Page 120 of Missile Strike

As did Olivia Flores.

Once the doors to the ballroom closed, Isabella turned to the reporter, her tone icy.

“I can speak for myself, but Mr. Mayhew is correct. I have nothing further to add to our previous interview—especially after discovering your ulterior motive.”

Olivia’s gaze flicked between Isabella and Danny. “What ulterior motive? I was doing my job.”

“Does your job include leaving threatening notes on Ms. Strickland’s car?” Danny’s smile was all teeth, and Isabella wasn’t sure anyone would be fooled into thinking it was friendly.

Olivia fell back a step, her mouth going slack. “What are you accusing me of?”

“The newspaper neglected to mention your campus protest days when they submitted your media credentials,” Danny said.

Color surged up the reporter’s neck, her posture stiffening. “That was years ago. Those charges were dropped. And I did not leave a threatening note on your car.”

Isabella glanced at the gold watch adorning her wrist. “Not the time or place. I need to escort the mayor to the podium.”

“I’m not the threat,” Olivia hissed. “But that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.” She took a step toward Isabella.

“Back away.” Danny’s voice was low. Lethal.

“But—”

“Enough.” Isabella’s heart was pounding as she cut off whatever the reporter had been about to say. “I have to begin the program.” She stepped back into the ballroom, smoothing her hands over her dress, pretending not to notice her parents’ concerned looks.

Control. Her mask back in place, she returned to her parents’ table.

“Everything all right?” Her father’s sharp eyes studied her. “Was that woman causing problems again? We should ask security to kick her out.”

“She’s a member of the press, Dad. You don’t want that to be what the paper runs with tomorrow as their headline instead of your campaign bullet points.”

She pressed a hand to his shoulder, then smiled at the mayor. “If you’re ready.”

Once the mayor was on stage, Isabella stepped to the side, the air easing from her lungs.

Talia appeared at her elbow. “Are you okay? What did the reporter want?”

“Nothing important.” Now wasn’t the time to get into it.

“I’ve got to use the ladies’ room. Come with me before your dad speaks.” Talia linked fingers with Isabella and tugged her toward the back of the room.

Danny slipped back into position as the room settled and the chatter from his team slowly died down.

Still, something felt off. There was an itch beneath his skin. A restlessness he couldn’t shake.

Olivia had looked genuinely shocked at the accusation. Either she was an accomplished actress, or she wasn’t responsible for the note.

Didn’t mean she was innocent.

He tracked her as she shouldered her way past a photographer and swept through the door exiting the ballroom.

Danny made eye contact with Nathan and tilted his head in Olivia’s direction.

Nathan leaned toward his wife. A moment later, Emily pushed back from the table and followed.

His attention shifted to Bella, as it had too many times this evening. Thank God he had a highly skilled team of men and women working with him tonight, because his focus was not what it should be. All he could see was Bella in her demure yet somehow still sexy-as-hell gown. Her makeup was heavier than usual, but damn, it made the gold in her eyes pop, and that lipstick highlighted lush, sensual lips that he wanted to feast on.

When tonight was over, he intended to fuck her until they were both too exhausted to get out of bed.