Chapter 9

Alessandro

I watched as the thick smoke swirled around just in front of me before snaking into wisps and disappearing into thin air. The stench of alcohol was strong and undiluted, with a couple of bottles loitering the place. I’d had three, four, or maybe five? I wasn’t sure. I’d stopped counting after the second bottle. That was what you got when alcohol did nothing to you.

I pulled in another long drag of my Cuban cigar, strangely enjoying the wisps of smoke dancing in front of me. A faint buzz reached my ears, but I’d tuned him out a long time ago. I didn’t need anyone lecturing me on what I ought and ought not to do.

“Alessandro.” I let my eyes flutter shut as the gruff voice cut through my thoughts. Despite my efforts, he’d broken through, and easily too. “Are you listening to me?”

“Why are you still here?” I snapped, my voice icy. “If you’re not telling me what I want to hear?”<