Page 20 of Power
I shake my head and shrug. “Why are you bringing me this?”
Liam rocks back on his heels as he stares at me. “It’s Reece.”
“Reece who?”
“Reece Maxwell.”
I snap my head to the side while drawing my brows together. “Reece?” Liam nods once. “Did she agree to come tonight?” I rack my brain and try to think if she accepted my invitation. Liam’s jaw jumps. “She’s here with someone.”
“Yes, she is. What do you want me to do?”
“Who is she here with?”
“Senator Arthur Garrett.”
My mouth falls open as I nod. “I’m not even surprised. He’s pushing fifty, and he’s got her on his arm?” I walk over and sit on the edge of the bed.
“I can ask the agents to deny her entry.”
“No,” I say way too fast. “Tell Mark to clear her.”
Liam hangs back for a moment. “Are you sure?” I lift my head and stare at him. “Very well.” He nods and quietly exits my bedroom.
“Fuck.” Standing, I pace back and forth. I fucking hate having to sit in a room where she’s nowhere near me. Worse still, knowing she’s here with someone else. “Fuck.” Knock, knock. “Yeah?”
“Mr. President,” Jamie says. “Prime Minister Clarke has arrived.”
“Thank you.” Jamie stays for a few seconds too long. “What?” I snap with irritation.
“Are you okay, sir?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Jamie softly nods and backs out of the room. My tuxedo jacket is hanging in the closet, and I walk over to grab it. I shrug into my jacket and head out of my room. Mark is standing by my door and gives me a knowing nod. “Did she make it in with limited fuss?”
“Yes, sir.”
My Secret Service detail all work seamlessly. Mark, the lead agent, instructing them through the comms. We head to the North Portico entrance, where honor guards are wearing full dress uniform. I’m not waiting long before Ms. Clarke approaches. “Ava, welcome to the White House.” I extend my hand to shake hers.
“Thank you, Mr. President,” she says as she looks around.
The next fifteen minutes is spent going through the normal, boring rigmarole state dinners are all about. Actually, that’s not fair, I do enjoy these on the rare times we’ve hosted them. I guess I’m preoccupied knowing Reece is here with Arthur-fucking-Garrett. He better not touch her, or I’ll tear his fucking arms off his body.
Ava and I head toward the state dining room, where we’re greeted by a standing ovation. I see Reece standing beside Arthur clapping while looking straight at me. Ava has her arm linked through mine as I introduce her to the hundred-odd people here.
Reece is wearing a stunning, body-hugging red dress. Her brown hair is softly curled and cascading loosely around her beautiful face. Thankfully, I’m able to continue conversation as if she’s not affecting me, but I look over at her every opportunity I can.
“What a beautiful room,” Ava says as she looks around once I drag her chair out and wait for her to be seated. “Thank you.” She smiles warmly at me.
“You’re welcome.” Mark stands behind me, Grayson behind Ava, and there are another four Secret Service agents standing against the walls of the room. The first course comes out, and while the people at the table are chatting casually, I keep staring at Reece. She’s doing her best not to look at me, but every few moments, she calmly turns to meet my eyes. God, I want her to crawl over here, get on her knees, sneak under the table, and suck me until I come in her mouth. I want to take her, bend her, and claim her in front of every single guest here. I don’t care what she does. I just want her. Arthur drapes his hand over the back of her chair and absentmindedly runs his fingers over her exposed arms.
Liam leans over and whispers, “Are you okay?”
“What?” I break my hard stare from Reece to turn to Liam.
He angles his head so no one can hear us. “If you don’t calm down, people will start to notice.” I snap my gaze away from Arthur-fucking-Garrett and how he’s getting handsy with my girl. “I’ll have them leave.”
“No, don’t.” I sneak one more look at Reece before pulling myself together. Standing, I offer my hand to Ava. “Would you care to dance, Ms. Clarke?”
“Thank you.” Ava stands and places her hand in mine. Leading her over to the dance floor, I begin to lead her in a simple waltz across the floor. As I lead, I can’t help but notice Reece’s eyes boring into me. Just like mine are zoning in on Arthur-fucking-Garrett’s hands on Reece. I hate the fact we can’t dance together. Or that I have to see her and know why she’s here and what she’s going to do once they leave. “The room is certainly opulent,” Ava says as she looks around and admires the décor.
