Chapter 6

***Levi***.

I watched her coolly, before I replied, "Since a day after that night I spoke to you." Kenya stared at me,stunned.

"You had my address since then and you never pressed after I refused dinner?"

"I even had your phone number. Both your cell and home number." I nodded.She seemed to wonder at my words, from her expression.

"Why hadn't you...?" She paused. I studied her. My gaze lazy.

"Pursued you further?" I finished for her, my brow raised in amusement.Kenya nodded.

"Honestly, I don't know..." I trailed off, shaking my head. Lost in my thoughts.

A comfortable sílence, ensued between us, as our gazes remained on each other. I found this weird- the stream of unidentifiable feelings flowing through me. I couldn't help it.

Taking a cue from her, I cleared my throat to speak. "I should let you finish your dinner." I flicked a gaze to her unfinished dinner.

Shifting, I made way to the door, when Kenya's voice stalled me.

"I am sorry that I refused that dinner in May."

I turned slowly to face her, in that instant, as she continued. Closing the distance between us. "I was healing from a horrible breakup with my ex-

boyfriend at the time."

"Was that the reason you had tears in your eyes when you opened the door, earlier?" I asked, bluntly. A frown climbing my face.

We were a step away from each other. Kenya held her breath, perhaps surprised I guessed her situation and had been silent.

"You can trust me, Kenya. Is he troubling you?" I asked, suddenly growing concerned.

"I hope I was much of a distraction to you, Mr Ruthford, especially considering how tumultuous things currently are with your electoral campaign." She diverted the conversation.

I smiled at her subject change and decided she wasn't ready to talk yet.I would know eventually.

"You have been a great distraction, Miss Anderson." I smiled. "Considering all that has happened."

"You are a true politician, Mr Ruthford." She smiled wryly, shaking her head.

"How so?" I asked, puzzled, a smile tugging mylips.

"First you said I was beautiful, the other night. Now you claim I have been a great distraction. No wonder the entire City...the women. Everyone is abuzz with news of you. You wield your words perfectly, like a knife.Spinning a web of lies around your prey." She smiled genuinely.I was astonished at her words and broke into a chuckle.

Finally catching my breath, I responded, "I wish that were the case,Kenya.But sadly, it isn't. If it were to bo th

raised those concerns about me tonight, during the exclusive." A chuckle escaped me. One which tethered more on amusement than bitterness at my situation.

A few hours ago, when I had heard the statement on the Television,I had been furious. Wondering when the criteria for being a senator had includedhaving 'a functioning family,' as the women's representatives had declared during the exclusive. But now, discussing with this woman,I didn't feel as embittered as I had before. My heart felt, relieved.

"You do not need to fill the people's heads with a web of lies, Mr Ruthford.All they need from you is your truth. Just be you with them," she said,quietly, her eyes watching me, intensely. I stared at her keenly. "Let them know the real Levi Ruthford and not the one that is presented on the media." She added.

"Transparency," I echoed.

"Yes. Transparency." She nodded her head. I smiled at her,thoughtfully.She wasn't just a beauty. She was intelligent. A strategist.She was right.I needed to be transparent with the people. I needed them to know the real Levi Ruthford.

Shaking myself, I nodded in acquiescence. "Alright. I'd consider your words."

Then regretfully, I added. "I'd take my leave now." I smiled and inclined my head as I turned to leave.

She edged towards the door, asI opened it. Didn't she want this moment to end, like I didn't want it to? Clutching tightly to the door,she watched me. I turned around to face her again.

"You alluded to me spinning a web of lies around my prey. Pray tell,Kenya,have you become a prey that has fallen into my web?" I asked,curious. Drawing closer to her, so close that I could feel her heart. So much so that her breath fanned me. She was inches shorter than I was.Petit and delectable.

Kenya gazed up at me and I saw something inside her eyes, which both frightened and intrigued me, all at once.

"Good night, Miss Anderson." I managed to whisper. Then in a flash,I was out of her sight,walking down the corridor of her apartment building.

Not wantingto look back, because I was afraid of the raw need I felt,being in her presence. I hadn't felt like this in a long time. I don't think I had ever felt this way. Even with Belle. This was raw. Primal. A need that bordered within deep walls. And I was terrified of exploring it.

***A Week Later.***

I gazed at the stack of different designs of campaign posters on my office desk,awaiting my approval. I felt completely overwhelmed. This entire campaign was eating into me and my business. And I never toyed with my business.

For almost three years, since I showed interest in running for New York Senatorial elections, my life had become less private. The outfits I put on.foods I ate and the places I ate them. God forbid even the way I wiped my arse. My life had become so invaded that sometimes I wished to drop the whole thing. Let Harley Crompton take it. But I was never one to back down from a competition. The reason for my success after dad wrecked us,years ago.

That memory brought an acrid taste to my mouth. Anger flaring.