9. A Fathers Broken Heart
CHAPTER 9
A FATHER'S brOKEN HEART
Archer
The elevator doors slide open accompanied by a gentle chime. I step out and continue straight ahead, while Fisher follows a handful of steps behind. He insists on playing my bodyguard tonight. While I appreciate the second set of eyes to catch anything I miss, I don’t think the extra precautions are needed inside the Crucible.
From what Santino tells me, the security system in this place is top of the line. Rex can’t expect high-profile clientele to frequent his sex club if he can’t guarantee their safety.
“I don’t understand why the meeting has to be here,” Fisher grumbles.
“Discretion.” I glance over my shoulder at him.
“I would feel better if we had eyes and ears.” His gaze darts from person to person around the massive warehouse-style club.
“It’s safe.” I motion toward the couple of few feet from us, who are in the middle of an intense make-out session that’s about to become something more. “These people. They don’t care who we are or why we’re here.”
“If you say so.” He falls back behind me.
I make my way past the bar on my left and head toward the grand staircase that I know leads to the VIP section above. As soon as I approach the bottom of the steps, the bouncer unlinks the red rope and steps aside.
“Mr. Archer.” He dips his head. “Welcome.”
“And guest.” I point at Fisher behind me.
“Of course. Enjoy.” He nods at Fisher politely.
“You’ve been here before?” Fisher asks, not bothering to hide his disapproval of the place.
“Yes, it’s a place to indulge without judgment.” I cock an eyebrow at him.
He makes a gesture that’s something between sorry-I-asked and to-each-his-own. I chuckle and continue up the stairs and to the left to a set of suites where Santino is waiting for us. I want to be in the room with Paloma when she meets with him, but I can’t do that. She can’t know that I’m behind her father’s latest misfortunes. That she’s here offering herself to the highest bidder because of me.
“Archer, you made it.” Santino emerges from one of the suites.
“So I did.” I place my hand on Fisher’s shoulder. “You remember Fisher.”
“Fisher? Good to you see you.” Santino hugs him. “How long has it been, old man?”
“Ten years.” Fisher holds Santino at arm’s length. “You look older. It suits you.”
“I’m glad you approve.” He chuckles, holding the door open. “You’ll be in here.”
I stride into the hotel-style suite. There’s a stocked bar, a bed, and a lounge area facing a huge two-way mirror. The room is done in a cream and soft green palette. Even the floral arrangements match the decor. It’s all done to make guests feel like they’re in a luxury hotel and not in a sex club.
“Is she here?” I ask, even though the last time I checked her tracker she was already in the private garage downstairs. A part of me wants her to walk away from all this and not play into my game. She doesn’t deserve my wrath, or my vengeance. But I’m too far down this rabbit hole. I can’t save her.
“Yes and no.” Santino ambles to the bar and pours three whiskeys. “She’s didn’t come alone.” He offers me a tumbler.
Fisher beats him to it and grabs his own glass.
“The Senator is here with her.” He takes a long swig. “My guess is he wants to negotiate a deal, and he brought her as collateral. You’d be surprised how many fathers walk through that door with willing daughters.”
“Do you always accept their offer?” Fisher asks.
“Only in extraordinary cases like this one. Honestly, that guy is on a path of self-destruction. He’s losing favor with his party, donors are not as generous this election cycle, andhis poker game is shit. She’s better off without him.”
“Maybe he found another way to repay you.” Fisher shrugs. “Maybe he is a good father. I’ve been watching him. He seems like a decent guy.”
“He’s a psychopath, Fisher. Don’t let his charm fool you.” I say through gritted teeth. Fisher of all people knows what the Senator is capable of. A reformed man, a better man, wouldn’t bring his daughter to this place, knowing there’s only one way this whole night ends. I run a hand through my hair. “Just watch how he reacts when he’s backed into a corner. And remember that’s the side of him my father saw before he died.”
“And there he is now.” Santino motions to the mirror where the lights on the other side just came on.
A bouncer ushers him to the sofa and offers him a drink. He orders a gin and tonic and settles in. He’s ready for a fight. And I wish I could be in the room with him. But I’m not ready for him to see my face, to know I’m the one coming for him. His entire life has not unraveled yet. I still have more to take from him.
“I believe that’s my cue.” Santino sets his tumbler down as soon as the bouncer leaves the Senator alone.
I amble to the mirror and cross my arms over my chest. His most precious possession will soon be out of his reach.
Santino enters the room. The Senator rises and shakes his hand. He might as well be back in his office conducting a meeting like any other day. When I can’t hear what they’re saying, I look for a volume button along the frame, but there isn’t one.
“Fuck. There’s no sound.”
Santino moves on to pour himself a drink. When he faces the bar, he reaches over and taps on a screen. “If you don’t mind me asking, who gave you my card? I don’t hand those out lightly.”
“A friend gave it to my daughter. Apparently, she asked someone at her ballet company for money.” He makes a sound like a chuckle, and he genuinely sounds sad. “She was only trying to help.”
“Beautiful and kind. A dangerous combination, don’t you think?” Santino sits on the armchair, leaving the Senator facing me.
From my perspective, it’s as if the Senator is on trial, which he is. He just doesn’t know it.
“I think my daughter’s kindness is one of her best qualities.” The Senator sips from his glass. “But to your point, it can also make her vulnerable. Someone who looks like her will always have vultures waiting for the right moment to feast.”
“Why are you here, Senator?” Santino points to the gold embossed black card lying between them on the coffee table.
“I owe you money I can’t repay,” he admits.
“That you do.” Santino sits back and crosses his ankle over his knee. “How can I be of help?”
“My daughter is under the impression you can lend her the money.” He puts up his hand when Santino laughs. “I realize you’ve already given me enough. Perhaps an extension? If you tell her she can have the money. She’ll think she helped, and I’ll be able to procure the funds.”
“Last I heard your campaign coffers were running a bit low.” Santino raises an eyebrow. “But I’m not an unreasonable man. I’m sure your daughter had a decent proposal in mind. A way to earn my trust and the cash.”
The Senator’s neck turns bright red. As if the mere thought of Paloma offering herself for money makes him want to punch a wall. That’s interesting, given how Paloma and I met. Wasn’t he the one who sent her to a hotel bar to con me out of ten thousand dollars?
“My daughter is not for sale. She’s mine.” He blinks fast. “She’s my family.”
“My apologies.” Santino cocks his head to the side. “I misunderstood your intentions since she’s downstairs waiting in the car.”
Red crawls from his neck up into his cheeks. “I can’t do that to her. She’s innocent. She’s my most precious possession.” He sits forward with balled fists, visibly upset over Santino’s proposal.
He doesn’t want to give her up. I didn’t think the Senator still had it in him to surprise me. He can’t give a shit about his son Chuck. But he truly loves Paloma. His lip trembles as he brings the gin and tonic to his mouth and drinks deeply.
“I see. It’s quite the predicament.” Santino shoots a furtive glance my way.
I grab my phone and type a quick message.
Me: push him
Santino: let him stew first
I glance up just in time for Santino to place his phone back into the inside pocket of his suit jacket while the Senator sits with his elbows on his knees, hiding his face behind his hands. This is exactly what I came here to see. I want him to feel the pain of losing someone he loves. Though it’s not enough. Because this isn’t the same. He took from me and never gave me a chance to save my father.
The Senator has the opportunity to do the decent thing and walk away, save his daughter from the humiliation that awaits her if he agrees to the terms on her behalf. I already have proof that the Senator has that kind of influence on his daughter. All he has to do is choose for her. And she’ll come willingly just like the perfect daughter she is.
“You would pay five million dollars for her?” he finally asks.
“Not me.” Santino shakes his head. “Do you think she’s worth that much?”
“She’s the Swan Queen.” His voice is a mix of pride and adoration. “And a virgin.”
The news hits me like a bucket of ice water. I turn to face Fisher who is as stunned as I am. The Senator has to be lying. But then I consider our first kiss, how innocent she felt in my arms. As if she’d never kissed anyone before. She’s twenty-five years old. And has a boyfriend. How is that even possible?
I glare at the Senator. If he knows she’s a virgin, it’s because he asked her to remain one. That’s the only explanation. Paloma loves him so much that’s she’s willing to do just about anything for him. I touch my fingers to my lips and feel her surrender all over again. I had it all wrong. She’s not like him. She doesn’t deserve this. She’s innocent like he said.
Fisher joins me by the mirror. “There’s a man who loves his daughter. Do you believe me now?”
“He’s sitting there doing the math, Fisher.” I glare at him.
“Yes, who wouldn’t be tempted when there’s so much money on the line, his reputation, hell, his entire livelihood.” He points at the Senator, who looks like he’s aged ten years since he arrived.
Agony drips from every pore on his face. A man of his stature could re-invent himself and come up with a million other ways to climb out of the hole he dug for himself. But the thing about the Senator is that he has never worked a day in his life. If he learned anything from Dad, he wouldn’t be in this position, losing someone he loves dearly.
“You don’t believe in my methods anymore.” I meet Fisher’s gaze.
“For thirteen years, I’ve watched this thirst for revenge grow inside you.” He points at my chest straight at my heart. “Do you remember that day when you first came to me talking about plans for revenge?”
“Yeah, it was the night after I got drunk with Santino and he told me revenge was possible.” I stuff my hands in the pockets of my trousers. That night I felt like I could breathe again. “Santino gave me a purpose.”
“You were so determined to face the Senator yourself. But what did I say to you?”
“You chase monsters, eventually you become one.” That mantra is etched into my mind.
“How can you not?” he asks.
“Because if you don’t.” I bark out a dark laugh. “The monsters eat you alive. Are you saying I’ve become one?” I study the Senator’s posture through the glass. I got him. After all this time, the monster under my bed is exactly where I want him, in pain and alone.
“I’m saying you can still save yourself.” Fisher swallows. “This curse is consuming you from the inside out. He’s defeated. You’re the victor. Let him go.”
“Forgive his debt?” I ask. “And let him walk away free to do it all over again?”
“What if he chooses to walk away? What if he decides he loves his daughter more.” Fisher lifts his chin.
“You’re betting on him.” I furrow my brows.
“I’m betting on a father’s broken heart.” He presses his lips into a sad smile.
Does Fisher see himself in the Senator’s shoes? They’re not remotely the same. Fisher loves Gardenia. And he would do anything in his power to never get to this point where his daughter’s soul is the only thing that can save him.
“Okay.” I pace the length of the room. “Okay. He’s here.” I point at the mirror. “If he refuses to use Paloma as leverage and walks away, I will pay off his debt.”
“You’d do that?” Fisher’s head snaps up at me. “He’s your father’s killer. You said you would never let him see a single dime of your money.” He surveys my face. “You’re not a monster, Tristan.”
“I’m trying to prove to you that we’re all monsters.” I swallow the bitter taste in my mouth. “Push the right buttons. Poke the right pressure points. We all lash out like wild beasts.”
“I’ll take your bet.” Fisher steps toward me. “If he chooses his daughter, you walk away and forget about revenge. If he doesn’t, I’m at your disposal until the end.”
“Deal.” I take out my phone and type a message.
Me: put him out of his misery
Santino: already? You’re not enjoying the show?
Me: he’s pathetic
I drop the device back in my pocket and wait for Santino to find the angle, the right words to deliver his final blow. Is it possible to let go of my hate? I’m willing to find out. Is Fisher right? Has the Senator found redemption in his daughter’s love.
“Would an auction yield the best results?” The Senator asks. “I’ve heard of such things. A virgin is a hot commodity.”
Like I said, we’re all monsters.
“You’ve made the desired choice, Senator.” Santino saunters back to the bar and retrieves a black folder with the contract.
The terms, as Santino put it, are standard. The agreement stipulates that Paloma Honor Davis will be auctioned to be sold to the highest bidder. She agrees to six months with the buyer, to live in his house, and be his mistress. He also included a few clauses that enumerate what she would be expected to do in the bedroom. None of it negotiable.
“I’d like to add an amendment. If I may, please,” the Senator says. Now that he’s made the choice, his tone of voice carries the usual authority of a well-regarded elected official. “Six months as a mistress? My daughter is the Swan Queen. If she’s to take my place to pay off my debt, I want her future secured.”
“Well, I’m intrigued.” Santino sits back on the club chair and places his ankle over his knee again. “What are you proposing?”
“I want the buyer to marry my daughter and not just for six months.” He lifts his chin to note his terms are non-negotiable.
Santino laughs. “I suppose that could be a good thing for her, especially if the buyer is some old, old man who’s ready to kick the bucket.” He turns his head slightly toward me as he considers the Senator’s offer.
“If she gets more than needed to cover my debt?—”
“No, Senator. You do not make a profit on this transaction. I have operating expenses, as you can imagine. Mounting an auction, finding the right customers, isn’t an easy feat, or cheap.”
“I understand.” He nods. “Do we have a deal?”
“No, you don’t.” I step closer to the mirror.
“I accept your deal.” Santino smirks.
“Absolutely not,” I yell at Santino, even though he can’t hear me. “That’s not what we discussed. I can’t tether myself to my enemy’s daughter.” I glare at Fisher. “This is not what we agreed to.”
“I was under the impression that the buyer didn’t matter.” Fisher looks at me as if I have suddenly grown two heads.
“What does that even mean?” I throw my arms in the air.
“I didn’t realize you were going to bid on the woman,” Fisher elaborates, doing a poor job of hiding his smirk.
“I wasn’t.” I fist my hands, and it takes all my self-control not to punch the mirror and break it into a million pieces. To hell with the Senator and the element of surprise. “I mean I was. That was the whole point. She takes her father’s place.”
“Marriage is something different, Archer.” Fisher rubs the salt and pepper stubble on his cheek. “There’s still time to call off this insanity.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m not backing down. We’ve come this far. I’m not going to stop just because the Senator’s greed is limitless.”
“When will you do it?” The Senator asks. “The performance of her life is in two weeks. I never thought I’d be the one to kill her dreams. I met her mother when she was a young ballet dancer.” The Senator smiles at the coffee table, looking at nothing. “Clara was my Swan Queen. Paloma is the spitting image of her mother.” His Adam’s apple bobs. “She was so little when her mother passed. She came to my house, wearing her stained ballet shoes.” He buries his face in his hands.
“Get Paloma to sign the contract.” Santino points at the strewn papers. “I’ll handle the rest. I’ll need a couple of weeks to make the arrangements. I’ll see what I can do about working around her schedule.”
“Thank you.” The Senator picks up the papers and stuffs them under his arm.
“Don’t thank me yet. Stay and enjoy another drink or two.” Santino rises to his feet. “I’ll be back with the updated contract.”
He leaves the room and walks over to us. He’s already on the phone asking someone on the other end of the line to make the necessary changes. Gardenia said Santino has a license to kill. I inhale a breath. She doesn’t know the half of it. His influence and power go beyond anything she can imagine. Up until now, I didn’t know either.
“You should’ve said no.” I get in his face when he puts his phone away.
“No to what?” His gaze darts from me to Fisher.
“The fucking fine print. That’s what?” I run both hands over my hair. “I can’t marry her.”
“Why not?” Santino buttons his suit jacket. “She’ll be yours, body and soul. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“I wanted revenge,” I clarify. “Not a life-time commitment.”
“Then don’t buy her. The effect is the same.” He fails to see my dilemma.
“Don’t buy…” The words die on my lips.
I can’t marry her. But also, the thought of her sharing a bed for the rest of her life with someone else threatens my very sanity. Watching her dance with her so-called boyfriend was unbearable. If we had been anywhere other than the Senator’s mansion, I would’ve punched his face in.
Don’t buy her . Santino’s words echo in my head.
How can I endure her marriage to someone else?
I can’t let that happen. She’s mine. And now thanks to her father. She’s mine to keep.
“What happens now?” I face Santino, who looks very pleased with himself.
“He signs.” He points at the mirror. “Then he goes downstairs and gets his daughter to sign. And then you get everything you ever wanted. Revenge on a silver platter. Or is it on a cold plate? I forget.”
I rub a hand over my face. “I meant. How do you mount a fucking virgin auction?” My entire being aches for her.
She’s a virgin.
“By finding a bunch of lowlifes without a soul with enough money to pay for a young woman.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets. “I warned you, Archer, that to get to the Senator, you would have to dig a big hole for yourself, big enough to get to him down in hell. That’s not a place you can leave with clean hands.” He shows me his palms.
As if that proves he’s the prime example of what happens when you cross the line, when you let the darkness consume you, when you let the monster inside you win. At this point that’s exactly where I am. And now, I have to see this plan through to the bloody end, or I’ll never have peace for as long as I live. That’s my curse. Until the Senator pays for what he did to Dad, to my family, I can’t have peace.
“You have to give it to the old man, he at least secured a good marriage for himself. Anyone who has the kind of money to bail him out is a good addition to the family.” Santino scoffs. “I wish I could tell you he’s the first scumbag I’ve met.” He pours whiskey into a glass and shoots it back before he turns to me. “You don’t look elated. I was expecting a better reaction.”
“I am.” I bark out a dark laugh. “Now it truly begins. The Senator will finally know what it’s like to lose it all.”