The Secret Trinity Unearth by Jenna Bernel Read Free Book Online Page A

so abrupt to turn down a free breakfast?” My eyes whipped back to him and I shuddered out a breath of relief. He didn’t feel it.
    Shoot, I was hoping to avoid this question, but I suppose my quick reaction outside had sparked his interest. I was just thankful we were moving on from that handquake. I shrugged, and answered as nonchalantly as I could.
    “It’s nothing, just being careful.” I was trying to drop it, but my poor choice of words must have sparked more questions because he raised one eyebrow inquisitively.
    “Alright, does that mean I should be on the lookout for an angry boyfriend wanting to bust me up?” The tone in his inquiry was not the sound of concern for his safety. He was fishing. I laughed before answering. He was turning out to be quite a flirt.
    “No, I made a pact with my friends to lay off of dating for the semester. I didn’t want them to nail me on a technicality, for instance, a male friend buying me breakfast.” That was the worst answer to give a flirt. Now his dark eyes were smoldering with intrigue.
    “Come now, there has to be a good story to go with that. Don’t leave a mate hanging.” I hesitated, but sensed he would not let it drop until I gave him more information.
    “I just need to focus on school, and I am known as a jerk magnet. So I am going to lay off on dating until my luck turns around.” His gaze turned mocking and he ran his fingers through his short, sandy blonde hair.
    “Aye, your focus in class is impeccable. The pact seems to be working.” The sarcasm in his tone was clear. I crossed my arms over my chest and eyed him up and down.
    “See, always a jerk magnet.” I tried to match the tone of his sarcasm.
    He leaned back and crossed his hands over his heart with a hurt expression on his flawless, clean-shaven face. But his eyes were teasing mine. I bit my lip, contemplating how to shift his focus.
    “So, what part of Ireland are you from?” He leaned back onto the table and his warm smile caused my stomach to dip. The waitress came over, and set our lattes down in front of us.
    “Your food should be out shortly. Let me know if you need anything.” She turned on her heels and went to another table. I took a sip from my mug, happy to have something to do with my hands because all they wanted to do was to reach out and touch him again. Liam took a drink from his cup, and then smirked at me.
    “You picked up on the accent straight away. Most folks presume I am English. Though I suppose since I attended boarding school there, my accent is a bit muddled. I’m from Galway, Ireland, on the western coast. I am studying here for the semester until winter break, and then back to the Emerald Isle.” I tried to hide a wave of disappointment that sank in when he brought up his departure.
    “Oh I see, and why did you choose Wisconsin of all the fair states?” A sparkle shown in his eyes as he leaned deeper onto the table and waved me closer, like he was about to reveal a secret. I complied.
    “You see, I have been trying to find a girl with beautiful green eyes that remind me of home. I think my search is finally over.” I knew it was a line and I tried not to blush, but I failed miserably. I leaned back against my chair as far away as possible.
    “That was not exactly friend-talk.” He looked at me, and sighed. “What can I say Aria. I’m a weak bloke.”
    The waitress saved me just in time by bringing our food to the table, the perfect distraction. I chewed slowly and gazed out the window. My appetite had waned. Liam’s presence filled me with nervous butterflies and a new kind of energy instead.
    He was not at all what I expected. It made me uneasy. He was already testing my will power and it was weak. I found him more charming than I cared to admit. I was afraid I was making the same old mistakes. Lost in thought staring out the window, I heard Liam lightly clear his throat.
    “Sorry to interrupt mate, but you have some foam from your latte on your