Page 138 of Marks of Rebellion

It's a question I should be ready for, but I'm not.

He's told the press.

Of course he has. It's happening, and there is nothing I can do about it.

The entire press corp waits for my answer, but the only person I see is Carlos. And the longer I delay answering, the more I feel his wrath. No one else would notice, but I can't escape it.

In a move to bounce back from my mistake in the car and lack of preparedness for questioning, I dig deep within. Somehow, I find a way to appear happy and say, "It can't come soon enough. Look who I get to marry! He's every girl's dream." I put my hands around his head and kiss him as if my life depended on it.

But that is the reality. Every day, whatever I do, my life depends on it.

He ends the kiss, waves to the crowd, and guides me inside and down a hall. Shoving me against the wall, he presses his body against mine and continues the kiss. His erection grows, and I try not to squirm and keep telling myself to deal with it. Any sign of weakness tonight, and I will pay for it when we get home. And it will hurt.

A man clears his throat, and Carlos releases me. When he steps back, I can't contain the wave of emotion that fills me.

"Zoe! What are—"

"I'm performing tonight! It's so great to see you again! How long has it been?" She smiles big with wide eyes.

"Ummm... I don't know..."

"Was it at the event in Panama?"

"Y-yes. I think so."

The man I've not met before pulls Carlos aside, and Zoe and I embrace.

"What—"

"Shh," she whispers sternly in my ear.

"Are you okay?" I whisper in hers.

She shakes her head in small movements and then loudly says, "I need the ladies' room. Vanessa, want to come powder your nose?"

"Yes." I turn to Carlos. "Is it okay?"

He pats my ass, but it's not noticeable to anyone else. "Yes, you may go. But first, meet the new Ambassador of Mexico, Eduardo Macias."

His eyes are dark and cold. When he bends and kisses my cheek, I shudder. He notices, but a sinister grin fills his face, as if he likes knowing he scares me.

"Time to go, Vanessa," Zoe chirps.

Eduardo swats her ass as she walks by, as if she's a piece of meat he owns.

She closes her eyes briefly. No one but I can see it. When we get into the bathroom, she goes to the sink and turns on the water. She takes the soap and washes her hands then widens her eyes for me to do the same.

I follow her lead.

"There are cameras here," she mutters.

"Where's Dirk?"

Pain fills her eyes. She blinks hard. "Dead, I think."

My gut drops. "What?"

"They killed him." She wipes her eyes and puts more soap on her hands.