Page 124 of Brutal Ice

He sucked in a breath. His hand twisted so that he was holding hers. He looked back at Declan, only to find Declan’s gaze on Royal and Violet’s joined hands. What could have been a flash of envy came and went on Declan’s face.

But then there was no emotion. Like Declan had just locked down all his feelings. “Royal Boudreaux.” A nod. “I think I like that name better.” He pulled in a deep breath. Released it out slowly. “We can do the whole DNA routine, but I believe the result is gonna show that I’m your brother. Older by four years.”

Brother. Brother. “I have a brother already.” Beau.

Declan’s Adam’s apple bobbed once more. “Good for you.” His gaze cut to the one-way mirror. Then back to Royal. “I had a brother, too. You. A lifetime ago. A little guy that I fought to remember. A kid that would sing off-key and always ask for more stories at night.”

“I don’t sing,” Royal groused.

“Our mom would read the stories to us. We shared a room. Me and my brother. She’d read to us over and over again.”

A tremble shook Royal’s body. “How the fuck did I wind up tossed away like garbage?” The question that had haunted him forever.

Declan didn’t answer.

“Hey.” Violet’s voice. Soft. Husky. Tender. Her left hand rose to slide against Royal’s cheek.

Immediately, he looked at her. He saw her.

“Never garbage.” Not so husky. Fierce. “Don’t talk that way again about the man I love, got it? Doesn’t happen. Not from you. Not from anyone.”

And a weight seemed to lift. The family he’d always sought was right there. Not the man named Declan but Violet. His Violet.

She’d saved his whole soul. Did she know that?

“Our mother was…trying to get away.” Declan’s voice came out haltingly. “She took you first. She was going to hide you. Then come back for me. Or at least, that’s what I’ve been able to piece together.”

Royal’s gaze pulled away from Violet. But he kept holding her hand, tightly.

“Our father was a bastard.” Declan’s hand scraped over the scar on his cheek. “Believe me when I say, you were better off not knowing him.”

Royal’s body tensed even more.

“She ran with you. And I believe she was coming back for me. But something happened. She didn’t make it back. I was actually told you were both dead. Fiery car crash. No survivors. I don’t know how you wound up on that street, but I am damn glad you weren’t in the car with her. Maybe she left you there because she knew danger was closing in. Maybe she was trying to save you. But she wasn’t able to save herself.”

Dead. Royal’s heart slammed into his chest. “And your father?”

“Our father?” A cold smile twisted Declan’s lips. “Dead and buried, too. So I’m sorry to say it’s just me.”

Royal didn’t speak.

“I have money to burn. An inheritance. Half will go to you, so I’m not here trying to?—”

“I don’t need your money.”

“No. Right.” Declan exhaled. “You don’t need anything from me, do you? You have a life. A different brother. A woman who looks at you like you freaking hang the moon. And you look at her like she’s your world.”

“She is,” he affirmed. There would never be any doubt on that note.

“Must be fucking nice.” Declan nodded. “We’ll do the DNA tests. Lawyers will need that stuff. Whether you want the family money or not, it’s yours. Put it in a trust for your kids. After the paperwork is settled, I won’t bother you again. Just came because I…” His lashes flickered. “I always hoped you were alive. Don’t know how the hell you got to New Orleans when you were two. But I’m glad you did. I’m glad you are still breathing.” He motioned toward Violet. “And I’m glad you have a chance to be really happy.” Declan squared his shoulders. “Hope you have a good life…Royal.” He headed for the door.

Violet squeezed Royal’s hand.

Royal stepped into Declan’s path.

He stared at the face so like his own. “I don’t remember you.”

“Yeah, well, you were two the last time you saw me.”

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