Dark Hearts.

Bastian Monore's pov

"I'm not getting married." I spat looking into my mother's jade green eyes. "It's just not possible. I can't marry just anyone for the sake of the business."

"Bastian, our backs are against the wall right now. I cannot let your uncle swoop in and claim everything that we have worked so hard to accomplish in this family. And that is exactly what is going to happen if you don't step in and take your place as the heir of Monroe Companies." My mother screamed. I'd never seen her so unhinged and ruffled.

Her eyes flashed with frustration and she continued. " You have a responsibility, Bastian. You are my first son. I love you and I have let you run wild for far too long. We cannot do that anymore. It is time for you to come to your senses. You cannot afford to be selfish."

"I refuse to sacrifice my happiness for the sake of tradition and wealth." I retorted, my voice rising. My tie felt like a noose on my neck.

I pulled at it with vigor.

"This is not about your happiness." Mother's voice rose, the control she usually wielded like a knife was missing today.

"And even if it were. We both know you're not truly happy. You go to parties and you laugh with people you can't even call friends. I know happiness and you, my boy, are not happy." Her face was rapidly all shades of red with anger, voice laden with fury.

"I can't let you ruin everything we've built over the years. You will do as I say, Bastain. You will marry the woman I've chosen, or you will be disowned. Do you understand?

It was an ultimatum. I knew my mother wouldn't actually disown me and even if she did cut me off, I still had my own money.

But I loved my family and not being able to see my mother or Marianna again would kill me.

Mother stared at me for a beat, then her fist unclenched and her face softened. She walked up to me, placing a hand on my chest and looking up at me as she delivered the final blow.

"Your father wouldn't want this. He is always rooting for you and he wants you to succeed. He wants you to be happy. But he also wants what's best for the company. Please, help me make him happy in his last moments." She said with tears in her eyes.

I sighed, the weight of my responsibilities settling on my shoulders.

I pulled away from her. "I'll do it. I'll get married."

The relief that shined in her eyes was almost palpable.

"But... don't choose for me. I have someone."

Mother's eyebrows almost touched her hairline in surprise. Her surprise quickly melted into confusion but before she could respond, I stormed out of the study in the family mansion.

I needed to think. Or go for a drive.

I readjusted my tie and put my coat on.

I walked to the garage, got in my car and drove off to the Sweet and Sultry bar in town.

I had to find a solution, if not for myself but for my dad.

******

Melia Rixe's pov

I looked into the foggy bathroom mirror, putting the finishing touches on my lipstick, stepping back to appraise my looks. I couldn't remember the last time I'd applied a proper lip gloss. The woman staring back at me was a stranger.

I managed a small smile at my surprising good looks.

I grabbed my purse, put on my shoes and walked out the door of our dingy apartment. Beatrix was out doing God knows what with Pete, or was that Simos. I wasn't sure. It was hard to keep up with her numerous conquests.

I didn't want to go out tonight but I was fed up with my fuckshow of a life. Dad was dead and gone. Leaving me with an abusive, drug addicted mother, and mounting bills and debts. I almost resented him for it.

At that thought, I felt shame clouding my senses. It wasn't like he chose to die and leave us.

I shook the dark thoughts away, continuing my walk down the street to the bar.

Beatrix was out doing what she did best and I had to seize this opportunity to experience New Yorks' nightlife even if for one night. What better day to do it than today?

I knew I would pay for this in the morning but at the moment, I couldn't care less about the consequences. I'd already survived worse things.

The cold evening breeze felt nice against my skin as it swept my hair into my face.

It has been so damn long.

It felt good to feel the wind in my hair.

I felt my lips ticking up in a smile.

I'm going to have so much fun tonight.

The city was bustling with life, and I could feel the hole at the side of my worn-out jacket letting in the cold breeze as I walked into the Sweet and Sultry bar.

Walking towards the counter, my steps faltered and my confidence wavered. It had been such a long time since I'd been to a bar as a customer and not as a waiter, it was almost embarrassing.

Sophie, the bartender smiled at me, her eyes widening in surprise, "Melia! Oh my God! What are you doing here?"

She looked like she wanted to reach over and hug me but the counter was obviously there.

"How long has it been?"

"A while?"

"Well, what can I get you?"

"Tequila, please."

Sophie's smile widened so much, it was almost comical. She moved in the direction of the fridge that I knew was there. They wouldn't have moved it so easily.

I'd picked up a few night shifts at this bar but stopped when I got a better job.

As Sophie worked, I took my time to look around the bar. It was a loungey, hipster scene with indigo lights and rustic wood accents. The cozy space was starting to fill up and a 90's track was playing through the speakers.

Sophie came back with my shot glass and a bottle of tequila. I took it, shooting her a grateful smile as I tossed it back. I spluttered and coughed, my throat and chest burning.

It has been so long since I'd had this drink, my body had forgotten how strong it was.

"That bad, huh?" Sophie grimaced, looking at my surely reddening slightly.

"Yeah. So bad, you have no idea."

I refilled the glass, throwing it back.

The burn lessened with every shot I took.

Throwing back the sixth shot, I felt a presence behind me. "Easy, tiger."

I stiffened and looked up to a young man with a jawline and goatee. He smirked, eyes darkening as he raked his gaze over my features in a way that made me want to throw up. "I've been watching you throw back shot after shot."

He raised his glass which smelled like beer, sipping it as his eyes pierced mine. "You look like you have a lot on your mind."

I watched as he stepped closer to me, completely frozen.

Memories of that night flashed behind my eyes.

Meia, you're too young to have a lot on your mind.

Help me release my stress and I'll relieve yours.

I shivered.

"Let me help you relieve that tension in your shoulder."

The past and the present were colliding and my vision whitened at the edges.

"It's not why I'm here." I managed through the lump of fear in my throat. I didn't want to come off as rude but I also didn't want to have a panic attack in the middle of the freaking bar.

I gasped as he grabbed my wrist roughly, moving into my personal space so much that I could feel his beer breath on my face.

"Let me convince you." His lips curled into a smile so creepy that it probably scares crow birds away.

No. This couldn't be happening.

"Take your hands off me." My voice was barely a whisper as I stared at his hands tightening on my wrist in horror.

I tried tugging my wrist from him but his grip tightened further making me wince. That was going to leave a bruise.

"Remove your hand from her, or I'll remove it from your arm."

A cold chill jumped up my spine like a blade. The voice sounded unfamiliar but undeniably hot and deep.

I frowned at my thoughts. The tequila was surely getting to my head.

The man, still gripping my wrist, scowled.

"We're in the middle of a conversat-"

Only then do his eyes lift from me to the man behind me. And suddenly, his face pales. The sneer drops from his lips as pure, unadulterated fear bleeds across his eyes.

"My sincere-"

"I don't want your apologies. I want you fucking gone."

The man nodded so vigorously it almost made me wince.

"T-thank you." I utter quietly when the man scurries away in shame. I look down at my wrist, flexing it to make sure nothing is broken.

I was safe. Beatrix wouldn't even notice the bruising. After all, she'd given me many more gruesome ones herself.

The heat of his gaze touched my back. Shit. I inhaled deeply, smelling the woodsy scent coming from my stranger. I stiffened my back, turning my head to look at him. I didn't know where to focus.

Whether it was across the carefully trimmed beard on his well-defined jaw and prominent cheekbones.

Or beyond the dangerously seductive lips.

Or beyond the flawlessly tailored suit that fit him like a glove and polished shoes.

Up to the striking, fiercely penetrating gray eyes

The options were enormous.

"It's rude to stare."

I was startled, unaware that I'd taken so long appraising his looks.

"Thanks for rescuing me."

"Yes, I did." He grunts taking the seat beside her on the bar. "You'll owe me."

"Besides, you looked like you were struggling."

"I was." I muttered, beyond embarrassed.

Sophie, who had strangely disappeared over the last few minutes, returned with another bottle of tequila. I narrowed my eyes at her, watching her take care of the empty glass and bottle on the counter.

Weird.

Shaking off the strange feeling, I poured myself a glass and threw it back again.

"Don't you think you should take it easy?"

I looked over at him, only to find him already looking at me

God, he's attractive.

"Life hasn't been very easy on me." I smiled sadly at the drink in my hand, tears threatening to fall from my eyes.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"How about we forget our problems? Just for tonight."

"That's exactly what I'm doing." I frowned down at my drink.

Maybe I should've ordered something stronger.

He turned, facing me fully and his attractiveness hit me again.

Was it possible for someone to have all the roughest, sexiest, aura? Because this guy had it. It wasn't even right to call him a guy. He was more of a sexy, refined lumberjack in an expensive suit.

"No, it's not. You're thinking... even right now."

He stared hard at my head, "I can literally see the wheels turning."

That got a smile out of me "Okay."

It wasn't often that a stranger told me what to do. But for some reason I wanted to listen to this handsome stranger.

Maybe this was a step in the right direction of forgetting my problems and having a wonderful, excitement-filled night.

And I was determined to enjoy it.

Melia's pov

Over the next few hours, we'd moved from the bar to a comfortable sofa in the corner of the lounge talking about topic after topic.

The last time I'd laughed so much felt like a long time ago. There are a lot of things that I don't remember doing.

"Okay, next question. The weirdest place you've ever had sex?" Bastian whispered.

We'd decided to stick to first names because we probably wouldn't see each other again. From his looks, he lived in a very different world from mine.

"You can't ask me that." My cheeks heated.

"Yes, I can. I just did."

"It's rude."

"Says who?" He looked around.

"It's just a question, and this place is noisy anyway. Nobody's gonna hear your answer, Brownie."

He'd decided that was a better name for me than my actual name.

"Hmm." I thought aloud. "That's a tough one."

I counted on my fingers, feeling less drunk and more tipsy. The alcohol had loosened my tongue so much over the last few hours.

I hadn't had this much fun in years. It was a relief to know that I could actually be happy even if for a few hours.

"Two years." I blurred out, feeling shy all of a sudden. Telling him the actual number would probably freak him out and I didn't want him running.

I peeked up at him through my lashes, watching his eyes darken with heat.

"What?"

"Two years? Nobody has touched you in two years. Brownie, are you serious?"

"Yeah. I- I've been... busy"

I didn't want to tell him that nobody had come close to kissing me, talk more of doing the dirty. This night was my chance to change that and I couldn't blow it.

"Why am I even telling you this stuff?" I turned, talking to myself.

"You're just a random guy I met in the bar."

He leaned in, hot breath brushing my ears. "I don't understand how someone as hot as you doesn't get fucked three times a day."

My eyes widened, no one had ever spoken to me that way before. It felt so good.

When he pulled away, I watched as he licked his lips, feeling a tingle all the way to her toes.

This was what I wanted wasn't it. To free myself a little, enjoy the night then go back to my shitty life by the morning.

Feeling determined to make the most out of tonight, I reached up and pressed my lips to his, biting into his bottom lip and tugging. This was probably the bravest thing I'd ever done apart from blocking Beatrix's hits that one time.

I pulled away, uncertainty and shame threatening to overwhelm me.

His large hand grabbed my neck, pulling me back to his lips. He kissed like he wanted to devour me. I loved it.

A moan fluttered in my throat as I kissed him back. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, noting blissfully that they were wonderfully large and strong, tilting my neck to give him more access.

He tasted like expensive wine and smelled like cinnamon. His fingers dug underneath the back of my jacket, tracing my back slightly.

I elicited a moan as he pulled away from my lips to suck desperately on my neck.

I tilted my neck so far back that I feared it'll crack.

Almost like he could read my mind, his other hand cupped the back of my head, holding me in place as he placed kisses on my neck and down my shoulders.

He pulled away from me, bending to my height to meet my gaze. I averted my eyes, choosing instead to stare pointedly at his tie.

Doing this felt like turning my brain off, choosing to feel rather than thinking and overthinking. Everytime he pulled away from me, my brain began berating me for coming out tonight.

He frowned. "What is it?"

"What?"

"You went somewhere just now."

Oh. "It's just..." I looked up at him, unsure.

"Tell me."

I leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "I... I've never fucked a stranger." I've never fucked anyone but I'll keep that to myself.

He inhaled sharply as his eyes held mine. "Do you want to fuck a stranger?" he murmurs as arousal thrummed between us.

"Yeah." I nodded shyly.

"Well then, let's take this elsewhere."

He stood up, grabbed my hand and tugged me towards a door, leading us to the staircase. I could still feel the tension straining between us.

He opened a door in the hallway and dragged me in. It was almost like his restraint had finally snapped.

Slamming me against the door, he ravaged my lips. His hands shoved at my skirt, hiking them up to my hips.

He palmed my ass, digging his blunt fingers into my cheeks.

I knew it was going to leave a mark by the morning but I was too lost in the sensation to care.

As his strong arms hoisted me up, I wrapped my legs around his waist. He laid me down and helped me take off the raggedy jacket and the rest of my clothes, flinging them across the small room.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Don't worry, baby. I'll take care of you."

He took his shirt off over his shoulders, and my breath stuttered. He had a broad, muscular chest with olive skin and a scattering of hair that runs from his navel and disappears down into his pants. His hair was dark, and his eyes the brightest gray but the power behind them had me aching for him to claim me.

There was an edge to his touch that I'd never felt before.

In that fleeting moment, nothing else mattered to me except accepting the connection we shared, igniting a fire that will burn bright long after the night is over.

Melia's pov

My eyes snapped open and I shot up from the bed. I would've loved to sleep in but the night was already over and I'd grown so used to waking up in the wee hours of the morning. My body had its own in-built alarm system at this point.

There were moments in our lives where we felt deliriously happy over the littlest things. For someone who had little to no idea of what those moments felt like, I wanted to cherish this moment forever.

Lying on his side, I felt Bastian's chest pressed against my back, legs slung over mine and his breaths tickling her hair. I didn't want to get up and shatter the moment but I had to.

I 'd be damned if Beatrix got home before me.

I looked at the clock on the nightstand in front of me, 6:00am it read.

Shit. I had to move.

I crawled out of the bed, and his arms tightened around me for a moment before he let me.

Nobody had ever held unto me like that my whole life. It made tears threaten to spill.

His arms bulked as he lay on his back, covering his eyes.

"He's a deep sleeper." I smiled to myself.

I stood slowly, gathering my belongings thrown across several parts of the small room.

I searched the small room for my blouse and found it crumpled on the floor on Bastain's side of the bed.

Picking it up, I found the gruesome tear Bastain had left when he ripped it off me last night.

"Shit." I quickly put on his shirt, my barely surviving jacket and my shoes, leaning down to whisper.

"Thank you." And then I was gone.

******

The walk back home was very humbling and numbing. I couldn't believe I'd slept with a stranger.

A hot one.

But a stranger nonetheless.

A couple of feelings battled for dominance in my chest.

Happiness, that I'd at least lived for myself even if it was for one night.

Sadness, that I'd never get to see him again and that I'd soon return to my personal hell.

My confidence flickered and died as I reached the front door.

I fumbled through my purse for the keys and opened the door.

I heard the sound before the sting on my cheek registered. "You bitch. Where have you been?"

I didn't feel inclined to give Beatrix an answer as I walked past her to my room.

"I'm talking to you, girl. Where were you all night?"

I really hoped she wouldn't stop me again.

Something hard crashed into me, shattering that hope.

"I had an overnight shift."

It was an answer that I'd saved for this day. Beatrix would never question my means of getting money, as long as the money was coming.

Melia turned and watched as Beatrix's frown transformed into a gleeful, cheery smile, too bright to be genuine. "That means you'll give me money soon for my next fix, right?"

"Yes, Mom." Calling Beatrix mom had lost its flavor. It was a way of protecting myself more than anything else. A defense.

Beatrix's eyes softened the way it always did when she heard the endearment and she wrapped her thin arms around me.

"I love you, Mia cara."

I felt the nausea creep up and tears well up in my eyes. I hated this shit.

I pulled away, pushed the door to my room and closed the door gently so as not to snap Beatrix out of her daze.

I ran to the bathroom, opening the toilet lid and spilling the remainder of last night's drinks into it.

I sat down on the cool tiles, taking deep breaths to calm myself.

I thought I'd gotten used to the sick shitshow called life but it hit a little harder everyday.

Once upon a time, Beatrix had loved me, like genuinely loved me. I'd had my dad too.

They were inseparable and I wish it would have remained that way forever.

Unfortunately, Dad died in a hit and run accident fifteen years ago. Since then, Mother had spiraled through different phases. She began seeing different men and going out to parties. One of them, Johnny, introduced her drugs as a means of escape.

I watched my mother become a shadow of herself slowly over the years. I understood that a part of her had died with Dad in that accident but I couldn't help but feel hate towards her for not being there for me when I really needed her.

I really wanted to rest from the night I'd had but I couldn't remember the last time in my own bed.

This house suffocated me.

I exhaled sharply. I needed to get to work. Dad would always say this all those years ago as he left for work.

I'll sleep when I'm dead.

Funny cos he really was dead.

Swiping the tears that had fallen down my cheek, I began working on autopilot. I took a bath, wore her clothes and her work bag from her little desk in the corner of her room. I didn't bother putting any makeup on. Nobody was going to notice me anyway.

I picked up Bastain's shirt off the floor where I'd taken it off and pressed it to my nose, inhaling his scent.

Memories of last night flooded my mind and my core clenched.

This really wasn't the time.

I placed the shirt in my dresser and walked out of the room.

I found Beatrix sniffing a line from the table.

Barely glancing at me, she sniffed. "Come home early, I have a surprise for you." She said, giving me a wide smile that made her lips almost touch her ears.

I wonder what that is about. I walked past her, her creepy grin touching my back as I walked to the front door.

"Okay."

******

The Trench was packed, full of rowdy spectators and eager betters. The familiar stench, sweat and anticipation filled my nostrils as I walked in from the underground staircase.

This place was tight. There were security agents mounted at the stairwell for protection in case the fights got too intense and also to serve as whistleblowers for the cops.

Working in this fighting arena was honestly my least favorite job but it paid the bills in the best way. I usually wouldn't stomach violence but working here had made me toughen up a bit. Serving drinks to thirsty patrons hungry for both blood and victory would do that to a girl.

Thank goodness for Rob, my employer who didn't make us wear tight uniforms to appear sexy or anything.

I could actually work in my clothes and that put me at ease.

I approached the bar, grabbed a tray of drinks and began serving. Nobody really noticed me, probably because I usually kept my hoodie on. I hated the attention, not to mention from people like this.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to the fighters for tonight." The announcer boomed.

The music stopped and the crowd quietened.

"You know him, I know him, everybody knows him. Make some noise for..... Jude Danger!"

The crowd roared, some hooting, others straight-out yelling as "Jude Danger" walked up to the caged ring.

"Silence!" The announcer yelled again

Immediately, the animalistic roars were reduced to only light laughter and conversation. This part was always hilarious to me.

"One of our own who has finally returned to us. His name..........."

The crowd seemed to hold their breath. Watching and waiting.

"Hades!"

The uproar was wilder, crazier and I knew that things were about to be bloodier than they'd ever been.

A bulky man in a red cape and hoodie seemed to glide towards the ring. The crowd parted for him.

He reached the ring, pulled down the hoodie and took off the cape with the stealthiness of a panther. His shoulders bulged and my breath stuttered.

I knew those shoulders, my legs had wrapped around those shoulders.

Bastian, if that was even his real name, turned and I got a full view of that sinfully, handsome face.

What was he doing here?

What was happening?

He wasn't supposed to be here.

But there he was, looking as if he belonged in the ring rather than on the sidelines.

As he made his way to the ring, our eyes met for a brief moment, surprise, recognition and heat flaring in his gaze.

I couldn't dwell on it for long as the fight began, the sound of fists meeting flesh filling the air. But as I watched him move with skill and determination, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of pride. His back muscles rippled as he fought, making memories flash behind my eyes.

"Melia." Sophie stepped up behind me.

"We need to get the drinks to the others." She explained, "They're waiting."

"Oh, ok." Time flies when you meet the eyes of the man you slept with the previous night.

Walking back towards the counter for drinks, I turned briefly to look back at Bastian in the ring. Sophie stood there, staring too.

I guess she liked what she saw.

I shrugged whatever that thought was off and got back to work.

The fight ended with the announcer pronouncing Hades the winner. Spectators ordered more drinks and my mood lifted slightly.

I would have enough money by the end of the night.

Sophie and I worked quietly clearing up the place.

With my back turned to the counter, I hadn't known someone was waiting as I arranged drinks neatly in the fridge.

"Can I have my shirt back now?"

I whirled around, eyes widening when I saw Bastain standing there, hands in his pockets looking relaxed like he hadn't just battled with an actual human being.

"I know you took it when you left this morning. I was awake the whole time."

Stupid me, thinking he was a deep sleeper.

"Umm." I hadn't expected him to strike up a conversation.

Maybe that's because he wanted his shirt back, stupid.

My inner voice chastised.

"I'll get it to you. Just give me your address. I'll wash it and send i-"

"I don't want you to wash it."

I stared at him in surprise.

"Then what do you want me to-"

"Come home with me."

I choked on my swallow, choking on my spit, coughing rather violently.

"What?" It came out on a wheeze.

"Come home with me."

Why would someone say something like that with such a dead, impassive tone?

"May I ask... why?" I was so confused.

"Because you owe me. I saved you from that guy last night."

"Oh."

Why would he bring that up?

He wasn't even bringing up our night together.

"B-but..."

"I always like people to return my favors. I did you a favor so now you owe me. I want to cash in on it now." He rattled off, taking a sip of the whiskey in his glass. I didn't even know we served whiskey here. Maybe he'd brought his own bottle.

Focus.

"So... what do you want?"

"I've told you already. Come home with me."

The shrill ringing of my old Nokia broke the tense silence that had settled around us.

Most of the spectators had shuffled out and the arena was almost empty. It was just me, Sophia, Bastian and a few guys here and there calculating their wins.

"This is Melia, right?"

I pulled the phone away from my ear at the unfamiliar voice.

Bastian's eyes furrowed in concern.

"If you could come home right now, I'd appreciate it."

"I'm sorry but I'm at work. I can't go home right now. If you could tell me the problem, that'd be great."

There was silence for a beat.

"Don't let me tell you again, bitch. Get in a bus, train or whatever and get your ass here. If not, your mother will be in danger."

The line went dead. I stood frozen with the phone in my hand and a feeling of death crept up my spine.

Beatrix was a monster to me but she was still my mother and I cared about her.

I remember her words this morning

Come home early, I have a surprise for you.

Something didn't feel right but I couldn't risk it.

One of the patrons stomped his foot and that was enough to spur me into action.

"Hey, I have an emergency. Can you clean up here?" I squeaked to Sophie as she walked out of the store.

"I'm so sorry. I'll pay you back somehow. I have to deal with something real quick."

I couldn't wait to hear his response, rounding the counter, walking quickly out through the underground stairwell.

The heat of their stares burned my back all the way up.