Page 67 of Convenient Rivals

“Why would you do that, with him of all people?” asked Oscar.

Grant chuckled. “I’ve broken bones of people who’ve said less than that, but I admire your cheek.”

“I can pay the money now,” said Oscar.

“This isn’t about the money,” said Grant.

“So, if I do this favour, I don’t have to pay the money?” asked Gregory.

He still wasn’t sure where he was going to get the money from. The paperwork to loan against the flat was in his desk drawer, but that was very much Plan B. He was hoping to take it out the business somehow, but with everything that had been going on these last couple of weeks, he hadn’t looked at it properly.

“Oh, I still want my money. It’s just thefavouris of utmost importance, and urgency.”

“You agreed that the favour wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“And I stand by our agreement.”

“Okay.”

“Jason.”

Gregory tensed. “What about him?”

“This new guy, Patrick, isn’t good enough for him. Break them up.”

“What? Why?”

“I just said. He’s not good enough for Jason.”

“What is Jason to you?”

“If Jason has chosen not to share that with you, then I’m respecting his choice. Let’s just say I have a vested interest in Jason’s happiness.”

What the fuck did that mean? Gregory’s head spun as he tried to think of ways he could get out of this. He would not hurt one of his brothers. That was it.

“You agreed that nobody would get hurt.”

“Yes.”

“And this would hurt Jason. I’ve known him for almost ten years and I’ve never seen him this happy with anyone.”

He saw a flash of something in Grant’s eyes. If he hadn’t been looking, he’d have missed it. Grant’s trademark glare was back in seconds. It was one of those that would involuntarily make your whole body shiver.

“I’ve already told you, Patrick is wrong for Jason.”

“Why is he wrong?”

“That’s none of your business. Just break them up. You’ve got until the end of the month.”

“Are you serious? What am I supposed to do? I’m hardly the person Jason comes to for relationship advice, and the others all think Patrick is right for him.”

“Well, I know Jason better, and they’re wrong.”

“How do you know Jason better?”

“Enough,” shouted Grant, causing Gregory and Oscar to jump. “Make it happen, or I’ll break your boyfriend’s pretty face.”

Gregory didn’t know what to say.

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