Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers Book 3)

by Ahren Sanders

“Marco,” Evin rumbles gruffly.

  “Stop,” I whisper and smile at Marco. “Hey, Marco.”

  He winces slightly, covering it up with a small grin. “You are getting around well.”

  “We tell you that every day,” Evin replies brusquely.

  “It’s better seeing it for myself,” Marco counters.

  Tension radiates off Evin, and I elbow him in the ribs. “We’re not doing this macho male thing. Especially not in the middle of a classy restaurant in the finest hotel in Charleston. I’m hungry.”

  Marco’s lips twitch and he motions for me to sit first, Evin pulling out my chair. Once we’re all seated, the server takes our drink order and leaves.

  “Poppy, I’m—”

  “Don’t,” I interrupt, waving him off, “we’re not talking about anything other than pleasant topics. Evin told me everything, and at some point, I may have questions, but not today. I’m riding my Bella happy high.”

  “Babies have a way of bringing out happiness.”

  “She’s perfect,” I gush, getting my phone and finding this morning’s pictures. “Look.”

  It’s easy to read his thoughts. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Keep scrolling, there’s more.”

  He does, his eyes darting over each shot. He stops scrolling, facing the screen back to me. It’s the day Darby and Pierce brought her home. I’m sitting on Evin’s lap, Devin is with us, and Annie had handed me Bella. It was a rare moment she was awake, her precious little face peaceful.

  “This is a great shot.”

  “Thanks.” I glance at Evin, crinkling my nose. “Told you.”

  He huffs, but his eyes are anything but irritated.

  “You’re a natural.”

  “She is.” Evin agreeing with Marco is a shock. “She’s a pro with kids.”

  “I’d love a copy,” Marco pushes.

  I take the phone and forward it to him. Sending another from the hospital when she was born.

  After the server drops our drinks and takes our order, Evin settles, watching me closely.

  “How’s the hotel?” I ask Marco.

  “The Brasher never disappoints.”

  “What other Brasher Resorts have you visited?”

  He stalls.

  It’s apparent I have to move this reunion over the edge of awkwardness. “Why are you here?”

  He seems surprised at my candor, looking between Evin and me before answering. “I wanted to see you, apologize and reacquaint with your life.”

  “You’ve apologized a million times, Marco.”

  “The rest of my life isn’t long enough to prove it to you.” He repeats the same sentiment from the hospital.

  “When you said those words the first time, I wasn’t in the mental space to accept them. Now I am.”

  “It can’t be that simple.”

  “You’re used to dealing with Karen and Natasha who are complicated and make life miserable with added drama. That’s not my style. With me, it is simple.”

  “You’ve always had a gracious spirit.”

  “Too gracious,” Evin rumbles.

  “Accepting your apology doesn’t mean forgiveness. There’s no denying you hurt me. I’ll never understand your shitty choices, but I recently came to a conclusion.”

  “What is the conclusion?”

  “I didn’t need you.”

  Marco goes pale, sorrow etched in his expression. “You didn’t need me? Not exactly what a father wants to hear.”

  Evin growls low, taking my hand protectively.

  “Karen and Tasha rode on your coattails, depending on your success to get where they are. I got here on my own. Your position, title, money, influence—none of it means anything. You kept your promise. The day you walked away, you took away my last piece of security. In your way of protecting me, you also gave me freedom.”

  “You deserved a life unfettered by the toxicity I allowed into our lives.”

  “I understand. Because of that, Dante and Ryanne are in my life. And eventually, it led me to Evin. There is no telling what the future holds. My husband isn’t your biggest fan, but it’s because of him we’re here.”

  “I’m well aware he took pity on me, and I’m forever grateful.”

  “We aren’t going back eight years and dwelling over the things we can’t change.”

  “So what now?”

  “You’ve seen me, you’ve apologized, so it’s time to reacquaint about our lives. I’d like to do it without walking on eggshells and pregnant pauses.”

  Marco grins, giving a quick nod. “I’ve visited the Brasher in San Francisco and Aspen.”

  “Aspen is where Darby launched her partnership.”

  “I actually know that.”

  Instead of being annoyed with the fact he researched everyone in my life, I roll with it.

  We keep the conversation light for the rest of lunch. Marco seems to relax, but Evin stays mostly quiet, never releasing my hand.

  When the bill arrives, Evin takes care of it, making another statement. An idea pops into my head and I jiggle our hands, sending him a silent message. He scowls, mumbles under his breath, and eventually shrugs.

  “Marco, we’re headed to the studio. If you’re not busy, you’re welcome to join us.”

  There’s a second of shock and disbelief before his face brightens. Then his gaze drifts to the man sitting alone a few tables over.

  “It’s his security,” Evin fills me in. “I recognized him when we walked in.”

  It takes a second to figure out the connection, then Evin’s visit to the hotel in Vegas comes to mind. Plus all the information Scottie uncovered about Marco moving his advisor to a security role. “Is this your advisor-slash-security guard?”

  “You know about Grady?”

  “A little, he’s welcome to come as well.”

  “I don’t want to make things uncomfortable.”

  “He obviously knows about me. If he works this closely with you, I assume you trust him.”

  “Grady is one of the few people I trust. That’s why he’s here. He’s also been searching for Natasha.”

  “Ugh! Such a drag.” I exaggerate the roll of my eyes and fling of my hand. “That part of his job must suck.”

  “Now who’s being dramatic? Regardless, I’m sure he’d concur.” One side of Marco’s lip curls and a wave of familiarity washes over me. It’s an expression I haven’t seen in a long time but reminds me so much of my childhood.

  “If you’re going with us, I suggest getting a coat. Our building is cold,” Evin relays gruffly.

  Marco offers his hand. “Thank you for lunch. I won’t be long.”

  Evin shakes it, dipping his chin in acknowledgment. Grady stands to go with Marco. He’s a huge frame of muscle, his eyes keen and body alert. I catch the approval in his gaze before they leave.

  “I wanted to see him sweat. You went too easy on him.”

  “Pretty sure your brazen scowling and barbed attitude got the point across.”

  “You never stop amazing me.” He kisses along my knuckles before helping me up. “Even if I have to spend the afternoon with Marco.”

  “It came to me on a whim. Besides, you’re the one with a soft spot for him.”

  “Feeling pity for the guy doesn’t mean I want to share my wife the entire day.”

  I bump his shoulder. “Your jealously has no bounds.”

  “Nope.”

  Marco and Grady are stepping off the elevator as we enter the lobby.

  “We’ll have valet bring around the car.”

  “That’s unnecessary. We’re right out front.”

  Evin’s hand tightens, and I stifle my giggle.

  The icy wind hits when we step outside and Evin tucks me into his body, hurrying to the prime spot upfront. He hoists me in the passenger seat, closing me in.

  “Evin has special privileges here,” I explain.

  In less than five minutes, we’re parked and Evin’s back at my door, helping me down.r />
  “I was wondering how you got in and out of this massive vehicle while on crutches,” Marco smirks.

  “Oh, this isn’t an injury thing. He’s always lifted me in and out. I can fly through the air, flip over my head, and land on my feet. But he’s unconvinced I’m able to get out of a truck.”

  “I like it.”

  Evin guides us in, turning off the alarm, and I describe the layout changes immediately. The finalized plans are vivid in my mind, and I try to give the vision justice.

  We get to the second floor and my energy turns electric. Kendrick Construction won’t officially begin until after Christmas in a few weeks, but Pierce, Miller, and Evin have almost finished the general renovations on the space we’re making an apartment.

  “Here’s my first project!” I twirl into the room, adding flare to my spin.

  “Jesus.” Marco is wide-eyed with alarm.

  “Poppy, cut it out,” Evin chides.

  “I’m wearing my brace!”

  “One more week.” He refers to Jesse’s agreement to let me start dancing techniques.

  “Is this an apartment?” Marco glances around.

  “Yes, would you like to see what I have planned?”

  “Love to.”

  Evin’s phone dings and he frowns at whatever is on the screen. “I need to make a quick call.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “I’ll be right downstairs.” He kisses me and takes off before I can question further.

  “I’ll look around.” Grady’s gone in a blink.

  “Well, that was subtle,” I murmur.

  “Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?”

  “Not really.” I shrug, opening my idea binder Ashlyn helped create. “It works out well because I can show you what I’ve picked without Evin looming. Some of it’s a surprise.”

  Why I feel Marco needs to be involved in my secrets beats me, but I chalk it up to excitement.

  “Let’s see.” He steps close and the familiar scent hits me. “You wear the same cologne?”

  “I never stopped.”

  A tinge of sadness creeps in and before I can stop, the words come tumbling out. “I’m surprised Karen allowed that.”

  He purses his lips, holding back.

  “It’s okay if you want to talk about her.”

  “It doesn’t feel appropriate. This is about us.”

  “We don’t have to pretend she doesn’t exist.”

  “She’s in denial. In public, she’s keeping up appearances, but behind closed doors, she’s a mess. She wanted to accompany me on this trip.”

  “Why?”

  “She thinks if she can make amends with you, I’ll change my mind about the divorce.”

  “Is that true?”

  “No.” His answer is adamant and steadfast, not a hint of reluctance.

  I snap my mouth shut before I can pry into something so intimate.

  “You can ask.”

  “It’s none of my business.”

  “If it’s on your mind, ask. I made peace with my decisions and you deserve answers.”

  Now my curiosity is running wild. One thing I know is whatever he has to say has nothing to do with our reunion.

  “You and Karen have been married over thirty years. It can’t be easy.”

  “Our marriage hit the rocks twelve years ago.”

  “Twelve years ago?”

  “That’s when I discovered her first affair. Right before your senior year.”

  “Oh my God, who was she sleeping with?”

  He quirks an eyebrow quizzically. “Does it matter?”

  “No, I guess not. But why? I thought you had a great marriage.”

  “That makes two of us. She blamed it on my hours at work, the pressure of being an executive wife, Natasha graduating and leaving for college.”

  I note not one of those things included me. “Those sound like a bunch of bullshit excuses.”

  “They were. What it boils down to is she wasn’t happy. She somehow convinced herself that life in public service and politics would be the solution. I forgave her and saved my marriage. Politics had always intrigued me and it came easy. Getting involved locally came with a renewed excitement.”

  “Wow, I thought my senior year was great because we all connected without the drama of Tasha. Guess it was that political excitement,” I reply sarcastically.

  “It was awesome because we connected. It was one of the best years of my life. My God, Poppy, I witnessed my beautiful daughter take hold of her world and crush her goals. You became my inspiration. If you could chase your dreams, so could I. It’s what finally prompted me to step back from the grueling hours and work commitments. I made sure I was alongside you every step of the way. That’s why I went to Mrs. Canon and tried to get involved in your pursuit of scholarships. Finances weren’t an issue and weren’t holding you back.”

  “That’s what you meant in the hospital?”

  “Yes.”

  “Unfortunately, I was blind to the reality until it was too late.”

  “Why are you telling me this now?”

  “Grady brought me to my senses. If we have any chance at starting fresh, the truths must come out.”

  “You said Karen’s first affair, did she have others?”

  “At least two that I’m aware of. The political bug may have been infectious, but the world captured her. While I wanted to make a difference, she discovered a playground of power. Natasha rode that same high. I was stupid to think running and winning the Senate seat would bring things back to normal. My only solace was you were untouched and safe in North Carolina. Then I met Isaac and my protective instincts lit on fire. Evin probably told you how I let that play out.”

  “Getting my heart stomped on and humiliated was a life-changing experience.”

  “I’m not proud of my decisions nor my handling of things. But as you said, it eventually led you to Evin.”

  I suck in a breath, narrowing my eyes. “You don’t get to throw my words back at me. You did not know how my life would pan out.”

  “I knew, no matter what happened, you’d be better off without the people we had become. From the day we walked away, your protection became my priority.”

  “Why didn’t you give it up? Let me be me? Speak up? Do you know how hard I worked? The mental and physical pressure I put myself through? Why didn’t you help me then?”

  “Because I’m weak and you deserved much more. I couldn’t take the chance Natasha and Karen would blame and punish you if I walked away. It wasn’t until the Presidential conversation that I’d had enough.”

  Many times over the years, I’ve thought about what I’d say to him if given the chance. Right now, my mind is blank space. Screaming, crying, clawing out, and blaming him will change nothing.

  My grievances were buried a long time ago.

  Hearing of Karen’s long-time infidelity and pursuit of power gives me a new outlook into their lives.

  “I’m sorry about your marriage, Marco. When are you filing for divorce?”

  “Not until after leaving office.”

  “That makes sense. Less talk and controversy.”

  “It should be an easy dissolution. We’ve already worked out the arrangements. She’ll get the house in Virginia and our finances are settled.”

  “She’ll get the house? Where will you live?”

  “Thought you already knew.” He grins coyly. “I’m coming to Charleston.”

  “That’s very presumptive.”

  “You could never give me any more than today and I’d stay close. You building this life is all I ever wanted.”

  An unexplained warmth ripples through me, but my attention turns to the elephant-stomping coming from the stairs. We both turn and there’s a split-second to see Evin’s nuclear expression before my body is jerked protectively behind Marco.

  “What’s happening?” Marco shuffles back a half step, his stance covering me and blocking my view.

  “We�
�ve got a problem.” Evin comes to my side, his eyes so hard and sharp, fear seizes my insides. Hatred like this could only mean one thing.

  “Tasha…” my words are drowned out.

  “Shit, let me go.” The smarmy voice of familiarity slithers in the air, sending my stomach plummeting and my anxiety spiking at the same time.

  Evin’s jaw ticks, and when my fingers lace with his, there’s no reaction.

  This pisses me off.

  She doesn’t get to ruin this day.

  She doesn’t get to waltz into my building and taint it.

  She does not have the upper hand any longer.

  I nudge the two men, creating a sliver of space to slip through. It takes effort not to gasp at the image of the woman standing there.

  She’s always had a gorgeous figure, but now she’s skin and bones, her curves gone. Her complexion is washed out and her eyes hollow and bleak.

  “Good God, what happened to you?”

  Evin's hand turns into a vice around mine, and Tasha’s already agitated state turns lethal.

  “Are you… are you on drugs?”

  “Fuck you.” She struggles against Grady’s hold.

  “Poppy,” Evin growls, trying to tug me back.

  “Tasha, why are you here?” I try again, noticing her twitch.

  “Because I’m done with all this bullshit.”

  “You need to be more specific.”

  She scuffles again, going for an elbow to Grady’s side but he dodges. “Call this buffoon off of me, Dad.”

  “Natasha, we should go back to my hotel and discuss what is on your mind,” Marco suggests cautiously.

  Her flinch is almost imperceptible, but it speaks volumes. “She’s not welcome at the Brasher.”

  “You did that, you bitch.”

  Evin’s rage notches up and he grumbles, “Get her the hell out of my building.”

  She slings her gaze to him, and my protective instincts lock into place.

  “I didn’t do it. But you’ll find that most hotels in the area feel the same.”

  “You don’t have the power to ban me from an entire town, especially with the Governor as my dad.”

  I roll my eyes. “If you’re playing the elitist card, you may want to ditch the junkie appearance. It’s not exactly attractive on you. Accept the fact you’ve lost whatever game you’re playing.”

  “You don’t get to destroy everything I’ve worked for!” she screams at me, lunging unsuccessful out of Grady’s clutch.