I stand frozen contemplating whether to turn around and face him or just walk away. What rotten luck I have.

Carlos is the last person I want to set my eyes on. He's the reason I left my home Last Vegas and ventured into a foreign land.

" Hera," He calls again and I am forced to turn around and face him. He starts working towards me.

I conceal my feelings, assuming a blank expression on my face.

" I wasn't expecting to see you here." He beams at me and I fight the urge to roll my eyes. What's the probability that he will be at the hotel lobby where Chloe's wedding will be taking place?

Chloe hates his guts so we can forget about her inviting him.

" Neither was I. I have to say, your presence just ruined my day." I don't try to be polite with him. He doesn't deserve it.

I watch as the smile he was putting on his face falls, replaced by a guilty look.

" Hera, do you still resent me for what I did to you?" He asks and I don't stop the scoff that leaves my lips.

" You tell me, shouldn't I? You embarrassed me, insulted me and made fun of me for being different from others. Should I thank you instead?" I hiss, suddenly forgetting where I am.

The nerve of him to ask me that.

Carlos looks around, embarrassment evident on his face.

" Are you embarrassed now? Why didn't you feel that when you called me fat before my friends? Do you want me to shut up? But I want everyone here to know what kind of a person you are." I continue to taunt him.

Carlos looks like someone who just peed on his pants .

" Stay away from me. You are the last thing I want to look at." With that, I turn around and walk away.

***

The wedding is everything Chloe always dreamt of-elegant, glamorous, and entirely fitting for the couple. Her new man seems more descent than her last two exes. I know eyes can lie but I want to believe my first impression of him.

I sit in one of the front rows, trying to keep my nerves in check as I watch my best friend walk down the aisle. Chloe's gown shimmers in the evening sunlight, and for a fleeting moment,I feel a pang of longing in her chest.

It isn't that I don't want Chloe to be happy-of course I do. But a part of me couldn't help but wonder if I would ever get my own "I do" moment.

I watch Chloe exchange vows with her new husband and I allow myself a moment of reflection.

"Maybe it's just not meant to be for me." I mutter under my breath.

My eyes wander around and come to a locked gaze with my sister's mocking face. I look away immediately,not allowing myself to feel bad about it.

She and Chloe aren't even close so I know she came here purposely to remind me how useless I am.

I allow myself to get lost in watching my best friend have her best moment.

When her new husband leans to kiss her,my heart flutters on her behalf.

I have never been the type to pine for a fairy tale romance. Maybe before,but things are different now. Seeing Chloe so sure of her love however stirred something inside me.

The truth is,I ain't sure how to even begin looking for a love like that. What can a woman like me have to offer someone? I am a bit older than most bridesmaids. Let's not mention my inexperience. Which man in hís right mind will believe that I am a virgin at thirty plus years?

Even if they do, I bet they'd run away after hearing that.

A plus size, old ànd inexperienced virgin maiden? What an odd combo.

The reception is in full buzz and I excuse myself for a moment of quiet. I needed a drink, and maybe a break from the constant buzz of conversation. Most importantly,I plan to avoid my sister in every way possible.

I am not going to give her the pleasure of annoying me on this happy day. My encounter with Carlos earlier is enough for today.

The hotel's bar is sleek, modern, and nearly as extravagant as the wedding venue.

What did I expect though? This is a fucking five star hotel.

I slid onto a bar stool and scan the display of exotic drinks before me. I am not much of a drinker, but I feel like making an exception this evening.

"Can I get a cosmopolitan please," I say to the bartender, trying to relax, but my mind for some reason keeps wandering back to the wedding.

The soft sound of footsteps behind me makes me turn, and I nearly choke on my drink when I see the same man from the airport standing next to me.

"Didn't think I'd see you again," I say, surprised.

He gives me a half-smile. "Funny, I had the same thought."

He slides onto the stool next to me, leaning slightly towards me as he orders a drink.

"Small world, huh? You sure know how to make an entrance." His tone is light, teasing, but with a gentleness that makes my cheeks warm.

I chuckle ,"I suppose I do. I seem to have a knack for it."

He must have seen me walking in here and joined me. I smile at that realization.

" So, what brings yóu to Las Vegas?" He asks ànd I give him a playful smile.

" Maybe to have a chance encounter with you." He grins at my words, seemingly amused.

" Many people would rather stay far away from me." He says, giving me an hungry look that has my certain part throbbing with need.

I press my legs together to control the sudden ache in my nether regions.

Damn! I can't believe a man's look has me all needy. This is a first and I don't miss the dangerous vibe he is giving off.

The tats covering his hands and peeking from his neck confirm my suspicions. But holy shit! Why does that turn me on like a stupid virgin teenager?

" Oh yeah?Maybe I am not among the many." I shot back,taking a sip of my drink and licking my lips.

The hungry look on hís face tells me that he feels it,the strange attraction flying in the air.

"I'm Mason, by the way."He says, offering his hand.

"Hera," I reply, giving a tentative smile.

"Well, Hera," he says,raising his glass with a grin, "to chance meetings and good drinks."

"To chance meetings," I reply, lifting my glass and clinking it against his.

At the corner of my eye, I see a familiar figure approaching.

" Maybe we can seal our second meeting in one day differently." I lean closer,a grin on my face before slamming my lips against his own.

Hera

I don't know what came over me but the moment I spotted my sister heading towards me, I knew I needed to do something.

I ended up kissing Mason. What I didn't expect is him not only kissing me back but deepening the kiss. When we pull away, Mason has a smirk on her face and my sister? Well, let's just say her eyeballs are about to pop out.

"I have to say, that was quite a surprise." Mason comments and I smile back to hide my embarrassment.

" You really are shameless, aren't you Hera?" My sister, Tara sneers with disgust.

I turn to give her my undivided attention, a smirk playing at the corner of my lips.

" I don't understand what you mean." I decide to play it cool, something that I know will irk Tara.

" You don't mind throwing yourself at a random man at a club? Is that what you have been up to all these years? It's no wonder you can't find a man for yourself." Tara spats with distaste. I clench my fists under the table just to stop myself from snapping back at her.

" Who is this?" Mason asks, a frown forming on his face.

" My beloved sister." I reply sarcastically. Mason doesn't seem surprised by my answer however.

" Oh, I understand. Your sister thinks you can't possibly have a hot boyfriend like me." He comments, his hands going around my waist as he pulls me closer. He has his eyes directed to Tara all this time.

" Listen, I don't care about the relationship you have with my woman. What I won't allow is you walking here and disrespecting her." Mason's voice is low but the warning is loud and clear. I can feel a change in his aura. Looking at him, he looks nothing like the playful man I bumped into at the airport nor the flirty Mason from a moment ago.

Tara is taken aback by Mason's outburst as the fear reflected in her eyes betrays her.

" This is what you will do. Turn around and crawl back to whatever hole you came out of. Don't ruin our mood or you won't be able to bear the consequences." He snarls, his voice so low and menacing that a chill runs down my spine.

I don't understand what just happened but the way Mason is acting at the moment... It's scary but oh girl! I like it. So powerful and domineering.

Tara looks at me with a scowl before she scoffs, turning around and walking away. I smile, loving how scared Tara looked a moment ago.

" Did you enjoy the show?" Mason suddenly asks and I turn to face him, my smile gone. Now that Tara is gone, I have to face the fact that she just exposed my shortcomings to him. Not to mention the kiss from earlier!

" Thankyou for standing up for me." I say, taking a sip of my drink. Growing up, no one ever defended me with the exception of Chloe. I never thought that a day would come when a total stranger would be defending me against my own family.

" Don't thank me, Hera. I am curious though. Is that how she treats you?" Mason asks and I swallow.

I look around, trying to think of a way out but I know I can't escape Mason's gaze.

" Yes. We don't exactly get along. " I confess and I feel a lump forming in my throat. As much as I pretend to not care about my estranged relationship with my family, the truth is, it hurts. I hope they don't resent and look down on me for being "fat" and " useless."

" Why?" He asks, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I shrug my shoulders, taking a big sip of the alcohol hoping that it will help numb the sadness crawling inside me.

" I'm a disgrace. I wasn't what my family expected me to be." I relay what my mother always tells me. Mason frowns, seemingly confused by my reply.

" What does that even mean?"

" It simply means I am a failure. As a woman, I can't control my body weight and can't even get a man for myself. I am thirty years old without a man to call mine, talk less of a family."

I don't know why I am telling Mason this considering that we aren't that close. I mean, we only met today and here I am, sharing what I would rather lock at the depths of my heart.

Mason suddenly leans in, his hand reaching out to cup my cheeks.

" Listen, don't ever put yourself down, especially for things you can't control. You are the most beautiful and sexy woman I have ever met and if your family can't see that then screw them. As far as you having a man is concerned,it's a matter of time before they come rushing towards you." He declares and I don't know why I smile at his words. They sound fantastic but I know my reality.

" Thanks for the sweet words, Mason. But I know where I stand in this society. It's not just my family, the people around me, even the strangers I meet. They judge me for my body. The disgust on their faces cannot be concealed." I say with a sigh.

" I am used to it actually. I know people will not like me for my plus size and no man would want anything serious with me." I add.

" Hera, that's not right. You are a very attractive woman." Mason booms and I smile depreciatingly.

" Yeah. I am attractive but not enough to keep a man. The men who come to me just want to know how it feels to sleep with a fat woman. They want to explore and satisfy their curiosity." I say bitterly.

" You don't know that. What you said isn't true." Mason counters but I shake my head.

" Believe me, I do know. I am a thirty year old woman, Mason. I have been through this." There was a time I still hoped that there was a man for me out there. Not anymore. I gave up hope and accepted my fate a long time ago." That's the sad reality of my life. Love, marriage and relationships are things that weren't meant for me.

" No. It's just that you haven't met the right man." He counters again and I smile.

" The right man?" I ask with a scoff. " I once had a man I thought was my Mr Right. Turns out he pretended to love me to win a bet. Pathetic, right?"

" Do you also think I am here to experiment with you? To explore and satisfy my curiosity?" Mason asks, his question stunning me. Momentarily silence accompanies us, the sound of our heartbeat the only thing resonating.

" I don't know. You tell me what's your goal tonight."

Hera

I keep my gaze locked on Mason's face, awaiting his answer. My heart beats wildly in my chest. For some reason, I am anxious and nervous at the same time. I don't know what I want to hear from his confessions yet something deep inside me tells me that Mason's answer will either shatter me further or...

" I find you very attractive, Hera." Mason confesses, wetting his lips. My eyes follow each of his actions.

" And?" I probe further, excitement coursing through my nerves.

" I am interested in you as a woman, not a friend." He declares, looking straight at my face. His eyes hold a tender look. A look that I have not seen on any other man's face, not even from Carlos when we dated back in the days.

I stand up abruptly, my emotions in turmoil. The chair tumbles to the ground, making a loud clanging sound.

" Is something the matter, Hera?" Mason asks in a concerned voice. His hand reaches out to touch my shoulder.

" Nothing. I have to leave." I announce, turning to walk away. However, Mason doesn't let me as he clasps my wrist tightly.

" Why? Why are you running away? You asked me a question and I answered it. You can't face the truth now?" Mason questions, his brows furrowing.

I shake my head and try to escape his hold, but it is to no avail.

" I'm not running away, Mason. I just don't want to believe your words and regret it in the future. I don't have a place for regrets in my life and I won't allow myself to fall to the abyss of regrets." I cry.

" Regret it? Why would you?" Mason probes, his brows furrowed. I don't know if he is playing the fool or is genuinely clueless. After what I told him about me, isn't he supposed to know why?

" I have lived a life depraved of warmth and affection. I am afraid I'll cling to that little hope you are giving me and treat it as a treasure." I start, " I don't want that because in this world, nothing is permanent. What happens if that interest you have in me dwindles?

I am not that strong nor am I a nonchalant person. I can't bear heartache nor can I ignore it. The best I can do is walk away at the first sign of trouble and stay away from it."

" Hera," Mason breathes my name, his eyes softening. I look away. I can't bear his stare right now.

" You are shutting me down to protect yourself from getting hurt?" He asks, his question nailing the truth I always try to avoid.

" What else can I do? I have been hurt in the past. I also know how society views us. Why bother having fantasies that will never come true?" I exclaim.

" Look at me, Hera." Mason whispers, his voice soothing to my ears.

I shake my head.

" Look at me," he repeats. This time, he cups my cheeks and turns my face to him. Our eyes meet.

" I don't care what your family or the society thinks about you. If I did, I wouldn't have followed you all the way here." Mason's words stun me.

" You followed me?" I ask with narrowed eyes.

" Not just today. I have been keeping an eye on you for some time. At the airport, I bumped into you on purpose." He reveals, surprising me even further.

" What?" I ask,shocked. I pull my hand from his grip, taking a step back to keep some distance.

" I followed you all the way here, not because I am some psychotic stalker. I wanted to be with you, to protect you.

I know that this sounds so twisted but I want you Hera. I have wanted you from the first day I saw you entering Club image back in Chicago."

I tense from his confessions. Club image. Does he know about my secret?

"It was then that I decided that one day you will be mine. I won't lie to you, I am a very dominant and possessive man. I always get what I want. And you, Hera is what I want." Mason declares, his eyes burning with a fiery fire that threatens to consume me.

I could feel my body heating up from his intense gaze. My heart however calms when I realize that he doesn't know anything about my relationship with club Image. The last thing I want is anyone finding out another reason to judge me.

" Run all you want, little bird but I can assure you one thing, you will end up in my arms and when that happens, I'll claim you as mine." Mason asserts, giving me a long stare before he sits up from his chair.

He closes the space between us, a smile on his face as he places a chaste kiss on my forehead.

" Have a goodnight sleep, Hera. I'll see you soon." He announces before walking away.

I watch as his silhouette disappears from the bar. Only when he is out of sight do I realize that I have been clenching my hands into fists.

I release the deep breaths I didn't dare take in his presence as my mind replays his confessions.

He has been stalking me? The thought alone should scare me but why do I feel excited?

I must have lost my mind at this point.

" Another glass?" The bartender's question pulls me from my thoughts. I give him a smile, pushing my encounter with Jason to the back of my mind.

" No need. I think I have had enough drinks." I reply politely, fishing for notes from my handbag.

I pay for mine and Jason's drink and tip the handsome man.

" Don't let your fear and past experiences keep you away from your happiness. Give yourself a chance, life is too short to live with what ifs." The man says, giving me a smile before turning around to busy himself with his work.

I don't linger around. Leaving the bar, I head to my room.

Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, everything that happened will turn into a dream, nothing more or less.