Page 12 of Accepted Precedent (Love & Politics #3)

Mickey

L etting Evelyn squirm is one of my new favorite recreational activities.

As much as I love the idea of her bracing herself on a fitting room mirror while I fill her, it wouldn’t be enough.

The last twenty-four hours changed everything.

Finn was a fucking idiot for suggesting I chase after the one woman I want but can’t have.

I’ll need to avoid any and all fitting rooms with my little brat.

Evie will require a few new dresses and pantsuits—which I’m happy to buy for her—but despite my suggestion earlier, there is no way in hell I’ll shop for wedding dresses with her today. One glance at her in white lace and I’ll steal her away and marry her myself. She will, however, need a ring.

Moments after our food arrives, my phone vibrates in the breast pocket of my jacket. I apologize to Evie before checking it.

Finn

Please send me Kristin Proctor’s contact information.

I ask Evelyn for it and forward to Finn. About to stow my phone, it vibrates with another incoming text.

And keep your cock in your trousers.

I smile to myself and place the phone screen-down on the table.

Evie takes a bite of her omelet and moans, “Fuck, that has to be one of the best I’ve had in years.”

I can’t help asking, “The food or this morning?”

“Both,” she admits, sipping her mimosa with a sigh. “It can’t happen again. Andrew and I agreed we wouldn’t sleep with anyone while we’re married… including you.”

My brows furrow. “Do you think I’m only with Andrew because of sex?” She’s about to reply, but I double down, “Fuck, Evie, I don’t care if I sleep with either of you for the next few years, it won’t make you any less mine.”

“I won’t deny you love Andy, but how can you make these kinds of declarations after one night?”

“Because I’ve always wanted you. What we did was…” I rake a hand through my hair. “Fuckin’ hell, I don’t know what it was, but it sure as hell wasn’t just sex. Once we get Andrew his seat, I want both of you—more than just in my bed.”

Evie hums skeptically as she takes a long drink of her mimosa. “Isn’t that a little, I don’t know, greedy?”

“How is it greedy when I’ll never take anything from you?”

I take my time eating my bacon as she asks, “You think you didn’t take something from me already?” Lowering her voice, she adds, “I had an almost threesome with my best friend and his boyfriend… and the best orgasm of my life. How am I supposed to not feel something after that?”

“It’s going to be a rough few years, but you’ll have each other.

And when the timing’s right, you’ll both be mine.

” She looks away, but I tilt her chin to bring her bright eyes back to mine.

She’s been hurt so many times, and I refuse to let her believe I’d do the same.

“Until then, I’ll still be yours.” I glance over to the arsehole who can’t keep his eyes off Evelyn and drop my hand.

She’s right—he could cause problems for us.

“It’s my responsibility to take care of the people I love. ”

“Isn’t that taking your Daddy kink a little far?” she chuckles, slicing into her omelet with the side of her fork.

“It isn’t a kink, angel. It’s—how should I put this—more of a relationship dynamic with Andrew and me. I get off on his pleasure, and he gets off handing over control to me. It isn’t only in the bedroom, and it’s not just an honorific for me.”

Evelyn freezes with her fork halfway to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I didn't know.”

“I’m not offended.” I lean in and whisper, “But it doesn’t matter what you call me—you’re now mine to take care of, even if we can’t be together for a while.”

“You want to take care of everyone, but when was the last time you let someone take care of you?”

My heart swells as a smirk tilts my lips. “You want to take care of me, darlin’?”

“What is that saying? You can’t pour from an empty cup.” She finally takes a bite, stifling a moan as she chews. “Andy will be my husband for a few years. Like you said, we’ll be able to lean on each other. Who’ll be there for you?”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” Famous last words, but there’s no alternative.

We finish breakfast, and as we leave, I take her hand in mine, not giving a fuck about her ex.

Without photographic evidence, he’ll look like a scorned arsehole if he goes to the press.

After getting my car from the valet, I drive Evelyn to one of the designer boutiques in town.

She protests the entire time, but her typical blazer, trousers, and button-down shirt won’t poll well with some voters.

It’s incredibly sexist, but she reluctantly agrees to try on a few things.

“This dress is the same price as my rent, Mick,” she groans, marching back into the fitting room.

“Slow down, angel. Don’t worry about the price tag; it looks incredible on you. It’ll be perfect for engagement photos.” My stomach twists. Andrew has no fucking clue how lucky he is—neither does Evelyn. I’d give anything to be in their shoes.

President Taylor approached me recently about marrying his daughter, Jaclyn.

I declined, but the more I ruminate on it, the more I wonder if I made the right decision.

She’s a beautiful woman—not as beautiful as Evelyn—and I could have the dream my father promised me.

Except, no matter how politically advantageous it would be to marry a Taylor, my heart belongs to Andrew.

And, if I’m being honest, I’m also struggling with my strong feelings for Evelyn.

If I bide my time, I’ll have the man who understands me better than my brother, and the woman who keeps me on my toes, making me want to give her the world and earn her affection.

“Engagement photos. Right,” she hums. “When will those be scheduled?”

“I’ll have Finn arrange it. You’ll also need to reach out to a few friends as witnesses for the wedding.” As much as I should be at their wedding, I don’t know if I can do it. Watching the man I love marry someone else—not just anyone, a fucking spitfire—would be a living hell.

“You only need two, you know.” she deadpans. “Andy will probably invite Alex and you’ll be there.”

“Finn already told you, we need it to look real. Eloping only works if the photos show you surrounded by friends and family. Invite your sister, and maybe Ileah or Jaclyn.” With Finn in attendance, Ileah isn’t the best choice, but if Jaclyn isn’t available, Ileah will need to be there for it to look real.

“And say what?” she retorts. “Tell my friends that I’m marrying my best friend for political reasons?

That I’m no better than Ileah for marrying a man she doesn’t love?

That I don’t have the same popularity as Jaclyn or Ileah because my father isn’t a President or a Supreme Court Justice, so this could blow up in Andrew’s face?

Or should I admit that all of this could end up to be completely pointless? ”

“Andrew will win.” I stand and close the distance. “And you, my angel, will spend a few years in the shadows, until I bring you back into the light.”

“This gold dress isn’t bright enough for you?” she teases, twirling in the satin fabric. It stops a second after she does, and it’s taking everything in me to not reach out and touch her. “I’m a damn beacon.”

“No, Evie, you’re the anchor—you keep everything from drifting away.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” She bites her lip to hide her smile, but I desperately want to take that plump bottom lip between my own teeth.

“Well, it’s true.” Brushing her hair off her shoulder, I can’t resist tugging gently to expose the beautiful mark I left behind this morning. “We’ll need to cover this up.”

Evie lightly licks her lips, drawing my gaze to her mouth. “Or we blame it on Andrew. It’ll sell the story.”

I lean in, my lips nearly brushing hers, when a throat clears behind me. “Excuse me, miss, but are there any jewelry or accessories you’d like to see with this dress?”

Evelyn tries to pull back, but I keep her close, and her eyes never leave mine as I reply for her, “No. I’ll see to it that we have the perfect necklace and earrings.”

Once the sales associate is gone, I can’t help myself, closing the small distance and kissing the one woman I shouldn’t want but am desperate to keep.

It isn’t the same frenzied kisses from this morning, when we couldn’t get close enough.

It’s cautious, but she melts into me, letting me take what I want from her.

The thought of anyone touching Evie—even Andrew—has jealousy coursing through my veins.

He'll have these lips all to himself for years, and she’ll have his.

My only hope is their celibacy pact will still allow me stolen moments like this one.

As we break apart, her breath is heavy, lust pooling in her bright blue eyes. “What are we doing, Mick?”

Truthfully, I have no fucking clue. I should keep my mouth to myself, but my need for her is all-consuming. I don’t answer her question. Instead, I offer, “Let’s pick out a few more things, then I have a surprise for you.”

Evelyn tries on a few dresses for daytime appearances with Andrew—it’ll hold her over until I can have a full wardrobe ordered. We drop them off at the car, then make our way to the jewelry store three doors down.

The store is dark and a little depressing. As I’m taking in the drab space, a woman in all black greets, “Welcome. What brings you in today?”

“Could you point us in the direction of engagement rings?”

“What?” Evie whisper-shouts, and I keep her hand firmly in mine as she attempts to tug it back.

“Wonderful. Right this way, sir.” She turns on her heel and we follow.

“Andrew hates shopping,” I explain, keeping my voice low. “I figured I would help him with this part.”

“You’re not buying me a ring here. I’ll only be married to Andy for a few years. That money would be better spent feeding the homeless or, I don’t know, literally anything else.”

I’ll never admit it to her, but the ring isn’t just from Andrew—it’s from me—and she’ll be wearing it for a hell of a lot longer than a few years.

A promise I intend to keep. “Your engagement needs to look believable. Andrew’s family comes from money.

The ring can be modest, but it needs to be designer. ”

Evelyn sighs but nods as we approach the case. After she tries on a few settings, one catches my attention—a solitaire round diamond in rose gold. It’s simple, elegant, just like Evelyn. I slip it on her finger and her breath hitches.

“ Mo rúnsearc ,” I mutter, then quickly clear my throat. “It’s beautiful.”

Her brows pinch. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Just something my grandad used to say.” I omit that it’s what he called the love of his life. “Now that that’s settled, we need a necklace to compliment your dress, and earrings for everyday wear.”

Once we’ve found the perfect jewelry, I have Evelyn meet me out front while I pay.

The simple diamond earrings and the small pendant she picked out are timeless; she’ll be able to wear them often.

If she saw the final total, she’d likely return them and give the money to charity.

To head her off, I send a quick message to Finn that we’ll be donating over forty thousand dollars to a charity of Evelyn’s choice.

I find her out front typing on her phone, and she lights up as she spots me. Tucking it away, she glances down at the small bag. “How much was it?”

I take her hand, swiping my thumb on the new ring on her finger. “Priceless.”