She exhaled in an exasperated fashion. “I’m much more intelligent than my father. But of course, don’t tell him that.”
I’d heard she was spoiled. The confirmation only added fuel to the fire.
“Touché, Caroline,” I said under my breath. She was becoming more fascinating by the minute. My hunger for her had originally been about crushing her father. Perhaps the end game would be more intriguing than I’d thought.
I noticed Drummand waiting in the hallway, flanked by his chief of staff and several other minions. He appeared to be having a difficult time, pacing back and forth, peering into the room every so often.
I moved closer to Caroline. “You look stunning tonight. You are your father’s daughter.”
Another blush.
Another darted look.
Only this time, I noticed a twinge of desire in her eyes.
I leaned even closer, inhaling. The exotic scent of her perfume was a sensual and very powerful @phrodisi@c, increasing my @nimalistic hunger.
That was the exact moment Drummand found me, his anger evident on his reddened face. He backed away from the door.
She didn’t seem flustered by my rather forward actions, merely offering a sarcastic smile, her hand fluttering over her mouth. She had an air of arrogance, something I would remember. “He’s never late. I wonder what the problem is,” she stated for all her friends to hear.
“He will be right with us.” My command was off hand, as if I didn’t give a shit.
And I wasn’t wrong.
I was never wrong.
Senator Drummand Hargrove strutted into the room, a huge smile on his face. If there was anything bothering him, not a single soul in the room could tell. He was a damn good actor. However, I did notice he slipped me a single look before approaching the platform, planting both hands on the podium. The crowd gathered closer, ready to glom onto every word.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Drummand began, his cool expression polished. Professional. Everyone in the room leaned forward, the entire crowd silent as church mice. The only sound was the constant clicks of cameras. The influential senator would certainly be tomorrow’s headliner on the New York Times. I couldn’t wait to read the toxic banner.
He cleared his throat, daring to take another glance in my direction. I wondered just how many people noticed the two beads of sweat oozing down both sides of his face. “Thank you so much. Your support means everything to me.” The crowd cheered again. He waited until the noise died down, milking the audience. “I’m here to announce my candidacy for the president of the United States.”
The roar of the crowd was deafening, cheers and whistles drowning out everything else in the room.
But his heartbeat.
I heard it from where I was standing.
I took my time finishing my champagne before clapping and by then, at least ten people glanced in my direction.
Including the senator.
I gripped Caroline’s elbow, lowering my head as he continued to watch. “I’m certain your father has everything under control. Why don’t we grab a drink elsewhere?” I asked the question just loud enough for her friends to overhear. I waited exactly five seconds for her answer. When it didn’t come promptly I headed for the door.
“Mr. Lugiano. Dominick.”
Her lilting voice was right behind me. I resisted adjusting my throbbing m@nhood.
“Yes?” My question was asked without turning around.
“I’d love to take you up on that offer. These types of events bore me to tears.”
I lifted a single eyebrow, satisfied with the outcome of the evening thus far. I said nothing as she walked past me, tilting her head and giving a sultry gaze, the stunning scarlet dress hugging her rounded curves. Every move was provocative, tempting, only she had no idea she’d met her match.
After all, I was the big bad wolf.