Passion

Information Needed

Rio's POV

During the middle of the night with everyone finally getting some sleep after staying up waiting for Lilith and I from Japan, I have a habit of working completely better when it's nighttime. Could be because I'm jetlagged, used to the weird time difference from the world or I might be insomniac at times but still, I am great with working better at night.

Since it was 3 in the morning, I called around, since I have favors from everyone who owes me after helping them out. Especially a few who worked in the catering business, social events, social planners, anyone who just works in fancy places.

So I called and texted around, with my laptop open, with my glasses on, hair in a messy manbun, there's a few churches and elegant luxurious hotels scheduled for a few events and weddings happening, my phone rang, I answered it, "Holbrook, you know you owe me after I helped you with getting out of that situation with your girl, and since you worked in that fancy hotel at the Waldorf, so is there a reservation with the name Ransic. Patrick Ransic?"

"Man you know I can't look up names for anyone, I can get a lot of trouble for this."

I heard typing at the over the end, I rolled my eyes, "You're married now, right? Would be shame if I just let your girl know about that ex of yours who contacted you the night before your wedding and how close you went to the hotel. I covered for you knowing I don't do cheating, oh and congratulations with your second kid coming, I bet it's a real cutie." I heard him groaning, knowing I know everything, especially I hear and see everything, and since he knows I would let his girl know, he sent me an email of a few names of the asshole, but not Natalia's Patrick. So he's not going to be in the Waldorf. I went and called another one who owed me, Cassidy, who I gave one hell of a night with how incredible I am in bed with her, at the Four Seasons. After I helped her out with ending her relationship with a piece of shit ex who was seeing five other women and three of them were pregnant, so basically saved her from being trapped with him with a kid, which she was thankful for and didn't go through with the engagement.

Plus I liked her, she was cool and did hope she found someone else who treated her like a Queen that she is, and hearing typing over the phone, "There's a few Patricks and the name Ransic but I'm sending you the email of it for you."

"Alright, but still sending you a photo of the guy so you let me know he's there."

"Okay, I let you know."

I kept going over the hours, people who owe me favors, until I grabbed my shirt and went out to the patio, dialed up Natalia, 5 rings later she finally answered, "Hello?"

"Seems you caused such a stir up here, Nat. I'm alone so let's talk and no judgement, I'm alone out in the patio, glancing up the stars which is surprising since we live in New York but it's pretty nice. Now, what's on your mind and why you left, decided to get back with that ex of yours, what's up, Nat?"

She let out a sigh, clearly she didn't block my number like Scarlett mentioned she did with her, which is good, shuffling sounds in the background, clearly moving from the bed, "I thought Patrick deserves a second chance." Clenched teeth, first sign, "Why does he deserve that? From what you mentioned, he's been a piece of shit for years, he got with Trishana, Scarlett's ex so that's a good indication that he isn't someone worthy of your love and attention. Not to mention he put his hands on you, talking down, trying to change you, that's what they say."

"It's what I want, we've been together for so long."

"That you think it's easier, well, it's really not that easy, or get easier."

Natalia stayed quiet for a moment, the kind of silence that feels heavier than words. I could hear her breathing through the phone, uneven, like she was trying to steady herself.