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  “Umm.” I had no idea what to say. This conversation had just turned awkward, and I cringed. At least it kept me from falling apart all over my daddy.

  “Does Kevin have someone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then why are you a couple? This type of relationship makes no sense. Jacinta Ellen Camden, we raised you to follow your dreams, not settle.”

  “I have no choice. To achieve the dream I had since I was little, I had to settle in my personal life.”

  “So, it’s all about politics?”

  “No.” I shifted on my seat. “There are reasons why Kevin and I are together that have nothing to do with my ambition.”

  He paused, his lips thinning for a second, and then he said, “Whatever it is, don’t let anyone think you’re anything less than a genuine couple. Edgar will use anything to discredit you. Right now, if he said anything against you, it would backfire. People think politics is about fighting the opposing party—but no, it’s about fighting your own.”

  “The act is something Kevin and I have mastered. I’m sure it will continue into our marriage.” My stomach hurt just thinking about that. Kevin and I deserved to be with the ones we loved.

  “I don’t like this. I’d rather you be single than in a marriage of convenience where the two of you have affairs on each other. I want you to have what Devin has with Samina and what I have with your mother.”

  “I want that too.” I sighed. “But it’s just not in the cards for me. At least I’m going to spend my days with someone I respect and is my friend.”

  We sat in silence for a few minutes, then Dad turned to me. “Jaci, you were always so determined, so special. I’m worried you are going to lose a piece of yourself trying to get the presidency.”

  “I have lost a piece of myself.” I took the key from Dad’s hand and traced the inscription with my thumb. “Now it’s time to focus on the end goal. Things are about to happen that will pit those inside the White House against each other. I’ll need your support, connections, and guidance to navigate it.”

  He kissed the top of my head. “Does it have to do with Tara Zain and your secret meeting with the first lady?”

  I gave him the side eye. “Tyler told you. He’s my twin, and he can’t keep a secret worth anything.”

  “No, it was Samina. She wanted me ready to back you when Edgar publicly turned on you.”

  “She’s definitely a Camden, sticking her nose into everything.”

  “That’s why we love her. She’ll fight for those she loves, even if they are on different party lines. Now, why don’t you fill me in on the details so that I can rally some support without the doofus finding out.”

  I laughed and shook my head, feeling some of my sadness wane. “It’s not nice to call names. Isn’t he your friend?”

  “Like they say. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Hey, beautiful. Ready to party it up?” Kevin said as he entered my townhouse three weeks after my birthday. “We’ve got two nights of back-to-back events.”

  He was dressed to the nines tonight in a custom-made black-and-gray shawl-lapel tuxedo and his white-blond hair was in a slightly messy style, giving him a rakish appearance. He carried a big box wrapped in light-pink paper with a giant fuchsia bow on top.

  I folded my arms across my chest and glared at him. “You stood me up for my birthday.”

  “Sorry, I had no choice. I was in the middle of negotiations. Let me say for the record, I’d rather have spent my time with you than on a flight to West Africa.”

  “Promise to make it up to me this weekend, and I’ll forgive you.” I smiled.

  Following tonight’s gala, Kevin and I planned to drive to NYC. We had to attend a giant bipartisan charity fundraiser and thought to make it into a fun trip instead of all business. I hated all the back-to-back events, but it couldn’t be helped. This was a national election year, and every Tom, Dick, or Harry with political ties wanted to throw a gala. And it would look very bad for the party if the “Republican Darling,” as the media had dubbed me, didn’t attend the bigger ones.

  Plus, a trip to the Big Apple with Kevin would give us the perfect opportunity to create a fairy-tale proposal. Especially since the media was expecting an engagement announcement any day.

  “Will telling you that you look stunning tonight start the process?”

  I glanced down at my Elie Saab black-and-gold high-slit gown.

  “It’s a start.”

  “I think this will get me back in your good graces sooner rather than later.”

  He handed me the box, and I couldn’t help but squeal a little. Kevin had gift-giving down to a science, and I knew whatever was inside would be amazing.

  “Damn, this is heavy.” I set my clutch and the box on the sideboard and began tearing at the pink paper.

  When I opened the lid, tears burned my eyes. “Oh my God, you didn’t.” I carefully pulled out a Chihuly one-of-a-kind blown-glass sculpture. Blue, red, and gold shot out from the center, like fire trying to reach outward, and at the bottom it said, “Jacinta, never stop aiming for the sky.”

  A hiccup escaped my lips. I had fallen in love with Chihuly’s unique style of artwork years ago on a trip I’d taken with friends to St. Thomas. The hotel we stayed at had ceilings made with Chihuly’s glass masterpieces. I always said I’d have one of his creations in my house, and now I would.

  “How did you get him to do this? I thought he rarely did commissions nowadays?”

  Kevin approached me, taking the piece from my hands and walking to my office, where he placed it on the large window table next to my favorite reading chair.

  “You know these things I am involved in called resorts? Well, my hotel group commissioned Chihuly to design the ceiling of the casinos in two of our new properties.”

  I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tight. “You’re the best.”

  He held my waist and squeezed. “Back at you.”

  He pulled from me and offered me his arm. “Ready to enjoy an evening with the Washington elite?”

  “Not really.” I slipped my hand through his. “I hate galas. If you’ve been to one, you’ve been to all. I’d rather sit on the back porch and stare at the stars.”

  “How about this? We’ll mingle for a few hours, make up some excuse to escape the festivities, and then spend the evening here relaxing. This way we can get in a few hours’ sleep, hit the road before dawn, and make it to New York just in time for all the shops and attractions to open up.”

  His idea had merit. “What excuse will we give?”

  “Let’s leave it open so everyone can jump to conclusions.”

  “I think that’s the perfect plan. Time to go, Mr. Stanton.”

  “After you, Senator.”

  We arrived at the National Building Museum for the Charityworks Dream Ball a little before seven. Cars lined the driveway, and we had to pass through at least three security checkpoints.

  A tinge of anxiety fluttered in my stomach. This would be the first time I’d see Veer since Ashur had made his announcement three weeks ago. The media had taken to Ashur like moths to flames, including many straight Republican voters. Ashur leaned conservative enough to appeal to them, and his military record made the president look like a draft dodger. Then when he introduced Tara as his fiancée, the younger voting demographic jumped to support Ashur’s ticket.

  I still couldn’t believe Veer had convinced Tara to marry Ashur. He must have offered literally half of Ashur’s wealth, which I knew was in the billions and would fund Tara’s efforts for the rest of her life. What I worried about was the emotional turmoil both Ashur and Tara would take on to keep their marriage a business deal, when both of them were still in love with each other.

  Now with Tara by Ashur’s side, all he had to do was declare his running mate, but everyone knew it would be Veer.

  Kevin and I approached the attendant who gave us entrance into the building.r />
  “I’m setting my timer.” Kevin lifted his wrist and turned something on his platinum Patek Phillipe watch. “In three hours exactly, we’ll make our escape. Ready?”

  “I was born ready.”

  “Believe me, I know this, Senator Camden.”

  We followed a long hallway that led to a large space converted into a ballroom. The second we entered, an awareness rippled down my spine, and my heart skipped a beat.

  I turned and saw Veer standing with a group of congressmen and women. They were in a deep discussion, but I was positive he was completely in tune with my presence. It was always like this whenever we were in the same room.

  “Are you okay?” Kevin set his hand on my back and glanced in the same direction I was looking. “You knew he’d be here.”

  “I know. It’s just hard not to feel like a rejected, lovesick puppy.”

  He squeezed my waist. “You and me both. At least we have each other.”

  “True.” I smiled at a group of people who walked by us. “I don’t see Ashur and Tara.”

  Tara and I hadn’t spoken about the new phase of her relationship with Ashur. The only thing she’d told me was that there were reasons why she agreed to marry Ashur that made it worth it in the long run. When I’d questioned her about their sex life, she’d laughed and said there wasn’t one. They were embarking on a political marriage and nothing more.

  I hoped she realized Ashur had never gotten over her, and he would do everything in his power to get into her pants.

  “Probably somewhere arguing or fucking. The animosity and sexual energy that comes from them could cause a building to explode.”

  “Well, they’re about to get married. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Minus the animosity part.”

  “I wouldn’t know. I guess we’ll have to wait until next year and then I’ll tell you.”

  I playfully nudged him with my shoulder. “You’re so not funny.”

  “Yes, I am. Now let’s mingle and then ditch this join…” Kevin trailed off, his eyes fixed on something, and then his jaw tightened.

  “What?” I asked.

  Across from us were Christopher Robinson and Katherine Franklin. They were another power couple in the Republican ranks. Chris and Kathy, as they were known in our social circles, were the go-to couple for donations and organizing fundraisers. If Kevin and I were the Barbie and Ken, then they were the Fred and Ginger. On top of their social perfection, they were a genuinely kind pair. Just like Kevin and me, they were expected to announce their engagement any moment.

  “Am I missing something? Chris and Kathy are great. If only everyone in our party were like them, we wouldn’t have such a bad reputation.”

  Kevin ignored me and continued to watch the couple. Kathy was showing off her engagement ring, and then I noticed Chris stare in our direction. There was a deep sadness that touched his eyes a second before his attention turned back to Kathy.

  That was when I realized who Chris was to Kevin.

  “Oh God, Kev. I’m so sorry.” I twisted around and cupped his face. “Look at me.”

  He moved his gaze to mine.

  “We’ll get through this.”

  He nodded and then said, “I need a drink. Actually, I believe I want to get drunk.”

  He walked toward the bar with me following closely behind him.

  Three hours later, I searched the hallways of the museum to find Kevin. He’d kept it together for about twenty minutes but left the room when the emcee announced the news of Chris and Kathy’s engagement. I wanted to go after him, but I had to keep calm and pretend all was great in my world. Then, when I thought I could escape to search for Kevin, I was cornered by donors and other politicians wanting my opinion on issues they favored. By the time I made it to the back of the room, Oscar had sent a text saying it was imperative to get Kevin out of the building. He must have seen Kevin drunk somewhere in the museum.

  Thankfully, no one noticed I’d spent most of the evening alone. Well, no one except Veer, who’d lifted a brow with an unsaid question about Kevin when our eyes had caught for a moment. I’d ignored him, not wanting to stir up more emotions than I already felt. That brief second of communication showed me how connected we were, and my heart ached.

  I couldn’t let myself go down that particular rabbit hole or I’d end up in the same state as Kevin.

  I glanced into a section with rows of antique documents and found it empty.

  God, I hoped he wasn’t in some corner drunk or passed out. There was no way I’d be able to sneak him through the building without causing a scene. Everyone would recognize him on the spot.

  As I turned a corner, I came to an abrupt halt. Ashur and Tara held a very drunk Kevin up by the arms. His clothes were a rumpled mess, and his head was flopping back and forth.

  “Oh fuck.” I ran in their direction.

  The moment Ashur saw me, he said, “We need to get you two out of here.”

  “Yes, but how?” I looked around, hoping no one would notice a presidential candidate holding his drunk friend.

  Tara adjusted Kevin’s weight on her shoulders. “God, what does he eat?”

  “Let me.” I took her place. “You’re a good five inches shorter than me. It’ll be easier for me.”

  She nodded. “I’ve called our security. They have a car waiting to take you home.”

  “Want to tell me what triggered this?” Ashur asked. “Since we came back from our last tour, Kevin rarely, if ever, gets drunk.”

  “It’s not my place to say.” I kissed Kevin’s cheek. “Oh Kev, why did you ditch me? We could have left and gotten drunk at my house.”

  Ashur studied me. “You do care for him.”

  I frowned. “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “You know exactly what I mean.”

  Tara stepped forward. “What Ashur is failing to say is that he is glad you and Kevin care so deeply for each other. And he’s happy Kevin has you to lean on. Isn’t that right, Ashur?”

  “No.”

  “Ashur, I swear you could drive a woman to drink. How the hell am I going to help you win this damn election if you can’t lie worth shit? You’re a politician, for Christ’s sake.”

  I sighed and shifted, trying to adjust Kevin’s deadweight.

  “Ashur, I love Veer, but we don’t have a future. You have no idea how much I wish things were different.” I pushed Kevin’s hair from his brow. “What Kevin and I have is special. He is my friend, and I love him, but it’s different. You should know as well as I do that one can marry someone they love but aren’t in love with.”

  “Touché,” Ashur said as he watched Tara.

  Ashur could make Tara believe it was a business deal all he wanted. I knew the truth. I’d heard him say it. He wanted her and had found a way to get her. Hopefully, they wouldn’t kill each other in the process.

  A group of security personnel arrived, including Oscar and his team. They took an unconscious Kevin from us and carried him through a back hallway.

  “Where do you want them to take you?” Tara asked as she typed on her phone.

  “My townhouse. It has a private entrance and attached garage. No one can see Kevin like this.” I took a step, then turned back and hugged Ashur. “Thank you.”

  “We’re still family, Jaci. You’ve been my sister since the moment you and Sam got into your first scheme together.” His voice grew gruff as he held me. “At the end of all of this, you can’t forget that none of this means anything without the people you love.”

  “You do your damnedest to make the world think you’re an asshole, but deep down you’re all mush.”

  “If you say so,” he grumbled, and hugged me one last time.

  I kissed his cheek then moved to Tara. “I’m not sure when I’ll see you again.”

  A slight gleam touched her eyes. “I believe it will be sooner rather than later.” She leaned in and then whispered, “Expect a certain someone to name her pet project tomorrow.”

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nbsp; I had completely forgotten the first lady was due to announce her support for the No Bride Initiative. What I hadn’t expected was for the declaration to come so quickly. But now that I thought about it, it made sense. Tara was part of the campaign challenging the president. This was the best opportunity for Mrs. Edgar to strike.

  I nodded and moved toward the exit.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Where should I set him, Senator?” one of my security team, Luke, asked me an hour later.

  I gestured to the couch in the living room. “Lay Kevin there. Thank you.”

  The drive back home had been dismal at best. Watching a man who rarely, if ever, drank more than two glasses of anything get wasted because of another person made my heart ache. For years, I’d known about Kevin’s lover, even if I hadn’t known his identity. They’d met in college but kept their relationship quiet because of their conservative and affluent families.

  Now that I knew it was Chris, all the secrecy made sense. No one would ever have suspected two of the most desirable men in the Republican Party were a couple, especially since both of them were in very public relationships with women.

  I wondered if Kathy knew the truth. No, that wasn’t possible. She was one of those people so naive and kind that you wanted to keep anything that would upset her hidden. Plus, the way she’d showed off her ring made me think she believed her marriage to Chris would be real.

  Poor Kathy. I hated to think of the devastation she would feel when she learned the truth.

  God, this whole situation was a fucked-up mess.

  Poor Kevin. Politics, religion, and family had forced him to live a lie. I guessed it was the reason we were perfect for each other.

  If only I could take the heartache away from him. Would I feel this way the day I learned that Veer was getting married?

  More than likely, yes. If the thought of it shredded something inside me, then the actual event would probably cause me to have the same reaction Kevin had, or worse.