Damn, that was sexy. So was his slow drawl. He was calm, but there was no doubt that a threat of violence was in the air. She would not have considered herself a woman who got hot when a man fought, but Rene was so gentlemanly about it that it did something for her.

Charles took a step back. “I’m sure you would love that. You ready to lose everything, Sylvie? Is he worth it?”

She didn’t get out of her seat because she was serious. She wanted to get her husband in bed as soon as possible. “Absolutely. And if you get me run out of office, we’ll go to DC. I can get a job there.”

“With the married man you had an affair with?” Charles’s question was no doubt a challenge.

Oh, dear, was that what he’d used? She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She was not defending herself against this ridiculous accusation. She didn’t have to. “Sure. Bring that out and see what happens. You need to do your homework, Charles. Rene, if you’re going to beat him up, do it quick.”

All Rene had to do was take a single step toward his cousin and Charles turned and took off running.

There was a grim look on her husband’s face as he got in the car. “I was tempted to go after him. He promised he wouldn’t ever repeat that lie.”

“How do you know it’s a lie?” She did have a sterling reputation, but hearing Rene’s support warmed her heart. “Maybe I have some scandal in my past.”

He seemed to relax as he put the car in reverse and started the short drive into town. “I wouldn’t care if you did, but rumors could potentially hurt your election chances.”