Chapter Ten
Ipushed open the door to the little art shop nestled between a bakery and a second-hand bookstore on Blackvellyn”s high street. The bell above the door chimed, announcing my entrance. I inhaled the scent of fresh paper and linseed oil, a comforting cocktail that always set my mind at ease.
”Back again, Paige?” Mr. Winkler, the elderly owner with a perpetual dusting of graphite on his apron, greeted me from behind the counter.
”Can”t stay away,” I replied with a smile, making a beeline for the oil paints. My fingers danced over the tubes of vibrant colour, selecting the shades I”d use to bring my next canvas to life — cerulean blues, vivid greens, and a dash of fiery reds. The department always provided materials, but I preferred the quality of this brand, and wanted to build up my own collection any time I had a little cash spare.
I browsed the shelves, my mind returning again to my gym session last night, and my stomach started to churn at the memory. The man in the gym with the tattoos that had looked incredibly similar to those of my rescuer at the club, that one of the reaper’s scythe entwined with roses. It had been him, I was sure about it. I’d caught him glancing across at me a couple of times, and had moved closer to try and do the same, to decide if it was him or not, and if so, to thank him for his gallant rescue.
I’d got distracted by watching him workout, lifting weights that looked too heavy for human arms. His concentration was fierce, a sheen of sweat on his brow under the harsh fluorescent lights. I could feel the intensity of his workout from across the room. When he’d switched to boxing, I’d practically drooled over him. Something about the focus on his face, the impact of his fists against the bag, had caused my core to clench, and my underwear to dampen. He was just so strong, and so big. He’d be able to pick me up like I weighed nothing. The thought of being in those muscular arms had me aching inside, and I’d wondered if the rest of him was in proportion, my eyes dropping further down than they should.
He’d caught me looking, and snapped at me, and it had hit me like a slap in the face. My mother was right, I really was a wanton whore, desperate for men’s attention. My face had burned as I’d turned away, muttering some pathetic apology. I’d lusted over him like he was nothing but a body, and I felt awful for it. I was no different to the creep he’d saved me from in the club. I needed to get myself together, to keep control of my thoughts and not let them run riot again. Proper girls did not act this way, I thought fiercely, my mother’s voice in my head.
”Paige?”
”Sorry, what?” I blinked, returning to the present as Mr. Winkler waved a hand in front of my face.
”Lost in thought again? You artists are all the same,” he chuckled, ringing up my purchases. ”What”s on your mind? Or should I ask who?”
”Nothing. No one,” I lied, a heat creeping into my cheeks.
”Sure, sure,” Mr. Winkler said, not buying it but kind enough to drop the subject.
I thanked him and stepped outside, clutching the brown paper bag filled with potential artworks. The bustle of the high street enveloped me, people brushing past in their own busy worlds.
”Oof!” I didn”t see him until it was too late. I collided with a solid chest and stumbled backward.
”Whoa there, careful.” Strong hands steadied me, and I found myself looking up into Tristan”s concerned eyes. His curly blonde hair was tousled, as if he”d been running his hands through it, and his friendly smile had me smiling back without realising it.
”Tristan.” I gasped, a flush creeping into my cheeks. ”I didn”t see you.”
”Clearly,” he chuckled, bending down to help me gather my fallen supplies. His fingers brushed mine as we reached for a sable-haired brush, sending an involuntary shiver through me.
”Thanks.” I clutched the brushes to my chest, feeling exposed despite the layers of my dungarees. ”I”m such a klutz sometimes.”
”Guess you were a million miles away.” Tristan straightened the strap of my bag on my shoulder. ”Everything okay?”
”Fine, just... daydreaming.”
”Daydreaming can be dangerous on the high street,” he teased. ”How about we find somewhere safer to occupy your thoughts? Coffee?”
I hesitated for a moment, wondering why he was asking me. Was I another girl he’d set his sights on, wanting to seduce and abandon like the long list of others I’d heard about? He wouldn’t get far with me before he found himself disappointed. I should have said no, but my mother’s threats were in the back of my mind. She wanted me to date Tristan to get closer to other, more appropriate men. I looked up at his warm smile and guilt filled me. I didn’t like the idea of using him, he seemed so nice. Though I supposed that was what he did, he used girls to get what he wanted, so maybe it wasn’t so bad.
”Sure.” The word slipped out before I could think better of it.
His smile widened. “Great. Listen, my car is parked just over there. how about I drop your bags in the boot so you don’t have to carry them, and then we can go for a drink?”
“Sounds good,” I said. I extracted my purse and phone from my backpack, and he took the bag and the shopping bag from the art shop, heading over to a sleek pale blue sports car. I followed him, running my hand over the low bonnet.
“Pretty,” I commented.
Tristan grinned. “Isn’t she? She’s the love of my life. A Porsche 918 Spyder.”
“Lovely,” I said, hoping he thought I had any idea what he was talking about. I knew nothing about cars, but I recognised the Porsche name.
“Yeah, I wanted her for a couple of years, but my father made me work my ass off to buy her,” he said as he locked the car, and we started walking back along the street.
“You got a job? What, like in a bar or something?” I asked.
Tristan laughed. “No, though bar work would be fun. I did some extra projects for my father’s company.”
“Your dad has a tech company, is that right?” I asked, glad Kate had done the research.
He nodded. “Yeah, he’s a tech genius and he passed a few of the genes down, so I’m pretty good with computers too. He has me working in different departments, experimenting with different areas.”
”That sounds impressive,” I offered, even though anything beyond sending an email was beyond my comprehension.
Tristan chuckled. ”It”s not as fancy as it sounds. But it means I get to play with some amazing new gadgets before they hit the market.”
“I’m terrible with technology,” I confessed. “My laptop is always freezing on me.”
Tristan laughed, a deep sound that made me feel warm inside. ”I could look into that for you,” he offered. “You might have a virus or something.”
“That would be great, thank you.”
We’d arrived at the coffee shop and I smiled up at him as he held the door open for me, his hand brushing lightly against my back as I walked in. I was hyper-aware of his touch and found myself blushing once again.
The smell of fresh brewing coffee filled my senses, making my mouth water. We found a small table by the window, away from the hustle and bustle of the main counter.
“Do you know what you want to order?” Tristan asked, his eyes scanning over the chalkboard menu.
“Just a regular one. With milk.”
Tristan raised his eyebrows. “I had you down as drinking something horrifically sweet and full of caffeine.”
I shook my head. “Too many calories.”
“Calories?” His eyes trailed down over the top half of my body, but it didn’t feel lewd at all.
“You don’t seem like you need to worry too much about calories, Paige. And besides, I’m sure you worked out enough last night to cover any naughty treats today.”
His eyes sparkled with mischief and I started to smile, then my smile froze on my face.
“How do you know I worked out last night?” I asked.
A coldness spread through me that I couldn’t explain. I’d had more red envelopes under the door, each more worrying than the last. Someone was watching me everywhere I went, and now Tristan knew I had been working out last night. He definitely hadn’t been at the gym, I would have noticed.
Tristan frowned. “How do I… oh! My housemate was there last night and he mentioned seeing you. Nate Carver.”
I shook my head. “I don’t know anyone called Nate.”
“Oh you wouldn’t miss him. He’s fucking huge, tattooed and more muscles than Mr Universe.”
Shit. Nate Carver was my tattooed rescuer. The one I’d pissed off. And he was apparently Tristan’s housemate. What were the odds of that? But that also meant, Tristan wasn’t my mystery watcher. I was part relieved, and part more worried. Tristan seemed harmless, but this secret guy, I had no idea about.
“Yes, I think I saw him,” I said, looking up at the menu to avoid meeting Tristan’s eyes. “I think I annoyed him.”
“Nah, you won”t have done. Nate’s just always got the dark, grumpy brooding thing about him. It”s a shame really…”
“What’s a shame?”
“I bet he could use it to get all the girls” attention if he worked it properly, but he’s never interested. That’s what girls like, isn’t it? Dark and brooding?” Tristan’s gaze met mine and he grinned, but I got the feeling there was more to the question. Was he asking what I liked? I had no idea. I got the feeling he was flirting with me. My mother had drilled me about it, but I’d never really experienced it myself. I needed to flirt back, if I was to do what she wanted.
“Oh, I don’t know,” I said, looking up through my lashes. “I’m not sure dark and brooding are my thing. I prefer a guy who takes care of me, who can make me laugh.”
“Well, that’s good to know. I can work with that.” Tristan winked at me, and I felt relief. I was doing ok so far.
“Ok, you tempted me, I’ll take the regular coffee and a slice of rainbow cake.”
“Good girl, that’s what I like to hear,” he said.
I blushed at his words, and reached for my purse.
“I’ll get these,” he said, getting up from his seat.
“But-”
“You can get them next time,” he said.
I watched him as he moved towards the counter, lost in thought again. He wanted there to be a next time? My stomach fluttered at the thought. I couldn’t help but find Tristan extremely attractive. His confidence, his charm... It was all very alluring and new to me. I reminded myself not to get carried away. I had to remember what he was known for and not let myself be just another name on his long list of girls.
The cafe was warm and homey, filled with the intoxicating scent of ground coffee beans and fresh pastries. As we sipped our drinks, Tristan leaned back, his eyes studying me carefully.
“So, tell me about your family, Paige?”
Great. The one thing I didn’t want to talk about. It would look odd if I didn’t though, so I forced a smile.
“Not much to tell, there’s just me, my Mum and Dad. What about you, any siblings?”
Tristan smiled and his eyes lit up. “Yes, Mum and Dad, but also my little sister Rosa. She’s sixteen now, but we’re really close. I text her most days. Here.”
He leaned forward holding his phone, showing me a photo of him with a pretty girl with light brown hair and brown eyes standing on a pier, the sea in the background.
“She looks nice,” I said. “Were you on holiday?”
Tristan nodded, tucking his phone away. “Yes, last summer, though it wasn’t our main holiday, but we have friends who have a beach house in Cornwall and we get to use it whenever they aren’t. Rosa and I spent a couple of weeks there with some friends. Nate was there too.”
“I can’t see Nate in swimming trunks on the beach,” I admitted.
Tristan laughed. “No, he prefers to hike and go climbing when we’re down there, but the parties we had were the thing of legend. Totally scandalous!”
I grinned at him, feeling myself relax the more we talked. I had thought he’d be completely superficial, but as he continued to tell me about his family, and their holidays, I found myself really liking him. He seemed so genuine, it was hard to see him as the billionaire womaniser Kate had warned me about. And he really seemed to adore his little sister. I wondered briefly what my life might have been like if I”d had an older brother like Tristan. He would have protected me from my mother and father, of that I had no doubt.
“You ok, Paige? You’ve gone quiet. Am I talking too much?” he seemed concerned, and the idea made me feel warm inside.
“Yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking how lucky Rosa is to have a big brother who watches out for her like you do.”
“Well, sure. She’s my sister. And no one messes with people I care about, Paige.” His voice took on a serious note, and for a moment, something flashed across his eyes that made me think there was more to Tristan than this laid back version he showed everyone.
“Now, enough about me. Tell me more about you. I want to know everything.”
“Everything? That might take a while,” I laughed.
He smiled, reaching out and covering my hand with his own. His fingers were warm and he drew his thumb gently over my wrist, sending tingles over my skin.
“I’ve got nothing planned for the rest of the day.”
He hadn’t been joking. By the time we left the coffee shop, my watch showed we’d sat in there for four hours, talking and laughing about everything from favourite music and films, to books and artists. He was so easy to talk to and he made me laugh. He’d also refused to let me pay for any of the drinks we’d had.
As we left the coffee shop, Tristan locked his eyes with mine, a curious hint of amusement playing in his gaze. ”I”ve never spent four hours in a coffee shop before,” he said.
“Sorry,” I said, glancing down.
“Hey,” he said, his voice warm. I looked up into his blue eyes, and he reached up, brushing away a lock of hair from my face as the cold winter wind whipped around us. “Don’t apologise. I really enjoyed it, and I hardly ever get to do stuff like that.”
“Me neither,” I said, smiling at him.
“Well, then we definitely need to do it again,” he said.
We headed back to Tristan’s car and I found myself blushing as Tristan”s hand brushed against mine. I thought he might try and hold my hand, but he didn’t, and I felt the tiniest bit of disappointment.
As we approached his car, Tristan”s jovial demeanour slipped away like night giving way to dawn. He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes fixed on the side of his car where someone had scored deep gouges into the glossy paint.
”What the--” Tristan began, but he seemed to choke on his words, his face paling slightly.
“Oh no, Tristan. has someone caught it with their bag or something?” I asked in dismay, looking at the damage to his beautiful car.
Tristan didn”t answer immediately. He traced the jagged line with his fingertips, a muscle twitching in his jaw. ”No, someone did this on purpose,” he said, eyes now cold as he glanced around the square.
“Who would have done something like this though?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Everyone has enemies Paige. Sometimes it just comes down to pure jealousy.” He sighed, and turned to me. “Never mind, I’ll get it fixed, and I’m not going to let it ruin a perfect afternoon.”
His gaze softened as he looked at me, the anger briefly flickering in his eyes replaced by something else – warmth, amusement. ”Sometimes you have to deal with the bad to appreciate the good,” he said.
He moved closer, looking down at me, his smile soft. “And you, Paige Matthews, are very good.” His hand came up and gently cupped my cheek. My heart stuttered at the intimate gesture, and I found myself leaning into his touch slightly.
“I like you, Paige. Very much.”
“I like you too,” I said, and I meant it. I did like him, despite everything I knew about him.
He leaned closer, and my heart started to beat even harder, as his gaze dropped to my mouth.
“Paige,” he murmured.
“Yes?”
“Can I kiss you?”
My breath caught in my throat, but I managed to nod briefly, before his lips touched mine, and all rational thought flew out of my mind.
The kiss was gentle, almost tentative. His lips against mine felt warm and inviting, leaving me breathless. He pulled back slightly, scanning my face with his eyes as if checking my reaction. Seeing no resistance in my face, he pulled me closer again, deepening the kiss. His hands circled around my waist pulling our bodies close together. I could feel the heat radiating off him and hear the soft sound of his breath intermingling with mine.
My hands found their way into his hair, pulling him closer as sensations I had never felt before washed over me. Tristan was an amazing kisser and any doubts I had previously about him started to fade away. Despite the rumours and warnings, I found myself surrendering to the moment, to Tristan”s kisses.
His hand strayed up to tangle into my hair at the nape of my neck as he continued to kiss me. His touch was strong yet gentle, sending shivers down my spine. When he finally broke away, he looked at me with eyes filled with affection and desire that made my heart flutter.
“Come to the ball with me, Paige,” he said.
“The ball?” I asked, still reeling from the feel of his mouth on mine.
“The Halloween Ball. It’s in a couple of weeks and I want you to be my date. Will you Paige?”
I nodded. “I’d love to.”
His smile widened and he bent down to kiss me again. This time I felt his tongue brush lightly against my lips and I opened my mouth just a bit, letting him deepen the kiss. My whole body warmed in his arms, and I sighed as he pulled away. He pressed his lips to my forehead before sliding his hand down my arm to interlace our fingers together.
”Come on,” he said, opening the defaced door for me. ”I”ll drive you home.”