Page 98 of The Sculptor

Vance’s brows rise mockingly. “So soon? Perhaps you should wait a few more hours. I’d hate for you to spoil him.”

Clearly, Vance thinks I should have been here much sooner—which I agree with. I should have pulled my head out of my ass faster than I did. But we all make mistakes.

The point is, I’m here now, and I’m not leaving until I see him. “I will go through you if I have to, brother, but I will seemy son.”

Vance leans casually against the doorway. “You meanmyson,because I’m the one who’s cared for him this past year.”

I swallow harshly, forcing myself to take a breath before I drag my gaze back to Vance’s. “And I’m appreciative of that but, nevertheless, he’s mine, and I intend to make amends.”

I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. If Remington is happy with Vance, I’ll honor his wishes, but he’ll hear me out before he decides.

“And you will let him make amends, Vance,” Astor responds from behind me. “We all care about Remington. No one wants to see him hurt, but Duke is Remington’s father. He deserves to learn the truth of what happened from the source.”

How I wish Ramsey would answer her phone.

She’s better at wooing people.

And the Potters—all of them, including Remington—will need some wooing.

But she won’t answer me.

Because she still doesn’t believe me.

Astor told me to give her space and take on one problem at a time. And currently, the most accessible problem is behind my petty-ass brother.

“And if I don’t?” Vance taunts. “Are you both prepared to go against me?”

I square my shoulders—I’ve fought for this kid. Whether my brother believes me or not, I didn’t let anyone get in my way of bringing him into this world, and I won’t allow anyone to stand between us now.

“Vance.” Halle appears in the doorway and puts her hand on Vance’s shoulder. “You can’t protect him from this any longer.”

Vance scoffs. “I’m not protecting Remington. I’m protecting Duke.” He grins. “Rem’s liable to slit your throat with the mood he’s in.”

I can hear Astor’s sigh of relief behind me.

“Will you search him for weapons?” I ask, only slightly teasing. “I have more groveling to do later.”

“Of course not. I like to encourage Remington to express his creativity.” He shrugs, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “He doesn’t like to use his words.”

Now he’s just being a shit. “Are you done?” I ask, rather hatefully. “Have I passed your test?”

Halle squeezes Vance’s shoulder, and it lets me know that behind Vance’s jokes, he worries about Remington. And I could never be upset that he’s looking out for him—I’m grateful he stepped in when he did. I can’t imagine how I would feel if Halle hadn’t convinced Remington to move in with them. Langston said he had been on the run. From what? What happened to him after his adoptive parents died? Was he alone the whole time?

I grab my stomach, a pain settling so deep that I double over.

“You all right?” Astor’s hand settles on my back, and I nod.

“I was just thinking about what Langston said.” I gaze up at Halle. “Has Remington ever told you why he was at that motel?”

She shakes her head. “He doesn’t discuss his past with either of us. We didn’t even know his last name until we put him on the car insurance.”

Wait. “Did it match his adoptive parents’ last name?”

Vance clears his throat. “No. It’s probably a fake. There’s no telling what kind of trouble this kid is in.”

And the hits just keep coming. “We’ll take care of it.” Remington has been through too much. Whatever kind of mess he’s gotten into, I’ll get him out.

Because that’s what we Potters do for each other.

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