Page 59 of Corrupted Memories
I hang up just as he starts arguing again and set my phone on silent so I can’t hear his returning calls. A lightness settles in my chest, and I smile, confident in my choice, no matter how insane it may be to others.
Chapter 21
Sebastian
The woman bats her eyes,stamping my hand as I walk past her. Nico is right behind me as we walk down the narrow stairs into the barely lit lounge.
Red velvet booths are spread out in the space, and women in lingerie walk around, carrying trays of drinks to the men sitting with cigars in their hands.
“It’s so cliche, it gives me second-hand embarrassment,” Nico mutters into my ear.
I grin, tilting my head toward him. “My father said they rake in millions, grifting from the elite who want a taste of the mafioso lifestyle without the risk. I’ll give them that, it’s an entertaining show.”
A woman in a tailored suit with dark, slicked-back hair and bright red lips walks toward us with a raisedeyebrow. “Mr. James, how can I help you this evening?”
“We were invited by the boss.”
Her eyes flicker and she looks over at Nico before nodding and waving toward a hall away from the main lounge. “This way then. I’ll give him a call while you wait. Did you want drinks? Ladies?”
I shake my head. “Neither. We won’t be staying for long.”
She nods again and opens a door for us. Two large couches face one another in front of a dark wood table with a bar on the far right. This must be more of a meeting room than a private oasis for gentlemen. We settle onto the couch on the left while she closes the door to leave us alone.
A dark brunette comes in a moment later, not making any eye contact as she pours herself a whiskey before settling on the couch across from us.
I raise an eyebrow. “Not looking to be entertained tonight, sweetheart.”
Her red lips quirk, and her deep brown eyes watch me with a mocking knowledge that leaves me unsettled. “Gianna, right? That’s who holds your heart.”
I stiffen, moving to rise before she clicksher tongue.
“That wasn’t a threat.” She rolls her eyes as if scolding me.
Nico clears his throat. “Who are you?”
She sets her glass down, turning it to show us a small cross near the rim before her finger swipes through it. I settle back on the couch, realizing who is sitting before us. My mouth opens, but I shut it before glancing at the glass again. If we could talk freely, she wouldn’t have had to hide the cross as a message.
“How do you know of Gianna?”
She shrugs. “Been around. Heard a few things here and there.”
“Does Luca know you have such loose lips?” I say, put off by her nonchalance.
Her long hair slips over her shoulder as she throws her head back and laughs. “Quite the opposite.”
My stomach sinks, and she raises an eyebrow, watching me questioningly.
“Do you need help?”
“Help?” she asks, confused.
I glance around. “With a different life? Do you enjoy being an escort?”
She hums. “Why would I want that? Everything I could possibly want is at my fingertips. I have no responsibilities except to fuck one ofthe most gorgeous men I’ve ever had the pleasure of intimately knowing.”
“So you’re happy? Safe?” I press.
Her lips thin. “Happy? Happiness is subjective, no? Safe? Safe in whose terms?”
