Chapter 4. Katrina.

Katrina.

I don't know what I was thinking, letting myself to be swept off by this mysterious man that I just met. But the second our eyes met, there was pull I just couldn't deny. I had never felt anything like it before. He had asked me if I wanted to get out there and I found out that I could not say no. I couldn't believe myself. I have never been this lose before. Was this a result of the rejection I survived earlier today? I didn't know and honestly, I couldn't care less. The man before me was promising to give me a good time and I'll be damned if I refuse it.

"Yes... But only after we eat. I haven't add anything all day." I said, my speech slightly slurred due to the vast amount of alcohol I had downed this evening. He cocked an eyebrow at that statement.

"You haven't eaten and you've been drinking alcohol?" He asked, sounding slightly peeved.

"Like I said, I was needing an escape from the dreadful pain I was feeling. This just turned out to be the perfect getaway. Until you showed up, at least." I replied, leveling his gaze with one of my own. He seemed taken aback but he soon eased his expression with a smile.

"Of course, forgive me for being too forward." He replied as he stood to his feet. He paid for both our drinks and turned towards me, his eyes glinting with something I couldn't quite decipher. Stretching out a hand, he beckoned untoe with his eyes. "Have dinner with me, Suzie." He said, his voice deep, rich and velvety. My heart skipping a beat, I gingerly placed my hands in his, watching as he pulled me to his feet and led me out of the pub.

Blindly, I watched as he took me to a fancy restaurant, settled me down into one of the chairs and ordered food for us. All I could do was stare around in a daze, still in disbelief that I would allow myself to be swept away like this. But when I looked into his eyes, and saw the way they glowed at me, I realized I didn't want to be anywhere else either. We engaged in a short, silly conversation until our food arrived.

I immediately dug in, feeling absolutely starved. Nicholas, if that was his real name, watched me with renewed interest. Swallowing the food in my mouth, I corked my brow at him. "What?"

"Nothing. Didn't you realize you were this hungry?" He asked as he poured both our glass with wine.

"No, I didn't realize. I was too busy crying and trying to stay alive on the road." I said, a twinge of bitterness and anger seeping into my voice. Once again, I watched as his eyes darkened... Almost like he was angry for me. He hesitated for a bit before opening his mouth to speak.

"Forgive me for prying but what exactly happened? Who in their right mind would hurt a woman like you?" He questioned, his calm voice having a dangerous edge. Images of Lucas crossed my mind and my grip on the fork tightened.

"It's in the past now and I rather not think about it so my appetite doesn't get ruined." I said after a while. He didn't seem pleased but he didn't push. Smiling coyly at him, I leaned forward, placing my hands on my chin. "Why don't we talk about you? You seen to be a rather interesting individual."

"There is a isn't anything interesting about me, sadly. I'm just a grumpy businessman who's looking forward to having a good time with the most exquisite woman I've had the pleasure of seeing." He said, his expression suddenly serious.

I chuckled, finding his words absolutely funny. "If you're trying to flatter me. It's absolutely working." I added, winking at him.

"I'm glad it is." He replied as he leaned forward, his voice growing husky. I felt a shiver run up my spine but I continued with my food. We continued to discuss about trivial things, our conversation jumping from one topic to another. Nicholas was surprisingly easy to talk to and was rather knowledgeable about a lot of things too. It was so much different from Lucas who couldn't care less about anything and didn't even bother trying.

The more we talked, the more my confidence grew. I had spent a good portion of my years being the best wife and Luna for my pack, I had completely forgotten what it felt like to be young and free. A sense of recklessness–of being unleashed and seizing everything that life had denied me for ten years long years ago was taking over. I began to openly flirt with him and Nicholas for the most part seemed to be enjoying it. Time passed and it was more than clear we needed to take this to the next stage.

Nicholas immediately took the the hint. Picking up his almost empty glass, he tilted it towards me, urging me to clink it with mine. I did so, but with my brow raised. "Why are we making this toast?"

He shrugged, taking a sip. "To us... And to our evening together." He answered, his eyes holding mine. I let out a small smile, finishing the content in my wine glass. When I finally set it down, I found out that he was still staring at me, his intentions loud and clear for me to understand.

"Suzie." He began softly, his voice almost hypnotic. "Our time together is far spent. Why don't we make the most of the little time we have?" He suggested and I held my breath.

I could pretend I didn't know what he was talking about, feign an excuse and be out of here before he could say Jack Robinson. But that would a goddamm lie. I wasn't bonded to anyone anymore. Lucas had hurt me terribly and this one was the only way I knew to pay him back. Just this once, I wanted to do something and not care about the consequences. Besides, I was well aware of what I was getting into the second I walked out of the pub with him. So, I smiled, feeling my cheeks flush with heat.

"Of course, I like that idea very much." I whispered to and watched as his eyes darkened with something that made my entire body grow warm. Very slowly, he stood to his feet, the chair scraping the floor as he pushed it back. Pulling off his coat, he draped it around my shoulders. I instinctively wrapped my hands around it, feeling his warmth and breathing in his cologne. For some reason, it made me feel so safe and protected. Guiding me to my feet, he reached out his hands and I placed mine in his, letting him guide me out of this restaurant for the second time this night...