Page 28 of Convenient Rivals

“This is unexpected,” said Oscar, opening the door of his townhouse.

Gregory had never been here before, and as he followed Oscar, he was surprised. He thought Oscar’s home would look a little ostentatious, but he was wrong. It was all tastefully decorated, with splashes of dark colours here and there, offset against neutrals. The period features were front and centre, and hadn’t been ripped out, which was a regret he had from when the flat was renovated. It didn’t feel as homely as the flat he shared with his brothers, but it was a nice place.

“Would you like a drink?” asked Oscar, as they walked into an open-plan kitchen diner.

“Just water, thanks.”

Oscar grabbed two bottles out of his American-style fridge freezer. As he passed it over, his biceps on display, Gregory realised he wasn’t in his usual suit. Oscar was in a vest and grey tracksuit bottoms which left little to the imagination. That gorgeous arse was on display, and he had to look away so he didn’t start drooling. He took a swig of water to calm down. Gregory was nervous enough, he didn’t need to add horniness to the mix.

“I’ve been thinking about your offer,” said Gregory.

“And?” asked Oscar with a smile.

“How do you see it working?”

“We let people know we’re together, appear to have a whirlwind romance, and get married by end of January. Then I give you your money.”

“How long do we need to stay married?”

“A year.”

“Do I need to live here?”

“I think it might look odd if you didn’t, but given how close your flat is to your office, how about I only get you on weekends?”

Gregory smiled at that. This was a business deal, that’s all it was, and he had to see it that way so he could go through with it.

“Questions?”

“No... wait... did you say January?”

“Yes. I know it’s quick but –”

“Not quick enough. Grant wants the money by the end of December.”

“I’m all for being quick, but you have to wait fourteen days after you register to get married, so even if we did it tomorrow, we’d never make that deadline. I’ll talk to Grant.”

“What? No, you can’t. He’s dangerous.”

“I’m sure he’ll be amenable.”

“Have you met him before?”

“He’s been at some functions I’ve attended. We’ve never spoken, but if he’s mixed in those circles, I’m sure he’ll agree to something if I make an upfront payment. He’s obviously a reasonable man.”

“Not what I’ve heard.”

“If he wasn’t reasonable, Barty would already be dead.”

Gregory felt sick. He was right. His brother had gotten himself into this mess, and what was to say that he wouldn’t do it again? Would Gregory feel obligated to bail him out for a third time?

“So, are we doing this?” asked Oscar.

Gregory looked him in the eyes, and the heat between them felt like a wildfire. He knew he could only do this if Oscar agreed to his terms.

“I have one request.”

“Let’s hear it.”

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