Page 31 of Broken Promises (Soho Knights #5)

The call ended before he could say anything.

He hadn’t expected having to talk to him now, but then that was Grant– he said, and you did.

Jason wondered if he should tell one of his brothers where he was going.

He didn’t think any of them would handle it well, though, and there was no way he was telling Patrick.

He’d tell him afterwards, which would probably get him in trouble.

That could mean another spanking, which he wasn’t mad about.

The thought of having to speak to Grant on his territory was scary, but knowing he’d have a punishment from his daddy afterwards would be enough of a motivator to get him through whatever tonight was going to bring.

“This place is downmarket, even for you,” said Jason .

Grant chuckled and gestured for Jason to sit down.

The goon who’d brought him into this back room had left, so it was just the two of them.

He’d been patted down, which was hilarious.

Like Jason could ever be a threat to Grant.

The Blue Lagoon was essentially a strip club, which was a front for a brothel.

He wasn’t sure why Grant was running a place like this.

It was never something he’d been involved in before.

Gambling, protection, drugs, and guns were more his style.

Jason may not have seen his husband for two years, but he’d monitored what he was up to.

“I knew you’d come back to me eventually,” said Grant.

“That’s not what this is.”

“Got a mouth on you now, haven’t you? That’ll be that stepson of mine putting ideas in your head.”

“This has nothing to do with Langdon.”

“Well, it can’t be that old man who was fucking you. I dealt with him the other day.”

“What do you mean?” asked Jason, concerned for Patrick.

“Paid him a visit. Told him the full situation. That his new boy is a cheating whore.”

Jason winced and shrank in on himself. Grant could always do that to him.

He didn’t even have to raise his voice and Jason felt obligated to obey him.

The thing he’d realised since he’d met Patrick was that Grant had wanted someone who’d be an obedient husband, as well as submissive in the bedroom.

Patrick wasn’t like that. His priority was always Jason.

He’d never had anyone put him first before.

His brothers loved him, but this was different, and he wasn’t giving it up.

“I want a divorce,” said Jason, keeping his voice steady.

Grant burst out laughing.

“I’m being serious,” said Jason, getting annoyed.

“Patrick hasn’t dumped you yet, then, I see. Interesting. I thought he would take the deal.”

“What deal? ”

“That’s between me and the old man.”

“He’s only three years older than you.”

“Yeah, but he looks twenty years older. How does it feel getting fucked by an old man? You always loved my cock, Jason. Why don’t you get on your knees now and we can forget the last three years?”

Jason was speechless. Was he just having fun, or was he being serious?

“Even if Patrick dumps me, I’m still never coming back to you.”

“Where are you going to go when all your little friends leave you?”

Jason swallowed. He knew Grant was trying to goad him into snapping, but he wouldn’t let him have that power over him again.

“Gregory is married. Charlie will be as well soon. Paolo is leaving the country, and my boy Langdon is engaged. He has the money to buy his own place, thanks to me. Do you really think Gregory will keep that flat just for you?”

“I’ve got my own money. I can get a place.”

“Oh, I know you do. Started it off with that money you took from me.”

“It was the least you owed me.”

Grant laughed again. “You’ve got some fucking nerve, boy. I’ll give you that.”

“Don’t call me that. Only Patrick gets to call me that. You lost the right when you kicked me out.”

“You were going to leave me for dead, Jason, so don’t play the victim here.”

Jason was struggling to hold in his emotions. He stood up and started pacing around. Grant stayed in his seat, leaning back, relaxed, like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“You know what happened to Izzy. I just freaked out.”

“That might explain what you did, but it doesn’t excuse your actions. And I’m still fixing your problems for you. ”

“What problems? I don’t want you to do anything for me.”

“Really? Shall we let your mother’s parole go through this time?”

Jason stopped and looked at Grant. He was smiling, but it was anything but warm. He pointed at the seat again. Jason obeyed. It was like an impulse.

“Why do you think she’s never gotten her parole? She’s doing the full fourteen years. More, if that’s what you want?”

“How can you . . .” He trailed off. There was no point in asking that question. Grant could do whatever he wanted. “Can I ask you something and will you promise to answer me honestly?”

“Of course. I’ve never lied to you, Jason.”

“Ian?”

“Yes. Well, not me directly, but I made it happen.”

Jason sucked in a breath. He’d always suspected Grant had something to do with his stepfather’s death.

The man deserved it after what he’d done.

The thought that he might have gotten out on appeal was terrifying.

Despite knowing what had happened for years, there was something about having it confirmed that made him feel like he was responsible.

“Can I ask you something, Jason, and will you promise to answer me honestly?”

He nodded, albeit apprehensively.

“Do you love Patrick more than you ever loved me?”

Jason knew that by answering this question things could go either way, but he’d promised.

“Yes.”

Grant leaned forward. “I thought so. Thank you for being honest.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m not going to do anything, Jason. But you are.”