Hidden Memories Read Online Free Page B

senate too.”
    “Ben Hill’s seat?” Sage asked, assuming that Edwinna was referring to the senator’s retirement. Ramion’s political plans began with replacing the highly respected senator.
    “Exactly,” Edwinna said, lifting her waxed eyebrows in a taunting expression.
    A scowl turned Ramion’s dark eyes into narrow slits. “Since when have you become interested in politics?” Ramion snarled, knowing how little Edwinna cared about those less fortunate than herself. There weren’t many blacks who had enjoyed Edwinna’s privileged childhood—private schools, a fourteen-room mansion, first-class plane rides, unlimited shopping sprees and a live-in maid.
    “Hmm, I suppose I just never shared that with you” was Edwinna’s parting repartee. She tucked her hand in Medu’s bowed arm.
    “Good night,” Medu said.
    When Edwinna and Medu were gone, Ramion said, “I can’t believe she intends to run against me. She knows that seat is critical to my plans.” The state senate was his launching point, the US Senate his ultimate goal.
    “And I can’t believe you didn’t tell me that you gave Edwin your resignation,” Sage said.
    “I was going to tell you tonight. I was planning to surprise you.”
    “But, you wouldn’t have resigned unless you had another job.”
    “Of course not.”
    “You didn’t tell me that either. I know you interviewed last month.” She anchored both fists on her hips. “But you hadn’t mentioned any more about it.”
    “You didn’t ask,” Ramion said in a clipped tone, more worried about how leaving Edwin’s law firm would affect his political career than Sage’s pique.
    “I shouldn’t have to.”
    “We’ve barely seen each other in the past two weeks,” Ramion said impatiently. “You’ve been busy with the campaign, and I’ve been tied up with the Hughes trial.”
    “That’s not the point. I shouldn’t have to find out something that important from Edwinna.”
    “Look, Sage, they offered me the position two weeks ago, but there was no point in telling you until I had accepted the position.”
    “So now you have doubts about me,” Sage said with a worried expression. Ramion’s unwillingness to confide in her bothered Sage, but there was more at stake than his political career. Their relationship, once cloaked in darkness, was set free when he ended his relationship with his mentor’s daughter. He was making these changes for Sage and for himself—to love Sage openly and to launch his political career without a debt card to Edwin. “About us.”
    “Of course not. This isn’t about us. It’s the risk. With Edwin’s backing, my political career was practically guaranteed. Without him, the risk is much greater.”
    “Politics is always a gamble, Ramion. It’s unpredictable,” Sage said, the enthusiasm of her tone reflecting her love of politics. “There are never guarantees. Not even Edwin’s backing could do that.”
    “I know, Sage. I want to win on my own. But if Edwinna runs…”
    “Do you think Edwinna is serious?” Sage asked, incredulity sounding in her voice. She knew that if Edwinna ran against Ramion, the stakes were much higher.
    “Of course. She doesn’t care about winning. She just wants me to lose.”
    “Is she that vindictive?”
    “She’s used to getting what she wants,” Ramion said. “Edwin has always indulged her.”
    “And she wants you. She doesn’t hide it.”
    “That’s over, Sage. You know that.”
    “But if you were with Edwinna, she wouldn’t be running against you.”
    “I have no doubts about us. I know I did the right thing.” Ramion planted a soft kiss on Sage’s mouth.
    Sage’s ringing cellular phone interrupted their kiss. She retrieved the phone from her purse. “This will be Cam or Marika. I’m going to take it in Tawny’s office.”
    Ramion watched Sage walk away. She moved with the grace and elegance of a ballerina. He loved her more than he had ever imagined possible. So intelligent, so