“Good or bad?” I ask, not sure I even should.
“Well…” Alex drawls, finally looking away from her monitor to me. “I’m not sure any news involving your current situation could be classified as good or bad. It’s more like, not terrible news”—she pauses and shrugs—“and then some terrible news.”
I glance sideways at Ryder. “Is she always so brutally honest?”
“Yes.” He smiles, revealing his dimple. “But you’ll come to appreciate that about her, believe me.”
I find that hard to believe, I want to say. Instead I give a tight smile.
Though as I settle against the couch, getting a little more comfortable next to Ryder, I realize that surrounded by all this corruption and blackmailing, a little honesty does go a long away. “All right,” I say, ready for the truth bombs awaiting me. “Lay it all on me.”
“Okay, so first,” Alex says to Ryder, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs, “you were right. We’re dealing with Congressman Westhaven.”
Ryder drapes an arm across the back of the couch, his fingers sliding across my nape. “How sure are you?”
I shiver at his delicate touch and force myself to focus, as Alex replies, “Very sure.” She spins her laptop around, showing us a picture of the congressman from the side. “Do you see this mole right here by his ear?”
As Ryder leans forward, so do I and ask, “What mole?”
She clicks a few buttons until the photo is enlarged and points at the screen, just below the congressman’s ear. “See it now?”
I squint my eyes. “Oh, yeah, now I do.”
After another click of a button, a screenshot from the video pops up on her monitor. “The guy on the left has the same mole.”
I examine both the photo and the screenshot, finding that she’s right. Okay, I’m beginning to see why Ryder depends so much on her. I guess that makes me feel a lot more confident that we can actually stop the video from getting out there. “How did you even see that?” I ask her.
“It’s what I do.” She shrugs, as if this is everyday business for her, and spins her laptop back around and begins working again.
My cheeks flush a little, because I don’t recognize the congressman and he’s been physical with me…more than once. Truth be told, I kept thinking once I saw him I would recognize him, but the man is a total stranger to me. Hell, even if he wore the mask, I’m not sure I’d recognize him, because I never really focused on them that night. I focused on what I needed.
Ryder taps his fingers against my neck, returning me to the present. I glance at him, and obviously he’s reading my mind, as he gives me a soft, reassuring smile before he focuses on Alex. “Have you got anything on the other guy?”
“Nothing as of yet,” Alex explains, typing away on her laptop. “Except for that half-moon scar on his hand, he doesn’t really have any distinguishing features.”
“And you’ve got nothing on the scar?” he presses.
She shakes her head. “I’ve scoured thousands of photos of people in politics, but I haven’t got a hit yet. It’s hard because in most photographs you don’t see hands in great detail.”
I shift in my seat, wishing we were talking about someone else’s life. I try not to regret anything I’ve done with anyone. It’s been an adventure. It’s helped me along the way. But with Ryder next to me, a sliver of shame shivers through me. I want this all to go away neatly and quickly.
His fingers press against the back of my neck, harder now, as if he knows my level of discomfort is rising. Time is counting down and we’re still nowhere close to finding out who is doing this and why. That video needs to stay hidden.
“But don’t worry,” Alex interjects; obviously my face is showing a lot today since she’s clearly reading my panic. “I’m still looking for the hacker.”
“Any new developments on that front?” Ryder asks, cool and collected, as he sips his coffee.
“All I’ve discovered so far is it’s a local hacker,” she explains, “but it’s no one I know personally.”
“That’s a start,” Ryder says, resting his mug on his thigh. “How close are you to narrowing down his location?”
She gives a tight smile. “Closer than yesterday.”
I snort, needing way more than that. “Okay, but what exactly does that mean? Like, you know for sure you’ll find this person by the end of the day?”
“It means that I’m closer than I was yesterday to finding out who it is,” she repeats, and once again gives a small shrug. “Believe me, once I know the location, Ryder will be there and that video will be in his hands.”
I sigh away the remainder of my questions, trying to trust her but finding it hard nonetheless. Ryder begins to stroke my nape again, and I sigh once more, staying here in the present, not letting me get too far ahead of myself. “So, all of that not so terrible news seemed pretty terrible, except for confirming the identification of the congressman. Do I even want to know what the terrible news is?”
“Oh, sure you do, because it’s not terrible for you.” Alex smiles, gesturing at Ryder with a flick of her chin. “It’s totally terrible news for him.”
His eyes slowly begin to narrow. “Oh, really, and why is that?”
With her smile planted firmly on her face, Alex’s fingers fly across the keyboard. “After some digging this morning, I’ve learned that the congressman will be at the Big Dream Foundation Sunday Afternoon Gala this afternoon, so I’ve got you both onto the approved list of guests.” She turns the laptop around to face us to prove her point.
“What am I missing here?” I ask, looking at the guest list. “Why is this such terrible news?”
“Because…” Alex says. The amusement in her voice lifts my head and I find her eyes just as amused. “Do you know what Ryder hates more than dirty politicians?”
“What?”
“Wearing a tux,” he mutters at me before he gestures at the laptop’s monitor. “Why are you suggesting we meet him there?”
Alex closes her laptop, placing her hands on top, giving a big, glorious smile. “Because do you know who else will be there?”
“Who?”
“The congressman’s wife.”
Chapter 10
Ryder
Later that afternoon, Hadley and I enter the annual Big Dream Foundation Sunday Afternoon Gala through the main doors of the hotel, her arm tucked tightly into mine. I’m finding it harder and harder to focus with her so close. That damn flowery perfume seems to be invading my senses with every step I take. The only reason I haven’t curbed the hunger that’s simmering just below the surface is because this lead is one that can’t wait.
Soon, I’ll be able to slide that stunning red lace dress off her body, kiss my way along her spine, which is exposed with this gown, tangle those big waves of her hair in my hands, and watch her dark makeup slide down her face with the tears of pleasure.
We round the corner and enter the ballroom, and the stench of wealth practically flows within the grand space. Diamonds surround every neck and sparkle off every pair of ears, hands, and wrists. Luxurious fabrics drape over women who look a step away from a walk down the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Even the children attending the event look better dressed than me.
“These events have never made sense to me,” says Hadley, as we make our way through the crowd.
I glance down and find her focus is on the people we’re walking by. “Why?”
“People spend a lot of money to come to these events.” She gives me a quick look and half shrugs. “But if they donated what they paid on their hair and makeup and dresses, wouldn’t the charity make more money?”
I nod and smile, loving the way she thinks. “But everyone likes a good party.”
“Not you,” she says, watching me closely.
My bow tie feels too tight. My jacket too warm. Christ, even my pants feel snug around my cock. “No, not me,” I reply.
She leans into me a little more, and all her warmth rests invitingly a
t my side. “Well, even if you hate it, a tux looks good on you.”
The flare of lust in her eyes tempts me to change my mind about working this lead. I stop then, ignoring the partygoers around us, and I like how her eyes go wide in surprise when I take her chin. I drop my eyes level to hers and stare at her deeply. “I can think of something else that looks far better.”
“Oh, yeah, what’s that?” she rasps.
“You.”
Her lips part, cheeks flush before she quickly recovers. “You’re right. That would look much better.” By the way she scans over me, I imagine she’s deciding exactly how she’d take me out of this tux and place her body upon mine.
While I’m inclined to say, Fuck the event and let’s fuck instead, we’re not here for a party. I can’t forget my duty to Hadley and to her father. Gathering my thoughts, and ignoring my greedy dick, I glance back out and scan the crowd, looking for Congressman Westhaven.
Person after person, it’s all smiling faces around us. From the band at the back playing a Frank Sinatra classic to people slow dancing to the endless champagne glasses being handed out, I can’t find a single unhappy guest.
“There he is,” says Hadley, drawing my gaze. “Right over there.”
I follow where she’s looking and I find she’s right. The congressman is standing with his wife, whom I recognize from the photo Alex showed us earlier, and he’s also there with two other men. “Do you know who’s with him?”
Hadley squints her eyes. “Well, his wife, of course. The one to Westhaven’s left is a judge. I don’t know the one on the right.”
When Hadley looks at me again, I smile at her. “A judge and his wife ought to be enough to make him feel uncomfortable, don’t you think?” Which is why Alex proposed this event to approach the congressman. He couldn’t shut us out here without making a scene. “Are you ready to do this?” I ask her.
“I guess.” She gives a tight smile.
I reach for her chin, lifting it. “You’re ready for this. He’s at fault here, not you. Okay?”
“Okay,” she says, nerves in her voice.
Just for that alone, I could rip the congressman apart. Hadley shouldn’t have to deal with this. There are a lot of things I can put up with in this world, but hurting innocent people is not one of them.
Determined not to allow her nerves to build any more, I move us in the congressman’s direction. For a man in his middle forties, he’s fit and obviously athletic. His back is to us, but we catch the eye of his slender brunette wife. I watch closely as the congressman’s wife looks at Hadley, but there’s no recognition there. When she looks at me, her light brown eyes heat a little, and I wonder if they share an open relationship. Though when she quickly looks away and focuses on her husband, I realize they don’t.
I hear Westhaven say, “Yes, we must have dinner soon,” when I interrupt him and say, “Good evening, Congressman.”
Westhaven glances over his shoulder with a smile on his face. Then he looks at Hadley and his smile slowly begins to fade.
“Oh, yes that’s right,” I add calmly, “you know Senator Winters’s daughter, Hadley, don’t you?”
Westhaven’s dark brown eyes narrow on me before he puts a professional smile firmly in place. “Yes, we’ve met a few times through your father.” He offers his hand to Hadley. “How is the senator?”
Hadley shakes his hand, and I’m damn proud of her when she speaks without a nervous flutter in her voice. “He’s well, thank you. I’m sorry he couldn’t attend, but he’s due in Washington tomorrow. I’ll see his office makes a donation in his absence.”
The congressman drops Hadley’s hand like her flesh burned him. “That’s very kind, thank you.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, glancing at his wife. “Sarah, have you met Hadley Winters before?”
“No,” Sarah says with an honest smile, offering her hand to Hadley. “It’s my pleasure to meet you.”
Obviously bored with not being in the conversation any longer, the judge and the other man turn away, getting involved in another conversation. I stay focused on Hadley, noting the way she stares at the congressman’s wife’s hand. I understand her hesitation. The news that she had slept with a married man hadn’t sat well, even if she never said that aloud. Her pale skin told me the thought sickened her, and coming from parents who had a strong marriage, I understood why it bothered her.
Hadley’s fingers tighten around my arm as she returns Sarah’s handshake. “I hope you’re enjoying your evening, Sarah.”
“Oh, yes, it’s a lovely event,” Sarah replies whimsically. “This is a special foundation to me.” She turns to me and offers her hand, dark eyebrows drawn over her eyes. “Sorry, I’m afraid my husband forgot to introduce you.”
“Ryder Blackwood, ma’am.” I return her gentle handshake, not understanding why the congressman had to stray. Sarah’s a stunning woman with soulful eyes, and she obviously has a kind, tender heart. “It’s an honor, and you do an amazing thing for the children of this foundation.”
The sweet smile I receive back only makes my dislike for the man next to me grow. “How long have you two supported the charity?” she asks me.
“For a little while,” Hadley interjects.
I slide my hand over Hadley’s and tuck it over my forearm, hoping she feels that I’m not only standing right here beside her, but we’re facing this together, and I get right to the point. “We’ve actually come to speak to your husband. Do you mind if we steal him away for a few minutes?”
“Oh?” Sarah’s eyes widen as she looks at her husband, who has been standing in silence, statue-still.
The congressman looks at me, obviously sizing me up.
I smile the threat I wish to unleash on him.
Westhaven quickly turns to his wife. “Yes, dear, I asked them to meet me here tonight to go over a couple things. Why don’t you get us some drinks?”
“Of course,” she says with clear hesitation, now looking a little more suspiciously at Hadley and me.
The congressman leans in and kisses Sarah’s cheek. “I won’t be long. Promise.”
I keep my expression neutral, not wanting to upset a very lovely woman who probably doesn’t deserve the terrible marriage she’s been handed. When I give Hadley a quick glance, she looks about a second away from vomiting all over Westhaven’s shoes.
Sarah turns to us and smiles. “Again, a pleasure. Enjoy your evening.”
“You as well.” I return the smile.
Only once she’s out of hearing distance does the scumbag who’s just rattled two women acknowledge us. “Follow me,” he snaps with a glare.
When he turns, I give Hadley a nod, proud of how well she held it together. In silence, we follow behind him as he leads us through the ballroom, happily smiling and waving at those he passes, putting on a perfectly good show.
Once we’re out of the ballroom, Westhaven waves off his security and leads us down to the service stairwell at the end of the hallway. I glance behind me, seeing that his guard hasn’t followed. Regardless of the order he gave, I shake my head in disappointment. My client would have eyes on him at all times, unless he was in a classified meeting or in the safe haven I created for him at home.
We enter through the door to the service stairwell, and the moment the heavy steel door shuts, Westhaven spins around and all but growls, “You shouldn’t have come here.” Palpable anger is evident in his voice as he leans against the steel railing across from us and crosses his arms. “Tell me what you want from me so we can get this over with. I will not let you hurt my wife.”
Hadley jerks her head to me, nose scrunched in confusion. I’m right there with her, and I turn to Westhaven with a frown. “Excuse me?”
“What do you want?” the congressman repeats, voice hard. “Money? Is that what you’re after? I don’t have as much as people think I do, but I can get you some—”
I raise my hand, stopping his rambling, a sudden realization dawning on me. “Do you think we are
blackmailing you?”
“Aren’t you?” Westhaven scoffs.
“Wait. What? No.” Hadley gasps, shaking her head. “I’m being blackmailed, and I came here tonight to find out who you hired to hack me.”
A pause. Then Westhaven sighs. “I take that to mean the other man in the video with us is behind this?”
I part my lips to respond, but take a minute to catch up. Westhaven being blackmailed was the last thing I expected to find tonight. “Are you saying that you don’t know who the man in the video is?”
“No, I do not,” Westhaven replies.
“Please explain to me how that is possible?” I find that hard to believe.
The congressman draws in a long, deep breath and shoves his hands into his pockets. “I received an invitation in my locker at the club that invited me to the night at the hotel. Since I’m the one usually inviting people, it was…well, a tempting offer.” He hangs his head, scraping his shoe against the cement floor. “Listen, my wife…” He looks up at us, expression twisted and troubled. “She doesn’t know about my particular tastes. And she can’t know. Not ever. I won’t do that to my family or to her.”
While I’d like to point out how selfish that is and that his sexual tastes are nothing to be ashamed of, I don’t, and focus on Hadley in all this. She’s the only thing that matters to me. “You have no idea who sent the invitation?”
He shakes his head. “Believe me, if I knew, he’d be in jail.”
Hadley glances between the congressman and me, then asks, “I know what the man wants from me, but what does he want from you? Does it have to do with my father?”
“Your father?” Westhaven’s eyes widen. “No, not at all.” He glances up and down the staircase, clearly worried about being overheard, and then quietly says to us, “About a week ago, a message popped up on my screen that said I needed to deliver the video to a car parked near the bay, and if I didn’t, all of my secrets would be exposed to the media.”
My fingers tighten into fists as I read between the lines. “So you not only taped Hadley without her consent, but you are the reason the video exists?”
Restrained Under His Duty Page 9