A/N: I apologize for the short and delayed updates. I know it's far and few but I don't have much free time to sit and write the way I used to and has become less of a priority as I'm no longer passionate for writing but simply just trying to finish something I started. Beyond that I have no muse for writing and lack any interest in BATB which makes it difficult for me to sit and write.


Vincent, ever the gentleman, quietly reached for the her gray messenger bag and carefully slipped it off her shoulder.

"Let me," he said, in a calm voice and carried it with ease but knew it probably weighed more than what it felt on his shoulder. Given his advantages, he felt it weighed no more than a pound or two but it was too bulky to be that light.

"Oh no, Vincent. You don't have to do that. It's quite heavy. My laptop and school books are in there."

"It's not heavy at all," Vincent replied as he slid the strap of the messenger bag on his right shoulder. "See," he smiled as he shrugged his shoulder, to show how light it was. "Barely weighs a thing."

"Are you sure?" Catherine asked with worry in her voice. "I'd hate to impose."

"Impose?" Vincent shook his head. "Catherine, I'm volunteering to carry it for you."

"Let me know if it gets too heavy."

"I lift boxes much heavier than this at work. It's really no big deal."

Sighing in defeat, Catherine gave up the fight. "Okay," she replied.

"Now that's settled, shall we go to the diner?"

"Of course. I hope you're starving. The food there is real good. I promise, that you won't be disappointed."

"I will never be disappointed when I'm with you," Vincent replied with confidence as his eyes flashed that rare golden color that caused her heart to race. He reveled in the fact that she was attracted to him as much as he was.

Catherine's cheeks glowed with color and blushed a crimson color that made her eyes as vibrant as ever. The rose's beauty paled in comparison to hers as he continued to gaze at her. "Uhm," she started and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "It's uh," words failed her at the moment as she locked eyes with him.

A soft purring could be heard vibrating through his throat as the beast celebrated with much enthusiasm. "Let's go," he whispered in a deep and coarse voice.

"Yes. Sorry," she quickly agreed and led the way. Nervously and with trembling hands as she held on to his.

They walked through the busy streets of Time Square which he usually avoided but being with her quickly put him at ease. There was no need to watch his back or constantly look over his shoulders. Vincent knew that there would be too many witnesses to leave behind if they tried to abduct him in the middle of a busy and well-known area. He snickered to himself in celebration, that for once he had nothing to worry about. Catherine caught his smile from the corner of her eye and smiled shyly at him as a tint of blush colored her cheek. Her heart quickly betrayed as it started to race and she held his hand as if she never wanted to let go.

It didn't take long for the beast to make its presence known and that he was just below the surface. His adrenaline rushed with excitement as he enjoyed her company and the crowded streets of Time Square without fear. It was as if he was set free from his reign and it ignited a burning feeling he lost so long ago.

"This has been the best part of my week. I guess I owe Jax and Chase for dragging me here. I would have never bumped into you and have our first date," Vincent said. The excitement was evident in his voice and it showed in his bright golden eyes as it glowed with a spark revealing more than he ever had. Without thought he raised their hands and kissed her fingers as if he'd done it numerous times before.

"Lucky for me, my car broke down again," Catherine giggled to herself but it made him smile to hear such a laugh. It was a mixture of nervousness and shyness. "I never thought I'd be saying that," she paused and bit her bottom lip.

"Does it make me a bad guy if I say I'm glad your car broke down?"

Catherine smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. At least I have you to walk me home."

"I just hope it doesn't happen often," Vincent shook his head. "I meant your car breaking down not me walking you home. I'd be happy to accompany anytime," he laughed nervously. "I just don't want you walking home at night all by yourself. It's not safe and I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to you."

Catherine stopped and turned to face him. It annoyed people who had to go around them but she didn't care about the others except for one man who she was looking at and holding tightly to. She carefully studied the look on his face and searched his eyes for any indication of dishonesty and lies but found no such thing as he held her gaze and held her hand safely in his.

Catherine began to open her mouth but quickly closed it. In truth she was at a lost for words. More times than not all she heard were the usual pick up lines that she had to turn down night after night. Vincent wasn't like any of the guys she'd met at the bar nor was he like the guys from college. He didn't come across as arrogant or condescending but sweet and gentle like a man should be and someone her father always said to keep an eye out for.

"I'm willing to do anything to prove to you that you can trust me," Vincent broke the silence between them. "And that I would never do anything to hurt you."

Catherine met his pleading eyes, which was completely set on hers as if unaware of anyone else but her. "Vincent, you don't have anything to prove to me. From the first night we met, I've always known you were different from all the others but not because of the reason you think," Catherine paused and raised her free hand to his scarred cheek and softly stroked it. "You're different in a sense that you know how to treat me with respect. Other than security you're the only one who spoke up for me when those fraternity guys got out of hand. Everyone usually just cheers them on but not you. Besides that, there's also tonight. Everything you've said and done has only made me more aware of my feelings for you. I know you're a good man and I never thought otherwise."

Vincent breathed a sigh of relief and let out a deep breathe he hardly knew he was holding. From her first word he feared the rejection he often heard in his head that he only imagined when alone at night but it was far from what she spoke and felt. It was he, who was now at a lost for words. "I, uhm," Vincent took his turn at blushing and spoke no more other than revealing his golden eyes that saw her as the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

"I understand how you feel," Catherine said nervously. "I believe we have a dinner date."

"And hopefully many more," Vincent replied.