“Well, either way, I can get Audrey’s opinion on it when I see her in a few days.”
“What are you talking about?” Declan asked. “You can’t really be thinking about seeing her when you go to Washington. With everything that’s happened, that’s a terrible idea.”
“So what? You get to see her, but I don’t? It’s a political visit, for Christ’s sake. I’m going at the request of a senator. Why shouldn’t I visit the vice president and her family?”
“You know exactly why. This is going to cause more problems for all of us.”
“Honestly, I haven't seen many problems. That’s why I'm sure it’s David. He will be back here with mom, and I can enjoy a night of knowing that Audrey and I have some privacy.”
“Kylan won’t let you anywhere near her,” Declan muttered. “This is just asking for trouble.”
My eyes flickered to my brother for a split second before I turned my attention back to the woman on stage. The burlesque show was the closest thing we could get to a strip club with my career on the line. Even then, I was still slammed by activists who claimed it was degrading for women. They didn’t care that our patronage for one night often put the women through college, so they didn’t seem to mind.
It still didn’t distract my mind from Audrey. Ever since I’d found out about the chance to see her, I couldn’t get her body off my mind. With Declan’s protests, though, I felt the dream slipping away. The last thing I wanted was to start a fight with my brother. Why should he get to see her, though, and not me? I’d been on my best behavior.
“Listen, I know the whole situation sucks,” Declan said. “If you really want to see her, then I'm coming with you on the trip.”
“Why? Do you think I need a babysitter too?”
“Of course not, but I think that having an extra man there to cover for your ass when you sneak away will come in handy,” Declan grinned.
“Thanks, man, you don’t know how much that means to me. For a second there, you were starting to sound like a Klaus.”
He groaned. “Yuck. I don’t think so. If you want to see her, then you’ve got that right. Do I think it’s a great idea? No. But I understand where you are coming from, and I’ll have your back for as long as you want me to.”
“You don’t know how much that means to me, especially after the conversation I had this morning with our parents.”
“Yikes, I don’t want to know.”
“You can say that again. Mom is still blaming Audrey for the rift between us, and dad is doing this weird thing where he pretends to care.”
“Of course, he is. They are both the same. At least mom is being honest about her dislike. Dad hasn’t said two words to me.”
“You could always extend that first branch,” I said.
“Pass. I’ll let you be the diplomat of the family. I like my position behind the scenes.”
“Hey, I’m not complaining. You’re good at what you do. If anything ever changes, though, and you want to step out front, just let me know, okay?”
“You’ve got it, brother,” Declan said.
We fell silent, watching the show and sipping on cheap booze as the night drug on. Tomorrow it would be a fresh round of meetings and greeting new politicians into the program. I’d be stuck with a fake smile plastered on my face for hours. For one night, though, I was able to think about Audrey. Knowing that I’d be with her in a few short days gave me a boost of excitement at the upcoming trip. Even if it meant dealing with Kylan, Audrey was well worth it.
19
Kylan
“Jesus, how did this become such a mess?” I asked. “Is there any way to talk him out of it?”
“Don’t you think I’ve tried? He has a good reason to go, but I can guarantee that he’s going to try and see her. If you’ve figured out how they're communicating, that will help.”
“I think they have phones, but I can't get close enough to Audrey to search her things. She keeps her purse with her all the time. If she’s got a second phone, that’s where it will be.”
“How did this get past you? You’re supposed to be fielding all his invitations. We are going to be the laughingstock of the industry if we can’t keep our clients under control.”
“It didn’t come to his office. It went right to the president. So unless you’ve got a way for me to start checking that mail, too, I suggest you shut your mouth. You haven’t really been walking on eggshells over there. Has the stalker sent you anything else?”
“No, if they did, I would tell you about it. Where are we at with Declan?”
“He’s coming along. I think I’ve earned his trust, but Dakota jetting off to Washington throws a wrench in the plans. Declan is planning on going with him.”
“Like a good campaign manager should. I assume you’ll be traveling with them as well?”
“What? Why?” she snapped. “They will be there for twenty-four hours.”
“Yeah, all of them. Plus, I need you to talk with Audrey, see if you can get anything out of her. I’d like to meet with the brothers since they are coming this way. Can you make that happen?”
“Yes, but I still think this is a bad idea. You get all of them together, and something bad is going to happen.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I guess we won't know until we try. I’m not ever going to find the stalker unless I can get some straight answers, and this seems like the only way to get them.”
“I hope you know what you are doing,” Molly muttered.
“You and me both. Come up with the Hartleys tomorrow, and I will take it from there.”
“What are you going to do? You can't really have them dropped off at the hotel. All hell would break loose with the media. They’ll already be watching them like a hawk just because they are in the same state.”
“I’ve managed to keep things running this long. There is no reason to start doubting me now. I’ll figure it out, okay?”
Molly complained for a few more minutes, just as I’d expect from her. After a curt farewell and promising everything would be fine, I ended the call. Since our intimate moment a few nights ago, I hadn't seen Audrey, and it was starting to drive me insane. I wanted to know how she communicated with Dakota and Declan almost as badly as I wanted to touch her again. With the Hartleys’ pending arrival, I finally had the excuse I needed to get her alone again.
She’d done her best to avoid me, walking on eggshells and doing everything possible not to ruffle any feathers. I had to admit that I was impressed with her behavior. Maybe if we’d fooled around earlier in the trip, I could have saved myself a good deal of headache. If only it were that simple. Not only did she seem distant, but Audrey also seemed distracted and worried.
Knocking on her door softly, I waited for her to answer. My position in her mother’s inner circle meant that I always knew where she was. After several minutes, Audrey appeared at the door and invited me in. Her looks continued to worry me. The playful smile I’d come to adore was nowhere in sight. Instead, she seemed depressed. It broke my heart, wondering if I was the cause for it. Had I gone too far in ripping her away from the Hartleys?
“What do you need, Kylan? I’m not really in the mood for company.”
“That seems to be a normal thing anymore. Are you okay? You haven’t really seemed like yourself.”
“You mean because I’m not jumping your bones? Maybe I’m just not attracted to you anymore.”
“Is that’s what’s going on? If so, I’m fine with it. I just don’t want to see you upset like this. I thought you’d be ecstatic that Dakota and Declan are coming to town.”
Audrey shrugged. “Sure, I guess I am. I just wish we could find out who is behind all of this drama.”
“What drama? Have you heard from the stalker again?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Does it matter? We are never going to catch him. Never. I don’t know why we are still trying at this point.”
“Hey,” I whispered. “Where is this coming from? You’ve got t
o be one of the most positive, upbeat people I know. This isn’t like you at all. Why don’t you talk to me and tell me what’s going on?”
“Are you kidding me? Why would I talk to you about anything going on in my life?” she snapped. “Last time I checked, you and I weren’t on the same team.”
“Audrey –”
“Just don’t, okay?” she whispered. “Why are you here?”
I’d come into the room with a plan. Getting her to agree to a group meeting was the first step in things lining up. Things weren’t going the way I’d intended. Instead, I just wanted to wrap her in my arms and let her free all the emotions that she kept bottled up. I had to gain her trust just as I’d instructed Molly to do with Declan. We had to work as a team, or each of us was going to be screwed in the end.
“I know I’m not the person you want to talk to, but right now, I’m the only one that you have. I can’t help you unless you talk to me about what’s going on.”
“There is nothing going on. I just miss Dakota and Declan, okay? I love them, something I’m sure you don’t know anything about.”
My stomach lurched. “Believe it or not, I do know a thing or two about love. I also know all about having my heart broken, something you know nothing about.”
She glared at the turnaround. “You’re right. I’ve never had my heart broken before, at least not as an adult. I guess I just know how to love people, so they don’t leave.”
“Ouch,” I muttered.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m being so mean to you. You haven’t done anything wrong, at least not today.”
“Wow, that’s high praise coming from you.”
“Am I really that much of a monster?” she asked.
“Of course not,” I said. “I think you’re wonderful, if not a little headstrong and stubborn. That’s nothing that I can’t handle. You want to tell me what’s going on?”
Audrey sighed and sat down on the bed next to me. Her head rested on my shoulder. It was a simple moment. There was no sexual charge as we sat in silence. Audrey needed me to be there for her but was still resisting my help. It broke my heart to see her suffering so much. I felt entirely hopeless in the situation. While I knew it wasn’t the brothers causing her heartache, I knew they would lift her spirits. I just had to keep her focused on the positive.
“I wish that things could go back to how they were before,” she whispered.
“You mean before the stalker and me?”
“The stalker, yes, I might like to keep you around, though. You come in handy every now and then.”
“Thanks, I feel so special. Have you heard from him?” I asked.
“Do you ever feel like you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t? I feel like that right now. How can a situation just have no positive outcomes?”
“There is always a silver lining. So, I take it that you’ve been contacted by him again?”
Audrey tensed.
“I promise that whatever you tell me, I’m not going to get upset, okay? We’ve got to work as a team if we’re going to make it out of this.”
“It’s not that simple. I can’t just tell you, okay? You have to trust me that I’m trying to do what’s best for everyone.”
“This is serious. If he’s contacting you or making threats, the best thing is to hand the phone over to me. I can trace his number. That’s why you were asking questions the other night, right?”
She jumped off the bed and leaned against the wall. I could tell I’d crossed a line. There was no way she was going to open up to me now. I clenched my jaw, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. Audrey was just doing more damage than good. Did she already know the stalker was sending me images? What was the point of all of it? The plan was too complicated to belong to David alone.
“Why did you come here? Was it just to pry me for information?”
I shook my head. “No, nothing like that. I wanted to talk about Dakota and Declan’s arrival in Washington.”
“Let me guess, you are going to forbid me from seeing them?”
“Not exactly. Actually, I was hoping to help you facilitate it. We all need to speak, the four of us. I don’t think I can get them to agree unless you do.”
She eyed me. “Why do you want to get us all together? Isn’t that what you’ve been trying to stop this whole time?”
“Yes, until recently. With the image sent to me the other night, it’s become apparent that any man in your life is a target. We need to find a way to shut the stalker out.”
“What makes you think that you are a man in my life? I told you the other night was a mistake.”
“Be that as it may, we’ve still got a madman running around out there trying to destroy several reputations. If you are going to insist on spending time with either of them…or both, we need to have a plan to increase security.”
Audrey seemed wary. “What did you have in mind?”
“We can’t meet here. The press will be waiting for a shot of all three of you together. However, they will be staying with the senator for the night. She’s a friend of the president's wife, if I’m not mistaken?”
“Correct, which means that anything that happens there will get back to their mother.”
“Well, what if we don’t try to hide it? At least not much. Molly is traveling with your brothers. I think we can do a bait and switch. Two of us walk in, and two of us walk out. You can stay a while longer, then we can switch you and Molly out after a little while.”
Her mouth dropped. “You would do that for me?”
I nodded but said nothing. I couldn’t find the words. I hated the idea of the men having her to themselves without me there, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make if it turned Audrey’s mood around. Plus, I would be closer to figuring out who the mole was that was working with Audrey’s stalker. With her safely nestled in the Hartley brothers’ arms, beyond the reach of the stalker, I was sure he would message me.
Audrey moved away from the wall as I stood, wrapping her arms around my neck in a moment of intimacy I wasn’t prepared for. My hands slipped around her waist as I took in her intoxicating scent. Even if she didn’t know the depths of my feelings, I understood their meaning all too well. Audrey had already stolen my heart, and I’d do anything to keep her safe and happy.
20
Audrey
Me: I’ve done everything you asked. You got a picture of Kylan and me. Leave me alone.
Does it bother you that you can't boss me around like the others? I won't ever be done with you. I want more.
Me: I’m not going to do it.
Strike three.
Me: Wait! No. I’ll do it.
I waited for a response but got none. My heart was pounding. It wasn’t the way I wanted to start my morning, especially on that day. What should have been a joyous celebration was quickly becoming corrupt. I tossed the phone onto my bed, turning on the television to the news. What if he never came back and everything I’d done was tossed out into the light of day? My phone vibrated.
I’m feeling generous. This is your last warning. Are you listening this time?
Me: Yes. I’m listening.
I want you to take the brothers.
My stomach churned. It was everything I’d been dreaming of. For years the dark fantasy had lingered in the back of my mind. Not like this, though. It seemed too easy. I knew what was going to happen. The stalker would be there somehow, no matter how safe we thought we were. Whether by camera or disguise, he would find a way to get his pictures. He always did.
Me: I can't promise that.
Don’t play coy. You want it. They want it. This is your last chance.
Me: Please, anything but that.
If you don’t, I will know. I am always watching, don’t forget that. If you fail, I won’t bother coming back to DC. This country will be done with you.
Me: Okay. I’ll do it. Will you stop after this?
My phone fell silent in my hands. He wasn’t going to r
eply. He never gave me any clue as to what his master plan was. All I knew was that things were getting out of hand. Before I could think about my next move, someone knocked on the door. I quickly shoved the phone back in my purse and zipped it closed. I was still wearing my lace robe. Grabbing the lace tie, I made myself somewhat decent and jerked open the door. Kylan looked stunned to see me in that state, his eyes traveling over my body and making me forget all about the stalker.
“I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up,” he stammered.
“You didn’t. I was just moving a little slow. Did you need something?” I asked.
He grinned. “You didn’t look at the itinerary I sent you last night, did you?”
“Shit,” I muttered. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a little frazzled here lately. I take it I was supposed to be ready by now? Wait, what time is it?”
“Almost seven. I’m a few minutes early.”
“Well, good then, I haven’t screwed us up yet. Come on in, I’ll make it fast,” I said.
“You know, I don’t think any woman can get ready in a hurry. I did account for your tendencies of running late, though. The car doesn’t leave until seven-thirty.”
I smacked him playfully as the door closed. His hands moved to my hips, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart started to pound as he moved closer. The wall pressed against my back.
“Just how fast can you get ready?” he asked.
I shuddered. “We have some time.”
Kylan grinned, dropping away from me. “Good. Then I’ll be back at seven-thirty. Try not to fall back asleep, princess.”
My mouth dropped open as I watched him leave. My body felt like it was on fire, every nerve tingling and pleading to be touched. It was payback for the other day, but damn, I hated to be left hanging. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter as I started to get ready for the day. Kylan’s visit had taken my dark mood and restored it to upbeat again. I was lucky to have him in my life.
Wicked Dynasty: The Untouchables | Book Two Page 12