Page 32 of The Deceived

Rex is quiet for a moment, looking contemplative. “My parents are gone too. I also have no brothers or sisters.”Huh. Lookie there, we have something in common.

He grabs two wine glasses from the cart and sets them down on the table. Then he grabs the bottle of wine, pouring us each a glass. Once our glasses are filled, he hands one to me.

“Thanks.” I sip the wine after my semi confession. It was much needed and I wonder if he realizes that I was talking about him. Did I just blow my cover? I watch Rex closely as he takes a generous pull from his glass, his Adam's apple bobs in the tanned column of his muscled throat. I hate that I am attracted to him. After all of it, I am still attracted to him. He continues to talk, and I listen. Hoping that what he says can be used as ammunition for my war.

“I was born on the wrong side of the tracks. My mother died of a drug overdose when I was young and I was left with a very resentful father that didn’t want me and he took every available opportunity to take his hatred out on me, physically.”

His eyes grow distant as if he steps back in time and he’s quiet for a few moments. Almost reflective.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” No, I am actually not, I’m glad he’s alone and hopefully miserable. Do I wish him ill as a child, no, of course not, but he didn’t give a shit what happened to me after he destroyed my family and stole my father's company? I stuff a fry into my mouth. Does it make me a terrible person that I’m happy he has nobody? I’m not even sure I care if it does make me a bad person. I’m happy that he has nobody.Just like me.

“I’m sorry that you’re alone, Winter. I know how difficult that can be, even more so for a woman of your age. I know you can’t go to school now since you reside at the Manor.” Such a polite way to call me a whore.

He continues, “But are you planning to go to school once you leave the Manor?” It’s a welcome change of subject for both of us, but the softness I see in his eyes, the compassion that is there and directed at me, not disgust or dismissal, is almost my undoing. I’ve not had anyone show compassion, or in this case, feel sorry for me in a long time. I’ve not had anyone to give a shit about me. I clear my throat so that when I speak my shaky voice doesn’t betray my nerves.

“I actually design jewelry. Or well, I use to. I’d love to be able to pursue that again.”Why did I tell him that?I haven’t designed jewelry since before my parents passed away. It was once a passion of mine that seems to have died when they did. I haven’t even thought about it in ages, but here I am blurting it out and sharing something I love, well once loved with him.

What the hell is wrong with me?Definitely time to change the subject.

“So, what about you. Let’s say you win this term. You can’t run for governor again. Where do you see yourself then?”

“I’m headed to the White House.” Rex pops a fry into his mouth with a triumphant smirk. One that says he knows his path to victory is all but assured.

And I would expect nothing less.

“Oh, Mr. President.” I laugh as I toss a fry at him. Of course, the bastard catches it in his mouth.

“You’re pretty perfect huh?” I ask as I sip my wine. He looks so happy with himself.

“I’m absolutely not perfect but I know what it’s like to reinvent yourself. I know what it’s like to want to seek revenge. And I know how it feels when you finally get it.”

I bet he does.I take a sip of the wine wondering how this night took such an unexpected turn.

We stare at each other as the tension builds between us.

“How does it feel when you finally get revenge?”One day soon, I’ll know.

There’s so much left unsaid but I can see in his eyes where this is about to go. Rex stands up and comes around to my side of the table. I watch with bated breath. I’m not certain what he’s about to do. He spins my chair away from the table. I hold firmly onto my wine glass as he does.

He leans over me, nipping at my lips. His soft kisses turn ravenous and I’m practically putty in his evil hands as he slides down to his knees in front of me and confidently spreads my thighs. I watch enraptured. I hate the effect this man has on me. Love and hate all wrapped up into an impossible tangle.

I sip my wine, never breaking eye contact with him as he kisses and nips his way up my thigh.

His breath hovers over my lace thong briefly before he slides it over, his tongue flicking out to touch my clit. I roll my head back and moan.

His mouth is magic.

I sip my wine again, trying to seem unaffected when Rex says, “Revenge is fucking fantastic.” He sucks on my clit. “You should seek your revenge.”

I choke on my wine.

CHAPTER16

REX

The last few days on the campaign trail have been great. And having Winter with me, by my side has made things a hell of a lot more interesting, even if she is pretending to be my assistant’s assistant. It hasn’t stopped me from sneaking kisses at times. It’s brought a little bit of fun to an otherwise fairly boring but necessary endeavor.

It was worth every penny that I had to donate to that shelter called Survive at Knox’s request. Apparently, his wife is involved with it and that place does some amazing things, though and I plan to add it to the list of my regular, annual donations. Maybe I could even manage to do a fundraiser for it. I make a mental note to have Tori look into that idea.

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