Page 82 of Taint My Soul

I put my clothes back on in the empty living room, and I march out of the house, dialing my brother’s number. When his voice stutters through the speaker, I ask. “You’ve got Bernard?”

“Yes.”

“And have you questioned him?” My voice shakes with anger.

“Yes, he says he’s not responsible.”

“Of course, he’s not. Torture him until he tells the fucking truth.”

“Yes, sir.” Virgil answers before the line goes dead.

Returning to my apartment, I meet Cross cooking lunch in my kitchen. I missed his art show. He smiles at me as he looks over his shoulder, and I sigh, returning the favor even though it’s not how I’m feeling at the moment.

“I heard you were back. I couldn’t make it to Genesis. I’m sorry.” He apologizes. “Um. I was hungry.” He tells him while I fetch an unfinished bottle of scotch from the bottom drawer and pour myself a drink.

“You met Father, didn’t you?” he sighs and slaps a pat on my shoulder. “He ruins everything,” Cross murmurs under his breath, voice laced with despair.

The alcohol burns down my throat as I take a sip. “But I got you something from the show. I already put it up in your room.”

“Thank you, Cross.” I remark. “Have you got anything on Neo?”

“I have been tracking him. He visited this apartment a few times, even last night. But I think he’s just there to see someone.”

“Find out who he’s visiting, what he’s doing in that building.” I drawl. I was hoping Ali would have information now, but I know he’ll deliver. He’d give me everything I needed to rip out all the threats lurking as friends in my family.

“Breakfast’s ready.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Saint, you can’t let him ruin your life. I know what it’s like being the other son.” He puts his hand on my shoulder and gives me a full-hearted smile. “Sit.” He says. “Because I also wanted to tell my big brother that I met someone, and I can’t get them out of my mind.”

“First time I’m hearing my brother’s got a girlfriend,” I mutter, and he gives me a sensitive look. “Or boyfriend.”

“Someone I shouldn’t be messing with.”

We all have someone we shouldn’t be messing with. My mind returns to Mason. Not this. Not now. I shut off my screen with an exasperated sigh and place my phone on the table just as Cross sets down the bowl of steaming yam porridge.

“Thank you.”

He fills his plate and sits opposite me. “Does he like you?”

“It’s only been two weeks.”

“You met him at the art show?” I lift my brow.

“Yes, I did.” He nods happily.

I grip my spoon and stare at the bowl of food before me, lips forming a thin line. “How do you do it? How do you know you should go after something?”

“I don’t know. It’s a feeling. I follow it.” He shrugs and looks at me. “Virgil told me about what happened with some guy you dated a while back. Don’t let that stop you from going after someone you think about very often.” Cross grew up with us but he traveled around a lot with his grandfather. Olivia and Cross are the only people who don’t exactly know who their father was. Tobias cared for Olivia mostly because he reminded her of our mother. For Cross, he never cared at all. They don’t know his crippling violence. He forged me to be his successor and beat Virgil into a soldier.

My heart warms with a feeling I haven’t had for years. I just realized how I have never had a sit-down with my youngest brother like this or even spent time with my siblings for a change.

Only father’s needs and wants.

Only the successorship.

“Wait, who is she? Your wife-to-be?” His eyes widen with excitement.