Chapter Six

TRINITY

I was awoken by the shrill tone of my phone alarm and groaned, blindly reaching for it with an arm that barely lifted off the mattress. My eyes felt glued shut, still drunk with sleep. After several fumbled swipes across my nightstand, I finally found my phone and shut the alarm off.

~Three-thirty.~

I blinked at the screen, momentarily disoriented, until it all came rushing back.

Stephen’s voice groaning in my ear. Our mutual pleasure, reached through nothing but words, breath, and need. ~God, that was so hot.~

But how the hell was I supposed to get through dinner tonight without blushing every time I looked at him?

I’d never done anything like that before. Not even close. But with him … the way he made me feel—it was instinctual. Effortless. Dangerous in the best possible way. And if I’m honest with myself, I’d do it again in a heartbeat if he asked.

Dragging myself out of bed, I padded to the bathroom and stepped into the shower. I washed my hair, shaved everything, and let the hot water beat down on me for a good thirty minutes until I finally felt human again.

Wrapped in a towel and then my robe, I towel-dried my hair before heading out to make a much-needed coffee. As I walked into the kitchen, I found Luke and Matt sprawled across the lounge like furniture, binging Netflix.

Luke turned his head dramatically. “Oh my God, look who finally graced us with her presence.”

I gave him a lazy smile. “Ha! I was up earlier but took the rare opportunity to go back to sleep. Trust me, I needed it.”

Matt chimed in, waving a remote. “We’ve done nothing but become part of this couch today. Except, of course,” he added, “the heroic act of retrieving pizza from the front door.”

Luke gestured toward the fridge. “There’s leftovers in there for you, if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks, babe, but I don’t want to ruin my appetite. I’ve got dinner plans tonight.”

Luke sat up a little straighter. “Ohhh? Where are you off to, and where’s my invitation?”

I gasped, suddenly remembering. “Shit, I totally forgot to tell you both! Last night was such a whirlwind.”

I picked up my coffee and made my way into the lounge, plopping down between them. As they leaned in like gossip-hungry teenagers, I spilled the details—about my date tonight with Stephen, the moment in his office, and, oh yeah … the minor detail that he owns Capulet.

Luke’s jaw dropped. “I swear, if you weren’t my best friend and I didn’t love you to death, I’d be ~so~ jealous. That man is all kinds of gorgeous.”

“No argument from me,” I laughed.

“Right, my loves,” I said, finishing my coffee and standing up. “Time to get my arse in gear and sort myself out. But! Do not—I repeat, do not go far. I’ll need outfit opinions.”

“We’ll be ready!” Luke called out as I blew them a kiss and headed upstairs.

Given I had zero idea where Stephen was taking me, I played it safe with a classy, versatile look. I blow-dried my hair, giving it a little extra lift and letting the natural wave fall into place. I kept my makeup neutral—beige eyeshadow, nude lipstick, and a generous coat of mascara to make my eyes pop.

Then I pulled out the trusty little black dress. My favourite body-con number, with delicate lace trim and spaghetti straps. I finished the look with strappy black heels and slipped everything I needed into a sleek clutch.

Checking the time, I saw it was ten past six—just enough time to get the final verdict.

I descended the stairs with a little strut, entering the lounge like I was walking a runway. “Alright boys—thoughts?”

Luke and Matt turned in unison—and immediately started clapping like kids on Christmas morning.

Matt grinned. “It’s perfect. That dress will drive him crazy.”

Luke placed a hand over his heart. “My baby is growing up! I’m so proud.”

I laughed, playfully slapping his arm. “You are way too much sometimes.”

“You look gorgeous, babes,” Luke said sincerely. “He’s not going to be able to keep his hands to himself. Speaking of—what time can we perve on this hunk of man again?”

“He texted me this morning—he’s picking me up at six thirty. He made reservations for seven.”

“Which means,” Luke said, already heading toward the kitchen, “we have just enough time for a glass of wine!”

He returned moments later with three glasses. We clinked them together and sipped, laughing and chatting, though I could feel the nerves building beneath my skin. The wine did ~nothing~ to calm them.

Then the doorbell rang.

The butterflies in my stomach morphed into a full-blown swarm.

“You want me to get it?” Luke asked, eyebrows raised.

I shook my head quickly. “Let’s not make it weird. I’ll get it.”

I stood, took a deep breath, and walked down the hallway, placing my clutch on the table. I spritzed on a little perfume, gave my hair one last fluff, and opened the door.

My breath caught.

~Holy hell.~

Stephen stood there like a vision.

His eyes—those unforgettable green eyes—raked slowly over me, heat pooling in their depths. His Adam’s apple bobbed visibly as he swallowed, muscles taut beneath a fitted dress shirt that clung to his sculpted chest and arms. Tattoos teased out from beneath the rolled sleeves of his suit jacket, just visible enough to remind me of how dangerous and irresistible he was.

“You are a goddess,” he moaned.

Before I could respond, he stepped forward, snaking an arm around my waist and pulling me flush against him. His other hand reached up, thumb brushing along my bottom lip as his eyes flicked between my mouth and my gaze.

Then he kissed me—~possessive, desperate,~ full of pent-up need.

His lips devoured mine, and I melted instantly. His tongue slipped past my lips, claiming me in a way that had my knees weakening. His hands slid down my sides until they found their destination—gripping my ass with both hands and lifting me slightly, until my toes barely grazed the floor.

I gasped against his mouth, wrapping my arms around his shoulders as he held me like I was something he owned—and wasn’t about to share.

Our tongues moved together with growing hunger as my fingers tangled in his hair, trailing down the firm line of his neck and across his shoulder blades. I scraped my nails lightly down his back, craving more, silently begging him not to stop.

But all too soon, Stephen pulled away, lowering me slowly back onto my feet with the kind of care that made my stomach flutter.

“Hello,” he murmured, his voice warm with affection.

I couldn’t help but smile up at him, cheeks flushed, eyes soft. “Hi yourself, handsome.”

He chuckled and brushed a hand down my arm before stepping back. “You look incredible. Ready to go?”

“Just let me grab my clutch and say goodbye to the boys—then I’m all yours.”

I didn’t miss the low, satisfied growl as he muttered, “Yes, you are.” He stepped forward again, stealing another heated kiss that said exactly what he meant.

Breathless, I broke the kiss, grabbed my clutch from the table, and called over my shoulder, “I’m out now, kids! Have a good night!”

Luke’s voice echoed back instantly, “Bye, babes! Bye, Stephen! Enjoy yourselves—and fill me in on the details later!”

Stephen laughed, shaking his head as a grin spread across his face. “Good night, Luke!” he called out, clearly amused.

Once I stepped outside, Stephen reached back and pulled the door closed behind us. As we made our way down the path to his car, he reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers as his thumb stroked across mine in gentle, rhythmic circles. I looked up at him and caught the sparkle in his eyes, that devastating smile tugging at his mouth.

At the car, he clicked the remote and stepped around to open my door for me. “Thank you,” I said softly, sliding in and buckling my seatbelt.

Stephen rounded the car, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine. As he eased into traffic, I felt his hand move over to my thigh. The warmth of his palm spread through me as he traced soft, steady lines along my skin.

I placed my hand on top of his, interlocking our fingers again, and turned to gaze out the window. The city passed in streaks of gold and silver, lights dancing across the windshield.

After about twenty minutes, we pulled up to Elske—a quiet, intimate restaurant tucked into a modern corner of the West city. Its minimalist charm stood out even more under the soft glow of the setting sun.

Stephen parked and was out of the car before I could blink. He opened my door and offered his hand again. I slipped mine into his, loving the easy, natural way he touched me.

“Thank you,” I said again, and meant it.

He locked the car, then slid his hand around my waist as we made our way to the entrance. Inside, a hostess greeted Stephen immediately—clearly recognizing him—and we were ushered to a private booth in the back without delay.

Stephen pulled out my chair with the same graceful confidence I was coming to expect from him. I sat, smoothing the fabric of my dress, and he took the seat across from me. Within moments, a waitress arrived with menus and crisp napkins in hand.

“Mr. Gotti, welcome back. And welcome to your guest. Please enjoy your evening. Can I get you both something to drink while you look over the menu?”

Stephen turned to me. “What would you like?”

“A Cabernet Sauvignon, please,” I said.

“Make that a bottle of your finest,” Stephen told her. “Two glasses.”

With a nod, the waitress disappeared, and I opened the menu—though it was hard to focus when I could feel Stephen’s gaze lingering on me. A second later, I felt his hand reach across the table and slip into mine. I looked up to find him casually studying his own menu, like this was the most natural thing in the world.

It felt... ~right~. Effortless.

I smiled to myself, warmth blooming inside me.

“Do you know what you’d like?” he asked.

“It all looks so good,” I said. “Have you eaten here before? Any recommendations?”

He nodded. “A few times. Some of my associates love it. I’d be happy to offer suggestions—what are you in the mood for?”

“Surprise me,” I said with a grin.

His lips lifted into a warm smile, the soft lighting catching in his eyes. “I like a woman who’s brave.”

The waitress returned, placing the bottle on the table and offering it to Stephen for inspection. He gave a quick nod. She uncorked it and poured two glasses, then asked if we were ready to order.

“For the entrée,” Stephen said, “we’ll have the mushroom-braised kale with scallion. And for mains, two of the duck liver tart with salted ramp, buckwheat, and confit maitake.”

I raised an intrigued brow. “That sounds... very gourmet.”

Stephen smirked. “Trust me, you’ll love it. It’s their signature.”

“I look forward to it.”

The waitress collected our menus and disappeared again.

Stephen lifted his glass toward mine. “Thank you for joining me tonight.”

“And thank you for the invitation,” I replied, gently clinking my glass to his.

We both took a sip, our eyes locked the entire time.

“Mmm... that is ~delicious~,” I whispered.

Stephen cleared his throat and shifted slightly in his seat. I tilted my head, curious. “Everything okay?”

He chuckled, his voice low and smooth. “You should probably be careful with those moans, doll. I don’t think you realise the effect you have on me.”

My cheeks burned, heating. I set my glass down carefully, smiling shyly as I met his gaze.

Stephen reached across the table again, brushing the backs of his fingers across my cheek. “That innocent look on your face … makes me feel like a beast. A beast that wants to conquer you.”

A tremble ran through me.

“I think … I’d like that,” I whispered, lowering my head in embarrassment.

He let out a slow, deep breath, then stood and slid smoothly into the seat beside me. His hand moved to my thigh, resting just above my knee, fingers warm and possessive.

He leaned in, voice barely above a whisper, lips brushing the shell of my ear.

“Patience, doll. I have ~every~ intention of making you mine.”