“Reyes,” I called out as I saw him leaning against the doorjamb, his usual impeccably dressed self in a tailored suit. “Do you always wear a suit?”
“I am a lawyer, so yes,” he replied. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
I entered his office, a dark expanse of black and shadows, where every surface seemed to absorb the dim light filtering through the blinds. The dark wood furniture and shelves of legal tomes deepened the stark atmosphere, with no color breakingthe monochrome. Striped patterns from the evening sun stretched across the polished floor, their muted light offering little relief. I sat, fingers tapping nervously on the cold desk, the only sound in the unnerving stillness.
“Ever thought of adding some color?”
He didn’t look amused. “Black is fine.”
“I need a file,” I finally said, my voice more determined than I felt.
“A file?” Reyes echoed, eyebrows raised in surprise.
“I was in Italy, and I saw a guy close to her,” I explained, pulling up a picture of him from the fashion show photos on my phone. “I need to know everything about him.”
“What’s with you and Dillon asking about files? Why do you need this?” Reyes leaned forward, his expression now tinged with concern. “Is it Nina?”
“Who else would it be, Reyes?”
“How are you guys still in love? It’s been five years for you and nothing? You couldn’t find another woman, dude?” Reyes retorted, his tone laced with cynicism.
My grip on his chair tightened, and I sat upright, meeting his gaze squarely. “Why is it always about that? Do you only think of getting under a girl’s skirt?” I shot back. “Mark my words, the day you feel love and know what it truly means, you’ll understand. But for now, get me that file.”
“What did the guy do?” Reyes’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, leaning in.
“He was too close to her,” I replied, the words clipped.
“Maybe he’s dating her.” He wasdefinitelypoking the bear now, grating on every nerve.
“Maybe you talk too much,” I snapped back.
He shrugged, unbothered. “I’m a lawyer. That’s my strong suit.”
“Will I get the file or not?”
“You will,” Reyes promised, offering a subtle nod. “I have to tease first.”
“Perfect.” I leaned back, a hint of satisfaction slipping through. “So, how are you, Reyes?”
“I’m doing well, but tell me more. You have a full enough life as it is. How the hell did you manage to leave your empire and get to Italy for a fashion show?”
“I took my jet,” I replied, letting the statement hang.
He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “You know what I mean, asshole.”
“I had a patient visit, and it all lined up,” I explained, recounting my arrival, the events of the show, and everything in between.
“You’re even more in love than Dillon,” Reyes observed with an amused smirk.
“Maybe.” I rose from my seat, taking in the thought. “And to answer your question, no matter how many women I’m with, they aren’t her. Plus, I’ve been abstinent for five years.”
Before Arnoldo could respond, I walked out of his office and headed home. It was still early in the evening, and I was looking forward to some relaxation. However, my plans were interrupted when Dillon called.
“Xander,” I said as I answered the phone.
“He does answer,” Dillon remarked on the other end.
“That’s weird coming from you, but yes, early night. I landed five hours ago, then had surgery to perform right after.”
