A/N: Firstly, this is my first story so pleeeease be kind! I do welcome constructive criticism though. Also, Kat (the protagonist) swears a lot. She's quite feisty and rough around the edges. If you can't handle frequent swearing/cussing, please don't continue reading this story.

Kat's POV

For fucks sake. Could this day get any worse? I mean, really. How does all this shit happen to one person in one day? I fucking hate clubs. And people. And life in general. Aaaargh!

***

My day started off with the exit interview from hell. I was finally free of that shitty publishing house but that didn't mean Mr Carmichael would go any easier on me on my last day. The gall of the man. He actually had the nerve to insinuate that I was leaving because I was sexually attracted to him and had sour grapes because he didn't return the affection for a "fatass", as he so elegantly put it. Ugh. Just the thought of anything remotely sexual involving that man made me want to throw up. I don't think he appreciated me verbalising that thought though, judging by his furious, red-faced tirade that followed.

I left the building soon after that horrendous meeting, hoping that the day would get better, considering it was a Friday and I had zero obligations for the rest of the weekend. Wishful thinking. Not even an hour later, I was standing drenched in someone's iced coffee at Starbucks because the idiot was too busy staring at his phone to notice that he was walking straight into the queue, and in particular, me. After giving him a piece of my mind, I dragged my coffee-soaked self the few blocks to my apartment, praying that I wouldn't have to run into my asshole neighbour.

You guessed it. It was just not to be. As I reached my apartment door, the jackass was leaving his and couldn't stop himself from making a few disparaging comments about how I should clean up and fast, because nobody needed to see my huge stomach through my wet shirt.

I fucking hate people. Ninety-nine percent of them are fucktards. Which is why I usually choose to be alone, with the exception of my bestie, Alice. Her name is Alyssa but only I get to call her Alice, just like she's the only one who gets to call me Kat, although my full name is Katrina.

After I cleaned up in my apartment, I decided to do some grocery shopping. A nice hot meal and a bottle of wine sounded good. But alas, it was not to be. I was getting ready to leave when I got a call from a blubbering, tearful Alice. Turns out her fucking dimwit boyfriend had been cheating on her for the past few months (which was basically the majority of their relationship). I knew I didn't like that bitch for a reason. So I told Alice to come over and we spent the rest of the afternoon watching chick flicks (my one embarrassing weakness) and eating Ben & Jerry's cookie dough flavoured ice cream.

At around 9pm, Alice decided that she really needed the club tonight. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this girl, except when she gets into one of her clubbing moods. I hate clubs. Too many people. Too many drunk people. Too many amorous people reminding me that I will forever be alone. Ugh. But as I said, I love her, and she needed this, for some reason that only she knows. Something to do with letting her hair down and stress relief. So we found ourselves getting dressed at my place and preparing for a night out. Alice basically had her own wardrobe at my place. She chose a glittering gold, short and strappy dress with sexy gold stilettos. The beads on her dress shimmered with every move she made and I couldn't help but look at her in envy. She would be turning heads, for sure.

ALICE

I chose a strapless cerise pink lacy dress that went down to mid-thigh and silver kitten heels, with silver earrings and a bracelet. It was one of my more beautiful dresses and I chose to wear it because it was pink and I was in a bad mood. Pink was not a good colour for me. Usually when I wear pink, it's because I'm stressed or pissed off or upset. Yes, I'm weird. Deal with it.

So off we went. Alice was super keen to try out a new club, called "Lupa". I thought she was loopy to suggest it, knowing that this particular club had a mile long queue just to enter the place. But when we arrived, I was surprised to see Alice head straight to the bouncer who let us in with just a friendly wink to Alice. I wanted to question her about it but the club was in full swing, music blaring and bodies gyrating in every free space.

Alice and I headed to the bar for a much needed drink, before she dragged my unwilling body to the middle of the dance floor. I sipped my cider slowly, not wanting to encourage Alice to get me more alcohol. I knew she needed to let loose but I was planning to stay very sober and sensible to make sure we reached home safely at the end of the night. We danced for a few songs before Alice needed another drink and we made our way back to the bar. We were in the process of trying to get the bartender's attention when I felt someone push between me and Alice, cornering her against the bar. Alice was slightly tipsy and although she tried pushing him away, the guy wouldn't budge. He was huge and intimidating, probably about 6'4 with a beer gut to boot.

I saw red and grabbed his arm roughly, before shoving him away from her with a lot of force. It was just enough to get him to move away and I stood in front of Alice defensively, knowing that this guy was going to be trouble.

"What the fuck, you fat bitch!? Get out of the way before I make you regret coming between me and that hot piece of ass you're hiding behind your huge ass."

"You can try, you asshole. She clearly isn't interested in you, so why don't you go find some other poor soul to satisfy you this evening?"

I could tell that my response infuriated him and my eyes widened before I saw his fist swinging towards my face. I reacted instinctively, drawing on the self-defence classes I took at university. I blocked his punch with my left arm and swung my right fist towards his temple, hitting him as hard as I could in the hope that it would knock him out or at least slow him down enough for me to get Alice and myself out of there.

My knuckles hurt like a bitch after that punch and my left arm was sore from where it took the brunt of force from his attempt at punching me. Unfortunately, instead of stopping him, my punch only enraged him further. What was this guy, a fucking bear? I'm going to die. I can't believe I'm going to lose my life in a fucking club of all places. You see, this is why I don't go out. For fucks sake. Could this day get any worse? I mean, really. How does all this shit happen to one person in one day? I fucking hate clubs. And people. And life in general. Aaaargh!

Despite my internal rant, my eyes were focused completely on Bear, noting how he was getting ready to come at me again. I grabbed Alice's hand, ready to make a run for it as his fist swung towards me yet again. Before I could move though, I felt, more than saw, a presence stepping in front of me and grabbing bear's hand, stopping him mid-motion.

Jesus, just looking at the back of my knight in shining armour was getting me excited. What the fuck. I don't ever react like this when faced with a hot guy. Or in this case, his back. His very muscled, rippling back that made me want to run my hands all over him. Dear lord. I nearly moaned aloud and haven't even seen his face yet.

My mysterious stranger growled, yes, actually growled, and tightened his hand on Bear's fist, eliciting a whimper from Bear. A genuine fucking whimper. From Bear. My hardest punch hadn't even phased him but Mr Tall, Dark and Muscular was standing there as if he wasn't even trying to exert pressure and Bear was whining in pain like a little girl. He leaned forward and growled something to Bear, which I couldn't hear because of the blaring music. Whatever he said must have been scary as hell because I swear Bear was about to piss himself. He glanced at Alice and apologised profusely before the stranger shoved him away. Bear looked up at me with a hint of anger in his gaze before my stranger (I don't know why I was already thinking he was mine because no way in hell was this godlike guy going to be interested in me) blocked me from Bear's view and almost roared in fury, "DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING LOOK AT HER, you worthless piece of shit!!! Don't talk to her. Don't breathe in her direction. Do you understand me!?"

Bear bowed his head slightly and apologised again before making himself scarce.

I was slightly shocked at my stranger, before realising he probably thought Bear had apologised to me and then looked at Alice, instead of it being the other way around. The thought jarred me out of my stupor and I turned to see Alice staring past my stranger to the group of guys watching the scene with interest. These must be my stranger's friends, because they were hooting with laughter and mocking Bear as he basically sprinted away from the bar area.

One of the guys in particular was staring at Alice as if he'd never seen anything so precious before. With a start, I realised she was staring at him too. He was tall, although not as tall as my stranger, with dark brown hair and aqua blue eyes. He was also muscular and quite attractive. He started walking up to us and my stranger turned and growled at him before he held his hands up in a surrender and seemed to communicate something to my stranger with his eyes because after a few seconds, the atmosphere relaxed and he continued approaching Alice.

NICK

I was dying to turn my head to the right and look at my stranger but I knew he would be freakin gorgeous, adding to my disappointment that he wouldn't be interested in me. So I focused on stranger number 2 as he neared Alice.

"Mine," he whispered. I doubt Alice had even heard him but I was paying close attention, not wanting another episode with a guy who couldn't take no for an answer. Mine? What did that mean? This one better not also be a psycho, cause I'd kick his ass.

To my surprise, Alice let go of my hand and started walking towards him in a daze, as if he were the only thing she could focus on.

"What's your name, beautiful?" he asked with a grin.

"Alyssa" she replied.

"I'm Nick, my lovely."

"Nick," Alice breathed out, stepping closer to him.

He held her hand carefully and Alice whimpered before remembering where she was and turning to me in confusion.

"Kat?"

I knew she was still feeling tipsy and a bit lost, so I walked to her and pulled her away from Nick, hearing his grumble under his breath. I shot him a glare, telling him to wait a few minutes. He backed down immediately, which both surprised and pleased me for some reason.

As I turned around, I lifted my eyes and was met with the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. I dimly realised he was my stranger. Sweet Jesus. It's like someone took my every fantasy and built it into this one guy. How can someone be so perfect? He had piercing hazel brown eyes and short dark brown hair, styled messily although it was hot as hell on him. A couple days' worth of stubble graced his chiselled jawline and I moved my eyes downward, taking in his large, ripped form before dragging my eyes back to his. He seemed to be staring right back at me, although that could have been because I was just glaring at his friend and taking Alyssa away.

JASON

I forced myself to stop looking at the demigod and focused on Alice, who was still staring transfixed at Nick. I rolled my eyes at her, knowing that I was being a hypocrite considering that I'd gladly stare at my stranger like that if it wasn't bound to result in me being told to focus my fat ass elsewhere, so I swallowed down the sarcastic comment that was about to leave my mouth and gently pulled Alice to the end of the bar where there was surprisingly a stool left free. I guided Alice to the stool and then looked at her calmly.

"What's going on, sweet pea?" I asked her.

"What the hell just happened Kat? One moment I felt that creepy guy all up in my space and the next you're punching him and then all I could see was Nick."

"Erm, well, yeah. I punched that fucker because he was being a creep. And then that guy over there stopped him from trying to get to you again. And I think he's probably friends with Nick. Speaking of which, what is up with that? Have you forgotten douchebag extraordinaire already?"

Alice blushed beet red before pulling me closer to whisper in my ear.

"I don't know Kat but I feel like I've known him forever and I can't even think straight when I look at him. What's happening to me? He's so hot. How can I want him so badly after what just happened with Tommy?" she asked a bit frantically.

"Well Tommy was a little bitch and if I ever see him again I'll cut his balls off. Nick is a hottie, that's for sure. But anyway, I don't get a bad feeling from these guys so do you want to hang out with Nick and see what happens? I'm not drinking, love, so we'll be OK..."

"Really, Kat? You'd do that? I know you hate this scene..." Alice stated, although I could see her practically light up at the thought of spending time with the guy.

"Yes Alice, I'm serious. I love you more than I hate clubs, so it's an easy choice. Although I wouldn't rush things with Nick. I don't want him to be a rebound for you sweet pea."

"He's not a rebound Kat. I can tell you that much" she said with certainty.

Ok then. So we're doing this. God, please help me to not drool over my stranger the entire evening.

Alice and I walked away from the bar and back towards Nick and my stranger. I noticed that the rest of their group had dispersed and I sighed in relief, not really thrilled at the idea of hanging out with an entire group of hot guys and having women in this club glaring at me like I was a cheap hoe.

Alice and Nick seemed to be lost in their own world so I turned to my stranger and swallowed hard to muster up the courage to introduce myself so I could thank him for stepping in with Bear earlier.

"Hi, I'm Katrina." I said with false confidence, holding out my hand for him to shake. "Thank you for stepping in earlier because I'm sure I'd be minced meat right now if not for you," I said with a small smile, hiding my nerves like a pro.

I felt tingles on my hand as it was enveloped in his larger one and he smirked a little bit before saying "Hello Katrina. I'm Jason and I'm truly glad I got here when I did or I wouldn't have met you tonight..."

I swear I just got wet from hearing his deep, throaty voice alone. I moaned quietly at the sound and the feeling of his hand touching mine, noticing that his eyes seemed to darken and his nostrils flared slightly. He couldn't smell my arousal, right? Nope. Not humanly possible. That would be so mortifying.

I tried pulling my hand out of his grasp but he pulled me closer instead, holding me at the small of my back with a firm but gentle grip. Sparks were erupting all over my body where we touched, but I was keenly aware that in this position, he would be able to feel all my unattractive bumps and bulges.

I suddenly pulled away quickly, mumbling something about checking on Alice, before I embarrassed myself further with this guy. I turned on my heel and basically ran, ignoring the delicious shiver that ran through me when I heard him calling my name and giving chase.

I knew it would be difficult to find me in this club with the masses of people grinding against each other and swaying to the beat of the music, not that I knew why he was even following me in the first place, so I relied on that while searching out the crowd for Alice's gold locks.

I finally caught sight of her in a booth with Nick, cursing myself for my inattentiveness. Something could have happened to her and I would have been too busy staring into Jason's eyes to notice.

I slid into the booth next to Alice, noticing her shocked expression, as if she only now noticed that we had been separated.

"You good, sweet pea?" I asked with concern, ignoring Nick who seemed a bit put off at my nickname for Alice.

"Yes bumblebee, I'm perfect," she giggled.

I groaned, hating that nickname with a passion but dealing with it because it made Alice happy.

"Will you come to the restroom with me Kat?" Alice asked quietly.

I nodded and Alice turned to inform Nick that we'd be right back. He just rolled his eyes and made it clear in no uncertain terms that he would be accompanying us to make sure nobody else tries to lay their hands on what's "his".

I glanced at Alice when Nick made the comment and smirked at her fierce blush. It was adorable really, although I completely understood the allure of a possessive, protective guy. One can dream, I thought wistfully.

Alice and I reached the restroom without any hassle and went in to do our business, giving us some privacy from Nick.

"Ok, spill. How's it going?" I asked Alice conspiratorially.

"Oh my God Kat, he's so perfect. Such a gentleman and I think I'm already falling for him."

"Well he'd better stay a gentleman or so help him, I'll have his head on a stick!" I threatened, not really believing it would be necessary because I had gotten really good vibes from Nick.

"What does your gut tell you about him Kat? I don't think I can be objective about this one, so please, my friend, be honest... I regret not listening to you about Tommy. You know I won't make that mistake again..."

I had always had a very keen intuition about things and in particular, about people. I had warned Alice that Tommy was a bad apple but she was too infatuated to listen. I haven't yet been wrong about a gut feeling and Alice knew this about me, although it was probably weird sometimes being my friend when I gave advice based on a feeling about something.

"Honestly, Alice, I need to spend a bit more time around him to judge but on a gut feeling, I think he's a good apple..." I said firmly.

Alice beamed at me before enveloping me in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Kat. I know how protective you are over me, so I know that was hard for you to say. Erm... Don't call me a hoe-bag but I don't mind if you want to go home after all the drama... Nick already offered to bring me home but I said I'd talk to you first." Alice said with her cheeks flaming red.

"Ohh, so we're on a date all of a sudden, are we?" I teased her. Alice blushed bright red again and I laughed before assuring her that I'd get myself home safe and making her promise to stick to our usual routine (which involved messaging each other every two hours in code and then calling when we reached home so we knew the other was safe). It may have been a bit over the top but we weren't reckless and didn't want to risk any crap happening and nobody realising until it was too late.

"Maybe Jason can take you? Nick said he thought Jason was really into you and to be honest, I noticed him staring at you at the bar..." she said with a suggestive wink.

I raised my left eyebrow at her and snorted in a very unladylike manner.

"Oh puhhhhlease Alice. Let's not go down this road again. I don't have the energy to have my ego trampled on even further, thank you very much."

Alice looked at me apologetically and hugged me while saying, "I'm so sorry Kat. You know they were assholes. But you can't and won't be alone forever. I have a feeling about this..."

"Oy, firstly, I'm the one who cusses in this friendship and gets vibes about things. And secondly, he may be the most attractive male I have ever seen, but just no. That's all I have to say about that."

Alice rolled her eyes before deciding to remain quiet. Realising that we had been chatting in the ladies room for a good five minutes already, I reminded Alice that Nick was waiting outside, evilly relishing in her cute blush. She really was my polar opposite and I couldn't have hoped for a sweeter friend.

We exited the restroom and I sucked in a breath at seeing Jason leaning his shoulders against the wall with his arms crossed and one foot planted flat against the wall. I vaguely noticed Alice gravitating towards Nick and pulled my eyes away from Jason to see her winking at me and waving goodbye.

I giggled, despite myself, and turned to wish Jason a good night before belatedly realising that he standing directly behind me. With a clumsy "oof", I stumbled and instinctively shot my hands forward to break my fall, closing my eyes to brace for the impact.

When nothing happened, I blinked my eyes open to stare straight into Jason's bewitching and slightly amused hazel ones and then realised that my hands were planted firmly on his pecs. I felt my cheeks heat up with a blush and cursed myself for my reactions to him.

"Shit, sorry Jason." I mumbled apologetically, before straightening up and pulling my eyes away from his hypnotic gaze.

"You can fall onto me any time Kitten..." he smirked with a sinful grin.

I felt myself getting aroused again at the sound of his voice coupled with the feel of his chest under my hands and tore myself away from him before I embarrassed myself even further. Again.

"I have a name and its not Kitten," I said firmly. "But anyway, I'm leaving so it doesn't matter. Thank you again for your help earlier. It was nice meeting you Jason." I said with a small smile as I turned away and forced myself to take a step towards the exit of the club.

Before I knew what was happening, I was pushed against the wall, my hands pinned above my head in one of Jason's and his piercing eyes aflame with an intense emotion before he leaned in and growled, "You are MINE! Don't ever run away from me again Kitten..."