“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.”
CHAPTER 16
PATRICK
Patrick jerked awake to the sound of his front door closing. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table; it was two o’clock in the morning. The only other people who had a key were Jason and Sebastian, and as much as he loved his best friend, he wasn’t the person Patrick was hoping had let themselves in during the middle of the night.
He knew Jason would think he was being quiet and fumble around for a while before snuggling up next to Patrick. He was happy to keep the bed warm, waiting to have his boy back in his arms. They needed to talk, because Patrick still hadn’t shared what Grant had blackmailed him with. Patrick had spoken with his boss and they were going to run the story. He had to break the news to Milo tomorrow, and was going to offer Edward the opportunity to come out on his own terms, but if not, the story would run regardless. It was the ugly side of journalism, but Grant had been right; it was the biggest story of the year.
Patrick also needed to tell Jason he knew about the alleged infidelity, but that he didn’t see it that way. He knew his boy, and he could understand why he’d done what he had. Patrick loved him too much to let it come between them. There wasnothing Grant could do to break them up. He was certain of that now.
Patrick felt like he was drifting off again when the sound of breaking glass had him fully awake and getting out of bed. He pulled a T-shirt on and padded out to the living area. The sight that greeted him broke his heart. Jason was slumped on the floor, trying to muffle his tears. What had happened? Patrick rushed over, narrowly avoiding the broken glass, and hoisted Jason up off the floor. Jason startled for a second, before naturally leaning into Patrick. He carried Jason to the sofa and sat down with his boy on his lap. He was sobbing, so Patrick did what came naturally to him– he held him tightly and let him cry it out. When he was ready to talk, Patrick would listen and then do everything he could to take away all his pain.
Jason cried for close to half an hour before his breathing slowed. Had he fallen asleep?
“Jason,” he whispered.
“I’m still awake,” he mumbled.
“Do you want to go to bed and talk in the morning?”
“No. I can’t be here in the morning.”
Patrick’s body tensed, causing Jason to flinch. He pulled him close, kissing his forehead and stroking his back.
“Do you want to talk to me like this?” asked Patrick.
He knew Jason struggled with eye contact when he was putting his feelings out there, so it would be easier for him to talk this way. Jason nodded, but said nothing for a while. They stayed as they were, clinging to each other.
“I have to break up with you,” said Jason.
Patrick didn’t allow his body to react, but he felt his heart ache. He’d guessed this might be coming. Grant must have gotten to him. Patrick wanted to shout “fuck Grant,” but he knew how scared Jason was of him. He’d just listen to him.
“Tell me what he said,” Patrick prompted.
There was a slight gasp from Jason, and his body tensed, but he soon relaxed again into Patrick’s arms.
