Page 1 of Power
Chapter one
Bennett
Shechallengedme.How dare she challenge the president of the United States. Sitting in my office, I can’t get her out of my mind. Reece was brazenly insolent last night.
“Morning, Mr. President,” Liam, my chief of staff, says as he walks in.
“Morning,” I reply and stare at the screen on my laptop. He stands at the end of my desk, waiting for me. “What is it?” Jamie, my personal aide, enters and hands me a stack of legislative reforms I need to read today. He walks out just as quietly as he entered. I look to Liam. “What?”
Liam discreetly turns, making sure the door to the Oval Office is closed. “Are you okay?”
“Of course, I am. Why?” He hesitates and rocks back on his heels. “Why?” I snap with irritation.
“Your tie is loose.”
“What?” I lift my hands and straighten my tie.
“Whenever you’re stressed about something, you loosen your tie. Are you okay? Has something happened I should know about?”
“No, nothing’s happened.” I feel the tension in my jaw as I look back to the laptop. Tapping my fingers on the desk, my shoulders slump forward and I let out a long sigh. “There is something.”
“What is it, Mr. President?” Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I relax back into my seat. The door opens and Alison strolls in. “Give us a moment, Alison,” Liam says. She gives us a small nod and backs out of the office, closing the door behind her.
“The girl, last night.”
“Is this something I need to know?”
“I need you to stop being my chief of staff and be my best friend for a moment.”
Liam’s forehead crinkles as he steps back and leans on the back of an armchair. I stand, round my desk, and lean against it. “What happened, Bennett? Do I need to get the Secret Service involved?”
“No, nothing like that.” I shake my head and shove my hands into my pockets. Liam’s waiting for me to give him something about the girl. “I want to see her again.”
“I can set that up. Friday night?”
“No, tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is Sunday, Bennett.”
“I know, but I want to see her again.”
Liam’s jaw jumps and he mimics my posture. “I can see if your usual girl is available.”
“I don’t want her, I want the one from last night.”
Liam purses his lips together, and he lightly shakes his head. “This isn’t a good idea. She’s an escort.”
“I know what she is, but I want to see her again.”
“If the press...”
“They won’t.”
“Let me get this straight. You’ve become fond of an escort?” Liam’s brows shoot up, and it’s clear he’s not impressed. “If it’s company you require, I’m sure I’ll be able to secure Mary for you,” Liam pushes.
“Liam, you need to listen. I want to see Reece again.”
Liam shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “Look,” he grumbles as he runs his hand through his hair. “Let me run some polls, put the feelers out to see how the people would respond if this became known.”
