Page 129 of Fool Me Twice

“Theoretical apology accepted,” Morgan said with a smirk. “And it’s not like I didn’t give as good as I got. I’ve got a hair trigger and a nasty mouth.”

“You don’t say,” Cane drawled.

“You’re still not forgiven,” Morgan declared to him, though there was a levity to it that Cane snorted at. It made Hart feel infinitely lighter, the admissions cleansing.

Hart looked down at Black, who had received the next biggest helping of his cursed alter ego’s ire. Black simply stuck out his tongue at him, crossing his thumb and pointer finger to send him a tiny heart.

His heart warmed.

He flicked his gaze over to Wren without conscious thought. He hadn’t been outright mean to him, but he had ignored his pain. Pain that was evident even now. They’d had a rocky relationship in the past, for reasons Wren had never really shared, but they’d gotten so much closer over the years. Wren was just as much a part of Hart as any other team member.

Wren gave him an encouraging smile and a nod, running gentle fingers over Blu’s shiny feathers.

It all gave him the courage to take the final leap. Their unbending faith in him. Their love and kindness. It deserved complete honesty.

“So no apologies. But how about an explanation?” Hart said.

“That’s why Damir is here,” Fix said. “To talk about the curse. We can go over it now for you—”

“No, not the curse. Well, yes, we should discuss that, naturally. It’s very important, and paperwork needs to be filed and organized across both Slatehollow and Arcstead—”

“Sweetheart.” Cane bent down into his ear to whisper. “You’re getting off track.”

Hart blushed. “Oh, yes, well…what I wanted to say was I have something to talk to you about. About me.”

“Does that include this, as well?” Ash asked with a wry look at Cane sitting so close, hands still on him.

“It does, yes,” Hart said, lifting his chin. “It’s probably the biggest part of the whole thing.”

“Um, do you want me to leave for this talk?” Morgan asked.

“I could also give you time with your family,” Damir chimed in. “Whatever you want to share with them sounds personal.”

“It is,” Hart said, reaching out and laying his hand on Cane’s thigh, just above his knee. “But it’s not a secret. Not anymore. It’s nothing I’m ashamed of.”

He made sure the words were heard by everyone. Including Cane. Especially Cane.

“You and Cane?” Midas signed, dark eyes shrewd.

“Cane and I met three years ago because I needed an outlet. I…”

He struggled to find the right words. They tickled at the back of his throat, but he didn’t know how to shape them correctly. He didn’t want his brothers to think they were to blame for why he was the way he was.

They all waited patiently, Cane reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pack of cigarettes. He lit one before offering the pack to Hart like it was muscle memory.

Hart stared at the line of white sticks with wide eyes.

He could really use a smoke. It would take some of the tension from his shoulders. The comforting warmth of it would light up his chest and relax his mind.

Cane seemed to remember himself and pulled the pack back. “Sorry. Forgot.”

Hart’s hand shot out lightning fast, grabbing his wrist to still him. Cane gave him a questioning look and Hart licked his dry lips. “Light it for me?”

Understanding passed between them and Cane gave him half a smile, something like pride lingering around the harsh edges of his face. “Sure, sweetheart.”

Eyes were on Hart, disbelieving and shocked as Cane lit the cigarette and passed it into Hart’s practiced hand.

“Did you get addicted already from that one week?” Ash said, laughing a little. “Weak sauce, Hart.”

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