Page 25 of Timber's Line
“What?”
“I’m not here for the girl. I miss my brother.”
“But you—”
“Kicked you out of the house, blamed you for ruining the family? Yes, I did.”
“I’m not following. We haven’t spoken in ten years.”
“I know, and for that, I’m sorry.”
“That’s why you’re here?”
“I called Sal and found out you were here. I followed everything that happened. Probably said some things about you I shouldn’t have, but I needed to see you.”
“I’m so confused.”
“Can we talk later?”
I hesitate.
“Please,” he pleads.
I snort because my brother has never said please. “Fine.”
“Who’s the girl?”
“Don’t. She’s a sweet girl.” He searches my eyes. I don’t know what he finds, but he nods.
“I know you’ve been going through some shit, and not just with Snow. I’m to blame for that.” I don’t say anything. “I know you have nightmares, and that led you to drink. Please let me help you.”
“We can talk later,” I grit out.
He leans closer. “I also know you’re fighting on the underground circuit.”
“What the fuck?”
“I’m going with you tonight.” He smirks at me. “I won’t tell Sal, but this is your last illegal fight, little brother.”
“What the hell?”
“For your own good.” I know he’s right. I have so many things going through my head right now—the past, the present, the future. I want to pass out.
“Action.”
“I won’t hurt her.” Brice steps around the panel, and I need to sit down.
“Your brother.” Memphis finds me sitting on the ground with my head between my legs. “Dayton?” He says my name, and I look at him. I guess the expression on my face says it all. “Fuck,” he mumbles, sitting down next to me.
“I know. Ten years I’ve held so much anger for what he did, for what my family did.”
“Ever says you’re going to see Snow,” he says.
“Yeah.”
“And fight?” he asks.
“Fuck,” I mutter.
