Page 70 of Convenient Rivals

Gregory couldn’t help but remember what Paolo said, and started laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

Gregory crossed his arms and attempted a Langdon scowl. “Nobody fucks with my brothers,” he growled.

“Piss off,” said Langdon, laughing. “I don’t sound like that.”

“That’s the part you pick up on?”

“Gregory. Get back on topic. What’s going on? I promise not to kick off.”

“Grant Kincaid.”

Langdon growled so loudly it made Gregory jump.

“What the fuck has he done now?”

“I sort of, kind of... well, I made a deal with him.”

“For fuck’s sake, Gregory. Of all the people. Sit down and tell me everything.”

He did as Langdon asked. He knew some of it, but not about him getting an extension on the loan. His brothers assumed Oscar had lent him the money and he was paying him back instead. Langdon tensed up, looking angry when Gregory told him about being stopped in the street. He explained the ultimatum, but didn’t mention Jason. Langdon might bicker with Jason all the time, but he was uber-protective of their baby brother.

“Has Oscar paid the money?”

“He did it last night, and he’s had confirmation it’s been received.”

“So why is he still threatening Oscar?”

Fuck! What did he say now?

“There’s something you’re not telling me, Gregory. Who did he threaten?”

“I just don’t understand what he wants.”

“Tell me.”

“He wants me to break up Jason and Patrick.”

“Fuck!” Langdon shouted, sending everything flying off his desk, including the laptop and screen.

Gregory jumped up. He knew Langdon had a temper on him, but he’d never really seen it. Had he made a big mistake in coming here? Maybe he should have gone to one of his other brothers, but who? Charlie was engaged to Sebastian, who was Patrick’s best friend, and Paolo had been through enough lately. Langdon knew Grant, so he was best placed to help, but if he went and did something stupid, it would be all Gregory’s fault.

“I’ll deal with Grant,” said Langdon.

“No. You can’t. What if he threatens Eric?”

“He wouldn’t fucking dare. Look, don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything stupid. I’ll calm down and then I’ll speak to him. You just focus on telling Oscar how you feel, and I’ll make this go away.”

“How? Do you know why he’s got a thing for Jason?”

“Yes, but it’s not my story to tell. I don’t even think he’s told Charlie, and those two tell each other everything. Look, I won’t speak to Grant today. I need to calm down first. See Oscar. Tell him how you feel.”

“What if he doesn’t say it back?”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, but if it does, at least you’ll know.”

“Why does that sound more terrifying than dealing with Grant?”

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