Page 107 of Tempting God

I put my hand over my heart. “I agree. If that’s what vanilla-ish is, then sign me up.”

“I agree wholeheartedly.” He yawns. “Fucking hell. I need a good night’s rest after that workout.”

I laugh as I sit. “I need a shower and then I’m going to sleep, too.”

By the time I shower, change into my nightgown, and come into the bedroom, Grant is fast asleep. I climb into bed next to him, loving how he reaches for me even in his sleep. My eyes are heavy as I doze off, but my rest is short-lived when Grant’s phone rings. It’s the ringtone he uses for Brooks, so I poke Grant on the chest. Brooks wouldn’t call this late unless it was important.

“Grant, Brooks is calling.”

Grant mumbles in his sleep but opens his eyes when I poke him again.

“Brooks is calling.”

“What time is it?”

I glance at the clock on my nightstand. “Midnight.”

Grumbling, he turns on the lamp on his nightstand and reaches for his phone, answering it.

“This better be important, Henderson,” he answers as he winks at me.

I’m not trying to listen, but I take notice when I hear Hannah’s frantic voice and not Brooks.

“Hannah, slow down. What happened?” Grant holds the phone to his ear, his eyes widening. “I’ll be right there!” He ends the call, turning to me. “Someone broke into Brooks’ house.”

“Are they okay?”

“Brooks is unconscious.” He stands, reaching for his pants. “I need to go.”

The uneasy feeling I’ve had all week intensifies.

“Grant don’t go. What if the person who attacked Brooks is still there?”

“I’ll be fine, baby.” He grabs his shoes. “I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to him.”

I stand, too. “I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to you!”

“I’ll take Hendrix with me!” He grabs his t-shirt, pulling it over his head. “I promise.”

I follow him from our room. His phone is to his ear as he calls Hendrix, telling him to meet him in front of the house. Hendrix usually stays in one of the guest rooms in the house, but recently bought a house in the same gated community, so it won’t be long before he’s here.

At the door, Grant turns to me, pulling me in for a hug.

“I’ll be back before you know it, Little Fae.”

His lips brush against mine and then he’s gone. I close the door, locking it. Dread coils around me, making it hard to breathe. I don’t know why, but my gut is telling me something bad is about to happen. And I’m not going to sit by and let it. Grabbing my keys, I open the front door to be met by Walt Ryans. My lips part when he points a gun at me, his hand shaking.

“Get inside. Now.”

I stumble into the foyer, making sure I don’t turn my back on him. It’s strange that I remember this. My father emphasized the importance of not turning your back on a man with a gun when I was a child. He likely saw something because of the Brotherhood and wanted to make sure I was safe. I’m so glad I hear his voice at this moment.

Ryans follows, closing the door behind us. I keep backing until we’re in the living room.

“Sit on the couch and don’t make any sudden moves.”

I do as he says, keeping my hands in my lap where he can see them.

Why is he here? More importantly, why is he still alive?

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