I knew she was right. Before our worlds had been flipped upside down, Declan had been talking about getting into the public side of politics. He had a knack for talking to people. We often talked about our shared political goals and how one day he could run my campaign. Those plans had been derailed over the last several months, but now I was left wondering if it was time for us to get back on track. I wouldn’t move forward without Declan though, I’d almost lost my brother once before because of my greedy attitude.
It had been Audrey who had brought us back together, and we were going to stay that way. I still didn’t trust Molly, but there was a possibility that she could be useful to me just as long as I didn’t let my guard down. Audrey would be upset that we were working with her, but that was a risk I was going to have to take. If I was going to be forced to trust Kylan with her, she’d have to learn to trust me with an old flame like Molly.
“What did you have in mind?” I asked.
Molly smiled. “Are you okay with your father coming back in now? I’m sure he’ll want to know what’s going on.”
“Let’s get something straight, my father makes no decisions on my behalf. I don’t care what you think you’ve got planned, but he doesn’t speak for Declan or me.”
“Perhaps you don’t understand what an asset your father can be to your future. He is adamant about seeing you in office. Given his resources, I’d advise you to let him help.”
"I’m not sure how much you know about my father, but he’s not the type of man to do anything for anyone unless it’s going to directly benefit him."
"I’m sure that’s true," she said. "That can be said for any good politician, though. If you know what you’re doing, you can help out others and help yourself in the process. Wouldn’t you like to see that happen? You can further your own career and help Declan and Derek in the process."
"And what about Audrey? If you think I’m going to cut her out of my life just to look good for the papers, you are sorely mistaken," I hissed.
"Of course I wouldn’t ask you to cut her out of your life," she said. "I knew from the very beginning just how much Audrey meant to you. If she loves you as much as you think she does, then she’ll be just as supportive as I am. There is no reason the two of you can’t have a relationship and still hold public office. You just need to be careful."
"Why should I believe that you are so supportive of us when your brother is obviously not?" I asked.
Molly chuckled. "Listen, my brother is young, and he is ambitious. I don’t think he fully understands the ways of the heart yet. He still thinks that what you, Audrey, and your brother have isn’t real."
"I’m sure he’s going to enjoy trying to drive a wedge between us," I muttered.
"Why don’t we let Audrey worry about herself? She seems to be a pretty tough young lady. You really know how to pick them. Let me help you with your career in the meantime," Molly said.
"And that means getting my father involved, correct?" I asked.
"Yes. Just a little bit, let’s see what he has to offer with regards to your future. Just because you hear him out doesn’t mean you have to agree with him or take his advice. A good politician knows when to sit and listen."
As much as I despise the idea of working with Molly, I had to admit that she was starting to make sense. I couldn’t keep waiting for something to happen with the scandal involving Audrey like a sitting duck. The best course of action for me was going to be taking a proactive stance and not letting it slow me down any more than I already had. The time for hiding out on the beach and drinking away my problems had passed. I wanted to be a senator. That wasn’t going to happen by being a stick in the mud.
"Alright, so what do you have in mind?" I asked.
Molly grinned. "You have a few years before you can become a senator, but we can start the groundwork. Your father can help by getting you out there, back in the public eye like you were before all of this happened."
"So basically, I can go back to kissing babies and shaking hands?"
"Nothing so basic," she said. "I was thinking we could use your father’s publicity as a platform for you to discuss the issues you plan on addressing once you take office in a few years."
"That actually makes a lot of sense," I stammered.
"Don’t sound so shocked. Like I said, I’m here to help in any way possible. Let’s get your father back in here and figure out what the schedule is going to look like, then you and I can sit down a little later and go over some topics."
"You want to get together later?" I asked.
"Of course," Molly said. "To be frank, I have no idea where you stand politically. While I’m sure you and your father can agree on a great many things, I’d be shocked if both of your views aligned perfectly. We’ll need to go through and decide which topics you want to cover while under your father’s umbrella."
"It sounds like you’ve thought of everything," I muttered. "Why am I not surprised that you are getting precisely what you set out for once again? Do things always end up working out in your favor?"
Molly shot me a dangerous grin. "What can I say? It’s all part of the job. So, what do you think? Do we have a deal?"
I nodded in agreement but said nothing. My head was still spinning from the turn of events. I didn’t trust Molly, and I never would. Still, working with my father was a great way to further my political reach, but I would have to keep a close eye on both him and the Klaus siblings. It seemed I was swimming in waters packed full of sharks, just waiting for the first sign of fatigue. I planned on using them as much as possible for as long as I could for my own gain. That was the world I lived in. Only the sharp survived.
11
Audrey
The early morning flight was set to take off in under an hour. I wasn’t yet awake, and with Kylan’s bubbly personality grinding on my nerves, I’d quickly made a beeline for the inside of the plane. When I looked up, I skidded to a stop.
“Derek? What are you doing here?” I stammered.
My friend smiled. “You mean the warden didn’t tell you? He invited me on this little adventure. I was sure he would have told you that by now.”
Kylan chuckled from behind me. “I haven’t had the chance yet, but I appreciate being able to give Audrey that shocked look either way. I have a feeling not much ruffles her feathers anymore.”
I glared at him. “You knew about this?”
I spun back to my friend. “Derek, aren’t your parents going to flip out?”
“Well, honestly, they were happy to have me out of the way. I told him I was tagging along to look at colleges. I don’t know what Kylan’s sister said to my father, but he didn’t protest my departure at all.”
My jaw clenched. “Molly spoke with the president?”
Kylan shrugged. “I needed someone to stay here and keep tabs on the papers. I figured the best way for her to stay in the loop would be to play nice with the president. Don’t worry, she signed a non-disclosure agreement just like I did. She can’t say anything to him.”
“Right,” I muttered. “Like anyone who’s going to believe that woman could keep her mouth shut.”
“My sister has been successfully running my father’s company for several years now,” Kylan snapped. “She is far more professional than I have ever seen you behave.”
I pursed my lips. “Is there any other surprise visitors that I should know about? Perhaps any more friends that you spoke with behind my back?”
“I thought you would be thrilled to have your best friend traveling with us. Or was he supposed to sit back and wait on your next set of instructions, like the other brothers?”
“I don’t want anyone sitting around and waiting on me,” I snapped. “Derek is free to do whatever he wants, the same as the others. I’m just surprised he agreed to do anything with you.”
“Come on, Audrey, he isn’t worth your time.” Derek tugged at my arm.
As much as I wanted to stay and argue more with Kylan, I let Derek lead m
e further into the plane. I didn’t know what my keeper had planned or what his next scheme was going to be, but I was sure Derek wasn’t only there out of the kindness of Kylan’s heart. The only time Kylan ever did anything generous was if it directly benefited him. Derek may not have seen Kylan for what he was, but I knew better than to let my guard down.
“Boy, you two really don’t like each other, huh? You didn’t get along at your party either, but damn. Now that I’m in the thick of it, I’m wondering if this was a good idea.”
“Don’t be silly,” I said. “I’m absolutely thrilled to have you here. I just don’t trust Kylan as far as I could throw him.”
Derek chuckled. “I can understand that. He hasn’t really given us any reason to trust him, has he?”
“Not even a little. I’m just wondering what his motive is for having you here.”
“Well, until we figure that out, why don’t we sit back and enjoy the ride? After all, we get to spend the next three weeks hanging out with each other.”
“I know,” I grumbled. “He’s going to do his best to ruin whatever joy we can find, though.”
Derek gave me a playful wink as he lowered his voice. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I know for a fact that Declan plans on visiting me while I’m college shopping. I was really hoping you’d be able to come with me. You know, to help me see if it’s a good fit.”
My heart started to race at the prospect of seeing Declan. Our brief interlude at my party hadn’t been nearly enough. I longed to feel his and Dakota’s touch. We'd come so close to having everything, only to have it ripped away. The pit in my stomach grew as I darted my eyes away from Derek. I hadn’t told anyone about the picture I’d been sent the night of my party. I’d been told not to by the sender.
While the threat held some credence, my motives were slightly selfish as well. I wasn’t ready for the Klaus siblings and my mother to know that our trio had a way of communicating. The second they knew about the covert phones, I’d be back to solitary confinement. I shuddered as I recalled the image of myself and the two brothers. How had they gotten in the garage to take the picture? How did we not hear them?
“Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine. This has just been a wild few weeks. I’m still working on processing everything. Did you talk any more to David? Is he ready to admit that he’s the creep behind all of this?” I asked.
Derek shook his head. “No. He still clinging on to my mother like an infant. Although she hasn’t said anything to me, whatever threats she’s given my brother seemed to be working with him.”
“It’s sad, isn’t it? David never stood a chance with your mother smothering him like that. Just think of how different things could have been if we'd all been able to work together as one big happy political family.”
“Wow,” Derek chuckled. “That sure is some wishful thinking. Who knows, maybe David will come around in the end after all.”
“Now who’s the one being hopeful? I just want all of this to go away. I want things to go back to how it was before David snuck into my house and took that picture.”
“You can’t be sure that David took the picture,” Kylan said.
Neither of us had seen him approach the back of the plane where we were sitting. I jumped at the sound of his voice. I didn’t want to admit it to Derek or anyone else, but that voice had haunted my dreams for days. If only I could despise him as much as I wanted to. Instead, I thought about my name on his lips, the soft whispers of desire, his hands on my body.
How could I be attracted to a man I hated so much?
“Do you always eavesdrop on people’s conversations?” I asked Kylan.
He grinned at me. “Only when I’m being paid an exorbitant amount of money to do so. Don’t tell me you have something to hide, do you? I don’t think I can handle any more surprises.”
“I guess that’s for you to figure out,” I muttered. “After all, you’re the one getting paid here.”
“How is everyone doing back here?” my mother asked. “Derek, I was so happy to hear that you decided to join us on this little adventure! I love that you’re considering going back to school.”
“Well, thank you for having me, Madam Vice President. Honestly, I jumped at the opportunity to get away from DC and my parents for a little bit. Apparently, a couple weeks on a beach wasn’t enough for me.”
My mother laughed. “Well, you are welcome to join us anytime. Honestly, it feels more like a family adventure with you here. Heck, I can’t think of a single family vacation that you haven’t been on.”
Derek grinned. “Well, it’s hard to pass up spending time with you two lovely ladies.”
“Ha! See now, that’s why we keep you around!” my mother joked.
As the plane took flight, my mother and Kylan returned to the front of the aircraft. I eased up some but not much. Kylan put me on edge. It always seemed like he was ready to fight or fool around at the first opportunity. The last thing I needed was my mind wandering with him in such close proximity.
“What’s on your mind?” Derek whispered.
“Kylan Klaus,” I grumbled. “I hate that he’s got my mom fooled.”
“I don’t know, he doesn’t seem so bad. He got me to come along on the campaign trail. That’s good, right?”
“You know I couldn’t be happier that you’re here. Isn’t it odd that he went out of his way to invite you, though? He has to have an ulterior motive.”
“Oh, I’m sure he does, but don’t we all? I say as long as it’s working in our favor, we go along with it. Stop obsessing over it. What about that sister of his? She’s hot.”
“She’s old,” I snapped. “I don’t like that she’s back in the city with Dakota and Declan. God, they just rub me the wrong way!”
“Alright, we are done talking about the Klauses, got it?”
My friend disappeared into the plane's kitchen, appearing a few seconds later with a bottle of wine and two glasses. I laughed as he poured us each a generous glass. Who cared that it was well before noon? The morning called for a good drink with an even better friend. My passionate friend soothed my nerves. I was so happy to have him there with me. At last, the Klaus siblings started to slip from the forefront of my mind.
“I miss your brothers,” I whispered to Derek.
“I know, and they miss you too. This whole situation just sucks. We have to keep looking forward, though.”
“That sounds an awful lot like someone else I know,” I muttered. “Just how much time have you spent with Kylan?”
“Oh now, don’t go getting jealous. The man made some good points. We can’t keep dwelling on the past. You are allowed to miss my brothers. Hell, I’d be worried if you didn’t. That doesn’t mean your world can stop turning, though. You wanted to follow in your mother’s footsteps at one point. What happened to that dream?”
I shrugged. “I still want to do that, but it doesn’t make me miss them any less, though.”
“Honey, it’s perfectly normal for you to miss them, but I know they are both working on their careers while we are gone. You should be doing the same. I know I am.”
We sat and drank in silence for a while longer. Everything Derek said made perfect sense. It had been in the back of my mind for days. Others my age were already running for lower offices or heading up minor campaigns for their parents. Meanwhile, I’d been drinking, screwing, and gallivanting my way around the country’s capitol.
I knew I was harsh on myself, but maybe it was time for that to happen. The scenery pulled me. I didn’t want to look up when I saw Kylan approaching again. I knew my mind would wander again to his body and that damn smile. He always looked at me like he wanted to tie me down and lick every exposed part of my body. I shuddered and turned away.
“We should be landing in Portsmouth in about fifteen minutes. I thought we should go over the protocol,” Kylan said.
I rolled my eyes. “You know we’ve done this before, r
ight?”
“Yes, but this is going to be different. The last time you were on tour, you were underage with your mother. There was a certain level of security that protected you. Now that you’ve become an adult of public interest, the questions will be significantly more direct and the people more persistent. You need to step out there in the right mindset.”
“I think I can handle this,” I muttered.
“You have a history of losing your temper. Your mother cannot afford an outburst. Control yourself, or I will.”
“Oh, really?” I whispered. “Is that a threat?”
“That’s a promise, princess.” Kylan’s voice was stern.
His words sent a chill down my spine yet heated my core at the same time. I swallowed, watching his lips move as I fought the urge to kiss him. It felt wrong, the desire stirring inside of me. The pilot announced our descent as he moved back to my mother, leaving me speechless at his threat.
12
Declan
The campus milled with activity as students returned from summer break. Newcomers to the school stumbled around with dazed expressions, oblivious to the world outside the college. I could still remember the thrill of leaving home for school for the first time. The protection of my father had slipped away with the constraints his position brought.
It had been a week since Derek and Audrey left Washington. I’d tried everything in my power to follow after them and make it to the first college, but life had other plans. Between Kylan watching Audrey like a hawk and Dakota's newfound motivation to run for office, finding time to sneak away and get to her was nearly impossible. It was pure luck that Dakota didn’t need me that afternoon.
We’d worked in tandem with each other since Audrey’s departure. Dakota had approached me with his desire to run for office, and I’d jumped at the opportunity to head up his campaign. Speaking with the public came naturally to me as long as I could control my temper. While Molly Klaus had offered to work with me on the matter, I’d quickly declined.
Wicked Dynasty: The Untouchables | Book Two Page 7
