27. The Senators Demise
CHAPTER 27
THE SENATOR'S DEMISE
Archer
I climb in the back of the limo and don’t miss that Paloma has scooted all the way to the opposite end. On the way here, she didn’t want to leave my side. Now, she’s sitting by the window, looking like she’s about to bolt.
What in the hell did the Senator say to her? What made her hurt herself like that?
Luckily, tonight isn’t my first time dealing with the Senator. Thanks to my new friend Nurse Ida, I was able to get in the Senator’s hospital suite before he was brought in. The bug I planted should have recorded video and sound of Paloma’s visit with her father. I grab my tuxedo jacket off the seat and get my phone to call Gardenia in London. The chances of her being up at five in the morning her time are slim, but this request cannot wait.
Of course, my call goes straight to voice mail. “Gardenia, I need you to work on something right away. Call me back as soon as you wake up. Cheers.” I tap on the keypad to send the message then toss my phone on top of my tuxedo jacket.
Fuck. I was hoping to have this issue resolved by the time we got home.
“Isn’t it super early in the UK?” Paloma shifts her tight body to face me.
Jesus, she looks beautiful in that white gown. If the Senator hadn’t messed with her head, she would be in my arms right now. For whatever reason, she wants to keep her distance. I have to respect her choice, even if keeping my hands off her is pure agony.
“It is.” I meet her gaze. “I was hoping to wake her up.”
“I didn’t realize she worked for you.” Her lips pout a bit. “What exactly does she do for you?”
Her tone is laced with jealousy just like it was back at the hospital. My cock swells in my trousers, and I have to adjust my weight, so she doesn’t notice how her little pout and fit of jealousy affect me.
“She runs security for me.” I give her the simplest version of Gardenia’s job description. “She recently graduated from university with a degree in computer science. She was looking for a job, so I gave her one.”
“Computer science? Wow, that sounds hard.” She forces a smile. “Brains and beauty.”
“Come here.” I extend my hand to her. It’s an offer, not an order.
Her gaze bounces between my face and my hand. I really wish I had stuck to my guns and said no to today’s fucking outing. The fear that registers in her eyes as she tries to work out if she wants to be near me or not makes me want to punch the Senator.
“No.” She shakes her head, her cheeks blushing a pretty pink.
“No?” A chuckle escapes my lips. “Are you afraid I’m going to rip your panties off and rub your pretty cunt until you scream my name?”
She gasps. “You can’t talk to me like that.”
“Like that how? With the truth?” I smirk. “It’s all I’ve thought about since we left the hospital.”
“I don’t know.” She glances away, squirming uncomfortably in her seat. Oh, my little dove is already turned on.
“I think you like it when I talk dirty, Little Dove.” I sit back. “I think you’re already wet thinking about what I could be doing to you with my tongue. Your dress would get ruined for sure.”
“No, I’m not.” She releases a breath, and the color from her cheeks extends down to her neck and chest. “I’m not…wet.” She struggles with the word wet.
“Prove it.” I meet her gaze, hoping she can see in my eyes how much I want her right fucking now. “Surrender your panties. Let me be the judge of how wet you are for me.”
“I can’t.” She shakes her head.
“I won’t touch you unless you ask.” I peer at her. “Take them off, Little Dove. And put them in my hand.”
She sucks in a breath, fisting her dress around her knees. Fuck, she looks absolutely delectable when she’s aroused. Up until now I’ve only seen the agreeable side of her. I love pushing her until she begs me for what she wants. This side of her, the resolute side, is just as sweet. She thinks she can deny me. I’m very much looking forward to showing her that us not being together is a painful impossibility. But first, I need to know what her father said.
“I can’t.” She licks her lips. “William could hear us.”
“Not hearing things he shouldn’t is part of his job description.” My gaze drops to her breasts trapped in the tight bustier. She can barely breathe in that thing. I reach for her trembling hand and bring it to my lips. “When you’re ready, Little Dove. You know where to find me.”
“Archer.” She shifts in her seat.
It hurts. Her words flash in my mind’s eye. That’s what she said to me when I punished her for trying to escape. Is that how she feels now? Self-inflicted celibacy can be particularly agonizing.
I pick up my mobile again and dial Gardenia. Fucking voice mail again. Sitting back, I focus on the dark road outside while I simmer in my own lust. By the time the limo pulls up to the gravel driveway that leads to the mansion, I swear I can smell her arousal in the car, while I’m about to pop in my trousers. I want her so damn much, it’s unbearable.
As soon as the car comes to a stop at the front entrance, I open the car door and climb out. I offer her my hand, but she waves it away. I can only assume it’s because she doesn’t trust herself near me. I know the feeling well.
“After you.” I gesture for her to go on.
The door opens when we approach. “William called ahead,” Mary Jane explains when we enter the foyer. “I prepared a small meal if you’re hungry.”
“Yes, that would be great, thank you. We’ll take it in the study.” I place my hand on Paloma’s lower back out of habit, and she tenses.
“Right away.” Mary Jane offers Paloma a kind smile. “How is the Senator doing?”
“Better.” Paloma nods, and I don’t miss how she leans in to catch my scent for a split second. When she recovers, she adds, “Thank you for asking.”
“I’ll bring your supper shortly.” Mary Jane makes to leave.
“Oh, I’m not hungry.” Paloma looks up at me. “I’m tired. I need to sleep.”
Fuck. So, we’re also going back to not eating together. “Of course. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Mrs. Archer.” Mary Jane nods.
“Good night.” The longing in Paloma’s eyes as she walks away cuts me.
“Good night, Paloma.” I let her go. When she disappears at the top of the stairs, I turn to Mary Jane. “I’ll be in my study.”
I sit behind my desk, tapping at the keyboard to wake up my laptop. I’m determined to listen to the recording tonight. Even if it means waiting another three hours until Gardenia wakes up. I’ve seen her plant these bugs a couple of times.
While I know I did everything right, I’m not sure if I set up the Bluetooth part of it correctly. If Gardenia was here, I would’ve had instant feedback on Paloma’s conversation. This is what I get for trying to be the understanding husband and giving her privacy with her dad.
I grab my phone again and dial Gardenia. This time, the trilling echoes in the foyer. What the fuck? I jump to my feet. I make it to the middle of my study before Gardenia runs in and wraps her arms around my waist.
“Surprise.” She beams at me. “Are you surprised?”
“What are you doing here? Where’s Fisher? And Jacob?” I ask. “Wait. Did Mom come with you?”
“Sleeping already. Aunt Freya too.” She waves her hand in dismissal. “They were too tired to wait for you. After William called to let Mary Jane know about the Senator, everyone just went to bed.” She shrugs.
“Mary Jane didn’t tell me you were here.” I shoot a glance toward the foyer.
“Don’t be mad at her. I told her I wanted to surprise you.” She throws her arms around my neck. “So, what is so urgent that you’re calling me every ten minutes. Oh my God. If I were still in London, I would be fast asleep.”
“I need you,” I confess, smiling.
The last time Gardenia and I spoke, she was pissed at me. But now, she’s herself again. She’s even happy. I knew her being in love with me was just another one of her impulsive behaviors. She was shocked to see me come home with a wife. But sooner or later, I knew she’d come around. I’m just glad she came around before tonight because I really need her.
“What happened?” She plops herself on my desk. “Is it the Senator?”
“Yes and no.” I stop to look at her red cheeks. “Are we okay? Before you left a month ago, you were so pissed at me.”
“I was mad at you. But now I’m not. I missed you.” She glances down at her hand. “Aunt Freya is sleeping in Paloma’s old room. Mary Jane said Paloma is now sleeping in your suite. Is that true?”
I release a breath. “Yes.”
“You said you wouldn’t have sex with her.” She lifts her gaze, and she looks like a sad puppy.
“I said it would be better if I didn’t.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t think this is something I need to discuss with you.”
“I know. But do you love her?” She pouts.
“It’s complicated.” What I feel for Paloma is hard to explain, even to myself. I feel protective of her. When I think about losing her, I get this inexplicable urge to burn the world to the ground. “She’s my wife.”
“But you didn’t want to marry her.” She sighs.
“Gardenia.”
“I know.” She puts up her hands in surrender. “I’m over it. I promise. What do you need help with?”
“Come here.” I close the space between us and pull her into a bear hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She buries her face in my chest and sobs a few times. She pulls away first, wiping her cheeks. “What’s this job you need me for?”
“I bugged the Senator’s hospital suite so I could give Paloma privacy with her dad,” I confess. “I need to know what they said.”
“Wow, husband of the year.” She laughs. “Well, if you did it right, it should be already compiled on your computer. Let’s take a look.” She ambles around the desk and plops herself on my chair.
“What is all the commotion in here?” Fisher enters my study looking a bit disoriented.
Seconds later, Jacob follows behind. “Are we having a team meeting?”
I chuckle. “It’s good to see you both.” I hug Fisher then Jacob. “How was the trip?”
“We flew in on a private jet. How do you think?” Jacob beams at me. “Commercial is going to suck next time I fly.”
“Yeah, I got used to that one very quickly too.” I pat him on the back, chuckling.
“What is Gardenia working on?” Jacob points at her behind my desk.
“He recorded a conversation between the Senator and Paloma,” Gardenia responds. “He wanted to give them privacy. So, he bugged them instead. I’m trying to find the file. But it’s not here.”
“Fuck.” I amble around the desk and join her. “Here, I have the device with me.” I stuff my hand in the pocket of my trousers and fish out the transmitter. “Would this help if you plug it in directly.”
“Yep, that’ll do it.” She takes it from me and attaches it to a converter. She works her magic, clicking on a few things, then she plays it on the computer speaker.
Fisher quietly walks to the study door and shuts it. Then turns toward us with a serious look on his face. When it comes to the Senator, we always assume things are going to be bad. It’s how Mom and I managed to stay alive all this time.
You like being his little whore, don’t you? The senator’s words make me taste bile in the back of my mouth.
“Turn it off. I’ve heard enough.” I brace my hands on my hips. “Fucking asshole.”
“I really thought he loved his daughter.” Fisher presses his lips in a thin line.
“Wow, he’s a shitty dad, isn’t he? He was so charming when we met him though.” Gardenia taps on a few keys, playing around with the video feed. “What do you think he meant by just like her ? Who’s her? Paloma’s mom?”
“Did the Senator call his own wife a whore?” Jacob asks.
“That’s some abusive shit to say to your own daughter. No wonder Paloma is so stuck-up. Her father is a total narcissistic asshole.” Gardenia braces her elbows on the desk.
“Gardenia,” her father admonishes.
But she’s not wrong. She’s only saying what I’m already thinking. A normal father wouldn’t talk to his daughter that way or speak ill of his deceased wife. And the fact that Paloma wasn’t offended or shocked by his words against her or her mother tells me this isn’t the first time the Senator has treated her like this.
Now I understand why she was so afraid to be near me. She wants me. But her father’s disgust with her is driving a wedge between us. I was willing to give her space before until she processed the trauma of seeing her dad fall ill. But this is different. This is nothing more than the Senator manipulating her into denying herself something she wants to appease his own fucking ego.
“He’s a killer.” I run my hands through my hair. “He’s a fucking killer. I can’t believe I considered letting him go.”
“Why would you do that?” Jacob asks, frowning. He’s as disgusted as I am by the Senator’s behavior toward his daughter.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Fisher sits on one of the leather sofas. “He’s in love with her.”
Jacob looks to me to confirm or deny Fisher’s words. But I can’t do either. Mainly because I don’t know. I’ve never been in love before. What I feel for Paloma is more like madness and obsession than anything else—her love burns like a wound that won’t stop bleeding.
“Wait. Did Paloma ask you to help him again?” Jacob looks to Fisher then me. “I’m confused.”
“Archer didn’t help him.” Gardenia shuts the laptop. “He followed through with our plan. Did you not hear the recording? The ethics committee is after the Senator. Why do you think that is? We did that. We were the only ones with the proof that the Senator was embezzling money from his own campaign coffers. I personally leaked a lot of that stuff.”
“I donated money to another senator and encouraged him to investigate the accusation against the Senator. Senator Davis is done. He’ll have to withdraw from the race. And resign his position immediately.” I lean against the edge of my desk, acid building in the pit of my stomach. I should’ve pulled the trigger on that plan weeks ago. But I waited because of Paloma. Because I didn’t want to see her suffer. “He’ll start losing friends once he tenders his notice.”
“So why did you consider letting the Senator go?” Jacob asks.
“Because I saw how much it’s hurting Paloma.” I grip the lip of my desk tighter. “But she made me see that people like the Senator never repent. I won’t find peace until he’s utterly destroyed.” I take in a calming breath. “Which is why I decided to tell Paloma the truth.”
“You want to do what now?” Gardenia jumps to her feet. “You can’t do that. The minute you do, she’ll run to Daddy and tell him exactly who you are. The Senator will use whatever little resources he has left to kill you.”
“I don’t think that’s what he thinks will happen.” Jacob plops himself down on the leather sofa across from Fisher. “He’s probably thinking he’ll get a medal for best husband ever.”
He’s not wrong.
“I’m quite aware of what’s at stake here. Ending the Senator is the only way Mom and I will ever have peace. My family won’t be safe as long as he continues to have the power he’s enjoyed all these years.” I stop to inhale. “But Paloma is innocent. I brought her into this war as my pawn. She deserves better.”
“Archer.” Fisher braces his arms on his knees. “There is no version of this story where you get to have revenge and also keep her.”
His words are a punch to my gut. Because my revenge is almost complete. Nothing of what I have already set in motion is reversible.
“Does that mean I shouldn’t leak the diamond trafficking evidence to the tabloids? That’ll be the last nail in his coffin.” Gardenia blows out a breath. “Those are all his nails, by the way. Because if the Senator had become an upstanding citizen after he killed your dad, you wouldn’t have a single inch of rope to hang him with.”
“You’re full of wisdom tonight, Gardenia.” I pace the length of the study.
“I kind of missed that fire.” Jacob beams at her.
“I did too.” I stuff my hands in the pockets of my trousers, considering my next move and what I must ask them to do next. “To answer your question, yes, go ahead. The Senator’s demise has to come sooner rather than later. And there’s one more thing.”
I stand in the middle of the room, looking at my family. Now that Mom has joined us in the States, we could be a family again with no more talk of revenge. And if Paloma can find it in her heart to forgive me, she could become one of us too. We could all be a family.
“What is it?” Fisher asks.
“The Senator sold all the diamonds. The Pink Lady was the last of it.”
“Fucking asshole.” Jacob shakes his head.
“Before I tell Paloma the truth, we have to steal my grandparents’ portraits.” I let out a long exhale. “Because to Gardenia’s point, the minute I tell Paloma who I really am, she will tell her father. And his first move will be to get rid of any and all evidence that links him to me.”
“Gosh, man. London was boring without you.” Jacob jumps to his feet and pats me on the shoulder. “I’m in. What else am I going to do, huh? Find a real job?”
“I’m in too.” Gardenia beams at me. “Aunt Freya is going to love seeing all those portraits again.”
“Fisher?” I look to the old man. “Are you in?”
“Always.” He smirks. “But now that Freya is here, we need to be extra careful. She doesn’t agree with your methods, Archer. She’s scared.”
“I know. I’ll talk to her.” I nod.
“Well, you definitely need to talk to her in the morning before she meets Paloma.” Jacob exchanges a meaningful look with Gardenia and Fisher.
“What the boys can’t seem to spit out…” Gardenia rolls her eyes. “Is that Aunt Freya doesn’t know she needs to lie to Paloma about who you are and who she is. And I guess, Paloma doesn’t know she needs to lie to Aunt Freya about who she is. Do you get the conundrum there? If those two meet?”
“Jesus.” I rub the creases on my forehead. “I get it. Tell them the truth or keep them apart.”
“I would do nothing.” Jacob shrugs. “And just let them figure it out.”
“That’s why you’re not in charge.” Gardenia shakes her head.
“Okay.” I put up my hands. “I think I’ve had enough epiphanies for one night. I’m going to bed. I’ll work on a plan to get the portraits back, and let you know tomorrow. Good night.” I wave and leave my study.
“Good night.” They all say in union.
The truth is, when I asked Fisher to bring Mom home, I thought the situation with the Senator would be resolved by the time they came home. But that was before Paloma got under my skin, and I started to drag my feet on things. After tonight, my leniency with the Senator is over.
I push the door to our suite open and release a breath when I find Paloma curled on her side of the bed. At least she didn’t try to sleep somewhere else. She saved me the trouble of throwing her over my shoulder and bringing her back here. I undress and climb in, keeping to my side. My whole-body aches to hold her tight. But she needs more time to process what happened with her father and understand that what we have is pure.
“Archer.” She shifts her weight under the covers.
I can’t tell if she’s dreaming or wide awake, but if I touch her now, I won’t be able to stay away from her. “Go to sleep, Little Dove.”