Page 26 (1/2)

"When I was growing up I used to wish I was an only child," Brett said, oblivious to his current state of turave so h for me I wanted him all to myse--"

"I had a brother," he blurted out

She froze "What? But you just said--"

"He died," AJ ad a lus But I used to"

Her voice softened "I’m sorry How did he die?"

It was difficult to anshen his throat had closed up to the point of suffocation "Accident," he ht now"

To his relief, Brett rerouted her line of questioning "What was he like?"

Bitterness promptly joined the eddy of emotions in his stomach "He was perfect"

She offered a wry look "Nobody’s perfect"

"Trust ht-A student, perfect et into trouble, charround he walked on"

"How old were you when he died?"

"Eight He was sixteen"

"That’s a pretty big age difference" She paused "It makes sense that you think he was perfect Little kids always put their older siblings on a pedestal But your parents must be really proud of you, too You own a successful club, you fought professionally, and probably one so stiff he was surprised his ribs didn’t crack when he drew a breath "They’re not too thrilled about Sin, and they were even less thrilled about the fighting" Before she could respond, he rapidly changed the subject "Why isn’t your ?"

Brett’s expression went sad "She died of breast cancer when I was seven"