Page 35 of King of Rage

As the machine began to hiss, the café door suddenly chimed.

Ding.

Stella lifted her head, glancing toward the entrance.

A handsome man had just walked inside.

Several women immediately turned in their seats to look at him. Whispers spread through the room. A few women straightened their backs, while others leaned toward their friends, trying to get a better look at the newcomer.

Stella had grown accustomed to hearing such reactions.

A woman seated near the window immediately leaned toward her friend, her eyes fixed on the man as a delighted smile spread across her face.

“I told you! I told you! See, I never lied to you. I told you handsome men come here often.”

She giggled, covering her mouth with her fingers as she continued watching him.

“I didn't know we'd be lucky enough to see three of them in a single day!”

Her friend turned toward the entrance, her eyes widening as she took in the man's appearance.

“Oh my God, he’s so handsome. I think I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

The woman seated across from them rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

“Of course you have. He’s a popular model.”

She picked up her coffee, taking a quick sip before glancing toward the entrance again.

“The only reason I still buy fashion magazines is because of him. Trust me, I know exactly what you’re talking about.”

“Wait, I remember his name. Is it Triston White?”

“Triston Turner.”

“Yes, exactly,” the other woman said, snapping her fingers as though she had finally remembered.

Stella barely paid attention to them. Her attention was already fixed on the man making his way toward the counter.

Triston stopped in front of her, then reached up and removed the cap sitting on his head. He tossed it casually onto the counter before running a hand through his short hair, pushing the slightly tousled strands back from his forehead.

He was dressed entirely in black. His fitted black T-shirt stretched across his muscular chest and broad shoulders, while his black jeans emphasized his tall, powerful frame. Several silver rings adorned his fingers, catching the light whenever he moved his hands. A small silver earring pierced the upper edge of one ear, simple enough not to look excessive but striking enough to give his entire appearance an edge.

His looks alone were enough to turn heads, but there was something about the way he walked that made him even more noticeable.

Stella drew in a frustrated breath.

“Oh my God, why are you here today? You know it’s not going to take long before the cameras fill up my restaurant. I’m already so busy today.”

She moved around the café with quick, efficient steps, checking on the customers and glancing impatiently toward Triston.

Triston watched her for a moment before leaning one hip against the counter. He folded his arms, his jaw tightening as he looked at her.

“Do you think I did it on purpose? I’m busy too. You forced me to come here.”

Stella shot him an exasperated look before turning toward one of the employees behind the counter.

“Can you please help me with it?”