5 months later

Thud.

Mike groaned on the floor while I stood up from my fighting stand and wiped the sweat from my forehead.

"Oh get up, I barely touched you." I walked over to my bag and pulled out my water bottle. Taking a long drink, I looked back over to see Mike had gotten up.

"Barely touched me? You threw me over your shoulder and slammed me into the ground!!!" He exclaimed as he rubbed his shoulder.

I just shrugged my shoulders. His jaw dropped open.

"Seriously? You have been training for only four months, how the hell are you so good? I mean I have been practicing for over three years and even I have trouble with these moves sometimes." He walked over and snatched my bottle from my hands to take a drink. I glared at him and elbowed him in the stomach. He starting coughing up water and dropped the bottle back into my hands.

Putting the bottle back into my bag, I packed up my belongings and made a move to leave.

With a hand on the door frame, I looked back at Mike. "When you truly want to achieve something, nothing stands in your way." He stared at me as I exited the studio.

I have been coming here regularly for 4 months, practicing karate and martial arts. Apparently I was the fastest learner they have seen. What they don't know is that I'm on a mission and learning fast is the only option I got.

I threw my bag into the back and sat down in the drivers seat. I slammed the car door and revved up the engine. Pulling out onto the semi-busy streets, I started thinking about putting my plan into action. I had put it off 4 months so I could practice fighting and learning everything I needed to but enough was enough. I had to do what was needed by the end of today.

I pulled up to the motel I had been staying at and cut the engine. Grabbing my bag from the back, I walked in and went to my room.

After a quick shower and throwing on some sweats and a t-shirt, I grabbed my laptop.

Once google loaded, I typed in the name I have been religiously studying for the past 5 months.

Let's see where he'll be tonight.

The various articles just showed pictures of him attending ceremonies and his newest business deals.

I was about to give up and go get something to eat when a headline caught my eye. "Business awards of the year."

I clicked the article and skimmed through the details. It was tonight and he would attend for sure.

Smiling to my self, I shut the laptop and jumped off the bed.

Time to get ready for phase 1.

*******************************
Deciding what to wear was harder than I thought.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not dressing up for him, but I need to be able to catch his eyes if this plan is going to work at all.

"Ugh, this would be so much easier if I had my closest from back home." I mused.

When I had left, I had grabbed as much of my stuff as I could. Now I wished I had grabbed some more.

I guess I would have to go shopping. Great. I grabbed my keys and bag before leaving the room.

I drove by some boutiques before arriving at one that was at the end of the street. It looked deserted so I could shop without anyone annoying or recognising me.

After parking the car, I entered the store. A small chime went off when it opened and a small head popped up from behind a rack of dresses. The person came out from behind the dresses and smiled warmly at me.

It was a rather short woman in her late fifties. Her white hair and the glasses gave her a grandma like quality. I instantly liked her.

"Hello sweetheart. How are you today?" Her warm smile reminded me of Aunt Monica. She had such a pleasant aura as well.

"I'm good, just here to buy some dresses. You have a lovely shop." And it was true. The walls were a deep maroon colour and the chandeliers hanging from ceiling gave off a royal ambiance. There were racks of dresses all around the store and many were hung up on mannequins placed through out the store.

The old woman's smile got bigger. "Thank you deary. I don't get many customers so you feel free to take as many dresses as you like. Shout if you need me." With that said she walked off into the back.

The corners of my mouth lifted up a little and I set off finding my dress.

2 hours and about $1500 later, I still hadn't picked out what to wear. I had picked out every dress that caught me eye and bought them all. The struggle was deciding which of them to wear.

There was a two piece light champagne lace dress, another two piece maroon sleeveless chiffon dress and a beautiful sparkling lavender evening gown. I was seriously considering the purple one as it had a tight slit and looked magical.

But since this was a business party so I ended up choosing the maroon two piece criss-cross strapped chiffon dress. I had to look classy, not like some Disney princess.

I put my hair up into a bun and let strands frame my face. I kept my makeup light opting for only red lip stick and mascara. I slipped on a pair of black high heels and grabbed my bags.

After loading all my belongings into the car, I headed to the reception to check myself out.

The man behind the desk, a young man in his mid twenties, spat out his coffee when he saw me. I'll take his word that I look good then.

Once back in my car, I headed out onto the road.

I didn't need to live in a motel anymore. Not once this plan was put into action.

*******************************
When I arrived, the banquet hall was filled with business men and woman, all dressed to show off their affluential lifestyle.

I made quiet a few heads turn when I entered. But I wasn't here to attract the attention of just any male, I had a certain one in mind.

Grabbing myself a martini, I looked around the banquet hall for my target. He would be surrounded by his friends tonight, he never shows up with a woman.

Sadly, it looked like he hadn't arrived yet and this truly was a problem from me as many of these business men looked like sexual predators.

I had just ordered myself another drink when a hand lightly touched my shoulder.

I whipped around ready to attack but quickly relaxed when I realized it was just an old man.

"Hello darling," he purred.

Ugh, cue the gag reflex. Ignoring him, I turned my attention back to the drink.

Apparently it wasn't a big enough hint that I didn't want to talk to him as he leaned up against the counter beside me.

"A beautiful woman such as yourself shouldn't be by herself. She requires the company of a gentleman." From the corner of my eyes I saw him skim his eyes over my entire body. Great, now I needed a couple dozen showers.

"Of course I do. Just tell me when the gentleman gets here." I said before talking a small sip of my drink.

The smirk was wiped right off his face. His eyes darkened slightly.

"Sweetheart, I am the gentleman. Javier Rocente at your service." He grabbed my hand and leaned in to kiss it but I snatched it away.

"Thanks but I don't need any service, least of all yours." I started to walk away but he grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

"Oh come on darling, I'm only trying to make small talk. Please don't take it any other way." He smiled coyly.

"Well too late for that. Now let go." I attempted to remove my hand from his grip but it tightened the more I struggled.

"I really don't want to hurt you so I suggest you let me go. Now." I threatened.

He seemed amused by my threat and pulled me a little closer to him. "I'd like to see you try honey."

Well he did ask to see it.

I grabbed his hands with my free one and twisted them until he dropped mine then pressed a pressure point on shoulder until he slumped onto the floor.

"Would you like to see more, sir?" I kept my expression neutral but his was thunderous.

He slowly regained his strength and stood back up. He straightened his suit back out and smirked at me.

"Well aren't you just a feisty little thing." He made a move towards me but a big muscular man stepped in front of me blocking him.

I peered out from behind this man's shoulder and saw Javier glaring daggers at this man in front of me.

"Javier Rocente. I see you still chase after anything in a skirt. You should really consider your age before you make a fool of yourself." His voice was deep but somehow it still sounded light.

I looked to my right and saw about 4 guys standing there with amused smiles on their faces. One with chocolate brown hair looked at me and winked. I scoffed and turned my attention back to the 2 men in front of me.

"I have no business with you so why don't you just leave. I was having a pleasant conversation with the beautiful lady before you so rudely interrupted," Javier snapped.

I scowled and was about to speak but Mr. Deep voice beat me to it. "Pleasant? Tell me Javier, in what world does it look like the lady wanted your company? She twisted your arm and made you fall to the floor. Am I not correct?" I detected a hint of amusement and awe in his voice when he talked about how I took him down.

By now, Javier had had enough of Mr.Deep voice. He scowled and started retreating backwards. "This isn't over."

I couldn't see Mr.Deep voices face but I knew he was smirking. "Good, because this was far too easy."

When Javier was fully out of sight, the 4 men came up to Mr.Deep voice and hit his shoulder.

"Dude, did you see the look on his face? It was priceless. Especially when you said how he got beat up by a girl. Man I loved that. Hopefully the old pervert has learned his lesson." The man who had winked at me was cackling.

The other 3 just shook there but had amused smiles plastered to their faces.

"Is this the part where I'm supposed to say thank you?" At the sound of my voice all 4 men turned their attention towards me. I kept my eyes locked on Mr.Deep voices back.

Slowly, he turned to face me. "No, because I didn't help you for a thank you. This was all for me."

"And just who the hell are you?" I said placing a hand on my hip.

He smiled amused at me. "Collins, Joshua Collins. But you can call me Josh, princess."

He had medium length brown hair which looked so unkept it was like he never used a brush in his life. However, the look worked for him. His eyes were an electric blue and I could make specs of silver of them. He had a strong jaw that looked sharp enough to cut glass. He was obviously muscular seeing as how the black suit on his body looked like it would rip any second. He was also tall and towered over me and since I stood at 5'8, that would put his height around 6'2. Overall, he looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine.

I scowled at him. "Don't call me princess."

His smirk grew even wider. "I think the name suits you. Fragile like a beautiful princess."

I fisted my hands against my side. "Listen here you chauvinist pig, I didn't need your help handling that old man, I was perfectly fine on my own. So please, kindly take your pack dogs and leave."

I heard a gasp and a small voice say "Well I never!" I looked back at one of his pack dogs being shoved by a man with raven coloured hair. "Shut up dude!"

I pulled my eyes back to Collins, but he was already looking at me. "Chauvinistic huh? Well princess you are surprisingly more stupid than you look."

All I could see was red now. Joshua attempted to leave but I grabbed his arm and pulled him back into place.

"I don't care who the hell you are or what the hell you think of yourself, but you have no right to call me stupid." I seethed.

Joshua looked down at my arm which was wrapped around his own arm and ripped it out from my grasp.

"Don't ever grab me again princess! And when you have no idea about what's going on, learn to keep your God damn mouth shut." That being said he walked off, leaving me standing more angry than I was before.

I was about to walk after him but his pack dogs stopped me.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Chocolate hair said.

"Well you aren't me, so I'll do whatever the hell I please. Now move." I attempted to walk past him and he blocked my path.

"Look pack dog-" I started.

"Elliot." He said cutting me off.

"What?" I stopped trying to move past him.

"My name, it's Elliot." He smiled and it revealed his dimples.

"Over there are the rest of our friends. The raven haired one who you saw shove me before is the idiot-"

"Fuck you dude." He snapped.

Elliot just snickered before continuing to introduce the rest of them.

"Haha, chill bro. His actual name is Lucas. Next is Johnathon, he doesn't like to be called John so don't even try. Finally that one is Ron. We like to call him the stoic muscle of the group."

They all glared at Elliott for his somewhat insulting introductions but Elliot was just smiling goofily, completely ignoring the hostile looks.

Elliot then turned back to me and smiled.
"I don't recall asking for introductions." His smile dropped him his face.

"Nice one dumbass." Lucas slapped Elliot in the back of the head.

"Ouch, that hurt asshole." Elliot rubbed his head where Lucas hit him.

"Look, sorry about Josh and El over here-" Lucas started.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me El. I'm not some chick." Elliot and Lucas started arguing but I had zoned out.

El.

The memories and emotions knocked around inside me trying to surface and get me to crack. Tears started to form but I quickly blinked them away.

Focusing my attention back to the men, I saw that Elliot and Lucas were wrestling.

"ENOUGH!!" Both froze in a mid-wrestling move and quickly straightened up when I glared.

"I don't have time for this immature nonsense, I'm out of here." I started to walk away but a new voice stopped me.

"Josh did you a big favour stepping in when he did."

I whipped back around to see Johnathan had stepped forward.

"When Javier Rocente wants something he gets it. He would not have left you alone. If he set his beady little eyes on you, we will get you. One way or another." Johnathan warned.

Slowly I could feel my blood starting to boil. I know what "one way or another" met. I have a dead sister to prove it.

"I could have handled myself. I don't need a man protecting me." I said crossing my arms.

Johnathan barked out a small laugh. "Maybe you don't, but tonight you certainly did."

He nodded at the rest of the guys and they all left without another word.

*******************************
Any minute now.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The noise of the alarm cut through the silent light, echoing through every corner.

Loud footsteps sounded behind the corridor.

I stepped out from where I was hiding and interrupted the men getting ready to charge into the building.

"Gentlemen, no need to be alarmed. I accidentally tripped the alarm on my way in. But do a quick perimeter sweep of the area."

The men all looked at each before the one in front sporting a buzz cut and small scar on his nose spoke. "Who the hell are you."

I smiled. "Daniele Waring. CEO of Waring corporation. I just bought this building. Now follow my orders or I'll have you all suspended."

The men looked uncertain but the one with the buzz cut nodded and ordered the men to sweep the perimeter.

Idiots. I turned on my heels and quickly walked into the building. And since I have such perfect timing, 4 men came running around the corner. They all bumped into each other trying to stop when they saw me.

I couldn't see their faces behind the ski mask but I knew exactly who they were.

"Hello boys, fancy meeting you here." Even in the dark I could see their eyes widen slightly.

"Now we don't have much time, those guards will realise any minute that I lied to them about owning this building so we must get going." I started walking away but Elliot's voice stopped me.

"Tell us one reason why we should listen to you," he said.

Smiling to myself, I turned back to face Elliot. I reached up and slid the blonde wig off my head. I shook my head to let my hair fall free.

"You?!" All but Ron shouted. I think I liked him best, he wasn't as dramatic as the rest.

"Yes, yes it's me. Now hurry up. Don't make me regret saving your asses." I said as I left.

Not soon after I exited the building I heard footsteps follow behind me. We all made a break for our cars. Just in time too, as the guards went running in. The one with the buzz cut shouted orders to find me.

Elliot and Lucas had climbed into my car. This would make things easier.

"Collins house, now. If you want any answers you will take me there." Both men looked at each other before Elliot leaned forward and input the address into the GPS.

Now I want to say the drive to Joshua Collins house was spent in peace and quiet, but I would be lying. Elliot hounded me with the most ridiculous questions. Eventually I got so fed up, I grabbed a bunch of tissue paper and shoved it in his mouth. Lucas spent the rest of the ride laughing and trying to shove the tissue further down Elliot's mouth.

When we arrived, I was surprised to see that the "house" was actually a large hotel.

"This is his house?" I stretched my neck up to see the hotel from the car. It was beautiful. There were water fountains out front displaying multi coloured lights. The hotel itself looked more like a castle with the high towers and turrets. The hotel was surrounded by walls all leading to smaller buildings and the entire architecture was lit up by bright white lights. The hotel itself was surrounded by beautiful snow covered mountains.

When Elliot saw me gawking, he smiled. "Trust us, it looks even more amazing on the inside. Haven't you heard about the Collins chain of hotels?"

I had, but I never expected him to live in one. They were an international multi-billion dollar company with beautiful hotels. They built all kinds of hotels around the world and each was unique to the location. For example in Switzerland, they had hotels that resembled igloos and had glass skylights.

"Let's just go inside." I started walking into the building and heard Lucas grumble how someone so hot could be so cold. I would have laughed if I wasn't so mesmerized by the interior of the hotel.

The walls and floors were made of a beige coloured marble. There was a beautiful chandelier in the middle of the room that looked like it was made of ice. It reflected the light and cast rainbows around the room. When you entered there was a library and café on the right side and couches and a giant TV on the left. In the far left corner there was the receptionist and the elevators beside it. There were also statues of all sorts that lined the walls.

Elliot coughed and I snapped my attention to him. He tilted his head towards the elevator. I nodded and started making my way to them.

The other guys were waiting and all 5 of us piled into the elevator. Elliot entered a code that was needed to open up the door to the penthouse. During the ride, all but Ron were shooting me uncomfortable glances.

"Stop fucking looking at me." All snapped their heads forward and Ron left out a soft chuckle.

The doors opened and all men basically ran out. I looked at Ron who just shrugged and walked out.

Sighing and contemplating if this was really worth it, I walked out