Page 46

Chapter 45

W e’ve been in Atlanta for the past three days, staying at the Waldorf Astoria, where I booked the penthouse suite. The bustling city has been almost suffocating, but it’s given us the perfect cover. The four of us have been doing recon from every angle, analyzing every detail. Now, we’re ready. Tonight is the night we make our move.

I smooth the seams of my evening gown. The gray color would match my eyes perfectly if not for the green-colored contacts. I finish curling a strand of my auburn hair into loose waves that cascade down my shoulders. It’s a wig. I couldn’t bring myself to dye my own, and the woman staring back at me in the mirror looks nothing like me. I went to the spa this morning for a facial and a “makeover.” I pretended to be interested in a new makeup brand, so now I have a lovely, painted face I didn’t have to apply myself.

Admiring the dress in the mirror, I spin slowly. The strapless gown hugs my curves, and my boobs look amazing. The shimmering fabric is gorgeous with a slit that runs up my left leg, scandalously landing at my upper thigh. I may have to keep this dress. But the three-inch heels? Hell no. My feet will be killing me by the end of the night.

Hearing the bedroom door open, I turn to see Eli enter. His eyes rake over me. “I prefer your blonde hair, but you make a sexy redhead,” he says, his voice thick with desire.

“Don’t worry, it isn’t permanent,” I reply breathlessly, unable to keep my eyes off him. He looks dashing in that tux.

“What I want to do to you right now… You can’t even imagine. I want to taste those luscious lips more than you know.”

“Don’t you dare mess up my lipstick!” I protest, pushing my hand against his chest, which is suddenly in my face.

He drops to his knees and smiles wickedly. “Not those lips.”

Sliding my dress up to my hips, he plants light kisses along my thighs as he pushes my thong aside. Warmth floods me, and I’m immediately soaking wet for him. He flicks his tongue out, licking at my entrance.

“So responsive for me, aren’t you, love?” He groans as his tongue brushes over my clit, and I brace myself against the wall

“Such a pretty pink pussy,” he groans, and my knees buckle as my eyes flutter closed, letting the sensations roll over me.

“Eyes on me, Tessa,” he growls. I jolt back and look down at him.

“Good fucking girl.”

He teases me with his mouth and tongue, slipping one finger, then two, inside me. The pressure rises, building. “Oh, God,” I call out when Eli bites down on my clit, and I can’t stop the orgasm that surges through me like a tidal wave. He eases his fingers in and out as I ride the crest, slowly coming back down.

He laps up my arousal and withdraws his fingers, bringing them to his lips as he sucks them clean. “So sweet, baby,” he groans. He pulls my thong back in place. I reach down for his rock-hard length, but he bats my hand away. “Not now.”

“B-but—”

“We have a villain to take down.”

I take a deep breath and nod in agreement. How can this man flood my mind and body so completely that I’m distracted from something that’s been coming for a long time?

“Swallow! It’s time to go, love,” Bryce calls loudly from the other room.

Tugging the dress into place, I smooth the fabric with my hands to straighten it.

We’re heading out the door when I swear I hear him mutter, “Swallow… I have something you can swallow later.”

Pulling into the driveway of the obnoxiously large mansion in my rented Range Rover, I’m pleased to see that the fundraising event has attracted a large crowd, which is good for me because I can blend in easily. As far as anyone is concerned, the rental is in the name of Anna Davenport. I climb out of my car and hand my keys to the valet. He’s too busy staring at my breasts to take much note of my face—typical man behavior. I inwardly groan and hold back my usual feminist retort. Another man scans the evite invitation on my phone, courtesy of Bryce. It helps to have a hacker for a friend. Tonight, I’m playing the role of the wife of an entrepreneur with new money who is eager to rub elbows with the elites. He nods at me to go through.

There must be nearly five hundred people here. The expansive grounds are littered with men and women dressed to the nines. The butler opens the door, and I enter the foyer. A server carrying a tray of champagne walks by, and I grab a glass. I’m not particularly nervous, but this is a dangerous game I’m playing, and this isn’t my typical method of hunting.

“Take a deep breath,” a voice sounds in my ear. It’s Bryce. A small earpiece keeps me updated with any information I need. I almost feel like I’m in a James Bond movie. I catch a glimpse of Gabriel out of the corner of my eye. He looks quite dashing in his security attire. No wonder Bryce fell hard for him.

Most guests are in the large ballroom, but several canopies are set up outside around the expansive inground pool. Perfect white tablecloths and fine dinnerware cover large rectangular tables, probably costing more than my annual salary.

Scanning the crowd, I seek out my stalker, who is conversing with an older couple. Our eyes meet briefly before I look away and continue my search. We decided to arrive separately. I’d hoped he would stay at the hotel with Bryce, but he insisted on attending.

It’s inside the ballroom where I find him, William Hunt, the bane of my existence. The monster who stole my innocence and haunted my nightmares.

It’s been sixteen years, but he seems to have barely aged. Botox probably. He’s about fifteen pounds heavier, but still in good shape for a man in his late fifties. At his side is his loving wife, Tammy. My heart hurts for her. She has no idea what kind of man she lives with. At least, I hope she’s unaware. A touch of guilt hits me, knowing the fallout from this will affect her. But he must be stopped. He will not live to see another sunrise. Trying to blend in, I move through the crowd, pausing only briefly to chat with a few guests. But when I head toward the ladies’ room, I freeze, and my breath catches in my chest. Before me stands a familiar couple—a man with steel-gray eyes and dark hair streaked with silver, accompanied by a petite blonde wearing a stunning plum-colored evening gown.

It hadn’t occurred to me they would be here. Of course, my parents would be at an event like this. Panic surges through me, and I hurry to the restroom. To my relief, it’s empty, and I quickly slip into a stall, my stomach tied in knots. If anyone could recognize me, it would be them.

“Bryce,” I hiss quietly. “You didn’t tell me my parents were on the guest list.”

“Shit, I didn’t think they were coming. They didn’t RSVP. Sorry, Swallow.”

Eli’s voice cuts in. “Breathe, baby. You’ve got this. And I’m nearby if you need me.”

“I’ll check the cameras to make sure no other unexpected guests are here,” Bryce responds apologetically.

“Okay, okay. We move forward.” I’m not sure who I’m trying to reassure more, them or myself. “It’s just that seeing them took me by surprise.”

The sound of a door opening startles me, but relief washes over me when I hear a couple of women chatting about the fundraising event. After taking a calming breath, I flush the toilet— which I hadn’t used— and move to the sink to wash my hands. Satisfied with my appearance, I head for the door, only to come face to face with a pair of familiar pale blue eyes. I step back, unable to hold her gaze and look away.

“I’m so sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to startle you,” she says, offering a serene smile as I meet her eyes again.

“No worries,” I reply, offering a quick smile as I inch around her and toward the door .

“Wait. Do I know you?”

A knot forms in my throat. “I don’t think so.” She looks puzzled. It’s been ten years since I last saw my mother. She’s still slim—only a hundred and twenty pounds soaking wet—but she’s aged. Fine lines, wrinkles, and a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, dear. My mistake. You look so familiar.”

Offering a polite yet indifferent smile, I say, “You have a wonderful evening,” as I dash out. That was far too close.

I discreetly move to the sidelines to watch the scene. The coordinator speaks into the microphone, praising Hunt and all the generous donations they have received. The speech drones on, but finally, he’s introduced and addresses the audience.

My eyes track his every movement as I inch closer to the front of the crowd. Drawing from the two acting classes I took in college, I brace myself for what’s coming. It’s difficult because just hearing his voice makes my skin crawl.

I saunter forward, letting my hips sway. I want to be sure I’m in his line of sight. The man is a fiend, and will fuck anything that walks, with or without their consent. The thought of William being around children is sickening, he’ll have unobstructed access to them and the perfect opportunity to target those that fit his needs and the needs of his clientele. His eyes land on me mid-speech, and I smile slyly as I take a slow sip of my champagne. He pauses briefly, and I don’t miss the flare of his nostrils before he continues speaking. I make my way to the bar as he walks offstage. It’s hard not to cringe as I feel him staring. You can do this, Tess. Pretend this is just some average Creepy Joe looking to get his rocks off .

I’m sipping a martini from the bartender when the scent of cologne hits my nostrils. I stifle a shudder as memories from my childhood flood me.

“Hello, darling. I don’t believe we’ve met,” William drawls, his voice thick as molasses. Swallowing, I turn toward him. His blue eyes wander down from my lips to my ample curves.

“Governor Hunt,” I gush. “It’s such an honor to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

He takes my hand, pressing a light kiss to my knuckles. From all appearances, this is typical gentlemanly behavior that seems innocent in a room full of people. Only I, and maybe the bartender, paid to look the other way, can see the leer in his gaze.

“I’m Anna.”

“And who are you here with this evening?” he asks coyly, glancing discreetly around us.

“It’s just me tonight. My husband is out of town on business.” I finish my martini and pull the olive off the stick, sucking it into my mouth in a move that I hope seems seductive—because now, it’s all I can do to keep the contents in my stomach where they belong.

His eyes darken with lust as he watches my every move.

“Hey, William,” a gray-haired man calls, beckoning him to join a group of men.

William glances back at me, regret flashing in his eyes, though the lingering lust remains. “It was lovely to meet you, beautiful. Maybe I’ll see you again later tonight?”

“I sure hope so,” I reply, my tone sultry, as I lightly trail a finger down his arm.

He turns and walks over to join the group of men .

“How are you holding up, Little Killer?” Eli’s voice is soft and just hearing that comforting tone eases some of the tension in my body.

“I’m making it,” I reply, turning to whisper back as discreetly as I can.

“I’ll cut off his fucking hands for touching you.”

A thrill shoots up my spine, and I clench my thighs. His possessiveness is just one of the many things I adore about him.

I order another drink, asking the bartender to lighten the alcohol. I sip it slowly, watching the room, waiting for the right moment to reappear. Tammy heads toward the backyard with my mother. Dinner’s at nine. Glancing at the enormous grandfather clock, I note it’s just after eight.

“It’s time,” Bryce’s voice whispers in my ear.

Spotting William, I casually stroll by, heading toward the patio. I stumble, falling hard into him. My drink sloshes onto the side of his shirt and spills onto the floor. His dark glare is immediate, but he quickly masks it.

I gasp, looking up at him with feigned horror. “Oh my god.” Frantically, I pat his shirt with my napkin, trying to clean the mess. “I’m so sorry, Governor.”

Hunt gestures for the wait staff to clean the floor and remove my now-empty glass. “Darling, it’s fine.”

“But I’ve ruined your shirt. I insist on paying for the dry cleaning,” I say, my voice trembling, my eyes filling with fake tears.

“Absolutely not. It’s just a shirt. I have thousands more.”

“There must be something I can do to make it up to you,” I whisper, lowering my voice so only he can hear.

William stares at me for a moment before calling over one of his security team. He whispers to him, and the man gently takes my elbow.

“The Governor wishes to meet with you upstairs in his study.” He escorts me down the hall and ushers me into a room I’ve seen countless times before.

“He will be with you shortly,” the guard says curtly, giving a professional nod. I suspect he knows exactly why the boss is pulling me aside. He shuts the door, leaving me in the large room.

I walk over to the shelves lined with law books. There’s a door leading to what I know is a private bathroom, and an oversized desk made from a deep cherry wood sits as the focal point of the room. Two chairs face it, and a loveseat sits near the window, draped with heavy champagne-colored curtains.

I perch myself on the edge of his desk, the slit in my dress sliding dangerously high.

The door creaks open, and William steps inside, locking the door behind him. He’s changed into a pale blue button-up shirt, similar to the one he wore earlier, and as his eyes scan me, desire flashes through them.

“You said something about repaying me?” he jeers, as he comes to stand in front of me.

I smile mischievously and reach for the straining bulge through his pants. Groaning as I stroke him, his head falls back in pleasure. He moves to grab me, but before his hands can reach me, a cold knife presses against his throat, freezing him in place.

“Shit, it took you long enough,” I grumble, my voice void of mirth .

“Sorry, love,” Eli says with a grin. He stands behind William, his blade pressed to the man’s jugular. “Scream, and I’ll gut you like a fucking fish,”

“Who are you? What do you want? If it’s money, I have plenty in the safe over there.” William points behind the desk.

“Money?” I scoff, incredulous. “You think this is about money?”

I tap my nails against the desk. “I have something you might be interested in. May I borrow your laptop?” I ask sweetly. “Well, I suppose I don’t have to ask, do I?”

Eli tosses me a pair of latex gloves. I slip them on quickly, then grab the laptop.

“Password?” I demand.

Hunt grunts but stays silent until Eli digs the blade into his neck, breaking the skin. A drop of blood forms. “Alright, alright,” he mutters, rattling off the password.

Access granted.

I reach into my bodice, pull out a small disc drive, and insert it into the laptop. A few clicks, and images flash across the screen.

William’s eyes widen, and his jaw slackens as evidence of his numerous indiscretions unfolds before him.

“What is this? Blackmail?” he spits out, his face draining of color.

“Something like that,” I reply, my voice dripping with satisfaction.

“Now, this is what’s going to happen. You’ll receive a text with further instructions after midnight. Speak to anyone—anyone—and I mean it, this information goes viral immediately,” Eli states, his tone cold and final .

William swallows hard and nods in agreement. “Oh, there’s one more thing you should know.” I pause for effect, enjoying the fear etched on his face. “Your wife and sons have been dosed with a biochemical agent. It has some rather nasty side effects. If it isn’t treated within twelve hours, it will lead to an excruciating death.” I’m lying of course, I would never hurt his family.

His face pales further, his lips trembling.

“Don’t worry.” I pat his cheek twice, feigning sympathy. “I have the antidote. As long as you follow the rules, no harm will come to them. Not a word to anyone, and make sure you come alone. We have eyes and ears everywhere, so don’t try anything stupid.”

“Understood,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

Eli releases him, and William rubs his neck, his fingers tracing the nick.

“Okay, then. Carry on,” I say, clapping my hands together. “You have guests waiting.”