Chapter 43

Two Alexi’s, yet not. One all casual and sporty with trainers and a smile, over tropical blue eyes, the other suited and booted with that sinister frown on his face at seeing me, a grey soulless gaze that literally goes through you, and I throw on a charming face.

They are equally attractive visually, yet Gino is missing that something special.

‘‘You rang my lord?’’ I do a mock curtsy and Gino breaks into a boyish laugh, amused at me already and throws Alexi a quick glance.

‘’I can see why she pisses you off little brother.’’ He pushes Alexi in the shoulder and he just glares at his sibling in the most juvenile way. The great Alexi sulks when in the presence of brothers, how quaint.

‘‘I’m not against shooting you in the face.’’ Alexi frowns, actually scowls at Gino, who just laughs harder. I have never seen this side to him and I watch with complete interest, it’s like seeing a glimpse of another person, and I am not sure I like seeing the Great Carrero as a mere human. Annoyed by a sibling and acting out aggressively.

‘’London?’’ He turns his attention to me.

‘’Yes, Boss?’’ I answer prettily with fluttering lashes.

‘‘Get a drink and sit. My brother wanted to meet you properly, seeing as he has this insane idea that you must be special. Putting a woman at the helm of my man project and all.’’ Alexi looks indulgently at his brother, who is still smirking wildly, and I can see a hint of mutual affection in the passing of mirrored glances. I still cannot get my head around just how identical these two really are. It’s completely uncanny even the way they are lounging side by side in such a casual man way with one foot on the centre coffee table each. I guess they really did break from the same cell.

I’ve seen images of twins before, but nothing like this kind of replication. From the mannerisms, the voice and the hair styling. If they both had the same suits on and sunglasses concealing the colour of their eyes I don’t think I could tell them apart, tattoos aside. Well, except Gino smiles; A lot. Alexi barely cracks one, so it’s a definite tell-tale.

I guess they have that psychic thing going on too, like most twins as Alexi shoves his brother, followed by a look and Gino gives him a weird wave gesture that gets one in response. A whole new little communication and Alexi throws him another scowl. Whatever it was he didn’t like it and it is so hard not to stare like a freak at this weird behaviour of two grown men.

Alexi seems so different when Gino is around and silent communication comprising looks, eyebrow twitters and hand gestures is unnerving. I wander off to get a drink and opt for a whisky on the rocks. I need something stronger in preparation for opening night and my first official duty as hostess to his very swanky new club.

We have a full guest list tonight, twenty-five members, twenty-five escorts and some extras working the floor in case anyone likes more than one at a time. The full staff and security are all getting ready, and we have a DJ arriving at seven with some strippers for the main stage to keep the party entertaining.

I wander over and sit at the end of the closest part of the couch and cross my legs, swinging one high stiletto in mid-air. I catch Alexi's usual sweep of my legs, something he does so frequently I no longer notice it as much and Gino eyes up his brother instead. An eyebrow rises as he does so.

I innocently take a long sip of my drink and pretend not to see the questioning glances. I’m guessing Gino is amused that his brother can openly eye rape me yet refuses to sleep with me.

Makes two of us Gino.

‘’So, Camilla? How are you settling in over here? I have heard only good things about you.’’ Gino is the happy charmer of the duo, all smiles, laid-back looks and open enthusiasm. Like a puppy needing attention knowing he is adorably cute. He’s also a bare faced liar.

It’s … Draining.

I almost choke on my drink and Alexi’s furrowed glance at his sibling says it all.

‘‘I highly doubt that; your brother merely tolerates me because he knows I am what’s best for his little business endeavour. If he had his way he probably would have strangled me by now and left me in the river.’’ Alexi’s eyes stray to mine and an unreadable expression as he settles his pale gaze. Probably mentally agreeing with me.

‘‘Lucie already has that on his priority list,’’ Alexi smirks and Gino rolls his eyes.

‘’I thought you were going to find somewhere dark and airless to put that little weasel?’’

‘’I did … his office. I’m biding my time until he asphyxiates and Dianna can’t blame me for it.’’ Alexi retorts and this time I smirk at his humour, dry and quick and more my taste. Gino is a too American hot boy with dazzling white teeth and effortless chatter.