Stay With Me (She's With Me #2) - Jessica Cunsolo Page 0,84
me. From the way this campaign is going, I will become governor. People love me, they think I’m a champion for the underdog, fighting for them and their children. You understand, then, why I can’t afford a scandal right now.”
“What kind of scandal are you talking about, Andrew?” Aiden asks him, knowing full well what he’s talking about but wanting to hear him say the words.
Andrew’s lips turn up at the corners, his eyes cold and calculating. “If you’re anything like me, you’re a smart man. Smart enough to know that all of our unfortunate pasts should just stay where they belong. We wouldn’t want them to ruin my reputation.” He glances at me for what must be the first time since we entered, and I don’t miss how pointed of a look it is.
“And why should I give a fuck about your reputation?” Aiden challenges, and anyone other than Andrew would’ve shriveled up into nothing.
Andrew doesn’t hesitate. “I’m a very powerful man, Aiden. And I know a lot of people—people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Remember, it’s not just about you.”
Another pointed look at me. Goose bumps break out on my arms.
Aiden doesn’t hesitate. “Is that a threat?”
Andrew tugs on his expensive-looking cufflinks, completely unfazed by his son’s intimidating demeanor. “You can interpret that statement however you want. It won’t make it any less true.” Andrew straightens. “I always knew I was destined for something greater than being stuck in that tiny house with a dying woman and a bunch of ungrateful kids. I’m not going to let some punk ruin my goals.”
Aiden straightens as well, his back stiff, and I can feel his resolve to not hit Andrew dissolving into nothing. I quickly put my hand on his arm, which is seconds away from causing some serious pain, even though I, myself, want to punch Andrew. I’ve stayed quiet until now, trying to let Aiden handle it the way he wants to, but now I’m pissed off. Andrew not only insulted his dead wife, but Aiden, Jason, and Jackson, all while threatening him to get him to stay quiet about the truth of who Andrew actually is.
I put as much venom in my words as I possibly can. “So what? You desert your sick, pregnant wife and young son? Con Katherine into marrying you since she has money? Run for mayor, for governor, lie to the people, and pretend to be something you’re not so that you can fill the void in your life? That void that you just can’t seem to fill, because you know that no matter what you do, no matter who you pay to like you or intimidate into fearing you, no matter how much money you have, you’ll never come close to amounting to anything. You’ll always be a piece of shit coward and a sorry excuse of a man.”
Andrew narrows his eyes at me, his lips tilting up at the corners the slightest bit, almost as if he’s intrigued by me. He addresses Aiden but keeps his eyes trained on me. “Your girlfriend has quite the mouth on her. Make sure to keep Amelia in line as well, or I’ll send someone to do it for you.”
When he stresses my name like that, I know he’s the kind of powerful man who can quickly become a big problem, can easily do more damage than good. A shiver runs down my spine. Aiden’s whole body tenses, and I almost let him do whatever damage he wants, but quickly squeeze his arm and address Andrew before he can react.
I send him a sinister smile. “You know where to find me, but it’d be so much more fun if you didn’t send someone to do your dirty work like a little pus—”
“Hey!” Andrew cuts me off. “That’s enough from both of you. Get out of my house. If either of you cause any problems for me or this campaign, I will send someone to deal with it. Understand? I tried, but if you don’t want to play this game, fine, stay quiet then, and that’s the only way you all stay safe.”
Aiden stares at Andrew, a challenge in his eyes and not seeming the least bit threatened by his father. “Go fuck yourself,” he says. “Come on, Amelia.”
Without looking back, we leave the room, hand in hand, our anger fueling us as we exit the private hallway and join the crowded halls again. I can’t believe the nerve on Andrew. To say all