Page 62 of Serving the Mogul

Tina.

My phone buzzed with a message notification, but I ignored it.

Dropping on the padded bench, I picked up the bottle of Scotch I’d brought with me and topped off the highball on the accent table. The ice had mostly melted, but I didn’t care, just as I didn’t care that I was stupid, drinking, and brooding.

Gianni’s ringtone blared in my ear. I scowled and tossed back the Scotch, a 21-year Glenfiddich that deserved much better treatment. I didn’t give a fuck about that either.

Grabbing the phone, I accepted the call. “I’m about ten seconds from hurling this piece of shit into the trash. Leave me the fuck alone.”

“Wow, you’re a surly bastard tonight,” Gianni said, her mild tone mocking my anger. “Look, I was just checking to see if you were at home or the hotel.”

“Why? I don’t want company.”

“Because my guy mentioned seeing one of your precious little escorts at your hotel. Probably looking for you. I figured you weren’t in the mood for company and wanted to give you a heads up.”

Swirling the Scotch in my glass, I sighed. “I’m home, so don’t worry about it. I appreciate you looking out for me.”

Hey, I’m not looking out for you. It’s the poor escort. You’re toxic these days.” She paused for a moment. “I’m only teasing you.”

Putting down the glass of Scotch, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Yeah, Gianni, I’m getting off the phone. I’m tired, okay?”

I didn’t wait for a response and just hung up. Kicking my feet up onto the table, I stared at the vast expanse of sky overhead, dotted with a million stars.

The deep navy color hurt to look at because it made me think of Tina’s eyes.

But I couldn’t look away either.

Lulled by the quiet music found only in nature, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift for a minute or two.

My damn phone rang.

Again.

Jerking upright as the screen lit up, the bright flare made me wince as my eyes adjusted.

Had I fallen asleep?

Maybe…

“Hello?”

“James…um, hi.” Tina’s voice was soft, hesitant, and the most beautiful sound I’d heard in days. “I…um…am I interrupting anything?”

“No.” Even if she had, it wouldn’t have mattered.

“Ah. Good. Um…you…” She stopped talking.

I heard her drag in a deep breath and let it out unsteadily.

“Are you okay?”

“I think.” She laughed, the sound edging up at the end, a sign of nerves I hadn’t ever seen from her. “Listen, I’m at your place—”

I stood to my feet, the last vestiges of sleep gone. “What? Where? The hotel?”

“No. I’m…at your house. Gianni texted after she made sure you weren’t at the hotel. I want to talk—”

“Gianni…did...what?” I’d been tricked by my sister. “Hold on. I’m coming to the door.”