"Fate plays tricks that no one can explain"

Being an honest cop surrounded by so much corruption isn't easy, but I came to make a difference.

Chief Vinicius Cruz, thirty-five years old, six feet tall, blue eyes, and a well-built physique, leads a specialized drug trafficking task force.

Being a cop was always my dream. They call me Chief Cruz. Getting here wasn't easy — after law school, I went through the whole process to become a detective chief, passed the civil service exam, and climbed the ranks as I proved myself until I reached where I am now.

I command a specialized anti-drug trafficking unit. My key officers are:

Santiago Silva, twenty-eight, five foot seven.

Marcos Paiano, twenty-eight, five foot eleven.

Anne Souza, thirty, five foot five.

Bruno Freitas, twenty-five, five foot seven.

More than a team — a family. We work together to keep the city clean of traffickers and drugs.

Everyone goes by their last name on the job. We work undercover most of the time and only wear uniforms on special occasions.

I've been on the force for seven years, but that didn't stop me from losing my only sister to drugs. I blame myself for not noticing who she was getting involved with. By the time I found out, it was too late — she was already gone. My beloved sister, so full of life, lost herself to drugs and died of an overdose.

At her funeral, I made a promise — to her and to myself — that I'd put away the bastard who led her down that road of no return.

I turned myself into a trafficker hunter across the city. A hunt that left a trail everywhere I went, earning me enemies even inside the department.

It hasn't been easy. The bastard keeps disappearing from the country, but his time will come. Until the big fish shows up, we catch the small ones. We'd been working undercover for a week to bust some rich-kid dealers.

Some of them are children of important people who get off on flirting with danger. But we managed to put every one of them behind bars.

Even if some walk out in twenty-four hours, we already know where to find each of them.

Today we wrapped up an exhausting week and decided to blow off some steam.

Maybe some good sex to relax the body and mind. I almost forgot to mention — I'm openly gay. I don't hide my sexuality from anyone. I believe it doesn't change who I am or affect my work. I'm a man who likes sex with other men. No femme types — nothing against them, but if I wanted someone delicate, I'd be with women. I'm attracted to the masculine physique.

I've never had a serious relationship — just hookups and nothing more. I don't want to get attached. With the life I lead, I don't want anyone breathing down my neck when I'm away from home. I usually have a few regulars when I'm really stressed and don't have time to talk. But there's one guy who already knows me and never makes demands — we hook up when it works out. No strings, no jealousy. What happens between us is just sex and nothing more.

Miguel, twenty-eight, five foot seven. A criminal defense attorney.

I was already dressed to go out when my mother called me.

Viviane Cruz, fifty. Vinicius Cruz's mother.

"Another year and you won't go visit her."

She said it with such sadness.

"The day I catch that bastard, I'll go give her the news."

My mother hugged me around the waist. Today marks another year since her death, and since I buried her, I've never gone back.

"My son, forget about all that."

I turned to her and kissed her forehead.

"When I catch him, I'll forget. Now I've gotta head out with the crew. Don't wait up for me on the couch."

I knew she wouldn't listen. I got my stubbornness from her.

We have a spot we like to hit up when we want to unwind on the weekends. We arrive in separate cars and only acknowledge each other once we're inside.

The place was packed, but someone always comes early to reserve a table so everyone has somewhere to sit when they show up.

"God, you guys are worse than me when it comes to getting ready!" Anne shouted over the loud music.

One by one, everyone arrived. The table filled up with different kinds of drinks. We were having a good time when my eyes landed on a sight that took my breath away. The guy was walking in with two other people, but everywhere he went, he left eyes following him. For a split second, our gazes locked and he broke into a smile that carved two dimples into his cheeks, making him look even sexier. But the smile faded just as fast, and he disappeared into the crowd.

"What's up, boss?" Marcos asked.

"I think he's already on the hunt!" Anne teased with a grin.

"Nah, I just thought I saw a friend," I lied. Didn't want to get roasted all night.

The night went on — drinks, random conversations, and ridiculous dancing — but my eyes kept scanning the room for the man with the sexy dimples.

It was time to leave. Everyone went their own way. I walked to the parking lot and ended up seeing something that caught my attention. It was the same guy from inside the club — he was arguing with the same woman. He looked pretty upset, running his hands over his face and gesturing. The other guy walked up and he left them alone. Some people came by making noise and distracted me. When I looked back, he was gone. I got in my car and drove out slowly, hoping to spot him, but he'd vanished. No point getting excited — a good-looking guy like that probably only goes for women or already has someone. I'm not on the prowl. Just out having fun with friends.

"In the midst of sorrow, there will always be a light in the darkness"

My name's Saullo Dantas. I'm thirty, six foot one. I'm not one of those guys obsessed with having a perfect ripped body, but I like to stay in shape. When I was locked up, working out in the yard was the only thing that kept me sane. Yeah, you heard right — I'm an ex-con. Did three years. Been out for two months.

I didn't kill anyone or rob anyone, but I was convicted of drug trafficking. It's a long story I need to sort out before I can move on with my life. I'm a trained chef — got my certification with my ex-boyfriend in France. Had plans to open my own restaurant, but everything came to a halt when I got locked up.

Everything I'd managed to save, I handed over to my sister and my brother-in-law Pedro — also a cook — to invest in his restaurant. My sister's the one on the books as partner, and that's how it's going to stay. I don't plan on changing anything.

Readjusting to life on the outside has been rough. I barely leave my small apartment. Didn't want to crash at my sister's place. I live near the restaurant and walk there.

I'm grateful Pedro takes care of Sara. We have living parents, but our relationship with them is complicated. Ever since I came out to my family, I lost both my mother and my father at the same time.

I can still hear her words ringing in my ears.

"I don't have a gay son!" my father screamed, over and over.

Every time I remember those words, I feel a deep rage toward my mother — the woman who was supposed to defend me but chose to stand by my father. I left home at fifteen and never went back.

I worked and studied thanks to the kindness of others. During all that, I met Fabio, an older guy I thought was the love of my life. We made a thousand plans together. But when I got arrested, reality was cruel — Fabio visited a few times, and once I was sentenced, he vanished from my life completely.

My life changed forever. Now I prefer to stay isolated — just my apartment and the restaurant.

The past few days had been nonstop work, and Pedro kept insisting I go out with them to a fancy club downtown. All I could do was pick out something basic to wear and meet them there. Sara greeted me with a hug at the entrance.

"I thought you weren't coming!" she said, pulling me close.

"I'm seriously thinking about bailing."

She made a face at me and grabbed my hand to pull me inside. The place was packed. My brother-in-law took one look around and just shook his head. We barely managed to get in. Honestly, all I wanted was to run back to my bed. I stood there taking in the scene until suddenly my eyes landed on a man who grabbed my attention.

He was very charming — maybe a little shorter than me, hard to tell. He was far away and the place was pretty dark.

He looked at me too, and without thinking, I cracked a quick smile. It's been over three years since I've had real sex. I never hooked up with anyone while I was inside. Plenty of guys wanted to, but I didn't trust a single one of them. I even had to deal with a piece-of-shit guard who kept harassing me in the showers, trying to get me to be with him. That son of a bitch humiliated me for years.

Then I noticed the guy surrounded by people with a beautiful woman at his side. I figured I'd read things wrong and quickly looked away. I don't want anything serious — my past still isn't settled.

We kept walking around looking for an empty table. The women were eyeing me up — I've been with a few, but I prefer men.

We finally found a table. My brother-in-law went to get drinks and we enjoyed the night — drank, danced.

I stayed until I hit my limit. I was exhausted, but Sara got it in her head that some women were staring at me and wanted me to go talk to them. I wasn't feeling it. I'll admit, the stares still feel strange — but it's always been like that. Whether I want to or not, I've always drawn attention. I looked around for the guy I'd noticed when we arrived, but he was nowhere to be seen. I left the club pissed off by Sara's nagging, and we ended up arguing in the parking lot. I left her with Pedro, grabbed an Uber, and went home.

Sara Dantas, twenty-eight, five foot three. Lawyer. Saullo's sister.

My sister feels obligated to fix my life and ends up crossing the line. Sometimes I think she carries guilt for everything I went through, but I did what I did because I thought it was the right thing.

I got home, took a shower, and collapsed on the bed.

I woke up still groggy to someone pounding on my door.

"Where's the fire?" I asked when I opened up.

Sara threw herself on me, crying.

"What happened, sis?" I was worried.

"I'm sorry, bro. I know I've been on your case too much!"

We hugged and cried together.

"Okay, stop crying now. I can't stand seeing you cry."

"I want... I want to be strong through all this, but I can't! I keep remembering that it's my fault — the life you lived and are still living!"

"Don't say that anymore."

"You lost three years of your life, brother!"

I took her by the arm and led her to the couch. I sat across from her.

"We've been over this, Sara."

She looked at me, and I could tell there was something else behind those tears.

"What's really going on?"

I don't like beating around the bush. I like things straight — black and white.

"Mom wants to talk to you, Saullo."

I shot up from the couch.

"When did you see her?"

"She came to the restaurant on Friday. She said she'd like to talk to you. She's really sorry for what she did, Saullo."

"Did you tell her anything about my time inside?"

"No, brother, I didn't tell her anything! Even though I disagree, I did what you asked."

"Keep the promise you made me, Sara. Never tell anyone the truth."

"Brother, please—"

I wiped the tears rolling down my sister's beautiful face.

We sat there for a long time, holding each other and crying, until she pulled herself together.

"Okay, I didn't just come here for that."

I smiled. I know my sister well.

"Just tell me what you want, Sara."

"I want my favorite brother to come with me to an event!"

"And your fiance?"

"My dear fiance is working and can't come with me."

I thought about turning her down, but she made that face she's been making since she was a little kid.

"Fine. What am I supposed to wear to this thing?"

"Something dressy — I know you've got the clothes."

I hadn't noticed, but she was already dressed for the event.

I left her alone in the living room and went to shower. Quick bath, then I picked out something that would work for the event and still feel comfortable.

From the look on her face when I came back, I could tell she approved.

"Oh my God, who are you? What have you done with my brother?" she teased.

We left my apartment together. I locked the door and we headed off in her car.

"Sometimes fate steps in to help sort things out"

My phone was blaring at full volume, killing my patience on a perfectly good Saturday — the ideal day to nurse a hangover.

I dragged myself toward the noise.

"Who died?"

I didn't even know who was on the other end, but if they were calling with that kind of urgency, it had to be someone I knew.

"Did you forget you're my date to an event today?"

I knew that voice. I wanted to tell her to go to hell, but I'd given my word, and I'm not a man who goes back on it.

"Of course not, I'm getting dressed right now!"

No way I was admitting I'd forgotten. Wasn't going to look like the guy who blows off a commitment.

I put the phone on speaker and jumped out of bed, heading straight for the bathroom.

"I'm picking you up in twenty minutes."

She was crystal clear about how much time I had to get ready.

Anne hung up and I ran to the bathroom like a rocket. Quick shower, brushed my teeth, picked out something dressy.

Already dressed, I came down the stairs practically jumping, running into my mother in the living room.

"Who are you?" she asked when she saw me.

A car horn blasted from outside — that woman is always in a rush. I gave Mom a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out.

Outside, Anne was standing next to her car, and she looked gorgeous.

"Damn, Anne, you look incredible!"

"So do you, boss."

"No 'boss' today — I'm just Vinicius."

I'm a gentleman. I opened the car door for her to get in. If I were into women, Anne would be the perfect candidate.

The drive to the venue took about an hour. When I realized it was a wedding reception, I wanted to kill her.

"Why didn't you tell me it was a wedding?"

"Easy, boss — this is just the reception. I didn't say anything because I know you hate these things."

We walked in side by side, looking like a couple. To my complete surprise and delight, I spotted the guy I thought I'd never see again. He was standing next to the same woman from the other night. They were talking to some people, but he had a sour expression the whole time, even surrounded by women.

To my relief, everyone eventually drifted away and he was left alone.

"Want something to drink, Vinicius?" Anne asked, pulling my attention.

"I'll head to the bar and see what they've got. You find us a place to sit."

I answered her without taking my eyes off him.

"Make yourself at home, boss. I'm going to go say hi to the newlyweds," she said, walking away from me.

Thank God the bar was empty.

"Make me a drink."

It was his voice — deep and husky behind me — that sent a shiver down my spine. I turned around. Our eyes met. It was him, ordering the same drink I was.

"You two want the same thing?" the bartender asked, looking at us both.

"Yeah! But you can serve him first."

I jumped in quick, trying to start a conversation.

"No worries. The way these women talk, there's time for a few rounds of these."

All three of us laughed at his comment. And that smile — those dimples.

Thank God the bartender was making a batch.

We stood there side by side, waiting our turn.

A few minutes later, our drinks were ready.

"Here you go, gentlemen," the bartender said, handing over the glasses.

"Are you at a table?" I asked, fishing for more conversation.

"Not yet, man," he said, quick and easy.

"If you want, you can sit with me and my... friend."

I made a point of stressing the word "friend."

"Man, I'll take you up on that... I'm Saullo."

I was caught off guard by the sudden introduction.

"I'm Vinicius."

We shook hands and split up for a moment. Even though he didn't have a table yet, I'd already spotted an empty one — that would be ours. As we walked toward it, I noticed his gaze wandering across the room. I'll admit, my heart was racing in front of this man with his intense expression and piercing eyes.

We found the table and sat down. Started working through a few drinks in comfortable silence until the woman he'd been with showed up.

"Thank God you found some company!" she said, smiling.

"Vinicius, this is my sister Sara."

Hearing the word "sister" made my heart soar. There were definitely some family resemblances. She shook my hand. It wasn't long before Anne appeared too.

"I see you're no longer alone!" she said with a grin.

"This is my friend Anne."

I made sure to introduce her properly. She gave me a look that said everything — she'd already sized up the whole situation.

"Since you're not alone, I'll go back to my conversations. Don't drink too much."

She said it with a wink.

"I'll do the same, Saullo. I won't be long," Sara said.

It was like both women had conspired to leave us alone.

"Looks like we're stuck waiting," I grumbled, pretending to be annoyed.

"Should've seen that coming," he said, lifting the glass to his lips.

I needed to take advantage of being alone with him to learn more.

"Do you live around here?"

A pretty basic question, but it was the first thing that came to mind. Hard to believe I'm a cop trained in interrogation techniques.

"Yeah, but I was away for work," he answered, cold and clipped.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but what do you do?"

"I'm a chef."

I was surprised to hear that, but to me, he was the meal.

"A real chef?"

My question was dumb and made him frown, but I recovered fast.

"Sorry, man, that came out wrong. I mean, like, at one of those big fancy restaurants?"

He broke into that gorgeous smile when I corrected myself.

"Even though I don't work at a big restaurant — yeah, I am."

I could feel the pride when he talked about his work.

"Now it's my turn to ask. What about you, Vinicius — what do you do?"

"I lead a security team. We do contract work across different sectors."

That was always the same cover story I used. It wouldn't be any different with him. I can never reveal my real job — can't expose myself or the people who work with me.

"Man, that job suits you," he commented, taking a sip of his drink.

"One of these days I'll swing by your restaurant."

"It's not mine — it's my brother-in-law's. But you'll be more than welcome."

I'd be more than welcome if I could eat him. My thoughts were a mess — what the hell am I thinking? The guy is probably completely straight, and here I am wanting to fuck him.

"For sure, I'll stop by one of these days."

The hours slipped by as we kept ordering different drinks, sharing some appetizers. The conversation was incredible — we talked about everything and nothing. Anne and his sister had vanished for a good while, but my buzz was killed when I saw Anne coming back.

"Ready to go, Vinicius?" she asked, looking sheepish.

"Sure, if you're done, we can head out."

I agreed, but at that moment I could've strangled her. I got up practically dragging my feet.

"Saullo, it was a real pleasure meeting you."

I extended my hand. He stood up too and shook it.

"Same here, Vinicius."

Hearing that voice say my name was already getting me going. I walked out practically being pulled by Anne.

"What was that about, rushing me out of there?"

"What! I thought you didn't want to come in the first place!"

She teased me sarcastically.

"You're right, I didn't come willingly... but meeting that man made my whole day."

"Am I wrong, or is he the same guy from the club last night?"

"No, you're not wrong. Same guy."

"And? How'd it go? Are you meeting up again? Did you exchange numbers?"

She was practically interrogating me.

"None of the above. He seems very straight. You know — the type that genuinely isn't into other guys and just wants some good company."

It made me sad to think that, but that's the impression I got. Saullo seemed like a man who just wanted someone to spend a morning with, talking and drinking.

"Come on, boss — you look pretty straight yourself, and you love fucking a guy."

"True... but maybe it's better this way."

We got in the car and headed home.