Page 68 of Magnetic God

“It would have changed things, Hannah. I would have been there for you.”

“You don’t know that. As you said, the Brotherhood dictates what you do. They wouldn’t have cared that some girl from Texas lost a baby.”

“We lost a baby, Angel, and they might not have cared, but I do. I care. I care a-fucking-lot.”

He pulls me close, hugging me tightly. My eyes water, but I don’t cry. If I start, I might not stop.

“I forgot how good your hugs are,” I say against his chest.

He’s silent, but his grip tightens.

Finally, he asks, “Hannah, will you give me another chance?”

I pull back, looking up at him. “A chance?”

“I love you. That’s not going to change.”

“Brooks, it’s not as simple as that.”

“It can be.”

He says it with so much certainty that I want to believe him. But when it comes down to it, I don’t know if it’s wise to trust him with every fiber in my body. It’s definitely not safe for my heart.

“I need time.”

His gaze searches mine. “All I’ve got is time.”

I snort. “Except there’s a woman out there who thinks you’re getting married in June. A woman who doesn’t deserve to be hurt. And I won’t hurt her, Brooks. Not even indirectly.”

“She’s a viper, Angel. I’m not sure she even feels pain. But I understand what you’re saying. Ace and I are trying to find something on her that will get me out of this marriage.”

“Something like what?”

“Fuck if I know,” he says with a laugh. “But there has to be something. Her husband was a dog and I’m sure there are skeletons in her closet. I just need to find something big enough to bring her down.”

A yawn escapes before I can stop it and I slap my hand over my mouth.

“Sorry. It’s been a long day.”

“No need to apologize, Angel. Let’s get you to bed.”

My eyes widen. “What?”

“You heard me. I’m not leaving.”

“Brooks, we’re not going to have sex.”

He grins. “I like the way you think, Hannah, but I meant sleeping. I’m tired, too, and I have to get up early to go to Japan.”

“Oh.”

He wiggles his eyebrows. “We can have sex anytime you want, Angel. Just not tonight.”

“Fine.” I stand. “You’re going to have to help me out of this dress, though.”

“My pleasure.”

I lead him to the second floor, where my room is. This feels like a big moment for us for some reason. Like, we’re both successful adults and he’s in my house that I own. It’s nothing like when we were together the last time. For so many reasons.

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