Page 69 of Tangled Roses
Ellie is keeping her distance and I hate the emotional wall she is erecting between us. It’s as if we were hit by a bolt of home truth in the car and I’m not sure if I can survive the night not knowing if we are tied by blood.
The moment I catch sight of a waiter balancing a tray of drinks, I swiftly grab two – one for each of us and Ellie wastes no time in downing her glass faster than me. Shifting my attention to the purpose of the evening, I spot the woman herself holding court alongside her husband, Charles Kenricky, in the center of the room.
Ellie follows silently beside me as we head toward the couple who are doing a great job of appearing happy but I know otherwise because Adele Heatherington is the typical politician’s wife. Cold, calculating and brutal, which is why her husband’s screwing his personal assistant.
It’s not common knowledge, but it’s my knowledge, which is why I’m so successful. I dig for dirt and come up smelling of roses with every deal I make. The last thing Charles will want is his secret coming out, and it is in my best interests to assist him all the way to the Whitehouse because then he will fall harder if he denies me what I ask for. The risks will be higher and the pickings richer, so I keep that information to myself as I prepare to face the real reason I’m here.
As we approach, the couple’s attention is directed our way, and I register the puzzlement on Adele’s face as she studies Ellie. Charles is ready with a polite handshake as we draw near and says jovially, “Arman Romanov. I heard you were in town.”
I shake his hand and smile respectfully. “Charles, it’s good to see you again and, of course, your lovely wife.”
Adele’s attention swaps to me, but I don’t miss the confusion in her expression before she switches to potential first lady and smiles graciously.
“Mr. Romanov. I have heard only good things about your charity work. News travels fast in town and I understand several charities are already benefitting from your last donation.”
She glances at Ellie curiously and I can tell news does travel fast and I can’t resist poking the bear.
“I was informed it will be directed to an organization called The Rose Foundation, noted for its charity work with women’s issues.”
If she is uneasy, she doesn’t show it and merely nods politely. “Of course. A worthy organization for anyone’s money.”
Ellie is silent beside me, and Adele turns her attention to her.
“Have we met before?”
Ellie shakes her head.
“No, I don’t believe we have.”
“Are you sure? It’s just, well, you look familiar.”
I sense the tension increase as Ellie shifts awkwardly on the spot and I take my chance. “Allow me to introduce my assistant, Ellie Adams. She is new in town, having moved here from Idaho.”
I note the realization sparking in Adele’s eyes before she can disguise it and she says somewhat sharply, “How interesting. I had a friend who lived there many years ago, although I lost touch with her after we left school.”
“Where was that?”
Ellie asks politely and Charles adds, “Switzerland if I recall. Adele was finished off there, as they say and what a good job they made of it. She is an exemplary wife and will make a fine first lady for the country.”
The surprise on Ellie’s face makes me chuckle inside because Charles is old school and believes a woman’s role hasn’t changed since Eve. They were made to serve men and I doubt he thinks anything of it. Yes. What a great example to lead this country he is. I almost hope he is unsuccessful.
I’m aware we are overstaying our allotted time as Charles glances past me to the next person to pay their respects, hoping to forge a connection with the future president and as we say our goodbyes, Adele surprises me by saying warmly, “We are having a small garden party tomorrow afternoon at our home in the Hamptons. I hope you can make it.”
“We would be delighted.”
She nods, a triumphant gleam in her eye that concerns me. Ellie just smiles and plays her role as my assistant perfectly, giving nothing away but cool professionalism, and says formally, “I will add it to Mr. Romanov’s schedule. Please ask your assistant to pass on the details.”
“Of course, consider it done.”
As we turn to walk away, the expression in Adele’s eyes unnerves me. It’s almost as if she set a trap that we fell into easily. I’m not sure why I’m on edge. Possibly because of the car ride over and my sixth sense is telling me that Adele is hiding something, and I hope that tomorrow will be enlightening in a number of ways.
CHAPTER 43
ELLIE
I’m hating every minute of this. Outwardly, I appear cool and collected but inside my life is falling apart. I can’t believe what’s happening. Arman might be my half brother and we…
My head hurts, but nowhere near as much as my heart does and I want to take that test now, not wait until the morning.