Page 63 of Tempting God

She hurries from the living room, but I spot her phone up to her ear as she leaves. Well, if I didn’t think something was up, I do now. I stand, needing to move. Aimée said she spoke to my mother today. Is that what this is? Some kind of attempt to get me here so my mother can try to speak to me? That doesn’t explain why the Brotherhood is having a meeting, though. My gut says this little visit from Aimée definitely has something to do with the Brotherhood.

Does Grant know?

I check my phone. He hasn’t read the texts I sent earlier. Ugh. My gut is screaming for me to get the hell out of this house, but I don’t get a chance because Charles walks into the living room, a grim smile on his face.

“Come into my study, Greer. I’d like to have a chat with you.”

But the study will never be his because it will always belong to Grandfather. I follow him to the study, taking the seat across from his desk. Not much has changed in here, which is a relief of sorts. I don’t know how I could handle being in here if it didn’t look the same. Charles sits in Grandfather’s chair, reminding me just how little of a man he is.

“Cousin, as you know, I took a vow when I took over the Brotherhood to protect you.”

Unease creeps its way up my spine.

“I know, and you’ve done an excellent job so far.”

He smiles. “I have, but I feel both Uncle Hugo and Grandfather Hudson wouldn’t agree. They would wonder how you’ve made it to the age of thirty-two without a husband.”

“I disagree. They know that you and Aimée are carrying on the Blanc name with sweet Alyssa and Bonnie. They would not have a need for me.”

Or my ovaries, because, at the end of the day, that’s what this boils down to.

Charles says, “Aimée can no longer have any more children.”

Ice douses me. “What? But she said?—”

“She lied,” he snaps. “Which is why you’re here today. We must ensure that the Blanc line continues, and that means that you must get married and have a child of your own.”

“Even if I get married, the child won’t be a Blanc.”

“You’re right,” he agrees. “It will be half Blanc.”

“I don’t understand how this is going to help.”

“It’s not your place to understand! Your place is to do as I say.”

I sit a bit straighter. “And what are you saying, Charles?”

“You will marry Grant Carter. Today.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “No.”

“This isn’t up for debate, Greer. Our family is in a precarious position, and we need all the allies we can get. Your marriage to Carter will ensure that he can’t make moves against me.”

Of course, this marriage is in Charles’ best interests, not mine.

“What have you done, cousin?”

“Me? I’ve done what was expected of me.” He stands. “Just as you will. Your groom is on his way, as is a judge. My wife will show you to a guest room where you can change. We want your wedding photos to be picture perfect since the press will get them.”

I stand, too. “Does Grant know?”

Because that’s what this really boils down to.

“Of course he knows.”

He knew, and he didn’t warn me?

And just like that, my heart breaks.

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