Kara's POV:

I heard some rustling outside my room but I couldn't be bothered to check it out. It was probably Hannah making a mess in the kitchen again. It didn't take much convincing for me to snuggle back into bed and fall back asleep.

"Shhh.." I heard faintly, as my door creaked open.

"Go on sweet pea,"

My eyes slowly fluttered open making my face scrunch up as it adjusted to the morning sunlight that streaked into the room. Boy it was bright. I stretched my arms, back and legs like a siamese cat and sat up, facing the intruder who dared to wake me from my beauty sleep. Someone was going to get a smack or two if they woke me up for nothing.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...." Hannah and Brooke sang softly, carrying a cake with lit candles walking towards my bed.

My irritation disappeared instantly and my eyes widened at the surprise. Awww, my cuties. I opened my arms, inviting my baby to jump into bed with me. I cuddled her close, relishing in the moment.

"Thank you guys so much," I said, wiping the tears that escaped my eye.

"Oh no, we made mummy cry." Brooke pouted as her chubby finger wiped my cheeks.

"No no little one, these are happy tears," I explained, "Mummy couldn't be happier."

"Make a wish chica," Hannah said as she brought the cake closer.

I closed my eyes and made a wish. I already had everything I wanted. It couldn't get better than this. I opened my eyes to see Hannah and Brooke giggling away.

"Let's eat cake!"

"Little one, go with aunt han han to the kitchen. Mummy's going to get changed alright," I said as I stood up from my bed.

She nodded her head, walking with a skip in her step as she ran to the kitchen with Hannah following behind.

"Don't forget about the promise you made to me the other day," Hannah grinned cheekily, "and there's no way you're getting out of this so don't even try."

I groaned loudly as I face planted right back into bed. Clubbing. oh goodness. I'm doom-.

Wait a minute. Loophole - Brooke. I can't leave Brooke alone. I smirked, satisfied with my excuse as I went into my bathroom, getting ready for the day. I squeezed into some blue denim distressed skinny jeans with a loose fitting white v-neck tee shirt, tucking the excess fabric into the front of my jeans. I shrugged on a hazel-chocolate-coloured cardigan, sprayed some Marc Jacobs perfume, did a little shimmy shimmy, and headed towards the 2 rascals in the kitchen.

My jaw dropped as I walked into the kitchen. Brooke and Hannah's faces were covered entirely in icing and cake, laughing away at each other's expense.

"Oh. My. God." I said in shock, articulating each word.

"Bad word mummy." Brooke replied, pointing her finger towards the swear jar.

Oops. I totally forgot about that. With a guilty expression, I placed a dollar in the jar and gave her head a kiss.

"Sorry little one. Now why don't you and aunt han han get washed up and changed into something other than cake and icing."

As they moved towards the bathroom I hollered, "Goodluck getting that out of your hair suckers."

I chuckled, getting breakfast ready for the 3 of us.

Riiinngggg Riiinngggg

"Oh hi mum, how are you doing?"

"I'm good sweetie. Happy birthday to you, you were born in a zoo, you look like a monkey and you smell like one too!" My parents cracked up as they sang to me.

I held my stomach as I laughed my heart out. My parents are so cute.

"Thanks mum, thanks dad. That was beautiful." I replied sarcastically.

"Of course sweetie. Only the best for you."

It felt so good to talk to my parents, they were the best parents I could ever have. They spent most of their time during my childhood working, but always made an effort to be involved and ask what was going on in my life. There was nothing I couldn't tell them. When I told them about Brooke for the first time, I knew they were going be hesitant at first but their reactions were the total opposite. They encouraged me to do what my heart desired and was so excited to meet their first grandbaby. Weird, I know right.

I said my goodbyes to them and continued setting the table.

As the day went by, the three of us spent most of our time binge-watching movies and snacking on lots of junk food.

"Oh before I forget," I said grinning, "we can't go out tonight Han. We have no one to watch Brookie."

"I thought you'd use that as your excuse. That's why I called your parents to babysit, they'll be here soon to pick her up," she gave me a knowing look, sporting a smug smirk.

Sighing, I reluctantly gave up and caved in.

A few minutes later the doorbell rang.

"Brooke, Hannah, go open the door. Grandma and grandpa's here!" I yelled from my room.

"Hey sweetie," my mum greeted as she gave Brooke a big hug, smothering her with kisses.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" She giggled, wiggling around as my dad blew raspberries on her belly.

"How've you been doing princess?" my dad asked Brooke as she led my parents into the living room, showing them her drawings that were plastered on the wall.

"Good. Very good." She replied.

My parents adored her. It was love at first sight when they held her in their arms for the first time. No one ever treated her differently because she was adopted, she was our little baby. Now and forever.

"Hannah, darling, how have you been? I hope my daughter isn't too much of a handful," my mum teased as she hugged her.

"All good Aunt Em. I try my best." She replied, flipping her hair.

I made my presence known in the room as I greeted my parents, giving them lots of hugs and kisses. My mum led me back to the kitchen as dad entertained Brooke.

"Sweetie, I want you to have fun tonight alright. You need to go out more, put yourself out there," she began.

Oh no. I knew where this was heading. Dread bubbled in my stomach.

"Maybe even meet a nice boy, from a nice family." Bingo. I knew it.

"Mum, I don't want to date anyone right now. It's not the right time. I'm graduating this year, I have Brooke to take care of, I have investors to find to fund my prototype, I-" I started to explain, trying to shut down her idea.

"Sweetie, I know that. All your life you've worked so hard; in your education, your work, even taking care of a child at 21 years of age." She interrupted.

Her index finger lifted my chin, as she looked into my eyes, "You need to give yourself a break. Rest, relax, enjoy yourself. You are more than capable to take care of yourself and Brooke but sometimes, it's nice to have someone take care of you."

Once she ended her lecture, she kissed my forehead and left me alone with my thoughts.

Maybe she was right. I needed to let loose for one night. Maybe have a drink or two. With new found energy coursing through my veins, I was ready to party the night away. I walked into the room to tell Brooke about the situation. I hope she'll be okay with it.

"Little one, how'd you like to have a sleepover with grandma and grandpa?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes and not get too upset. She can get very attached to me sometimes.

To my surprise she shouted, "YES! YES! YES!"

Her excitement could barely be contained in her little body as she ran to her room, dragging my mum in the process to pack an overnight bag.

"Kara, how you doing?" He asked, patting the seat next to him.

I plopped right next to him and jokingly said, "Just wonderful dad, you and mum think I'm a monkey."

We laughed, remembering my parents' song they sang this morning.

"Now Kara, I want you to have a good time tonight. Have fun. Don't think about work or studies or Brooke, got it?" He said with a fake stern look he'd been trying to master since I was young.

"Got it."

"If you need anything, you know your mum and I are only one call away."

I nodded.

Brooke and mum came back into the living room, with a small suitcase in her hand. Before they left, Brooke gave me a massive hug and lots of kisses.

"Be good for mummy okay little one," I stated.

"Yes mummy."

With that Hannah and I waved goodbye as we watched my parents whisk my daughter away for the night. Just as they left the driveway, Hannah slammed the door shut, dragging me into my room.

"Time to get ready chica," she said excitedly, "we have a lot to do."

I took a quick shower, shaving and all, before plopping down in front of my dresser letting Hannah do her magic. She had a knick for such beauty things. I was told to close my eyes the whole time, trusting her judgement.

I felt like I had been sitting down for hours as she tugged, pulled and twisted my long locks. Let's just say there was heaps of "Ouch", "I hate you", "stop" being said during the whole process.

"Okay keep your eyes closed, it's time for makeup now. I think a natural look with a sprinkle of extravaganza will the trick."

I shrugged, not knowing any better. It was better to let her do whatever she wanted. Trust me on this.

After 10,000 years, she was finally done.

"Open your eyes chica."

As I looked in the mirror, I was stunned. Who is that? She's gorgeous. I had no words, I turned to my best friend and crushed her in a hug.

"I know, I'm just that amazing," She smirked, self-praising herself.

"Now find yourself something to wear while I finish up on my look."

I walked into my closet, browsing through all my clothes. No, no, no, oh goodness that hideous, why do I have that? No, no, too professional, no. I was just about to give up when I saw a cute little red dress with slightly puffed out sleeves. It was perfect. It was so me.

I slipped into the dress, instantly falling in love with it. Oh how soft and smooth. I walked out of my closet, did a little twirl and heard a wolf whistle from Hannah.

"Oh my chica. You look bloody gorgeous. All those boys out there won't be able to keep their hands off you." Hannah said, pride swimming in her eyes.

I blushed, thanking her for the compliment.

Hannah was even more beautiful with her long brunette bouncy curls and her breathtaking hazel-green eyes. Any boy would be lucky to have her. She turned back to the dresser, putting finishing touches on her look before changing into her outfit.

As soon as she was done, we look each other up and down and simultaneously said, "Spicy."

We hopped into our designated vehicle for the night and headed to The Kings, the most famous club in the city.

As we entered the club, there were hundreds of people inside. Bodies rubbing against bodies as we tried to make our way to the bar.

"Two tequila shots please!" Hannah shouted as the bartender poured the shots, "And keep it coming!"

Hannah passed me one of the glasses, "Bottoms up chica. This one for you. I love you sister."

We clinked our glasses and drank. As the bitter metal liquid travelled down my throat, it burned, leaving a disgusting after taste in my mouth. After finishing the shots I was definitely very tipsy unlike Hannah who had the tolerance of a bull. With my new found confidence, I pulled her onto the dance floor as we danced all night long until we couldn't feel our feet no more.

"Han, I'm going to get some water from the bar. I'll be back soon," I yelled over the music, making my way out of the crowd.

"One bottle of water please," I asked as I rounded the bar.

"Coming up."

As I was waiting for my water, tapping my nails against the counter top, a guy came up to me. He seemed pretty drunk as he swayed, coming closer to me.

"Hey hot thing, wanna dance with me?" He slurred.

"No thank you." I replied curtly.

Clearly he didn't understand english as he scooted closer, placing his hands on my waist.

"Get your hands off me! Get away from me!" I shouted, beginning to fear for my safety as I pushed violently against his disgusting grubby hands. I saw my chance as I brought my knee up, aiming for his family jewels. My father didn't raise no loser.

Unfortunately I missed and slammed my knee into his stomach instead. Oops.

"You bitch!" He screamed.

Clearly not liking my action, he grabbed my wrist harshly. That's definitely going to bruise. Tears swelled in my eyes as he raised his hand seemingly to slap me. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the impact but it never came. Instead, my wrist felt like it was being released from its torturous chains.

I opened my eyes and was shocked to see a man towering over my attacker, holding his raised hand in a deathly grip.

"Leave the girl alone. Did you not fucking hear what she said?" He growled.

"Who do you think you are?"

Even though I wasn't the one he was talking to, I could feel his dark, fierce aura flowing off his body. You shouldn't have said that.

"How about the owner of this fucking club." He whispered dangerously, smirking at the man as his face paled like a ghost.

His lips tremored in fear as he rapidly apologised, "Mr De Luca, I'm so so sorry. Please forgive me Sir."

Who is Mr De Luca? Why does he scream power? Why is this man apologising to him like he's a God or something? Questions ran through my mind as I wondered about the 6'3 godly being standing in front of me.

Instead of addressing him directly, Mr De Luca whispered to the man next to him. The next moment, my attacker was being dragged out by his men.

"Are you alright, tersoro? Where did he hurt you?"

Still stuck in my thoughts, he gently touched my shoulder, repeating his question.

"Y-yes, t-thank you very much for saving me Sir. I'm all good." I stuttered, slightly intimidated by his large frame and intense gaze, as I massaged my sore wrist.

"Please, call me Alessandro."

He noticed my movements around my wrists as he carefully moved it towards him. Once he saw the bruise that had started to form around my wrists, his eyes dilated and darkened.

I whimpered softly at his touch. He brought my hand towards his mouth and gently kissed the injured region causing my heart to beat rapidly.

"I'm so sorry tersoro." He said genuinely, looking straight into my eyes, laying a kiss on my wrist yet again.

I blushed profusely, lowering my gaze away from his eyes.

Right at that moment, Hannah came to find me.

"There you are Kara." She stated as I ripped my hand back from his hold.

The moment she saw my tear streaked face, she burst out in anger, "What did you do to her you bloody bastard?!"

She pulled me behind her, shielding me from Mr De Luca as she continued verbally abusing him. Before things could go out of hand, I stopped her.

"Han, he wasn't the one who hurt me. In fact, he saved me." I whispered, loud enough for both of them to hear me.

"Ohh..." she replied awkwardly, rubbing her neck, "my bad. I'm sorry this was such a shitty birthday chica."

"It's all good, can we please go home now?" I asked, wiping the remaining tears off my face.

She nodded and held my hand, as we turned around, looking for the exit.

"Wait, tersoro, it's your birthday?" I turned back when I heard his question.

"Yes." I replied, not knowing what else to say.

"Happy birthday tersoro. Sweet dreams." He said, his lips almost lifting up into a semi-smile.

I thanked him and left with Hannah, walking towards our vehicle. What a day it's been. With his words repeatedly playing in my head, I drifted off to sleep on Hannah's shoulders, knowing she would bring me home safely.

*****

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