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The next day, Ifind myself on a patient bed in the medical bay while I wait for the doctor to check the stitches in my hands. I look at the clock on the wall.

One forty. Twenty minutes before the good doctor picks apart my mind.

My phone vibratesagain.

“Fuck,” I mutter, noticing yet another incoming text message.

When my phone buzzes nonstop like operators hammering Morse code during World War I, I know I’m in deep shit.

Better to deal with it now before they fly out and check on me.Knowing my siblings, this is definitely something they would do.

I pull up the family group chat and groan at the barrage of texts waiting for me. They decided to re-name the chat to “Rex’s Unending Intervention,” which is par for the course in their antics to single out one of us each year.

Maxwell

Before I lose it as a CEO, I’m asking as your brother to return my calls. I’m worried.

Ryland

C, the headlines aren’t flattering.Gossip Timessaid you could’ve stopped when the man was down? What happened? Are you okay? Let’s hope the autopsy shows the bullet killed him, not you.

Oh look, the same worry as Elias. I wonder if the mobster has talked to him already. But at least he isn’t calling me by my two full middle names, Cassius Wentworth. That’s when I know he’s pissed.

Ethan

Bullshit. Greg Masters is out to get him. Why the hell would you stop when the perp had a gun? You disarm them. Permanently. Give him no chance to fight back.

Charles

You sound like Elias.

Steven

But wasn’t the gun on the ground already? Elias sent us photos of the crime scene. It was a bloodbath. I have to say I’m impressed, Rex. Didn’t know you had it in you.

That answers my question. Damn Elias. He probably looped in my siblings, hoping they could rein me in. Make me think before I act. I’m a ticking time bomb and I bet Elias senses it.

Taylor

I’m proud. The assholes had it coming. And just to let you know, ladies love an unhinged, morally gray man.

Charles

I can attest to that. *wink* And I got the girl.

Grace

You guys! Charles had a good reason for avenging Tay. And we keep forgetting. Thisisn’tRex! He’s the fun one! The cuddly teddy bear!

I grimace. God’s gift to mankind, sure, but a teddy bear? Come on!

Lana

C, I hate you for making me worry. I’m counting down the days until I get there. Because you apparently need babysitting.

I roll my eyes and text them a sign of life—a pic of me blowing a kiss, flashing my bandaged knuckles at the same time. Then I send another one of me giving them the middle finger.

Rex