I let out a nervous chuckle. “My studies.”
“Yeah,” he lets out a sigh, “I know. Still, a guy can dream.”
“One day,” I murmur.
“Yeah?”
I let out a happy sigh. “Yes.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” I hear a door shut in the background. “I have to go. I’ll call you later. Okay?”
“Okay.”
There’s a moment’s silence, then Tristan murmurs, “Mine.”
“Yours,” I whisper before we hang up.
My hand drops to my lap, and I stare at the grass as I soak up the emotions he makes me feel with a simple call.
Getting up, I walk to the restaurant and join my friends at our reserved table.
My gaze darts to Hunter’s face, and when I catch his eyes, I give him a smile. He instantly returns it.
Fallon, Hunter, Jase, and I are pretty close because our parents are best friends. Hunter’s been having a hard time with Jade, another friend of ours. She’s actually Tristan’s godfather’s daughter.
It’s weird how we’re all connected in some way.
“How are you holding up?” I ask Hunter. He’s like an older brother to Fallon and me.
“I’m good.” He knows exactly why I’m asking because he adds, “We’ll sort things out. I just need time.”
I nod at him, then ask, “What are you having for lunch?”
“Pizza.” His eyes dart past me. “Here it comes.” Once the waiter sets the extra-large pizza down, Hunter says, “Have some.”
“Thanks. Saves me from ordering.”
We all share the pizza while we catch up with each other.
“We should go to the club tomorrow,” Jase states.
Everyone agrees while I pull my phone out and text Tristan.
H: The group wants to go to Studio 9 tomorrow. Do you want to join us?
It takes Tristan seconds to respond.
T: I need to meet with a friend. Spend some time with the group. That way, I’ll know you’re safe. I’ll pick you up at nine tonight. Spend the night.
H: Okay.
I glance up, and catching Fallon’s eyes on me, I smile. “What are we wearing tomorrow?”
She instantly begins to go through her whole wardrobe, drawing a chuckle from me.
TRISTAN
I walk into the exclusive gentlemen’s lounge and head to the table Alexei is seated at.
He gets up as I reach him and gives me a brotherly hug. “I haven’t seen you in a while. How’re things?”
“Good, and you?” I unbutton my jacket and sit down.
“I just got back from Switzerland. Spent some time with my brother,” Alexei says as he pushes a tumbler with vodka my way.
I pick it up, and we clink glasses as we murmur, “Na zdoróvʹje.”
I take a sip, then ask, “How’s Carson?”
Carson is Alexei’s younger brother. He’s currently attending Saint Monarch’s Academy. It’s neutral ground for all the crime families kids to receive training on handling weapons and anything crime-related.
I sure as fuck wouldn’t have minded trading Trinity for Saint Monarch’s.
“Still training,” Alexei mutters. “His reflexes are much quicker.” Pride shines from his eyes as he praises his brother, which is a rare thing to see. Alexei has already been hardened by the work he does.
“I’m glad to hear he’s doing well,” I murmur.
“Tell me something good,” he demands as he leans back in the chair, lighting a cigarette. “How’s Hana?” Instantly a smile tugs at my mouth, which makes Alexei smile as he blows out a cloud of smoke. “That good, eh?”
Knowing he’ll understand exactly what I mean, I say, “She’s my light.”
Alexei nods. “I’m glad to hear that, brother.” He takes another drag, then asks, “How’s business.”
“Great since you took care of Ballmer.”
“Very good to hear.”
Alexei earns a thirty percent cut from whatever I make. We might be friends, but business is business.
“Any news on the Albanians?” I ask. We’re slowly taking over their territory, and needless to say, they aren’t happy.
“Nothing but whispers,” Alexei answers. “They know better than to fuck with us.”
We talk for another hour about the company we’re starting together before I get up. Looking at the time and seeing it’s already eleven, I say, “I want to check in on Hana.”
“Do that.” He rises to his feet, exuding power with a single fluid movement. “Enjoy your woman.”
“I will.” A grin tugs at my mouth as we part with a brotherly hug.
Walking out of the lounge, I pull my phone from my pocket and dial Hana’s number.
She doesn’t answer on the first try, and it makes me type out a message.
T: Still at the club?
Only when I climb into my car does her reply come through.
H: Yes, but ready to leave. Pick me up?
T: Fifteen minutes away.
With a smile resting on my face, I go to get Hana. When I park outside Studio 9, I send her a text to come out. Seconds later, the door opens.
I get out of the car, and when Hana walks toward me, my eyes glide over the short as fuck dress. “That’s a lot of skin,” I grumble, not happy at all.
“It’s Fallon’s doing,” she mutters.
“Next time say no,” I demand.
Hana nods as she places a hand on my chest. I lean down and claim her mouth. Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her tightly to me, sucking her tongue into my mouth.
Lifting my head, I smile down at her. “Staying with me tonight?”
She nods, widening my smile.
I walk her to the passenger's side and open the door for her. Once she’s seated and the dress pulls up high on her thighs, I shake my head. “Fuck, that’s short.”
I slam the door shut, pissed off that every guy in the fucking club got an eyeful of what’s mine.
I keep quiet during the drive to my place, trying to calm the fuck down. My heart is thundering in my chest as I park the car. Getting out, I slam the door as hard as I can, then growl, “Fuck.”
Hana gets out, and when she walks toward me, I get another look at the flimsy piece of fabric which hardly covers her. I shake my head. “Stay there.”
I clench my teeth and try to focus on my breaths.
Hana doesn’t listen, and stepping right up to me, she places her hands on my jaw. “I’m sorry, Tristan.” Her eyes lock with mine, and it’s only then I feel a sliver of calm.
She stands on her toes and pulls me down until she can press her mouth to mine. The kiss is gentle, soothing, and then she whispers, “I’m sorry, my love.”
I pull back so I can see her eyes. “Love?”
She nods as she rests her palm against my cheek. I lean into her touch as she says, “My first. My only.”
Taking hold of Hana’s hand, I pull her to the elevator.
Tonight’s the fucking night.
Chapter 11
HANA
I knew it was a bad idea to wear the stupid dress, but Fallon was so happy when I agreed.