“Good plan.”
They silently shared the mutual gap, the missing piece. Sean’s absence had kept them from spending time together that last ten months, but it was changing. As the time for Sean’s freedom drew near, so Draco and Rory gradually drew back together.
“It’ll be good to spend time together again,” Draco added.
Rory nodded, smiling.
“I’m sorry I thumped you, the other night.”
“Forget it.” They stood in silence for a moment then Rory wiped his hands on a rag. “When you’re done with this mystery job of yours, I wondered how you’d feel about building me a website, and maybe a parts database?”
“You haven’t done that already?”
“It wasn’t George’s thing, and I was busy learning from him, so I never got to it. They’re things that’ll help, and I’d like to expand, going forward.”
Draco nodded. “Whatever happens with the current job, we’ll do it. It’ll be fun.”
“This job going longer than you expected?” Rory looked curious, just as he had the first time Draco had mentioned the job.
“Actually, that’s what I need to talk to you about. I need your help.”
Relief spread across Rory’s face. “Sure thing, what do you need?”
He was pleased to be asked a favour. Draco’s conscience pricked him. He’d come down heavy on Rory and Sky for seeing each other, and Lara was right, the only way to find out if they would work out was to let them try. There was no real reason why they shouldn’t be able to give it a shot.
“I can see you’re busy, but what I’m asking won’t take long, and I’ll make sure you get recompense. Plus, I’ll put in some hours here at the weekends, help you with your backlog.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
“You don’t know what I want you to do yet.”
“I trust you.” Rory looked at him intently as he spoke. He was looking for the same in return, regarding Sky.
Draco nodded. “It shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours out of your day, but I need to brief you.”
Rory nodded. “Can we do that while I work?”
Draco nodded. “Yes, of course.” He took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. “Got a spare overall?”
Rory grinned.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
In the early hours Draco uploaded the presentation to Rory and copied it to Compton Senior’s email address, then prayed Rory would be there on time and he’d cope. He couldn’t sleep so he played computer games to blot out thoughts until it was time to get ready. Once he’d showered and dressed in the black suit Lara liked most, he headed to the tube.
When he got to Compton Finance, Lara was waiting outside the building, hovering by the front doors. As soon as she saw him, she waved and headed to meet him. He’d never seen her look so happy.
“I’ve missed you so much.” She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately.
Draco held her close, lifting her off her feet, desperately grateful to feel her in his arms again.
“Why the hell didn’t you tell me what you had planned?” She looked up at him, demanding the truth.
“I went in on my own so you wouldn’t have to. Hey, I did keep telling you I’d do everything I could to keep you safe. I didn’t want any blame to land on you.”
“I was nearly ready to face him. I just need a bit of time to prepare. Hell, it was my idea!”
“It could’ve gone badly wrong. I care too much about you to let that happen.”