Page 178 of Indecent Lies

There was a time they would have thrown their arms around each other.

A bottle of Heineken beer already waiting for him.

How was it he’d fallen so far out of touch with his twin?

He knew why.

Malachai was always ambitious to the point he didn’t give a shit about anyone else, least of all the one who he’d shared a womb with.

Between a rock and a hard place was their relationship for a long time, he didn’t know if there was room to make it better this far in.

“You could look happier to see me, twin. It’s been a long time.”

Texas cut him a stare. “That was of your making if you remember.”

“You’re sounding bitter. I haven’t opened my mouth yet. How’ve you been? I was surprised with your message.”

“I’m fine, I thought it was about time we did this.”

“Sounds like you made a show today.” Something like a smile crossed Mal’s face. “Wish I’d seen it.”

“Yeah, something like that”

“You look different,” Malachai said. “Happy, I mean.”

Texas stared across the table and wondered why his twin didn’t look at all like his usual cocksure self.

Bridges had to start somewhere so he inclined his chin.

“I am. It took a while.”

“Is that because of Penelope?”

“The best part of it is, yeah.”

“I always thought she was a nice girl. I’m happy for you both. Ronnie is a sniveling weasel; he couldn’t find his ass if he tried.”

Texas would agree.

“How’s it going with you?”

Mal shrugged, nursing his own half empty beer. “I jacked in my case about six months ago, asked the captain for a switch.”

Suspicious, Texas asked. “Just like that? When for years you’ve chased every MC down like a personal vendetta and now you give it up before you got the stripes?”

“I wanted my fucking twin back. I lost him anyway. What the fuck do I care what a rancid MC is doing?”

It was shock that stole his breath.

And suspicion that made his tongue move.

Because as he knew, Malachai never did anything without a reason.

“You’re telling me all this bullshit was for my benefit?” Texas scoffed and sat his frame back in the seat.

“Believe it. You wouldn’t have anything to do with me, Tait. Remember? When you left the estate.”

“When I was kicked off the estate, remember the facts correct, brother. Dad didn’t like the direction I was going.”