Chapter One

TRINITY

It had been another gruelling day at Durham Real Estate, where I had dedicated much of my life since starting in reception at sixteen. Following school, I studied at college while working, which helped me to graduate with a Master's in Property Development. When they offered me the role of Business Development Manager after graduation, I jumped at the opportunity to show what I had strived so hard for.

As the evening approached, I noticed a shadow passing by my office door, drawing my attention away from my work. I realised everyone was making their way out for the night. Glancing at my watch, seeing it was already seven, I realised how quickly the day had slipped away and packed up my laptop, leaving the rest for tomorrow. Putting on my coat, I stepped out into the fresh night air, heading towards my vehicle, when my phone started ringing. Fumbling through my bag, I pulled out my cell and hurriedly checked the caller ID—it was my best friend, Luke. Knowing he was dragging himself away from a long day also, I answered the call.

“Please tell me we’re still going for drinks tonight? You won’t believe the appointment I just had,” Luke exclaimed without giving me a chance to speak.

“Did an owner demand to evict a tenant because they had an unapproved pet occupying the property?” I groaned, remembering the headache I had gone through just before lunch. “If so, then I’m guessing it was pretty much on par with mine.”

“No, but a landlord pulled management because they wanted two hundred and fifty dollars a week over market value!” He huffed, adding, “And, as if that wasn’t the best part, they then tell me ~I’m~ the shit agent for not getting it for them,” Luke grumbled.

“Shall I meet you at Gilhooley’s in twenty minutes? I’m getting in my car now,” I responded, understanding his frustrations with the current market.

“You better!”

I pulled out into traffic, and headed to our comfort spot for some stress relief that only a strong tequila could provide. Finding a parking spot not too far from the pub, I entered the bustling establishment and scanned the room. Everyone appeared polished in their high end suits and attire. It was a fancy place alright, a sort of minimalist-classical. Surprisingly, I had arrived before Luke—I’d expected him to be here already—two drinks deep! Removing my coat, I secured our usual booth and texted Luke to find out his drink preference for the night. Being a creature of comfort, it did not surprise me when he replied with “Jack Daniels.”

Luke and I had been living together for the past two years since he joined Durham Real Estate in the Property Management Department. Our connection was instant, and our friendship had grown into an unbreakable bond. I had helped him navigate through the loss of his greatest love as well as the isolation he felt from not being accepted by his family. In return, he'd assisted me in rebuilding my confidence after discovering my boyfriend in our bed—with his assistant! Luke helped me to realise that cheating on a relationship was a self delusional addiction to a cheap thrill. Betrayal was a conscious choice. When you cheat on a relationship, you cheat yourself and everyone else. Love needs honesty and truth, otherwise you risk a foolish vortex of pain.

While I waited for him to arrive, I made my way up to place our drink orders. “What’ll it be tonight, Trinity?” Gary, the friendly bartender, beamed as he saw me approaching. “The usual?”

“Hi Gary,” I smiled back. “Yes, please. A Margarita for me and a Jack Daniels on the rocks for Luke.”

“Grab a seat and I’ll bring them over,” he assured as I dug some bills from my purse.

“Thank you.” I slipped him a generous tip before turning to navigate my way back. Distracted by my own thoughts, I ran straight into a man in a well-fitting dark suit, his palms gripping my hips to steady our collusion. I used my hands to steady myself before marvelling at the strength beneath my fingertips—catching a hint of his captivating cologne. My stare travelled up, gazing into the most stunning eyes, like vast oceans that drew me in. They were the hue of the new spring growth, bright and soft all at once, yet there were flecks of strength, of the green that comes only as summer advances. “I’m s-sorry...” I stammered, captivated by his presence.

“That’s alright, ~Doll~.” ~How that word rolled off his tongue, I shivered at the thoughts…~ “Are you okay?” The stranger replied with a killer smile, his voice husky and comforting.

“Yes,” I whispered. Heat flushed my cheeks as I continued to appreciate his handsome face. “I apologise,” I snapped out of it, remembering my manners. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” With one hand on my hip to steady himself, he reached down, picking up my dropped purse, before passing it back with a lingering brush of his fingers. “Thank you…” I trailed off in a questioning tone.

“Stephen,” he finished my sentence. “Stephen Gotti. And you are?”

“Trinity.” I smiled, feeling flustered as I realised I was still invading his space. “Thank you for the save.” I took a step back, carefully removing my other hand from his chest with a tinge of disappointment. Stephen’s fingers grazed across my hip as he withdrew his own, sending a rush of goosebumps up my arms and a tingle down my spine.

His silky voice caressed the thick air between us. “Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Trinity. Unfortunately, I’ve some business associates waiting for me,” Stephen responded, moving forward. I tried being indifferent. Luke stressed it didn’t do well to let a man know too early on the effect they had. I didn’t lean in, for fear of seeming too eager. He brushed my hair back from my shoulder and moved in so close I could appreciate his muscular body pressed up against mine. I felt his warmth and already my mind had placed our mouths together. Instead, he leaned in to caress my neck, slowly and gently, lips barely brushing against the sensitive skin under my ear. “But don’t worry, Doll. I’ll see you again… ~real~ soon.” With those words, he left, disappearing into the growing crowd. I stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling a heat rippling over my skin.

“Who ~was~ that man?” I wondered aloud while brushing the warm skin of my neck where his breath had just grazed. His voice had a lilt I knew so well - his words were sinful with persuasion licking every syllable. Seduction was clearly what he did best, the right balance of heat in his eyes. He didn’t just look at me; he stared into my soul as if he knew my every desire. His smooth touch of my body was poised, with just the right blend of pleasure and tension. Never usually one to take the bait, I found myself craving his offerings.

The encounter still had me flustered when Luke slid into the booth opposite me, grabbing his Jack Daniels and downing it in one shot. When he asked, “Do you want another drink?” I practically missed his words, lost in my own thoughts.

“Huh?” I refocused to see him rattling his empty glass at me. “Oh, yes, please,” I replied. Luke raised an eyebrow, sensing that something was off. I reassured him with, “It’s been a long day, but seeing you makes it all the better.” Flashing my best smile, followed by a cheeky wink, I tried to shake off the effects of Stephen, instead focusing on my friend. Luke got up from the booth, planting a quick kiss on my cheek before heading to the bar.

As I sat there, my attention drawn to the television above the bar, I felt the sensation of being watched. Turning my gaze to the left, I spotted Stephen relaxed at a table in the back left corner of the bar, engrossed in a discussion with two equally charming men. While the others spoke, Stephen fixed his unwavering gaze on me, his eyes travelling up and down my body until they locked with mine. After a moment, the corner of his mouth twitched upwards. It transformed him, and sparkling eyes revealed his inner desires. He was savouring the moment. If there was a world leader board of smirkers, he’d be champion. Raising his glass, he took a measured sip of the amber liquid, eyes dropping to roam me again, before his tongue licked the remnants from his bottom lip. I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, pulling it down just over my knees. The spell broke when Luke cut my view off, sliding back into his seat.

“What’s got you so flushed? Your cheeks are bright red.”

“Nothing.” I brushed my knuckles against the warmed skin of my cheek. “Just lost in my thoughts, babe. It’s been a busy few days,” I replied, trying to dismiss my distraction.

“Tell me about it. I’ve had six new management sign ups, and we haven’t even hit hump day!” Luke continued, sharing the challenges of his week. Somewhere between entry condition and exit reports, I caught a whiff of Stephen’s cologne lingering on me, drawing my thoughts back to the firm grip of his hands earlier. “I don’t know how you’ve done this job for so long and kept your sanity,” Luke exhaled, breaking my trance. “What’s going on?” He slouched back into the booth, crossing his arms over his chest, sensing my absence from the conversation.

“I’m sorry. I’m so distracted tonight.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” he inquired, his concern deepening.

“No, nothing important. Let’s finish these drinks, grab a few more bottles to take home, and order some takeout?” I suggested. “I’m ready to get out of these clothes and relax,” I sighed, eager to change the subject.

“Girl, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were trying to hit on me.” Amused, we both finished the last of our drinks. As I stood to put my coat on, I coolly turned to the left and noticed Stephen’s piqued interest. I grabbed my purse and tried my best to look unruffled as we made our way to the exit.

Thankfully, it was only a ten-minute drive from Gilhooley’s to our three-bedroom townhouse. Arriving home, I opened the door and kicked off my heels, the ache in my feet feeling instant relief. “Let me have a shower and get out of these clothes, then I’ll order dinner.”

“Want me to have a drink ready for you when you get out?”

"You know women too well," I teased. "It should be a crime to look as good as you do, be so understanding and not even give us a second look." Luke erupted into laughter, throwing his head back.

“Please! You know I check out that peach of an ass every chance I get.” His grabby fingers twitched at my ‘peach’, so I picked up the couch cushion swatting at him with a giggle. Swaying my hips and giving him a cheeky wink over the shoulder, I made my way out of the living room, heading straight for the bathroom to indulge in a hot, relaxing shower. The rest of the night passed quietly, with us enjoying our usual drinks on the sofa and relishing each other’s company.

As I lay in bed later, the encounter with Stephen replayed in my mind. ~Who was he?~ He was the kind of handsome that got into my bones, a face that stopped you in your tracks. I guess he must get used to that. The sudden pause in a person’s natural expression when they looked his way, followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile. Of course, the blush that accompanied it was a dead give-away. There was an air of mystery surrounding him that had ignited my curiosity, and I wondered, would I really see him again?