CHAPTER 2 ~ GREEN EYED GUY

 ~CASSANDRA WILLIAMS ~

When we made it back to our Dorm we stripped down and began to get ready, I didn't really have much to wear, in my whole time at University I never really had time to go out so I am not used to the party scene. It’s also one of the things my brothers made as a condition of me going to uni alone, no wild parties, and no drinking excessively. I was fine with that though, preferring to study and learn.

Cindy on the other hand loves a good party and dressing up. She has a flair for fashion.

“So Cassandra, you going to tell me what happened when you wandered off today?” Cindy asked as we ate roman noodles for dinner on the couch, that's as far as both of our culinary skills go.

“Oh Um nothing, I just kind of ran into a really hot guy,” I said, failing to hide my blush.

“What? I've never heard you say anything like that in the three years we've known each other SPILL” Cindy said excitedly.

“I dunno, there was just something about him, I bumped into him accidentally and he caught me before I made an ass of myself and hit the ground. He was so fucking hot” I said, remembering the details of my encounter.

“Does he go here? what's his name, did you give him your number?” Cindy asked.

“I’d never seen him before, he was dressed in a suit and looked rich and a few years older. probably a brother of a student or something” I said, shrugging.

“So you don't know his name or number?” Cindy asked, confused.

“No, we didn't exchange numbers or anything, it wasn't like that, he wasn't interested, I just thought he was hot. His name was Santorum someone called him Mr. Santorum” I replied and Cindy nearly choked on her noodles.

“Santorum, as in Michale Santorum?” Cindy asked and I shrugged not knowing who the hell Michale Santorum is.

Cindy knitted her brows, I was obviously oblivious to who this guy is and I know nothing will ever happen there, Michale is a very well-known business mogul, he made the top 10 Forbes richest under 30 and he is a sort after mysterious bachelor. His private life is not private and he's constantly in the news, whether for his business or personal life”  Cindy said with a high-pitched voice as she knows I wasn't really into tabloids and gossip. 

“Well, I say we forget about hooking up and go have some fun before we vacate this place for good in two days” Cindy changed the topic.

I smiled, I can't wait to start the next chapter of my life in London, I secured a job with one of the smaller architecture firms, it's not much pay but I don't care, I loved designing and will work my way up from the bottom.

“Sounds good to me,” I said as I got up to get dressed. “Oh actually, before we hit the club with the rest of the crew, I kind of need to attend one of mum's parties for a bit, be my date?” Cindy asked hopefully.

Cindy knows I hate the high-class parties, Cindy has made me attend plenty, they are so boring and I always get hit on and it's awkward. I don't have money as Cindy does and I feel so out of place. I have been friends with Cindy long enough to know that she won't take no for an answer though.

“And you were going to tell me when?” I asked rolling my eyes, knowing Cindy kept it from me so I couldn't bail last minute.

“Now” Cindy Smiled “Look, I have to meet the boss of the new firm I'm hoping to work for in London. I just need to make a good impression so my job is really secure” Cindy said.

“Okay, you're lucky I love you, but I need clothes,” I said. knowing Cindy will lend me whatever I want.

“Of course babies, you look stunning in all my clothes, they are just that little bit too big that you look so delectable” Cindy smiled cheekily.

I giggled and we got to choosing outfits. Cindy settles on black slacks and a grey Short top with expensive black shiny heels and a knee-length skirt. I wore my black skinny jeans and red heels, with one of Cindy’s red shimmering crop tops which were more like a corset. “It sits delicately on your body and You look tiny and so fuckable” Cindy concluded as looked at me and came to me to do my hair in a nice messy style and we were ready to head out.

“So what’s this Party for?’” I asked.

“Just a charity event for something or another” She replied.

“So I need to donate something?” I asked worriedly.

Yes, my brothers have a copious amount of money between them and they of course have set me up a trust fund for the future, which I can access at 30. I don't want any of it though and I refused to take money from my brothers, I refused for four years to give them my banking details. I live off the $12 an hour I got from working at the coffee shop and buy all I need with the money I earn, hence the pot noodles. Cindy shouts at me when I wasn't fast enough to tell me, no but Cindy respects me and my decision enough to take me seriously. I had $16.80 in my account until Monday when I will get paid my weekly wage of $130. I wasn't planning on needing it though.

“No babes I've got it covered, just have fun yeah?” She said assuring me.

I sigh but nodded. Cindy was my best friend and I think I would have packed up long ago and moved home if it wasn't for Cindy, She helped me keep sane through my studying years and was the only other person besides my brothers that know most of what happened to me.

“Thanks” I smiled shyly and Cindy smiled her charming dazzling smile in return.

She loves me to pieces and considers me the little sister she never had, she would walk through flames for me as would my brothers.

We pull up in Cindy’s Rover to the Valet at the party, it's a huge house and absolutely insane. It’s immaculate and modern, yet has a cute English charm about it. It was so homely, considering the size and I was in love with it architecturally, I was in awe.

“Wow, I would actually call this over the top,” Cindy said as she whistled in admiration, she threw the valet her keys and linked my arm in her as we walked up the stairs of the house.

“It’s so beautiful,” I said in wonder.

Cindy chuckles, looking fondly at me.

“Who owns it?” I asked in awe.

“No idea, I’ll ask for you,” Cindy said, winking at me as I smiled.

We both entered and I was way underdressed, everyone was in normal partyware but I was being stared at, not in a bad way, just in interest. We grab a glass of champagne each and walk towards Cindy’s parents, we greet each other and sip on champagne for a while. Cindy has turned her charm on, I know how to act at these things and I love watching her work in a room, I was so confident and sure of myself. I wish I could be like that too. I was not though, I was quite shy, sassy when I got to know you but ultimately timid and quiet.

“Cassandra, that's the guy I need to talk to, you okay for a while I go and chat,” Cindy asked me.

I love my friend so much, loves that she knows I get nervous around big crowds. I Smiled and nod.

“I’ll be fine, I might go explore,” I said, eyes twinkling.

Cindy Laughed

“Take your phone and answer when I call, don't go too far,” Cindy said pointedly.

I nodded and she sauntered away. I decided to have a peek outside at the back gardens, the doors were open leading to a huge outdoor area, people are scarce, sticking to the main room but some people are still flitting about. I stepped foot outside and again bumped into a hard chest.

“Shit” I heard.

I dropped my champagne glass and it shatters everywhere. I gasp.

“Oh Fuck” I panicked and I bend down to clean it.

“I'm so sorry, I didn’t mean to break it” I rambled.

“It's okay, just leave it you’ll...” A deep familiar drawl sounds just as I cut my hand on a piece of glass.

“Cut yourself” The man finishes as he bends down to my level.

My hand was grabbed by that man and again a spark shoots up my arm, I can’t believe I just bumped into the same guy again, what is going on. I was lost for words though, Mr. Santorum looks even better than he did earlier today, he’s dressed in a tux with a bow tie and his pink lips are gorgeous.

“I’m so sorry,” I said, swallowing hard. I don't like blood and my hand was currently spilling it.

“You need to start watching where you're walking,” Mr. Santorum said, smirking.

“I'm sorry,” I said again, I was intimidated by this guy and felt fuzzy and weird around him.

“Do you know any other words apart from sorry?” He teases and I blushed.

“Come on, Let's get your hand cleaned up,” Mr. Santorum said and he helped me stand. I was thankful there weren't many people around and I didn't cause too much of a scene.

A waiter comes over to clear the glass and hands, Mr. Santorum, a white napkin. It instantly put around my hand and I was then being led down a corridor and into an immaculate amazing bathroom. It's huge, bigger than my whole dorm. with marble, twin sinks, and showers. it's incredible and I stare.

“You like it?” I heard Mr. Santorum ask.

“It's amazing,” I replied.

“So she does know more words” Mr. Santorum smirks and I blushed out, again

“My name is Cassandra,” I said shyly.

The guy smiles a knowing smile like he already knew my name, but it's impossible, they didn't even introduce themselves earlier.

“And you are?” I ask expectantly.

Mr. Santorum looks taken aback by my question like I should know who he is.

“Um, right, um...I’m Michale it's nice to meet you Cassandra” Michale said, composing himself.

“Me too, sorry for bumping into you again,” I said and the guy smiled and took me to the sink. He carefully looked my hand over and cleans the cut under running water. We were both so close to each other and I can see Michale's features up close, he's so beautiful and I was so attracted to him, that my heart rate quickens. Michale’s breathing seems to change too but he composes himself, it's quiet between the two of us and I could sense that Michale was stealing glances at me from the corner of his eye.

“You look a little pale, are you okay?” Michale asked.

“I um...don’t like blood very much,” I said sheepishly.

Michale chuckles.

“It's okay, just look away. I'll have it cleaned up in a minute, it's not too deep” He said reassuringly, I smile thankfully and looks down at my shoes.

Michale makes quick work of my hand and puts a bandage over the cut.

“There we go, good as new,” He announced as he finished he dried his hands and leaned his back against the sink, staring at me, smiling.

And honestly, I thought for a second that Michale looks so sexy and hot.

“Thanks, Michale,” I said quietly.

“Any time,” Michale said it was a bit of awkward silence, it was a bit tense and there is something in the air, like sexual tension,

I could feel his gaze on me, it was like he was looking at me hungrily. For the first time though, I don't feel uncomfortable, I'd love to run my hands through Michale's hair, it looks so thick and pull-able.

“So Cassandra, you graduated today?” Michale asked, slicing the tension and bringing us back to reality.

“Um yeah, I did. did your brother or sister graduate too?” I asked as this was what came up to my mind at that moment... And he chuckled like he was mocking my stupidity.

“No, I was there on business actually,” He said.

“Oh, Okay,” I said awkwardly like I was missing a private joke.

“So what brings you here tonight?’ He asked me.

“Oh um, my best friend and roommate asked me to come, she always drags me to these boring things,” I told him honestly.

“Boring things?” But he asked, smirking.

“Yeah, I mean I always give to charity when I can but, sitting in a room full of rich people who pretend to be something they’re not, isn't really my idea of fun,” I said and he laughed.

“No? What's your idea of fun then?” He asked as he was expecting me to say something like getting drunk with my friends, partying, what normal 21 years olds do.

I looked down and smiled

“I don’t know, I like to Draw and I love to read, I'm not really allowed to do much after....oh never mind, I guess I'm a bit boring too” I stopped myself from saying any more. I had known this Michale guy for five minutes and I was already about to let him in, this is not good.

“I like this house though, whoever is hosting this boring party at least has a nice house going for them. I was hoping to explore before I ran into you” I said...

Michale chuckled again.

“Yeah? I know the owner I can introduce you, I’m sure he’d love to take you on a tour” He smirks.

“Really?” I exclaimed and my eyes shone with excitement. 

Before Michale could reply, we were interrupted by a knock at the door. Michale opens the door and he's met with two security guards, they exchange a few words and he turned to me as they walk off.

“Sorry to keep you from your work, I will get out of your hair,” I said.

“No, you’re not in my hair, I just have to work,” Michale said, regretfully.

“It’s fine, thank you for my hand, and again, sorry for keeping you” I apologize shyly. I walked past him and to the door.

“I'm all done, Cassandra, ready to go?” Cindy said to me as I enter the main ballroom, everyone taking their seats for dinner.

“Yeah I'm ready, let's go” I answered. Just as we were leaving the host of the night, stands up on stage.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to tonight’s amazing event, it’s a pleasure to have you all here. To start our night I would like you all to please welcome the founder of tonight's Charity event, Who has opened his gorgeous home for us, the amazing and outstanding Michale Santorum” The host introduces.

I looked up shocked as I made eye contact with Michale as he stepped on stage. Michale winks smirking at me knowingly. I could not believe Michael is the one who owns the house, I feel so silly now, I let Cindy drag me out of the party, we slip out without anyone noticing, well anyone but a curly-haired mogul who has his sights set on me. Cindy can't stop laughing at me.

“I can't believe you told him the event was boring, right to his face” Cindy laughed even harder.

“Shut up you dick,” I said again, we were currently in the local bar, clothes and hair messy, a few drinks in.

“It's just too funny,” Cindy said, regaining her breath back.

“How was I supposed to know he was the one hosting the event?” I said frustratedly.

“You still don't know who he is do you?” Cindy questions, taking a sip of her drink.

“No, and I don't care anyway,” I said, both knowing it is not true but we decide to change the subject.

We carried on drinking and dancing for a few hours, I was having more to drink than I would usually have, more than I was usually allowed, Trying to get a curly-haired, green-eyed man out of my mind. Cindy hasn't been keeping that close of an eye on me so at 2 am I decided we've had enough and we walk back to the dorms.

“How much did you drink?” Cindy asked me as I threw up for the third time.

“Only five,” I said when I was done.

“Shit Cassandra” Cindy cursed.

It's 10 am the next morning and I have work in an hour.

“It's fine Cindy, I'm a big girl, I can handle it,” I said.

“Cassandra, your limit is 3, your brothers are going to kill me.” Cindy was losing her temper.

“Just relax, don't tell them, I'm fine Cindy, just stop,” I said as I get up off the bathroom floor and goes to brush my teeth, have a shower, and get ready for work.

“Relax? how can I, I think I need to take you to the ER” Cindy said with concern, still pacing the room outside the bathroom

“Okay, I need you to stop, you're my best friend, not my parents or my brothers, you're the one who's supposed to be on my side and who's supposed to be helping me live a normal life,” I said.

“I'm also allowed to worry about you,” Cindy shot back.

“I know and I'm thankful, but I'm fine and I have enough people around me to do that and it's annoying as Fuck. Please just be my best friend, I would tell you if something was wrong, I promise you I'm fine” I said as she sighed and nods her head in agreement.

“Yeah, you're right, sorry Cassandra”.

I smiled in response and she left me to have a shower.

My hangover was shit and I was not used to it, I have never been allowed to drink a lot and my brother always makes sure I keep in line. The accident left me with severe lacerations and scarring on my kidneys and the damage will be there forever, my brothers restrict me a lot and I was left without a spleen which means my brothers are so overprotective and it isn't funny.

When I finished my shower, I get dressed in my black skinny jeans and my white work shirt, I put my shoes on, grabs my backpack, phone and make sure my headphones are in my pocket for the walk to work.

“You sure you're okay?’ Cindy asked once more as I came back into the room, I was pale and looked sick.

“Yeah I promise I’m fine” I smiled.

“The boys will call me” Cindy reminded me.

“I know, tell them I'm fine and at work” I instructed just as Cindy’s phone rings and Izan name

flashes on the screen as I rolled my eyes.

“Love you, be back later,” I said.

“Love you too,” Cindy said as she answered the phone and I left.