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  In the next instant, Apolo had me by the hand, alarm still wailing, leading me to the panel that opened to the safe room. He pushed me inside, closing the door, just as we heard the sound of glass being broken.

  They went on immediately, and Apolo walked over to a control panel of some sort. He flipped some buttons and picked up the phone that sat there. “We’re safe,” he told someone. I assumed it was Jacob. “What the hell is going on? No one knew we were coming.” He grunted, said a few more choice words, and then hung up.

  “What is it?” I asked. “What the hell is going on?”

  “Not sure yet. Jacob says intruders.”

  “What sort of intruders? It must be damn serious if Jacob’s urging us in here. What do they want?”

  “I’m a senator now, Caiti. Whoever it is must have triggered Jacob’s sense of security.”

  “So, what now? He and the rest of the security team are searching?”

  “Yes. Come. Sit down. It could be awhile. Jacob will call when he knows something.”

  I walked around the room one more time before he took my hand and led me to a bed situated in the corner. I hadn’t been in here since the one time he’d showed me. I couldn’t help but smile, remembering about what I’d thought this room was for the first time I’d walked in. “Well, on the good side, at least you get to test this place out,” I teased, trying not to grin.

  “True, though I wish it wasn’t a real threat,” he replied, looking over at me. He must have read my mind. “What are you grinning about?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, I know better than that, Caitlyn. Your grin gives you away every time. Remembering the first time I showed you this place? I am. You thought this was something naughty.” He took hold of my hand and squeezed.

  “Oh, okay. Yes,” I confessed. “Um, doesn’t this place lock from the inside?”

  “Yes, of course. Why?” He cocked an eyebrow, a corner of his mouth curving up. “Naughty girl. As much as I’d love nothing better than to christen this place, I fear right now is not the time.”

  “Why not? No one can come in.”

  “I need to be ready. Jacob could call, either to give the all clear or to give me an update.”

  “So?”

  “Caitlyn,” he growled. “Don’t make this any harder for me than you are.”

  “What am I doing?” I asked, innocently.

  “You know exactly what you’re doing, sweet.”

  “What is that? Yes, I want you to fuck me. Now, here, on this bed. Please?”

  “You’re making this very difficult for me.”

  “Good.”

  “You know, I’ve thought about perhaps having our own private play room.”

  “So, what’s stopping you? And good try at changing the subject.”

  “I’m a senator now, Caiti. Do you know what would happen if word ever got out that I, we, had something like that in our home?”

  “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, they say.”

  “Point taken, and if you don’t stop rubbing my thigh, I’m going to have to spank you later.”

  “Promises, promises. Come on, Apolo. Where’s my man who fucks anywhere, anytime?”

  “Preoccupied right now with the fact that someone has broken into the building right after our arriving. Coincidence? I don’t think so.”

  I sighed and slowly removed my hand. He was right—this was no laughing matter. “You’re right, of course. I suppose I need to get used to the boring, Senator Choice.”

  He grabbed my hand and placed it over his cock, which was hard. “Never, ever boring, my love. Remember that. Things will calm down once we’ve moved and I’ve settled into my new position.”

  “A time of transition, we shall call this phase.”

  The phone rang, and Apolo jumped up and bolted across the small room. I thought for a second he was going to yank the receiver completely away from its anchor.

  It was hard to understand exactly what was going on. He was good at the short answers. Grunting too. Then, he turned around and faced me. The expression on his face was rather odd. He hung up and stood there, staring. “Your brother. He didn’t come to the wedding. Do you know why?”

  I shook my head. “No, something about a business deal out of the country. That’s not unusual with Tom. You know we’re not close. Why?”

  “Curious, that’s all.” He had his arms crossed now. Something wasn’t feeling right about this.

  “What? I know you better than that. What’s Tom and his whereabouts have to do with right now?”

  “Because Jacob’s got him, my brother, and—you’re going to love this—Don Turner on tape. The three of them, sneaking into this building. Or should I say breaking in? When I catch them, they’re going to be accountable for more than they bargained for.”

  “What the hell? How does Tom know Anthony? Or Don Turner? More importantly—has Jacob’s team found them?”

  “No, no trace of them yet.”

  “What does that mean? We have to stay put?”

  “I’m afraid so, darling. Jacob’s got a friend on the Atlanta PD. He’s going to check with him, see if it might warrant sending a team to help comb the building.”

  “What would make this situation worth their time and effort? Besides the fact that you’re Apolo Choice?”

  He grinned. “Yes, there is that. Seriously though, it’s the way they came into the building. Through an entrance only used by maintenance.”

  “So, something’s fishy, then. Do you think our arriving was coincidental, or planned on their part?”

  “I guess we’ll have to wait until we chat with them.”

  “Apolo, something awful just occurred to me.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If they came in through a maintenance entrance, that means they probably have blueprints to the inner workings of the building. Would they know about this room?”

  “No,” he replied sternly. “It doesn’t show up on any blueprint maintenance has. We have nothing to worry about, so calm yourself, Caiti, please.”

  “I’m trying. But Tom? What the hell are they up to, Apolo?”

  * * * *

  Apolo

  I was more than happy to see Jacob’s face when I opened the door to my office, bringing Caitlyn with me out of the safe room.

  “Well, good to see our little, secret room works,” Jacob joked as he stood off to one side.

  Caitlyn stood close to me, afraid, I’m sure, of what might happen next.

  “I assume you didn’t have to inform Atlanta PD of my whereabouts?” I asked.

  “No, not this time. But either the threesome got themselves somewhere to hide we know nothing about, or they have another exit of escape. We found no trace of them, other than what is on video.”

  “What now, then?”

  “First off, we get the two of you home. I’ll send Bo to follow you. Then, I’ll place a couple of guys at the house, and don’t worry, that paparazzi will be none the wiser of what’s going on. Outside of that, I’ve got four guys still going through the basement. Also, I’m changing the locks on that door.”

  “Sounds good. I want to see those tapes. Why don’t you bring them to the house when you finish here?”

  “No problem. What about Don Turner? How do you want to handle him come Monday?”

  “Let him come back, if he dares. Keep an eye on him. Monitor him. Something is going on, and it involves my company. I want to be updated daily.”

  “Yes, sir. Now, why don’t we get the two of you safely home? I think the missus has had enough excitement for one day.”

  “Thank you, Jacob, I have. I just don’t understand the connection between the three,” Caitlyn put in.

  “Don’t worry, ma’am. We’ll find out what they’re up to.”

  “I think, since we’re here in Atlanta, I’ll do the brotherly thing and give Anthony a call.”

  “Not a bad idea.”

  We were escorted to the garage. I got Cai
tlyn into the car. She had been unusually quiet since coming out of the safe room. I’m sure the news about her brother disturbed her. It disturbed me, as well. Both of our siblings up to obvious no good with one of my own employees.

  On the drive to the house, she continued her silence. I let her, not wanting to intrude.

  Suddenly, she asked the oddest thing, “Apolo? What does Don have access to?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know, on the computer. Where can he go? What can he access?”

  “Why?”

  “Because if Jacob doesn’t know this, I’ll tell you now. Tom is a computer whiz.”

  “How’s that? What does he know how to do?”

  “I know he can hack into systems. One of his old jobs, though I’m not one hundred percent sure who his employer was.”

  “Damn! And you didn’t see fit to tell me until now?” I know I had raised my voice by the look on her face.

  “Why would I tell you anything about Tom? Either “A,” I figured Jacob already knew it, or “B,” I don’t talk with him. I mean, he didn’t have the decency to come to the wedding, or anything else he’s been invited to.”

  “I apologize. You’re right. Let me call Jacob to see if he’s aware.”

  “Better yet, Choice, wait until we get home. We’re almost there.”

  I nodded at her. She was right. This would put a whole new spin on things. Yet, somehow, I was quite sure Jacob already knew everything on Tom White.

  Speaking of Pickett-White’s, there was that other one—Susan. I was confident that she was either staying with friends or paying cash for her little adventure. Jacob had caught a rather large withdrawal she’d made earlier that day. I felt quite sure that Susan was simply waiting for us to leave for Washington before she showed her face.

  I turned into the driveway leading up to the house. The gate opened, and I noted Bo stopped behind me, getting out of his car. I watched in my rear view while he walked across the street to have words with the resident paparazzi. I couldn’t help but smile. Caitlyn caught it, of course.

  “What are you smiling about?”

  “Oh, nothing. Only that our favorite paparazzi may decide parking across the street is not such a good idea, after all.”

  “Good,” she replied. “Scum has no business parked there. I’m surprised one of the neighbors hasn’t called to complain.”

  “Oh, I think someone has, sweetheart.”

  Jacob arrived not too long after. Caitlyn had gone off to call Izzie about dinner. We were in my study when she reappeared, looking over the surveillance footage. “Come. Sit at my desk. I was telling Jacob what you said about your brother’s work experience.”

  She stared at the laptop screen, not uttering a word. After several moments, she finally said, “What the hell are you up to, Tom?” She glanced up at me with those gorgeous, green eyes. “I told you Don Turner was going to be trouble.”

  “Yes, you did. I remember.”

  “I don’t know what you two have going on regarding these three, but let me throw something out, in case you haven’t already thought of it.”

  “What’s that, love?”

  “Get a forensic accountant.” Her words lingered in the air. “Do it now.”

  Chapter Seven

  Our first week in Washington I could almost bet I could count the number of hours I actually saw Apolo on both hands. That’s how busy he was. I might be over exaggerating, but I don’t think so. Committee meetings with votes, on the house floor, with more votes. If he did come home at a decent hour, he almost always fell asleep on the couch, or other comfortable chair, the moment he sat down.

  Luckily, I’d figured this might happen, and had begun setting up my own office in our new home. I wanted to get involved in various organizations and causes. To help me get invites and meetings, Renee worked her magic. It was amazing what dropping Apolo’s name could accomplish.

  She scored me meetings with high profile, nationally known organizations. The first was with a performing arts organization Apolo had followed for quite some time. Another with a disabled veteran’s organization, which assisted with basic needs, such as house renovations for when the soldiers came home. The best of all was an invitation to accompany the vice president’s wife to Walter Reed.

  By the end of my first seven days, I had a very full calendar for the following. Which was exactly what I wanted—to keep myself busy.

  I was excited. The performing arts organization included the Washington area ballet troupe. Dance, especially classical ballet, had always been a passion of mine. I had wanted to pursue it as a child, take dance classes. But my mother made sure that had never happened. I lacked the discipline it took, she’d tell me. In the end, though, I grew too tall to ever be a serious dancer.

  Friday was a gorgeous, autumn day, so I decided to surprise Apolo by showing up around lunchtime. I let Renee know I was coming, just in case my husband had any unforeseen changes in his schedule. Rather than go out, I prepared a simple meal to take. I knew his time would be limited, and based on how little I’d seen of him this week, I thought simpler was better.

  His office was all abuzz when I arrived. This was the first time I’d been here since he had officially started his new position. It took far more people to run a senator’s office than a corporate tycoon’s. Or, at least with the latter, they were hidden behind the scenes.

  Renee, seeing me walk in, bolted across the outer office in my direction. I knew why. She was attempting to avoid any awkward scenes with one of the underlings who did not know who I was, yet. “Wonderful to see you, Mrs. Choice. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the senator’s office.” She immediately took the small basket I’d been holding.

  “Hello, Renee. This certainly is nothing like Atlanta, is it?” I inquired, following her lead.

  She opened the door to a small, but adequate room. It was filled with books and paperwork. Not at all what I’d been expecting for a senator.

  Seeing the look on my face, Renee instantly knew what I was thinking. “Senator Choice is a freshman senator. They, um, don’t get the best offices. That comes later.”

  “Ah, so he had to give up the late senator’s space to someone with more tenure. I bet that chafed him. Apolo isn’t used to not being top dog.”

  “Exactly what chafed me?” A familiar voice boomed behind us in the doorway.

  I turned to see him, suit jacket unbuttoned and tie askew, a briefcase in hand. His hair was mussed, probably from running his hand through it. He looked like anything but a United States Senator. He looked more like my husband, who had a lusty, hungry look in his eyes upon seeing me.

  “Renee was telling me how, being as you’re a freshman senator, you had to give up your late predecessor’s space for this more quaint one.” I wanted to continue, but he was already next to me, and I could feel his intensity.

  “Yes, but I’m not in here much, anyway.”

  Renee, who’d been standing there through all this, spoke up, “Is there anything else you’ll be needing?”

  Apolo glanced down at me. “No, thank you, Renee. I have everything we need right here,” I replied, gesturing to the basket. “If you have a few minutes before I leave, though, I have a couple of things I thought perhaps you could answer for me.”

  “Certainly. If you don’t see me, just ask one of the staff members. Speaking of which, why don’t I introduce you to them after the senator leaves?”

  “Excellent idea, Renee,” Apolo responded. “I don’t intend for my wife to be one of those who never comes down here.”

  She nodded her head and walked out the door, leaving us alone. I’d leaned up to kiss Apolo before getting our lunch out when he grabbed me and drew me into an embrace. His lush lips covered mine, catching me off guard. He seemed greedy, pushing his way inside my mouth. I wrapped my hands around his neck, burying them in the long tendrils of his dark hair.

  I felt his hand under my skirt, moving up my thigh and right to where
he wanted to be. I was already a bundle of sexual tension. Our coupling had been off this past week, as he adjusted to his new schedule.

  “Ah…Fuck, Apolo,” I moaned, as he moved his mouth to my throat. His fingers began stroking back and forth.

  “Look at me, Caitlyn.”

  I opened my eyes, catching his with mine. He buried two fingers inside me as he seized my mouth and plunged his tongue into its depths. He seemed to have the two in sync, his tongue matching the pace of his stroking fingers. I rode his hand shamelessly as he brought me to a much-needed orgasm.

  “My god, you’re so beautiful when you come.”

  I wished we had time for more than just this brief interlude. I felt the heat of his fingers as he slowly pulled them out. I gasped, trying to rub myself against them. I wanted more.

  He stood upright, sporting that naughty, impish grin of his. His hand gently caressed my cheek. “My turn,” he said, as he made his way to the door in two strides. He made sure it was locked. But Renee had done so on her way out. Then, he sat down in one of the leather chairs and motioned me over.

  I sighed in utter contentment as I dropped to my knees. Reaching forward, I unzipped his trousers, unearthing his hardened cock. Apolo groaned, thrusting himself into my hand. Then, I enveloped him with my mouth.

  “Fuck, yeah,” he growled.

  I took him in long, deep pulls, sucking and running my tongue up and down his shaft. I could tell this was not going to last long, as he was already plunging at a quick pace.

  Suddenly, I felt him pull away. “Take off your thong. Now. I’m going to finish this inside that tight cunt of yours.”

  Quickly, I obeyed, ditching the red lace thong on the floor. His trousers were now down around his ankles as he guided me onto his waiting cock. I heard him hiss as he impaled himself deep inside me. His hands were on my bottom, guiding me as he thrust in and out, each time quicker and more demanding. The pad of his thumb stroked my clit.

  It didn’t take but mere seconds and both of us were coming. Apolo pushed himself deep one last time, as he came inside me, his hands tightly holding me in place. I was spent, watching. I only wished we had more time. More time in our own bed. But Apolo liked it whenever and wherever, as he had proved right now. I didn’t care. I’d take him anywhere I could get him.