Page 106 of Roulette: The Madam

“Roulette, did you hear me?”

“Um hm. Yes. I did.”

I tried gathering myself while remembering the final part of our conversation.

“Good. I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes– yes. See you soon.”

Before any more words were spoken, she was off the line.

Rude.

I stood up from the vanity and stretched my limbs. One final glance in the mirror assured me there wasn’t a strand out of place and my threads were fitting with perfection. I grabbed the tube of red, matte lipstick and parted ways with my bedroom.

I descended the steps and exited through the garage. Inside my vehicle, I checked my reflection once more.

Perfect.

The drive toAxiswas a blur. I arrived at the valet attendant eighteen minutes after my gate had closed behind me. I’d made it inside of the restaurant one minute later. And, within twelve seconds I was across the floor, standing beside the table assigned to me and the man I’d spent the last three days engaging in casual conversation with, via text and two phone calls.

He was adamant about the connection he desired. His persistence was commendable. So was his choice of clothing and perfectly groomed face. His dark skin emphasized his barber’s expertise. The lines that formed sharp points were the work of a perfectionist.

“Good evening, Daniella.”

An extended arm signaled his thirst for skin to skin contact. I fed his ego by stepping closer and wrapping my right arm around him. My left followed. His excitement tried bursting through his slacks.

Hmph. A big boy. I noted.

“Fidel.”

My chair was pulled out by his massive hands. I sat and waited for him to have a seat across from me. He’d arrivedbefore me and had the chance to get acquainted with the waitress and staff.

“Mr. Hunter,” the waitress called out as she approached, “I see your guest has joined you.”

“Yes. Yes, Val. The beauty has graced me with her presence.”

My cheeks rose.

“Good evening, Val.”

“Evening, ma’am. Can I get you started with something to drink?”

She tipped the spout of the silver container to pour water into the empty glass on the table.

“A martini, please. Dirty.”

“Coming right up. Another drink for you, sir?”

“Yes. I’ll take another,” Fidel told her, holding up his near empty glass.

Val left the table in a haste. Her natural curls bounced with each step she took. She reminded me of my youngest sister, the baby of our bunch. Angelic. Sweet. Soft-spoken.

With my eyes fixated on her flawless frame, I observed as she halted in front of a table at the other end of the establishment. She was a favorite amongst the patrons. The distance between us and the table she stood in front of was evidence.

She rested her weight on her right side, freeing up the space to her left. Her body’s attempt to adjust to the discomfort standing on your feet for hours caused, had created a clear line of vision to the couple she was taking orders from.

My spine straightened and nipples hardened. Hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention. Saliva gathered beneath my tongue. Visions of our last night together forced my thighs together.

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