Page 20 of Pain and Pleasure

"He's at Marianne's store for the day. She mentioned that he'll be back right around dinner. I suppose that would be soon."

I nod and hop down from the bar stool, feeling bored.

"Do you need any help with dinner tonight?"

He shakes his head and smiles at me.

"No. And I wouldn't let you help even if you tried. You had your first, full day back at school. Why don't you go relax before it's time to eat?"

I sigh and stick my tongue out at him, loving his laugh as it trails behind me when I leave the kitchen. I walk towards the library, in hopes of finding a book to pass the time. It's late afternoon so I figured that Dante is probably working, plus I don't really want to be the nagging girl that clings to him after a night of passion.

The library is warm from the lit fireplace, and I decide on the classic tale of Beowulf, pulling the old copy from the shelf next to the fireplace. I take a seat on the couch and lose myself in the book for about an hour before I hear commotion coming from the direction of Dante's quarters.

I freeze and wonder if I should walk in the direction of his quarters, but I know already that that would be a bad decision to make. He's a leader in one of the most high-profile cartels in the world, and he could have a number of things going on behind his closed doors, but still I find myself worrying for him. Something that I am sure is very stupid, but also uncontrollable.

I set the book down and walk towards his bedroom, putting my ear up to the door to find the source of commotion. I hear muffled chatter and shuffling around before the door pulls open. I rear back immediately and am greeted with a very uncomfortable sight.

There, standing before me in a tight white dress, is the dark-haired beauty from Dante's party the other night. The one who caressed his chest and got him to smile at her without even trying. Jealousy seeps through my stomach and leaves through my pores. I stand there in silence as she eyes me up and down, with Dante standing behind her with confused eyes.

"Ah, so here's the toy you've decided to play with."

Her voice is breathy and beautiful just like the rest of her, but it is filled with venom and I don't miss its sting. I feel small in the presence of this woman, but I try to stand tall, refusing to look like the side piece she claims me to be. Refusing to look weak in the presence of both of them.

She approaches me and stands a breath away. Herr eyes are a shade of golden brown and they are unique just like the rest of her. She smells of rich perfume and I realize that the only hair on her body is the full set of lush, brown waves on her head.

"Dull," she utters. One word whispered out to all of us, but pertaining to me.

"Call me when you're finally bored of her,again." She eyes me once more before walking away, leaving Dante and I in an uncomfortable silence.

Again? What the fuck does that mean?

Dante stares at me, not moving or saying a word.

When will this shit show with him ever end?

I shake my head at him, holding a hand up in defense as he finally tries to move toward me. He says my name, but I ignore it as I walk away, swiping angrily at the tears that are now falling from my eyes.

10

Esmeralda

I'm backin my bedroom and it must have been a few hours since I was at Dante's door.

I’ve busied myself with one of my projects for my last semester. It is a draft of my restaurant business plan and it’s giving me a headache every time I open it, but the distraction is much needed. Dante came to knock on my door about an hour after we were left in the most awkward silence. I held up my laptop to show him that I was busy, not bothering to take my earbuds out of my ears.

He stood there in silence for a few minutes before stomping off. I don’t particularly care if he’s in a mood, he’s not the one that was just called a “dull toy” by a supermodel. That was me, Ms. Frumpy-Business Major. I wanted to sit and sulk initially, but I brushed back my tears of embarrassment and carried on with my day, burying myself in my work.

School has always been my salvation, even if it causes me frustration at times. It’s the only thing that I can throw myself into wholeheartedly, blocking out the stress of whatever reality I am currently facing. Right now, it’s the most needed distraction and I’m thankful that I have it. The draft for my restaurant is in its final stages. I’ve been working at it and perfecting it for well over two years now. Soon, I’ll have both a college diploma and the restaurant of my dreams.

Though my mom has stolen money from me on countless occasions, I’ve made sure she has never had access to my credit line. She’s never been aware of my credit cards since I opened them when I was eighteen. I’ve made sure to work tirelessly at it, perfecting my score so that I could take out a small business loan whenever I graduate college. I sit back and look at my draft with a proud smile.

I’ve wanted to replicate Ricky’s mother’s kitchen but refine it with a little bit of a fancier touch, creating the perfect balance of a fine dining establishment that feels like home. I want it to be a place where everyone is welcome, where everyone feels at home and can rejoice in the love of good food and connection.

I’m almost there. I’m almost fucking there.

A knock sounds and before I can even look up, Ricky enters with a plate of food. I smile at him and he raises an eyebrow, seeming to pick up on my weird mood.

“You’re home late,” I say, turning back to my laptop to type up more of my draft.

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