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.

Casio's POV

I watched her leave; my eyes fell to her ass as I took a sip of my coffee. She was something else, someone I could stare at forever. As she stepped out of eyesight, my eyes searched for the guy who smiled at her. Spotting him, my gaze darkened. There was a fine line between being kind and being flirtatious, and this guy was clearly being flirty with her.

My gaze lingered on him as I finished my coffee. Setting my cup down, I placed money on the table and walked past the guy. I put my hand on his chest, holding a card. The card had my contact details on it. Looking at him, I grinned. He took the card and looked at it as I made my way out of the coffee shop. Climbing into my car, I made sure the guy saw. I could tell he didn't want to waiter; he wanted to have a job that paid well.

I know my bait was set, and now I just need to wait for the call.

Looking at the time, I saw it was just past two, so I made a turn at the liquor store to buy a nice bottle of wine. I stood in the queue waiting to pay, then a woman tapped me on my shoulder. Turning to face her, she gave me a bright and warming smile, "Hi, I was wondering if it was possible for me to get your number?"

"No," I said sternly and turned around. Placing the bottle on the counter, the woman scanned the bottle of wine while looking at me with fear in her eyes. I handed her the correct amount of money; she took it with almost shaky hands. Really, I wasn't that harsh. I didn't want to engage in a further conversation with her. What was wrong with saying no?

I grabbed the bottle of wine and headed straight to my car. Climbing in, I felt an uneasy sense wash over me. My eyes scanned the area before pulling out of the parking lot. It was almost four when I stopped in Andy's driveway. Climbing out, I still felt the same uneasy feeling as I did when leaving the store. Looking around, I spotted nothing out of the ordinary, but something felt off.

I reached the door and knocked. Ashley's face peeked through the door, and she smiled brightly, "Casio! Hey, come on in." She stepped to the side to let me pass.

"Hey, Ashley. I brought wine." I handed her the bottle, and her eyes widened. "What's the matter? You don't like that wine?" My voice was laced with concern.

"No, no. It's not that, do you know how expensive this bottle is? Shit..." She quickly made her way to the kitchen and set the bottle down. I chuckled; it was almost like she was holding a bomb. "Don't you dare laugh at me!" She gave me a death glare; I lifted my hands in a defensive gesture. "Andy is outside."

I nodded, "And Whitney? Is she here?"

"That girl is always late; I believe she will be showing up just in the nick of time." She shook her head and continued making the salads. Nodding, I made my way outside onto the patio. Andy was wearing a 'Kiss the Cook' apron, and I looked at him with confusion and curiosity. "And why on earth would you wear that?" I asked as I leaned against the table.

"Hey." Andy looked at his apron and smiled, "Why not? My soon-to-be wife loves it." He laughed, and he prepared the grill. "Besides, have to live a normal life somewhere."

"True." I nodded, "Do you have something to drink?" Andy pointed at the mini fridge standing by his outside bar. I walked to the fridge and saw there were only beers. "Do you seriously only have beers?" Grabbing two and removing their lids, and handing one over to Andy.

"What? An ice-cold beer just works wonders on a hot summer day."

Shaking my head, the sound of Whitney's voice echoed through the house. I looked through the glass door to see her stepping inside. I know I saw her earlier in the day, but fuck, she was stunning. The woman stepped outside, and Whitney hugged Andy, and she gave me a warm smile. Fuck, this woman's smile was something I wouldn't mind seeing every day.

Her gaze fell to my arms; I had rolled up my sleeves, and my tattooed arms were showing. I always wore long sleeves, due to always wearing a suit. She bites her lower lip slightly as she turns away and looked at Ashley. "So, Andy, hope you won't ruin the meat this time." Whitney teased.

"That was only one time, and we were all past drunk." Andy let out a chuckle.

We all laughed. Then Whitney stood next to me, "I missed this. Missed hanging out with them."

I looked at her, her hair vibrant in the sunlight, "Why did you leave in the first place?" I asked, then she looked up at me with her glass blue eyes.

"Work. I got a job offer in L.A., the money was good. But then the old firm I worked at offered me a partnership. The old man wants to retire, and his daughters want nothing to do with the business. Plastic surgery isn't for them. So, I happily agreed. To have my own practice someday, it's a dream come true." I could see the excitement and happiness in her eyes. "I never did ask, what do you do for a living? Clearly it pays well, seeing by the bottle of wine you brought."

I chuckled, "I run my own company. So, yes, it does pay well." Giving her a smile. "But, it has its ups and downs. And Andy works for me."

Andy stepped closer, "Yeah, been working for him for the past year now. Some days I want to quit, but then again, I don't think I would find another job."

Whitney's eyes narrowed. "Why would you say that?"

Andy noticed he spoke too quickly without thinking. "What he meant was, he gets a decent salary, and he won't get that kind of money at another company," I said quickly, yet calmly, then glared at him. Andy just nodded and turned his attention back to the grill.

"Oh, that makes sense. Well, I'm just glad I got this offer; otherwise, I wouldn't have met you." Her cheeks turned red as she turned away, "And I wouldn't get to spend time with my friends."

I smiled and chuckled softly. Then there was a knock on the front door, and Ashley excused herself and disappeared into the house. A few moments later, she returned with a worried expression. "Darling, here are two men asking to speak with you." Then her eyes met mine, "And apparently you as well, Casio." I looked at Andy with a concerned look, then thanked Ashley and entered the house.

Andy opened the door, and two men in black suits stood on the sidewalk. Closing the door behind us, we greeted the men. "What can we help you two gentlemen with?" I asked my voice calm.

"I'm Detective Morgan, and this is my partner, Detective Jordan. We're from the special unit's force. We are investigating a murder. We would like to ask you two just a few questions. If you don't mind." His voice was calm, but it had a hint of overconfidence in it. I nodded, gesturing for him to continue; Detective Jordan took out a picture and handed it to me. Andy and I studied the photo; it was a dead body at the crime scene. I glanced up and met Morgan's gaze.

"Assuming this is the victim?" I handed the photo back to Jordan.

"Yes. Do you recall ever seeing this man? Or had any interactions with him?" Morgan asked, taking out his little notepad.

"Can't say that we have. He doesn't seem to jog my memory. Andy?" I turned to look at him. Andy just shook his head. "If that is all, we have a barbecue to return to." A fake smile appeared on my face.

Morgan nodded, "Thank you for your time. If anything does come to mind, please give us a call." He handed me his card. Glancing at it, it read: Jay Morgan, special unit detective, with his phone number at the bottom of the card. Placing the card into my shirt pocket, we shook hands.

"If something does come to mind, we will surely give you a call." Andy and I watched as the men left.

Then Andy turned to me and spoke softly, "Why would they be investigating that guy's murder. I thought it was all taken care of."

"That is my thought exactly. We will have to look into this, and quick. But let's get back before the girls wonder and ask too many questions." I take one more glance at the men as they climbed into their black SUV. Following Andy into the house, the girls were already standing ready to ask questions.