Page 128 of Playing to Win

This is to regretfully inform you of your imminent disownment. The family solicitor will contact you regarding next steps. Enjoy your newfound freedom.

Sincerely,

Charles Sunderland, Marquess of Kirkross

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

I’LLNEVERSEEGretchen again.

Andrew sat on the bottom stair of his block of flats, pressing his face to the cool stone wall to keep from passing out or throwing up. He knew he should be more concerned with his loss of income, his loss of title—even if it was only a courtesy one—and his loss of family.

But all he could think about was his pony. Gretchen would never understand why he’d abandoned her forever. He’d planned to be at her side one day as she left this world, stroking her silky silver mane and her velvety white muzzle.

“Andrew.” Colin was crouched beside him, shaking his shoulder. “Let’s get you upstairs.”

“Can’t walk.”

“Aye, you can. We’ll go up to your flat and you’ll phone your parents and apologize. You’ll sort this.”

“Apologize?” Andrew rolled the foul-tasting word around his mouth. “But I’m not sorry.”

“Not even after this?” Colin held up the faux telegram.

“It was my choice. I knew I was ending my political career.”

“But you didnae mean to lose your family! I’ll not let you sacrifice them on my account.”

Andrew closed his eyes and saw Gretchen’s long black lashes, heard her self-righteous snort in his ear.

“Are you listening to me?” Colin lowered his voice and gave Andrew’s arm a gentle squeeze. “I’m not worth all this.”

Andrew opened his eyes. “It wasn’t all about you. Cameron’s speech this morning…the Tories have turned their backs on Scotland. They never cared about us. I can’t be part of that anymore. There’s nothing to be a part of.”

“You couldn’t have found a quieter way to be rid of them? One which didn’t drag me into your wee Twitter tantrum?”

Andrew stared at him, his gut roiling. “I thought you’d be happy.”

“You of all people should have known there’d be fallout.” Colin threw his hands up. “It’s fuckin’ raining down on us both, from all sides. Everyone pretty much hates you now.”

A scoff rasped Andrew’s throat.Of course.For years he’d been done everything he could to make the world love him, and the moment he was true to himself, they’d all turned on him. Which meant they’d never really known or loved him to begin with.

Except Colin. Right?

“Do you hate me too?” He reached out to grasp Colin’s arm. “Was it that bad?”

“Bad? Andrew, it was the most ballsy thing I’ve ever seen. But it wasn’t worth losing your family. You’ve got to make amends with them.” He pushed the telegraph into Andrew’s hand, then stood and moved away. “Tell them we broke up.”

“That’s ridiculous. They’ll find out the truth in no time.”

Colin stared out the front entrance, his hunched figure silhouetted against the glass. “Not if itisthe truth.”

“Not if what is—” Andrew’s heart lurched. “No. We’re not splitting up to appease my parents. I love you.”

Colin remained still and silent. The air between them felt thick as swamp water.

Andrew cleared his throat. “You don’t have to say it—”

“I don’t love you.”

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