Tobias met his brother’s gaze, his own irritation simmering beneath the surface. “I’m having a bit of fun, Simon. You should try it sometime.”
This isn’t a game, Tobias. Your actions have consequences, and it’s time you started facing them.”
Tobias crossed his arms, his posture defiant. “And what exactly have I done that’s so terrible?”
“Shall I list for you the numerous things?” Simon narrowed his eyes. “You’ve been spending money you don’t have, associating with people who care nothing for you, and shirking your responsibilities to the family. It’s time to grow up.”
Tobias scoffed, his expression dismissive. “I’m perfectly capable of handling my affairs, Simon.”
“Are you?” Simon challenged, his voice rising. “Because it seems to me that you’re spiraling out of control.”
Tobias glared at him, his pride wounded. “I’m not a child, Simon. I don’t need you swooping in to save me every time something goes awry. Frankly, if this is all you came to say to me then I should tell you that this was a mistake.”
Anger flared inside of Simon, despite his very best efforts to control himself.
“It was fine till your actions only impacted you solely. But now it seems that they have started to interfere with my life as well.”
Tobias shot him a confused look. “What on earth are you on about? Anthony, perhaps you should take my brother to get a drink. He seems like he is in need of one.”
Simon stepped closer to Tobias, his expression leaving no room for misunderstanding. “I need to know about the baby.”
Tobias blinked, confusion creasing his brow. “What baby?”
“The child that was left at my doorstep. Do you know anything about it?”
Tobias’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Simon studied his brother’s face, searching for any hint of deception. “Don’t play games with me, Tobias. If that child is yours, you need to take responsibility.”
Tobias ran a hand through his hair, his demeanor defensive. “I’m telling you, I don’t know anything about a baby.”
“You’ve had a string of affairs, haven’t you? It’s entirely possible that one of them resulted in a child.”
Tobias’s cheeks flushed with indignation. “Yes, I’ve had a few dalliances, but that doesn’t mean I’ve fathered a child. Now, if you will excuse me — I was in the middle of something.”
Just as expected. It was highly like Tobias to shun responsibility, and run away whenever he could.
Simon knew that he had to take a step that was more drastic. Speak in a language that his brother understood.
“Until you find out who the mother is and take responsibility for your actions, I’m cutting off your allowance.”
Tobias’s head snapped up, shock and anger mingling in his expression. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. This isn’t a game, Tobias. It’s time to grow up.”
Tobias stared at his brother. “You can’t just cut me off.”
“I can, and I will,” Simon replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ve been enabling your behavior for far too long.”
“You think you can control everything, don’t you? Well, I’m not one of your estates, Simon. You can’t just manage me.”
“This is not about control, Tobias. You may choose to be reckless about your life, but the moment your actions start to influence mine, I have a problem,” Simon squared him up.
“What do you want me to do here?” Tobias finally relented. Simon knew it would happen — he could never bear the thought of being cut off from the family’s estate.
“For one, I need you to address me in the manner that is appropriate,” Simon warned him. “Your older brother, and the Duke of Atherton.”
“Sorry,Your Grace.I was not aware that I was being so impolite.”
