My jaw dropped. “Mom? You can’t honestly be considering this, right? We can figure this out on our own. We can sort it out. We’ve always done just fine between the two of us.”
“I’m sorry, Audrey, but we are going to listen to Molly on the matter. I hope you can be a part of the solution; I really don’t want to take the second option, but I will if I’m left no choice.”
“So that’s it?” I whispered.
I looked to my mother for guidance, but she turned away from me. My chest felt tight like a clamp was pressing down from either side. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Suddenly panic mixed with fear started to creep over me. I didn’t know the first thing about living independently, nor could I financially support myself. Indignation inside of me began to rise. I wouldn’t let anyone control my future, no matter the cost. I would find a way to survive, with or without my mother’s support. With one final look at the trio, I stormed out of the study.
I had a few thousand dollars between my checking and savings accounts. Escaping to my room, I jerked open my closet door and pulled out the old book bag I had used in college. I wasn’t going to take anything that wasn’t a bare necessity. Given my mother’s new stance, she’d probably check my bag as I left anyway. Quickly shoving a few outfits and paperwork into the book bag, I grabbed my address book from the nightstand and headed back for the door. I had friends scattered all across the country; all I had to do was find a phone and get to them. To hell with being a pawn.
4
Kylan
“Madam Vice President, I understand this must be incredibly difficult for you. Why don’t we go? We can touch base again tomorrow. Things seem to be stalled; I see no reason to continue pushing things today.”
“Thank you, I think that’s a good idea. I never expected things to take this turn.”
“Let’s just give her some time,” I said. “We’ll leave you alone to talk to her and see if this can’t get sorted out. Obviously, things would be easier if she were to go along.”
“You said you knew the president’s family?” The vice president asked. “Do you know his sons as well?”
I chuckled. “Yes. In a manner of speaking. We spent time together when my family lived in the United States, but we haven’t spoken in several years.”
“I hope there is no bad blood there,” she said.
“Nothing that you need to worry about,” I assured her. “I buried that hatchet a long time ago. My professional career will always come first.”
“Then I’m happy to have you onboard,” she said.
After bidding farewell to the vice president, Molly and I took our leave. As our sleek limousine pulled away from the elegant manor, my sister sighed and tapped her finger on the wooden bar between us. I knew she was probably fuming with me for the strong words I’d used towards Audrey. The last thing I wanted to deal with was her short temper. Especially when I was more than capable of handling the situation. When she glared at me, I knew a berating was on its way.
“Did I not make it clear that we were to handle the situation delicately?” she asked. “This is why I told father you weren’t ready to handle a client on your own. Especially not this high profile of one.”
“Oh, give me a break,” I snapped. “You and I both know if I hadn’t have pushed them both to the breaking point, then we’d still be there coddling that spoiled brat.”
“Spoiled brat or not, at Klaus Relations, we handle every situation with dignity and respect. If you can’t handle that, maybe you should go back to the main office and let me take care of this.”
“Now, now, there is no reason to get your panties in a bunch. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about that little detail you hid from me,” I said with a grin. “You wanted me here for a reason. You’ve had it out for Dakota Hartley as long as I have. You don’t want to take this case on your own. You know how much damage I could do to him.”
Molly glared at me. “Unlike you, I no longer harbor any childish grudges towards that man. What happened between us was years ago.”
“Sure.” I chuckled. “A woman like you doesn’t get over being publicly humiliated and having her heart broken until she’s gotten revenge.”
She snorted. “I guess you might come in handy while you’re here. Watch your ass, though, and that temper of yours. The vice president has the ability to ruin us just as much as we have the power to ruin her.”
“I think we are both going to enjoy this job. I’m surprised father didn’t want to come and visit his old friends the Hartley’s while we were over here.”
“Our father saw the president as one thing; a way to gain status in this world. He used him as a stepping stone, just like we will use his sons to further our own careers. There is no friendship there.”
“How do you know so much about all this?” I asked her. “I’ve never heard dad talk about the president.”
“You also haven’t been with the family business that long. Don’t forget I’ve had my foot in the door here since I was eighteen years old. Not all of us were afforded the luxury of gallivanting around the globe instead of earning our way. It’s a different world for women.”
I snorted. “I can’t believe you’re playing the female card. How many times have your tits or a flirty smile gotten you out of a tough situation? Don’t tell me this is a man’s world anymore. I know women rule it.”
“Oh, really? Then how is it that you’ve only been with the company for six months and your office already mirrors my own? You’ll always be the prodigal son to our father. No matter how hard I work, I’ll just be the pretty face for his company,” she hissed.
“Oh, come on, Molly, you and I both know the only reason dad gave me that office was so it looked like I had anything to do with the company. Your name is still the one on every legal document and the front door last time I checked. It’s right up there next to dad’s. Do you know where mine is at? Nowhere. And I’m guessing it’s gonna stay that way for a very long time, that’s if it ever changes at all.”
“Don't sell yourself short,” my sister said. “You’ve always had a knack for business. Dad sees it, and so do I. You just took your sweet time figuring it out on your own.”
“Thanks.” I laughed. “Good to know you had faith in me. So, what do you think is gonna happen? Will the vice president cave or will Audrey really skip town?”
“I don’t know,” she muttered. “Either way, this is about to get interesting.”
I sat back and watched the city pass by out the window of the car. When Molly had first asked me to join her on a consultation in the United States, I hadn’t been thrilled. It seemed like she was reluctant to let me take the lead on any of our clients, even the smaller ones. Now I understood the need for discretion and my presence there. The sordid history between myself and Dakota was only matched by that of his and Molly’s. It seemed Dakota’s karma was finally going to catch up with him. I was looking forward to having a hand in it.
“I think she’s going to do the right thing,” I said. “Today, she was angry, cornered, and in shock.”
“Oh, really? What makes you think that?” Molly asked. “You aren't exactly an expert on women.”
“Despite how much she obviously cares for the Hartley brothers, she loves her mother more. I did a little background on Audrey and Hazel. Those two have been through thick and thin together. I think she’ll join the campaign trail.”
“So, the spoiled brat has a heart? I hope you’re right. It would make our job a lot easier. How long do you think it will be before the Hartley brothers catch wind that we are working with Madam Vice President?”
“Honestly? I’d be surprised if they didn’t already know. Audrey Adams is a smart woman.”
“Sorry, I didn’t get that from her outburst and childish tantrums back there,” Molly scoffed.
“She’s been keeping up this lifestyle since she was eighteen years old. On top of that, she helped the youngest Hartley lead a double life the entire time as well. Y
ou don’t do that plus keep it all out of the papers and graduate top of your class without having some intelligence.”
“Sounds like you’re a bit smitten with her.” My sister grinned. “Should I be worried about you getting involved with Audrey Adams next?”
I rolled my eyes and flipped my sister the bird from across the car. If my sister only knew how dark my fetishes ran, she may not have been so casual about the idea of Audrey and me. That was a secret I kept to myself, buried deep down, where it could never damage my reputation. It seemed Dakota Hartley and I had more in common than I wanted to admit. Of course, I already knew we had the same taste in women, but not fetishes.
My hand balled into a fist. The last time I had seen Dakota Hartley, his face had been buried between my fiance’s legs. Of course, he’d seen my sister after that, and I had gotten my payback later that year. I’d enjoyed laying Bethany down in what was supposed to be their honeymoon suite. It was a shame I hadn’t met Audrey under different circumstances. I’d have loved to share her. My mind drifted to her perfect body as I daydreamed about what it would be like to touch her. It was only a fantasy and could never be anything more.
“Penny for your thoughts? Unless they’re dirty, then I don’t want to hear about them,” Molly said.
“I was just thinking about the last time I saw Dakota Hartley. I look forward to running into him again. Hopefully, Audrey joins her mother on the campaign trail. That will be good publicity for them and us both.”
Molly chuckled. “You little dog! You’re going to try and get a rise out of him through the papers, aren’t you?”
I grinned. “Damn straight. He deserves everything he’s got coming to him. I’m resisting the urge to call him in; rub it in right now.”
Molly groaned before shaking her head. “Just don’t fuck up the job in the process. Then you’re free to do whatever you want. Do I need to specify that you are not allowed to sleep with Audrey Adams, though?”
“What kind of animal do you think I am?” I asked.
“I don’t think you’re an animal. I’ve just got the same blood that’s running through those veins of yours as well. I know how hard it is to stop chasing once you’ve started the hunt. Dad isn’t Hazel Adams. He’ll cut you off before you can even blink.”
“Isn’t that the truth.” I chuckled. “You’ll be happy to know that I have no intention of sleeping with Audrey Adams. The spoiled bratty type isn't my preference.”
“Yeah? Well, I don’t ever plan on sleeping with half the men I end up in bed with either, but it happens. Just be smart. If we don’t hear from Hazel Adams by tomorrow afternoon, I’ll send you back over there for a little recon. If you think you can behave.”
“Now you’re starting to sound like dad,” I grumbled. “What do you know about the rest of the Hartleys? Particularly the other one she’s sleeping with, Declan?”
“He’s a couple years younger than Dakota. From the looks of it, he's more on the sensitive side and doesn't have much interest in politics. However, recently he's been more active on his father's campaigns.”
“Do you really think we’ll be able to keep the president in the dark about all this?”
“I think if Audrey was able to keep it under wraps for so long, it would be an embarrassment if we weren’t able to do the same,” Molly said.
“I feel like we have more questions than answers. I want to get ahold of this David Hartley character and have a few words with him.”
“Don’t get your hopes up,” Molly said. “Everything about this has to be completely covered.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever you say, you’re the boss.”
As our limousine pulled into the hotel, I parted ways with my sister. It had been a long time since I’d been in the DC area, and I didn’t miss any of it. The petty bickering and small-minded politicians always drove me a little bit insane. At least with bankers, actors, and other socialites, I knew I was getting a mask. With politicians, you could never be sure what their true intentions were. With nothing else to do, I retreated to my room. I flipped open my laptop, dedicated to doing as much research on the Hartleys and Adamses as possible.
While the job had incredibly personal undertones, it was still the first opportunity for me to prove to my father and sister that I could make the decisions needed to help lead the company. Contrary to what my sister thought, I wouldn’t let one silly little woman spoil my dreams of becoming a partner in Klaus Relations. I wasn’t as easily swayed as Dakota or Declan Hartley. I had one goal while I was there, and it wasn't to fall for a hot little tart like Audrey.
5
Audrey
I paused as I reached the front door of my mother’s house, wishing there was another way.
I couldn’t do what she was asking, though. I couldn’t give up everything. I’d be happy to keep my relationships with Dakota and Declan private, but I wouldn’t cut them out altogether. Plus, there was no way in hell I was going to spend the next six weeks on a plane with Kylan Klaus. I didn’t like him or the feelings he stirred inside of me. It had been too long since I’d seen my men.
“Audrey?” my mother said. “Do you think we could talk for a minute?”
I spun around. “I don’t think your public relations team would like that very much. Where did the dynamic duo run off to now?”
“Please don’t be like that,” she whispered. “Listen, I did what you said and went through your phone.”
My cheeks flushed. “Find anything interesting?”
“Well, yes, actually. What really stood out, though, was the way you spoke to Declan and Dakota. You really care about them, don’t you?”
My heart skipped as I nodded my head. “Yes, I do. I know our relationship isn’t a normal one, but it works for us. This isn’t just a phase or some childish thing like that. I may very well love them both.”
She smiled. “Why don’t you come back in and have a cup of coffee? We can talk about this again, without anyone else.”
I nodded. “That’s all I wanted.”
I followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the island. The familiarity of it warmed my heart. She already had a pot of coffee brewing. I didn’t know how to start the conversation; I knew I had acted like a child to some extent. There had to be another way to resolve our issues, though. I couldn’t commit to pretending to be someone I wasn’t for the rest of my life. I was still figuring out who I was, anyway.
“I really don’t want you to leave,” my mother said. “We should be able to come to a compromise. We’ve always worked together to figure things out.”
“That would be wonderful,” I said. “I don’t want to go on the campaign trail, though. Also, even if it’s just a small party, I still wanted to be with my friends for my twenty-first birthday, and that includes Derek, Declan, and Dakota.”
My mother sighed. “I would really like it if you would join me on the campaign trail, but I can understand why you still want to celebrate your birthday. What if I postpone my departure until after your birthday? You could come with me, and it could be on a trial basis, just a couple of weeks at first.”
“And what about Kylan Klaus? Will he be joining us?” I asked.
My mother pursed her lips. “I’ve already signed a contract with them. I think they can do a lot of good for the campaign. I will speak with him, though, and tell him he needs to lay off of you some.”
“Ha! Do you really think a man like that listens to anyone? Let alone a woman?”
“I think as the woman paying for his services, he’ll do exactly what I tell him, or he won’t be needed. Can you commit to three weeks on the campaign trail with me to restore some of this? We can host a small gathering for your birthday, then go.”
Three weeks was still longer than I wanted to spend on the campaign trail, but I knew that my mother was doing her best to compromise. The fact that she was willing to let me have a small party or any party at all for my twenty-first birthday spoke volumes. There was just one lingering
question that I had, and it would determine whether or not we could reach a compromise.
“What about the Hartley brothers?” I asked. “It won’t be a birthday party without them.”
Her mouth twitched. “I think if you can all agree to conduct yourselves in a manner befitting that of your status in this country, there is no reason why the three of them can’t attend. You understand that this will be the last time you’re able to see them for quite some time, though, correct?”
“Yes,” I said. “I can agree to three weeks on the campaign trail, and I promise that we will be on our best behavior at my party. I don’t think your new public relations boy is going to approve of you allowing me to have the party, though, honestly.”
“Well then, he can just get over it,” she snapped. This is my daughter’s birthday party, and despite what’s going on around us, you still deserve to enjoy that one special evening. You are making sacrifices right along with me. If he can't see that, then he can cancel the contract.”
“I wonder what history is there between the Klaus family and the Hartleys,” I muttered.
My mother smiled at me, setting my phone on the island between us. “You need to understand that everything you are saying, doing, and searching, is being watched by the Secret Service, the president, and now Klaus Relations. Please use your head.”
“I will,” I promised her. “I really just want to do a little bit of snooping and see what the connection is.”
Wicked Dynasty: The Untouchables | Book Two Page 3