Dirty Work Read Online Free

since you finished law school? How much debt are you in from that, Representative Preston?”
    I narrow my eyes at him just slightly. “I’m grateful my parents were able to fund my education. Trust me, I don’t take it for granted. The cost of education in our country is out of control. Educational reform is at the top of my priority list.”
    “Mine too,” he says, his dark gaze locked on to mine. “For my buddies who are six feet under because they served our country to help pay for their educations.”
    Damn it. I’m getting crucified by this guy.
    “I’m deeply grateful for their service—and for yours,” I say sincerely.
    “Then don’t call this run a belt notch , Representative Preston. I’m more of a public servant than you ever will be, and I resent your family treating a Senate seat like it’s supposed to be passed down from one generation to the next like a fancy house in the Hamptons.”
    The news anchor tries to interrupt. “Let me just—”
    “Excuse me,” I say, my eyes still locked on Jude. “My father is a veteran and a former coal miner. We are a blue-collar family, and we’re proud that other blue-collar families let us be their voice at the state and federal level. I take nothing for granted.”
    “Then run on your own merits instead of your father’s.”
    “All right,” the anchor says loudly. He laughs nervously. “I can see we’re in for a spirited race. I’m going to give Mr. Solomon a chance to get in here.”
    My blood is pumping with the fury I feel for Jude Titan. Our eyes lock and we glare at each other, both refusing to look away. A vein stands out in his neck.
    So he’s angry, too. I need to learn how to capitalize on his weaknesses, and hopefully, I’ve discovered one.
    “Let’s talk about your views on federal programs,” the anchor says, looking back and forth between Jude and me. “What you’d like to keep, what you’d like to cut.”
    I hold my tongue, letting Jude go first. He bites, talking about defense spending and veterans affairs. Prodded for more, he tells the anchor he’s undecided.
    When it’s my turn, I talk about educational reform, homeland security, the economic recovery, and my unwavering support for veterans affairs. I own this question, though I’m sure it’s too late. Jude got in some solid punches early on, and those will be the sound bites in tomorrow’s news cycle.
    I leave my game face on for the rest of the interview, even managing to shake Jude’s hand and smile at him when it’s over. I can almost feel the burn of his gaze on me as I leave the set.
    Lexi’s waiting for me backstage. She wraps an arm around my shoulders.
    “You were great,” she says.
    We’re still in public, so she has to say that. But I know she knows I got crushed.
    There’s a guy standing near us, and he gives Jude a satisfied smile.
    “Nicely done,” he says.
    “And you thought I’d blow it, Carl,” Jude says.
    He looks at me with those searing eyes, so dark they’re nearly black, and my stomach flips with excitement.
    How can I be attracted to him after he just ruined me in that interview? My body seems to have forgotten how much I hate him in a matter of sixty seconds.
    Jude is looking at me like a wolf studying its prey. His gaze is calculating and commanding. It says, I’m in charge here, sweetheart .
    I mouth the word “asshole” and arch my brows in challenge. The corners of his lips turn up slightly, and he arches his brows, too.
    “Reagan, I think we should go,” Lexi says.
    “Got some babies to kiss?” Jude quips in our direction.
    “Actually, I have some poll numbers to celebrate,” I say.
    “Pretty tough to poll badly when you’re unopposed in the primary,” he says with a grin.
    I roll my eyes. “You think we’re polling Dems only?”
    His grin fades. “No, I guess not.”
    “ Definitely not. It was great to meet you, Mr. Titan, and find out what a true gentleman you are.”
    “I’m very much a gentleman, Ms.