Chapter 84
Alexander
I took another sip of whiskey, letting the burn distract me from Anthony’s probing stare. “There’s nothing to tell. You’re imagining things p>
“Am I?” He tapped his fingers on the table. “The Alexander Knight I know would’ve jumped at those model photos I showed you. Instead, you acted like I was showing you tax returns p>
“Maybe I’m evolving p>
“ You? Evolve?” Anthony snorted. “Next, you’ll tell me you’ve taken up knitting p>
“I’m serious.” I signaled for another round. “Can’t a man change his priorities without an interrogation p>
“Not when that man is you.” He leaned back, studying me. “Look, I get it. Katherine was- ”
“Don’t.” The word came out sharper than intended.
“Fine, but you can’t keep waiting for her. She’s gone, Alex. And these models I’m showing you? They’re interested. Very interested p>
I loosened my tie further. “Forget about Katherine. And the models p>
“So you are seeing someone!” He pointed at me triumphantly.
“No p>
“Then what’s your excuse p>
“I don’t need an excuse to not want to date your parade of I m models p>
Anthony rolled his eyes. “At least tell me you’re getting laid p>
“Jesus Christ.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Can we talk about something else p>
“Fine, but here’s the thing.” Anthony leaned back, glass dangling from his fingers. “If you’re not seeing anyone – and I mean really seeing someone, not just your usual hit–and–runs – then you need to find someone. And I don’t mean those supermodels I keep throwing at you p>
“Now you’re contradicting yourself p>
“Listen, I’ve watched you cycle through women like changing shirts. Sure, they’re gorgeous, successful, perfect on paper. But when was the last time you actually connected with someone? Had a real conversation that didn’t end in your bedroom p>
“Are you giving advice as a doctor now p>
“ As your friend, you idiot.” He took a long sip. “Look, I know your type. You think you can keep living off casual hookups and one -night stands forever. But trust me, that shit gets old. Fast. You need someone consistent, someone who knows what makes you tick. Hell, someone who actually remembers your coffee order the next morning p>
I smirked. “Black, two sugars isn’t hard to remember p>
“Missing the point, as usual.” Anthony set his glass down. “You can’t keep treating your sex life like a revolving door. One of these days, you’re gonna catch something nasty from putting your dick in every willing participant. Or worse, you’ll end up with another psycho showing up at your office claiming you’re the father of their kid p>
“ It’s hilarious that you’re preaching about meaningful connections while simultaneously showing me nude photos of random
models p>
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Anthony burst out laughing. “That’s exactly who I am! The walking contradiction. One minute, I’m throwing naked women at you, the next, I’m giving life advice.” He picked up his glass. “But seriously, that’s what you’re used to, right? Models, actresses, socialites. I figured I’d start there before hitting you with the real talk p>
“And what real talk is that?” I watched the ice melt in my whiskey. (1)
Anthony leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “The real talk is you need to find someone. And I mean really find someone. Not these temporary distractions you keep surrounding yourself with. Katherine’s not coming back, Alex p>
“I told you to stop p>
“Yeah, yeah, stop talking about Katherine. I get it.” He waved his hand dismissively. “But here’s the thing, and I’m gonna say this because I’m your friend and slightly drunk. Life’s like this weird video game, right? We start off playing around, studying, figuring shit out. Then boom – suddenly, we’re all about careers, making money, and building empires. Which you’ve done; congratulations, you’re fucking loaded p>
Anthony continued. “But there’s this next level, man. This whole relationship thing that you keep avoiding, like it’s gonna give you herpes or something. Marriage, kids, building an actual life with someone who isn’t just there for your credit card or your dick p>
I opened my mouth to interrupt, but he held up a finger.
“No, shut up and listen. You’re sitting here in your fancy suit, in a fancy bar, drinking your fancy whiskey, and yeah, you can have any model or actress or whatever that catches your eye. But let me tell you something – in ten years, when you’re still doing this same song and dance, it’s gonna feel empty as fuck. You won’t see it coming p>
Anthony continued. “One day, you’ll wake up and realize you’ve been living the same day over and over, just with different women in your bed. And sure, right now, you’re probably thinking, ‘Anthony’s full of shit,‘ but trust me, I’ve seen it happen. Hell, I’ve lived it. The casual sex, the no–strings–attached lifestyle – it gets old. Really fucking old. And by the time you figure that out, you might be too set in your ways to change p>
I stared at him, letting his words sink in. For once, I didn’t have a smart comeback ready.
“Look at you, not even arguing,” Anthony smirked. “Must’ve hit a nerve p>
I drained my glass, fixing Anthony with a level stare. “You done with your Ted Talk p>
“You’re just jealous because I’m right.” Anthony grinned, tapping his empty glass on the table. “And because I actually found someone worth keeping around p>
“Lyla.” I nodded. “How is the future, Mrs. Williams p>
“Perfect. Amazing. Incredible. ” His eyes lit up like a teenager with his first crush. “Speaking of which, you’re still my best man, right p>
“Unless you’ve found someone else to handle your drunk ass at the altar p>
“Hey, I won’t be drunk!” He paused. “Okay, maybe a little. But only because Lyla’s family is Italian, and they keep pushing grappa on me. Have you tried that stuff? It’s like drinking lighter fluid p>
I chuckled. “So that’s why you’re giving me relationship advice? Getting all soft because of the wedding p>
“Nah, man. I’m giving you advice because you’re my best friend, and you’re being an idiot.” He jabbed a finger at me. “And don’t change the subject. We were talking about you p>
“We were talking about your wedding p>
“Nice try,” Anthony smirked. “But seriously, you should see yourself lately. All distracted, turning down gorgeous women, paying medical bills for your assistant’s mother p>
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“Drop it p>
“Make me.” He crossed his arms. “Come on, what’s really going on with you? And don’t give me that bullshit about focusing on work. I’m just trying to figure out why my perpetually horny friend suddenly developed standards p>
“I’ve always had standards p>
“Yeah, like breathing and having a pulse.” Anthony snorted into his drink. “But lately… I don’t know. You’re different. Less shark–like. Almost human p>
“Human? Should I be offended p>
“Come on, you know what I mean. Usually, you’re all ‘grr, business, money, sex, ‘ but now…” He squinted at me. “Now you’re paying medical bills and turning down supermodels p>
I swirled the whiskey in my glass, debating how much to tell him. “Look, someone tried to drug me at an event recently p>
Anthony’s playful expression vanished. “What p>
“Their plan failed, but…” I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “Keep this between us. I’m laying low until I figure out who’s behind it p>
“Holy shit.” Anthony’s eyes widened. “That’s why you’re avoiding the sexy parade I’ve been sending your way p>
“Partly. Just being careful about who I let near my drinks these days p>
“Damn.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Alright, forget the models. Forget Katherine, too. But you should focus on finding someone you can actually trust. Someone who p>
“Can we just…” I held up my glass. “Can we Focus on drinking instead of my love life p>
Anthony chuckled. “Sure, sure. I’ll give you a break.” He leaned back, his smile widening. “But don’t think you’re off the hook
forever p>
“Yeah, yeah.” I took a sip of whiskey, letting the rich, smoky flavor distract me from the conversation.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.