I swat him playfully, then push off the bed. “Dumbass.”
“You didn’t think so earlier.”
“I’m not horny right now,” I challenge back, planting my hands on my hips.
He stands and tosses on a deep blue shirt, then faces me with the dark gray pants he’s about to put on still in his hands. “We should amend that.”
“Get dressed.” I roll my eyes and head for the door. “Round two will be after dinner. End of story.” Then to myself I mutter, “I can’t wait to see what fancy food Isidoro has prepared for us.”
“What was that?” An arm rests on my shoulders.
I look up and find Niko ready and smiling at my side. His hair is sticking out in all sorts of directions though. It’s kind of cute. “Have you made yourself presentable?”
“Hold on.” He slicks back his wild curls with his hand. “I am now. Let’s go.”
A member of staff is waiting for us outside our room. He takes us down the opulent corridor to an even more opulent dining room. Plants and marble statues grace the walls, while a stone fountain with koi fish sits graciously in the left corner. Isidoro is standing by the wall-to-ceiling glass window, looking out at the indoor garden. He’s wearing burgundy pants, dress shoes and a black ruffle shirt with red lace.
“Ah, there you are. I was starting to wonder if you were having too much fun and forgot about dinner,” he says knowingly, folding his arms as he turns around and smiles at us. He points to the table. “I am so glad you decided to grace me with your company, after all.”
We sit on gilded chairs. The plates and cutlery gleam under the crystal chandelier, and even the red tablecloth is endorsed with a golden string.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, old friend,” Niko says, raising his wineglass for a toast.
Isidoro mimics him and so do I, though I don’t take a sip. I’m not big on wine.
“Liliya.” Isidoro claps his hands. “Please start serving, dear.”
I look around the room, realizing we are missing one person. “Uh, where is Doña Chela?”
Isidoro nods. “Ah. She wasn’t feeling too well, so food has been served in her room. She apologizes for not being able to join us.”
“Oh. I hope she feels better soon.”
“One of my doctors will examine her once she’s gotten some rest,” Isidoro says, unfolding his white napkin over his knees.
I’m not sure how much a doctor will be able to do for her, but maybe they’ll have something to make the pain and discomfort go away.
“Keep us in the loop. If not for that woman, we’d be dead,” Niko says, his gaze distant.
“Will do, friend. Don’t worry. From here on, she’s in good hands.”
A feast like I haven’t seen before gradually fills the table. There is fried chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, chili, salads. I make it my mission to try every single dish.
“Everything is so delicious,” I say, leaning back in my chair and rubbing my tummy. I think I overate and they haven’t even brought out the dessert.
“The chef will be so happy to hear that you enjoyed her food.”
We eat quietly until the dessert and coffee arrive. That’s when Niko gives me alook.
“Are you sure?” I mouth when Isidoro says something to Liliya and isn’t looking.
Niko shrugs, arching his eyebrow. I take that as a yes. I raise my shoulders and nod.
“So Isi, I wanted to talk to you about something,” Niko starts, aiming a serious expression at his friend.
“Of course. What is it?”
“I omitted some details about the mess Tommy and I are in.”
