Page 35 of Magnetic God

Ace says, “I can look for her, if you want.”

Because if anyone can find her, it’s him.

“No. It won’t do any good. I ruined things with her and that’s my cross to bear.” I stand and face him. “I’ll marry Jacqueline and move on. Like I always do.”

Ace stares at me in horror. “Jesus Christ, Brooks. What in the fuck have you done?”

“What?”

Ace curses under his breath. “Look in the mirror.”

I cross the room, looking at the mirror on the wall. And then I laugh. Because across my throat is a new tattoo. And it’s big. One I’m sure Blanc won’t like, because it’s the Brotherhood’s symbol.

“Well, it could be worse. At least it’s not on my face.”

Ace curses again, but all I can do is laugh.

Oh, and I’m not cutting my fucking hair.

7

Hannah

“I don’t want to lose you, baby…”

That voice!

My heart stutters in my chest and I reach blindly for the control while trying not to disturb the sleeping infant in my arms. But then I make the mistake of looking at the screen. The trailer for the movie plays, but all I see is him. Brooks Henderson. The man who broke my heart six years ago. I must be a glutton for punishment because I watch the entire trailer. By the time it’s over, tears brim my eyes.

This time I do hit the button, turning off the TV. But the damage is done. His voice dances through my head, making me want to be sick. I’ve long stopped wondering when I won’t feel the stabbing pain right through my heart when I hear his voice, see his face, or even hear his freaking name. Because the answer seems to be never.

It’ll never stop hurting.

Kissing the top of baby Jeff’s head, I whisper, “I’m better off, right?”

Jeff wiggles his chubby legs and snuggles closer. Jess is going to be mad when she gets home and discovers that I let her baby fall asleep in my arms again, but what does she expect? He’s an angel and cries when I put him down.

As if I’ve summoned them, Jess and Matt enter through the side door that leads to the garage.

Jess narrows her eyes. “Really?”

“Look at this sweet face. You try putting him down.”

“You have a point.” She looks up at Matt. “We need to make another one soon. Jeffie needs a playmate, and since my best friend over there isn’t in a hurry to give him one, it’s up to us.”

There’s a dull ache in my chest. I don’t hold what Jess said against her because she doesn’t know everything that happened to me. It was my pain to bear. Even when it was too much. Sometimes, it’s still too much. I shove the thought aside. Otherwise, I’m going to cry.

Matt wiggles his dark eyebrows and says to Jess, “I’m down.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Jess throws her arms around him. “Let’s start tonight.”

I swear they’re one step away from running off, so I clear my throat. Loudly.

“As exciting as hearing about your baby making attempts is, I have to go, which means you’re back on baby duty. I’m meeting with a new client tomorrow.”

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