+35 BONUS
331 Lunch With Matteo
(Jayden)
Matteo’s text is straight to the point: Lunch. Best restaurant in Brussels. Be there at 1.
There’s a location pinned. I glance at my Rolex.
I message back: Don’t think I’m taking lunch break
His answer is quick: Nonsense. You’re the boss, no?
Well, damn it. He’s right. I am.
When I step out of the town car, I’m greeted by cobblestones underfoot and an old–world elegance that hits different from the sleek, modern vibes back home
The restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away from the bustling streets, its charm oozing out from ivy- covered walls and grand arches.
He’s already seated by the window, casually leaning back, a glass of red wine in one hand, his grin radiating confidence.
“There he is!” Matteo calls out, raising his glass as if we’ve known each other for years. “Jayden! Amico mio, you made it! Hungry?”
“I could eat,” I say, sitting down across from him.
Matteo laughs. “Perfetto. We’re going local today. Belgian cuisine at its finest. You’ll leave here in love with stoofvlees–trust me. A Belgian stew. Delicioso.”
The waiter arrives, and Matteo wastes no time. “Bonjour! Deux fois stoofvlees et une bouteille de votre meilleur vin rouge!” He doesn’t even glance at the menu.
He turns back to me, his boyish grin still in place. “So, Jayden, what do you think of Brussels so far?”
“It’s different. A bit…slower than what I’m used to,” I admit. “But in a good way. The age of some of the buildings astounds me, to be honest. People are very welcoming.”
Matteo raises an eyebrow, swirling his wine. “Ah, that’s the European way. We work hard, sure, but we live and play hard too. Not like the corporate slavery they try and force on us. No! It’s about balance–about savoring life.”
Just then, a couple of women pass to sit at a neighboring table, giggling as they throw Matteo appreciative glances. I watch as he gives them a wink, his smile widening.
He holds his glass up to them before he drinks.
“They can’t help themselves,” he says quietly to me, barely concealing his smirk. “It’s the Italian blood, you know? Makes us irresistible.” Then he laughs out loud.
I laugh, shaking my head. “You don’t seem to mind the attention.”
He shrugs. “Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, amico. I appreciate them all. But right now, I’m more interested in lunch.”
1/2
301 Lunch With Mettee
+25 BONUS
“Thanks for the invite. I need the downtime.”
“They’ll have to survive without us for a few more hours.” He nods. “So, tell me–how are you really finding Nexus Global?”
“It’s…a lot. More than I expected.”
He nods, like he understands immediately. “Of course. Gus ran it like a military camp. No room for fun, no room for anything but perfection.”
“Indeed. I’d like a dollar for every time I have to say I’m not Gus. I’d be an even richer man.” I smile. Matteo’s good mood is infectious, and I sip the wine. It’s complex and very good.
“Hugo, I think Gus is like his father, you know? They have a history.” He shrugs. “Astrid, well,” He rolls his eyes dramatically, letting out a low chuckle. “She’s wound tighter than a Swiss watch.”
“I’ve noticed,” I say, trying not to laugh.
“Amico mio, Astrid’s like an ice queen. Gorgeous, powerful, terrifyingly efficient. I think in the bedroom too, no?” Matteo waggles his eyebrows, leaning in conspiratorially. “I bet she’s a total dominatrix Strict, controlling… I want to try it.”
I nearly choke on my wine. “You’re serious?” I push back thoughts of my time with Ashlyn. I don’t want to go back there again but I do get what Matteo is saying about it.
“Dead serious. There’s something about that cold exterior… it’s irresistible.” He sighs dramatically.
“Also addictive.”
He glances at me and nods like he gets I’ve been there or something. But he says nothing and continues his conversation.
“But she’s untouchable. I’ve tried a few times to crack that shell. No luck yet. Maybe one day.”
“Good luck with that.” I smile.
“Sofia, though–cara mia…”
He trails off with a sly grin, and I feel my stomach twist. I know where he’s going with this, and part of me doesn’t want to hear it. I’ve got some vibes from her but I’ve ignored them.
“Sofia’s different,” Matteo continues, lowering his voice. “She’s all business on the surface, but she runs her life like a soap opera. I’ve been there. She’s fun, but-‘ He waves a hand.
“But?”
“Drama follows her like a shadow. Don’t let her fool you. She loves to be in control then she has something over you, you understand?”
“She’s been helping me a lot with the transition,” I say.
Matteo laughs, a low, knowing chuckle. “Si, si, she’s very… helpful. But let me give you some advice. Don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“I’m not…I love my wife and my family.”
2/3
331 Lunch With Matteo
+25 BONUS
“I know, I know.” Matteo raises his hands in mock surrender. “But just keep your guard up. And hey–don’t let Astrid see you getting too chummy with Sofia. She’ll have your balls mounted on the wall before you can say ‘arrivederci.”
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