Page 71 of Accepted Precedent
Tonight may be the last night I have with Evie and Andrew for a while. While they may not want each other romantically, I need both of them. My world has been turned upside down, and I’ll do whatever it takes to turn it right-side up.
Chapter 30
Mickey
Waking up with Evelyn and Andrew on either side of me, I’m more at peace than I’ve been in years. She stirs, shifting in my arms to face me, just like the first night we spent together. So much has changed, but my feelings for her have never wavered—only strengthened over time.
“Mornin’, love.”
“Morning. What time do you need to leave?”
“Soon,” I sigh, holding her closer.
Our legs tangle, and for a minute I let myself pretend the world around us doesn’t exist. Tilting her chin, I bring her lips to mine, desperate for her sweet kisses. The urge to steal both of them away and never look back is incredibly tempting.
I groan as I pull back to tell her, “I should be back later tonight, but I won’t be able to stay unless we tell Ileah about us.”
“I know, but she just lost her husband. Give her time before I have to explain to my friend that my husband’s boyfriend knocked me up.”
“Brat.” I playfully smack her ass, making her giggle. “You know damn well I’m more than that to you.”
“You are, but it’s more fun to make it sound like a really bad soap opera.” Evie stretches, letting out a sweet sigh. “I should get up. I need to feed my sourdough starter so I can bake bread tonight for Ileah. But”—she nestles closer—“I’m so cozy.”
“Five more minutes.”
I give her twenty, and she dozes off. I’d happily spend several more hours with her in my arms, but I need to deal with Finn going behind my back to murder Tim. I tap Andrew’s leg, and he shifts to let me sneak out of bed. “Take care of her for me today.”
He offers a soft smile that doesn’t meet his eyes. “I will.”
I kiss him goodbye and get ready, then make my way into the kitchen to retrieve one of the two blue boxes. I find a small notepad and write Evelyn a message to open the one I left behind when she wakes up.
On the drive to Finn’s, Kristin and I comb through political research reports from the past few months, pulling out key talking points for Ileah. When we arrive at his house, I insist, “Stay here. I may kill my brother, and I doubt you want to see a dead body twice in the same week.”
“Oh, you may need this then.” She retrieves my gun from her large purse.
“You are always full of surprises, Ms. Proctor.”
“Kristin,” she insists with a smirk. “I’m pretty sure we’re past formalities.”
“Aye, that we are. Once I’m done dealing with my brother, we need to sit down and talk about your future. You’re far from inadequate.” Her eyes widen. “Think I didn’t overhear you telling Andrew that? You are one of the very few people I trust, and it’s about time I acknowledge all that you’ve done for me, Evie and Andrew.”
“Then maybe don’t kill Finn? I don’t want to upset Ned with another call to clean up a dead body.”
I bark out a laugh and take the gun from her. “I’ll be back in a few.” Climbing out of the car, I tuck the gun in the back of my waistband and button my jacket.
Not waiting for his staff, I try the front door—it’s unlocked. I make a show of slamming it shut behind me and shouting into the house, “Finn, we need to talk! What is this about you killing Tim?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mick!” he yells back. “I’m in the kitchen with Ileah.”
I take my time, letting him sit with his guilt a little longer. As I enter the kitchen, he’s with Ileah who is dressed in all black—the perfect widow ensemble. “Hello, Mrs. McKinnon. My apologies for my outburst.”
Finn’s fists are balled at his side. “It’s Vasileiou.” There’s a good chance she’ll want to use her maiden name, but I enjoy getting under my brother’s skin far too much.
“You hired the man,” Ileah mumbles to herself, piecing together what Finn has done.
“It would seem so,” I sigh. “My brother had his own agenda. My sincerest apologies, Mrs. McKinnon.”
Finn snaps, “You held up your end. Tim’s opponent is gone too. The only way Ileah can reach her potential is far away from the arsehole who kept her captive all of these years.”
