Page 124 of Pandora's Pleasure

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Just come out and fucking say it.”

Madeline’s fingers traced the handle of her mug. “Not sure if you Googled me some more or not, but if you dug deep enough, you’d have seen that ten years ago I was a media strategist with a brilliant career ahead of me. That’s how I met Damien.”

“Stick to the point,” I said firmly.

Madeline shook her head at me. “Damien, don’t interrupt.”

I gave a nod of apology.

Madeline continued, “Galante threatened to run a story on me and my lover at the time. The threat of it being published chased me out of politics.”

“What did he have on you?” asked Pandora.

Madeline pursed her lips. “Photos of me as a dominatrix.”

Pandora studied her face. “That’s why you’re a lecturer now?”

“Galante’s threat fast-tracked me into a new career. This is also why Damien and I are never seen in public. In case those photos ever emerge.”

Pandora genuinely looked sad for her. “Why did he threaten you?”

“Galante was intent on dismantling the entire campaign staff, of which I was a senior member. It was his way of influencing the election. I was caught in the middle…collateral damage.”

Pandora flashed me a confused look.

Madeline sighed. “The man who was also in the photos with me was my male submissive. He had everything to lose. Had I let Galante show the photos, his career would have been over. He deserved my protection.”

A man whose name she wouldn’t say…

“Did you date Damien before or after the photos were taken?” asked Pandora.

“Before…him,” I told her.

Pandora frowned. “Salvatore gathers something on everyone, doesn’t he?”

I nudged my mug aside. “Except on my family, as far as we know.”

“Senator Godman is always careful,” said Madeline.

“What did you discuss with Galante today?” I asked.

Pandora stared at me. “Who told you?”

“Answer the question,” I insisted.

“I asked him not to run that news piece on my dad.”

“And?”

“He wouldn’t listen.”

“You brought the spotlight down on us,” I scolded.

Madeline moved around the island and grabbed her Hermes bag on the way. “I should go.”

“Thank you for stopping by.” With a gesture, I offered to show Madeline to the door.

We made it to the hallway without looking at each other, both of us aware that Pandora would be keeping us in her sights.