“Don’t call me that.” I waited a second, and then my brain clicked at something she’d just said. “What do you know about speed dating? They don’t let you escape your ivory tower.”
“That’s what you think,” she said as she winked at me. “There are a lot of things that people falsely assume about me. I let them.”
“What? Better to let them think you’re an airhead, rather than prove them right?” Kat wasn’t dumb. In fact, if she’d applied herself, she’d rival Toula in success.
“Aren’t you a little young to have such a jaded perspective?” She was baiting me for the fun of it.
I didn’t bother responding as I broke her hold. Twisting on the barstool, I turned towards the bar, searching for the bartender. I needed a fresh drink. Immediately.
“I prefer to be a realist,” she continued. “At least I don’t have to pretend that my shit doesn’t stink.”
“You better not let your mother hear that mouth of yours.” I wouldn’t be able to save her here. If I stepped in, the don would seekretribution from my brother. It wouldn’t start a war, but I wasn’t willing to defend Katalina over something stupid she’d said.
“Maybe I’ll just find someone who prefers my mouth’s other talents.”
When I didn’t respond, she winked at me again and moved on to her next victim. One day, she’d run into the man who wouldn’t back down from her. He’d take her in hand and crush that outward spirit. I’d pay big money to see that happen.
Looking at my brother again, I couldn’t help the jealousy that developed deep in my gut. I craved a woman of my own, but every time I thought I was close to the dream, reality kicked in. I was my mother’s son, preferring the whores in our brothels to anything real. Pick one off the menu. Get your rocks off and leave. Quick and easy.
Texting the madame at the house, I scheduled a dick appointment for later. I’d burn these thoughts off deep in the pussy of some nameless whore.
***