LUDOS – love as a game

Francis Bonnefoy never entertained the thought of being gay – until now. He was holding a key to SUITE A of Bella Luna. It was located on the third floor along with two other suite rooms. The Frenchman was familiar with the rules of love: the first to fall loses but he couldn't help falling for Romano. Every Friday, Francis indulged himself with the company of Romano. He idealizes that Romano was his feisty Italian lover; however, he knows that this is only his delusion. Romano was a prostitute; he would never be anybody's.

The door made a clicking sound and Francis smiled at the man waiting inside. Francis greeted him with a kiss on the cheeks that was affectionately returned. Tonight was another night of make-believe with love as a central theme.

"You must be damn rich for visiting me every Friday. I don't come cheap," Romano said as he poured wine for Francis. The blue-eyed blond man laughed at the statement. He was caught in this man's wit that always has sarcasm mixed in. It was sexy.

"I'm not reach my dear. I just happen to have money and I want to spend it on you," Francis replied after he took his first sip.

"Fucking bourgeoisie," An insult was hurled at him but he only laughed at it. He didn't feel hurt because what he said was the truth. He worked hard for his money and he wanted to spend it on Romano. If he no longer has money, he will stop this dangerous liaison.

"I am a working man… and I don't regret spending my money on you,"

"I am the best in this business. Of course I am worth every damn Euro you spend on me,"

Francis was about to make a retort but he noticed that his lover was getting impatient. Romano was undressing himself; it was such a big turn on for Francis. Romano was handsome and this was saying something, on Francis's part since he rarely comments on other people's physique.

"Let me remind you that I do this job – half for the money, half for the sex," The perpetual scowl on Romano's face was replaced with a mischievous grin.

"My dear, I pay you half for the sex and half for your company -" Francis felt his skin tingle as Romano began unbuttoning his dress shirt. Romano was worth it; the Italian knew how to play the game of love and it was exciting for Francis even if he was losing.

"Well, kind sir, I am not interested with what you do outside this walls," The Italian languidly spoke. "If I can make you come in less than 30 seconds, we continue in bed. Otherwise, I'll listen to your old man's tales."

"Ugh," The Frenchman groaned as Romano began to unzip the zipper of his trousers. The conditions laid to the bet were unfair because Francis was aroused.

The room was getting stuffy despite being air-conditioned. Francis was completely naked and he could feel the gaze of hazel eyes from head to foot.

"Start counting bastard," Romano's voice was sultry as he kneeled on the floor. Cold and slick tongue came into contact with Francis's manhood and he inevitably gasped. The head was expertly teased and The Frenchman's mind was reeling. All he could feel was the ecstasy running through his body. He counted out loud; his voice was still steady but by five, he wavered. Romano took in his entire dick and he took a dive from the edge. He gripped the brunet's head and pushed it further into his body. Francis felt Romano struggling but his mind was too hazy to care about his partner. He ejaculated inside Romano's mouth which earned him a light punch afterwards.

"Bastard. Next time, warn me if I will swallow," Romano took revenge by kissing Francis.

"Blegh," Francis reacted to the bitter taste in his mouth. "You never bet unless you're sure to win,"

"Naturally; that's the secret to success – make sure fire winning bets,"

Their bodies gravitated to the bed. The blond man took out a condom and lube from the dresser beside the bed. Every time he enters Romano, he couldn't imagine himself doing it with anybody else. He was truly falling deep for this feisty man who will never be anybody's. After the exhilarating sex, Francis urged the groggy Romano to sleep. The following week, there was no sex between the two men.

The moment Francis stepped inside the room, he felt something was off with Romano. The Italian was always professional. Francis immediately took advantage of the situation. He sweet-talked Romano into sharing about his problem. The Frenchman was always curious why a brilliant man like Romano would become a prostitute. Their meetings were limited, so Francis didn't have any chance to deepen their relationship outside the walls of SUITE A. this was a golden opportunity to up the relationship to acquaintances.

"Why are you here? I told them not to let anyone up here until 10 PM," Romano glared but Francis dismissed the frightening look with a smile. "I'll hear you out as a sign of our acquaintanceship. What's the problem?"

Francis sat at the edge of the bed while Romano explained his situation. Apparently, a younger brother was visiting and he was at his wits end. Romano said, "He's a nosy idiot and I don't want him knowing that I sell my body for a living."

"Just tell him that you're a night shift attendant at a hostel," Francis suggested.

"I do! But he's so damn inquisitive about my life… Anyway, I won't work while he is here. We won't be meeting anytime soon,"

"Oh, um, well, this is also the night I will spend with you dear. I'll be leaving Naples next week,"

"Okay,"

Francis feigned dejection with the one-word reply. The Frenchman wanted to push his luck, "Can I have a parting gift from you?"

Romano raised on of his eyebrows, "A what?"

"A day with you outside these walls,"

"You do know that you can't get anything other than sex in this relationship?"

"I know but a man can dream," Francis boyishly grinned. The words stung but he never allows the hurt to show on his face.

Prosecutor: Mr. Bonnefoy, there was no need to explain your sex life with Lovino Vargas. If you did it to harass me, I can add more charges to your current case.

Francis: I wasn't harassing you Madam. You said that I should tell you everything –

Prosecutor: Everything that relates to the murder of Arthur Kirkland.

Francis: Yes; I was just getting there… but I think that your visiting time is over. The officer has been glaring at me.

Prosecutor: Then get on with your statement. Enlighten me how all those are interconnected.

Francis: As I was saying, I got Romano, I mean Lovino Vargas, to agree with a date. It was a Sunday…

Francis was able to negotiate a Sunday with Romano. Before the assigned meeting time, he placed extra effort with his attire. He was going to a hard earned date and he needed to look his best. Francis Bonnefoy was always confident with the way he presents himself to other people. When he saw Romano, he was in awe. To the untrained onlooker, it looked like he was dressing sloppily but in the Frenchman's perspective, the attire was well-coordinated.

"Where do you want to go?" Romano immediately asked.

"I was thinking that we should take the next trip to Venice," Francis looked into those mesmerizing hazel eyes. "I'm joking… There's this new restaurant and I was hoping we dine there?"

"Sure; lead the way," Romano replied.

Francis was slightly surprised that Romano was complying his request without much protest.

After a ten-minute walk, they arrived at the said place. Music filled their ears the moment the door was opened but it was immediately drowned by background noise of people chattering. Someone greeted them and they were lead to a table for two. At this point, neither men exchanged words. They were busy going over the menu. It was only when their orders were taken, they began talking.

It was the usual small talk and Francis was expecting snarky remarks in between. However, there was none. Romano was on his best behavior.

'Maybe he really is like this outside of his work?' Francis mulled. 'That smart-ass attitude was part of his persona?'

"Bonnefoy, you're making weird faces," Romano raised an eyebrow.

"It's just that you are different right now than when I met you before," Francis said.

"Hmph," Romano crossed his arms. "Sorry to disappoint you. That me you met before is also me; I'm being civil right now because I… I have good company."

Francis face light up for a short moment.

"I'm not giving you mixed signals here. We're partners on bed but we're not lovers. As a longtime partner, I should at least repay you with this level of civility," Romano's voice was decisive. Francis knew that his advances will never work with this man. He needed to content himself with their arrangement.

When their meal arrived, silence once again permeated. The dark clouds of the earlier conversation disappeared as they enjoyed their orders. Upon payment, they paid their own orders. Romano insisted that Francis shouldn't pay him; this wasn't a date. Right now, they were two men enjoying each other's acquaintanceship.

Later that day, Francis insisted to see Romano's house. It was at the other end of the city and it took quite some time to reach it. It was already evening when they arrived. The place was cozy and located at the second floor of a bistro.

"I get a discount here since my cousin owns the place," Romano explained. "If you meet the bastard, call me Lovino; that's my real name."

Francis nodded; instead of meeting the cousin, he met the younger brother. The family resemblance was strong except for Feliciano's lighter eye color and skin complexion. The exchange between Lovino and Feliciano were amusing. Francis was an only child and he didn't ideas how siblings interacted.

He was introduced to Feliciano as Lovino's friend from work. Francis was quick in picking up the cues and the cover story was perfect.

The short time he spent with Lovino was wonderful. He headed to Paris the following day; it was a year after when he returned to Naples. This time, a Mr. Arthur Kirkland was inside Lovino's flat.

Prosecutor: I will clarify – you only met Mr. Kirkland recently.

Francis: YES; I am innocent Madam. Now, I have told you my story. I have nothing to do with his death!

The officer brought Francis Bonnefoy back to his cell after the interrogation. He never imagined that he would be spending a day in jail. Before he slept, he prayed that his name would be cleared.