Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 75195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
“Instead of actually ‘sending’ you a video file, right,” he wiped his greasy fingers on his shirt, “you received a sort of. . .link. Or more precisely, a code.”
He grabbed a fry and made a wild gesture with it, sending a few crumbs flying onto the table. “That code, when activated, connects your phone to a server and the video is streamed from there. It’s more like streaming Netflix or YouTube —the video isn’t really stored on your device, just played on it.”
Pausing from his explanation, he bit more of the burger and swallowed. “Now, the clever bit is that the server is set up to delete the video or block your access once you’ve watched it.”
“O-kay?”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “So even if you wanted to, you can’t find it again. It’s gone from the server and it was never on your phone to begin with.”
“Honestly, I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Peiter frowned.
I swallowed. “But, the main thing I understand is that someone went through a lot of effort to make this video untraceable.”
He nodded.
“Can we track where it came from?”
Peiter swallowed the last bite of his burger, his gaze turning back to the myriad of screens. His face looked serious, almost grim, in the blue light. “Perhaps, but it won’t be a walk in the park, Tristan. Whoever did this knows their game.”
“Well, you get this done and you’ll get a lifetime supply of Little Gourmet meals delivered to your front door.”
He looked back at me, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he crumpled the burger wrapper. “Lucky for you, I’m on it.”
Chapter Seven
A Mind-Twisting Start
The next night, excitement—pure, endless, and unquenched—surged through me.
I was dressed in this stunning red gown, feeling like a princess. The tightly fitted bodice hugged my torso like a second layer of skin, while the skirt flared out in a fancy circle of silk.
My heart pounded with anticipation.
A wicked smile spread on my face, knowing that Tristan would be unable to resist seeing my curves.
On my feet, I wore red, six inch rhinestone heels.
Although Tristan wouldn’t be seeing what I was wearing under the dress, I still wore the sexiest lingerie I could find in my drawer—black French lace with ribboned garters.
His driver arrived on time.
The expensive car shimmered in the moonlight.
Every step I took toward the shiny car filled me with more thrilling excitement.
I felt like a queen ready for her throne.
“Good evening, Ms. Williams.” The driver opened my door. “My name is Charles.”
“Good evening and nice to meet you, Charles.”
Smiling, he helped me inside.
Once I entered the vehicle, slight disappointment hit me.
Tristan wasn’t there.
I’d been ready to be near him all day.
Be patient.
I settled in.
The driver shut the door.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the window.
Oh my.
I smiled at the sight of the red gown, my cleavage, and even face perfectly done up with the help of my bestie, Scarlett.
For these past years, I typically wore yoga pants, an oversized t-shirt, and sneakers.
If it was cold, I threw on my favorite Paradise City University sweater. That faded crimson and gold garment had kept me warm for many months.
While I had dresses and gowns in my closet, there’d been no need to put them on.
The life of a PhD student involved more time in the library than in a ballroom.
But, not tonight.
The driver started the car.
The engine roared to life.
I took in a deep breath, feeling the excitement and nervousness of this upcoming date.
This is going to be fun.
The driver sped us away.
Bring it.
This night would be an adventure. The moment where I would be yanked out of my boring life of study to embark on an exhilarating journey.
What does Tristan have planned?
Soon, the driver had us entering Caviar Lime Highway and heading North.
Anticipation built with each passing minute. My mind raced with thoughts of what this night might hold.
Stop being so nervous. Tonight will be amazing.
I checked my appearance in my small purse mirror, smoothing my hair and adjusting the top to not show too much cleavage.
Okay. Perfect.
As we approached Downtown, the skyline came into view. Buildings towered over everything like sentinels, guarding this city of endless possibilities.
We passed the exit for the West and didn’t take it.
Oh. Not heading West? We’re still going North.
I’d guessed that Tristan would be bringing me to one of the many fabulous restaurants in the West. It was where the bustling energy of the city faded away, replaced by a sense of refined luxury and sophistication.
The West was a world of ultimate extravagance, where every sense was heightened.
Sleek, high-end hotels lined the streets. The air was always thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries, emanating from the chic cafes that lined the sidewalks.
Well-dressed shoppers crowded the blocks with their arms full of stuffed bags from designer shops.
But when it came to dining, the West of Paradise City also did not disappoint. It was the only place in the city that had Michelin-starred restaurants. These places boasted inventive cuisine and elegant atmospheres.