Page 9 of Senator

God he was sexy. There was a rough, untamed aura about him that let anyone know he would kick someone’s ass if they ever thought to hurt the ones he loved. Up until he entered politics, he’d spent more time in military clothing and casual wear than in a suit. Although I could never complain about how he filled out a suit. Especially since I knew firsthand the hard, sculpted body underneath the tailored material.

Veer rubbed the scar that marred his gorgeous face. The one he’d received while on a mission in the Air Force. Seven years hadn’t eased the pain I knew he felt whenever he clenched his jaw too tight. It was usually as a result of something I’d done. I had a way of getting under the skin of the man with a reputation for keeping his cool no matter the situation.

Veer looked up as I approached him. Without saying a word, he grabbed both cups, setting them on the small table beside him, and pulled me onto his lap.

“Couldn’t find something else to wear in that giant closet of yours except for my shirt from last night?” He thumbed the lapel of the button-down cotton as his other hand crept up my leg to cup my ass.

“It smells like you.”

He smirked. “Only you would find my used clothing appealing.”

“If you only knew,” I muttered.

Women threw themselves at him right and left. Most of the time he’d pretend he hadn’t noticed the incessant flirting, but other times he’d smile, flirt back, and then politely excuse himself. Those were the moments when it grated on my nerves that the public had no idea we were a couple.

No, we were more than a couple. Veer was the only person outside of Samina that I could confide in about all the shit I had to wade through in my quest for the White House. Many of my political views clashed with his, but he’d never dismiss them. Instead, he’d debate his point so I would know how to handle anyone who would oppose my position.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked as I leaned against his chest.

Veer lifted a brow. “When have you ever needed permission to ask me anything?”

“Hardy, har, har. I’m being serious here. Why are you so vocal about the president’s budget? Aren’t you afraid you’ll alienate the voters?”

“It’s a bad deal all around. He thinks he’s playing Monopoly and trying to buy out all the high-dollar places. What he doesn’t see is that the money he’s spending is real and belongs to the people of the country, including those who aren’t in his income bracket. Don’t tell me you support him?”

I lifted my head and frowned. “I told you over the phone last week what I thought. He’s cutting the wrong things and spending in areas that will only cause ridiculous amounts of debt.”

“Then why’d you ask?”

“Because you’ve been making a lot of headlines lately, and I always assumed you’d hold back some of your aggressive views until you were in office a little longer.”

He smirked and then offered me his hand. “Hi, I’m Veer George. Have we met before? Because I’m not sure if you know this about me, but I hate bullshit. My good looks weren’t the only reason the voters elected me.”

I couldn’t help it—I laughed, pushing his arm down. “No, it was your hot bod.”

“The only person who sees my body is you.” He squeezed my hip, making me squirm. “And I better be the only one who sees yours.”

“Possessive much?”

He cupped my cheek and stared into my eyes. “You have no idea.”

The lighthearted mood immediately shifted, and a wave of uneasiness surrounded us.

We watched each other for another few seconds before Veer spoke. “I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I’ve missed you.”

I couldn’t let him take the blame; it was something that had been lingering between us for too long.

“It had to be said. But…” I nuzzled my face against his palm, “…I’m not ready for this to end.”

His other hand flexed against my panty-covered bottom, and he sighed. “I went into this knowing we could never have a future, but I fell for you and made plans anyway.”

“Don’t you think it is the same for me? It wasn’t supposed to go past that one night in Vegas. But neither of us could get enough of each other.”

“Do you know how much I pray that your birth control fails and you have no choice but to marry me?”

I’d wished the same thing, so many times. I wanted the choice taken from me, but I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t use my child as an excuse to give up what I wanted, what I’d worked so hard to achieve.

“Jaci, this won’t work for much longer. I have plans, and either you’re with me or you’re not.”

---