For Richer, For Poorer

By Pelaam

To successfully close a business deal, business tycoon Scott is horrified to discover he will need to find a husband in a hurry.

Having been once bitten, Scott is twice shy. But he finds a reluctant groom in his firm’s accountant, Connor, a young man who is dealing with inherited debts.

Connor is alarmed by the proposition, afraid his true feelings for the sexy older man will be discovered.

For the sake of his younger brother, he agrees to Scott’s proposal: to be Scott’s short-term husband in return for their debts to be paid off in full.

Can there be a happy ever after for either man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight
• Release date: Sep 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9780369504289

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

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Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2021 Pelaam

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0428-9

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: CA Clauson

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my partner and his support through difficult times.

FOR RICHER, FOR POORER

Pelaam

Copyright © 2021

Chapter One

Savoring his coffee, Connor ran down the list of bills that needed to be paid. Fuck, my salary’s almost gone as soon as it comes in. I don’t know how we’d manage if Jack didn’t work all the hours he can. If only Dad had told us about the gambling, about the debts.

Connor sighed and began to look again. Wishing wouldn’t solve their problems. They needed a minor miracle to climb out of the debt trap they’d been left in by their father. The loss of their mother had hit them all hard, but neither he nor his younger brother had realized just what it had done to their father. They say he died of a broken heart, but his spirit was just as damaged. He was never going to get over Mom’s loss.

The only indulgence Connor allowed himself was a coffee from the staff canteen. At half the price of one outside, Connor felt it was the one thing he could have as a treat.

Don’t you see enough figures in the office without looking at more on your break?

Connor looked up, unconsciously pushing up his glasses as his best friend from the office flopped into the chair opposite him with a dramatic sigh.

Love life derailing again, Michael? Connor asked, flicking his phone off and tucking it into his shirt pocket.

Yep. Belinda discovered I was seeing Jenny and told her. So they both walked.

I sense a ‘but’. Connor laughed softly. Casanova had nothing on Michael. He was like a butterfly, flitting from one casual relationship to another without a care. Not what I want out of life. I want more than sex, no matter how good it is.

You’re right. Michael chuckled. Fortunately, neither of them knew about Petra, so all’s good in the hood.

I don’t know how you do it. Connor shook his head. How do you keep track of who, where, and when?

That’s where your phone is a lifeline, and you don’t let your girlfriend get her hands on it unless it’s password protected. Back in the day, it was probably a little black book. Anyway, how’s that sex-on-legs boss of yours doing?

Connor stared at Michael for a moment. Scott was sex on legs. The sexiest silver fox, or Daddy, that Connor knew. The man effortlessly pushed all Connor’s buttons and he’d been attracted to Scott from the day he’d joined the firm. But hadn’t and wouldn’t act on the attraction. He glanced around to make sure no one was near enough to overhear.

"I thought you liked the ladies." Connor raised an eyebrow and Michael laughed, a little too loud, and quickly dialed it down.

As the expression goes, I may not buy from the store, but I can admire the goods. You should at least let him know you’re interested even if you don’t have the courage to ask him out yourself.

"No. Absolutely, definitely, no." Connor fixed Michael with a full-on glare until his friend held up his hands in mock-surrender.

Okay, yes, I get the message. But you haven’t answered my question.

He’s out golfing. You know how he likes to merge business with pleasure.

Well, I heard that he’s fuming over a deal he wants to close. And which he can’t without a crucial signature. Michael dropped his voice and leaned in close. "Chris is on the case and I don’t remember him looking so anxious. You know him, he has the reputation for being able to fix anything. I think this time, it’s beyond even his talents."

I doubt it. Connor shook his head. I don’t think anything can defeat Chris. He’s the irresistible force that helps Scott keep going.

Well, don’t say I didn’t have the goss hot from the presses. Michael shrugged.

Fine, but my money, if I had it to fritter, would be on Chris. Connor glanced at his watch, grimaced, and stood up. And if I were you, I wouldn’t be spreading rumors. You know Scott likes his staff to be tight lipped about everything that goes on here.

You know me, Connor, I’m the soul of discretion. Michael leaned back in his seat and fluttered his eyelashes.

Yeah. Right. Connor finished his coffee, and, with a last glance at his chuckling friend, headed to the recycle bin to drop off the cup. I don’t know the details, but Scott is looking to close a big deal. I hate to think how many millions he might stand to lose if he falls at the last hurdle. Scott’s a man used to having his way.

A soft groan escaped Connor’s lips. The image of Scott that flashed into Connor’s mind was X-rated enough