Roman: Book 2 (The Hunter Brothers Series) by L.J. Dee Page A

your brothers. I should have known that wouldn’t work. No
one could control me either.
    I tried to mould you, but please understand that it was only because
I know the hardship and danger that comes with the path you chose. All I ever
wanted was to provide for your mother and give all my boys the upbringing that
I never had. However misguided, it was driven by love and a fierce desire to
protect you all.
    If possible, Roman, don’t tell your brothers about your true
parentage. I feel certain that it won’t change how they feel about you, but I
know it will hurt Tyler particularly badly. I would rather they didn’t know
about your mothers affair, simply because I don’t want to taint her in their
eyes as I have done in yours. The affair was entirely my fault and I don’t
blame her, I never did. She had Lucas and Charlie and I was never around. I was
so busy trying to make it in business that I neglected her badly and looking back,
I’m not surprised she sought affection elsewhere. Everett was waiting in the
wings. I knew how he felt about her, but he was my best friend and I didn’t
ever think he’d act on it. When she confessed, there was no hesitation that I
wanted you both. I wanted my family. It gave me the jolt I needed to get my
priorities in order and I had never forgotten that until the day I threw you
out.
    You are my son, you have always been my son and I love you with all
my heart. I am trying desperately to find you, but you don’t want to be found.
I hope you come back to your brothers, your bond is unbreakable and whatever
happens going forward, don’t make the same mistake I did and turn your back on
the ones you love. You are stronger as a unit, Roman. Always remember that.
    My P.I did find out why you left the Special Forces and I laughed
hard at that one. I’m surprised you took orders in the army for as long as you
did. I don’t know what you’re doing now, but please be safe, son. The last
thing we need is another Hunter going into the ground before their time.  
    Live hard, love hard and laugh hard. One day we will be reunited and
I can throw my arms around you and tell you how much I love you. Until then,
take care of your brothers, especially Lucas. He’ll take on everything when I’m
gone, it’s just how he is, but help him where you can because he will never ask
for it. Charlie has amazing business prowess, but remind him not to make too
many enemies, and tell Tyler I’m proud of him. He thinks I don’t know about his
career, but of course I know everything; usually before he does. He has a rare
talent and I’m proud that he followed his own path.
    As for you, Roman, please never doubt my love for you. It runs
through my veins every bit as deep as it does for your brothers. I can never
take my words back and wish only that I could. I hope you never have to read
this letter, and that I will have all the opportunities in the world to sit
down and talk with you, explain my behaviour, argue with you, laugh with you
and see you find the happiness you’re searching for. I hope it finds you out,
and you treasure it as much as I have treasured all of you.
    Goodbye, Son.
    Dad”
    Tears were weaving
down my face in silent tracks. Roman said nothing at first, rising from his
seat by the fire. “I’m going out on the bike,” he said firmly, taking the
letter from my hands and throwing it on the corner of the grate, before he
stormed out and the lodge door slammed behind him.
    I thought it would
be what he wanted to hear. Silus Hunter’s letter had moved me to tears, but
Roman had showed no emotion whatsoever. I bent, pulling the letter from the
flames that were licking at its edges, stamping out the charred corners on the
stone hearth and waiting for it to cool. I’d keep it safe. One day he might
want to read it again, when the dust had settled and the hurt had subsided. It
wasn’t my decision, but burning it made it irretrievable, and Silus Hunter had
been right about one thing.