Page 69 of Release

Chapter Sixteen

Now

I’m proud of Declan. As much as I know it’s killing him inside, it’s Alpha Declan who emerges from his office to participate in the morning staff meeting and take point with George’s morning briefing.

I let Declan handle it while I stand in the back of George’s office, observing, leaning against the wall near the door. I want George to see this side of the boy front and center and to see me being hands-off and letting him have his head.

I want George to believehisactions are what have caused this. That our sweet boy isn’t in residence right now due to emotional anguish that’s George’s fault.

George knows Declan has this side, but usually in the office, around coworkers like this, we get Daily Declan, his neutral state. Friendly and playful and even a sweetheart. A nice guy.

Thisversion of Declan can absolutely be a bit of a bastard, just like George can be, at times.

It’s painful for me to watch George’s expression as he processes that the all-business government official keeping the briefing on track and taking people to task immediately for not being quick or concise enough with their answers isn’t his usual boy.

Normally, Declan runs the briefing with smiles and jokes and a light touch.

This bastard means business.

When they finish, everyone files out, leaving the three of us. I’m still standing by the door, leaning against the wall as Declan pauses, catches my eye, and then turns.

“Did you need anything else, Governor Forrester?” Dec asks. Even how he asks that bears professional, clipped tones, a cool formality that’s not usually there.

George just shakes his head a little and looks close to tears.

“Thank you, Declan,” I say, my gaze remaining on George. “Good meeting.”

He gives me a curt nod and heads out. I give my boy all due credit, because I know George hasn’t spotted the way Declan’s left fist is clenched, his nails digging into his palm.

Declan’s close to tears, too. He’ll probably retreat to his office, lock the door, and take a few minutes to pull himself together.

I don’t move for a moment. Dana’s desk isn’t too far away outside the door, and I know there are a couple of people talking in the outer office area.

“Governor Forrester? Do you have any questions for me about the briefing before I get started with my day?”

He slowly shakes his head.

“I’ll be in later this afternoon to go over the final version of your speech for tonight.” I drop my voice. “Actions have consequences,sir. Remember that.” I walk out of his office.

I’ll let him stew over that for a few hours to finish softening him up.

Am I a bitch?

Yeah, I am.

How do you think I got him where he is today?

* * * *

I leave early to pick up lunch and bring it back for me and Declan, where I lock us in his office.

George can fend for himself, or ask Dana, or one of his detail from EPU to get something for him. Or he can walk his happy little ass down to the cafeteria like everyone else. He needs to feel the full, gaping emptiness of what life could really be like.

I sit in Declan’s chair behind his desk with him at my feet, leaning against my legs, while I hand-feed him.

Then he spends a few quiet minutes sitting there with his head in my lap and I rub his scalp.

“You were perfect this morning, sweetie,” I tell him. “Keep that up.”