Page 171 of Embriagado

Moving closer to me, this odd man’s wild smile turned into a knowing grin. “As it seems, you do not, but I know you. Quite well, if I may add, El Embriagado.”

I tensed on the spot, eyes locking with his.

Did he just call me⁠—

“Who’s this?” Nacio asked, tapping my back.

The stranger’s gaze moved to my brother, lingering on him for a few seconds before returning to me. “Are you also going to the party?” he asked, pointing at the hotel.

“No, we’re not⁠—”

“They won’t let us in.” Nacio stepped in front of me. “Any chance you can help?”

The stranger didn’t seem put off by Nacio’s directness; if anything, he looked intrigued. His smile, so far cold, finally reached his hooded eyes, which I swore to God just glinted with something. But whatever it was, it worked, because he said, “Only if you’ll let me buy you a drink.”

Nacio’s brow furrowed. “The fuck? You hittin’ on me or somethin’?”

I glared at my little brother because, seriously?

The man brushed his thumb over his bottom lip. “How feisty… I love it.”

“I’m not gay,” Nacio hissed but then pointed at me. “He is, though.”

Grabbing Nacio’s hand, I lowered it. “Are you dumb or what?”

He grimaced. “What? I’m trying to get us into the party, and this dude clearly has the hots for me. I’d rather die than suck a cock, but maybe you can? I mean, we do look alike, and you are gay⁠—”

I grunted, asking God to give me the power not to punch my baby brother in the face. Ignoring the urge, I glanced back at the man. Clearly, he knew who I was, and while it felt fishy, I now also wanted to get into that party, and only for the sake of confronting Ariyan.

“So you say you can get us in?” I asked.

The man flashed me another one of those dangerous smiles.

“I can do many things.” He winked at my brother, who seemed shocked by the gesture.

Nacio shook his head. “Never mind, bro, he’s a creep.”

“Weren’t you the one who wanted to go in there for Tess?” I turned to face Nacio.

“Yeah, but this dude’s a weirdo.”

“I can hear you,” the man basically sang, and I had to agree he was a bit odd.

We both glanced at him, then turned our backs to him as we discussed this further.

“You need to decide now. Are we going in there or not?”

“What if he tries to kiss me?”

“Then just punch him.”

“Ugh.” Nacio rolled his eyes. “Okay.”

We turned in unison just as he lit himself a cigarette.

“Want one?” he offered.

Nacio reached to take it, but I slapped his hand.