Obsessed with Darkness

Chapter-2

After eleven hours of a tiring flight our pilot finally made an announcement of the landing. I kept my magazine in my purse and strapped myself. I was very much excited and a little nervous. The idea of living in my dream country excited and terrified me at the same time.

Throughout the flight I read the brochure of the academy I was going to and studied the map of Florence to get the better idea of the city and its roads.

I took my bags and walked out of the airport and began to look for my cousin. And I found him in no time as my stupid cousin stood out like a sore thumb in his pristine suit and intimidating stance. His eyes scanned over the crowd emotionlessly and once he spotted me his mouth curved into a big grin. I literally flew into his arms, we hugged like we were meeting after a lifetime.

"Welcome to Italy little sis" He mused he set me down.

"Thanks Anthony. What's up with the formal outfit?!" I said with a raised brow.

"A man should always be ready for any kind of business." He stated.

"Huh?!" I squeaked.

"Nothing that you should be worried about little bird. Come on let's go home. Eli is dying to meet you."

"Okay." I said. He took my bags and carried them to his luxurious car.

"Wow. You must have one hell of a job." I breathed out looking at his Maserati.

He just shrugged and opened a door for me. We got in and I immediately called dad.

"Put it on speaker." Anthony said. I nodded and waited for my dad to answer.

"Anna. I hope you arrived there safely." Dad said through the phone.

"Yes dad. I landed about 15 minutes ago." I spoke.

"Did Anthony come to pick you up?" He asked.

"Yes dad. He's driving right now. I have put speaker on phone. You can talk to him." I said.

"Hello uncle." Anthony spoke.

"Hello son. It's your responsibility to keep my daughter safe there. I hope you understand." He tried to be stern.

"Don't worry uncle. I got her." He said looking at me while I frowned.

"Dad. I'm 26 for god's sake. I can take care of myself." I whined.

"Anna it’s my duty to protect you as your father." He said. "Here talk with your mother."

My family was in phone till we reached Anthony's home which was a fairly big mansion.

"Did you win a big ass lottery or something?!" I exclaimed gawking at the luxurious mansion standing in front of me.

"Let's just say my job pays me really good." He said scratching his neck. "let's get you inside." He quickly changed the subject and turned to the car to bring out my bags.

Not suspicious at all!!

We walked up to the door and ringed the bell. Few seconds later an Adonis opened the door.

He literally squealed like a little girl once he saw me making me scrunch up my face. "Finally, I am meeting you. You look gorgeous."

Before I could muster a reply, I was pulled into a bone crushing hug by this mysterious man I'm assuming it's my cousin's friend Elijah.

"Uh yeah that'd be me. And you are...?" I dragged my words awkwardly patting his back and trying to breathe.

"Dude that's my sister. Let her go." Anthony scowled and pried him away from me. Although I don't mind a runaway model hugging me, I still need to get in the house.

"Hehe sorry. It's just I have heard so much about you I couldn't refrain myself from hugging you." He chuckled. "I'm Elijah Brooks by the way. Nice to meet you."

"Avalana Parker. Nice to meet you." I gave him a flirty grin making his eyes shine with amusement and mischief and my cousin grunt in annoyance.

"Move it you guys. Eli go into your room I'm gonna show Ava her room and rest of the house. And tell Ciara to start with the lunch on your way up." Anthony ordered.

"Aye aye captain." Elijah mocked him with a salute. Anthony rolled his eyes and I laughed.

With Elijah out of sight I got a chance to look around the house. It was indeed beautiful from inside but it felt like I have stepped into the world of monotone shades. Everything was Black and white with its monotonous shades. From walls to furniture to the decor. Every. Single. Thing.

"Your laziness practically shines from your house." I said sassily.

"Whatcha mean?" Anthony asked while picking up my luggage.

"This place is so boring. Some may say it's depressing. You didn't take any efforts to make this homely." I remarked.

He motioned me to follow him up the stairs. "Well, we didn't give it a thought to be honest. Me and Eli are mostly out for business. Only return at night so we did not feel the need to redecorate." He said.

"In other words, y'all are lazy. But if I'm to live here these depressing shades need to go. I don't know about you but I feel like it's a prison." I said.

He shrugged. "You can decorate the house as you want. I'm cool with it. I'm sure Eli would be too."

"Wonderful." I said following him. He stopped in front of a white door. I opened it and stepped in. One word. Colourless.

"This will be the room. Mine is right next to yours and Elijah's is on the other end of the corridor. Freshen up. I'll call you when the lunch is ready." I gave him a nod and wheeled my bags near the adjacent wall.  

After removing my shoes, I fell face first on the fluffy bed and groaned in satisfaction. I felt a little relaxed I decided to take a nice hot shower and get in clean comfy clothes. I laid my clothes on the bed and locked the door of my room. The bathroom looked so pristine with a big white bathtub and black tiles, a giant mirror and a shower stall, and a big basin. Toiletries were already kept on the rack. The monotone shades suited the bathroom well. Maybe I won't change this place.

"Ava the lunch is ready." Anthony knocked on the door.

"I'll be down in a minute. Just finishing up." I yelled back.

"Do you know the way to the kitchen?"

"Anthony it's a mansion not a castle. I'm sure it's not that hard." I mused back.

"Alright." He said and walked away.

After tying my hair in a bun, I took my phone and went down. I just followed the loud voice of Elijah to the dining table.

"See. Not hard at all." I smiled and took a seat in front of him with Elijah on my left.

My cousin slid an envelope towards me. I looked at him in question.

"There's a debit card in there. Use it to redecorate and for your personal expenses." He spoke. "And don't hold back."

"Redecorate?" Eli interjected.

"Yea. According to my intelligent cousin here our house is boring and depressing." Anthony chuckled.

"Huh? How?" He looked at me like a cute little bunny in confusion.

"This place has no colours apart from white and black. And that my friend is depressing." I stated.

"It's not depressing. It's manly. This house is our mancave and I won’t let you turn it into a pink disaster." He frowned.

"Who said anything about pink?! Do I look like a barbie doll to you?! I'm just gonna add more shades to make this mansion more homely. You can't stop me." I said firmly.

He exhaled. "Fine. But no pink."

"No promises." I grinned and Eli groaned.

"Alright let's eat. Then I'll show you around the house." My cousin said and I nodded.

"Oh, and Anthony, I will give you your card back after the renovation. I don't need to rely you for my personal expenses. I have my own savings." I said drinking my wine.

"Don't be stupid Ava. I promised your dad to take care of you. That includes your financial needs too. Don't think this as a favour. I'm not short on cash. And no arguments on this matter." He said before I can object.

"But I have my savings Anthony. I don't need your help." I said matter of fact.

"Let them be for future emergencies. I'm more than capable of supporting both of us." He said with a hint of finality in his voice.

"Fine." I sighed.

"So, when are you going to start with the renovations?" He asked.

"Probably in couple of days. I have a week till I go the academy. "I said.

"I see. I'll ask Jenna to help you." He spoke.

"Who's Jenna?" I asked.

"She's an architect and an interior designer. She can help you with the decorations as she's the one who designed this mansion." Elijah answered for Anthony.

I gave a nod and finished my wine. "The food was delicious." I said. Eli promised me to tell it to Ciara who was the cook in this house.

As promised Antony gave me a tour of the mansion. The mansion has a beautiful outdoor pool, mini theatre, poolside bar, gym, sunroom, a garden, 4 bedrooms, a big kitchen, pantry, living room and a storeroom in the backyard.

"This place is huge. And beautiful." I smiled.

"I'm glad you like it. I have some work to do. Meanwhile you can arrange your clothes. I'll ask Ciara to deliver you some books if you want. We can go shopping tomorrow. I'll also show you around the city and neighbourhood." He said.

"Cool. And yes, I'd love the books. I'll see you later." I told him.

"Alright." He said and walked into his room.

I returned back and decided to arrange my clothes into the closet. In middle of the process a knocked resonated.

I huffed and set the top in my hand down and went to attend the door. I was greeted by a giant floating box.

"Ummm... Yes?"

"Good afternoon ma’am. I just came here to deliver this box of books." A feminine voice replied. The Italian accent oozed from the voice.

"On you must be Ciara. Come in." I said taking the box from her. A girl no more than 23 came in and started to open the box.

"You look quiet young. Why do you work as a maid?" I asked.

"This is my full-time job. I take my classes online. My mother is sick so I had to step up and take the responsibility of feeding my family." She spoke.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I hope she recovers." I smiled. She nodded smiling back.

"Do you want me to arrange these books on the shelf?" She asked pointing to the empty bookshelf near the window.

"Yes please. I'll finish unpacking then I'll help you." I smiled.

"It's not necessary Ma'am but thank you." She said and immediately got to work. I frowned at the endearment.

"Call me Avalana or ava or Ana or Lana whatever you want but drop the formalities. I want us to be friends. With two crazy males in the house, I'll be glad to have some female company." I smiled.

"Of course.... Ava. I just don't have many friends. Especially here. But I'd love to be your amica."

"Amica?" I asked confused.

"Amica or amico means friend in Italian." Ciara chuckled.

"Oh." I laughed lightly.

"Well then let's get to work. Then maybe I can help you in dinner afterwards. I love cooking you know." I said wiggling my eyebrows.

"Okay." She laughed.

As decided, we finished setting up my room and went down to prepare dinner.

"So, what are we making today?" I asked rubbing my hands together and looking at the modern kitchen.

"Saucy chicken and lemon rice along with salad and bread pudding." Ciara said going over to the fridge.

"No Italian?" I asked disappointed.

"No Amica. Masters have ordered the menu." She laughed at my childish reaction.

"Masters?" I raised a brow. "Wait?! You call those two idiots master?!" I cackled.

"Ummm yes?" She gave me a puzzled look. "Something wrong?"

"What? No haha. Let's prepare dinner." I shook my head laughing. Ciara gave me one last look and got back to cooking.

We continued making dinner while chatting casually when I thought about asking Ciara about Anthony's job.

"Uh Ciara?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know where Anthony works?" I asked her. For a moment her actions ceased until she started working again.

"Masters works in a multinational company." She said sceptically.

"Masters? You mean Anthony and Elijah work in same company?" I asked. She nodded slowly.

"Oh? Which one?" I asked and this time eyed her carefully. The girl took a big gulp before answering.

"The Moretti Group of Industries." She said hesitantly and looked at me.

"Oh." I said. I have heard about this company few times. From what I know they are the leading business tycoon in the corporate world. Not only in Italy but globally. I don't know anything further.

"But do you exactly know what positions they have to be able to afford all this luxury?" I tried to probe her some more.

"I wish I did Ava. What masters do in their life does not concern me. I'm only their housekeeper. I have strict orders to not interfere in their personal business. I'm only thankful because of them my family is getting food and shelter." She said looking at me.

I nodded. "Fair enough. I know you are the caretaker here but I'm just confused as of how my brother had all this wealth. Back in USA his parents live a very moderate life. Our whole family is middle class. We are not loaded or anything. We have just enough to live a simple life. And this luxury raises questions. I guess I'll have to ask him." I told Ciara who nodded with a tight smile.

But the little sigh of relief she took didn't go unnoticed by me. I know she's hiding something by the way she tensed at the mention of my brother's occupation. They both are hiding something. I guess I'll find out when the time comes.

We didn't say anything further. Just prepared the dinner in silence lost in our own thoughts.

Soon my brother and Eli came down. "I heard you made dinner with Ciara" he smiled flirtatiously. I rolled my eyes.

"Stop hitting on my cousin. Ciara serve the food I'm hungry." Anthony snapped.

"Yes sir." The poor girl said and disappeared into the kitchen. I sat next to him after shaking my head at the two idiots.

"So, Ava I was thinking about showing you around tomorrow. Just you and me. What say?" Elijah said wiggling his brows. Mischief in his eyes.

"I swear I'll snap your neck, Eli. Just eat your damn food and leave her alone." My cousin growled making me laugh and Eli pout.

"Aww anty. No need to get angry. I was just being a good friend. So, ava, what say?" He batted his lashes making me laugh more.

"I'm taking her tomorrow. Now shut up." He grunted.

"Ohh sad. No worries I'll join you guys too." He declared.

"No" Anthony retorted.

"Yes." Eli challenged.

"Ok enough. Both of you. Eli you can come. And Antony don't get angry on petty things. You don't need to act like a possessive brother. Plus, a little harmless flirting won't hurt." Scold them both.

"Oooohh, I like this angry ava. It's sexy." Eli whistled.

"Elijah you are really pushing it." I warned.

"He raised his arms up as if surrendering and zipped his mouth. We all started eating once the banter was finished.

"This rice is really good." Elijah moaned and looked at Ciara.

"Ava made the rice master." Ciara smiled looking at me. Eli turned his shocked face towards me.

"What? I'm not taking culinary course for a joke Eli." I laughed.

"Damn is been so long since I have eaten homemade food this good." He complemented genuinely making me blush.

"He's right. This is really good." Anthony said stuffing his face like a cow.

"Stop it you two. Don't berate Ciara's cooking." I huffed still blushing.

"No pumpkin we are not berating her cooking. One of the reasons she is a permanent is because of her delicious cooking. But yours is on next level." Eli said waving his spoon between us. We just laughed.

"Ciara why don't you join us for the dinner?!" I asked.

Her eyes widened on my question. " Oh n-no. You guys carry on. I'll have dinner when I go home." She blushed.

"Nonsense. There's enough for four of us. Plus, if it remains which it will, take it for your family." I smiled.

"But-" she was interrupted by Anthony.

"Ava's right. Get a plate and join us. And from now on you'll eat with us. And that's an order." He said daring her to object. She just huffed and muttered a small yes sir while her face turned red. Me and Eli watched the interaction with amusement.

"That was cute." I commented as she went into the kitchen.

"Ava...." He warned as he knew what was coming next. I just laughed loudly and continued watching.

Everyone retired to their own rooms after a hearty dinner. Ciara went home. I changed into booty shorts and a cotton Cami and laid on bed. For a while I decided to go through my phone. Add expected everyone sent a zillion texts from back home. Amy was still bitching about me leaving her. I was hella tired after so much typing. Switching off my phone I turned off the lamp and closed my eyes.

Maybe living with my cousin won't be so bad after all.

Next day I woke up to loud violent knocks on the door. I literally jolted up and looked around frantically. In hurry to get to the door I ended up tripping and falling face first on the floor.

"Jesus Christ hold on I'm coming." I yelled groggily.

I quickly wiped off the drool from my face I opened the door to see my cousin's laughing face.

"You asswipe, I almost killed myself in haste." I growled. He just rolled his eyes.

"Stop exaggerating. Besides it's almost 10. Hurry up and come down. I have planned our day." He said and walked away whistling.

"Fucker." I mumbled under my breath and slammed the door shut rather childishly to get the message across.

I sighed. "I guess it's time to get ready."

I wore a simple t-shirt and shorts with black boots and a ponytail. I was not in mood for makeup so I took my sling back which was already stuffed with my to go things. I put my phone in there and hurried down. Eli and Anthony were having some deep conversation which immediately ceased once I entered. I dropped my bag on the chair and head straight for the coffee machine. Good knows I know it to handle those two idiots.

"Damn gurrll nice ass." Eli wolf whistled and a pained moan followed as I went past him. I rolled my eyes and poured coffee.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked sitting down next to my cousin.

"Well for the starters we will be visiting Duomo Di Milano. It is a cathedral with amazing structure and artworks, then visit the royal palace. Then we will go shopping, then have lunch and then come back. Then I'll show you neighbourhood and we will take a walk in the surrounding area as you should always know the surroundings where you live." He said. I was confused at the last part but I decided to ask him later.

"Sounds like a plan brother. Let's finish our breakfast and go." Eli exclaimed. I just nodded and dug into my food.

"Where's Ciara?" I asked after realising her absence.

"I gave her a day off as we are going to be mostly out today." Anthony said.

"Oh. Then who made the breakfast?" I raised a brow.

Anthony motioned towards Eli who grinned with the scrambled eggs in his mouth.

"Are you always this childish?!" I huffed out.

"Someone has to be the joker. This man right here walks with stick up his ass so I gladly took that responsibility. Plus, I'm good with people." He shrugged. I shook my head while my brother glared holes in Eli's head.

Soon we were on road to our first destination. As expected, the place was crowded. The big crowd was either busy taking pictures or admiring the magnificence of Duomo Di Milano.

"This is so breath-taking." I whispered looking at the monument.

"Agreed. The construction of the Duomo officially started in 1386 by Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo and was supported by the ruler of Milan Gian Galeazzo Visconti who had grand visions of the cathedral. It took thousands of workers, a new canal system and over six centuries to complete the giant beautiful structure that has stood proud through centuries." Anthony said.

"Amazing. I simply love the ancient buildings. They always have an interesting story to tell." I smiled.

"Come on pumpkin stand in front of it so I can take a nice picture." Eli smiled. I eagerly nodded I gave the best pose I can. After many clicks, we were ready to move onto the next destination.

"You look like an i***t in almost all of these." Anthony said to Eli and frowned.

In return Eli let out an offended gasp. "How dare you anty pie?! That's called being goofy. But a stuck-up monster like you won't understand." He scoffed.

"Call me anty pie one more time and your teeth will be in your stomach." Anthony growled.

"Oh yea? Anty pie." Eli mocked and took off with Anthony hot on his heels. I just laughed and went to car where Eli was being strangled by my brother. I sighed.

"Come on guys let's go." I said. In minutes we were on our way to the mall.

Shopping with two idiots was an impossible task in itself. Every time I chose a dress one of them would agree and other would disagree. Eli wanted me to buy the revealing ones while Anthony was ready to cover me into a burlap sack.

"What about this one?" I asked holding a blue knee length dress with deep neck cutting.

"It'll look gorgeous on you pumpkin." Eli grinned.

"NO." My dearest cousin said for 15461728th time.

"Oh come on. I love you a lot but at this moment I'll slit your throat and not even regret. You guys are wasting my time." I gritted out. "You know what?! Both of you, out. I can do this on my own." I said and pushed them out of the store. I got a few looks but I was relieved.

I completed my shopping much faster with those two out. "Alright. I'm done. Let's have lunch. You both drained my energy." I whined. My cousin sulked for few more moments and got up.

"And you guys are carrying my bags." I said and walked ahead leaving them in their misery.

It's safe to say the day went well. I brought too many clothes. Yes, I felt bad for spending my cousin's money but he won't let me pay. He also compelled me to take a walk around the neighbourhood. He showed me the fastest routes out, the alleyways to main roads and few potential hiding spots. I was even more confused at his behaviour so I asked him the nagging questions.

"Why are you showing me all these routes?! Is there something going on?!" I asked.

He stopped walking for a moment and sighed. "No. There's nothing going on. I'm just asking you to be ready in case something happened. You can never be too careful."

"I agree but this is not normal Anthony. It's almost as if you are preparing me for an attack or something." I said.

He tensed up at the mention of 'attack'.

"Antony what's going on?! There is something you are not telling me. You have become filthy rich in what?! Two years?! You are being creepy and paranoid and showing me all these escape routes. Please tell me what you are hiding." I threw my hands up in exasperation.

"Ava there's nothing to tell at this moment. If there is anything I'll tell you when the right time comes. For now, you don't need to worry. These are just precautionary ideas. Come we should head home. It's getting dark." He said and dragged me home.

I started to make dinner when we came home. I was lost in my own world humming to myself and making dinner when loud bangs resonated through the house.

Gunshots.

Before I could even realise what was happening things started to fall down. Bullets flew left and right. Too much in shock I ran off to the dining table and hid down with my arms shielding me.

The loud bangs continued to echo through the house. Sitting under the table like a lost kitten was going to get me killed. So, I carefully crawled across the floor and stood up against the wall near kitchen entrance. The guns seemed to stop for few moments so I decided to make the run for my room.

As soon as I exited, I saw Eli holding a suited man in a choke hold. The man's face was red and eyes bulged out.

"Who sent you?!" Eli asked with a chilling voice. The Eli I knew was like dead and stood before me was a man I didn't know at all. "Who?" He roared making me jump and flinch.

"Gam....Gambin...Gambinos" he coughed out. Elijah's face became redder with anger as he snapped the man's neck in a single attempt. We both watched the man's body slumped to the ground; Me with absolute terror and Eli with a blank look.

Just then he saw me standing before him. One look at me and he knew I saw everything. Before he could say anything, Anthony ran in kitchen. His eyes widened when he saw me and in flick of an eye he pointed the gun in his hands towards me.

I took a step back in fright as I watched my cousin about to kill me. The look on his face was something I never even dreamed in my sleep.

"Anthony put the gu-" before I could finish a shot went off from his gun. I closed my eyes and let out a bloodcurdling scream. My body slumped to the floor.

"Ava open your eyes." Someone said. I slowly peeked out shivering with fear. I felt no pain in my body. Frantically looking around I saw a big suited man lying dead on the ground in an awkward position with a bullet hole in his head and a big puddle of blood. I screamed again and started to hyperventilate.

"Fuck." Someone said and started shaking me.

"Ava look at me. This is not the time to panic. I understand you are very scared and confused but right now you need to listen to me. You need to take deep breaths" Anthony said.

I frantically wiped my tears and took deep breaths just like he told me to. My eyes watered and I sobbed like a little girl. My brother's eyes softened and he pulled me into a hug.

"Ava I need you to listen carefully. You will take one of our cars and leave as fast as possible. Do not take the main route. Do you remember the narrow road I showed you on the back of the neighbourhood?!" He pulled back and held my shoulders and looked at me with firm eyes.

"Y-yes." I sniffed.

"Good girl. You will take that route and join the highway. Once you are on the highway you input the address I have written on this paper on the GPS." He said and handed me a little paper.

"Go to that address. They recognise my car. And if anyone asks about you just tell them that you are my family. You mostly won't need to but still. You will stay on that address and do not the leave the property. Understand?!" He asked with a hard look. But his eyes told a different story. I nodded once again.

"Good. I hope you follow through the instructions baby sis because this is life and death. I'll tell you everything once I come there. The car is bulletproof. There is a satellite phone, two guns, water bottles, tracker in the car. But once you go don't stop until on highway understood?!" He asked.

"Anthony, we don't have time. Ava is a smart girl. She will manage it. Right now, we need to move as quickly as we can." Eli came back looking all worried. His clothes were covered in blood.

"Come on." Antony said and dragged me to the garage. He led me to a black Audi and handed me the keys.

"Go. And don't stop." He said.

"But what about you and Eli?!" I asked.

"Don't worry about us. We are very familiar with situations like this. We will meet you in couple of days. Now go. We cannot afford to waste more time." He said. I reluctantly nodded and sped off with only one thing in my mind.

What the f**k just happened?!?!?!