Inspiration. Imagination. Identification. Creativity comes from within, not from others. I'm about to prove that point.

Changes – Part One

Heart racing and skin tingling. Anticipation surged through her body. Would he want to see her again? What if he had changed his mind? He was a man of strict business. Work and pleasure never mixed but they were both settled on his terms, something she had figured out very quickly.

"I'm here to see Stephen Farrelly." She spoke quietly, almost asking herself. When she left her apartment that evening, her demeanour was full of confidence, feeling like she could conquer anything and everything. Now she was second guessing her actions. Being burned in the past for taking actions into her own hands still weighed on her shoulders. But she was drawn to the man that had lavished her with attention and kind words the previous night. A connection had been made; but she knew very little about him and she knew she needed to find out more.

The man nodded and opened the small side gate, allowing her entry. The house was massive, secluded from the rest of the city. Its boundaries were marked with tall walls and high end security. The huge gates leading to the drive were shut, blocking her view of the entrance to the house. But as she passed through the gate she was amazed at what she saw. He escorted her to the grand front doors, strong oak that contrasted against the pale surrounding bricks. As soon as the door opened, she was greeted by a large grand foyer. Her mind raced. What man would live here on his own. A large staircase wound up to the first floor. Everything was precise and in place, shining and gleaming.

"Mr. Farrelly is through there." The man gestured towards a closed door. Sucking in a breath she quickly thanked him and took a few paces forward. Glancing over her shoulder the man was still stood watching her and she smiled before ducking her head back to the door. Her hand closed around the handle and gently she pushed it open. The smell of cigar smoke filled her senses. Her eyes scanned the room and immediately settled on three men; one of those being Stephen. They hadn't noticed her. Her heart jumped to her throat, she didn't know anyone else would be here. Feeling intimidated she didn't know whether to turn and run. Save herself whilst she could.

Stephen caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye. Like a deer caught in headlights. Afraid in his territory. Glancing at the two other men one last time, he sent them a look that needn't be accompanied by any words. They both turned to stare at her, judging glances that made her cross her arms over her chest in an attempt to put up a barrier.

She watched him speak a few hushed words before standing up, patting one of the men on the back. His jet black sleeked black hair and suit made him appear like your average businessman, but the smirk that graced his face and his intense stare told her there might be more beneath the surface. The other man continued to stare at her, his long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. His beady eyes were trained on her as he took a long pull of the cigar in his hand. Stephen nodded towards the door she had just come through and she made a hasty retreat. Now standing in the middle of the foyer she watched him study her. Doing the same she smiled. His strong handsome features, perfectly trimmed facial hair and gelled red hair standing on end. He was dressed just as smart as he had the previous night. Dress pants, black dress shirt but now with a black waistcoat.

"Ah didn't think yeh'd come back to me, lass." Stephens big hands brushed over her shoulders and down her arms, warming her skin.

Her mind raced. She knew what effect he had on her and so did he. "I'm hooked." Biting her lip she averted her gaze from his blazing orbs. A rich pearl grey; intense and demanding. But she couldn't help but look back. As she did she felt herself take in a sharp breath. He had a hold on her that she couldn't explain.

"Hooked on what?" She didn't know how to answer. She didn't quite knew herself. But there was something. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides as his hands continued to slide up and down her arms slowly. "Answer me."

Her gaze wandered from his again, now fixed on the slice of skin showing at the top of his dress shirt. "Just you. I can't quite put my finger on it. You've been running through my mind all day." Stephens hands stopped and his fingers gently curled around her wrists.

"Look at me." Her eyes shifted upwards, along the thick muscled column of his neck. His lips were curled into a smirk and his eyes weren't as imposing as before. "I invited yeh here and yeh accepted. To be honest ah didn't yeh'd give me a second glance."

"Why?"

"Me reputation."

"Because you're a bad man?" His hands released her wrists and then settled on her hips, tugging her closer to him. A hearty chuckle escaped him and he looked surprised.

"That's what yeh've heard?" She nodded slowly, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip. He tugged her forward so she crashed into his chest. Her hands landed on his arms, a stifled moan catching at the back of her throat at the feel of pure muscle under cool cotton. His lips came close to her ear, his facial hair grazing her cheek. "What else have yeh heard eh, lass?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but his hot breath fanning across her neck wiped all thoughts and coherent words from her. Her heart rate quickened and she was sure he could feel it beating too. "I'd rather not say." She felt his grip tighten on her and he pulled back to look into her eyes.

"That bad?" The smirk that graced his face made her shiver. He was cocky, egotistical and his confidence oozed through every pore.

"I've heard stories about men that have gotten on the wrong side of you." Stephens hands dropped from her hips and he took a few steps away from her. If only she knew.

-Flashback-

Stephen continued to watch. The view from the VIP lounge offering access to everything going on. His lips curled into a snarl, blood boiling. This was the second time they had come here this week and both times were the same. He would watch her be manipulated, looked down on and have her spirit crushed. She sure knew how to pick them. Cowardly men that shower her with affection and then a dose of abuse.

He perked up as he watched them argue and eventually she pushed the man away and headed for the exit. He was alone. Stephen signalled to Dan next him, one of his security team then pointed at the man he had been watching. No explanations were needed. He moved through the few people chatting away and drinking, greeting those whom he had yet to converse with. He pushed the exit door open, the cool evening air whipping around him. It startled him but it was what he needed. Revitalising his body for what he was about to do. At the top of the exit steps he looked down to the alley behind the building. A smirk crept to his face as he saw Dan, and the man he had pointed out. His heavy steps down the steel steps signalled his presence and the man tried desperately to free himself from Dan's grip.

He needed to make this quick. He reached the bottom of the stairs, and went straight for his target. He made it quick and painful. Leaving the man in a bloody mess on the floor. Enough to make him change his actions the next time he thought about putting his hands on a woman.

Needing to get out front before the woman disappeared he ran down the alley, taking his waistcoat off and wiping the blood off his hands as he went. He threw it to the ground, having plenty more at home he wasn't fazed. People were milling around the front of the club; his club. One of the many he owned in the Manhattan area, along with a few restaurants and properties here and there. He stopped when he saw her, her deep red figure hugging curves catching his attention. Her caramel blonde locks were tousled from the light breeze in the evening air. As she chatted away on the phone he took a few steps towards her. She had been into the club numerous times, and she always caught his attention. Yet he never had the nerve to approach. His fiercely guarded reputation too much to put on the line, but after what he had witnessed earlier he had no choice.

His stare remained on her as she caught him looking. After a second her cheeks flushed slightly and her gaze hit the floor and she turned her back to him. He smirked and made his way over to her; slow long strides. He waited until she had finished on the phone, carefully placing it back in her small clutch bag. "Excuse me, lass." She spun around, a puff of air escaped between her red pouty lips. Her eyes met his, a rich emerald green that he had to tear himself away from.

"Yes?" Her voice was soft and gentle and he couldn't help but bite back a smile. He watched the way her eyebrow curved upwards in curiosity. He tilted his head to the side slightly, taking her in before holding his hand out to her.

"Stephen." She stared long and hard at his hand before finally taking hold and squeezing lightly. His hand engulfed hers and he held on, letting his thumb stroke across the back of her hand. Her skin was as smooth as it looked.

"Ella." She tugged her hand away and sent him a small smile.

"Ah've seen yeh around here a few times, yeh look beautiful tonight."

"Are you stalking me?" She blurted out after such a compliment. One that was utterly foreign to her.

"Ah own the place, so ah'm here a lot." She nodded and he had a feeling she knew about him. He had to tread carefully. "Yeh want to come back in? Drinks on me."

"I have to go, but maybe some other time." She took a step away from him, about to leave his side. He reached for her, his hand catching her arm. She flinched at the contact and he immediately let go. He searched for his wallet in his back pocket, pulling out a business card.

"Tomorrow night." He held his card out for her to take but she hesitated.

Ella took a deep breath. She wanted to take a chance. What's the worst that could happen she tried to tell herself. "I don't know." Her eyes landed on his knuckles. She could make out faint blood and cuts. She frowned and looked up at him. She knew who he was before he had introduced himself. Most people knew. They also knew the reputation that went with him. Work hard, play hard and fight hard.

"Tomorrow night, nine." His big hand curled around her wrist and he placed the card in her hand. He pulled her forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek. He lingered, his facial hair brushing her sensitive skin. She shivered in response, shocked as her body rippled with desire. Watching him walk away from her she sighed then glanced at the card in her hand. His address clearly printed in bold lettering. Take a chance she muttered under her breath.

-End Flashback-

"Yeh want a drink?" Ella swallowed hard. Mouth dry and throat burning. Slowly nodding, she took a brave step towards him. He placed his hand on the small of her back and started guiding her forward. The heat from his hand seeped through her dress and warmed her skin. Taking in everything that surrounded her, she was ushered into a room, the deep lighting bounced off the rich red tones of the walls and furnishings. The lounge style room was fitted with a bar in one corner, french doors, a deep chocolate brown couch between two grand bookshelves again the wall.

His movements were slow and precise. His fingers deftly unbuttoned his waistcoat, pulling it from his arms and throwing it onto the end of the bar. He turned to her again, his eyes locking with hers as he unbuttoned his cuffs. Slowly his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and his strong forearms exposed.

"Your friends don't mind I've taken you away from them?" Her full red painted lips curved into a smile, carefully watching as he poured himself a glass of whiskey and a glass of red wine for her.

"Even if they did, ah wasn't about to leave yeh pretty self all alone now, was ah." He let his gaze slowly travel down her body, soaking up her curves and smooth skin. He held up his hand and beckoned her over to him with two fingers. "Come sit down." Stephen nodded to one of the leather bar stools in front of the bar.

Hesitating for a moment, she eventually started walking towards him. Slow purposeful strides. She wanted to reflect the same confidence that he had, but deep down she knew that wasn't the case. He knew it was a front. A charade. And with that he had the upper hand. As she approached him he leant against the bar and pulled the stool out for her. She slid onto the cool leather, tugging her dress further down her thighs whilst crossing one leg over the other.

"I don't believe you're a bad man." She pressed her hand against his heart. Willing him to believe her with her words and actions.

"Ah've done things ah'm not proud of." Stephen took a gulp of his drink, wincing as the liquid burnt his throat.

"Everyone has."

"Like that boyfriend of yours. Ah saw him last night, pushing yeh around." She shook her head and glanced around the room, his heated gaze unnerving her. "Ah sorted him out for yeh. Yeh deserve a better man, someone like me."

"What do you mean?" Subconsciously Stephens gaze travelled to his knuckles and Ella's gaze followed. Everything clicked together. She shook her head in disbelief. Taking a chance had blown up in her face. She no longer had a clue to who she could trust anymore. She needed out. Slipping off the stool she rushed for the door. She could hear Stephen behind her and just as her hand gripped onto the door handle, Stephens hands slammed against the door, holding it shut before she could pull it open. "Ah know yeh didn't come here just to run away." His lips brushed her ear and his body rubbed against hers. Torture was the only way she could describe what this man was doing to her. Heart and mind battling with each other. He was bad in every sense. She would end up hurt and broken, both which were far too familiar with her. Squeezing her eyes shut, her mind rushed to make a choice. Stephen had voiced what he wanted loud and clear, yet she remained undecided.

Eventually her eyes slipped open, Stephens heavy breathing brushing over her neck. Turning around her eyes snapped up to his. He returned her stare before letting it slide down to her lips. His hands dropped from the door and one cradled her face, his thumb sliding over the small silver scar under her bottom lip. "Ah may have hurt a few men in me time, but ah'd never put me hands on a woman." Stephen took a deep breath. She was scared. Scared of him. That wasn't what he wanted. Breaking down his exterior was a tough job. One he did little and often. One he was trying to do, yet it was pushing her away. "Don't go." He wasn't just speaking for that evening. With her around him, his state calmed. The people he surrounded himself with, business men, clients and employees all needed to see that he was the boss. He couldn't let his guard slip. But one thing he had learnt was that actions spoke louder than words.

Stephen tilted her head up, his other hand coming to rest at her neck. Slowly his lips lowered to hers, teasing her reaction. He didn't want her to flee. He wanted her to show him that she wanted him just as bad as he wanted her. She resisted, her hands pushing at his chest. Stephen pulled away from her and shook his head; jaw clenched and eyes intense. "Don't do this. Don't yeh come here then act like this wasn't what yeh came here for." Stephens defences shot up, trying to coax a reaction from the woman still pushing at his chest. He wasn't moving. He wasn't giving up; not this time.

"You have no idea what I came here for."

"Enlighten me, lass." He wouldn't let her go. Not now. Not now he was this close.

"I don't know." She whispered her confession, the words barely escaping her lips.

"I'll answer for yeh. It's the same damn reason I asked yeh to come here." He needed to do something. A gesture that would remove her doubts and fears and replace them with trust. In a flash she moved around him back to the centre of the room. Her breathing harsh, actions rapid and flustered. She was fighting something and he needed to know what. She moved back to the bar, taking the glass of red wine into her hand and downing the rest of the contents.

"Yeh know ah'm right. Admit it." She spun around on the spot. Passion. That's what he needed to get out of her. It was there; he could see it though she tried her best to disguise her true feelings. He shoved his hands into his pockets and their stare down begun.

Her eyes smouldered and her lips parted. Torn between her next move; flight or fight. She knew what Stephen would do and deep down she knew she wouldn't get away without a protest at the least. "I made a mistake coming here."

"The only mistake yeh'll be making, is walking out of that door." He gestured behind him then started a slow walk towards her. His eyes raked over her again like a lion stalking its prey. She backed up, bumping into the stray bar stool before hitting the side of the wooden bar. Stephen didn't stop until his big arms trapped her against the counter top. "I dare yeh to leave."

Her eyes snapped to his lips, watching in a trance as his tongue darted out to wet them. It had taken everything in her being not to kiss him back before. She didn't want him to know that his hold on her was that strong. One kiss. One kiss couldn't hurt her and that was all she wanted. Then she could leave and prove a point. That she was in control of her body and the situation she had gotten herself into.

She pushed her lips against his. A second; that was all she needed. But his hand moved to the back of her head stopping her from doing anything but kissing him. Her hands slipped to his shoulders, an attempt to get his to release her but hard muscle beneath her fingers tensed and suddenly she craved to run her hands over his body. To know and explore every curve and angle of his body. Stephen tilted her head to the side and his tongue slipped across her bottom lip. A moan left her, taking her by surprise and her lips parted.

Her chest tightened, the pounding of her heart echoing through her entire body. Her mind screamed for her to stop. Stop before she hit the point of no return, where she would fall for Stephen then get her heart broken. That was the love she knew of, that was all she knew.