Page 129 of Mine to Ruin

“But they told me it was you who never allowed them to love you.”

“They are right. When your own father bets against you, and you win then you get beat up for winning, and then your mother says you’re good for nothing, it changes you.”

“You never told me.” His knuckles turn white, a haunted expression changing his boyish features.

“Why would I? They have always been good to you.”

“And all I wanted was to be close to you,” he shouts, raising his voice in exasperation.

I slam my hands on the desk. “I gave you everything,” I shout. “Including the only woman I have ever loved. Leave and don’t test my patience after what you took from me.”

“I am sorry it went so far. I believed them.”

Shame crosses Brandon’s face. He trudges to the door, “I––”

“We are not brothers anymore,” I say. “We’re nothing. You crossed me once already. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I let emotions get in the way. Do that again and I will make you regret the day you were born.”

He nods, regret transforming his features, and the door clicks shut behind him.

My phone rings and I pick it up.

“Son.”

“Brother.”

“The old man finally told you that you’re a bastard?” Richard’s voice, filled with amusement, grates at me and I laugh through the cliff resting on my chest.

“A bastard who’s richer than you’ll ever be.”

“You impertinent little shit.” He grits his teeth and the sound is like a symphony to my ears.

I swirl the alcohol in my glass and lean back. “Tick, Tock, Richard, I am already breathing down your neck, and soon I am going to put a leash around it.”

He laughs, the sounds ringing with incredulity. He’s too confident for his own good.

“You’ll never set foot on my coast.”

I snap a photo and send it to him.

“What’s this?” His voice cracks.

“Your perdition. And I already have a foot in.” I hang up, letting him steam. It’s almost laughable. If I were to strip him of his money, he wouldn’t survive a day.

But he sends me something back, and I freeze.

“Let’s see who wins.”

Now I realize his game. I call my real father and say, “I have to marry to get my inheritance? I thought that was bullshit. Why?”

“Because your great-grandfather was a fool in love. He thought men perform better when there is a woman and family involved.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You won’t receive it.”

“Fuck. How convenient since I find myself minus one fiancé.”

“What happened with Ellia?” he asks, worry ringing in my ears.

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