“You might be surprised.”
“He’s convinced he’s going to win big if he just keeps going.”
Rhys snorted. “He’s going to kill himself.”
“I’ve tried to tell him that a thousand times, but—”
Rhys held up a hand. “I know, but what you’re offering him—a chance to work with horses and live in a fucking mansion—is what he’d do if he ever got the big prize he’s been killing himself for.”
“He won’t like that it’s me handing it to him.”
“Maybe not, but he’s grown up a lot.” Rhys had gone straight to see his twin when we got home. He’d called me daily, trying to convince me to join them.
“Are you sure about that?”
“You know he hates how you still see him as a kid.”
“Yeah, but he’s—”
“No, he’s not.”
I blew out a long breath. Rhys was right. Rogue had been on his own a long time. Even if I didn’t approve of his lifestyle, he kept his bills paid and sent money to us when he won. And he was alive. I was so damn thankful for that.
“Can you also promise me he’s cut ties with all Dad’s associates?”
“He’s not worked with the Carlottis since he joined the rodeo.”
“But he’s worked with someone else.” I hadn’t missed how carefully my brother had worded his response.
“On occasion. Small-time stuff.”
“Goddammit.” I’d worked so hard to keep us all out of that life.
“Just go see him,” Rhys urged.
I nodded. “I will.
“Do you want me to come along?”
“No. I need to do this myself.”
“You don’t always have to do things alone, you know. You don’t have to be the strong one all the time, the one in charge. You can have help too.”
I shook my head. “I’ve got this.”
Rhys narrowed his eyes, but he didn’t say anything else.
I drained the last of my coffee and headed back inside.
* * *
Rogue was living in an RV that didn’t look like it had much life left in it. I said a quick prayer before knocking on the door.
He opened it, wearing only his boxers and blinking into the sunlight.
I wrinkled my nose. “You were still asleep at this hour?”
“Hello to you too, big brother. In case you didn’t know, rodeo hours and ranch hours aren’t the same.”