I was bouncing my leg furiously.

It was a nervous tick I hated but couldn't control.

My mind was preoccupied. I was worried about Nancy pulling a fast one on me by bringing her random boyfriend on the trip with our daughter without even letting me meet him, first. That pissed the hell out of me. And then the disrespectful way she referred to Adrianna? I swear the rage I felt wasn't normal.

The...need to protect her was fierce.

I've never felt like that before. And it's scary.

I offered to make us dinner on a whim, not even fully aware I was doing it. But her rejection hurt. I don't even know why. I've been rejected enough. But hers was a different kind of pain. And then an ugly feeling in the pit of my stomach at the thought of who with.

And when I saw her dress? That ugly feeling intensified.

She was a literal vision: a velvety dark green dress that looked innocent enough, but had her entire back exposed, the tight material practically tracing the outline of her round ass and stopping short. I mean, short. That thing was showcasing her long, tanned legs, leaving very little to the imagination. All I wanted to do was push it up and find what she's trying to hide from me.

I got hard just looking at her like that. On top of it all, she had dark makeup that made her eyes pop and lips stained so red, I'd think it's the color of sin. Her cheeks sparkled in the light and eyes shined.

She was fucking flawless.

But it wasn't for me. It wasn't and that ugly, monstrous feeling returned. Who is it for?

This predicament is proving to be increasingly difficult. Because even though I know I need to stay away, every moment I'm around her chips away at that.

"We're here, boss."

I look up out of the window. Tossica was something I opened just on a whim, but shit, I never expected it to be what it is today. It's one of the most popular clubs in town, and there's a dozen all around. It was something my old man talked to me a lot about as a kid growing up: running a business and serving the people what they want after a hard days work while also providing quality entertainment.

That was the last thing I was able to give him before he died.

Now, thanks to him, Tossica keeps growing and making great revenue. I've already had a few people offer to invest and expand to other nearby cities—which I'm going to meet about, yet again, tonight. But I'm not entirely convinced the quality service I offer here can be replicated anywhere else, no matter the amount of money offered.

But I'd still listen to their pitch, just to be nice.

I sigh as I exit the car. I make my way to the bouncer, Jim, and nod at him. He nods back, moving the red velvet rope out of the way and allowing me in. And once I step foot through the door, I can feel the vibration of music all around me. There were a few people hanging around the dark, long hallway, making their way to the bathroom or the seating area.

But the main floor was jam packed, as usual. People flooded all the tables and the bar, and the dance floor was packed of people dancing to the electric EDM music blasting through the speakers. I politely walked through people, keeping close to the wall, as I made my way up the stairs to the VIP section.

This wasn't even a thing until half a year ago, where people basically begged me to let them throw money at me to let them have a private seating, drinking and dancing area. The glass panels were faintly tinted so you couldn't really see inside, but you could see the lights on the dance floor and the sea of people.

I wasn't going to do it, but then again, they begged me. And I live to serve my community, just like my dad taught me.

My private office was the only windowed area on the right-hand side. It was twice the size of one of the VIP rooms and more secluded. I liked having my office up here because it wasn't as loud, which was perfect for business meetings. Or simply getting away.

I open the door to my office, walking to the mini fridge and pulling out a water bottle. I uncap it and start to drink when there's a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Mario, the bouncer in charge of the VIP area, pops his head in. "You ready for these guys, boss?"

"Sure," I tuck my shirt into my slacks. "Send them in."

"Fair warning, they look like a couple fucking tools."

I snort. "Thank you for the heads up."

He nods before disappearing. When the door opens again, Jenner and Payborne walked in. And sure enough, they did look like tools—their nose sticking up, suits crisp and cleaner than mine.

"Michael Jenner, pleasure to meet you." The brunette says.

"Have a seat," I motion as I grab my chair. "Let's hear what you have to offer."

And fuck, it was boring. Jenner was an asshat who decided that Tossica needed a brand that stuck out besides 'boring, exotic drinks' and 'stale music'. That pissed me off, but I held my tongue.

At least, until he said what he just did.

"You have to admit, Daniel: you need this. We'll get you branched out across the state. And then the country. We can do that. On your own?" He sucked on his teeth. "Not likely."

I hum in acknowledgment. Then I shake my head. "No."

That took them both by surprise. "I'm sorry, what?"

"No." I stand up, slipping my hands in my pockets. "I don't need this. And quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing your shit. My father is the one who taught me how to make all those boring drinks, and the alternate between Italian mixes and pop hits seem to be doing just fine." I motion to everyone on the dance floor. "So, no. I don't need you. Neither does Tossica. We seem to be doing just fine as we are."

"But—"

"What I do need is for you two to get the fuck out of my club. Mario," I call out, Mario immediately opening the door. "Please escort Mr. Jenner and Payborne out. And make sure they don't come back."

"Yes sir."

I didn't bother giving them a second glance. I just huff a breath and look back out to the crowd. As footsteps depart, I lean closer to the glass. It couldn't be...

But it was.

My heart stopped as I caught sight of Adrianna on top of the bar, with a crowd of men around her, as she swayed herself back and forth.

I blink, not believing this is where she was. In my bar. Dancing on something I own.

I was rushing down the stairs before I even registered I moved. I push through the crowd, getting closer. I could hear the hoots and catcalls from the men around her as she swayed her hips in an extremely alluring way.

Josette, a waitress, tapped her leg and managed to talk her down. But that didn't stop one of the guys walking up to her, grabbing her waist from behind. Adrianna was facing the bar, chugging a shot. The guy leaned in to her ear and I felt anger swarm through my body. Is this who she came here with?

But then I notice her turn sharply and slap the guy. He angrily grabs her arm, pulling her closer to him. I don't hesitate before moving through the crowd of people and standing before them, making him look up at me.

"The fuck do you want?"

Adrianna's glazed eyes widen as she looks at me. I keep my voice calm as I answer. "Let her go."

"This doesn't concern you, man. Fuck off."

I step between him and Adrianna. He looks up at me, and I guess that's when he really realizes just how much bigger I am to him. Because he sizes me up, then drops Adrianna's arm and steps back.

"Maybe your girl shouldn't be shaking her ass to the entire city and we—"

"I would think really hard about finishing that sentence."

The tone of my voice made his mouth shut. He huffed an angry breath, shook his head and stormed off, shoving people out of his way. I roll my eyes, turning towards Adrianna. But she was barely standing.

I hardly had any time to wrap an arm around her waist to stop her from falling over. I look over at Josette. "How much did she have to drink?"

"I'm not sure?" She lifts a shoulder. "I mean, what didn't that girl have to drink."

"Fuckin' fantastic," I mutter.

I look over at Adrianna, whose eyes are full of confusion as she looks at me. "How are you here?"

"Must've been fate," I mutter as I grab my phone. "Let's get you home."

"I can walk." Adrianna says as she tries to free herself from my grip as we walk outside. I raise a brow as she almost trips over herself, but catches her balance. "See?"

I fight a smile as I cross my arms. "I was only trying to help you."

She smiles—a beautiful, drunken smile—and it makes my heart skip a beat. "I appreciate it. But I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."

Just as Bruce pulls up, I chuckle lightly. "Alright. Get in, then."

Bruce is already on our side, opening the door. Adrianna fumbles and I'm quickly behind her, just in case she does need my help. But she always seems to regain her composure. She makes a cute little noise as she crawls inside and sits on the opposite end of the car.

I just smile, getting in behind her. Within moments, we're off. Adrianna looks a little pale, her head thrown on the back of the seat. Her phone rings (which she pulls from her chest) and rolls her eyes.

"You know, you shouldn't do that."

Her eyes meet mine. "What?"

"Keep your phone in your chest. You're subjecting yourself to the harmful electromagnetic effects that come from your phone. Not good for your breast tissue."

She sits up. "How do you know that?"

I smile softly. "I did a lot of research when I found out I was having a daughter, Ms. Lee. Had to know everything there is to know so I could be prepared."

Something flashes behind her eyes. But she quickly blinks it away, looking away from me. Then she groans and grabs her stomach. "Shit," she mutters.

I lean forward. "Ms. Lee?"

"Oh, fuck. How close are we to the house?"

"Pulling up now, sir." Bruce announces.

Adrianna closes her eyes, taking deep breaths. I silently prayed that she wasn't going to be the type to throw up, but seems like she is. Normally, this would irritate the hell out of me—it did when Nancy did it. But right now, all I wanted to do was rush inside and take care of her.

Which, I sort of do.

I rush ahead of her to unlock the door, but she's half running, half stumbling to the bathroom before I can even offer her a hand. I thank Bruce and lock the door, then make my way to the bathroom. I smile slightly at the sight of her discarded heels on the floor, picking them up and placing them nice and neatly beside the kitchen counter.

Then I hear her. And fuck, she sounds miserable. Like, damn. She sounds like she's literally throwing up her guts. So I take a deep breath and push open the bathroom door.

Adrianna's literally hugging the toilet, heaving everything she drunk into it, knees on the floor. So I took a knee beside her and grabbed her hair, so fucking soft, in one hand and wrapped it in my fist, pulling it away from her face. I used my other hand to gently rub her back.

She turned her head, her eyes bloodshot and tears brimming, full of confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm not just gonna let you puke your fucking guts out on your own, Ms. Lee. I am a gentleman."

She lets out a breathless chuckle before she turns her head back to the toilet, throwing up again. I shake my head. "But damn," I chuckle. "Maybe next time, don't drink so much."

This happened for a few more minutes before Adrianna finally calmed down. Eventually, she propped her elbows up on the rim of the toilet and held her head in her hands. I just kept rubbing her back, keeping her hair from her face.

"I think," she sniffles, voice hoarse. "I think I'm good."

I chuckle. "Ready to stand up?"

She just nods. So I grip her elbow and palm, pulling her, slowly, to her feet. Her eyes are closed and she groans as I pull her up. I help guide her to the sink, to which she opens her eyes and reaches for the faucet. She turns on the water and washes her face, then brushes her mouth twice, then washes her face again before she shuts off the water.

Still helping her along, I guide her down the hallway to her room. Adrianna groans, wrinkling her nose. "God, I hate alcohol."

"Could've fooled me," I joke as I push open the door to her room.

"I'm sorry," she slurs. "Jesse was annoying me and I just wanted a night to be me again."

I stare at her, clenching my jaw. Jesse, the fucking idiot who cheated on Adrianna.

Dumbass.

How do you have this beautiful, perfect woman and not worship her? Fucking idiot.

"Don't be sorry, I understand." I say, meaning every word.

Cause I do.

Then, she started to cry. And it actually hurt my heart. "You must think I'm a fucking dumbass; a worthless party girl who can't even hold her own liquor."

I sigh, guiding Adrianna to the bed. I help her sit, then look at her. "That's the absolute last thing I think about you, Ms. Lee."

She looks at me with sleepy, tear-filled eyes. "Really?"

"Yes."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

She wipes her cheeks with the back of her hands. Then she grabs the edge of her quilt and just brings it over her body, covering herself and closing her eyes. I look at her questioningly, but the alcohol and exhaustion must've just knocked her out. Because she's out.

I smile and push her fallen hair out of her forehead. "God, I wish I could tell you what I really think about you, Adrianna. It'd probably scare you, cause it scares me."

Which is the truth. Because what did I spend the entire night doing? Making sure she was okay; I stood beside her all night long, ensuring she didn't throw up in her sleep, or even wake up feeling sick or needing anything. I watched over her for hours and hours because I couldn't bare the thought of me not being here if she wasn't okay.

And as I stared at her beautiful, sleeping face, I questioned my own sanity. How can I feel this deeply for someone I don't even really know? God, I feel as if she's holding my whole heart in that small palm clutched to her chest.

Is that even possible?

Fuck, I'm in so much trouble.

A/N

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm so excited to share the story of Adrianna and Daniel. I hope you guys are excited to read it <3

I attached the inspiration for Adrianna's dress btwwww 🧡

So thanks for reading, lovelies! Don't forget to vote, comment, etc!! <33