Page 20 of The Devil Goes to Washington

“Where’s she going?”

“Where’s the kid?”

“Here’s a video they took. There’s Micah running ahead of her.” Blake pressed play. “There’s no sound but the caption states it’s Evelyn’s previous address.”

“Meghan, what do you know about this?” Michael asked, realizing she was still sitting in her seat on the other side of his desk, where she couldn’t see his screen.

“Me? Why would you think I know anything?”

“Ha! Your voice just went up an octave. What is it? A lover’s retreat? Or is she living a double life?” Heath rubbed his hands together.

“Mr. Hayes, it would be appreciated if you could stop adding to the frenzy. I am sure there is a logical explanation for Mrs. Harding’s actions.” Sabrina attempted to rein in Heath’s fervor for a devastating answer.

“Geez, this is why she didn’t tell you about it. You’re going to get the wrong idea and ruin it for her. She isn’t doing anything wrong. It doesn’t even have anything to do with you,” Meghan retorted.

“I’ll be the judge of that. Just tell us what you know so we can better understand.” Michael kept his tone soft and controlled, but with an edge to it that required an answer.

“It’s the dress. She made it.”

“You’re mistaken. That has been authenticated as a Lady Catherine Design.”

“Right. That’s her business. That’s what’s in all the boxes.” Meghan twisted her hands together, belying her tone of confidence.

“She’s Lady Catherine?” Usually calm, Sabrina exclaimed like one of the royals was coming to visit.

“I don’t understand the fuss,” Blake stated.

“Man, she was named an up-and-coming designer to watch. Her dresses are in high demand, especially since they’re only a few hundred dollars apiece. You said, yourself, they crashed the website because of it.” Ethan, who was always up-to-date on pop-culture and fashion, seemed awestruck.

“If she has such a successful business, then what is she really up to in this arrangement with me?”

“It’s only a fledgling thing. She barely breaks even on each outfit.”

“If no one else is going to ask the glaring question, then I will. How did she manage to conceal this in her background check? And what else is she hiding?” Heath ranted before his small square went blank.

With Meghan’s increased loyalty to Evelyn and Heath’s acrimonious disposition, Michael was at a loss of where to turn for the truth about what else Evelyn could be hiding.

Chapter 6

At the crossing point of the two wings of the house, Evelyn could tell Michael had passed through recently. She paused at the top of the curved marble staircase to breathe in the erotic scent of him. Clenching her legs together, she reminded herself of every derogatory remark he’d ever made toward her and all the times he left her vulnerable at the hands of someone else, whether it was his father or a predator like the previous week.

She gripped the highly polished dark wood and wrought iron railing, willing herself to continue with the charade for which she had volunteered. Hearing the heavy steps of a man’s shoes, she observed Michael walking across the foyer. He adjusted the sleeves of his tailored black tuxedo. It amplified his already well-proportioned physique, drawing the eye from the broad shoulders to the narrow hips. She started to salivate at the thought of removing each layer to see if he was still as well-toned as he used to be.

“If you could stop daydreaming, we can depart on time.” Michael’s sardonic tone was like a scratch through a concerto.

“Nice watch,” she commented as she descended the steps and met him in the foyer. He adjusted the timepiece that his father had always worn before offering his arm to her. It was a glaring reminder of why she was in this situation in the first place.

“Interesting choice of attire for this evening. Very fashionable, if not a little scandalous.” He traced the buttons attached to sheer, navy blue lace down the length of her back to her cleft where the solid matching silk flowed to the floor. His finger lingered, sending a wanton thrill through her.

“Shall we go?” He shook himself out of his reverie and offered his arm once more.

She placed her hand on his arm, highlighting perhaps the most shocking part of her design. Michael couldn’t keep his eyes away and she was secretly pleased. The front mirrored the back, the sheer fabric plunging almost to her navel. Where the opaque material draped around her breasts, it was taped to the sides, leaving just enough exposed to see the start of the undercurve.

“Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Harding.” Stevenson stood at the ready, car doors open.

“Thank you, I’ve got it.” Stevenson’s offered hand of help was bypassed as Michael guided her into the back seat. After easing into his own, he stared out the window in silence. She was content to enjoy the quiet and watch the street lights become a blur against the darkness as they entered the highway.

“It really is another lovely creation, Lady Catherine,” he finally broke the silence. She had contemplated how long it would take him to say something.