Page 22 of Shattered Hearts

Rourke’s absence bothers me, and I refuse to let it go. “I’ll be right back.”

“Let’s get going after you’re done.”

“We’re on the same page.” No, we’re not. He thinks I’m hitting the head and I don’t correct him.

The party sounds fade as I move deeper into the house. I walk past two gentlemen I don’t recognize, but they nod like they know me.

I haven’t been in this part of Mom’s house in many years, but Rourke’s study is the same large airy corner room on the main floor, all wood and dark colors. I slide the door open a crack. I don’t see him, but I hear him. Baby appears by my legs, and Ipress my finger to my lips. If he’s doing business, I don’t want to interrupt. I may not like him, but as far as politicians go, I’m surprised to say I don’t have many arguments about the way he represents our state.

“It’s been over a goddamned year. We need progress made. I don’t care how.” He pauses, tension thick, and I keep back, out of sight in case he walks closer to the doorway.

“For fuck’s sake, yes, I know there have been setbacks, but if we can’t work around them, workthroughthem, this will all be for nothing. We’ve come too far to let a few bumps stop us.”

There’s another pause, and Rourke has come close enough I can hear the buzzing as the voice on the other end sputters in defense.

“We need to complete the testing or we’ll never know what the drug’s full capabilities are.”

Rourke stops, and when he replies, he’s farther away from me. “Then make it happen. I don’t care how.”

There’s a beep, and I think it means Rourke ended the call. I count to thirty, knock, and slide the door open. “Rourke. We missed you at midnight.”

Smoothly, Rourke slides his phone into the pocket of his tuxedo pants. Not a hair is out of place, and he looks like the elegant senator he is. “Gage. Your mother told me you’d be here. Did you bring Zarah?”

Baby growls low in the back of her throat and bares her teeth. My dog hates Rourke. Even as a puppy, she couldn’t stand being in the same room as him.

“Shh,” I say, but she doesn’t stop. “No. She had her own obligations tonight.”

“That’s unfortunate. I would have liked to have seen her again.”

“Yes, well, that may not be the best idea, considering how Max’s award dinner went.” I pause and let that sink in. Let the fact that I willnever let him seeher againsink the fuck in.

He doesn’t react, only sips his drink.

“I saw Willow Black yesterday,” I say, stepping farther into the room.

Baby starts to whine, but it’s more preferable to the snarling and I let her be.

“I know,” he says, walking across the hardwood floor to the bar. “Have a New Year’s drink with me before you go. You don’t stay at these things any longer than necessary, and I appreciate you finding time in your busy schedule,” he says, slightly sarcastically. “Delilah couldn’t keep the smile off her face all day. That means a lot to me.”

Baby lingers near the door hoping for a quick getaway, but I accept the drink, sip, and savor the smoky flavor.

I brush aside the smarmy compliments and zero in on the one thing that matters. “How did you know?”

“Paparazzi camp outside her building, and they report anyone coming or going.Truth or Dareran a story speculating what you and Stella Mayfair were doing there.” He raises an eyebrow, inviting me to share.

“She said you two were having an affair.”

Rourke smiles, a wisp of humor touching his mouth. “We were. Have you ever had a woman against a wall? The perfectly sized woman who fits against you just right that it’s a dream to slide your cock into her. She wraps her legs around your hips and it’s heaven on earth. That’s Willow. She lives up to the name. Strong, but lithe. She doesn’t care what you want to do to her. She bends and takes it all.”

“How can you tell me that?” I’m glad Pop and I already had this conversation or Rourke’s revelation would have surprised the shit out of me.

Now I know better and I keep my fists to myself.

“Come on. Men need more than missionary. I love your mother, Gage. We’ve been married for over thirty years. Men don’t do that with women they only tolerate. We lasted as long as we have because Delilah understands I need more in bed. I simply like things she doesn’t. Our marriage shouldn’t have to suffer.”

“Then Mom knows you cheat.”

“She knows, but I would never be so crass as to share details or throw it in her face.”

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