Sydney

Harriet and I struck up a conversation for a bit. She complimented my outfit. Because most people were still ignorant that Aiden and I had arrived together, I was spared from all the intrusive questions. Our friendship lasted until she saw someone she recognised, and a third person was unwelcomed. Despite this, I had plenty of opportunities to mingle. I kept my drink in my hand and went around meeting new folks. I tracked down Larry and a few others of my team, who were delighted to introduce me to others.
But I had to be careful about how much I drank. Someone would press another drink on me as soon as I finished the first. I started carrying a half-full glass around after two fast drinks. I noticed that I was enjoying myself now that I was no longer with Aiden. I had entered the terrace and stood in a corner, taking in the panoramic view. We were on the top level, and I must say, the view was breathtaking. Standing on the edge, I could see half of the city stretched out, running down to the beach, with the bay as the backdrop. This is the kind of office I'd like to have. My workstation did, in fact, face a window, but it wasn't the bay. I had a great view of a blank wall on the other side of the road.

"Enjoying the party so far?" Someone asked.

Startled I turned around, it wasn't Aiden. There was this guy staring at me, dressed in an expensive suit. With a mop of brown hair and brown eyes, he had a nice appearance. He also had slightly bloodshot eyes, as if he hadn't slept in days.

I shrugged and said, "Yeah, it's fantastic."

"Uh-huh, and do you believe in following the Christmas traditions?"

"Generally," I said with a laugh, wondering where this was leading.

"Uh-huh," he answered again, a smile on his face. He pointed up and said, "Mistletoe."

Damned if he wasn't right. A sprig of mistletoe was hung from the arch above. I gave him a strange look. Was he expecting a kiss from me? What was wrong with the males in this town?
He gave me a wink and reached up to pick the mistletoe from the arch and hold it.

"A memento?" I asked, still smiling.

"Tradition," he said. "Pretty girls get kissed under the mistletoe."

I was like, what do you mean?

My jaw dropped. He couldn't possibly be doing that. Yes, he could. He bent his head and I stepped back.

"Woah! I'm not a traditionalist enough to kiss a stranger." Why was everyone so obsessed with kissing me?

He took a step back and winked at me.

"Ah! right, I am William Reiner. You would know who I am right? Or should I introduce myself?" He grinned. He was a pompous brat just like his brother.

I was dumbfounded, of all people I had to bump into Aiden's brother, who was as pushy as him. Was it a family trait?

"Oh! Nice to meet you, Mr Reiner. I am Sydney Rosbak. I work in the advertising department."

"As a model?" He raised his eyebrow.

"No, I am a digital artist," I replied, politely and looking for a way to escape.

"Interesting! It's no surprise that my brother likes to spend all of his time at work." Smirking, he said.



What was I supposed to say, anyway? I didn't want to mess things up with the infamous second son because I was already involved with the elder one.

"Ok now that we are done with the introductions. Let's continue with the tradition. Did you know we get our mistletoe from Europe?" he asked.

I shook my head.
"Well, we do. Someone grabs some and brings it back on one of the company planes. Normally we get it from England but this time someone got it from France."

"Oh, Bringing plants in from overseas? The officers at the customs let you do that?" I asked.

He looked perplexed before grinning and saying, "So you're one of the smart ones, I like that." He burst out laughing.

"So can I get my kiss now?" He stepped closer, and I immediately moved back.

"I don't think so, I need to go. It was nice talking to you, Mr William."

"Oh, please don't say No," he pouted and gripped my hand and I felt a sudden panic.

"Please let me go, Mr William," I said in an icy tone as I could.
He mumbled, "I told you not to say no."
Through anger and terror, I wondered what the hell he meant. I rammed a fist up at him at the same time as I felt a sharp jab on my cheek. I could feel blood on my lips.

"You think you are special, don't you? That all men should be cowering at your feet?"

He grabbed my cheeks and dragged me into a corner. I tried to hit him again and my knuckles impacted on an unmoving wall of his stomach, his thin lips twisted into a sneer.
I felt his hand moving up my legs, I made another attempt to push him away. But he held me by my hair. I opened my mouth to scream which was immediately crushed under his lips. He smelled of alcohol and grass. In my desperate attempt to free myself I bit his lips.

"Ouch!" He took a step back, rubbing his mouth. "So, you like it wild? I'll show you how wild I am."

He roughly caught my breast from over my dress and mauled it. I winced " let me go, asshole!" I screamed. He threw me against the wall and my head reeled by the sharp pain where the hard concrete hit my head. My cheeks stung when he slapped me to subdue my shouting. I wasn't sure if I would be able to hold him longer. I was free when a sudden ruckus forced me open my eyes. An enraged Aiden hauled William away, grabbing him by the collar and slamming his fist into William's stomach. As William doubled over in pain, I gasped in fear.

"How dare you touch her?" Aiden screamed and slammed his fist into William's face.

"Aiden, no!" I screamed.

Aiden's piercing stare landed on him. It appeared to irritate him even more.

"I warned you not to mess around with my employees!" Aiden muttered through clenched teeth.

"You're going to hit me for that slut?" Aiden landed another hit on William's face.

"How dare you call her that?" Aiden yelled.

I noticed a few guards approaching us, and it took four guards working together to tear Aiden away from William. I was remained glued to the wall, staring in terror at the events. Aiden walked up to me and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up. His face had hardened, so I must be looking like hell.

It wasn't a question, it was a statement when I said, "You're injured."

"I'm OK," I said flatly.

He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at the corner of my lips, saying, "No, you're not fine."
His face softened as I winced.

He told one of the guards, "Get the car, we're leaving."

He softly took my hand in his and guided me through a maze of passages to the lift, avoiding the main party hall. My eyes battled to hold back tears as we sat in the car. We rode silently. When the car came to a halt and the chauffeur opened the door, I recognised it wasn't my place.

"Where am I?" I asked Aiden.

"At my place," he replied casually.

"Why? I thought you were taking me home?" I asked, a little panicked.

"Yes, but my home. Do you think I would leave you alone in this condition?" He replied curtly.

"I am not alone, I have my roommate, my friends to take care of me...."

"Please don't argue with me, Sydney. Let me help you because you're in pain."

I panickedly stared at him, then at the massive parking lot.

"I won't hurt you; I promise." He whispered softly, then said, much to my astonishment. "I apologise for whatever occurred today. I shouldn't have left you alone in the first place."

I was stunned, in pain, and my mind was spinning. I stumbled when I exited the vehicle. Aiden snatched me up right away.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his face was full of concern.

"I'm alright," I said as I gathered my voluminous skirt. "Just that my head hurts." The wonderful dress clumsy at this point. He ushered me into a lift, and as soon as the door shut, I burst into tears I don't know why I was being such an emotional wreck. I felt his arms around me. He didnt say a word yet it felt oddly comforting.