"Fucking hell, you're really tight."

"The masculine voice reached his right ear and his body contracted as he felt his inside being opened and a huge intruder entering without measure. He arched his sweaty back and bit the pillow, wetting the fine white fabric with his saliva."

"The pain he felt at first was slowly disappearing and being replaced by absolute pleasure. His arms trembled and he fell completely onto the mattress, however, the person behind him lifted his hips, exposing his bare ass more and opening his buttocks as he pleased."

"Ah...more"he moaned desperately"harder... Make it hurt... Make it hurt"he repeated as if it were a mantra.

"And yes, the other person fulfilled that and other whims that he didn't know he had."

Ring, ring.

Ring, ring.

The loud sound of an incoming call made him wake up suddenly and have a strong headache instantly. His eyebrows furrowed and his face showed complete irritation at being woken up so abruptly.

He searched with his hand under his pillow and around him without finding anything. The sound stopped for a few seconds and soon resonated again. Alonzo, in a bad mood, sat up with difficulty on the soft mattress and looked at his phone on the nightstand to his right, stretched out his hand and grabbed it along with a note.

"Speak"he replied. The voice on the other side joked a little", shut your mouth and get straight to the point"Alonzo unfolded the sheet when he saw that there was nothing written on the outside and read the content". Fucking shit. Chris, let's talk later"And without waiting for an answer, he hung up the call, throwing the phone aside.

...“I hope you slept well. What happened last night was a mistake and don't think you're special. I paid for the hotel and the room service, call so they can give you breakfast. I also left your clothes at the laundry and asked them to bring the clothes until you wake up. Don't think about it too much, it's just kindness. By the way, I left the payment for your services inside the left drawer.”...

Alonzo's eyes opened with surprise and disbelief, payment for his services? What the hell was that person talking about? He removed the sheets that covered half of his body and only then could he notice the huge mess he had gotten into.

He was completely naked, his crotch was with something dry and scratchy, he had teeth marks as far as his eyes could see and, the moment he wanted to stand up, his legs trembled causing him to sit back on the bed. He ran his hands with marked desperation over his chestnut hair and huffed, completely irritated.

He was a person who did not usually drink more than one glass due to the ravages that alcohol caused in him, however, after seeing how the person he had liked for years married an idiot, Alonzo found no other way to weigh the matter than to take refuge in the fragrant and hot alcohol. Now he realized that more than half a bottle of tequila caused him a sure amnesia.

He did not remember how he had arrived at that hotel room, much less would he remember the face of the person who took him there.

"I'm fucked" he thought, but soon his lips corrected that thought—. No, I was fucked. —He muttered with regret, making the silent promise to never in his life touch even a single drop of alcohol again.

...****************...

"Hey! Your favorite friend and the best guy in the world is here"Christian's cheerful and, at that moment, irritating voice was heard from the entrance of the apartment, making Alonzo's head feel terribly bad.

"Shut up and sit down"Alonzo ordered as he rested his head on the back of the couch.

"Woah"Chris paid attention to his friend's words, but not because he had said so, but because of the surprise of seeing him so haggard. Besides, the marks on his neck were not exactly disguised", what happened to you?"

"I don't even know"he commented listlessly and opened his eyes slowly without stopping looking at the ceiling". Yesterday Elio was completely taken by that scum"he murmured loud enough to be heard by his friend". I felt terribly bad and wished that some enemy exterminated that animal, but I regretted it the next second"Alonzo smiled with apathy and sarcasm. He didn't understand how he could keep a smile when he wished him a happy marriage if he was dying inside". Maybe I'll take too long to come back and confess... or we were simply not destined to fall in love, or at least, he not of me."

Two crystalline tears slipped down the corner of his eyes and slid down his temples. Christian, who always had something to say, was speechless. He was insistent and convinced Alonzo to return and get his happiness, but, by the time he arrived, another person occupied the thoughts of that friend that Alonzo had told him so much about.

"But that's already in the past"Alonzo continued", now I completely accept the defeat and, really, from the bottom of my heart and with all the love I have for Elio, I wish them a life full of happiness."

"Bro, calm down, they say that when one door closes, another opens, so you'll find a person who has reciprocal feelings for you"Christian dropped onto the sofa with complete carelessness. He had known Alonzo for years and did not doubt that he was a magnet for women and men, but his silly friend had kept his heart for that guy who rejected him and married the kind of man he said he hated.

Christian had not had the misfortune of meeting him, and he did not want to because he knew perfectly well that his anger would only make him shout all the insult he caused in Alonzo. However, he could not blame Elio Mancini for anything, after all, years had passed and in fact, Alonzo had taken too long to confess, but that did not take away the fact of being upset.

"By the way"Christian sat up on the nod and leaned towards Alonzo, putting his elbows on his knees and looking at him fixedly", the hickey marks on your neck, who made them?"he asked playfully while moving his eyebrows suggestively.

"I don't know"Alonzo replied with palpable irritation". Yesterday after the wedding I felt stupid and angry, besides sad so I went to a bar and drank more than half a bottle of tequila, I woke up today in a room at the Royals hotel completely naked and with a note that made me want to break that unknown bastard's balls."

Alonzo took out the note he kept in the pocket of his sweatpants and threw it carelessly forward, Christian quickly caught it in the air and unfolded it, reading the content. His friend's loud laughter made his head hammer with pain and he sat up on the couch. Although he gave a look of reproach, Christian couldn't contain himself and kept laughing until his stomach hurt.

"He mistook you for a…"

"I know, you don't have to repeat it."He huffed with irritation.

"And he paid you"Christian took a deep breath before wiping the pair of tears that came out of his eyes due to the laughing fit he had had moments before". What a bastard"he commented mockingly", at least I hope it was a good payment."

"A thousand dollars"Alonzo put his hand in the other pocket of his sweatpants and took out a roll of hundred dollar bills and put them on the table in the middle of the room.

Christian's eyes widened with surprise, not because of the amount itself, because, come on, he was the son of the CEO of one of the best technology companies in the United States and he was the CFO of that company, his account had more than six zeros. What surprised him was that someone was carrying so much cash and soon his face turned serious.

"Really, you don't remember anything?"Chris's serious tone made Alonzo worry a little. His friend would not use his "professional" tone if he did not have something that bothered him.

"No. Not a bit."

"Look, it's not to scare you or anything, but, come on, who the hell brings so much cash these days?"Alonzo raised an eyebrow without understanding what he was getting at. He wasn't stupid, but the headache was killing him and he didn't doubt that more than ten percent of his neurons had died from the throbbing in his brain". I can make you a notarized document where I assure you that you didn't mess with a good person last night."

"Of course he's a good person. So good that he slept with a drunk who could barely stand"he said ironically". I was completely drunk, Chris."

"You're right"Chris put a hand on his chin and looked at the note again". Well, when we get to Los Angeles we'll go directly to Doctor Brown to do the pertinent tests and rule out any kind of disease."

Alonzo nodded.

Although Christian had not suggested it, he also intended to go, who knows how many people that stranger had been with and he would hate to have any disease because of his carelessness and a damn profiteer.

"Vomiting again?" Chris gently patted Alonzo on the back as he emerged from the bathroom. His mouth tasted bitter, and his appearance left much to be desired. He hated getting sick, even though he felt no other discomfort besides the constant dizziness and difficulty keeping food down.

"Damn, this is incredibly frustrating," Alonzo grumbled as he rinsed his mouth and dried his lips. Looking up, he met his friend's worried gaze.

"We're going to the doctor now. We can't wait until we get to Los Angeles. We still have a month here for business," Chris stated firmly.

"I don't want to go," Alonzo replied reluctantly. He wasn't a fan of hospitals; they brought back too many bad memories, and he hated them with all his soul.

"It's not a suggestion," Chris retorted in an authoritative tone, grabbing his hand and practically dragging him towards the car.

Despite his reluctance, Alonzo knew, deep down, that something wasn't right. He had always enjoyed good health, and it was rare for him to get sick. Not even exposing himself to extreme situations, like cold or rain, affected him. Now, with the growing fear in his chest, his mind began to wander. What if that person he had sex with had infected him with something? Guilt washed over him for drinking so much and for giving himself to a stranger without thinking about the consequences.

"By the way, after the consultation, could you do me a favor? I need you to go to an appointment to show the mansion to a client. It's important, but I have another unavoidable commitment," Chris commented as he started the engine.

"Okay, just send me the client's information," Alonzo replied, looking out the window.

Chris nodded and drove in silence, leaving Alonzo lost in thought. As he watched the tall buildings and the passersby walking immersed in their own lives, his mind transported him to happier memories. At a traffic light, he saw two young students laughing while sharing an ice cream, which reminded him of him and Elio in their younger years.

He never imagined that he would suffer so much for his friend. Much less did he think that he would fall in love with him. Life, without a doubt, was full of surprises. Now Elio was married, and he had remained in second place, as always. With Elio, he had shared a large part of his life, building unforgettable memories, and deep down, he wondered if, had he been braver, he would have won his love. Perhaps in another world, he would be the one to take his arm and call him "husband" with tenderness.

"We're here," Chris's voice abruptly brought him back to his harsh reality.

Alonzo unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car, taking a deep breath before crossing the hospital doors. That place gave him the creeps, not only because of the smell of disinfectant but because of the painful memories it evoked from his adolescence. The fear of needles and physical pain had always accompanied him.

"Come on, I'll be with you the whole time," Chris said, giving him a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. Alonzo offered a weak smile and followed his friend towards the reception.

After exchanging a few words with the receptionist, Chris returned.

"The doctor is waiting for us."

They walked through the impeccably white corridors, climbed the stairs, and continued along another long, almost empty hallway. Alonzo's nerves increased with each step. His hands trembled, and cold sweat ran down his back. He hated hospitals, and even more so the memories they brought back.

"It's here," Chris announced, stopping in front of a door. Seeing his friend's anxious face, he gently squeezed his shoulder again in support.

Alonzo nodded and knocked on the door a couple of times. Upon hearing the "come in" from inside, he nervously turned the knob and entered. A middle-aged man, dressed in a white coat and a stethoscope hanging from his neck, greeted them.

"Good morning, Alonzo. I'm Dr. Piras, but you can call me Dario," the doctor said with a friendly smile as he extended his hand. Alonzo shook it, and together with Chris, they sat down in front of the desk. "Christian told me that you haven't been feeling well lately."

"I've had constant dizziness, nausea, and a lot of fatigue," Alonzo began to explain, feeling his nerves slowly fade. "I've always enjoyed good health, and I get checkups every six months, so I don't understand what's happening to my body."

The doctor nodded, taking notes.

"How long have you been feeling like this?"

"About a month and a half, more or less."

"Have you had a fever or headaches?"

"No, none of that," Alonzo shook his head.

"Does your stomach hurt? Or have you noticed any changes in your appetite?"

"My appetite has improved, but some things that I used to like now seem repulsive to me. Also, it seems like my sense of smell has become much more sensitive," he added, with a grimace of discomfort.

The doctor took careful note.

"We'll rule out a possible infection, but we'll need to do some blood tests," the doctor informed as he took a blood pressure monitor to measure Alonzo's pressure.

"Is there no other way?" Alonzo asked in a trembling voice, revealing his fear of needles.

"It's the most accurate way to get results. Don't worry, it will be quick and practically painless."

Alonzo wasn't particularly comforted by those words, but he nodded reluctantly.

"Your blood pressure is normal," the doctor said, setting aside the blood pressure monitor. "Wait here, I'll go get what we need for the blood draw."

As soon as the doctor left, Alonzo got up from his seat, determined to flee. But Chris, with a firm look full of warnings, forced him to sit down again.

"Don't even think about it. You're staying," Chris said sternly.

Resigned, Alonzo remained seated, cursing internally. He hated doctor's visits for reasons like this.

Dario returned not only with the necessary instruments for the blood draw but also accompanied by a nurse. Alonzo felt a pang of discomfort as he realized that someone else would witness his obvious fear. He hated feeling vulnerable in front of others, and even less when panic overwhelmed him.

When the doctor asked for his arm to proceed with the extraction, his immediate instinct was to get up and run out of that place. However, something stronger—perhaps Christian's firm hand on his shoulder or the simple fact of knowing that he needed answers—kept him in his place.

As he had feared, the pain he felt when he was pricked was almost unbearable. Alonzo clenched his teeth tightly as his eyes filled with tears that he refused to let fall. The redness in his gaze betrayed the intensity of his effort to contain them, but he refused to succumb to weeping.

"The appointment is at five in the afternoon," Christian announced while they were having lunch at a small restaurant, after leaving the hospital. Alonzo still felt somewhat weak, so they decided to stop and eat something before continuing with the day. "I'll send you the address and all the necessary information," Christian added, taking a sip of his juice.

Alonzo nodded, although his mind was occupied with a detail that bothered him.

"Why so late?" he asked, looking at the time on his watch. "It's an hour's drive to get there."

Christian shrugged with a slight smile before replying:

"Well, the client doesn't have any other time available. Besides, he preferred not to send one of his employees. You know how those people are, so... special."

Alonzo sighed, resigned. He knew very well what Christian meant. During his time as his assistant, he had dealt with countless unpleasant people, many of whom suffered from a marked superiority complex. Each encounter was a test of patience.

Hours later, Alonzo found himself parked in front of an imposing mansion located on the outskirts of the city. He looked at the information Christian had sent him and then looked up to contemplate the construction. It was majestic, with extensive grounds that included part of the mountain on which it was located. The entrance was a kilometer away from the main road, and the whole complex radiated opulence. It was surprising how some people were able to spend so much money on their properties.

The sound of a horn startled him from his thoughts. He turned his head and saw a black SUV with tinted windows parked next to his car. The vehicle, clearly expensive and luxurious, indicated that the client was someone important. Nervous, Alonzo adjusted his tie and took a quick glance at his reflection in the rearview mirror, making sure his appearance was impeccable. Satisfied, he got out of the car and prepared to meet the man.

The client was tall and dressed completely in black: from his dress pants to his tie, passing through his perfectly ironed shirt. He wore sunglasses, although the sun was already disappearing behind the mountains. His presence imposed a sense of authority and a certain discomfort in the environment. Maybe it was his imagination, but Alonzo felt a chill run down his body, as if the temperature had suddenly dropped.

"Mr. Vega, it's a pleasure. I am Mr. Rylan's assistant," Alonzo said, extending his hand in a professional gesture. However, the man simply tilted his head in acknowledgment, without making any move to shake the hand Alonzo had offered.

The discomfort grew, but just as Alonzo was about to withdraw his hand, the man took it firmly, shaking it briefly before releasing it.

"Nice to meet you, Alonzo," the man replied in a deep, grave voice, devoid of warmth or courtesy.

The client took off his sunglasses, revealing dark, cold eyes that looked at Alonzo with a disturbing intensity. That penetrating gaze made him feel small, insignificant, and for a moment, Alonzo wished he was anywhere else.

"Come with me, I'll show you the property," he ordered the man, without waiting for a response. Vega walked past him with seriousness and elegance full of coldness.

Alonzo, trying to maintain his composure, gave him a professional smile and began to walk behind him. As they moved forward, he noticed a huge fountain in the center of the garden that added a touch of elegance to the place. The landscape was spectacular, but the man's intimidating presence made it difficult to enjoy it.

"The main construction is two thousand square meters," Alonzo began, trying to sound calm, "and the land covers a whole hectare. Behind the main house is a guest house and, beyond that, a service house. This place is ideal for a weekend getaway or to offer your family a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

"I'm not married, nor do I have children," the client replied, curtly.

"Ah, I understand. Well, in that case, it can be a perfect place to enjoy peace and privacy," Alonzo replied, trying to correct himself as they continued towards the main entrance.

Nerves began to take their toll on Alonzo as they approached the door. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to enter the access code. Although he couldn't see him, he felt the client's gaze fixed on his back, which produced a feeling of increasing discomfort.

"The floors are made of the best quality marble, with granite finishes on the walls. The ceilings are double height to give greater spaciousness to the living room and dining room," Alonzo explained as he showed him the spacious living room.

The man walked slowly through the room, his shoes echoing with each step he took. He ran his fingers over the fine furniture and then headed towards the kitchen, inspecting every corner with an air of indifference. Finally, he turned to look at Alonzo.

"Are you going to keep pretending you don't know who I am?" the man asked suddenly, his tone dry and defiant.

The question took Alonzo by surprise. His eyebrows furrowed in a gesture of confusion as he tried to remember if he had ever seen that man before, but he couldn't find any memory that linked him to him.

"Should I know you?" he asked after a few seconds of reflection.

The man began to walk slowly towards Alonzo, and the sound of his steps sent a shiver down his spine. Alonzo took a couple of steps back, trying to maintain his composure.

"Do you take me for a fool?" the client snapped, approaching dangerously.

"No, sir, I simply don't recognize you. I have never seen you in my life," Alonzo replied, maintaining his professional tone even though fear was beginning to take hold of him.

"I've always thought you people are useless," the man growled, "but I never imagined they would send the most incompetent one to do the job."

Rage quickly replaced the fear that Alonzo had been feeling.

"I don't know who you are, but I'm not going to allow you to talk to me like that. You may have a lot of money, but that doesn't give you the right to treat me like garbage."

A crooked smile formed on the man's lips.

"At least you have character. You would be too boring if, in addition to being incompetent, you were also a coward."

"You can leave right now and never contact us again," Alonzo spat, turning on his heels to leave. But before he could take more than one step, the man grabbed his arm tightly, preventing him from moving forward.

"Tell me, how many of yours are waiting for me outside?" the man tightened his grip, causing Alonzo to wince in pain.

"Are you on drugs or drunk?" Alonzo tried to break free, but the man's fingers sank deeper into his flesh, making him double over in pain.

"You're coming with me, Interpol pig," the man whispered in Alonzo's ear.

Before he could react, Alonzo felt a sharp blow to the back of his neck that knocked him unconscious.