Page 7 of Power Twist

I snap my eyes open at the sound of the door opening. Palms against the floor, I push up to lean back against the wall. The coolness seeps through my white dress shirt, calming my overheated skin. Anger, worry, and fear mix in my gut, scattering my thoughts and emotions.

“Shouldn't she be on her knees?” Shawn says with a condescending smirk. He tucks his hands into his suit pants and pauses beside Kyle. “Skirt next time, Trailer. If you’re going to sit on the floor, at least make sure we get a good view of the cunt Benson’s ensnared by.”

Thank fuck that I opted for the fitted black pantsuit today. A ‘power suit,’ I thought when I picked out this outfit. Now look at me.

I give my head a small shake and angle my knees together, breaking Shawn's desire-filled stare.

“I’m assuming this means you enlightened Trailer about your brilliant bill proposal,” Shawn says, half turning to Kyle. He moves around the room, taking in the various pictures of past presidents before pausing on a serene farming landscape. “And I’ll take a shot in guessing she’s not a fan.” He cuts his near-black eyes to where I still sit on the floor.

“I will stop this,” I rasp, my throat raw. Hands against the wall, I use it as support to stand. “You two are delusional if you think anyone will agree with you.” I shoot daggers across the room at the two bastards. “I'll take it to the Supreme Court.”

Kyle tilts his head and smiles. “If you weren't so dense, you might be pretty.” He clicks his tongue and saunters around the desk before sliding into the sizeable leather chair. “I have the votes. I even own the superior minds of the Supreme Court. When you've been in this city long enough, you know everyone’s secrets. Andthat,Walmart, is where true power lies.” Steepling his fingers, he presses the point into the dimple of his chin. “And thanks to you, I'm now in a position to wield said power to get what I want. And what I want most of all is you gone.”

“No.” I shove off the wall, my trembling legs barely holding my weight as I advance toward Kyle. “I'll get the votes to stop this.” The conviction in my strong voice surprises even me.

“Let's make it a deal, shall we?” He straightens the cuffs beneath his suit jacket, tugging on the glittering cufflinks. “Ifyou get the votes—which, let’s be honest, won’t happen—not only will you stop the bill from passing into law, but I give you my promise to never bring it up again. Plus, I’ll leave you alone the next four years, allowing you to focus on whatever you desire.”

“And if I don't?” The words are like sand in my parched throat. I won’t let the bill pass, but I need to know the terms I’m sealing my fate to.

“Ah, if you don't get the votes and the bill passes the House and Senate, then you'll be labeled the failure everyone knew you'd become. You'll tuck your tail and scurry back to that rat nest you call home.”

All words leave my brain. I simply stare at him, mouth gaping like an idiot.

His white veneers shine as a smile splits his face. “Those are the terms. Yes or no?”

Still unable to form words, I nod in agreement. What choice do I have?

With a dismissive wave, he reaches for the phone. “Oh, and Walmart?” he says, the receiver now inches from his face. “Get with Todd. I need you with him the next few months at the various summits I’m unable to attend with him.”

Why in the hell would he partner me with the Secretary of State? Unless… oh hell no. Of course, part of his evil plan is to take me out of the country so I can’t be in DC rounding up the votes I’ll need to ensure the bill doesn’t pass. Deceitful brilliant prick.

For the first time since we won, a sense of unease sweeps in, making me question if I made the right choice all those months ago. I got what I wanted—debt free and a chance to prove to everyone back home that I’m not a failure, not just an addict’s daughter. But at what cost?

“Don't look so surprised,” Shawn says with a chuckle as he brushes some invisible lint off his suit jacket. “You know we fight dirty. Speaking of which, I’d be careful in your travels. It’s a dangerous world out there. You never know who's watching.”

* * *

I stormup the snow-cleared and salted walkway to the house. Beta team agents rush to keep up with my hurried strides. Grumbling a string of curse words, I march up the porch steps, causing the wood to rattle and groan. Eyes wild, anger rising, I shove open the front door. It pounds against the stopper before bouncing back, nearly hitting me in the side as I stomp into the house.

My heels skid to a stop on the polished cherry hardwood floor. My ragged breaths draw up in a quick surprised gasp as I take in the man standing in middle of the foyer. Dark jeans, black motorcycle boots, and leather jacket, he’s the most delicious-looking bad boy I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Bad day, Mess?” Trey's signature smirk falters as he scans me from head to toe, pausing on my raw neck. “What did that bastard do to you?”

I take a careful step backward at the menace in his tone only to slam into a solid chest of muscle. A hand encircles my bicep, holding me tight. I turn, looking up at the beta agent whose eyes are locked on Trey's.

“What are you doing here, Benson?” he grunts. The grip on my arm tightens. After this morning’s encounter, my skittish heart races with panic. I yank my arm, desperate to be released from his hold.

“Step back, Roger.” My head whips toward the library door at T's deep baritone voice. “We're here as friends today, not stepping on your toes.” T's dark brown gaze zeroes in on where the Roger guy’s hand grips my bicep. “Come on, Randi,” he says with a wave into the library, his eyes softening when they meet mine. “Let's hear about this first day of yours.”

All the anger and pent-up rage recedes from my tense muscles, leaving behind utter fatigue. I step closer to Trey as I loosen the sash of my soft gray cashmere coat. “You're here,” I say, unbelieving. My gaze shifts between my two friends. “You're both here.”

“Don’t sound so surprised. Now come on, Mess, let's go have a more private chat.”

Without waiting for a response, Trey spins on his heels and strides into the library. My attention falls to his firm ass as he walks away. He really shouldn't be allowed to wear jeans around me. Not that slacks are better, but then that would mean no pants at all, and that's an even worse idea.

I let out a tight breath and look to the ceiling.

Get your shit under control, Randi.

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