Page 50 of Lightning Angel
Tristan handed the phone back to Alexa. “I guess he’s shocked enough.”
“Honestly, I think he’s never been this shocked before. Can you imagine his face? I wonder if he realized how pathetic his texts sounded.” Alexa couldn’t help but splutter a laugh, glancing at the screen where it showed Brandon was typing.Stilltyping. “Now we have more proof to give the police.”
“That we do,” Tristan said with a relaxed grin and restarted the engine. “When do you wish to report the case?”
“Today.” Alexa leaned back in her seat. “I don’t want him to spend another day blackmailing another innocent girl.”
“Then I have the perfect plan.”
* **
The car glided smoothly into Tristan’s neighborhood. The streets lined with picturesque houses radiated a sense of suburban charm, adorned with manicured lawns and welcoming sidewalks. Tristan made a left turn when they approached a particular street, onto a quaint, narrow road. The hedges flanking both sides rose tall and dense, creating a corridor-like effect.
At the end of the leafy passage loomed an elegant two-story house.
“Is that—?” Alexa stopped short in awe.
“Welcome to the Knight Residence.”
Alexa let out a disbelieving laugh. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised because Dr. Knight was rich—how rich, she didn’t know, but he was rich enough to own such a beautiful residence—but she did.
“It’s breathtaking.”
She absorbed their surroundings as she stepped out of the car in the driveway. The front yard was a meticulous canvas of landscaping, featuring an array of blossoming flowers and well-manicured shrubs. The house was a charming blend of modern aesthetics and natural elements, the roof adorned with overhanging eaves. The exterior boasted a muted color palette, with warm beige tones complementing the surrounding greenery.
A cobblestone path led to the entrance, toward the welcoming portico of the two-story house.
Tristan joined her side after parking his car, and Alexa felt a sense of ease settling in as she prepared to step into his welcoming residence.
Tristan guided her into the foyer, and the scent of vanilla and coffee beans wafting through the airimmediately captured her senses. Her gaze drew to a candle burning on an attached shelf along the farthest wall, and she realized it was the source of the delightful scent. The same fragrance she had noticed on Tristan last night.
An array of vibrant green plants in neatly arranged flowerpots stood by every corner, the luscious foliage creating a visually appealing contrast against the neutral tones of the walls and the dark hardwood floor.
Alexa pivoted to Tristan from examining her surroundings. Every corner had an exquisite touch to it. “You have a beautiful home.”
Tristan’s efforts to hide his grin were futile. “I’m glad you think so.” He planted his hands in the pockets and cocked his head to the side. “Would you like a tour?”
“Of course,” she said with a grin.
“My dad has early morning duty calls and is at work now; he won’t be back until night, so it’s going to be just the two of us—and Valero, our Italian cook. I’m sure he’s in the kitchen now, preparing breakfast. Come on.” Tristan turned to the doorway Alexa presumed led into the living room and gestured to her to follow him. “This is the living room. Don’t be so surprised with the tidiness; it’s all credits to Mercy, our housekeeper. She comes every two days, and today is her day off.”
During the explanations he gave her on their way to the kitchen, Alexa couldn’t help but notice that he was a different person from the one he was in the drive to here, even the one from the carnival last night. He looked rather homely, relaxed with no pressure of anything on him, no composure, no hardened exterior… just Tristan.
And Alexa was surprised that she liked this version ofhim. He was even a little boyish, despite managing to look attractive.
“Morning, Valero,” Tristan said as he walked into the kitchen.
The air was delicious as Alexa followed in after him reluctantly and paused at the doorway seeing a man in his fifties or sixties wearing chef’s dress, standing with his back facing them. He turned from the stove at Tristan’s greeting and returned it, breaking off midway seeing Alexa.
“And who is this lovely girl you’ve brought home, Trist?” The older man’s dark eyes twinkled with mischief as they flickered between the two of them. He had a thick Italian accent.
“Valero, this is Alexa.” Tristan turned to Alexa. “Alexa, Valero.”
“Alexa,” the man repeated and gave a slight bow. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Trist has nevereverbrought home a girl before. You must be really special that he dared to do so.”
Alexa stole a glance at Tristan and saw him sending Valero a deadpan look. She plastered on a smile to hide her nervousness. “It’s nice meeting you too, Valero.”
Valero winked at her and sent Tristan a mischievous smile before turning back to the stove. “Breakfast is ready, pals.”