After successfully escaping my family without causing a scene I had hurried to catch Drew outside where she was supposedly waiting for me. Apparently Drew had parked in one of the side parking lots while my parents parked in the front, which meant I could search for her without worry. I was excited to see her, and I had nearly melted whenever she had flashed me her quick wink and closed mouth smirk earlier. She was definitely in a good mood, so I silently prayed that mood would continue on throughout the night whenever we would finally make it to Cielo.

Quickly exiting out of the front doors of the performance hall I felt my bag swinging freely around my body, nothing but enthusiasm carrying me along. I felt the last October night's coolness, allowing it to fill my lungs with a sense of renewal while my eyes scanned the parking lot for Drew.

I could feel my heart beating in my chest from the anticipation of seeing her, as if I was a teenager impatiently waiting for her to pick me up for our first date. I didn't understand why Drew made me feel so weird, but overanalyzing everything all the time wasn't fun, so I decided to welcome the emotions instead. They were more familiar now that it's been over a month since I had met her, but the feelings never faded with time. They were consistent, and deep down I could only hope they would never go away.

I spotted her then, my stomach flipping in response as I hustled through the thick crowd of people that were also trying to leave. I could see the smile on her face since she had hesitated to put on her helmet, and suddenly I couldn't help but think that specific smile was the most beautiful thing I had seen all night. I steadied my breathing before finally making it over to her.

She stood off of her bike, the heat between us apparent as she congratulated, "You did an amazing job. The choreography and the costumes and everything... it was all great."

I felt my face flush at her compliment, a smile spreading across my lips without my consent. Drew had the ability to make me smile like I had just won the lottery. All it took was for her to look at me a certain way and I was in the palm of her hand. Not to mention how much better it was whenever she decided to be all sweet.

I nodded, "Thank you, but you know all the hard work we put into it."

Looking up into her clear irises that seemed to be telling me a story within themselves I found myself mesmerized by her. This was a normal occurrence but tonight she just seemed different, as if she was happier than I had experienced so far.

Our tiny moment ended whenever she lifted up my helmet, "Demarcus and Maria are meeting us at my place."

It took everything I had to avert my eyes from her, not wanting our moment to end. I accepted the familiar red helmet from her and slipped it over my head, "Sure, let's go."

Drew just studied me for a second longer before sliding on her own helmet, finally joining me on her bike. There had been something on the tip of her tongue, something she had wanted to reveal but had refused within that significant moment. I was curious, hell I was always curious, but Drew was a type of mysterious I had yet to figure out. Forcing information out of her wasn't easy either, and if she wanted to share she would.

Drew started out onto the busy streets of New York, quickly making her way through the traffic towards her place. My arms instinctively tightened around her abdomen, allowing me to press my chest against her warm back. I didn't know what exactly it was about tonight, maybe all the excitement and how Drew looked completely stunning, but I found myself growing hot while I felt her against my body. My heart had refused to let up since I had been in Drew's presence, and I realized touching her right now was driving me mad for absolutely no reason.

Usually I was so good at keeping my emotions in check, but I honestly couldn't promise anything about tonight.

I had been holding back for what felt like centuries, attempting to suppress the desires I felt towards Drew because she needed that from me. I had done well so far in keeping my distance, but lately I had found it nearly impossible not to reach out when I was with her and grab her. I was constantly daydreaming about touching her and feeling her soft skin under my fingertips. I wanted to take control of her and just show her I wasn't going to hurt her, but I knew that keeping my distance wasn't really for my sake, it was for Drew's.

She pulled up into her tiny garage that led to her apartment, seeing that Demarcus and Maria weren't here yet. I figured he had taken Maria home to change, which could be a short visit or a long wait and internally guessed we would find out soon enough.

I climbed off of her bike and followed her into the familiar apartment, seeing Milo hopping off of the couch to greet us. The familiar aroma of Drew's scent and freshly burned candles really made me feel at home as I dropped my dance bag.

Watching the tall blonde move around her house was one of my favorite things to do, she was just so elegant and calm all the time. I tended to compare this Drew to the Drew I would witness in the fighting ring, having a hard time believing they were the same person. It was hard to make the connection and understand her different sides, but I was trying my best.

She turned to me, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders, "Do you want something to drink? Eat? I figured you'd be kind of hungry..."

I was hungry, and I was kind of thirsty too, but there was just something about Drew right now that I was going mad over. I was happy, happier than I usually was. I was stress free, and the feeling of success had overtaken me because of the phenomenal responses to our recital. I had missed her, and she looked painfully good right now. I hated admitting it to myself but holding back was too hard for me, and I had a gut feeling Drew understood that by the look I was giving her.

I was close enough to her for me to smell her familiar perfume, my back leaning against her island as her light eyes pulled away from the fridge and back to me. I watched them travel quickly up my legs and linger on my breasts before finally meeting my own, letting me know she was feeling the same thing I was.

The tension wrapped around us as I tried to control myself, "No I'm fine."

"You sure you don't want anything...?"

I shook my head, realizing I was biting my lip as I released it, but not before Drew had seen. I could feel my palms grow sweaty from the nerves that were balled up in my stomach.

God, kiss me already... I pleaded internally, wishing Drew would just give in.

I watched her swallow as I felt my weaknesses overtaking me. There was no denying the tension, and there was no denying the fact that we had a mutual attraction that seemed to be bigger than the both of us. She felt it, I felt it, but she constantly held back out of fear. She had no reason to be afraid, and if she wanted her control I would let her have it. She knew all of this yet she still continued to hold back, but I could see her defenses crumbling before my very eyes.

She played with her hands, her eyes still taking me in silently but I wanted her to lean in already. She wanted it, and she seemed to almost need it. I needed it, and I wanted her to know that.

I mumbled silently, "You can if you want Drew."

She knew what I was talking about, her jaw flexing in response as she nodded, "I do."

"Then kiss me," I pleaded, almost too desperately as I refused to break eye contact this time.

She hesitated for only a second before moving towards me, her hands grabbing my hips as she pressed herself against me. I was trapped between her and the island in her kitchen, her control disabling me from escaping. I was her puppet, and I understood that she needed to control my strings for her to continue willingly.

The initial kiss that was shared was only timid and nervous, but when she pulled away I found myself needing more. I was suffocating in this room filled with tension and the only way to survive was by kissing Drew. My eyes closed instinctively, our mouths pressed together as I felt hers wrap around my bottom lip. Giving into her was easy, but I found keeping hold of my sanity was not. I felt like if she refused to take it just a little bit further I wouldn't be able to restrain myself much longer.

My hands had nowhere to go as I released the molding of her counter top, latching onto the sides of her jacket immediately. She had suddenly become my gravity, and if I dared to let go I would for sure float away.

Then suddenly I felt her release my lips, her strong arms lifting me onto the counter to where I was eye level with her. They were clouded with lust, something I hadn't seen much in Drew since I had met her. It was exciting and intimidating all at once, and I wasn't sure if she realized what she was doing to me and my poor heart.

Her hands grabbed the back of my knees, pulling me into her as if there was absolutely too much space between us in that tiny moment. My body was hot, my chest a wildfire as my lips were captured by Drew's once more. In this moment I was her willing hostage, allowing her to do whatever she wanted as long as she didn't break the only means of life I had.

I was becoming a mess, slowly losing every ounce of will power I had while I felt her hands move up my thighs. The trails left invisible burns, tearing away every doubt and insecurity I had as they slowly came to a rest on the sides of my hips.

I needed her, right now, and I could feel the overpowering tension threaten my very existence if I didn't give her a sign to take it further.

I grabbed her bottom lip between my teeth, biting a little too forcefully from the excitement. I regretted it instantly because Drew then released a heavenly moan through her lips, sending waves of pleasure throughout my own body. I responded the only way I knew how, allowing my hands to release the death grip I had on her jacket and move into her hair.

I didn't know how much longer this moment was going to last but I was soaking up every second, afraid that when and if she pulled away it wouldn't be enough.

It will never be enough, Breanna...

My legs wrapped around Drew, preventing her from moving away as I felt her push my jacket off of my shoulders. My heart was pounding through my chest, begging me to stop putting it into overdrive but I couldn't. I was addicted to the adrenaline, hooked to the taste of her lips, and I couldn't stop even if I wanted to.

Her hands moved along the skin of my biceps, more trails of fire burning my precious skin while I felt my body responding instantly. I couldn't take it anymore, I couldn't stand the waiting and the holding back.

"Drew," I begged, urging her forward. Everything in my body was trembling from her touch, and I could only imagine how much better it would be if she took it further. She knew what I wanted, she knew I was begging her to touch me, and for a split second I saw her consider it.

Her forehead rested against mine, "Dee and Maria are gonna be here any minute..."

I slowly untangled my hands from her hair, releasing her from my own grip that had gotten carried away. I could tell she had been slightly uncomfortable but had been battling it anyway, as if she knew how desperately I wanted her. She wanted control but she also wanted to be touched, but being touched could trigger all sorts of toxic memories to resurface and scare her away.

I shrugged off the disappointment, "I'm surprised."

"You and me both."

I submerged myself in the ocean of her eyes, "You didn't get freaked out?"

She shook her head, "No, not really, which feels really good..."

I felt my face redden at the sight of her taking me in, as if I was all she could look at right now. I was doing the same, hoping to be able to retain a mental picture and save this specific memory for a rainy day.

She whispered, "I'm trying so hard, Bree..."

I could hear the desperation in her voice, letting me know it was extremely tough for her. I realized I probably had taken it a little too far, but that had let me know she wanted me. There was still that obvious attraction, but I needed to remind myself Drew had her reasons. She was learning to accept affection again, something she had been quite afraid of.

I scolded myself internally as I responded, "I know, and I'm sorry I kind of took it too far-"

"Don't," she interrupted, "Don't apologize, because you have nothing to be sorry for."

I watched her eyes beg me not to feel guilty, which helped alleviate some of it, but not all. I could see the damage inside of her, something I was desperately trying to fix, but I understood it took time. It wasn't something you could glue back together. You had to take your time in molding it into something better.

Fixing Drew would take time.

Then I heard someone at the door, letting us know the cab was outside waiting. Drew took my hand as I jumped off the counter, never letting go of me as we walked towards the door. I suddenly realized my legs were weak, as if both of them were asleep and were slowly waking up.

Opening the door we came face to face with Maria, who seemed to know just exactly what we had been doing. She smirked at me and then addressed, "Demarcus is in the cab."

I felt Drew guide me over towards the street, the familiar excitement arising in my chest again. I felt her hand on the small of my back, burning a hole right through my blouse, making me wish we would've agreed to just stay in tonight.

The three of us climbed in and Demarcus addressed me, "Breanna that recital was bomb! It makes me wanna dance too."

He glanced at Maria with a big smile on his face while she instead palmed her face in embarrassment. I laughed, "I'm glad you liked it."

The cab driver began making his way to the club, all of us falling into conversation while Maria gave me curious looks the entire way. I knew she could tell we were distraught, my lips were probably slightly swollen from kissing, and my cheeks were still burning. There was no hiding the fact from her, but she wasn't going to press me for answers until we were alone.

I hadn't realized until now but Drew's hand was still sitting in my lap, caressed between both of mine. We had never held hands before, which led me to believe this was one of our firsts. I liked the warmth she radiated, her hand keeping both of mine warm. She squeezed them slightly as we made it up to the front doors of Cielo, seeing people I knew already walking in the door.

Climbing out of the cab I could already hear the music thumping through the walls as the door opened and closed. We all walked up and proceeded to tell the bouncer we were here with the dance company, allowing them to move aside and let us in.

It was already packed with people, whom I recognized all from the recital just an hour earlier. Drew followed behind me as we made our way through the crowd, allowing us to find a corner to exchange a game plan.

Maria chimed, "Who's drinking?"

I looked at Drew, who just shrugged, "Maybe one or two."

I nodded, "I'm for sure drinking."

Demarcus added, "Same."

Heading over to the bar that was jam packed with people who were also trying to get drinks we blended in and got in line. I felt Drew lean down, her lips coming close to my ear, "I'm glad I came tonight."

I shivered as I looked up at her, smiling. I was curious as to what had provoked such a response, shaking my head, "We've only been here a few minutes."

She nodded over to something, or should I say someone, and I glanced over in the direction. Jordi stood with a few other guys, his eyes peering over the crowd and straight to me. I could tell he knew there was something going on between and Drew, it was pretty obvious, and it flattered me to know Drew was protective.

I smirked up at her, "You're jealous?"

Her smirk widened as her arm snaked around my waist, pulling me into her. I allowed myself to accept the gesture, knowing she didn't have to respond since I already knew the answer. I knew she wasn't jealous, but rather was more overprotective than anything. She had showed that the first day I had rehearsed at the gym, her agreeing to walk me all the way to the bus that night.

She hadn't changed much in that area.

Eventually we made it to the bar and ordered drinks, the bartenders hurrying to move onto the next customer as soon as we were taken care of. Maria yelled over the music, "Let's dance!"

I looked up at Drew and hinted, telling her silently that she would dance with me tonight. She just gave me that familiar close mouthed smirk as I pulled her to the crowded dance floor.

Most people claimed they couldn't dance, but that wasn't the case tonight considering all of us obviously could. Drew didn't have an excuse either because I had seen her keep the rhythm, so standing on the sidelines was out of the question. Plus there was nothing I loved more than dancing with her.

The chemistry between us was apparent, and it only intensified whenever we were close and moving to a steady beat.

It only took a few more drinks and several more songs to have me dancing all over Drew without a care, no filter on my mouth while I continued to have fun. It was hot but I didn't mind, and the way Drew moved against me only resurfaced the recent memories of us at her house.

She really shouldn't do this to me in public.

It was different here, the energy electrifying because of all the good vibes everyone was feeling. The minutes passed like seconds, as if every time I blinked something new was happening.

I was currently wrapped around Drew, my back touching her front as I moved against her. She liked to tease me, that was obvious, but this was the perfect opportunity to finally retaliate for all those times she had made me suffer. Of course I didn't blame her, not one bit, but I was having fun and I honestly didn't think she minded.

Her hands gripped my hips, feeling every movement I subjected towards her. I wasn't drunk but I was feeling great, and I wasn't sure if Drew was even drinking anymore. I wouldn't make her, besides I knew she didn't particularly like to anyway.

I felt her hands turn me around to face her then; knowing that once I came into eye contact with her my senses would instantly melt away. She had that affect, and she knew she did.

She pulled her lips to my ear and spoke, "You're not being fair."

I shrugged, "Boohoo."

She smirked playfully, leaning down and planting a kiss on the crook of my neck. I was caught off guard completely, but I felt my legs grow weak just from that. Not from the hours of dancing we had just done. I felt her pull me off to the side, joining Maria and Demarcus who were drinking and talking at a table.

I heard Maria chime, "Oh lord, Bree's finally taking a break?"

Drew laughed into my neck, causing bumps to rise even though the temperature in here was already suffocating. I was grateful it was cool outside though, because if it would've been summer it would be hell in here.

I looked over to Maria, the pull of the alcohol hitting me, "You're just being lame."

She shook her head, "I'm actually tired from the recital. Where do you get all this energy?"

I shrugged, turning my attention to Drew and feeling the want to close the gap between us. Controlling myself was hard enough sober, it only got a lot harder whenever I was tipsy. I knew Drew understood that, but she wasn't making it easy to keep my hands off of her.

She tilted her head and smirked, "Having fun?"

I eyed her hungrily, wishing I didn't have to be in public right now. We could go home any minute we wanted, and the more I looked at Drew the more I wanted her. I wasn't sure if anything would come out of it, but it was worth a shot.

I fell into her, suddenly feeling drunker than before. I giggled as I kissed her, wishing that she would just take e home already because I was dying to just be alone with her. I pulled out my phone and realized we had been here a few hours, realizing it was already a little after midnight.

Drew's voice became a little more gentle and protective, "I'll go get you a water okay?"

I wanted to tell her not to leave me but she did anyway, allowing me to rest on the table next to Maria and Demarcus. I could feel their eyes on me because I was a little more tipsy than them but I knew I was fine. I was just feeling good, and the energy was just intoxicating me.

Maria spoke, "You look like you're having fun."

I nodded, "I am, but I would be having more fun if you and Demarcus would dance with us!"

Demarcus laughed then, studying me, "I didn't look like you two needed us."

I blushed instantaneously, knowing he was right. We had been lost in our own little world on the dance floor, something I hadn't really noticed until now.

Then I felt a wide hand on me, and I turned expecting Drew but instead came face to face with Jordi.

He spoke, "Finally caught you without your girlfriend."

I rolled my eyes, wondering why he was even calling Drew my girlfriend. He had no right to intrude on my parade, and I had feeling Drew wouldn't like this image if she witnessed it from the bar.

I moved slightly away from him, "She's not... my girlfriend."

He raised his brow, "Could've fooled me."

"Wasn't trying to," I countered, searching for Drew immediately now that Jordi was all up in my space.

I thought it was funny how he had avoided me while Drew was next to me, making me understand he was probably scared of her. I didn't blame him, but he didn't know her, and I was glad Drew frightened him away from me.

He was kind of annoying.

He pressed, "So you're not dating but you're always with her?"

I rolled my eyes, answering without a filter, "Are you jealous?"

I could see his olive irises searching mine, a sense of annoyance and defeat overtaking him. He narrowed his eyes, "I mean kind of, considering you barely know her."

I laughed then, not being able to control the anger I was suddenly feeling towards him. He didn't know me, and he didn't know Drew, and he honestly had no right to speak about our relationship. I nodded, "And I know you? And you think you know me so much better, Jordi? Please..."

All of these things were probably going to bite me in the ass later but I was sick and tired of his constant pressing and nosiness. I was tired of having to give him reasons as to why I wasn't interested when I just wasn't. He needed to get the fucking hint already.

His hands grabbed on my shoulders lightly, "Bree I do know you better, and I've been asking you to give me a chance-"

His comment was cut short by a hand on his shoulder, lightly shoving him off of me. I watched as Drew stepped up in front of him, darkness in her eyes that had just disappeared moments ago. My hand instinctively grabbed her arm, attempting to pull her away form Jordi.

I watched her mouth to Jordi over the music, "Don't."

I watched the menacing stare radiate from Drew and penetrate Jordi's defenses, scaring the living shit out of him. I could tell he was uneasy, but his pride was more important as he looked at me and shook his head.

He jabbed, "I see, you just like controlling freaks instead."

My grip on Drew's arm tightened, attempting to keep her connected to her sanity. I could tell her anger had risen tremendously, especially after seeing how uneasy Jordi's touch had made me. Demarcus also seemed worried about Drew's temper as he moved in between Jordi and his friend.

He pressured, "I think you should just leave it alone, man."

Jordi stormed off, leaving the four of us in a state of shock. Maria was next to me, "Maybe we should go."

I grabbed Drew's hand that held the water bottle, guiding her through the crowd behind Demarcus and Maria. We had been here for nearly three hours but it was obviously time to go, the crowd was just getting to big and too drunk. Not to mention the fact that I was actually quite drunk myself, and heading home sounded great to me.

With one hand gripping Drew's and my other on Maria's shoulder we filed our way through the crowd and towards the front door of the club. I had fun while it had lasted, and when we made it outside I felt the coolness of the night surround me. My head spun lightly but I was okay after a few seconds, and I turned back to see Drew back in her normal state.

She shook her head, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lash out... I just didn't like the fact that he touched you-"

"It's fine," I pressured, not wanting her to feel bad, "Don't worry about it. He was practically asking for it."

Then all of a sudden I felt a strong hold on my arm, realizing it was Maria that was hurrying to pull me away to a cab. For a second I grew pissed off because it felt as if she was pulling me away from Drew, but when I heard her murmur something under her breath I realized that wasn't the case at all.

"I can't believe that bitch is here," she hissed.

What was she freaking out about? God her grip was tight! I tried to pull away because she was actually hurting me but she seemed dead set on getting me inside that cab.

I pulled against her, "Who? Maria stop pulling me!"

"Breanna!"

Maria's dark eyes faced me, ordering, "You better not turn around."

But I had already felt my skin run cold at the painfully familiar voice that I thought I had forgotten. Everything inside of me screamed to leave, to not turn around and look at the girl I had forced out of my life three years ago. I was trying my best to obey Maria's orders but there were too many contradicting thoughts swarming through my head.

I whispered to myself, "I don't need this right now..."

Maria pulled, "C'mon Bree."

Then again, even when the confusion was overcoming me I couldn't seem to ignore the fact that she was here. I had to see her, and even when it had been years I could still picture her in my head. Did she look the same? Did she have the same hair cut? Was she taller? Skinnier?

Looking at Drew I could tell she was just as confused as I was, but it didn't stop me from turning around to look at her. I had to see it for myself, even if Maria was trying to pull me away to the cab.

Then when I finally did turn around and look past Drew I saw her, standing there a few feet away from me.

Ashley was here, at Cielo, calling for me.