12-26-2017, 08:26 PM
Something was wrong.
Nikolai had what he wanted. The Congresswoman was willing to purchase his allegiance. She was practically begging for it, but something was wrong. His heart hardened, despite the conflict within. He should take this beautiful woman in his arms. He should sweep the hair from her face. He should peer deep into her vibrant, youthful eyes and lose himself in them.
But he couldn't bring himself to do it. He'd spent the entire evening charming the Senator into trusting him. Her sympathies toward the CCD, toward him specifically, would prove valuable in Washington. He was going to host the fundraiser, that was too fortunate an opportunity to pass up, and in effect, was a means to do the very same thing with Jacques as he was doing with Evelyn. He was buying their loyalty. Jacques' with money he could not afford to decline, and Evelyn with -- what? Power dangled like a carrot? A queenly consort?
It was wrong. But that didn't mean he couldn't kiss her, couldn't sweep her off her feet... His heart tried to split in two. It wrenched his gut sick, but he willed it to stone. He was better than this.
This was not the way to win her loyalty. It ripped his heart out to step away.
"Thank you for your candor. I will make sure you receive all the information as soon as the plans are made. Have a good evening, Congresswoman."
His voice trembled as he departed, but his jaw was set with the decision made. Evelyn would not be his, tonight or ever.
Nikolai had what he wanted. The Congresswoman was willing to purchase his allegiance. She was practically begging for it, but something was wrong. His heart hardened, despite the conflict within. He should take this beautiful woman in his arms. He should sweep the hair from her face. He should peer deep into her vibrant, youthful eyes and lose himself in them.
But he couldn't bring himself to do it. He'd spent the entire evening charming the Senator into trusting him. Her sympathies toward the CCD, toward him specifically, would prove valuable in Washington. He was going to host the fundraiser, that was too fortunate an opportunity to pass up, and in effect, was a means to do the very same thing with Jacques as he was doing with Evelyn. He was buying their loyalty. Jacques' with money he could not afford to decline, and Evelyn with -- what? Power dangled like a carrot? A queenly consort?
It was wrong. But that didn't mean he couldn't kiss her, couldn't sweep her off her feet... His heart tried to split in two. It wrenched his gut sick, but he willed it to stone. He was better than this.
This was not the way to win her loyalty. It ripped his heart out to step away.
"Thank you for your candor. I will make sure you receive all the information as soon as the plans are made. Have a good evening, Congresswoman."
His voice trembled as he departed, but his jaw was set with the decision made. Evelyn would not be his, tonight or ever.