Chapter 2

The gang gathered to welcome Curtis home in the private lounge of an exclusive members’ club and the atmosphere was electric. With a grin, Devin uncorked a bottle of Hennessy Paradis, a top-shelf cognac that was a century’s worth of limited release and not even available in stores.

This was a cherished possession of Devin’s grandfather, Hubert Perez. He himself could never bring himself to drink it, yet his adoring grandson had whisked it away to celebrate his best friend’s comeback..

“Are you sticking around this time?” Devin asked, getting Curtis a generous glass.

Curtis leaned back on the plush sofa, a picture of nonchalance. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been counting the days until you got back!”

Someone in the group teased, “Devin’s been pining for you more than your wife, man.”

Devin shot back with a playful kick. “Shut it, will you?”

Glass in hand, Curtis patted Devin on the back of the head. “Missing me, huh? What, got an itch only I can scratch?”

“Please, my grandfather hasn’t stopped riding me since you’ve been gone,” Devin retorted. “Life’s been dull without you, brother.”

The conversation then turned to Curtis’ wife. “Speaking of, where’s your wife tonight?”

Devin answered with a dismissive wave, “We’re having a boys’ night. She’d only rain on parade.”

Our

Everyone knew the score with Curtis and Leanne. There wasn’t much of a marriage there. They never considered Leanne as Mrs. Richardson from the heart, and she was rarely a topic of conversation.

After sensing an opportunity, a woman sitting close to Curtis inquired, “Mr. Curtis, you’re married?”

Curtis raised an eyebrow, taking a drag from his cigarette. “Is my wedding ring not shiny. enough for you?” he asked with a wry smile.

Only then did the woman notice the band on his ring finger.

As Curtis lifted his arm, his shirt collar gaped slightly, revealing the edge of his collarbone, looking lazy and suggestive.

The woman blushed and was curious about his wife.

“What’s your wife like?” she ventured.

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Chapter 2

Reclining with effortless grace, Curtis replied, “My wife?”

His

eyes held a thin veneer of amusement that gave the illusion of affection. “She’s not as pretty as you.”

Such a gaze and a compliment could make any woman’s heart flutter. The woman’s heart raced, charmed by the attention.

But then someone shattered the illusion. “Don’t let this man fool you. You couldn’t find at woman in Stonebridge more beautiful than his wife.”

The woman glanced at Curtis, who continued to smoke lazily, a playful smile on his lips, neither confirming nor denying.

Feeling her heart rise and fall, she realized he was toying with her.

Seemingly tired, Curtis didn’t bother to hide his lack of interest. He stubbed out his

cigarette in his drink, grabbed his jacket, and stood up.

Refilling his glass, Devin looked up in surprise. “You’re leaving already?”

Curtis shrugged, “I’m beat. Go ahead and enjoy yourselves.”

Leanne, who had the habit of sleeping with a light on, was woken up by the sound of the door. The bedroom was in a soft, yellow glow, and Curtis stood by the wardrobe mirror, his back to her, the faint scent of liquor in the air.

It had been over half a year since they last saw each other, and his silhouette felt unfamiliar.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?” she murmured.

Curtis glanced over his shoulder at her.

Leanne sat up in bed, her loose nightgown threatening to slip off her shoulders. Her skin was naturally smooth, barely tanning under the harshest sun, quickly recovering its healthy hue. The lavender gown made her look delicate, a finely wrought collarbone peeking out above a pendant of transparent jade gracing her neck.

As Curtis undid his shirt buttons, he quipped, “What, got someone hidden away here?”

Still groggy, Leanne was stunned by his insinuation.

Curtis didn’t wait for an answer, grabbing his pajamas and heading into the bathroom for a shower.

Leanne hung out on her bed for a while, the pitter-patter from the shower in the bathroom. slowly snapping her out of her drowsiness.

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