But the moment I uncap it and bring it to my nose, something settles in me. It smells almost like my body wash, but this one more richer and pronounced.
It’s deep but not overpowering. Warm, smooth, with a hint of something woodsy. There’s a softness in it too, like a spicy vanilla, but not sickly sweet. It smells…
Good.
Like something I want wrapped around me.
The vendor watches my face and smiles knowingly.
“Ah. That one—you have good taste. It’s a custom blend for both men and women. It will mix beautifully with your skin.”
I hesitate, glancing at the price tag.
It’s not expensive. Not really.
Tyler nudges me. “You like it?”
I nod slowly.
“Then get it,” he says, like it’s obvious.
The woman nods in agreement.
“Trust me, mijo, you won’t regret it.”
I take one more sniff, letting the scent fill my senses then I nod.
“Okay,” I sign.“I’ll take it.”
The woman beams as she carefully wraps the vial in a soft pouch. When I slipped it into my tote bag, I couldn’t help but smile. I can’t remember when I’ve been this happy about getting something for myself.
FOURTEEN
ALEXANDER
I sink into one of the armchairs across from Anton’s desk, my fingers drumming against the armrest as I watch him skim through a legal document. His brows pinched. As the eldest and CEO of our father’s construction company, he goes through hell working directly with my father. Not that I have ever seen him complain, honestly.
The faint scent of cigar smoke lingers in the air, mixing with the richness of leather and aged whiskey, making me crave one myself.
Maksim, as always, doesn’t have the patience for whatever this meeting is. He paces near the window, arms crossed, shoulders tight.
“This is a fucking joke,” he mutters, voice sharp with frustration. “We should handle this the real way, not waste time with paperwork.”
Anton doesn’t even look up.
“You mean the violent way.”
Maksim scoffs, glancing at me like he expects backup. I don’t give him any, just tilt my head, waiting.
A rival company—one that’s been a thorn in our side for months—filed a fraudulent claim against our construction company and tried to stall one of our biggest upcoming projects.It’s not an outright attack, but a calculated move and an inconvenience. It’s also a huge deal since the rival company is owned by one of the powerful Italian families.
“Let’s take the legal route first,” Anton says, still calm. “If that doesn’t work, we’ll consider alternatives.”
Maksim exhales harshly, shaking his head. “So we just let them fuck with us?”
Before Anton can respond, the office door swings open.
Tristan steps in, all broad shoulders and sharp presence, commanding the room without trying. His suit is perfectly tailored to his massive frame, dark fabric pressed smooth. His deep brown skin contrasts against the crisp white of his dress shirt, and his sharp, unreadable gaze flickers over all of us before settling on Anton.
