Chapter 16
“Like a barge at sea In the storm, I stay clear 'Cause I've got my mind on you. I've got my mind on you" - Lana del Rey
I’m in the back of the taxi, watching her fingers trace patterns over my gloved hand. I ended up here, seduced by a pair of green eyes that hold my gaze and smile. The shape of her eyes gives her away every time.
I hear her whisper that we’re close, and a wave of goosebumps washes over me. She pulls me against her waist, hands the driver a hundred-dollar bill, and tells him to keep the change.
I look ahead and see a garden. Kelsey lowers her mask and pulls out her phone to type a code. I feel her hand slide into mine as she brushes a kiss against my cheek.
“If you hate the food, we can always order a pizza,” Kelsey said with a delightful laugh. I turn quickly to press my lips against hers. It’s a fleeting, sideways kiss because the gate clicks open.
“Pietro!” Kelsey beamed as she hugged the man waiting for us.
He has all the features of an Italian, including his gestures as he greets me.
“Wow, she is gorgeous!” Pietro exclaimed to Kelsey once we were in the garden. It’s a private oasis with a table for two and a portable heater.
“Kelsey usually only brings Vanessa or work people here. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Megan,” Pietro said warmly.
Before I know it, I’m seated and being served a glass of deep red wine.
“So, tell me, are you a vegetarian?” the chef asked as he looked at me expectantly.
“No! I’m just allergic to nuts,” I answered with a smile. He clapped his hands in approval before Kelsey murmured something to him in Italian.
“Your friend is lively,” I remarked.
“Very. This is just his backyard; his actual restaurant is in Soho,” Kelsey replied.
I raised an eyebrow as I tasted the wine. I felt a sudden, visceral urge to moan.
“And what are your plans now that you’re heading to D.C.?” Kelsey asked curiously.
“A friend booked a hotel until I can find a permanent place,” I explained. “I’ve already shortlisted a few apartments. I need to move fast. The gala tonight was a way to begin negotiating my seat on the Supreme Court.”
Her hand moved steadily, a rhythmic caress up and down my thigh. Her eyes never left mine.
“Everything will work out. You have plenty of people ready to vote for you,” Kelsey assured me.
“And the ones who aren't... I’ll buy,” I said with a shrug. She offered a knowing smile, fully understanding the stakes.
“And the ones who can't be bought? Those are the ones who simply won't be considered,” I added firmly.
“You’re good at political theater,” she noted as she cupped my face. “I have to head to New Delhi this week. Just a few things to settle.”
“'A few things' sounds awfully mysterious,” I teased over the rim of my glass.
“I fund universities in exchange for tax incentives. I won't be long... and I want to see you more often,” she whispered.
“I’ll be in New York until January to wrap things up. It beats flying back and forth for the bureaucracy,” I replied.
“True. Both are uncomfortable, but that’s been my life for as long as I can remember,” Kelsey admitted.
“Where is 'home,' exactly?” I asked.
The tension between us felt like a rising heat, though her palm on my thigh could have set the room on fire.
“Theoretically? Los Angeles. But with the export expansion, I’m home less and less. I have Vanessa, though—she’s a lioness when it comes to the business,” she said.
“And your relationship with the Vice President?” I inquired.
“He’s a jerk. He’s only there because of a legacy contract. Vanessa is technically the COO, but she prefers the 'Assistant' title,” Kelsey explained.
“Any particular reason?” I asked.
“She has more freedom to pull strings when she’s acting in my name,” Kelsey replied.
Kelsey moved her chair closer and pulled my legs onto her lap. I decided to lean into the moment. I offered a slow, sideways smile.
“And how will our next 'meetings' go?” I asked as my voice dropped an octave.
I pulled off my gloves and reached out to cup her face. She closed her eyes, leaning instinctively into the warmth of my skin.
“Wherever you want. However you want,” she murmured. “I just don't know how much longer I can maintain this celibacy you've imposed on me.”
She bit her lip before leaning in for a long, lingering peck. Our tongues finally met. Her hand, which had been resting on my thigh, slid upward. I let out a low, ragged moan.
“I don't think we’re going to be celibate much longer,” I breathed.
“I’ll send a plane to pick you up anywhere in the world, Megan. That’s the least of our problems,” Kelsey said with a smile.
“And what’s the biggest?” I asked.
“You admitting you liked what you saw in the bathroom,” she countered. Her hand squeezed my thigh with a possessive grip. It was a claim, plain and simple.
“And why would I admit that to you?” I asked as I arched an eyebrow. “What’s in it for me?”
“The knowledge that I couldn't do anything else with her because I only wanted you in my bed,” she confessed as her voice grew hoarse. “I need to hear you moaning for me, Megan.”
I offered her the most wicked smile I could muster. We were interrupted by Pietro, who arrived with a plate of oysters au gratin.
“I met your friend today. The prosecutor,” I remarked.
She laughed, her hand giving my knee a playful squeeze.
“He’s a gem, isn't he?” Kelsey said with razor-sharp irony. “He thinks I’m gunning for him just because I had one of those ICE dens shut down.”
“I thought he was a xenophobe. It was rude of you not to warn me,” I complained.
“And what’s the next insult on the list?” Kelsey challenged as a smirk played on her lips.
“Excuse me?” I said.
“You’ve already called me insolent and, subtly, arrogant,” she laughed. “I told you the prosecutor was a jerk. I just didn't specify he was the worst kind. Pro-gun, too.”
“And you’re against that?” I asked as I felt genuinely surprised.
“It’s bad for everyone. Nothing good comes from them,” she stated flatly.
“I thought you’d be in favor, given your... line of work,” I noted.
“I like money, Megan. I’ve learned to make it in a thousand ways, but none of them involve firearms. You win with a pen,” Kelsey explained.
“I like your stance. It’s interesting,” I murmured. “In fact, I find your political consistency quite... arousing. Almost as much as the fact that your hand is an inch away from my panties.”
“And you?” she asked as her voice dropped to a gravelly low. “What’s your favorite part of being a judge?”
“I like the political chess. The power of the final word,” I answered.
I felt her fingers graze the waistband of the lace over my tights. I instinctively rested my hand over hers, guiding her hand back to my thigh.
“One of the happiest days of my life was also one of the most stressful,” I shared.
“I need details to understand how that's possible,” she urged as she caressed my face.
“It was an embargo case involving contaminated products. Everyone was so focused on the imports they didn't notice we were exporting our own goods with the same contamination.”
“I can imagine the chaos. What did you do?” Kelsey asked.
“I ordered immediate testing. The White House Chief of Staff actually called me, asking if I was sure. I found the whole thing suspicious.”
“It is suspicious. Was there no inspection?” she asked as I shook my head.
“They ignored it. But when the results came back... there was no contamination.”
This time, when her fingers casually ran along the waistband of my panties, I didn't stop her.
“I gave them twenty-four hours to resolve it or the government would foot the bill for the losses. When they folded, I was so happy I danced alone in my home office,” I recalled with a smile.
“I’ve never heard that side of the story,” she said softly.
“If you've heard the story, why let me tell it?” I laughed as I gave her shoulder a playful slap.
She caught my wrist mid-air and pressed a kiss to my palm.
“Because I was on the other side of that embargo, Megan. Those ships and containers were mine. Knowing you were dancing in your office at dawn... it makes every legal fee I paid worth it.”
I shook my head at the staggering coincidence and leaned in, sealing our lips together. We were only pulled apart when Pietro called out from the kitchen.
“It seems our paths have crossed more than we knew,” I whispered. “Answer me something, Kelsey.”
“Since the food is going to be a while... is there more to your 'secret plan,' or can we get out of here so I can finally moan in your ear?” I asked as I looked at her with a serious expression.
She smiled, giving me exactly what I wanted.
“Pietro! Vanessa will take the dinner at the hotel. Send it there,” Kelsey shouted to the kitchen. She took my hand and helped me up. “Are you hungry, or would you rather eat later?”
“I think eating later is always the better option,” I replied.
I followed her through the garden. She pulled her windbreaker back on, and when we hit the street, she hailed a taxi.
“We forgot our gloves,” I said as I realized her hands were as cold as mine.
“It won't take long,” Kelsey promised.
She turned to the driver and tapped on the glass.
“If you get us there in five minutes, I’ll make it five hundred bucks,” she told the driver.
He smiled and accelerated. Kelsey laughed as she paid the driver. We walked quickly. She noticed some photographers and whispered for me to go ahead. I did as she asked and saw her entering a different revolving door.
I entered the lobby, looked for her, and was captivated by her green eyes staring at me. I walked faster and entered the elevator immediately. I leaned against the wall and started laughing.
She joined me in laughter, removed the windbreaker, and hugged me. Soon we were on the floor of her suite. I needed to let Sarki know that I was alive.
“I need to go to my room,” I said. She raised her eyebrow and pushed me against the wall.
“Hmm, who's to say you'll come back?” she teased.
“You can come with me. I just need to let a friend know I'm okay,” I answered.