Two of his uniformed men flanked Zayn, escorting him into his study. The young man strode in with a look now pure fury. Cristiano watched Zayn's eyes snap into focus in the dimness of his study and zero in on him.

At his signal, more men, this time with guns, moved into position around the room.

And waited.

"I've seen you before. . . At Camelia's wedding. . .You kidnapped Jasmine? Where is she?" Zayn demands angrily.

If it wasn't for the guards pushing him back, Zayn appeared ready to beat him to a bloody pulp.

An unamused smile graced Cristiano's lips and he rose from his chair, hands fisted.

"I'll be doing the questioning here. You have caused me a considerable amount of trouble and its time you are held accountable for it. I suggest you sit down and answer my questions!"

Zayn's eyebrows shot up. "What the hell are you talking about? Who do you think you are, kidnapping my sister and bringing me here? What is the meaning of all this?!?"

Cristiano smirked. "Who am I?" He clasps his hands behind his back and slowly walks towards him. "I am Cristiano Russo, the brother of the girl you impregnated and discarded like a whore months ago."

Zayn frowned, his stance erect and defensive. "Pregnant? What are you talking about?"

"I see you don't keep track of the females you bed." He smiles humorously. "Sofia Russo. That girl." He supplies, nudging his head at the wall which held a portrait of his beautiful sister.

Zayn swung his head to his left and recognition quickly entered his deep blue eyes.

"Its slightly reassuring to see you recognize her." Cristiano commented with a evil smile.

"How can I forget her? She was drinking herself to death the night I met her."

"Excuse me?" Cristiano asked, his voice acidic, nostrils flaring.

"Your sister was at a club I frequently visited. She was draped over the bar, dressed in a sequenced silver dress, and already drunk. I happened to sit beside her and ordered a drink." Zayn shakes his head. "I would have saved you all this trouble if you had only approached me!"

"Explain yourself this instant! I want to know exactly what happened."

Zayn entered the club with the personal guards his father appointed for his safety, much to his displeasure, clenching his jaw in exasperation. He hated being followed, especially by men that were ordered to report to his father everywhere he went and everything he did.

Zayn understood his fathers concern knowing a madman was after his sister Camelia and threatened the family. But to go to these extreme measures disrupted Zayn's lifestyle. He felt choked and restless. A part of him hoped the man after his sister tried an attempt to attack him. He was itching for a fight and ready to take on the world and make someone pay for his restricted freedom.

He clenched his hands into fists as he found an empty bar stool and sat, legs spread, signaling the bartender.

"Bourbon please." He requested in a clip tone.

He was burning for release. The desire to forget, to bury himself in flesh and curves and the hot scent of a woman. There was a long line of scantily-clad twenty-somethings, waiting to drink and dance, watching him, feeling the stares probing his back.

The music in the club was loud. Colored lights were pulsing thought the darkness to the beat of the music. The air was steamy, hot. His ears were already ringing from the blast of music. The glass was placed neatly on a square white napkin. Zayn swished the glass and swallowed the amber-colored liquid in one gulp.

He clenched his jaw as it slipped down his throat. It burned, causing his eyes to water. He shook his head to rid himself of the shock it caused to his system.

"Another please." A woman in a soft Italian accent slurred at his left, holding an empty glass in the air.

Zayn turned to the voice and was shocked to find a beautiful woman sitting beside him. He took his time apprising her appearance. The twinkling silver mini-dress she wore was hiked on her hips. Her legs her softly tanned in high black heels. Her ruby red lipstick faint likely spread over the rim of her drink. Hair dark as the night sky, was long and thick, draped casually over one shoulder and back, reaching the end of her waist.

What a creature, he thought. Just when he thought his night was grim he happened to come across a beautiful siren. Just what the doctor ordered for his pounding headache.

"I'm Sofia Russo." She introduces herself with a welcoming smile.

Zayn frowned and shook his head again, focusing on her eyes. He found her arm bent and outstretched. He quickly snatches it and brings it to his lips, placing a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"Zayn St. James." Turning his full charm on. "The pleasure is all entirely mine, if I don't say so myself. . ." He murmured more to himself than to her, scanning her from head to toe with his eyes once more.

Sofia giggles and ducks her head. "What a charmer you are Zayn St. James. You are the most handsome man I've ever seen in all my life."

He quirked an eyebrow, looking up from her cleavage with a triumphant smile. She was bold. He liked that.

"And you my dear, are sexy as hell. May I buy you a drink?" He asks huskily, his eyes became hooded feeling his body heat.

"Ohhhh, a gentleman too. I would very much like that."

"Indeed." Sending her a wink and releasing her fingers. "Bartender, the lady and I would like another round." He requests as the man strides towards them.

"She's had too many drinks, Sir. I cannot serve her any longer."

Zayn pulled out a stack of bills and smacked it on the counter.

"That should suffice for your silence. The lady and I would like another round." Zayn requested, pinning him with his piercing blue eyes in challenge.

The bartender stared at the pile of bills and quickly snatched the large sum, shoving them into the pocket of his black apron and began mixing drinks.

Zayn switched his gaze to Sofia who was watching him with wide eyes.

"Very impressive." She noted.

"Greed is a very powerful emotion. Money shuts people up." He explained with a charming smile. Zayn looks around him quickly. "Are you here all alone, love? Please don't tell me I have to fight for your affections with a boyfriend lurking somewhere in the shadows."

Sofia threw her head back and laughed. Zayn watched the delicate neck of her throat contract and found himself smiling. What a treasure, he thought. He lowered his gaze to study her killer heels before lifting his head as she composed herself. The sight sent his blood pressure shooting through the ceiling.

He loved a woman in heels.

"No. I have no boyfriend at the moment." She answers.

"Excellent."

The bartender comes back with their drinks. Zayn takes his glass and takes another quick swallow to cool off the steam emitting from his skin. Sofia takes a delicate sip of her wine, watching him with her cat-like eyes over the rim.

"Tell me, what is a beautiful woman like you doing here all alone?" He asks, turing his body to face her. His legs spread wide open on the barstool. Sofia turns to face him as well and crosses her legs between his spread ones.

"I'm from Italy. My brother is very protective of me. If I had a boyfriend, he would probably kill him." She shrugs. "I'm not supposed to be here all alone, but my brother is away on business and I needed a break from. . ."

She fell silent. Her expression turned somber. The lightness in her eyes dissipated as she looked away from him, her dark thick lashes veiling her eyes from him. Zayn lifted her chin with his fingers.

"From?" He prompted, titling his head slightly.

"My problems." She finishes and takes a long swallow of champagne. The elbow she had resting on the bar, slipped and she nearly toppled over had it not been for Zayn catching her by the arms to steady her.

"You and me both. Lets keep our 'problems' at the door, shall we? Because you and I are going to have one hell of a time. Come, dance with me."

Zayn stands, unbuttoning the top button of his suit jacket, shrugging it off his shoulders and placed it on the counter. "Watch the jacket would you?" Referring his statement to the bartender.

The man nods as Sofia places her drink on the square napkin and stands, smoothing the dress down her hips. Zayn takes her hand in his and smiles down at her as they begin dancing, rushing his hands down the bare skin of her arms. Sofia gave him a seductive smile as she stepped back from him, swaying her body, moving down to her knees before rising again. She leaned back, arms over her head, and her full breasts straining the fabric of the top of her dress.

The floor beneath them shook with rhythm of the dancing crowd. Zayn grasps her waist and ground his body against hers, nuzzling her neck. Sofia leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Let us go somewhere private." She whispered in his ear, pressing her body tightly against him. "Some place where we can have some real fun. Make me forget my problems Zayn St. James and I will help you forget yours."

Zayn pulled his head back to watch her eyes. "Are you a mind reader?" He asks with a devilish twinkle in his eyes.

She smiles seductively. "I know what I want. And I want you to make love to me until I can't remember who I am and where I'm from. Make me forget everything."

With a growl, Zayn pulled her to him so hard he almost yanked her off her feet. Zayn grabs her by the hips and dragged her off the dance floor, passed the crowds and out the club. He sensed his guards were close. Outside, the air was cool over his overheated skin. Beside him, Sofia took several deep breaths trying to calm her racing heart as he called for the valet to retrieve his car. He held her hand and lead her down the steps once his vehicle arrived.

Tossing a tip to the valet, Zayn opened the passenger door of his Ferrari and Sofia quickly slipped in. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her exposed thighs as her dress hitched upwards. He felt his body tense beneath his custom made suit.

Zayn took them to a hotel, a ritzy hotel passed the outskirts of the city. It was secluded and private. He quickly booked a room and practically dragged Sofia behind him, as she was having difficulty keeping up with his eager strides. They enter the elevator. His guards stop short just as the doors closed.

He nearly forgot they were following him.

"So sorry chaps, I'm rather preoccupied at the moment. Do take the next one." He gives them a mocking smile and a small salute.

Zayn caught his reflection on the opposite mirrored wall. The bristles of a five o'clock shadowed his chin. His eyes were wild and full of lust.

He turns to face Sofia. "Are you sure your brother isn't having you watched? I'd hate to die young." He teases.

She backed him up against the mirrored wall. "Do not deny me now. I want you."

Pressing her hands against his chest, she kissed him. Her lips were gentle and yet so seductive. Her head leaned back as his tongue teased her, his lips hot and hard. She returned the kiss hungrily. He pressed his hands on the small of her back, pulling her tighter. She draped an exposed leg over his hip and he grabbed her backside, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around him.

The elevator signals they reached the desired floor. The doors slid open.

They brake apart, panting, Sofia slipping her legs down his body and stumbles over her high-heels, giggling as Zayn catches her by the arms.

"Time to make this a night to remember."

Sofia kicks off her shoes and they hold hands as he maneuvers them to the far end of the hallway. He slips the door open wide and waits, allowing her to enter before him. The door shuts behind them. Encircling her body with his strong arms, he slowly traced down her back and slowly beings to unzip her dress.

"Turn around, love."

Sofia obeys without a word, bracing herself on the wall. Kissing her neck from behind, he ran his hands over her as the dress slips soundlessly to her feet. She wasn't wearing a bra beneath her dress, only a sexy little red thong. Zayn almost groaned, feeling himself thicken in his tightening slacks.

"Take me, Zayn." Sofia panted. "Don't be gentle. Don't make me wait. Take me now."

"Patience my sweet. Patience. The night is still young." Zayn answers, his sensual lips curved into a smile.

He cups her large, swollen breasts, pressing them together, weighing their fullness. Sofia moans softly, arching into him. She leaned her head back against his shoulder, hardly able to breathe. He sucked at the crook of her shoulder. With one hand, he reached behind her head and pulled her into a hot, hard kiss. She returned the kiss hungrily, desperately, curling one arm behind his neck as his other hand traveled passed her bellybutton to her panties.

Suddenly, she turns around to face him. She reaches for his waist, unbuckling his belt. With a taunting smile she undid the top button of his pants. He pushed her against the wall, clasping her wrists tightly in one hand, and pulling her arms over her head, kissing down the valley between her breasts and latches on to one pointed peak sucking her nipple hard, trying to take as much as he could inside his mouth. He quickly switched to the other and sucked, pulled, bit, making her moan and buck against the wall.

"Zayn!" Sofia exclaims.

He groans in pleasure.

"Zayn stop! I can't! It hurts!"

Zayn frowns at the hands pushing at his shoulders and pulls up. "Stop?"

"You're hurting me." She accuses, crossing her arms over her chest to gently cup her breasts, looking away ashamed.

"Hurting you–? I–I, was I too rough?" He asks stupidly, not understanding what he did wrong, standing tall and taking a step back from her.

She begins crying, her body shaking with her quiet sobs.

"I'm sorry Sofia. I didn't realize I was–"

"It's not you. It's me. I-I don't feel well." She cries, clapping a her hand over her mouth as if she was going to be sick and ran away slipping into the bathroom, the sounds of retching reaching his ears.

Zayn exhales loudly and slumps against the wall. "Bloody damn hell." He whispered, raking a hand through his thick black hair pulling back abruptly. He rushes to the bathroom to witness Sofia hovering over the toilet, emptying the contents of her stomach.

She was sick. He frowns, recalling the bartender voicing the amount of alcohol she'd consumed. Rushing to her side, he held her hair back from her face. To his mounting displeasure, she continued to vomit until she couldn't breath.

"Do I need to call a physician, Sofia?"

She weakly slumped against his chest, her face clammy and deathly pale. Her entire body was shaking and her teeth chattering together. She moans, her eyes closed.

"Come now, don't faint on me. What you need is a bath and a goodnights rest. Let me help you."

He stood, carrying her in his arms to the bathtub. Managing to turn the faucet knobs with one hand while the other still holding her, the tub was quickly filling up as he tested the temperature before gently placing her in the water. Her head rolled to the side against the tub and her eyes were half-lidded.

"Your likely dehydrated. I'll be right back with water."

Sofia didn't say a word, her face chalk-white as tears began to creep from behind her tightly shut eyes. Zayn instantly felt sorry for her. What a mess, he thought, returning quickly with a bottle. He held it to her lips, forcing her to drink whenever she stopped or refused until the bottle was empty. She pushes away his hand, seeming to regain some of her strength and sitting straighter.

Zayn unbuttoned the few top buttons of his dress shirt and rolled up his sleeves.

"What are you doing?" She asks wearily.

"Why, I'm going to start bathing you, of course. I doubt you can manage the task on your own, silly girl." He grabs the hotel shampoo and conditioner and a bar of soap.

"I'm pregnant." She whispers.

Zayn freezes and slowly turns to face her with the products in his hands. "Say what, again?"

"I was drinking myself to death because I'm pregnant and if my brother found out, he'd kill me or worse, kill the father of my child. In my country, its frowned upon when a child is born out of wedlock."

Zayn released the breath he was holding. "Well that explains a lot. But for your information, what you're doing is incredibly reckless, childish and stupid. A pregnant woman should never drink, don't you realize the repercussions of your actions?"

He took in her guilty expression.

"Ahhhh. . ." Quickly realizing her decision. "You were trying to abort the child. Well, you have other options to do so but to resort to this kind of behavior is inhumane." He scolds.

"I don't know what else to do without my brother finding out. He must not know because if he did, my lover would die."

"Why doesn't your lover come clean and ask for your hand in marriage? That is, if he had honorable intentions towards you." He remarks. "Turn around, love."

Zayn kneels before the spa tub and empties the travel size shampoo bottle over her head and begins lathering her hair. Sofia purrs like a kitten being petted and closes her eyes.

"You should never sacrifice an innocent human being for the sake of your beliefs. I believe if you and your lover were a unified front and expressed your dilemma to your brother I'm sure he would have no reason but accept."

Sofia shook her head. "You don't know my brother. He can be ruthless. He would destroy the man I love and I would be left with nothing but my bastard child If he decided to keep me alive."

"You make him sound like a cold-blooded tyrant." Zayn notes. "Lean back and soak your hair in the water." He requested once he finished shampooing her hair. She does as he instructs and he resumes washing her hair with conditioner.

"My brother has a notorious temper and he absolutely detests disloyalty. We had been going behind his back for months now. If he ever found out we betrayed him. . ." She shudders. "Please Zayn, help me, tell what I should do."

"He's your only family?" He asks, lathering his hands with soap. "What happened to your parents?"

"My parents died when we were children. He is the only family I have." Sofia turns around and looks at him with genuine sadness. "Do you have any siblings?"