Page 67 of Celebrity

Jacinta squeezed my hand.

“Jaci,” Devin said in a soft whisper. “Come sit with me.”

He opened his arms, and a single tear fell from Jacinta’s eye as she moved to the bench and into Devin’s embrace.

“I don’t need the story, little bean.” My heart melted hearing him use the nickname he’d called her when she was little. “When did he do it?”

As she rested her head on his shoulder, she said, “Five years ago. That weekend Dad sent me as his representative to the PAC gala.”

I still remembered getting her call. I’d dropped everything to fly to her and then bring her to Seattle. At the time, Devin was on the campaign trail with his father and wasn’t around to ask questions.

“Did you hurt him?”

God, I loved this man. He knew Jacinta hated anyone thinking she was weak, and his question kept her from falling apart. The last thing she’d want was someone’s pity.

“Yes, he went to the hospital.” She gave a halfhearted smirk. “I broke his nose and cracked his ribs. I guess I learned a few things in the MMA classes Sam forced me to attend twice a week for three years.”

Devin’s eyes burned with a sense of sadness that broke my heart. I knew he felt like he’d failed his sister and me.

“Jaci, I’m going to expose Decker and what he did to me. I’ll keep your name out of it, but I’m going to fight, even if it costs me the election,” I said, taking a seat next to her.

“No, Sam. He’s going to help Sanders ruin not only your reputation but your career. Thanks to you, he has nothing on me anymore. I am the darling of my party. I represent the future my party is desperate to push to the forefront. The only way to get to me is through you.”

“I’m a trust-fund kid. I don’t ever have to work. Besides, your brother can be my sugar daddy for a change.”

My joke fell flat, and she blew out a frustrated breath. “Samina.”

“Don’t Samina me. I know what I’m doing. This situation won’t be the last time a bastard like him will try to hurt us. Your father is right. This is life for women in politics. I’m not going anywhere so I’ll have to get used to it.” I stared into Jacinta’s eyes. “I love you, Jaci. But I refuse to pretend it didn’t happen, and what Miller did to me isn’t anywhere near what you and countless other women experienced.”

She remained quiet, but the pain etched on her face told me I’d hit the mark. I hated hurting her. She was my best friend, my sister. I wished to God she’d pressed charges, but she hadn’t and the asshole had gone free. At least karma caught up to him and the fucker was now dealing with the consequences of a high-profile drug arrest.

“You are so strong, Jaci. And I understand what it cost you to stay silent for your dad’s and Tyler’s sakes. I’m going to stand up to Decker and Sanders for me and for every woman like you who had to remain quiet, who had to pretend nothing happened to her in order to protect others or who were shamed into stepping aside.”

She was quiet for a few minutes thinking, then linked her fingers with mine.

“I’m going to have to reveal what he did and why he’s helping Sanders.” Jacinta said it as a statement, not a question.

“That’s up to you. Clint has Sanders recorded when he thought Miller was on hold. We can’t use the recording in a criminal investigation, but I’m sure Clint would leak the content of the conversation. We can keep any mention of what Decker’s son did to you out of the media.”

“Let me think about it. I need to talk to my campaign manager before I disclose anything that happened to me.”

I nodded. “Okay. I’ll support you, no matter what you decide. But we have to get anyone involved with our campaigns up to date, including Veer, since he has ties to both of us.”

“Sam, promise me you won’t tell Veer what happened yet.”

“Why not?”

“Because he will kill Decker. They’ve hated each other since the comments he made questioning Veer’s service in the military. This election is too important. Veer has to win.”

“I’ll win whether I punch Decker Senior or not.” Veer stood in the doorway leading onto the deck.

Jacinta stiffened. “How long have you been there?”

“Long enough.” He stared at Jacinta and me. “Carol asked me to find you before the fireworks started.”

“Do you want me to fill you in?” I asked, trying to move his attention from Jacinta to me.

“No.” He pulled out his phone. “I was notified a few minutes ago.”

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