Page 42 of Senator

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.

“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.

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