Page 64 of Magnetic God

“You need to go out there first. I’ll follow a few moments later. If anyone asks, you were in here discussing a surprise for your wedding, understand?”

“I’ll only agree to that if you agree to see me later tonight. My hotel or your house. I don’t care. Just somewhere we can talk.”

“Brooks, this is a bad idea.”

He crosses his arms. “Then I’m not moving. You can tell Jacqueline that I’m in here, and she’ll smell our sex lingering in the air the moment she enters.”

My lips part because he’s right. Anyone who comes in here is going to know what I was doing.

“You’re an asshole.”

“Never said I wasn’t. Now, do we have a deal?”

“Fine. You can come to my house later so we can talk.”

He stands, moving closer. “Send me your address.”

Glaring, I dig out my phone. “What’s your number?”

“It’s the same as before.” He waits a beat. “Do you still have me as a contact?”

I nod.

I hate that I still have his number in my phone. I should have deleted it years ago, but couldn’t bring myself to do it. There was always a little part of me that hoped he would reach out, even though he never did.

I find his name and send him my address.

“There. Now, go.”

He tips my chin. “Thank you.”

There’s a moment when it feels like no time has passed between us. But then I remember how he nearly destroyed me and the smile fades from my face.

“Just go.”

16

Gabriel

I step back into the shadows as Henderson leaves the office, a shit-eating grin on his face.

My, oh, my. Will these Gods never learn?

Guess it’s time to remind them I’m watching.

Ms. Foster exits her office looking flushed.

And I’m not above using someone for collateral damage.

Even someone as kind as Ms. Foster.

17

Brooks

I haven’t felt this good in a long fucking time. And it’s all because of Hannah. Fuck. We’re so good together.

I’m smiling when I make my way back to the party. No one looks my way as I grab a flute of champagne from a passing server. Hannah enters the room moments later, looking so fucking beautiful that it takes my breath away. She’s glowing right now. I wonder if she realizes that she looks happier, too?

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