IN THOSE WE TRUST

1

"Come on, Kira, we're missing the party!" Eva whined, the exasperation evident in her voice. All evening, she'd been grumbling about this damn event. "It's just a cocktail party, Eva," I countered, feigning nonchalance. "A little late arrival never hurt anyone. Besides," I added, running a hand through my cascading curls, "you know the struggle is real with these."

A silent eyeroll emanated from Eva. "Fine!" she conceded, a hint of a playful threat lacing her voice. "But if I don't get an early nap when we get back, you're getting an earful. Work's a nightmare tomorrow."

Satisfied with my reflection, I declared, "Alright, Miss Grumpy-Pants, let's go."

Descending the stairs, I found Eva sprawled dramatically on the couch. "Took you long enough," she sighed, a hint of a smile peeking through her facade.

I rolled my eyes, a familiar and comfortable routine between us. With a shared laugh, we piled into Eva's car and sped towards the inevitable social whirl.

Sipping my wine, I watched Eva weave through a knot of well-coiffed women. Their hushed laughter drifted across the room, piquing my curiosity. Wondering what secrets they whispered, I found myself drawn towards them.

Suddenly, a voice startled me. "Penny for your thoughts?"

I spun around, catching the gaze of a handsome stranger. He held my eyes with a playful smirk. "No pennies, but I wouldn't mind the company," I countered, returning his amusement.

He chuckled. "Forgive me, but I couldn't simply admire you all night without a proper introduction. I'm Damon Sergio." He took my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"Well, Mr. Sergio," I drawled, "you certainly have my attention now."

A slow smile spread across his face. "Damon," he corrected, leaning in to kiss the back of my hand. "Kira Daniels, charming as ever."

Just as our connection crackled, Eva materialized beside me. "Seems you two have gotten acquainted, Kira."

"You know him?" I asked, surprised.

"A dear family friend," she replied, a hint of something unreadable flickering in her eyes, "and the host of this very event, actually."

A strained laugh escaped Eva's lips as Damon spoke. "It's a pleasure to have you both. Kira, I must thank Eva for introducing you."

Eva snorted, breaking the tension with a touch of humor. "Work calls, unfortunately. Early morning meeting, you know the drill."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Damon's features before he regained his composure. "Of course. May I have your number, Kira?"

After exchanging numbers, Damon excused himself, leaving me with a wide-eyed Eva.

"Spill it," I demanded, heading straight for the car.

The ride home was filled with Eva's excited chatter about Damon's wealth and social standing. Underneath it all, I sensed a deeper secret about him, one she wasn't sharing.

"Relax, Kira," Eva said, oblivious to my thoughts. "With a guy like that, you're practically set for life."

A humorless laugh escaped me. "Unlike you, Eva, I didn't grow up with a silver spoon." My voice softened. "Orphanage until eighteen, self-made success by twenty-four. Scholarship got me through university, that's how we met."

Eva's eyes widened. "Oh, right. I forgot." She sighed dramatically. "Just saying, this could be your chance."

"Maybe," I conceded, a flicker of curiosity sparking within me. "But first, some secrets need revealing."