Page 34 of Seth

“Diego, trust me, you don’t need a horse. You don’t even have stables. I have a great pony. It’s a very gentle creature, and it doesn’t have teeth. Take the pony, and we have a deal.” Gustavo slammed his fist against the table, hoping that intimidation and the voice of reason would influence his friend.

“Mention the fucking pony again, and I’ll raise the price.” A mad glint settled in the tawny eyes. Diego raised his chin, and the lollipop stick moved from one side of his mouth to the other.

“Fucker.” Gustavo glared. “Fine, but you don’t only send me the pictures; you delete all the copies. Do that, and the horse is yours.”

Diego’s jaw dropped. A sucker nearly escaped his mouth. “Wow… You are really desperate. This guy got into your head. You know I would have eventually given them to you for free, right? But thank you for your generosity. I humbly accept your gift.”

Gustavo’s knuckles cracked as he got up, arms pressing into the desk. “You know what? I shall exchange you for the painting.”

“I’m afraid I’m not to Mayr’s liking.”

Gustavo rolled up his shirt sleeves then moved toward his friend. “Let’s see about that.”

Their phones chimed simultaneously, then again and again, choking his attack in its embryonic stage. They exchanged glances.

Diego unlocked his screen first. “Hmm… Someone just paid Mayr a visit. He was allowed in.”

Intrigued, Gustavo pulled his phone out of his pants pocket.

“Who is that?” On the screen, an older man caressed Seth’s pale cheek with his palm. “A lover?”

“Oh, don’t make such a face.” Interest in his phone lost, Diego’s peered at him. “So what if he is? It would only mean Mayr is into older men. Isn’t it great news? You have a chance, after all.”

What face?Gustavo glanced at the mirrored display to meet a deep frown cutting between his thick brows. His bloodshot eyes glared above the broken nose, reminding him that Hans ditched him and now he wouldn’t have sex for at least a week. Anger stirred.A lover, huh? Now that wouldn’t be fair, would it?

Forcing his forehead to relax, he said, “Don’t speak nonsense. I’m not jealous.”

“I didn’t say you are. You did.” Diego wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his black jacket, hiding a grin.

“You are having too much fun with this,” Gustavo lowered his voice, but even the warning glare didn’t rob Diego’s face of merriment.

Chuckling, he breathed, “You have no idea,” and shuffled to the other side of the office. Sounds of a crunched candy filled the air.

Gustavo shook his head, then looked at the picture of the elder man touching Seth’s cheek. In his early fifties, the man had a thick waist, powerful arms, and he wore a gentle but attentive expression.

A pang of envy pierced his heart. Just like that, someone was allowed into Seth’s house when he could only imagine what it looked like. Gustavo had always assumed that Seth hated physical contact, but on the picture, his face was relaxed; his neck didn’t cord.Does your lover know what you do for fun, Loco?

“They are leaving,” Diego interrupted his thoughts.

“Leaving?” Not sure how to react, Gustavo kept his face neutral.

Diego’s quick fingers tapped the screen, his forehead furrowed. “Yes, Mayr got into his car. On a rear seat. Are you relieved?”

“Would you stop? Instead of rending the air, make sure they are followed.”

Diego opened his mouth to retort, but another chime anchored his attention to his cellphone. “Oh, what do we have here… He is a doctor, a fifty-four-year-old physician, David Haas. He has a private hospital outside the city. Looks like they’re heading that way.”

“A doctor? Is Loco hurt?”

“How do I know?”

“Hmm…” Gustavo got to his feet; Diego looked up. “Let’s go.”

“Go where?”

“You said I should see a doctor. I’m going to follow your advice.” Gustavo grinned.

“Huh? I’m not sure if I should be relieved or suspicious. Tell me which one.” Diego skirted the bar, one brow lifted.