I drove after Tristen.

She turned off the freeway and headed down a lone street. We weaved alongside winding roads, getting nearer and nearer to the shoreline. Eventually, a set of high-rise condos got here into view. Why was she driving previous all this?

Then, Tristen did the very last thing that I may have anticipated. She took a tough flip, and her automobile screeched into the underground parking entrance of 1 JBR.

What within the fuck?

1 JBR had been luxurious seashore resort flats, practically as dear as my very own residence. How did my humbly-raised fourth-year regulation pupil girlfriend afford all this?

My shoulders rounded, and I dropped my head towards the headrest. I did not need to consider this. However the details had been spelled out in entrance of me: Tristen was hiding much more from me. And that included no matter causes she had for hiding her residence from me for thus lengthy.

What story may I provide you with for the safety crew to permit me into her constructing with out alerting her? I did not have a lot time to consider it as I pulled as much as the customer’s receiving space. A white-gloved valet attendant opened my door with a well mannered smile.

“Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to 1 JBR.”

“Good afternoon to you too,” I replied easily.

I picked up my bag of groceries and handed him the fob key. With a clipped bow, the attendant hurried off. On this nation, a show of wealth offered loads of free passes. Between my sports activities automobile, designer garments, and luxurious chrono wristwatch, I used to be working my seven-digit membership like a professional. Paired with my assured, laissez-faire perspective, I appeared simply the identical as each different resident to the typical employees member. I belonged right here.

One other white-gloved attendant grasped the gold-plated deal with of the glass door and held it open for me. Daylight flooded the foyer by way of the clear roof and the numerous floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the wall. If it wasn’t for the crisp, conditioned air and the marble tiles beneath my ft, I might have thought I used to be nonetheless outdoors.

Did Tristen stroll by way of this hallway each day?

I hung awkwardly by one of many home windows, planning my subsequent transfer. This constructing was one of many latest and most unique within the marina. If I didn’t have a reputation and deal with on the prepared, they in all probability wouldn’t let me keep lengthy. However I didn’t know Tristen’s house quantity. What may I say about me, about us, that might persuade the attendants? I used to be a very good good friend visiting for the primary time? A boyfriend? A jilted lover?

Shit, what if I used to be the jilted lover? What if one other man was upstairs, ft on the ottoman and watching TV, ready for his lady to make him a pleasant meal with the groceries she simply purchased?

A chilly shudder handed by way of me. Completely not. I would kill the man. Tristen was mine.

Fuck a plan. I might rise up there by my appeal, gorgeous attractiveness, and affiliation with Tris. Like a knight gripping his sword, I wrapped my fingers across the handles of the bag and marched towards reception. Three cheerful receptionists stood behind the shiny oval espresso-colored desk, blocking my path to a stealthy escape. Cursing beneath my breath, I slowed my brisk stroll to a relaxed stroll and placed on a simple, laid-back demeanor as I approached.

“Good afternoon, Paul.” I spoke casually, studying his nametag. “Tris left this in my cart. We had been buying collectively. She’s parked within the basement, heading up proper now.”

I held up the groceries. The receptionist peered over the desk, then glanced in direction of his pc display.

“Oh, how candy of you!” He gave me a toothy grin and stretched out his hand. “No worries, I am going to take it as much as her pronto.”

Rattling useful receptionist. That might spoil my entire scheme.

“Ah, I respect your supply, however I actually would really feel higher if I received these to her myself. I would like the accountability of something not in good situation to relaxation solely on me.”

We each stared down on the natural cocoa puffs and muesli within the bag.

“Oh, I completely get it. She is so explicit about issues getting executed proper,” Paul stated.

What was that imagined to imply?

“Include me. I am going to take you.” He waved his hand cheerily. “The elevators are simply this manner.”

Shit. An elevator journey with this man can be hassle. He was too chatty for my liking and will ask questions on Tris or me that might blow my cowl. Furthermore, I wanted a second simply to breathe. This final hour had been a whirlwind, and I desperately wanted to gather my ideas earlier than seeing Tristen nose to nose.

“So how lengthy have you ever lived in Dubai?” Paul chirped.

“About 4 months,” I answered with out pondering.

The attendant’s forehead rose excessive sufficient to the touch the perimeter on his brow.

Simply. Fucking. Nice.

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