Summer furrowed her brows in thought, where did he go so early in the morning?
Just then, the door swung open, and Tristan entered, a charming smile lighting up his face as he wore a casual outfit—just a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. "Good morning, sleepyhead!" he greeted, the scent of fresh coffee wafting in behind him.
Summer propped herself up on one elbow, her hair tousled. "Where have you gone so early?" she asked, squinting against the light.
"Had to bring breakfast," he replied, walking over with a tray filled with steaming mugs and an assortment of pastries.
"Breakfast in bed? You spoil me," she teased, a smile breaking through her morning haze.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, setting the tray down.
She groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the pillow, complaining "Ugh, I feel like hundreds of trucks have rolled over me." Her eyes accusing him.
Tristan's smirk widened, and he leaned closer, his eyes glinting mischievously "My fault? I wonder who was demanding repeatedly for 'one more time' until she was completely spent?"
Summer shot him a glare, but it was more playful than serious. "Oh please, it's all your fault!"
He feigned innocence, raising an eyebrow. "My girlfriend is so dominating that I had no choice but to comply!"
"Hey, at least I let you dominate in bed," she shot back, winking at him.
He chuckled shaking his head, his eyes sparkling. "Well, I've prepared a warm bath for you."
Summer's eyes lit up. "Carry me!" she declared, raising both arms like a child.
"Lazy cat," Tristan remarked with a grin, but he obliged, sweeping her off her feet and cradling her in his arms. As he carried her to the bathroom, Summer couldn't help but giggle, her head resting against his shoulder.
When he set her down in front of the bathroom mirror, she scowled at her reflection. "Are you a dog?" she exclaimed, noticing the hickeys and marks adorning her skin.
Tristan quickly took off his white t-shirt, revealing his own chest and back, littered with scratches and bite marks. "You a wild cat!" he retorted, his voice playful.
Summer was momentarily speechless, a mix of pride and embarrassment flooding her. She had definitely done worse to him than he had to her, but her skin was more sensitive, making the evidence all too clear.
Seeing her reaction, Tristan smiled wider. "Come on, I know how lazy my woman is," he teased, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I'll make sure she doesn't have to lift a finger."
"Just remember, I'm still your girlfriend, not your pet," she quipped, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a grin.
As they moved to the bath, Tristan gently washed her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp. "How do you feel now?" he asked, glancing at her through the steam rising from the warm water.
"I feel like royalty," she replied, a dreamy smile on her face.
Once they finished bathing and settled at the breakfast table, the atmosphere shifted. Tristan's demeanor turned serious as he took a sip of coffee, his brow furrowing slightly. "Have you thought about how to deal with Maria?" he asked, his tone measured.
Summer leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Let's first talk to her parents," she suggested, her mind already strategizing. "We need to deal with the Belmonts first; otherwise, Maria could get away with it again, just like last time."
Tristan nodded, his expression turning cold, a fierce determination in his eyes. "It's time to pay a visit to the Belmonts," he said, his voice low but resolute.
Summer met his gaze, a shared understanding passing between them. They were not just partners in passion but also in strategy, united in their resolve to confront the challenges ahead.
"Yeah, this time let's make sure they understand the consequences of their actions," Summer added, her voice steady.
"Exactly," Tristan replied his voice cold with a ruthless edge, his hand reaching across the table to clasp hers "They need to be 'taught' strategically. They should learn not to cross those whom they can't afford."
With their hands intertwined, a sense of calm settled between them, reaffirming their bond as they prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
After breakfast they both set out from their hotel suite, the morning sun peeking through the curtains illuminated Summer's thoughtful expression. Tristan glanced at her from the driver's seat, his eyes narrowing as he noticed her silence. "You've been quiet since breakfast," he said, his tone gentle but laced with concern. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"
Summer bit her lip, hesitating. "I've been thinking about how to deal with the Belmonts," she began slowly, glancing at him with a cautious look in her eyes. "And… I want to handle it alone."
Tristan's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his brow furrowing. "Alone? Sam, we're in this together. You don't have to face them by yourself."
Summer sighed, turning to face him fully. "I know, Trish, I know. But this is my fight. Maria's been after me, and I don't want to drag you into it."
Tristan pulled the car over to the side of the road, turning to her with a mixture of frustration and hurt in his eyes. "Drag me into it? Sam, I'm already in this! We're a couple, we're partners. You shouldn't have to bear this alone. Let me in, will you?"
She placed a hand on his arm, her touch soft and reassuring. "I'm not saying you can't help me. I just don't want trouble to follow you because of me. Maria is dangerous, her family has power. I can't risk them coming after you because of what's between her and me."
Tristan shook his head, his jaw set. "You're underestimating me. I know you can handle yourself, you're the strongest woman I know. But that doesn't mean I'm going to sit on the sidelines while you take all the heat. I want to handle it too alongside you."
Summer smiled softly at his words, her heart warming at his protectiveness. But she remained firm. "I need to do this, Trish. For myself. Trust me, okay? I'll be fine."
Tristan's frustration turned into a quiet, simmering anger, not at her, but at the situation. He knew she was independent as well as capable and she wouldn't include him in times of crisis neither will rely on him. He felt annoyed that despite having the capabilities, his girlfriend didnt want to rely on him, at the same time his heart ached because Summer's firm stance clearly told him that she's used to handling everything on her own without supporting that's why she refused to rely or even ask for help. How lonely has she been? He thought as he stared at her, his chest tightening. "Fine," he said, his voice low, resigned. "But don't expect me to be okay with this. I'm only agreeing because you're adamant… but you better not get hurt."
Summer leaned over and kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you. I promise I'll be careful."
As they resumed driving, Tristan silently planned his next move. If Sam was going to the Belmonts alone, that didn't mean he had to sit idly by. He would deal with them behind the scenes. No one would hurt his woman without consequences.