Page 28 of Mastered By Desire

“I’m glad you called,” she says instead. “She’s in a fragile place.”

“I regret ruining your vacation.”

“It isn’t ruined. Susie can stay with Claudia and I’ll support her via video sessions. And I’ll bill Claudia appropriately.”

I wouldn’t expect anything less, but the thought would sound snarky if I say it aloud.

Ending the call with Vero, I return to Claudia and wade through a meandering conversation. She bounces between her memories of Harvey and the Shinies, and her plans to cook up a big dinner for everyone.

“You’re invited too, Gagey,” she says.

“Thanks, Claudia.”

“I know you won’t come. I miss you, though.” She sighs.

If I were there in person, she’d be draping herself against me. She gets overly affectionate when she’s high and sad.

“I miss you, too.”

“And I know you miss my enchiladas. That’s what I should make for dinner and maybe you would come for the enchiladas if not for me—oh! Susie’s here.”

The phone is muffled, but I can hear their voices. I wait through listening to their greetings before hanging up.

Tucking the phone into my pocket, I sigh. I can’t save my friend, not on my own. I’ve tried. She nearly dragged me down with her.

Part of the reason I moved from LA to San Esteban was to create distance from my past. The other part was distance from Claudia. She needs, and needs, and needs, and nothing is ever enough.

I don’t blame her, and I’m not angry about it. But I can’t be the only person in her support system.

I glance around my office. The black-and-white photo of a collar and cleavage continues to remind me of Leah.

The last time I felt truly unburdened was when I watched her rock herself to an orgasm on my thigh.

I wish that girl would call me.

Dmitri

Three a.m. and the club is closing.

I lock up the passage between Vice and Low Vice. Another boring evening at work. Which was fine, because my brain wouldn’t shut up.

Gage Jannik has his sights set on Leah.

I try to figure out why this pisses me off so much.

There’s his monstrous reputation, for one. I haven’t seen it, only heard of it. Whispered rumors. He can’t be all bad if he has Betty and Margot’s respect—they co-own the club with him, after all. But Leah has had enough terrible men in her life. Mick, for example. I want to protect her from another terrible experience.

I gotta be honest with myself. Am I pissed becauseIwant her? Yeah, but I already decided I’m not going there. Not again.

Leah said it won’t happen, too. So even if I changed my mind, it’s a nonstarter.

So why am I so bothered?

Because nobody is good enough for her. Not a low-life like Shitstain Mick. Not a rich, refined reprobate like Gage Jannik.

Speak of the devil, he’s leaning against the wall, blocking the parking lot exit. If I want to get out of the building, I have to go through him.

“Montrose,” he says.

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