Page 49 of Roulette: The Madam

“I–”

“Ahhh– here you are,” Matías called out, startling an already nervous Henry.

I never averted my gaze. It remained on the man before me. However, Henry was now fixated on the Colombian behind me.

“Henry–” I beckoned and was quickly granted his attention.

“I– uh–”

“What do you want it to be?”

His mouth fell open. His head shook from one side to the other. His eyes closed and then reopened almost immediately. I stood from my seat, drink and purse in tow. Matías’ cologne alerted me of his proximity. He was near. In fact, he was close enough for me to smell every note his fragrance was composed of.

“Goodnight, Henry.”

Wordlessly, he watched as I took Matías’ hand and followed the path he’d chosen to get to the table awaiting us.

“Stunning,”Matías complimented me as he pushed my chair closer to the linen.

“What brings you all this way?” I didn’t hesitate to question his motive.

“You–” he admitted. “And, a little business. I have a meeting at midnight. Just a one hour flight. Maybe one and a half.”

His accent was as sexy as he was. All thirty-two of my teeth were on full display. Trying to understand why I was so smitten with the Colombian who was supposed to be the first lesson for Chino was beyond me. Tonight, I wouldn’t worry much. I’d enjoy my martinis and his company.

“It’s so good to see you, Roulette. My bedroom misses you. So do I.”

“I’m not opposed to visiting again. When time permits, maybe I will.”

“Just say the word and I’ll have my plane in the air, coming to get you. You don’t have to worry, Roulette. With me, you never have to worry. Remember that.”

“If I had to worry, Matías, I wouldn’t be with you. At any point. On any day. At any location.”

“Ahhh. Sometimes I forget who I am talking to.”

“Please don’t ever do that because I will cut you off before I keep reminding you.”

“Fair enough, love. Fair enough. Another drink?”

“Please. Thank you.”

“And, food? I took the liberty of ordering a few dishes from the menu for us to–”

“Sounds good to me. How long have you been seated?”

“I just walked through the door a few minutes ago. I had someone call ahead of my arrival for a table and food selections. I don’t have much time.”

“Understood.”

I watched as Matías summoned the waitress. Once he placed the order for another drink, the chatter began. For a man who had very little to say to anyone, he found comfort in vomiting at the mouth when we were alone. I didn’t mind. It helped me get a better understanding of Matías the man. I’d only ever encountered Matías the drug lord. They were polar opposites.

THREE

The sun had settled in its final resting place and wouldn’t revisit Clarke until morning. Though natural lighting had evaded the city, it hadn’t escaped my home. On the theater chair, stretched out underneath the weighted blanket, was a pure ray of sunshine.

The prettiest kind.

Movie night had put Malaya right to sleep. I leaned over and collected the glasses from the tray connecting the chairs in the center. With both hands full, I made the third trip to the kitchen. I lowered the dishes into the dishwasher and began the cleaning cycle.

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