Page 122 of Tempting God

“Get to the point, Blanc. I’ve had a long day.”

“Jim Jones took his life tonight. Congratulations, Elite Member Santos. You’ve been promoted.”

I let out a bitter laugh before I can stop myself.

“You need to find someone else, Blanc. I will happily forfeit my spot. Let one of the alternates have it.”

“That’s not how this works, Santos, and you know it.”

“What in the hell do you expect me to do? I have three small children and work sixty hours a week. My last five nannies have quit because I demand too much of their time. How in the fuck am I supposed to squeeze in being an Elite Member?”

Blanc says in a slow drawl, “Well, I suggest you find a live-in nanny. And soon.”

The call ends before I can reply.

Leaning back in the chair, I look up.

“My sweet Serafina. What should I do?”

“Dad? Everything okay?”

My oldest son, João, stands in the doorway. He looks so much like his mother that it hurts to look at him at times, like now, when his face is so full of concern.

“I didn’t know you were here, son.”

“The nanny called me a few hours ago when her shift was over.”

Fuck.

“I’m sorry about that. I had an emergency procedure.”

“I figured.” He pauses. “What were you saying to Mãe?”

I exhale. “I’m being promoted in the Brotherhood.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you, but I fear it’s going to take even more of my time. I was asking your mother what I should do.”

João’s eyes are bright. “I have an idea. You should hire a live-in nanny.”

“No woman will live under your mother’s roof!”

He holds up his hands. “It won’t be like that, Dad. You need the help. Heck, you probably won’t even notice they’re here.”

I know my son is trying to help, and he’s right. I do need help with the younger children.

“I wouldn’t even know where to look for a live-in nanny.”

He smiles. “Don’t worry about it. I have someone in mind, and she’s perfect.”

Dread spreads deep in my stomach because there’s only one person my son knows who would be the perfect person for the job. She’s the biggest temptation I’ve ever faced in my life.

His ex-girlfriend, Lilith.

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