AN: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, fave and alerted.

Again, it's not mine.

EPOV

The club was already packed out by the time I arrived to start my shift. Walking into the staff room, I quickly changed and hooked myself up to the security system before heading out on to the floor. Normally I didn't start my shift so late, but Jasper had asked me to work the VIP lounge again.

The thought of working and doing an extra shift wasn't appealing to me. The only reason I had agreed to work it was because I knew the room had been booked out by a few of his business colleagues. This, I hoped, would at least give me a better understanding of his relationships. I wasn't expecting to see the inner workings of their deals as Jasper was smarter than to allow that kind of talk to place at his club. However, I did wonder just what sort of above board business they had.

Coming onto the floor, I saw Jasper standing at the edge of the bar with Garrett and Peter. Both of them were out of their uniforms and dressed in smart looking suits along with Jasper. Catching my eye, Jasper nodded and smiled slightly.

Things between us had settled down. After the run in with Demetri, we stayed away from one another for a few days. Jasper had, after taking a few days to cool off, asked me to his office after the club shut. I wouldn't say I was nervous when I went into his office, but I was, however, a little apprehensive over it. Jasper had thrown nothing but cold stares my way since that night so I was surprised to find him relaxed, jacket off and slung behind the chair, with a glass of whiskey in his hand and one waiting for me. He apologised for his actions and wished for the matter to be forgotten about. Since then, things had slowly fallen back into the old pattern. More times than not, I found myself in his office after work talking.

Making my way to them, Jasper grinned and took a swig of his drink. "An easy night for you, Mase," Jasper said, his eyes twinkling slightly.

"Is it?"

"Standing in the room watching a card game? I would hardly class it as hard work." He smirked. "Shall we? They will be here soon." Jasper knocked the remainder of his drink back and placed it on the bar. Garrett and Peter waited for Jasper to move first.

"What game are you playing?" I asked as Jasper began to walk through the club with Peter and Garrett behind us.

"Poker. Ever played?" he asked, smiling at me.

"Nope, can't say I have. I think my dad once tried to teach me the rules, but it was far too confusing for me." Jasper chuckled, and placed a hand on the small of my back, moving closer to me.

"Well now, you should play strip poker with me. It's a sure fire way to get you naked," he all but purred in my ear making me shiver slightly. Jasper flashed a wink and pushed open the VIP doors.

The room was already kitted out. A poker table sat in the middle of the room with chairs placed all around it. The lighting was low with more spotlights lighting up the green cloth that covered the table. A fresh deck of cards, sealed, sat in the center next to a box of multi-coloured chips. Short, crystal tumblers sat on the bar along with a collection of liquors all ready for tonight. Standing next to the door, I watched Jasper pour a drink and talk pretty closely to Peter.

His eyes kept flickering back to me, every so often, watching me as much as I was watching him while he talked with Peter. A small smile played on his lips from time to time, as he kept pursing them together as he looked at me. As much as I tried to fight it, the images of Jasper's full lips wrapped around my cock kept filling my mind. He seemed to know the effect he had on me as he smirked, running his deep blue eyes up and down my body before walking over to me.

"I never did thank you for coming in and covering this shift for me," Jasper murmured in my ear.

"It's okay, I had nothing else better to do than work," I answered with a smile.

"I do appreciate your time. Would you like me to explain the rules of the game?" he asked, leaning back against the wall. His bicep was touching mine letting a warm, lingering feeling slowly trickle throughout my entire body.

"You can try, but in all honesty, I won't get it. The game just confuses me, though you could tell me why the pack is sealed." Jasper smirked at me and took another sip of his drink.

"Stops cheating. No one can accuse anyone of playing with the cards beforehand. They'll get opened when everyone is here." Jasper turned so his shoulder was resting against the wall. Just as he was about to say something, the door to the VIP lounge opened. "Gentlemen."

"Mr. Whitlock, nice of you to invite us here after some rather unfortunate events," said the man in a light, off white suit.

"Unfortunate? Well, that is one way to look at it. Please, Mr. Clearwater, take a seat and we shall begin." Jasper flashed a smile at me and walked towards the table. "I trust he is with you?" Jasper asked pointing to the guy who was hovering near the door.

"Oh, Sam? Yes, he's with me. Is that a problem?" Jasper's eyes narrowed at Sam.

"Oh no, Sam and I have an understanding. Don't we, Sam?" Jasper looked up at Sam, almost smugly.

"I can assure you Sam won't be a problem. Will you Sam?" Sam shook his head and walked slowly towards the table. "Shall we begin?"

The cards were undone and the deck was broken. I watched as the cards were shuffled, cut and dealt to all six players. Cigars were lit, drinks were poured and chips were placed on the table as the game began. While I found it interesting to watch what they were doing, I didn't have the slightest idea what any of it meant.

Guessing by Garrett's shit eating grin by the end of each of each hand, I would say he was winning. It wouldn't shock me if I found out Garrett was counting the cards. That brain of his could crack into any software, any computer. Surely he could count the cards, right?

The conversations were falling easy, skimming over things and never really settling on anything for long. The atmosphere was beginning to change in the room, like something was about to happen. Jasper kept looking at Mr. Clearwater, waiting for him to bring something to his attention that he wasn't ready to share just yet. Time ticked on, more liquor was drunk, more cigars were smoked, and Jasper started to become annoyed with this set up.

Even though I hadn't been here that long, and hadn't spent much time in Jasper's company when he was working, I had figured out pretty early on that Jasper hated time wasters. His brow was pulled together, and he was snickering more at the comments Mr. Clearwater was making instead of laughing. Jasper was quickly becoming a ticking time bomb.

"You seem a little on edge, Jasper. Is something wrong?" Jasper chuckled and shook his head.

"On edge? No, I can assure you I'm not. I am, however, wondering when you are going to stop wasting my time and get to the real reason why you are here. If I remember correctly, you said you had a business opportunity to discuss with me." Jasper turned his hand down and placed it on the table before lighting up a cigar.

"All in good time. All in good time," Mr. Clearwater stated with a smirk.

"Harry." Jasper grinned and rested his elbows on the table. "I asked you to come here to discuss this matter. I did not expect you to drink my whiskey, smoke my cigars and pussy foot around this business deal. I am beginning to think this 'opportunity' is just something in your head."

"Well, I don't see the point in rushing these matters."

"I am a very busy man with little time for time wasters. You are wasting my time. Your little errand boy here has already caused you enough trouble with me. Do you wish to cause even more?" Jasper asked, looking at Harry who shook his head.

"I'm not an errand boy," Sam suddenly said. Jasper laughed loudly.

"Put your bitch on a leash and get him to shut up. Harry, I would suggest you tell me this deal now or leave." Jasper knocked back his drink and looked up at Harry with cold eyes.

"Well." Harry stopped and cleared his throat as Jasper continued to look unimpressed. "You know that Cube shut down the other month? Well, I was thinking it would be a great strip joint."

Jasper sighed, and took a long pull from his cigar. "And you're mentioning this to me because?"

"The capitol for it." Jasper cocked an eyebrow and smirked.

"So, you either want me to loan you the money or buy into it with you?"

"I have looked over some figures and..." Harry was cut short by Jasper slamming his glass down.

"The answer to my question, Harry, would have been one of two things. Either a loan, or a partnership. Right now I don't wish to hear of your figures for anything." Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"This could be a great business opportunity for you." Jasper chuckled.

"Let me get this crystal fucking clear. You have wasted my time by laying out some shitty business deal. Look around you, Harry, I own a club. Pray tell, why I would want another one? Or better still, tell me why I would want to own a strip joint?" Jasper demanded, his voice full of authority.

"Look, I assumed you were a smart businessman and would be interested in a new opportunity." Peter snickered, causing Harry to look at him. "Something funny?"

"Harry, I feel you have out stayed your welcome. It's time you took your errand boy, silent Bob, and yourself out of here." Jasper rose from the table and rested his fingertips on the green cloth. "Harry, your pathetic excuse to be on my good side has not paid off. I will not ask you to leave again before you are removed. Do I make myself clear or would you like it spelled out for you?" Garrett and Peter were now standing either side of Jasper, flanking him.

"Fuck this shit!" In a blink of an eye Sam, who was the closet to me, made a bee line for Jasper who flashed a devilish smirk.

Grabbing Sam before he made contact, I took him down. Pinning him to the floor, I grabbed hold of the front of his shirt pulling him up slightly. My right fist connected to the side of his jaw again and again until I heard the crunch of his jaw. Dropping his limp body to the ground, I looked up to find the other two in similar states as Sam. Getting back up to my feet, I saw a livid Jasper holding Harry. Jasper stood behind him with his right forearm pressed tightly against Harry's windpipe.

"You ever come here and pull any of this shit again and you won't fucking walk out! Do I make myself clear?" Jasper seethed in a deathly tone. Pushing Harry away, who landed on his hands and knees coughing, Jasper looked at Peter and Garrett. "Boys, get these low lives out of here. Mason, my office, now!" Complying with his command, I turned to leave the VIP lounge hearing another choke as Harry took a boot to the ribs.

My mind began to process just what I had witnessed and why Jasper was suddenly so insistent on talking to me now. Sure I had heard everything that happened, but it wasn't as though anything incriminating had taken place. And as for the fight? Surely I was doing what I was paid to do. Arriving upstairs at his office, I leaned against the door waiting for him. My breathing had now relaxed from the fight and the adrenaline had begun to wear off leaving my right hand now throbbing with pain.

Closing my eyes, I flexed my hand into a fist and back out again. Nothing seemed broken, just bruised to hell. Keeping my eyes closed, I began to relax and try and piece together what history Harry and Jasper had together. Harry Clearwater ran in the same sort of league as Billy Black. He did have more connections than Billy did, and was reported to be behind most of the whorehouses that were darted around the city; but what business or past history did these two have together?

Hearing the jingle of keys and footsteps coming up the stairs, I opened my eyes expecting to see Jasper but instead saw Peter.

"How's the hand?" Peter asked as he reached the top step.

"Hurts like a motherfucker." Peter snickered and and unlocked the door.

"Yeah, you were punching the guy pretty hard." Opening the door, Peter motioned me to follow. "Jasper won't be long. He is just taking care of a few things and asked me to let you into his office. You did good tonight."

"Thanks," I mumbled walking in behind Peter.

"Emmett is pissed because he missed the action. The man lives for a fight." Peter chuckled and shook his head slightly. "Then again, the man lives for pussy too."

I slumped down in the chair. "Yeah well, my knuckles aren't thankful he missed it."

"Some ice in freezing cold water will take the swelling right off. I better get back downstairs. Jasper should be up in a second." Nodding, I watched Peter leave.

The feeling of being completely shattered washed over me. The event, the fight, the adrenaline, had all taken their toll on me. Closing my eyes, I tried to relax and unwind but I couldn't. All I wanted to do was go home, shower and sleep. I was drained. The last thing I wanted was to deal with a pissed off Jasper before I left for the night. Why he wanted me to come here was beyond me, but I was past the point of caring right now. Maybe I had pissed him off for how badly I had hit Sam. That could cause more trouble for him considering the prior history was already a little shaky.

This was the downside to this job. While I loved it, and loved what I did, I had to take this crap. I was pretending to sit here slightly worried that I was about to receive the biggest tongue lashing from Jasper. Having to act like I knew nothing, that his world was completely closed off to me wore me out. I might even have to act slightly shaken by the tone he used demanding me to come to his office at once. Having to act out, and pretend to be someone I was not was more than slightly draining. After a while you forget who you actually were. You pretend to be someone for so long that it becomes almost impossible to be yourself. Even in my off time, away from the club, I was still pretending to be Mason and not Edward.

Sighing heavily, I heard footsteps and muffled talking before the large wooden doors opened.

"So, Mason." I turned around to see Jasper walking towards me in his office. His black tie was undone and hanging down over his crisp white shirt.

"Yeah?" Jasper smiled and made his way over to the large oak cabinet and turned over two glasses. "You pissed at me?" Jasper smirked

"Drink?" As with most things, when Jasper asked it was more of a demand. "Nope, why would I be?"

"Well, you certainly seemed like you were." Jasper chuckled, and dropped some ice in a glass.

"Sorry if I came across that way, Mase." Nodding, I rubbed my now sore knuckles. "You should put something on that, some ice, maybe," he muttered.

"I'll ice it when I get home, thanks." Jasper began to walk back towards me.

"You did good, you're very fast. You have definitely been keeping things hidden from me." He smiled at me, his cheeks dimpling as he did.

"I wouldn't say that I have been hiding anything, I've just never had to fight in your club yet." Jasper chuckled and handed me the shot of whiskey. This had been happening for a while now, us ending up alone in his office at the club sharing a drink and chatting. I couldn't deny it any longer that I was attracted to him, but I was doing my best to stay away from him.

"That's true, I think I will be asking you to attend more of these functions." He sat down on the edge of the desk just inches away from me. "Let me see." He placed his glass on the side and took hold of my hand. "They look sore, and they are swelling slightly."

"They are." Jasper smiled and flicked his eyes to me before looking back at my knuckles. Pulling my hand up, he softly kissed each knuckle. Instinctively I tried to pull my hand away, but Jasper gripped my hand tighter.

"No!" he growled at me. "Tell me why you do this? Why do you reject my advances towards you? Are you not attracted to me?" he asked, pulling me closer to him. My breathing hitched being this close to him.

"It's not that, I just don't think it's a good idea to get involved with the man I'm working for." And getting involved with you wouldn't help my mission.

"I think you think too much." His face was now centimeters away from mine. His warm, whiskey laced breath fanned my face before he closed the distance and placed his warm, soft lips to mine.

Unable to stop myself, I pushed him back against the desk gripping my hands into his hair and making him moan. The warm wetness of his tongue flicked against my lips. Parting my lips, his tongue softly brushed against mine, twisting and turning as it moved in a perfect motion with my own. The kiss was slow and sensual, filled with pure want and need. His lips slowly burned mine, warming my body throughout as his hands weaved around my waist pulling me closer to him. Slowly, our hips rocked against each other causing us both to moan out as our erections brushed against each other.

Breaking apart from the kiss, Jasper began to trail kisses down my neck nipping at the skin. Moaning loudly, my fingers tightened in his hair and I pulled his lips back to mine. The kiss was different this time, it was more demanding. His tongue forced its way into my mouth, lashing hard against mine. My head tilted wanting our kiss to deepen. Jasper took full advantage as his kiss became more urgent. Jasper pushed against me, his hard, muscular body was pressed tightly against mine. I could feel his arousal pressing and rubbing against mine as he moved us back towards the wall taking full control.

My hands tugged at his shirt, pulling it out of his trousers. Jasper growled low and deep, vibrating against my chest as I attacked his neck. His hips rocked against mine, creating a devilish friction that was driving us both crazy with need.

I want him, I need him so bad.

Pushing up his shirt, my fingertips touched the hard taut muscles of his abs. His skin felt amazing under my touch and I yearned to feel more of him, to feel his warm skin pressed against my own completely bare and with nothing in between us. My hands trailed slowly over his sides and stomach enjoying the feel of his muscles contracting under my touch. He tugged at my hair, hard, forcing me to bring my lips back to his.

Our lips met once more, hard. Jasper sunk his teeth into my bottom lip and began to nip it slowly driving me crazy, before sucking my tongue into his mouth. Our tongues brushed together, our lips moved perfectly with one another. Our bodies reacted to each others touch in complete unison, almost as though we knew each others bodies as well as our own.

Cool air touched my stomach before I felt his warm hands on me. He ran his hands up my stomach and over my chest, stopping once he reached my nipples. Jasper pinched them hard between his fingers, causing me to moan out and press my head against the wall. Warm, wet kisses trailed across my jaw, as he continued to tease me.

"I want you against this wall, Mase," he whispered in my ear, in a husky voice, so full and rich with his desire. "I've wanted you against it since I first saw you."

His lips crashed hard against mine again, as his hands moved around my back pulling me off the wall. Jasper dragged his nails hard down my back, marking me. My back arched, pushing myself closer to him as my hands slipped down cupping his ass. Jasper bucked his hips against mine, as I squeezed his hard, pert ass in my hands.

Needing air, I pulled back. Guilt began to consume me as I saw his dark, lust filled eyes. "We can't," I breathlessly whispered. His arms stayed in place around my waist keeping me clamped close to his body. Our chests were touching and I could feel his erratic heartbeat against my chest.

"Why?" he whispered, bringing his lips to my neck and trailing hot kisses up my neck.

"Please, Jasper, stop." My body was fighting against what I was saying.

"I want you and I always get what I want, Mason. Always." His deep blue eyes looked at me, but I couldn't hold his gaze. The guilt was too much for me right now. I needed to keep a distance from him, not fuck him or worse, fall for him.

"Not this time, Jasper. It will make things awkward between us." Pulling his arms away from around my waist, my body suddenly felt cold and dead. Moving away from the wall, I walked to the desk and knocked the rest of my drink back.

"Tell me you don't want this, and I'll leave you alone." His heavy stare burned holes through my back. Turning, I saw him standing against the wall his cheeks flushed and his chest heaving.

"I don't want this, or you." My voice sounded so weak and nothing in the tone of it confirmed what I was saying. All that came across was how much I was lying. I moved across the office towards the door as Jasper began to move towards the desk.

"You're full of shit, Mason." My hand froze on the door handle.

"You know fuck all about me, Jasper," I replied turning to look at him.

"I didn't imagine any of that. You wanted me as much as I wanted you. I felt how hard you were for me," Jasper snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.

"I don't want you." I turned back to the door and grabbed hold of the handle.

"Why fucking lie? Why deny what we both want?" he demanded of me. Shaking my head, I opened the door and left closing it behind me.

Breathing hard, I jogged down the stairs. A frustrated scream echoed through the stairwell followed by a glass smashing against, what I can only guess was, the door. My mind became a jumbled mess of my emotions. I had been so close to crossing that line, my lust for him had taken control and gotten the better of me. He was out of bounds. A no go area, yet I almost broke my own rules.

The club was almost empty by the time I reached the main floor. I wasn't hanging around to finish the rest of my shift. I needed to get away, to get out of here and far from him before I fucked up my mission and slept with him.