Page 232 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘I wasn’t sulking. I just found out I have the power of fucking mind control. Excuse me if I’m struggling to adjust.’

‘You’re scared of using it accidentally.’

‘I’m terrified.’

‘I get that. I’ll help however I can.’

It’s gentler. More Riley than boss. Big brother.

‘How long have you known?’ he asks.

Riley doesn’t pretend not to understand. ‘That you’re my brother?’

‘Yeah. Seven years?’

‘Longer. Always, I think. Ever since you were born.’

‘How?’

‘I used to dream about you. When I was little, Céliane broke in here and told me your name, that you were my little brother.’ Pain flares between them, mostly contained on Riley’s side. ‘I’ve always known, but we only met when Troy brought you here.’

‘Did he… recognise you?’

‘Julian?’

Oh fuck.

Kade has to breathe slowly to get through that burst of pain.

‘Sorry. I’m sorry,’ Riley says, his hand on Kade’s good shoulder.

He waits until the pain passes.

‘Did he recognise you?’ Kade asks again.

‘Right away.’

‘I wish I could remember.’

‘I know. I also know you feel betrayed that I didn’t tell you, or find a way to, but I want you to know that, in the beginning, I tried every single day to tell you. The pain of it either hurt you so bad you’d pass out or you just plain forgot. It was hard for me,’ Riley says softly, ‘to let it slip away.’

‘I won’t forget again. Please don’t let me.’

‘I won’t, and I think you’re right. Everything’s changing now. Lachlan being here is, for better or worse, changing things.’

‘You called him Lachlan.’

‘Hm.’

‘Are you happy I know?’

‘Yes.’ It sounds painfully honest. ‘I’m so proud to be your…’ Riley exhales, lips thinning as he forces through the pain. ‘Your brother.’

Despite everything, Kade’s eyes fill with unshed tears, a lump forming in his throat.

‘You are?’

Riley pulls him into a fierce hug. ‘So fucking proud.’