Page 21 of Accepted Precedent
“Nothing. Just something my grandad used to say.” I omit that it’s what he called the love of his life. “Now that that’s settled, we need a necklace to compliment your dress, and earrings for everyday wear.”
Once we’ve found the perfect jewelry, I have Evelyn meet me out front while I pay. The simple diamond earrings and the small pendant she picked out are timeless; she’ll be able to wear them often. If she saw the final total, she’d likely return them and give the money to charity. To head her off, I send a quick message to Finn that we’ll be donating over forty thousand dollars to a charity of Evelyn’s choice.
I find her out front typing on her phone, and she lights up as she spots me. Tucking it away, she glances down at the small bag. “How much was it?”
I take her hand, swiping my thumb on the new ring on her finger. “Priceless.”
Chapter 10
Andrew
I’ve never pictured myself getting married—even to Mickey. I love him, but settling down with one person for the rest of my life feels… stifling.
Evie has joked all week about how we’re in a marriage of convenience trope from one of her books, except temporarily marrying her is anything but convenient. I hate that our vows will be empty promises—the only one that’s true is my love for her. Our friendship is strong enough that I’m not worried about losing her when this is over. Mickey, on the other hand, is falling hard and fast for my best friend. Seeing him grow more distant each day has me questioning whether this is the best idea after all.
Evelyn invited Kristin, Ileah, and Jaclyn to the wedding, and as much as I want Mick to come, it would be too much for him. Honestly, it would be too much for me as well. Alex, Tim, and my brother, Richard, are coming, but with Ileah and Tim in attendance, Mick has assured me Finn won’t be here. Considering Mick’s scowl has been making its appearance more than usual this week, the last thing we need is either of theGallagher brothers in our wedding photos. It’s supposed to be a celebration of love, and the growly Irishmen won’t photograph well.
With only a few friends joining us, our ceremony is taking place in a small outdoor space at a private venue in Niagara Falls, with a quiet dinner afterward—all of it professionally photographed for announcements. Keeping a smile plastered on my face shouldn’t be too difficult; it’s no different from attending a campaign fundraiser.
Kristin managed to plan the entire wedding in less than a week. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and I’m feeling even more confident about her managing my campaign. With Evie by my side and funding from the Gallaghers, the election should be in the bag.
The guys are getting ready in their respective rooms, leaving me to get dressed alone. As I’m checking my tie in the mirror, there’s a familiar knock at the door. I rush to answer it, finding Mick bracing himself on the doorframe.
“What are you doing here?”
He doesn’t reply, pushing past me to enter. I get a whiff of whiskey as he storms in. “Two years.”
“Yeah, I know, we’ve been through this a dozen times. Once I’m settled as Senator, we’ll get divorced.” I ask again, “Why are you here?”
“Because the two people I want to be with are getting married,” he snaps.
As he takes a seat on the bed, I sit next to him, sliding my hand into his. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this vulnerable or upsetbefore. He’s always been so steady, so sure. “I love you. And Evie cares about you.” I squeeze tighter. “This is all for show. And… it was also your idea,” I remind him.
He chuckles softly and brings our joined hands to his lips. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m a selfish arsehole who wants what they can’t have.”
“You have me. But you know if you want to keep Evie too, you’ll have to fight for her.”
“I’ll fight for both of you.”
I lean in and kiss him, missing his rough, commanding touch. He grips the front of my throat, squeezing gently on the sides as he angles me right where he wants me. In one swift motion, he pushes me onto the bed, then he falls to his knees and unzips my pants. I prop myself onto my elbows, enjoying the sight a little too much. As he pulls my cock out, he slides his mouth onto me. I can’t help the groan that escapes, but then I startle at the faint click of the door unlocking.
“Hey, I need to change into my—Oh my God!” Evelyn shields her eyes, peeking through her fingers. “Seriously? I thought we agreed: no sex.”
Mickey doesn’t stop, and while I might regret it, I can’t help pointing out, “After we’re married.”
She opens the door, leaving in a huff, but Mickey pulls off me and commands, “Get back in here, angel, and sit on his face.”
“I’m not going to sit on his face,” she grits out, closing the door and stepping back inside. “We’re two friends getting married—not lovers.”
I sit all the way up, a little hurt and offended, even if it’s true. “What? You don’t think I can get you off?”
“I don’t know,” she mumbles, lowering her gaze as she nervously fidgets with the hem of her shirt.
“Or would you rather come on Daddy’s cock one last time?” Mick suggests.
Her eyes snap up to him, wild with lust. “No.”
“No?” he laughs, slowly stroking me. “I can guarantee I’ll have you coming in under a minute, love.”
