“If we don’t fight, who will?” I asked.
I’d started this journey with vengeance on my mind for both my father and the system that allowed him to destroy my life. But as time passed, my goals evolved. I became less selfish.
I wanted others to have the freedom and truth. And I had the means with which to make it happen. The global system was so fragile, so easily tainted by those who were out for themselves. And that was why I was an expert at foreign currency trading. All it took was one piece of misleading news, or mention of war, or market uncertainty by a politician in the pockets of some mega conglomeration, and the dollars fluctuated like crazy, allowing people in the know to swoop in, scoop up untold millions in the trade, and then get out. Insider trading was rife—and not just on the FX market but on everything known to fucking man.
Stocks. Fuel. Climate change. Property. Medical.
All of it was guided and directed by puppeteers who had no moral compass.
Corrupt.
The world was fucking corrupt.
Cleo never answered my question, so I did it for her. “If no one fights, it will only get worse. It’s our duty to stand up now … before it’s too late. People are desperate—just like I was before Wallstreet helped me. But I’ll change that. If I can.”
Cleo glanced between me and Samson. “And you want to be in the limelight? You want to be … what? A politician?”
My headache pressed harder. “No, I don’t want that. The thought of being open to ridicule and scandal is the last thing I want.”
“Then … why?” Her forehead furrowed. “Why put yourself forward? Why do something you don’t want when you’ve been through so much?”
I smiled softly. “I started this when I had nothing to lose. I pledged my life to helping others, hoping to find value for mine since I no longer had you.”
She gasped.
“I’ve been planning this for years, Buttercup. Regardless that I now have everything I ever wanted, I can’t turn my back on something that got me through those darkest days. I can’t give up on helping others find happiness and equality.” Lowering my voice, I asked, “Do you understand?”
Her green eyes shimmered. The love shining there was infinite, decimating my heart all over again. “I … I understand.” Her shoulders squared. “I’m with you every step. What can I do to help?”
My soul lifted with thanks. I wanted to kiss her so fucking bad. “Nothing yet. I just wanted you to know what the future holds. Wallstreet will be out soon. And then it will be all over the news.”
Samson cleared his throat, dispelling brutal honesty and changing the subject to less heavier subjects. “You’re okay if I let Duncan and Spears know to begin?”
I nodded. “Go ahead.”
Smoothing his trousers, Samson stood. He winced as his legs creaked. “Well, in that case, I’m heading back to my party. Don’t think we need to confirm anything else, but if so, I’ll send you an encrypted email.”
I stood and shook hands with the senator who Wallstreet had told me to contact. My lessons hadn’t ended when I’d been released from jail—they’d only just begun. I came out of Florida State despising the judicial system and everything to do with bureaucrats, but through Samson and Wallstreet, I’d immersed myself in men and women who wanted change, too—they just didn’t know how to do it.
“Stay and mingle. Get a few more of these leeches onto your side.” Samson laughed and bent over to kiss Cleo on her cheek. “Lovely to meet you, Ms. Price.”
Cleo stood, looking as graceful as a fucking ballerina in her heels. “Thank you, Senator. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to finally have some answers.”
Samson’s eyes softened. “No problem at all. And please, call me Joe. I think we’re all on a first-name basis.”
Moving to stand beside her, I asked Samson, “You’ll talk to the other cabinet members? Tell them about Wallstreet?”
“First thing Monday, I’ll go through what we’ve discussed and get the campaign started. The first advertisement will go live at prime-time viewing and then we’ll be in for the long haul.” Unlocking the door, he looked back again. “Once I have the extra funds, it’s all systems full steam.”
“Good.”
Samson gave us a quick salute, then disappeared.
The moment he’d left the room, the air turned thick with questions—all originating from Cleo.
Grabbing her wrist, I said, “I know we have a lot to discuss. But right now, I need to do something.”
My cock throbbed in my trousers—like it had the entire meeting. My headache compounded until I couldn’t think straight and the alcohol hadn’t done my hazy vision any good.
I needed pain relief and I knew how to get it.
“Do what?”
I gathered her close. “I meant what I said before. I’m going to have you here.”
She trembled in my arms. “There’s probably cameras everywhere.” Trying to pull away, she fought a smile from her lips. “Can’t you wait till we get home?”
I growled and bit her neck. “No chance. Not while you’re in that incredible dress with your hair just begging me to fist it while I ride you.”
She froze, her skin flushing with heat. “Well, when you put it that way.”
Chuckling, I nipped at her ear. “You drive me fucking wild.”