Page 125 of Brutal Ice

“I can’t sing for shit.”

A half-smile. “You couldn’t when you were two, either.”

“You walked in, saw me over a dead man, and offered to help me bury the body.”

Declan’s brows rose. “What else would a good brother do?”

Royal’s chest burned. “Who killed our father?” Our.

“I did.” Flat. “He was an abusive bastard who deserved exactly what he got. No charges were ever filed against me. I was sixteen at the time, so most of the records are sealed. If you want the whole bloody story, I’ll give it to you. But it’s not pretty.”

Royal didn’t look at the scar on Declan’s cheek, not again. “And our mother?”

“I think he might have hired someone to go after her. Still trying to piece that all together. Trying to find out who is responsible for taking her from us.”

Royal nodded. “You want some help with that?”

Hope lit Declan’s eyes. “You offering?”

“Maybe. And maybe I know some people who are pretty good when it comes to stirring up cold cases.” Could the Ice Breakers help? He sure as hell hoped so. To finally close a mystery that had haunted him forever—damn, that would be something. My mother. And his father…no, no, he wasn’t ready to go there, not yet.

If he was a monster…

“You’re not him,” Violet said, as if reading his mind.

Royal flinched.

“You’re not your father. You will never be,” Violet told him, her voice fierce. “You’re my Royal.”

He inhaled. Exhaled. He stared into Declan’s eyes.

“I’m not like the bastard, either,” Declan told him. “I work every single day not to be like him.” A pause. “We can be more than he ever was.” Declan ducked his head. “I’ll just, uh, make my exit. Your detective buddy knows where to find me.” His stare slid to Violet. “You’ll take care of him?”

“I think we’ll take care of each other,” she replied softly.

“Sounds like a plan.” Declan cleared his throat. “Lucky bastard.”

Royal stepped to the side. Declan headed out. Royal watched him go.

“Really?” From Violet. “You want something your whole life. It’s right there, and you just let it walk away?”

His breath sawed in and out.

“You have me. You have Beau. You have a family. What does he have?”

Lucky bastard. Declan’s words rang in his ears.

Declan was heading down the narrow station corridor. Beau suddenly appeared in his path. He barely glanced at Declan, though. His focus was on Royal. A wide smile split Beau’s lips. “About time!” he called out. “Bro, are you ready to get the hell out of here?”

Declan stumbled, then straightened quickly.

“Almost.” Keeping his hold on Violet’s hand and tugging her with him, he advanced. “Declan.”

Declan whirled toward him.

Beau blinked in confusion.

“Beau, there’s someone I think you should meet.”

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