003

ARI’s POV

Shocked was an understatement as I gaped at the man from last night.

He looked calm and collected, like it was normal to be here. It made irritation and questions rise, the most visible one being;

What was he doing here?

His gaze seemed to rove over me before his lips quirked up into a smug looking smirk. It was like a kick to reality.

Had I been staring this whole time?

My heart hammered in my chest as I turned away. Maybe I'd gone far enough for today.

“Going somewhere?” he said, stopping me before I could leave.

I clenched my jaw defensively.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded,

“Is it a crime to relax in a back alley?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. Irritation crawled up my veins.

“It does when it involves stalking.” I said.

Instead he leaned in, a smile on his face.

“Very presumptuous of you…Detective,” he purred. A shiver ran through me at his words.

“Maybe it's a coincidence that we met again. Maybe I am a stalker. Maybe I've gone crazy after the night we had.”

A gasp left my lips as heat bloomed inside me.

“I wondered why you left so early. Didn't you enjoy our night together?” he asked, tilting his head.

Heat rose to my cheeks at the reminder of last night. Yes, that was probably the best night I'd ever had and now it was the biggest fumble I'd had in my entire career.

“Look, what happened last night was fun and all, but it was a one night thing. A mistake.” I bit out,

“Is that what they call it now? In that case it seems like I would like more mistakes,” he said.

I blinked, at a loss of words.

Was he…flirting with me right now?

His chuckle cut my thoughts off.

“It wasn't a mistake when you asked me to show you something dangerous. Am I not dangerous enough for you?” he asked,

More shame welled up in me.

“I was drunk and heartbroken from my breakup ” I said, even if the reminder of said breakup didn't feel as painful now.

“That's the only reason I slept with you.”

I could have sworn his eyes hardened a fraction before the look completely disappeared.

“That's what you say, but do you even believe it?” He murmured, taking a step towards me.

I stiffened, keeping my guard up against him but he wasn’t swayed.

Logic told me to move back, punch him in self defense or leave but I stayed. The heat in my belly crew as he entered my space.

My breath hitched as a warm weight fell over my gear, trailing down to my pants. His hand remained there, sending heat down to my core.

“Couldn't have been that drunk if you remember it so clearly? Do you deny that?” he raised his eyebrow, eyes dark just like last night.

“Look at me again and tell me it was a mistake.” his voice rumbled.

My breath hitched. My lips parted but I couldn't say a word. Instead my gaze remained fixated on him.

He looked even more handsome up close, without the club lights. His eyes, dark and smoldering and his skin tan.

‘Don't do it.’ Warning bells rang in my head to pull away and do anything else. Yet my mouth still went dry as his eyes trailed downwards to my lips.

Our lips collided and I was soon refreshed with the memories of last night. The pleasure and bruises he gave. His groan went straight to my core, making me pull him closer as his hands cupped my bottom. I didn't notice when I was pushed against the wall, holding onto him for purchase.

I never felt this way around anyone before. He was so addictive. I hated it.

I wanted more.

Suddenly the kiss ended. He whispered a curse I couldn't hear before separating. I protested as his weight left mine, before I heard the sound of a phone ringing.

He pulled away, taking out the phone from his pocket before slipping it in.

“It seems like we'll have to cut this short,” he said and I swore there was disappointment in his voice.

“I'll see you later…cara.”

I remained frozen against the wall as he left the alleyway. The cold penetrated my skin leaving only the lingering taste left on my lips.

What had I done?

I turned away dazed. It wasn't until I was near headquarters that another realization hit me

I didn't even know his name.

….

The moment I reached my desk, a dull ache in my head made me groan. The leftover ache of my hangover still remained. I was sure I stashed aspirin somewhere…

I checked my jacket for the drug only to freeze as I felt something else in my gear. It was something solid.

I rushed to open it only to find that it was a small jewelry box with a note attached to it.

‘Happy Belated Birthday’ it said with a single heart below it.

“What the -” I whispered aloud, mortified and shocked.

I was sure this wasn't here before. Nobody ever touched my gear, unless…

The recent memory of Mystery Man pushing against me, dragging me against him, putting his hands against it…

Heat rose to my cheeks. Instantly I pushed the box into my desk drawer, slamming it loud enough to get some attention. My gaze quickly darted around before I relaxed, covering my face.

What was wrong with me?

Shame and anger filled me, aimed at myself. There were more important things to think about than a stranger yet here I was losing my freaking head.

Had last night not happened, the mission might have been a success yet now I had to deal with the weight of my failures.

I had to track down the mafia like I'd done with others. From that day years ago, that had been my single resolve.

A memory from years ago mixed with police sirens and empty condolences felt so real. My father, a supermarket cashier, died because of a gang war.

Since then my resolve to become a police officer came , to stop all the gang violence and save others from getting hurt like I did. Since then I hated all gangs, especially the mafia.

It was the reason I'd risen the ranks so quickly, gaining experience and rarely failing to catch any of my targets.

And today was my biggest failure yet.

Wiping my face, my past resolve filled me.

Last night didn't happen, and neither did what happened this morning. It was a mistake that had cost my career. This job was a thousand times more important than a stranger with sexy dark eyes.

….

After hours of paperwork, I got off work early and headed to my apartment walking through the mostly empty streets. All I wanted to do as I reached my home was sleep and forget about everything before my phone rang. It was Kaelie.

I answered the call and received noises I recognized as apologizing.

“I'm so, so sorry Ari. I don't know what was up with me last night. I was working the night shift and my boss was nagging but it doesn't excuse how I left you in the call. I'm so sorry. I couldn't even wish you a proper happy birthday,” she cried out, sounding like she was near tears.

The reminder of last night made me upset. But Kaelie sounded so upset and sincere that the bad feelings faded away.

“It's okay. I forgive you,” I said, “Look, I'm about to cross the road right now but I'll call you in a few minutes, Kay?”

I ended the call as soon as she agreed, taking a step across the street when suddenly I was pulled back. Shock filled me and I nearly protested until a car passed me at high speed.

‘That would have been me,’ My heart skipped a beat as I realized I'd just been saved from an accident.

I turned around to thank my savior only to be shocked.

It was the Stranger again.

“You shouldn't be distracted on roads like these,” he said in a teasing tone, a smirk on his face.