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“I know my predecessor wanted all peace talk here, but I feel that it is dumb not to talk amongst each other outside of the formal discussions in this room. We may very well come up with a good suggestion but be hesitant to share it in a large group. I know a few on our Council are like that at times. We need to trust each other for this to work.”
Where had this guy been the last few days? Who’d decided on Borgman coming?
“I think we can all agree with that.” Carmon smiled at the Councilman, but I could see a strain around his eyes. He didn’t completely trust the man. Good to know.
More was spoken about the Accords, and before I knew it, a headache began at the front of my skull. Lunch was served after my stomach had been growling for forever. My mood, overall, was crummy when I got up to take a short walk before we reconvened for the afternoon.
Jefferson moved behind me to follow, but I held up a hand to his chest to stop him. “I got this. I’m a big girl and can watch my back in a hallway.”
“I am here to protect you.”
“You are here to protect Nathaniel. I have my own back.” He opened his mouth, and I cringed inwardly. “Consort or not, I do not need you.”
Anger flared up in his eyes, and if it weren’t for the abounding love I could feel from him, I would have thrown myself into his arms to take away the hurt.
“Get yourself killed, then, for all I care.”
He turned his back on me, and it did hurt a little, but I could feel his pain too, so I knew I wasn’t alone. In a huff, I fled the room to grab space—space I actually did want and need. The headache still hadn’t ebbed, and I wasn’t sure why Jefferson hadn’t done anything about it yet. Was he too distracted by Jazz and everything else going on?
The window showing off the city at the end of the hall was large, and I went to it to stare out at the thousands of homes and businesses. Would I live here with Jefferson? Did I leave my palace behind for the last time?
Sadness crept in, and my headache made it hard to push the emotion away.
“Hello there, Ms. Carver, right?” I turned to find Patrick Rico sauntering toward me, a smile on his face.
“Yeah. Or, no.” I held a hand to my aching head. I’d wanted to escape for a few minutes, but now I had to make a good impression. “It’s hard to know.”
“Ah, that’s right. You and one of the Lanshay brothers. Consorts is it?” He came to stand beside me at the window, and I forced myself not to retreat as he stepped too close.
“Yes.”
“You don’t seem too happy with him.”
I groaned, my head splitting. The man took it how he wanted and gave a little laugh. “Yeah, they haven’t always been my favorite people either. Always so arrogant. They know they are good at what they do, and they know they have the looks that make the women in this building give them anything they want. No doubt they’ve had more than their fair share of the female warriors here in their beds.”
“Wouldn’t put it past them.” Lie. A total lie. I trusted Jefferson. He hadn’t needed to tell me how many women he’d kissed, but he’d answered, and I knew he couldn’t lie.
“What about you?”
“What about me?” My brain was telling me to run back to Jefferson immediately. I had a job to do, though, and I needed to see it through. Whether Rico was the traitor or a sleaze, I wasn’t sure.
“You don’t seem to want him, but maybe you could choose someone of your liking? I mean, you are beautiful. It wouldn’t be hard to find a man who wants you.” His hand came up to cup my cheek, and my breathing picked up as fear started to claw at me along with uncertainty. What was I supposed to do? How far could I let this go to get the job done?
My brain didn’t answer, but my heart did. At the end of the day, I had to be okay with what I did, and I’d have to be okay answering to Jefferson. He wouldn’t judge me, I knew that, but I wanted a clear conscience.
“Nathaniel wants me to work on my relationship with Jefferson.”
Patrick snorted. “Jefferson?”
“Yeah, he hates the name. If I were you, I wouldn’t use it or he’ll likely kill you. Apparently, his brothers won’t use it out of fear. If it weren’t for the fact he feels obligated to protect Nathaniel and me, I wouldn’t be using it either, but it drives him crazy.” In a good way.
The man laughed. “Well, what about just a little taste of what someone else can give you?”
“I don’t know. Nathaniel wouldn’t be pleased. He’s my mentor, and I respect him.”
“That’s very nice, but will you let him steal all your fun?”
Before I could answer, Rico had his mouth over mine. I pushed at his chest, but his grip on my neck was too strong. My fear spiked to terror, and I hoped it would bring Jefferson running. I needed saving.
