"Hey!" I yelled, which caused Lulu to scream and throw the TV remote at me. "Lulu! I thought you were a fucking thief!" I exclaimed and let out a sigh of relief.

"Cheap coming from you." She laughed and jumped up. I tucked my pistol away and gave her a hug hello.

Lulu was JB's firstborn. We were only a few years apart and grew up together even though I was her uncle. JB had become a father while still in high school, and even though my Dad wanted to kill him for making a girl pregnant, he let JB's girlfriend move in with us.

"Hello, Jason. Dad said you were sick, so I came to check up on you. You weren't here, so I let myself in with the spare key I snatched." Lulu smiled and picked up the TV remote off the floor.

"I was wondering where that key went." I laughed and walked back to lock the door behind me and grab my food.

Lulu was also my best friend. She had ginger hair like her father and light blue eyes. She had pale white skin, which couldn't go in the sun that much because she turned into a tomato. Her fashion sense was of oversized shirts and hoodies with tights or shorts. I never saw her in a dress, besides when we were in high school as the school uniform had a gym.

I never really saw her as my niece, plus we acted more like cousins than anything else.

"Do you want half of my pie?" I called from the kitchen.

"No, thanks. I just ate before I came. I made myself tea while you were out." She replied.

"Mi casa es su casa," I said in Spanish and walked back to the lounge. It meant: My house is your home. I didn't know much Spanish besides that common phrase.

I sipped on my coffee and looked at the TV. Some reality TV show was on, which Lulu loved to watch. She picked up the remote and paused her show, then looked at me.

"What?" I asked as I took a bite of the pie and got crumbs all over my mouth.

"Don't act dumb. I know you. Usually, you would have made fun of my show by now. So, what's wrong?" Lulu stated.

"Eh, just a woman." I sighed and continued eating my pie. Lulu stared at me with her mouth open and smacked my leg.

"A woman? What... how... when? Why don't I know about her?!"

"Er, I didn't think I would see her again. That's why I didn't mention her."

"Come on! Give me more details."

"On one of my jobs with your Dad...." I started to explain. Yes, Lulu knew what we did for a living. She accepted it because she knew how difficult it was for her Dad to find a job. Plus, the money he made put her into college, so she was grateful.

"I met a woman. Okay, well, I had a one-night stand. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking about her. Then today, I ran into her and followed her to a strip club." I added.

"Wait, she's a stripper?" Lulu questioned and seemed interested.

"Well, yes, but she also owns the club," I replied, then continued. "Her stage name is Vixen, and she is really confusing. She rejected me, then gave me attention, then just disappeared and ditched me. Also, she said that she doesn't date. Vixen isn't really the type of woman to stay interested in one man for long."

"So you think you're the one to change her mind?"

"Uh, I don't know. I would like to try."

"Okay, listen to me, bro. Some women are perfectly happy with just having casual sex and not settling down. There's nothing wrong with that. If Vixen says she doesn't date, you have to accept that. You can't force her to be with you."

"I don't want to force her. I just want to prove that I can treat her right, and maybe it will change her mind. I'm not ready to give up that easily."

"Then you go and fucking sweep her off her feet, place a crown on her head and show her how great Jason Hinral is." Lulu smiled and nudged my shoulder with hers.

"Thanks," I smiled back and looked at the TV. "Now, honestly, what crap are you watching?"

Lulu laughed and punched me playfully. I felt better after talking to her. I couldn't let a small defeat hurt my ego. I spent the rest of the afternoon annoying Lulu while she watched her show, Too Hot To Handle, on Netflix. She left as it got darker and drove back to her parent's place.

Even though she was 23 and a fully employed nurse, JB refused to let Lulu get her own place and stay alone. He was just being a protective father, and rightfully so, as Joburg didn't have the best crime rates.

I went to take a shower and ran over ideas in my head on how to win over Vixen.

For the next couple of days, luck wasn't on my side. I waited around at the club almost the whole day, but Vixen wasn't around. Joe didn't seem to like me much but at least didn't give me problems at the entrance. Kedwyn laughed every time he saw me walk into the club. No one seemed to know where Vixen was or when she would return.

I walked into the grocery store with high hopes that I would see Vixen that Saturday night. Yesterday the crew and I successfully completed the art gallery heist and were paid today. I stopped by a really fancy florist and picked up a bouquet of white roses. The florist also gave me a pamphlet for Van Kline jewellers and claimed all women loved to be spoilt with a necklace. I thanked her and shoved it into my pocket.

"Of course. You're here. I would say I missed you yesterday, but that would be a lie." Joe muttered as I walked up to him.

"Good evening, Joe. Has the lovely Vixen graced us with her presence?" I asked with a smile.

"I'll give you the same answer I always do. Get lost, lover boy." Joe grumbled and rolled his eyes.

I nodded and walked into the club. I greeted the women as I walked toward the bar. Since I was a regular, I knew most of the strippers' names. Well, stage names.

"Stepping it up tonight, I see." Kedwyn laughed and had already placed a beer on the table for me. I put the roses on the barstool next to me and sat down.

"Maybe tonight my luck changes." I shrugged and shook his hand. "Don't you ever take off from work?"

"Nope. This club is my life." He laughed, then added. "Vixen was here earlier, but then she left again. I'm not sure if she'll be back."

"Uh, shit." I frowned. "I'll still wait around a bit in case."

"Suit yourself. Also, let me put those roses into some water for you. They probably going to die anyway."

"Thanks," I stated sarcastically and handed him the roses. I chose white to match Vixen's silver hair.

I sipped on my beer and pulled out the Van Kline jewellery pamphlet. Maybe there would be something that Vixen would like. It wouldn't hurt to look. Most of the jewellery was crazy expensive or looked like rich women's jewels.

I flipped the page and froze. There was a smiling picture of Vixen posing to advertise a set of ruby earrings. She had light brown hair in the photo, which was probably her natural colour. Her nose stud was missing, and she bearly wore any makeup. She looked beautiful.

I read over the caption.

"These ruby earrings make me feel like love is possible. They are my favourite piece." -Kiara Van Kline (CEO of Van Kline jewellers).

I felt my heart rapidly beat as I reread the caption. Vixen's real name was Kiara. It was a stunning name that fit her perfectly. She was a Van Kline and the CEO of the company I stole from. My luck couldn't get any worse.

"What's up? It looks like you have seen a ghost." Kedwyn stated and placed the roses in a jar of water in front of me. I quickly shoved the pamphlet into my pocket and shrugged.

"The price of jewellery is crazy," I stated, and Kedwyn chuckled. Kiara probably wouldn't appreciate it if I told the people she worked with that she was a CEO of a multimillion company. Plus, she would have told them herself if she wanted them to know.

I wondered if Kiara kept that side of her life a secret. It also made sense how she knew many wealthy people that were members of her club. Maybe she led a double life. I couldn't imagine that many people would be happy if the CEO of Van Kline Jewellers also owned a strip club and danced at that club. Many wealthy women would hate the company since their husbands are secretively part of the club.

"I can imagine. I'm honestly good with buying a fake silver chain and wearing it until the paint wears off." Kedwyn added, and I nodded.

My head was spinning. How was I supposed to try to start a relationship with Kiara if I stole from her? If I told her the truth, she would hate me. To top it off, she slept with me the morning her company was robbed. It was just all messed up.

"Yoh, Jason. Look who just walked in." Kedwyn stated while he stared towards the door entrance. I looked back and saw Kiara move her scarf from around her neck.

She had a single-sleeved long-sleeved white shirt and washed out light blue jeans. The jeans had tears in them, and she wore a pair of black ankle boots. The scarf was grey and knitted together with wool. Her hair was still silver-white, and she had a small denim bag on her arm.

Kiara hugged a few women hello, and then walked towards the bar. She didn't even make eye contact with me as she leaned over the counter and kissed Kedwyn hello.

"Vixen, you look lovely." Kedwyn complimented and made Kiara smile.

"Thanks, babe. I see you are decorating the bar. These white roses look lovely." Kiara stated and picked up a rose from the bouquet to sniff. I watched as she held the rose up to her nose and briefly closed her eyes. I knew the roses had a wonderful fragrance. She looked gorgeous with the rose in her hands and her silver hair tucked behind her ear. My brain couldn't find any words as I was speechless by her beauty.

"Actually, Jason over here bought them," Kedwyn replied and looked at me to say something. Kiara opened her eyes and stared my way with her eyebrow raised.

"I bought them for you," I stated. Kiara's eyes flashed, but she didn't smile or show that she appreciated the roses.

"I hear you've become a regular at my strip club. I see the ladies have captivated your attention." Kiara said and placed the rose back into the bouquet.

"Only one has," I remarked, and Kiara grunted as she pricked her finger on one of the thorns. I noticed there was a small drop of blood on her fingertip, which she stuck into her mouth.

"I just remembered I hate roses," Kiara mumbled, then stormed off. I watched her walk off and looked back at Kedwyn. He just shrugged. I quickly jumped off the barstool and hurried after Kiara.

"You can't come in here," A bouncer stated.

"I'll just be a second," I muttered and slipped past him. I followed Kiara through another door into the changing rooms. Women walked around naked and screamed as they saw me. I quickly turned around and covered my eyes.

"I'll deal with him," Kiara said to the bouncer that followed after me. He nodded, and I felt myself being pushed into a private room. "What the hell is your problem? Don't you have respect for women's privacy?" Kiara hissed and shoved me against the wall.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk to you, Kiara." I replied, which made her freeze.

"How do you know my name?"

"From this," I stated and pulled out the pamphlet from my pocket. Kiara snatched it out of my hand and tore it in half before shoving the pieces into her bag.

"Did you tell anyone?" She questioned, and I shook my head. She sunk into the couch in the room and placed her face in her hands. "You can't tell anyone, okay? My father would kill me. I've worked hard to keep this part of my life a secret. If it got out that I'm the Van Kline CEO, it would ruin my father's reputation."

"Do your employees know?"

"Yes. Every member of my club signed a contract to keep the club a secret. We are a tight-knit circle." Kiara responded and looked up at me.

"I know a thing or two about having a secret. After all, I'm a getaway driver for a crew of thieves." I stated, and Kiara smiled.

"Thanks, Jason." She sweetly said, and I sat down next to her.

"There's something I have to confess." I sighed and then quickly told her the truth before I second-guessed it. "The night we slept together is the night my crew stole from your company."

I looked down, ashamed, and I felt guilty that my life was the way it was for the first time.

"Oh, I know. After you left, I finally decided to check my phone and pieced two and two together." Kiara shrugged. She didn't even sound a slight bit upset.

"Don't you hate me?"

"Nah, the insurance company paid us out, and we gained more publicity. You wouldn't believe how the sales skyrocketed. Most people thought they would help us out by purchasing some jewellery."

"Oh." I felt a small smile play on my lips as I looked at Kiara. "Do you really hate the roses?"

"Since you were honest with me, I'll be honest with you. I don't hate them. I actually thought it was very sweet of you, but I just like being a bitch." She replied and placed her hand on my leg. "Repeat that, and I will rip your balls off." She threatened, which made me gulp.

"Yes, ma'am." I nodded, which made her smile. "You have a gorgeous smile," I stated and felt drawn in by her smile.

"Stop with this sweet talk, Jason. It's really annoying because I know you are just saying that to make me like you." Kiara rolled her eyes and moved her hand off of my leg. I missed her touch almost instantly.

"It's the truth, Kiara. I swear to always be honest with you from the start." I took her hands in mine, and her eyes flickered to look up at me. "I won't ever lie to you. I promise."

"I take promises seriously. You better not break them." Kiara sternly replied. Her hands felt soft in mine, and this warm feeling flowed through my body. Why did it feel so good to be around her?

"I know you said you don't date, but I would like to get to know you better. Even if it's just as friends," I softly remarked.

"As long as I get to fuck you when I want, then sure." Kiara shrugged.

"Okay. Deal." I nodded.

I knew Kiara probably just saw me as another of her fuckboys, but I was going to show her I was different. I didn't only want to be with her for sex. I just wanted her... all of her. I didn't know why exactly, but I planned to find out. Maybe love at first sight was real.

"Good." Kiara ran her finger over my lips. "Fuck, you have pretty lips." She smiled and squished my cheeks together so that my lips puckered open like a fish. Kiara then leaned in closer to me and placed a kiss on my lips. I wasn't sure how to feel, but I knew I found her utterly adorable.

Kiara moved her hands to my neck and kept her mouth against mine as she continued to kiss me. I slowly moved my body closer to her, and she leaned back against the arm of the couch. Our tongues explored each other's mouths hungrily like we were starved from the other's taste. I gripped onto her inner thigh, and she parted her legs to place them on either side of me.

My body was in between her legs as I leaned over her. I kept my weight on my arms as I didn't want to crush her. Her hands started to explore my body and found their way into my shirt. Her fingers caressed my chest and then made their way down to the button of my jeans. She quickly undid the button and ran her fingers over my dick, which twitched in response and grew harder.

"Wait..." I mumbled and pulled away from her. "Fuck, I can't believe I'm going to say this. I don't think we should continue."

"Why?" Kiara questioned and squeezed my dick. "Your hard boner says otherwise." She mischievously smiled.

"Uh, I badly want to just be inside you right now," I grunted and squeezed onto her right hip. "But, I don't want whatever we are to just be about sex."

Kiara seemed shocked by what I said like no one had told her that before. It made me sad that she had gotten used to having men just use her.

"Let me take you out." I offered and touched the side of her face as she sat up. My heart was racing as I anxiously waited for her response.

"I, uh, haven't figured it out yet." I honestly replied, which made her laugh.

"Fine. Take me to your favourite place in Joburg. I'm willing to get to know you better as well." Kiara stated and stood up. She picked her purse up from the glass table and redid her scarf around her neck. She looked back at me with a flick of her hair and smiled. "You coming?"

"Oh, uh, yeah." I stuttered and quickly jumped to my feet. Kiara walked off, and I followed behind her. I tried to hide the excitement that she wanted to get to know me better and refrained from happily cheering. A voluminous smile spread onto my face as I quickly looked at Kedwyn as we walked past. He gave me a thumbs up and chuckled to himself.

"We'll take my car," Kiara remarked as we walked out of the grocery store. She interlocked her fingers in mine and pulled me towards a blue 1967 Camaro SS Convertible.

This car was a stunning Chevrolet with a rectangular shaped frame. It only had two doors, so the backseat passengers had to climb over the front seats. The car had the original solid white line painted across the front of the bonnet, just above the headlights. The roof could open and close depending on the weather. The interior was covered in white leather and in mint condition.

"This is your car?" I gasped and ran my hand gently over the door.

"Yeah, I have a thing for old cars," Kiara responded and tucked her hair behind her ear. She looked so damn gorgeous when she did that. It made my heart melt.

"This was my childhood dream car. My Dad used to work at a repair shop, and they had this red Camaro that was never claimed. It just sat there and rusted away over the years as I grew up. I loved that car, but the repair shop owner refused to sell it." I smiled as I retold the memory.

"I guess you would like to drive then?" Kiara offered and threw the keys at me. I caught them and beamed at her like a child that just opened his Christmas gifts.

"You serious?" I gasped, and she nodded with a giggle. I quickly opened her door, and she climbed into the passenger's seat. I excitedly jumped in next to her, and the engine roared to life as I started the ignition. The sound was music to my ears.

The roof was open as I dropped the clutch and spun the tires before speeding off.

As I drove, the cold wind blew into my face. I loved speed. I joined in races and accelerated my way past vehicles on the roads every chance I got. I always loved to go fast. When I was younger, I learned how to drive a motorbike before a bicycle. My Dad would often take the vehicles he was working on in the repair shop for a spin. JB and I loved it when he clamped down the accelerate and shot forward.

As I got older, my passion moved more toward cars. My high school memories were mostly of how I stole cars and took them for joy rides. That and many overnights spent in jail and being at the hospital from an accident. The broken bones didn't stop me for long; as soon as I could, I was back in a car and speeding down the street. I honestly have no idea how I passed the grades. I never studied, and bearly was at school to attend the classes.

Kiara's laugh made me smile. She seemed excited by the speed I was going. Her silver hair and scarf blew in the wind behind her. I skid the tires as I drifted around a corner, and she held onto my leg with her hand.

"Jason!" Kiara yelled and seemed a bit scared, so I slowed down.

"Don't worry. I won't let you get hurt." I reassured her.

"I don't trust you enough to believe that." She shook her head. Her nose and ears were red from the cold. She looked super cute, besides the frown placed on her lips.

"Hey, don't frown, love. I'm sorry for scaring you." I stated and touched her leg. I tried to show Kiara some attention while I drove. I had to focus on the roads, especially since I lived in South Africa. The people here don't know how to drive.

"Just don't do it again. Where are you taking me in any case?"

"My favourite spot," I replied sarcastically with a laugh. "It's an old cabin that my brother and I found when we were younger. I'm pretty sure that it's abandoned, but we always used to come here and pretend we lived alone." I added with a smile.

"Let me guess, you bought all your girlfriends here as well." Kiara raised her eyebrow. I shook my head and drove passed the sign for Emmarentia Dam.

"Well, my brother JB did. It was his hookup spot. I didn't date much. I was too interested in racing. After my Dad died, we didn't come here much. So, you're actually the first."

"You never bought another girl here?"

"I did. Just not one I liked." I replied and winked at her.

"You're sad." Kiara laughed and looked away from me. I could see her cheeks were a slight pink as she looked away. It was probably another one of her acts to make people think she was a bitch. I shrugged, and a few minutes later, I took a turn down a dirt road.

We went through a woodsy area and past a bunch of barren trees. The road had a few bumps and the overcast sky shined light through the dry branches. In the distance, I could hear the flowing water as it crashed against the river banks. We stopped by our destination, just outside the old cabin.

I hopped out and walked around to open Kiara's door, but she beat me to it and opened it herself.

"I can help myself, thanks." She stated and looked around.

The cabin was well hidden, and not many people would be able to find it unless they knew which turns to take. Kiara's ankle boots pressed against the hard ground as she stood up.

The cabin itself was made of wood and looked like it wasn't taken care of. The glass of the windows was thankfully not broken, and moss grew on the wood in patches. It had gotten worse since I last saw it.

"It's uhm... cute. If you like that Forrest type of vibe." Kiara remarked as we walked towards the front door.

"She just needs some TLC." I smiled and turned the door handle. The door didn't open due to the wood swelling at the bottom from the water, so I had to use force to get in. It flew open and broke away from the hinges as I pushed the door. With a loud crash, the door fell against the wooden floor.

"Fuck." I muttered, and Kiara burst into laughter.

"Maybe you shouldn't have pushed so hard." She stated and walked in. Her boots clicked against the wood as she walked over the door. I walked into the cabin behind her and picked up the door to lean against the wall. The hinges were completely rusted and brittle, which is why the door broke off its frame.

I should probably come to fix this place up a bit.

"Sorry, I know this isn't like the fancy places you usually spend your time in." I apologized and ran my hand through my hair.

"I don't mind." Kiara sweetly said and held up her hand. "Want to give me a tour?" She asked as I took her hand in mine.

"Sure." I happily smiled. Kiara seemed to like the old cabin as I showed her around. It warmed my heart as this was a place dear to me.