Whitney's POV

After a warm shower and a change of clothes, I felt like myself again. Dressed in a tight pair of skinny jeans and a cute little red top, with black short heel boots, I felt more me. Standing in front of the mirror, I did my make-up and my hair. Deciding whether to wear it up or down, I decided to go with down. I just felt it completed my outfit. Then the sound of my phone ringing echoed through the room.

Grabbing my phone, Ashley's name appeared. Smiling, I answered, "My darling sweetheart, miss me already."

She laughed, "Bitch, where are you? I said seven."

I checked the time, "Really, I still have half an hour left." Grabbing my jacket and keys, I made my way out the door.

"We all know you are always late. You should really try to leave a whole hour earlier."

"I'm leaving now. I'll be there in about twenty minutes. Please just keep your panties on until I get there." I said, stepping into the elevator.

"Hurry the fuck up." She started to whisper, "And my one friend is here that I want you to meet, he is fucking gorgeous. Like hot, hot."

"You're marrying Andy, you're hot, and my hot are completely different." A soft chuckle escaped.

"Hey! Just get your ass here." The call dropped.

Laughing, I called a cab and got in. I stared out of the window, and my thoughts went back to that man I walked into. His beautiful dark brown eyes, almost black, but if the sun caught them just right it was a beautiful amber colour. And his black hair, fuck, how I got so flustered was beyond me. I knew the chances of me running into him again were one out of a hundred. Not sure if I would be able to speak to him if I did.

After the drive, I paid the driver and gave him a generous tip and got out. I looked up at the building. If this bar could talk, man, it would tell amazing and crazy stories. Smiling, I made my way into the bar. At first glance, I saw Ashley. She spotted me and waved. Making my over, she gave me her 'why are you late' look. I threw my hands up in a surrender motion, "I'm not late, I still have," I glance at my watch, "Five minutes before seven left."

"I swear I'm going to start telling you something starts an hour before it actually does. Then you'll actually be on time." She said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Don't be so mean." I pout, "I am always on time, even if it is one minute before the time. I'm still on time, you can argue with that." I gave her a 'please forgive me' pout.

She let out a sigh, "Okay, fine. But next time, if you are just one minute late, I will hang you. Deal?"

"Fine, deal." I grab her arm and wrap it over mine, "Now that we've settled this, let's get a drink." We made our way over to the bar, and we ordered our drinks. I ordered a single Captain Morgan dark rum with Coke, and Ashley a cute soft drink, Brutal Fruit. Ashley wanted to walk away, but I pulled her back, "Nope, we need a shot." Ashley sighed and almost looked like a child; I laughed, then ordered two Jägermeisters.

"Why do you enjoy torturing me?" Her shoulders slumped.

"Because my dear friend." I kissed her on the cheek, "I missed you, and we haven't seen each other in five years. And I'm a pain in the ass." I handed Ashley her shot. She took it while pulling a disgusted face, "Cheers, tonight is going to be amazing."

We tapped our shot glasses together and downed the shot. Ashley pulled her face in a way I haven't seen before, and laughter escaped my mouth. Returning to our other friends, they gave me a hug, and we chatted, and then Ashley grabbed my arm.

"Okay, now I need to introduce you." She pulled me towards a man standing with his back towards us. "Casio!" She yelled as he turned around, and my eyes widened. "Casio, this is Whitney, and Whitney, this is Casio."

A grin played on his face, "Now I can put a name to the one who walked into me." He said, meeting my gaze.

Ashley's eyes danced between me and him, "You two know each other?" Her voice was laced with surprise.

"No, not at all. Just bumped into each other earlier today, literally." His eyes scanned me, "This outfit suits you much better." He smirked.

I could feel how my cheeks started to turn red, "I'll leave you two to chat a little bit." Ashley said with a devious smile and walked away, leaving me with this too attractive man.

"So, Whitney. What was up with that outfit? Didn't seem like it was your style at all." He asked as a smirk played on his gorgeous face.

Looking away a bit embarrassed, I finally gathered the words to speak, "It was for Ashley. Not sure if you know what a royal pain her mother-in-law can be. But I dressed like that to draw the attention off her for a little while. I was just helping her out." He nodded, and his eyes slightly narrowed. "Don't look at me with judgmental eyes. I was doing my part as best friend, okay." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"No judgment. Not in the slightest. Just surprised that you would go as far as dressing... like..." He hesitated as if trying to find the best word to describe my outfit.

"A hooker." I laughed, then took a sip of my drink.

"I wanted to put it in a nicer way. But, seeing that you said that. Yes, you indeed looked like a hooker." He chuckled. My knees went numb as I heard it. Fuck, this man was perfect in every way possible. From his looks to his way of speech, to even his laugh. I met his gaze, and it felt like he was looking right into my soul. "So, tell me, Little Daisy," He leaned in and then whispered in my ear, "What are the chances of me getting your number?"

He stood back and tilted his head slightly, waiting for my response. If there was someone out there, please help me so that I don't jump this man before the night is over. I smiled slightly, "Maybe, I should let you work for it."

Casio raised one eyebrow, and a smirk followed right after, "Trust me, Little Daisy. If I'm determined to get something, I make sure that I get it." He leaned in once more and spoke softly, "And believe me, you will regret giving me a challenge." Shivers ran down my spine. Fuck, this man. My smile hung open. "So, care to dance with me?" He stuck out his hand, giving me a smile. Looking at his hand, then back to meet his eyes, I smiled and took his hand.

He pulled me against his chest, then smiled down at me. The heat of his left hand burned on my back; our feet moved swiftly over the dancefloor. He pushed me away gently and spun me around, then pulled me back against his body. What was this man doing to me? He made my heart race and beat calmly at the same time. He dipped me, lowering me closely to the ground, but his grip on me was firm. Bringing me back up, our eyes met.

He smirked and spun me around once more. This man knew how to work his way on a dancefloor; he was on beat with every step, every spin, and every dip. Was this man a god or just a supernatural being, because no one could be this perfect? As the song came to an end, we finished with a dip, and he looked right into my eyes. My chest rose and fell as I tried to catch my breath, "Assuming I earned your number?" I smiled, he lifted me, and held his hands on my hips. "I sure hope that smile is a yes? I would be very disappointed if it's a no."

I laughed, "Sure, you earned my number. But if I ever need a dance partner again, I'm putting your number on speed dial."

"I sure hope you do." He said calmly, his voice steady. I was out of breath, and this man didn't even break a sweat. This man might be the death of me. "Let's get something to drink, you look like you might be thirsty." He placed his hand on my lower back and led me to the bar.

As the night continued, we talked and danced and had fun with my friends. At the end of the night, I greeted everyone, and Casio offered to walk me out. With a smile, I accepted his offer. He called a cab for me, and as the cab came to a halt, he opened the door for me. "So, that number?" He asked with his eyes fixed on me.

"I almost forgot." I gave him my number, and he saved it on his phone. "Then I'll see you around."

"You definitely will, Little Daisy." He leaned in and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. I could feel how my cheeks turned bright red instantly. "Sleep tight." I smiled and climbed into the cab.

Casio's POV

I watched as the cab drove off, standing at the curb, a smile formed on my face. This girl will be the death of me. Her beautiful blue eyes that could devour your soul if you let them. Her choice in hair colour, purple with those pink highlights, made her eyes even more blue. Curious what her natural colour is? It doesn't matter. She was perfect, her small body, which made her look like a pixie. Fuck, she was just beyond perfect.

Stepping back into the club, Ashley came running towards me with a devious smile on her face. I knew in an instant what she was going to ask. We became friends a year ago. I met Andy at a golf club, and he introduced me to his friend group. And tonight, I was extremely grateful that he did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have met Whitney. Even if I didn't meet her officially tonight, I would have made a plan to get to know her.

I knew the moment she walked into me earlier today, I had to know her. I had to know this woman who wore heels almost taller than she was and a dress that made her noticeable. Those legs. Then I was snapped back into reality when Ashley slapped my shoulder. Raising one eyebrow, I looked at her.

"So?" She asked, looking at me with wide eyes.

"So what?" I asked simply.

"So, what happened? Did you kiss her?"

I simply looked at her and narrowed my eyes. I forgot how nosy woman can get when their friends are introduced to someone. Their curiosity sometimes overtook their judgment of people. But Ashley was a very gullible and easy-to-manipulate type of person; she trusts too quickly. I mean, she is marrying Andy, if she really knew what he did with his time and how he was able to afford that massive ring on her finger. She would be disappointed.

"Ashley, that has nothing for you to concern yourself with. Anyway, I believe Whitney will tell you herself." I said, then made my way over to the bar.

"Come on. Just a little tell. I can't wait until tomorrow to hear it." She started jumping like a little kid wanting a piece of candy. Turning to face her, I leaned against the bar. "Casio, come on, don't torture me like this." She pouted.

"No, is not Ashley. You'll just have to wait until your friend decides to tell you." Giving her a smile, I grabbed my coat and greeted Andy with a handshake, "Thanks for inviting me." I greeted everyone as I made my way towards the door. Ashley crossed her arms over her chest, "That doesn't work on me, darling." She let out a sigh and hugged me.

Leaving the bar, I climbed into my car. It was an Audi RS Q8, it was matt black, and the engine roared as I started it. Leaving the club, my thoughts went straight to Whitney. That woman made my heart race just by the thought of her. How her body felt against mine, how her little hand fitted perfectly in mine. How I wanted to hold her against me once more, I wanted to stare into the depths of her eyes.

As I was driving, my thoughts spiraled around her. Then I glanced down and saw I was driving a hundred miles per hour on the freeway. Removing my foot slowly from the escalator, the gauge fell to fifty. Then the blue siren lights flashed in my rearview mirror. I chuckled softly, "My Little Daisy, you are going to get me into so much trouble." I whispered to myself.

I took a glance in the rearview mirror and slowed down, pulling off to the side of the road. I turned off the engine and waited. The police van stopped behind me, and then a woman stepped out of the van. Walking towards my car, she shone her flashlight through the window opening. I squinted, and the woman lowered the flashlight. "Sir." Her eyes widened. "I apologize, I didn't realize it was you." I could see the fear in her eyes; I gave her a slight smile. "You're free to go." She said quickly and made her way back to the van.

Shaking my head, the cops of this town were so wrapped around my finger. I loved my life and the power I held in this town. Turning the engine back on, the engine roared once more. Putting it into gear, I headed back home. Stopping in my driveway, I stepped out, "Afternoon, Carlson. Trust everything went smoothly?"

"Afternoon, Sir. Everything is just as you left it. Can I park the car?" Carlson asked and stood to the side, gesturing for him to take the car.

"Thank you. If you're done, please find me in my office." I said, then made my way into my home and straight to my office. I fell into my chair and opened my laptop; my fingers glided over the keyboard. A smile appeared on my face when I saw what I wanted to see. Then my office doors opened, and Carlson stepped towards me. I gestured for him to take a seat. "I need you to do me a favour. But this needs to be done as discreetly as possible."

"Why so?" He asked as he tilted his head slightly, and confusion was written all over his face.

A smirk played on my face, "Let's just say some people will not approve of my methods."

Carlson chuckled, "No one ever does. But whatever it might be, I will be happy to arrange it for you. But you seem different tonight, much different before you left for your outing."

"That, my dear friend, is because I met her again." A smile appeared on my face.

"The one that bumped into you earlier today. That one?"

"The exact one, yes. She saved me the trouble of finding her. There is just something about her, and I have already made up my mind about her. She will be mine. One way or another." My voice was calm but also determined.

Carlson's eyes narrowed slightly, "And what if she doesn't feel the same? And... what if she finds out who you really are?" He leaned back and looked at me, waiting for a valid answer. "You understand your methods might scare her off, or worse, make her skip town."

"That won't happen. I won't lie to her; I won't make her fall for someone I'm not. Anyway, I don't want to live up to someone else's expectations of what to be." I knew Carlson had a point. What if she tried to run? I wouldn't let that happen, but she will fall for me. She will fall for me as hard as I fell for her when I first saw her. Smiling, Carlson cleared his throat, making my eyes shoot to him. "If you want to judge, please do it somewhere else."

He raised his hands in a defensive gesture, "You know I don't judge. I only give you advice; what you do with it is all up to you. Just don't take things too far. That's all I'm saying." Carlson slowly made his way to his feet. "Can I get you some coffee or whiskey?"

"Whiskey will be fine, thank you." Making my way to my feet and walking over to the window, I stared out. Carlson poured me and glass of whiskey then handed it to me. I nod to thank him.

"Just think before you do. That's all I'm saying. Goodnight." I nod and watch as he leaves my office. Turning my attention back to the outside, and took a sip of the whiskey. It burned as it went down, a sensation that never gets old.

"Don't worry, my Little Daisy, I will think before I do something. You will be mine, and mine alone." My voice was soft, barely audible. A smile appeared on my face, then I downed my glass in one go.

Whitney's POV

Opening my eyes, the sun was so bright I covered them with my arm. I was so hungover that my head was throbbing, and my throat was extremely dry. I didn't even drink that much, but it felt like I drank an entire bottle of booze by myself. Groaning, I sat up and took my phone. It was past ten, and Ashley had tried calling me multiple times. "Shit," I muttered, then dialed her number.

It ran two times, and then her voice blared over the phone, "Dude! Why haven't you answered any of my calls?"

"I was sleeping, and your screaming isn't helping my headache at the moment," I said bluntly.

"Well, sorry, miss, let's take another shot. But back to the point, are you going to join us for dinner tonight? Andy wants to have a barbecue, and Casio is going to be there. And speaking of him, what happened between you two last night? I want all the details."

I groaned, rubbing my eyes, "Nothing happened, we were just getting to know each other, that's it." I didn't want to tell her that I wanted to jump his bones; that would give her ammunition to use against me when Casio was anywhere near us. But fuck, how I wish he had kissed me. When he kissed my cheek, I wanted to turn my face for him to kiss me on the lips. Unfortunately, that would have taken it a step too far.

"Ugg, it's like you two are the same. He didn't want to tell me anything as well."

My eyes widened, "You fucking asked him? Why would you even think to do that? Fuck, Ash, now he might think I set you up to do that." I rested my face in my hand while shaking my head.

"Don't be so overdramatic. We'll see you at five, and don't be late." Ashley disconnected the call, and I fell back, then threw a pillow over my face and screamed into it.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm even friends with her, then I remember she is the only one who has always been there for me. The one that never left my side, even when I was at my darkest. Damn, that is a time I never want to go back to. I made my way to the bathroom and started a bath. The steam of the warm water started to fill the room. I threw my shirt with my bra, then my pants and panties followed into the washing bin.

Staring at myself in the mirror, the sound of the water filling the tub echoed through the room. Smiling, I climbed into the tub and lay back, trying to get rid of the horrible headache that took over. Sliding down my body emerged under the water, my hair tickled my shoulders, and it floated on the water. Closing my eyes, my headache slowly started to fade. Then I heard the phone, I sighed and sat up, and grabbed my phone.

Unlocking my phone, there was a text message from a number that I didn't know. Reading it, my heart raced: 'You look beautiful when you're asleep.' I stared at my phone for a while, frozen, and fear started to course through my veins. Locking my phone, I set it face down on the corner of the tub. Staring into the abyss, then my text message tone echoed through the silence. My heart started to race; I slowly took my phone and unlocked it.

A sigh of relief escaped, 'Hope you'll be coming to the barbecue tonight. It will be nice to see you. Casio.'

Smiling, I quickly typed back, 'Don't think I would live another day if I didn't show.'

Putting down my phone, I climbed out of the tub. Wrapping the towel around my body, I looked at my phone. Who was the creep who sent me that creepy message? I should really consider putting up curtains in my room. I never saw the use to hang any, it wasn't that anyone could see me. My apartment was on the fifth floor, so the chances of anyone considering climbing that number of stairs on the fire escape must be crazy.

Shaking the thought aside, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a beautiful blue top. Throwing it on, I pull out the chair from my dressing table, and my phone buzzed again, grabbing my attention. Smiling, I thought it was Casio, but it was that same number. My body turned cold. I took a big breath and opened the text: 'Only a towel suits you.'

My attention went straight to my window and found a man standing on the fire escape from the neighbor's building. The man was wearing a black hoodie that covered his face. He was well built, very muscular. I sat frozen on the chair, my gaze fixed on him. I glanced down at my phone to call Ashley, when I looked up, he was gone. Jumping up, I rushed over to the window and searched for him. But he disappeared.

Now I needed to get curtains. There was no doubt about that. Looking around, I grabbed a towel lying on a chair. Throwing it over the railing of the window. I took a big breath and stepped away, "Creep." Returning to the dresser, I blow-dried my hair and did my make up. Looking at the time, it was almost twelve, I decided to head over to my favorite coffee shop. Hunger never came as fast as when recovering from a hangover.

Stepping through the doors, my eyes caught Casio. Smiling, I made my way over to him, "Fancy meeting you here. Didn't expect to see you."

His eyes bolted up, his gaze meeting mine, "Whitney," He made his way to his feet, "Join me." Gesturing for me to sit. I smiled and sat, and he followed, "Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, no, I already ordered at the till. No need to worry about me. So, what are you doing here? Do you live around here?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous.

He leaned back in his seat and crossed his leg over the other, "No, I live on the other side of town. I just enjoy their coffee. Much better than any other place I've tried." A smirk played on his face. Fuck, that smirk made my knees weak. "And you? How do you know about this place?" He took a sip of his coffee.

"I live in the apartment building across the street. This is my favour place. I come here on a regular basis." I smiled, meeting his gaze. "Um, so, hear Ash was on your case last night, when I went home," He tilted his head then smiled, "I'm so sorry about her, but you knew she was like that. Didn't you?" I raised one eyebrow.

He chuckled, "I did, yes. She is an interesting one. But I have grown to like her over the past year. She has a good heart and a big love for you. I heard lots of stories about you." My cheeks turned red because I knew Ashley would always tell the most embarrassing stories. I looked down at the table, then his chuckle made my eyes snap up, "You don't need to worry. She only told me good things."

I let out a sigh of relief, "I'm-" The waiter interrupted, he handed me my food and coffee. I thanked him, and he gave me a bright smile, "He's new. First time I've seen him here."

"Might be his last," Casio said, his voice barely audible.

Raising one eyebrow, I looked at him, "What did you say?" Hoping I misheard him.

"Sorry, nothing. I was talking to myself for a second."

I nodded and made my way to my feet, "Well, I'll see you later." He gave me a smile with a nod, and I made my way back to my apartment.