Page 10 of Tempting Kat
“And what happens when I close my eyes and see Katarina instead of whatever girl I'm paying to fuck?” The words come out rougher than intended.
“Then you tell Vivi exactly what you want. Girl who looks like your bartender, acts like her, whatever. She'll find a match. That's the whole point, and Vivi is damn good at her job.”
“Fuck that,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “I don't want a substitute. I want her.”
“Then take her,” Matteo says simply, like I'm overthinking the most basic equation in the world. “You've got more money than God. What's stopping you?”
I rub my hand over my face, feeling the stubble scratch against my palm. “It's not that simple.”
“Sure it is. You want the girl? Grab her, throw her in your car, bring her to my cabin upstate. Keep her there until she realizes she's meant to be yours.” He bursts out laughing at his own suggestion. “I've got that place if you need it. Remote, private, no neighbors for miles.”
“You're a sick fuck, you know that? I’m not kidnapping her.” But I'm smiling even as I say it. A dark, twisted part of me considers it. Having her all to myself, no escape, no distractions. Just my kitty kat, naked and waiting for me whenever I want her.
“Takes one to know one.” He's still chuckling. “Fine, fine. Do it the boring way. Ask her out like a normal person. But if you change your mind, the lake house offer stands. I've got a room that locks from the outside.”
“You're a fucking psychopath.”
“And you love me for it.” He yawns loudly. “Look, I gotta get some sleep. But think about what I said about Vivi. Might help take the edge off until you figure out how to make your move on your Katarina.”
“Goodnight, Matteo.”
“Ciao, Connie.”
The call ends, and I toss my phone onto the bed, running both hands over my face. Matteo's always been a little unhinged, but he means well. In his twisted way, he's trying to help.
Grabbing my phone again, I pull up the contact I've had saved for years but never used.
I type out a message before I can talk myself out of it.
Matteo mentioned your business.
Vivi
Of course, I just got off the phone with my dear cousin. Access code: GALLO447. Happy window shopping, Conrad. The premium profiles should suit your particular tastes.
I stare at the screen, heat rising up my neck. That sneaky bastard.
How the fuck did you know I just want to see what you've done here?
Because I'm that damn good, Connie. Always have been. Browse all you want, but we both know you're looking for something specific.
I glare at the screen. I haven't seen Vivian in what, five years? Yet here she is, reading me like a fucking book.
Don't call me Connie.
Still touchy about the nickname, I see. Some things never change. Enjoy the catalog, Conrad.
Downloading the app from the link Vivi just sent me, I open the app to a sleek, minimalist, black background with silver text. Nothing overtly sexual. Literally could be any random ass site for anything.
I enter the access code Vivi sent, and the screen transforms. A grid of photographs appears—women and men, all impeccably dressed, all beautiful in different ways. Some are smiling warmly at the camera, others with a more reserved, mysteriousexpression. Each photo has a small icon in the corner—different colored gems, I realize. Ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond.
I click on a photo of a brunette with a ruby designation. A profile appears with basic stats—age, height, education, interests. Nothing explicit, nothing crude. It could be a dating profile except for the “arrangement preferences” section, which delicately outlines availability (weekends only), accommodation requirements (five-star hotels preferred), and financial expectations (high).
I browse through a few more profiles, impressed despite myself at the elegance of the presentation. This isn't some tacky service. It's exactly what Matteo described—a high-end matchmaking platform for people who want companionship without complications.
I'm about to close the app when a new profile loads in the diamond category. My heart fucking stops.
“What the FUCK?” I hurl my phone across the room, watching it bounce off the wall and clatter to the floor. “No. No fucking way.”
