Page 79

“I know, Jaci. No matter what, I will always have your back.”

It would never be fair on anyone’s part to judge her or others who’d suffered any form of violation—physically, mentally, or through reputation.

She came up to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and then pulling me in for a tight hug.

“I love you, Samina.”

I squeezed her back. “I love you too.”

Jacinta released her hold on me and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

“Okay, enough sap. We have to go out there and face the mob. Excuse me, I meant the media.”

Immediately, my stomach knotted and rolled, bringing the urge to throw up. The funny thing was that I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or being pregnant.

“Thanks for bringing my mind back to reality.”

“My pleasure. Want some fizzy water? You look like you’re about to hurl.”

“I’m good. Where’s Dev?”

“I’m here,” he shouted from the cabin’s living room. “Ash and Veer have just arrived. They will be on the stage behind you with our parents. Tara also sent word Representative Jones filed your paperwork.”

My hands shook as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

The train had left the station.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

My candidacy wasn’t just about me wanting control of my life anymore. I was doing it for women like Jacinta, who didn’t have a choice in how they had to keep their secrets. For anyone who’d had someone in power take theirs away.

My phone beeped, telling me everything was ready for the press conference.

Dev stood as I walked out of our room. He cupped my face, kissing my forehead.

“Any anxiety?”

“A little, but I’ve got this.”

“You’ll be perfect. Just think of everyone in their underwear.”

I scrunched up my nose. “That is a chilling thought.”

We walked out of the house and toward the stage area and media pit. I wasn’t sure how Jacinta had managed to transition from a holiday party to a patriotic campaign stage, but I was grateful.

I approached our families and nodded in their direction. They followed behind me as I took my place next to Veer. He was going to introduce me and then I’d be on.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, Samina Kumar will make a statement regarding her recent media coverage. Please note, she will not be accepting questions at this time but will be available at a later date.”

Veer gestured for me to move behind the podium.

I stared into the crowd. The normally spacious and manicured flower- and tree-lined lawn at the entrance of Jacinta’s estate was filled with cameras and reporters. There were police officers positioned along the fence and gates, blocking anyone who thought to trespass. And a giant American flag hung from the front balcony of Jacinta’s house.

A tremor shook my body.

All of these people were here because of me. The moment I opened my mouth, I’d start a new chapter in my life. I would no longer be a celebrity attorney or the secret lover of a federal judge. I’d become a politician, ready to make a difference.

I could do this. I was going to do this.