Page 40 of Senator

My gaze shifted from the pendant to Dad’s knowing eyes.

“Don’t look at me that way. I’ve known you’ve been together for years. I have no idea what broke you up, but it’s for the best. I’m not blind. That man loves you, and for some reason, he gave you up. Think of it as a blessing.”

“I wish I could,” was all I said.

“Kevin is the right choice for you. I know you care for each other and that he’s very protective of you. Maybe, given some time, you’ll grow to love him. Having him by your side will give you a solid foundation, and in four years, you’ll be a shoo-in for the party’s nomination.”

“Dad, I don’t think I’ll ever get over Veer.” I rested my head on his shoulder as his arm came around me, pulling me to his side. “And I know I’ll end up hurting Kevin in the long run. He deserves better than me, but he is willing to ride this crazy train to the White House.”

“Does Kevin know about you and Veer?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“And he’s okay with it?” The disbelief was obvious in his voice. My dad was an alpha male who’d never stand for his woman seeing anyone else.

“We don’t have a traditional relationship. It is more a friendship.”

Dad shook his head. “I will never understand this. That boy is a great young man. It makes no sense why he’d let you have a full-blown affair with another man.”

“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.”

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