Page 119 of Heat Island


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I can’t help but chuckle at the memory. Those fifteen hours on my private jet had changed everything between us, cementing bonds that started as a business arrangement and transformed into something none of us had expected.

“Well,” I say, lowering my voice. “We could help you recover now in the same way we did back then.”

Hours-long bubble baths and full-body massages are the least of what she deserves.

Trinity’s eyes darken slightly as she sighs and leans further into me. “That sounds good.”

I take a moment to look around the now-quiet event space. The cleaning crew has started their work, but the venue still holds the golden glow of success.

My gaze lands on Kyren across the room, methodically breaking down sound equipment with practiced efficiency. There’s a focus and purpose to his movements I rarely saw before Trinity came into our lives.

He catches my eye and gives a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of our shared bond.

On the empty dance floor, Cash and Lucas sway together despite the absence of music. Lucas has his head tucked against Cash’s shoulder, their bodies moving inperfect harmony. Cash whispers something that makes Lucas laugh.

Something warm unfurls in my chest as I watch them all. I made billions founding OurLog, built an empire that revolutionized digital communication, but nothing compares to this feeling. Creating this pack, finding Trinity, bringing these souls together—it gives me a sense of accomplishment that earning all the money in the world never could.

Trinity follows my gaze, a soft smile touching her lips. “They look happy.”

“We all are,” I reply simply.

She straightens suddenly, remembering something. “We should probably get going for that last errand. I know it’s late, but?—”

“It can probably wait,” I suggest, rubbing small circles on her lower back. “You’re dead on your feet.”

Trinity gives a heavy sigh. “We need to get it over with because once I crawl into that oversized bed at home, I’m not leaving it for a week.”

I can’t argue with that logic. Our custom-made bed—large enough to comfortably fit all five of us—has become Trinity’s favorite place to recover after her marathon work sessions. And I have plans for her in that bed that definitely don’t involve leaving it for anything more than necessary hydration.

And I don’t miss that she called ithome.

“All right,” I concede, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “One last errand, then home.”

I signal to the others that we’re ready to leave. Kyren gives instructions to a crew member before joining us, while Cash and Lucas reluctantly separate from their impromptu dance.

As we gather at the exit, I take one last look at the venue—Trinity’s dream made real. Despite all the twists our journey took to get here, I wouldn’t change a single moment. From that storage closet door hitting me in the face to a volcanic eruption on Heat Island, every chaotic step led us exactly where we were meant to be.

Together.

Trinity

I stand in the middle of my empty apartment, turning slowly to take in the space that has been mine alone for the past five years. The sleek countertops gleam under the recessed lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Manhattan skyline I once thought justified the exorbitant rent. Everything is pristine, minimalist, perfect—and utterly devoid of life.

The lease isn’t up for another few weeks, but there’s almost nothing left to move, and I scheduled the move-out cleaners early so I wouldn’t be tempted to procrastinate. Over the past months, Matheo, Kyren, Lucas, and Cash have been helping me transport my belongings to Matheo’s sprawling house in the suburbs, which has basically become all of our de facto home over the past few months.

A tear slides down my cheek, then another, until I’m standing in the middle of my former sanctuary crying silently.

As soon as they feel my sadness through the bond, all of my men immediately react.

“Trinity?” Matheo’s voice is immediately concerned ashe steps in from the hallway where he’s been loading the last box into the elevator. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s going on?” Cash asks, his analytical gaze scanning my face.

Lucas’s open expression crumples in sympathy. “Oh, Trinity...”

“What can we do?” Kyren demands, eyes narrowing with protective intensity. “Is it too soon?”

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, wiping at my face. “Really, I’m not sad about leaving.”