365 Days With The Mafia

The sound of a whip landing on something echoed throughout the mansion and each whip was followed by Fiona's weak cries. Her tears fell heavily as she wrapped her arms around her head, trying to protect herself from the hits. She knew she couldn't defend herself, not against her brother's cruelty. He was bigger than her in more ways than one, and trying to stand up to him would be signing your own death sentence.

Her small frame trembled violently with each lash that Lorenzo delivered on her delicate body. Her face was buried in her hands, but that was not enough to block out the sharp, biting pain her brithe inflicted on her and the bitter tears that escaped her eyes.

"You stupid, unreasonable girl! "Lorenzo finally yelled, his voice dripping with venom.

"You think you can just scratch my business partner's eyes out and get away with it? "He yelled and Fiona shook at the anger in his voice. She had expected him to be angry but underestimated how angry her actions would make him. He swung the cane again, and as Fiona let out a wail, a sick, twisted smile crawled onto his face.

"Why can't you just do as you're told, Fiona? "He then spat as he threw his foot at her side, and Fiona gasped for air.

"You scratched the eyes of the man I sent to you last night. A man who was willing to pay a huge fortune to spend a night with you! Just one night! Yet you chased him off like a rabid dog! "He growled, and Fiona curled tightly into herself, gasping and whimpering as he body tried to recover from the torture she just faced.

Her body was a map of red welts and bruises, each mark evidence of her brother's cruelty. Lorenzo was cruel and rootless, but Fiona was just as stubborn.

"I'd rather die, " she managed to croak through her tears, and Lorenzo raised his brows in shock.

"I'd rather die than give up my body to satisfy your disgusting greed! "She added, and Lorenzo froze in amusement.

"Die? "He questioned with mockery heavy in his voice as he brought the cane down on her once more.

"You think you're making some grand gesture here? You're just being a fool. Men are willing to pay any amount I call for a night with you, and you drive them away with your ridiculous defiance. What exactly is so special about your body!? You know we're going bankrupt, yet you won't help! "He yelled, Fiona shut her eyes as she heard and felt the anger in his voice and words.

Her skin stung and burned, but she wouldn't beg him to stop hitting her. She learned the hard way that Lorenzo would never stop if she begged. He relished in her helplessness and it only seemed to inflate his ego. So, although she was weak and felt like she was dying, she wouldn't beg him. Not once. She would rather weep and bite the inside of her cheek.

"You're so stupid, " Lorenzo spoke again. This time, pacing in front of her.

"So unreasonable. You could be making us both a fortune, but instead, you're making my life difficult. "He added and Fiona gulped.

The air in the room was thick with the smell of sweat and fear, and through it all, Fiona tried to breathe, but every drag felt more difficult than the last. Her body was weak. Lorenzo knew this. But he didn't care.

"Why won't you just do as you're told?" Lorenzo then spoke. his voice was almost pleading now, as he stood in front of her

"If you gave in willingly, it would be so much easier for both of us. But if you keep this up, I'll have to break you. And you'll once again make me the bad guy. "He added and Fiona just watched him from under her lashes.

"After our parents died two years ago, I've been the one taking care of you. I'm the one who's kept you from ending up on the streets. You owe me, Fiona. You owe me. This is the least you can do. We need money. " He spoke as he squatted in front of his younger stepsister.

Fiona's silence was heavy, her body weak and battered. The truth of Lorenzo's words was a cruel reminder of her dependence on him. Their parents' death had left her at his mercy, and every day since then had been a battle for survival in a world that suddenly turned cold and unforgiving.

Lorenzo's face hardened when he realized that Fiona was not willing to yield. He shut his eyes in defeat before standing up and looking at her shaking weak form.

"Since you can't handle the simple task I've given you, at least you can be useful in another way. You're coming with me to a meeting with one of my business partners. "He said and Fiona held her breath.

The words were delivered with finality. There was no room for argument, and Fiona knew that resisting would be futile. It has always been. Her role in these meetings had become a twisted form of "service".

The "service" was simple. All she had to do was distract men with her presence while Lorenzo manipulated the deals.

"Your job, "Lorenzo continued.

"will be the same as always. Sit pretty, look charming, and keep the man's attention away from any discrepancies in the document he's going to sign. I swear to God, if you fuck that up too, you just might go join our parents tonight. "He added and Fiona's heart sank at his words.

Her role in these schemes was demeaning, to say the least. But it was the only thing that kept her from more forms of punishment. Lorenzo had orchestrated every aspect of her life to suit his needs, and she was powerless to resist.

"I'll be waiting. Expect the makeup team soon. " Lorenzo said, turning on his heel.

"We leave in two hours. "

With that, he strode out of the room, the door slamming behind him with a thud that echoed through the room. The silence that followed was a heavy blanket of despair. Fiona remained where she was, her body aching, her spirit bruised. The pain was almost unbearable.

She forced herself to stand up and her legs trembled with every movement. The pain was almost paralyzing, but she knew she had to prepare for the meeting.

She walked over to the bathroom to wash off the sweat and blood that had now stained her skin and as the bathroom mirror reflected her pitiful sight, her heart broke further.

"See what your pretty diamond has become, Daddy. "She whispered as she stared at her reflection. She painfully looked away and turned on the faucet. She let the cold water run over her hands before carefully wiping her face and cleaning her wounds. Each touch of the damp cloth sent sharp stings through her body, but she bore the pain. The water was a small comfort, and she 2oukd do anything to get comfort. Life after her parent's deaths turned into a playlist of catastrophes.

When she was done cleaning up, she dressed in the outfit Lorenzo had chosen for her... A tight, red dress that showed off her curves. She hated the way it made her feel, like a piece of meat on display. But she knew better than to disobey her brother. As she dressed and waited for the make-up crew, she thought about her dreams for the future. A future where she would finally escape Lorenzo's clutches and live the life she has always wanted.

In exactly one year, she would inherit her grandfather's fortune. It was the only thing that kept her going, the only hope she had left in a world of darkness and loneliness.

She constantly found herself praying for time to move faster, for the days to slip by quickly so that she could finally be free. It was all she had to hold on to. In just one year, she would be free. Finally,

The makeup crew arrived and two hours passed in a blur of aching limbs and anxious thoughts. When Lorenzo returned, his aura was businesslike, he seemed different from the man who battered her just a few minutes ago. He was the charming young man the whole world knew. But Fiona knew the monstywho hid under His facade.

His gaze swept over Fiona, assessing what the crew did. The crew did a good job hiding all her scars and Fiona looked ravishing. A perfect distraction for any straight man.

"Good, " he said curtly, and Fiona swallowed.

"Let's go. "He ordered.

Fiona followed him out of her room with her heart pounding in her chest. The meeting ahead was yet another test of her endurance. She walked beside Lorenzo, her mind focused on the promise of a brighter future, a future she couldn't wait for.

Funny enough, she didn't want revenge for all the wrong things Lorenzo did to her in the past two years. She just wanted to leave. Go... And free.

Despite how far away one year seemed, she was waiting happily. Finally, she'd be able to spread her wings and fly.

As they arrived at the meeting point, a loud, flimsy club in one of the city's high-class clubs, Fiona felt her skin crawl. However, she pulled herself together. Upsetting Lorenzo at such a fragile time would be disastrous.

No matter how much she hated clubs, she had to focus on why she was there. Her role was memorized. She was to use her appearance to distract and entertain her brother's partners. To keep their focus off the financial maneuvers jampacked in the documents her brother would make them sign. She had to keep their attention off what really mattered.

As they walked to the VIP section, Lorenzo's business partner was already there, a pot-bellied man with a sharp gaze and a calculating smile. Fiona took her place beside him, flashing a carefully practiced smile that hid her inner turmoil.

The conversation between Lorenzo and his partner began, and Fiona's role came into play. She was there to keep the man's attention.

Throughout the meeting, Fiona played her part with a forced grace. She engaged in light conversations. Her laughter and attentiveness were designed and rehearsed to draw the partner's focus away from the document being signed and to her. Every glance, every gesture, was part of a performance she had come to hate but was forced to maintain.

As the meeting drew to a close, Fiona's mind drifted back to her dreams of freedom. She clung to the hope that in one year, everything would change. She would finally pursue her painting dreams and maybe take up dancing again. Or cooking. She was lost in thought but was harshly brought back when she felt the man's hand on her thigh.

"If you want us to seal this deal, I have one request. "The man spoke and immediately, Fiona sought her brother's eyes.

"What? "Her brother questioned, and the man smirked.

"Her. "

That one word caused Fiona's heart to stop. The man hungrily looked her over but she only lost composure when her brother answered.

"If that's all it'll take to get your signature... She's all yours. "

As the club's lights pulsed with a relentless rhythm, the chaotic display of colors that splashed across the walls and floor, added to the chaos that just erupted in her system.

The music surged with an insistent beat, its vibrations shaking the very foundation of the space, and with each beat that dropped, Fiona felt her heart thud hard.

She's all yours

The words replayed in her head as she stared at her older brother, but he stared back with a bland expression. How could he give her away so cheaply for the sake of some flimsy, dubious deal?

"What are... What are you saying? "She began to panic but Lorenzo turned his attention back to his business partner.

"My men will come and get me when you're done. Hopefully, by then there would be no reasons you wouldn't sign the document. Right? "He spoke, and Fiona's jaw dropped. His voice was icy. Devoid of any hint of care or concern.

The weight of his betrayal pressed heavily on her and each syllable he spoke was a sharp stab to her heart. Did he hate her so much? Did she really mean so little to him? Why?

Yes, they were step siblings but she never did anything to hurt or cross him. So, why was he so adamant in his efforts to destroy her life?

"No. There would be no issue. "The elderly man replied as he hungrily licked his lips and looked Fiona over and Lorenzo took a deep breath.

"Good. Have fun. "He replied and Fiona died a thousand deaths in one second.

She struggled against the man who now held her firmly in his grip, but he didn't let go. His hands were rough and unyielding, and his unpleasant breath was hot against her neck.

"No! No. You can't do this.

Lorenzo!

What are you doing? I'm your sister! "She screamed on top of her lungs but the loud music brushed her voice aside. She struggled relentlessly as Lorenzo walked away with a cold detachment, and her heart broke into a million pieces.

The disgusting man's eyes had lit up with a predatory eagerness as he smiled at Fiona who was fruitlessly struggling against him. His gaze drifted over her with an unsettling hunger, and it only made her skin crawl and her fear increase.

"Please, someone help me! "She began to scream in fear.

Her heart raced uncontrollably as she tried to move away from the man's firm grasp, but all her attempts to free herself were futile. His hold was like iron. The music and the crowd seemed to swallow her cries for help, rendering her pleas insignificant in the face of the club's overwhelming chaos.

"Lorenzo!" Her voice cracked, rising in pitch as she called out to her brother, who was already disappearing into the crowd.

"Please, don't do this to me! "She cried but her teary eyes watched his silhouette blend with the pulsating lights and the sea of people.

His refusal to even glance back at her was a harsh reminder of the betrayal she had just endured. The man holding her seemed to bask in her panic, as his hands moved with increasing familiarity over her body.

As the man's grip tightened, Fiona's sense of despair deepened.

Every section of the club was VIP, a place where privacy was a luxury everybody could afford. Here, the one rule was that everyone minded their own business, and that rule left Fiona feeling utterly helpless and alone.

But she wasn't ready to give up. Not yet.

She tried to scream again, her voice strained and desperate.

"Help me! Someone, please!"

However her cries were drowned out by the relentless music and the crowd's indifferent chatter. The club was a labyrinth of indulgence and excess, where the plight of one individual was easily ignored in favor of everyone else's pleasures.

Fiona's attempts to fight off the man grew weaker as the seconds ticked by. His touch was invasive, his advances persistent. Just when the man tore the top of her dress, she realized fighting was useless. There was nothing she could do, and no one would save her. This was going to happen no matter what she did.

In surrender, she closed her eyes, her mind retreating into a dark, safe place as she tried to escape the overwhelming reality of her situation. The man's hands were rough and persistent, and no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't seem to get him off her.

As she mentally braced herself for the inevitable, a voice suddenly cut through the oppressive air of the club's music.

"What do you think you're doing? "

The voice was authoritative, its clarity slicing through the music and noise like a knife. Fiona's eyes flew open, and she turned her head with a mixture of hope and fear. The man holding her looked up, his expression shifting from one of predatory excitement to confusion.

A new figure stood at the edge of their booth. He was tall and impeccably dressed in a dark suit that contrasted sharply with the flashing lights of the club. His presence was commanding, and his gaze was fixed with unwavering intensity on the man who had been groping Fiona.

"I asked you a question, fatso. "The newcomer said, his voice low and edged with authority. He took a step forward, the confidence in his posture making the elderly man shrink back slightly.

The man holding Fiona hesitated, his bravado faltering.

"I didn't- I was just- " His voice wavered, the confidence he had displayed earlier now replaced by a visible nervousness.

"Who are you? "He demanded instead, and the newcomer scoffed.

"Trust me. You don't want to know. One snap of my fingers and you may not see tomorrow thanks to shit stunt you just pulled. "He replied and the elderly man began to fidget.

"You're done here. Leave. "He ordered sharply and the elderly man glanced between Fiona and the authoritative figure, his face a mask of reluctant compliance. With one last lingering look at Fiona, he backed away, his retreat marked by an air of defeat. The crowd seemed to part slightly, allowing him to slip out of sight.

As she watched the disgusting predator walk away, Fiona's breath came in shallow, rapid bursts as she tried to steady herself and hold up the remains of her dress. The new man's sudden appearance had interrupted the nightmare, but the emotional and physical aftermath left her trembling. Her savior turned to her, his gaze softening with a mixture of concern and determination.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentler now, as he was trying to ensure her safety and comfort. Fiona nodded, though her movements were shaky.

"Yes, I... Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come. "She replied and the man smiled.

"You're safe now. Let's get you out of here. "He spoke as he took off his suit and threw it over her shoulders to cover the parts of the body that her now ruined dress exposed. He extended his arm, and Fiona took it gratefully.

The warmth of his presence was very much different from the invasive touches she had just escaped. They moved through the club, the man guiding her with a purposeful stride through the maze of bodies and flashing lights.

As they reached a quieter section near the club's exit, Fiona took a moment to gather her thoughts. The shock of her brother's betrayal, combined with the immediate danger she had faced, left her feeling disoriented and vulnerable. She glanced back towards where Lorenzo had disappeared and the sting of his abandonment was still fresh and raw.

The man led her to a secluded corner away from the oppressive music and flashing lights. His demeanor remained calm and focused, his brown eyes kept scanning their surroundings with a sense of vigilance. But Fiona was too exhausted to pay attention to this.

"What happened back there? "He questioned and Fiona felt too ashamed to go over the whole story.

"It's a long story. "She replied and silence took over. Fiona then took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with the effort.

"Who are you? And... Why did you help me? "She questioned and the young man shrugged. The man's gaze met hers with a steady calm as he spoke.

"I believe that people deserve to be safe and respected. I saw what was happening and knew I had to step in."His words were simple, yet they carried a profound sense of commitment. As they walked toward the exit, Fiona felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

The night had been a harrowing ordeal, but the intervention of this stranger had provided a crucial lifeline. Even at that. Could she trust him completely? What if she was jumping from pan to fire? She thought but she remained silent.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, the contrast between the chaotic club and the serene world outside was stark. Fiona took a deep breath, her senses gradually returning to normal as she moved away from the club's oppressive environment.

"We need to get you somewhere where you can be looked after. Somewhere safe. "He said, and Fiona nodded in frightened agreement as she wasn't sure that if she went back to meet Lorenzo, he wouldn't send her back to his partner.

The man guided her to a nearby car, its sleek exterior contrasting sharply with the club's gaudy décor.

"You can sit here with me for a while. There are security cameras all over, we can leave the car doors open and you can sit in front while I sit at the back. "He spoke and Fiona stared at him in awe.

"Thank you. I don't know how to repay you." She replied close to tears, and the man gave her a reassuring smile.

"There is no need to repay me. Just remember that there are people who care and people who are willing to stand up for what's right. There may not be a lot. But they still exist."

*************

Fiona stared out of the passenger window as the street lights flickered past, their orange glow reflecting off the damp glass. The rain had started again, and the rhythmic sound of the wipers was almost soothing. A small comfort in the chaos she called life.

She wasn't sure how to feel about the man driving her home. But at least he saved her. As silly as it was, that earned him some of her trust.

"Why didn't you just run away? "He asked, breaking the silence that had settled in the car, about two minutes after Fiona explained part of her ordeal living under Lorenzo to him, and Fiona chuckled bitterly with her gaze fixed on the wet world outside the moving vehicle.

"Trust me. I tried. Twice. "She replied and her savior raised a brow.

"Twice?" He questioned in amusement, and Fiona nodded.

"The first time, he beat the shit out of me, the second time, not only did he beat me up, he starved me for three days," Fiona replied and the aura in the vehicle changed. Fiona's voice was quiet, almost detached as if she were telling a story from someone else's life. The man's eyes widened in shock, but he said nothing, allowing her to continue.

"He's my brother, "Fiona continued. Her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt,

"Stepbrother, actually. He makes that hard to forget. He needs me for his business. He's... he's just someone who enjoys lording over me. He uses me to distract his clients while they sign documents that would ruin their lives. I'm his pawn. I'm nothing but a slave in a place I used to call home. "She turned her head to look at him, her expression softening slightly, and the man tried to keep his focus on the road.

"But there's a light at the end of this dark tunnel. "She said, and the driver, whose name she still didn't know, glanced at her with curiosity.

"What do you mean?"

"In a year, I'll be old enough to inherit my grandfather's fortune. He left it to me before my father married my stepmother. Once I'm of age, I'll take everything that's meant to be mine, and I will finally be free. "She explained and the driver nodded, taking in the weight of her words.

"That's something to look forward to. But why haven't you gone to the police? "He questioned and Fiona's shoulders slumped as she let out a long sigh.

"I'm watched twenty-four seven. I don't have a phone, and my brother has connections everywhere. If I were to contact the cops, it could get me into severe trouble. "

The driver was quiet for a moment, contemplating her predicament. The tension in the car was palpable, but Fiona could sense a growing resolve in the man beside her. They continued the ride in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The rhythmic hum of the engine and the gentle patter of rain against the windshield seemed to create a cocoon of tranquility amidst the storm outside.

When the car finally pulled up in front of Fiona's house, the driver stopped the engine and turned to face Fiona. His expression was serious but kind.

"Here," he said, handing her a business card. The gold letters on the card glinted under the dim interior light of the car.

"If you ever get into trouble, call me. I'll make sure I come get you." Fiona took the card, feeling the smooth paper between her fingers.

"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

The driver gave her a reassuring smile.

"You're welcome. Stay safe."

With that, he turned back to the wheel and drove away, the sound of the engine fading into the night. Fiona watched his taillights disappear, feeling a pang of both gratitude and uncertainty.

Taking a deep breath, she turned towards her house. The old, Victorian-style mansion loomed over her, its imposing presence a constant reminder of her confinement. When she stepped into the house, she noticed it was eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity absent. Her brother must not be home yet.

She moved swiftly, her footsteps echoing through the empty hallway as she rushed up the stairs and made her way to her room. Once inside, she shut the door and leaned against it for a moment, her heart racing. She moved to her closet, pulled out her sleeping clothes, and changed quickly. The card from her savior felt like a lifeline in her otherwise bleak existence.

After changing into her pajamas, Fiona knelt by her bed and carefully slid the card under the mattress. She smoothed the fabric of her blanket over it as if trying to bury her worries with it. The name on the card.

She lay down and stared at the ceiling, the familiar cracks and imperfections in the plaster now seeming like the constellations in her personal sky. Sleep didn't come easily, as her thoughts were a mix of hope and anxiety. She wondered what her brother would do to her once he got home, and above all, the face, voice, touch words, and even name of her savior replayed in her mind.

"Dwayne Carlos,"

The name was boldly written in gold letters on the card he gave her and the name seemed to burn in her mind. A beacon of hope amid the darkness. Fiona's mind wandered back to her brother, the harshness in his eyes, and the coldness of his voice.

The pain and fear she had endured seemed to merge with the promise of a future free from his control. She wondered what Dwayne would be like if she ever needed his help, and if he could be the love of her life.

Underneath all her ordeal, she was a big lover girl and it was only natural for her to have such thoughts about the dashing gentleman who saved her life tonight.

The house remained silent, and the only sounds were the distant whispers of the storm outside. Fiona's exhaustion weighed heavily on her, but sleep continued to elude her. Instead, she lay there, with the face of the charming man who saved her replaying in her mind.

Dwayne Carlos.