Page 51 of Magnetic God

I nod, unable to speak.

Isa touches Ace’s arm. “You once told me you’d go down fighting to protect what was yours.”

“I remember.” His reply is gruff, but only because I know the thought of losing Isa kills him.

“Then we have to help Brooks get the girl back.”

“It’s not that easy, Dolcezza. This girl is competing against the Minty Chewing Gum empire.”

She stands, putting her hand on her hip.

“Both of you have resources. Use them. Find a crack in the façade that Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith surely has and use it. Now, I’m getting a snack from Cheffy and then I’m taking a nap. When you come to bed later, you better have some kind of solution, Alessandro.”

She leaves with those final words, and I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face.

“Damn. She’s a fighter.”

“That she is.” Ace leans forward. “She’s right. We have resources. Let’s use them and get your girl.”

“Fuck yeah.”

“It’s not going to be easy,” he warns.

“I know. But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get Hannah back.”

I was a fool and let the Brotherhood ruin our relationship once. It will not happen again. I won’t let it.

12

Hannah

The last month has been a blur of weddings and meeting with clients. In that time, I’ve met with Jacqueline five times. Brooks hasn’t been with her once. I should be glad he’s not with her. But I’m not. I can admit it.

I want to see him. Be around him.

It’s not healthy. Not when I know I still want him. I’ve never stopped dreaming about him. But now the dreams have turned erotic. So freaking erotic. I’ve woken up wet because of him every day since seeing him. I want more. I crave his touch. And I know I’m going to hell because I’ve even considered reaching out to him with the thought that maybe I can fuck him out of my system. The thing is, I worry that it won’t be enough. That I’ll never get him out of my system.

I’m deep in thought when there’s a knock on my door.

Jess smiles as she enters my office. “Hey stranger.”

I stand, hugging her. “You came to see me without the baby? I’m wounded.”

“He’s having a dude-day. Matt’s words, not mine.” She sits in the chair across from my desk. “I hope you’re not busy.”

I snort. “We’re heading into our busy season. It’s not too bad today, but I won’t be able to say the same thing next week. How are you?”

“Well, I’m wondering why my best friend is ignoring me.”

Guilt courses through me because she’s right. I have been ignoring her.

But I say, “I’m not ignoring you. I’ve just been dealing with a difficult client.”

“Sure.”

“Jess, I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?”

She sighs, but I know she’s mostly joking when she smiles.

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