The Gentlewoman Read online

  The Gentlewoman

  Lisa Durkin

  Three years after being viciously tortured and almost murdered by her husband, Rory becomes a U.S. congresswoman. In Washington, DC, she is immediately pursued by Congressman Dorn, a rich, irresistible and sexy playboy with an ulterior motive for befriending her.

  What starts as casual sex between Rory and Dorn quickly becomes an explosive, passionate and very public love affair that endangers them both when it stirs up a threat from her past. She alone must find a way to end the harassment of a dangerous stalker and to survive a broken heart when she discovers she has been betrayed by Dorn.

  Reader Advisory: This story has graphic sexual language and scenes—no closed bedroom doors (or other rooms) here!

  An adult contemporary romantic suspense from Ellora’s Cave

  The Gentlewoman

  Lisa Durkin

  Chapter One

  He smiled as the lock clicked open. Lever tumblers usually jammed when picked, but he was a professional. He let himself into her new condo and looked around. Boxes were here and there waiting to be unpacked and there wasn’t much furniture. It was rather impersonal, but she had just moved in.

  Anger coursed through him again. She had moved here thinking she’d just forget it all and start a new life. He couldn’t make sense of the audacity. He had waited and given it the requisite time, but he was done with that now. She would be put in her place, permanently.

  He moved around quietly assessing. Not too big or too small, like her place in Cleveland. It reminded him of her, already smelled like her. God he loved that smell. He looked around the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and searching the contents. It was practically empty, just like the refrigerator in her place in Cleveland always was.

  He had watched her. For three years he had always watched her, waiting for the time to correct things. He would have his way; it was a certainty. Just as he must breathe air, he would have the outcome that was promised to him. That he was forced to wait, he understood. But he hadn’t expected this. After everything, after what she did, he hadn’t expected her to ignore their fate.

  He took a deep breath and brought his thoughts under control. He was close now, and it would execute perfectly. He turned the television on, pressing the arrow until C-SPAN popped up. The feed was live from the House floor. He couldn’t see her, but she was there. He turned up the volume before strolling into the first bedroom.

  Her scent hit him harder, like a punch in the gut. Damn, he would do her. He was rock-hard just thinking about it. He would punish her, do her, punish her again before it was over, but he would get his fill.

  He opened the closet door and perused the clothing. Not much hung there, just her business suits. He felt the knife in his pocket. He’d like to tear them all to shreds. He’d like to carve his initials into her stomach, but he had to be patient.

  He looked around the rest of the apartment, stopping to check out the proceedings of Congress. Opening day, such bullshit. He leaned against the chair and looked around at the boxes. When the time was right, he was going to correct Rory Morgan’s mistake. He would teach her, permanently, that he wouldn’t be fucked with.

  He looked over the lip of the box closest to him. It appeared to contain mementos and he pulled out a baby doll. He would teach the bitch a life lesson.

  Congressman Jackson Dorn sat forward just far enough to get a glimpse without drawing attention. The new congresswoman was three rows in front of him, on the opposite side of the aisle. He raised his eyebrows; her photos didn’t do her justice. She was very pretty. All of a sudden he wasn’t so annoyed with his assignment. Might be fun persuading her. He watched as she looked around the House floor, like him, bored with the speaker. Her dark hair was long and thick. He liked that.

  He had been very excited when he and his committee members had reviewed her file. Her story was perfect, useful. With her on his committee, they would save the legislation that was so important to the president and the Pentagon. He could get all kinds of things. Nobody would want to go up against her and commit career suicide. Her appointment to Congress had been manna from heaven. Her sexy mouth and mahogany hair were icing on the cake. He averted his eyes and sat back as she turned around.

  Rory spied her best friend-turned-chief of staff, Nicole, at the back and tried to make a graceful exit. She hoped it wasn’t a faux pas to leave before the speaker wrapped up his opening speech, but she was done. She had heard enough about his traditional values and how he intended to lead Congress to restoring America. He continually referred to his perfect family sitting in the front row. Rory felt she was the only member of Congress here today without family, another reason she was happy to be leaving the room.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” Nicole whispered when Rory stood next to her.

  “Oh, immensely. I’m surprised he didn’t bring Fido to round out the picture.”

  “They are shiny, happy all-Americans.”

  “Yes,” Rory whispered. “Ten bucks says he’s busted tap dancing in the airport men’s room before the session ends.”

  Nicole turned and opened the door, hiding her smile.

  “Let’s get started down the hall. Are you in the mood for this?”

  “Am I ever? Let’s get it over with. I have bigger fish to fry now that we have appropriations problems.” She had been sent to DC to ensure a shipyard that was in danger of being cut for lack of funding. Before she could deal with that, she had to deal with the ever-present evil media.

  Rory battled her rising anxiety while Nicole gave her the same direction as always. “Smile, get your message out. Speak slowly and give them a reason to want to talk to you again.” She stopped and whispered in Rory’s ear. “Don’t let them dwell on the past. If they bring anything up about your marriage or the abduction, reiterate how well you’re doing and what you’ll be involved in here.”

  Rory’s gaze held Nicole’s blue eyes. It irritated her that she had to be reminded of what had happened three years ago. She wished people wouldn’t bring it up anymore, although on some level it brought her notoriety that kept her in the public’s memory. Thoughts like that were a sick sign of her profession and her gut tightened.

  They walked toward the media row and she wondered how bad it would be. She lived in fear of her secrets becoming common knowledge. She was still nervous over accepting this Congressional appointment, but she wouldn’t trust anybody else with such an important job. Nobody cared more about her town than she did.

  It began as soon as she turned the corner. “Congresswoman Morgan, Congresswoman Morgan, over here!” She headed to the nearest reporter.

  “Congresswoman Morgan, how are you finding your first week in office?” the reporter from CNN asked. This particular reporter wasn’t one of Rory’s favorites, but she was with an important network.

  “Good, we’re getting settled and unpacking. We came with a few concerns that we want to start working on right out of the gate. Our economic development and job-stimulus priorities are first on the block.” She thought she sounded in control. “We’ll also be looking to strengthen our support of schools and children’s services, as you know, always a priority for me.”

  “Tell us, Congresswoman, will you be serving on the Homeland Security Committee or working on those issues?” Rory froze, her eyes darting to the reporter, a Barbie-doll blonde. Son of a bitch, they don’t even give you one minute.

  She took a deep breath, searching the area in front of her for Nicole. She didn’t see her but noticed a man standing against the wall, listening intently. He was very good-looking and stared right into her eyes. She peeled away and refocused.

  “Well, as you know, Ms. Roberts, I don’t yet have my full range of commitments, but I’m not closed to a
ny options that might render my constituents better served.” Rory smiled sweetly at the bitch. She answered more questions, gently steering the reporter to talk about her platform. She spied an opening with the next network and moved down the line.

  It went on and on. By the end, Rory was tired of talking, dry-mouthed and pissed that every reporter had mentioned what happened to her in some way. She moved down the hall to return to her office and recoup her good mood.

  Nicole spoke in a low voice. “You did well. They were very impressed. I’m happy we practiced your responses.”

  Rory flashed her steely gaze. “I’ve been reminded about it enough for one day.”

  “I’m just saying you did well. You know, if you’d agree to an interview and get the whole story out there, people would quit wondering about it.” This was their perpetual argument.

  “I’m finished talking about it.”

  As they approached the exit, the man who had been watching her interview stepped forward and offered his hand. He flashed a beautiful white smile and she flushed as she looked into baby-blue eyes set in a model-gorgeous face.

  “Congresswoman Morgan, I’m Jackson Dorn. I’ve been following your appointment. Congratulations and welcome to Washington.” She shook his hand, amazed at the warmth that radiated into hers. She stopped breathing as she enjoyed the feeling of his warm skin.

  She remembered the people and cameras around them and quickly pulled her hand back. He was smiling down at her and she knew he had noticed her flush. He was just so good-looking with his dark hair and perfect features. He wore a nicely tailored suit that she could tell was expensive. It dawned. Congressman Dorn, the rich playboy from Maine. Everybody knew his family had more money than God and had been represented in the Congress since independence was won. His ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary War and a great-great-great-grandfather had signed the Declaration of Independence. She tried to regain her composure.

  “Thank you, Congressman, it’s very nice to meet you. I understand we have some of the same initiatives, even in our differing regions of the country.” Or not.

  “Yes, perhaps we can discuss it over dinner tonight? I can help you to orient yourself with the ebb and flow of Washington.” He was still staring at her. He must think she had been born on election night.

  “Thank you for the offer, but I’m already so heavily committed and I’m sure your time is scarce as well. It was nice to meet you, good luck with your agenda.” She stepped back and walked away quickly. She didn’t want anybody taking a photo of them together. She’d make her own allies closer to home and within her party. She didn’t need the playboy for anything.

  “Nice to meet you,” he called after her. She turned in time to see his gaze rise from her ass.

  “What the hell was that?” Nicole was incredulous.

  “Playboy Dorn,” Rory murmured.

  “I know who it is. I mean what was that all about? He asked you out in the middle of the press!”

  “He wasn’t asking me out; he was looking to join up. He wants to be allies with the poor victim girl from Ohio. He must need something.”

  Turning the corner out of the stairwell, they moved down the hall to Rory’s freshman office on Capitol Hill. It wasn’t much, but she was enamored with it. Her mood immediately improved as they entered. Her aides, Michael and Liam, were on the floor of the outer office unpacking boxes and connecting computers. The receptionist, Jill, was busy at her desk by the door. This was her new environment. There was a short hallway to the left with a kitchenette and restroom on either side. Farther down was Nicole’s office, and the hallway dead-ended at Rory’s office door. It wasn’t bad. Maroon indoor/outdoor carpeting and white walls were a reminder that this was a government building. That was comforting to Rory because she had spent most of her career, her life, in government buildings.

  Nicole followed Rory into her office. “That’s it for you today, so you’re on your own. I’m going home to the kids. Jim and I are going to dinner tonight. What are your plans?”

  “Reading and maybe some position writing,” Rory muttered, trying to ignore her.

  “Please go home and relax. You’ve been at it since we got here last Saturday. It’s Friday night. Go out and have a drink and get some dinner. I need you fresh Monday.”

  “I’m fine, Nicole. I’m a big girl with a big job. I didn’t come here to relax. I need to jump in with both feet.”

  “You’ve jumped in and you’re in the lead. How much sleep have you had this week?”

  “Enough. I’m good on little sleep; you know that. Get out of here and enjoy your family while you can. Stop worrying about me. This is my life now.”

  “Okay,” Nicole said. “But why do I feel like Washington is another way for you to avoid life?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous! I’m here to represent my district and make our world a better place through brilliant legislation!” She smiled brightly and batted her eyes until Nicole started to laugh.

  “Just don’t forget to have a little fun. Congressman Dorn looked like he was interested in more than political connections, if you know what I mean. Nothing wrong with getting some of that.” She wiggled her brows.

  “I’m not interested in Playboy Dorn, harlot. Your husband is waiting for you.”

  “Okay, Sunday for dinner, don’t forget. And get some sleep. I need that pretty face to be fresh in front of the cameras. I’m not coming in this weekend. I’m staying home and getting everyone settled. You should do the same.”

  “See you Sunday,” she said as Nicole closed the door. Her new condo in Georgetown was a mess. She might as well take her work home and do some much-needed unpacking. She certainly needed to get out from under the boxes. She shoved papers, books and her laptop into her leather satchel and looked around.

  She blew out a quick breath and stepped up to the mirror on the wall. She did look tired. She had worked hard this past week. It had been nice to concentrate on something good. She closed her eyes and thought of her dad. He would have been here for her. He would have been proud. God, how she wished she could have him here with her.

  She forced away that line of thought and headed for the door. Everyone else had left, so she turned to lock the office.

  “Oh, hello again, Congresswoman.” She jumped and turned to see Playboy Dorn standing in the hall behind her. “I’m sorry to startle you!”

  “No problem, Congressman. If you’ll excuse me, I need to catch the Metro home.” She tried to walk past him. He walked with her.

  “Do you need a ride? I have my driver picking me up out front.”

  “No thank you. I’m no stranger to public transportation, keeps me in the real world.”

  “Wow, that must be a crack at my sheltered wealthy upbringing. There’s no way a Dorn has ever been on a subway.” His eyes were gleaming with humor.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.” Now she felt like a bitch. “I just need to get going. I have to get moved in and get some work done this weekend. I’m sure you understand.”

  “Yes I understand. Why don’t you let me give you a ride and I’ll forgive your rather furtive insult.” A smile slowly crept to her lips. She couldn’t help it. She was pretty tired. What harm could one ride do?

  “Thank you. I’m in Georgetown. Where are you going?”

  “I’m going home to Georgetown myself. I have a condo there. What’s your new DC address?”

  “Franklin Street, number three,” she reported.

  He looked at her and convulsed with laughter.

  “What is it?”

  “Not very far out of my way, come on.” He took her satchel and heaved it onto his shoulder, taking her by the elbow. “A little light reading planned this weekend?” She smiled up at him and shrugged, confused about his strange laughter seemingly at her expense.

  They walked down the front steps and he opened the back door to a waiting Lexus. Rory climbed in and scooted to the far side, placing her purse beside her and grabbing he
r bag as he took his seat. She placed the bag next to her purse, making a barrier between them.

  Congressman Dorn asked her questions about how she was finding everything in DC. He seemed very interested in what she had to say.

  As she spoke, he stared deeply into her eyes, holding her gaze for long periods of time. She stared back, mesmerized by the very real blue. She was describing her first days and the outcome of the lottery for freshman Congressional offices when she noticed that he was staring at her mouth. She stopped talking and his eyes darted back to hers. She turned and looked out her window. He had her flustered and she didn’t appreciate it.

  “So are you going to get involved in any of the international and domestic security concerns or subcommittees on the hill? With your background and insight, you might be able to do some good work.”

  A shockwave shot through her body and her stomach clenched. She looked him square in the eyes. “Are you kidding me, Dorn? What kind of shit are you trying to pull?”

  His eyes widened and his mouth fell open. “I’m sorry. I assumed with your background and the experience you had with your marriage, you’d be looking to legislate on those topics.”

  “What topics would those be?” she said very slowly in a low, angry voice. “Criminal husbands? Sick psychopaths? Just what do you know about it?”

  “I’m so sorry, Rory…”

  “I really don’t care to be used by you and your friends. Is Maine such a boring place you have to use my story to get attention? I’m not biting. If you’re looking for a partner in championing some initiative, you can fucking forget about using the poor victim girl from Ohio.” Their eyes were locked on each other. He stared at her as if she might attack him and she seethed pure hatred. She looked away and soon they pulled to a stop in front of her building. She shot out of the car and slammed the door behind her. Jackson got out and followed her.

  “Son of a bitch!” Rory shouted.

  She hurried to the front door of the brick building and used her key to enter, ignoring him lurking behind her. She stepped inside and swiftly shut the door, locking him out. She stared at the bastard through the window and fought the urge to flip him her middle finger. As she turned to walk down the hall, she heard the security door open and turned to see him letting himself in.