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On the day of the candidates’ final debate rumors circulate around both campaigns. According to the FBI, a new investigation is being opened into Vice President Stone’s handling of campaign finances, and a warning from the State Department this morning of Russians meddling in the election has both camps scrambling to control the narrative.

I pull out of the parking lot and navigate the twisting roads toward home. The news announcer’s voice is paused when my phone rings. Julian’s name comes up on the screen, and I answer. “Julian,” I say. “Mary told me you’d been released. That’s great news.”

“Yes.” His voice is rough, like either he’s been using it too much or not enough. “Apparently, it was all a big misunderstanding.” There is bitterness in his tone. “We are having a press conference later.”

“Yeah, Mary said you wanted me to be there?”

He sighs. “No, that was Billy’s idea. I don’t want to involve you more than necessary. I wish we didn’t have to do it at all. But can I see you later?”

“Sure.” My grip tightens on the wheel.This is all my fault. I have to end it with him to protect him.

“How about my place? Seven?”

“See you then.”

My other line beeps as Julian and I say our goodbyes. It’s a New York number I don’t recognize. I take the on ramp for the highway as I answer it. “Angela Daniels,” I say in my most professional voice.

“Angela, so glad I caught you. This is Tabitha Sanders from Reginald Grand’s campaign.”

My finger hovers over the disconnect button on my steering wheel, but I restrain myself. “I remember you,” I say, keeping my voice neutral.

“Reginald wants to see you again. He has matters of great importance to discuss.”

Like why Temperance Johnson isn’t dead. And Vladimir Petrov is…and how I got Julian released from prison perhaps?

This could be a golden opportunity…Natalie Stone asked us to leave him alone. Temperance and Troy seem to have given up on the idea of taking him out. But maybe…

“I’m very busy at the moment preparing for a new role, but I could make some time tomorrow.” I keep a neutral tone in my voice.

“We can send a car again,” Tabitha suggests. “We will be out at Mr. Grand’s resort in Santa Barbara. Do you know it? Grand Golf and Conference Center.”

“I’ve never been, but I’m sure I can find my way. I don’t need a car.”

“Tomorrow at, shall we say 6 p.m., then?”

“Yes, perfect.”

We hang up, and a grin spills over my face.I’m coming for you, Mr. Grand.

I arriveat Julian’s place up in the hills as the sun is setting over the ocean and throwing a pink and peach mirage across the landscape. A shiver runs down my spine.It reminds me of when I arrived at Jack’s house.

So much has changed since then…

Julian answers the door in jeans and a black cotton T-shirt. He smiles at me, but there is a wariness to his eyes that wasn’t there the last time we saw each other. He reaches for me without a word and pulls me into a warm embrace. Julian’s face nuzzles my neck, and he kisses me there, setting another shiver—this one fueled by desire—racing down my spine.

I have to be strong. Have to end it with him.

“Angela.” His voice rasps against my skin and even though my brain is telling me to pull back, my body is melting against his… maybe one more time…

No. That’s not fair to him. Or me.

His lips move up my neck, nibbling my chin and finally reach my lips. I open my mouth—to protest, I swear—but he devours me instead, pulling me closer, moving us into his house, kicking the door shut behind us.

His hands find the zipper on my dress, and it slips off my shoulders, settling on my hips, his fingers unclasping my bra and shoving it away so that his mouth can move south.

I try to take a deep breath, but he steals it with his touch, making me crazy and dizzy. The back of his knees hit the couch, and he sits, his hands securely around my waist, holding me in place so that he can control my every move.I love the way he touches me.

He asks for everything and demands nothing.