Actually, I'm so disappointed in some of my readers. I've had two thousand eight hundred and eight-five hits for this story. All can I say is thanks a million to those who give time to review. You mean the world to me. Don't know what I'd do without you! So, therefore, this chapter is for everyone who reviewed chapter seven:

BiccaBoo, CamFan4Ever, footychick, Corporal Nottingham and garnetred. Also, to everyone who reviewed chapter six, thanks.

Without further ado, here is chapter eight!

---

"Duty"

That night, as the stars illuminated the dark sky, Hunter sat perched on a chair outside his flat, the wind ruffling through his hair. His blue eyes were narrowed, and his chin resting on his hands, deep in thought. Lost in his mind, Hunter replayed the days' events in his head. He still felt dizzy from his short spree in the ocean. He'd nearly vomited afterwards from the sick taste of sea salt in the back of his throat, but didn't. After all, she wouldn't have found that remotely attractive.

It was strange how things had turned out, really. They'd been dancing around each other for so long, and they'd suddenly kissed? What had he been thinking? They could've drowned! And instead, what did the insensitive prick do? He kissed her, thinking nothing about the emotional trauma it might've caused her. Was he that selfish?

But, to be fair, she had kissed him back. Quite well, actually. Hunter could still remember the sweet taste of her lips. Ah, who needed cannabis when you could be become addicted to her kisses?

Hunter sighed, breathing deeply. It really was quite odd. But, where would they go from here? He wasn't the best at romancing a girl. He'd never taken one on a proper 'date'. He'd never told a girl 'I love you' before. Was that because he wasn't very proficient at wearing his heart on his sleeve, or was it because he'd never found the right girl to say it to?

He visualised Tori Hanson in his mind. She was perfect. Well, despite her temper. But, that was really one of the things he loved about her. So fiery and independent.

In all honesty, Tori was everything Hunter thought he'd never want in a girl. His theory had been to find easy girls; girls who wouldn't care about how he treated them or who he wanted to be. Girls who wanted his looks, his body. It had never been enough. Never. Hunter had always had an empty hole in his heart, one which had never been filled.

A smile graced his lips. Tori had done that. She had banished his emptiness. And he loved her for it. Yes, he loved her, more than he could say.

Suddenly, his mobile phone began to jingle. Cursing, Hunter pulled it from his pocked at answered it.

"Hello?"

A familiar voice answered. "Hunter! You don't know how good it is to hear your voice. How are you, bro?"

Blake sounded unusually down and depressed. "Yeah, Blake, I'm doing great. How's the tour going?"

Hunter heard his brother sigh morosely. "Not good. I've lost my game completely. I can't seem to think straight, let alone race."

"Ouch. What's all this over? You're the best racer I know!" Hunter exclaimed sincerely. "Surely you can get your game back somehow? It can't be as bad as you say it is."

"Um, it is. I came last yesterday. And nearly crashed."

"Ah. Well, that could prove problematic."

"That's what I thought," Blake admitted sadly. "I know why it is, though."

Hunter chuckled. "That's a start. At least we don't have to pay for therapy or something. So, what's this 'thing' that's causing you to suck at racing?"

Blake paused. "Well, I met this girl a week ago. She was amazing. A brilliant racer, better than me, I think. Anyway, we kind of got drunk a few nights back at a club, and we somehow woke up in her bed…"

"Woah, hold the phone!" Hunter interrupted. "You slept with her?"

"I reckon so," Blake continued carefully. "Only, after that, I realised that I was only attracted to her because she was so similar to Tori."

Hunter's chest tightened.

"I'm not over her, Hunter. I still love her. I want her back. Only, she's probably never going to forgive me for leaving. I don't know what to do!"

The elder Bradley brother mentally kicked himself. He'd just kissed his brother's girlfriend. He'd just admitted he loved her. What had he been thinking?

"What're you going to do?" Hunter dared to ask.

On the other end of the phone, Blake pondered his answer. "I'm coming home in two days, catching a decent flight. If I come back to her, maybe she'll see that I'm sorry, and that I'm still in love with her."

"Yeah," Hunter breathed, his eyes widening, "that…could work." He hoped Blake didn't hear the falseness in his voice.

"She's not…seeing someone, is she?" Blake said quickly.

"Err, not that I know of," he stuttered.

Blake let out a relieved sigh. "Good. Well, I'd better be going. See you soon?"

"Yeah. I'll meet you at the airport." With that, Hunter ended the call.

He hung his head in shame. How could he have thought that Blake would be over Tori? He had loved her so much. Could he have believed those feelings would just disappear? No. Of course not.

Carefully, Hunter made his decision.

He had a duty to be a loving brother first.

---

What will Hunter do next?

What will Tori say?

When will I update?

Will you review?