Chapter 4

Nicholas stared at the card for a while before picking up his phone.

“That was fast,” Myrine said. “I see that you live in Athens too. I’ll send you my location. Drop by when you have time so we can go over the details. I’m sure you’ve noticed I have a taste for extravagant things, so you’ll definitely know my place when you see it.”

“Ok.”

After work, he went straight to the location she had sent him. He found her already seated and waiting.

“Sorry I took so long.”

“No, it’s fine. Have a seat.”

“Ok,” He sat down.

“There’s not much to say. Besides your services, I need you to not mention our deal when we’re “together”. You’ll also have to memorise these notes,” She handed them to him. “It’s just the standard things like how we met, how long we’ve been dating and so on. Nothing too hectic. Our first appearance is at a dinner party tomorrow.”

“Already?” He asked while paging through them.

“Yes. You don’t have to worry about a thing. I just need your measurements before you leave and for you to meet me here at six unless you already have other plans.”

“I don’t, but I do have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why don’t you find a boyfriend instead of hiring one? It should be easy enough for you.”

“Simple, I’m attracted to women.”

“And your parents don’t know?”

“I thought you had a question, not questions.”

“Sorry.”

“I was kidding. You don’t have to be so serious all the time. Yes, they don’t know because ignorance is bliss.”

“Oh. Your partner doesn’t mind all of this, right?”

“I’ve only had sex partners, so it won’t be a problem. Now, about your payment…”

“There’s no need. If you’re urgently asking for help, I shouldn’t be asking for money in return.”

“Nicholas, I’m paying you, and that’s that. Honestly, that kind of thinking is how people will take advantage of you. Sometimes, you just need to say “fuck it” and be selfish. The money is yours and if you don’t want it, give it to charity or something. I don’t care what you do with it.”

“If you don’t care what I do with it, I’m choosing not to accept it.”

“Who knew you could be such a smart ass. By the way, the family dinner is once a week.”

“Ok. So, it says here I’m 45?”

“Yes. It’d be better if we were in the same age group.”

“Oh. Am I allowed to ask how old you are?”

“It’s a bold thing to ask, but you might as well know. I’m 40. Shocking, right? You’d think women my age are wrinkly old hags, but we aren’t.”

“Right, but how am I supposed to make myself look 20 years older? There’s only so much I can do, and even then, I doubt it’ll do much.”

“I’ve already thought about that. You can just say you have a rare genetic disorder that makes you look younger than you already are.”

“This all seems more complicated than simply telling your parents the truth.”

“I know, but I enjoy keeping this part of my life a secret. There’s just something thrilling about living a double life. I’ll tell them when I get bored or tired of it.”

The next night…

He came back at the arranged time and got ready.

“Look at you,” Myrine complimented. “I’d be shooting my shot if I was straight and you were a bit older. Don’t compliment me. I look good every day, and today’s no different. Let’s go; the driver’s already waiting.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do for a living? I have doubts about what the notes said.”

“I thought having bodyguards made it obvious that I’m a mafia boss.”

“You’re joking again, right?”

“No, I’m serious this time. It’s another thing that my parents don’t know.”

“How do you explain all of this to them?”

“I just tell them I do boring business things, like in the notes. It’s part of my exciting other life. Don’t worry, you won’t be in danger. How did your wife take the news?”

“I haven’t told her.”

“Interesting. Does she at least know that you won’t be home for a few hours?”

“She’s not interested in what I do or don’t do.”

“You’ll tell me more later. We’re here.”

“Oh.”

He got out of the car and waited for her to do the same, but she didn’t move.

“Aren’t you coming out?” He asked.

“Aren’t you going to offer me your hand? If we’re faking it, you need to be invested.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologise. Just give me your hand.”

He helped her out, and she linked her arm with his.

“Nervous?” She asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know.”

“Meh. You’ll be fine as long as you stick to the notes. The worst thing that can happen is you having to improvise. Our seats are this way.”

She led him there, and he pulled the chair out for her.

“See? I told you you’d be fine. You can relax for now. I’ll show you off later.”

“If you say so.”

While Myrine was chatting away with one of the other guests, Nic took his phone out to let Alexis know how the night was going so far. They exchanged texts for a while until he put his phone away as it was almost time for the event to start. The last couple to enter caught his attention. Myrine noticed that he was staring at something and followed his gaze.

“As much as you like what you see, don’t drool over another man’s date. Causing a fight definitely doesn’t count as not attracting attention.”

“I wasn’t drooling. That’s my wife.”

“No,” She gasped. “Are you sure? It could just be someone who looks like her.”

“I’m sure that’s her.”

“Looks like she had the same idea as me,” She laughed. “I suspected you had a weird relationship with her, but this makes me curious. Either way, she’s quite the looker you lucky dog. Does she have an older single sister?”

“No. She does have a sister, but she’s younger. And straight.”

"Oh well. There's an abundance of fish in the sea. Be honest, which of the two is prettier?"

“Well… I…”

“I was kidding. You need to loosen up; after all, it’s a party. Have a drink. On second thought, have a lot of drinks. They knew I was coming, so there’s plenty to go around.”

“Maybe later. Who were you talking to?”

“Roxane.”

“A friend of yours?”

“No. I just met her.”

“It looked like you’ve known her for years.”

“Sometimes, you need to live a little and put yourself out there. Anyway, she’s single, and I have her number. I don’t yet know if she's scoring for the other team, but fingers crossed. Don’t worry, she’s not as young as she looks. I don’t prey on children. You know, I think I should get your wife’s attention. I’m interested to know how she’ll react seeing you here.”

“Please, don’t.”

“Relax, she’s sitting too far to notice anyway. But we’re here for a few hours, so she’s bound to see you at some point. Oo, drinks are here,” She said as servants came out with them.

She took two glasses and handed one to him.

“Have some. It’s the good stuff.”

He took a sip but accidentally spilt some on himself.

“Sorry.”

“Why are you apologising? Actually, it doesn’t matter. It’s not like you upset anyone.”

“You don’t happen to have an extra shirt, do you?”

“No, but there’s soap in the bathroom. It’s this way,” She led him to it and went in first.

“Lucky for you, there’s also a hand dryer in here. Come on.”

“This is the ladies’ bathroom.”

“It’s empty. Hurry up if you don’t want anyone to see you going in,” She dragged him inside.

“You’re lucky that it was just white wine. Take your jacket and shirt off.”

“What?”

“Nic, I made it very clear that I like women. Seeing your naked torso isn’t going to change anything. But I am curious to know what you’re hiding under there.” She began unbuttoning his shirt.

“Wait…”

“You were taking forever.”

Just as she took his shirt off, Lyra walked in. She didn’t say anything and just did a few small touch-ups to her make-up before leaving.

“Well, that was a reaction,” Myrine commented. “I’m sorry, but I need to laugh. You’re so fucked when you get home. I’ll send flowers to your funeral.”