An anger boiled inside him, it didn't help that he was so pent up. Stefano needed a release, and simple fantasy's weren't providing it. With, Emily gone so early, he did have some free time, and decided to make the evening, a bit of a late night.

Heading to Club 5-23, Stefano would have a drink, and pick up a lovely lady he deemed worthy to share his bed for a night, or two. He had a lot of- issues to work out.

The evening had been off to a rough start, each girl he talked to were a bit too desperate to get in his pants. Club 5-23 was a fancy bar, but, that didn't stop the girls (or guys), from getting in and flaunting themselves around, looking for a free drink.

Finally, he laid his eyes upon a true beauty. She was seated at the piano, dark auburn hair, in loose ringlets, thrown over her shoulder, and she wore a luxurious, crimson, empire-waist gown. Modest and classy, much better than all the women wearing revealing, short dresses. As much as Stefano appreciated the female form, he liked a bit of mystery. And, it seemed she'd prove to be a bit of a challenge too.

Stefano waited for his chance, the woman was soon-enough replaced, by a male pianist, and headed over to the bar, next to her, ordering another drink. Smiling politely at the woman, earning a smile in return. "Your performance was absolutely mystifying."

She was always complimented, so, Stefano's comment was nothing out of the ordinary, but, his intentions weren't out in the open. He hadn't been trying to shove drinks down her throat, nor had he asked her the classic "What are you doing, later?"

That was the normal pattern, compliment her work, ask her when she got off, and buy her a drink. She'd rejected far too many drinks, seeing that men would just want to get her drunk, in order to take advantage of her. But, she remained pretty sober. She was at work after all, she was allowed to sip on drinks, but, by no means could she get shit faced.

The woman made eye contact with him. He wasn't too bad looking. If he played his cards right, maybe he'd have a shot. A chuckle escaped, "Thank you."

He offered his hand, "Stefano Valentini." The photographer carried himself with such confidence, she easily accepted, placing her hand in his. "Diane Prescott." Stefano brought her hand to his lips, delicately placing a kiss on her soft skin. "Charmed."

"Valentini, huh? I've seen some of your work. It takes a lot of courage to do what you do." Diane placed her hand on his knee. He'd definitely be going home with her.

Meanwhile, Emily's relationship was rocky at best. She and Nathan had been arguing on and off. She hadn't taken kindly to the insults that Nathan had hurled at Steano. She knew more about him than anyone else, and she knew the guilt he suffered watching those around him die. He was arrogant and prideful, but, he was still a man, it was easy to understand that what was happening was a tragedy.

"Are you going to be angry with me all night? Because, I can just go home." Nathan grumbled.

Emily cut him a look. "Then leave. Nothings stopped you before."

"This again? I told you, something came up.."

She was visibly upset, referring to a time when he'd stood her up. "And you never told me what that something was… I don't get how you can act like this and expect me not to get upset. We've been dating for three months, and you still feel like a stranger to me. "

What stopped her from taking Stefano's side? She should've kicked Nathan out, and comforted her friend, but, she let him walk away. Knowing he'd been hurt. Emily definitely could've handled the situation better.

Nathan sighed. "Look, I'm sorry I'm not around as often as you'd like, but, our schedules are completely different. I can't help that. You don't think I don't want to be around you? Do you think that I'm not jealous when you talk about him? Telling me that you're so excited to see him? You don't act that excited to see me…. What am I supposed to think? He makes you so happy, something I can't seem to achieve. I don't even know why you're here with me now, maybe, you'd be better with him.."

Emily recognized the hurt in his voice, and failed to recognize the malice. He was manipulating her, and from an outsiders view, it was painfully obvious.

"Nate. I love you. I just- I guess, I didn't realize how much of an issue our conflicting schedules would be. "

He smiled, walking closer to her. "Maybe, I should show you exactly how much you mean to me?" A hand lingered on her cheek. "I missed you so much." His honeyed words fooled her, she wanted to believe him so desperately.

Her hands met his chest, unbuttoning his shirt. "Well, only if you brought a condom." Maybe this is what she needed? To release some of the sexual tension she'd been feeling. He could help, and tomorrow, she'd go talk to Stefano, apologize, mend their relationship.

But, mending their relationship was the last thing on Stefano's mind, currently, he was only worried about pleasing the redhead, who seemed to be all about him. She'd taken him backstage, kissing him tentatively in the hall. He relished in the attention, surprised that she'd been the one to make a move. Pushing him against the wall, hands under his shirt, a finger tracing the zipper on his pants. Clearly she wanted him, and he needed to feel her want.

"For a guy who didn't want just any girl, you certainly seem a bit desperate. What's wrong, haven't been touched in a while? Mmmm, neither have I. Maybe, you should take me back to your place?" He agreed, taking the lead. Escorting her back to his place.

Stefano's night ended well, with such a beautiful and talented woman at his side, he was left rather satisfied. Emily's however, hadn't been as satisfying as she hoped. Nathan's performance was rather lackluster.

-

Today was a new day. Emily's alarm went off around 8am. Nathan rolled over, grumbling.

While getting ready, she plotted out the day. After, her photo shoot with Veronica, she'd head over to Stefano's, apologize to him, mend their friendship. She knew Nathan's comments hurt him, and wanted to make it up to him.

On her way out the door, Nathaniel leaned up. "You're seeing the bitchy lady and not fancy pants, today, right?"

Emily rolled her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. "Fancy pants?" she repeated.

"You told me not to call him a fruit."

At least he listened.

"Yeah, I'm working with Veronica. But, I am going to see Stefano after work. He suffers from PTSD, you know. I wanna make sure what you said isn't bothering him." She explained, headed towards the door again.

Nathan sat up fully now. "No kiss goodbye?" he asked, giving her puppy dog eyes. "I didn't think you'd be awake." She turned back around, walking over to him and placing her lips to his.

"Mmmm, want me to come back after work? I could, tend to you again~" Nathan's hand caressed her ass. She playfully smacked his hand away. "That depends on if you're a good boy today."

"Do you plan on bringing him back again?"

Emily sighed, ready to leave again, pausing in the doorway. "No." Were her last words before exiting her apartment.

She was going to do her best to keep the two men separate. They didn't get along, there was no need for them to try and be friends.

Veronica was being a bitch as usual, she was trying to run multiple scenes at once, wondering why her models were tired and fed up. Currently, both she and Charles were arguing with Jalisa, a rather privileged model. The agency had secured her for a commercial, and because of that, she was acting like a princess. Which, is definitely what Charles and Veronica deserved.

Meanwhile, she and Tiffany sat on a bench, waiting. It was a nice break.

"So, are you still with, Nathaniel? Is he getting any better in bed?" Tiffany boldly asked, she never really cared about personal space. "Yeah, I'm still with him, and no, he hasn't gotten much better. I still have a lot to teach him." Emily chuckled, Tiffany had always been fun to gossip with.

"Hmm, well, if he doesn't get any better, you could always see if that photographer of yours is good. I'm sure he'd love to take you for a ride, with the way he looks at you, and all." She gave Emily a playful nudge. Of course, Emily shied away. "We're not like that.. Stefano's just a friend."

Tiffany sighed. "Oh, come on. You're gonna let such a hot piece of ass, parade you around and not test him out?" She shook her head. "Get drunk, go home with him, see where the night takes you. You could keep it a secret, Nathaniel doesn't have to know."

"I couldn't do that to Nathan. He might not be the best in bed, but, he's a nice guy."

"That's exactly the problem with him. He's a 'nice' guy. And he sucks in bed. Just dump his ass at the curb and give your photographer a private photo shoot. If you don't, I might have to." Tiffany shifted positions, leaning closer. "If I do, I'll let you know."

Emily shoved her back. "I don't want to lose our friendship… We've known each other for so long…. If we did have sex, and regretted it, not only would I be out of a job, but, I'd be losing my closest friend."

"Em, listen, Stefano is a stuck up, prick, but, he really likes you. I don't think he'd let something like that break you guys apart. Hell, maybe he'd even want to marry you. Plus, maybe fucking your boss is a secret kink of yours."

Her face lit up, Tiffany easily took notice, curiously glancing over at her. "Oooh, does someone have a spicy secret they'd like to tell me?"

Was she really about to tell a co-worker about her fantasies, yeah, she was. "Well, I've actually been having dreams about Stefano lately. They've been rather erotic."

Tiffany was definitely interested in these stories. "Aaaaand, tell me more. Maybe delving into your unconscious mind will help you realize that you need to jump on that man."

Emily didn't go into great detail about the dreams, but, she told him about the most recent dream, where she'd met him in town, and he'd taken her to a nice, private beach house. Even giving her the details of how he made her feel. She did have a longing for him, maybe, it was time for her to call it quits with Nathan. There was no way she'd cheat on him. He deserved to know why she was leaving him.

"Sounds like you're a bit desperate. All those dreams, blindfolds, handcuffs, you really want him girl. And honestly, just looking at him, I think Stefano would be into it. He'd definitely be a riot."

The day went by pretty smoothly, Veronica had been promptly put in her place by Jalisa, and went easy on everyone else for the remainder of the day. Emily was pretty happy about that. Her plan was to head over to Stefano's, talk to him, maybe take Tiffany's advice, see where the day went, and, maybe, she would end things with Nathan, if everything went well.

She took a cab to his studio, walking inside, ready to board the elevator. She heard a woman's voice, followed immediately by Stefano's own.

"You know, you're the only man I've been with, who's screwed me the afternoon after a one night stand. Usually, I get kicked out at the crack of dawn."

"Well, I do like to impress."

Emily felt the need to hide, she didn't want him to see her, not when he was with another girl. She'd say something stupid. Like Nathan had. There was an open supply closet, Emily quickly ducked in there.

Just before the door, Diane embraced Stefano tenderly, which he eagerly accepted. Their lips met. "Well, Mr. Valentini, what would you think about me returning, tonight? Make our one night stand last a little longer?"

Originally, Stefano had planned on telling her to get out whenever they'd woken up, but, he decided against it, remembering the joy from the night before. Who knew when he'd have someone so talented in his bed again? He thought about her proposal and accepted. "I'd be honored to share my bed for another evening. Although, I must warn you, I'm not as gentle the second night."

Diane smiled. "Good. I didn't want to tell you, but I much prefer my men rough."

The hall was empty aside from those two, so it was easy for them to speak in confidence. As far as they knew, no one was listening. So, it wasn't a surprise when Stefano leaned close, not bothering to lower his voice. "I'll tear you apart."

Diane left after a couple more kisses, Stefano, watching her go, sighing almost lovingly, it was easy to see that he was contented. A feeling of helplessness washed over Emily as she carefully watched the scene unfold, the brims of her eyes growing hot, she was heartbroken and angry, her hands curling into fists, as she leaned against the shelf, knocking something to the ground, which caught Stefano's attention, his gaze moving to the open doorway.

"What was that?" He questioned, aloud, coming to the conclusion that a janitor was embarrassed at the scene, and hadn't wanted to be noticed. So, he returned to his studio, not bothering to investigate.

Emily was jealous, envious of Diane. There was no way she'd be able to face Stefano right now, she could barely hold herself together. He had a right to sleep with other women, she didn't show romantic interest in him. But, she hated seeing another girl in his arms.

As soon as he was out of sight, she ran from the building. And she had to be quick, not wanting him to know she'd been there. She flagged down another cab, returning home.

She was spiteful and pent up, even after last night, she still wanted so much more. Tonight, she'd be taking it into her own hands. Nathan wouldn't mind, he was an addict, if you mentioned sex, he'd be over as quickly as physically possible.

-

He didn't get to her apartment until 9:00pm, but, she'd gotten a little nap in. Emily was surprised when he texted, asking if she still wanted him over. Which, after what she witnessed with Stefano, of course she did. She told him she'd leave the door unlocked, and waited for him to walk in.

Nathan walked in, nicely dressed, after grabbing a shower back at his place, assuming she'd be in bed at this time, or, at least, getting ready for bed. He'd at least be able to spend a little bit of time with her. Turning the lock, ready to venture into her bedroom, only for Emily to push him against the door, startling him. "Em, Jesus. Warn me next time."

"Shut up." Her lips met his neck, leaving a trail of love bites, leading to his lips. Nathan returned her kisses, pulling her body closer to his. "What did I do to deserve this?" He asked, grinning, happy with how desperate she was. "You're not here to talk." Emily replied, grabbing him by the collar, slowly pulling him towards her bedroom. "Shit, babe, what got you so worked up?"

She pushed him to the bed. "I'm taking the lead tonight. You aren't getting a say in it. Got that?" He nodded.

It was strange to see her in such a dominating way, Emily loved being submissive, she wanted to be the one tied up and taken advantage of, in a consensual way, obviously. But, tonight, she was going to be satisfied. And she'd do whatever's necessary.

"Alright, babe, but, I will have to get up early tomorrow."

"As if I care, you can just be tired." She repeated words that Nathan once said to her, when they first started dating. It had been a joke, of course, but, Emily was serious. Tonight was her night.

Across town, Stefano was also having a rather pleasant evening, with his new lady friend. He leaned against the end of his bed, Diane on her knees in front of him. Yes, having a woman like her, taking his member deep in her throat, was 'hot'. But, his mind had grown tired of her the previous evening, now, his hand intertwined in her hair, he thought of only one woman. Emily Lewis.

He wanted the model to melt in his arms, moan his name between her breaths, do everything he and Diane were, and more.

"Em…." Stefano couldn't stop from breathing out her name. But, Diane hadn't halted her performance, she continued pleasing him until he burst, spitting out his satisfaction, in the bin. "You've got your mind on someone else, I see, a shame I can't keep you entertained." Diane leaned against him, her hand gripping his member. "Emily Lewis, the girl from Scarlet Dream. She's your model, right? You got a hard on for her?"

Scarlet dream had been the photo that got her name out to the public. She wore a red dress, surrounded by a transparent red curtain.

"Yes.."

Diane's hand squeezed a little more, following a rhythmic pattern. "I don't mind if you pretend I'm her. Fantasize about her all you want, just getting a chance to be with such a well endowed man, like yourself, is enough for me."

How could you be so angry at someone, and still desire them? That question plagued both of their minds this night.

Stefano still hadn't contacted Emily. And after seeing Diane, Emily wasn't about to text first. Two days, quickly turned into four, the day before her birthday, maybe she'd be spending it alone after all. They hadn't argued like this before. No texts, not a single call, they hadn't contacted each other what-so-ever. Why were they even arguing in the first place?

Emily slept in, being her day off. She'd tossed and turned the entire night, not able to sleep very well. It was nearly 3pm, and she'd yet to move from her bed.

She reached over, grabbing her phone from the nightstand, texting, Angela, her best friend, for advice. "Ang, are you busy?"

A few minutes passed before she received a response. "I'm on break, so I only have a few minutes. Is something wrong?"

Emily quickly typed out her problems. "Stefano and I got into an argument, and we haven't spoken in a few days. I want to apologize, it's more important than just sending a text, but, last time I was there, he had a girl over. And, I had a major jealous fit. I don't want to make even more of a scene."

"You were jealous? Did you two share some intimate moment when he came back?"

Sitting up, she rolled her eyes. Intimate moment? They were just friends. It was just her imagination that was going wild. Emily spent a second thinking, recalling the events leading up to the argument.

Their entire reunion had been intimate. The heat she felt in the elevator, Stefano had felt it too, and it continued to burn within. He felt the sting of jealousy long before she had. He'd been the one who listened to her concerns about Nathan, she'd told him he was a jackass, and Nathan had only proved it.

He was angry far beyond what Nathan had said, he was angry because he finally could put a face to the man who treated his friend so badly.

"Yeah, we may've shared a couple moments…"

"Seriously!? You broke up with Nathan, right? Or are you fooling around with Stefano behind his back? I need details!"

Emily got up, finally getting dressed. She needed to see Stefano, and headed out the door, flagging down a cab. Her heart was pounding. If that woman, Diane, was there, she wasn't sure what she'd do.

Another text came in. "Wait, wait! You said he had a girl over? Does that mean you guys aren't serious? Are you just friends with benefits? Girl, if she's there, just kick the bitch out! You know you're better!" Emily chuckled. What would Stefano think if she pulled the woman out by her hair? Not that she'd actually do such a thing.

The cab pulled up. She was now standing in front of his building. Again. Hopefully this time, things would go better.

Heading inside, she decided to take the stairs, giving her plenty of time to back out, if she felt the need. However, she was strong in her decision and tapped on his door, waiting for an answer.

A few minutes passed, maybe he wasn't going to answer. What if he'd seen her approach and decided to keep her waiting? Emily was about to give up, when the door swung open, Stefano was lazily dressed, jeans and a buttoned up shirt. It was out of character, he'd always dressed extravagantly, ever since they met.

"Emily?" He sounded surprised, his breath sour and unpleasant. Stefano never drank alone. "Sorry, are you busy?" Emily grew a bit timid, her nerves getting the better of her. "I can come back later…"

His hand reached out, grabbing her own. "Please stay…" It was a sweet gesture.

"Are you drinking?" The question was innocent enough, and Stefano didn't seem to mind. "Maaaybe just a little." He wasn't nearly as drunk as Nathaniel had been when he called. His words still coherent. "We need to talk…" Emily managed to confess.

"Yes, and I agree... But, not now. I'd rather be sober." At least he was honest. Able to admit when he wasn't fit for a conversation. "It's a bit early, but, would you like to come in, celebrate your special day?"

She had to see Veronica tomorrow, but, spending a bit of time with Stefano sounded nice. "Sure, but, only a drink or two, I still have to get up pretty early in the morning."

The smile that stretched across his face was gorgeous. Her hand still in his. "Of course, lil mio amore." He pulled her in, leading her to his lounge, which also doubled as his bedroom. Spending time here never made her feel uncomfortable.

Stefano had given her a new nickname, something else she'd have to decode. Though, she was certain that 'amore' meant 'love'. She'd chalk that up to the alcohol.

Emily glanced to the side, sipping her drink. "So,... Is Diane not visiting tonight?" A panicked expression surfaced. "Y-you know about her?" Stefano questioned, before taking a drink himself. "Yeah, I actually wanted to see you a few days ago, but-"

Stefano placed his arm on her shoulder, spooking her, before slipping it behind her, pulling her close to him. "She's not coming back." He took a deep breath. "Amore, you are the only one for me." Emily giggled, getting a bit tipsy.

One drink turned into five, the two were laughing, having a great time, enjoying each others company, as when they were younger.

"Please forgive me, I didn't mean to make you worry." Stefano apologized, his head now resting on Emily's lap. They'd decided to talk a little about what happened over the past couple days. "It's not your fault. We both should've been a little more level headed."

"Hmm, yes, I agree." He reached up, hand brushing against her cheek. Emily had decided that she was going to leave Nathan. She was far happier with Stefano.

"I missed you." Her eyes trailed away, causing him to sit up, seeing that something was on her mind. "Em, mia dolce…" She turned her attention to him, feeling his lips against her cheek. "I missed you more than you know."

He didn't make any further moves, respecting her boundaries. She was still a taken woman, no matter how frisky she seemed to be getting, leaning against him, their bodies close. He resisted his urges.

Soon, the two fell into darkness, a deep slumber overtaking them. They slept next to each other, on the couch, snuggling. Emily faced away from Stefano, his arm tightly wrapped around her waist, keeping her close. Her arm, over his own, and their fingers intertwined.

-

Stefano's alarm sounded, early in the morning, jarring Emily awake. She glanced around the room, realizing it wasn't her own, and then registering that she was also, not alone.

Pulling his arm off of her, Emily sat up, taking in the situation. She'd fallen asleep at Stefano's place, she needed to get home, and to Veronica's in under two hours. But, her main concern, was if they'd done anything. Emily didn't believe they had, seeing as they both were still fully dressed. Her curiosity lingered. She wasn't necessarily against the thought.

" Hey! " Her voice was loud, getting Stefano's attention. His hand reaching up to turn the alarm off. He, too, seemed a bit surprised to see Emily in his room. "Do you think you can take me to Veronica's studio?" Stefano nodded, sitting up himself.

Emily's face was red. Trying to figure out the details from the night before. She wondered if Stefano knew, and was about to ask, when he spoke out, almost as if reading her mind. "I kissed you on the cheek and apparently we fell asleep together. That's all."

Stefano had also told her that he loved her, or something along those lines, but, now wasn't the time to discuss that. Instead, she offered him a smile, aside from clutching her so dearly, he hadn't touched her.

"Thank you…"

To be continued….