Page 3 of The Way We Touch
Exhaling slowly, I glance at the galaxies painted on the ceiling overhead. Galileo was an astronomer. He looked into the night sky and proved the universe does not revolve around us.
We are not the center of the universe…
They threw him in prison for it.
I think about how weary I am of the nonstop appearances, the social climbers, and the fakery. Eight years ago, my dream came true. I was a first-round draft pick, which meant I was a big fucking deal. It meant my father was wrong, and I wasn’t throwing my life away on a barbaric sport.
Two weeks ago, Natalia left for a modeling gig in Europe, and I realized how much I liked not having her in my space. I’d already decided to end things tonight, then she suggested a threesome.
“He’s on his way.” She lowers her phone, stretching like a cat waking from a long afternoon nap. “You’re going to like Aristotle. He’s very confident in a way that immediately sets you at ease.”
“It sounds like you two have a history.”
Her shoulder rises, and when our eyes meet, I realize she’s fucked him already. I also realize she’s on some sort of amphetamine. And I realize I don’t give a shit.
She flicks her wrist. “He mentioned something about your father being a billionaire, and how he must meet you. Must was his word.”
My brow lowers. “What does he want?”
She shrugs, shaking her head with a laugh. “I’m sure it’s some sort of partnership or business proposal. Everyone knows you’re considering retirement, and he’s wanting to get more into media.”
Pulling my chin back, I study her face. I’m not sure what to make of her sometimes. “I’ve told you I’m not interested in working for my dad. Did you lead him to believe I was?”
“No! I don’t know. He’ll discuss it with you.”
I motion to our waiter, and he hurries over again. “Yes, sir?”
“We have another guest joining us. Let me know when he arrives.”
“Of course.” He nods. “I’ll alert the host.”
“And put this all on my bill.”
He nods before scurrying away, and Natalia leans forward, wrinkling her perfectly-crafted nose. “You surprise me, Logan. I thought you’d require a little more convincing.”
“How long until he gets here?”
She glances at her phone. “Any minute, I’m sure.”
On cue, a familiar man with dark hair and olive skin wearing a bespoke suit strides confidently across the dining room in our direction. Our waiter shows him the way, and as he gets closer, the way his eyes roam my date confirms my suspicions.
Anger heats my throat, but it’s not jealous rage. He can fucking have Natalia, but he disrespected me by sleeping with her while we were a couple.
“Mr. Lightning. Your reputation precedes you.”
Standing, I catch his hand in a shake, gripping it hard and pulling him closer so he can feel my strength. He’s a few inches shorter than I am, and his eyes widen with surprise.
“You crossed a line.” My voice is low and level. “Good thing for you, I’m finished here. You can have her, but I know.”
He exhales a laugh, holding up both hands. “My apologies. I was given wrong information about your relationship.”
“Yes, you were.” I pass him roughly, headed for the door.
A swirl of air around me, and Natalia rushes up to my side. “Where are you going?”
“Away.” I do my best to keep my voice low, trying not to be overheard, but the entire room is craning their necks to look at us. “Have a nice life, Natalia.”
“But what about our arrangement?” She looks around at our growing audience.