BlackHeart

### Chapter 1: Chapter 1

When you spend four years of your life on the West Coast to complete fashion school, it becomes a pretty big move when you decide to go live with your older brother in New York. Especially as a new graduate with no definitive next steps. What had accumulated over those four years was clothes, lots of clothes and shoes and of course accessories too. Design is my passion and I both lost and gained a lot when deciding to pursue it. My brother Elio was kind enough to pay for a moving company to haul my stuff across the country. I still had a luggage bag with me, rolling the half broken thing out to the pick up station. I thought I would find Elio there, but instead some guy I've never seen before was standing with a sign: Mia Fiore. When I approached him I could immediately tell he was Italian like my own family. He looks like a man who likes his pasta and it shows. His stance reminded me of a bulldog. "Um, hello?" I was unsure how to approach this seemingly random stranger. His eyes snapped over and he gave me a curt nod. "Miss Fiore?" When I nodded back he introduced himself as Riccardo. "Your brother is unavailable today. He sent me to fetch you" he let me know. "Lovely, did he happen to mention where you might be taking me? Because last I spoke to him we weren't going to be able to move into the new apartment until next week" I looked at the man expectantly. Riccardo was in a full suit. He had the sign tucked under his arm while he removed my hand from the luggage, and started to wheel the clunky thing over to a four door blacked out car. Here's the thing with my brother... we were very close growing up, but our recent life choices had us mostly separated for a long time. We come from a troubled home with our narcissistic/ abusive father and our weak, compliant mother who put him before anything...even us. Elio couldn't stand living in our household, so at 18 years old, fresh out of high school he enlisted into the Army. I was 14 at the time and those years were my hell. Elio spent 2 years in training or whatever it is, then he spent the following 3 years in the Army Special Forces. Which meant for 5 whole years I barely saw my brother. I also left home at 18, but not in the best way. I was desperate and my past shows it... moving on...so from 18 to 19 years old I worked for a seamstress who taught me all about sewing and making clothes. I had always been pressured to look my best while growing up because my narcissistic father demanded it. He had an image to uphold in public. Through that I did find a love for fashion and used it as my outlet. My parents were against me going to fashion school though, so my father refused to pay for it. He wanted me to be a lawyer or doctor or something he could brag about. At 19 years old I finally got the scholarships I needed to go to school in Los Angeles for the next four years. It was my escape from my parents who I've long since cut off, but also to get away from the man I ended up living with when I was desperate to leave home. Freedom wasn't easy though. I struggled with money and a lot of other things. Four years later, I am now 23 and Elio is 27 years old. The thing is, I have no idea what he does for a living. I just know he has money now, and that I feel like he's a stranger to me. He isn't the troubled 18 year old who left me; he's now a seasoned Army Veteran and a successful businessman all due to his best friend, Domani De Luca. I met the guy four years ago when they both got out of the military together. Dom has a successful family, and apparently the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, because over the years I've heard things. I know him and my brother have a fast lifestyle now. I haven't seen Dom in years, but I know one thing for sure about him. He's the hottest guy I've ever seen and that was four years ago...imagine now. The man is strange, he has no social media at all, so I really never got to get a peek at him recently. My brother doesn't have social media either. Maybe they find it juvenile. I don't know. "Yes, Miss Fiore, I was instructed to bring you to Mr. De Luca's home for the time being," Riccardo informed me. Oh . "And where is that?" I was already sitting in the back seat of this rather nice vehicle, while this bulldog with slick hair started talking my ear off answering all my questions. "The Hudson is the newest, sleekest gated community currently in New York, right on Manhattan's silhouette. And it's about 14 minutes away from that heart of New York City." As we got closer, the apex of a looming skyline high tower was becoming more and more visible. Reflective blue-glass eccentrically cut and shaped into unique angles. In fact all the buildings started to become jaw dropping. "They've got high end shopping and art and nice parks" Riccardo continued. "Does Mr.DeLuca live in one of these high rises?" I leaned forward between the front seats and pointed through the windshield. His stubby finger zeroed in on a particular building. "That's 15 Hudson Yards...it's, uh, impressive," the man looked up like he too was seeing the place for the first time. I was awestruck. The shape was odd. Curtain glass walls with a rectangular base, but then it holds round curves to make the building almost look like a four leaf clover. I've never seen anything like it. It surpassed the clouds, I swear. "What kind of businesses does he own?" I tried my hand at getting some information on the mysterious Domani De Luca. I saw Riccardo's almost black eyes shift up to the rear view mirror then back on the road again. "A lot of different businesses" was all he said. When I further inquired he distracted me. "The building has a 77 foot pool. I'm not kidding...I read the brochure" he told me. Hm . "Are you Mr. De Luca's driver?" I decided to veer off. I'll get my answers, but in due time. "I'm more like...a personal assistant" he shrugged his bulldog shoulders. "How about my brother?" He nodded, "I work for him too." When we were at a light Riccardo suddenly started fishing in his console before producing a pamphlet. "Here, read it" he showed me the brochure he'd previously mentioned. We were stuck in New York traffic, so why not. The first big words I read were: Penthouse in the Sky . They were advertising the 270 degree view of the Hudson River and the New York skyline...okay that sounds really pretty. 900 feet tall with white oak wood flooring and gray matte finish, double height living room with curving floor-to-ceiling windows, a private elevator, and an elegant floating staircase. "This sounds like a lot" I stated absentmindedly as I continued to read on. "You'll find that Mr. De Luca is... a lot" he said, though I had no idea what he meant by it. I would've asked had he not interrupted. "Here" he waved over a private entrance that I guess the Penthouse floors have access to. Private garages and things. The garage looks seemingly normal until you realize the kinds of cars that are parked there. Geez, where am I?   I was just sharing a room with messy strangers for several years. I'm almost overwhelmed. I feel inferior and I've spent too many years of my life that way. My father loved psychologically terrorizing me and his favorite thing was to tell me I needed to be prettier, better dressed, better makeup. He called me inferior all the time you'd think it was my middle name. When people say I'm so beautiful nowadays I cringe at the compliment, because the little girl in me is telling me they're lying. Living in squalor since I was fresh out of high school felt like a punishment meant for me. A shitty life for a shitty girl. Especially since I left my parents and cut them off. Dad always felt like God... and on hard nights I swore it was him who set all this in motion, even without being in my actual life anymore. I've always felt like his hands were around my throat like a leash, and the more I tug or try to run the more I choke. I'm pretty sure if my father found me he'd beat me to a pulp for leaving him. I know he's tried looking for me, though he let my brother go a long time ago, because he's 'a man' who should have his own life. My dad thinks he owns me just like he owns my mother. My mother is drop dead gorgeous and plain out stupid. She's obsessed with him, and he's obsessed with himself. If my father saw this building, in this neighborhood, and the penthouse I'm about to go up too, he'd throw a fit. He'd be jealous and out right deranged. My father wants to be this rich and important, but he isn't. He works in Boston in a successful investment company, but he isn't CEO or anything. It's a middle tier position. He always surrounded himself with impressive people, so in turn people just assumed he was impressive also. I'd call us higher middle class. I won't lie and say the four hour gap between New York and Boston wasn't scary for me. I managed to get away from Dad because I was literally on the other side of the country. Elio has been in New York for years though and hasn't heard a word from my parents, so I think that's my own paranoia talking. I've gone to extreme measures to cut those people off. I had to block half my family who would update and inform my parents of things they saw on social media. Everything is set to private. I had to drop my best friend in Boston because her dad and my dad were also best friends, so her father pressured her into telling my father things about me. I'm not an easily accessible person. I have a new phone number and no listed address anywhere. I do have my school records, but there are plenty of fashion design schools for them not to know which one I would even be at. Plus I'm not a minor and colleges wouldn't give parents any information anyway. I've had plenty of daydreams and night wishes that I'll become a successful designer, but the little voice in the back of my head tells me I'm not good enough. But another little intrusive voice  tells me that if I am good enough, my name will be public, and my family will have access to me again. Dreams and nightmares intertwine, making me enter the crossroads of hard decisions. New York is the hub of fashion, but how brave will I be? I used to have Elio, my big bro, as my big protector. At 14 years old I had to learn how to be my own protector. Who do I need to be protected from now, though? What's next?

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### Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Domani De Luca's penthouse was immaculate. The first level had a 26 foot ceilinged living room with the New York skyline as its window view. There was a black slate gas fireplace which brought a type of masculinity to the space, and gracious separate kitchen and dining room. The second level apparently has a media room with wet bar, the primary master suite with dual bathroom/ dressing areas, and secondary rooms with en-suite bathrooms. I didn't get to actually see it yet, because Riccardo was very fidgety and kept telling me, "Mr. De Luca is a particular man. He wouldn't like you viewing or touching any of his things." I wasn't left alone here either. I felt like this Riccardo guy was my babysitter for the day. The only place I was basically allowed to touch was the living room sofa, where the two of us promptly sat down and watched several hours worth of Sex and the City. "It's to get me in the New York mood" I told him. I used to love Carrie Bradshaw and the fashion she was known for. I wanted her life even though it wasn't always luxurious. As a kid though, living how I lived, I felt like I was made to be in that show. It was escapism, but now I'm here. I'll be living in New York. It's not something I expected. "Who's your favorite character?" I asked Riccardo at the complete opposite end of a very long sofa. "Samantha," he said without a second thought. "Why? Because she's a sex addict?" The man blushed and it cracked me up. "She's just strong willed and so self assured" he actually answered me seriously. Self assured ...hm. I can't relate. "Is that how you are, Riccardo? Self assured?" I asked him. "I'm good at my job, but I tend to hold a nervous disposition" he gestured the so-so movement with his hand. "You?" He asked, just to make conversation. I smiled softly and turned back towards the giant flat screen. "I like Carrie for many reasons...she makes a lot of mistakes, but she's fabulous anyway. And I think she loves Love, even if she doesn't always know where to find it" I quietly told him. I felt him look at me, which in turn made me blush. I felt oddly vulnerable in a conversation that wasn't even meant to go very deep. Fictional characters on a television show. When we heard the ding of the elevator we both turned towards the foyer that it opens up to. Out walked my brother who I haven't seen since maybe a year and a half ago when he made an effort to come visit me in LA. Somehow he looks even more mature. Elio is undoubtedly a handsome guy. The girls went crazy for him back at school, and all my friends crushed on him. I hated it. He has the same chestnut brown hair that I do, and muted green iris's. He has deep set eyes which make his face more masculine cut than my dainty face. He's got some tattoos and a confident stance that he didn't have all those years ago before the military. He definitely never used to be in fitted designer suits, but here he was exiting the elevator in Giorgio Armani Italian made. I hopped to my feet before I even realized it and started rushing towards him. He's much taller than me, but I still got my arms around his hard torso. Another thing he matured with. "Hi, oh my gosh, I missed you" I gushed. His arms came around me, and he gave my back a small rub. "Hey littles" he used his childhood nickname for me. I'm a dainty sized girl and he always called me little. Elio pulled me at arm's length to get a good look at me. "Shit you're getting old" he shook his head at my own matured look. I snorted and called him old. My brother led me back to the living room and told Riccardo he was free to go. He sounds like a boss, and it's so weird to me. "So, are we staying here for the week or did you just want me here until you got outta work? Are we staying somewhere else? Hotel maybe?" I tipped my head at him. If Dom De Luca is as particular as Riccardo says I doubt he wants us here as roomies for a week. "Nah, this is a safe, secure building. I'd rather you here" he told me. "Safe?" I asked. He paused, "Yeah...New York is a big city. It's not safe for young girls." I rolled my eyes. "I lived alone in Los Angeles, Elio. Don't start treating me like a kid just because you are stuck in time with me being 14 years old," I shook my head at him. That's the last time he took care of me, and he often seems stuck in that time frame with me. He didn't like the subject so he changed it. Sticking his hands in his slacks pockets he stood confidently and looked down at me on the sofa. "Where are your bags? We'll bring it up to your room" he looked around, then frowned when he saw my crooked wheeled luggage behind the sofa towards the kitchen. "Where's all my stuff from the moving truck?" I looked around like I'd suddenly see my belongings. "I wasn't about to clutter Dom's house. I have it stored for you. Next week we'll have our own space" he motioned to grab my bag, but he didn't roll it he just picked it up and started for the elegant floating stairs. I followed behind him. "You know...I do appreciate that you moved out of your old place for a two bedroom...I know you liked your old apartment" I talked from behind him. He barely glanced over his shoulder at me while reaching the platform to the second floor. The media room was sort of behind the staircase landing, and then a hall brought you to several doors. The one on the very end was apparently Dom's. I was brought to the first door on the right. When the door swung open I couldn't immediately see it because Elio's big body was in the way. "It's fine. I outgrew that place, and I didn't want you living alone anymore. You belong here" he surprised me by saying. It warmed my heart. When he dropped the luggage he peeked at me, but didn't wanna acknowledge that small awkward tension that arises when he mentions leaving me alone. He holds guilt over being 18 and selfish, wanting to leave my parents, but also leaving me behind with them. Things got worse for me while he was away, but I don't blame him for it. He went to the military and started this whole life. It made him grow up. We both had to grow up just under different circumstances and opposite wars. It's the first time in 9 years that we'll be living under the same roof. "Well?" He said, motioning towards the room. "It's beautiful...luxurious...is our place gonna be like this? How can you afford it?" I had to ask. The room was done with soft hues of gold accents and lighting, cream colors, and the biggest bed I have ever seen. "Not this fancy, but it's in this building," he surprised me by telling me. "Wait, what?! I thought we were going to live-" I didn't get to finish before he shook his head. "Dom made some good points about this being a safer neighborhood, and with it's high end art and all those stores...I can't see you hating it" he narrowed his eyes on me. Dom suggested we live in this building? Interesting . "So again I ask...how can you afford it?" I crossed my arms. We were both only a few steps into the room, but I turned to get a good look at him. He narrowed his eyes again. "I'm a successful businessman now, Mia. I can take care of us just fine" he assured me with a non answer. "What business?" I wouldn't drop it. "De Luca Holdings Company owns many businesses. Dom helps his family run a lot of them and I'm his number two now. So yeah, I can afford it" was all he said and with his famous attitude. "Vague," I grumbled but let it go. I'll be googling that name as soon as he walks out that door. "Alright, I gotta head out for a little bit, but I'll be back for dinner and we'll sit down and have a chance to catch up, alright?" He pulled his phone out of his pocket and checked something. I frowned. "What time will that be? It's already late afternoon" I pointed out. "You're still on LA time, so 8pm dinner here will feel just like 5pm there. Not too late for dinner" he pointed out, giving me his arrogant grin, turning for the door. "Oh," he paused in the hall, "don't touch Dom's shit. He doesn't like people in his personal space. He's doing us a big favor...so be good" he warned me. He's going to keep treating me like a child. I can already sense it. I looked around this clean beautiful room and shrugged, plopping on the bed and pulling my phone out. De Luca Holdings Company. I typed into my search engine and scoffed when I saw the most vague answers. Privately owned...blah, blah, blah. I want specifics. The less information they give me the more I wanna dig, but it's day one here I think I can relax. - I ended up showering my long flight off of me and getting myself ready for dinner at 8pm. I wasn't sure if we'd be going out or not. I highly doubt Elio suddenly likes to cook. Any excuse for a pretty outfit. I got dressed up. When I heard the ding of the elevator at 7:59pm I went wandering downstairs to ask my brother where we'd be going to eat. I paused at the bottom of the steps when I realized it wasn't my brother at all. Domani De Luca . My heart rate rocketed at the sight of him. Diamond shaped face in the way that his jaw muscle is sharp and prominent, sexy bedroom eyes the color of cerulean blue; those I remember from before. They're darker than a light blue sky, but lighter than a bold azure. Sharp pink lips and a five o clock shadow matching his lustrous black hair. Tattoos on his knuckles with man rings and veined hands... are you kidding me? Built like the damn devil himself had carved this man for sin. He'd be the sexy villain character in any movie. He's too dark rooted to be the hero of a story. You can feel it within his aura. His suit showcased his excellently built body and he stood in a wide stance. Like he knew no matter where he's standing he had the biggest dick in the room. It gave that vibe off, and damn was it sexy. He'd paused in the living room beside the staircase I descended. Now he's in his wide stance with his hands in his pockets, as he openly checks me out from head to toe. My cheeks felt a little warm at the sight of him and those bedroom eyes. He's 27 and he's all man. Every inch of him is alpha male. "Um, hi" was my dumb opener. His body hadn't moved, only his eyes and they returned to my face when I spoke up. "I'm Mia..." I trailed off, feeling unsure for no good reason. His stare is intimidating. "I know who you are," he said in this deep sexy voice. Of course he does ...he met me four years ago. I'm an idiot. I was just frozen on the bottom step not knowing how to proceed with this. "T-thanks for letting us, um, crash here" I sounded ridiculous. I was kind of panicking because he's the hottest man I've ever seen, and all he's doing is looking at me without speaking. He nodded curtly at my comment and suddenly turned his back on me, making his way to what I now realize is a liquor cart. He pulled out a fancy bottle and poured himself something amber. He didn't offer me anything, nor did he pay any more attention to me. Really? That's it?

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