Page 1 of Reckless Desire

Chapter 1

“Funny how you can think something’s over but quickly learn it’s actually the beginning of a shitshow.” Vincent Moretti grumbled before laying his phone face down on the table and chugging down his glass of scotch. By the time he set it back down, a server had arrived at his side, taking away the empty glass and used napkin. The young man dressed in all-black attire placed a fresh napkin with an infinity insignia in its center on the table and poured Vincent another glass of McCallan. As he turned to walk away, Vincent heard the voice come from the opposite side of the table.

“Here you go with that speaking in riddles. What are you talking about?”

Vincent ran his finger along the rim of the glass before lifting it up to take a swig. He then peered across the table at his longtime friend, Maxwell Wynters, Jr., who was fondly referred to as MJ. Vincent sighed heavily, conveying his feelings of annoyance.

“I’m talking about me fixing another one of my brother’s fuck ups.”

“You’ve got more than one brother, Vince. Which one are we talking about this time?”

“Joey, who else.”

MJ raised his hand, gesturing for the server. When the young man came back to the table, he tipped his head in Vincent’s direction. “Bring us that bottle of McCallan, and let Tye know Vince is using the Romper Room when we’re done down here.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Wynters. Will do.”

“Heh, you know me too well,” Vincent said, the corners of his mouth curling into a devilish grin.

“You said Joey. It’s most certainly about to be a shitshow. You’re gonna need a few shots and then relieve some pressure.” MJ leaned in expectantly. His hands extended toward Vincent. “What’d he do now?”

“The usual. Instead of handling a case with the head on his shoulders, he was using the one below his belt. I need to remedy this before Moretti & Valentino is hit with a #MeToo lawsuit.”

“Damn. Are you serious?” MJ’s eyebrows pinched together. “Hold up. So, rather than come here, he chose to go after a woman who didn’t want him. What the fuck?”

“That’s just it. The idiot wasn’t here. He was with a client in Chicago.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me.”

“I wish I were.”

Right as MJ was about to speak, the server returned to their table with the bottle of McCallan as he’d requested. He also informed MJ the room for Vincent would be ready within an hour. Before walking away, the young man addressed Vincent directly. “Mr. Moretti, shall we call in your usual candy girl or is there someone else you would prefer?”

“No, she’ll be fine.”

“If there aren’t any special requests, she’ll be waiting for you.”

Vincent glanced at MJ, and they shared a silent understanding. It’d been some time since Vincent engaged in any activities at Club Infinity, the renowned pleasure playground for Atlanta adults to act out their wildest desires. The place was owned by MJ and his dad Maxwell, Sr., with Vincent, his dad, and his brothers being members since it opened. His latest love interest hadn’t cut it, failing to comprehend Vincent’s behavior or handle the lifestyle he was leading outside of work hours. He realized the lifestyle he’d chosen wouldn’t always be accepted. The women they chose for men like him at Infinity were part of the community. Not only would they consent, but they also enjoyed everything he would do to them. Even though he needed to blow off some steam, Vincent decided to keep it simple tonight. “No, nothing special. Thank you.”

After the young man gave a casual bow and left them alone, MJ began probing. “What’s your dad’s plan in dealing with this client? How does he expect you to take care of this one, Vince?

He drained the contents from his glass and shrugged. “Once I’m set up, I’ll figure it out. I’ve got to get there first. Then I’ll do what I always do—clean up.”

“Well, damn, how long do you expect to be there?”

“MJ, the way Joey left things, it’s going to take me at least a month to find out the whole story and get things aligned before I can even propose anything. Dad said he knows we’re coming off a lot of money to keep people quiet. I just hope it doesn’t take me as long as that last debacle.” Vincent poured himself another shot.

“How’s your mom been doing since he …” MJ’s voice trailed off.

Vincent lifted the glass of amber liquid and downed it in one gulp. He set the glass down, eyes shut tight for a moment. He hadn’t spoken about it in months. MJ had been by his side when he saw his younger brother, Joey lying unresponsive on that hospital bed. He recalled the anguish of his parents over Joey’s choices. They eventually got through it knowing that his younger brother wouldn’t have to fight those inner demons anymore. He exhaled deeply and opened his eyes. “She’s doing much better. You know her baby boy, Nico makes sure she’s good.”

MJ nodded and then snapped his fingers. “Oh, one more thing—I have to share this with you.” He picked his phone up from the table. MJ’s eyes scanned the screen as he typed on it intently. Once finished, MJ looked up at him with a beaming smile.

Vincent furrowed his brows in confusion. “What?”

“I sent you some information on an exclusive club you need to check out while you’re there. My boy knows the owner. When I went to Chicago to meet one of my players, he told me to go see it for myself. It’s not like our playhouse, but trust me, you’re going to love it. You’ll probably get a membership like I did, especially since y’all have offices in the city. I’m taking Tanya the next time I have a trip out there.”

At that moment, Vincent noticed an employee making her way toward their table. He’d seen her before but never interacted with the petite, brown-skinned girl.

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