Page 8

TWO

In a red strapless number, I sashayed down the seemingly never ending hallway. Wilde was on my skin. Dior was on my curves. And, Christian Louboutin was on my toes. My hair brushed against my bare back with each movement.

I wore fine bumps raised from the wintery cold establishment and the confidence my mother, brother, and father instilled in me as accessories. They paired well with the Chanel dipped in gold, diamond tennis bracelets, Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, Rolex timepiece, and Cartier ring.

I stepped into the boardroom with my nose piercing the air, my shoulders squared, and my fluffy, red-coated lips sealed. Silence painted the walls of the room for fifty. Briefly, I closed my eyes to make way for my superpower. Aside from one my siblings and I shared due to our educational advantages as it related to the average human, I’d been gifted with the ability to see things far beyond the imagination of others.

A visionary . To the highest degree.

Write the vision, make it plain . But, time a few hundred was the only logical explanation for the gift of mine. Unfortunately, my ideas didn’t need paper. My brain was wired to design that vision right in my head. It was an architectural masterpiece. My body facilitated its birth.

I was the first point of contact in one’s journey to making The Chemist’s acquaintance, and this was why. I foresaw things for people that they were unable to see for themselves. Within two seconds of meeting an individual, I knew if they were ready for or equipped with the mindset to elevate on the level Chemistry would be responsible for.

A visionary .

My job was to save Rome the hassle of meeting those who simply didn’t have the qualities of a made man. Her job was to determine if they were worthy of Chemistry’s presence, if they were good people, and if their relationship would be the start of something neither of us wanted for our family.

Discernment.

Her gift was special and unlike anything I’d ever seen. Baby was special and we’d protected her special by any means. Not only was she our heart, but she was the heart of our operation. Quite literally.

She could feel when someone or something wasn’t right. An empath by nature, she held onto much more than we’d like, but there was absolutely nothing we could do. As much of a gift discernment was, it was often the curse we all despised.

Penthouse .

Crimson red carpet, dimmed lights, blackout curtains, dramatic draping, Victorian-style wardrobes and vanities, a bar that panned the entire lower level, wordless tunes over the loudspeaker, vaulted ceilings, champagne filled trays, intimidatingly gorgeous staff, all women, full menu, thick glassware, dancing diamonds, heavy credit cards, unlimited funds, big tips, and sex galore.

A dream .

“Um,” I moaned, reopening my eyes.

Night after night, I’d dreamt of such a place. Discovering one much like it had already been born and it was where Rather had met the love of her life, led me to believe I wasn’t too far away from making the dream a reality. However, life had put a pause on those plans.

Now that I was not on Huffington’s Most Wanted list, I could see those through. But, first, I needed to see the numbers in my account balance rise. That started right here. Right now.

Kiara’s pretty face was the first in my line of vision. Her presence was as baffling as it was necessary. How she’d gotten the memo was beyond me, but business was business. I knew how to separate it from the shit show of a personal life I was leading at the moment. Obviously she could do the same.

“Kiara–” I called out.

“Please, Madam,” she begged, “I just want to help. If my presence is unsettling, I will leave. I understand and I apologize. I just thoug– I don’t know what I thought, but I’m sorry.”

As she spoke, she began packing up the things she had spread on the table. I waited until she’d filled her bag and was prepared to exit before speaking. The time was used to truly divide my worlds.

Don’t fuck with anyone I know, love, or trust.

Don’t fuck with anyone who can fuck with my money .

I trusted her more than I trusted most. That wasn’t saying much, but it was saying enough. Though a soft-spoken girl, she managed the club with an iron fist. Her approach made everyone want to listen and not disappoint her because it was rare she disappointed others.

I was the exception, and admittedly, it stung a little. Nevertheless, Roulette wouldn’t manage itself. Hiring someone new would be more of a hassle than I needed with Penthouse on the horizon. To lessen my stress, I swallowed my pride.

Visionary .

Even for myself, I could see things that others couldn’t. Kiara’s time was limited, but it wouldn’t end today. Being the bigger person was never on my list of things to-do, but tonight it was.

I would hit my target a hundred times before I rested. Kiara wasn’t it. Kiara was business. Chino was the one with a red dot on his chest.

Her guilt would swallow her alive. It was already eating away at her beauty. She wasn’t as pretty as I remembered. Her misconduct would etch away at her slowly.

The fact that she’d crossed a woman who’d been nothing short of good to her would imprison her longer than any punishment of mine. Every time I walked into the same room as Kiara, her stomach and heart would both sink. I’d always intimidate her—physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and morally .

Putting it lightly, she wasn’t fucking with me and never would. That was punishment enough. Being a basic bitch was the closest thing to living in the pits of hell and Kiara had a permanent residency.

“Leave the consequences of your personal issues on the other side of my doors. I’m not going to pacify your feelings. You’re a foul bitch, but that goes without saying. Today, I am here for Roulette, the exotic strip club, not Roulette, the best motherfucking woman in all of Clarke. Frankly, the two simply aren’t the same. Sit down.”

Slowly, she lowered her ass into the chair she’d risen from. One by one, she emptied her bag and hands of the contents that once littered the table. With a bowed head, she nodded and picked up the pen in front of her.

“Noted.”

“Good. Now, as I was saying– Kiara, we’re reopening the doors in fourteen days. Short notice, but completely manageable. I have two requests.”

“I’m listening.”

“More exclusive. More elevated. I want it to all feel different the moment they walk in. By the time they leave, I want their pockets turned inside out and their credit card companies sending verification texts to their phone for the absurd charges.”

“Understood.”

I picked up the iPad from the table and unlocked the screen. With a few taps, I gained access to the files I’d been collecting during my time in St. Catana. A few were headed in Kiara’s direction.

“I have designed a new floorplan and order of business. I am sending over the notes now. Staff. Attire. Dancers. Private rooms. Entry. High rollers lounge. The entire workup. Check your email,” I requested.

“I have it.”

“Great. Let that marinate. As for everyone else,” I breathed out, placing the iPad against my chest. “Welcome back.”

Cheering erupted in the room. The louder it grew, the more confidence I acquired for the reopening of Roulette. This time, however, it would be impenetrable. Chemistry and Psalms designed a system that would deepen the analysis of everyone who applied for employment or submitted an application to become a member.

We were no longer open to the public. It didn’t matter how long your pockets were. We would be a referral-based establishment. Two referrals would get an application sent to your preferred method of contact. After being thoroughly vetted, you were free to choose your membership tier and join the fleet of men ready to spend their life’s earnings chasing a fantasy that would never be their reality.

I pressed my index and thumb together to silence the room. The cheering came to a screeching halt. Order was restored in the room. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Kiara’s voice rang out.

“Madam–”

“Yes?”

“This floorplan– it’s a completely different build out.”

“Your point, Kiara?”

“We’d need– We’d need a full reconstruction.”

“So, we’ll have it. Seven days maximum.”

“Okay. I’ll find a crew who ca–”

“It’s already been done. There’s plenty more for you to focus on during those seven days. Wardrobe, furniture, creating the list of our most valuable clients to get in here on the day we reopen, making Roulette the best kept secret in Clarke, and whatever else is in that set of files I sent you.”

“Yes. Yes. Of course. The construction was the only section that had me worried with our fourteen day window. Now that I know that’s squared away, I can breathe.” She exhaled a shaky breath.

Bitch, that breath in your lungs is a fucking gift after what you’ve done. Be thankful .

“Hmph.”

I shifted my weight as I pushed the negativity from my brain. Today wasn’t about Kiara and neither was it about Chino.

“In front of you, you’ll find a folder. Inside of the folder are twelve sheets of paper. A new concept. A new wave. A new way of Roulette. And, by noon Monday, you will need to have memorized every word on every page.”

I began stalking the tiled floor, eyes trained on everyone in the room. No one was safe.

“Your employment depends on it. Everything is new. The rules. The regulations. The verbiage inside the club. The clientele. The payouts. The tips. The music. The vibe. Everything . Should you find yourself disagreeing with anything on those pages, consider yourself fired. No hard feelings. Life goes on.

“Understand that I won’t be explaining the changes happening. They’re made plain. If you can’t comprehend, consider yourself fired. Break a rule, consider yourself fired. I will accept nothing but flawlessness in this establishment. If that’s impossible or not a goal of yours, consider yourself fired.”

I rounded the long conference table and continued.

“The simplest rule of them all is keep your mouth shut. Less talking, more listening. Most men aren’t here for anything more than a listening ear. Be that. And, the most important rule of them all– Exude the feminine energy I’ve taught you to master and use it to your advantage. Everything you want or ever wanted from a man lies within the power of femininity. Remain sweet on them at all times. Your proceeds will overflow.

“The final two pages cover the woman’s anatomy. It should be no surprise that I studied the woman my entire eight years of college. I was fascinated with the mind, body, and structure of a woman. Obsessed, even, which is why my line of work keeps me surrounded with women. I live and breathe femininity. It’s my life’s work.

“But, it doesn’t start at twelve or thirteen when puberty hits and you become a more mature, more awakened version of yourself. The mini woman. It starts as our gender is determined at conception and as we morph into micro women in the womb. Our anatomy is where it begins. And, that’s why it’s important that you understand it.

“This will help you serve your purpose in Roulette without questioning your born-right to be exactly who this establishment calls you to be. We are the most powerful beings on this earth. It’s time more of us acted like it. I won’t accept anything less than that here.

“I’m not asking for perfection. I’m asking for flawlessness, according to Roulette’s standards. That’s not a complicated task, neither should you make it. In fact, I’ll give you a hint to make it easier, ladies– Women are flawless in their own regard. It’s in our nature. The world conforms to us, but most of us conform as the world molds us into who it wants us to be. That’s not how it was meant to be.

“The pages in this folder will help you unlearn everything you’ve been taught to stifle your greatness. Your audacity. Your identity. Your beauty. Your divine femininity. No woman should perform or think the same once they’ve come to the very last page of this folder. Not only will you be better for Roulette, you’ll be better out there too.” I tilted my head toward the door.

“Study this folder and study it well. You will be quizzed on it next Monday at noon. If you fail, consider yourself fired.”

I placed my best foot forward, opened the door of the conference room, and exited. The meeting had gone as well as it could’ve. The girls had come from their new home bases to be at the round table. They were ready to flee and come back to me. With open arms, I would accept them, under one condition.

Click.

Clack.

Click.

Clack .

They must understand their power. The power of their pussy, their tongue, their body, and their existence. Once they all understood their potency, we’d see more millions than we ever have.

“Madam.” Kiara’s voice penetrated the silence.

My eyeballs slid upward as I turned around, frustrated with her presence but understanding the mighty dollar came before my personal feelings.

“What is it Kiara?”

“I was wondering if we could talk. In private .”

“Stop wondering. I don’t pay you to do that. And, if your guilt is going to keep you this fucking annoying, like a fly that just won’t go away, then you can turn in your tablet now and your employment will be terminated.”

“I just wanted to thank you for letting me keep my job. And, just wanted to clear up any questions you had about me and– well, you know.”

“My nigga? Yes. I know. You can say his name. From the look of your belly, you’ve been doing a lot of that. Don’t mute yourself now.”

“I–”

“Aht.” I put up a finger, silencing her. “Understand that I have and will never have questions for a bitch that fucked my nigga. That’s for insecure, simple-minded motherfuckers. I’m neither. I don’t give a fuck if you slipped off a freshly mopped floor and fell onto his dick. How shit happened between them is not my business. How I handle it is.

“You’re still employed, but if you don’t stay out of my ear like a worthless gnat, then you won’t be for long. You have until your child is born to prove yourself worthy of employment because you violated in the worst fucking way. If I was the old Rouelette, I’d be dragging you and your belly across every surface you’ve ever had me fucked up on, giving that little oops baby a concussion before their first birthday.

“But, I’m growing and choosing my peace and shit. Whatever my little sister be telling me. Anyway, stay in your lane, Kiara. Don’t address shit with me or I’ll forget every breathing exercise I practiced in my absence. Do not let my lack of interest in your apologies fool you.

“I’m not playing nice, babe. I’m playing it safe. One person has already infiltrated my business. I can’t risk welcoming someone new in at this time. The company’s fragility is not to be tested right now. So, you’re safe until proven otherwise.”

“Understood.”

“Good, now get the fuck out of my face.”

“Yes, of course.”

She shuffled her feet, unsure of which way to go. I towered over her five-foot-four frame, watching as she twirled in a circle trying to find her way. When she finally snapped back into reality, she took off down the hallway, opposite of the direction I was headed in.

I made it to my office in seconds. At my desk, I made myself comfortable. I’d be here for at least another two hours sorting through the files I’d been collecting over the last two years, organizing them, and placing orders for furniture I’d already chosen to replace what we currently had. The contractors would be here bright and early tomorrow.

Game time .

Two hours quickly turned into three. My stomach was touching the fabric at the back of my dress. I glanced at the clock, making note of the time.

8:24p

Thirty-four more minutes , I promised myself.

I deepened my search for the rose-colored fabric that would look splendid against the girl’s skin.

“Bingo!”

Vrrrr.

Vrrrr .

My cell vibrated against the desk. A quick glance revealed the identity of the callers. I swiped and was connected to the call with my sisters.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

“What’s up, everyone?”

“Hey ladies.”

“You all look so pretty.”

Greetings were coming in one after the other as everyone joined the line.

“Hello, ladies,” I chimed in, eyes still glued to my screen.

“You look pretty,” Rome gushed.

“Thank you, baby.”

“Someone has plans?” Rather asked, “And haven’t planned a single date with me?”

“I’m tired of fighting for an hour of your busy schedule. Between Priest and that damn kid, I can’t win.”

“That damn kid? Roulette, you know his name.”

“So. He’s taking up all of your time.”

“Well, I am his mother, Roulette. What do you expect me to do?”

“You just met that nigga. You’ve been knowing me all your life. I am the priority.”

“Although this might sound like fingernails on a chalkboard for you, Roulette, you’re not the priority in my life. I have a husband and a child. When you–”

“Don’t wish that bad luck on me, bitch. That’s not my life’s destiny. On private jets with my titties bouncing in a wealthy nigga’s face is my fate and the only fate I’ll ever accept. Unmarried. Ovaries still intact. Pussy still tight.”

“My pussy is still tight, Rou,” Rugger clarified.

“So is mine,” Egypt added.

“Oh, honey, you’re two big head babies in. It’s got some major stretch to it. I bet you tinkle a little when you laugh,” I challenged.

As the words left my mouth, she burst into laughter. “How do you know?”

“Cause kids have no fucking regard for our bodies. That’s why I’m not risking my life to have one of them little shits. I’ll forever be Tee Rou. I’m alright with that.”

“She’s insufferable. How have you all dealt with this for so many years? Like, was she always this way?”

“Always,” they said in unison.

“And, won’t change.”

“Well, seeing as though Kiara is still alive and well and she’s not planning special therapy for her disabled child when it comes out of the womb, I’d say you have changed, sister,” Rugger stated as a matter of fact.

And, she was right.

“I’m proud of you for that,” Rome blurted. “Just remember to breathe when you feel like wrecking things. Just breathe.”

“She can breathe while beating a disloyal bitch, choking a disloyal bitch, shooting a disloyal bitch, burying a disloyal bitch, slapping a disloyal bitch, smothering a disloyal bit–”

“We get it, Royce,” Roaman yelled, getting all of our attention.

“Oh. Just saying,” she chuckled, leading the way for the rest of us.

My cheeks swelled. My back arched. And, my body shook as I doubled over in laughter.

“I got the point, sister. All of you guys are right. Did I want to drag, Kiara? Kind of. Did I? No. Will I? Still on the fence. The kid is innocent in it all but I’d be lying if I said I gave a good damn. Nevertheless, I want it to survive because I’ve been dreaming of the baby shower meatballs.”

“You’re going?”

“I am.”

“Who is going to invite you, Roulette? Be fucking for real?”

“Me if she doesn’t but I’m sure she will.”

“How? She’s fired,” Rugger asked.

“She’s down the hall, Rugger, doing her motherfucking job. Which is the main reason I didn’t drag her and that baby down the steps of Chino’s home.”

“What’s the other reason?” Roaman was curious.

“I don’t think I gave a fuck, honestly. I mean, yes, it was jarring but not jarring enough to get a rise out of me. They still haven’t gotten much of a rise out of me. If caring and not caring is a place in all of this, that’s where I am and where I will stay.”

“Then why the hell was two million wired from Chino’s off shore account to yours?”

“Because, I said I didn’t care. I didn’t say I didn’t have the sense that God gave me. He’s a nigga, Royce, he deserves to pay for the pain and suffering he assumes he’s caused. I’m letting you all know that I don’t feel any type of way about the situation. I won’t tell him. Plus, I’m not done with him. The principle of the fact will have him hurting worse than he assumes I am. He claims to know me. Obviously, he has no fucking idea about me. That’s a damn shame, because it’s going to cost him.”

“An expensive mistake,” Range tittered.

“A very fucking expensive mistake. The most expensive one that nigga will ever make.”

“Cheaper to keep her,” Rome added.

“No, baby. It’ll never be cheaper to keep me. He’s better off giving up the two mill and being done than let me tax his pockets for the rest of his life.”

“True,” Roaman agreed.

My other line buzzed. I took a peek at the screen, unsure of who could be calling. The people who had access to my line were all on the call, except Teddy and Rhea.

Unknown .

I tilted my head as if the answers to my questions would magically appear. The stirring of my gut caused me to squint my eyes. The urge to answer the call led me to ending the call with my sisters.

Fuck .

“Speak–”

The quicker I got to the reason for the call, the quicker I could get back to the one that mattered.

“Roulette, darling,” Matías breathed into the line.

The adoration laced in his tone curled my lips upward. I paused, taking a second to process the moment. I leaned backward, pressing my back against the chair.

“I’m missing you. Give me an hour of your time. One hour.”

“That’s going to cost you, Matías. I’m busy and had no intention of pausing the tasks on my list for anyone. Not even you.”

“Understood, Mama.”

“Time?”

“Nine-thirty.”

“Meaning you’re in Clarke.”

“No. It means I’m landing in Clarke soon.”

“Just to see me.”

“Just to touch you. To smell your perfume. To see your face. To hear your voice. To be in your presence. I’m addicted, Mama. I’ve been going through terrible withdrawals.”

His thick, circumcised dick appeared behind my sealed lids. I clenched the muscles of my pussy, praying for immediate relief. I hadn’t known I’d missed him until his voice was on my line.

“Nine-thirty. Blue Prime Seafood.”

“I will be there. It’s my fucking pleasure, Roulette.”

“See you then, Matías. I’ll see your deposit before you, correct?”

“Yes. Yes. Of course. It’s already crossed in the wires trying to get to you,” he confessed.

“I love a pro-active man.”

“Ahhhh. Don’t blow my head up any bigger than it is.”

“See you soon.”

“Yes. See you in a bit.”

I ended the call and rejoined the call with my sisters.

“Where’d you go?” Range asked.

“To the other line.”

“Must’ve been some dick,” Royce whispered.

“It was. And, you sound jealous,” I sniggered.

“Only thing I’m jealous of is this pending deposit.”

“How much is it?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Um hmm. My performance tonight depends on it.”

“Two hundred.”

“Oh,” I scoffed.

“What?” Rome asked.

“That won’t even get my panties on the floor. Matter of fact, I’m not wearing any. I need to go put some on for that bullshit.”

“Two hundred thousand dollars?” Rugger asked. “You’re complaining about two hundred thousand dollars?”

“No. I’m not. Not at all. I’m just making it clear that my pussy hits a little better than two hundred. Matías makes that in a few hours, babe. That’s an insult. Maybe not for a man who doesn’t have his status, but for him– it’s pocket change.”

“I understand,” Roaman said.

“Me too,” Royce agreed.

“Well, if you don’t want it, can I have it?” Rome joked.

“I never said I didn’t want it, but yes. If you need it then you can have it, baby. Whatever you want.”

Rome asked for almost nothing, which was why we gave her everything. I knew there was hardly any seriousness to her question, but it was hers to have if she wanted it.

“I was only joking.”

“I’m not.”

“Royce, send it to Rome.”

“Rou–”

“It’s only dinner, Rome. Rest your tits. Trust me, if I was sucking dick for that two hundred stacks, it wouldn’t be getting transferred to your account.”

“Right,” she responded. “Right.”

“Well,” I sighed, “It’s been good, ladies. I have dinner plans, now. My stomach is touching my back. He must’ve heard it all the way across the sea.”

“Love you. Be careful.”

“You look adorable. Don’t change a thing.”

“Stand up. Let us see the entire outfit.”

“Let her go. Even if the restaurant is five minutes away, you know it’ll take her three hours to get there,” Range fussed.

“Girl, fuck you.”

“See you later, Roulette!”

“Kiss my babies for me. Goodnight, ladies.”

I ended the call without another word. There was truth to Range’s statement, but I was already prepared. It would deduct at least two hours from the time I actually required to get myself together.

I pulled open the top drawer and removed a red thong from the personal collection reserved for moments just like the one ahead. I slid them up over my shoes and up my heavily moisturized legs. They clung to my pussy and hid between the cheeks of my ass, just where they were meant to be.

I collected my belongings and made my way over to the vanity in the corner of my office. My hand dipped into my purse to retrieve the red matte lipstick. I applied another layer, making sure it was bold and as beautiful as it was when I exited my home hours earlier.

“There.”

The drive to Blue was a breeze. With the city’s skyline as my backdrop, I cruised to my destination. My wheels came to a complete stop at the valet stand where an attendant was waiting for my arrival.

He rounded the SUV, opened the door and stepped back, allowing me to exit without crowding my personal space. A simple nod displayed my appreciation.

“Good evening, ma’am. Do you have reservations tonight?”

“I don’t.”

“Name and number please.”

“Park it up front. I won’t have any trouble identifying it or my keys.”

“Ma’am, we mus–”

“Have a nice evening, Vince.”

I straightened the name tag on his shirt and tapped my index finger against his right cheek.

“Mmkay?”

Deep in the web I’d spun, he nodded.

“Uh– yeah.”

“Thank you.”

My cheeks rose as my lips parted to present perfect white teeth. I didn’t budge. I waited for him to rescue himself from the depths of my existence before parting ways. It was important that he understood I was far from a fantasy. Neither was I a daydream. I was real and so was the moment. Batted lashes, waited patiently for Vince to gather himself.

“You’re welcome.”

I tipped my head in his direction and twirled one hundred and eighty degrees. The inside of my bottom lip rolled between my top and bottom teeth. A chuckle slipped from my lips as my head fell back slightly.

The night breeze was like candy for a sugar-addicted toddler. It gave me an unsuspected rush. It kissed my skin, promising me a good night.

I look forward to it.

I was thirty minutes early for the impromptu meeting. Nevertheless, I was anticipating my time alone at the bar as I waited to be seated. Demanding a table upon entry was the furthest from my mind.

I wouldn’t exercise any of my privileges when with or expecting a man. That was his job. Mine was to look pretty, run up his tab, have a few martinis, and keep his dick hard with my wicked smile, witty replies, and subtle touches.

Men were quite easily impressed. It was pathetic, almost. Entertaining them was one of the most simple tasks I’d ever completed in my life. Keeping my niece occupied required more energy and tenacity in my opinion.

I understood the ease of capturing the attention of the male species so well that I managed to create several streams of revenue and luxury lifestyles for women with the same mindset while doing so. Capitalizing off their egos, pride, and sexual inclination made me a multi-millionaire before my twenty-first birthday.

I couldn’t legally consume the martinis I loved so much when my account reached the two-million mark. It was a night I’d never forget. It was the first night my father held me so close, so tight, and for so long that I stopped breathing. Unintentionally . I was consumed with pride. So was he.

“Good evening, Ma’am. Welcome to B–”

I slipped past the hostess stand, continued through the sea of tables, and met an empty chair at the bar. With my fingers gripping the plush velvet it was constructed from, I pulled it out slightly. Before having a seat, I removed the adjustable purse holder from my bag and adjusted it to the thickness of the bartop. The Birkin found a temporary home on the piece of gold metal, signaling my readiness to sit, finally.

Henry . I made note of the slim, fuckable bartender with his eyeballs glued to the rim of my strapless dress, praying that my DDD breasts slipped as I scooted my chair up to the bartop. I trusted the Dior fabric with my life.

Unfortunately for Henry, my breast would remain clothed unless he had the funds to experience the things roaming through his head. Blue was a very nice spot, but I doubted they paid him Roulette Childers type of money.

“English Rose, Henry.”

“Yes. Of course. Welcome.”

I matched his pensive gaze under lustful eyes that would surely clear my tab without me spending a dollar. I ran my tongue across my flaming red lips and placed both hands in my lap.

“Any minute,” I urged, batting the perfectly applied lashes that lined my lids.

“Uh– yes. Yes. English Rose Martini, coming up.”

“I truly appreciate you, Henry.” Slowly, I displayed the manners my parents had instilled in me.

“My pleasure.”

I nodded, watching closely as he moved across the bar with ease. He worked often. The bar was his second home. He knew every bottle before his eyes ever touched the label. Every liquor. Every fruit. Every topper. Everything.

When he returned, he slid the glass across the bar, holding on to the bottom of the stem as he stared back at me. I didn’t resist the opportunity to stroke his ego. I accepted the gift he was offering, allowing my fingers to hover over his.

Our skin grazed ever so gently. His nostrils widened. The clenching of his jaw brought a smile to my face.

“Is there anything else I can get you?”

“That will be it, Henry.”

“Consider it on the house– I didn’t catch your name.”

“I didn’t throw it.”

He chuckled.

“True.”

“Are you asking for my name, Henry?”

“I am.”

“Then ask.”

I leaned in and met the glass mid-air. It was a small preview of heaven. I was convinced. The ratio of gin, lemon juice, grenadine, dry vermouth, and apricot brandy was unbeatable. I lowered the drink to the counter and shifted my gaze to find Henry’s lips ajar and his shoulders rounded as if he, too, could taste the collection of flavors.

Or taste me .

“I’m waiting.” I reminded him of the task ahead. He’d gotten sidetracked.

“Uh– Yeah. Your name.”

“What about it?” I chuckled. “I know you can do better than that. Can’t you?”

He placed a finger between his collar and neck before running it along both. His fabric was growing warmer and tighter on his frame. He cleared his throat and finally released the breath he’d been holding.

“What is your name?”

“It’s whatever you want it to be. What would you like it to be, Henry?”

“I–”

“Ahhh– here you are,” Matías called out, startling an already nervous Henry.

I never averted my gaze. It remained on the man before me. However, Henry was now fixated on the Colombian behind me.

“Henry–” I beckoned and was quickly granted his attention.

“I– uh–”

“What do you want it to be?”

His mouth fell open. His head shook from one side to the other. His eyes closed and then reopened almost immediately. I stood from my seat, drink and purse in tow. Matías’ cologne alerted me of his proximity. He was near. In fact, he was close enough for me to smell every note his fragrance was composed of.

“Goodnight, Henry.”

Wordlessly, he watched as I took Matías’ hand and followed the path he’d chosen to get to the table awaiting us.

“Stunning,” Matías complimented me as he pushed my chair closer to the linen.

“What brings you all this way?” I didn’t hesitate to question his motive.

“You–” he admitted. “And, a little business. I have a meeting at midnight. Just a one hour flight. Maybe one and a half.”

His accent was as sexy as he was. All thirty-two of my teeth were on full display. Trying to understand why I was so smitten with the Colombian who was supposed to be the first lesson for Chino was beyond me. Tonight, I wouldn’t worry much. I’d enjoy my martinis and his company.

“It’s so good to see you, Roulette. My bedroom misses you. So do I.”

“I’m not opposed to visiting again. When time permits, maybe I will.”

“Just say the word and I’ll have my plane in the air, coming to get you. You don’t have to worry, Roulette. With me, you never have to worry. Remember that.”

“If I had to worry, Matías, I wouldn’t be with you. At any point. On any day. At any location.”

“Ahhh. Sometimes I forget who I am talking to.”

“Please don’t ever do that because I will cut you off before I keep reminding you.”

“Fair enough, love. Fair enough. Another drink?”

“Please. Thank you.”

“And, food? I took the liberty of ordering a few dishes from the menu for us to–”

“Sounds good to me. How long have you been seated?”

“I just walked through the door a few minutes ago. I had someone call ahead of my arrival for a table and food selections. I don’t have much time.”

“Understood.”

I watched as Matías summoned the waitress. Once he placed the order for another drink, the chatter began. For a man who had very little to say to anyone, he found comfort in vomiting at the mouth when we were alone. I didn’t mind. It helped me get a better understanding of Matías the man. I’d only ever encountered Matías the drug lord. They were polar opposites.