The smarmy fucker’s voice is dripping with superiority sleaze as I approach.
“You’re a beautiful woman. Pink really is your color. You wear it so well.”
I can’t hear Harley’s response. But I don’t miss the way she leans away, trying to peel her spine away from his lingering hand. But he’s got her cornered, the bar to one side of her, the pillar to another. She can’t move out of his reach.
“You know. I have lots of photographs of Lincoln in my suite. Why don’t I show you? The party won’t miss us for half an hour.” His hand slides lower, pressing against where the fabric starts again. A few more inches and his hand will be on her ass. Her back flexes and her muscles stiffen at his touch.
Rage explodes in my chest like dynamite thrown into a furnace, and I reach forward and grasp his wrist in my hand, sliding in next to Harley as I close my other hand around his and grip it.
Hard.
“Mr. President, Reed Walker, running independently for New York Mayor.” I shake his hand, squeezing it between both of mine as my eyes fix on his. His pupils widen before he regards me coolly. “We met this morning. You told me how interested you were to hear more about my research into the NYPD’s statistics. Specifically, those around harassment and assault, and how I plan to increase the number of cases successfully making it to trial.” I give him a measured smile as he holds my gaze.
“Yes. I recall. Nice to talk to you again.” His eyes slide to Harley, who’s moved to my side.
I tighten my grip on his hand so his eyes return to mine. “Where is the First Lady this evening?”
“She felt unwell and didn’t accompany me.” The president’s smile is tight as I finally release his hand.
“That’s such a shame. Please give her our regards.” I wrap my arm around Harley, my palm curling around to cup her hip, and note the way his eyes narrow as he follows my movement.
“I will, thank you. And thank you, Ms. Jacobs.” He looks at Harley, who meets his gaze, her face emotionless. “I enjoyed our chat.” His attention moves to behind us and he tips his head at someone. “Please, excuse me.”
I turn to Harley as he walks off.
“You okay?”
She looks up at me, her eyes steely. “Win this election, Reed. Do whatever it takes. And then go after his job next. Men like him should never be in positions of power.”
“They shouldn’t, you’re right.” I search her face, looking for a trace of the unease I expected to see. But all I find is pure, focused determination.
“Good.” She blows out a tense breath. “Now let’s go meet more people… and get another drink.”
She wraps her arm around mine, and a wave of complete admiration washes over me as I see a new facet of the sparkling diamond that is Harley Jacobs.
Belief.
Belief and hope in a system that is corrupt on so many levels. But that also has people within it who are true, honorable warriors fighting for the same things.
Equality. Justice. Peace.
And so much more.
Things I gave up daring to hope for on the darkest days of my past.
Chapter twelve
Harley
“Youknowweweredestined to only have one bed, right? It’s like the law in situations like this.”
“I told you. I’ll sleep on the sofa.” Reed pulls off his bowtie and undoes the top button of his shirt.
“No way. I’ll sleep on the sofa. You’ve been working all day.” I walk past him with a pillow, preparing to set up my sleeping spot for our one night here.
“Harls.” He reaches out and clasps my wrist with a gentle stubbornness I’ve noticed he can execute with precision.
I raise my eyes to meet his and he cocks a brow at me, not needing to use words. I know exactly what he’s going to say.