Page 66 of Tempting God

“Grant—”

“I’m not going to force you to do this.”

His words surprise me. No, shock is more like it. He’s been ordered by the Brotherhood, which means he has to marry me.

“How kind,” I scoff. “But we both know I don’t have a say in what happens today.”

“You do have a say, Greer. I won’t force you into this.”

I meet his gaze. “Why? Because the thought of marrying me makes you sick?”

His words have danced around my head since I was sixteen. Now that we’re really being forced to marry each other, I need him to know that I won’t do this. I can’t. I can’t be in a relationship knowing how he feels about me. Yes, the sex is good. Great, even. But what happens when that gets old, and we’re left to figure out the rest of our lives? What then?

“I’m going to say this once and then we’re never going to mention what you overheard that night. I said I didn’t want to marry you because you’re not suited for this life. You are too sweet, Little Fae. This life will make you jaded and hard, and I cannot let that happen.” He shakes his head. “Fuck. You were sixteen, Greer. I had to stop them because they would have made us marry the moment you turned eighteen. You wouldn’t have been able to go to college or do any of the things you’ve done as an adult. You sure as fuck wouldn’t have been able to go somewhere like Unfortunate Souls.”

“I hear what you’re saying, Grant, but that doesn’t take away my fears.”

“Tell me what your fears are, baby. Please.”

The anguish in his eyes has me speaking.

“We’re just getting to know each other. What happens when the newness fades? I watched my father chase after my mother for years until he became jaded. Hell, I’m sure that’s why he agreed to invoke Rule 3 when Grandfather asked.”

“We aren’t them, Greer. All we can do is try our best. If, for some reason, this doesn’t work, then we’ll take it from there.” He touches the breast pocket of his suit. “I had papers drawn up that will ensure you’re taken care of. No matter what happens.”

My gaze meets his. “No matter what happens? What does that mean?”

“If things don’t work out, you’ll be taken care of. And all of your assets remain yours. If something happens to me, everything goes to you.”

My stomach drops. “Don’t say that.”

“There’s someone killing Elite Members. It’s a very real possibility that something might happen to me.”

“Grant—”

“There’s also a clause that says if we have sons, they don’t have to join the Brotherhood just because of us. It will be their choice. And our daughters won’t be used as pawns.”

“There’s no way Charles will allow that to happen.”

“Fuck Charles.” His eyes flash with fire. “Once you sign the papers, he won’t be able to do shit. Not without exposing himself and the Brotherhood.”

“But that would expose you, too.”

His lips lift. “It would expose a lot of people. Which is why I know Charles won’t say anything.”

He’s addressing everything I could possibly fear, and yet I still hesitate.

“Look at me, Little Fae.”

I lift my gaze to meet his.

“No matter what you choose, I’m going to walk out of this room at your side. We’ll face Charles together and go from there.” He gives me a small smile before stepping away. “I’ll give you some time to think this over.”

My pulse thrums in my neck as he walks to the couch near the window, sitting as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. My gaze goes to the rack of gowns that Aimée had delivered. Even though it was short notice, I spot a Bruno label, the hit designer from New York. He’s the same person who made Hannah’s gown. My feet move, carrying me to the rack. The dress is basic, but beautiful. It’s not a traditional white, but more of a cream color. I glance back at Grant, who is watching me. If I’m getting married, then it’s going to be in this dress. And it’s going to be to Grant Carter.

“Do you have a pen?”

He smiles. “I do.”

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