8. Youre the Swan Queen
CHAPTER 8
YOU'RE THE SWAN QUEEN
Paloma
Every time my gaze follows a path, I find Archer at the end of it. It’s like my brain is subconsciously tracking him around the room. His presence fills the space like no one else. Earlier when he walked through the door clad in a tailored tuxedo that fits every inch of him perfectly, I couldn’t help but simply stare at him, like an idiot.
It took me a whole minute to realize he wasn’t alone. He’s here with his girlfriend. Again. And they seem so in love. My entire world crumbled when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He isn’t mine. But I can’t help but long for his touch. I feel jealous that she gets to touch him every time she wants, while I have to watch them from afar.
“Hello?” Hunter’s face slides into my line of sight. “Anybody home?”
“Yes. I’m sorry.” I shake my head to clear it. “What did you ask?”
“You’re so distracted tonight.” He holds me tighter as he sways to the slow melody the quartet is playing not far from us. He takes a short breath as if arming himself with patience. “How did you like the gift I sent you? It’s been almost three months and not a single thank you kiss.”
“Oh, the crystal swan. Yes, it’s lovely. I loved it. Thank you.” I stand on my tippy toes and kiss his cheek. Out of habit, I quickly scan the room to find Dad. He’s not fond of public displays of affection.
After meeting Archer, I understand why Dad won’t let me be alone with Hunter. We would’ve had sex by now. I smile and stare at Hunter’s chest waiting for the rush of desire to hit me, but it doesn’t come. All I feel is calmness.
I glance up, and my gaze meets Archer’s who is now next to us on the dance floor dancing with his gorgeous girlfriend. She has long, flowing blonde hair and the brightest eyes. It’s easy to see that she’s full of life and something else I can’t put my finger on. Whatever it is, I find myself wanting to be in her place. I want to be the one beaming up at Archer, touching his cheek and kissing him.
“I thought it apropos. Because you’re now the Swan Queen.” Hunter continued with our previous conversation. “I’m the luckiest man.” He manages to get even closer to me. His breath brushes my cheek, and I instinctively look away. “Everyone wishes they were in my place. Even now, they can’t stop looking at your beauty.” He murmurs in my ear, “But you’re mine.”
“You’re sweet.” I smile meekly at him.
Over the years, I’ve learned not to contradict him when he says things like that. I don’t like the idea of belonging to him. Every time he claims I’m his, all I want to say in retort is that I’m free. That I’m with him because I choose to be. Not because I’m his. He doesn’t decide. I do.
“I was thinking, after opening night, we should celebrate with a big dinner. You choose the place. Somewhere where you can get a big ice cream or something.” He cocks his head to look me in the eyes.
“I can’t gorge myself right after my performance.” I laugh. “I’ll get sick.”
“It’ll be good to get out and be seen.” He dips his head, and his lips brush the corner of my lips. “How is the Senator doing? He’s lost weight. Have you noticed?”
I have noticed. Dad’s financial problems are finally taking a toll on him. I hate seeing him like that. The only reason I haven’t gone to Archer’s friend to ask for money is because I didn’t want Dad to suffer that kind of embarrassment. It would kill him if he found out I asked a stranger for money. Technically, I already did such a thing. But Archer is Chuck’s friend, and Dad was already thinking of asking him for another donation. In fact, that’s the reason why he invited Archer tonight.
These past few months, I buried myself in work, hoping a miracle would happen. That I would either find my mother’s heirloom by tonight or that Archer would reconsider and give us the money we need.
There was still time. Dad said he had it all under control. I tried to tell him last week that the diamond was gone. Well, tried is a strong word. I started to, but didn’t quite get to that part. At any rate, Dad sounded confident that after tonight, all our problems would be solved. I’m certain he’s counting on Archer’s generosity. Or maybe he meant Hunter.
“Dad’s had a rough time at work. Did he mention it to you?” I ask.
“No, not at all. What’s going on?” He touches his fingers to my cheek.
“Dad has some investments he needs to finalize. I figure he would come to you.” I shrug as if these investments are not a big deal.
“He wouldn’t ask me. He knows all my money is tied up.” He kisses my forehead and takes a slow half turn in sync with the music.
“Right.” I force a smile and look up.
Again, I find Archer glaring at me. My heart thumps hard and fast as he takes his girlfriend’s hand and makes his way over to us. I glance down and focus on Hunter’s chest. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll go away.
“You must be Hunter.” Archer’s deep voice washes over me like warm honey.
“Mr. Archer.” Hunter steps to the side to face the couple. “I meant to introduce myself earlier, but you were busy. Chuck has told me all about you.” He offers Archer his hand.
“Pleasure to meet you.” He smiles with tight lips and a clenched jaw.
I follow his line of sight to Hunter’s fingers wrapped tightly around my upper arm. I do my best not to roll my eyes. Hunter can be so petty sometimes. I make to free myself, but he keeps his grip steady.
“Hunter.” Archer’s voice makes my gaze snap up to him. “Let me introduce you to a good friend. Gardenia Salas.” He gently places his hand on her back and gestures toward me. “And this is the famous Paloma Davis.”
“Nice to meet you.” Gardenia beams at us and shakes my hand then Hunter’s. “I love your home. The buffet is perfection. And don’t get me started on the martini ice sculpture.”
Archer chuckles with so much love in his eyes, I feel like puking.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying the party,” I say, and it’s all I can do to bottle the ugly feelings swirling in my belly.
“Hunter,” Archer says again. Why does he keep saying his name? “Would it be possible to have a dance with your lovely fiancée?”
At the mention of the word fiancée, Hunter’s chest puffs up a little, even though he knows we’re not engaged. He likes the idea of everyone here thinking he owns me. “Of course.”
“Oh fun. Let’s swap.” Gardenia waits for Archer to cut in between me and Hunter before she steps in.
The moment I’m in Archer’s arms again, I’m floating. And I’m painfully aware of the ribbons of desire inching toward my sex.
“Why did you come over to us?” I ask. “I didn’t invite you.”
“You were staring.” A smirk pulls at his lips. “I assumed.”
“You assumed wrong.” I glance away.
“You look beautiful tonight.” He cocks his head to meet my gaze. “I didn’t have a chance to say that earlier.”
“Thanks.” My cheeks burn hot, and I melt a little in his arms. “Why are you here?” I ask, hoping he would utter the words that can save my father.
“I’m here to celebrate your brother’s thirty-second birthday.” He increases the pressure on my fingers and expertly guides me into two turns then brings me back into his embrace.
Without meaning to, I laugh, feeling silly that something as trivial as dancing with Archer would make me feel giddy.
“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.
“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.”
“Whoever they are, 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.
“There’s a friend who can lend us the money. To cover what you owe to the…” I glance behind me before I mouth the word mob.
“Is that so?” He steps back, crossing his arms over his chest.
I take in a deep breath and then reach inside the corseted bustier of my dress and retrieve the black card. Ever since Archer gave it to me, I’ve kept it close to my body. This little business card is literally our only lifeline. I’ve been too afraid to let it out of my sight.
Dad moves slowly toward me; his expression blank. My heart sinks because I don’t know if he’s offended by my offer or if he’s finally decided he’s irate that I didn’t mention any of this sooner.
“Daddy?” I want to run upstairs and hide, but I can’t move.
“Who gave you this?” He takes the card from my hand.
“A friend.” No idea why I want to protect Archer, especially now that I see that Dad isn’t pleased. “From work. She said this person is her friend. And can help.”
“I see.” His gaze darts around the room before it settles on me. “Have you spoken to this person yet?”
“No. I didn’t know if that would be the right thing to do. I kept the card in case the diamond didn’t turn up.” I breathe in, but my lungs refuse to let in the much-needed oxygen. “Mr. Archer expects his diamond tonight. But?—”
Dad puts up his hand. “Why don’t you go to bed? Get some rest. I will deal with this.” He holds the black card between his middle and index fingers.
“Okay.” I step toward him slowly then kiss his cheek. “Good night, Daddy.” I turn to leave.
“And Paloma.” He calls after me.
“Yeah?” I face him with my heart thrashing in my ears, tears brimming my eyes. I hate it when Dad is angry at me. I scratch the itch on my wrist while I stand there waiting for him to speak.
“Who else knows about this?” he asks.
“No one.” I shake my head, keeping my lie short.
“Good.” He nods once. “Don’t mention this card or our situation to anyone else. Do you understand?” His curt tone breaks my heart.
“Yes, Daddy.” I swallow my tears.
I want to ask him if he’s going to reach out to Archer’s friend. Or if he has another way out. But I know better than to overwhelm him with questions. Especially after he asked me not to worry about anything.
“Good night.” He gestures toward the door.
“Good night.” I grip my own wrist and rush to the door, through the main hall, and up the stairs.
Guests stop me a couple of times to ask if I’m okay or if I want to do a shot with them. I nod and shake my head in response. I don’t stop until I’m safely up on the third floor. Once I’m alone, I take off running, aching to be alone in my room.
I open and close the door, then lean on it. Sole has already been up here to tidy up, get a fire going for me, and turn down the bed. I sob into my hand as I stare at the open French doors.
The worst is over.
Dad’s disappointment hurts like nothing else.
But at least now he knows the truth and can take care of it. I was an idiot for thinking that I could solve this problem for him.
Even though our financial problems are not Archer’s fault, I can’t help but hate him. I hate that he chose not to help me. He could make all this go away, but instead, he chooses to let Dad suffer the consequences, the humiliation of asking a stranger for money.I hate him.
“I hate you, Fitzwilliam Archer.” I fist my hands.