Page 24 of Forbidden Lust

“I’m his assistant. I book his meetings and pick up his dry cleaning. It’s not like I’m signing off on the business plans.”

“And what’s this I hear about a regulatory investigation?”

“No idea what you’re taking about.”

Josh didn’t like lying, but he wouldn’t do anything to hurt Oscar or help this man. It was a double win.

“Look, I don’t have long,” he said, glancing at his watch. “How much are you earning there?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Your sister’s tuition is ten grand a year. How about I pay you that to quit?”

“She’s in her final year. We’re good.”

“I can pay it retrospectively. Look, PA jobs are ten a penny. You quit and I’ll give you thirty grand.”

“How do I know you’ll pay me once I’ve left?”

“You have my word.”

“Yeah, that’s gonna work ...Gavin.”

Josh wasn’t sure why the man even cared about his job. Nobody knew about his existence, and it wasn’t something Oscar would ever exploit. He wasn’t that kind of person. Gavin’s firm wasn’t even on Oscar’s radar as something he was bothered about. If they’d had this conversation a week ago, he’d have told him to get fucked. However, after his chat with Carly last night, he’d already wondered whether quitting would be best for him. Daniel and Oscar had become friends, and he’d stop by the office, especially now he was supporting the regulatory investigation. Josh wasn’t sure he could bear seeing him all the time, not after everything they’d shared. But if Gavin wanted to pay him to quit, then perhaps he could be more generous. It was time for Josh to negotiate.

“Sir... I mean Oscar, do you have two minutes?”

“Of course, Josh. Come in.”

He was nervous, but after he’d agreed to better terms with Gavin, which was a year’s salary, it was time to deliver on his side. It was money he couldn’t turn down. They could get a bigger flat, clear the last of Carly’s fees for the year, and still have plenty leftover, even if it took him a while to get a new job. He was on three months’ notice, anyway. Josh had to send Gavin proof that his resignation had been accepted and he would pay ten grand up front. The rest would be paid the day after Josh officially left Montgomery Equity.

“I came to give you this.”

He handed over his resignation letter, which he’d typed in haste, feeling nervous. It didn’t get across everything Oscar had done for him since giving him this opportunity. Oscar opened the letter, and Josh could see the disappointment in his eyes.

“Sit down, Josh.”

He took a seat, feeling awkward. He just wanted to get out of this room.

“I’ll not lie and say I’m good with this,” he said, holding up the paper. “Tell me about your new job.”

“Erm . . .”

“What’s wrong Josh? Is it a competitor?”

“No, no, nothing like that. I erm . . .”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but if there’s something I could fix here, I’d like to know. Is it more money?”

“No, no, you pay me loads.”

That was true. His father’s jaw had dropped when he’d shared what he was earning as an EA with only three years of experience.

“I just need to take some time, that’s all. Nothing you’ve done.”

Oscar sat up. “Hold on. Do you have a new job to go to?”

Josh shook his head.

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