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Misguided Target

Page 5

by Jessica Page


  “Well this certainly turned out to be a much more awkward evening than we're used to,” I joked before picking up my own wine glass and draining it.

  “You're telling me!” He snorted. “Bad enough to have a brother who hates me, but a brother who hates me and who knows your date personally is a new one, I must say.”

  “We didn't sleep together. Well we did technically sleep beside each other but we didn't do anything,” I rambled, feeling all kinds of confused. I'd been so angry with Kane this morning, but right now this morning was the least of our worries. To make matters worse, I clearly hadn't imagined the connection Kane and I had. He'd call me his dream girl. Kane had me totally enchanted last night, and yet here we were a day later, both livid and disgusted with each other. “I need another drink,” I announced after a few moments of silence. James nodded and we quietly walked back into the ballroom.

  “I should go talk to him,” James stated hesitantly as he watched his brother drinking at the bar. I couldn't decide if he was making a statement or asking a question.

  “James!” A deep voice called from a few feet away. The voice belonged to Dylan Richton, chair and host of this fundraising event who also happened to be a drug lobbyist. Sneaky how these event work out; you can look like a saint while furthering your other interests. Dylan approached and it looked as though he was in the mood to talk some business. That meant James would be trapped for a while.

  “Dammit!” James groaned looking incredibly torn. He was here to work and as much as I knew he wanted to run to Kane in hopes of fixing things, this really wasn't the time or place for them to try and mend their now incredibly strained relationship.

  “Listen, you go deal with Richton. I'll check on Kane and once you're done we can leave. You and Kane should talk, and sooner rather than later is probably for the best,” I insisted, hating that I'd just offered myself up to go and talk to Kane, who was currently the last person on earth that I wanted to converse with. Truthfully, the feeling was probably mutual.

  James hesitated, looking over at Kane again. “Okay, fine. Thank you. I'll send my staff home and I'll be done here in twenty minutes tops. Just please just keep him here.”

  I sighed audibly as James walked away and I wished so badly that I could go with him. A wave of anger and anxiety flowed through me as I approached Kane.

  Chapter 6

  Kane

  My body was still vibrating with anger; I ordered another drink before slamming the rest of the scotch in my glass. I had a feeling there wasn't enough alcohol in the world to make me forget the last thirty minutes. Not only had I finally confronted my brother about how I felt about him, but I also learned that Kendall, the cool, funny, smart, beautiful woman I spent the night with was in fact a hooker who may or may not be sleeping with my brother. It was a great day to be alive because my life was awesome at the moment.

  I let out an audible sigh as the bartender handed me my drink. I glanced behind me, spotting James walking away from Kendall. I couldn't help staring at her. I didn't understand my luck; of all the girls in the world that I could have met and sort of fallen for, why did she have to be this person? Why did she have to do this for a living and why did she have to be involved with James? Fuck.

  Kendall seemed to be heading in my direction and I quickly spun my head around, feeling the uncontrollable urge to get the hell out of there. Given the things I've faced in my job, it was ridiculous that a woman was making me want to run and hide like a frightened child. My heart raced as she stopped a foot away from me and ordered a glass of wine. It was odd, somehow despising this woman while all the while not being able to take my eyes off her. Even though my brain kept reminding me of what she was, although that fact was slowly being overridden by the drinks I'd consumed. I found myself replaying last night's event in my mind. The way her lips tasted and the way her breasts felt pressed up again me. Dammit.

  I considered walking away from her until I heard a man's husky voice, “My dearest Raina, I'm so happy I found you.”

  I glanced over at the man who had settled in the empty space between her and me. “Hello, Francis, how are you?” she asked, not doing a very good job of hiding the irritation in her voice.

  “Better now that I've found you,” he offered with an annoyingly flirtatious tone. “I called Dom to book you tonight, but sadly you were already taken. Worst of all, I've been told after tonight you will no longer be available. I've wanted to take you out for years now, and it seems like such a waste for you to be here with James.”

  “A waste? Oh, how so?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink, clearly humoring him.

  “Well everyone knows James' preference is to fuck the others and play wifey with you. So sentimental that he wanted to be your last date, although I could have shown you a better time for more money.”

  “James and I are friends. We have been for a long time and he always shows me the wonderful time, with tonight being no exception,” she offered. Her voice remained even but I could tell he'd hit a nerve. Even though I was angry with Kendall for lying to me, I had to admit this guy was starting to get on my last nerves too, I didn't like the way he was talking to her and my patience was starting to wear thin.

  “Listen, I won't beat around the bush. Although it's morally appalling, I would still like to get together with you. Even if it's off book, I'd be willing to pay you double,” he propositioned, and I found myself gripping my drink glass tight, fighting the urge to grab this guy's greasy black hair and slam my fist into his face.

  “Thank you for that generous proposition, Francis. It is however with great regret that I must remind you I am in fact retired. No more bookings for me, but I'm sure Dom can offer you many other women who would gladly jump at that fine opportunity,” she answered, her voice sweet as honey while still peppered with sarcasm. I found myself doing an inner fist pump because the thought of her sleeping with this creep or really any guy made me want to do bad, evil things.

  “I'm not really sure what the fucking problem is here, Raina,” he stated, irritated. “I'm disgusted by your profession but I've heard you're the best and given that you're a whore and I'm willing to pay you, I don't see the issue.”

  “Listen, Francis, you're drunk so I'm going to let this little outburst slide. I suggest you step away now before you embarrass yourself in front of your colleagues,” she requested sternly and I found myself turning around to face them, waiting for the opportunity to take this guy out. I took a step towards him ready to grab this guy by the throat, but she waved her hand signaling for me to stop. I didn't understand this girl. This douchebag was disrespectful, and yet she wouldn't let me help her.

  “I'm not going anywhere,” he threatened taking a step towards her grabbing her by the arm. She didn't flinch. She just stood a little taller, staring him in the eyes.

  “Okay, let me get this straight, you are disgusted with me because of my profession and yet you insist this strongly on wanting to have sex with me?” she asked calmly as he nodded his head, a smug look plastered on his face, “Ignoring the fact that this is completely and utterly contradictory, for the sake of discussion let's discuss. What is it about my job that upsets you so much? Is it truly a moral outrage or legal one?”

  “The whole thing makes me sick. Anyone who has sex with someone who pays them is at the very least a disgusting human being. The fact that you've had sex with so many men is also appalling.”

  “Just me? You're the one who wants to pay me. Does that not make you equally disgusting?”

  “No because I'm doing the fucking I'm not the one being fucked,” he answered like a total idiot who thought this was the most logical thing in the world. I'd like to say it was because he was clearly too drunk to make any sense, but I'm not so sure that was the case here. I think he is just a good old-fashioned moron that I would like to punch.

  “Well that's where I think you're wrong because getting paid to do something is generally the better end of any agreement, is it not? Who knows th
ough, Francis, maybe you're right. You're a handsome, rich and powerful man with a killer body, so I'm sure you've had your fair share of action with women. You'd know more about sexual intercourse than me,” she complimented with a coy smile, running her index finger along his jaw. It instantly released some of its tension.

  “Yeah, you could say that. Ladies love me,” he answered, peacocking like a fool over her compliment. He clearly didn't understand she was not only mocking him while also manipulating the hell out of him. This woman was good and this guy was a tool. I don't know who in their right mind would hire him as a lawyer.

  “I'm sort of ashamed to admit that I've been with at least twenty men, possible more, which I know is a lot more than the average woman, but I somehow doubt it's more than your number. I've seen the way women respond to you. You're incredibly appealing, I bet even clients hit on you and want to sleep with you, and rightfully so.”

  “Well you'd be right. I've had my fair share of them,” he answered smugly, now garnering the attention of a few men nearby.

  “So by that logic, we've now established that were both arguably 'whores' by your previous definition. Now if we look at the legal objection due to the exchanging of money –”

  “We are nothing alike, you bitch,” he sneered, cutting her off and roughly releasing her, causing her to stumble a bit.

  “Oh, but I think we are. Tell me that you've never slept with any of your clients. Not even one,” she demanded, taking a defiant step towards him. When he didn't answer she continued, “Judging by your silence I'm going to assume that you yourself have also had sex with someone after they paid you for your services. So I ask you then, how am I the only whore in this conversation?”

  “Go fuck yourself, Raina!” he snapped, his hands balling up into fists hearing the men nearby snickering at their conversation. He was clearly embarrassed that she was making him look unbelievably ridiculous.

  “Oh so sensitive Francis,” she teased. “I suggest you run along now and have a good night. Also, maybe you switch to coffee and water for a while to avoid such scenes in the future,” she said dismissively, grabbing her wine and walking past him settling next to me.

  “I have to admit I'm impressed with how you handled that,” I complimented after a few minutes had passed, “But I still wish you would have just let me punch the guy. He was such a douchebag.”

  “Oh really?' she asked her eyebrow arched with surprise. “He's a douchebag? Why?”

  “Well yeah he is…' I offered awkwardly, not sure why I had to explain myself, “I mean he's an asshole for treating you like that. He called you a whore and yet insisted on propositioning you. It was ridiculous.”

  “Wow, suddenly you're such a noble and caring gentleman defending my honor. The truth is that you're not really in a position to judge him. In fact, he is a drunken asshole lawyer with an ego complex and probably a small dick, but at least he isn't trying to play it off like he isn't those things. You, on the other hand, should take a look in the mirror before you start judging others, because not even an hour ago you were quite content with calling me a whore. The only difference is he didn't spend the night with me as in Kendall and didn't make me as in Kendall believe that he liked me before he made me feel cheap. So please save your hypocritical outrage because I have no use for it. James asked me to tell you he'll be ready to leave shortly.”

  I was stunned into silence as she walked away from me, disappearing onto the terrace. I stood there trying to think of some sort of response but I couldn't argue with her. She was right, I was a hypocritical jerk.

  Chapter 7

  Kendall

  I inhaled the crisp air deeply into my lungs and exhaled it, willing for all the tension in my body to go along with it. As an escort I've had to deal with many men and women who treated me unkindly and the assumption that I was first of all cheap and second of all slutty showed just how little other individuals knew about what my job really way. The people who judged me too freely were also the ones who would never know or understand. Having a work persona helped me maintain control over my work life and I usually maintained a form of separation between my private and professional lives. James and Dominique taught me a long time ago to not let anyone belittle me or devalue me. Truthfully, if I did my job properly, they would never have had the ability to take power away from me and cheapen me. I was always in control and believe it or not I did have power, but Kane was the first man I had ever let into my private life. He didn't know me as Raina, he knew me as Kendall, and this was totally uncharted territory for me. I, Kendall, had not had anyone make me feel as cheap as he made me feel in a long time, and I didn't like remembering the feeling of it.

  The terrace being as quiet as it was, I could easily hear the footsteps approaching me from behind. Even with my back to the door I somehow knew that it was Kane. After he stood there silently for a moment, he finally spoke, “Listen, Kendall, or I mean Raina…” he sighed audibly, “Fuck, I don't even know what to call you. Fuck! I'm sorry I didn't mean that rudely. It's just… listen… I didn't mean to take my anger out on you but I'm just –”

  I turned around and silenced him with a wave of my hand, “Listen, Kane, it's fine. I understand you have a lot going on with your brother and probably others things in your life and…” I paused wondering if I should in fact let him finish. He would probably give me some form of an apology, perhaps even a lie explaining to me that he did care about me but that he couldn't get involved with me. Then in return I would want to tell him the old cliché that I was more angry with myself for letting him in, but I wasn't ready to hear the rejection he was about to subject me to, or be honest with him about my own feelings. I didn't agree with him, but I couldn't be mad at him for whatever feelings or opinions he might have. Still, every time he opened his mouth he seemed to hurt me. I'd had enough hurt feelings today “Let's just chalk up meeting each other up to a memory. Your brother must be done and will likely want to leave, so we should probably go back in.”

  I could tell he wanted to say something but didn't, instead he just nodded and I walked past him, heading back through the doors to James with Kane in tow. I was ready to leave and James' softening expression told me he somehow knew exactly what I was thinking.

  “If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I will be calling it an evening. I have other plans to attend to,” James stated, smugly gesturing over at me as I approached. I played my role well and sent him a coy smile as I always did. We never actually had sex, but I always made it seem like we did. James often used this excuse to leave functions early. People were always so understanding of his need to leave when they thought he was going to screw some young woman. That's exactly why I was his choice date for events, I played along with the life and that way we both finished work early.

  “James, you're leaving so soon?” Mr. Richton asked, sounding almost panicked, which I must say was an odd reaction.

  The look on James' face told me he found it a little curious as well. “Yes unfortunately I am. Let's do lunch next week if you'd like. We can continue our chat then.”

  “No, you can't leave,” he blurted out. “I mean, I really must insist you stay a little longer.” Richton persisted, regaining his composure, which further raised flags for me. Why was it so important that James stay? Richton was an asshole but not usually this pushy. He especially has never had issues with us leaving early in the past. Kane took a step towards us, looking rather alert. Something about his stance seemed defensive, which had me thinking he was also getting a bad vibe. Kane barely knew this man, so the fact that he reacted this way had me all kinds of worried.

  “No, not tonight, but thank you so much for your hospitality. This was a lovely evening. Raina, Kane, the car is waiting outside,” James said, looking at us both and waiving a hand at the exit.

  Once I'd grabbed my coat and we were safely outside I glanced up at James, who appeared much more on edge than usually. His demeanor was normally so calm. “Was it just me, or was that a
little weird?” I whispered once we were out of earshot, fighting the urge to look back to make sure we weren't being followed.

  The U.S Capitol Police who served as James' security team met us in the parking lot. I was incredibly happy that James was a senator who often opted to have protection when he was in Washington, “Yes. To say he seemed fixated on me staying is an understatement. I'll feel better once we're away from here,” James offered, looking around nervously.

  “James… what's going on?” I asked, concerned, getting the feeling we were in danger.

  “I'm not sure. Now is not the time to discuss it, but we should call Dom once we're in the SUV to tell her we're leaving, and to stay clear of here,” James answered, which received questioning glances from both Kane and me. He was being evasive, but whatever it was it clearly involved Dom.

  “Sir, O'Connor is heading this way with the vehicle. We should hurry,” one of his security men stated. I spotted the black SUV speeding down the parking lot and quickly braking in front of us. We hurried towards it when Kane barked, “Stop!”

  “What is it?” James asked, confused.

  “Someone's here,” Kane warned, and within seconds there was a flash of light followed by a groan and the sound of a car horn. Instantly Kane grabbed me by the forearm and we fled behind a nearby vehicle.

  “What happened? What was that?” I asked breathlessly, feeling panicked.

  “A gunshot. Stay here! Don't move unless someone is coming,” Kane demanded before quickly disappearing into the darkness. I adjusted my crouched position so I could easily see my surroundings. I could hear men fighting close by, but I couldn't see what was going on. I heard a gunshot followed by a scream and a loud thump. My heartbeat was pounding in my ears. I barely registered what was going on around me. A strong pair of hands grabbed me from behind and dragged me from my hiding spot. I screamed as loud as I could, but the man slapped me hard across the face, sending me stumbling backwards onto a vehicle.

 

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