Disrobed (The Billionaire's Secretary) Read Free

checking on each other at social gatherings.
    A short, bald man in a tuxedo walked up to the podium, champagne in hand.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a surprise speaker. Would you please give a round of applause to Senator Woolworth!”
    Several people consulted their programs. Felicia had heard no mention of Woolworth making an appearance. She looked over at Tracey, whose eyes were scanning the room for the Senator. Looking where he was, she found him, near the podium and stepping forward to shake hands with his announcer.
    The Senator was an older man with a full head of white hair. He looked good for his age, and he was tall – as Senators often were. Sauntering up to the stage, he waved briefly at the audience and smiled brightly.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to speak. I’ll show my appreciation by keeping it brief,” there was light laughter when he said that.
    “I only wanted to say that it is good to see so many of you here tonight, and I’d like to publicly thank each and every one of you for coming. Have a good night, and enjoy the champagne. It’s good and there’s plenty of it.” There was more laughter at this.
    He smiled and left the stage, smoothing out his tie and straightening his jacket. Stopping to shake hands with a few people, Felicia was almost sure his eyes flicked over to look at her – just for a moment. He continued to make his way through a crowd of people that had gathered to introduce, ingratiate, or familiarize themselves with him. Felicia realized that he was moving toward Tracey, who was pretending to be absorbed in a conversation. It took her a moment to realize that it was with Amanda. Making her way through the throng of people, she felt compelled to get closer and hear what it was that they were talking about.
    “That is a lovely dress, young lady,” said an older gentleman next to her. She stopped and smiled. It was Mr. Boldwin from the Epoch Group, a British company
    “Thank you Mr. Boldwin. You’re looking dashing, yourself,” she said.
    “Thank you for saying so, madam. I dare say I shall give some of these younger chaps a run for their money,” he said, winking. They both laughed. Felicia snuck a glance at Tracey. He was talking to the Senator and Amanda. Amanda was laughing a little too hard , and brushing her hand along his arm whenever she could. Poor Tracey. This had been sprung on him, and while he was maintaining his composure, she knew it couldn’t be easy. It wasn’t hard to guess who was the cause of the Senator’s appearance. Amanda was trying to pressure Tracey into a date using her father. 
    “I think you and I can look over the new law. Make sure everything’s in order. Why don’t you come to the house for dinner next weekend?” The Senator smiled as he talked, patting Tracey’s arm. This was the opportunity he’d been waiting for , but somehow he felt he had been set up. However , he thought, I need that bill to pass .
    “That’ d be great, Senator.”
    Tracey glanced over at Amanda. This was her doing, though it didn’t seem her style. It wasn’t that she wasn’t underhanded enough. She just lacked the subtlety and intelligence. Her icy blue eyes were trained on Felicia as she possessively rested a hand on his shoulder, smiling viciously. The “’What now, bitch?’ look” was what Cheryl used to call that expression.
    Felicia stared back in anger. She could be ferocious when she wanted to. She was well-educated and mild-mannered, but there was a part of her that wanted to take off her earrings and kick this white bitch’s ass!
    Gaining control of herself, she looked away and took a few deep breaths. She was sure that there was nothing that would please Amanda more than to have her act a fool and get dragged out of the party. She scanned the scene, looking for a familiar face to distract her. That was when she spotted him. Behind Amanda, in another circle of chatting socialites, stood Felix. He was