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Tadeus stares out the window, trying to distinguish between the water and the night sky — Couldn't we have come by helicopter?
— It's a very small island — Gustaph replies — Remember what we talked about. Now that you have his attention, try going to his room and planting the microphones in his clothes or shoes.
— Okay — Tadeus says listlessly.
Upon arriving on the island, Tadeus immediately goes to his room to sleep for the rest of the night. In the morning, breakfast isn't served; instead, a large table of sweet and savory snacks is laid out.
For the remainder of the day, most of the guests remain in their rooms until the afternoon, when the first course is served at five o'clock. Tadeus notices that during the meal, the man known as "The Animal" doesn't eat at a group table like the others, but instead stays with the island owner's family.
— Maybe you'll get his attention if you stay longer tonight. He usually finds someone to spend the night with — Gustaph says. Tadeus nods and walks beside him during the break. Alexander doesn't seem to want to leave the table, so he returns to his seat to wait for the second course.
During the second break, some people give speeches, and Gustaph chats amiably with Angelique. — Can you believe I had that eye patch on the whole ceremony?! I was mortified, I looked like I'd pooped my pants! — she exclaims, and they both burst out laughing for several seconds, even shedding a few tears.
Tadeus uses this moment to slip away. He walks through the mansion's hallways, trying not to lose sight of Alexander. He sees him enter a room, but doesn't close the door, leading him to believe the businessman knows he's being followed.
— Hey, kid! — he hears Gustaph's voice behind him, just before entering the room — Are you feeling alright? You seem a bit down.
— I'm just a little tired — he replies while looking down.
— Let's go back, dinner's not over — he orders.
— I've had enough of all this. I don't think it's working — Tadeus says.
— Remember what I told you? — Gustaph says, running his hands along the sides of his arms — You need to concentrate.
— Yes, sir — Tadeus says — I just need some fresh air — he adds, gesturing toward the balcony.
As soon as he steps onto the small balcony, he feels the cool breeze coming off the sea. He watches several people getting drunk and dancing around the gardens, or arguing among the bushes. — It's been difficult finding a place to be alone — says a voice behind him. Tadeus is startled for a second, but regains his composure when he realizes who it is.
— Sorry, I didn't think anyone was here — Tadeus says without turning around "I almost forgot" comments in his mind.
— I just wanted some peace and quiet in the library — Alexander approaches — Looks like we keep running into each other.
— Are you following me? — Tadeus asks with a genuine smile, trying to be playful.
The Animal smiles at that statement and places his hand on the companion's shoulder. — What do you say we finish what we started last time?
— I finished — Tadeus replies. Alexander moves closer and his gaze meets Tadeus' eyes, which shine brightly in the moonlight.
— Spend the night with me — he asks before kissing him. Tadeus holds onto Alexander's waist to stay put as the man seeks his lips deelpy, with increasing intensity. The hands that were initially at the nape of his neck slide down his chest and side, caressing his skin through the lace-trimmed opening in the back of his jacket.
Tadeus tries to concentrate on taking the microphones out of the pocket inside his jacket to attach one to his clothing, but the man strips him of it.
— Wouldn't it be better if we went to a room? — Tadeus suggests, taking the man's wrists and pulling them away from his bare chest.
— Yes, that's fine — Alexander replies in a ragged breath.
Tadeus picks up his jacket as Alexander crosses the room to the hallway. As soon as he gets the microphones, he attaches one to the lower inside of Animal's jacket, and the other to the hem of his undershirt's collar, making it look like a caress. He follows him until they pass through the living room where he makes eye contact with Gustaph, who approaches at the signal. — It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Strauss!
— Senator, what a pleasure! I hope you're enjoying dinner — Alexander responds with a broad smile.
— Of course — Gustaph says — I trust you've enjoyed my guest.
— Yes, we actually met in the Maldives — Alexander says.
— Oh! I guess the world is smaller than we think — Gustaph comments with a roughing out a smile.
— We're just catching up on a conversation we left unfinished — Alexander comments.
— Sorry to interrupt, but Tadeus and I have to go.
— Dinner isn't over yet, sir — Tadeus replies, feigning disappointment.
— I hope you can continue another time, you understand — Gustaph says.
— There'll be another opportunity — Alexander says with a forced smile and walks away after wishing them a good trip.
In the morning, Tadeo is handing his suitcases to the captain of the yacht when he sees Gustavo talking to Alejandro Estrada.
— What were you talking about? — Tadeus asks once they are far from the shore.
— Apparently he's got fixated on you — Gustaph says — He told me he wants to buy you. He says he'll pay whatever I promised you to be my companion on the island. It doesn't surprise me, considering he almost grabbed you in that hallway during the auction.
— We only kissed two or three times. It's not a big deal.
— I got your signal. I hope you were able to place the microphones — Gustaph says as he sends a text message.
— I hope two are enough — Tadeus says — I feel too tense.