Page 19 of Harvey

So what? His mind argued with his conscience. There are worse things that could happen to a person. Taking another deep swallow of the liquor, he stared out the window at the main house. He could see his brother’s suite from here.

The light was still on, and he could just imagine Silas on his knees, asking for a way out. Well, he was certainly not going to be that way out for him, not this damn time.

Chapter 5

“You would do damn well to stay out of my way for the next two years,” Harvey growled as he alighted his jeep and saw his brother standing in front of the motor home. Knowing he had not utilized his keys to let himself in, he told Harvey he feared repercussions, and he should.

“I just need to speak with you.”

Ignoring the pleading look and the desperation coating his tone, Harvey pushed him aside and opened the door.

Taking it as a good sign that he left the door open, Silas went in behind him.

“You are going to have Mother sending Hilda over again.” He tried to tease, nodding towards the knot of clothing on the floor in front of the sofa.

“Say what you must say and get out of my face.” Dumping the case of beer and the bag of chips onto the counter, he turned to look at Silas.

“I am sorry.”

“It would help if that was going to fix anything.”

Shoving his hands into his dark blue dress pants pockets, Silas hunched his shoulders defensively, a stricken look on his face.

“I messed up, and don’t expect you to pay for my mistakes.”

“I should hope not,” Harvey said coolly, realizing angrily that he was losing ground. Ever since his brother came home wrapped in that blue and white blanket, he had gone into protective mode and stayed that way all their lives. It was no different now.

“I will announce in services on Sunday that I will be stepping down.” He smiled sickly, his expression miserable. “Perhaps it’s time I take my position- “

“Shut the hell up!” Slamming the can down and ignoring the content that had spilled onto his hand, he faced his brother, expression blazing.

“You were always one for drama. I will stay in this miserable marriage for the duration of one year to avoid you having to step down. I know how much it means to you and for my life; I have no idea why.”

Silas felt the relief coursing through his body and leaving him weak.

“Thank you- “

“I will stay here at my place, and she stays where she is. We will go out a few times as a show of unity- “

“Please don’t throw the case of beer at me.”

Harvey stared at him with narrowed eyes. “Why would I do that?”

Hunching his shoulders again, he avoided his brother’s silver gaze. “We are going to have to live together, and our parents suggested that you move back to the manor.”

Silas felt himself shrinking at the awful forbidding look that had descended on Harvey’s face and took a cautious step back. Deciding to rush in with the bad news all at once, he continued. “You will have to come to service on Sunday for me to make the announcement. I am sorry, Harvey; I must show that this was all legitimate.”

“Get out.” The voice was flat and icy, sending shivers up and down Silas’ spine.

“Harvey- “

“If you do not walk through that door in exactly two seconds, I will not be responsible for my actions. Get out now.”

Beating a hasty retreat, Silas slammed the door shut behind him. His body jerked in shock when he heard the crash. Practically running to his vehicle, he got in and hurriedly drove away.

Inside the trailer, Harvey stared at the mess he had made when he swept the vase of flowers. Someone, probably Hilda, had placed it on the kitchen counter to spruce things up. Well, that had gone to shit now, he thought viciously.

Not only was he trapped in an unwanted marriage, but he was also going to have to move back to the manor and play husband to a woman he did not want. And he was required to attend services.

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