Page 100 of Powerless

“Precisely.” Mark smirks.

Once in the Oval Office, I head out to find Jamie. He’s sitting at his desk and he looks up when he sees me. “Sir. I’ll get your coffee.”

“Thank you.” I head back into the office and wait until Jamie’s bought in my coffee. “Jamie,” I say before he retreats to his desk.

“Sir?”

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Of course.” He stands tall and pulls his shoulders back. “I need you to arrange for um...” Shit, this is harder than I thought it was going to be. “I need for Kathryn’s clothing to be packed and donated.”

Jamie’s eyes widen and for a split second, I’m waiting for pushback from him. “Of course, Sir,” he says. He hovers for a few seconds. “Is that all?”

I’m fighting with myself; a part of me wants to tell him to forget about it and leave things exactly how they are, but I know I can’t keep living in the past. It’s not healthy.

Not for me, and not for those around me. I need to rebuild my life.

“Thank you.” I open my briefcase and search for my reading glasses.

I hear the door close, and I look up to stare at it.

It’s been thirteen months since Kathryn has passed and although it’s been unbearable, little by little, I’m learning to breathe again.

I’ll never love another the way I loved her.

It’s impossible.

EPILOGUE

REELECTION YEAR

My standing appointment with Mary is a godsend tonight. I just need a moment to step away from all the stress I’ve been under. Walking out of my office, my phone rings as I head toward the residence. I slide my phone out of my pocket and look at the name. Liam knows I need the next few hours to regroup. I end the call as Mark holds the elevator door open for me. My phone rings again as the elevator ascends. “Yes, Liam,” I say with a touch of annoyance.

“There are a few things we need to discuss.”

I walk toward the bedroom and begin to open the door. “I said I...” I lift my chin to see Mary isn’t in the room. “I’ll call you back.” I slide my phone into my jacket pocket and eye the magnificent woman nervously standing in front of me. Her dark eyes widen as she draws her lower lip between her teeth. The dirty things I instantly want to do to that mouth of hers. I gain my composure and arch a brow. “Who are you?” I need Mary back. I’ve never had such a staggering or triggering reaction to anyone, well, not since Kathryn.

She steps forward and offers me her shaky hand. “My name is Reece Maxwell, Mr. President.”

I want her. No, no, I can’t let myself be affected by her. What is it about her though? She’s breathtakingly beautiful, yet so...I don’t know how to describe this feeling. My damned heart is beating like it’s been jump-started. I don’t dare take her hand, or I might end up pulling her toward me and kissing her like she’s never been kissed before. I fold my arms against my chest to stop myself from reaching out to her. “Reece?”

Her eyes drop as if she’s disappointed, and she takes a step backward. “Yes, sir.”

My cock hardens when she calls me sir. I need her. I want her. I want to bend and break her. Fuck her until she screams with pleasure. I want her like I’ve wanted only one woman before. “Where’s Mary?” Right now, I need Mary. I need Mary because she’s safe and there are no heightened feelings when I’m with her.

Reece’s breath hitches as her shoulders slightly tilt forward. She quickly regroups and lifts her chin toward me. “I’m sorry, sir, but Mary was unable to make it tonight.”

I know I’m staring at her intently, because I’m trying to figure out if I can actually go through with this. “Why am I the last one to hear about this?”

“I don’t know why you’re the last one to hear about this. Maybe ask whoever’s been organizing your meetings,” Reece snaps with a level of irritation. I slowly tilt my head at her word vomit. Her eyes widen and she slightly shakes her head. Lifting her chin, she clears her throat. “I apologize, Mr. President. I can leave and let Sofia know you only want Mary.”

No, I want Reece, not Mary. I don’t ever want to see Mary again. “Who’s Sofia?”

She takes a small, sharp breath as she lowers her head for a spilt second. “My apologies, Mr. President. There seems to have been a miscommunication somehow.” A miscommunication? Are you kidding? This is phenomenal. She walks away from me, reaches for her bag, and makes a beeline for the door.

What the fuck? No. “What are you doing?” I reach for her, refusing to let her walk out of the bedroom. My fingers tighten around her upper arm and I can’t help but notice Reece’s lips slightly part as she slowly drops her gaze to look at where my hand is holding on to her. Jesus, what am I doing? I’m scaring her. “I should be the one to apologize,” I say, trying not to frighten her any more than she already is. “Please, stay.” I take a few steps backward, creating a distance between us. There’s a moment of hesitation from her, but thankfully, she agrees to stay. “Would you care for a drink?” I need as much space between us as I can get, or I’m afraid I’ll ravage her without getting to know a single thing about her. I pour myself a scotch.

“No, thank you, Mr. President.”

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