Page 8 of Pandora's Pleasure

I imagined there was no love lost there. Who gives up their daughter for personal gain? Even Brenan’s social-climbing wife, who held her own level of influence in this town as well as in Texas, only wanted more.

Pandora turned and glanced back at me with a hopeful expression. I found it endearing, but now that she was in here there was nothing I could do for her.

My father had strategized and committed a number of questionable deeds to reach the dizzying height of frontrunner. Having a loose cannon like Pandora threaten his progress had left him riled, which was apparent from the way his jaw flexed with quiet rage.

He stood at his oak desk, immune to fear, his shock of white hair revealing his age. Senator Gregor Godman carried the air of a gentleman who knew his fate was to change history.

There was no doubt I was halfway to becoming the same kind of monster. My darkest traits mirrored his…I, too, craved having control over a room full of powerful men.

Only I could alter the course of the trouble heading Pandora’s way.

Besides her beauty and grace, Pandora’s youth and optimism were valuable assets. Her naivety was annoying, but it would allow her to be molded into the perfect trophy wife.

But right now she was a spoiled princess.

How dare she walk out on an event where she’d been the main attraction? She was the quintessential debutante—the Jackie Kennedy of our times. The woman who would ensure my father would win votes from the youngest generation. Her feminine elegance was the only thing lacking in our brand.

“Pandora,” my father’s tone sounded polite as he rested his palm on a closed file, “excuse our unusual brand of hospitality.”

She drew in a breath. “I was just getting some air—”

He shot me a glance and smiled. “We understand that what is being asked of you could be overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been on the campaign trail for months and it’s a grueling schedule. You can’t even imagine the time and effort, and of course the billions of dollars, it took to get us here.”

“I respect that, sir.”

He lifted the file. “You’re quite accomplished.”

“That’s on me?” she asked, gesturing at the folder.

“This collection of records is impeccable, Pandora.” Dad offered her a kind smile. “Don’t make me add a negative addendum.”

Pandora turned to look at me, her crystal blue eyes begging for help. I saw her come to the stark realization that she was on her own. Her expression changed to one of resilience as she twisted around to face my father.

Her breathing was ragged, causing her breasts to rise and fall, which was unwittingly bewitching. Here was a damsel who wasn’t getting saved.

Pandora was the equivalent of the Hope Diamond—the most expensive jewel in the world, but other than its legendary beauty, quite useless.

But that in itself was a rare gift, really. She was ready to be dominated and then subjugated. She deserved to be treated better, but seeing her vulnerable stirred too much pleasure. My flesh ignited as my mind delivered the images of what I would do to her if given the chance.

I would finally get to have her in every conceivable way.

I would strip her naked and then fuck her into oblivion.

My cock ached at the thought as I stared at Pandora.

“You have a beautiful daughter, Brenan.” Dad’s attention moved over to Pandora’s father. “I’m glad for this match with my son.”

“We’re sorry for her behavior,” said Brenan, his voice void of emotion.

“A small detail that’s easily dealt with,” I said.

That comment made everyone look my way.

After all, the dark gods had delivered her to us. And now she was mine.

“Give me your phone.” Dad held his hand out.

Pandora unclipped her clutch purse and reached inside. She handed the phone over to my father with a puzzled look.