by Devi Mara
“Why did you not tell the girl about your Abby, the huntress?” She smirked. “I think they would get along well, don’t you?”
He slowly turned his head to look at her. “No.”
The thought of Abby seeing the way the girl had looked at him made him almost concerned for the blonde. Just the thought of Abby sent a surge of warmth through him. He smiled to himself. His huntress. The opening of the doors drew him out of his thoughts.
A man sat at the desk just outside the elevator. He glanced up at them with a pleasant smile on his face.
“Mr. Jones and Ms. Davis?”
“Yes.”
“Wonderful. Mr. Turner is expecting you.” He stood from his chair and came around to the other side of the desk. “I’ll show you to his office.”
“Thank you,” Konani said, as Edric nodded.
“My pleasure.”
The man led them down a bright hallway, past several open doorways and a small lounge area, talking about the company as they walked. Edric glanced around as if he were interested.
“So, you’re here about Candace Johnson?” At Edric’s raised eyebrow, he continued. “Amy, the receptionist downstairs, told me. Candace is really great.”
Edric gave him his full focus. “You worked with Ms. Johnson?”
The man nodded. “For almost two years. There’s a few pictures of the old HR team on my desk, if you want to stop by on the way out.” He smiled when Edric nodded. “Great. Well, here you are.”
Edric followed his gaze to a closed set of double doors. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He knocked on the door, before he turned on his heel and left.
“Come in,” a voice called from the other side of the door.
Konani gave him a meaningful look and he nodded. She pasted on a bright smile and pushed open the door.
“Sorry, we’re late,” he heard her say from inside the room.
“No problem at all.”
He stepped through the doorway to see a middle aged man shaking Konani’s hand. She glanced over her shoulder at him.
“I’m Jessica Davis and this is our Hiring Director, William Jones.”
Edric stepped up to shake the man’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Turner. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with us.”
“I’m always happy to hear of one of our own going on to work for another great company. I understand Candace is being considered for Deputy Director?”
Edric nodded. That was the story they had decided on. “She is the best candidate, by far.”
“Yes, she is definitely a bright star,” the man agreed. “Please have a seat.”
Edric sat in one of the two seats in front of Mr. Turner’s desk, Konani taking the chair next to him. At his nod, she pulled a notepad from her small satchel.
“Would you mind telling me a bit about Ms. Johnson’s work habits? She is very qualified, but in my experience it is always best to speak to a past employer to discover any possible personality conflicts.”
The human nodded. “Of course, of course.” He sat back in his chair and frowned thoughtfully. “I have only positive memories of Candace. She came to us from a job with the state, where she had glowing references.”
“And before that,” Edric asked, watching Konani take notes.
“Straight from university. She was great at her job, very efficient, and everyone liked her. She actually helped plan the company retreat the two years she worked here.”
“Sounds like a valuable addition to our team,” Edric said. Perhaps, his instincts were wrong. Maybe, Candace was exactly what she appeared. Nothing more sinister than a government employee.
“Definitely.”
Edric smiled. “I think I’ve heard enough. I feel confident offering Ms. Johnson the position.”
“Wonderful,” Mr. Turner said with a sincere smile. “I’m glad I was able to help.”
Edric stood, Konani at his left, and nodded. “You’ve set my mind at ease, sir. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You, too.”
Edric walked from the office, waiting for his advisor in the hallway. She exited the room seconds after him and raised her eyebrows. He shook his head and motioned for her to walk with him. Something still did not feel quite right, but he could not figure out what was nagging at him.
The desk next to the elevator came into view and the man glanced up at them.
“Hello, again. I hope your meeting went well.”
Edric saw Konani nod from the corner of his eyes. “It did. You said you had a picture to show us?”
“Oh, right! It’s right here.” He reached over to retrieve a picture frame that was facing away from the room. “This is the HR team at the company retreat. Candace is right there on the left.”
Edric took the picture from him and held it where Konani could have a clear view. After a moment, he frowned. There were less than twenty people in the photograph, but he did not see anyone who resembled Abby’s reluctant roommate. He turned it to face the man.
“Where did you say?”
“On the far left, in the blue shirt.” He came around the desk to point to a tall blonde. “Candace Johnson.”
Everything inside him froze. “Oh, I see. Thank you.” He held the frame out to the man and turned away. “Have a nice day.” He walked to the elevator, outwardly calm even though he seethed internally.
“Your Highness?” Konani asked when they had stepped onto the elevator.
He glanced at his advisor. “Yes?”
“How would you like to proceed?” She kept her face carefully blank.
He ground his teeth. “I’d rather not say.”
His first thought was to confront the woman about her lies. She was living with his future Arammu and he had no idea where her alliances lie. She could be anyone, her history a complete unknown. He stepped off the elevator and forced himself to take measured steps across the lobby and out of the building.
Panicking would hardly help the situation, even though every fiber in his being called out for him to go to Abby. He paused in the alley behind the building and turned to face Konani. Her expression was blank, but he could see understanding in her eyes.
“I will await you in the meeting hall.” She stepped into the portal without waiting for him to reply, both of them knowing his plans.
He took in a deep steadying breath. He would have to handle the situation with care. Abby’s safety and happiness were at stake. He set his jaw and followed the alley to the next street over. A taxi pulled up the moment he stopped on the curb. He quickly slid into the backseat and gave the address of Candace’s apartment, ignoring the driver’s attempt at small talk.
Distracted by his own thoughts, the driver had to clear his throat when they arrived. He nodded his thanks and gave the man twice what he had asked. He stood on the sidewalk in front of the triplex for several minutes, simply staring at the building. The ride had not helped him to organize his mind.
Chapter Nine
Hidden Cravings
“A correct answer is like an affectionate kiss.”
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“That sexy, no good jerk.”
Abby prowled around the apartment muttering to herself, as she considered her options. Candace was, of course, correct about her actions. She had withheld vital information from her own government for a guy she barely knew. It was insane. She should quit, that is what she should do. She should remove herself from the White House and any potential for actions that could land her in prison.
She nodded to herself, even as her mind rebelled against the idea of not seeing Edric again. Letting out an annoyed huff, she flopped onto the couch. Her mother would be so disappointed in her. The thought rose with the usual surge of grief that accompanied any thoughts of her recently deceased parent.
“Should have stayed in Missouri.”
Instead, she was sitting on a relative stranger’s couch, talking to herself. She started to sprawl on the couch whe
n someone rapped sharply of Candace’s front door. She turned around to peer over the back of the couch. She should ignore it, it was not her house after all. The knocking came, again.
With a sigh, she rose from the sofa to glance out the front window. She inhaled sharply. It was Edric. He had some nerve. Eyes narrowed, she stalked over to the door and threw it open. She ignored the well-fitted suit and sexily tousled hair.
“Can I help you?”
His eyes widened at her cool tone. Good. He glanced over her shoulder. “Is Ms. Johnson here?”
Oh, now he wanted something from Candace. She glared. “No.”
Edric cocked his head to the side to study her and she told herself his attention was not pleasant in the slightest. “Are you alright?”
She snorted. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be? I’m fine.”
He scanned her. “Are you sure?”
She settled both hands on her hips. “Did you need anything else, Your Highness?”
He visibly flinched at the use of his title. “I…” Again, his gaze went past her to scan the apartment. “What has happened, Abby?”
No, he did not. She raised her chin. “Miss Ashley is more appropriate, I think.”
His eyes narrowed. “Are you in danger?” he asked in a low voice.
She blinked at him. “What?”
“You are acting strangely and have not invited me in.”
She had no intention of letting him in. He was a treason enabler. “I’m fine. Perfect. Never been better. If there’s nothing else.” She started to close the door on him.
His hand shot out to stop it. “Abigail. Please tell me what’s wrong.”
“Nothing is wrong,” she grit out, as she leaned more of her weight on the door. It did not budge. “I’m fine. You can go.”
“I’m not sure what I have done—”
She laughed humorlessly. “Right. Sure.” She leaned all of her weight against the door and scowled when it had no effect. “Got all you need from me, so you’re moving on to poor Candace. Yeah, that’s about right.”
She almost fell backwards when he suddenly stepped inside and let the door close with a bang. It was only his hands on her arms that kept her from crashing to the floor.
“What?”
She pulled away from him and frowned. “What what?”
“Repeat what you said just now.”
“No.” It was bad enough she had let it slip once.
“You believe I am using you.” She was not sure what to make of his emotionless tone.
“Aren’t you?” She moved further away from him. Of course, he was. Beautiful, lying man. She scowled out the window.
“Who told you that?” he demanded, taking a step toward her.
She glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. “I asked you first.”
“No.” He moved into her personal space to frown down at her. “I would never.”
She stared at him. He sounded so sincere. “What about the garden?”
He stared at her blankly. “What about it?”
She gestured vaguely. “Well, I mean, what about the hunting trip and the dagger and the flowers? Why?”
“I—” He looked away.
“Exactly. So, what do you want from me? You’ve probably gotten all the information I have on the White House. I’m just a nobody secretary—”
She gasped when he crowded into her space, gently placing one finger to her lips to shush her.
“Abby. I am not using you for information.”
“Well, then—”
“Abigail.”
She fell silent.
“I am…” he paused for a moment, his gaze caressing her face. “I am courting you.”
She blinked. Impossible. “Why?”
He smiled slightly. “Because I love you, Abby.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
His eyes crinkled in amusement. “I love you.”
There was no way. She took a step back. “You don’t have to say that. If you want to date me, you can just say so. And if all you want is no strings attached—”
“Abigail,” he cut her off sternly. “Please do not finish that thought.”
“Well, I mean why else would you…” she motioned toward the window where the garden was visible. “And why me? You expect me to believe you just happened to take an interest in the president’s secretary? Give me a break.”
He watched her silently, a smile playing about his lips. “You think I am interested in you because you are his assistant?”
She frowned at his tone. He sounded far too amused. “Yes…”
His smile grew. “Abby.” He shook his head. “You are the only reason I agreed to trade with this country.”
“Wait, what?”
He ducked his head to press a soft kiss to her parted lips. “You. Just you.”
She licked her lips when he retreated a few inches. “Let me get this straight. You are only in this country because of me.”
He nodded.
“You are courting me.”
He nodded, again.
“And you love me?”
He smiled and brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “Most assuredly.”
She had heard more than enough. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. “We should do that kissing thing, again.”
She felt him smile, as his lips hovered over hers. “I agree.”
His lips were warm and slightly rough, as they brushed against her own. She found herself moving closer, moving her hand higher to slide her fingers through his thick hair. He shivered against her.
“Abby,” he whispered reverently, his hands settling on her hips.
She smiled and nibbled on his bottom lip. She could not remember a time when kissing made her feel so powerful, so loved. She pressed harder against him, her softness evenly matched with his hard angles. It was not close enough. Breathing hard, he wrapped his long fingers around her thighs and lifted her to press more firmly against him.
She could not hold back her moan of pleasure. Much better. She crossed her ankles behind him and attacked his mouth with her own. His lips opened without a fight, letting her tongue gently graze his. His grip tightened. One arm wrapped around her waist to hold her in place while he raised his other hand to release her hair from the tight bun.
She shivered at the light scrape of his teeth on her bottom lip and pulled away to gasp for air. His fingers wound in her hair, nails lightly grazing her scalp just the way she liked, as he moved on to her neck. He left hot kisses down the column of her throat, pausing to meet her gaze. She stared back at him.
His lips were red and swollen, his pupils blown wide with passion. There was something raw and unfettered about the slow smile he gave her. She wondered if her own expression matched his. She thought it probably did. Her gaze wandered over his face and landed on his mouth. She licked her lips.
“We should probably stop,” she muttered, leaning forward to press her lips to his again.
She felt him nod.
His hand left her hair to trail down her back. Oh, that was nice. She arched her back and he took the opportunity to lick the base of her throat.
“Seriously,” she panted, wriggling to get closer to him.
His hand slid under the edge of her shirt and she moaned at the feel of his fingers stroking her bare skin.
“We could get into trouble,” she breathed.
He hummed his agreement and kissed along the edge of her neckline. After brushing his lips to the base of her throat one more time, he pulled back enough to meet her gaze.
“Do you want to stop?” he asked her seriously.
She grabbed his head and pulled his lips to hers. “Of course not.”
He chuckled. “Good.”
Focused on the slide of his tongue against hers, she was vaguely aware of them moving. Seconds later, he settled on the sofa letting her sprawl across him. She looked down at him and grinned. His hair was a mess from her fingers running th
rough it and his chest heaved, but his eyes were bright as he stared back at her.
The sound of keys rattling in the door broke the moment. She popped her head up over the back of the couch to watch Candace close the front door behind her. She was halfway out of her coat when she paused and glanced toward the couch. For a long moment, she seemed to take in her appearance. Then, she frowned.
“Hey, Candace.”
The other woman’s expression darkened further when Edric sat up and turned to face the door. “Abby?” Her gaze went back and forth between the two of them and Abby could see her conclusion. “What’s going on? What is he doing here?”
Abby opened her mouth to answer and paused. Edric had not actually stated his reason for visiting. She glanced at him, but he was not looking at her. All trace of softness had faded from his gaze leaving it cold and calculating. He stared at Candace like she had done something deeply offensive. Abby raised her eyebrows.
“Well?” Candace asked sharply.
Edric grasped Abby’s waist and gently set her aside. “I have a few questions for you, Ms. Johnson.”
Abby’s eyebrows climbed into her hairline at his tone. “What…?”
Candace sent her an unreadable look, before glaring at Edric. “I don’t remember inviting you to my house, Your Highness. I would appreciate it if you would leave.”
Abby’s mouth fell open at the outright hostility Candace was displaying. She had seen her act a little belligerent, but telling off a foreign diplomat was beyond rude. There was something off about the way the two were staring at each other.
“Is something going on?” Abby put her hands on her hips and frowned at the two of them. “Seriously. What’s the deal?”
“Who are you?” Edric demanded, without looking away from Candace.
Abby frowned. “Candace Johnson. She works in HR at the White House. Why are you acting…” she trailed off, causing him to glance at her.
“No, she is not,” Edric said darkly.