Page 169 of Embriagado

I wanted to say good riddance because the sooner that bitch was out of our lives, the better, but he continued holding on to my arm. And the way he looked at me, like some sad li’l pup? Yeah… I was weak when it came to him.

“Fine.”

“Thank you!” He hugged me, shoving his head into my chest. “Thank you, thank you, thank you⁠—”

“Enough, I get it,” I hissed, trying to push him away.

Letting me go, he stepped back while sniffling like a little bunny.

I hate this kid.

“So what now?” he asked, eyes determined and fists clenched.

Poking the inside of my cheek, I looked around the line of people and the heavy security. From personal experience, I knew sneaking in was a no go, with how quickly I got caught the last time. But between then and now, a few months had passed, and not only had Ariyan and I gotten closer, but I was the assistant manager of this hotel.

“Come,” I told Nacio, who quickly followed me on my way to the bouncer. Skipping the line, I went straight to him when two security dudes tried getting in my way.

“I need him for a sec,” I said, pointing at the preppy-looking bouncer dressed in a black tux.

“Go to the back of the line,” said one of the guys.

“I work here.”

“Back of the line,” he hissed, placing his hand on my shoulder.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Nacio was ready to jump in, but before he could, I flashed the man in black a big smile.

“Tell your boss over there to spare me a few seconds, ’kay? Or I’ll knock all the teeth out of your fucking mouth⁠—”

“What’s going on out here?”

Glad my plan worked and that we’d gotten his attention, I pushed the security guy’s hand away and stepped closer to the bouncer.

“I need to get in,” I said, nudging my head in the direction of the party. “I’m the assistant manager of the hotel.”

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Santiago Rivas.”

The bouncer’s eyes dropped down to his tablet.

“I don’t see any Santiago Rivas on the list,” he said, a fake smile on his lips once he looked up.

“As I said, I’m the assistant manager of this place. Just ask Ariyan⁠—”

“I’m afraid Ariyan is busy at the moment.”

I clicked my tongue. “For God’s sake, just call him and check. You know what—” I took out my phone. “—I’ll call him for you.”

Not caring that this damn asshole just eyed my broken screen or that I was holding up the line, I dialed Ariyan’s number and brought the phone to my ear, bouncing my leg as I waited for him to pick up. The call went on and on, but there was no answer.

“Maybe try again?” said the bouncer with a smirk.

Anger gripped me, but keeping my frustration in check, I pocketed my phone. “I’m out of battery, so how about you dial him?”

The bouncer sighed, then pulled out his brand-new phone. “Very well,” he said, holding it up.

While he called Ariyan, I glanced back at my brother, who seemed on edge. Full of confidence, I shot him a wink. Once Ariyan picked up, everything would be cleared.