Youtube is still being stupid and not letting me upload a song on the side. If you want you can go search 'Yeah' by Usher at the right scene. It's my favorite dance song. And my own stripper song.

Picture on side of Julianne Hough who plays Neena Brown :) Shes so pretty!

Dedicated to Bubble_8 because she always comments and makes me feel good about my writing :)

Happy Reading :)

As soon as I felt the hand on my shoulder I let out a scream. Who it could be flashed through my mind in a nano-second. Was it a homeless person? Is it someone here to rob me? Is it my father? The last thought was the scariest of them all. I was turned around and my eyes landed on a pair of familiar brown eyes.

"Clark you scared me!" I said trying to calm my breathing down.

"Sorry Layla." Clark said his expression actually remorseful.

"What are you doing here?" I asked changing the subject.

"I am here to drive you home. I figured you would be the last one to leave."

"Oh thank you, but you didn't have to. Don't you have a family or wife wondering where you are?"

"I already called my wife and told her I would be home late." He said than gestured to the car. I grabbed the bottom of my dress and slide into the back, I felt bad for making Clark wait for me but at the same time I was thankful. As he started the car I leaned forward in my chair.

"How long have you and your wife been married?" I didn't know anything about Clark apparently.

"We have been together for about 19 years. We met when we were both twenty. She was in college and I was a fighter." Wow he didn't look to be in his late thirties.

"One night after a match I went to a bar here in New York to blow off some steam. Anyways I was sitting at a table kind of in the back when this group of ladies walked in. All of them were very beautiful but my eyes stayed glued to this brown haired glasses one. She looked really out of place dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt while the rest of the girls were wearing tight short dresses. In my eyes she was the prettiest of them all. I got the balls to go up and talk to her and what do you know she turned me down immediately. After that night I went back almost every other day to that bar to see her again. It wasn't until a week and a half she walked in. I spent that whole night trying to get her attention and for her to say yes to a date. Anyways long story short she finally agreed. After dating for almost a year I proposed to her and for some reason she said yes and we've been together ever since." The way he talked about her I knew he loved her with everything he had.

"That is a sweet story." I said smiling. "She sounds great."

"She is. She keeps me on my toes." He grinned at me through the review mirror. "Here we are." I looked outside and saw we were outside my apartment.

"Thank you for the ride tonight Clark." Patting his shoulder I got out and waved one last time to him before heading inside.

I unlocked my door and pushed through shutting and locking it behind me. Not bothering to shower since it was so late I slipped off my dress and placed it gently on a chair in my bedroom. Going into the bathroom I washed my face free of makeup and pulled out the bobby pins in my hair to pull it up in a bun for bed. After brushing my teeth I slipped on a pair of comfy pjs, plugged my phone in, and slide under the covers. Tonight has made me emotionally drained and I was ready to be pulled into sleep and forget it all.

Laying my head on my pillow I tried to fall asleep. You would think since I haven't slept much in the last 2 weeks I would immediately fall asleep but instead I tossed and turned trying to get a certain person's face out of my head.

******

The next morning I got up around 9:30 or so. I laid in bed staring up at the ceiling debating if I really needed to get up today. I just wanted to stay in bed all day and read my book or something. After having an internal debate for about 15 minutes I finally got up and got in the shower. Washing off all of last night I got out feeling clean and refreshed. All I planned on doing today was finish cleaning up the venue from last night than coming back home to eat junk food and watch tv. I slipped on a pair of yoga pants, a sports bra, and a tank top. Piling my hair into a ponytail I left my bedroom to grab something quick to eat than I was ready to go. The sooner I left the sooner I could get back home.

Grabbing a random yogurt from the fridge I glanced around and knew Kacey wasn't home. Probably spent the night with Nick. I thought. I slipped on a pair of flip flops, grabbed my things, and left the apartment. I don't care if I don't match or if I'm wearing workout clothes. It's not like i'm going to be seeing anyone while I was cleaning. I got a taxi pretty quick and was soon headed to The Smiths Center.

Walking through the door I couldn't help but think about last night. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I decided I was going to put a wall around my heart and that way it won't get hurt again. I was tired of feeling sad and angry at Ashton. If he wanted to act like a jackass than so be it, I wasn't going to show him that he has hurt me. With a new feeling of confidence I got to work cleaning up the rest from last night.

I was thankful that I had thought ahead of time for the cleaning part. I hired some cleaning crew to take care of the decorations, and to clean the floors. Than I got someone to come by and pick up the plates, glasses, and silver to take back to the shop. All I had to do was make sure the donations were picked up this morning and that no one left anything. Last night I had helped throw away extra food and clean the tables off. I was in the middle of stacking up plates and putting them in a box so the people could take them when a deep velvety voice called my name behind me. I steeled myself and turned towards him.

"Mr. Miller." I said keeping any emotion out of my voice. What's Ashton even doing here?

"I figured you would be here." Ashton said coming towards me. He looked different today. Instead of wearing his usual work attire, he was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a fitting grey t-shirt. If I thought Ashton in a suit was hot this was even hotter. Casual Ashton was H-O-T! Pulling my gaze away from his body I looked over his shoulder at the wall not wanting to make eye contact. I knew if I did the wall around my heart would crumble faster than the Berlin Wall.

"Yes I am. Why are you here?" I asked my voice clipped.

"I wanted to talk to you about last night."

"And you couldn't have used the phone?"

"No I wanted to talk face to face."

"Than go ahead, I have things that need to be done." I said. He was quiet for a few minutes and I felt him looking me up and down. Everywhere his eyes looked seemed to burn like his eyes were lasers cutting my clothes off.

"Last night was...okay." Ashton said breaking the silence. I clenched my jaw and finally looked at him.

"Just 'okay'?"

"Yes it could have been better. But since you are new to this I will let it slide." He spoke in a nonchalant way. My hands unconsciously curled into fists. I wanted to pound on his face until he acted different. "I have a few things for you to do before Monday." He said.

"Sorry I have plans." I lied. No way in hell was I working on a Saturday especially after what I had to do last night. "It will have to wait until Monday." He narrowed his eyes at me.

"What plans?" He asked his voice low.

"None of your business. Now is that all?" When he didn't answer I brushed past him ignoring the burning gaze of his eyes on my backside. I opened my phone and dialed Kacey's number silently fuming at Ashton.

"Hello?" Kacey answered her voice thick with sleep.

"Kacey we are going out tonight." I than said something in all of my 23 years of life I have never said. "I want to get drunk."

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Ashton's POV

I watched Layla walk off and couldn't help but stare at her ass incased in those damn yoga pants. She needs to wear those more often. I thought. I momentarily forgot why I was mad at her as she stocked away from me. Where is she going tonight? I couldn't help but ask myself. I knew it was none of my business but I didn't want Layla going on a date with some guy or anyone for that matter. I growled under my breath and tromped to my car outside.

Layla had every right to be pissed at me, especially with how I acted last night and just a few moments ago. I lied when I said the gala was just okay, it was honestly great! Everything went and looked perfect. In all the gala's that have been thrown in the last couple of years this one was the best of them all. All night people had come over to me and told me they loved the decorations and everything about the party. They asked me who did it but I didn't tell them it was Layla and I felt bad that I didn't. She did an amazing and I felt guilty that I didn't have anyone help her. It was a dick move and I realize that now.

I don't know what I was trying to do to her. Maybe get her to quit so I wouldn't have to see her everyday and want to go over to her and kiss her senseless every second of every day. Everything I did last night i regretted. I shouldn't have brought Natasha with me and I shouldn't have ignored Layla the entire night, especially when she was just doing the job I told her to do. All night I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. In that stunning red dress she looked irresistible and I had to hold back a growl every time I saw another man look at her with lust. That dress hugged her curves perfectly and made her skin look tan, it took everything of my being to not going over there and take her somewhere to ravish her. The more I looked at Layla the more angry I got at myself. Trying to distract myself from her I would kiss Natasha or hold her tightly against me, but in the back of my mind instead of seeing Natasha's face I saw Layla's.

Never would I tell anyone but when I walked into the room with Natasha on my arm I looked over at Layla and saw her face. Her expression almost brought me to my knees. There was no mistaking the hurt in her eyes or the sadness that past across her face. I knew she picked out my suit for me and I purposely wore it. The voice in my head told me I shouldn't but knowing that Layla hand picked it out I felt the need to wear it. It was the closest way to be with her and not be with her. When Layla came over to meet my parents last night I clenched Natasha hard against me. The smell of Layla's perfume was intoxicating and I tightened my jaw so I would lean in and smell her as she greeted my parents with a smile.

The moment Layla walked away I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My mom than went on about how she liked Layla and approved of her. My mother didn't easily accept people, hell she hated Natasha's guts, but in just a few moments Layla had my mothers approval. The moment I regretted the most though was when I kissed Natasha in front of Layla. I didn't miss the hurt look on her face and I instantly wanted to rewind the last minute and not kiss Natasha but Layla instead. Hell if I was rewinding I would rewind to the moment I broke it off with Layla and have her as my date instead.

I was being utterly a dick to her but I knew that pushing her away was easier so I wouldn't hurt her. But your already hurting her in the process. The voice reasoned in the back of my mind. Before leaving the party last night I snuck a quick glance at Layla one last time and saw her talking to her friend. From here I could see her smile and I knew it wasn't a real one. Her friend didn't seem to notice the act Layla was putting on but I could. When I got in the car behind Natasha my mind was else where as Clark drove us away from The Smiths Center, away from Layla. Instead of taking Natasha to my place and sleeping with her I had Clark drop her off at her hotel she had been staying at over the past few weeks until she left tomorrow.

She clearly didn't understand why I wasn't going to sleep with her and kept asking me why we were here instead of at my place but I just dismissed her. I told her I was tired and to get out. Not even glancing her way I heard her huff and slam the car door behind her. Telling Clark to take me home I leaned back in the seat feeling suddenly tired. Once we pulled up and I got out and told Clark to wait for Layla at the venue to take her home. With that I went inside and went into my office. I gripped my hair in-between my fingers and thought about Layla the rest of the night.

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Layla's POV

After ending the call with Kacey I had called Neena and told her we were going out and to be at my place by 7 o'clock. I had spent the rest of the morning and afternoon calling the cleaning service, and cleaning my own apartment to waste time until both of my friends came over and we got ready. I am never one to really drink, and go out and party but I needed to. I needed to relax and forget about everything, hell i deserved it. When Kacey came home around 4 or 5 I turned the tables and questioned her about her night with Nick.

I than spent the next hour and a half learning about him. He apparently owned his own business with technology, he was also a millionaire like Ashton, and I unfortunately found out he was Ashton's best friend. I let that part go, for now, and let Kacey continue to tell me how sweet and caring Nick was. I only partly listened to her, I'm a terrible friend. I made comments in the right spots and nodded when needed. Finally it was 7 o'clock and Neena knocked on the door right on time. I let her in and she instantly started asking me why I wanted to go out clubbing.

"Stupid Ashton. That's all I'm going to say." I said waving the rest of their questions off. Luckily both of them were just happy I wanted to go out tonight and was supportive to come out with me. Okay that last part was a lie, even if they didn't support me they would still go.

We got ready together and I had to borrow another another outfit from Kay. I really need to go shopping soon. I thought as I pulled on a tight skin hugging dress that Kacey handed me. It was a pretty blue color and ended about mid-thigh. Since I had pulled my hair up in a bun this morning while it was still wet it dried wavy. Kacey just added a little mouse in it and the waves looked almost like beach ones. My makeup was light and my eyeshadow matched the blue in my dress. I borrowed a pair of heels that matched the dress from Kay's closet, while she flat ironed Neena's hair.

"So Neena how was last night with Liam?" I asked out of the blue waiting for Kacey to finish her own makeup. I could see Neena blushing as she turned away from me.

"Ohhh something happened!" Kacey said grabbing her dress.

"Did not! We didn't do anything." Neena defended but she didn't sound to convincing.

"Yeah we don't believe that." I said smiling at her. "Come on tell us!"

"Fine." She sighed. "We went and got coffee after the gala. Instead of talking a taxi home Liam walked me home and we looked at the stars and just talked. We got to know each other and when he dropped me off at home we...kissed." I turned to Kacey and we both grinned.

"Awwww!! Neena you like him a lot don't you?" I said. She talked about him in a dreamy voice. When she didn't say anything my grin got wider.

"Oh would you look at that it's 8:30 already. We better get going." Neena said and got up leaving the room.. Both Kacey and I chuckled and followed after her. Yep she liked him, and by her actions it was alot.

We got to the same club I met Ashton in about 20 minutes later. The club was already packed and it only 9 o'clock. Since Kacey knew the bouncer up front we were able to by pass the long line and got inside. We ignored the angry protest of the people waiting in the line and thanked the bouncer. The moment we stepped inside I was slammed with the bass of the music. We pushed through the masses of sweaty bodies until we reached the bar.

"6 shots of tequila!" Kacey yelled over the music at the cute bartender. He set the 6 in front of us and sent us a wink before leaving to help other customers. Neena raised an eyebrow at us since we didn't ID but we just shrugged.

"Here you go." Kacey handed us 2 shot glasses each. They weren't the small shot glasses either, they were big and probably held 2 regular shots in just the one. "Here to Layla for getting drunk for only the 2nd time in her life, and to ignoring that asshole Ashton Miller!" I smiled and cheered them both before shooting back the first shot than quickly the second one. It burnt the whole way down my throat, my eyes and nose burnt. I bit back the cough that was making its way up my throat. That was some strong tequila.

"Woooh!!" Neena yelled setting her shots down. "Lets go dancing!" I barely set down my shot glasses before I was pulled by both Kacey and Neena onto the dance floor. I let the music weave itself around me and I started to relax. The shots were starting to take affect and my hips were moving on their own. A Jason Derulo song came on and I put my hands in the air and moves my hips. I danced with Neena and Kacey smiling and laughing. For the first time in a long time I relaxed and let myself have a good time.

We danced through 6 or so songs until I shouted to them that we should get more shots. When they nodded in agreement I laced my arms through their and pulled us back to the bar. My skin was sweaty and my hair was sticking to my face and neck.

"3 tequila shots!" I yelled to the same bartender.

"Here you sexy ladies go." He said smiling at me. I grinned back before heading Kay and Neena their shots. "Bottoms up!" With that I took the shot and slammed it back down on the bar.

"One more!" Neena yelled.

"No no I don't think we should." I said. I was already feeling the other 3.

"Nope you are having one more." Kay said and handed me another one. I took a breath and cheered with them before shooting it. The burn wasn't as bad as before. Grinning widely I made my way back to the dance for when one of my favorite songs came on. Usher's Yeah song came on and almost yelled.

"I love this song!" I yelled at them both. This was my weakness song. Everyone has a stripper song and this one was mine. I was moving my hips, moving my hands in the air, and closing my eyes when I felt a big hand wrapped itself around my waist. I opened my eyes and turned to see who was grabbing me. A pretty good looking guy was dancing behind me.

"You sure know how to dance." He said into my ear. I could feel him grinding himself on my backside and I moved away. I wasn't here to get it on with some random guy.

"Thanks but I'm not interested." I said pulling away from him. Before he could protest I saw Neena and Kacey and moved to them.

We danced for a while and I felt the alcohol starting to really affect me. I staggered alittle in my heels and my head was kind of foggy. I was slurring over my words and my body felt hot. Kacey and Neena were pretty far off like I was.

"I think....we could go." I said to both of them. It was getting kind of late. They nodded and we staggered through the dance floor and out the front door.

"Ladies do you need a taxi?" The bouncer asked over at us. I think I nodded but I wasn't so sure. A minute later the bouncer was helping us get in the taxi. We were all giggling like little girls when we squeezed into the back.

"Where to ladies?" The taxi asked. I stared at him trying to think of the address.

"144 Hilton Drive." I said to him. He nodded and started forward. The whole ride to the address I told the man us 3 were slurring at one another and laughing at stupid things.

"We are here." The taxi driver said.

"Thanks you. Girls...me stay here. Go homeee." I said and told the driver my real address. The girls were to far gone to realize what I said. He looked at me weird but I was already out of the cab and walking to the front doors. The cool night air seemed to clear my head only slightly. I stared up at the building and stumbled in. I got to the elevator and hit the floor I wanted. I leaned against the wall of the elevator and licked my dry lips. I pulled my sweaty hair to the side of my shoulder and staggered out when the doors opened. I made my way to the right door and knocked loudly. I kept knocking and gripped the corner of the door frame so I wouldn't fall. Suddenly the door opened but my hand was already moving forward. Instead of my hand hitting the door I hit a hard chest.

"Layla?" A voice asked. I looked up into the face of Ashton. He was staring down at me confused.

"Ashton!!!" I called out.

"What are you wearing?" He asked looking down at my outfit. The material had ridden up some and was showing more of my legs.

"A pretty dress." I giggled out. I reached out and touched his cheek with me hand. "So pretty." I cooed out.

"You are drunk." Ashton said.

"I am not!" I glanced around and leaned in closer to him. "That's a lie I am so drunk." I whispered to him. Ashton sighed and grabbed my arm and pulled me into his apartment. I honestly had no idea why I came here but it was to late to go anywhere else.

"Layla why are you drunk." Ashton talked down to me.

"You cause this!" I blurted out.

"Me?"

"Yes you sexy man." Man this alcohol was making me very confident. "I wouldn't be drunk if I didn't have to deal with you and your annoyingness."

"Annoyingness?"

"Yes you know what I am talking about. You...you....you...nutbottom!" I staggered in my heels and leaned against Ashton. With a grunt I leaned down and slide of my heels. I let out a moan and throw my shoes.

"Layla lets go get you some water." Ashton said gently holding onto my elbow and my lower back guiding me towards the kitchen.

"Why are you so hot and rude all the time." I blabbed. Mouth shut up! I yelled at myself. "You would be a lot sexier if you weren't so so so" I flapped my arms around trying to find the word. "polar!" I yelled a second later.

"Bi-polar you mean?" Ashton said pulling a bar chair out for me. He grabbed my hips and set me down on it.

"Yes! You and me were always so." I said putting my hand by my forehead and gesturing between us.

"I think I like drunk Layla." Ashton grinned at me as he got a glass and filled it with ice cold water.

"No you don't like me. You told me you hate me." I whined. Wow sudden mood twist. "I'm just to good for you." Smiling at that thought I laughed at Ashton.

"I don't hate you Layla." He said grabbing my hand and putting the cold cup in it. Afraid I would drop it he helped guide it to my lips. I gulped down the water in seconds before pulling away and smacking my lips.

"Water is sooooooo good. Why does it taste so good?" I asked. My head rolled to the side as Ashton got me more water.

"Why were you out drinking?" He changed the subject. I was to drunk to really notice.

"I said. You! Your hot and your cold, your yes than your no! Your in than your out, your up and your down." I started singing to Katy Perry's Hot N Cold song, but stopped a minute later forgetting the words. "Nothing I do is right, just like with my parents. I thought when I moved away I could get away from all the negative shit but nooooo."

Ashton handed me the water and I took a sip.

"I'm almost back where I was but atleast there no hitting this time." I said looking around not knowing what I said. "I love the color here." My mind changing the subject.

"Wait Layla hitting?" Ashton asked getting in front of me. I stayed silent for a few minutes.

"I'm tired!!!" I whined. "Take me to bed oh noble one!" I held out my arms to Ashton and giggled. He stared at me but finally sighed before helping me off the chair. When my feet hit the ground I jumped on him and wrapped my arms around him like a koala bear. "I'm a koala bear!" Don't ask my how I am doing this in a dress but I was. Tequila really made me confident and loud.

"Are you going to get off of me?"

"Nope!!" I said popping the 'p'. He shook his head but started walking towards his room. I started slipping so I moved up Ashton body until my arms were wrapped tight around his neck and my legs around his waist. His arms snaked around me and gripped me against him. I laid my head on his shoulder and felt my eyes starting to droop.

"Me sleepy." I mumbled. Somehow he carried me up the stair and to his bed.

"Let's get you out of this dress than you can sleep." He said. Feeling suddenly tired I left his fingers reaching for the zipper. He unzipped me and shimmied the dress down my chest, waist and finally to pool at my feet. His face was in line with my stomach and i briefly heard his in take of breath. The moment his fingers touch the scar on my stomach my skin zinged and I jumped.

"Where did you get this?" Ashton questioned his voice quiet almost a whisper. I looked down at him with hooded eyes.

"No where." I mumbled gripping his shoulders as I wobbled. I wasn't concerned at all that I was only in a strapless bra and panties. He asked again. "I don't want to talk about it right now"

He looked up at me and search my face. He finally let it go and stood up. Going over to his walk in closet he came back out with a t-shirt and boxers in his hands. He gently lifted up my arms and put my arms through the holes. He knelt down and helped me put my feet through the boxers with my hands on his shoulders. I was surprisingly quiet as was he.

"There you go." He quietly said. My eyelids were getting heavy and I was getting sleepier. "Come lay down." Ashton helped me on the bed and he pulled the covers back. Once I was settled he tucked me in and kissed my forehead. "Get some sleep Layla. I'll see you in the morning." I smiled as my eyes closed and I was lulled to sleep.

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Ashton's POV

I stood over Layla's sleeping form and sighed. I hadn't expected Layla to show up so late and drunk at that. It was surprising but I was glad. Being around her drunk was hilarious but they say when your drunk the real you comes out. As she slept I thought back to the big scar on her stomach. It looked terrible and only a few years old. What she said earlier about being hit and now seeing that scar I was starting to piece things together. How could someone do that to her?

When she snuggled deeper into the bed and pillow my heart yearned for her. The feeling to protect her got bigger and I couldn't help but want to be with her. Shaking my head at myself I stripped out of my clothes until I was in my boxers and climbed into the other side of the bed. I reached out and pulled Layla to me. She snuggled back against me and I smiled. With her body pressed to mine I slowly fell asleep.

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Long ass chapter you guys!!! Your welcome :) I actually really like this chapter and I hope you guys too. I know it wasn't much but there were 2 Ashton POV's. It's kind of a filler but soon more stuff will happen. Thanks for all the comments and votes for the last chapter. I love getting on here and reading what you guys think; you guys are the best!

When you get to the part where Layla is really drunk I purposely spelled the words wrong! Just wanted to let you know :)

I am on spring break so the next chapter should be up in a couple days too.

Let me know what you think as usual.

VOTE, COMMENT, READ, FOLLOW, and BE A UNICORN!

<3

-Kendoll