Who was this woman?

Treyton was baffled.
A beautiful woman, who looked like a dream, who rode a bike like a man, kissed like a raging inferno, gave away so much money to a 'friend'..who was she?

Treyton swung back a shot of tequila, wanting it to burn his throat, before he slammed the glass back on the counter.
He swung around on the stool of his personal bar, and got off it.
Heading to the balcony of his penthouse, he went and stood by the railing, thumping the palms of his hands over it.

Normally, the sight of the sun setting from this height, was something that he enjoyed watching. It calmed him, as he looked at the city being bathed in an array of orangish hues, before being blanketed by twilight, and the stars shone.
But today, his brain didn't even register the magnificent view of the city, as his mind wondered.

Where did she get so much money? David? Yes, that must be it! He must bathe her in luxury, treat her like the beauty that she was..

His hand tightened on the metal, as the thought of Huber kissing her, bedding her, treating her like a queen filled his senses with an unknown clawing feeling.
He wanted to smash the man's face, and snatch her away from him..

What the hell? When did a woman have such power over him, that he was lusting after her?
I'm Treyton Elrod! I can get whatever I want!
And right now, it is Erisha that I want..I want to know what makes her tick, I want to know all her secrets..I want to bury myself in her..verdammt!
The craving to make her his, boggled him.
But what's her connection to Julian Finn? Huber?
The urge to find out was making him fidgety, and he didn't like the feeling. He had never had to go after women, they always came to him. But no doubt, he always got what he wanted.

Ever since he had worked single handedly to create his business from scratch, he had had a purpose. To excel in everything he did. To be the best!
And he had made his dreams come true..
All because of one man..who had changed his life..forever.

His phone rang, breaking into his thoughts. He let it ring, but the caller was persistant, and Treyton walked back inside from the balcony, to see.
It was James, and he quickly connected it.
'Yes?'

'Sir! I have the information you required..'

Treyton slid onto the couch in his living room, and crossed a leg over the other.
'What did you find out?'

'You were right about Finn knowing Huber's girlfriend..'

'Go on..'
Treyton always got irritated at the 'girlfriend' part.

'Apparently, they have been friends for several years..'

'Huber and Erisha?'
He cut in, uncrossing his leg.

'Wha..no sir! I meant Finn and Erisha..they are on really good terms with each other..'
Treyton felt a sense of relief at that.

'And this Erisha..who is she? Last name? Any information? Her relationship with Huber?'
If truth be told, Treyton was more interested in finding that out, instead of about Finn.

'There is no last name, sir. Atleast, she doesn't use any. She is 27 years old, lives locally, an NRI, and has been working here since the past seven years..'
Treyton was mentally memorising everything, as the detective continued.
'She lives alone, no sign of family here..'

'Source of income?'
Treyton suddenly remembered the Harley she owned and drove. Not just anybody could afford a bike that expensive.
'Huber?'
He gritted his teeth.

'Actually no, sir! I told you she works..'

'For Huber?'
Treyton cut in again, getting worked up.
The detective became quiet, a bit taken aback at his tone.
'Is that where the money is coming from?'

'Sir, that is what I was telling you..there's this shop in the local market, called DREAMS, where antiques are sold and resold..its apparently very popular with the patrons..'

'Okay! But, even if she works there, there's too much money involved..I'm sure she..'

'She owns the business, sir! Not only works there! That shop is hers, legally. It's a registered business, sir..'

Treyton was stupefied. That was one thought which had never entered his mind, always having known women who were dependent on men to get by. Men like Huber, who flaunted women like trophies; just for show.
So, finding out, that she was a successful businesswoman in her own right, was a bit of an eye opener for him.

'Herr Elrod..are you there?'
The detective's voice broke into his thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

'Yes?'

'She lives in Favoriten..rents an apartment..'
And he shot out the address, which Treyton could never forget. Especially after that mindblowing kiss.
'No pets, no criminal record..'

'Okay, okay..I get it..anything else?'

'That's all I have about now. Her dealings with Huber are still under observation..although she is regularly seen with him at parties, restaurants...I will let you know as soon as I find out more..'

'Yes! Do that! And follow through with Finn in the morning..'

'Right, sir! Good night!'

The detective ended the call, leaving Treyton in more of a confusion. His curiosity was further piqued by all the things he had learnt.
Treyton stood back up, and paced the floor for several minutes.
Even owning a shop like that..does it bring in so much money?
Treyton was still doubtful about Huber providing her the money. Two million was a huge amount to just casually lend a friend.
Well, I can do it! And so can Huber..

A sudden urge to find out  more, had him put on his leather jacket, pick up his bike's keys, and head for the elevator.

***************************

Erisha sauntered out of the bathroom after a hot shower, and felt much better.
Hair, wrapped in a towel, turban style, and another around her body, she moved to her closet, and took out her miniscule shorts, and the loose shirt that she usually  wore to bed, before donning them.
Unwrapping her hair, she threw the towel on the bed, and finger combing it, glanced in the mirror, before she left her bedroom.

Heading to the kitchen via a small hallway, she crossed her living room, to reach her open kitchen.
She had had a very busy day today, what with the meetings with some American delegates, that had taken up almost most of her time.
DREAMS was her baby, and she took care of it like a mother hen guarding her chicks. It was more of a passion than a job for her. She loved it.

Opening the fridge to check what she could eat, Erisha scrunched her nose.
She hadn't had the time to go grocery shopping, and just had a couple of things handy.
Deciding to make a quick vegetable curry, and rice, she hurried with the fixings.
In about half an hour, her food was ready, and her grumbling stomach was already calling out to it.
Taking her food over to the open counter style table, that separated her kitchen from the living room, she went back to take out cutlery.
Just as she had settled down, and picked up her fork to take a bite, her doorbell rang.

Erisha groaned, as did her tummy, but she got up, and went to the door, wondering who could it be at this time.
It was probably Karen, her neighbour. She loved Indian food, and would come over whenever she was tempted by the aroma of Erisha's cooking.
Which was why, she didn't even think anything of her attire, as she hurried to the door, when the bell chimed again.

'Coming, coming! How do you always manage to arrive at the right time..'
She said, laughing, as she opened the door without checking through the peephole.
And then stood there stunned, as she saw who it was.

***************************

Treyton turned around at the sound of the door opening, and froze, at the sight that greeted him.
A laughing Erisha, dressed up in the most tiniest of pink silk shorts, showing off her long, smooth legs, and a loose pink silk shirt, the neckline of which was drooping over one shoulder, leaving it bare. An Erisha with her damp hair framing her beautiful face, scrubbed free from any make up.
An Erisha, who right now, he just wanted to push against the wall, and kiss senseless.
But he came to, as she looked at him, as if he had grown horns or something.

'You? What are you doing here! And..how in the world did you get up here without my permission?'
Erisha exclaimed, still holding the door.

'Can't we have this conversation inside?'
He came towards her, but, as if suddenly realising the situation, Erisha shifted, shielding herself with the door.
Too late, sweetheart! I have seen it all..and it's already etched in my brain..

'I don't think that's a good idea, Mr. Elrod..'
Her emphasis on the last two words was not lost on him, and only served to amuse him.

'Oh, come on! I believe we are already past the mister stage..you can call me Treyton..'
He lowered his voice.
'Or anything else you like..'
He liked how her eyebrows shot up at that.

'Look, Mr. Elrod..'
Erisha began, purposefully.
'It's late, and I was just about to have dinner..'
She saw his eyes twinkle, and it registered in her head, how that sounded.

'Dinner? Hmm, now that you mention it, I realised that I haven't eaten either..'
With that, he pushed past her, and entered her apartment.

'Excuse me!'
Erisha came to, as he entered her home, as if he owned it.
'Who do you think you are to come barging in here like this..'

'I believe we just validated that I am Treyton Elrod..'
He saw her roll her eyes, and he almost grinned, before turning to check out her home.
It was either that, or be tempted by the gorgeous woman in the room with him.

The apartment was small, but cosy. The living room was tastefully decorated in electric blue and beige, the sofas taking up the centre,  with a unique style table set in front of them. There was a large bookshelf, taking up most of one wall, full of books, a CD player, a flat screen television, and several knick knacks. Some antique pieces were scattered about next to it, on a patterned rug. The main lights were switched off, but several lamps, and scented candles provided the glow needed to light up the room.
A small hallway led to what were probably the bedrooms. And across from the living room was a small door, and an open kitchen, with a counter table and revolving stools. There was a plate of food on the table, in which something smelled good.

Treyton's eyes took in all this in a sweeping glance, while Erisha stood there watching him.
He tried not to stare at her, because she looked good enough to eat, herself.

'Mr. Elrod..how did you get in here..'
Erisha began.

'Someone was leaving the building, so I entered, and rode the elevator..'
He saw her shake her head at that.
'Nice place..you have good taste..'
She was a bit taken aback, not having expected it.

'Uh, thanks..but I think you should go..not there..'
Erisha moved as he did towards the kitchen, to stop him, but he was already standing by the table.

'This smells good..what is it?'
Treyton inhaled the aroma of her food.

'It's a potato curry..'
Erisha was surprised into answering back.

'Did you cook it yourself? What is it called?'
Treyton actually looked curious, and turned his green gaze back to her shocked face.

'Dum aloo..I mean..what?'
Erisha couldn't believe Treyton Elrod was standing in her kitchen, and they were discussing the name of a dish, as if it was the most natural thing to do.

'May I?'
He picked up the fork that she had almost taken a bite from and held it in mid air.

'I don't think so..you..it's...'
She saw his face go all red, as he took a bite and chewed.
'Spicy..'
She finished.
But by then Treyton's eyes were watering, and he sputtered, coughing loudly.
Erisha suddenly hurried into action, moving to pour a glass of water, and giving it to him.

Treyton took the glass, and gulped it all in one go.
'Holy crap! How much spice was in that thing!'
He wiped his eyes, and looked at her accusingly, once he was able to speak.

Erisha, seeing that he was back to normal, folded her arms across her chest, and raised an eyebrow.
'I did warn you, but no..you had to..'
She stopped, as she saw where his gaze had landed.

Treyton couldn't help it. When she folded her arms like that, it pushed her breasts higher, and it was just now that he noticed, that she had nothing on underneath. He almost groaned aloud at the thoughts running through his head right now.

Erisha quickly removed her hands, and turned around, in the direction of the living room.
But was stunned, when Treyton caught her arm, and turned her to him.
Not being prepared for it, her chest hit his with a thud, and she gasped.

Treyton almost moaned out loud, as her breasts pushed against him, and his arm automatically splayed her back to pull her closer.
He saw something flare in her eyes, as he caught her gaze, and held it. They stood there like that for a couple of seconds, breathing hard now. 

'You are so beautiful..'
Treyton whispered, one hand tangling in her damp hair, holding her head, as he lowered his.
His pulse raced, as he saw her eyes close, as if in anticipation.

His breath fanned her face, and she felt a current shoot through her entire body. Her breathing became erratic, as his lips came closer.

It was just as their lips were about to meet, that the doorbell chimed.
They both looked at each other, startled by the intrusion.
Treyton's hand tightened on her back, but the bell rang again.

'Verdammt!'
Treyton muttered, as Erisha pushed at him.
He had no choice but to let her go.

'I'll..'
She cleared her throat.
'I'll just go and see..'
She turned, rolling her eyes, and hurried to the door.
Another shock met her, as she looked through the peephole this time.
'Oh my God!'

She turned to look at Treyton, her eyes wide, and he looked at her enquiringly.
'What? Who is it?'
He asked, coming towards her.

'It's David!'

To be continued...