Destined for Power (16 page)

“I am so tired of people and their power struggles. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks. I don’t have the kind of power you do to get the higher-ups to back off.”

He smiled and walked away as soon as Evelyn came over with two hot lattes. “Oh my gosh. Who was that hunk? I didn’t know you had a boyfriend, but I am so happy you do. I thought you had a thing for Reid. I mean, Mr. Simpson. I was so afraid we wouldn’t be able to be friends then.”

Mallory took the offered coffee and looked in horror at the smiley face the barista had made in it. “Oh? You and Reid, I mean, Mr. Simpson,” Mallory smiled back, “are an item?”

“Not officially, but it’s going to happen. I know he has this strict no-dating-employees rule, but when we are together . . . phew, I get hot just thinking about it.”

“I bet you do,” Mallory said as she put down her latte without taking a sip.

“I just know he’s going to ask me to dance at the charity event tomorrow. It’s going to be so romantic. I have this killer dress and killer heels. Yum, this latte is killer good.”

Mallory smiled blandly. How many times could she say
killer
? It wasn’t making her any more inclined to take a sip of the drink Evelyn had brought her. She read the message loud and clear. Stay away from Reid.

“I thought Mr. Simpson was dating that security woman.”

“Mallory Westin?” Evelyn asked as if the name were a curse. “Don’t tell anyone, but I know all about her. She’s an ice princess. Reid would never go for her. She thinks she’s too good for him. Which is ridiculous because he is so much better than she is.”

Mallory’s smile grew tight. All this talk about killing was giving her an idea. She looked at the spoon and thought of three ways she could kill Evelyn right this instant.

“And when he looks at me with those eyes,” Evelyn sighed. “But, your guy is totally dreamy too.”

“Damien? Yes, he is,” Mallory said tersely. Was it possible this woman was behind the poisoning?

“Aren’t you going to take a sip of your drink?”

Mallory smiled and lifted the cup to her lips. “Mmm,” she said as she pretended to take a drink.

“So, have you had many complaints about the restrooms being closed? I know we ran into someone who was worried if they would be open for their event.”

“It’s always something. But Reid told me they would be done by tomorrow. If he says it, then it must be true. Oh, here he is now.” Evelyn waved. “Hello, Mr. Simpson.”

Mallory clutched the spoon in her hand as Evelyn dropped her voice to a seductive purr.

“Good morning, ladies. Miss Winters, I need to go over those reports you have for me.”

Mallory stood and smiled at Evelyn. “Thanks for the drink. It was wonderful.”

Reid hid his smile as he waited for Mallory to stand up. He took a step back and followed her from the room. He felt Evelyn watching them so he didn’t dare touch Mallory. When he had come into the room, he had seen the way Mallory was smiling and then her hand go to her spoon. He recognized that look from high school. She was about to murder Evelyn, and Evelyn had no clue she’d come so close to death.

“What was that all about?” Reid asked once he had Mallory safely in the lobby.

“Your girlfriend was warning me to stay away from you. She said the word
kill
over three times in one sentence.”

“Evelyn? Please. Not my type.”

“Apparently ice princesses are.” Reid raised an eyebrow as he opened the door to the ballroom so they could check the progress. “She thinks nothing is going on between Mallory and you. Mostly because Mallory is an ice princess.”

Reid laughed. “Well, if that’s true then I must be the sun because she melts for me every time.”

“Look who’s getting cocky.”

“My cock does have something to do with it.”

Mallory smacked him on the shoulder before switching into business mode and looking around the ballroom.

“Excuse me,” a tall man called out from the door. “I’m looking for the owner.”

Reid took in the man’s strong build and height. “You found him.”

“I have a complaint, and no one at the front desk can tell me anything. I’m having my mother’s eightieth birthday here next week. I just came to drop off the deposit, and I saw the restrooms are closed. I can’t have a bunch of senior citizens here for a party without a restroom. Can you imagine?”

“I’m sorry for the worry, but the restrooms will be complete by then. Nothing to worry about. You have my word.”

“When exactly will they be done? I can’t leave this up to chance.”

“They will be done before the charity event this weekend. I guarantee it.”

The man didn’t look all the way convinced but finally gave a nod of acceptance and left the ballroom.

Mallory looked amused. “Having problems?”

“Yes. That’s the fourth person to stop me and ask about the restrooms. Apparently Evelyn forgot to tell the front desk that the work will be done soon.”

“Well, that’s not the only problem we have. Damien said he’s getting resistance from the DC crew. I’ll need to make a call when we get back to your office. The stage looks good, but tonight, when no one is here, I want to look over it again—especially the podium. You could easily set a bomb in there.”

“I’ve hired private security to come in with a bomb-sniffing dog and clear the place before the party starts tomorrow.”

Mallory nodded. “Good idea. It looks like it’s coming along. There haven’t been any reports of anyone suspicious.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I’m probably right about the assassination attempt.”

“Come on. I have a few emails to send, and you have your phone call. Then let’s go get lunch. I feel as if we are in a holding pattern just waiting for someone to kill me. It’s getting very boring.”

“I’m sorry it’s boring to be stuck in your room most of the day. I know you would rather be walking around the property. You’re more of a hands-on man,” Mallory apologized.

“You misunderstand me, sweetheart. It’s the fact we have to leave the room that’s getting boring. I very much enjoy my hands-on activities when we are there.”

Reid enjoyed the slight blush to her cheeks. He’d always had such fun teasing her.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Reid opened the door to his Aston Martin Vanquish for Mallory. They were starving after a little hands-on activity in his office. He walked around the car and then slid into the low seat. Looking at Mallory, he shook his head and smiled.

“What?”

“With that wig on, I felt as if you were going to bite me at any second while we were making love.”

“I didn’t know you were into that,” Mallory teased back.

“Woman, you are killing me,” Reid whispered as he leaned over and kissed her hard and fast. “Now, what should we do for lunch?”

“Sushi!”

“Done.” Reid started the car and turned out of the hotel’s property onto the winding country road. The nearest sushi restaurant was twenty minutes away in Atlanta.

Reid reached over and took Mallory’s hand in his. He looked at her briefly and smiled. He was happy. He was fulfilled. The thought of driving in an SUV with blond children in the back and Mallory at his side flashed into his mind. Instead of panic, it filled him with eager anticipation.

“Mallory, how do you feel—?” Reid was about to ask about children when he pressed on the brake pedal going around a turn. “I don’t have any brakes!”

Reid grabbed the steering wheel with two hands as he navigated the tight turn. He reached for the emergency brake, but nothing happened either.

“Reid, truck ahead,” Mallory said calmly.

Reid swerved into the opposite lane and passed the truck, but traffic was starting to pick up the closer they got to the city. He looked frantically around for someplace to run the car off the road.

Mallory cursed. “We have another problem.”

“What?” Reid asked as he passed another car.

“We are being followed by a large black SUV. And it’s closing in on us. You need to speed up.”

Reid looked where the country road ended and turned onto a larger highway. Taking the turn to get onto the highway at this speed was going to be tricky enough.

“They’re closing in.” Mallory unbuckled her seatbelt and reached into her purse to pull out her gun.

“Keep your seatbelt on. Are you crazy?”

“Just a little, but in a good way, which means I’ll try something kinky in the bedroom at least once,” she winked before rolling down her window and pulling herself out. Reid heard the sound of the gunfire as he grew closer to the intersection.

“Hurry up and get inside,” Reid yelled.

“Don’t rush a woman with a gun, Reid,” Mallory called back before firing off another round.

Reid saw the windshield to the approaching SUV crack, and then it swerved, slamming on the brakes to control the large vehicle. Mallory slid back into the seat and buckled her seatbelt.

Reid kept both hands on the wheel as he made a sweeping turn through two lanes of traffic. Horns blared, tires squealed, and Reid struggled to keep the car under control.

“They are still back there. Lose them in Finn’s old neighborhood,” Mallory ordered.

“Seriously? I can’t drive that fast through there.”

Mallory was already pulling out her phone. “I’ll take care of it, just do it. Terrell, Mallory Westin. I need a favor.”

Reid kept control of the highly responsive sports car through traffic. He sped down the highway toward the neighborhood he’d normally never drive through in a $250,000 car, hoping they were making the right decision. Mallory had been on the phone issuing orders as he swerved from lane to lane, confusing the SUV that was still following them.

“Take a right,” Mallory ordered.

Reid turned the wheel as the tires searched for grip on the pavement. As soon as he straightened the wheel, he saw they had turned into a neighborhood he’d never been in before. It looked strangely like the neighborhood he grew up in.

“There,” Mallory pointed straight ahead. “Come on,” she chanted as she looked in the mirror for the SUV. “Yes!”

“It’s behind us?”

“Sure is. Go to the end of this street and take a left. It’ll pop out at that rundown industrial park. You can just slide it into neutral, and we’ll coast to a stop.”

“That sounds like a good plan except for the person following us, who is trying to kill us.” Reid kept his eyes on the road and prayed no one would step out into the street. Somehow the neighborhood was strangely deserted.

“You won’t need to worry about that much longer,” Mallory said as she flashed him a grin. “Ready?”

“For what?”

“For me to give Terrell the cue.”

“I’m the expert at driving. You be the expert at whatever you’re doing.”

“I like the sound of that. Except I think I may be the better driver.”

“Faster, sure. Better, not so sure.”

“Are we having our first fight as a couple?”

“As long as we can have our first round of make-up sex.” Reid grinned as he kept his eye on the road.

Mallory rolled down the window again as soon as they passed a stop sign. She fired at the windshield of the SUV. She slid back in and rolled up the window as an explosion of gunfire erupted behind them. Reid caught a quick glance in the rearview mirror as the SUV took on heavy fire from both sides of the street.

“Terrell,” Reid said with appreciation.

“Terrell,” Mallory grinned. “Now take a left. We’re only a couple miles away now.”

Mallory wouldn’t admit it, but she was kind of mad she wasn’t driving. Sure, her Porsche was nice, but Reid’s car was orgasmic. And he looked so sexy as he handled the car.

“Stop sulking. I’ll let you drive my Zenvo ST1 when this is over. It goes from zero to sixty in under three seconds.”

“You get to have all the fun,” Mallory pouted.

“Come on, isn’t this romantic?” Reid grinned. “And don’t think for one second I forgot you said you would try something kinky in the bedroom. I have this great idea for when I have you blindfolded . . .”

Mallory felt herself flush pink as Reid told her what he wanted to do to her. Okay, the car didn’t sound nearly as orgasmic as that.

“It’s been fun, Simpson. But next time I’ll drive.” Mallory winked.

“Then who will hang out the window and shoot?” Reid asked as the car slowed down. Cars flew by him into the large industrial parking lot and stopped. The Aston Martin cruised to a smooth stop right where Terrell had parked.

Mallory laughed as she opened the door and stood to meet Terrell and some of his guys. “Thanks for the help back there.”

“No problem. Anything for my angel.” Terrell tossed a smirk to Reid. There seemed to be some kind of tension between them. She didn’t know if they had met before. Sure, they were both at Allegra and Finn’s wedding, but she never saw them talking. “Do you two know each other?”

“Nah, we just had a little chat at the hospital once. It’s all good.” Terrell tipped up his chin in acknowledgment to Reid.

Reid stiffened but held out his hand. “Thank you for the help. It looks as if you have a habit of saving the members of my family.”

Mallory watched as Terrell looked at Reid’s outstretched hand. He looked over to her, and she gave a quick smile as she took a step closer to Reid. Terrell grinned and shook Reid’s hand.

“That’s a nice car, man.” Terrell ran his hand over the hood of the Aston Martin and whistled.

“I’ll make you a deal. After I get it fixed, you can meet me at the speedway and drive it.”

“Damn. Seriously?”

“Now you’re letting him drive it before me?” Mallory teased in mock outrage.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll give you a ride you’ll appreciate.”

Mallory automatically dropped her eyes down his chest, past his narrow waist, and to his—

“Whoa, so that’s how it is.” Terrell interrupted her thoughts. “I’ll take you back to the hotel before you two get into any more trouble.”

“I need to wait for my mechanic to get here,” Reid protested.

Terrell gave a quick nod of his chin to his guys. “Don’t worry about your car. We gotcha covered. What’s your mechanic’s name?”

Mallory waited as Reid gave his mechanic’s card to one of the guys staying behind to watch his car before heading over to Terrell’s car. The ride back to the hotel was only prolonged long enough for them to run through a drive-thru.

“Are one of you going to tell me what’s up? My angel is looking a little devilish today. Not that it’s not hot, but combined with the car incident . . . do y’all need Terrell’s help?” Terrell asked as he pulled his car up to the front door of the hotel.

“Basically, someone is trying to kill Reid because of something he’s seen, and somehow my father is involved in an assassination plot.”

“Damn, y’all got problems. Call me if you need me.”

Mallory leaned across the console and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime, angel. Reid, good luck, man.”

Reid shook his hand, and Mallory missed a quick exchange they had. But then Reid thumped him on the shoulder before joining her to walk into the lobby.

“What was that about?” Mallory asked as she looked around to see if anyone was surprised to see them still alive.

“Guy stuff.” Reid shot her a wink before putting on his business face. “Let’s check out the ballroom again. It should be almost done for the day.”

Damien saw them as soon as they walked in and headed toward them. “Thanks for the phone call. It worked. DC is pissed about it, but they’ve backed off challenging every one of my orders.”

Mallory looked around at the work being done. Tables were being wheeled in. The stage was complete. Someone was working on the wiring of the microphone at the podium. “No problem. It’s always nice to talk to the director.”

“Talk?” Reid joked after Damien headed to do a final check on his people.

“Okay, threaten. Same thing.”

“How did you know about him and that prostitute in Costa Rica?”

Mallory shook her head. “I swear, they hire me to dig dirt up on people, but never once assumed I will get any on them. Politicians, they think the higher they are on the ladder, the more indestructible they are. Reality, in fact, is just the opposite.”

Reid chuckled. “You should run for office. Take your father’s seat.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Mallory asked, horrified.

Reid sent her a wink. “I’d be willing to trade sexual favors for votes.”

“Mr. Simpson! I’m so glad you’re
finally
back. I was so worried about you.” Mallory rolled her eyes before turning around to see Evelyn hurrying forward.

“I ran into a bit of car trouble. Nothing to worry about,” Reid said smoothly, if not a little irritated. The way Evelyn put her hand to her heart and let out a relieved sigh convinced Mallory she hadn’t heard the irritation.

“Oh, thank heavens.”

It seemed Evelyn was auditioning for a role in
Gone With the Wind
. If she swooned in a fit of vapors, Mallory was going to shoot her.

“What was so important?” Reid asked.

“Golly,” she blinked quickly before giving him a dazzling smile. “I need to finalize all the details for tomorrow—timing of arrivals, if we feed all these lawmen, stuff like that. I have ordered dinner in the private dining room. It’s all set up.”

Reid grimaced. “I just ate, I’m sorry. However, you can email me your schedule, and I’ll send it back with any notes.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed briefly at Mallory. She smiled innocently back and batted her own lashes. “I see. May I have a word in private, Mr. Simpson?”

“Of course,” Reid answered as he sent Mallory a pained glance before stepping away.

Mallory took the time to examine the podium. The wiring was good, and she saw the CIA had exchanged the normal wooden podium with a metal one wrapped in a faux wood laminate. If a bomb were placed inside, it would act to contain the explosion.

Reid watched Mallory bend over and examine the podium. He was still riding high on adrenaline, and the last thing he wanted to do was stand here listening to Evelyn whimper over him. She knew there was a no-dating policy between higher-ups and their employees, but that didn’t seem to stop her from trying. She was doing everything she could to convince him to have coffee or a drink with her to look over the schedule. The same schedule he’d approved yesterday.

“Evelyn, is there anything new you actually need?” She blinked her eyes and placed her hand on his arm. “Evelyn, you’re a nice woman, but I’m in a relationship. And even if I wasn't, it’s against the rules to date an employee. I’m sorry.”

Evelyn gave a nervous laugh. “I know. Did you think . . . Oh, my. I didn’t mean for you to think that. I just want tomorrow to go perfectly. It’s my first major event.”

“Everything will be fine,” Reid said with his fingers crossed. Fine so long as an assassin could be caught before it started.

“Thank you, Mr. Simpson. Your support calms my nerves. So, you’re dating someone? Anyone I know or another famous model?” She tried to make it a joke, but Reid heard the tightness in her voice.

“Mallory Westin. Now, if you excuse me, I have a lot of work to do before the party tomorrow.”