Antonio
The blonde I brought from the club pushes up on her elbow, watching as I remove the condom and toss it into the wastebasket beside the bed. I never bring anyone to my apartment. That space is mine, untouched by the women I entertain for a night. Using our hotel helps keep them away from my real life—no strings attached.
“I’ll have my driver take you home,” I say, picking up her discarded clothes from the floor and handing them to her.
“I don’t have anywhere else to be,” she purrs, biting her bottom lip as her eyes rake over my naked body. “Wouldn’t you rather I stay for a while?”
I shake my head, giving her a tight smile. "I prefer to be alone."
She sits up, the look in her eyes shifting from sultry to slightly wounded. “Is it something I did?” she asks, frowning as she pulls her top over her head.
“No,” I say, keeping my tone neutral as I step into my boxers. “It’s not you.”
Her frown deepens, clearly not used to this kind of rejection. “You’re really not going to let me stay?”
I suppress a sigh. This part is always tedious. “I’m not. But my driver will make sure you get home safely.”
She narrows her eyes, her irritation flaring. “You know, most guys would kill to have someone like me in their bed.”
“I’m not most guys.”
She huffs but doesn’t argue further, slipping on her clothes with sharp, irritated movements. Fully dressed, she grabs her purse and turns to me. “I had a good time last night,” she says, her voice softer now, almost pleading.
“So did I,” I offer, not wanting to be a complete asshole.
When I don’t say anything more, she gets the hint and heads toward the door. I follow, making sure she has everything before she steps into the hallway. My driver’s already waiting outside, as per my text. As soon as she’s out the door, I gather my things to head home.
An email notification pops up on my phone. Hoping it’s the message I’ve been waiting for, I click the icon, my heart racing as I read the subject line. I quickly open the email, my eyes scanning the text.
From: [email protected]
Subject: 1926 Macallan Whiskey - Available for Purchase
Mr. Luciano,
I am pleased to inform you that we have acquired a rare 1926 bottle of Macallan whiskey. Given your interest in this particular vintage, we wanted to offer you the first opportunity to purchase it.
Distinguishing this offer further, this particular bottle has undergone reconditioning by The Macallan Distillery, with both the capsule and cork replaced. Additionally, a 1ml liquid sample was taken and compared with another 1926 bottle at the Edrington offices in Glasgow. The capsule was recreated by a producer in Austria, providing an identical match to the original.
The selling price is $1,200,000.00. We can arrange a discreet and secure transaction at your earliest convenience.
Best regards,
John Billings
A rare smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. This bottle is the perfect belated wedding gift for Valentino. He’s obsessed with rare whiskeys, especially the 1926 Macallan. The price is steep, but this particular bottle will bolster his ego and reinforce the illusion of my loyalty. I quickly compose my reply.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: 1926 Macallan Whiskey - Available for Purchase
Mr. Billings,
Thank you for your quick work. I’m impressed by your efficiency in locating this bottle. I’d like to move forward with the purchase immediately. Please send over the details for the transaction.
Best,
Luciano
I hit send, satisfaction washing over me. This gift is more than just a token of goodwill—it’s a calculated move. Another piece of the puzzle to keep Valentino blind to what I’m really after. He won’t suspect a thing. He’ll only see my generosity and loyalty. Meanwhile, I’ll keep digging for the truth about his involvement in Uncle Gio’s death.
It’s all part of the game.