Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars. (Obviously, because if I did, there'd be a lot more Ezria, just saying, lol)
Author's note: So, this is the first chapter of my new story. I really hope you like it and that you want me to continue , because I really enjoy writing it.
Btw, this story is rated M for a reason. There will be some future chapters with graphic scenes of a sexual nature. So If you're not into that, you've been warned. lol
It was a Friday night and Aria was walking around with a tray of Champagne glasses at an event. She had been working for a catering company since her first year of college. She sighed inwardly at the size of this party, it was definitely over the top. The catering company she worked for usually did fancy parties, but this was unlike anything she had seen before. Of course, this event was to celebrate the five year existence of a big company, but still…
The party was in full motion and it was really busy. All the men were dressed in fancy suits and all the women were wearing gorgeous haute couture dresses. There was a live orchestra on stage playing music to entertain the guests. At a certain point, the music stopped and everyone's attention was directed at the stage. Aria stood off to the side at this point, because they were not allowed to go around with drinks or food at this time. Someone on the stage started giving an introductory speech for the owner.
Suddenly someone went to stand next to her and he said, "I absolutely hate events like these." Aria looked over at the young man and couldn't help think he was very handsome. He wasn't dressed in a fancy suit like the other men at the party. Sure he was wearing black dress pants and a white shirt, but the shirt wasn't tucked in and the first few buttons were undone. She couldn't help think it was absolutely sexy. Aria smiled and said, "Tell me about it, events like these are way too decadent for my taste. I can't help think that the person, who would throw a party like this, is just compensating for something else, if you know what I mean?" The man raised his eyebrows at her last comment and replied, "I see."
The person on the stage introduced the owner of the company and called him onto the stage. People started applauding and the man bent over to Aria and said, "Excuse me." Then he made his way over to the stage, walked onto it and started talking into the mic. Aria saw this all happening in slow motion and she was utterly shocked as she realized that the man that had just been standing next to her was actually the owner. She just stood there with her mouth open, unable to speak or think clearly. Her and her big mouth. She had just insulted their best client and if he told her boss, she was so fired. The man looked over at Aria and saw her surprised face. He couldn't help but look at her occasionally and every time he did, he was smirking, enjoying his own private little joke.
When the speech was over, there was a big applause and he got off the stage. He walked back over to where Aria was standing. She noticed that he was moving in her direction and she swallowed hard. But as he reached her, he didn't give her another look and passed right by her. Aria relaxed and released her breath, which she hadn't even known she had been holding. Suddenly she felt a presence behind her and she felt a warm breath behind her left ear. Someone slowly stroked her arm and she gasped at the contact. Her breathing accelerated and she felt like her blood was on fire. He stopped touching her and suddenly she heard the person say, "Trust me. I have nothing to compensate for." Aria flushed crimson as he said that. When she finally had the nerve to look over her shoulder, she saw nobody there. He was already gone.
No man had ever made her feel this way, which made her feel bad because she already had a boyfriend. Well, fiancé to be exact. Matt had asked her last Saturday and tomorrow she'd be engaged for a week. Last Saturday they were celebrating their four month anniversary. Yes, maybe it was too soon to get engaged after only four months, but he treated her like a princess. He made her feel loved and she was sure she loved him back, so why ruin a good thing? It's not like they had to get married right away. In fact, he had even suggested a long engagement, which made her feel more at ease with her decision. After a couple of dates, the subject of sex came up and she had told him she was still a virgin. In fact, she wanted to remain one until her wedding night. He was very understanding and he told her he respected it completely. But when he proposed last week, so soon in their relationship, a part of her wondered whether it was just to get her into bed. The suggestion of the long engagement had put her mind at ease.
She went back to work, secretly searching the room for her mystery man, although he wasn't really a mystery man anymore since she knew his name now. He was the owner of his company, Mr. Ezra Fitz.
It was Saturday evening and she was going out with her fiancé. He wanted to celebrate the fact that they were engaged for a week. She loved wearing her beautiful engagement ring, which she realized must have cost him a fortune. The ring also matched the diamond teardrop earrings he had given her for their three month anniversary. He loved treating her like a princess and spoil her with things, although she felt bad about it because she didn't want him to spend all his money on her. Which is why she had decided to pay for the entire wedding herself. She had been planning the perfect wedding ever since she was a little girl. It would cost her a lot of money, which is why she had been saving up money for it since the minute she was old enough to have a job. The fact that she got a full scholarship for college was a welcome gift, because it meant she didn't have to use her wedding money for anything else but her wedding.
On top of all the money she had saved up so far, she had also recently inherited some money. About five months ago, her grandfather on her dad's side has passed away. She hadn't known him, since her dad and her grandfather weren't on speaking terms. But for some reason, he had put Aria and her brother in his will. He wasn't exactly poor, so she had inherited a reasonable amount of money, enough to pay for her dream wedding and more. About a week after she got the money, she had met her future husband.
They had bumped into each other for the first time on the street when she was on her way to class. She was walking down the street, coffee cup in one hand and her purse in the other. She had been lost in thought, not paying attention to her surroundings, when she literally bumped into a man. The coffee in her hand splashed all over his shirt and pants. Aria felt so embarrassed, apologizing like crazy. He had told her it was fine, that accidents happen. When she looked up into the guy's eyes, she couldn't help notice how beautiful they were and she was unable to speak. She snapped out of it, looked around and saw that next to them was a bar. She grabbed his hand, pulled him into the bar and said that they could get him cleaned up in there. Afterwards he had given his number to her and had asked her to give him a call. She hadn't bothered with it, because it seemed strange to her, no man had ever done this before. A week later she had bumped into him again and he had told her it had got to be fate. Somewhere in the back of Aria's mind, she had believed him. It was like the universe was giving her a sign. She finally had enough money to pay for her dream wedding and a week later she bumped into a really cute guy who wanted to go out with her. So this time, she agreed to go and grab a coffee with him. Two weeks later they were officially a couple.
They had decided to go back to the bar where they had first met. The bar wasn't exactly modern or fancy, but it was where they had met (sort of), so it seemed appropriate. Plus, down the street there was this really modern great bar called "The nine circles of hell", so they could go there after their first drink or so.
She was wearing the same outfit she was wearing that day. She had on dark blue skinny jeans, a red bodycon top, red pumps and a cream-colored open button business jacket. She was wearing her hair up with a barrette. The only difference now was that she was also wearing her diamond teardrop earrings and of course, her engagement ring.
When she was walking down the street to the bar, she passed "The nine circles of hell" first. Suddenly she heard someone say, "Well, well, if it isn't miss compensation." Aria stopped dead in her tracks. She turned around and saw that Ezra Fitz had just gotten out of his car and had handed his car keys to the valet. He walked over to her and said, "So we meet again", while smirking and looking deep into her eyes. Aria blushed and was nervous all of a sudden. Why on earth did this man have such an unnerving effect on her? Finally Aria got herself together and was able to say the words, "Good evening Mr. Fitz." Ezra smiled and said, "Ezra, please. So… are you coming or going?" Aria smiled back at him and replied, "Neither. I was just walking past." Ezra raised an eyebrow and said, "Well, then I guess it's my lucky day. I would love for you to come." Aria felt a bit uncomfortable, because she understood his double entendre. But on the other hand…it kind of excited her.
Aria said, "I can't, I'm sorry, I'm meeting someone." Ezra asked, "I see… a date?" Aria nodded and she could see that he was slightly disappointed. He thought to himself for a second and asked, "What time are you meeting this man?" Aria opened her clutch and got out her cell phone to check the time. She saw that she had arrived kind of early. She put back her cell phone and replied, "In about half an hour." She saw excitement in his eyes and he said, "That's plenty enough time for a drink with me. Come." Ezra grabbed her hand and dragged her into the bar. He didn't have to wait in line like the rest of the people outside, they immediately let him in. Aria was kind of startled by his aggressiveness. Why did he want to have a drink with her?
Ezra took her to his private VIP booth and told her to sit down. After she sat down, he sat down himself. Seconds later a waiter showed up asking them what they wanted to drink. Ezra ordered, "Single malt scotch, Glenfiddich 1965, 18 years old for me. And for the lady a glass of Champagne, Cristal." The waiter left to get their drinks. Aria raised an eyebrow at Ezra and said, "Are you sure? That's pretty expensive champagne." Ezra shrugged and said, "I can afford it. Besides, if you're going to do something, you might as well do it right." Aria looked at him warily and asked, "And what exactly are you doing?" Ezra smirked and replied, "Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to woo you." Aria frowned and asked, "Woo me?" Ezra nodded.
Ezra watched Aria as she was trying to keep herself from bursting into laughter, but she was failing miserably at it. Aria noticed that the waiter was coming with their drinks, so she tried to control herself. Ezra took her glass of champagne from the waiter and handed it to Aria. She thanked him. He could see that she was still trying not to laugh and he felt a bit wounded, he had no idea why this was so funny. Ezra asked, "What's so funny about the fact that I'm trying to woo you?" Aria took a sip from her champagne, it was really good. Aria chuckled and said, "Well, for starters, the word wooing." Then she smiled apologetically and continued, "I'm sorry, it's just that no one has ever told me that they were going to try to woo me. Besides, I'm afraid your attempt to woo me has come a bit too late." Ezra raised his eyebrows in curiosity, asked, "Oh?", and then drank from his scotch. Aria held up her hand to show him her engagement ring and said, "I'm engaged."
Ezra shrugged and said, "As long as you're not married, I'm not too late. And even then…" Aria gasped in shock, this guy was pretty full of himself. She frowned at him and said, "I think that's my cue to leave. Goodbye Mr. Fitz." As she stood up, so did Ezra.
Ezra said apologetically, "I'm sorry, that was inappropriate of me. Please, stay?" She looked at him wary, not knowing what to do. She knew she had to leave, but some part of her didn't want to. Ezra continued, "I didn't mean to imply that you would ever cheat, I truly am sorry." Aria nodded and sat back down. Ezra sighed in relief and sat back down too, though a part of him wondered why on earth he was acting like this. She was taken and she clearly wasn't going to dump her fiancé for a night with him, so why did he want her to stay?
Ezra began, "So…tell me about yourself. I already know you work for a catering company and that you absolutely hate the events you work at, so you can skip that part." Aria rolled her eyes and said, "I don't hate the events, I merely dislike the people and their decadence at those events. And I only work Friday nights and on the weekend, because during the week I attend college." Ezra looked at her in a very carnal way and asked, "Why do you dislike decadence? There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself." The way he looked at her had her all hot and bothered, this wasn't good. She finished her glass and he asked her if she wanted another. Aria declined, "No, I should really be going now to meet my fiancé. Thank you." Ezra smiled and took her hand in his. He said, "The pleasure was entirely mine", and he kissed her hand. Her whole body started to tingle at his gesture and she blushed. She took back her hand, got up, turned around and left the bar.
When she was outside, the cool air helped her to pull herself together. She then made her way over to the other bar. Matt wasn't there yet, so she sat down and ordered herself a white wine. When she checked her phone, she saw that she had gotten a text from Matt. He told her that he was going to be fifteen minutes late and he apologized for making her wait. She texted him back saying that it was no problem and that she was already inside, waiting for him. He texted her back saying he couldn't wait to see her and that he bet she looked absolutely stunning like the first time he saw her. Her heart swelled with love, how did she get so lucky?
About five minutes later, two shady guys approached her table. One was old, the other one was young. She didn't really feel comfortable in this bar, maybe she should have met up with him in the other one? "Are you Aria?", the older man asked her all of the sudden. Aria frowned, how did this guy know who she was? She looked at them warily and slowly nodded her head. The man continued, "Nice earrings. Where'd you get those?" Aria was confused, why did he want to know this. Aria said, "They were a gift." The old man asked, "From a guy named Matt by any chance?" Aria started feeling even more uncomfortable, how did they know that? She wanted to leave, but something told her they weren't going to let her.
Aria asked, "You know Matt?" The older man nodded and said, "Oh yeah, Matt and me, we go way back. You see, Matt has this little problem where he owes me a lot of money. So it really upsets me when he'd rather spend money on some random bimbo than pay me back." Aria started feeling very sick to her stomach, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why had Matt kept this from her? And why would he buy these things for her if he couldn't afford it? Aria gave them a mean look and said, "I am not some random bimbo, I am his fiancé." The men looked at each other and then burst into laughter. Aria was annoyed, why were they laughing at her? Was it that unbelievable that a guy would ask her to marry him? She showed them the ring and said, "I am!" But her gesture only brought forth more laughter.
Suddenly the younger guy said to the older one, "The ring does look better on this one than on the previous one, don't you think?" Aria didn't understand what was going on, the previous one? What were they talking about? She felt like crying, but she didn't want to seem weak around these guys. Something told her that they were the kind of guys that would take advantage of weakness. Suddenly the younger guy removed one of her earrings and she froze at his touch. She was officially scared now. Where was Matt? He handed the earring over to the older one, who then inspected it. Then he said, "Yes, very nice. I could get a good price for these. These will do for now and buy him some time." He turned to Aria and said, "He must have been expecting a huge pay-out, if he thought he could afford these expensive earrings." Huge pay-out? What was he talking about? Aria was getting really annoyed that she didn't know what was going on and she asked, "What the hell is going on here? And what do you mean by pay-out and that comment about the ring?" The younger guy laughed and said, "Lookie here! He's gotten himself a feisty one this time." This time?
The older guy seemed to take pity on her and explained, "You're the pay-out sweetie. But don't worry your pretty little head about it, you're not the first one to fall for his scam." Aria felt like she couldn't breathe. She finally uttered the word, "Scam?" The older guy sighed and said, "He has connections at the bank, so when there's a pretty thing like you who has just inherited a lot of money, he's informed about it. Then he tracks them down, tries to win their heart by treating them like they're the most important thing in the world and then he proposes. Before you know it, he's gone and so is your money. Though I guess we ruined his little scam this time."
Aria couldn't speak or think. She felt sick, she needed fresh air, she needed to get out of here. Absentmindedly she removed the other earring and handed it over to the older man. She felt numb, everything she had just heard wasn't really sinking in. She looked down at her hand, at her engagement ring. It was all fake, it had all been a lie. He didn't really love her at all, he just wanted her for her money. Aria started feeling angry now. As she stood up, she said, "He'll be here in about fifteen minutes." She removed the ring and as she slammed it onto the table, she said, "You can shove this down his throat." Then she turned around and left. She could still hear the laughter from the two men when she was outside. How could she have been so foolish? Was he actually going to marry her? Was that the plan? Or was he just going to suggest getting a joint bank-account and then empty it? If his plan involved marrying her, then she would have given herself to him! She would have given him her virginity, thinking she was loved and then he would just leave her. Broke and broken.
She didn't feel like going home, she would just wallow and eat everything that was in her fridge. She felt like drinking, a lot, just so she could erase the pain. Or at least try to. She walked back over to "The nine circles of hell" and the bouncer at the door recognized her from before and let her in without having to wait in line. Thank you Mr. Fitz, she thought as she made her way over to the bar. The music was louder now and some people had entered the dance floor. She got a bill out of her clutch and slammed it on the counter asking for shots of tequila, as many as she could get for that amount of money. Apparently, that were five shots.
Ezra had noticed that Aria had come back in and that she was heading towards the bar. He was happy to see her again, although she seemed angry. He left his booth and made his way over to her. When he reached the bar, he saw her with five shots of tequila in front of her, two of them were already empty. He watched her wide-eyed as she downed the other three in seconds after each other. She opened her clutch, got out another bill and said, "same", to the bartender as she too slammed this bill on the counter again. Ezra intervened as he signaled the bartender to cut her off.
Ezra leaned against the bar, facing her and said, "I think you've had enough." Aria turned to him, gave him a "mind your own business"-look and said, "well, I disagree." But maybe he was right because so far she had drank a glass of champagne, a glass of white wine and now five shots of tequila. She noticed the effects of the alcohol as she started feeling light headed and slightly giddy. She turned to the bartender and said, "Thy drugs are quick." Ezra was amused by the fact that she was quoting Shakespeare in her drunken state.
Aria started feeling too warm all of a sudden because of the alcohol, not to mention that the barrette in her hair was starting to give her a headache. She removed the barrette and shook her head so that her hair, soft dark brown curls, cascaded down. It was a sight to see and Ezra was glad to have a front row seat to it. She put the barrette in her clutch and then she pushed her clutch into Ezra's hands saying, "Hold this." She proceeded to remove her jacket and she was in just her top now, which hugged her body unbelievably well.
Suddenly the song "Dirrty" came on and she said, "oh, I love this song!" As she handed him her jacket, she said, "Hold this", again and she went over to the dance floor. When she was on the dance floor she started moving to the music in a very sexy and provocative way. Her hands were moving over her body while she was swaying her hips. Ezra was watching her intently, she was absolutely gorgeous. Suddenly he noticed that almost all the men in the bar had their eyes on her too. No way he was going to let any of those guys get their hands on her. He handed her clutch and jacket over to the bartender, asking him to bring it to his private VIP booth. Then he walked over to her, to join her on the dance floor.
When Ezra had reached her, she noticed and she focused all her attention on him. Aria looked him in the eyes as she rubbed up against him, her hands travelling down his shirt. He licked his lips. Then she turned around so that her back was against his front and she pushed her derrière against his groin, moving her hips in circles as she did this. He groaned, starting to feel the friction in his pants. When she stopped and turned around again, he felt a bit disappointed. She moved her hands from the side of her breasts, all the way down her stomach and then down to her hips. Her hands rested there as she dipped low, moving her hips in circles as she went down. She slid her hands down to her knees and then she opened her legs, closed them again and then moved back up slowly.
Ezra swallowed hard. He had been aroused by women before, but not like this. Suddenly her hands found the hem of her top as the words "sweat until my clothes come off", came on and she pulled it up, revealing her stomach. Ezra's eyes widened and quickly found her hands with his to stop her from removing her top on the dance floor. He pulled her against him, closing his arms behind her so she couldn't go anywhere. He looked down into her eyes and with half a smile, he said, "I think that's enough for tonight." She looked up at him and pouted slightly. He motioned to the deejay to play a slow song. Seconds later a new slower song was playing.
Ezra Fitz is going to make his move now, the deejay thought. He knew Ezra's routine pretty well. Every time he came here, he'd pick out a beautiful woman and invite her to his VIP booth. He'd buy her a drink or two to loosen them up and then he'd take them out onto the dance floor. Whenever he asked to play a slow song, it meant that he was going in for the kill. He swept them off their feet and then he would slowly kiss them near the end of the song. He would ask them out on a proper date, but by then the women had already fallen for him and they would suggest their place instead. And it worked, every single damn time. He was jealous, he wished he had his charm and his money.
All the alcohol and the very intense dancing had taken its toll on Aria's body. She was so tired all of a sudden. She was actually glad for the slow song and she laid her head against his chest. She put her right arm around his waist and she placed her left hand on his chest. His arms were already around her waist, but he moved his right arm and placed his hand on top of hers. It was then that he noticed that she wasn't wearing her engagement ring anymore. Did something happen between them? Is that why she seemed so angry when she came in?
Ezra bent down so that his lips were next to her ear and he asked, "Where's your ring?" Aria moaned a bit and shook her head. Ezra asked, "Don't want to talk about it?" Aria shook her head again. Aria inhaled deeply, he smelled so nice. The alcohol was really messing with her hormones and her common sense. Maybe she should just go home with this guy. He seemed nice and caring. Not to mention he's handsome and fit. And apparently love and sex didn't really seem to go hand in hand. Sure, she loved Matt, but he didn't love her. He was just going to sleep with her and then walk away. Plus, most of the people here tonight are just here for the casual sex, so why couldn't she be one of them too, just for tonight? It's not like anyone was ever going to love her anyway.
She removed her arms and placed them around his neck. She moved her head towards his ear as if she was going to whisper something in it. Instead she tugged at his earlobe with her teeth. She heard him inhale sharply and as her body rubbed up against his, she could feel his erection. She smiled at herself, loving the fact that she was causing him to feel like this. She moved her face, so that her lips were now mere inches away from his. She looked into his eyes and she could see that they were filled with sexual hunger. When she leaned in to kiss him, she suddenly felt his finger on her lips motioning her to stop. She felt rejected, why didn't he want her? Then again, why would anyone want her? She let go off him and looked down at the ground, feeling humiliated, for the second time this evening. He realized that he had given her the wrong impression, so he lifted her chin with his finger and said, "You have no idea how much I'd like to kiss you right now. In fact, I'd like to do so much more to you than just kiss you. But when I do, I'd like you to still remember it the next day."
Aria sighed disappointedly and because she was still tired, she just laid her head against his chest again and hugged him tight with her arms. Ezra put his arms around her too, gently stroking her hair with one hand. After another slow song, he led her over to his booth. He sat her down gently and then ordered her a glass of water, which he made her drink entirely. After she had finished the glass, he took it from her and placed it onto the table. When he leaned back into his seat, Aria suddenly snuggled up to him, taking him a bit by surprise. What took him even more by surprise was the fact that he actually liked it, seeing as he wasn't the type of guy to snuggle. She was lying there in his arms, her eyes closed, resting against his chest. He stroked a strand of hair out of her face, which caused her to sigh softly. Still resting with her eyes closed, she suddenly murmured, "He only wanted me for my money." Then she slowly fell asleep, the alcohol and the evening's events finally taking its toll on her body. Her confession tugged at his heart. Even more so, because this was something he could relate to.
So, that's it for Chapter 1! Please review and let me know what you think? If I get enough reviews of people wanting me to continue, I will!