"Bastards," I mutter, throwing the newspaper down on top of my desk. The impact of it makes my pen roll onto the ground. What’s the use of passing legislation if people think they’re just going to circumvent it?

And why is Senator Hawthorne holding secret meetings with Liam Jeffries? Who does Liam think he is? I can feel my pulse quicken in irritation. I take a deep breath and pull a bottle of Bourbon from a small drawer in my desk. I keep a secret stash for moments like these. I picked it up—bourbon—after the Persian Gulf. Makes everything easier to deal with.

I bring the bottle to my lips and take a swig, and as the heat of the liquid slides down my throat I remind myself that this isn't the Wild West and Liam isn't some rogue cowboy. I'm sitting in my office chair, and I swivel myself toward the window that overlooks an untouched, forested patch of trees—Sugar Maple, Beech, and Red Spruce. The natural landscape calms me.

Sure, it’s not New York City, but the power lies in Albany. Let’s see what Liam comes up with. I’ll slap him back down so hard he’ll forget his own goddamn name.

Because there is just one simple truth here, folks. Liam Jeffries can't bring these factory jobs to New Kingston with a blatant disregard for environmental law. He can’t decide that he’s going to poison the air, water, and crops for an entire state of 27 million people to bring in 10,000 jobs.

I won't let him get away with it. He thinks I don't care about the people of New Kingston, but he's wrong. I’m not just thinking about their wallets, I’m thinking about their lives. But of course Liam only cares about instant gratification—and booze and tits. Has he even considered what the future—

My thoughts are interrupted when the intercom on my phone buzzes. "Mr. Andrews?" I press the button to reply, "Yes Cathy?

"There's someone here to see you."

I don't re-call having a meeting. I quickly pull up my calendar on my cell phone and give it a quick scroll. Nothing. It's blank for the afternoon. "Have them make an appointment and return another day. My afternoon is full," I lie. Having an unscheduled meeting is the last thing I want to deal with today.

"She says it's important and that you wouldn’t want to keep her waiting."

There’s only one woman who flouts US politics so much.

Tina Ling.

I really need to get her off my back. But the problem is, she’s connected. Too connected.

She’s a Managing Director at China First. They’re bankrolling politicians left and right.

If I want to keep my job, continuing to serve the public, I’m going to have to deal with people like her.

"I'm sure it can wait another day," I say with irritation.

"She says it's can't wait, Mr. Andrews."

I let out a sigh. "If it's that urgent, send her in," I say with reluctance.

Tina Ling walks in. She’s got on a tight back pencil skit, and a white blouse. She struts in, her hips and ass sashaying across my office. I'll give her credit. She's a woman with confidence. She has black hair cropped in an A-line bob, and maybe it's her five-inch heels, or maybe it's her red lipstick, but she now has my full attention.

"You aren't an easy man to meet with, apparently. Do you always make it this hard for visitors?"

"Ms. Ling, it's a pleasure," I say, standing up. I straighten my tie and reach out to shake her hand once I realize who she is. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Let's drop the formalities from the other night, Carter. You can call me Tina," she says with a smile. I watch as she leans on my desk, just enough to reveal the deep crevice between her breasts. I can't help but think about how great her breasts look.

"Have you ever visited Shanghai?"

I think for a moment before responding. "Yes, actually, I was there for a conference once. Beautiful city, Mayor. Very beautiful."

"Then you can picture the Huangpu River, and the unrivaled, futuristic skyline of our Pudong district—a true testament to innovation and industry if you ask me—the Shanghai Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, standing tall and massively erect, poking into those pink spheres. I know I can appreciate a stiff pole when I see one." I watch as her eyes glance down at my crotch and I take a quick gulp of air. Is she looking for my cock? I cough a bit to clear my throat.

"Ms. Ling—Tina—while I'm flattered that you've stopped in for a visit today, I get the feeling that there's something you're not saying."

"Smart man," she purrs, walking closer to me. I catch a look at her eyes and notice the intensity of her gaze. This is a woman on a mission. "Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world, and as I'm sure you are aware, it is a financial and cultural epicenter."

"Yes, of course. There's no denying Shanghai's importance."

"And I am aware of the conflict brewing between you and Liam Jeffries."

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily call it—"

She cuts me off. "No need to hedge the fact that Mr. Jeffries is a thorn in your side—in both of our sides—and I think I can help."

When she says this, I sit up straight in my chair, giving her my focused attention.

"What are you proposing?" I ask.

"You're a wealthy man, but I can make you wealthier. I can help you raise more money than you ever thought possible, and together we can take down Liam Jeffries. You can't allow him to run wild in the streets of New Kingston—it's criminal. The law should be respected, don't you agree?"

She steps in closer, closing the gap between us. Her hand is now on my arm. It's a soft and unassuming touch, but I can't help but look down at her perfectly manicured nails and delicate hand. She rubs her hand up my arm and rests it on my shoulder, and continues, "Why's a strong, powerhouse of a man such as yourself letting Liam Jeffries step all over you?"

"He's far from stepping on me. He's impulsive, yes. He's an imprudent Mayor who thinks he can get his way—regardless of the law—by simply winning the hearts of the people."

"And can he?"

"Not if I can help it."

"Good, that's what I like to hear Mr. Andrews," she purrs, moving her hand to my tie now and loosening the knot. It falls apart under her skillful touch and I get the feeling she's done this before. My mind is telling me that I should usher her out. I quickly move my body out of her reach even though there's a part of me that wants to see how this will play out.

"You keep control of Liam," she purrs, "And I'll find your money."

"And why would I need your help, Ms. Ling?" I say, trying to bring a hardened edge to my voice.

I’m going to be honest with you, okay? If that were Vivian Hawthorne standing in front of me, this wouldn’t even be a question right now. My cock would already be out, throbbing, and ready to go.

But this isn’t Vivian.

She approaches me again and this time she has my tie completely loose now; she pulls it off slowly from around my neck. The silk brushes against my face and as she leans in, one of her breasts presses against my cheek. I can smell a hint of her perfume—seductive, spicy, mysterious, and dominant. I think back to the newspaper article, and again, my mind tells me I shouldn't be doing this. I don't need help from Shanghai. I can take this on myself. Besides, I need to find Vivian Hawthorne. I need to talk to her, if it isn't too late. I gently nudge Tina away from me and say, "It won't be easy. It looks like he might have the help of Senator Hawthorne now, but I'm sure I can manage. Thank you anyways."

This only brings her closer. If it's one thing I know, this woman is persistent. She isn't letting me off the hook. She unbuttons her blouse and I get a look at her perfect breasts cupped in a red lace bra. How is this even happening? She has one hand on my pants and leans in, whispering into my ear, "Nice pants. Do you mind if I test the zipper out?”

"I—uh—I don't think that's—"

But before I can finish, I feel her pulling my belt from its buckle and she grabs the zipper of my pants, pulling it down in one metallic whizzing sound. My pulse is racing. I can feel my heart hammering through my chest. It's as if she can sense it now because she unbuttons my shirt and places one hand on my bare chest.

"I do like a strong, chiseled, man," she purrs, moving her other hand back down to my exposed zipper.

I try to say something but the words are caught in my throat. "Tina, I—"

"Sshh, there's no need to say anything, Carter" she says, placing one delicate finger across my lips and I sit there, immobilized until I can wrap my head around the severity of the situation. The thrill of feeling her in such close proximity to me makes my heart leap into my throat, and I quickly step away from her.

This isn’t Vivian Hawthorne.

She’s probably sleeping with Liam; he has that effect on people, but until I know for sure, I’m not going to jump in bed with the first woman who comes knocking. And she literally came knocking.

"You’re not Vivian," I say out loud. I don’t know why I goddamn said it out loud, okay? Don’t look at me.

But Tina’s looking. She’s giving me a strange sort of look.

"No, I’m not the Senator," she says to me, flashing a lascivious smile. "I’m better."

I stand there silently, wondering why I’m so incapable of movement. I’ve killed men with my bare hands before in the desert. I’ve made hundreds of millions on my own. When I’ve taken a break from work, I’ve pleased countless women and left them begging for more.

"Face it Governor," Tina says narrowing the distance between us. "You’re going to need me as a friend in the coming fight, more than as a foe. I know it would be a very beneficial…alliance."

Just then, I hear a familiar voice at the door.

"What's going on in here?"

I look up and see Vivian Hawthorne standing in the doorway, her blonde hair framing the concerned look etched into her face.

"This isn't what it looks like," I say, waving one hand into the air. "Nothing is happening." But just as I say this, my mind registers the compromising look of the room—the Mayor of Shanghai with her shirt unbuttoned, and to top it all off, I'm standing there with my pants partially unzipped.

Who's going to believe me?