Page 69 of Tempting God

You’re a good man, Brooks.

Tucking my phone in my pocket, I exhale. My peace is short-lived as a man walks up to me.

“Mr. Carter, I’m Pastor Ferrums.” He holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

I shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”

“It’s an honor to perform your ceremony. I was wondering if you have your own vows or if you’d like me to keep it short and sweet?”

I think. “Let’s do short and sweet. My bride and I have a flight to catch.”

He smiles. “Young love.”

“Indeed.”

“I was told the ceremony will take place in the courtyard. Do you mind showing me where that is?”

“Of course.”

As we walk, Pastor Ferrums asks, “And how long have you known Ms. Blanc?”

“A long time.” I smile, remembering the first time I met her. “Her father and grandfather were my mentors.”

“How lovely. I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”

“Ms. Blanc and I agreed to keep our relationship under the radar,” I lie smoothly. “I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of us in the upcoming days.”

The pastor smiles. “I’m sure I will.”

We step outside, and I find that the courtyard has been transformed. A floral arch with white roses sits on the stone patio. There aren’t any chairs, but I guess that makes sense since it’s going to be a small wedding party. My chest pangs. Is this the kind of wedding Greer saw for herself? Will she feel like she’s been cheated? I rub the spot over my heart. If she does, I’ll make sure she has the wedding of her dreams. One where all our friends can attend.

Pastor Ferrums says, “I’m going to take a moment to prepare my speech.”

I dip my head and watch as the man wanders toward the flowerbed on the other side of the courtyard. There’s something familiar about him, but I can’t place my finger on it. Of course, I meet so many people on the campaign trail, so maybe that’s it.

Exhaling, I look up at the blue sky.

Greer is marrying me.

Fuck.

I’m the luckiest man alive.

My mind races. We’re going to face obstacles, that’s certain. But nothing can take away the fact that she agreed to marry me.

I smile.

Lucky, indeed.

15

Gabriel

I pretend to study the scenery while keeping Carter in my line of sight. I knew that Peter Zhang had to go after seeing what he had been up to. Luckily, Henderson and Moretti did the dirty work for me this time. I also knew that Zhang’s death meant that Carter would become the next Elite Member. And he has a lot to prove because I don’t like what I’ve seen of him so far.

I tug at the tie around my neck.

Which is how I found myself here, today. Honestly, you’d think these Brotherhood members would vet the people they let into their day-to-day lives, especially knowing I’m out here, waiting and watching. Back to Carter. Politicians aren’t normally on my radar, but I’ve made an exception for Carter. He’s risen fast and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. In my experience, that means he’s done things behind closed doors to make it happen. I just haven’t found it yet. Do I think the Defiant God Brotherhood helped him with these potentially shady dealings? Yes. Which is why it’s only a matter of time before I bring all of them down.

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