Chapter 25
Hannah
Brooks and I have been in our own bubble for the last three weeks. We didn’t leave the villa once, spending most of our time in bed. Being back home feels strange, but also feels right, if that makes sense. My new favorite thing is waking up next to my husband in our bed.
As if sensing my thought, Brooks rolls toward me, smiling.
“Good morning, wife.”
“Good morning, husband.”
“Are you excited about the event tonight?”
I frown. “Kind of.”
“Nervous?”
“Yeah. I know you said it’s going to be fine, but I’m still nervous. This is the first time we’ll be seen in public, and I’m worried about what the Brotherhood is going to do.”
“Angel, they aren’t going to do shit. They’re going to smile and act like they’re so fucking happy for us. The only ones who might be bold enough to say something are the Elite Bitches.”
I work my bottom lip between my teeth.
He says, “Ace and Isa will be there, and they’ll have our back.”
“That’s a plus.” I pause. “Did you ever find out if Jacqueline will be there?”
In Cancun, Brooks told me he discovered she’s broke, which makes sense, considering what I heard her saying on her phone call. Even though Jacqueline is no longer a threat, I don’t want to run into her. I have a feeling that woman holds a grudge.
“She won’t be there.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
I exhale. “That makes me feel a bit better.”
He links his fingers through mine. “We’re going to be fine. Want to know how I know?”
“Because we have each other.”
He grins. “I like the way you think, but I was going to say it’s because I’ll kill anyone who says anything against us.”
“Brooks, tell me you’re joking?”
He snorts but doesn’t answer.
“Is that…something you’ve had to do for the Brotherhood?”
“Not in a long time, Angel. I’m the Face. They don’t like it when I get my hands dirty these days.” He pauses. “Though I did help Ace with something recently.”
“I feel like I should be more shocked, but I’m not.”
That’s the truth, too.
“You can think mainstream media for that.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you really think a movie like The Skulls gets made without our approval?”
“I never thought about it.”
He says, “It’s one of many ways we address rumors. Movies. TV shows. Books. Things that can be played off as fiction but are real. We control the narrative.”
“That’s kind of sexy.”
He wiggles his eyebrows. “Is it, Angel? Please, feel free to tell Daddy all about it.”
And just like that, everything fades away except for the two of us.
Brooks and I arrive at the Brotherhood’s meeting an hour late. My body is still tingling from all the naughty things we did before we left the house. And in the SUV.
Brooks winks at me as we walk into the venue.
“Careful, Angel, or I’ll whisk you away before we make it to the table.”
“You won’t get any complaints from me. I’d love to finish what we started in the SUV.”
“Naughty girl.” He lowers his head, kissing my lips. “We don’t have to stay long.”
“Okay.”
He gives me one last kiss before turning to the attendant next to the door. The man dips his head and the doors in front of us swing open. It feels like everyone inside stares at us as we enter. I’m shocked at the amount of people that I recognize around the room. Holy cow. Are all of these people in the Brotherhood?
Grant Carter calls out, “Elite Member Henderson, who is the beauty at your side?”
Brooks answers, “Hannah Henderson. My wife.”
Murmurs fill the room, but Brooks ignores them. I wish I was as confident.
Grant Carter lifts his glass. “To Elite Member Henderson and his wife, Hannah.”
Others around the room raise their glasses, toasting us, too. I spot Buffy and Isa at a table in the front of the room. There are two other women that I don’t recognize, but must be the infamous Aimée and Vivian, the two women who were supposed to be in Jacqueline’s wedding party, but never made it to the dress fitting for the bride’s maids. None of the men at the table look happy, except for Alessandro, who’s at Isa’s side.
Brooks says, “Time to rub it in their faces.”
“You mean the news story that aired earlier about our wedding and fairytale romance wasn’t enough?”
He grins. “Fuck no. I want them to eat crow.”
I snort and let him lead me to the table where the other Elite Members sit.
Brooks smiles and says, “Good evening, gentlemen. Ladies. I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Hannah.”
I smile, too. “A pleasure to meet you all.”
An older man with grey hair looks me up and down. “The infamous Hannah Foster. It seems you didn’t learn your lesson the first time with Henderson.”
Keeping the smile on my face, I say, “It’s Hannah Henderson, and no, I guess I didn’t.” I touch Brooks’ chest. “And I’m glad for it.”
“You won’t be glad when this marriage ends.”
Brooks says, “It’s not going to end, Blanc, and if it does, Hannah gets everything.”
“What?” Blanc and I ask at the same time.
Brooks winks at me. “Guess I should have mentioned that, Angel.”
Somehow, I don’t think he meant to tell me at all.
Blanc crosses his arms. “Define what everything means.”
“It means Hannah gets it all, Blanc. My money. My stocks. My houses. Hell, she’ll even get the clothes on my back.” His arm goes around my waist. “But it’s a good thing we have no plans on divorcing.”
Blanc’s gaze narrows. “You piece of?—”
“Did I mention she gets my stock in OWF and my shares in the Brotherhood?”
All the males looked stunned, except for Alessandro. I suppose he knew of Brooks’ plans, being his best friend and all.
One man sputters, “You can’t do that.”
“I can, Zhāng. The rules clearly state that I can leave my legacy shares to whomever I choose. Now, obviously, Hannah and I plan to start a family, but if it doesn’t work out, I want her taken care of.”
He smiles down at me as he says the last bit.
Alessandro says, “Look at you, thinking ahead for once. Gentlemen, I say we let the happy couple sit so they can enjoy their meals before the meeting starts.” To me, he asks, “Hannah, would you like anything to drink?”
“Water is fine, but thank you for asking.”
Brooks pulls out my chair before taking the seat next to mine. He keeps his hand on my thigh, which I’m sure everyone else notices, too. An awkward silence settles over the table. God, this is miserable. I mean, I knew it was going to be uncomfortable, but not like this. Isa meets my gaze and gives me a small smile.
Our food is brought out and conversation resumes around the table, though no one other than Alessandro and Isa speaks to me or Brooks.
Brooks leans in. “When Blanc is finished eating, he’s going to call for the Elite Members to follow. Soon after that, the rest of the Brotherhood will be brought in, too, leaving the spouses out here. Just remember what I said.”
I laugh before I can stop myself. “I won’t forget.”
Because he said the only person in this room that I could trust is Isa, and that the rest of the people are vipers.
“Good girl. Once I’m able to, we can get the fuck out of here.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
I kiss his cheek before pulling away. When I reach for my water glass, I notice Blanc and Zhāng watching me. Unease works up my spine, but I refuse to show any signs of discomfort. Brooks and I have done nothing wrong and, if the Brotherhood hadn’t interfered years ago, I would already be a part of this world.
After everyone at our table is finished eating, Blanc stands. “Brothers, I’d like to speak to the Elite Members first. Elite Member Henderson will gather the rest of you in a few moments.”
Brooks winks at me as he follows Blanc, Zhāng, Jones, and Alessandro from the table. The other three women stand, leaving before I have the chance to speak to them.
Isa stands, too, but takes Brooks’ vacated seat.
“They are the worst.”
“The husbands or the wives?”
“Both.” She snorts, rubbing her stomach. “God, I hate coming to these events. Alessandro says I can stay home, but there’s no way I’m going to make him face these people alone.”
“I understand the feeling. How often do they meet?”
“Not very often, but there’s been a lot going on, I think.”
“The killings?”
She nods. “They still don’t have any solid leads.”
“Does it make you worried about Alessandro?”
“Somewhat. On one hand, I know my husband is a good man. On the other, I know he’s been asked to do things for the Brotherhood. Whoever is killing members seems to know every sin committed, and that’s the part that worries me.” She looks over my shoulder, frowning. “Oh, god. They’re coming back.”
“Who?”
“Aimée Blanc and Vivian Zhāng. Maybe we can dodge them before they reach us.”
She stands, which is a struggle, so I offer her my arm. She gives me a smile of thanks, but it’s too late. They reach us, smiling. At least, that’s what I think the looks on their faces are supposed to be. Honestly, it looks more like a grimace, but there’s also a lot of Botox involved, so I can’t be for sure.
“Running off, Isabetta? Headed to the buffet?” Aimée gestures to the table. “I assumed you had enough to eat just now, but I guess I was wrong.”
Vivian laughs behind her hand at her friend’s joke, even though it’s not funny. Not one bit.
Isa says, “Hannah, this is Aimée and Vivian, but I’m sure you gathered as much.”
Aimée looks me up and down like I’m the lowest form of garbage alive.
“So you’re the home wrecker who ruined poor Jacqueline’s life.”
I smile at her. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
“I wonder what people will think when they find out that you were supposed to be planning Jacqueline’s wedding and stole her man from right under her nose.”
Vivian adds, “It’s scandalous.”
“Did you not see the story on the news?” I smile. “Brooks and I have known each other for years. Much longer than Jacqueline knew Brooks. When fate put us in each other’s paths, we knew we couldn’t ignore the sign from the universe.”
Vivian is silent, but Aimée says, “And poor Jacqueline?”
“We all know Brooks didn’t love her. Not even close. He was only marrying her because he was ordered to.” I add, “I have faith that she’ll be just fine, even with all of her…financial issues.”
Aimée huffs. “He was ordered by his superior, and yet he still doesn’t follow commands. If I were in charge, I’d make sure he was taught a lesson.”
“Careful, Mrs. Blanc. Your husband is the Head of the Brotherhood. Not you.”
Aimée’s cheeks turn bright red. She turns to Vivian. “Let’s go. I certainly don’t want anyone to think that I condone this…relationship.”
The two leave, whispering to each other as they walk away.
Isa asks, “Are you okay? That was intense.”
I exhale. “I’m fine. I’ve dealt with brides who are worse than that.”
“Is it terrible that I’m glad you’re here?”
“Not at all. I’m glad I’m here, too.”
Isa says, “Oh! Greer just walked in. I know you’ll like her.”
She waves at the woman, and the woman waves back. The curvy bombshell heads our way, gaining looks from more than one person. Confidence rolls off her in waves, making her a force to be reckoned with.
“Traffic was terrible,” Greer says as she hugs Isa. She then rubs Isa’s belly. “And how’s my godchild?”
“He’s fine.”
Greer’s green eyes widen. “He?!” Her voice lowers to a whisper. “Does Alessandro know?”
Isa shakes her head, unable to keep the smile off her face.
“Oh, Isa! I’m so happy for you.”
The two hug and when they pull back, both women have tears in their eyes. My hand goes to my stomach subconsciously. I hope I’ll have that soon.
Greer turns to me. “And you! I’ve heard so many good things about you from Isa! It’s nice to finally meet you.”
I hold out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Silly me. I already feel like we’re friends. I’m Greer. Greer Blanc, but please don’t hold my last name against me. I promise I’m nothing like Charles and Aimée.”
I choke out a laugh before I can stop myself.
“I won’t. I’m Hannah Henderson.”
Greer gives me a cheeky smile. “Girl, I know who you are. Like I said, Isa has been talking nonstop about the woman who saved Brooks from Jacqueline Chanel Minty-Smith.”
“I like to think he saved me, too.”
Both women make an ‘aww’ sound.
Greer’s gaze goes to my hand. “Oh, my! Brooks did good with the ring. Eight carats?”
“Ten,” I answer proudly.
She whistles. “I’m jealous, but don’t let anyone know. It would kill my image to be seen supporting diamonds.”
Isa asks Greer, “How’s work going?”
“Good,” she answers with a smile. For some reason, I don’t believe her.
Isa says to me, “Greer works for Humans Yearning to Protect Earth, or HYPE. Have you heard of them?”
“They boycotted the royal wedding, right? For the use of fur on the wedding cape.”
Greer scowls. “So many rabbits died for that cape.”
I nod. “I agree. I only support faux furs. My colleague was the wedding planner and had to deal with the aftermath of the paint bombs that were dumped on the couple.”
Greer shrugs. “I’d like to say we’re sorry, but we’re not. But enough of my work. How has tonight gone? Anyone try to throw any daggers yet?”
“Only with their eyes,” I answer with a smile. “But they’ll get over it.”
“I saw the story on the news. Very smart. I assume you have other things up your sleeves?”
“We do.”
“Excellent. Stick it to them.” Her gaze goes somewhere over my shoulder, and she frowns. “Excuse me. I’m going to hide for a bit. I’ll catch up with the two of you later.”
She darts off and a moment later Grant Carter follows.
I turn to Isa, who shrugs. “She swears there’s nothing going on between the two of them, but it does seem odd that he’s always chasing after her.”
“Good for her, I guess. He seems like a good guy. Much better than Senator Ryans.”
“I don’t know much about him, but he gives off a creepy vibe. Well, from what I’ve seen of him on TV.”
I tell her about the phone call he made where he threatened me.
Her eyes widen. “That’s wild. As far as I know, Grant isn’t seeing anyone.”
“That’s what I thought, too. I’m not sure where the Senator got his information, but he was clearly wrong.”
“He seems to create a lot of trouble for the Brotherhood.”
“He’s a member?”
“No, but I think he has enough connections that the Brotherhood still intervenes. That’s why they have Grant Carter running against him. They want to control the narrative.”
“It’s wild knowing they control that much.”
“I agree.” She rubs her stomach. “Now, would you like to join me at the dessert table? I spot a piece of cake calling my name.”
Smiling, I say, “Lead the way.”
Because I’ll never turn down a good piece of cake, especially when it’s with a friend.