Page 72 of Magnetic God

“Always so fucking dramatic,” I say. “Yes, she’s worth it. And yes, I’m sure that I want your help. You’re the only person I trust next to Ace.”

“Always second to Ace,” he grumbles.

The three of us met in college, right before we were inducted into the Brotherhood. I hit it off with Grant right away, but Ace and Grant didn’t have the same connection. They’re both alpha males and neither one can step back long enough to see that they’re basically the same person and would get along if they’d get over themselves.

“I need something on Jacqueline that will be enough to get Blanc off my dick.”

“You’re looking at this wrong, Brooks. Blanc will never admit he’s wrong. That woman could steal from him, and he’d turn his head. You’re going to have to outsmart him. Make moves he can’t ignore.”

“Such as?”

“Marry your girl. Start a family with her as soon as you fucking can.”

Each word feels like a punch to my heart. Fucking hell. I’m a dumbass. The solution has been there all along.

Grant shakes his head. “I’m guessing by the stupid look on your face that the thought never crossed your mind. Just remember, this still counts as paying back the favor I owe you.”

I flip him off, but only because my mind is going a million miles an hour. It’s fucking brilliant. I marry Hannah and knock her up. God knows it’s what I wanted all along. Hell, six years ago I was ready to take the leap with her and nothing has changed. Nothing except for the fact that we’re both older and more honest with each other. My stomach falls. But what if it’s not what she wants?

Grant says, “Brooks, I can see where your mind is going. If you don’t marry the girl, someone will hurt her to get to you. Your name and status will protect her. Go big with the relationship when you realize that I’m right. Take her to the Brotherhood meeting next month. Bring her as your plus one to all of my fundraisers that you’re going to attend.” I snort, but he’s not done. “Reach out to the allies that I know you have and be seen in public with her. Let the world know, but, more importantly, let Blanc know that you’re not backing down.”

I lean back in my seat. “Fucking hell.”

“What?”

“I might like you better than Ace now.”

He laughs, which is rare. “Let’s not get carried away.”

“Did you gain all this wisdom from the campaign trails?”

“Something like that. Let’s just say you’re not the only one dealing with Blanc right now.”

My eyebrow lifts. “Care to elaborate?”

“No. I’ll have someone from my campaign send you invitations to the fundraisers coming up. I expect to see you and the new Mrs. Henderson there, with smiles on your faces and a big check in your hand.”

“Fucker.”

He stands. “By the way, your soon-to-be ex fiancée is broke.”

“What?”

“Can’t believe you and Moretti missed it. I’ll send you the report later.”

“Fucking hell. Does that mean I owe you now?”

“It sure does.”

He’s grinning as he walks away.

When he’s gone, I pull out my phone.

Ace

You in Vegas or Dallas?

Dallas. Why?

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