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Juri

“You’re my firefly,” I said, brushing a platinum blond strand from Luca’s forehead. “The most beautiful one I’ve ever seen.”

He lifted his head, looking puzzled. “What are you talking about? A firefly?”

“Yeah. I realized it the first time I saw you behind the bar at the Gothic Party. Among all the black-clad folks, you shone like a firefly.”

“A firefly.” Luca grinned and caressed my cheek. “I’ve always seen you as my muse, but now that I realize I love you …”

“I’m a slut or …” Before I could continue, he put a finger to my lips.

“I don’t care what others think of you. You’re valuable to me.

Important. There’s so much in you. So don’t degrade yourself.

You’re on your way to becoming a photographer now.

How cool is that? You’ve achieved that all by yourself.

I wish I were as focused and determined as you.

Then I wouldn’t have to struggle with this stupid project anymore. ”

I stroked his biceps and gazed at his beautiful lips. It was incredible how comfortable I felt in his arms. And as he nuzzled his face against my neck, I realized he felt the same.

“The film turned out well,” I whispered.

He was right about me getting the wrong impression from the brief clip I had seen.

Even though the footage was taken without my consent, he had shown me every bit of respect he could in those fifteen minutes.

Through this film, he had given me a voice, speaking for so many young men who worked as callboys.

My words were never accusatory. And I never whined.

I simply told it like it was, and had I known he was filming, I wouldn’t have been able to.

“Write a concept for it, then you’ll have your degree. ”

Surprised, Luca propped himself up on one elbow. “Really? You’re giving me permission for that?”

“I’d be an idiot not to. After all, you’ve really done good work. It’s far from me to sabotage you in that regard.”

“Oh man! You’re just the best!”

Luca’s kiss was so loving that I melted again. Just for that, I would have been willing to give my consent for many more films.

Once again, we forgot about time for a while and kissed. We caressed each other and exchanged tender gestures. I had no idea how much my body had longed for this. It was as if I had a lot of catching up to do.

When Luca traced his thumb over the scar on my neck, he sighed. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you when those assholes …”

“It’s okay,” I said.

“No, it’s not. They hurt you. Did you know those guys?”

My thoughts drifted back to the evening that sent shivers down my spine repeatedly.

“I don’t know. One voice sounded familiar.

The guy who booked me paid me through the app.

And one of the other two … The memories are distorted.

I almost caught everything, but their faces were like masks.

The last few days, I’ve been waking up from nightmares.

There was this guy with a spiky haircut. This Billy Idol look-alike.”

“What? The guy from the Gothic Party who almost threw you down the stairs?”

I couldn’t bring myself to face Luca anymore.

Instead, I sat up and rubbed my face in shock.

“His name’s actually Frank. He booked me last fall, but …

The dude’s into sick stuff. The first time, he didn’t exactly rape me, but he violated almost every one of my rules.

So I blocked him. That seriously hurt his twisted ego, and he developed a desire for revenge. ”

“If you know who the guys were, you should report them.”

“I don’t stand a chance against them. They’re bankers and insurance guys. Rich jerks who can afford expensive lawyers. It’s okay. Let’s just leave it.”

With that, Luca got up, slipped into his boxers, and threw on a T-shirt.

“What are you doing?” I asked, alarmed.

“Getting my phone. It’s in the living room. I’ll call Hector.”

“What?”

As Luca actually left the room, I jumped out of bed, put on boxers and a sweater, and ran after him.

“No! Are you crazy?”

Luca handed his phone to me. “He’s a lawyer. He’ll know what to do. I can just ask him.”

“You can’t do anything! So just leave it! Please!”

“What’s going on?” Alex asked from the kitchen.

“I’m calling a lawyer,” Luca said matter-of-factly. “These guys can’t just get away with it.”

“But that’s how it goes,” I tried to explain to Luca. “Besides, the guy paid me. They’re going to get away with it anyway.”

“Not with Hector.”

“Please, Luca. I’m begging you. The whole thing is humiliating enough. I can’t even present any evidence. So just leave it.”

“Yes,” Alex suddenly interjected. “There is evidence.”

“What?” My heart sank, I felt dizzy, and I stared at him pale-faced.

“I photographed you that night after it happened. Don’t you remember? You consented. You said, ’Take the damn photos and leave me alone.’”

I didn’t remember that, but it sounded somehow just like me.

“I also kept your underwear. It was blood-stained. It never crossed my mind to wash or throw it away.”

I felt sick.

Nauseous.

Staggering, I pressed my hand to my mouth. Luca emerged beside me, guiding me to the couch. Turmoil was brewing inside me, causing my emotions to rise. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but my breath hitched, my heart raced, and I felt hot.

“What’s going on here?” Noé asked, just coming out of the shower. He was wearing only sweatpants, exposing his nearly fully tattooed upper body. He rubbed his long hair with a towel, stopping next to the dining table.

“Luca knows a lawyer,” Alex replied. “He wants to ask him for advice, about … you know.”

I gasped for air, feeling agitated.

“That’s Juri’s decision,” Noé stated firmly.

I didn’t know what to think anymore, just grateful that Noé wasn’t putting pressure on me. My memories gathered into a storm, with flashes of light illuminating the darkness for split seconds.

“But if he remembers the guys,” Luca pointed out.

“You remember?” Noé asked, surprised.

I nodded, as if confessing to a crime. “Just fragments. There’s this one guy I know from before. Frank. He hit on me at a danse macabre and almost threw me down the stairs.”

“You threw him down the stairs,” Noé accused Luca.

I couldn’t help but smile. Luca raised his hands in appeasement.

“That was before. I was there. I saw it. The guy was furious because Juri turned him down.”

“Then you’d even be a witness,” Alex said with confidence.

“Please, Juri,” Luca pleaded, kneeling in front of me and taking my hand. “Let me ask Hector. Just casually. Just to hear what he says. Whether you’d have a chance at all. After that, we’ll see. You’re not alone anymore. We’ll help you. I’ll help you.”

My gaze shifted to Noé.

“It’s your decision, Rock. Don’t feel pressured. We’ve got your back—no matter what you decide. But wouldn't it be great to get back at these guys? Who knows how many times they’ve done this shit and gotten away with it.”

Luca squeezed my hand. “We’ve got your back.”

I didn’t feel pressured. Instead, I felt paralyzed, because here were three men who wanted to help me. And that scared the hell out of me.

“Okay,” I said with a hoarse voice. “Ask him what he thinks about the situation. But please, not today.”

Luca stroked my cheek. “Of course. I’ll call him when I’m alone. Everything will be okay.”

I nodded and felt a weight lift off me. As long as Luca was with me, I felt hopeful.

“Are you guys hungry?” Alex asked. “There’s ravioli.”

Noé laughed. “If I were you, I wouldn’t say no.”

His grin was infectious, and I was just glad to be here.

“Then we definitely won’t say no,” Luca replied.

Now it was me squeezing his hand.

I would never let him go again.