23

Gates sauntered into the kitchen around midday only to be greeted by a heated argument taking place between Izzy and Shadows. Izzy stood her ground as Shadows towered over her. Gates smirked at Vengeance and headed towards the refrigerator, grabbing a beer for himself and one for Vengeance who was looking on at the show on display.

“You can’t just treat her like an animal!” spat Izzy, her eyes glinting in the midday sun that filtered through the windows.

“I can do what I damn well please Isabel!” retorted Shadows, his voice getting louder.

“Like hell you can! How dare you treat her like that. You have no right!” snarled Izzy, balling her hands into fists.

“I have every right. I own her!” snapped Shadows.

“No one owns another human you fucking idiot. This is the 21st century, join us sometime.” sneered Izzy resorting to insulting Shadows. They had been at this for the last half an hour. Arguing with Shadows was beyond exhausting.

Shadows opened and closed his mouth, at a sudden loss for words at the fire burning in Izzy’s eyes. Even if he was arguing with her, he rather that then not even speaking to her. At least this was some sort of interaction. She just frustrated him with her stubbornness. He admired her tenacity, it only added to her beauty. Knowing that she wouldn’t give up, Shadows unwillingly gave it.

“Fine.” He said letting out a frustrated sigh. Izzy’s eyebrows shot up, as did Gates’ and Vengeance’s

“Fine?” repeated Izzy confused by Shadows sudden concession in the matter they had spent so long arguing about.

“Fine Isabel. Just stop shouting. You’re giving me a headache.” Said Shadows with feigned wariness.

“My shouting gives you a headache!?” snapped Izzy “You’re a fucking asshat!”

“An asshat? Who the fuck calls anyone an asshat?” sneered Shadows, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Izzy let out a loud frazzled sigh and punched Shadows as hard as she could in the chest, more out of humiliation by the fact that he just made fun of her. What was worse, when her fist connected with his chest, he barely flinched. His eyes were filled with mirth as he looked down with a smirk plastered on his face.

“Feel better now Isabel? Physical abuse towards others is not healthy.” He smiled, struggling to keep his face straight and failing as he watched the color rise in Izzy’s cheeks.

“You’re one to talk.” She said dryly, rolling her eyes at him. “and since your so much of a brutish asshat I rather talk to Gates about Megan. At least he isn’t as childish as you are.”

“Childish?” scoffed Shadows “I’m not the one punching people and calling them asshats now am i?” He knew he was getting under Izzy’s skin. He could feel himself get hard as he looked at her chest swell with renewed anger. Walking out of the room, Shadows retreated to his bedroom. All that arguing with Izzy had turned him on and he needed to fix his problem before it got any worse.

Izzy watched Shadows leave with muted fury scrawled across her face. She turned around and saw that both Gates and Vengeance were wearing similar looks of amusement. The look in Gates’ eyes were innocent and full of laughter but Vengeance was looking at her with dark lustful eyes that made her blush a deeper shade of crimson as she felt warmth pool between her legs. Tearing her eyes away from Vengeance’s hypnotic gaze Izzy focused her attention on Gates who appeared to be oblivious to the silent exchange between Izzy and Vengeance.

“Since Shadows is a world class douche, perhaps you would like to listen to my proposition for Megan.” Said Izzy calmly, hoping that Gates would really listen to her.

“I don’t see why not.” He said taking a sip of his beer. “Let’s discuss it this evening after dinner, I have some business to attend to now.”

Feeling victorious, Izzy gave Gates a peck on the cheek before she headed back to her room. Still curled up on the bed fast asleep was Megan. Trying to be a quiet as possible Izzy took a few things from her room and left a note for Megan for when she woke up telling her where to find her.

Closing her bedroom door softly Izzy headed to Jimmy’s room. He had come down with the cold last night and Izzy knew that she would end up taking care of him. Sure enough she found Jimmy surrounded by tissues with a nose redder than Rudolph’s. Hauling him with great difficulty to the bathroom, Izzy turned on the cold water. She heard Jimmy let out a yelp and she gave him a stern warning not to add any hot water. He had a roasting fever and Izzy needed to bring it down before it went to his head, making him more delusional than he usually was. Less than two minutes later, Jimmy bounded out of the bathroom and dove straight into his bed, tissues flying everywhere. He cowered under his duvet, shivering from head to toe. With a small sigh, Izzy patted his leg sympathetically.

“Please just don’t ask me to sing you that terrible Soft Kitty song” she said with a smile as Jimmy let out a disappointed ‘Awwww.’

Fifteen minutes later, Izzy realized that she needed to get some cold medication. She had no idea who to ask to take her to the nearest pharmacy. Lost in her own thoughts, Izzy barely noticed Shadows coming out of his bedroom.

“What’s with the look?” he asked gesturing at Izzy’s furrowed eyebrows. She gave him a cold look that in actuality wasn’t as cold as the ones he had received before.

“I need to run out the pharmacy to get some cold tablets for Jimmy. I don’t have a car and….” She said trying not to meet Shadows’ eyes.

“I’ll take you. I have to go in that direction anyway” he stated simply as he descended down the staircase. He didn’t really have to do anything in town today, he just wanted an excuse to be alone with Izzy. He crossed his fingers mentally, hoping that she would take him up on his offer.

Taking a hesitant step forward, Izzy decided that Jimmy needed to get some medication and that that was more important than her extreme dislike of Shadows. Following him to the garage, Izzy climbed into his black SUV and they took off in search of the nearest pharmacy with silence so thick and awkward between them, it could be cut with a knife.

Izzy shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Shadows kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye from behind his aviators. She was acutely aware of each time he did. She wanted to say something to him but she couldn’t find any words that would capture what she wanted to say so she chose to remain quiet, fiddling with her hands as she stared out the window looking at the waves that crashed along the beach.

Shadows pulled up in front of Walgreens and switched off the ignition before he climbed out of the SUV. Izzy sighed and followed him into the store, veering left to the medicine aisle where she threw some basic flu medications into the small basket she had picked up when she had entered.

“He’s allergic to aspirin” came Shadows’ deep voice from Izzy’s left. He was standing so close to Izzy that his arm brushed hers, causing the color in her cheeks to rise. “So you should put back these.” He said reaching into the basket and putting two items back on the shelf replacing it with something else.

The two of them hunted down some tissues and VapoRub when a frail old lady with a white pharmacist’s coat on called out to them.

“Master Shadows. So lovely to see you again.” said the lady, her light brown eyes kind and friendly.

“Mrs. McKenzie.” replied Shadows bending to peck Mrs. McKenzie on her cheek.

“Is my dear Jimmy sick again?” she asked, concern flashing through her eyes.

“Yes he is. We came to get him some medication.” answered Shadows, his voice humble.

“Not to worry dear, send him to the Doc if he doesn’t get any better.” Said Mrs McKenzie sympathetically patting Shadows’ arm “But where are my manners, who is this beautiful young lady?”
Mrs. McKenzie cast her gaze onto Izzy, taking her hand in her frail one.

“This is Isabel Blackburn.” said Shadows sweetly. Izzy couldn’t help but make out the pride in his voice.

“Is she your girlfriend?” asked Mrs. McKenzie, oblivious to Izzy’s flushed cheeks and uncomfortable look.

“Unfortunately not Mrs. McKenzie.” said Shadows sounding somewhat sad as he looked down at Izzy who trained her eyes expertly on her shoes.

“That’s a shame dear, she has such a rare kind of beauty. You should get her some flowers. What kind of flowers do you like dear?” said Mrs. McKenzie to Izzy who bit her bottom lip nervously.

“Tiger Lilies.” said Izzy softly as Mrs. McKenzie beamed at her.

“There you go, Tiger Lilies. Now you can woo her.” said Mrs. McKenzie smiling at Shadows who gave her a shy, awkward smile in return.

“I guess so. But we have to be on our way. I will call you and let you know how Jimmy is feeling tomorrow.” Said Shadows as he took Izzy’s hand and leading her away as Mrs. McKenzie waved them off.

“I’m sorry about that.” Muttered Shadows sounding uncomfortable as Izzy slid her hand out of his while she shrugged her shoulders pulling down a box of tissues from one of the shelves. “She’s Jimmy’s aunt, so I’ve known her for as long as I can remember.”

Izzy gave him a small smile, “It’s ok Shadows. She seems nice.”

They walked together to the counter to pay for their items, their arms brushing ever so often as they waited in line. A cashier from behind the counter jumped up and opened another line, waving to Shadows to come over. Izzy rolled her eyes as the cashier flirted shamelessly with Shadows who seemed totally oblivious to her advances. From behind his aviators, Izzy was sure she had seen him give her a sideways glance before he shot her his dimpled smile. Izzy smiled back in spite of herself.

Back in the SUV, Shadows gave her a sad smile, his aviators hiding his eyes so that Izzy couldn’t see the emotions swirling behind them.

“Anything else you need to get while we’re out?” he asked softly, pulling out of the carpark, his shoulders tense.

“Not that I can think of. But I would give my left arm for some ice cream.” said Izzy without thinking. She had relaxed ever so slightly at Walgreens, letting down at least some of her many defenses against Shadows. She couldn’t help but let some the feelings she had towards Shadows surface. He had betrayed her but she had always felt so comfortable and safe around him before that. At the back of her mind, Izzy felt a growing sense of unease, not from being around Shadows but for some reason unknown to her. She looked out of the window, scanning the faces of the people that walked along the boardwalk. The day was bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky; there was nothing for her to feel anxious about.

They pulled up near an ice cream truck and Izzy looked at Shadows who gave her a small smile, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating. They waited in line, the ice cream man oblivious to their presence as he served four small children.

“So this must be the illusive Isabel Blackburn” came a cold voice from behind them.

Shadows tensed as he took Izzy’s hand in his, giving it a squeeze, warning her out of the corner of his eye not to turn around. Her mind screamed at her that danger of the darkest kind was standing behind her. Shadows’ grip on her hand tightened.

“What brings you here Night?” he said through gritted teeth, shifting Izzy so that she was in front of him, his body blocking hers. She allowed herself to be tucked against Shadows. She gripped his shirt tightly, fear coursing through her veins.

“I think you already know that Shadows. I’ve come to collect what is rightfully mine.” said Night dryly.

Shadows’ arm wrapped protectively around Izzy as he reached into his waist band, his fingers wrapping around the gun that had been concealed there. Izzy looked up at him with wide, terrified eyes.

“There is nothing here for you Night. I suggest you leave.” Spat Shadows, his back to Night which may have not been the smartest of ideas but Izzy chanced a guess that he knew what he was doing.

Night let out a bark of laughter causing all the pores on Izzy’s arms and neck to rise. “This is your final warning Shadows.”

“There is no need for a warning Night. Now take your leave” growled Shadows as two blacked out SUVs screeched to a stop in the middle of the road. Izzy’s head whipped around just as Gates, Vengeance and Christ jumped out, their guns drawn. Izzy looked to where the four children had previously been and she let out a sigh of relief when she saw that they had disappeared. Izzy clutched at Shadows as he held her close to him as she felt her knees almost give out.

She still had no idea what Jake Night looked like but his voice alone sounded cold and menacing enough to scare her. Gates, Christ and Vengeance flanked Shadows and Izzy felt a pair of hands gently grab her shoulders, pulling her backwards and away from Shadows. Izzy gave him a terrified look but he just nodded at her, his eyes hardened, his features rigid with tension. Izzy allowed herself to be pulled away from him and tucked under someone’s arm. She looked up and met Gates’ eyes which blazed with unbridled fury. His gun was pointed at a tall man with sandy blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Izzy committed every aspect of his features to memory. She felt herself being ushered into one of the SUVs that pulled up. As soon as she was safely inside, the vehicle pulled away, Matt Berry giving her a sympathetic look in the rear view mirror as they sped off in the direction of the mansion.

Izzy cast her eyes back, trying to get a glimpse at what was going on as Matt Berry sped away. She could see Jake Night climbing into a black Mercedes Benz as four guns pointed in his direction. Izzy tried to steady her nerves but images of Jake Night swam in her mind as she closed her eyes.

****

An hour later Izzy heard the front door open and the listened to the shuffling of feet approach the living room where she, Jimmy and Megan sat watching a movie. Izzy’s hand still shook violently as she lifted her cup of Earl Grey tea to her lips. She felt Megan stiffen beside her as Shadows, Vengeance and Gates walked into the room. Izzy grasped her hand and gave it a small reassuring squeeze. The three men took seats on the sofas in the room, looking tense as three pairs of eyes fell on her, studying her intently. She tried not to shy away from Shadows’ worried eyes.

“Are you alright Isabel?” he said softly, his eyes boring into hers as she gave him a small reassuring smile while nodding her head.

Izzy excused herself from the room taking Megan with her and headed to the library. She didn’t want to be around Shadows or any of the other guys at the moment. She just wanted to curl up near the vast fireplace with a good book and not have to think about any of the events from earlier; not Shadows and the way she had let her guard down nor the run in with Jake Night. She just wanted to keep some semblance of normalcy even if it was for a short period of time.

“Did you get something to eat Megan?” asked Izzy as she pulled a book down from one of the many bookshelves that lined the great room.

“Umm…yes…Jimmy took me to get something in the kitchen not too long ago.” said Megan softly, a violent blush staining her cheeks. Izzy cocked her eyebrow at the girl as a small knowing smile crept up on her lips.

“And then…..” prompted Izzy as she settled herself in one of the armchairs closest to the fire. It was still bright and relatively warm outside but the cold sinking feeling in Izzy’s bones was unshakeable.

“And then we went to watch a movie.” said Megan still blushing furiously, not meeting Izzy’s eyes.

The two girls fell into an easy conversation and Izzy discovered that Megan’s interests were quiet extensive and could be an asset to her if she was indeed going to run the bookstores at some point. Megan spoke passionately about her love for photography and even told Izzy about some of the sideline projects she had done in the past. Megan was funny and seemed at ease around Izzy. The purple bruise marring her pretty face had begun to fade and her eyes shone with innocent playfulness that made Izzy relax.

A soft knock on the door caused both girls to jump as they laughed and talked about anything that they could think of. Shadows walked into the room, his eyes blazing with something Izzy couldn’t identify.

“Ladies, pardon the intrusion on your…conversation…but Isabel, Gates would like to see you about your proposition for young Megan here.” said Shadows, his voice gravelly and deep. He gestured towards Megan who looked at him with frightened eyes.

“Sure.” said Izzy brightly, excited by the idea of making her proposition. “Megan you can stay here or go watch the rest of that movie with Jimmy.”

Megan smiled to herself and quickly left the room. Shadows turned to Izzy with a subdued look, his mouth pulled down into a frown.

“You didn’t get your ice cream.” He said softly as Izzy let out a small smile.

“That’s fine. Kind of lost my appetite after everything that happened anyways.” said Izzy gazing up at him. Today was the first day since their time in Italy that the two of them had spoken more than a few words to each other.

Shadows reached out and tucked a stray stand of Izzy’s hair behind her ear, his fingers gently brushing her cheek as he did so. Izzy felt small shivers run down her spine at the touch of his hand. Confusion, apprehension, lust, hurt and sadness mingled within her as she looked at Shadows who gave her a shy smile. Izzy was, once again, lost for words and it seemed as if Shadows was in the same position. She bit her lip unconsciously as she watched his lips part. She tore her eyes away from his perfectly shaped lips and tried to regain some type of composure.

“I should go find Gates.” She half squeaked, causing Shadows to flash his dimpled smile making her heart flutter. She brushed past him gently feeling his eyes on her as she walked out of the door. Izzy closed her eyes when she had put enough distance between herself and Shadows. The attraction to him was still very much there as she recalled how he wrapped his arms protectively around her, using his body as a shield against the threat of Jake Night. Every single time their arms brushed or he looked at her Izzy could feel herself wanting to give in to him; to forgive him for what he had done but she still couldn’t. She tried to hold on to her anger but even that seemed to have waned over the course of the day.

She would forgive him, one day, for she was never one to hold onto anything for extended periods of time. But before she could, she needed to know exactly what that darker side of him was. Until she had those answers she had no idea if she could really let him back into her heart even though it was him her heart was now beating for.

Notes