Page 25 of Convenient Rivals

“A million,” he mumbled.

“What?” he shouted, making Gregory jump. “Did you say a million quid?”

Gregory nodded.

“How the fuck did he rack up a debt like that so quickly? You paid off the last one, didn’t you?”

He nodded again. Words weren’t coming easily. He looked down, trying not to get emotional. He was supposed to be the strong one here. Oscar put his arm around his shoulder, which startled him a bit. It was so easy to lean into his comfort. That muscular body, with so much strength, was comforting.

“I can give you the money.”

“What?” His head snapped up.

“I’ll pay the debt for you.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be doing it for nothing.”

Gregory moved back slightly, so he could look at Oscar, trying to get a read on him. He missed his touch, but that was something to unpack later.

“Is this some kind of sex contract?”

Oscar looked confused for a second and then cracked up laughing. Gregory felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Okay, calm down. It wasn’t that funny.”

“Sorry,” said Oscar, trying to get his breath back. “Nothing like that,”

“A business deal? I’m not really knowledgeable about your industry.”

“That’s crap and you know it. You could do what I do without getting out of bed.”

Gregory preened under the compliment. Maybe he had a praise kink as well.

“So, what –”

“Let me explain, instead of trying to guess.”

“Okay.”

“We get married!”

Gregory answered the door to the surveyor. Hopefully this wouldn’t take too long. He was supposed to have been here an hour ago but had called to say he was running late. They made quick introductions and Gregory gave him a tour of the place. He’d checked Jason’s room earlier to be sure nothing was lying out that could embarrass him, and he’d swept the whole place just to be safe, as you never knew with his friends. Paolo had reconnected with his lost love recently, so the flat had turned into a passion pit. Gregory wasn’t sure what a passion pit was, but it had been mentioned on an episode ofThe Golden Girlsthat he’d watched with Jason. The description seemed apt at the moment given all his brothers were loved up, except Jason, but he was happier being full up. He made a mental note to save that quip for one of their brunches. He knew Jason would find it hilarious.

It had been over a week since Oscar had made the ridiculous suggestion of a marriage of convenience. Did people still use that term? Ever since then, Gregory had been acting like a sensible adult and ignoring all his calls. Thankfully, Oscar hadn’t shown up at the flat or office, but it would only be a matter of time. That man didn’t understand the word no.

Once they’d done the rounds of the flat, he left the surveyor to look around. Gregory couldn’t believe he was going to mortgage the flat. It was something he never thought he’d do. When his business had made big money, he’d held off on buying somewhere as he wanted it to be his outright. Now the bank was going to own a chunk, but hopefully it wouldn’t be for long. His financial advisor had suggested he be cautious and get a twenty-year mortgage, but on a variable or tracker rate so there were no penalties for overpayment and early settlement. Gregory had no choice. His father had dropped him right in it this time. And where was Barty? At some fucking health spa, recovering from his trauma. He didn’t have to guess who’d be expected to pay for that.

The surveyor had finished with the guys’ bedrooms and gone up to Gregory’s suite. It was difficult not to pace around. Was he doing the right thing? He’d been through all his options, and this was all he had right now. He’d put his spare cash into the Knights Corner venture with Langdon and Sebastian, and there was no way he was pulling out of that. His business was doing well, but didn’t have a spare million pounds in it, and his investments were complex – he’d lose a lot if he pulled them early. This flat was his only option. Well, not the only one, but Oscar’s proposal was too ridiculous to even contemplate. What would happen if his brother got into more debt and there was now an expectation Gregory would pay it? Would this only end when he had nothing left? His family would probably want nothing to do with him after that, and yet here he was, fucking his own life up to save his worthless brother’s arse from getting killed. He may have gotten a beating last time, but it was obvious to anyone who watched film and TV that had just been a warning.

He was yanked out of his doom spiralling by the flat door opening, with Jason and Langdon walking in. Jason was laughing, and Langdon was scowling at him. It would be comical if Gregory weren’t panicking.

“What are you two doing here?”

They both looked surprised.

“We live here, honey,” said Jason.

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