Coming to this party had been a terrible way to use his weekend. If his father had not insisted, he would have avoided it like the plague. But he had been given strict instructions to attend and make useful connections. A getaway at an aristocratic country mansion, attended by well to do and the upper crust. A new acquaintance had secured him an invite, clearly amused by associating with someone like him.
When he drove up that afternoon, the disgusting amount of wealth these people had while contributing nothing was fully on display. The 'staff' all made to stand out front as the host welcomed the guests. The host was the twenty something aged son of the duke who owned the estate. He greeted him with a bemused expression as their mutual acquaintance introduced him with veiled euphemisms. He was ushered inside and led to a bedroom that was offered for him to sleep in later.
He went into the ensuite bathroom to take a shower and get ready for that night. Once he had finished washing himself under the hot water, he stepped out and wiped the condensation off the mirror, checking himself out.
After only having recently returned from a long period in Naples he still had a deep tan. He smoothed his hands over the stubble on his jaw. He pondered shaving, but thought these people wouldn't want him to be too 'polished' a bit of scruff might be a selling point to add mystique. He applied product to his black waves, male grooming might be frowned on by some but appearances were everything. His brown eyes looking back at him, he girded himself for the night ahead.
'It's just a night spent surrounded by entitled nepo babies. Who will become even more insufferable when drunk and high from a cocktail of drugs that was promised to be on offer. You are Luca Sala and these people are just here for you to exploit. Laugh at their terrible jokes, make them feel special. Get their friendship to use to your advantage.'
He left the bathroom and picked out his suit to dress in. He had worked hard to ensure his tall frame cut an appealing figure in it. He had to, if he was to be the more charming face to the nicer side of his father's business. He put on the suit, leaving the top couple of buttons popped on his shirt to keep it more smart-casual. After applying some cologne he made his way downstairs where the festivities were beginning.
Other guests were arriving or making their way down from their rooms. It was a sea of old school ties, designer clothing and the air of the out of touch. Many chinless wonders and horse-like sets of teeth. Most of the women sported the expensive kind of blond, natural looking but clearly not real when you examined their skin tones. Otherwise muted natural colours, no extravagant dye jobs to be seen. Which is why when 'she' walked into the room, she immediately caught Luca's attention. A cascade of intense polished copper, hanging down in waves. Based on her almost milk like skin, probably her own colour. While all the other women were in minidresses or short skirts she wore a full length playsuit.
The fact that she didn't look like she had had any 'work' done, a naturally beautiful face, was very appealing to Luca. He was interested in trying to meet her, but he needed to secure the 'right' approach. First impressions were important.
He circulated around, enjoying a couple of drinks to appear social, but politely refusing when various white powders were offered. A clear head was vital, plus he knew dealers cut it with questionable chemicals a lot of the time.
He was eventually approached by a woman, blonde, provocatively dressed. He didn't find her particularly attractive, even before she started speaking. He couldn't tell if it was from her having many drinks or if it was just how she usually talked. Sounding like she was sucking on a toffee while trying to over enunciate her words.
"Hello...I'm Hortensia. You're a new face, what's your name?" She gave him a coquettish smirk.
"Luca, nice to meet you." He gave her a polite smile.
"How do you know our host?" She enquired.
He put on his best effortlessly charming tone.
"I don't...not really I met him today. Harvey got me an invite and brought me."
"Oh...Harvey is a blast. An utter scoundrel but so much fun."
He raised an eyebrow.
"That is one way to describe him."
He said with a knowing smirk.
The reason he and Harvey knew each other was because Harvey was a relentless coke fiend, and had developed many other terrible habits. Leading to their introduction.
She giggled.
"Are you one of Harvey's 'fun' friends?"
"Depends how you define 'fun'?"
He smirked as he sipped his drink.
She gave him a flirtatious wink.
"I'll take that as a yes..."
She started running a finger down his chest.
"...you know I've never been with a guy that's circumcised."
He almost choked on his sip. 'What?'
Slightly confused, he asked.
"Okay...why do you mention that?"
She dropped to a lower tone trying to sound sultry.
"You're drinking so that means you aren't 'strict' why don't we go upstairs and you can show it to me"
Luca was now feeling awkward as well as confused.
"Sorry I think there's been some confusion, I'm not..."
She spoke as if he'd said something obvious.
"Oh...you're the other kind. That's fine, sorry for getting that wrong. I've never understood the difference really, both hate pork and wear those hats to pray. I'm still interested though."
Luca started to comprehend her meaning. He had expected this level of obliviousness and offensiveness from someone tonight, he was just surprised it had happened so early.
He tried to be delicate. Not offended but holding in his desire to laugh at her.
"I think you have the wrong end of the stick. I am a non-practicing catholic and of Italian ancestry."
He diplomatically explained.
She placed her palm flirtatiously on his chest.
"Oooh Italian. Bellissimo. Even better. Are you available for a ride, stallion?"
He couldn't have been less interested.
"I'm still enjoying my drink...another time perhaps?"
There was no chance he was going to indulge her.
She got huffy.
"What about when you finish your drink?"
He knew he needed to stay polite, but she was starting to irritate him now. He sighed.
"I'm going to get another one. I'll be honest you're not my type, I'm not interested. I'm sure you'll find a guy here who is."
She seethed, slapping him before storming off. It got him a few looks, he put on a face of confusion. Hoping to any onlookers it would seem like she had just slapped him out of nowhere. Which she had, not his fault she couldn't handle rejection. Inside he was scowling. Ignorant bitch.
As the night went on he made some more introductions, got the contact info for several wealthy idiots, and a few invites to other gatherings. He eventually got round to chatting with the host.
"Luca...wasn't it?"
A male plummy sounding voice addressed him.
"...Yes, your party is going very well. You must be delighted Tarquin."
"I know, it's going to be one to be remembered...or not based on how hard some people are going for it. Hortensia for example...I don't know why I invited her."
"She is...a unique character." Luca put tactfully.
"I heard she gave you a wallop...any particular reason?" He asked, eager for the gossip.
"She was upset that I wasn't interested...or circumcised."
Tarquin did a double take. A delighted grin on his face.
"I'm going to need some more detail on that?"
Luca happily relayed the gossip Tarquin clearly wanted.
"She approached me assuming I belonged to a certain group of people who engage in that practice. Wanted me to go somewhere private and show it to her."
He laughed.
"Hortensia does it again. Let me make it up to you as host...anyone you want to know about or meet?"
"Who's the redhead?" Luca asked.
Tarquin raised his eyebrows.
"She caught your eye?"
Luca smirked.
"She looks like she'd be interesting to know."
"What a gentlemanly way to put it. That's Evelyn, we went to University together. Unlike most here she works for a living. Some kind of private security thing...I don't know, can't pry anything out of her about it."
"Any particular don'ts I should be aware of?"
"Sure, don't even try. Many have attempted...all have failed."
"Is she...batting for the other team?"
Luca enquired.
Tarquin shrugged.
"If she has a type, no one knows what it is. She's a good friend, wicked sense of humour but that side of her that is not apparent."
Seeming the slight twinge of disappointment on Luca's face, he offered him a gift.
"Since Columbian marching powder and special K are not your thing...can I offer you a joint of premium Purple Kush? You will have to smoke it outside, non-negotiable."
"Sure, thank you."
Tarquin passed it to him.
"I have to go play host, see you later."
They separated.
Luca went outside into the darkness, enjoying the early summer air. He went to find a good spot to smoke the joint. He walked through the garden past a lit fire pit that no one was sitting at. After a short walk he found a well with a bench concealed from obvious view behind some shrubs. No one was going to see him and bother him if they happened to walk over. He lit up and started smoking, relishing his tension disappearing with every puff. He sat alone like this for a while until he heard footsteps approaching.
A pair of them. They stopped by the well. He subtly leaned his head out, remaining hidden but able to see who it was. Hortensia and Evelyn.
Evelyn spoke first. Sounding irritated and curt. Her voice still sounded soothing though, like the kind you would want to whisper something in your ear.
"Okay, you said you wanted to talk...so talk."
Hortensia sounded smug, slurring though.
"I don't think you should be taking that tone with me...considering what I have on you."
Evelyn snapped.
"Excuse me, what on earth are you talking about?"
Hortensia haughtily slurring.
"I know...I have photos and other things saved on my cloud. You're such a naughty girl...you've got everyone convinced that you're such a good person...but you're really not. If I were to make it public, it would be such a scandal. Not to forget you would probably go to prison for years. The people involved aren't going to let it go when they know what you've done."
Evelyn was quietly fuming.
"What do you want? Money?"
Hortensia maliciously laughed.
"Oh, no, I don't want money. You are going to be my bitch going forward. I say jump, you say how high? You'll go where I say, when I say. I'm going to make you degrade yourself, just because it amuses me. I know a few guys who would love to get their hands on you, make a few videos. Watching little miss perfect fall down into the filth will be delicious."
She gloated. Raising up her arms, clasping her hands around her head in joyous victory.
