That bitch had ruined everything for him. He’d lost everything. At least now she was making Alec as miserable as she’d made him. Max paced the floor. Alec was smart, and he could still pull off this bid for the Presidency, despite Rissa.
Max let the seeds of anger grow inside his head. He knew the one thing Alec could never forgive her for, the one thing no master would forgive. He went to the safe in his bedroom, the one where he now slept alone, Lein having retreated to separate living quarters in the palace. Entering the combination, he opened the safe and withdrew the package. He dumped the contents out on the bed. Spilling out across the sheets of the unmade bed were photos of Rissa, splashing in the waves, the date stamp clear on the photograph. They were taken the day he took her to his private island in the Caribbean, the day he’d asked her to stay with him and she threw his love back in his face. He shook the envelope and the DVD slid onto the bed. It was the feed from the security camera mounted in the cabana. Max had watched it over and over when he first came to Thailand to escape her, and then had locked it away in the safe.
He slipped the disc into the laptop and watched as the images of their love making were displayed on the screen. Rissa writhing in pleasure beneath him, her legs wrapped around his hips, and her hands clutching his back, pulling him closer, deeper. He fed from her, hungrily drinking her blood as she threw her head back, welcoming him. He made her cum, and as she did, the ultimate betrayal, her fangs sunk into his flesh, and she took his blood, re-sealing her earlier bond with him.
Max smirked, as if a bond meant anything to Rissa. He retrieved a padded mailing envelope from the desk drawer and quickly scrawled the name and address across the front, stuffing the photos and flash drive inside before sealing it up. Calling for his butler, he handed him the envelope. "Make sure this goes out, express mail, today."
The butler nodded and took the package.
71
Braden had worked his magic with the press and smoothed over the controversy over the unidentified man. The press had even dug up old photos of the campaign where Hyde was clearly visible in the background of many shots. He assured everyone Rissa had indeed been under the weather, and she had simply wanted to step outside for some fresh air. With her bodyguard protecting her, she stood close to his back, thinking it would conceal her from view.
They spent several more days on the campaign, with a compliant Rissa at Alec's side. She wasn't happy, but at least she wasn't looking like a petulant child, and she managed to put a fake smile on her face when the cameras flashed.
As they wrapped up the week, Braden suggested this would be a good time to take a break. "We don't have anything else on the schedule until we go back to New Hampshire next week. Why don't you go home, keep a low profile, and get some rest? Stay out of the press completely. We have some debates coming up. Let’s not give the press any ammunition to throw at you during the debate."
Alec was more than ready for a break. He was tired of the campaign, and even more tired of her. There was no escaping her as they were living in such close quarters on the bus or in a hotel. “You don't have to tell me twice. We'll fly home tonight. I'll have Alto get the jet here."
Braden nodded. "Remember, low profile. That means you need to keep Rissa home and out of sight."
He nodded his understanding, as he headed for the hotel room, directing her as he entered. "Get your stuff packed up. We're going home for a few days. Alto is filing a flight plan and then we'll be ready to leave."
Rissa had played the role of obedient wife over the past few days, but she didn’t like it. When Alec walked in the door and started giving her orders to pack, she didn’t hesitate. She’d do anything to get back home and have him all to herself.
"Finally, home. I just want to be alone with you, Alec. No crowds, no press, no campaign staff, just us. Please, is that possible?"
He glared at her. "Oh, it's possible, my darling. We won't be leaving the house, either one of us. Is that understood?"
Rissa nodded. Her head was down, but her heart was taking flight. She stuffed her clothes carelessly into her suitcases, in a rush to be ready to leave. "I’m assuming the sex chamber is completed?"
Alec nodded his head and ran his hand through his hair. Was she completely oblivious to his mood? "I'm sure it’s done by now, Rissa, but I hope you don't think that’s my reason for taking you home."
She sighed loudly. "Alec, please listen to me. I just want to be with you. You have nothing left for me when you’re done campaigning every day. I need you. I need to feed. I need you to make love to me. Why can’t you just see that?" Her voice was pleading, hoping for any attention.
He ignored her pleas as Braden tapped at the door before opening it. "The car is ready to take you to the airport any time you're ready."
Alec nodded and said his bags were packed and headed for the door, motioning for Mateo to follow. Braden ushered in the bellhop to carry out their luggage. "Rissa, are your bags ready, or do you still need a few minutes."
She watched as Alec ignored her, leaving her standing in the middle of the suite with her luggage. She stared at the empty space where he’d just stood. Looking up at Braden, she stared blankly at him a few seconds before answering, "No, I’m ready. I just want to go home."
As she walked out the door, Hyde was in position in the hallway, his hands clasped behind his back. He no longer spoke to her, just nodded as she walked to the lobby, and he dropped in behind her.
The flight home felt long and silent, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. As they landed in D.C., their limo was brought around on the tarmac. Both Mateo and Hyde exited first and inspected the car, even though Hyde knew the warriors at the Dead House had had it in their possession ever since they left. The luggage was moved from the plane to the car, and then Rissa and Alec exited down the stairs and into the waiting limo.
Alto climbed behind the wheel and started the engine as soon as the doors were closed, carrying them back home to Georgetown. Alec was looking out the window at the lights of D.C., the Washington Monument and the Capital Building lit up in the night sky. He was wondering, now, if he’d ever call the White House home, or if she’d find a way to crush his dream. He understood her well. She meant it when she said she’d behave, she meant it when she said she’d try harder, but Rissa was much like him, maybe too much like him. Rissa only cared about Rissa, and he’d always known it. She was an attribute when their goals were shared, and she was in the spotlight. But now, she didn’t like being second-fiddle. He tried to envision her as the First Lady, pretending to care, smiling for the camera as he rose to glory, and he knew in his heart she wouldn’t be happy. It was a role she’d ultimately reject. He sighed, unsure of this path he’d chosen, unsure of its outcome and whether he could succeed.
He’d watched his poll numbers continue to drop, as the voters said they accepted him, but they rejected her. Alto pulled up in front of their Georgetown home and Alec had never been so glad to be home in his life. Mateo exited the limo, followed by Hyde, and then allowed Alec and Rissa to get out of the car.
Alec turned to the warriors. "You two can take off. We're not going back out tonight, and we'll be home tomorrow. I'll let you know when we need you."