Free Dirty Little Liars by Missy Lynn Ryan Page B

political mind joining my family and taking my daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Chapter 19: Whatever it Takes
    The world stopped spinning.
    At least that was what it felt like when Governor Anderson dropped his bombshell announcement. The clapping and cheering was muted beneath the racing of her own heart. Governor Anderson pulled Tyler into a tight embrace. Tyler gave the man a genuine hug before spinning around and pulling Courtney into an overly dramatic embrace. Tyler dipped his fiancée low and kissed her deep on the lips before standing again.
    Juliette watched the two of them, laughing and grinning as if everything in the world was perfect, and wanted to throw up. Maybe it was perfect. Courtney was happy. Or at least she certainly seemed that way. And making it official meant that Tyler might actually have abandoned his pursuit of her. So what if her heart ached and her stomach clenched at the thought of the two of them married? This was what she wanted, for Ty to let go and move on.
    But you never considered marriage.

    That had been a stupid oversight on her part and now she was going to have to live with her mistake. But she couldn’t be happy tonight. Tonight she was going to be sick.
    Juliette melted into the crowd, inching her way to the nearest exit. She would not pass out in front of five hundred D.C. elites. Nor would she throw up in this magnificent gown. She would be miserable and self-pitying in her own apartment behind closed doors, like every other decent person in this city.
    Juliette marched through the entrance and down the steps, her eyes focused only on the coat check.
    Crap. She didn’t have the ticket. Covington did.
    “Leaving so soon?” he said, and she turned to find Covington standing in the alcove nearby. Talk about someone who had an unnerving way of showing up whenever you thought his name.
    “I’m not feeling well. I think it was the champagne,” Juliette lied.
    Covington nodded and reached into the suit pocket. He pulled out the white ticket stub and handed it to her.
    “I have to admit. I had my doubts. But it looks like you’re managing all right with your assignment?” His voice rose as if asking a question instead of making a statement.
    Juliette muttered, “Yes,” before handing the attendant the ticket for their coats.
    Covington took a step closer and placed a single finger on the bottom of her chin. He tilted her head upward so that she had nowhere to look but his eyes, which were a stormy gray.
    “You have a tendency to step into the shadows, hiding yourself away when you get nervous or scared. A good grifter knows that confidence is everything. Never let anyone make you feel as if you don’t belong. And even if you do feel that way, never, ever, show it.”
    She nodded again and he frowned. “Yes, sir.” she said with more authority. “I hear what you’re saying.”
    “Good.” Covington grabbed their coats from the attendant and placed them on the counter. Then, as if she couldn’t master the art of dressing herself, he held out her wool and fur coat and she slipped her arms inside. He turned her to face him full on. As he fastened the drawstring tight around her waist she saw Tyler. The senator was standing at the peak of the stairs, watching them. There was something puzzling about his expression. It wasn’t concern, but something darker. Anger or jealousy, perhaps?
    Well, good. Now he knows what it feels like.

    Covington surprised her by putting on his own coat and nudging her gently to the door.
    “You’re leaving too?”
    “But of course. I wouldn’t imagine sending a young attractive woman like yourself out into the city alone. What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t at least see you to your door?”
    “That’s very kind, but not necessary.”
    Covington held open the door and for a split second she thought she saw his gaze drift off behind them. It lasted only for an instant and then his attention centered entirely on Juliette. She