Chapter 2

JASPER

I didn't usually go to places like Afterglow, at least not for work meetings, but I had to impress a client. My preference is a more serene and sophisticated environment, however, he suggested that we visit a bar for drinks. It's not an ideal place to conduct business, but after meeting him I'd say taking him to a rundown topless bar would have been better it'd be the perfect place for a waste of air like him.

I watched him grope at least three women just in the forty minutes I sat with him. I was just about to excuse myself and end our meeting when he became distracted by a busty blonde in a miniskirt.

Suddenly, I became distracted too; I watched a tall, leggy redhead sit at the bar directly across from me. She was pretty with a smile so big and bright it could light up a room, but that's not what got my attention. What did get my attention was the gorgeous yet mysterious woman that was with her. She was dressed modestly. In Jeans that were fitting but left enough to the imagination, a turtleneck sweater, and tennis shoes. She wasn't like all the other women in this place, who dressed in next to nothing, despite the cold weather, unlike those who were obviously here looking for a quick lay and a buck.

"I'll take another," I announced to the bartender, holding up my empty glass.

"Right away, Mr. Whitlock."

It's been a while since I've entertained the idea of spending time with a woman, socially or sexually, especially one who wasn't seeking attention.

I'll have another drink and maybe work up the nerve to walk around the bar and talk to this woman after a few sips. Until then I'll sit here for a while.

She was out of her comfort zone it was written on her face and if that didn't tell me enough. All the men approaching her since she sat down had left with hurt egos and their heads down. She wasn't like any woman I'd ever seen in here.

She was there for hours, just nursing her soda and anxiously scanning the room while she played with her long dark curls. She only managed to smile or looked more at ease when her buddy returned from dancing with loads of guys, but Her ease didn't look sincere.

Something was intriguing about this woman; she piqued my interest. Yet, I didn't dare approach her. She appeared uninterested in being disturbed and considering she had just dismissed one of the wealthiest men here—aside from myself—I doubted I stood a chance.

Her thick, curly brunette hair and the deep dimples that appeared whenever she frowned or forced a smile, along with her desperate attempts to keep a low profile, made her stand out refreshingly in the crowd. I caught her eye briefly, and as soon as our gazes met, I quickly lost my nerve and averted my eyes.

She is beautiful.

I wasn't going to stick around much longer after I finished texting Maxwell about the meeting. Maxwell is my assistant, but honestly, more than that he's more like a brother. He's one of the few I've let in my personal space, and likely the only one I've really trust.

Some say I'm an asshole because I'm closed off, I say it's who I am. You either deal with it or choose not to. In my world, it's eat or be eaten and I'm fine with that because I never go hungry.

I let Max know that the client he was hopeful to sign tonight, was a disgusting pervert, and asked him to send him an email cutting him loose. He wasn't the kind of clientele I was interested in representing with my firm's reputation on the line.

The lounge began to fill up, so I polished off my second glass of high-quality scotch that I'd been sipping. I was just about to call it a night when I looked up and I noticed that the mystery woman was getting more uncomfortable and nervous by the minute. She sat with her shoulders hunched and her fingers fidgeting around her glass.

What made her so uneasy?

Before I had time to look around for a threat or give it any more thought, I saw an arm wrap around her shoulders, leaning in against her side allowing his fingers to get entirely too close to her breasts.

Seeing someone invade her personal space really got to me, especially because she was just minding her own business. I had to shake off those clingy vibes for this mysterious lady I hadn't even met or talked to.

Glancing up I realized it was my ass-hole client that had his disgusting arm wrapped around her.

I started to scoot back my chair to intervene but as quickly as it started it ended. She shouted and pushed him off her. I chuckled when his ass hit the floor, and he skidded slightly. She took a stance preparing to protect herself.

She is a feisty one.

Even if she hadn't already caught my eye, that would have surely made me take notice.

I found myself feeling protective over this spirited, nameless little spitfire, so I chose to stick around a bit longer to keep an eye on her, just to ensure she got away okay and on her own.

It didn't take long for her to get up, clutching her purse and jacket as she surveyed the entire lounge. With an expression of sheer frustration, she strode toward the V.I.P. section. There, I noticed the same redhead she had arrived with perched on the lap of a sharply dressed man.

After a couple of minutes of whispered conversation between the two ladies, the man pulled the redhead away from my little spitfire.

"Bye, Harper! Let me know you made it home," she called out.

Harper… it suits her.

Harper rolled her eyes and walked toward the doors. I took out my wallet, threw a hundred-dollar bill on the counter, and followed behind her. As I walked toward the exit a woman dressed in a sheer top exposing her large and visibly fake breasts, pressed her body against me grabbing my forearm.

"Hey handsome leaving so soon?" she rasped out. Her voice was harsh as if she had smoked her entire life. She leaned even further into me leaving no room between our bodies.

"Yes." I coughed out as I got choked on the amount of perfume this lady wore.

"Want some company?" she asked as she batted her eyes. I politely pried her fingers from my arm and shook my head ignoring her advances. I heard her huff as I walked away.