75

Abel

“There's no need for panic. I will talk to him,” I said at last, my voice resolute. There had to be some way to get him to agree. Besides, I'd like to give him one last chance, talk to him like maybe the way I should've been talking to him all along. I was so ashamed of myself. I didn't realize how much we'd drifted apart. Maybe he'd have come to me for help seven years ago if I had been a better, more understanding brother to him.

By the time Andrew arrived my place, it was eight o'clock in the morning. We'd all just finished having our breakfast, and Lana had gone up to her room, and Erin to hers with Damien when he stumbled in, reeking of liquor and causing a scene. He was propped by two men who worked for Andrew.

“What's all the fuss about, brother?”

His eyelids were drooping, and the bruises from the beating I'd given him earlier had coloured a dark purple. A wave of guilt coursed through me.

“Summoning me to your grand estate like I have nothing better to do. Well, here's s