Page 60 of Ashes

At the end of another hallway is a room.

An office, I guess.

Gianni is sitting behind a big desk. He’s wearing a suit, his dark brown hair perfectly combed. His dark eyes observe us carefully as we enter.

“Welcome,” he says as he gets to his feet. “I couldn’t wait to speak with you. Please sit.”

We settle into the black leather chairs across from him.

Gianni waves at the guards who are at the door and the man who brought us here, and they all leave, closing the door.

“I have to say your performance tonight impressed me. That was hot.” He flashes us a wide smile.

“Are you impressed enough to give us a reward?” Victor asks.

Gianni laughs. “Of course. You can have one of the VIP rooms here. They’re all equipped with everything you might need. But I think I know which room you’ll choose. It’s funny. You two look like you were made for each other. You know each other better than you even think, at least when it comes to pleasure.”

“What room do you think we’ll choose?” I ask, hoping he doesn’t expect only Victor to speak.

“Alex and Rodrigo’s. That’s why you’re here, right?” Gianni leans forward. “You don’t have to worry. I know your secret, and my lips will forever be sealed if anyone else asks.”

I open my mouth to ask what he means, but Victor places his hand over mine.

“You’re right,” he says. “Can we see the room now?”

“Yes.” Gianni opens a drawer and pulls out a key, then he gets to his feet. “Follow me.”

I guess Victor doesn’t want Gianni to know that no, we don’t know what he’s talking about.

Victor and I rise and follow Gianni out.

He goes to one of the numerous doors in the hallway and unlocks it.

“Everything is exactly like it was. Untouched.” He opens the door wide for us. “I’ll leave you two alone. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thanks,” Victor says.

We enter a spacious room, and Victor closes the door and locks it.

My gaze falls on the framed photo on the nightstand.

I go closer, unable to look away from it.

Alex and Rodrigo.

They’re both smiling and hugging.

As if they’re friends?

Lovers?

Something more?

“Victor—” I say, picking up the photo. “Why would Alex and Rodrigo have a private room here?”

But Victor’s busy staring at a tablet he’s holding in his hand.

A few moments later, his gaze lifts to me, his eyes glassy.