The Devil Goes to Washington (Wife for Hire Agency)

Chapter 1

“What the fuck is she doing here?” a familiar, gravelly male voice boomed.

Evelyn Burgh’s body reacted before she could process who had spoken. She dug her heels into the lush carpet, resisting the need to run across the room and jump into his arms. The heady scent of leather and sandalwood cologne with a touch of vanilla overpowered her senses, making her mouth water. She craved him as much as she had eight years ago. While the visceral reaction taunted her, she pinched her leg to remind herself of why she had started referring to him as the devil.

“Didn’t I tell you she was lovely?” asked Miss May, owner of the Wife for Hire agency.

Her cloying sweet voice rang through the room, ushering Evelyn into the meeting room on the top floor of the luxury Washington DC hotel. It was spring, but the breathtaking view of the city with the blooming cherry blossom trees was shut out by the thick tapestry curtains, much like she was sure was about to happen to her. She examined the intricately patterned rug under her feet, looking for any spots she missed during her cleaning the week prior.

“You know each other?” a zealous voice exclaimed.

“Hello, Mr. Harding.” Evelyn greeted as she took a deep breath and smoothed her retro-50s-style white dress before daring to look up into the deep, expressive dark eyes she had always loved. She had hoped time would have softened him a little. His fists bore down on the highly polished mahogany table as he stood front and center, surrounded by other suits. Suppressing the urge to wipe his dirty prints from her diligent work, she looked to Miss May to rescue her from the impending confrontation. Unfortunately, she was involved in an intense conversation with the gray pinstripe in the corner.

“Miss D’Ambroglio. I take it you are my intended.” Michael T. Harding, IV stood at the other end of the long room in his well-tailored navy blue suit and complementary tie. She assumed it was silk because a Harding would only have the best, or so Mr. Harding the Third used to say while looking down his nose at her like she was a speck of dirt the maid had missed.

“I go by Burgh now,” she corrected him. “Yes, apparently, I have been selected to be your wife.” She firmly ignored the temptation to escape while she had the chance, as had no other option at this point.

“They didn’t tell you it was me?” It was a good question, one she was kicking herself for not asking sooner. Desperate times make people agree to anonymous arranged marriages by quirky brokers like Miss May, who had found Evelyn crying over a spilled mop bucket.

“I didn’t know until I saw you just now.” It didn’t even sound believable to her, but he, or at least his people, had kept this arrangement a well-guarded secret, which was understandable for a man of his standing. None of it mattered to her, as long as he didn’t back out of the deal.

“That is an interesting story.” His brow furrowed like it used to when he was trying to figure something out.

“What did you want me to say? That the lying, conniving gold-digger you once knew has come back for your fortune?”

“That would be more believable from someone who left a crippled man behind and ran as fast as she could.” Over the years, she had replayed versions of their reunion in her mind. She had imagined him angry, but compassionate. She had even hoped he might still love her, but his acerbic words were worse than she had imagined. She could take anything Michael could dish out, but she was determined to protect her son who desperately wanted a father. This marriage could be a bigger risk than she had expected.

“This is so fucking fantastic! Ms. Burgh, I’m Blake Buchanan, this guy’s campaign manager.” He pointed a thumb toward Michael before shaking her hand enthusiastically. “These two are the PR super-team from Noble Relations, Sabrina Noble, herself, and Ethan Shunderson. The tall one in the corner is the incomparable Heath Hayes.”

“It’s nice to meet you all. Mr. Hayes and I are acquainted as well.” He wasn’t trying to hide his glower any more than Michael had. They had been best friends in law school, and their families were old DC money with a firm hold on both politics and power, tracing their ancestry to the founding fathers.

“Blake, don’t get ahead of yourself. This deal is not going to happen,” Michael warned.

“But my fee...” Miss May’s raised voice caught Evelyn’s attention.

“Why? This is a fantastic story to boost your ratings.” Blake returned to the table to argue with Michael while she still stood inside the entrance to the room. She would need to let them hash this out and hope that they could talk reason into Michael, which had always been a difficult feat when he made up his mind.

“Voters will eat up this Cinderella story. A beautiful, single mom swept off her feet by the charismatic senator.” Ethan waved his arms around as if the words were on a billboard.

“Wait a minute. They already know each other. I smell a story here.” Rubbing her hands together, Sabrina looked like a greedy mastermind whose plan was coming together.

“Michael,” Heath interrupted. “You don’t really have a choice. Contracts have been signed, monies spent, there are no other prospects, and the candidate’s announcement comes out this week. Besides, she can fake it better than anyone else could. She’s proved that before.” Hayes had been against Michael dating her from the start and had been very vocal about it. Still, she had to smirk at the irony of him being the advocate for her in this arrangement.

“See, I told you!” Sabrina turned to her colleague. “They were a couple! We have a second chance romance!” The woman jumped out of her seat, hands in the air like she had won the lottery.

“Don’t forget the insta-family you get with her son.” Ethan joined in the celebration.

“Right. There’s a kid. Where is it?” Michael asked, devoid of emotion.

“Oh, I told her to leave that dear sweet boy with my assistant while we took care of all the legalities. Come, Evelyn, do sit down and make yourself more comfortable.”

She moved to take a seat at the table. She liked Miss May and was thankful to have someone extend some courtesy to her, but she also knew it was only to secure the signing bonus.

“Michael, did you read any of the papers I sent over?” Heath laid out stacks of documents in front of him. Ignoring the question, Michael slumped into the buttery white leather chair across from her.

HE STARED AT HER IN disbelief. Jet black curls framed Evelyn’s delicate, thin face. A crescent-shaped white hat and small veil did nothing to hide the emerald green eyes that had haunted Michael for years and now set him on fire. It was a fine line between lust and rage. He would see which won out by the time the day was over. The flair of her skirt emphasized the curve of her hips he used to grip when thrusting deep inside of her. The memory of her soft mews mixed with the musk of their sweaty bodies sliding together played through his mind, blurring the conversation around him. Keeping the table between them was the only way to hide his physical reaction to her. He was doing everything he could to prevent himself from pulling her across the table and feasting on her laid out before him.

“You need to soften your image and be seen as a family man,” his campaign team had lectured. They hadn’t been wrong yet in the history of his political career. He hoped they weren’t this time either.

“Ms. Burgh, have you reviewed the prenuptial agreement?” Starting the formal proceedings, Heath didn’t seem surprised to see Evelyn. As the family lawyer, just like his father was before him, Heath would be thoroughly aware of all the details involved in today’s meeting.

“Yes.” Evelyn’s simple answer gave away nothing.

Many of his opponents said that he was just ‘riding his daddy’s coattails.’ Maybe he had won his state senate seat when he ran in honor of his father who had died while in that office, but it had taken hard work and dedication to earn the trust of his followers and the votes for a national position.

“You understand you will be required to live in the same house as Mr. Harding for one year, during which an assistant will closely monitor your schedule. In addition, there will be functions you will attend as Mrs. Harding, the happy newlywed.” Heath’s skeptical tone reminded Michael of how much his friend had always disliked Evelyn.

“Yes.” Her placid facade was unfailing, even under Heath’s scrutiny.

While his focus and drive made him an admirable leader to some, others found him cold and standoffish. This was especially problematic in dating, at least beyond the first meeting, which was usually some official function.

“Do you have any questions or concerns?” Stacking his papers together, Heath seemed to be ready to conclude the conversation.

“I asked to have a line added about traveling. Has it been included?” The hint of concern in her question piqued his interest.

“Yes, if you review page twelve, it is under the public appearances section.” If Heath was annoyed at someone doubting his thoroughness, he hid it well.

“Wait, what is this about?” Sabrina leafed through the document to find the item in question.

“No, you can’t do that! Only one weekend a month for non-local events? How are we supposed to work with that?” Ethan sputtered as he shoved his chair back and stood up.

“Ms. Burgh has been more than accommodating in all the demands. This is the only thing she has asked for.” Miss May came to Evelyn’s defense. And here he had thought Miss May was only in this for the money. She must have a soft spot for his soon-to-be-wife.

“That and the cash.” Michael sneered, chin propped on his hand, he observed Evelyn. She wasn’t making eye contact as she fiddled under the table. He assumed she was playing with the hem of her skirt like she used to do when she got anxious.

“Someone pleasant to look at is sufficient,” he had replied when they said he could set any requirements for his future wife. He had scared each prospect away as he grew bored with their insipid conversation, shallow interests, and obsession with his money.

“In exchange for the fulfillment of your side of the contract, you will be compensated handsomely. $500,000 will be deposited into your account upon completion of the marriage ceremony. You will receive $10,000 per month for the first 12 months, out of which all of your and your child’s personal expenses, minus food and shelter, shall be derived. There will be a $500,000 bonus at the completion of the first year. At which point, you can choose to reside anywhere you like and will continue to receive your monthly stipend unless you divorce. Is all of this clear?”

“Yes.”

“Imagine your perfect wife and give us a list of attributes. We found this great agency that can work miracles, even for the pickiest of people,” his campaign team had said. Him. They meant that he was the problem. When he finally gave them a list of specifics, he didn’t think about what he had said, nor did he expect them to find her. Not just a facsimile, but the actual woman that has invaded his dreams. The same one that had deserted him when he needed her most.

“Anything to add?”

“No.” The short responses seemed apathetic in response to so much money. Maybe she was accustomed to such wealth but recently found herself in need of more.

“This is a contract. You can’t just decide it doesn’t fulfill your needs one day and bolt.” Michael cut in, stabbing the table harder with each enunciation.

“I didn’t...” She stopped at the sound of Heath clearing his throat, her shoulders hunched.

“Didn’t what?” Michael demanded, not oblivious to the tension building in the room.

“Nothing. I’m here now. Believe the same vicious things you always have of me. We’re stuck in this situation, so do your worst.”

This wasn’t the person he remembered. She sounded defiant, but he could have sworn he heard her voice catch.

“If there is nothing else, please sign and initial the marked areas on both the prenup and the license. By the power vested in me by the city of Washington, DC, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Heath announced to cheers from his team that didn’t understand all of the ramifications of what he had just done.

“Miss May, can you please get Micah?” Evelyn asked, her hand shaking as she scrawled her name on the documents. Miss May nodded and left the room, returning by the time she finished signing her life away.

“Mama!” The door opened and the child launched himself across the room to his mother.

“Hey, sweetie. Did you stay out of trouble?” Evelyn crouched to hug the boy.

“Aw, mama. Of course, I did,” he stated, arms wrapped around her neck.

“Micah, may I present Michael T. Harding the Fourth.” She stood, easing her son forward.

The thin child clutched her hand but faced Michael resolutely. He was small, barely to her waist, maybe five years old if he had to guess. As well dressed as Evelyn, he sported a sailor suit like Michael had worn as a child. A head of soft black curls like his mother. His big dark eyes were framed with lush, long lashes. Must be from the man-whore who wouldn’t claim it. The child would only be a minor inconvenience to the situation. It was unlikely he would have to see the boy often anyway.

“Am I supposed to call him ‘Dad’ now?” The small child whispered to his mother, loud enough for Michael to hear.

“I think you can ask him that. Be very kind and respectful to him, just like we talked about.”

“Hello, sir. I’m Micah. What name do you want me to use for you?” The little voice politely asked as he held his hand out to Michael.

“Hello, Micah. I suppose you can call me Michael.” He shook the boy’s hand and was surprised to find an already firm grip.

“Thank you, sir.”

“What is the first thing you are going to buy for your new room?”

“I am content with my bear.”

“Most kids would want a new electronic game or something.” he scowled at Evelyn before glancing back at Micah.

“Mama said we shouldn’t take advantage. We’re happy to have a roof over our heads and food on the table.” He may have been reciting what Evelyn had told him, but it made him suspicious about her intentions. She may be after more than she was already getting.

“Picture time!” Sabrina sang out, drawing the curtains open. Michael shielded his eyes from the blinding light filling the room.

“Couldn’t ask for a better background than the White House for these shots,” Blake commented with a smirk, escorting them to the window framing the view.

“Let’s get the whole family first,” Sabrina told Ethan, who was playing photographer from atop the table.

“Nice and close. Remember, you’re the happy Hardings now.” Evelyn and Micah plastered smiles on their faces. Michael placed an obliging hand on Micah’s shoulder.

“Maybe if you get closer? Try picking Micah up?” Ethan suggested, looking through the camera lens. Evelyn picked Micah up when Michael looked dubiously at him.

“I’m going to need you to put an arm around her and smile like you were just announced as a VP candidate.” Michael obliged Blake’s instructions.

“Um, that’s fine, I guess. Can we have the couple alone?” Clearly, Ethan wasn’t happy, but what did they expect when neither of them wanted to be there?

“Let’s try having you two look at each other.” Sabrina posed them with their hands on each other’s waists. It felt so good to touch her again. He itched to explore her.

“Michael, come on, man! You look like you’re in pain instead of ecstatic to have the love of your life back in your arms.” Blake didn’t realize how close he was to the truth, but that it was also the cause of his expression.

“We need to seal this with a kiss. Can’t send these to the press without that.” Sabrina insisted, in a sweet tone.

Evelyn, already playing the dutiful wife, tilted her head up. He studied her lips as he had done a thousand times. He meant to just brush his lips across hers, but the soft warmth called to him and begged more. His fingers wove through her hair, palms cradling her jaw, and pulled her closer. At her soft gasp, his tongue found hers and they dueled to explore the depths of each other. He wondered if he was the only one who forgot how to breathe in the effort to consume each other.

“Whew! Did it just get hot in here?” Ethan hollered, fanning his face with his free hand.

Michael ripped away from Evelyn, berating himself for losing control.

“I think that steamed up the windows down to the Capitol! You two are going to be the toast of the town when these pics hit the press.” Sabrina purred her enthusiasm for a job well done.

“If everything is in order, I need to get back to work.” Michael stormed out of the room.