He inhaled a slow breath, like the answer was so complicated that a response was daunting. “Because he’s a good man. He’s just obsessed with a goal to the exclusion of everything else. It doesn’t matter who he hurts in the process…since he was hurt.”

“What hurt him?”

Magnus shook his head. “Can’t tell you.”

“Why—”

“Because I’m literally the only person in the world who knows—so he’ll know your source.”

I inhaled a deep breath in disappointment. “I won’t tell him.”

He shook his head. “I won’t betray my brother. If he wanted you to know, he would tell you.”

“But if you tell me, I might be able to get him to stop.”

Magnus stared me down for a while, like the thought was tempting. But his answer cut through my dreams. “Then get him to tell you. Not my place.” His eyes flicked past my shoulder. “You should go back now. I’m surprised he’s left you unattended this long.” He turned away.

“He won’t sleep with me. Why?” I barked out my question because I knew the conversation was over and I’d never get this opportunity again.

He hesitated before he turned back to me. A deep stare ensued. “Same reason.”

“What do you mean, same reason?”

“Everything he says, everything he does, everything he’s become—it’s all for the same reason.” He glanced behind me before he turned to the bathroom door. “Go.”

Sixteen

Death of Innocence

Fender

Days passed, and we barely shared a few words.

She read in my office while I worked. We had dinner together in my bedroom, sharing looks across the table, but having no conversation. Clothes came off, and we made love in my bed. We’d done it a hundred times, knew the other’s body better than our own, and it was somehow just as fascinating to me every time.

My life had always been full of money, power, and sex.

But it was filled with something more now.

I pictured her walking around the palace with her hand over her bulging stomach, chasing down a little boy with my dark hair and eyes. She gave me back the very thing I’d lost—a family.

She was propped on her elbow with her hand on my stomach. “What are you thinking about?”