Page 41 of Dignity

Now I know why she needed to use the bathroom when she did, and why it’s taking her so long.

Plausible deniability.

This was absolutely planned between them, and I can’t even begin to ponder the deeper meaning behind that right now.

I stare at him. “Then what happens?”

“Then what happens is you do what I tell you to do, and you serve her administration with distinction and honor.”

“Ifshe’s elected.”

That smile again. “Whenshe’s elected.”

“And that’s all?” I ask.

“Not by a long-shot. You’ll take the job, and you’ll belatedly take me up on my offer fromthatweek. You belong tomenow. If you refuse, you’ll have a farbigger PR problem than the one you’re currently dealing with. Your father is an even bigger asshole than he was back then. Do youreallywant any announcement about your next professional move appended to a sentence that reads something like, ‘Sexually graphic pictures of Kevin Markos, the son of ultraconservative Congressman Edwin Markos, while involved in a homosexual affair, were anonymouslyreleased shortly after he was fired, leading to speculation it was the true reason the ultraconservative FNB released him from his contract.’”

I don’t need a memory jog about what offer he’s referring to. Especially after seeing the pictures on his phone.

Part of me bridles at being forced into this corner.

Part of me happily wants to surrender to him.

Part of me triumphantly celebrates thathe still wants me, even after all these years and the shitty way I ghosted on him.

After a long, silent moment, I metaphorically roll over and show my soft underbelly to this man.

“Okay,” I say.

“You seeing anyone right now?”

It takes me a moment to process that question. “No.”

“Good. One less loose end to deal with.” He raises his voice. “Senator Samuels, are you ready to leave?” There’sa command tone there that makes my stomach tighten and sends a jolt of desire straight to my cock.

I remember that tone all too well.Damn, I need him even more than I thought I did.

I rise as she walks in from where she’s obviously been standing right around the corner in the hallway and no doubt listening to everything we’ve said. “Yes, thank you, Special Agent Bruunt.” She benignly smilesat me as if she doesn’t already know I will say yes. Or, maybe that smile is because she knows I have no choice.

I guess I’d better get good at reading her.

It’ll be myjob.

“I enjoyed our chat, Mr. Markos,” she continues. “I hope I’ll be receiving an answer from you soon.”

Another eyebrow from Christopher, directed at me.

Sucking in a deep breath, I walk over. “I’ll take the job. Campaignmanager, and then chief of staff.”

Her smile doesn’t budge an inch as she extends her hand and we shake. “Excellent.” She looks to Christopher. “Can you take care of the arrangements and transporting him to Washington in two weeks for us to get started?”

He nods. “Yes, ma’am.”

But I sense his use of that word is a lower-casemand meant simply to be polite, part of his job as a Secret Serviceagent.

Because I’m definitely certain Christopher Bruunt takes a knee to no man—or woman.

Not even this woman.