Jasmine's PoV

Shock.

That is all I can see when I look at Kaiden. I know he is thinking that I am being impulsive and not thinking rationally. He couldn't be more wrong though.

"Kaid? Say something. Anything."

"Are you out of your damn mind? What makes you think this is a good idea? It actually sounds like a fucking terrible idea. So, please enlighten me as to why you think this could even remotely be a good idea."

"Ok. Well, let's think about it. I can imagine my father didn't seem too happy when he exposed our little secret, right?"

"No shit, Jasmine! I'm surprised I'm not already on my way to the morgue. He made it seem like I'm taking advantage of you! My parents are pissed! Well, Dad is pissed while Mom is beyond disappointed."

Of course he would fucking do that. My father can usually be called a "good man", but at times like this, I see just how manipulative he can be. Sure, he needs to be when it comes to business-related situations, but not this. My sex life has nothing to do with the business. At least for now it doesn't.

"This can help change their opinions, Kaid! We can tell them that we are taking things slow to see how it goes. I'll tell them that I asked you to lie for this reason. We'll say that we are keeping it a secret for the moment and we want to live together to see how it goes. Plus, Dad will never let us be alone now. This is the most practical thing to do so that I can still enjoy you," I whisper as I gently nibble on his earlobe.

"While that may be true, you know your father won't go for it."

"I'll tell him when I tell him. Don't worry about that. Look, we'll be living together so I'll always have back up if something were to happen, right? That will be the selling point for him. We would have some much needed privacy, which I am dying for. What's not to like about this idea? Look, you will still be free to hookup with whoever you want if that's what you're worried about. You know I don't care about that. Just text me before you head home and I'll give you all the privacy you need."

I care. I care far too much. I know that it's safer this way though. So, I'll do what I have to: Grab a damn straw and suck it up. I do not have feelings for him. I don't. Just breathe, Jasmine. Put your poker face on.

"Alright, Jasmine. Let's do this. On one condition."

"What's that?"

"We have to have a mind blowing housewarming party," he says while giving me a playful smirk.

"You got yourself a deal, Mr. Manetti. Now, let's salvage this night. You up for some drinks and dancing?"

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Blaze's PoV

"Don't look at me like that, Alessia. I am doing the right thing here."

"Blaze, Jasmine is too young to even be thinking about marriage. For Christ's sake, she's still in college!"

"Weddings take time, Tesoro (Sweetheart). Sometimes it takes years for alliances to be formed. This is why we need to start looking now. We need to find the best choice."

"I will not force my daughter to marry some stranger for your benefit! You are her father! Don't you want her to be happy?"

I need to be patient. Lessi doesn't understand how Jasmine has decided to live her life yet. Of course I want my daughter's happiness! Any decent parent tries to give their child that. Yes, I have made mistakes, but who hasn't? My top priority now is to ensure Jasmine's safety.

"Les, how can you even ask me that? You know that I want Jasmine to have a happy life. At least as happy as she can with our lifestyle. She has decided how she will live already. I am just helping her to get as much as she can out of it."

"What are you talking about, Blaze? Has Jasmine said something to you," she asks me wearily.

"No."

"Well, how can you make this type of decision without even knowing how she feels about it?"

"Kaiden told me. He explained that neither one of them want to get involved with someone because of how dangerous our lives are. Who knows Jasmine better than him, hmm?"

I can see multiple emotions run across her face as she processes what I just said. Sadness, pain, and concern are just a few. I can tell that her heart is breaking at the thought of our little girl never finding love. Her and Jasmine used to create bedtime stories that would consist of Prince Charming coming to brighten Jasmine's life. I know she has always dreamed of the day when she could bond with our daughter over falling in love.

I hate that I just broke that news to her.

"Les, I know you aren't happy about any of this, but it is ultimately up to Jasmine how she wants her love life to go. That being said, can you really say that you don't understand her decision?"

"As much as I wish I didn't, I do. I can't even say that I blame her. I just want her to be happy and safe."

"I will make sure she is safe, but we raised her right. She is strong. She'll do what's right. I know she will. Let's get some rest, yea? We'll talk to her in the morning when she has a cool head."

"You're right. I am sure she is pretty upset judging by her reaction at the table. Kaiden will talk her down. Plus, if they are sleeping together, I really don't want to risk seeing them in action. That's something you can't unsee I imagine."

"Really, Les? You just had to bring that up right before going to bed? How am I supposed to sleep now?"

"Just close your eyes and think good thoughts," she says with a sly grin.

Easier said than done.

************************************************
Jasmine's PoV

Once we arrive at Smartbar, I can already tell it is going to be packed inside. Yes, I expected it to be since it is a Saturday night, but that doesn't mean that I hate people any less. Kaiden and I walk towards the bouncer passing everyone who has been standing in line for at least an hour I'm guessing.

So glad it's Lance tonight. Don't even have to say my name to get in.

Lance gives us a friendly smile before granting us access to what I can only describe as a loud and bright sardine can. Once inside, I head straight for the bar. There's no way I can survive this madness without a little alcohol in my veins.

After an eternity, or more like 10 minutes, the bartender makes his way over to us. I lean towards Kaiden confirming he wants his usual starter drink before ordering. "Can I get a 'Hot Damn' and a shot of Jack," I ask the bartender." He comes back a few minutes later with the drinks and I hand him some cash. I pass Kaiden his shot and hold mine up.

"To making this night better," I toast before tossing it back. I grab Kaiden's hand and lead him to the dance floor. This is what really soothes my soul: a good song that you can dance to. Kaiden just makes it so much better. We just seem to have a natural rhythm. I'm sure it is because we have known each other for forever and a day.

https://youtu.be/GtasLwIqjNs

A few songs later, we go back for more drinks. Kaiden offers to get them this time so I tell him to get me another 'Hot Damn' shot and wait off to the side. Almost milliseconds after Kaiden walks off, some guy walks up to me.

"I haven't seen you here before," he says as he leans into me.

He's definitely not from around here. His accent makes that obvious. I am guessing he's from New England, but I can't quite put my finger on a specific area. Doesn't matter anyways. Not interested.

While giving him the biggest eyeroll I can, I respond with, "You could not see me still by turning around and going back to where you came from."

"Hmm, sounds like someone could use a drink."

"Actually, it sounds like someone can't take the hint that I'm not interested."

"Not to sound too stereotypical, but you're feisty. Not like most girls, are you?"

Now, he has got my attention and not for any positive reason.

"Let me stop you there. First of all, I'm a woman. Secondly, saying shit like 'You're not like other girls' is beyond stupid and slightly offensive. No shit I'm not like other girls because every girl is different. You know, like people because that's what we are. So, for all of my hope for humanity, stop using that line and other similar bullshit. Now, have a nice evening."

He stands there emotionless for a few seconds and then a smirk is playing on his lips.

He's seriously smirking right now?

"You are absolutely right. Thank you for that explanation. I never thought of it that way."

Huh? An apology? Well, smack my ass and call me surprised.

"I'm Josh."

"I don't recall asking for your name."

"True, but I still wanted you to know it. Since you don't want a drink, how about a dance?"

"Josh, I appreciate the determination you have, but I am here with someone. I'm quite sure you know that though since you come over the second he walked away."

"True, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind. After all, he has no reason to be worried. It's not like you're interested in me, right?"

"That is true. Alright, one dance and only because I have never met someone so set on dancing with me." I can't help but chuckle at this man.

He takes my hand in his and leads me back to the dance floor.

"I must confess that I saw you dancing earlier. That's actually why I felt the need to get you here with me. You were mesmerizing."

Looking into his eyes, I can clearly see confidence radiating back at me. An unexpected, yet expected, discovery. There is also something else, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

"You seem like a very confident man, Josh. So, why don't you tell me a little more about yourself?"

"You are extremely confident as well. Clearly a strong woman."

I give him what I hope comes off as a mischievous smirk and say, "You have no idea."

"Alright, what would you like to know?"

"Where are you from?

"New York."

"I knew it was New England, but I couldn't figure out where exactly. Whereabouts in New York?"

"The Big Apple itself. I'm just out here for business. I go back in a few days."

"A business man, huh? I assume you are successful by your level of confidence."

Power. That is what else I can see in his eyes. He is either very successful or at least believes himself to be.

"I do well for myself. What about you? What do you do for a living?"

"Nothing as of now. I am currently in law school. That keeps me fairly busy."

"I can imagine. So, are you going to tell me your name or keep me waiting?"

"Jasmine. My name is Jasmine."

"Beautiful. Tell me, Jasmine, would it be too forward of me to ask you to dinner tomorrow night?"

"I see you have gained some additional confidence, Josh."

"Just a little bit. Don't make me beg. Come on, it's just dinner. You gotta eat anyways, right?"

Something tells me he doesn't usually "beg" a woman to go to dinner. Then again, by looking at him, I would say rejection is an uncommon experience for him.

For the first time, I am really looking at him. He's at least 6'5" with olive skin. He's well built and has broad shoulders that make for a deadly combination. His piercing chocolate brown eyes remind me of melted milk chocolate. He has plump lips that, I won't lie, are tempting me like no other. 

"How about you give me your number and I'll let you know tomorrow?"

"Fair enough. I'm sure you want to sleep on it before deciding."

"Exactly. I'm sure my friend is going crazy trying to find me so I should be going. I am surprised that I'm saying this, but it was nice meeting you."

"The pleasure has been all mine, Jasmine. Until tomorrow then."