SONG PLAYED: “Who Do You Want” by Ex habit.

~ALEXANDRO’S POV~

I made my way to the bar like a man with all the time in the world and none of the patience.

The crystal decanter waited, filled with the kind of aged scotch that bit like betrayal and soothed like a lover’s lie. My fingers wrapped around the neck of the bottle.

I poured two glasses like I had a goddamn degree in it.

Behind me, Mario sank into the couch with the dramatic flair of a man who survived everything but therapy. Julio stood by the door like a statue carved from loyalty and nightmares.

“Drink?” I offered,...