Page 32 of Twisted

He shifts closer and says softly.

“Spend the evening with us and if you like what you see, you can sign the contract and stay.”

I say softly, “But what about my date? He’ll be here soon. How will I explain this to him?”

Todd laughs. “You won’t be seeing him again. I’ve made sure he’ll be tied up in red tape for the foreseeable future. His business is spinning on shaky ground at the moment, and he’ll be working to stop the ship from sinking. You’ll be the last thing on his mind tonight, Katherine, and will have the perfect excuse to ditch him in the morning. So, what do you say? Spend the evening learning what we expect and say hello to a life of luxury.”

I smile slowly.

“Keep talking, Senator. I’m interested.”

He reaches out and takes my hand and pulls me to my feet until his mouth is almost touching mine. His eyes glitter dangerously as he whispers, “I’m done with talking, Katherine. I think actions speak louder than words. Let me show you instead.”

I smile at him with a confidence I don’t feel as he leads me from the room. We walk back to the party and I try to silence the screams in my mind. I need to buy me some time until Sam gets here because I’m way out of my depth.

We head back to the party and the noise hits me as soon as we enter the room. A waiter appears with the liquid of confidence and I take a glass gratefully. Todd holds my hand in ownership, and I see the curious glances thrown our way as we cut through the crowd.

He leads me toward a group of men talking in the center of the room, and my heart sinks as I see Grady is one of them. I watch him smile softly as he sees the company I keep. As we approach, his gaze strips me bare and I see the promise in his eyes.

Todd smiles and introduces me to the group. “May I introduce Katherine Rogers? I believe you already know Grady and this is Vincent Somerville and Sebastian Grimes, two associates of ours.”

I smile politely and just listen as the men talk business. Grady takes his chance and sidles up beside me and whispers, “We meet again, Katherine. I trust Todd has filled you in on how things operate here.”

I nod coolly and he smirks. “Then I’ll look forward to finishing what I started. I like to win, Katherine, and you will enjoy my victory.”

I don’t answer as another woman moves toward us and grasps his hand tightly. She looks at me with interest and I see the bright eyes of the intoxicated staring curiously at me from behind her mask. Like the last companion he had, she is obviously on something which I’m sure she would need to endure his attention. He grins and runs his hands behind her and fondles her ass. She giggles and whispers something in his ear. Winking at me, he pulls her from the group and I watch as they head out of the room.

I take a sip of my drink and swallow the bile with it. Grady Vincent is the most revolting man I’ve ever met, and that’s saying something.

It doesn’t take long before another familiar face makes his way to my side. Preston looks at me as if all his Christmas’s have come at once. He says softly, “I’m glad to see you here, Miss. Rogers. I enjoyed our last encounter and will look forward to many more.”

I nod and my eyes flash as I see the heat in his gaze. He whispers, “Tonight I get to show what I promised you. It will be you tied up and begging for my mercy as I introduce the whip I promised as a reward for a job well done.”

I think I’m about to pass out. This is not looking good.

Todd pulls me to his side and nods to Preston.

“Excuse us, Preston, I have someone I need Katherine to meet.”

I follow him gratefully as we move away from the lustful gaze of Preston. Todd laughs softly, “Preston and I like to share more than just our name. However, that will have to wait because you need to be introduced to the main man himself. If he approves of our choice, then your future is sealed. Come, don’t be nervous. He will love you.”

I feel the nerves shaking me from inside as I follow Todd to the corner of the room where a large crowd is gathered around one man. My heart beats faster as the sea of people part and I see the man with the greatest power in the land - if not the world.

Chester Fordham, or as he is known widely, President Fordham. The current ruler of our great nation and the biggest prize of all. He exudes power and authority, and his charisma is legendary. He is a popular President and stands to win a second term of office. His first lady is adored by everyone, and they paint a picture of a devoted couple. However, the eyes that watch me approach tell a different story entirely. The man that watches me has fire in his eyes and steel running through his blood. This man is a hunter and I know what he is immediately. The look he gives me says it all. I’ve been led to believe I have a choice in all this. That look says otherwise.

Todd pulls me close and says confidently, “Sir, I would like to introduce Katherine Rogers.”

He turns to me and smiles. “I’m sure the President needs no formal introduction.”

I smile politely as he holds out his hand. As I place my hand in his, it seals the deal. I see the intent in his gaze and the grip on my hand promises of an intimacy that we will share. He smiles. “Miss. Rogers, I’m charmed. Now tell me, has Todd explained how everything works around here?”

I nod and smile shyly. “He has.”

He nods with a satisfaction that registers as arrogance, and I want to slap him hard around the face. These men chill my blood and stoke my anger. They think they have it all worked out. They take what they want and to hell with anyone’s feelings. They use and abuse and dress it up as if they are the ones bestowing a great honor on you. I shake inside with the rage of all the other women stood here before me. They weren’t strong enough, but I am. I know what these men are, and respectable isn’t the word I’d use to describe them. I harden my heart and my eyes flash with resolve. I actually can’t wait to bring them down.

Chapter 19

Sam

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