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“I have eyewitnesses—”

I hold out a hand, stopping her. “Ah, see, that's another flaw in your plan. I was there too. Two eyewitnesses contradicting each other is never looked upon well by a jury.”

Like a cat backed into a corner, her face contorts, ready to fight her way out of this conversation. “Randi, you poor thing. You don't know how this town works yet. All it takes is the mention of wrongdoing and he's finished.”

“And so are you. Pretty sure you two share the same last name, if I'm not mistaken.”

Her eyes, Trey's eyes, flick around the room as she laughs nervously.

“But I'm here to make a deal with you, Mrs. Benson.” The fingers flittering over her delicate neck settle as her attention falls to me. “I know you're formidable in this town; you proved that helping the bill fail. All I'm asking in return for keeping this little bit of information to myself, is your continued support.”

“You'd do that?” she questions, and rightfully so. “I've heard you two are… intimate.”

I nod and conjure up my best sly smile. “That we were, but that doesn’t mean anything when considering an alliance such as this one. I’d rather have your support than him in my bed.”

A true, easy laugh pushes past her plumped lips. “You know, I might actually end up liking you. All you want is my support in return for keeping this information to yourself?”

I nod. Fuck, I should've gotten a drink before I started this. It would've made the lies and deceit go down easier. “You get him on track for his political career, Jessica gets him, and I get your help in this town. It's a win for everyone.”

Except Trey.

“Agreed. But I will tell you that if you plan to go back on this agreement, double-cross me in any way, I will find out. I keep my loyal listening ears eager to pass on any information.” Okay, well, if that doesn’t confirm we have a snitch on the team, and that she’s fucking them, I don't know what does. “And I will do everything in my power to ruin you in this town, your entire life, if you do.”

“Is that a threat?” I bite out, taking a menacing step toward her.

A flash of hesitation blinks across her features before she schools them back into the perfect hostess mask. “No. It’s a promise.”

The air between us crackles with animosity. Only when her name is called does she end the stare-down. Without another word, she tips her champagne flute in a goodbye salute and glides around me, her arms opening in greeting to the worthy guest behind me.

Around me, the party continues. Laughter bounces off the walls, and servers weave in and around the tipsy crowd, keeping their bellies full and alcohol flowing. In the right corner of the room, Jessica stands partially draped over Trey’s shoulder as they laugh in unison at something another couple has said or done. His hand snakes around her thin waist, tugging her closer to his side.

I suck in a quick breath, unable to look away from the happy couple. Alone in the middle of the celebration, the need to escape strangles my throat, making it difficult to breathe deep. Gut wrenching pain strangles up my throat as I watch the happy couple. As I watch the man I might love in the arms of someone else. Desperation itches beneath my skin, I twist toward the exit but don’t move. I can’t. Glancing to my feet, I half expect the hardwood to have grown around my heels, keeping them sealed to the floor.

A high-pitched laugh seems to slice through my ears. The closeness of the bodies packed into the room causes my skin to itch. The sense of the room shrinking, pushing the people closer, envelops me.

Frantically I scan the area for a friend. T’s dark eyes meet mine. With every ounce of energy I have left I pour out my desperation for an escape through my eyes into his. Immediately he’s in action, shoving his way through the crowd toward me. His hot hand presses around my waist, tugging me against his side. With his help, I put one foot in front of the other, shouldering through the crowd.

At the front door, he mumbles something into the sleeve of his dress shirt. Before stepping over the threshold, I dare a glance over my shoulder. Our eyes lock across the room. Trey’s happy expression falls, a look of concern washing over his features just before I’m tugged outside, snapping him from my field of vision.

What have I done?

Dread sets in my stomach. What if what we’ve put in motion can’t be undone? What if he’ll never be mine again?

“Did you do what needs to be done?” T asks as he tugs me down the front walk.

I nod, unable to speak with the fear choking my words. I didn’t expect the weight of what we set in motion to be so… overwhelming. I just locked my future, and Trey’s, into this political shit storm for the next three years, and for what? Power, money, control?

T slows his steps before pausing, his head tilting like he’s listening to something in his ear. Out of the shadows, a man steps from behind one of the awaiting cars. T tenses but doesn’t shove me to the ground or haul me away. As the unknown man steps into the lighted path, I can’t help but hold a breath.

Where Trey is handsome in his mischievously good looks, this man is breathtakingly beautiful in a dark, intense way. Much like Trey, his suit is expensive and tailored to his fit frame. Cropped jet-black hair seems to soak up the night, whereas his light green eyes reflect every ray of light, giving them a shimmering brilliance.

Too soon, the man is in front of us. T’s hand slips from mine to step back, giving us space. I shoot a worried glance over my shoulder. He nods and motions to the man.

I turn back, a hint of familiarity hitting me. I filter through the thousands of faces I should know in this city, trying to figure out who he is before he speaks.

“Madam Vice President.” His voice is low and gravelly.

Not wanting to miss a word, I step closer. Shadows dance around his face, making it hard to place him.

“Sam Pierce. Department of Justice.” He reaches out a hand, which I take and give a tight squeeze. “We need to talk.”

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