I study Kevin Markos for a moment, and how he and ShaeLynn Samuels are both looking at Chris.
“Thatkind of complicated?” I ask.
Chris knows what I mean.
He slides his hands into his pockets and doesn’t fuck around. “We’re a poly triad together. I’m at the top, then Kev, then Shae.” He details his plan to retire next year, after the Iowa caucuses, and then marry Shae.
I haven’t even sat down yet.
“Yes,” I say.
“You’ll be helping us keep this a secret,” Kevin says, circling a finger to indicate the three of them. “From everyone. Running interference. Chris said you’re gay. We might be forced, at some point, to pretend you and I are in a relationship, if someone stumbles over something. I’d really like to keep the truth aboutallof this from my ex-wife, too. She’s a good friend, and we’re still close, but she absolutely cannotknow about me and Shae. She knows about me and Chris. Sort of. Not his identity, or the fact that we’re kinky.”
His ex is still a news anchor at ultra-conservative FNB, where Kevin worked before he epically melted down live on the air one evening.
All of that wouldn’t be a hardship, either, because Kevin Markos is fuckinghot. I worry what something like that might do to Elliot’s psyche, but I’ll explain it to him now, so he’s prepared.
“Not a problem. For the record, I’m kinky, too. I’m a Top. This trust box applies to me, too?”
They all nod.
“Then in the spirit of full disclosure, you should know I’m in a relationship with Representative Elliot Woodley, and he’s not coming out of the closet any time soon. As gay, or as my boy.”
They exchange a glance.
This feels…big. “What?”
Kevin clear his throat when it looks like the senator is going to speak. He takes over. “We are not prepared to make our short-list for VP public yet. Haven’t even talked to everyone. Including Woodley. I’m not ready to approach him yet, though. I have more research to do.”
My heart races. “I won’t tell him, unless or until you say I can.”
Kevin nods. “Greatly appreciated.”
I hold my hand out to Chris to shake. “That mean we’re doing this, boss?”
He smirks. “Don’t even want to discuss salary?”
“I know you’ll treat me fairly while I’m working for the campaign. You’ll be limited by what you can pay me once she’s elected. Take care of me, don’t screw me over, and be fair and kind to Elliot. That’s all I’m asking.”
He shakes with me. “Thanks, man. When can you start?”
I’d like to say right this minute, except I don’t want to burn any bridges by jumping ship that fast. If she isn’t elected, I’ll want that landing pad. “I’ll call the office, give my notice, and wrap up a few things. Unofficially, I can start Monday. Full-time, I can start in about a week.”
“I’m not just asking you to be her body man,” Chris says. “You’re my first choice because you’re a good agent. I want them protected. I’m counting on you to take care of my pets. You’ll be closer to them than their detail.”
“Doesn’t hurt that I like the fact you can be a translator,” the senator adds.
It feels like something inside me that’s been agonizingly ajar for yearsfinallyslips into its rightful place once more. Peace fills me.
“And as a personality profiler for you,” I add.
Chris nods. “I might have mentioned that, too.” He smirks. “You have invaluable skills.”
Kevin shakes with me. “Secret weapon. I like that. It’ll come in handy for debate prep.”
I study the three of them. “I feel like this is the beginning of something big.”
Kevin smiles. “I don’t think you’re wrong.”
