Chapter 19
Brooks
It’s hard as hell leaving Hannah the next morning. She’s sleeping peacefully, but I know I have to go or I’m going to be late.
“Angel,” I murmur, kissing her bare shoulder.
Her eyes flutter open. “What time is it?”
“Early. I should be back by the end of the week.”
She nods. “Okay.”
“I’ll text you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“You’re right, but I want to.” I kiss her mouth. “I love you.”
I didn’t say it for years for all the wrong reasons. I vow to say it every day, for as long as she lets me, because I want her to know. I love her.
She doesn’t say it back, but says, “Be safe.”
I kiss her one more time before leaving. The ride to the airport doesn’t take long since it’s so early.
On the jet, I settle back in my seat, exhaling. Fuck. Last night was fucking glorious. I haven’t slept that good in a long fucking time. Hannah’s body pressed against mine was perfect. Something I’m not willing to give up ever again. Which means I need to find something on Jacqueline. And soon.
Reaching for my phone, I send Hannah a text.
Angel
Miss you already.
How long is the flight?
13 hours
Couldn’t go back to sleep?
No. The bed was cold without you.
I know what she means.
I’ll be back soon, Angel. I promise.
See you soon, Brooks.
The next few days go by in a blur of meetings and being the Face of the Brotherhood. The only highlight is getting to have dinner with Zhāng’s older sister and her husband. It always amazed me that Zhāng never tried to get his brother-in-law inducted as a member of the Brotherhood. Of course, his brother-in-law might not want to join. God knows I can’t blame him if that’s the case. At least I got a home-cooked meal out of it.
I’m exhausted by the time I get to my hotel room. I love what I do for the Brotherhood, but sometimes it’s a lot. Like tonight. Using the keycard, I unlock the door. I’m in the best suite the hotel offers, but I’ve been to so many hotels that I’m not impressed. It’s the same shit, different day.
Tomorrow, I have a few more meetings and then I can go home. To my angel.
Fuck.
I can’t wait to see her. We’ve texted every day, but it’s not enough. Part of me is afraid that she’s going to vanish, but any time those feelings pop up, I shove them aside. Nothing in this world is going to tear us apart. I won’t let it.
Dropping the keycard on the coffee table, I move toward the bar. They were told to have it well stocked, and they didn’t disappoint. Two fingers of Macallan and then I’m calling it a night.
I’m almost to the bar when something catches my gaze, making me freeze. No. This can’t be happening. Because on the bar next to my bottle of Macallan is a fucking envelope. An envelope I’d know anywhere. It’s the same one Ace got, only bigger. Thicker, too. My heart pounds as I reach for it.
Opening it, the first thing I see are photos. Photos of me and Hannah at the gala…in her office. Photos where I’m deep inside of her and her lips are parted in pleasure. Photos of my hand around her throat. Photos that no one on this earth should fucking have. I drop the photos on the table, pacing, as I fight to keep my anger in check. What I really want to do is punch the fucking wall until my knuckles bleed. Anything to take away the panic building deep inside of me.
Someone was watching me while I was with Hannah, which means she’s not safe.
I grab the letter from the envelope, reading it, looking for answers.
Henderson,
I hope this letter finds you well, though something tells me it won’t. Especially if you looked at the pictures of you and Ms. Foster first. I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. Not when you’re proving to be just as despicable as Smith and DeLeon.
I’m watching, Magnetic God. And I see all of your flaws.
Your sins pile up while you try in vain to right the wrongs from the past. Stop looking back and see what’s right in front of you.
I am the judge, jury, and executioner, and your time as the Face of the Brotherhood is coming to an end unless you change. But your fall might not be the only one. Ms. Foster will be used as leverage, and not by me. Do what you must to protect her, even if it means losing everything.
-Gabriel
My heart pounds as I reread the letter. Hannah is in danger. That’s the only thing that’s clear. I don’t give a fuck about myself, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to protect my angel. Reaching for my phone, I send a text.
G. Carter
I’m calling in the favor you owe me.
The woman I love is in danger, and I need your help.
Where are you?
Tokyo, but I’m headed to DC tomorrow.
I’ll see you then.
I don’t sleep worth a shit on the flight from Tokyo to DC. Blanc is going to be pissed that I canceled the last of my meetings, but I don’t care. Nothing matters except for making sure Hannah is safe. By the time I walk into the restaurant where I’m meeting Grant, I’m so fucking stressed out that my stomach hurts. I’m sure the lack of food and sleep isn’t helping.
I’m seated in a private room where Grant and I won’t be overheard. From where I’m at, I can see the main entrance. And Grant is fucking late. As usual. I’m tempted to order a drink to take the edge off my nerves, but I don’t. I need to be levelheaded. Grant might not want to help me, even though he owes me a favor. Especially because we’re going against the Brotherhood.
Grant is nearly an hour late when he strolls into the restaurant like he has no care in the fucking world. A server points him in my direction, and he heads my way.
“Henderson.”
“Cut the bullshit, Grant. I don’t have time for it.”
Grant snorts. “Fine. What’s the urgent issue that pulled me from the campaign trail? You mentioned a girl?”
“It’s Hannah,” I say.
His eyes widen, because he’s one of the few people who knows about my history with Hannah.
“Fucking hell.”
I catch him up on everything and say, “I got a letter in Tokyo. From the bastard out to get the Brotherhood. He threatened her, but said it might be someone else that takes her down.”
“Have you talked to Moretti?”
“Ace will help.”
“But?”
“I have concerns.”
“Because he drank the juice, so to speak?”
I bark out a laugh. “Fuck, no. Ace is on my side. My concerns stem from Blanc. He didn’t want me to be with Hannah the first time. He sure as fuck doesn’t want to lose the Minty-Smith money that comes with Jacqueline.”
He hums under his breath. “And Blanc will watch every move that you and Moretti make.”
“Yes. That’s where you come in.”
Grant snorts, reaching for the glass of water in front of him.
“You were right when you said that I owed you a favor. Is this woman worth it? Because once I agree to help, it’s not going to happen again for anything.”
“Always so fucking dramatic,” I say. “Yes, she’s worth it. And yes, I’m sure that I want your help. You’re the only person I trust next to Ace.”
“Always second to Ace,” he grumbles.
The three of us met in college, right before we were inducted into the Brotherhood. I hit it off with Grant right away, but Ace and Grant didn’t have the same connection. They’re both alpha males and neither one can step back long enough to see that they’re basically the same person and would get along if they’d get over themselves.
“I need something on Jacqueline that will be enough to get Blanc off my dick.”
“You’re looking at this wrong, Brooks. Blanc will never admit he’s wrong. That woman could steal from him, and he’d turn his head. You’re going to have to outsmart him. Make moves he can’t ignore.”
“Such as?”
“Marry your girl. Start a family with her as soon as you fucking can.”
Each word feels like a punch to my heart. Fucking hell. I’m a dumbass. The solution has been there all along.
Grant shakes his head. “I’m guessing by the stupid look on your face that the thought never crossed your mind. Just remember, this still counts as paying back the favor I owe you.”
I flip him off, but only because my mind is going a million miles an hour. It’s fucking brilliant. I marry Hannah and knock her up. God knows it’s what I wanted all along. Hell, six years ago I was ready to take the leap with her and nothing has changed. Nothing except for the fact that we’re both older and more honest with each other. My stomach falls. But what if it’s not what she wants?
Grant says, “Brooks, I can see where your mind is going. If you don’t marry the girl, someone will hurt her to get to you. Your name and status will protect her. Go big with the relationship when you realize that I’m right. Take her to the Brotherhood meeting next month. Bring her as your plus one to all of my fundraisers that you’re going to attend.” I snort, but he’s not done. “Reach out to the allies that I know you have and be seen in public with her. Let the world know, but, more importantly, let Blanc know that you’re not backing down.”
I lean back in my seat. “Fucking hell.”
“What?”
“I might like you better than Ace now.”
He laughs, which is rare. “Let’s not get carried away.”
“Did you gain all this wisdom from the campaign trails?”
“Something like that. Let’s just say you’re not the only one dealing with Blanc right now.”
My eyebrow lifts. “Care to elaborate?”
“No. I’ll have someone from my campaign send you invitations to the fundraisers coming up. I expect to see you and the new Mrs. Henderson there, with smiles on your faces and a big check in your hand.”
“Fucker.”
He stands. “By the way, your soon-to-be ex fiancée is broke.”
“What?”
“Can’t believe you and Moretti missed it. I’ll send you the report later.”
“Fucking hell. Does that mean I owe you now?”
“It sure does.”
He’s grinning as he walks away.
When he’s gone, I pull out my phone.
Ace
You in Vegas or Dallas?
Dallas. Why?
I’m in DC. Just met with Grant.
I’ll be in Dallas tomorrow.
We have a lot to talk about.
“You’re out of your mind, Brooks,” Ace says, shaking his head.
Isa is at his side and slaps his arm. “Stay out of this, Alessandro. If Brooks wants to marry her, then we’re not going to stop him. In fact, we’re going to help him.”
Ace mutters something under his breath in Italian. Fucker must have forgotten that I understand Italian, but I don’t respond. Because I know Ace, and he’s going to help me.
He lasts an entire thirty seconds before sighing. “When is this special event going to take place?”
“Tomorrow.”
Isa rubs her stomach. “Well, this is going to be fun.”