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Her eyes become saucers. “Oh, my God. You have to call the police. He shouldn’t be walking the streets—”
“I know, but I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“He’s blackmailing me. I can’t get into it right now, but there are some things I did when I was a kid that I’m not proud of. Nothing close to what he’s done, of course, but things that might ruin the election for me if they get out. I can’t go to the police until after I secure my win. This way I’ll have a bit more control over what the press does with the info.”
It’s not exactly a lie given the fucker is threatening to tell Eden and the entire town about my past if I don’t go along with his stupid game.
Hope he enjoys the bone I’m throwing him by letting him borrow Eden for a bit.
“I’ll go to the police,” she whispers. “This way you’re safe.”
“You were only seven when the fire happened. They’ll all laugh at you.”
“Not if I tell the police he held me against my will in his home.”
Her trying to come up with a plan of her own is nothing short of adorable, I’ll give her that. However, it will serve me better if she keeps her pretty mouth shut while I call the shots.
I grind my molars.
Damien wanted to play a game…well, he’s got one.
But I’ve got home court advantage.
“Sweetheart,” I say slowly. “I don’t want to be rude, but I—”
“They won’t believe me because of what happened with Mr. Delany.” Her face falls. “Yeah, you’re right. It was a dumb suggestion.”
“Not dumb,” I assure her. “Just not what I really need.”
“What do you need?”
“I need someone I trust to keep a close eye on things…and distract him for me. Just until the election is over.”
“Can’t you hire a private investigator for that?”
“A private investigator can’t get into his home…or his bed.”
Her face screws up. “Let me get this straight. You were angry with me for sleeping with him…but now you want me to sleep with him?”
“Hardly. But we can’t unring a bell, now can we? Therefore, it’s in our interest to use the best arsenal we have. This way I stand a chance at making it out alive.” I blow out a breath and look up at the ceiling. “If you’re not up for the task I understand. I’ll just have to figure something else out.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I—uh. I can do this.” She wrings her hands. “Only thing is, he doesn’t talk much, so I doubt he’ll be confessing any plans to harm you to me.”
“Perhaps he’ll open up more if you find some common ground.”
“What kind of common ground am I supposed to find with a murdering psychopath?”
I shrug. “Beats me, but you’re a smart girl. I’m sure you’ll figure out something.” I slam my eyelids shut and take a deep breath. “My life depends on it.”
“I know it does. I won’t let you down.”
I edge a finger under her chin. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I—”
A knock on the bathroom door cuts me off.
“Hey, other people have to use the bathroom. Unlock the door.”
“Shit,” I mutter under my breath. “Okay, I’m going to lock myself in a stall. You go out first so they don’t suspect anything.” I give her a quick kiss. “I’ll touch base with you later.”
I start to walk away, but she reaches for my arm. “You can’t. I don’t have my phone.”
I raise a brow. “But you texted me at the ball.”
“I know. I had it for most of the evening, but I put it down on a bench later that night. He must have swiped it then.” She sighs. “I’ll find a way to get it back.”
“Fine. Just make sure you edit my name to something less conspicuous and erase our future texts as soon as we’re done talking.”
I’m not dumb enough to disclose anything serious over a text message, but she might be.
She gives me a strange look. “Wouldn’t it be easier for us to talk over the app?”
It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. Eden knows I don’t keep up with whatever the latest teenage fad is.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What app?”
I’m not sure what to make of the expression on her face. “The temp—never mind. It’s not important. I’ll text you.”
“That’s it. I’m calling security,” the woman on the other side of the door yells.
I bring her hand to my lips. “This is only temporary, Eden. You’ll be back with me the moment I win the election.” I grimace when I spot her poor excuse for an engagement ring. “Asshole didn’t even get you a diamond.”