The Billionaire Next Door

"Tiffany, for the last time, you're not going to that party!" her mother shouted, her voice cracking with frustration. "Mom, it's just a party! I'm 24! I'll be back by 4 A.M "Tiffany argued, her voice rising. "You can't keep treating me like a child!" "You spoiled brat," he snapped, entering the room with a dark expression. "How dare you defy your mother? How dare you!? His loud and husky voice echoed. Kayla, Tiffany's little sister, who was hiding behind their father, glanced up with wide, curious eyes. "Big sister, are you really going to disobey mom and dad? Please stay.” Tiffany's heart clenched, but she just couldn't let this go. "Why is everyone against me tonight?" she screamed, her voice threatening to break with tears. "It's not the first time I've gone out at a party! Why now, of all nights, are you making a big deal out of it?" Her mother's gaze was steady, her tone cold. "I don't care. You're staying home. End of discussion." Without another word, both her parents left the room. Kayla followed, but Tiffany saw her glance backward, her innocent eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and concern. When all were sound asleep, Tiffany made her move. She dressed up and walked out of the room. When she got to the staircase, she pulled off her shoes, walking on her toes in order not to make a sound. She slipped out of the mansion, her heart pounding due to the surging adrenaline brought by the thrill of rebellion, and headed to the party. Crazy outside: loud music playing, lights flashing all over, and bodies swaying to the rhythm. Some strippers were entertaining on a platform, people crowded around tables with drinks. Thick smoke mixing with the alcohol in the air was what you got. Chaos-fun, just what Tiffany needed. "How'd you get out?" her friend Angel asked, her voice high, because of the loud music in the background. Tiffany rolled her eyes, remembering the outburst of her parents. "Let's just say it wasn't easy," she grumbled and gulped down her beer in one go. “More drink, I need more drink!” Tiffany yelled at the bartender who had refused to give her more drink. He knew she was drunk. She kicked the bottle of martini from him with force, sticking out her tongue at him. The liquor got the better of her, and she let it all go and set her cares free. There was a call from the dance floor, and she answered. She danced with an abandon that was, well, crazy. Her body swayed to the rhythm of the music, her mind well away from the mess she had left at home. The hours melted into a blur of lights and pulsating music intermingled with shots. Tiffany's phone buzzed in her purse, but she ignored it, knowing it was her mom, already furious. But she didn't care. She was too far gone. Stumbling through the crowd, she found herself staring up at a guy leaning against the bar. He was handsome, no more than that-he looked like a magazine cover boy with a sharp jawline and cold eyes that cut through the dim light. Something screamed danger about him, but maybe that's why she approached him. "Hey, handsome," Tiffany slurred, waving her drink. "Care to join me for a drink?" He didn't even flinch; his eyes were fixed on something way beyond the chaos of the party. Tiffany scowled, stomping closer. "Hey, can't you hear me? You're being rude." She swayed slightly as she spoke, irritation growing. "Am I that ugly? Huh?” Still nothing. His silence only seemed to make her more determined. "What, are you too good to talk to me? Silently, he pushed off the bar and walked toward a door at the far end of the room. Well-drunk and obstinate, Tiffany followed him. "Hey! Don't walk away from me! I'm talking to you!" she yelled after him, nearly tripping over her own feet. He stopped in front of the door, his back still to her. "Leave. Now," he said with a cold, low voice. Tiffany giggled, feeling bold. "Or what?" she teased. “Whatcha gonna do? throw me out? What are you? A security officer?” He turned slowly to face her, his face unreadable. "I'm warning you. If you don't leave right now, we'll both regret it." Tiffany rolled her eyes. "You sound like a bad movie villain," she laughed, pushing past him into the room. "Come on, let's have some fun!” She touched his chest and he grasped her wrist in an unyielding grip. Yanking her close, he growled huskily against her ear, "I warned you.". Tiffany went statue still, the playful intoxication siphoned out of her body as she stared up at him. His gaze whipped through her like a blade-gray and cold as steel. For the first time all night, she felt a ripple of fear. "You're not playing hard to get, are you?" she whispered, her voice barely above a shaking stop. He let go of her wrist but didn't step back. Instead, his hand found the collar of his shirt and began to unbutton it with agonizing slowness. "Last chance," he said. "Leave, or I won't stop." He paused, staring deeply at her. Tiffany swallowed hard as her mind whirled. There was something different about him, dangerous. Instead of turning and running, she stayed. "I'm not scared of you," she whispered, the words shaking but determined. Without another word, he thrust her onto the bed, his lips crashing against hers in a sudden, fierce kiss. It was rough and hungry- nothing like the gentle kisses she'd known before. Tiffany's head spun as a mix of confusion and desire swirled inside her. He tore the clothes off her, his hands roaming all over her body with a possessive hunger. Tiffany's mind went blank; she had never felt anything like this before. Her breath hitched as he kissed her neck, sending electric jolts across her body. Their bodies curled into each other in the dark of the hotel room, and the world outside just disappeared in a haze of lust and recklessness.