Page 84 of The Rebel King

“There’s a great deal of interest in Maxim running for president,” Warren says.

His words don’t sink in right away. It takes my mind a few seconds to process them.

“I’ve already told him no,” Maxim says.

“Don’t be hasty.” Warren runs a scathing glance over my perfectly presentable wrap dress and ballet flats. You’d think I was dressed like a stripper the way he looks at me so disdainfully. “And don’t listen to her.”

“I think you should consider it,” I tell Maxim.

Two dark heads swivel, and both men stare at me.

“Listen to her, son,” Warren says, a smile stretching across his distinguished features. “The girl knows what she’s talking about.”

I twist my lips scornfully. “This isn’t about furthering your agenda, Mr. Cade.”

“Then what is it about exactly?” Maxim asks, a frown sketched between his brows.

“For one thing,” I say, “the Dems probably have no one who can actually beat Senator Middleton.” I slide a contemptuous look toward his father. “And we both knowhishistory of partnering with corporations to steal protected lands in addition to many other of his policies that hurt marginalized people.”

“Well, I’m glad that after all these years,” Warren says, ignoring my not-so-subtle dig, “we finally agree on something. I appreciate your assistance persuading my son to see sense.”

“I’m not doing this for you,” I say, glaring at him. “It’s for Owen. For the people.”

I grab Maxim’s hand and look into his eyes, blocking out his father’s manipulative presence. “For you, Doc. What if this is your launch code?”

A muscle in Maxim’s jaw clenches, and he shakes his head. “Then there is no launch because I won’t risk you.”

“Launch?” Warren asks. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m not staying here while some thief takes the Oval,” I say,ignoring Warren’s question. “Do you want Middleton to win by default while we hide?”

“And you think you can fix it?” Maxim demands.

“I have to try.”

“No.” His tone is implacable, but the fear in his eyes is evident. I know it’s for me, not for himself. “Crowds? Rallies? Public speeches? A dozen chances, a hundred ways every day for that lunatic to kill you? No. We can’t do it.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“Lennix,” he says, his voice a warning I have no intention of heeding. “Gregory Keene killed my brother, and you were supposed to be in that car. I’ve almost lost you twice to this bastard. You think I’ll risk losing you again by running for the most high-profile job on Earth in a never-ending public interview process? No.”

“Look, I told you I’ll accept the securityandwear the tracker.”

“Not until he’s caught,” Maxim says, frowning.

“So indefinitely? We’ll stay here even if he doesn’t surface for the next year, two years, three? Another four years while some douchebag is president?”

“Grim has leads.”

“Fuck Grim’s leads. I will not stay in hiding while my country falls apart.”

“Falls apart is a little dramatic,” Warren inserts. “Middleton’s not that bad, but Maxim is what this country needs.”

“Don’t you mean whatyouneed?” I turn a questioning brow on him. “What’s your agenda in all this?”

“I simply believe Maxim’s the best man for the job,” Warren says, shifting his glance to his son, “and the job isnow. There’s an appetite for your vision and leadership.”

“Don’t think if hedoesdecide to run you’ll be pulling his strings. If you want a Cade for your schemes, find yourself another one.” I position myself between the two men, pressing my back into Maxim’s hard chest and glaring up at his father. “This one you can’t have.”

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