Page 59 of Tempting God

Santos lifts his glass and says, “I wish the bastard luck. He’ll never be the same.”

There’s a beat of silence before Brooks turns to me.

“So, has Blanc reached out yet?”

“Regarding?”

“Your marital status.”

I grunt as I take a sip of my vodka.

Brooks says, “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but once he has his mind set, there’s nothing you can do to stop him.”

“Except marry someone else, right? Isn’t that what you and Moretti did?”

Brooks snorts. “I believe you were the one who encouraged me to marry Hannah. As for Ace, well, he didn’t marry someone else. He just stole his bride.”

Only in our world is that a perfectly normal statement.

Santos says, “If Blanc tells me I have to remarry, I’ll invoke Rule 3.”

Both Brooks and I stare at him in shock. Rule 3 hasn’t been invoked since Greer’s father and grandfather… Rule 3 means you choose to leave the Defiant God Brotherhood the only way we can. By death.

Brooks says, “You can’t mean that, Dimitri.”

“I mean it with every fiber in my body.”

I ask, “What will happen to Clara, Diego, and little Isadora?”

“João will take care of them,” he answers with surety. “My son will not let his younger siblings become orphans.”

“But you will?”

Santos turns his gaze on me. “I died the day Serafina passed. My children will be better off with someone who can love them.” He finishes his drink and says, “Congratulations again, Carter. You’re going to make one hell of an Elite Member.”

He leaves, disappearing into the crowd.

Brooks says, “That poor man…”

“I think we can all understand his pain. The thought of losing the love of your life is…” I shake my head, unable to finish.

“Indeed.” Brooks’ eyes light up. “Wait. I know why I can understand his pain, but how can you? Have you found love, Carter?”

“Or something like it.”

“Who’s the lucky girl? Do I know her?”

I lower my voice. “It’s Greer.”

“I fucking knew it!” He grins. “Congratulations, friend.”

“Don’t congratulate me just yet. I haven’t told her how I feel.”

“And why the fuck not?”

“Because we hated each other until a few days ago.”

He scoffs at that. “Please. I’ve been around both of you for years. That’s not hate. That’s sexual tension.”

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