Page 98 of Just Between Us

Daniel must read my expression because he purses his lips and nods. “Message received. I’ll see what I can find.” He holds up a finger. “By the way, the security detail tailing Levi on his runs this week has reported nothing out of the ordinary.”

I nod. Maybe it was nothing. “Thanks, D—”

Just as I’m about to finish, Nick bursts into my office. His eyes are wild, and his hair is a mess. He looks completely out of character. Even his red tie is skewed on his collar.

“What the hell did you do?” he demands.

Daniel stands in front of him to stop him from launching at me and I can’t help but laugh quietly. Daniel is huge and Nick is trim from his strictly vegan diet.

“It’s okay, Daniel,” I say. “He won’t hurt me.”

Daniel moves aside to reveal my brother again. He does look like he might kill me.

“What are you talking about?” I ask innocently.

“Petrov!” Nick spits out.

“Am I supposed to know who that is?” I ask.

“Don’t be cute, Cole, it doesn’t suit you,” Nick says.

I laugh, deciding to put him out of his misery. “Oh, now I remember. The Russian arms dealer. I hear his shipment was seized in Rotterdam? A shipment you were managing if I remember correctly.”

Nick shakes his head, his lips curled in disgust. “I knew you were behind this,” he says. “For God’s sake, Cole, if Petrov finds out, I’m dead.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” I tell him. I realise I mean it. I don’t owe him anything anymore.

He frowns, confusion clear on his face. “What have I ever done to you?” he asks. “Is this about the stupid shed? We were kids, Cole! You got your revenge when you sliced open my rabbit. We’re even. We’ve been even for a long time.”

My nostrils flare. I’m not surprised he thinks we’re even, never mind all those times he made sure to make my life a living nightmare. “You know this isn’t what it’s about, Nick.”

“So, what is it?” he asks. “The reports? The sex-tape? I didn’t share that with anyone, and I wasn’t going to! It was a stupid joke. Is your fucked up head unable to comprehend jokes now?”

I shake my head. “That’s not it either although that did inspire me,” I say, leaning back. “I was happy to leave you alone; you knew that and yet you still pushed.”

My brother runs a hand through his dark hair. He looks so unlike himself. Frustrated and terrified. “Fine, I’ll bite. What is this about then?”

I take in a quiet breath. “The fire, Nick.”

His mouth falls open, his eyes darting between Daniel and I. “H-how did you know?”

I shrug, standing from my chair. “I bumped into your friend Charlie the other day. It was really lucky actually; I think he called it serendipitous,” I say, coming around to face him. “He wanted to apologise for lying to everyone about that night. He said you convinced him to blame me.”

Nick is already shaking his head. “Shit, Cole,” he says. “It wasn’t meant to get like that. We were messing around, and things got out of hand. I’m sorry.”

I tilt my head, leaning against my desk. “Why involve me then? Did you hate me that much?”

He shakes his head. “I just—I just didn’t want you to take what was rightfully mine. Everyone adored you when you were born, Cole. They all thought you were so perfect. It wasn’t fair. Even after Dad realised what you were, it’s like he loved you even more.But I was right there, and you were taking everything from me!”

Maybe if I had the emotional capacity, I’d feel bad but looking at him, I feel nothing. He just sounds like a petulant child to me.

“You think Dad will thank me when I tell him you’ve lost fifteen million dollars worth of merch. Merch belonging to Alexei Petrov of all people?” I ask grinning. “Because if Petrov doesn’t kill you, Dad will and then he’ll give me everything you have always wanted.”

His jaw goes slack, and he swallows. “Please, Cole. I’ll do anything. I’ll get on my knees. Is that what you want? You want me to beg? Fine, I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry.”

I wave a hand. His apology does nothing for me now. “No need for all of that, Nicky. I just want guarantees.”

“Anything!” he says desperately. “Tell me and it’s done.”

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