Page 97 of Magnetic God

She pushes her hair aside, rubbing a small scar by her ear.

“I had to get stitches because of it.”

I have to take in a calming breath before I can speak.

“Will you hate me if I kill him?”

She does laugh this time, even though tears fill her beautiful eyes. “What good will it do, Brooks? What’s done is done. Killing him won’t change anything.”

“Oh, I disagree, Angel. I disagree a whole-fucking-lot.” I run my finger over the scar. “But I won’t kill him if you don’t want me to. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to ruin his life.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Only if you let me cuddle with you.”

She nods. Not needing to be told twice, I round the bed, kicking off my shoes before climbing in next to her. I love how my sweet wife melts into my embrace, exhaling. I kiss the top of her head, holding her close.

“I’m not sure my mom would know how to function without him,” she says in a low tone. “He’s told her what to do for years and was the only person who could get her to conquer her demons.”

Pride swells in my chest knowing Hannah is considering my offer. But I know my angel. She’s not going to want him dead, even if the world will be better off.

“Did your mom know what he was doing?”

“Know? Of course. She would help him sometimes.” My grip tightens, and she rubs my hand comfortingly. “Like I said, it was a long time ago.”

“Doesn’t make it right, Angel.”

“No, it doesn’t.” She rolls so we’re facing. “Killing him will solve nothing. How will you ruin his life?”

“He’s been stealing from the church for years. When it comes to light, he’ll be ruined.”

“I think you take for granted the love his congregation has for him. They’re going to say he did it because of divine guidance or something.”

I smile. “His congregation might love and adore him, but they’re backing the wrong god.”

“Is this a Brotherhood reference?”

“It is, Angel. Want to know what they call me?”

“Yes.”

“They call me the Magnetic God. People might love Pastor Sullivan, but they worship me. When I break the news, people will listen and turn on him.”

“Is it weird that I find it hot when you refer to yourself as a god?”

I wiggle my eyebrows. “Not at all.”

She puts her hand on my chest. “Two things.”

“I’m all ears.”

“One, I want you to ruin him. Two, I want you to make love to me. Now.”

“Fuck,” I breathe out. “You know how to make a man’s day, Angel.”

“Because you get to ruin someone, or because I want to have sex with you?”

“Both.” I move over her, caging her in with my arms. “Let’s work on putting a baby in you, wife.”

---