Page 98 of Magnetic God

Her eyes darken with my words.

For now, I’ll enjoy this moment with her. But very soon Jeremiah Sullivan will rue the day he ever laid hands on my sweet angel.

28

Hannah

Things feel different since I told Brooks about what Pastor Sullivan and my mom did to me when I was younger. It’s almost like it’s brought us closer. We’re in the living room, watching TV. It’s been a few weeks since we had that discussion. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been looking online to see if anything is being said about them. So far, nothing.

My phone dings, and I lift it, seeing Jess’ name.

Jess

OMG have you seen the news?

???

Pastor Sullivan and your mom are all over it. Apparently, they have been stealing from the church!

I glance at Brooks, who is scrolling on his phone, smiling.

“Jess just texted me,” I tell him. “Said the news about my mom and Pastor Sullivan is on TV.”

“Is that so?” He drops his phone. “It’s amazing how fast good news travels, isn’t it?”

“So, this is you?”

“This is just the beginning.” He pauses. “You might want to block their numbers, though. I have a feeling they’re going to become quite desperate before this is over.”

“I’ve had them blocked for years,” I answer with a smile.

I send Jess a shocked emoji and then turn off my phone.

“Want to go to bed?” I ask with a smirk.

“Angel, you’re speaking my language.”

“Let’s go work on making that baby, Daddy.”

29

Hannah

Brooks wasn’t kidding when he said it was just the beginning with the sordid details of my mother and stepfather’s private life. It’s been three weeks since the first story broke, and each day brings a new announcement. The church was quick to put distance between them and Pastor Sullivan. Now there’s talk of legal action, because of the amount of money that was taken from the church. I hope my mom likes orange because it looks like she’s going to be wearing it pretty dang soon.

Brooks rubs his hand over my stomach absentmindedly. We still haven’t taken a pregnancy test, and I haven’t told him I’m late. My hand goes over his. I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant, but there’s a part of me that’s terrified that once I know for sure that something bad is going to happen.

“What time do we need to be at the airport?” Brooks asks.

“In an hour.”

He groans. “Guess I better pack. What does one even wear to a baby shower?”

I snort. “I’m sure slacks and a nice shirt will be fine. I’m wearing a sundress.”

He gives me a wicked grin. “A dress, eh? Does that mean we can sneak off for a quickie?”

“Only if you’re a good boy.”

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