Page 169 of Pandora's Pleasure

I finished applying my bright red lipstick and pushed up from the seat at the vanity table, turning to look at my reflection in the long mirror. The gold blouse and pencil skirt were chic enough for this evening’s event. I was ready to face the world as a confident woman who knew what she wanted and knew how to get it.

Making my way downstairs to the sitting room, I came to the conclusion that I could live here permanently. I loved this house. Leaving it would be hard, but the security wasn’t as effective as it could be. Drones could fly over the wall. I remembered the day Damien had told me that, my first time here.

I adored him in every way possible.

And there he was, standing before a mirror and working on his tie, weaving it into a neat Windsor knot.

Watching Damien from across the room, I now saw this once complicated man so differently. He was a man of integrity, willing to fight for all that was good, includingus.

He hadn’t noticed me yet. I cherished these stolen moments.

I saw his mouth forming the words of his speech as he practiced, clearly hoping he would have reason to deliver it tonight to the public if the election went their way.

I admired the handsome lines of his face, the dark suit that clung to his tall, toned body. The way his brow furrowed as his thought processes played out on his gorgeous features.

When I’d boarded my family’s jet, I’d never expected to see Damien again. We’d both had our chance of escaping our arrangement.

I’d peered up at this man and realized how much I’d fallen for him. It had happened so quickly. I’d hardly recognized the fake fiancé I’d once hated. He’d become the man I now loved with all my heart.

Finally, Damien saw me standing in the doorway. “You look beautiful.”

“You scrub up nicely yourself.” I smirked.

His mouth curled at the edges. “I’m always up for a good scrubbing.”

“Is something happening tonight? Remind me.”

“Can’t believe it. Years in the making.”

“You’re so calm.”

“We did everything we could.” He brightened. “We had you, our secret weapon.”

“You know,you’rehis secret weapon in all this, Damien. The loyal son, willing to give everything up for your dad.”

“I have my limits.” He looked over at me. “Some things are too precious to lose.”

I smiled. “They really are.”

He sighed. “Ready to join the family?”

We strolled down the hallway and paused by the front door, as though rallying our courage to leave the house and go watch history unfold.

He glanced at his phone. “We’ll soon hear about votes coming in from Florida.”

“Exciting. How’s everyone holding up?”

“As well as can be expected, considering the pressure.”

“How about you?” I fiddled with his already neat tie. “You’re the only one I care about.”

“I’m glad you’re with me.”

“Now that you’ve tasted the edge of power, Damien Godman, are you craving it for yourself?”

“I fit the profile. Grumpy bastard with an egocentric personality.”

“Yes, but with the right woman by your side to remind you of what’s important.”