Page 27 of Forbidden Lust

“Gavin? Why on earth would he do that?”

“He doesn’t want his son working for his biggest competition.”

“Why didn’t you tell him to get fucked? You don’t owe him anything.”

“He offered me thirty grand.”

Daniel was stunned. Gavin offered his son thirty grand to quit his job. Why would he do that? The money was nothing to Gavin. He was worth more than Daniel, which is why he was so pissed off with his friend. How could he ignore his own kid and not provide for him?

“Why did you take his offer?”

“I made him up it to sixty. He said yes.”

“Sixty grand?”

“A year’s salary. Thought that was the least he owed me. I can get another job, pay off my debts, Carly’s fees, and finally have a bed to sleep in.”

“Wait. What do you mean, have a bed to sleep in?”

“It’s a one-bed flat, Daniel. Carly has the bedroom. I sleep on the sofa. Why do you think I didn’t want you coming up to the flat? I wanted to keep the fantasy going as long as possible.”

Daniel’s heart broke for him, but he was also filled with rage at Gavin. His son was sleeping on a sofa and theguy had fucking millions in the bank, with two daughters who had wanted for nothing their whole lives. How was this the same man he’d known for half his life? And now he was buying off his son because he was working for Oscar? This was about saving face. If word got out about who Josh was, and that he was working for Oscar Montgomery, a few guys would tease him at the bars in Leadenhall Market. That’s what this was about. He loved the guy, but Gavin’s ego had always been the size of a solar system.

“Don’t quit your job, Josh. I know you love it there, and Oscar doesn’t want to lose you.”

“What does Oscar know?” His eyes narrowed.

“He knows we spent the weekend together.”

“And?”

“And that your dad’s my best friend.”

“Oh my God,” said Josh, pacing around.

Daniel hoped Claudette wasn’t listening to all this. She would lap it up. Thankfully, she’d also be discreet, but he didn’t need her judgy mum look tomorrow morning. Maybe he should hire a cute young guy, like Oscar had. Maybe he could offer Josh a job... No, that would be ridiculous, and not good for his willpower having that temptation in front of him every day. Even now, with Josh fuming and pacing round his office, Daniel wanted nothing more than to take him over his desk.

Josh was mumbling to himself. Daniel needed to do something.

“I’ll give you the money,” he said, without thinking.

“What did you say?” asked Josh, stopping and looking at him incredulously.

“Don’t quit your job if you don’t want to. If it’s about the money, let me give it to you.”

“Why would you do that?”

Should he tell Josh how he felt about him? Not now. Thiswasn’t the time. He didn’t want it to come across as manipulative.

“I want to make this right.”

“Make what right?”

“Me and you.”

“What about us? It’s done.”

“No, Josh. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it too. I’m not giving up on us being something. Before everything kicked off on Sunday, I was going to ask to see you again, and I don’t mean for a booty call or anything like that. I want to take you on dates. I want to have a relationship with you.”

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