Cory watched her as she took in his work space and tools. She was an artisan herself and it showed in how she admired everything in his space. "I’m so glad you like it. I love it here, Maddie. This is what I love to do, it makes me feel like part of the family, my contribution to my family, the only real family I’ve ever had. I fit in here. It's hard work, takes a lot of time and patience, but with every piece I finish, I know it will be used in a way to protect and serve my family."
The door burst open and Rebecca rushed in. "Oh, sorry Cory, we had a break and I didn’t know your friend was still here. I just came to see if my leathers were done yet."
Rushing to Madison, Rebecca was bubbly and energetic, as she grabbed her hand. "Hi, I’m Rebecca. I think I’ve seen you in town. Do you live around here?"
Madison was caught off guard by the sudden intrusion, but the girl seemed warm and welcoming to her presence. "Uh, I live in town, yes."
"That’s great. I live close by with my family too. It’s nice to meet you. Cory’s the best ever, isn’t he? He makes the best leathers for us. He’s our hero."
Cory laughed. "I am not quite done yet, Rebecca, I won’t be finishing anything tonight, so I’ll try to have them ready tomorrow night."
Rebecca flashed a smile and gave Cory a hug. "Thanks, Cory, I can’t wait to wear them."
As she rushed out the door, Cory apologized. "Never a dull moment around here. Sorry, the warriors have little down time, so when they see my light on, they’re trying to catch up with me. Dad’s really strict with them."
Madison looked out the window as the warriors practiced their weapons skills. She could see the warriors divided into groups, some led by Aislynn, and some by Marcello. The largest group was with Shade, and they were giving him their undivided attention. She had no trouble imagining Shade was strict. In fact, she had trouble imagining him in any other light.
Cory walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist. "Let’s go back to the house, grab something to eat and relax. But instead of walking back, would you let me teleport you?"
She turned with a gasp. “You can do that? Take me with you?"
Grinning down at her, he kissed her nose. "Yes, I can, not for long distances, though."
Lifting her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist and he walked to the light switch and flipped it off. "Don’t be scared. I can do this short distance easily."
Madison had no idea what to expect as she clung to him. "I'm not scared. Just don't drop me!"
He lifted them quickly and they moved effortlessly through the night sky. She felt weightless in his arms, and he knew she was excited. "Just hang on. Let’s take a spin."
He guided them easily across the stables, and the open pastures. Even at night, it was easy to see the mountains and rolling hills of Bel Rosso. Her hair blew in his face and he felt alive and happy. She was the one for him, the one who could make his life worth living and he’d do anything to keep her. Taking them back to the house, he landed easily inside his bedroom, as she still clung to him. Kissing her, he could feel her heart racing. "Told you I wouldn’t drop you."
She returned the kiss. "Don't ever drop me, Cory Medici."
"Never. I love you, Madison Barnes."
63
Braden was reviewing the latest poll numbers, and Alec was ahead by a slight margin. The press had been referring to the young couple as the new Camelot, envisioning the young, handsome couple in the White House. Now, all Braden had to do was keep the illusion going until the election.
Alec had been easy to control, but Rissa had resisted him at every turn. Tonight, they’d attend a fundraising dinner with a lot of wealthy CEO's, so Rissa would be able to pull out all the stops and dress however she wanted. He hoped that would at least put her in a good mood.
He was heading to the conference room for their daily briefing, as the campaign workers all gathered around the table and Alec and Rissa joined him, followed closely by Hyde and Mateo. "Okay, people, everyone take a seat. We have another big day. The fundraising dinner is tonight, and this is key. These are big donors, so we’ll be in a private ballroom in the hotel. I’ll need for the staff to dress formally, for those of you who’ll be working the room. Rissa, this means you can pull out your designer wardrobe. That should make you happy."
Rissa looked around the room at the campaign robots. They were all so boring, and she was tired of the same routine, pretending to be interested, smiling, and shaking hands. She sighed and answered him mechanically, "Yes, Braden."
Alec nodded. "What time do you want us there?"
Braden gave him the details and introduced him to one of the staffers named Kelsey. "Be there by nine. Kelsey will stay at your elbow most of the evening. She’s studied the profiles of every attendee. She’ll be able to prompt you on their names, their kids’ names, where they work, what position they hold, anything that may be relevant. That will help you to connect on a personal level with these people. Make them feel important. The happier they are, the more money they give."
Kelsey gave him a broad smile, happy to have this assignment, and the chance to work so closely with Alec. "I'm looking forward to helping you, Senator, in whatever way possible."
Alec didn’t miss the subtle undertones in her message, as he took her outstretched hand.
Rissa raised her eyes to the vixen bitch and leveled her with a deadly stare. She wanted desperately to grab the bitch by the hair when she felt Hyde's hand on her back.
"Settle down, Rissa. This isn’t the place."
Rissa sneered at Hyde before returning her attentions to the female staffer. She leaned close to her ear and hissed low and deadly, "That’s my master and I’ll rip your heart right out of your useless chest, bitch."
Brushing past the staffer, Rissa walked to the other side of the room and took a seat.
Kelsey had watched the dynamic between Alec, the charming politician, and that cold fish he called his mate for the last month and a half now. All the females on the campaign staff had their eye on him and looked for any opportunity to get close to him. She was excited to get this assignment, and not the least bit surprised at Rissa's response. She felt Rissa slither up behind her whispering her threat as Kelsey turned slowly, issuing a slow hiss. She wasn’t intimidated by this cold bitch. Alec looked up to see the interplay between the two females and shook his head, ignoring the responses of both women as he finalized plans with Braden.
When they were done, he looked for Rissa and barked. "Let's go. Now!"
Rissa felt alienated from this whole process. He had the whole campaign staff now, and they took care of everything. She missed the days of doing dirty deeds for him, being sent on her own assignments, pulling them off and pleasing him, getting her master’s reward for a job well done. Now, he didn’t even notice her, except as an accessory on his arm. She wasn’t a part of this, and she realized, she never really was. As he barked, she stood. Holding her head up, there was no expression on her face as she walked to him, Hyde pulling up behind her. "Yes, Alec."
They headed back to their hotel room, and Alec gripped her arm firmly. "What the hell is wrong with you? Cut the crap, Rissa, and at least pretend like you want to be here. I've had about enough!"