Page 41 of Royal Beast
I’m taken aback by Darcy’s maneuvering. Judge Hammond and Senator Burns are well-known political rivals. She must know what she’s doing, bringing up his name like this.
“That old fart doesn’t realize he needs to retire,” Burns says, his expression darkening.
“I agree,” Darcy replies, leaning against me. “I wish we could have men in power who were as efficient as you, but things are changing nowadays. Perhaps if you could help my husband with his casino project, we could donate to your campaign for re-election as a way to say thank you.”
I blink, momentarily speechless at how smoothly she managed that interaction. The senator’s eyes brighten. “Well, I’m always open to new opportunities,” he says eagerly. Darcy has him in the palm of her hand already.
“Of course,” she says with a nod, giving him a friendly pat on the arm before moving on to the next person.
Darcy works the room, all while reading each person she meets like a book. She knows exactly how to adjust her tone, her posture. Everything about her changes just enough to make them feel comfortable, but she’s always in control.
We encounter the wife of a prominent businessman, one Rory’s been trying to get on our side for months. But word on the street is that the Russians are courting him just as hard.
“Madeline, it’s lovely to see you this evening,” Darcy says, a warm smile on her face as the woman approaches, giving Darcy a gentle hug and exchanging air kisses.
“Darcy! I haven’t seen you since you came to the Businesswomen of Thornville luncheon with Miranda, my dear,” Madeline says, her voice bright.
“It was a wonderful lunch,” Darcy replies. “My husband and I were just talking about all the amazing work you and the other ladies are doing for the people of our city. I know that you havea few other projects in the works as well. Did I hear something about a women’s center?”
“Oh, you know how it is,” Madeline says with a tight smile and a wave of her hand. She glances discreetly over at her husband. “I’ve been trying to get this women’s center off the ground for ages. It would mean the world to me and to so many other women. But my husband Charles… well, he’s less than enthusiastic.”
“I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t support that,” Darcy says, her tone lightly scandalized.
“Oh, Charles keeps saying it’s not practical.” Madeline sighs. “If he won’t put up some of our own money, it’s hard to get other donors interested.”
Darcy nods thoughtfully. “Kellan has a knack for understanding people,” she says, a glint in her eye as she tilts her head toward me. “He might be able to convince Charles. He knows how much a project like this would elevate Thornville’s reputation, not to mention your husband’s.”
Madeline’s eyes light up, a spark of hope flickering. “You’d be willing to talk to him?” she asks, raising an eyebrow as she looks at me.
“Of course I would,” I say, stepping in. “I know how important a project like this can be. A women’s center is just what Thornville needs. It’s the perfect place to help out our town’s hard-working single mothers and those re-entering the workforce.”
Madeline gives us a grateful look, the worry easing from her face. “Thank you so much, Kellan. And Darcy, thank you, as well. It’s refreshing to finally meet someone who understands.”
Darcy smiles, a spark of satisfaction on her face. “That’s what friends are for.”
This woman isn’t just charming. She’s calculating, smart, and damn effective. I can’t help but feel a strange sense of prideswelling inside me as I watch her. It’s clear that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
The sight of her in that dress, effortlessly managing the people around us, has my trousers suddenly feeling a bit too tight. I take Darcy by the arm and start subtly steering her toward the restrooms.
“What’s going on?” she asks as we walk into one. I turn and lock the door, grateful this place is fancy enough to have a separate anteroom with a lounge, including a sofa.
“What’s going on is that I can’t believe how incredible you’ve been tonight,” I whisper, stepping in front of her as I gently pull her down onto the sofa with me. “I’ve been watching you talk to people all night. You’re a natural at this. You look like a delicious femme fatale, like a modern-day Mata Hari.”
Darcy blushes from head to toe. As I pull her into my lap, my hand snakes up her dress to find that she’s not wearing any panties.
“Mrs. Brannagan,” I tease, pretending to be shocked. “Look at you.”
Her head tilts back to look at me and she bites her lip. “Are you going to punish me?” she asks.
A low growl escapes me, and I plunge my fingers between her folds, pressing two into her already soaked entrance. “Fuck,” I breathe, turned on by how wet she is. I rotate my hand so my thumb can rub over her clit while my fingers slowly move in and out.
“Oh, Kellan,” she cries out softly, a sigh falling from her lips. “Yes, just like that…”
My fingers move faster, my knee shifting so she’s straddling it as I finger her. Our eyes meet, and my hand moves to cup her cheek before bringing our mouths together. As we kiss, I continue my assault with my fingers as my thumb circles her bud.
Our tongues meet, swirling around each other in a slow dance. My fingers pick up speed as Darcy’s hips snap against my thigh, the illicit nature of our tryst fueling the passion of our actions.
Darcy leans her head against my shoulder as she rolls against me, chasing her release. “Fuck,” she whispers, eyes rolling back in her head. “Oh, God, I’m coming, Kellan,” she moans.
