Page 123 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

“I would have helped, but you never gave me the chance,” Hector chided.

“I was afraid.” The honesty in Evan’s voice left no room for anger. “I knew what you would do.”

“What?” Hector couldn’t keep the surprise out of his voice.

“You would have come after me.”

“I would.” Hector acquiesced.

“You would have confronted Strachan.”

“Without hesitation.”

“You would have been killed.”

Hector opened his mouth. Then closed it again. Because Evan was right. He would have ridden straight into danger. He would have found Strachan and forced a confrontation.

For the first time, he understood why Evan had kept the secret. Not because he doubted Hector, but because he knew him.

“I could not lose you too,” Evan said quietly.

The words struck harder than Hector expected. He looked at his younger brother. And for the first time in a long time saw the brother who he loved so dearly. Not the youth he had spent years trying to guide. Not the troublemaker. A man looking back at him with the same nervous hope he had worn as a child after breaking something valuable.

Hector’s anger dissolved. He crossed the room.

Evan straightened instinctively. “I’m sorry,” Evan whispered.

Hector stopped in front of him. “You are alive. That is enough.”

Emotion flooded Evan’s face. Without another word, he stepped forward and embraced his brother. Hector froze. Physicalaffection had never come naturally to him. Awkwardly, he lifted one arm. He patted Evan’s back once.

It felt inadequate.

Evan laughed quietly through tears. “You truly are dreadful at this.”

“I have never claimed otherwise.”

“I missed you.”

Hector closed his eyes briefly. “I missed you too.”

When they stepped apart, Hector reached inside his coat. He withdrew a leather purse.

Evan frowned immediately. “No.”

Hector placed it into his brother’s hand anyway. “You will need it.”

Evan tried handing it back.

Hector refused to take it. “You intend to disappear.”

“Only for a while.”

“Then disappear comfortably.”

Evan looked genuinely distressed. “I have earned none of this.”

Hector’s expression hardened just enough to end the argument. “You are my brother.”