Olivia is stuck in a dead-end job feeling used and unfulfilled but can see no way forward. She is single and damaged in unimaginable ways and craves stability and safety in her life. One night while out drinking and dancing with her best friend, Sarah, she ends up having a one night stand, her first and her last. Without a kiss goodbye or even exchanging names they part, both of them sure they'll never see each other again. Can one night with one man help her to find her way from the depths of her past to a brighter and happier place where she is valued by others, but also by herself? A secure future filled with happiness, safety and maybe even love? Will that one night prove to be a casual encounter or a life changing moment? Olivia All I want, all I ever wanted was to be loved, happy and safe. The people who should have ensured that failed me. I am damaged and scarred. It has taken seven long years to bury my past in the darkest corners of my mind, and that is where it will remain. Or so I thought, until that night, until him, until Mason and now all of my secrets, no matter how dark will be discovered by him and that scares me more than my past. Mason I have everything I could want. I have a lifestyle most men envy: money, success, cars and good looks. I have no desire to marry, I tried that once, and it failed. That’s not to say I don’t like beautiful women, I do. I’ve had my fair share of one night stands, but that is what they remain, no more, it’s a rule I have. Until her, until Olivia and now my own set of rules look set to be broken, and that scares me almost as much as the darkness and fear I see in her. Trigger warning – This story includes references, recollections and descriptions of abusive situations that some might find distressing. This is the first title in the Casual Encounters Collection of standalone stories that has been written, edited and published independently by me. It is solely intended for an adult audience (+18) with scenes and descriptions of mature situations including sex, violence, swearing and general encounters.