WARNING!- This chapter is violent. Otherwise please read, enjoy, and REVIEW! I write faster that way. ;)

The Date

Fiore stepped into the gym and watched as the beautiful blonde stretched out so she could begin the dance team try outs with her fellow hopeful teammates. He smiled and tilted his head to the side slightly as she sunk to the floor doing a perfect split. There was no doubt in his mind she was worthy of her reputation, he also had no doubt in the idea that she was interested in him. With a smile on his face he crossed the gym briefly shifting his eyes up to the weight room window to see Darien watching him like a hawk. Of course… fucking leach. Fiore sneered internally and looked down at Serena who had suddenly noticed his presence. “Hi Serena.”

“Hi Fiore.” She smiled and lifted herself up as she brought her legs together and stood. “How can I help you? I know you’re not here to join the dance team.” She then bent backwards into a bridge, something she knew most guys almost melted over. He watched her patiently then spoke up.

“I came over here to ask you out this Friday… that is… if you’re interested. There’s this movie coming out and I sort of like to take a girl to it as an excise to watch a chick flick.” She jumped up and looped at him with an approving smile. Finally, a guy who wanted to see a chick flick. “So… do I have a shot with beautiful, talented Serena Shields?”

“What the fuck! Darien! Go down there and stop him!” Andrew growled at his friend as he watched Fiore flirt with his best friend’s sister. “Why aren’t you going down there?” Andrew scanned Darien’s appearance to see if he showed any signs of action. He most definitely wanted to, Andrew could tell by the way Darien was gripping the weight in his hand. “Dare?”

“I have to let her do this… I told her I was going to leave her alone Andrew. I keep my word. If she wants to go out with him let her.” The bitterness in the ebony haired man’s voice sent shivers down Andrew’s spine. “I’m going to let her learn. I’ve warned her about him… that’s all I can do.”

“That’s bullshit and it’s unfair. You intervened with me.” Andrew spat quietly. “He’s using her and you know it. You KNOW it!” Darien closed his eyes and turned from the window making Andrew a little hopeful. If he was in top shape he’d go down there and tell Fiore off himself but as he was there was no way he’d approach that guy. Fiore looked harmless but was far from it. It was a guise meant to fool people and so far it was working pretty well of Serena. Form her body language he could tell she was flirting with the guy and setting up a date. “How can you just stand here and let her plan a date with him? Darien?”

“I don’t want to.” Darien sighed and stepped away from the window. “I know better than anyone how much he hates me. I know he’s using her to get to me. That’s why I can’t go down there. If I do then he’ll pursue her even more and then she’ll sneak around and I won’t know what’s going on. If I let her go out then I’ll know when and where they’re going.” Andrew realized the truth in Darien’s words and looked down at Serena and her male friend. Fiore smiled and turned form her walking away with a satisfied twinkle in his eyes; for a brief moment Andrew caught him looking up at him.

“Let me intervene. Darien… dating me is far better than going with him. Dare?” Darien only shook his head and sat on a weight bench, his head in his hands. “DARIEN!” All the student’s in the weight room turned towards them making Andrew laugh nervously. “Sorry y’all, go back to what you were doing. Andrew turned back to the window and noticed Molly and Serena chatting together. Molly looked as though she was scolding Serena making him sigh. Perhaps his sister could convince Serena not to go.

“Ah don’t like thayt guy Sarenah. ‘es weyard.” Molly shivered slightly and looked at her friends who wore an evil grin upon her face. “Ah mean… look at ‘es ‘air! Whayt type a guy does ‘es ‘air blue an’ pink? What if ‘es gay?” Molly gasp and put her hands over her mouth. “What if ‘es lookin’ fer a girl ta…”

“Molls… calm down will you. He’s not gay. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when I was flexing. He’s definitely into girls.” She smiled and looked up at the weight room to see Andrew glaring down at her. “I think your brother’s angry with me… I sort of told him I’d date him but… I don’t think it’s going to work out.”

“Ya told ma brotha thayt ya’d dayte ‘im and now yer takin’ it back?” Molly growled. “Sarenah! Thayt’s not right!” Serena sighed and looked up at Andrew who looked as though he were shouting at Darien. She didn’t want to upset Andrew; she wanted to upset Darien. Did Darien even see Fiore asking her out? Even if he didn’t she’d let him know. For once she was excited about this date. She hadn’t had a real date in quite some time; usually it was a one-night stand with some random boy from school who didn’t even buy her dinner. Fiore proposed dinner and a movie like a real gentleman. Of course, she had no intentions on doing anything with him on their first date. No, she’d wait for the third date. Drag it out and make Darien really upset.

Darien stood in the main sitting room watching out the window as a black SUV came down the long driveway. He felt himself tense. If Fiore said anything off key he was going to break and go off on the blue haired teen. He just knew it. Fiore got out of the care and strolled up to the door leisurely in slacks, a dress shirt, and a blazer. He looked sharp but Darien knew better than to think Fiore was anything but dangerous. The doorbell sounded calling Henry from the library but Darien held up his hand in protest and answered the door himself. “Fiore.” He greeted flatly and let him inside.

Fiore stepped into the foyer and looked around with an amused smile. “Sup Jeeves?” He smiled at Henry who quickly retreated into the library. “Timid old man… he the butler or are you the hired help Darien?” Fiore laughed heartily and slapped his hands together. “So, where’s my beautiful date?”

“She’s upstairs getting ready. She’s taking her time… something she doesn’t do so you’d better treat her with respect.” Darien warned and looked at Fiore who was staring at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Don’t worry Darien. I’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated. Hell, I’ll even have her home before midnight.” Darien looked at his enemy with apprehension. Something in the way Fiore was talking disturbed him. “I know how to treat a woman.” The ebony-haired knight felt his blood boil. He didn’t want Fiore anywhere near Serena and the fact that he was standing in the house infuriated Darien.

“Hurt her and I’ll ruin your life Fiore. I’ll do whatever it takes to get you.” He watched a broad smile spread over Fiore’s face and took a deep breath. “You can go home now. She’s not going with you.”

“The hell she isn’t. She wants to go and I want to take her out. We’re going to go to Italian for dinner, then to that new chick flick. Enough said Darien.” Fiore rolled his eyes and tapped the tips of his shoes on the marble floors. “You have a real nice house here Darien. Just you two and the help?” Darien didn’t respond. “I heard your parents are coming home tomorrow.” Darien nodded and caught sight of Serena’s blonde hair at the top of the stairs. Finally she appeared and began to walk down, the future actress playing the part of princess perfectly. Her golden hair shimmered in the light along with the silk white dress she was wearing under her pink demi-jacket. She smiled and spun around slowly when she reached the bottom landing. Darien scanned her briefly and closed his eyes upon seeing her white high heels.

“How do I look?” She asked the two men. Fiore and Darien both voiced their approval before Fiore stepped forward offering her his arm. “One sec.” She smiled and hugged Darien.

“If something doesn’t feel right run as fast as you can.” Darien whispered into her ear silently and placed a hand on the back of her head feeling the softness of her golden hair. “I love you so much… be safe.” He then back away from her and plastered his face smile on. “Have fun you two, remember, home before midnight.” She watched her brother’s eyes and felt a strange sense of danger wash over her. He’d never acted like that before in front of any of the boys who’d taken her out… why was Fiore so different?

“Well, we’re going to miss our reservation milady.” Fiore began to lead her out of the house and smiled back at Darien. “I’ll have her home before midnight boss, don’t sweat it.” She laughed at Fiore’s tone and walked out into the crisp cool fall air. “The sky is supposed to be pretty clear tonight if you want to go star gazing later after the movie.”

“We’ll see Fiore. Thank you!” She giggled lightly as Fiore opened her door for her being quick to switch the child lock on. “Is this your car? It’s nice.” She sunk into the leather seat and sighed as Fiore closed the door and walked around the vehicle watching the large house for any sign of Darien. Serena was doing the same and frowned when she noticed he wasn’t looking out. He’d always stood at the front window and waved, this was weird, what was it between him and Fiore that made him so… strange?

“Okay, we’re off!” Fiore smiled and started the car. “Turn the radio to what you like. I’m not picky.” After a while of silence he scanned his eyes over her and wondered why he hadn’t noticed her sooner. Everyone talked about the amazing Serena Shields but he’d never taken an interest in seeing her himself. It was unfortunate that she was Darien’s sister because she was stunning. Her blonde hair framed her heart-shaped face perfectly, her legs were the shapeliest he’d ever seen, and she was flexible… damn was she flexible. “I hope you didn’t take too much time getting ready for this date… you could have shown up in pajamas and you’d look like a princess.”

“Darien says that all the time.” She nodded and looked at him. “So… I’m curious… why are you two rivals? Darien usually gets along with everyone.” Fiore’s face grew serious as he turned to the blonde. “Just asking. You don’t have to answer.”

“Do you always talk about your brother when you’re on a date?” She looked at her hands which were clasp in her lap and shook her head. “Then let’s not talk about him hmm? I want to focus on us tonight… perhaps… if you go star gazing with me I’ll tell you. Until then I think we ought to just have fun.” She nodded feeling embarrassed and stupid for bringing Darien up during her date with his rival. “Hey… I forgive you.” He smiled and took hold of one of her hands and squeezed.

“I just want to thank you for taking me on a real date. I’m used to boys she picking me up and… well, I’m sure you know.” She blushed then looked out the window to see the restaurant come into view. “Wow… finally a boy with some money.” She winked making him chuckle lightly. He pulled the SUV into a parking spot and signaled for her to stay put until he opened her door for her.

He took his time walking around the vehicle, reveling in the way her eyes followed his every move. She was captivating, truly captivating. “Here we are my dear, the famous Aurora Restaurant.” He held her hand as she stepped out and closed the door. “Five stars for a five star angel.”

“I believe you’re trying to butter me up mister.” She smiled and took his arm. He nodded and led her into the building where they were seated at the most romantic table in the place with a view of the park fountains. “It’s gorgeous.” He nodded once more and sat down taking a menu into his hands. The two ate dinner and chatted, flirting shamelessly with one another until the check arrived.

“Look at this you’ve bankrolled me!” He teased and placed two hundred dollars in the bill holder. “Ready to go and see a movie?” He moved her chair away from the table and helped her up. “Shall we walk or will your shoes bother you?”

“We can walk I’m sure.” She let him help her with her sweater then took his arm once again to continue with possibly the best date she’d ever been on. “Fiore… thank you for such a wonderful night thus far.” He chuckled under his breath making her watch his features more carefully. I don’t understand Darien… is he really that paranoid about me? She wondered to herself.

The movie passed quickly and soon the couple was exiting the movie theater laughing about the romantic comedy they’d just watch together. “Well… what do you say? Up for some dessert and stargazing with me or shall I return you home?”

“Dessert and stargazing… the stars are out tonight.” She smiled up at the glittery sky then looked at her date approvingly. “Can we get ice cream?” He agreed then led her back to the SUV where he opened her door for her and waited for her to get settled before returning to his side of the vehicle and got behind the wheel. “I just want a swirled cone.” She winked and giggled as he laughed.

Darien sat in the dark sitting room watching out the front window. It was only nine, yet he felt like he’d been sitting there for days. Each tick of the large grandfather clock echoed in his head as he waited. Waited to see the car, waited to hear her call… anything. He didn’t have that feeling he always got when she was in trouble but… then again he was to tense to know if he did. “Master Darien… I’m retiring for the evening… do you need anything else?” Henry offered stepping into the dark room and flipping on a light.

“Turn that off!” Darien snapped a little more harshly than he’d meant to making Henry jump. “Sorry… please turn that off… no, I don’t need anything else Henry. Thank you.” Henry nodded and shakily turned off the lamp and backed out the door. Terrified at the sight he’d just seen he soon doused the house in darkness and went to his quarters where his wife Vivian took one look at his paled face and jumped out of her chair.

“What is it Henry? Is something wrong?” Henry nodded his head and sat on the bed looking deep into his wife’s eyes.

“Master Darien’s in the sitting room. There are no lights on… and he’s… he’s crying.” Vivian stepped back and put a hand over her throat. “There is something very wrong… master Darien does not cry yet he is… what do you suppose this means?”

“Miss Serena… it must be her. He doesn’t worry about anything but her.” She said thoughtfully and sat in her chair again. “You said she went out with a young man tonight… what was he like?”

“I don’t know. I don’t spy on the people who live here Vivian.” She nodded again. The couple sat together pondering the reason for Darien’s odd behavior yet came up with nothing. He’d not cried since he was an infant, many thought him unable to cry. Many underestimated him.

Fiore stopped the SUV in a large clearing on the hill above the city. The whole evening had been perfect and he knew it. “Stay here I’ll get the blanket so you don’t soil your dress or get cold.” He smiled and jumped out of the vehicle rushing around to the rear hatch and pulled out a large blanket spreading it over the grass. Serena waited patiently until she decided to get out herself. Since when was she unable to exit a car without the help of a boy? Never, that’s when. She laughed at her own willingness to be treated as a princes and grasp the silver handle. She pulled and nothing happened. Pulled again and again. Finally Fiore came over and opened the door. “Here we are.”

“Fiore… your door… it wouldn’t open for me.” She said shakily wondering if perhaps going into the forest with a strange boy was a wise decision.

“Oh… it’s tricky sometimes. I need to get that fixed.” He laughed and helped her out of the SUV then to the blanket where she sat tentatively remembering Darien’s words to run. Something didn’t feel right about this. Her instincts were screaming at her to leave. “So… you’re brother and I…” He sighed and sat on the blanket next to her reclining his head to look up at the sky. “I hate him. Hate him with a passion. He sticks his nose into my business getting me into trouble. He’s such a smug bastard. Everyone is always talking about how great he is. Darien this, Darien that… even you do that.” He then turned to her his eyes dark. “What is it about him that makes everyone worship the ground he walks on? How can he command you like a marionette puppet?” He asked placing a hand on her face.

“He doesn’t.” She shook her head moving her face away from him.

“Yes you do. I saw the hesitation in you when we left. You thought about canceling on me; but you surprised me. He practically begged you not to come with me and yet you left him there, alone. You must be seeking revenge for what he did to sweet little Andy.” She gasp and looked at Fiore with wide eyes. “So, I was right? Going on this date was a way to punish him? This is too perfect. You want to punish him? Really upset him?” Fiore moved closer to her making her move away from him.

“No.” She whispered seeing the lust and danger in his eyes. Why didn’t she see it before now? Why hadn’t Darien stopped her from going? Then she remembered. “Leave me alone Darien!”Her words echoed in her ears making her jump up. “I want to go home.”

“No. I’m not taking you home until you finish this date.” She gasp and stepped away from him. “Oh, yes. I know your reputation and you’re going to do anything and everything I want you to do.” She shook her head in defiance and rushed to the SUV where her small purse was waiting. “You want to do this the hard way Serena?” He shouted and rushed after her shoving the door closed and slamming her against the side of the vehicle. “We can do this the hard way… I think it’s more fun.”

“Fiore! Stop! Let me go!” She screamed and tried to fight him off of her.

“Make me.” He hissed into her ear and swung her around throwing her on the ground and twisting her ankle. “You should have listened to your brother Serena. I’m bad news.” He advanced on her while unbuckling his belt. She scrambled to her feet wishing she’d made it to her purse and her pepper spray. “Going to run now? Yes, run little girl run see how far you get.” He laughed as she stumbled to her feet and began to run into the tree line. Unfortunately she didn’t notice the group of teenage boys waiting for her. Catching her in their arms they drug her kicking and screaming back to Fiore who was waiting patiently with an evil smile of his face. She desperately looked around counting roughly twenty of them. “Take to the back of the SUV boys, I’ll deal with her in a moment.” Fiore casually strolled to the drivers side door and opened it to find a sharp scalpel. “Okay!” He cheerfully skipped to the back of the car and smiled down at his victim greedily placing the scalpel to the side and ordering the few men flanking him to hold her down.

“Get away from me!” She screamed and tried to struggle against the men’s’ grasps. “Stop! I said NO!” All the guys laughed at once making her suddenly realize the warning Darien had been preaching to her.

“Serena Shields never says no. Your reputation proceeds you my dear… now… we are going to do this and you’re going to suffer through it. Just…” He maneuvered himself so he was positioned between her legs and slowly began to slide his hands up her thighs and over her hips pushing her silken white dress up with them. Upon feeling his fingers catch hold of her lace panties she screamed for her brother as loud as she could and began to thrash as much as possible. “Now, just be a good girl… good girl.” Fiore smiled and forced himself into her body.

Three hours passed as each man took his turn raping the golden haired princess after which he would take the scalpel and carve the message “Fuck You” into her flawless skin. Fiore being the first had carved his message into her inner thighs being sure to cut her deeply to inflict as much pain as possible. Serena had screamed so loud and for so long her voice was now only a whisper. Her dress was soaked in her own blood from the carvings and as Fiore pushed her fully into the back of the SUV closing the doors she was practically catatonic.

Fiore drove the long and bumpy road back to her house and stopped at the end of her driveway. It was twelve thirty am, he was late but he didn’t care. He was quite happy with the deed he’d done and wished he could stay around to see the look on Darien’s face. Fiore however, was no fool. He knew that staying would be death, in leaving he had a chance to make it to Canada before the police were informed of his third rape.

Grabbing her purse he exited the vehicle and walked to the rear pulling open the doors and taking his victim by the hair. He pulled her from the back of the vehicle and threw her into the ditch beside the road then pulled out Serena’s cell phone. A quick inquiry found Darien’s cell phone number as the first speed dial. “Perfect.” He grinned and pushed the send button waiting to hear Darien’s voice.

Darien was pacing in the sitting room hoping that she was okay. If she wasn’t he didn’t know what he would de. She was late though and Serena was never late when it came to important matters such as these. Hearing the tinkling of Serena’s ringtone coming from his back pocket he grabbed the phone and held it up to his ear eagerly. “Serena? Are you okay? You’re late where are you?”

“If you want her come and get her. She’s at the end of your driveway. I’d hurry too… it’s cold out here.” Fiore laughed and hung up the phone. “This was fun Serena… we’ll have to do this again. You were such a good girl tonight… really you were.” He cooed and saw her level of discomfort upon the title “good girl”. Throwing her phone and purse at her he then got back into the SUV and drove away.

Darien rushed out of the large mansion, running as fast as he possibly could to the end of the driveway where he froze. Terrified by the sight before him he felt his eyes tear as he stepped into the ditch and looked down at the woman writhing in the dim moonlight. Her eyes were wide as she attempted to claw at some invisible foe. Her mouth opened and closed as if she were screaming when barely a whisper could be heard. “Serena?” He breathed feeling his heart shatter in his chest as he knelt beside her and avoided her desperate arms placing his hands on her cheeks. “Serena… It’s me…” He could barely choke out the words. He avoided looking at her body, now wasn’t the time to be examining her injuries when she was clearly having some type of traumatic episode. “Look at me.” He managed to whisper through his tears.

Upon hearing his voice Serena visibly calmed and slowly turned her head, her eyes connecting with his. The fear in them shook him to the core. If only he’d put his foot down and not let her leave with that monster. He knew Fiore was part of a gang but never had he fathomed that Fiore was capable of such a cruel and gruesome act. Serena smiled slightly and let her body relax so that she lay in the grass silently. Reluctantly he knew he wasn’t going to be able to look her over in the pale moonlight and so he picked her up gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him while he went back to the house trying his best to hide his tears form her.

This was his fault. He knew this was all because of him. Fiore wouldn’t have bothered her if she wasn’t so close. She would have been safe if he’d stopped her. He’d been an idiot and now Serena was suffering. From what he wasn’t sure but he had a sinking feeling that her soaked dress wasn’t someone else’s blood.

Carrying her up the wide marble staircase he took her to her room and lay her on the bed. Her eyes immediately closed from the feeling of security she felt. “I… I’ll be right back Serena. One second.” He said in a stronger voice than he thought possible and rushed out of the room to retrieve a pair of succors. When he returned he walked to the bed and stood at the foot then softly lifted the wet bottom of her dress so he could begin to slice the plastered garment. The succors moved up the dress easily slicing through the fragile silk. After peeling the fabric away from her he gasp at the sight before him. In front of him on the bed lay the violated, nude figure of the golden haired Serena. He cringed as his eyes moved over her, examining every inch of her carefully. “We have to clean you up so I can see… you’re… too covered in blood.” He whispered and retreated into the bathroom where he turned the shower on. How am I going to do this? He wondered then sighed realizing that there was only one way to do this without giving her a sponge bath. He would rather wash the blood away from her than having to keep rise a cloth or sponge.

When he returned she hadn’t moved, hadn’t even opened her eyes. “Serena? I have to pick you up now.” He said softly and peeled off his now blood stained whist shirt exposing his bare muscular chest. She didn’t respond but cringed when he lifted her from the bed. “It’s okay… you’re going to be okay.” He cooed softly in her ear and carried her into the shower where he managed to stand her up using the front of his body to prop her up and support her. Though she attempted to stand on her own the deep cuts prevented her from doing so.

Though she knew the situation was far from ideal she was happy to be in the shower with the only person she loved. The way his eyes watered and his face fell made it hard for her to open her eyes and face him. How stupid she’d been to go with Fiore despite Darien’s warnings. She suddenly felt one of his large hands moving over her softly. It was clearly an action taken to remove the blood from her but she couldn’t help but shiver and tilt her head so that it rested under his chin. “I’m sorry.” He said softly then turned her around to clean her back side. “I won’t stop until he’s been punished for this. I swear to you I won’t.” She smiled and buried her face into the nape of Darien’s neck. Even if he was only doing what he had to in order to take care of her she would remember this moment. “Okay… let’s get you back into bed…” He lifted her again and returned her to the bed being sure to pull the sheets back so she could lay on a non bloodied surface. Once she was safely in the bed he ran a hand through his wet hair and knelt beside her on the bed so that he could look at her injuries. He’d been successful in not seeing the extent of her cuts but no longer.

Taking a deep breath he looked down at her and felt a wave of sickness hit him. He refrained from acting on it, instead letting the anger and hurt wash over him. Every inch of her torso and upper legs. Each carving was clearly led gable and made him furious. They hadn’t done this to her, this did this to him. A thought suddenly struck him. She hadn’t been wearing any undergarments! “Serena… were you… did he rape you?” This time she opened her eyes and looked at him nodding her answer. Swallowing hard he gently parted her legs to see the deep bruising and torn cuts on her thighs. “How many times?” He asked, his voice cracking from the emotions he was feeling. She held up her hands flashing ten then ten again sending rage coursing through his veins. “Just him?” She shook her head. “I’ll kill him for this.”

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