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Would Papa come to see me when I was so close to Houston? At least Ashur was going to be there. I could always depend on my big brother to support me.

Hopefully, he’d convince Papa to let him bring Mommy to see me. I missed her so much. We spoke on the phone every few days, but there was nothing like spending time with her.

When I’d picked Devin over Papa, Mommy had become collateral damage. Papa understood the best way to hurt me was to keep her from me. He’d hoped I’d grow to resent Dev for separating me from Mommy, but it only solidified what a manipulative bastard Papa was.

No amount of money was worth being controlled for the rest of my life.

“Stop worrying. We’ll figure this out.”

I turned to face Dev. “We shouldn’t have slept together.”

He gazed at me and then pressed me against the railing.

“Yes, we should have, and expect it to happen again and again. That’s the privilege of being married. We can fuck like rabbits, and no one can say anything.”

“You’re incorrigible. No wonder the duped residents of Washington State love having you on the bench. Your Southern charm bamboozled them.”

“If only my cloak-and-dagger skills worked on you.”

He had no clue how well they did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let myself fall into the situation I’d lived in for the past twelve years.

“Give me your left hand.”

I lifted a brow and placed my palm over his. The next thing I knew, Dev was sliding my wedding band and engagement ring on my finger. A tingle shot up my spine, making my heart skip a beat.

I could never get over how beautiful the rings were. A pink diamond halo surrounded a princess-cut solitaire in an exquisite platinum setting with a matching diamond band.

I hadn’t worn my rings in years, something I’d resented for the longest time.

“I want the world to know who you belong to.”

“For a man who wouldn’t acknowledge me in public, you’re a bit possessive aren’t you?”

“The Neanderthal I’ve kept a tight rein on for the past few years is coming out in full force. I plan on making up for lost time. There won’t be a single event either of us will attend again without the other. Everyone will know we are a couple.”

“Dev, don’t go crazy on my account.”

“Sami, I’m serious about us. I don’t ever want you to doubt how I feel about you or that you’re a priority.”

“What if I said I’m filing the paperwork tomorrow, and I’ll be an official candidate by the time we land in Texas?” I gazed into his sapphire eyes.

“I’d support your decision and stand by you.”

“I’m not sure I believe you.”

“I won’t lie. Elections are ruthless. The last thing I want is my wife dragged through the mud by her political opponent. However, I’ll be there with you, no matter what you face. Hell, I’m an expert in campaigns and elections. Dad’s run for some form of office or the other since before I was born.”

I ran a thumb over his bottom lip, peering at his face.

The determined look he’d get when he meant what he said was etched all over his face.

I had to give him a chance.

The true test would come when we were in the midst of his family’s Southern political world.

“Trust me, baby.”

“I’ll do my best.” I leaned up on tiptoes and kissed him. “Come on. We have some work to do before our flight tomorrow.”