His Slave

54. Explosion

The drive to the Governor's Mansion is quiet and I get the feeling that James is still lost in his memories.

I'd be lying to say I wasn't lost in thought, too. My heart is still aching from what Kendra did to James all those years ago. But I can't help but wonder, if I had known Kendra was a debtor the first time she approached me, would I have still done what I did? Would I have turned away from them, or would I been coerced into helping them because of our similar pasts?

I don't regret my choice. I just can't help but wonder.

When James parks his car at the base of the ivory steps, I rest my hand on his forearm, getting his attention.

"James," I start, using his name because nothing else would seem right at this moment.

He turns towards me. "Yes, Erin?"

I bite my lip for a moment before speaking. "Thank you. I know that must have been hard for you," I say.

James gives me that genuine smile that makes my heart flip. "You're one of five people I've told that story to," he says, as if he's confirming how difficult that was for him.

"Shall we?" He asks, popping open his car door.

I nod and James comes around to my side, helping me out. He hands his keys to the valet, before guiding me up the steps. Inside, the grand ballroom is filled with people. There are so many more people here tonight than there were the last time I attended a party at the Governor's Mansion. The sight sends a wave of panic crashing over me. I didn't realize so many people would be here tonight.

"James!" The Governor cries, noticing us. Several other people notice us, too. My panic spikes a little higher.

"Governor Fox," James greets with a smile. "Happy birthday."

The Governor grins. "Thank you, my boy! I must admit I'm a bit disheartened that your mother couldn't attend. 65 is a big deal you know," he says with a chuckle.

James grimaces. "My mother sends her regards, as well as a thousand birthday wishes," he tells Governor Fox.

Then the Governor notices me. "Miss Ricoletti!" He cries in delight, taking my free hand in both of his. "What a pleasure it is to see you again, my dear!" He says.

He remembered me? I'm shocked, and a little touched. I give the Governor an embarrassed smile. "It's a pleasure to see you too, sir. Happy birthday," I reply.

"Thank you," he replies, turning to the stunningly beautiful middle-aged woman beside him. Most older women's grey hair is frumpy and dull, but hers is a shimmering silver, topping her slender face like a crown of moonlight. She's dressed in a silky silver gown that matches Governor Fox's silver tux. This must be his wife.

"Isn't she lovely, dear?" He asks his wife, who smiles graciously at me.

"You were right, Alton. She's simply stunning," she says to her husband, taking his hand in hers. "James Harrington is the luckiest young man in all of West Lynfield."

"I am," James agrees, pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. But his smile is a little too tight to be natural.

I cast my gaze to the floor. I don't want all this attention. "I should be saying such things about you, Mrs. Fox," I reply softly.

The elderly woman touches her free hand to her chest, clearly flattered by my remark.

"You are too kind," she replies which startles me. How is James' mother friends with these people? While they can be audacious and obnoxious, they are always well-meaning. Elizabeth Harrington is nothing like the Governor and his wife.