"We're here Miss." I was too absorbed in my own head that I hadn't heard the cabbie when he'd first spoken. He was a friendly looking man in his mid fifties who looked like a storybook grandfather with his round belly and white hair. A quick glance at his identification card told me that his name was Frank.

The amusement was evident in his expression as I finally met his gaze. In my experience, I would have expected him to be a little more irritated after calling me with no response for what must have been at least a few minutes. His wrinkled cheeks were lifted around a small grin at my lack of response. Weird guy. For the lack of a better option, I grin in return, my attention finally shifting away from my thoughts.

"You're not from here are you?" He asks.

It was a little frustrating how easily he could see through my best efforts not to look like I'd never been away from home. "Is it really that obvious?" I mutter, tucking a few strands of dark auburn hair behind my ear.

He chuckled. "Well, I rarely meet a New Yorker with that look you had out the window, the entire ride. People here are usually busy on their cell phones, not that I would know anything about that, hate the darn things." He replies, the smile still on his face.

"Ah.." I rummage in my white handbag and retrieved my purse, a feat in itself considering the vortex that is my bag. Passing him a fifty, I say, "Thanks for the tip," before climbing out.

He rolled down his window. "You only owe me thirty eight."

I shrug. "Keep the change."

"Are you sure?" He asks. When I nod, he opens his door. "Let me help you with your bags then."

I shake my head, seeing the doorman of my new apartment building already approaching us. "Its fine, I'm sure the doorman and I can manage. Thank you, Frank."

With the sigh of a frustrated parent, he closes his door. "Alright then, but the next time I see you, the ride is free okay?" I laughed before nodding.

"Okay Frank, that'll do."

He patiently waited for us to get all of my bags out of the trunk before he drove off. I followed the doorman into the building as he effortlessly balanced my two, large bags. "Are you a new tenant here Miss?" The golden nametag of his black uniform read 'Hugh'. 

"Yes, but I've already gotten my keys and all that." I responded, trying to stay on course to the entrance as the bag I was pulling behind me kept getting caught. "Just bring me up to unit 15A."

He nodded, before opening the glass doors into the building, keeping them open as I slipped in behind him. I took a moment to admire the lobby as the soles of my dark boots landed on the black tiled floor. It wasn't huge, yet was big enough to appear spacious while still inviting. The walls were a very light cream colour, with dark mailboxes arranged neatly in a room off to the side of the elevators. Lights built into the ceiling cast a warm glow on everything.

At the far end of the room, beyond a reception and seating area were a pair of silver elevators, I pulled my bag as quickly as I could across the lobby, easily fitting into an awaiting elevator next to Hugh and an old woman with a grocery bag.

Hugh smiled at the elderly woman. "Good evening Mrs. Bryans."

"Good evening, Hugh." She didn't address me, save for scanning my entire person and belongings. She seemed to find me lacking, if the expression she had, getting off on the sixth floor, was any indication.

"Looks like I won't get along with her very well." I said half jokingly.

Hugh smiled. "She seems to try her best not to get along with anybody, if I'm being completely honest."

From there it was an uneventful trip to my unit. Hugh rolled my luggage into the middle of my living room and wished me a pleasant evening. "Goodbye Hugh, and thanks for the help."

"No problem, Miss?"

"Nicole." I said simply before closing the door. After making sure it was locked behind me, I excitedly took in the large space around me, made up of the kitchen, dining area and living room. The kitchen was fully equipped with modern, stainless steel appliances. Can't wait to try those out. Though exhausted, I couldn't help but think of all the recipes I wanted to try out.

The furniture in the dining area was dark wood, same as the coffee table in the center of the living room. The decorater completed the room with a plush white couch, a wall mounted, flat screen television. Tasteful embellishments dotted each room, creating an apartment fitting of any modernists' dream.

Beyond a pair of glass sliding doors was a small balcony overlooking the bustling New York streets below. I couldn't resist taking a moment out there, reclining on a small, white armchair, as I did my best to take in as much of this new city as I could. The wind rustled the leaves of a small green plant at the corner of the balcony by my feet. I closed my eyes as a passing breeze envoked a sense of calm within me.

As I did, I realised how tired I was, deciding to drag my bags into the master bedroom at the end of the hallway that stretched from my dining area. I found that the whole thing had been decorated in hues of purple and cream, my two favourite colours.

My eyes moved lazily over the light cream walls and dark purple king-sized bed in the centre of the room that was situated in between two white bedside tables, my mind too tired from my flight to truly appreciate how beautiful the room was. There was a walk in closet built into the wall beside the door to the spacious, matching cream-themed bathroom.

I stripped down to my underwear and camisole before pulling my hair out of the messy ponytail on my head, throwing myself onto the soft mattress of my new bed. I plugged my phone into its charger before dialling my father's number. He answered after three rings.

"Hello Nicole, how is the apartment?" He asked, sounding extremely relieved that I called, like he was expecting something to happen to me.

I couldn't help but smile at his obvious concern, it wasn't often that my father was flustered. "Dad, could you try not to sound too surprised that I made it to the apartment in the first place?" The amusement was evident in my voice. "And it's absolutely perfect."

"Well I would feel much better if my baby girl wasn't out there in New York all alone, but if she must be then I'll make damn sure it's up to standard."

"Don't worry dad, it's only for a while, there's absolutely nothing to worry about."

"Nicole, you and I both know that that's a stretch." He said, exasperated.

"I know you're worried but it's not like I have any enemies dad. If that's the case, your first born deserves more of your concern than I do. How is he doing anyway? Miss me yet?"

"Darling, you know that your brother can take care of himself. He's busy, but fine. He's worried about you too, though he won't admit to it. Your mother on the other hand has insisted we stand down."

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of my petite mother telling off the two large men of our family. "Well at least she believes that I can handle myself."

He sighed. "I know you can, I just...I just want you back home."

"I know you do dad, but I want to try this out for a while, the whole living on my own before my life turns hectic."

"Why couldn't you bring Roderick's people with you?"

"Because that wouldn't be living on my own, that would be living surrounded by other people who have their own families to worry and care for."

"All I have to do is ask."

"Don't dad, you and I both know that that's not the reason he's not here. Let me have these few weeks to experience life on my own before it becomes impossible." I pleaded. "We've already had this talk, father!"

He sighed again. "You'll be safe?"

"I will make sure to take care of myself." I agreed before yawning. "Sorry dad, but I'm exhausted, I'll call again tomorrow okay? I love you and please send my regards to the rest of the family."

"Goodbye Nicky, and I will." He said, his tone resigned. I hung up and placed my phone on the bedside table before crawling under my thick purple duvet.

***

When I reopened my eyes, it was already bright, the clock on my phone reading eight in the morning. I crawled out of bed and grabbed a hoodie and jeans for the busy day ahead. I brushed my teeth and pulled my hair into a messy bun before stuffing some money into the pocket of my hoodie, not bothering with any make up. And so day one begins, I said, grabbing my keys and locking the door behind me.

With Hugh's directions, I made it to a nearby supermarket. I filled my shopping cart with eggs, bread, milk and anything else I thought I would need, throwing in a bag of chocolate cookies as a reward for all the unpacking I'd have to do later, enjoying every minute of the mediocre task I'd never been able to do myself during my last twenty-two years of life.

***.

Once I got home, I began unpacking things into my closet, stopping for a break to make myself some lunch. Later in the day I tried getting used to my new apartment, studying every room in my new home. When I had finally accomplished my day's duties, I relaxed on the balcony with my bag of cookies, enjoying the view of the busy streets below me.

I exhaled as my body began to relax, truly enjoying the fact that there was now nobody to boss me around, telling me where to go, what to do or how to behave, at least for now. I spotted the Lady Liberty statue in the distance and faintly recalled a childhood dream of mine to visit her. A faint sense of excitement surged through me as I realised that I could actually do that now, all on my own.

I put my cookies away and jumped into the shower, scrubbing away the grime from my day of work. Once I was finished, I slipped into a pair of ripped, dark skinny jeans and a white camisole, throwing on a red leather jacket, and some black sneakers to complete the outfit.

I ran a brush through my long hair and let it frame my face in its usual waves. I snatched a black scarf from my bag on my way out. Once I stepped off of the elevators, Hugh spotted me. "Hi there Miss Nicole, are you heading somewhere?"

"Heading to The Statue of Liberty, I've always wanted to see it."

"Oh alright then, have a good night." He said, smiling.

"Thanks, you too Hugh!" I said before hailing a cab. I told the cabbie where I needed to go, the woman simply nodding before we began our journey.

***

"Thanks," I said to the attendant about three hours later as I got off of the ferry that had taken some other tourists and I to Lady Liberty's island, the sky above us already streaked in hues of pink and orange as twilight approached.

I considered going home right then, but my rumbling stomach soon killed that idea, deciding to go and stop for some dinner instead. I saw a few people disappearing down into the subway and I didn't give it a second thought as I trailed behind them, determined to have the complete, New York experience.

I found the train that would take me as close as I could get to Times Square and slipped into it just in time, as the doors began to close. I opted to stand, gripping the safety bars tightly as the train lurched forward. The trip was short and uneventful, aside from a pierced, bleached blonde guy who kept sending not so pleasant looks my way. I noticed that his feet slowly shuffled forward towards me every time we stopped at a station, though he did his best to try and hide the fact.

About halfway through my journey, a man and his children got in, standing in between Mr. Lewd and I, giving me a little reprieve from the guy's stare, though not by much as he continued to watch me. I sighed in relief when I finally got out at my stop, glad to be out of the guy's line of vision.

***

I found a nice looking bistro and at the recommendation of my server, I'd had the most amazing chicken pie I'd ever tasted for dinner; ordering a glass of Coke to wash it down. After a large slice of chocolate cake for desert, I decided to explore the rest of the street I was on, noting the name of the bistro I'd been at for when I was craving pie in the future.

I passed by a few souvenir stores and decided to take a look inside one of them, walking out with an oversized 'I love New York' t-shirt. I slipped it into the small black rucksack on my back with my purse, phone and camera.

After a bit of walking, I arrived at Times Square, the sight of the many lights against the darkness of the evening urging me to take out my camera. I slung the strap over my neck; snapping a few shots of the picturesque landscape as I did my best to avoid the oncoming people around me.

I kept my camera poised and ready as I continued my journey down the street, occasionally taking a picture of a street-side entertainer or cool looking building. When I was approaching what looked like a club, a drunken man who appeared in his mid thirties, stumbled out towards me, his face looking way too close to green for my liking.

I barely had time to jump out of the way before he painted the sidewalk yellow, the smell of of alcohol and stomach acid, sickening. I returned my camera to the safety of my bag before I took a hesitant step towards the man who was still bent over, heaving. "Sir, do you need any help?"

He shook his head once he'd straightened out, muttering incoherently before he disappeared down an alley. I turned and decided to begin my trip home, determined to at least last a week in the city before I was puked on. I found a nearby subway tunnel and did my best to stay upright as I wrestled with the crowd that was also clawing their way into the opening, truly worried that if I fell, I'd be trampled on.

I took a deep breath of air, even if it smelled like metal and smoke, as my feet landed on the platform floor. I was just happy to have made it down the stairs without being stepped on like a poor woman whom I'd seen being pushed around and stomped on by the unyielding crowd on my way down.

I jogged lightly towards the awaiting train, slipping in between the doors as they began to close. The cart I was in wasn't too full; much to my relief. Upon realising I had forgotten to grab my earphones, I decided to stand again, the pressure that came whenever the train stopped and began to move entertaining me during the trip.

***

I was thoroughly enjoying the journey when Mr. Lewd from before reappeared, looking rather tired as he breathed heavily with his hair dishevelled. He took an empty seat nearby and kept his gaze out the window until the train was back to its full speed, the outside world disappearing as we entered a tunnel.

The moment his gaze fell on me, he sent me another bawdy glance, his eyes raking over my body. I ignored him as best as I could as the train once again stopped at another station, a few people slipping in from the door behind me. As the train lurched forwards again, I lost my footing and stumbled backwards right into the wall of the train cart, or I thought it was, until I heard a muffled 'oof' as a pair of hands came up to steady me.

I turned to find myself leaning on the most gorgeous guy I'd ever seen in my life. His brown hair, streaked with a few darker, almost black strands, was almost artistically messy on his head, some of it falling over his dark eyes. His angular jaw was clenched under a five o'clock shadow. Despite having on layers of clothing, he was obviously muscular, easily towering over my 5'6 height by more than a head.

I couldn't help but stare, the feeling of his body against mine feeling overwhelmingly right. I unconsciously turned to get a better look at him, enabling me to see a small part of the tattoo sleeve he had spanning up from above his wrist into the sleeve of his dark crewneck sweater. The longer I stared at him, the more familiar he seemed to me.

What would it be like to kiss him? I silently wondered, realising that if I really wanted to, I could do that by just leaning forward. He didn't do anything but watch me as I began to move closer.

Nic, what are you doing?! This is NOT taking care of yourself! Look at him! He probably has a gun tucked into the waistband of his jeans! The sensible voice in my mind screamed at me.

Oh, I know he has one in there; and I can't wait to see it. The thought came a moment later, the feeling of his body invoking a way more damning image in my head than a harmless little kiss. It took me a moment to realise I was still in his embrace.

I snapped out of my daze as our eyes met, blood rushing to my cheeks. I was absolutely mortified that I'd done nothing but stare at the guy for ten whole minutes since he'd caught me. "Sorry about that. Obviously I don't have as good a grip as I think I do." I said around nervous chuckles.

He smirked before letting me go. "If I was a lesser man, I'd take that as an invitation to find out for myself." His low voice was faintly accented, promising wickedness. "Unless that was your intention all along."

His challenging look hooked me. "And here I thought I was being subtle." I said, with a smile of my own.

He leaned in closer. "In that case, tell me when and where, babydoll. I'll be there." He even smells amazing.

I granted him a coy smile and a shake of my head as I gently pushed him away. "Maybe some other time." Once I had enough distance to move past him, I took a seat a couple feet away, his presence at close proximity alone making me want to jump him, which was probably why I exaggerated the swing of my hips just a little, knowing he had his eyes on me.

Seriously Nic, get a hold of yourself. My sensible voice chastised again. The moment I sat down, I opened Wattpad to avoid having to look around and risk making eye contact with the sex god who's attention was now focused on something else, much to my unwarranted disappointment. It must be his girlfriend. I said bitterly, the thought of him with someone else inexplicably making my chest tighten. I ignored the feeling and returned to my book, the thought of my father's response if I came home with a guy really driving it in that whoever he was, was a bad idea.

***

A few pages later, I looked up to find that I had reached my stop. I stood up immediately, practically running out of the train to try and put as much distance between myself and Mr. Lewd as quickly as I could. He'd stared at me the rest of the train ride as well, pissing the hell out of me in response as his disgusting gaze kept raking over my frame.

I brisk walked the rest of the way to my apartment building, breathing a sigh of relief as it came into view. The feeling didn't last long as a pair of arms suddenly flew out of the darkness of a dimly lit, filthy alley and roughly dragged me in.

I felt the contents of my bag bite into my back as I was slammed into a wall. Before I could open my mouth, a hand clamped over it. "Scream and I'll kill you." A man growled, pressing the blade of a knife against the skin of my neck. As he did, his face inched forward enough for a little light to fall on it. Fantastic, I grumbled as I noticed that the man that currently had me pinned to the wall was no other than Mr. Lewd.

I'm actually very excited to begin publishing this book, so I hope you all like it and thanks so much for taking the time to read this. And I'd like to take a moment to thank MissShotgun for making me my cover and also cstyles101 for making the banner by the side :3 Also, I apologise if there are any mistakes because this is unedited :) -Roxy