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Berke isn't anything like Elmer. I can tell by the way he's seething by the lack of attention it's the opposite. He cares too much.
"How long have I been out?"
"At least an hour or longer."
"I know Wyn isn't the only damn Hale on the island." The handcuffs protest him clenching his fists.
"Nope."
His tortured whiskey eyes find me. "Were they informed that I was unconscious?"
"Yep."
He whips his head back to stare at the ceiling.
"Wyn was only here because he felt guilty."
"Is that how you see it?"
His beautiful face frowns with the weight of the bullshit he's trained himself to believe.
"It's how it is."
"So, you're saying Wyn wouldn't have shown if you'd gotten hurt any other way?"
He moisturizes his dry lips with his tongue. "Yes."
"Then you don't know a damn thing about your brother." I shake my head in irritation. "I warned you in Manchester. And the first thing you do is attack one of the only people who give a damn about you. It’s time to initiate tough love."
I frown when he snorts. "You'd have to care."
"I do care. I care that one of your sources of unconditional love is tired as hell and the window on your chance to feel that love is closing. I care that you feel hurt and instead of focusing on the source or reason, you take it out on Wyn. I don't know the origin of your anger, but I know for a fact it isn't him."
Berke is staring off in the distance with that signature Hale defiance set in his jaw. I tilt his chin so he can look at me.
"Consider yourself grounded."
"You're not my mother."
"No. I'm more powerful. Your passport is revoked. Your money is frozen. You are now dependent on the very relative who you love to antagonize."
"You can't do this to me."
"Can and have. You need a reality check. No one will help you but Wyn. You're ten years older than me, Berke. Fucking act like it and take some responsibility for your shit. Life happens to everyone. It's time for you to relearn what you think you know about your family."
"Is this why you brought me here? To trap me like a rat?"
"No. I brought you here to be there for your brother and celebrate with your family. You did this part all on your own. If you were civil, you'd probably be somewhere eating, drinking, or relaxing by the pool. You didn't behave. Now you have to deal with the consequences."
I stand when someone knocks on the door. I smile at Esme's friend when she enters. As usual, Sienna is flawless with her carefully applied make up, her black hair in a high ponytail that still falls mid back and her baby hair neatly laid. Her pant suit is fitted, and her heels are high, but her expression is all business.
She gives me a quick hug and studies Berke's bruised face and cuffed wrists.
"Is he dangerous?"
"Who in the hell is thi
s?" Berke wants to know.
