Adrian's POV

The compliments to my artwork pale in comparison to my encounter with the remarkable Rose Hathaway. I find myself scanning the crowd every few minutes in hopes of catching a glimpse of the girl. She in itself is a work of art. I couldn't replicate her if I tried. That wicked smile of hers could easily cause the death of any man. What seems to intrigue me the most, however, is that wondrous mouth of hers. I can't wait to see what impossible thing she'll have to say the next time we speak.

An hour later I manage to escape the coaxing of a couple of journalists and head to the bar without hesitation. It's been a long night and all I want is to drown myself in liquid misery. The reason for that being that I know most people here aren't really interested in my work, they're simply here because they're too afraid to do anything that might offend my father. Being the son of the CEO of a world renown company has its perks, or so I've heard. I'd be perfectly content with displaying my art on the streets, where I know the only people who would approach me are the ones who truly appreciate my work. Unfortunately for me, that doesn't seem to be an option. Not when I have my father breathing down my throat and telling me I should go find a real job. Alcohol seems to be the only way to escape him these days.

I'm brought out of my reverie when I see her. She appears to be talking animatedly with a man I don't know. At first, I have no intention of interrupting them, I have no problem appreciating her from afar. But something feels wrong. The way he's eyeing her body is troubling, to say the least. Especially since she seems oblivious to his intentions. And soon I learn why: she's ridiculously drunk.

She signals the waiter for another drink before downing the rest of what appears to be a martini, and I know my suspicions were correct. I don't hesitate in approaching them.

"The point is, Jared—"

"It's Gerard."

"Yeah, I don't care. The point is, that when you're in a relationship, you need to compromise. And honestly, I don't care how hot you are; you could be freakin' Adonis, for all I care, if you're not prepared to give up certain things for the woman you supposedly love, why the f—"

"Pardon my interruption." I jump in, snaking an arm around her waist. "My girlfriend's had a little too much to drink, it seems."

The astonished look in her eyes is amusing, to say the least, and before she has the chance to call me out on my lie I give her hand a gentle squeeze, in hopes of reassuring her. Due to some otherworldly miracle, she understands my intentions and remains silent.

"Oh- Sorry, man. I didn't mean any trouble." Gerard mutters, purposely making no eye contact.

As soon as he's out of sight, my hand on her hip relaxes. To my astonishment, she slaps it away. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Saving you." I tell her simply.

"Do I look like I need saving?"

"Frankly, yes. That guy was about to take advantage of you."

She seems offended. "I'm not some damsel in distress."

"I beg to differ. Your speech is slurred, your dress is riding up in the back and you have that look on your face."

She stares at me quizzically. "What look?"

"That glint in your eyes that says your legs are open for business."

She gives the most unladylike snort I have ever seen. "That's ridiculous."

"Is it?" I take a step towards her and a wave of her intoxicating fragrance hits me. I feel my insides melt. I would give everything to bathe in that scent.

She licks her lips as if she's about to speak, but says nothing. Instead, she starts to move towards the stairs. I catch up to her in no time.

"Leaving so soon?"

"I just need some fresh air, I'll be back."

I don't think she notices when I follow her, but I refuse to let her out of my sight considering the state she's in.

When we reach the top of the stairs, she exhales loudly. The cold air stings my cheeks and I welcome the sensation, it helps me think more clearly; not that it matters. I have a feeling I'd go to hell and back for this girl, regardless of the state we're both in.

I hear her groan and even though I can't help wondering the reason behind it, I settle for a remark that doesn't make me sound like a lovesick puppy.

"Save your sorrows for another day, Miss Hathaway. The night is still young." She instantly spins around and I notice her eyes widen momentarily. I can't help smirking; I've obviously caught her off guard.

"You'd think it'd be easier to get rid of the most coveted individual at the party." she says, folding her arms over her chest with a huff.

"Most coveted? I'm flattered, Miss Hathaway."

"Like you haven't noticed the women worshipping the ground you walk on. And would you stop calling me that?"

"What would you have me call you? Little firecracker?" She almost cracks a smile. Almost.

"Rose. Just call me Rose."

"Okay, Rose." I test her name on my lips. Somehow, it seems more intimate. "How about you tell me what went on downstairs?"

It seems to have an effect on her too because she takes a while to gather her thoughts.

"Ugh, I have no idea what came over me. I turned into some needy bitch."

"Happens to the best of us." I say cheerfully.

"Not to me."

"There's a first time for everything. Besides, life would be extremely boring if we didn't make a few mistakes along the way."

For once, she has no desire to voice her thoughts, or lack thereof. She's staring intently into the night and I let her. Maybe it'll help sober her up.

I feel my hands twitch for a cigarette and I'm about to reach into my jeans for them, when I hear her speak. "I have an idea."

I raise my brows but she's already halfway down the street. With a sigh, I follow her, picking up my pace when I notice her turning into a dark alley. I soon realize no amount of fresh air will sober her up.

When I round the corner I immediately stop in my tracks. "Whoa!"

Rose Hathaway is standing in front of me in nothing but her underwear—or should I say, in the sexiest black lace lingerie I have ever seen.

Our eyes lock and I start breathing hard. "What the hell are you doing?" I whisper.

"Making mistakes." I barely register her words before I pin her to the wall and claim her lips with mine. Her hands are all over me and my body responds with desperate satisfaction. She yanks my shirt open and buttons fly everywhere. I press my body harder against hers and she sighs in delight. Our tongues are entangled in a fiery dance and I can't help groaning inside her mouth.

It doesn't take long for me to realize that I have no intention of letting this girl slip away.

"Roza?"

I'm not sure if I imagine the voice or not. The world could come to an end around me and it would be all right, as long as I still had her lips on mine. But clearly, the universe has other plans for me.

Just like that the flame in my darkness is yanked away from me. Literally. She's gone. I'm alone in the dark alley, with nothing but my frantic heart trying to beat its way out of my chest.

A/N Thank you for the lovely reviews! They're what motivate me to write, so keep 'em coming! I'll try my best to update faster this time around.