Page 122 of Roulette: The Madam

“There couldn’t possibly be anything you hate about me,” I replied.

“The fact that you’re miles and miles away and I haven’t seen you in far more time than I’d like to admit.”

“Understandable.”

“So, a break? A weekend? Something.Anything.”

Admittedly, I wanted to see Matías as well. Not because I wanted him to stuff me like a twinkie, but because he offered something Israel didn’t. Simplicity. Everything about the partnership Matías and I had was simple.

He didn’t demand things from me that I wasn’t ready to give. He respected my boundaries. His selfishness ended where our arrangement began. He was open to whatever. He hardly had any objections. Just desires that were easily fulfilled because they weresimple.

There weren’t any children. Personal issues. Baby mothers. There were only vibes. And, when they changed, our situation would end. No hard feelings. No feelings at all. Things were different with Israel. Things were complicated. Things were overwhelming.

“Matías?”

Protests could be heard around the van. I chuckled, ignoring the disapproval of my sisters. Range was the only person showing interest in the fun little detail of my story. She slid closer to me, hoping she could hear what was being said on the other end.

“Cut it up,” she whispered.

The condition of Malaya’s mother had me thinking much differently about a lot of things, including the snorting of cocaine I’d witnessed from Matías the first time we were involved. Since, I hadn’t seen or as much as heard the drug being pushed up his nose.

“Yes?”

“Cocaine, is that your drug of choice?”

“To sell, yes, Madam.”

“To use.”

“I’m not a user, Roulette. I do not get high off my supply. I’m a businessman. I’m not a fool, my love.”

“The first time we spent ti–”

“I was celebrating. Cocaine is as common as having a beer after your team wins a football game. It’s not often I am celebrating, Roulette. I don’t have much to celebrate.

“But, I’d gotten my hands on you, finally. And, your generosity had me up in spirits. Should my very rare usage affect you, then I will have that beer instead. Yeah?”

Nodding as if he could see me, I responded, “Yeah. A beer sounds better.”

“Then a beer it is.”

His Colombian accent was heavy. Intoxicating. So was his willingness to comply.

“Will I be celebrating soon, my love? That is what I’d like to know.”

“Maybe. Let me work some things around my schedule and get back to you.”

“I will be waiting.”

“Later, Matías.”

“Later, later.”

The call ended and all eyes were on me. Rome was the first to enter her two cents where they hadn’t been requested.

“Once the fun ends, Israel will still be around. Ready and willing.”

“I’m aware, baby.”

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