Page 44 of Bad Business

“It’s okay, Dallas. I understand why you didn’t tell me. But right now, we need to focus on Gage. We need to get to him and figure out how to help my brother before I’ve had the chance to figure out how I’ve had a twin brother this whole time and had no clue.”

He’s right. There’s no time to dwell on past secrets. Our brother needs us.

“I’ll call my pilot,” Drake says, grabbing his keys. “For what it’s worth, Griffyn, I’m sorry.”

“Now isn’t the time, Drake.” Griffyn shakes his head, frustration clear in his eyes. “I don’t understand half of what our father did, but this isn’t something we can just talk about in ten minutes. I have questions, lots of questions, and I suspect you or my uncle are the only ones who can give me the answers. But right now, we need to get to Gage.”

Drake nods in agreement. Though I can tell he wants to say more, he doesn’t. His lips press into a thin line, emotions warring behind his gaze. Everyone springs into action, the day that was once filled with laughter now frozen with melancholy. The echoes of our carefree moments seem to mock the urgency now gripping us. Willow packs us a bag before I even realize what she’s done, her movements efficient yet tinged with a palpable sadness.

“Okay. Everything is ready. Should we head out?” Her voice trembles slightly, a brave front masking her inner turmoil.

Glancing down at Juniper at her side, I muster a small, reassuring smile. “You sure you two want to make the trip?”

Willow cocks her head, her eyes narrowing with a fierce protectiveness. “If you weren’t completely stressed right now, I’d slap you for asking that stupid ass question.” She steps forward and cups my cheek, her touch grounding. “I love you, and I love your brothers, Dallas. Right now, our family needs you, and you’re going to need me. I suspect this is only going to get harder.”

I close my eyes, leaning into her touch, finding solace in the familiar warmth of her palm. “I love you, Willow.”

“I know.” Her voice softens, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips as she drops her hand. “Now… let’s go.”

As we move toward the door, the weight of worry presses down, but the strength of our bond buoys us forward. The journey ahead is uncertain, but at this moment, united in purpose and love, I’m ready to face whatever comes next.

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EPILOGUE

GRIFFYN

I stand in my bedroom, the dim afternoon light filtering through the curtains. The weight of my earlier conversation with my brothers presses down on me, heavy and unrelenting. When I learned we had half-siblings, I wanted to ignore it, but the reality of what we were facing hit me hard when I searched the internet about our brothers. The revelation was a punch to the gut—I not only had brothers, I had a twin. Now Gage is in trouble, and I'm the only one who can save him. I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but I have no choice.

I grab my worn duffel bag from the closet and start packing. My movements are automatic, robotic. A few shirts, jeans, underwear, socks. I toss in my shaving kit and grab my satchel. While I won’t be teaching anytime soon, there is plenty of work I need to stay on top of. Calling the dean of my college was not a pleasant conversation. Trying to explain to my boss that I needed an emergency leave of absence because my long-lost brother is sick felt like a massive joke.

My hands move on their own, but my mind is elsewhere, racing with thoughts of Gage. A knock on the door jolts me from my thoughts. I sigh, irritated. I don’t have time for visitors. Especially not now.

I ignore the knock at first, hoping whoever it is will go away, but the knocking persists, more insistent this time. With a groan, I drop the shirt I’m holding and make my way to the door. I swing it open, ready to snap at whoever’s on the other side.

“Frankie,” I say, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

Frankie stands in the doorway, looking anxious. Her brown eyes are wide, her hands twisting nervously. As much as I want to let her in, right now, I can’t deal with her. I have too much on my plate.

“Griffyn, I need to talk to you,” she says, her voice trembling slightly.

“I’m sorry, Frankie, but I don’t have time for this,” I say, trying to keep my tone even. “I’m in the middle of something important.”

“Please, just hear me out. It won’t take long,” she pleads, stepping forward.

I take a step back, holding up a hand to stop her.

“No, Frankie. Whatever it is, it can wait. I have to go.” I hate being such a dick, but I don’t have the bandwidth to deal with her right now.

Her face falls, and for a moment, I feel a pang of guilt, but I push it aside. I can’t afford distractions right now. I turn away from her and head toward my car, hoping she’ll take the hint and leave, but I hear her footsteps following me.

“I really need to tell you something,” she insists.

I whirl around, frustration boiling over. “Frankie,” I know my next words are going to cut her, but my mind is on my family right now. “What happened between us was a mistake—it can’t happen again. You need to leave. I’ve got somewhere more important to be instead of standing here listening to you.” She flinches at my harsh tone. I immediately regret it, but I don’t apologize. I can’t. I have to stay focused.

She stands there for a moment, looking hurt and uncertain. Then she turns and walks toward her car parked off to the side of my driveway. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

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