28. Alex

Chapter 28

Alex

L anding in Washington, I expect to find my assistant, Abigail, waiting for me. Instead, there are no less than six men in black suits by the ground transportation sign, all with earpieces. At first glance, my gut instinct is that it's my father's service detail, but as I approach, there's a small green snake pin on their lapels that gives them away.

Fucking Gallaghers.

"Where to, boys?" I ask two of them standing stoically side by side. In an instant, I'm ushered into an unmarked black sedan. As I slip into the back seat, I'm relieved to see Finn, not Mickey. "Didn't know Gallagher Whiskey was so hard up that you had to resort to an airport pick-up service."

He doesn't answer until the car is in motion. "Why did you send Ileah to me?"

"I didn't send—" The call… "I didn't send her. Is she in trouble? Is Tim?"

Finn practically growls at the mention of ‘Tim,' and glances out the window mumbling something that doesn't sound English. I can almost make out ‘mo roon-hark.' I wasn't aware he spoke another language, he hardly has an accent.

"Ileah isn't in trouble. I'll make sure of it. No more referrals, Alexander," he replies, sighing deeply.

"It wasn't a referral. She asked about Mickey, not you. I didn't?—"

"No. More."

"If this is about Jaclyn's wedding, I?—"

"No," Finn snaps, and I don't bother explaining myself for fear of being cut off again. "You asked for my help to protect Jaclyn Taylor, not your brother. It was quite the clean-up to ensure it was staged properly." He pauses, and I don't argue or defend myself. "We can make him disappear."

"Make who disappear?"

"Christopher." His frigid tone sends shivers down my spine.

"No. He and I may not see eye-to-eye, but there's no reason for him to disappear ."

The driver merges onto the highway, and we ride in silence for at least half an hour. We hit a patch of traffic, the eerie quiet making me take note of my surroundings in case Finn intends for me to disappear. There's nothing out of the ordinary, passing the botanical gardens and Wolf Trap until the driver exits where several hotels, restaurants, and retail stores are located.

Finn finally slices through the deafening silence as we pull up to a hotel that nearly every one of my constituents would balk at—only billionaires could afford it. "You'll be staying here tonight."

"I can't stay here. If word got out?—"

"You either stay here, or your family will be very interested to know that you've tasted more than the delectable pineapples of Hawaii while vacationing with your brother's supposed wife."

"Finn," I growl, "you have to know how bad this looks."

"I do." He pulls out a hotel keycard, holding it between his middle and forefingers. "It'll ensure you do as we ask." My eyes fly wide. "Don't worry. It's only mild blackmail," he chuckles. "Room is in my name, not yours. Next time, be a bit more careful while feasting on a woman's cunt where anyone could see."

He tosses three photographs onto my lap, and my stomach tightens, my breath caught in my throat. The first two I could spin, the third… My face is buried in her naked pussy. No way in hell that I'll be able to explain that one. I could claim it's Chris, but even with media buy in, our families will know it was me .

My career—obliterated. Hers will be in flames before she has a chance to run.

I'm not ashamed of what we did, I'm pissed at myself for being so careless. "This is on me, not her."

"Are you sure about that?" he chuckles darkly, twirling the card in his hand.

"What do you want?"

"A small favor. Ensure Taylor takes the White House, and your secrets follow me to the grave."

"Taylor?" My brows pinch. "It's impossible. He already served two terms. You know as well as I that he can't legally do a third."

Finn forces the keycard into my palm. "She's smarter than you. Perhaps I should go straight to your wife." The mention of her has my heart stopping.

"Jaclyn? She's not mine." Fuck, that hurts to say out loud. "She's married to?—"

The door to the sedan opens. "Your brother. Or at least she will be if you don't stop it. You don't have much time to make sure your little princess isn't stuck with Christopher."

There's no path that leads to me keeping Jaclyn safe, much less for keeping her for myself. I'll never be able to convince her to leave Chris, and if his surprise visit in Hawaii was any indication, he has every intention of announcing his presidential run soon. By the end of the month, everything will be up in flames—my career and Jaclyn's aspirations with it.

Would the Gallaghers really leak it?

As I slide out of the car, a defeated groan leaves my lips. "How long will you give me?"

"Four weeks. I have a few things to take care of before then. If you decide to help me with this little side project, neither you nor your wife will need to worry about me or Mickey."

"What about?—"

"Enjoy your stay, Mr. Blake."

The car door slams shut, and they drive away without any indication of how long I'm supposed to stay here. How the fuck does he expect me to do this?

Turning to face the hotel I'd never be caught dead in, a man in a dark navy suit approaches. His disingenuous grin has me on edge. "Welcome, Mr. Gallagher. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."