Page 13 of Tempting God

Meaning the Elite Members. Because they’re the ones who control what happens within the Brotherhood. A committee of five now led by Charles. Dread spreads through my body, making my stomach feel like it’s full of rocks. What does my future look like now that Charles is the one who controls it?

Grant says, “Do I not get to plead my case?”

Charles glances at Zhang, who dips his head.

Charles says, “You may, Brother Carter.”

“Thank you. Elite Members, many of you know that this marriage was both Hugo and Hudson’s wish, but both agreed that now was not the time to make it official.” He pauses. “Ms. Blanc is young. Not even legal in the eyes of the law. Too young to be locked into a marriage contract.”

Zhang says, “My first wife and I had a marriage contract when she was an infant. Age means nothing. When Ms. Blanc turns eighteen, the two of you will marry.”

Grant replies, “It’s also true that your first marriage was unhappy, resulting in a self-inflicted death by your wife.”

Zhang’s portly cheeks turn purple. “How dare you!”

“I’m only speaking the truth, Elite Member Zhang.”

Charles says, “You have a point, but my cousin has been raised in this world. She knows what’s expected of her.”

“Then let me point out what the world expects of me.”

Dread coils in my stomach because I have a good idea of where this is going.

“I will eventually be the President of the United States of America. This is the path the Defiant God Brotherhood has chosen for me, and I accept the responsibility.” He pauses, making sure he has the attention of everyone in the room. “The world will have expectations of who my spouse is.”

Charles nods. “This is true, but my cousin comes from a good family with a long history in politics. The world will see your union as a political match made in heaven.”

Bile creeps up my throat and I fear I’m going to be sick because Charles is going to force Grant to say the same things I overheard earlier.

And he does.

“I’m going to be blunt, Elite Member Blanc. The young Ms. Blanc is…lacking in several areas. She is no beauty, as we all can see. Her weight is often on the heavy side. And she lacks common social skills. All things that can be fixed, but I highly doubt they will be corrected by her eighteenth birthday.”

Aimée snorts, hiding her laughter behind her hand.

She says to Charles, “Oh my. It seems we’re not the only ones who have noticed her…flaws.”

Charles smiles down at his wife, saying something in a low tone. She answers, which has him nodding.

A moment later, he says, “You have made fair points, Brother Carter. No marriage contract will be signed tonight.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Elite Member Blanc.”

He settles into his chair next to me, like he didn’t just embarrass me in a room full of important people.

Alessandro Moretti says in a low tone, “You’re a dick, Carter. How could you do that?”

“Refuse to marry her or point out her flaws?” Grant reaches for his glass, bringing it to his lips. “Be more specific, Moretti.”

Alessandro glances at me before saying, “Pointing out her flaws.”

I shouldn’t, but I find myself looking at Grant to see what he has to say.

He glances at me before answering. “I did her a favor.”

“Bullshit,” Alessandro spits out. “You did yourself a favor.”

Grant shrugs. “Either way, I don’t have to marry her.”

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