'..the night is always darkest before dawn...'

I am the product of a dysfunctional family.

A bossy grandmother, a secretive grandfather, an absent father and a dramatic mother pretty much sums it up. I can count the number of times we have all been in the same room in one hand. Often it was my adventurous teenage misdemeanors that brought us together and not in a good way! I have not spoken to almost all of them since I left Florence ten years ago.

There are certain things that endear me to Florence. Other than it will always feel like home, I miss the weather. I miss the warm embrace of the sun caressing my skin. Cold weather is in no way my cup of tea. I spent my preteen years in Athens, where I was raised by my grandmother. I later moved to Florence, to spend the rest of my teenage years with my parents and my nonno. I miss my nonno. I feel nostalgic over the hot afternoons we would spend under the pergola just beside the pool. He would tell me old fascinating stories about his childhood. I cannot help but smile at the thought of the old man. He compensated for the significant absence of a father in my life. How can I not love him? I haven't spoken to him in ages. In fact, I haven't spoken to the three of them; my mother, my father and grandfather. I only keep close contact with my 'little brother' Tony and my grandmother, Helena. The latter one is because duty forces me to, otherwise I would add her to my ever growing 'no call list.'

Winter is my least favorite season of the year. My dread for the weather starts with the falling of the first leaves somewhere in late September or is it early October? I am somewhat pale and winter does nothing for my complexion. When a cold chilly breeze blew past me, I cursed myself for not choosing warmer clothing. Perhaps a heavier coat would have helped. I left home in a hurry just to get away from my wife. Lately we have become enemies. We spend each breathing moment of our lives fighting like wild cats. The only time there is peace is when we are not in the same space.

The sound of whistling and howling drew me out of my thoughts. This is not uncommon. Whenever a woman walks by, they lose their minds and behave like deranged lunatics. I usually ignore it but today something is nudging me to look. It's like a strong invisible force turning my head.

She's a sight for sore eyes!

I immediately understood what the fuss is all about. It is like watching a hot model walking down a runway. She is graceful, calculated and definitely aware of her surroundings. Next to her pale complexion -which I must add is really pale compared to mine- her blush-stained face is the most scenic sight of this damn cold day! Her mannerisms expose her shyness. Maybe it's too early to say but she looks like a gentle creature. I tilted my head taking her in as steadily as my heart beat is rising. I'm trying to place the color of eyes. I can't compare it to the deep blue ocean. It's not quite it. I'm intrigued! I can't even hear what the foreman is saying anymore. My attention is fully on the tall dainty beauty walking my way. I've seen many beautiful girls but none of them are like her. Her demure nature is attractive. The way she presents herself is uncertain yet she keeps walking towards me with purpose.

Dio! My heart will explode from the fascination. I'm fighting a stupid grin to remain the serious man I usually am. She reminds me of a woman I once loved. Katerina Romanov was in no way innocent or shy but still, she reminds me of her. Is it the color of her eyes?

When she mastered enough courage to meet my curious and fascinated gaze, I could see her desperately begging me to end the whistling which is now turning to howling as the men are also following at a distance. All work has ceased as she commands their full attention. I completely understand these uncouth beings. I myself I'm howling with need from deep within! But it is immature despicable behavior that has to be stopped.

"Give me a moment." I told my foreman before I clapped my hands getting the men to look my way. I am going to save a damsel in distress yet I am not fit nor will I ever be fit to play the role of a hero! "Anyone who still wants to whistle and howl can forgo today's payment."

As soon as I uttered the last part they scattered off back to work. No one wants to go home empty handed. At the end of the day, the salary comes first. That is why people work, for the money. For me, it's more than that. It's for a legacy that feels like a yoke around my neck constantly wearing me down but like Atlas holds the earth on his shoulders, I have to carry the legacy. I'm the only heir after all. My predecessor is a defiant man who chose the Navy over family responsibility and left it for me to bear. No pressure, right?

I didn't miss the gratitude in her eyes. Yes, her eyes... her beautiful captivating eyes look like two beautiful sapphires shining brightly under the cold dull weather. Yes, I finally got it! Her eyes are like sapphire gems! To a reasonable extent she got me to smile, something I rarely do.

She slowly closed the gap between us. She seems cautious of the height we are at. Thirty floors high is not everyone's cup of tea. Perhaps heights scare her. Heights thrill me! There are a lot of dangerous things that thrill me.

"Thank you Mr. Bale." She spoke in a soft voice. She knows my name. I don't know her. I get around but I don't know her. Who is she? The better question is where has she been all my life?

The wind kept blowing through her long raven hair and I could see her struggling to keep it in check. I slipped a rubber band off my wrist and offered it to her. As she tied up her hair I fought the idea to nestle her long dark hair around my fist. With that a trail of salacious thoughts flooded my devious mind! I blinked them a way forcing a small polite smile instead. I want to be a gentleman... for her.

"All good?"

"Thank you Mr. Bale." She repeated the same words she uttered before but with a big warm smile that kept me smiling back. She's polite, probably a good girl too. Not my type. I like them bad and difficult to break. I get a thrill out of taming them to submission.

"I don't want to make the assumption that you are lost because this is obviously not your scene but are you lost? How can I help you?"

"No I'm not lost!" She laughed adorably. She's looking at everything but me. "My name is Keira Ballard." She made brief eye contact. She stretched her hand out. I don't like shaking hands but I took hers.

I know that name far too well. "Are you related to Keith Ballard by any chance?"

My father and Michael Ballard are close friends. They both served the Navy for years. If memory serves me right, Mr. Ballard once invited us to his home. It was years ago. He wanted me to meet this very beauty in front of me but we didn't meet. Our paths never crossed even in the years that followed but here she is now. Interesting. Coincidence? No. I don't believe in coincidence.

I know his son Keith but I have never met his daughter not even in the endless high society parties where single women hunt for wealthy husbands. I would have definitely noticed her. She must shy away from the public eye if she remains unseen. I hate the limelight too. My life doesn't leave any room for attention from the public eye but it is quite an irony because of who I am especially career wise. Publicity cannot be avoided.

"Yes. Keith is my brother. He couldn't make it today. My father sent me instead. I hope you don't mind." She explained.

Not even her beauty can mask my disappointment. My lips formed a thin line. I sighed in utter frustration turning to look around the thirty floor construction project we are standing on. It is a high end luxurious residential building. This floor is supposed to be the penthouse.

Architecture is my passion. I took an interest when I would watch nonno sketching the most beautiful buildings. He is an architect, possibly retired but I would not know since we have not spoken for almost ten years. Before I became an architect, I was Helena's intern. If there's something I've learned from her, it is that anyone who doesn't show commitment is not worth it. I live by that and I take it seriously. I cut people off fast if they don't perform. I think I can be patient but most times, I'm not. I didn't become a cut throat business man by being patient with incompetence

Dealing with the Ballards is proving to be more difficult by the day. Keith is unreliable and untrustworthy. He has missed one too many of our meetings that I am on the last strands of patience. I am the one who picks up his slack. What is the use of a business partner who never shows up? It's not that I need him. He needs me.

"Where is your brother?" I asked with my eyes closed holding the bridge of my nose and fighting off the rage building within me. I don't want to take it out on her.

"He couldn't make it." She answered in a steady voice.

"Where is he?" I dragged out the words trying to be gentle with the girl. She isn't answering my question. Her blue eyes are shifty. She's hiding something.

"Mr. Bale, my father has brought me up to speed about the deal you closed with my brother. I am more than willing to step in for him."

"I don't know you and for the short time I've known your brother, I have developed a strong distaste for his work ethic. The only reason I haven't backed out of this arrangement is because your father is a respectable man. If you have the slightest respect for me, per favore, be straight with me." I paused to look deep into her sapphires. My fascination with her beauty has to take second place to my duty as the CEO of a multi billon company. Helena won't be pleased with me if it's anything less. "Where the hell is your brother?"

I don't like wasting time. I am a goal oriented person. If I don't check out the boxes on my list in good time, I get frustrated. I don't entertain incompetence.

"In jail." She answered after thinking it through. "My dad didn't want me to tell you that but I don't want to lie to you Mr. Bale. Please, don't tell him I have told you. He's embarrassed about our situation."

I appreciate her honesty. Not everyone in her situation would be honest. The Ballards are desperate. With debts drowning them and failed deals haunting them, they are desperate enough to swindle me. It only reminds me that even the wealthiest families can lose their prominence.

The Ballards are from Texas. Michael Ballard used to be a wealthy land owner and also a rancher. These days he is not even a fraction of the man he used to be.

I folded my arms across my chest as she clasped her hands together in some sort of pleading motion. Helena doesn't approve of business dealings with the Ballards. She doesn't know I got into an arrangement with them. I can't help it but I feel drawn to helping them. I'm not sure why. Now that I've met the girl I might as well be 'philanthropic'. Maybe, just maybe I'll get something out of it.

"I won't tell him you told me the truth. Let's go talk somewhere else, it's noisy up here." I responded as gently as I could despite my rising temper.

Her unruly fans stared as we walked by but kept silent. That is good enough for me.

When we reached the open metal elevator, she froze rather suddenly. "Not again." She mattered. I saw the panic on her face. It is only barricaded by a few metal bars and seems more like a cage supported by thick ropes. I am not scared of heights or small spaces but Keira looks like her life is on the line.

"How did get up here?" I asked.

"This thing." She gestured to it. "I suffered many deaths before I got up here. I can't possibly do it again."

"Miss Ballard you will have to be brave for me. I'm not taking the stairs. Come on." I told her stepping aside but she remained rooted like a hundred-year-old tree. "Keira any century now will be great."

"This is embarrassing but I'm scared of heights and small spaces. I'll die of a heart attack if I get in there again." She sped spoke.

"What if I hold your hand?" I asked. Is it just an excuse to touch her or am I still trying to be superman? The roles are becoming blurred. She turned redder than a tomato. I almost retracted my offer but who would not want to hold a woman this beautiful? "I promise I'll behave myself."

As if! I am not known for good behavior. If my mother was to be asked she would have a stack of sequels about her slipper throwing days.

She gazed at my outstretched hand and after a long moment of thought she placed her soft palm on mine. I cannot ignore how right it feels. I immediately enclosed my hand around hers. This is exactly where her hand belongs; in mine. I gently pulled her towards me once we were inside the elevator and the girl didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around me tightly.

As the elevator descended and the cold winter winds blew past us I caught a sweet mild scent. She smells like a sweet dessert. I'm thinking chocolate and vanilla. I like chocolate and vanilla. I leaned deeper into that hug holding her probably a little too close. Her dainty frame pressed up against me arousing something ravenous in me. I took a deep breath trying to fight the urges trying to control me. I haven't been this close to a woman in a long time. I held the back of her neck making her look at me. Her full lips are quivering. I am burning with need to consume them. Thank goodness common sense won over my urges! I am not a stranger to quick hookups. I immediately released her when we reached the ground.

"You're still alive." I whispered and she couldn't wait to get out of the cage.

I want to tell her she is beautiful but mixing business with pleasure is the first rule Helena always emphasizes. It will end badly.

After chastising myself I felt sanity and control returning to me. She turned a little red and looked away from my gaze. I wish she could hold my gaze so that I can explore the hidden truths beyond her eyes.

We walked in awkward silence until we reached my car.

"I'm so sorry about everything. This is embarrassing." She chuckled. "It wasn't supposed to go this way. What did you want to talk about sir?"

I can't believe I have forgotten. How can a detail oriented man forget his plans? I let out a frustrated sigh. She's a beautiful distraction. "I have to go." Tony will never let this go if he finds out his big brother is trying to run away from a beautiful woman! I wrote our rule book on 'never letting opportunities pass'. For some reason Keira is making me unsure of myself. I'm not in my element. I'm all mellow inside. It feels mushy and weird!

I opened the car door for her. "Let me give you a ride home." Her father sent her to distract me from his problematic son and it has worked. I'm no longer upset because of Keith not being here and in a way I am looking forward to working with her. He must have known it would play out like this!

"Thank you but that's not necessary. It's not far from here." She pointed in the other direction.

"Why is your brother in jail?" I asked.

"Drunk driving, disorderly conduct, a physical assault lawsuit... the list goes on and on. I'm sure you've become well acquainted with Keith by now."

"Unfortunately I am. You seem sad. Is he the reason why?" She cast her gaze on the ground. She tapped her foot impatiently drawing my eyes to look at what she is wearing. The simple pair of worn out denims fits her long lean legs like a second skin. I wish I could get rid of that oversized sweater to see what's inside. Her green sneakers are the strangest part of her apparel. My mother would have a thing or two to say about her outfit. She looks simple, plain even and definitely not the kind I am accustomed to yet she has piqued my attention. "Keira, I know it's none of my business but I've known your father for a while. Is everything okay back home?"

I would have asked Keith but being the jerk he is; he would probably lie or not tell me.

When she didn't respond and I heard her sniffle, I concluded that something is definitely wrong. I hate it when women cry. I never know what to do or say. There is no manual on how to maneuver a crying woman.

I took her hand into mine. I am beginning to get used to how her hand feels against mine. I like it.

"Thank you for the concern Mr. Bale." She whispered with her eyes slightly teary but with a smile on her face. She's the kind to keep smiling it seems. "You're a nice guy."

"Nice is not a word anyone who knows me would use to describe my character but thank you."

"Well there is a first time for everything and to me, you're officially nice."

If she only knew who I really am.

"Are you seriously going to walk home?"

"I would prefer some solitude right now." She separated her warm hand from mine leaving me feeling colder than ever. "Goodbye Mr. Bale."

Goodbye? More like hello beautiful!

Dio! It took everything not to throw her into the back of my car and ravish her. I have a darkness that often fights to control me. It is hard to watch her leave but it's just another comma in the early sentences of our story. I'll see her soon.

I was having a bad day and I thought it would be worse when I met up with Mr. Bale about my brother flaking out on him. My dad begged me to go against my protests. I have no expertise to keep me afloat in the business world yet he insisted.

Mr. Bale has a reputation for having intolerance towards incompetence especially in his business partners. I was surprised when he didn't lash out at me. If anything, he was pleasant.

Thanks to my older brother we are neck deep in debt and worse still our reputation in the circle of the 1% is marred by the stench of debt. Reputation is a big deal among people like Mr. Bale. A bad one means no one will ever trust us enough to partner with us. I hope we won't lose Mr. Bale's support as well. I think it is my father's final attempt before he embraces poverty.

We need money with my mother being terminally ill and the bank is threatening to evict us from the farm back in Texas.

"Did it work out?" My father asked me as soon as I set foot through the front door.

I offered him a smile greeting him with a kiss on his cheek. We are very close and often when Keith fails he counts on me to help. "Yes it did daddy. He seemed annoyed but he's okay."

"Thank the heavens!" He hugged me tightly. "My plan worked."

A frown came over me. "That's why you sent me." I broke our embrace to take a good look at him. Our blue eyes met. "Daddy! Why would you do that? What game are you playing?" I asked in a worried tone. "I'm a married woman! He's a married man!"

He offered no response only to make me wonder what sort of trouble he is brewing by sending me to distract a man who couldn't hide the need in his eyes. Yes, I saw it. He expressed it clearly. I refused to get in his car because I didn't want to find myself in a compromising position with him. Mr. Bale masked it well but his eyes betrayed him with every glance he threw my way. Those devilishly curious pale blue eyes betrayed his thoughts.

He wants me and I don't like it.

"Why are you reading too much into it? It was just a business deal." He shrugged.

"Yeah right." I walked past him.

Michael Ballard is scheming and it will get me into trouble.