“Oh, absolutely. I don’t know what you were thinking, offering that woman an easy way out.” He laughed. “Even I would have known better than that, and I’m not the one with a college degree and a clean criminal record.”

Spencer felt a strange combination of relief and dread, a sensation that everything was right with the world and also terribly, horribly wrong. “You really don’t care that much about gambling?”

Caleb shrugged. “Not unless I’m staking myself against you. It was a means to an end, that’s all.”

“You don’t plan on breaking any more laws?”

“I can’t promise I won’t run the occasional red light, but no. I’ve learned my lesson. I appreciate you bailing me out and taking me in, and I doubt I’ll ever be able to repay you for it, but I don’t think I can stand the sight of this house much longer. Or, to be honest, your grumpy, unshaven face in the morning.”

Spencer released a shaky laugh. That sounded so much like the Caleb he used to know—the brother who was as much his friend as his foe—that life was suddenly taking on a much sunnier aspect.

“And you’ll go see Mom and Dad?” he persisted. “Now that you’re free?”

Caleb pulled a grimace. “If it’s that important to you, yes.”

“It is.”

His brother nodded once. Even though Caleb didn’t like it, and he wouldn’t enjoy their mom’s loving recriminations, Spencer knew he’d make good on his promise. He always had. That was something he’d forgotten in all the anxiety and annoyance of the past few months. Caleb didn’t always make the same choices Spencer would, but when he said he’d do a thing, he’d do it even if it cost him everything he had.

Just like someone else he knew.

“For the record, you’re not my equal,” Spencer said, drawing a deep breath. This next part was going to be difficult, but it had to be said. “Not in the things that matter.”

A hurt expression crossed Caleb’s face. “Even after everything I just said, everything we just—”

“When it comes to people, you’re unquestionably my master.” Spencer ran a hand through his hair and released a shaky laugh. “And I want you—no, I need you—to teach me. People like you. People freaking love you. Tell me, Caleb. What can I do to get Ruby back?”

Caleb’s wince turned to a wide, beaming smile. “Oh, Spencer. And here I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 21