Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3)

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Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3) Page 29

by Ahren Sanders

“Not sure what your search turned up, but I’ve always known where Poppy was. Staying away was excruciating, but it was to protect her. Karen and Natasha vowed to leave her alone, and that was enough to keep my distance.”

  This confirms Scottie’s information. “You set up the PO Box in California to hide Poppy’s real whereabouts?”

  “One good thing about my position is the power behind my office. Sunday night, after discovering my wife has been feeding me nothing but lies about leaving Caitlyn alone, I took back control.”

  “Yeah, you look like the poster model for control right about now. Shooting back liquor at dawn, looking like a hobo,” Dante throws at him.

  Marco grins, a flint of humor passing in his eyes. “Please excuse my appearance, two straight days of decimating my career, ending a thirty-one-year marriage, and terminating my daughter from my staff has left me little time to rest.”

  “Why are you still here, Marco?” I ask bluntly. “Your life is across the country.”

  “Not for long. Your visit woke me up and exposed devils in my mix. I owe you as well.”

  “I don’t want your gratitude. I want your ass on a plane with a promise to stay out of our lives.”

  “My ass will be on a plane soon.”

  “And out of our lives,” I reemphasize.

  “Can’t promise that, because I want a place back in my daughter’s life.”

  “That is never fucking happening.”

  “You have no reason to trust me, but I tell the truth when I say the world of politics is over for me. I will fulfill my obligations and walk away. Right now, all I want is to rekindle a relationship with my daughter. Even if it takes the rest of my life.”

  “Might as well go back to the mansion in Virginia and grovel to that bitch you call a wife. Thursday afternoon was as close as you’ll ever get to Poppy again. The protection order was child’s play. You’re dealing with me now, and I’ve got the money, the power, and the resources to take you on. Your perfectly crafted world inside the walls of politics will crash, bringing everyone around you down. You may be a dick, but I doubt you’d like to see those bitches in your circle suffer.”

  He stands straighter, his face and eyes going hard, his body tight. “You are partially right, I’d wish nothing bad for Karen or Natasha. However, they made their choices. Caitlyn was off-limits, and that was non-negotiable. They have to face the consequences. You think I’m bluffing, that my motives aren’t sincere. But maybe if you let down that shield of hatred, you’d hear what I’m saying to you.”

  “I’ve heard every word you said and also memorized everything you spewed to Poppy.”

  “Then hear this. It is over. It was over before I stepped foot in Vegas.”

  “Don’t bullshit me. You’re not the only one investigating. I looked into your Governorship and potential. You have a good chance of taking the full nomination. It’s been eight years of paving the way. Nothing is over for you.”

  “Politically, yes, I am in an excellent position. Emotionally, I wasn’t willing to fracture or interrupt Poppy’s life. Everyone knew this. That’s why I agreed to a pre-season game. The thought of Natasha and Isaac in Vegas, so close to Poppy didn’t sit well. I wasn’t aware until we boarded the plane that Natasha came a day early. Now, I know why.”

  I hiss through my teeth. “Natasha planned it all out.”

  “Yes, she knew where I stood. Stupidly, I assumed she and Karen would uphold their original agreement to leave Poppy alone. In the off-chance they didn’t, there were safeguards in place.”

  “The fake presence in California?”

  He nods, pouring another shot in his glass.

  “I was never interested in running for President. Being a fighter for this country and the people is and always has been my priority. But the world of politics had already shattered my family. It was weighing heavily on me. Natasha came here to use her influence on Caitlyn. She thought she could convince her sister to support my run. You were an obstacle she didn’t expect.”

  “That woman thought she could seduce me, knowing I’m married.” The words burn like acid in my throat.

  He nods solemnly. “She didn’t admit it outright, but her history speaks for itself.”

  “Unbelievable.”

  “I’ve heard you and Isaac rejected her rather severely. The security tape was enlightening.”

  It’s not a surprise he got access to the unedited video. “Watching your lunatic daughter in action was enlightening? You’ve had thirty years of that.”

  “What you and I see is different. That video is further proof of my failure.”

  “How the hell did you make this about you?” Dante asks bitterly.

  “Not a day has gone by that I didn’t feel shame, guilt, and heartbreaking pain over my decision. I sacrificed my relationship with my daughter so she could create a beautiful life. Because of my position of power, Natasha took matters into her hands. The greed and toxicity that has infected my family found a way to destroy Caitlyn’s dreams.”

  “She still has dreams, I’m making sure of it.”

  “Poppy returned from Paris a long time ago. Not once have you tried to reach out to her. That’s not a convincing argument for a man that wants back into her life,” Dante points out skeptically.

  “There is no excuse. I was deep in the political trenches. Karen relayed that Caitlyn was okay and pursuing dance in California. I knew differently. That’s why I made it clear Karen and Natasha were to leave her alone. Every day, I thought about contacting her, but one thing stopped me. My promise to keep her out of the arena. That’s why I never saw her perform. The risk was too great. I was scared if even a whisper hit the waves, she’d be exposed. I stupidly thought time was on my side.”

  “If there’s an ounce of truth to this rehearsed bullshit, then you need to get your ass back to Virginia and handle your business before it reaches back to Poppy. Leaving your wife, denouncing Presidential interest, all of it is going to send the piranhas hunting.” The thought solidifies my inclination to get back to Charleston so I can insulate Poppy from the backlash of Marco’s decisions.

  “I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours making sure she will stay protected. These last eighteen months of my term will go on as if nothing is happening. I’ve secured a trustworthy team to help roll through our agenda. Karen’s pissed, but she will do nothing to jeopardize her reputation and standing. We will announce the split after I leave the office.”

  “And Natasha?”

  “I have handled her. And by handle, I mean she’s been stripped of all her positions and duties. This morning, I officially accepted her resignation as an advisor and wished her well on her journey to help build schools in Uganda.”

  “Are you kidding me? That bitch gets off scot-free looking like a saint? She needs to be brought to her fucking knees.”

  “I don’t disagree, but this was all about protecting Cait—Poppy,” he corrects himself. “In reality, Natasha will have to figure out her next steps by herself.”

  “You’re throwing another daughter aside.”

  He flinches, the guilt clear on his face. “No, I’m being a father. What Natasha did can’t be overlooked. Her actions are inexcusable, and for the first time in her life, she is facing repercussions. She not only hurt Poppy, but she also had legal action taken against our entire family.”

  “So it’s about image?”

  “No, Evin, it’s about Poppy. Someone will uncover those restraining orders, and it will pull Poppy into the spotlight. The trail leading back to her relationship with us will make news. For years, we’ve stuck with the story she was a performer in California. Another reason I worked my ass off to keep the focus on my work in the state and placating my skeptics.”

  “You said you ensured her anonymity.” A knot coils low in my stomach at the chance she may be linked back to them after all this time.

  “I did.”

  “How?” Dante asks.

  “Greasing palms and kissing babie
s never stops. It just gets more detailed,” he throws Dante’s words back.

  “Go home,” I break in, crossing my arms.

  Marco cuts his eyes to me. “Not without seeing—”

  “I’m offering you a deal. Take today to dry out, sleep, clean yourself up, and do whatever you need to do. As soon as you’re on a plane, I’ll lift the protection orders on Karen and you. Natasha’s stays.”

  “The restraining orders are a moot point.”

  “It’s no question that I don’t like you, and if it was my choice, you’d never see or speak to Poppy again. That’s not my choice. It’s my wife’s. I’ll relay what you’ve shared, and she can decide how to proceed. Right now is not the time to force this on her. Go back to Virginia and resume your life to keep up appearances. Give Poppy some time to come to terms with all that’s happening and focus on her recovery. If you’re serious about anything you’ve said, time to prove it.”

  He studies me, the familiar defiant glint of green in his eyes sparkling back at me. Poppy’s face crosses my mind, and I fight grinning at the image of her this morning. I focus back on the stare-down, knowing the instant I’ve got to him.

  “My agreement to this doesn’t mean I’m conceding.”

  “It’s not a concession to put Poppy’s wellbeing above your wishes.” I pull a business card out of my pocket, flicking it onto the table.

  “There’s my compromise. If you want information, contact me. If Poppy has a problem with it, we’re done and this is over. No more blindsiding her. This is your only choice, take it or leave it.” My voice is firm and resolute, leaving no room for argument.

  He sinks into the chair, slumping over and scrubbing a hand through his hair. When he looks up, his eyes are no longer defiant. They’re tortured. “I have no choice but to take it.”

  “You have anything else?” I ask Dante.

  His expression reflects how I’m feeling. He’s skeptical for a reason. Marco Bindel is a professional politician, but the man in front of us is broken. If his intentions are serious, there’s a good chance we’ll see him again.

  “Yeah, I have a question. This all started with Isaac Blake, who was quick to turn on you and didn’t hold back his disgust. How the hell does he fit into the picture?”

  Marco’s lips curl on one side, and he gives a satiric chuckle. “Isaac and I came to an understanding after the draft. His image and newfound fame were an excellent influence on my campaign. He’d broken up with Natasha, but he carried guilt over Caitlyn. I took advantage of that guilt. Once elected to the Senate, I carefully chose a handful of charities each year that he donated to generously. These charities are based on causes I felt Caitlyn would support. We also donate to the endowment for the arts at UNC. We both benefit mutually in our professions from the attention it attracts. To keep up the appearance of a strong relationship, I attend one of his games each season and he attends an event of mine. Outside of that, we rarely communicate.”

  “He knows a lot about your family. Will he be a problem?”

  “I think you saw firsthand how Isaac feels about Caitlyn. He has never gotten over her. My guess is he’s feeling the sting of thinking with his dick all over again, seeing Poppy and knowing she’s married to Evin. So no, he won’t be a problem.”

  “We’re done. Let me know when you’re gone and I’ll contact my lawyer.”

  Dante and I are almost through the door when Marco calls my name. I slice my eyes over my shoulder to see him standing again, this time with a new purpose.

  “Fair warning, I’ve decided to move to Charleston when my time in office is over. If you think I’m not serious, there’s your proof.”

  I barely contain my growl, giving him one last glare before leaving.

  Chapter 28

  Poppy

  “You should go. It’s time.” This comes casually from Ryanne as she reviews the clipboard in her hand.

  “I should go?” The squeaky pitch pulls her attention.

  “I’m sorry, should I have disagreed?”

  “No, but we’re talking about something huge here.”

  She rolls her eyes exaggeratedly. “It’s only huge because you’re making it a big deal. Huge is spending the night with a stranger for the first time in your life. Huge is giving him your virginity and then marrying him less than twenty-four hours later. I could go on and on about the magnitude of decisions you have made. Relocating with your husband while you recover isn’t huge.”

  “Wow, should I hobble home and pack my things now? Maybe leave you a note in the morning when we hit the road so I don’t disturb you?”

  “I’ll wake up to say goodbye.”

  “Ryanne!” I crinkle up the bag I’m stuffing and throw it at her. “This is serious.”

  “Now you’re being ridiculously dramatic. You’re not leaving tomorrow. But you’ve been stalling and he’s patient. He wants you in Charleston, where his family can be a part of helping. Plus, he has work and other things on his mind.”

  Guilt consumes me, and I slink into the chair, dropping my head back. “I’ve become the biggest bitch ever.”

  “Dramatic again.”

  “My husband is prowling around like a caged animal every waking minute. He’s waiting on me hand and foot, working full-time, dealing with crazy Marco—who’s driving him nuts, and living in a bungalow with a roommate. Not one complaint. I wouldn’t blame him if he bailed on me.”

  Her eyebrows crinkle, and she shoots me a side-eyed glare.

  “Seriously. He should go home for a while. He needs to get back to his life. See his family, settle things at work, do his normal routine for a bit without worrying about me.”

  “You want to see an animal, let him hear you say that.”

  “You know I’m right.”

  “What I know is you’re being stubborn and he’s being a saint.”

  “He went for a five-mile run this morning, came back, showered, and was working at six a.m.”

  “He’s an overachiever, so what?”

  “Know what I did today? Got my boot, put weight on my foot for all of three minutes, and then did turnout and flexing with motion measurements for an hour with a therapist.”

  “You also did upper body Pilates in the living room, made your own breakfast, took your own shower, and came to work to help me.”

  “You forgot to mention kicking ass in rehab.” The deep voice has me twisting so fast, my body wobbles in the chair.

  Evin’s propped on a shoulder against the conference room door, arms and legs crossed. My heart skips a beat at his appearance. Since the meeting with Marco two weeks ago, I’ve gotten used to the casual Evin. But today he had a virtual staff meeting. He’s unbuttoned the first two buttons on his neck and rolled his sleeves, but otherwise, he’s all business. My gaze travels slowly back up his body and catches the intensity in his stare. I know the answer but ask anyway. “How long have you been here?”

  “Long enough.”

  “You risked your life coming through the front in this office of women. There’s going to be a riot. I bet Kay is on social media right now checking if Chris Hemsworth is in Vegas,” Ryanne jokes.

  His eyes fly to her and soften as the tip of his lip curls to the side. “The only woman I saw was the grandmother type at reception who pointed me this way.”

  “Bess, she’s great.” Ryanne bends to give me a half-hug. “Good luck at the doctor. Thanks for your help. I’ll see you tonight. Try not to be so negative on yourself.”

  She leaves, patting Evin’s shoulder on her way past.

  I reach for my crutches, scooting forward on the chair.

  “Stop,” he orders, stalking to me and crouching between my legs. His hand sifts through my hair before framing my face gently. “I don’t need to get back to family, work, or any fucking routine. If going to Charleston makes you uncomfortable, we’ll stay.”

  “I don’t want you to miss out on anything.”

  “What in the world am I missing?”

  “Y
our life.”

  “You are my life.”

  My heart sinks low in my chest and a lump forms in my throat. “I’m scared. It’s too much change at once.”

  “Then we stay. Every day, you’re getting stronger, even if you can’t see it.”

  “I have a long way to go.”

  “You’ll get there.”

  “You’re missing a lot at home. Maya’s crushed you weren’t there for her birthday. Annie’s going out of her way to take care of your place. Tessa is flying solo and needs her boss.”

  “None of that is true.”

  I lean into his touch, drawing in a deep breath for courage. “All of your attention is on me. Things may suffer and feelings get hurt. What if they grow to resent me?”

  His body stiffens, eyes heating and jaw locking hard. “Do not let the Bindels invade your head.”

  The tension hangs thick in the air, and I deflate into him. “I’m sorry. You don’t need to deal with my unpredictable moods.”

  “Baby, don’t be sorry.”

  “I don’t deserve you.” I nuzzle my face into his neck, inhaling deep and letting his scent fill me. In less than a second, my mood shifts, and the dark and heavy passes. The cramp in my lower abdomen reminds me of why I’m mercurial. “Evin, something I should tell you. The suppressant they gave me in the hospital and then getting back on my pills. This week is…” Heat creeps up my neck. “I’m hormonal. Which means—”

  He pulls back, his lips twitching. “I know what hormonal means, baby. Why are you embarrassed?”

  “It’s not exactly something men like to talk about.”

  “I grew up with a mom and dramatic sister. Also been a man long enough to pick up on it.”

  “But we’ve never actually been around each other when…”

  “Tampons, heating pads, ibuprofen, chocolate, bubble baths, pizza, and champagne—you let me know what you want.”

  “There go any plans for me to jump you tonight. Can I be any less sexy?”

  His face changes and he brushes his lips across mine, cupping the back of my head to hold me to him. “There’s nothing in this world that would make you anything but gorgeous to me.”

 

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