The gang gathered to welcome Curtis home in the private lounge of an exclusive members’ club and the atmosphere was electric. With a grin, Devin uncorked a bottle of Hennessy Paradis, a top-shelf cognac that was a century’s worth of limited release and not even available in stores.

This was a cherished possession of Devin’s grandfather, Hubert Perez. He himself could never bring himself to drink it, yet his adoring grandson had whisked it away to celebrate his best friend’s comeback..

“Are you sticking around this time?” Devin asked, getting Curtis a generous glass.

Curtis leaned back on the plush sofa, a picture of nonchalance. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been counting the days until you got back!”

Someone in the group teased, “Devin’s been pining for you more than your wife, man.”

Devin shot back with a playful kick. “Shut it, will you?”

Glass in hand, Curtis patted Devin on the back of the head. “Missing me, huh? What, got an itch only I can scratch?”

“Please, my grandfather hasn’t stopped riding me since you’ve been gone,” Devin retorted. “Life’s been dull without you, brother.”

The conversation then turned to Curtis’ wife. “Speaking of, where’s your wife tonight?”

Devin answered with a dismissive wave, “We’re having a boys’ night. She’d only rain on parade.”

Our

the score with Curtis and Leanne. There wasn’t much of a marriage there. They never considered Leanne as Mrs.

an opportunity, a woman sitting close

taking a drag from his cigarette. “Is my wedding ring not shiny. enough for you?” he asked with a wry

the band on his

shirt collar gaped slightly, revealing the

woman blushed and was curious about his

your wife like?” she ventured.

1/2

Chapter 2

with effortless grace, Curtis replied, “My wife?”

His

thin veneer of amusement that gave the illusion of affection. “She’s not as

compliment could make any woman’s heart

the illusion. “Don’t let this man fool you. You couldn’t find at woman in Stonebridge

to smoke lazily, a playful smile on his

she realized he was toying

to hide his

his drink, grabbed his jacket, and stood up.

Devin looked up in surprise. “You’re

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