Page 11 of Embriagado

My stomach flipped, like I’d just lost a fight, and I dropped my stare to the floor so I wouldn’t have to face him when he rejected me.

“It isn’t easy finding a job with such a past, is it?”

My eyes shot to his, and I was shocked to see the kindness in them.

“It’s shit. That’s what it is.”

His smile slipped before he leaned forward so he was a bit closer to me. “I’ll tell you a secret, Mr. Rivas. I’m a big fan of second chances.”

Not believing the words he was saying, I stared at him, shocked. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and that I was actually being given an opportunity for the first time.

“Does that mean I’ve got the job?”

Ariyan leaned back in his chair, his lips once again forming a small smile. “If you want it⁠—”

“I do.”

He seemed amused by my eagerness, but who gave a shit. If making a fool out of myself would make him smile, sign me the fuck up to be the court jester.

“Well then,” he said and stood up.

He really was tall, and I quickly got to my feet, loving that he was still a few inches shorter than me. He reached his right hand forward, and I took it.

His amber eyes once again locked with mine, a knowing smile on his plump lips.

“Welcome to the Kallos, Mr. Rivas. I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun together.”

3

SANTIAGO

Eager to look my best today, I scrubbed every inch of my body until my skin hurt. To no surprise, we were out of hot water, but I didn’t let that stop me from washing my hair. Skipping my three-in-one shampoo, I instead took some of the fancy hair crap Nacio always used. That kid sure loved grooming himself. Bringing the bottle to my nose, I took a sniff. It smelled nice, although I couldn’t quite tell what this fruity scent was, and the thought lingered in my mind until I was done rinsing my hair.

Stepping out of the shower, I dripped all over the floor as I reached for a towel. After quickly drying myself, I wrapped it around my waist and moved on to brush my teeth. Once done, I stared at my reflection and ran my fingers through my hair. A buddy of mine, Joey, had a barbershop. The minute I was out, he gave me a nice haircut. I think he called it a wolf cut, saying it was the thing now. Well, whatever he did, my hair looked sweet. It would look even sweeter if Ariyan grabbed it by its roots. My temperature immediately rose at the thought, my dick taking notice, too. But knowing I had no time to jerk off, I left the bathroom and went over to get dressed. I’d admit that since yesterday, I’d had some unprofessional thoughts about my soon-to-be boss, but what could I say? I had a thing for pretty faces, and his was the fucking prettiest.

Ten minutes later, I was finishing my coffee when the front door opened, and in stumbled Nacio and Tess. Drunk and lost in their own world, they were too busy kissing to even notice me until I coughed to clear my throat.

“Oh, fuck, what’re ya doing up so early?” my brother asked, his girlfriend still wrapped around him like they were attached at the hip.

“Yeah, it’s like 5:00 a.m.,” Tess added, her hands halfway down my brother’s pants.

Rolling my eyes, I placed my empty mug in the sink. “Got work.”

“No way, does that mean you got it?” Nacio cheered while Tess asked what he was talking about.

After he gave her a short update, she asked, “So what hotel is it?”

Turning to face them again, I scratched my jaw. “The Kallos.”

“No fucking way.” Her lips formed a big smile. “You serious?”

My brows pulled close. “Yeah, why?”

“Fuck, bro, you didn’t tell me you were starting work there. It’s awesome.”

Still not getting an answer to my question, my scowl deepened. “Again, why?”

“What do you mean, why?” Tess sneered as she walked to our fridge and took a bottle of Coke out of it, like she owned the damn place. “It’s only the hottest place in Miami. They host, like, these amazing parties you have to get invited to.” She took a sip. “All the girls know about it.”