Alejandro and I moved inside.
“This is perfect.” He stated.
“Yes, it really is. Let me show you the rest.”
“No need. I’ll take it.”
“Are you sure? We have plenty of time, you’ve only seen twenty feet of one hundred and ten.”
“I’m a man who sees what he wants and goes after it. There is no need to continue. How much?”
“$20,000,000 plus tax, title, and fees.”
“Perfect, I’ll have the money wired out this afternoon. Now that the business is over, let’s celebrate with a drink. You have made me a very happy man, Mr. Vanwell.”
“Please, it’s Sebastian and the feeling is mutual.”
We sat on the couches that over looked the water drinking and shooting the shit about nothing.
“So, Sebastian are you married?” He questioned.
“I am.”
“Happily?”
I chuckled. “Yes, very.” I affirmed.
He gave me a puzzling look questioning my response. He looked like he half believed my answer.
“In my country happily married men have their vices, tell me Sebastian, what are yours?”
“I don’t believe I understand what you’re referring to.”
“Well then, let me extend the olive branch, as you Americans call it. I would like you to be a guest of mine tonight. I will be hosting a party on this yacht. I would like for you to attend. And by all means, please bring your wife. I would love to meet her. She must be very beautiful, Sebastian.”
I didn’t like the tone of his voice, however I wasn’t about to mess up a deal.
“My wife works late on Fridays, and it would be hard for us to find a sitter on such a short notice.”
“Oh…you have a child?”
“A son, Christian.”
“A son. Nothing makes a man prouder than to have someone to carry on his name. I have a few sons of my own. I still insist that you come tonight. I would love to introduce you to some of my colleagues and friends. It would be in your benefit to make an appearance.” I nodded, understanding.
“Let me speak to my wife and see if I can work something out.”
We continued discussing stocks and boating for the next hour before we signed the paperwork and I excused myself back to the office to call Julia.
“Please, tell me you have amazing news?” She hesitated into the phone.
“You know I do.”
“Oh my God, Sebastian! I am so proud of you. I can’t believe it, this is amazing. I don’t even know what to say right now. I just…God I am thrilled and speechless.”
“Me, too, Babygirl. It couldn’t have been any easier. I would love to say I closed the deal, this man knew what he wanted before I even had him on the boat. I was just lucky enough to book with him.”
“I’m sure there’s more to it than that, Sebby. Everyone has a hard time saying no to you and you’re the best at your job. You’re the best with everything that you do.”
That was Julia, always supportive and encouraging.
“Thank you, Babygirl. How has your day been?”
“It’s been pretty busy. I was handed a new case this morning and I’m trying to gather as much information, before I meet with them this afternoon. I will be home late tonight. What time will be home? Will you be able to grab Christian from Mom’s?”
“That was another reason I was calling. Do you think your mom would mind keeping Christian tonight? The client that bought the boat is having some sort of event this evening and pretty much insisted that I be there. I know we haven’t spent much time together this week, I promise to give you my undivided attention when I get home. We can finish what we started this morning.”
“I like the sound of that. I’m sure Mom won’t mind. She’s always on me about wanting to spend more time with Christian. What time do you think you will be home?”
“I don’t know, I’ll text you.”
“Okay Sebby. I love you and I am so proud of you. I can’t wait to show you how much later.”
“I can’t wait either. I love you, too.”
I was on cloud nine for the rest of day. Life was great. Everything had fallen into place, professionally and personally. I was truly blessed for everything that I had in my life.
*Y*
Lying out by the pool would always be one of my favorite things to do. I could lay there with a good book and get lost. It was good for me to step out of my life sometimes. As much as I enjoyed what I did, I also needed downtime. I was laying out doing just that one afternoon, when I heard my phone ping letting me know I had a text message.
M – What are you doing?
Y – Laying out and reading.
M – Bella Rosa you never cease to amaze me of all the things you could be doing and you waste your time on reading. You, my love are an interesting woman.
Y – I’m exhausted. I just got back from Paris with Frederick. As you know, he never tires. You would think he led life with his dick.
M – He’s a man and thank God for that or we would be out of business. His wife is a frigid bitch who never gives it up. I think he saves it all for you.
Y – Don’t worry he should be good for the next few weeks. I aim to please.
M – Don’t I know it. You need to get your party pants on Bella Rosa. Your services have been requested for 9:00 tonight.
Y – Who?
M – Alejandro Martinez.
Y – Attire?
M – Cocktail.
Y – Location?
M – Yachting Enterprises in Biscayne Bay.
Y – Just me?
M – Some of the others girls as well, he’s having a party.
Y – Any other services other than my presence?
M – For now no, I will let you know if that changes.
Y – Ok.
Alejandro Martinez…the man had an insatiable need for cocaine and women. He was infamous for these types of parties. The parties with him would always take an interesting course of events and tonight would be no different.
*S*
I always kept a clean suit in my office. It worked for times like this, when I didn’t have time to go home. It was easier this way. The yacht was even more spectacular at night. All the lights were on, the underwater lighting lit the water, causing it to be irresistible to board her.
Her new name Skyfall, backlit with blue lighting screamed of a south beach nightclub at sea. I could hear the music at the end of the gangway. As I stepped upon the entryway I could see that the yacht was already filled with people.
“Would you like a glass of champagne, sir?” The waitress asked.
“No, thank you. I’ll grab something from the bar.”
“What would you like, I’ll get it for you?”
“Scotch neat, please.” I replied, as I felt a hand on my shoulder.
“A hard liquor man, I see. You know you can tell a lot about a man from his preference of alcohol.” Alejandro turned to the waitress.
“Make that two, please.” He turned back to me.
“Sebastian, I’m glad you could make it. I assume the wife didn’t give you too much trouble?” What was it with this man and my wife?
“Not at all.” I expressed.
“Fantastic. Please, follow me. Let me introduce you to some of my friends.”
I had hung out with several prominent individuals in Miami, they were everywhere in this town, and this yacht wasn’t any different. There weren’t many women around, mostly men with their liquor and cigars.
The women that I did see were perfect, almost too beautiful if there is such a thing. They were scattered around here and there, and as the night progressed the more temptation you could feel in the air.
Alejandro had offered me some cocaine at one point, I respectfully turned it down. I wasn’t into that sort of thing, it wasn’t my first time being around it and I’m sure it wouldn’t be the last. I was thankful Julia hadn’t come, she would have
had my ass.
That was one thing about Julia she hated drugs.
“So tell me, Sebastian, are you always this much of a boy scout?” Alejandro questioned, as he wiped his noise.
“No, not a boy scout. I just don’t partake in these types of activities; by all means, don’t mind me. It doesn’t bother me, to each their own. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom.”
*Y*
“Here, Bella.” Brooke said, as she passed me the rolled up hundred dollar bill.
“I’m okay.” I replied as I finished touching up my lipstick.
“Bella, you know Alejandro would shit himself if he knew you were passing up his Columbian finest. He gave me this for us earlier tonight.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ll just take a bump though.”
I used my pinky nail and raised some to each nostril. I snorted until I felt it ease its way to the back of my throat and quickly make its way through my bloodstream. Alejandro’s stash was always the purest; I knew he did much more than what he claimed.
As soon as I tasted the chemical drip, my eyes watered, I felt my heart rate speed up, my pupils dilated and my face felt numb. All it took was five seconds, to feel like I was invincible. Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
I checked myself in the mirror and wiped my nose for any residue to spread on my upper teeth.
“You ready, doll?” I asked Brooke.
“Yep, I’m all good, Bells.”
I reached to open the door of the restroom and as my hand touched the handle it turned on its own, instantly pulling forward from the other side.
“What the hell?” I said, as I lost my footing and my hand collided with a firm chest.
S
Shit…I had been in such a rush to use the restroom I hadn’t thought about someone being in there. I steadied the woman in my arms. She was a petite little thing. I was worried that I had hurt her.
“I’m sorry, are you alright?” I asked with a smile. She moved her face up towards mine and I was greeted with the greenest familiar eyes. Eyes that I hadn’t seen in years. My smile evaded.
“Olivia?” I could hear my own desperation in my voice.
“Excuse me?” She replied, as she tried to step away from my embrace, which inadvertently made me tighten my hold. I couldn’t speak, I was tongue-tied. This woman looked identical to Olivia. I felt as though my mind was playing tricks on me and this was some sort of a cruel joke.
I could see the daze and confused look on her face.
“I appreciate the help, but I can stand on my own. You can let go now.” She asserted.
“I- I’m sorry.” I sputtered, as I let her go.
She stood straight up, composing her dress, and then her hair.
“You know you could try knocking next time. It’s usually polite to knock before barging into a bathroom. I could have been indecent.”
This tiny woman was feisty…I couldn’t take my gaze away from her eyes, her mouth, her face. She looked just like Olivia, my Olivia. How could this be happening?
Her left eyebrow rose in curiosity, she was getting impatient with me. I needed to say something…anything…
“I apologize. I’m usually more well-mannered.” I explained.
She grinned at me eyeing me up and down.
“No worries.”
We stood there for a few moments not saying anything. My mind was racing with thoughts on how much she looked like Olivia. She could have been her twin. She was an older version of her, not by much, this was Olivia grown up. She was probably in her early twenties. How the fuck could this even be possible?
“Why are you looking at me like that?” She smirked, breaking me from my thoughts, which made me chuckle.
“I’m sorry…God I keep saying that, huh? It’s just that you remind me of someone. It’s as if we’ve met before.”
“Trust me Baby, if we’d met before you’d remember. There wouldn’t be any doubt.” She teased. “I’m Ysabelle.” She said as she extended her right hand to me.
“Sebastian.” I replied while shaking her hand and in that moment I didn’t want to let go. I wanted to pull her to me. I wanted to hug and embrace her.
“Well then…it was nice meeting you, Sebastian. Maybe, I’ll see you again.” She stood on the tips of her toes, catching me off guard, and kissed me on my cheek, mere inches from my lips. She grabbed a blonde woman’s hand that I hadn’t noticed, and walked away from me. I wanted to run to her, shake her, and tell her she was Olivia. That she was mine. I knew in my mind that she wasn’t Olivia, but my heart kept telling me that she was. I hadn’t felt those feelings in years. I was so torn. I needed to know her.
In the matter of a second all the feelings, thoughts, desires, wants, and needs were back in a flash. I felt the longing tugging at my heart. I needed to get my shit together. I walked into the bathroom and splashed water on my face.
“What the fuck are you doing, Sebastian?” I urged my reflection.
I needed to get the fuck out of there. I needed to go home to my family. I needed to forget what just happened, why couldn’t I move my feet? Why was just the thought of not seeing her again, hurting me so bad? I felt as though I couldn’t breathe.
I walked out of the bathroom and went straight to the bar.
“Two shots of Patrón.” I gulped both of them back eagerly and still felt like I wanted more. I wanted to forget this feeling. I wanted it to go away. I needed to it to go away. I could not let it destroy me.
I tried to shake off my thoughts. From the corner of my eye I saw her again. She was dancing with the blonde. The way she was swaying her hips and her arms were hypnotizing. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her she owned the room.
“My, my, my, Sebastian. Now I learn that you may have some vices after all.” Alejandro whispered from behind. I turned to face him.
“She’s perfect isn’t she? It’s alright amigo. Eve fucked it up for us when she gave Adam the apple, blame her.”
I turned to look at her again. She was laughing in another man’s arms. His arms were around her waist and he was whispering something in her ear. I wanted nothing more than to go over there and punch the motherfucker out. My body was radiating jealousy for a woman I didn’t even know.
I turned back to Alejandro I couldn’t look anymore.
“You like her? Do you want her? I could get her for you. It’s a small price to pay for the beauty you sold me today.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play coy, Sebastian. I can see it in your eyes. You want her and you want her bad. I could make that happen, just say the word.”
“What do you mean? Is she your wife?” He laughed, so hard that his head fell back.
“Ay Dios mio, Sebastian. My wife…seriously? No Sebastian, she is not my wife. She is no one’s wife. She belongs to Madam.” He revealed.
“Madam?” I repeated.
“You really have no idea do you?” He chuckled again and reached into his wallet, placing a business card in my hand.
It was a black card with VIP etched on the front in silver lettering. I turned it over to see an address and a phone number.
I looked at him with a confused face.
“That” he pointed to the card, “is how you find out.” He revealed as he walked away.
I looked back at Ysabelle as she was walking away with that man, his face tenderly kissing her neck as he led her to the upper deck. I watched as they left my sight. It took everything I had not to go grab her from him.
I looked back at the card. I knew two things in that moment.
One, I was going to find out who she was, and two I was eternally fucked.
*Y*
I awoke the next morning exhausted. Whoever said sex wasn’t a hell of a workout was fucking lying. Michael could go for hours. I’d only been with him a few times, and each time it involved a sex marathon. It didn’t help that he loved to snort cocaine off my breasts. I was sore in places I didn??
?t know were possible. I swear he thought I was a contortionist with the positions he placed me in.
I started to stretch my limbs when I heard Brooke’s ringtone.
“Hello.”
“Hey love, how you feeling?” She questioned giggling.
“I’m alright, just stretching some. I didn’t get home till about four. I thought it would be earlier, Michael had other plans for me.” She laughed some more.
“Well…anytime he sees you he attacks you before anyone can get their hands on you. I think it’s actually kind of funny. I know Milania wanted to try him out last night.”
“Milania can have him next time. I don’t care how good of a tipper he is. It physically hurts to walk today.”
“He’s not that bad. Well…never mind he is that bad. I was going to ask you last night. Who was that guy?”
“What guy?”
“The one from the bathroom. I swear the way he was looking at you was extreme.”
“I have that effect on men, Brooke, it’s a curse.” I bragged.
“Yeah…yeah…seriously though. Did you know him? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him before. I would remember. He was hot and really fucking tall.”
“He was that, wasn’t he?” I sighed. “No, I’ve never seen him. He was definitely interesting. I think he said his name was Sebastian. I didn’t get a last name. Maybe Madam knows, or maybe he was just a random.”
“Could be. I wouldn’t mind taking him for a test ride. Although, he wasn’t interested in me, he wanted little Miss Bella.” She teased.
“Nah, I don’t think the guy knew what he wanted other than to use the bathroom. I may have just caught him off guard. He said I reminded him of someone, maybe he was just confused.”
“You’re right. What are you doing today?”
“Nothing.” I replied with a smile.