Chapter 4
HANA
I hope to God I come across as calm and collected because my heart is fluttering in my chest like a caged bird.
I will definitely check with Dad, but if Tristan isn’t involved in anything illegal, I don’t see why I can’t give him a chance… once I start at Trinity.
A triumphant smile tugs at his lips, making him look hotter than any man should be allowed.
“Dating, of course,” he answers, his voice so low it sends goosebumps racing over my skin.
Don’t give in. You need to focus on finishing your senior year.
“And?” I ask, the food on the table now forgotten.
“And what, Hana?” he throws the question back at me.
“What’s your definition of dating?” I clarify for him.
He lets out another chuckle that zaps me right in the abdomen. “Two people assessing whether they’re suitable as partners, romantically and… intimately.”
The way he says intimately sends vibrations of need straight to my core.
“Exclusively?” I ask, my voice carrying a slight tremor.
Of course, Tristan picks up on it. His eyes lock with mine, and the moment is so charged it feels as if I’m being drawn in like a moth to a flame.
“Definitely,” he murmurs.
I clear my throat as I shift in my chair, and it makes the world come back into focus.
I place more food on my plate, stalling for time to think.
“I’ll allow you to set the pace,” he adds.
My hand stills beside my plate, and I take a deep breath before I look up. “If I say yes and I feel different a week or a month from now, will you accept it?”
Tristan stares at me for a while, then he answers, “That all depends.”
“On?” the word pops from me.
“If we’ve exchanged I love you’s, then I won’t accept it.”
His honesty makes my mouth go bone dry. I reach for my water and take a couple of sips.
My gaze drifts over him, taking in his strong features and observant eyes.
He’s worlds apart from the boys at school. In a way, it’s refreshing as well as scary.
“I can set the pace?” I ask, needing to make sure we’re on the same page.
Tristan nods, the ever-present hot smirk tugging at his mouth.
“The pace will be slow,” I state.
“Like I said, I love a challenge,” he murmurs.
God, don’t let me regret this decision.
A warm smile spreads over his face, making him look less… threatening. I can only stare because he’s incredibly good-looking.
“Just so we’re clear, that was a yes, right?” he teases me.
Shaking my head, my lips curl up as I mutter, “Yes.” I take a deep breath. “But I won’t date until I start at Trinity. I have to focus on completing my senior year. I’ll also be going to Korea with my mom for the coming summer break.”
His eyes sharpen on me. “Eight months.”
I frown at him, wondering if he understands what I’m saying. “Eight months for what?”
“For you to be in control of the pace, then I take over,” he states, and from the determined tone of his voice, I know it’s not open for negotiation.
“Okay,” I agree.
We continue to eat, and every couple of minutes, I steal a glance, taking in the man sitting opposite from me.
Yeah, he’s all man. I haven’t even dated a boy yet.
Crap, am I making the right decision? A lot can happen in eight months.
My heartbeat speeds up again, and I swallow hard on the dumpling.
Tristan’s eyes settle on my face, and I can feel his senses focusing on me. “Relax, Hana. I won’t bite.”
I let out a nervous burst of laughter. “That remains to be seen.”
My comment makes the sexy smirk return, giving him a predatory look.
Taking a deep breath, I’m dead set on getting to know more about him. “What do you do at work?”
Tristan takes a sip of his whiskey before answering, “I’m looking into starting my own company. Imports and exports. In the meantime, I bring in new business for Indie Ink.”
“Do you like it?” Having had my fill of the delicious food, I slowly sip on my water.
“It’s tolerable,” he replies as he pushes his plate to the side.
Chef Anand comes to clear the table, and it has Tristan asking. “Would you like anything else?”
I shake my head.
“A walk then?”
My lips curve up. “Okay.”
Thanking Chef Anand for the meal, we leave the restaurant. Tristan drives us to a park, and when I see the grounds are empty, I ask, “Did you plan this?”
He chuckles as he takes hold of my hand, and linking our fingers, he leads me away from the vehicle. “I hoped for it.”
As we walk down a path, I hear car doors shut behind us. Glancing over my shoulder, I see four men spread out around us.
Feeling apprehensive, I say, “Tristan, there are men here.”
He gives my hand a comforting squeeze. “They’re protection.”
My gaze darts to his face. “Why do we need protection?”
He stops walking and turns to face me. Letting go of me, he brings his hand to my face. His fingers brush lightly over my jaw, then he murmurs, “Some things are precious. They need to be guarded.”
His words draw me closer to the flame. Feeling like I’m being hypnotized, I fall into his icy blue pools.
Realizing I wouldn’t stop him if he tried to kiss me right now, my lips part as if to invite him.
Tristan’s gaze drops to my mouth, and anticipation sizzles to life in my stomach, creating an intense fluttering sensation.
His thumb brushes over my mouth, leaving a trail of tingles. His eyes become hooded, making him look ravenous.
My body responds to the attraction between us with a burst of heat pooling between my legs.
Tristan’s teeth scrape over his bottom lip, and then he pulls back.
My. God.
Instantly I’m released from whatever spell he had woven around me, and I let out a shaky breath of air.
The corner of his mouth lifts. “And you think I’m the dangerous one?”
TRISTAN
Aphrodite reincarnated.
The urge to kiss Hana burns through me, making the world around me erupt into light.
Twenty-four hours is all it took for Hana to ensnare me. It’s intoxicating that she doesn’t know what power she holds over me.
I’ve fallen in love with a goddess at the speed of light. It’s overwhelming, stripping me of all common sense. It’s reckless, satisfying my constant craving for excitement.
She’s an adrenaline shot straight to my heart.
Eight fucking months.
She’s worth the wait, though.
Linking our fingers, I say, “You being in control of the pace might just be the end of me.”
Hana lets out a chuckle, the sound almost musical. “So you won’t even try to kiss me unless I make the first move?”
Begrudgingly I nod.
She surprises me by saying, “Hmm… sweet torture.”
“For you or for me?” I ask, lightly brushing my thumb over the back of her hand.