Page 55 of Power Twist

“Yeah, I heard you the first time,” I say. “Listen, it is what it is. I need to be here for several reasons. I'm already in Chile and—”

“Fly the fuck home, right now,” he grits out. I’m surprised I can't hear his teeth grinding through the phone.

“Not going to happen, asshole. I'll see you back in DC in four days. Until then—”

“You do not want to defy me like this, Walmart.”

“Or what?” I snort. “You'll send the marines after me? I don't require your permission on my travel and daily schedule.”

“You'll regret this.”

“Pretty sure I won’t.” The line goes dead before the last word can leave my lips. “Fucker,” I yell, shaking the phone before chucking it onto the seat. “Fuck!” I slam my fist against the leather armrest.

Okay, maybe going against the president’s direct orderwasa dumb idea. Based on that conversation, I have now added him to my list of formidable, dangerous enemies. Not that he wasn’t penciled in before this, but based on the murderous rage in his tone just now, my choice to ignore his order tipped Kyle over the edge from angry little politician to violent, rabid killer. But what was I supposed to do? Just let the oil issue slide? Sure Taeler said she thought it was due to EPA regulations, but what if it’s something else. Here I can get answers, uncover new information. Plus I had to come, I couldn’t miss my chance to meet with the Russians to figure out what the hell they want to tell me so badly they’ve reached out several times.

I need to be here, even if the decision has put me in Kyle’s crosshairs more than ever before. My guys will keep me safe, and Taeler's new secret service team lead will ensure her safety too. I'll miss Grem a lot, but when he offered to stay behind to kick those idiot agents into shape, I couldn't say no.

The unease of those two together on a daily basis is still there in the back of my mind, but who am I to say it's wrong if they do get together? They’re both consenting adults just like me and Trey. All I asked of Grem was for him to keep her safe above everything and use protection.

I'd never seen a man blush like that before. It was adorable.

Shifting against the leather, I attempt to ease the soreness in my tight leg muscles. Stupid T and Trey and their workout routines are killing me slowly. There hasn’t been an ache-free day since they put me on the stupid plan. Running a hand down my slim black trousers, I massage along the tight muscles. Already there's a difference in the muscle tone, which is kind of nice—not that I'll admit that to them. That would only encourage more running and weights.

Outside the window, the passing of buildings slows as we approach the convention center. Arriving late to the summit isn't exactly the impression I want to make, but better late than never. As we approach, a massive crowd comes into view. Hundreds of people congregate along the sidewalk behind a row of SWAT-like officers. Their shouted words are muffled through the thick glass of the limo's windows, but the fury etched on their yelling faces, the anger rolling off the crowd, speaks for itself.

The leather groans as I shift forward, snagging a bottle of water before twisting off the cap to take a quick sip. The cool water slides down my dry throat, relieving a portion of the rising nerves.

What if Kyle was right about the protests and potential attacks and Ishouldn’t be here?

The limo rocks slightly at the slamming of the front doors. I slide trembling fingers down the front of my silk blouse before checking the back to make sure it remained tucked in place. Too soon the door swings open, a burst of warm humid air brushing across my face.

The moment the heel of my black Louboutins hits the pavement, an arm locks with my own, urging me forward. The crowd continues to roar their displeasure as I'm rushed down the narrowly cleared path. The pointed toe of my right shoe catches on a deep crack in the concrete. I suck in a breath at the sense of falling, but T's strong arm tightens, gripping the crook of my elbow between his and keeping me upright as he continues moving us toward the front doors.

Inside, the blasting air conditioning sends a chill down my spine as it brushes against my clammy skin.

“What is that all about?” I ask, turning to face the rest of the team as they file inside.

“Environmentalists,” Trey explains. “With all the fracking and deep sea drilling, they're here every year. Don't worry, Mess, it's not just you they're pissed at.”

Okay, that does make me feel alittlebetter.

A man in a tailored gray suit approaches, a grim smile on his leathered face. Sunspots dot his forehead, extending back onto the top of his bald head. Clearing his throat first, like he wanted to make the agents aware of his approach, the mystery man steps closer.

“Welcome, Madam VP.” Internally, I roll my eyes. “Come, the summit began this morning. I'll show you to your assigned seat.”

When the man turns, starting back in the direction he came, I look to Trey, then T.

“We're here, Mess,” Trey whispers as we march step for step following the man. “You focus on your job and we'll do ours. You're safe, promise.”

I should tell them about the conversation with Kyle, make them aware of the new foe I've stirred up in case it turns into a real threat. But before I can get a word out, the man turns, lips pursed and waving a hand, urging us to hurry.

Right.

Swallowing back the words, I shake out my hands just before he tugs a wide metal door open, rushing us inside.

Later. I'll tell them later. It's not like anything will happen before I have a chance.

I hope.

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