Chapter II

Callum Guerrero woke up thoroughly satiated. Last night was beyond words, and he no doubt needed to experience more of that fire but after the call from his lawyer the last thing he needed was to be late. He watched her as she sleepily patted the space beside her for him to come back to bed.

"Callum?" She called out in grogginess and wrapped part of the silk sheet round her body. Callum cleared his throat from where he stood in front of the dresser. 'You're awake" His tone bland as he buttoned his shirt.

"Where are you going so early?" she inquired as she sat up on the bed. "I thought we were going to order in and spend the day together, and you know maybe netflix and more chills?" A deep frown now sitted on her face. This was the part he hated. When they wanted more than just good sex. Provided she wasn't just any fling but he still wasn't looking for anything serious with her.

"Sorry I have an important meeting to attend and I need to get to the office".

Milanna was quiet for a long second before rolling her eyes at him. "Of course". She stood up from the bed dragging the sheets along with her as she headed for the bathroom.

"Sorry we couldn't have breakfast together but you can always order whatever you like" He said as she walked passed him

"Whatever, just another fling to add to your list yeah?"

"Don't say that. You're not a fling. I'll as my driver to take you home when you're ready" He said as sidestepped her to get his briefcase.

Grabbing his keys, He walked towards the elevator, returning his lawyer's call from the night before all whilst hoping he hadn't just made a big mistake sleeping with Milanna.

......

It had been two horrible weeks since the accident that ripped part of Ariana's life away and her sister was still in a coma. The hospital bills continued to pile as the days went onand almost all the money she had saved to use in this new city was almost exhausted. She was totally drained both emotionally and financially. Her sister was her best friend and she needed to do whatever se could do to save her. She still hadn't found a job and ad no relatives willing to help out.

The tears threatened to spill as she walked through the busy streets of Manhattan. Even after sending numerous applications to companies, she was yet to get any response. Filled with pain and sadness, She didn't notice the incoming Escalade turning into the street just as she was about to cross the road.

"Watch out young lady!" a pedestrian exclaimed bringing Ariana back to her senses before it was too late.

.........

Callum was on the phone arguing with a business partner which distracted him from the road. He was brought out of his rage by the pedestrian's call before he could knock down the absent minded passerby who had double crossed his part.

" ARE YOU BLIND!" Ariana screamed. "You could have killed me" she snapped at the stranger out of frustration.

Callum looked sharply towards the direction of the audacious voice. intent on putting the lady in her rightful place. It was not his fault that she walked around without watching her environment.

As soon as he got out of his car, it seemed like time paused the moment striking hazel eyes meet his sapphire ones. Asides her eyes, her hair also caught his attention. A rich brown coloured hair with blonde highlights. Her face looked so familiar but he didn't know where he knew her from. He was Callum though, and lots of women liked to frolick around him. Maybe she was one of them but her aura didn't match the type.

Her delicate oval shaped face was dusted with colour. her expressive hazel eyes complimenting her juicy pink lips. He was eld spell bound until the lady spoke.

"How about you ask if I'm okay rather than stand there staring like a deer caught in headlights." Her voice shaky as she was trying her best to hold back the tears.

Callum rushed to her side to find out if she was okay out of sheer humanity.

"Are you alright" He asked as he tried to help her off the sidewalk

Ariana shot him a thunderous glare as soon as she was off the ground. Now looking at his face he looked very familiar as though she had seen him before. Then it clicked - The coffee shop guy.

" You're that guy from the coffee shop the other day yeah?" Ariana asked

Callum suddenly remembered where he knew her from and was even more intrigued now that he was sure she wasn't one of the girls that stalked him.

"Yeah i remember you now. I'm Callum. What's your name again?"

Ariana rolled her eyes because she remembered his name but wasn't suprised that someone of his class wouldn't remember someone as basic as she was.

"I'm Ariana" She said in almost a whisper

"Are you sure you're alright?" Callum persisted as her face was quite gloomy

"I'm fine. It's just a scratch" Ariana stressed but her left knee was in pain

At least it was nothing serious, Callum reasoned, greatly relieved.

Callum was about to call it a day when he spotted a thread of blood coming down her knee. He took a peek at his Patek and cussed under his breath. Great. He would certainly be late for the meeting he was going for.

"Miss, if you don't mind I would like to take you to the ER, your leg is injured. This is more than just a scratch." He pointed at the leg she was trying desperately to hide from him.

What the hell is wrong with her ? She could barely walk with the leg without wincing in pain and yet she lied to him when he asked if she was okay.

Ariana tried to decipher the reason behind the man's offer but came up with nothing.

"Miss?" Callum called her out of her trance.

Though he was used to women drooling over him, the manner in which she was watching him made him feel uncomfortable.

"I am fine. I don't need a hospital. Thank you for offering. Have a nice day." Ariana said as she attempted to walk away. Before she could take another step, her knee buckled beneath her and she fell.

Just like flash, Callum was behind her catching her in his arms before she could hit the paved grounds.

Her anguish stirred something deep within him, rendering him helpless for the first time. It was as if they were bonded by an unknown force as they stared lastingly at each other. Behind the misty eyes of hers, Callum could see pain that was a lot more than just an injured knee.

"We're going to the hospital." He said sternly

"Fine. We can go." she replied

Callum rushed her over to the passenger side of his car. He settled her inside and strapped her seatbelt on. Much to Ariana's dismay but before she could protest, he shut the door and headed to the driver's side.

For the rest of the ride, she seemed to recoil back into herself but her eyes were sharp, following every turn he took. She was weary of him as a stranger and he applauded her for that.

Minutes after an awkwardly silent ride, he pulled up into the parking lot of Premiere Hospital.

" Come on, I have things to do" Callum said as he scurried out of the car and went over to help her out.

"I bet I have better things to do" Ariana said under he breath.

Before she could object, he hunched her over and scooped her into his arms. She quickly wrapped her hands around his neck for stability.

Even with all the layers of clothing, Callum felt the tenderness of the girls touch but his reaction was masked. Ariana mused upon catching a glimpse of his sullen look. His features were stiff as he strode towards the elaborated health facility.