Page 41 of Convenient Rivals

“Go? What are you talking about? It’s only ten o’clock.”

“I need to speak to Gregory.”

“What on earth for? You’re here with Daniel. Don’t be rude to your date.”

Oscar shot a look at Daniel, who was clearly struggling not to crack up laughing.

“Daniel’s not here as my date.”

“Of course he is.”

“No, Gregory’s my date. Did you send him away when he arrived?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. As if I’d want to risk causing a scene. I dealt with that little leech on Boxing Day. Don’t worry, he won’t cause you any more problems. He knows exactly where he stands.”

Oscar couldn’t believe what he was hearing. That explained why he hadn’t heard from Gregory since Christmas Day. When he’d texted him about this evening and where they would meet, he’d been silent, but Oscar had assumed he would still turn up as they had a deal. How was he going to pay Grant Kincaid? Another payment was due at midnight and Gregory didn’t have it. Would he have been able to raise it in five days? Anything was possible with Gregory Balfour, but Oscar couldn’t take the chance that the man he was falling for would get hurt when he could have done something about it.

“Happy New Year, Daniel. It was... bizarre yet entertaining, meeting you.”

Daniel smirked and held up his glass before taking a sip.

“Mother... I don’t even know what say to you.”

And with that, he walked away, rushing as fast as he could. He had to get to Gregory before midnight. The night was picking up, and it was like wading through treacle trying to push through all the bodies. As he got close to the exit, he almost tripped over a guy’s foot. He looked back to throw an intimidating glare his way, but the guy was engrossed in his own conversation. Turning back towards the exit, Oscar collided with someone smaller than him, and his arms immediately shot out to steady the person. He looked down to offer an apology, and his breath caught in his throat as a familiar and mesmerising pair of green eyes looked back at him. Gregory.

CHAPTER11

GREGORY

It had been a horrendous few days, and the last thing Gregory felt like doing was celebrating the New Year. His best friends had insisted, so he was crammed into Madame Hoes – a cabaret club owned by Joey Raynor, who was Eric’s older brother. Langdon had worked here for years, but recently quit to work on their new venture in the city, which was coming along wonderfully.

He was supposed to be with Oscar, but after his mother had made her feelings quite clear, he knew it was best to walk away. He’d needed to make a deal with the literal devil to settle Barty’s debt, and not a word of thanks from his parents or his brother. Was he surprised? No. Did it still hurt? Yes. It was probably for the best that he didn’t get married to Oscar. Gregory had never had chemistry with anyone like that in his life, and he doubted he ever would again, but Oscar confused him. He couldn’t process all the different feelings he was having, and he didn’t like that. Gregory needed simplicity and predictability in his life. His friends brought enough drama. He didn’t need his own as well.

“Daddy, can you get me another drink?”

Speaking of drama, Jason had gone AWOL for four days, re-emerging glued to Patrick, who was Sebastian’s best friend. He was in his forties, and a giant bear of a man, who gave off major daddy vibes. He and Jason had been doing this dance around each other ever since Charlie and Sebastian met back in March, but this was the first time Gregory had seen them being openly affectionate to each other.

Patrick kissed Jason gently on the temple. He practically vibrated, then Patrick asked whether anyone else wanted a drink before heading to the bar with Sebastian and Max. Eric was working behind the bar tonight, so it left the five of them together, with no boyfriends.

“Come on, spill it,” said Charlie. “What’s going on with you and Patrick?”

“We’re together now.”

Charlie smiled, as did Paolo. Langdon frowned.

“What’s got you looking like that, grumps?” asked Jason.

“And you’re okay with the whole daddy thing?”

“We’re giving it a go. Seeing if it works for us.”

“Jason, I love you,” said Charlie. “But if you break that man’s heart, I’ll bitch slap you so hard.”

“I’m not going to hurt him. I’m just not sure if the boy thing is right for me and he knows that. He can just be a daddy in the bedroom. And let me tell you this, I have never been fucked so good in my life. I swear... I mean, I’ve had bigger, but he’s got nothing to be ashamed of, and he knows how to rail me. I actually had to have a break today, I’m that sore. Me. Taking a break from being fucked. It’s like a Christmas miracle.”

They all cracked up laughing.

“Never change, little brother,” said Langdon affectionately.

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