Chapter 42
CHAPTER 42
ARMAN
A s lightbulb moments go, I can’t believe I never saw it before. Marsha knew my father, and nothing can alter that fact. She was also a school friend of Veronica Scott-Stanley, which means they may have met him in Switzerland. I’m aware he worked there after college, studying banking as part of his business education and I never thought anything of it.
My heart thumps with desperation because I must face the fact that Ellie might be my half sister and the connection we share may be because of that. Have I done the unthinkable and fucked a family member? Have I confused lust and obsession with family? I hate what we may have done, but even more I hate knowing it could be the end of us.
I don’t miss that she gently removes her hand from mine and shifts away, creating distance between us. She obviously feels it too and I hear the emotion in my voice as I whisper, “We will take the test in the morning. “
“Yes.” Her voice shakes. “That’s a good plan but–” She hesitates and I note the quiver in her voice as she whispers tearfully, “I couldn’t bear it if we’re related because then I would lose you.”
I have no answer to that. There is nothing I can say to comfort her because she’s right. She would lose me because I would make certain that we are never alone together again. I can’t be trusted around her and my heart aches as I contemplate it becoming a reality. I can’t lose Ellie, not when I’ve just found her and yet fate can deliver a cruel hand on occasion, and I must hope that hand isn’t mine.
We make our way into the hotel where the fundraiser is taking place after having agreed its best if Ellie accompanies me as my assistant. No one knows to the contrary and if shit does become real, nobody would discover our shame.
I am emotionally screwed because I want Ellie so much it shocks me. I’ve never wanted anyone before and I’m second guessing my reason for that now. Is our bond one of family, not lustful desire? I hover around the word love because I don’t know what it means. I’ve heard of it but never understood its meaning before. I thought my father loved my mother, but how could he? He apparently loved two women and if that is love, I want no part of it .
Ellie is keeping her distance and I hate the emotional wall she is erecting between us. It’s as if we were hit by a bolt of home truth in the car and I’m not sure if I can survive the night not knowing if we are tied by blood.
The moment I catch sight of a waiter balancing a tray of drinks, I swiftly grab two – one for each of us and Ellie wastes no time in downing her glass faster than me. Shifting my attention to the purpose of the evening, I spot the woman herself holding court alongside her husband, Charles Kenricky, in the center of the room.
Ellie follows silently beside me as we head toward the couple who are doing a great job of appearing happy but I know otherwise because Adele Heatherington is the typical politician’s wife. Cold, calculating and brutal, which is why her husband’s screwing his personal assistant.
It’s not common knowledge, but it’s my knowledge, which is why I’m so successful. I dig for dirt and come up smelling of roses with every deal I make. The last thing Charles will want is his secret coming out, and it is in my best interests to assist him all the way to the Whitehouse because then he will fall harder if he denies me what I ask for. The risks will be higher and the pickings richer, so I keep that information to myself as I prepare to face the real reason I’m here.
As we approach, the couple’s attention is directed our way, and I register the puzzlement on Adele’s face as she studies Ellie. Charles is ready with a polite handshake as we draw near and says jovially, “Arman Romanov. I heard you were in town.”
I shake his hand and smile respectfully. “Charles, it’s good to see you again and, of course, your lovely wife.”
Adele’s attention swaps to me, but I don’t miss the confusion in her expression before she switches to potential first lady and smiles graciously.
“Mr. Romanov. I have heard only good things about your charity work. News travels fast in town and I understand several charities are already benefitting from your last donation.”
She glances at Ellie curiously and I can tell news does travel fast and I can’t resist poking the bear.
“I was informed it will be directed to an organization called The Rose Foundation, noted for its charity work with women’s issues.”
If she is uneasy, she doesn’t show it and merely nods politely. “Of course. A worthy organization for anyone’s money.”
Ellie is silent beside me, and Adele turns her attention to her.
“Have we met before?”
Ellie shakes her head.
“No, I don’t believe we have.”
“Are you sure? It’s just, well, you look familiar.”
I sense the tension increase as Ellie shifts awkwardly on the spot and I take my chance. “Allow me to introduce my assistant, Ellie Adams. She is new in town, having moved here from Idaho.”
I note the realization sparking in Adele’s eyes before she can disguise it and she says somewhat sharply, “How interesting. I had a friend who lived there many years ago, although I lost touch with her after we left school.”
“Where was that?”
Ellie asks politely and Charles adds, “Switzerland if I recall. Adele was finished off there, as they say and what a good job they made of it. She is an exemplary wife and will make a fine first lady for the country.”
The surprise on Ellie’s face makes me chuckle inside because Charles is old school and believes a woman’s role hasn’t changed since Eve. They were made to serve men and I doubt he thinks anything of it. Yes. What a great example to lead this country he is. I almost hope he is unsuccessful .
I’m aware we are overstaying our allotted time as Charles glances past me to the next person to pay their respects, hoping to forge a connection with the future president and as we say our goodbyes, Adele surprises me by saying warmly, “We are having a small garden party tomorrow afternoon at our home in the Hamptons. I hope you can make it.”
“We would be delighted.”
She nods, a triumphant gleam in her eye that concerns me. Ellie just smiles and plays her role as my assistant perfectly, giving nothing away but cool professionalism, and says formally, “I will add it to Mr. Romanov’s schedule. Please ask your assistant to pass on the details.”
“Of course, consider it done.”
As we turn to walk away, the expression in Adele’s eyes unnerves me. It’s almost as if she set a trap that we fell into easily. I’m not sure why I’m on edge. Possibly because of the car ride over and my sixth sense is telling me that Adele is hiding something, and I hope that tomorrow will be enlightening in a number of ways.