Read Online Misguided Target by Jessica Page - Free Book Online

Kendall, had not had anyone make me feel as cheap as he made me feel in a long time, and I didn't like remembering the feeling of it.
    The terrace being as quiet as it was, I could easily hear the footsteps approaching me from behind. Even with my back to the door I somehow knew that it was Kane. After he stood there silently for a moment, he finally spoke, “Listen, Kendall, or I mean Raina…” he sighed audibly, “Fuck, I don't even know what to call you. Fuck! I'm sorry I didn't mean that rudely. It's just… listen… I didn't mean to take my anger out on you but I'm just –”
    I turned around and silenced him with a wave of my hand, “Listen, Kane, it's fine. I understand you have a lot going on with your brother and probably others things in your life and…” I paused wondering if I should in fact let him finish. He would probably give me some form of an apology, perhaps even a lie explaining to me that he did care about me but that he couldn't get involved with me. Then in return I would want to tell him the old cliché that I was more angry with myself for letting him in, but I wasn't ready to hear the rejection he was about to subject me to, or be honest with him about my own feelings. I didn't agree with him, but I couldn't be mad at him for whatever feelings or opinions he might have. Still, every time he opened his mouth he seemed to hurt me. I'd had enough hurt feelings today “Let's just chalk up meeting each other up to a memory. Your brother must be done and will likely want to leave, so we should probably go back in.”
    I could tell he wanted to say something but didn't, instead he just nodded and I walked past him, heading back through the doors to James with Kane in tow. I was ready to leave and James' softening expression told me he somehow knew exactly what I was thinking.
    “If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I will be calling it an evening. I have other plans to attend to,” James stated, smugly gesturing over at me as I approached. I played my role well and sent him a coy smile as I always did. We never actually had sex, but I always made it seem like we did. James often used this excuse to leave functions early. People were always so understanding of his need to leave when they thought he was going to screw some young woman. That's exactly why I was his choice date for events, I played along with the life and that way we both finished work early.
    “James, you're leaving so soon?” Mr. Richton asked, sounding almost panicked, which I must say was an odd reaction.
    The look on James' face told me he found it a little curious as well. “Yes unfortunately I am. Let's do lunch next week if you'd like. We can continue our chat then.”
    “No, you can't leave,” he blurted out. “I mean, I really must insist you stay a little longer.” Richton persisted, regaining his composure, which further raised flags for me. Why was it so important that James stay? Richton was an asshole but not usually this pushy. He especially has never had issues with us leaving early in the past. Kane took a step towards us, looking rather alert. Something about his stance seemed defensive, which had me thinking he was also getting a bad vibe. Kane barely knew this man, so the fact that he reacted this way had me all kinds of worried.
    “No, not tonight, but thank you so much for your hospitality. This was a lovely evening. Raina, Kane, the car is waiting outside,” James said, looking at us both and waiving a hand at the exit.
    Once I'd grabbed my coat and we were safely outside I glanced up at James, who appeared much more on edge than usually. His demeanor was normally so calm. “Was it just me, or was that a little weird?” I whispered once we were out of earshot, fighting the urge to look back to make sure we weren't being followed.
    The U.S Capitol Police who served as James' security team met us in the parking lot. I was incredibly happy that James was a senator who often opted to have