any more of my money,” he deadpans. “What did he do with the other diamonds?”

“He sold them to pay for various investments. The pink diamond was the last of them.” I take in a deep breath. “He has nothing left. Not even our house. He just never recovered after losing Mom.”

“He has plenty left.” He cups my cheek. “He still has you.”

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