Dark Hearts

n Mono

ther's jade green eyes. “It's just not possible. I ca

ave worked so hard to accomplish in this family. And that is exactly what is going to happen if you don't step in an

You are my first son. I love you and I have let you run wild for far too long. We cannot d

ke of tradition and wealth.” I retorted, my voi

at it wit

her's voice rose, the control she usuall

laugh with people you can't even call friends. I know happiness and you, my boy, are

s. You will do as I say, Bastain. You will marry the woman

uldn't actually disown me and even if she

being able to see my mother o

d her face softened. She walked up to me, placing a hand on

succeed. He wants you to be happy. But he also wants what's best for the company. P

my responsibilities se

her. “I'll do it.

ined in her eyes w

oose for me. I

er surprise quickly melted into confusion but before she coul

think. Or go

my tie and p

n my car and drove off to the

ution, if not for my

**

Rixe

lipstick, stepping back to appraise my looks. I couldn't remember the last tim

smile at my surpr

apartment. Beatrix was out doing God knows what with Pete, or was that S

a life. Dad was dead and gone. Leaving me with an abusive, drug addict

louding my senses. It wasn’t lik

away, continuing my walk

ze this opportunity to experience New Yorks’ nightlife ev

at the moment, I couldn't care less about the

t nice against my skin as it

een so d

o feel the win

ps ticking u

have so much

at the side of her worn-out jacket letting in the cold bre

ce wavered. It had been such a long time since I'd been to a ba

her eyes widening in surprise, “Melia

reach over and hug me but th

g has it

whi

at can I

la, pl

l. She moved in the direction of the fridge that I kn

hifts at this bar but stopp

, hipster scene with indigo lights and rustic wood accents. The cozy space

a. I took it, shooting her a grateful smile as I tossed it

'd had this drink, my body ha

rimaced, looking at my su

ad, you hav

e glass, thro

ened with ever

shot, I felt a presence

ked, eyes darkening as he raked his gaze over my features in a way that mad

r, sipping it as his eyes pierced mine. “Y

pped closer to me,

t night flashed

young to have a

my stress and I'

iver

lieve that tension

were colliding and my vis

my throat. I didn't want to come off as rude but I also didn't

moving into my personal space so much tha

curled into a smile so creepy t

ouldn't be

barely a whisper as I stared at his h

his grip tightened further making me w

om her, or I’ll remo

ke a blade. The voice sounded unfa

s. The tequila was sure

gripping my w

e middle of

And suddenly, his face pales. The sneer drops from his

sinc

apologies. I want

nodded so vigorously i

curries away in shame. I look down at my wris

ice the bruising. After all, she'd giv

elling the woodsy scent coming from my stranger. I stiffened my b

ly trimmed beard on his well-defi

dangerously

lored suit that fit him like

g, fiercely penet

ns were e

ude to

e that I 'd taken so lo

for resc

king the seat beside her on

ooked like you

ttered, beyon

eturned with another bottle of tequila. I narrowed my eyes at her,

ir

eling, I poured myself a gl

nk you should

m, only to find him

's attr

smiled sadly at the drink in my hand, t

know

ha

et our problems? J

I'm doing.” I frown

ve ordered some

fully and his attrac

a? Because this guy had it. It wasn't even right to call him a guy

ou're thinking…

ad, “I can literally se

smile out o

e what to do. But for some reason I wan

ction of forgetting my problems and havi

etermined t