Page 123 of Scarred King

“Who?”

“You know, the two guys who work as dressers at the club.”

“Ah. No chance,” he answers firmly. “I have a reputation to keep. I will not go looking for those two.”

“Ralph!” I admonish him. “You know they say that the biggest homophobes are actually attracted to men.”

“Stop talking bullshit,” he raises his voice angrily.

“Ralph, enough.” I’m starting to lose my patience. “What did I ask? Just get one of them.”

“No,” he replies coldly.

“Don’t mess with me,” I say threateningly. “Get one of them or I’ll start spreading rumors about you.”

“Excellent. Finally, the crazy Duchess is back. You’ve been missed.” He bursts out laughing. “Wait,” he says and there’s silence on the other end of the line.

“Hi, Ralph,” I hear Victor’s soft voice in the background.

“Tell me, are you a boy or a girl?” Ralph asks grouchily.

“Give me a kiss and I’ll tell you.”

I start laughing when I hear Ralph cursing, but stop when I realize that it could finish off our conversation.

“Hello?” Victor singsongs into the phone and I sigh in relief.

“Victor, it’s Elena,” I raise my voice.

“Who?”

“The Duchess,” I laugh.

“Wow! Leo, the Duchess is on the phone with me!” he exclaims.

“I need your help. I’ll be at the bar in an hour. Can you get me ready for one more performance?”

“I don’t believe it!” he says in surprise and starts giggling. “Of course. It’s sooo boring here since you left.”

“Good. I’ll need a white dress this time.”

“The Duchess in white?” he doesn’t sound convinced. “How about dark purple? Burgundy?”

“I want white.” I say obstinately. “And I’m counting on you to make sure that this will be an unforgettable show.”

“Fine. If the Duchess wants white, she’ll get white,” he says with enthusiasm and I ask him to put Ralph back on.

“What now?” Ralph asks irritably.

“I need Ilan’s phone number.”

“Why do you need that crazy guy?” he replies curiously.

“I just do, stop asking questions. And do me a favor, don’t say anything to Liam.”

“I understand,” he says. “Let me just tell you one thing. If you are planning some sick show that will start another war here, then… I will not stop you.” He laughs and hangs up.

I stare at the phone in confusion, but before I can call him back I get a message. He’s sent me Ilan’s number.

---