Page 26 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

“That motherfucker,” Kent muttered, shaking his head. “Didn’t he try to pull this same shit with the Milan project two years ago?”

“Three years ago,” I corrected. “And yes, he did. Cost us six months and a fortune in legal fees before he finally honored the contract.”

Austin shook his head with a sympathetic expression. “That guy is a nightmare. I’m sorry you have to deal with him again.”

“He’s slippery,” Finn added.

I shrugged, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. “It’s fine. Just part of the job.”

“It’s a shitty part of the job,” Kent said. “You shouldn’t have to fly halfway around the world to babysit a grown man who can’t honor his commitments.”

“Someone has to do it.” I kept my tone light, casual. Like it didn’t bother me that my weekend was about to be cut short. Like I wasn’t already mentally preparing for the headache that was Federico Rossi. “Besides, Rome in spring isn’t the worst place to be.”

“When do you get back?” Austin asked.

“Depends on how cooperative Rossi decides to be. Could be a few days. Could be a week.” I heard what he wasn’t asking. “I’ll be back in time for the wedding itself. That’s non-negotiable.”

Finn raised his beer. “To Cash, the eternal fixer of family problems.”

I didn’t miss the edge in his tone, but I chose to ignore it. Instead, I raised my glass and clinked it against his.

The waiter arrived with our food, and the conversation shifted to safer topics. But I was only half paying attention. Part of my mind was already in Rome, strategizing how to approach Rossi. Another part was stuck on a woman with a streak of purple hair, dark eyes, and dreams big enough to fill an ocean.

“Earth to Cash.” Austin waved a hand in front of my face. “You still with us?”

“Yeah. Just thinking about the trip.”

I pulled myself back to the present. When I reached for my glass, I noticed Finn watching. He was always one of those guys that could read people. He had a sixth sense for it. Too bad he didn’t use his powers for good.

Then maybe I could have sent him to Italy instead of me.

CHAPTER 10

CLEO

The spa day was exactly what I needed after the rather rough start. I felt human again. My puffiness was gone. I was hydrated and supremely relaxed. The headache was gone and I was able to function normally.

After our initial treatments, we were led to a beautiful relaxation room with windows overlooking a Zen garden. I immediately pulled out my phone. I started composing shots. Evaluating the lighting and determining the best angle to get a picture that didn’t reveal too much but just enough. That was what I did.

But Cash’s voice was in the back of my mind. Why not let Melody figure things out?

Because this was what I did. It was literally my job. When Melody decided she wanted a break, she would tell me. Until then, I was going to do the job she paid me to do.

“Okay, Melody, can you sit by the window with the cucumber water? Yes, perfect. Now look contemplative. Like you’re thinking deep thoughts about… I don’t know, serenity or whatever.”

Melody laughed but posed anyway, her natural influencer instincts kicking in. The light was perfect, catching the glow of her skin and the happiness radiating from her.

Sylvie watched this entire process with fascination bordering on bewilderment. “You really do this all the time?”

“Every day,” I confirmed, snapping several shots from different angles. “Content is currency. You’ve got to feed the algorithm or it forgets you exist.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“It is. But it’s also my job. Well, part of my job. I’m also a therapist, bodyguard, stylist, and professional opinion-haver.”

“She’s being modest,” Melody added. “She’s basically a wizard. I don’t know how my business would function without her. I’m not sure how I would function without her.”

The words were meant as a compliment, but they landed heavy in my chest.