Page 3 of Senator

I smiled and tucked my purse under my arm, continuing down the endless hall that led to the ballroom.

I still remembered the day my father found me doing Calculus BC homework for my brother Devin, who was a high school senior. At first, Dad thought I was a silly twelve-year-old messing around, but then he realized I was correcting Devin’s mistakes.

He’d been so shocked by my abilities that he’d sat dumbfounded and at a loss for words, and Dad never was short on words. Once he’d recovered, he’d picked me up, twirled me around, and then told me I was going to one day hold the highest office in the country. What he hadn’t known was that I’d had the same plan for myself since I was eight, and the then-sitting president had made a snide comment about women knowing their place in the world. As a young girl, I had no idea I’d heard the comment out of context or that the president was a huge advocate for women’s rights—all I knew was I would be taking his job one day.

“Hey, you. Are you ready to blow this popsicle stand?” Kevin asked as he approached me seconds after I reentered the ballroom. “It’s nearly one in the morning, and we still have to go through some logistics for upcoming events.”

His words triggered a yawn, and I covered my mouth with my hand. “The thought of finances, budgets, and fundraising sounds too exhausting for tonight. Can we skip it?”

Kevin tucked my arm under his and walked me toward where Samina and our friends stood. The late hour had caused the room to clear to half its previous capacity, making it easier to enjoy a few moments with the people who mattered.

“No, one of us will be on a plane Monday morning since Senate is in session, and the other has to run his family’s businesses.”

“Fine, I guess we both have to be adults tonight.” I frowned. “You spoil all my fun.”

At that moment, a voice I’d rather never encounter again in my life spoke.

“Hello, Ms. Camden. It’s good to see the woman who stole my job.”

I stiffened but kept my face emotionless.

Before I could respond, Grey Decker, former senator from Texas, gripped my hand in a painful hold. His gaze, filled with hate and anger, bored into me.

If anyone should have had a visceral reaction, it was me. This man thought he could ruin my reputation and those of countless others in his quest for political status. I would never regret unseating the bastard.

“It’s not stealing if sixty-five percent of the voters wanted me to represent the party,” I said and dug my nails into his palm, resulting in a wince and him releasing my hand.

I was not going to let this man see how much his touch made my skin crawl or that he held any power over me from what he had helped his son do to me.

“I heard the president wanted you to join one of his advisory committees, but you declined.” His words were slurred, telling me he’d indulged in more than a few drinks. “Guess it was too much heat for you to handle as a junior senator. You should have left the hard work to those of us who have experience.”

Was this his version of polite interaction? If he wanted to play, I’d play. Fucker.

“Was there a question in your statement, or do you enjoy hearing yourself speak?” I took a sip of my drink and gave him my politician smile. The one I’d perfected to keep from giving away any of my true feelings. The one I had to learn over the years from dealing with men like him to reach my position.

“Look here, little girl. I know what you and your—”

“Hello, Grey.” Kevin cut off Decker before he could make a scene, stepping between Decker and me.

I loved Kevin so much. He knew little of my history with the former Texas senator, except that I hated Grey Decker with a passion. And because Kevin was a friend, he never pushed me to reveal my deep-seated feelings.

“I heard you’re about to become a grandfather. How is Cara doing?” Kevin asked, referring to Decker’s very pregnant daughter.

Decker ignored Kevin’s question and kept his focus on me. “I’d be careful dating this piranha. She’ll eat you for political gain.”

I laughed aloud, making sure the people around me saw the winner of the most contentious election in Texas history enjoying her time with her former opponent.

Last year’s election had caused a huge rift in the party with people taking sides. The old school tended to follow Decker, but the progressive Republicans and the younger members of the party fell behind me. In the end, I’d garnered enough votes to gain the party’s nomination and then I’d defeated my Democratic opponent by a landslide.

“Grey, let me make this clear. The election is over. I won. Get over it.”

“How dare you. When I’m done with you, you won’t have a pot to piss in.”

“Grey.” Kevin’s voice took on a tone I rarely heard, one that vibrated with authority. The one I’m sure scared the shit out of his subordinates when he was in the Air Force. “It’s time you moved on. You are crossing a line that will not bode well for you.”

“Now you’re threatening me?”

“No, it isn’t a threat, it’s a promise. Your money can’t cover up your or your son’s improprieties. After last year, I’d assumed you would have learned your lesson. I guess I was wrong.”

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