Page 35 of Just Between Us

“Thank you, Ines. But you know we wouldn’t have made it this far without you,” I tell her. “You deserve all the credit.”

She waves a hand, blushing. “Oh, no stop. You’re always so sweet,” she laughs, shaking her head. “I’ll see you out there,” she says, and she walks out of the boardroom, probably to join the expensive lunch we’re paying for.

Just as I’m about to leave, Nicholas appears in front of me, a small smile dancing on his lips.

“Cole,” he says. “It’s great to see you. You were great. I see why Nanny and Grandad chose you to take over the London office.”

Even though we have the same eyes, and the same dark hair that is almost black in a certain light, Nick is slightly shorter which was always a constant gripe like somehow, it was my fault I came out that way.

I give him a warm smile, but I know it’s wasted on him. He sees right through it. He always has. “Thanks, Nick. That’s nice of you to say.”

Growing up, we were raised to be perfect. My father demanded nothing less from us, no creased clothes, no grades below an A and no screaming around the house. If you failed, you were punished. Nick did his best to stay in line. He’s always understood the weight of being an Armas. He’s always wanted it. I never did.

He shifts on his feet, choosing to linger. That’s weird, we only average about two sentences to each other per quarter. “Have you spoken to Dad recently?” he finally asks.

And there it is. A few weeks ago, my father informed me of his plans to walk away from a few facets of the Armas business. He wanted to offer me a chance to become who he thought I should be—the perfect heir to a ruthless empire built on blood.

The night I killed Socks, something shifted between all of us. To my mother, I was disturbed. To my father, I showed potential. To Nick, it only confirmed what he believed before—I should have never been born.

“I have,” I say. “He’s walking away.”

Nick bites the inside of his cheek and nods. Green eyes stare back at me like he’s trying very hard to read what I’m thinking. “Did he offer you anything?”

The keys to the goddamn kingdom.

I nod. “He did.” I’ve always enjoyed watching my brother squirm. It’s only right after everything he’s done. The content beatings, the name calling, the shed…

“What did you say?”

I shrug. “Don’t worry, I said no. You know I don’t want anything to do with it. Trust me, you’ve got nothing to worry about, Nicky.”

The Armas name is behind countless businesses, from construction to shipping to a company like A-EYE. On the surface, it’s all legitimate but under it lies a dark truth. I’ve seen my father and uncles kill people for reneged deals, and I’ve watched them befriend arms dealers and smugglers.

I see my brother deflate as he runs a hand through his hair. He looks at me again with that piercing glare and pinched mouth. “Swear it,” he says finally.

I huff out a laugh. “What?”

“Swear it on Levi’s life.”

I frown, feeling my mood plummeting in a second. Nick saying Levi’s name makes me twitch. Neither he nor Dad approve of our relationship because of the tattoos and the little fact that he’s a man. To my family, continuing the Armas name is crucial but if everything I am, dies with me, I’d consider that a win.

“I’m not swearing on Levi’s life, Nick.”

Whilst I don’t have any particular moral objections to any of the things the Armas name is responsible for, I’ve never wanted to be a part of it. Mostly because I knew if I got a taste of the bloodiness that comes with it, I’d become a victim of it.

A strange smile appears on his lips like he’s just realised something. “Fine. Just promise you won’t go anywhere near this even if Dad asks again.”

I almost feel bad for my brother. He’s spent his entire life working to be something our father can love. But no matter how hard he tries; Dad will never love anything more than he loves himself and my mother. The rest of us are just pawns on his chessboard.

Maybe Socks would have lived a long and healthy life if Nick realised that sooner.

Maybe I’d have never known there was something wrong with me.

“I promise I won’t touch what’s yours, Nick,” I say, trying my best to sound sincere.

His nostrils flare but he nods, straightening his blue silk tie. He taps my arm and smiles. “It was good seeing you, Cole,” he says. “Oh! And say hello to Levi for me, will you? I’m always happy you have someone who loves you despite everything.” He winks and then he’s walking out the door, leaving me alone in the sleek boardroom.

I let out a deep breath, looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the City of London. It’s only two in the afternoon but my body feels exhausted. Speaking with Nick always leaves me like that, like I’ve been in some sort of battle where you’re only allowed to use lies and smiles.

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