She squeezed my hand, her eyes flicking to Konstantin. “I know what you mean.”
The announcers began introducing the drivers, and my heart raced in anticipation of seeing the man who’d become the center of my world.
I spotted a young man moving closer. He was tall and impeccably dressed in a designer suit, with carefully styled hair and the confident air of someone in his early thirties. The moment we made eye contact, I felt unsettled.
He smiled broadly at me, and I returned it politely before refocusing on Kayla. Still, he moved a seat closer, sidling up to me and leaning in to whisper.
“It’s okay. I understand your predicament.”
“What?” I asked, shifting away.
“We’re in the same boat, you and I,” he said in a Swiss-tinged accent.
“Sir, do you mind—” I began, but he cut me off.
“I’ve got genital herpes, too. So it makes no difference to me.”
I recoiled in horror, but my disgust didn’t deter him. He subtly opened his jacket, revealing a breast pocket stuffed with euros.
“Name your price,” he murmured. “Whatever it is, I can afford you. You’ll get it all after you’ve spent the night with me.”
Was he soliciting me? Here?
From across the room came barely suppressed laughter. I glanced over to see Kat and her friends watching the scene unfold with malicious delight.
Kayla stepped in. “Get away from her before I—”
The man sneered, turning his attention to Kayla. “Mind your business, sweetheart. This doesn’t concern you.”
“I’m not for sale, and even if I was, you couldn’t afford me. Your behavior is repulsive. Leave us alone.”
The man scoffed, leaning closer. “Don’t act so high and mighty. Everyone knows why Christakis keeps you around.”
Before I could respond, Konstantin appeared behind him. He gripped the man’s shoulder and yanked him backward, shoving him forcefully away from our seats.
“You will apologize to both ladies immediately,” Konstantin demanded.
The man stumbled, straightening his jacket with a glare. “Do you know who I am?”
“Someone who’s about to be escorted out,” Aristides replied, standing and gesturing to security. “Unless you’d prefer I handle it personally.”
As two suited men approached, I noticed Kat’s smile had vanished completely. Security grasped the man by the arms and dragged him away, with him protesting all the way.
I thanked Konstantin, but I could tell immediately the damage had been done. Nobody was watching the race anymore. All eyes were upon me and I heard the awful things Kat’s entourage were saying.
“Does she have the gall to be here, among decent people?”
“Did you hear? She has an STD. Gave it to him.”
“Wonder how many men she’s given it to, the slut. Shameless.”
Aristides rose slowly, his massive frame commanding immediate attention. The whispers died instantly.
“Enough.” His voice cut through the room. “The Christakis family doesn’t tolerate slander. Our lawyers will be contacting anyone continuing these disgusting rumors.”
Kat’s voice cut through the murmurs, loud and toxic. “How can you defend a woman who’s offering her prostitution services here, while Santo is racing?”
My first instinct was to cry. To run. To let them win. But then I felt my mother’s voice rise in my chest. I wasn’t built to be quiet anymore.
