Page 78 of Unrequited Sloth

Bobby’s fists tensed, and again it was Gabriel’s touch that calmed him down.

“What are you talking about? I just need a little time to talk to my family. You can go if you want, and I’ll call you later.”

“I don’t think you heard me correctly. You either get your arse outside now, or you can get fucked.”

Bobby had to react quickly as Gabriel flew at Dillon.

“Like a poof could do any damage.”

The collective intake of breath across the room was loud.

“That was you on the recording,” said Alex. “You really think all those things. Is that what you think of me as well?”

Dillon looked at everyone, and it was as if he knew he had nowhere else to go. His face turned into a sneer as he turned to Alex.

“I only went after you to fuck his life up,” he said, signalling to Bobby. “That cunt thinks he’s better than everyone, and he needed showing that you can’t have everything turn out perfectly. I had no choice but to go with those other women. Why the fuck would I want to be with someone as frigid as you?”

Gabriel grabbed Dillon this time. Bobby had never seen him look so angry.

“Lay a finger on me and I’ll make sure you do time. Your kind always gets the book thrown at you.”

That was enough for Bobby, and he had a hold of Dillon as well. He’d never wanted to hurt anyone so badly in his life.

“Boys, let him go. He’s not worth getting arrested over,” said Mr M.

He was right. Dillon was vindictive enough to make sure they got prosecuted. Yes, it would no doubt feel very satisfying to hit him, but what would the cost be? They both let go of him, and he had the audacity to smirk at them.

Before Bobby could realise what was happening, Dillon was on the floor, and Mr M was standing over him with a clenched fist.

“Me, however? I’ve retired and don’t give a fuck about my career. Sorry, dear,” he said to his wife, who rushed over and hugged him.

“Get up,” said Bobby to Dillon, who was going to have one hell of a shiner tomorrow, based on the current bruising. “I’ll escort you out.”

Dillon didn’t hesitate to leave. He seemed shocked that someone had actually hit him. Once they were outside, Bobby gripped his shoulder.

“I’d think carefully before you go to the police. I can always get the guy I used to do a bit more digging into your life and make sure your employer finds out about it. Just sleep on it would be my advice.”

Dillon shook him off, a scowl back on his face. He stalked off, not looking back. Bobby wasn’t sure if Dillon would listen to him, but if he prosecuted, he might have to ask Daniel for another favour.

Walking back into the house, he could hear Alex sobbing. He’d never heard her cry like that. What she’d said about them not being right for each other was true. He hadn’t seen it either, but he wished she would have spoken to him. It could have saved them a lot of pain. But then, would he be with Gabriel now if they hadn’t been through all they had together? He wasn’t sure, and that was something he wouldn’t change for the world.

As he entered the kitchen-diner, he wasn’t surprised to see that the person whose arms she was sobbing into were Gabriel’s.

CHAPTER 24

GABRIEL

It had been two weeks since Dillon had stormed out of his parents’ house, and they’d heard nothing from him. If he intended to prosecute his dad for assault, it hadn’t happened yet. Alex had been signed off work for a month. The emotional toll of the last few months had taken a lot out of her. Gabriel was slowly rebuilding his relationship with her, but she had done some hurtful things. She was his sister, and he loved her, but things needed to change between them. Yes, Dillon had treated her like shit, but she wasn’t an innocent bystander in the whole thing. Gabriel had asked Dexter to connect Alex with some of his recruitment contacts. It would be best for her to get away from working with Dillon. She could get her promotion by moving companies as well; she had the experience and was well overdue.

Gabriel was surprised at how well his parents had taken to him being with Bobby. He knew they found it weird, but they were being supportive. It was probably partly driven by guilt for taking Alex’s side over his, but he would take it if it meant less drama. He’d had enough of that to last him a lifetime, and it was only April.

He walked into Knights Corner after work to meet Bobby – well, Bobby and his brothers. This would be the first time he’d met Martin, and he was nervous. Neither of them seemed surprised to learn that Bobby and Gabriel were a couple. They were sitting in a booth, chatting, and as Gabriel approached, they looked his way. A big smile appeared on Bobby’s face, and he bounded over like an excitable puppy, pulling Gabriel into a kiss that was a lot more than a peck, but there were no tongues.

“That’ll take some getting used to,” said Ryan.

Both brothers stood up to shake Gabriel’s hand. Bobby was on one side of the booth by himself, and he gestured for Gabriel to sit close to the wall. Then, sitting next to him, Bobby grabbed his hand and kissed it, beaming at him. How had Gabriel gotten so lucky? If it weren’t for his arse throbbing twenty-four seven, he’d keep having to pinch himself. Bobby was a horny fucker, and Gabriel hadn’t had this much sex since his early twenties. They’d turned Bobby’s room back into the home office, and also a storage room for all his trainers. He had well over a hundred pairs, and kept buying more, but if it made him happy, Gabriel didn’t care. They hadn’t spent a night apart since their first night together a month ago. Was that all it had been? It felt like they’d been together for longer, in the best possible way.

“Look at these two all loved up,” said Ryan. “Our brother is years younger than both of us, earns more than we do combined, and is married to a man.”