DeLuca’s Claim

Vantina’s POV Looking at myself in the mirror of the hospital room, I realized I was simply a shadow of who I used to be. The person staring back at me with tired eyes and dark circles, I didn’t even know her. The confident woman who once had her spark and a glowing skin was long gone replaced by a hollow image of someone else. If you’re wondering, I am Valentina Moretti. The only child of my mother, a college graduate who never knew my father because he died before I was born. My eyes; hazel brown at least they used to be, now they looked like they carried the weight of the world. Beautiful long black curly hair that looked messy and a face that screams innocence but has seen different sides of the world. My job at the restaurant and the bar were barely hanging on. Most times, I was too exhausted from taking care of my mom to make it to work on time, the restaurant was the only place I used to work at but unfortunately my mom fell ill and I had to take on another job which is why I also work at the bar now, the pay isn’t much but it goes a long way. Every penny from both jobs has gone into her treatment, it’s not even enough anymore but I love my mom. She has been with me through every storm in my life and I will do any and everything to see her well again. I didn’t even notice the tears that unconsciously rolled down my cheeks until I heard my mom calling. I immediately fixed my appearance to keep her from worrying, I needed to stay strong for her, for both of us. “I’m fine baby” As I stepped into the room, I was greeted with my mother’s pale face and painful smile and I couldn’t help but smile back at her even through my pain. She always said she was fine but anyone could see the pain she was in. I fed her dinner and few minutes later, her quiet breath and snores filled the hospital room. Quietly, I kissed her on the cheeks and felt tears well up in my eyes as I stepped out of the room. Not watching my steps, I stumbled into a hard wall and hissed loudly as the impact was painful. Looking up slowly, I realized it was not a wall but a mountain of a man, a very handsome man with mesmerizing blue eyes that looked black as it caught the lights and a tousled dark hair that looked like he ran his hands through them roughly but repeatedly. What stood out about his appearance was the scar that ran from his eyebrows down to his eyes, it made him seem dangerous but mysterious. He was dressed in an expensive Armani suit that screamed luxury and brown leather shoes that looked like they could buy my entire existence. But the air around him reeked of power and dominance and suddenly I noticed the shift in the air, people stealing subtle glances at him, some cowering away in fear. As if being shocked, I stepped away from him when I saw his eyes, they were dark and cold as he slowly took me in. “I’m sorry” I murmured and quickly walked away. Stepping out of the hospital, I boarded the bus home to go prepare for my shift at the bar. On the way home, thoughts of a man with certain blue eyes consumed me. When I got to my little apartment, I was greeted with the big red stamp of an eviction notice. I sighed as I twisted the doorknob and stepped inside, the warmth of our little apartment pulling me into a tight embrace. I exhaled deeply and looked around the apartment noticing the bills piling, once again reminding of my situation. At this point, I was barely surviving, silently I said a quick prayer and got dressed for work. I hated the outfit of the bar but I really didn’t have a choice. Walking down the lonely path to the bus station, my conversation with my boyfriend, now an Ex flooded my mind. He said he was tired of carrying my burden, which is obviously the weight of my mother’s illness and broke it off with me, I don’t blame him though but that doesn’t mean his words didn’t hurt me. I got on the bus and soon after, I arrived at the bar. Staring at the bright red sign that read VIXEN, I already dread entering because I had to ask the manager for a little loan for my mom’s treatment. The night dragged on at the bar, people flooding in, ordering drinks, flirting and leaving tips, the same usual routine. Taking a bathroom break, I decided to speak to the manager before returning to work. Approaching her door, I heard loud moaning sounds, “Ohhh harder baby, don’t stop” “I’m almost there” My face twisted in disgust, realizing I wasn’t going to get the loan I came for, my frustration only increased. As I returned to work, I couldn’t help but feel that same imposing and suffocating aura from the hospital. I shrugged it off and chose to get back to work. I could feel eyes on me but as I looked around I didn’t see anything, unease settled deep in my bones. Attending to the last customer, I felt a shiver run down my spine and I looked up locking eyes with dark blue eyes that held promises of something sinister. Quickly looking away, I hurriedly cleaned the counter, said goodbye to the others and quickly left. The streets were cold, cars speeding and footsteps of people heading home. I decided to walk home rather than taking the bus but that decision ate at me because I had this feeling of being watched, looking over my shoulders a few times but seeing nothing. Finally arriving home, I took a cold shower, shivering as the cold water seeped into my bones. The apartment was cheap, of course, the heaters were not working. I plopped down on my bed and turned the lights off pulling the thin blanket around me. Slowly drifting to sleep, I wondered who the man at the hospital was? And why did I feel like my encounter with him will change my entire life?