Free DC Affairs by Selene Chardou Page B

the way Russell viewed me. If I didn’t know any better, he thought he was just a consolation prize and that didn’t make me feel exactly stellar. Had my behavior truly been so transparent he believed I collected men and discarded them with equal necessity like they were chess pieces?
    “No, not at all. I don’t know what I feel for Peter if I’m being honest. I can easily say it’s probably lust because he’s got so much power but really, I’m not the kind of girl who wishes to break up anyone’s happy home. Perhaps if the circumstances were different, I would feel…something more for him but as it is, there’s no me and him—there never was.”
    “I can understand that but I also know what I saw when you caught his wife with Elaine and I need to know that wasn’t some sort of glee in your eyes.” Russell slunk toward me and stopped a few feet away. “I’m not trying to protect Elizabeth but I do believe Peter is worth saving from the humiliation that would come with a news breaking story like that. It doesn’t matter if any of it’s true, you know how the media enjoys making everything seem so morally corrupt and unsavory.”
    “Yeah, I do, because I’ve already informed you my roommate and best friend is a reporter. Not everyone just wants to make a quick buck or a name for themselves, Russell. Some people still handle themselves with integrity.”
    “Well, from me to you, I’m glad you didn’t tell her anything. I don’t know Andrea and maybe she’s great at what she does but the fewer people who know about what we saw, the better it is.”
    I looked around the opulent home we were staying in before my eyes settled on Russell’s again. “Why is that? Do you think something scandalous is going on between the two of them?”
    “I don’t know and I don’t really care but at the same time, I still believe we have the responsibility not to spread lies.” He approached me with a smile. “I feel much better knowing we’re on the same page. I hope if you have anything you want to talk about, you’d come to me first. That’s all.”
    “And how does any of this have to do with whether I am using you because Peter isn’t available?” My tone was a bit harsher than I planned for it to be and I immediately felt bad. “Sorry, I mean, I don’t know what the hell I mean but let’s have a good time and enjoy each other’s company, okay?”
    He smiled wryly before he nodded his head. “Deal. So, why don’t you pack a bag with a change of clothes? I have an idea but I promise we’ll be back here tomorrow in time to celebrate the holiday in style.”
    I grinned in a girlish fashion. “Okay. I’ll just be five minutes.”
    Russell’s aquamarine eyes met mine and I could feel my insides melt. What the hell was it about this guy? He was positively perfect. Maybe that was a problem for me because I preferred my guys a little rough around the edges and definitely not anywhere in the vicinity of perfection. It was too much to live up to and God knows I had my flaws.
    I walked up the stairs and directly to the bedroom we were sharing. We hadn’t discussed whether anything would happen but even if it did, we were both adults and what difference did it make? We wouldn’t be hurting anyone.
    After I packed a change of clothes and panties, I quickly grabbed my phone out of my bag. I don’t know why I did it but I quickly tried to call Andrea. She picked up after a couple of rings.
    “Yes? Aren’t you out of DC you lucky bitch?” she greeted in a cheerful voice.
    “Why yes, darling, I am. In fact, Russell surprised me with a trip to California. Los Angeles to be exact.”
    “Aren’t you two lovebirds moving at a lightening quick pace? I must admit I’m perfectly jealous. I get a weekend in Martha’s Vineyard with a pair of uptight parents and you get sun, sin, sand, and the Pacific Ocean. That is so unfair.”
    I chuckled out loud. “True, but you’re also with your lover. There’s no