Bound To You

Mystery Man

Standing in the mirror, I growled as I noticed the weight I've put on . This last month has been depressing. Being the only female in my dad's business has been stressful. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad but he can be a little overbearing sometimes. He wants to protect me and he does that by giving me these small jobs. Since these criminals or fugitives never show up for court and then we have to keep eyes on them until we catch them. Now tonight is our annual company's party. However, this one will be different than the rest because tonight will be the night that my dad is introducing the new CEO. I asked plenty of times for this position since I do have a Masters in Criminal Justice. But even at the age of 27, my dad still considers me his little girl. The party starts in an hour and I was undecided on what I was going to wear. I walked into the bathroom and stood on the scale and I gasped as the numbers 175.8lbs showed. That's another ten pounds in the last two weeks! So much for a summer body. My stomach was still flat but my hips were a little more luscious than I like. You know what they say, we are our self critics.

A knock on the door broke my judgmental thoughts and it was no one other than my best friend of eleven years.

"Ari, you were supposed to be dressed twenty minutes ago! We were supposed to be pre-gaming right now." Riley says, shocked to see that I'm still in my bra and panties.

"I know..I know and I'm sorry but I gained another ten pounds. Ten f*****g pounds, Riley!" She sat on my bed as I moved around the room to lay out the dresses we bought to wear to this party. She looked beautiful dressed in a cream mesh mini dress. Her hair was perfectly pinned in an up-do style with wisp of curls framing her face.

"What are you fussing about? You look amazing. I only wish I had your curves,” she said. I love my best friend but I would have to disagree with her on this one. "You have an amazing body, Ari. Embrace it."

"You really think so?" I asked her.

"Yes, so do me a favor and get DRESSED."

I playfully rolled my eyes before bringing her in for a hug. Walking to my walk-in closet, I pulled out this short, sky blue, satin dress. I was a spaghetti string dress that sat my breast up perfectly. The dress stopped mid-thigh and hugged every curve like a warm blanket. I wore nude strappy heels that tie at the ankle. When I stepped out of the room, Riley's eye widen in surprise.

"That bad?"Here I am again judging myself.

"Are you kidding me? You look like a goddess,”she answered. "Now let's fix your hair and makeup." Another twenty minutes went by and we were all ready to go. I sent a quick text to my dad telling him we're on the way.

We left my apartment and went inside of the limo that Riley rented. Pulling out two glasses, Riley opened the tequila and filled our cups. "I'm definitely going to need this tonight,” I stated, as I quickly drank the delicious drink.

“Whoa, my little alcoholic." Riley giggled.

"And you know it,” I winked at her. "Now pour me some more."

By the time, we made it there, I was already buzzed. We entered the building and man was it crowded. What was it about this new CEO that has even the damn governor here? The whole reason for this transition was because our numbers started to fall last year and we had to cut some of our employees. We made a beeline for the bar and ordered more drinks.

"You're late." My father's voice boomed in my ears although he wasn't really loud. I turned around and plastered on the biggest smile I can. He wasn't mad, at least I think, but he had that scowl that used to scare me as a child.

"But I'm here now. That's all that matters, right." I reached my arms out to hug him.

"Yes, just don't drink too much, darling."

"Too little, too late dad,”

I smirked.

He shook his head, “You’re going to be the death me.” He kissed my cheek and told me that he had to go greet the other guests.

Six margaritas later, I was ready to get on the dance floor.

"Riley, let's go dance.” She was already drunk and flirting with some guy next to her.

"Oh, I love dancing!" She beamed excitedly. She looked over to the guy. “Sorry hun, maybe next time. Chicks before d***s. I’m sure you understand.”

We made our way to the dance floor and the music was flowing through my body. I was swinging my hips and grinding against the air when I felt a pair of slimy hands on me. The hands that I never wanted to touch me again. I froze. My ex, ugh.

"Awww why stop now, it was just getting good." He says.

"Get your dirty hands off of me!" I tried to move away from him.

"Ari, don’t be like that,” Robert mumbled against my ear. "You didn't complain before." He began to hold me against him. Knowing that I was drunk and wasn't as strong as him.

"Let me go, Robert,” I ordered as his hand was trying to make its way up my thigh. I grabbed his hand to move them off of me, but he roughly grabbed my wrists.

"I BELIEVE THE LADY SAID NO!" I heard the deep sultry voice boom in and next thing you know, I was finally free on Robert's grip. Riley was unaware of what was happening as she was dancing with a random guy. Robert was angry and the man put me behind him. The moment he touched me my legs turned into jelly. God I never felt so much electricity flowing through my body. Not wanting to make a scene, Robert looked back and forth between this mystery man and I.

"Ari.. this is not over,” he spat.

"I believe it is, now leave!" The man demanded . His voice held a threatening tone towards Robert. s**t, I was scared for him. The man turned towards me and my god was he the finest man I've ever laid eyes on. He was a giant compared to my five foot three. He was definitely about six feet tall. With chocolate brown eyes and dark brown hair that I just wanted to run my hands through. His facial hair gave him a rugged look that only he can make sexy. His body was better than athletic and my mouth watered wondering what it will be like to touch, taste, li-. Pull yourself together, Ari. He looked at me up and down and when his eye met mine again, I was captivated in them. It was so easy to get lost in them.

"Miss...?" He called snapping me back.

"I'm sorry.. What did you say?" I asked embarrassed. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. There was a playful glint in his eye. “I asked if you were okay?"

"Yes, thank you for helping me." We looked at each other for a long time before Riley drunkly pulled me away from him.

When I turned to get one more look, he was gone. We sat and had a few more shots at the bar but I didn't dare get back on that dance floor. My mind kept going back to him. The way he handled Robert and the way body lit up when he touched me. Who was he? Who was this mystery man?