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One of them.
Callum, my father’s third son, studies me closely. “We came to see if it was true.”
I’m confused. “To see if what was true?”
Dimitri, fourth son by mere minutes, tips his head toward where Paisley sits at the front of the church. “Her.”
I assumed my brothers were here with good intentions.
But maybe I was wrong.
“Stay away from her.”
Flynn, the youngest of my brothers, huffs out a bitter laugh. “Fuck you, Andre.” He shakes his head as he turns to the men at his side. “I told you he was still the same.”
Enzo presses one hand to Flynn’s chest as he starts to leave. “Stop.” He eyes me, looking me up and down. “We heard you took out a division head because of her.”
I step in closer, staring them down. “And I will do the same to anyone else who tries to take her from me.”
My brothers exchange a look I can’t begin to pick apart. At one point in my life I knew these men as well as I knew myself, but it’s very clear that time has passed.
They are practically strangers to me, even if they aren’t to each other.
A fact that cuts into an old wound and makes me ask a question I shouldn’t. “Where’s Beck?”
Another look between my brothers. Finally Dimitri speaks up.
“Miami.” He meets my gaze. “He cut us off just like you did.”
“At least someone is willing to stick to the agreements they make.”
“It wasn’t our agreement, Andre.” Enzo adjusts the cuff of his jacket in a practiced move I know is to make anyone watching us believe this is nothing more than a casual conversation. “It was your demand.”
“Staying together would have called even more attention to us. Would have put us in a position where people would have asked questions and used us against each other.” Even after all this I still try to defend my motives.
“Do you still believe that’s true?” Dimitri lifts one brow at me but doesn’t wait for an answer. “Because you and Beck are the final two to gain control of your cities.”
I look between my four brothers. In my father’s eyes the timing of their births was enough to put them beneath me. He saw them as nothing more than tools to be used for my development into the heir he wanted me to be.
If only he could see them now.
Because I’m sure as hell seeing myself. “When did Beck take his position?”
“He hasn’t.” Flynn’s scowl is deep as he glares in my direction. “And because of you there’s nothing we can do to help him.”
“You wouldn’t talk to us, but at least you were willing to do business.” Callum’s frown carries a level of disappointment that’s difficult to face. “Beck isn’t.”
“Because of you.” Flynn adds it on like I didn’t hear his blame the first time it was placed.
“So you’re here to make sure I know our brother is struggling because of me.” I glance around the church filled with mourners. “Your timing is impeccable.”
Dimitri shakes his head. “We’re not here to make you feel guilty—”
Flynn scoffs. “Speak for yourself.”
Callum, the oldest of the brothers I’m facing down steps in front of the rest, jaw set, expression stern. “We’re here to tell you to fix it.”
* * *
