Page 152 of Pandora's Pleasure

“You must do what’s right for you,” I told her. “I’ve decided this place isn’t good enough for you. I’m going to find somewhere better.”

“But not your home in Foxhall?” Her beautiful eyes reflected a terrible sadness as she read the truth in my face.

“I’m in love with you, Pandora.”

Her eyes closed as though the words were too much to endure.

I moved closer. “I’m a selfish bastard for not helping you escape all of this and me along with it. But I want you…for keeps. I want us to make a life together. For the first time I can remember, my life is bearable.”

“Oh, Damien.”

I walked over and bent down on one knee before her. “Pandora Aria Bardot—”

“You told me you’d never get on your knees.”

I let out an exasperated sigh.

“Oh, you’re…”

“Yes. I’m asking you to marry me. Officially. This is me letting you know I’m not going to stop fighting them until you’re my wife.”

“They won’t win,” she said softly.

“They won’t win,” I repeated, gazing up at her, letting my love show.

She tumbled forward into my arms and I buried my face against her belly. I felt the serenity my heart had yearned for, quietly worshiping this woman as mine. Her fingertips trailed through my hair to soothe me. This was how surrender should feel—no longer as a sense of loss but of gained freedom. There was no other place I’d rather be than here in her arms.

But I had to tear myself away. She needed to see a show of strength, needed to see I had what it took to fight for us.

Pushing to my feet, I grabbed my wallet and phone. “I’ll be home as soon as possible. Don’t wait up in case it’s late.”

She gave me a wistful smile as I headed for the door.

Leaving her alone after baring my soul felt like the hardest thing I’d ever done.

Phoebe and I sat in the car holding hands until it was time. I’d only just gotten to know her, but already we’d bonded over these strange set of events. Both of us had so much to lose, but if it worked, we’d be truly free.

Damien would have made it to the Fairmont Hotel by now. He’d be schmoozing with all those high-brow types. If he found out what I was doing, I feared it would mean the end of us.

With that thought eating my brain, I repositioned my short-bobbed wig. A few days had passed since I’d met with Galante, but should he see me I needed to look different.Ifhe saw me, it would mean everything had gone wrong.

I could change my mind. Let those who’d found themselves on Galante’s list fight their own battles. But my dad was on that list, as was Phoebe and Madeline and her lover from all those years ago. Even a potential President was on that list, his first term hanging in the balance.

It made me wonder about all the women in history who’d played their part in American politics, but had gone unrecognized.

My mind went around and around assessing if this risk would be worth it. If I succeeded, careers would survive, lives might even be saved. If I failed, the damage would be irreparable. I, too, would end up as a name on Galante’s list.

“Are you second guessing yourself?” Phoebe threw me a wary glance.

“The consequences…”

“I’ll get my life back.” She turned to face me. “Your friend will be protected.”

She meant my dad, but she’d never know his identity. She probably suspected I was doing this for the Godmans, too.

“Could we could end up in prison?” She squeezed my hand.

“What?” I hadn’t thought of that…