Page 47 of Shadowed Agenda
Nicholas pointed to the envelope. “I sent a copy of the custody agreement my lawyers drafted to your lawyer but wanted to give you an opportunity to look it over before he contacted you.”
“Why?” Regan asked. Nicholas did nothing without a reason. He could have just as easily sent them by courier.
“I also wanted to let you know I have a virtual meeting with the Senator tomorrow morning,” he said, not answering her question, and sank into the couch, completely at ease.
“You could have let me know by text or email,” she said, wondering what game Nicholas was playing. “I’m certain Isla would have given you my cell phone number and personal email address.”
“Look, Regan. I know Lane isn’t responsible for what’s happening to you, but he might be able to help.”
“He needs to call off his watchdogs,” Regan said, deciding that Nicholas needed to know the lengths his friend was going to so she would agree to his surprise for his wife. “Last night, his supporters crowded into the elevator, and one elbowed me in the stomach so hard, I could barely walk.” He didn’t need to know about the shell casing. It would mean explaining Pavlo’s involvement—not something she wanted to share.
Nicholas didn’t need to know that Shadow Defense was helping her. She also didn’t want him to know there was something between her and Pavlo other than Isla had partnered them for the book tour. She didn’t want Nicholas to know anything about her personal life.
“It could have been anyone,” Nicholas retorted, dismissing the incident. “Simple coincidence.”
“Being accosted by a fake reporter in front of my suite’s door and then finding a pile of the Senator’s campaign material in my suite wasn’t a coincidence,” she said and continued before he could interrupt. “Neither was being held at knifepoint in the stairwell this morning.” She pulled the high neck of the blouse down so he could see the butterfly.
His expression grew serious, and he leaned forward on the couch.Good. He was taking Regan seriously.
“Did you call the police?” he asked.
“I’ve taken care of it discreetly, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Regan replied, knowing he wasn’t concerned about her. “The Senator’s name won’t hit the papers.”
“Wise move. With the Primaries coming up, negative press wouldn’t be good.”
Regan wasn’t surprised by his response. She’d never counted for much in his life.
She debated for a moment whether she should mention Emmeline’s teddy bear. No, she decided, she wouldn’t give him another foothold in her life. He’d given up the right to be concerned for her daughter.
“It’s the extreme right-wing group who stands behind Lane’s no-nonsense policies,” Nicholas said, shaking his head. “You know what that group is like. Militant. Fanatical in their support of him. Lane doesn’t control their actions.”
“But he doesn’t speak out against their actions,” Regan said. She refrained from pointing out that his friend’s no-nonsense beliefs were archaic and put the role of women in society back decades. Regan wasn’t going to debate the point with Nicholas. The sooner he left, the better.
“That will be changing. Lane is worried they could affect the vote in the Primaries,” Nicholas said, shifting uncomfortably on the couch. “I’m hoping he’ll start by asking them to stop harassing you.”
“You don’t have to worry. I’m certain they’ll stop. I’m doing the book signing,” Regan said, picking up the envelope. “I’m confirming the rumors are true and informing the press I’ve given an exclusive to a reporter. The Senator wants to keep it a surprise. It’s the Lanes’s anniversary.”
“This weekend. They’re having a big to-do at their home on Saturday night.”
“How nice for them.” Regan’s sarcasm was rewarded. Nicholas’ frown was surely one to avoid if you didn’t want permanent wrinkles. It beat out Pavlo’s.
“I suggest you read the agreement,” Nicholas said, pointing at the envelope in her hand. “You know we could avoid this if you’d agree to remarry me.”
“You can’t honestly expect me to remarry you after everything you did.” Regan bristled at what Nicholas thought was the obvious answer tohisproblem. “You were cheating on me soon after we were married. When I told you I was pregnant, you clarified that a female child was not in your plans. Then you told me you had no use for my daughter or me. You were glad to get rid of us.”
“I’ve changed,” Nicholas said, leaning forward again, his hands clasped between his knees. His voice softened. “I’m not the man you married. My involvement in politics has given me a path to follow, and I want you and Emmeline on that path with me.”
“You haven’t changed.” Regan’s laugh was filled with the bitterness she’d carried since the divorce. “You’ve just found a thirst for a new type of power. Emmeline’s and my existence threaten it. You need us to heel.”
Nicholas stood abruptly. His handsome face grew hard, and his voice cold. “My offer still stands, but there’s an expiration date. I need your response by tomorrow morning so I can instruct my lawyers to prepare the other documents I’ll need for court or to advise them to set up an appointment with a city clerk to witness our signatures on a marriage license. I expect to hear from you by nine o’clock. And Regan, if you decide to remarry me, you’ll need to ditch the animosity toward Lane and Wila. They’re close friends, and we’ll spend a lot of time with them as part of my campaign and socially.”
Another good reason not to accept his marriage proposal.
“I’ll see you to the door,” Regan said and rose. Their discussion was over. He’d said what he’d intended to say. She needed a moment to see what was in the custody agreement. Nicholas wouldn’t have hand delivered it if he didn’t think it would sway her into considering remarrying him.
She pulled the door open and stood beside it.
“Regan,” Nicholas said. “I believe we could make it work if you gave me another chance.”