As soon as Rick leaves the hotel, he takes Diamond's necklace into a jeweler he knows he can trust and asks the owner to please supervise the repair himself as he noticed the clasp is loose.

"Please be careful with the necklace as the chain is delicate. I'd like the clasp replaced as well as the wedding ring cleaned."

The tone of his voice must give him away as Rahjid asks, "Ah, Mizter Castle, you care about this lady, huh?"

Care to fuck her, yes, but his heart suddenly constricts at the thought, betraying it could easily become more than just physical with her.

"Is it that obvious?" he chuckles. "Yes, she's someone special and there's a large tip in it for you if I can pick it up tomorrow."

"It'z not a problem. Only the bezt for you."

"My sincere thanks, Rahjid."

It takes less than 24 hours for her pimp to call him, upset about him snooping through Diamond's suite and taking something personal of hers.

"Mister Ryan, please accept my apology. Diamond stormed out of the suite so quickly I didn't have the chance to tell her I noticed the clasp on her necklace was loose. . . I looked for her in the lobby of the hotel, but as you already know, she left immediately after our meeting." He pauses, lets his words sink in, hoping he doesn't read between the lines.

"I've seen a lot of different tricks in my time to get Diamond's attention, but this one is a new low. . . I'm pleased to tell you it backfired. . . Bring her necklace to me within the next two hours or I'm slapping a burglary charge on your ass."

He knew it could possibly go this way, hell, even expected it, but he wasn't going to let an overprotective Irishman or a bulldozer bodyguard stop him from seeing her again.

"We both know the charges won't stick as I have the Mayor on speed dial. Rest assured, she will get her necklace back. The repair should be done in three days so I'm happy to bring it to her this Friday. I'll accommodate any time she requests."

"You won't be seeing her again," Ryan reinforced. "You can bring it directly to me. This week, I'll be staying at the Ritz Carlton. You can drop it off at the front desk."

"If she wants the jewelry back, my one condition is she meets me face to face," his forceful tone brooks, 'no argument'. "It's non-negotiable. . . If she'd rather, she can give me a monetary value of the chain and wedding ring. I'm willing to pay any amount she deems necessary."

Rick crosses his fingers in hopes the sentimental value of the necklace is worth more to her than the actual money.

"You do realize you're playing with fire?"

Oh I certainly do. . . The most beautiful flame I hope to ever be singed by.

Ryan rushes on, "And let me warn you, you don't want to trifle with this ball of fire. I've seen many men get irreparably burned."

"I don't doubt it, but I'm willing to take the chance. . . If I promise to never bother you or Diamond again, will you give her my message?"

"You've put me in a precarious spot as I hate to be manipulated, but even more so, I hate to see Diamond in that position."

Castle's laughter is buoyant and lightens the mood between them. "I don't think any man could ever manipulate her. From just the short amount of time I've spent with her, she exudes a rare self-confidence I've never seen in a woman before. She's amazingly beautiful, effervescent, as well as intelligent. She's definitely one-of-a-kind."

"I couldn't agree with you more. . . It seems you've already fallen under her spell."

"Something like that," Rick answers, thinking he'd love her 'spell' to wrap around his torso and boldly take him, torture him senseless where he can't even remember his own name.

Ryan chuckles, "As long as I don't have to hear your radio-ad voice again, I'll put in a good word for you."

Well, chalk one up for her likeable pimp.

"Rest assured, I'm as good-as-my-word. I'm sure Mayor Weldon vouched for me or I wouldn't have been able to meet with her in the first place."

"He did. I can't promise she'll meet with you, but I will relay your message."

"That's all I'm asking for."

"That's all you'll be asking for period," Ryan states with finality and then the line's dead, buzzing loudly in his ear.

...

He can't believe he misses her call, stuck in a horrendously boring meeting at Hyperion.

As he listens to her voicemail, hears the underlying anger in her tone, his groin starts to throb in cadence with his heart. . .

How does she sound even fuckin' sexier with malice dripping from her tone?

She's clipped, rushed and gets straight to the point, telling him she'll be at the Asiate Restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel this Friday night between 6 - 8 pm.

"You can drop by anytime but I'm letting you know in advance that I'll be working."

It's easy to interpret from the emphasis on 'working,' she's going to try and raise his hackles by touting another man in front of him, the tempting seductress.

And then she closes with, "I'll only be able to spare a few minutes for you."

I'll only need a few minutes if all goes according to plan, but his gut churns with nervousness, knowing he'll have to use every trick in the Casanova handbook to try and impress her and even then, he could very well fall short in her eyes.

He doesn't believe he's ever been this tied up in knots over a woman before, or had to work this hard to vie for a woman's attention.

And even worse, he has to keep shoving down the notion that the stakes have never been higher for his own personal happiness.

...

He doesn't need to see her haunting, gold-flecked eyes dance in his direction to know she's close by, doesn't need to see her dark tresses looped up in an elegant twist, blush highlighting her model cheekbones, doesn't need to see those skyscraper legs which remind him of Bar Refaeli's, - he only needs to hear her tinkling laughter and his eyes are pulled across the crowded restaurant directly to her.

She's facing him, eyes alight with mischief as she laughs at something her companion has just said.

She's a vision in white wearing a silk halter dress, the plunging neckline exposing hints of luscious, swelled breasts. With her hair up, her oval face is more pronounced, the lean line of her neck open to him, beckoning him to sink his teeth into the creamy skin of her jugular.

After just a few moments of staring at her heavenly beauty, sex appeal dripping from her flesh with every blink of her thick lashes and lift of her baby pink lips, - the blood pools south, making him achingly hard in an embarrassingly short time.

He doubts if his reaction to her will diminish with time, - doubts if he'll ever get enough of her, - can picture a thousand different ways to make them both shatter in ecstasy.

It's as if a magnetic cloud descends upon the room and the current quickly, inexplicably sparks and ensnares them, her eyes crashing into his.

Her hazel orbs reflect something mystical, exciting, and a surge of desire pulses through his veins as she rises from her chair.

She walks towards him with purpose, all alluring feminine form, the full length gown swaying at her ankles adorned in Jimmy-Choo-fuck-me-lavender-heels. Her body's siren call makes him lick his lips in anticipation, desiring to haul her to the nearest secluded room, (even a coat or janitor's closet would do) anywhere where they can be alone and he can worship her delectable curves the way she deserves. . .

Her eyes are flaming and her walk is stilted and bloody hell, she's not wearing a bra, her pebbled nipples calling his name with each and every step she takes.

Everything about her screams she's furious with him; he can practically see the steam rising from off her body as she advances towards him with dire intentions.

How do I direct her righteous anger towards the bedroom? he thinks before she's right in front of him, cheeks fraught with color, lips pursed in agitation, her glorious chest heaving from the effort.

Forget the beefy bodyguard, I'm not going to survive her, and he pastes on his, 'I'm-really-just-a-lovable-huggable-teddy-bear-beneath-the-Casanova-persona,' smile.

"Diamond, how lovely to see you again," he greets her warmly, all male dashing personality with killer-sexy motives, but before he can continue, she's interrupting him.

"Don't say another word."

Her icy tone has him fidgeting, worrying he won't be charming or brilliant enough to pull himself out of the hole he's dug himself into.

She holds out her hand, palm face up in a cupping shape, speaking abruptly, "My necklace please."

He pulls the chain out of his front pocket, his thumb rubbing over the antique ring, and with pleading eyes asks, "May I just have five minutes? Can we please sit down so I can explain something to you?"

"Let you explain why you're such a jack-ass? Let you explain how you get your jollies stealing jewelry from unsuspecting women? Let you explain why you felt justified taking something priceless from me, - that it was the only way you could think of to see me again?" Her eyes rake over his face, distaste painting her beautiful features. "No thank you. I've heard it all before. Our business is done, Mister Castle."

His eyes spark midnight blue as her words cut deep, a shard of pain pricking its way through his bloodstream, rushing towards his heart.

Does she really see me as such a callous bastard?

His eyes never leave hers as his voice drops low, filled with emotion. "I wanted to explain why I was drawn to the necklace in the first place. . . Why the inscription on the ring touched something deep within me. Why, - when I noticed the clasp was loose, I couldn't stop myself from picking it up and taking it to a jeweler whom I trust, who I knew would take special care of it, . . . but it's obvious my impulsiveness was a mistake. I apologize for being intrusive, for overstepping my bounds. I never meant to hurt you, Diamond. Hopefully, you'll be able to forgive me one day."

Unconsciously he moves towards her, his hands aching to touch her flawless skin at least once, hoping to file away the sensory memory and pull it back up again on long, lonely nights.

The next moment he's standing behind her, inhaling vanilla and cherry blossoms, hating how her scent will fuel his wet dreams for many months to come.

His hands slightly shake as he places the chain around her neck, his fingers skimming the delicate arch of her collarbone. He pauses as an indescribable urge assails him to place his lips in the crook of her neck, taste the sweetness hidden there.

"Don't worry, you'll never have to see me again," floats over her ear in a whisper-pained caress while he clasps the necklace completely.

She's turns around, - all liquid hazel, questioning orbs but he misses it as his eyes are embedded on the ring nestled softly in the valley of her breasts.

"Beautiful," he says with sensual undertones. "You should never take if off. It's right where it belongs, - close to your heart."

He turns away from her, determined to get as far away as possible from her hourglass figure and brutal, cunning lips that know how to destroy a man.

"Cas - tle," she calls but he just keeps walking, determined to reach the bar and lose himself in a potent bottle of whiskey.

It's not her second attempt to reach him which has him stopping in his tracks, but the tell-tale, deep voice of a livid man which makes him pause.

"Diamond, I'm the one who's paying for your time. Get back to our table, - NOW."

"Just a moment, Trent. I need a few minutes."

"No, I'm not waiting any longer."

A sound parts from her lips then which he never expected to hear, - a sound that has the hairs on his arms standing on end and his senses on full alert.

Her squeal of fright turns his blood cold, has him turning towards her, ready to take matters in his own hands and defend her in a heartbeat.

A man in his early 50's, burly, with cold brown eyes, wearing Armani like it's a second skin, has his hand clamped over her bicep.

Her eyes are wide, surprised, like a deer-caught-in-the-headlights and her voice portrays underlying fear as she says, "Let go of me."

"For the amount of money I'm paying you, I expect your sinful body next to me every single second." He pulls her arm roughly, dragging her towards him.

Rick sees red, - a bright, agonizing color, and in a flash, he's positioned himself in front of her companion, his blue eyes blazing, hissing through clenched teeth, "I suggest you do as the lady requests and release her, - immediately."

The man laughs, - a sickening sound of someone who feels superior, someone who's used to getting his way. "You don't know her then as she's certainly NOT a lady. . . Move out of my way."

"How unfortunate your mother never taught you some manners." Rick takes a step closer to the man, going toe-to-toe with him, menacing intent radiating off his large frame. "And now you owe the lady an apology. . . Release her now and ask her forgiveness or you won't like the consequences."

"Are you actually threatening me?"

"Take it anyway you like, Tre - nnt," Rick sneers, slurring his name like it's a filthy swear word. "But either way, you're letting go of her right now."

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

Disdain flows from Diamond as she addresses the older man, yanking her arm forcefully from his grasp. "He happens to be the gentleman I'm leaving with. . . Our date is over. Go find Mister Ryan and tell him I said you could have a full refund."

Her eyes soften as she looks upon Castle, voice hinting at a mysterious night to come. "Rick, will you get me out of here?"

She's looking at him with those gorgeous expressive eyes, gratitude shining from their depths and something infinitely darker which he hopes to unravel before the evening ends.

"Yes, I'd be honored to."

Out of the corner of his eye he notices Esposito barreling down on them.

Just as Diamond links her arm through his, Trent growls, "You don't get to decide when our date ends," and his slimy hand curls itself around her neck, squeezing softly. "I do."

Rick's response is instantaneous. His left elbow slams backward into Trent's ribs, knocking the breath out of his lungs. He's facing him in a millisecond, fist curled tightly into a ball and he strikes the older man with a right hook, hitting him directly in the nose.

The crunching sound of bone fills the air and blood starts oozing from his nostrils as he stumbles backward. Esposito grabs him before he falls to the ground and wraps up both his wrists, twisting one arm painfully behind his back.

"Sorry I didn't get to the party in time," he says jovially, grinning haughtily when Trent winces as he yanks harder on his arm. "Are you okay, Diamond?"

"Yes, a little shaken, but I'm fine thanks to Writer-Boy here."

Esposito looks dumbstruck as he gives Castle the once over. "Never thought I'd be saying this to you, but you have nice arm, bro. . . For a writer."

His accent makes it sound like writing's the prissiest job on the planet and has Rick chuckling, "Thanks for the compliment."

"Seriously though, thank you for taking care of my girl."

"Anytime. It was my pleasure." His eyes openly caress Diamond's face, tracing the feminine curve of her cheek, falling along her slim neck, - looking for any sign she's truly hurt and is only placating them.

His baby blues fill with unchecked desire, as well as an underlying promise for a tempting future if she'll just give them a chance. "I'm hoping she'll let me take care of her again in the very near future."

Take care of every intimate, salacious need.

"I'm happy to give you a few pointers on taming this wildcat," Trent sarcastically sneers.

"Shut up," Esposito threatens, "or I'll do it for you. . . Diamond, you want to file charges against this asshole?"

"No," she tears her eyes reluctantly away from Rick's. "Make sure he's escorted out of here and put directly in a cab. I'll have Ryan issue him a full refund on condition he never tries to contact me again."

"Did you hear that, sleazebag? If you ever try to reach Diamond again, I'll personally make sure a restraining order is filed against you and your ass is thrown in jail. Got it?"

Trent grumbles something affirmative as Esposito half hauls, half drags him towards the door, but his parting shot's raunchy, meant to deliberately offend, and Castle has to consciously restrain himself from flying after the man and beating him senseless.

"She's spoiled goods. Enjoy my leftovers if you can."

It's clear his words hit the mark as Diamond tenses next to him, her body rigid, eyes downcast as she says, "Please take me away from here."

"I'll take you wherever you want to go," and his hand clasps hers, her warm palm shooting flames of lust and unsurpassed longing through his entire frame.

As he leads her out of the restaurant, taking in her graceful walk, the aura of pure beauty that surrounds her, - both inside and out,- he feels an undeniable, irrevocable connection to her.

And for the first time in his life, Richard Castle rejoices in the possibility that he may have just found his missing half.