Page 64 of Queen of Ruin

I’m distracted so much by my thoughts of Darren that when the elevator doors open, I rush in, not paying attention and run right into Senator Jonathan Langley.

At first, I don’t even recognize him and apologize. I look up at his steely blue eyes and a sick feeling starts in my belly and spreads out to my limbs.

“Excuse me.” I try to walk around him, but he stops me.

“Did you really think you could pretend to be a Washington housewife?” he asks.

“I’m not pretending to be anything.”

“Darren’s lucky I didn’t press charges.” He looks me up and down.

“Let’s not forget you were the one handling me,” I remind him.

“I could see right through you all those years ago. You picked the wrong target, but Darren? Well, you’re more his type,” Jonathan sneers, and all pretense is wiped away.

“I highly doubt you care anything about my agenda,” I boldly say back to him. “I think you were jealous that Kerry was a better man than you are, and Darren,” I pause, “well, he’ll be ten times the man you could ever be.”

He laughs. “Do you think that Darren will get anywhere in politics once the public finds out what you are?” he threatens. “If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll cut you loose, but we all know what head Darren thinks with.”

“I guess that gives me the advantage.”

“You’ll be his downfall.” As if he can see right through me, he continues, “And I think you know it too.”

“Senator Langley,” I hear Audrina’s voice from behind and I cringe, hoping she didn’t hear any of that. I don’t care what Jonathan thinks of me, but I’d be crushed to have Audrina think I was taking advantage of Darren.

“Audrina, so nice to see you,” Jonathan plasters on his politician’s smile and greets her as if he didn’t just say the most hurtful things to me.

But Audrina doesn’t extend her hand for him to shake and there is no smile, not even a fake one, on her lovely face.

“I’m sure you’ve heard the saying about people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” Audrina gives him a saccharin smile, and when he starts to protest, she says, “I believe your wife is waiting for you in the conference room.”

She turns to me. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce the two of you properly, but Mrs. Langley is quite accomplished. Her family owns hotels all over the U.S and Europe.”

Jonathan clears his throat. “Yes, uh, she’s very fortunate.”

“Oh, I think you’re the fortunate one,” Audrina continues. “Rebecca is lovely, isn’t she?” She gives me a very satisfied smile. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was getting a kick out of making Jonathan squirm.

“Oh, but I guess you’ve had your accomplishments too,” she playfully taps his arm. “Especially coming from that small town in Arizona. Such a rags-to-riches story.”

Redness starts creeping up his neck.

“Yes, well, Rebecca’s waiting. Pleasure as always,” he says tightly, and walks past us.

As soon as he’s out of earshot I begin, “Audrina, if you’re wondering if I’m a gold digger, you’re wrong. I married Darren for his winning personality and his work ethic.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Well, I knew you and Darren were well suited. It’s that attitude: I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks.”

“Something like that.” I shift uncomfortably on my heels.

“I know you’re not a gold digger, dear. Washington is very small. People talk. If you were only interested in his money, I’m sure you would have traded in that – ring – for something a bit more appropriate by now,” she offers, and I lift my hand to run my thumb over the band.

“It’s kinda grown on me.” I set my arm back down. “I’m betting you’re very good at reading people.”

Audrina graces me with a half-smile, which is encouraging. “I think that might be something we have in common.”

“Senator Langley and I, well, there’s history,” I explain as best I can, because I think I owe her that.

Audrina lets out a breath. I’m sure she thinks I’m referring to what happened at the charity event, but she doesn’t ask.

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