Page 209 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim
“Texas deserves a fighter,” he says, voice carrying without strain. “Someone who won’t flinch when the arrows fly. Someone who will protect what matters, and who will stand his ground—no matter who tries to push him off it.”
A ripple moves through the crowd.
“I’m here tonight because I believe in this state, and I believe in its people. I believe in what we can build—together.” His gaze finds mine for a fraction of a second. “And I’m not going to stop until we do.”
The applause surges again, breaking the moment. He steps back from the mic, the lights catching in his eyes. The battle for the Senate seat hasstarted.
Dorian
The applause is still echoingin my ears as the elevator doors open to the penthouse afterparty.
There are voices, laughter, and the bright clink of glass against glass. Success sounds like this. The space is full, and it’s not just campaign staff or the donor–class there for photo ops. There’s old-guard money in bespoke suits, young tech wealth in narrow-lapelled jackets, and women who can turn a smile into a signed check by dessert.
Isla’s hand is warm in mine, the rings on her fingers catching the light as we step inside. Brennan moves ahead, eyes already sweeping the room, studying angles the way other people look for a drink.
The first to intercept us is Everett Parker, the Kingmaker himself. The room seems to shift for him, conversations bending around his gravity without his having to lift a hand. He’s flanked by his wife, Rylee, and Drake Griffin, his partner. The three of them run K & G and Associates, and they’re every bit as responsible for this successful campaign start as Celeste is.
“Hell of a launch,” Everett says, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’s put more than one man in the seat I’m aiming for. “Clean. Sharp. No wasted motion.”
“Your kind of fight,” I answer.
His smile is faint, almost private. “My kind of win.”
Lucian Hawthorne and Caleb Pierce are near the bar, heads bent together in a conversation that stops the second they notice me.
Caleb’s grin is lazy, like nothing in the world could surprise him. Lucian just studies me, the kind of look that makes me aware of every unguarded angle. They don’t come over—not yet. They’re patient men, and patience is another form of leverage.
Across the room, Moretti stands, his drink untouched, with a pair of men I know from other kinds of deals. Our eyes meet, and he tips his glass just enough to acknowledge me. Our relationship is what it is. Something that serves us both.
Altair is in a quiet corner, speaking with the state’s attorney general. She’s doing us a huge favor. And she’s keeping Ellery busy.
If Celeste has her way, she’ll end up being the state’s next lieutenant governor. From there, she has unlimited potential.
Even though Altair’s expression gives nothing away, the AG’s posture tells me exactly who’s dictating terms in this conversation. Property acquisitions. Quiet approvals. Who to sue. Who not to sue. And the expectation that everything will go smoothly.
A few minutes later, Lucian and Caleb join us.
“Polymarket has you up in the primary by three points.” Caleb tips his drink in my direction.
No doubt, a lot of the money that’s on the line belongs to the two consummate gamblers.
“Is that all?” Isla asks, loyal to a fault.
“Hell of an accomplishment,” Lucian observes. “After everything.”
I shoot him a calculating look. “All press is good press.”
We’re informed by a campaign staffer that someone from theTexas Chroniclewants a picture.
After giving them the photos they requested, Celeste brings people over, one at a time, and Marcella snaps frame after frame. She’d coached me in advance. Smile, shake hands, let the cameras capture me in the frame that voters want: decisive, approachable, victorious.
Brennan hangs just outside the circle, keeping watch, while Isla stands beside me, her presence drawing as many glances as my campaign pin.
When the next cluster of photos wraps, Isla leans in. “I’m going to find Margaux.” I nod, watching her cross the room, heads turning as she passes.
My wife has grown into a confident woman who I know will do well in DC’s hallowed halls. From a class full of students to an auditorium, she belongs in every room she enters.
Brennan steps in as she disappears into the knot of people. “I’ll make sure she’s fine.”
