Chapter Ten

TRINITY

The week flew by, mostly uneventful—just the way I liked it when I was looking forward to something. I spent Monday at home with Luke, getting everything in order and, of course, spilling all the tea from my date. Luke agreed to cover my Saturday opens in exchange for me cooking dinner every night for the rest of the month.

A fair deal, if I’m honest.

Stephen messaged on Monday to confirm our weekend plans. He was just as excited as I was when I told him everything was a go. By Tuesday, I was back at work, settling into the rhythm—until mid-morning, when I received the most beautiful bunch of flowers, delivered straight to the office.

From Stephen.

There was a handwritten note nestled inside the bouquet:

~Thank you for a magical night, doll. I can’t wait to steal you away this weekend. — S.~

My cheeks flushed pink. It took everything in me not to read it out loud like some giddy schoolgirl.

Despite our busy schedules, Stephen and I had texted constantly throughout the week. A few nights we talked on the phone until sleep took us—and, of course, a few calls got more than a little heated. Let’s just say the memory of his voice whispering all the things he wanted to do to me made it hard to concentrate some mornings.

Friday arrived fast. I packed my suitcase early that morning. Stephen was picking me up straight from work. He’d been frustratingly vague about the destination—just told me to bring my passport and pack for “somewhere warm.” That’s it. The suspense was killing me.

Thankfully, the day flew by, and just before five, my phone buzzed. My stomach fluttered when I saw Stephen’s name on the screen.

STEPHEN

I’m out front, baby.

Heart skipping, I texted back to give me five minutes. I shut down my laptop, packed everything, and grabbed my suitcase. On the way out, I stopped by Luke’s desk.

“Bye, babe! Have the best weekend—keep your phone on. I want all the juicy details!”

I laughed, blowing him a kiss as I made my way outside.

And there he was.

Stephen stood next to his car, that breathtaking smile lighting up his face as soon as he saw me. He strode forward, took the suitcase from my hand with ease, and greeted me with a kiss—brief but electric.

“Hi, handsome,” I said, breathless. “I missed seeing you this week.”

“I missed you too,” he murmured, voice low and rough. “Luckily, we’ve got the next three days all to ourselves.”

Stephen loaded my suitcase into the back and opened my door like a true gentleman before sliding into the driver’s seat. We pulled out, headed for the airport, and I could barely contain my excitement. Just me and him, away from the world.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going now?” I asked, sneaking a hopeful glance at him.

He smirked, but kept his eyes on the road. “You’ll find out when we check in.”

“Ugh, you are torturing me.”

“That’s part of the fun, doll.”

By the time we got to the airport and wheeled our bags inside, my curiosity was at full capacity. Stephen walked us up to the check-in counter, casually handed over both our passports, and completed everything with that signature air of confidence he always carried.

“Here you go,” he said, handing mine back. “All set.”

I opened it and clocked our seat allocation: First Class. But then—my eyes widened.

Destination: Montego Bay.

“Stephen!” I gasped, spinning toward him. “Are you serious? You’re taking me to Jamaica?”

He leaned in, wrapped an arm around my waist, and kissed the top of my head. “What does the ticket say, baby?”

“Montego Bay,” I said softly, looking up at him in disbelief.

“Then yes—I’m taking you to Jamaica.”

“Stephen... wow. This is... this is everything. Thank you.”

I reached up, cupped his face in both hands, and kissed him—long and deep, pouring all the affection I felt into it. When we finally broke apart, his lips were curved in a satisfied smirk.

“I could get used to you thanking me like that.”

“Well,” I teased, letting my hand trail down the front of his trousers and giving him a firm squeeze, “if you keep surprising me like this, I think you’ll get a lot more of that.”

Stephen groaned, taking my hand in his as he tugged me toward our gate.

“Keep that up, and I might just throw you over my shoulder, march you into the plane bathroom, and introduce you to the Mile High Club.”

A shocked giggle escaped my lips. “You’re terrible.”

We reached our gate and settled into two plush seats in the lounge area. While we waited, we scrolled through our phones, his hand finding its way to my thigh. I curled into him, wrapping my arm around his bicep, leaning my head on his shoulder. I felt safe here. Excited. A little nervous, but in the best way.

Soon, we were called to board—first, of course, thanks to the perks of first class. Stephen took my passport again, threading our fingers together as we approached the gate.

The flight attendant looked up and smiled. “Welcome back, Mr. Gotti. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Your seats are just through here.”

I arched a brow at Stephen. “Back again?”

He just winked. “After you, doll.”

I slid into the window seat as he settled beside me. I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as I turned to him. “Is there anywhere we can go where people don’t know you?”

Stephen turned to me, the corner of his mouth curling into that wicked, toe-curling smirk.

“Yes,” he said.

“Oh, really? Where might that be?”

He reached over, cupped the side of my face, and pulled me in close, whispering directly into my ear.

“Our hotel bed.”

~Fuck.~

A moan slipped out before I could stop it. My thighs pressed together, and I knew he felt the change in my breathing.

“Tease,” I muttered.

“Only if I didn’t mean it,” he whispered back.

I shook my head, laughing softly, and turned to face the window as we prepared for takeoff. Stephen’s hand landed on my thigh again—palm up. I slid my fingers into his and smiled as he interlocked them.

“In case I forget later,” he whispered, voice rough and low, “thank you for coming with me.”

Then, his mouth was right by my ear again.

“On this trip... and in bed later.”

I nudged him with my elbow, giggling and trying not to combust on the spot. “Stop it. You’re already getting me frustrated.”

He looked far too pleased. “Good. My plan is to keep you that way all weekend.”

~Little does he know,~ I thought, biting my lip. ~He won’t have to try very hard.~

Even though it was a long flight, it flew by—mostly thanks to the sheer anticipation bubbling inside me. The moment we landed, I felt like I was already floating.

We made our way through the terminal, collected our luggage, and were soon stepping into the awaiting car service headed to our resort. I looked out the window, watching the palm trees and moonlit coastline roll by, heart pounding with the thrill of it all.

Stephen had booked us into a resort called ~Breathless~.

The pun wasn’t lost on me.

At check-in, everything was already handled. Of course it was. He passed his ID and card to the receptionist with that effortless charm he wore like a second skin. Within moments, we were given our key and directed to the elevator.

I caught the small detail that he pressed the top floor.

Even though it was well after dark now, the thought of the view from up there sent a thrill through me.

When we reached our suite, Stephen slid the key into the lock and opened the door, placing his hand gently on the small of my back as he guided me in.

I stepped into the room, breath catching.

“This is... gorgeous,” I whispered, taking in the sleek modern lines, soft candlelit hues, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the ocean, the dark waves shimmering under the moonlight.

Stephen moved in behind me, arms circling my waist as he pulled me into his body. I melted back against him, his mouth nuzzling into the side of my neck, brushing soft kisses up to the sensitive skin near my ear.

“Not nearly as gorgeous as you, baby,” he murmured.

I turned in his arms, eyes meeting his as I rose to kiss him tenderly.

“Do you want to shower, doll? Freshen up for bed?” he asked, his voice low and lazy with want. “Then I’ll jump in after.”

“Sure.”

I kissed him again and grabbed my toiletries bag, making my way into the bathroom. The scent of the resort’s signature oils already filled the air, the lighting soft and warm. A large jacuzzi tub sat nestled in the corner, begging for us to use it tomorrow.

I stripped off, let the hot water cascade over me, and took my time refreshing. When I stepped out, I wrapped a towel around myself and padded back into the bedroom, already mentally planning tomorrow’s soak.

Stephen looked up from his phone when I entered. His eyes swept over me once before he set the device down and walked over, kissing me sweetly.

“I won’t be long, baby. Get comfy in bed. I’ll be with you soon.”

I nodded, watching his pants slip low on his hips as he disappeared into the bathroom. The moment the door shut, I peeled off the towel and climbed into bed—~naked~.

No more waiting.

I wanted him tonight.

I slipped under the covers and pretended to be distracted on my phone, the soft sound of the shower stopping a few minutes later. I heard the bathroom door creak open. Still, I kept scrolling, pretending not to notice him—until he cleared his throat deliberately.

I set my phone down, slowly lifting my eyes.

~Oh. My. God.~

There he stood, leaning against the frame of the bathroom door like a predator surveying prey. His body was still glistening from the steam, muscles taut, his hair slightly messy. His eyes—those eyes—were blazing as they devoured the sight of me sprawled in bed, bare and waiting.

He moved forward with slow, deliberate purpose.

My breath hitched.

He crawled up the bed, one knee at a time, until he was hovering over me. His body lowered, his heat enveloping me. One arm slid beneath my head, cradling it as he brought the other hand up, his palm resting lightly on the delicate column of my throat.

My body trembled with anticipation.

I tilted my chin up, eyes locked with his, heart thudding against my ribs.

His hand tightened slightly around my throat—not too much, just enough to make my breath catch and my pulse spike.

“I want to claim you so bad,” he growled, voice rough with restraint.

I swallowed, eyes shining up at him. “Then claim me, Stephen. Take me... take all of me.”

That was all it took.

His grip on my throat deepened for a beat, possessive and commanding, before his mouth crashed down on mine. He kissed me like a man possessed—our mouths opening, tongues dancing, teeth grazing.

One hand fisted the sheet, yanking it down and away from our bodies, baring us fully to each other. His hips pressed into mine, the heat of his skin burning into me.

Stephen broke the kiss just long enough to sit back on his heels, eyes roaming over every inch of me. His hands moved down my body, reverently—fingertips tracing the curve of my waist, the swell of my hips, the softness of my thighs.

I was breathing hard, nipples peaked, legs trembling with the need building between them.

His gaze was dark, nearly black, pupils blown wide with desire.

“You are...” he said, voice hushed, “...the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

He reached for my ankles, parting my legs, then leaned down, his mouth trailing a heated path along my stomach. I arched into him, eyes fluttering closed as his hands gripped my thighs, spreading me open beneath him.

And then, with a wicked glint in his eye, he whispered against my skin—

“Now I’m going to show you exactly what it means to ~be mine~.”