“Is your office bigger than the President’s?”
Figures. He always fixated on size.
“I don’t know the precise measurements, but it might be a square meter or so larger.”
“Nice, bruv. Well done.”
Trevor locked eyes on the beverage display but chose to keep a clear head.
“It’s more than I need. Speaking of, my suite is next door. I have an extra bedroom.”
“Thanks, but I’m good. Reserved a guest flat in Haven near my old stomping grounds.”
So much for those long, intimate heart-to-hearts Trevor hoped they might share. Connor wanted space. Fine.
“Why no heads-up?” Trevor asked.
“Ruin the surprise.”
“Yeah. It was a hell of a surprise when you wasted no time insulting the woman I love.”
Connor faced Trevor, chewing on a half-smoked cigar. He talked through tiny puffs.
“What’s-her-name might be a fine, upstanding coit, but she’s still leftovers.”
“Her name is Shireena. And you ...”
“Shut the fuck up, bruv. Right before I left this station, I told you not to give up on Effie. And you ...” He pointed his whiskey glass at Trevor, “promised not to raise the white flag. Did you even try?”
Great. Here we go.
Connor might’ve been the one wearing shiny things on his chest, but he had not been promoted to older brother.
“I remember everything we said to each other, C. You told me you’d never let me down. What happened in the first ten minutes after you returned?”
Connor raised his arms in surrender.
“Next time I see Shireena, I’ll make it right.”
“Thank you.”
“Doesn’t mean I’ll change my mind. You and Effie were perfect for each other. You had a bond for life.”
“We still do. She’s called Ana Marie. The girl who worships the ground you walk on.”
Trevor turned away. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Not even close. Sure, brothers argued; it was an unwritten rule. But today?
“Were you bullshitting Ana about her gift?”
“No. It’s coming. She’ll love it.”
“Good. I can forgive a lot of things, but not lying to my girl.”
Connor set his drink on a side table.
“Look, I’m sorry, bruv. The last ten months changed me. You’re looking at a new man. I found my place. My purpose. I’m still your brother. I love you. And that’s where it ends.”
Connor drilled those emerald eyes into Trevor with a simple demand: Do not dare look away.
Why didn’t Trevor see it coming? Did he actually expect they’d pick up where they left off?
“I sensed it when we hugged. You stashed away the old Connor.”
“Good riddance. Sonofabitch wasted all those years.”
“And now? You’re happy?”
He replied with steeled jaws, chin up.
“Never been happier or prouder. I’m making a difference out there. I’m helping to shape the future. Someday, I’ll be an Admiral. I’ll command men and women by thousands or even millions.”
He punctuated each point with his cigar hand, spilling ash.
“Look how far we’ve come, Trev. You’re the cudfrucking Governor of Amity Station. We’re leaders, like we were always supposed to be. The Stallion brothers were meant for big things. Grandfather Max knew. He drilled it into us, even when we didn’t listen.”
Trevor agreed with the final point. Max preached until his last days, focused on Chancellor legacy.
“I’ll admit, C. The last year has been a whirlwind. I, uh, have so many questions. The first being how you rose in the ranks so quickly. I’m no military man, but First Specialist to Lieutenant in less than a year is impressive.”