23

Izzy let out a sigh of relief as she locked the front door of Izzy’s corner. She had been on her feet almost all day and she was exhausted. Izzy’s Corner had customers throughout the day and because of the increasing success of the business over the last two month, Izzy was forced to hire some help. Of course the worker had to go through rigorous background checks before even setting a foot near Izzy.

Finally, Izzy found someone that was well suited for assistant floor manager, Australian born Dana Moore. Dana seemed to have a vast knowledge on literature and impressed Izzy during the interview stage with her quick wit and charm. Izzy had taken an immediate liking to her but Shadows was a different story. He had insisted that he be there for the interview but said nothing when the time came to ask questions. He had sat next to Izzy with his aviators covering his hazel eyes while he folded his arms across his muscular chest. Dana seemed to have been nervous at first in Shadows’ presence but eventually overcame it and carried on the interview with enough zeal for three people and a big warm smile. Noticing how Dana acted made Izzy like her even more. She hadn’t cracked under Shadows’ hooded watchful gaze nor did she allow him to scare her away. The next day, after a long argument with Shadows, Izzy had herself a new floor manager, but right now, Izzy was cursing herself for giving Dana the day off.

“Did you remember to give Dana the complimentary tickets for the club opening?” asked Gates as he held open the backdoor of a black SUV for Izzy.

“I gave them to her yesterday before she left.” Replied Izzy warily, climbing into the vehicle and sliding across the seat. She watched Gates clamber in after her.

“Good. How was your day?” he asked taking in Izzy’s tired demeanor as the vehicle lurched forward.

“Long, tiring. I should have never given Dana today off. Fridays are always the worst.” Sighed Izzy closing her eyes as she leaned against the cool glass of the window.

Gates regarded Izzy carefully for a moment before smiling to himself. ‘She really has a gift for turning things around’ he thought to himself as he gazed at her.

What seemed like minutes later, Izzy felt someone gently shaking her shoulder. Opening her eyes, Izzy realized they were home and that Gates was trying to coax her from the sleep that she had given into. Izzy’s eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion consuming her. She made a go-away motion at Gates and she barely heard his soft chuckle. Feeling herself being carried, Izzy cracked her eyes open.

“I can walk.” She murmured softly, resting her head against Gates’ chest.

“Of course you can.” Replied Gates with a small smile.

He carried Izzy’s once again sleeping form to her bedroom and placed her on her bed, taking off her heels and covering her up. He bent down to kiss her forehead.

“Good Night Izzy.” Whispered Gates.

“Good Night Bri.” Replied Izzy softly, causing Gates to stop dead in his tracks. She had never called him by his name, let alone his nickname. It made Gates feel strangely good hearing his name fall from Izzy’s lips, even if she was semi-conscious.

***

Feeling slightly flustered Izzy allowed Megan to help zip up her dress as she stood in front of the large full length mirror in her bedroom. She took in her appearance and felt as regal as she did the night for Signor Camachio’s fundraiser in Italy as her dress pooled around her. She and Megan had spent days in advance combing a wide range of boutiques and stores until Izzy had found the perfect dress. The soft creamy color made her skin look like rich caramel while offsetting her eyes perfectly. She and Megan made their way down the corridor where Jimmy stood waiting looking dashing his in three piece suit.

“You ladies look lovely.” He said with a large grin as he held out both of his arms which both girls took before he led them down the marble staircase.

Izzy’s eyes landed on Shadows who stood with his mouth hanging slightly open as she, Megan and Jimmy made their way down the stairs. Her eyes slipped from Shadows to Vengeance who wore a small smirk as his eyes glinted wickedly. Izzy nearly stopped dead in her tracks as she took in the petite black haired woman that was wrapped around Vengeance. She had hickeys dotting her neck which she had in no way attempted to hide. Her skin tight black dress made her look more like a prostitute as she flashed Izzy a cold red lipped smile.

“Shall we Miss Blackburn?” said Shadows offering Izzy his arm. She gave him a weak smile as she tore her eyes away from Vengeance and his plaything. “You look beautiful.” He whispered to her giving her a small peck on the cheek. Izzy smiled up at him.

“You clean up pretty well too Shadows.” Said Izzy sweetly, aware that her voice was a little too high.

The five men and the three women made their way to a stretched limo parked in the driveway. Izzy felt her stomach knot unpleasantly as Vengeance brushed passed her without a word, his plaything glaring daggers at her. Izzy shook her head and climbed into the limo and within minutes, Shadows had popped a bottle of champagne and they were off.

An uncomfortable forty minutes later, the limo pulled up to a huge building in L.A. Bright lights greeted Izzy as photographers snapped pictures maniacally as the group exited the limo and stepped out onto the black carpet leading to the club’s entryway. Izzy felt Shadows touch the small of her back and she relaxed slightly into his touch as he led her to the club’s entrance, stopping ever so often for shouting photographers to take their picture.

Izzy had no idea what to expect when she entered the club. She had only been told that this was the gang’s latest endeavor and nothing else. Stepping into the vast room, Izzy was facing a large dance floor and she scanned the room as quickly as she could. Her eyes stopped at the curtained off sections and she raised her eyebrows at Shadows who just smiled down at her with a proud look on his face.

“Those are private areas, sectioned off by silk curtains.” He said lowly as her eyes widened. He led her towards the large horseshoe shaped bar that wrapped elegantly around the dance floor. Behind the bar was every alcohol imaginable but tonight only the finest bottles of champagne, wine and scotch was being served. Izzy accepted a glass of champagne from a surly looking bartender before looking up at Shadows.

“It really is fantastic Shadows. You’ve outdone yourself.” She said thoughtfully as her eyes swept the room again.

“There are two other floors. Each floor has its own type of music and crowd. I want to cater to each part of the demographic.” Said Shadows confidently gesturing at the two floors above. “And at the top is my office.” He finished with a wicked smile that made Izzy’s heart flutter.

For the next hour Izzy was swept up in numerous conversations with many of Shadows’ associates. They congratulated her on her bookstore and how well she was doing. Izzy accepted all compliments with grace and poise and she could feel Shadows’ approval radiate off of him as he smiled at her proudly.

“Miss Blackburn!” exclaimed a familiar voice with a thick Italian accent.

“Signor Camachio. Such a pleasure to see you again! I’m pleased that you have joined us to share this occasion.” Said Izzy pleasantly as Signor Camachio gave her two quick kisses on her cheeks before shaking hands with Shadows.

“You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you Miss Blackburn.” Said Signor Camachio warmly as Izzy flushed. “You’re a lucky man to have her by your side Master Shadows.” With those words, Signor Camachio went to greet Gates and Jimmy, both of whom were deep in conversation with a tall man with long blonde hair that Izzy didn’t recognize.

Izzy cast Shadows a nervous glance to see him give her his infamous dimpled simple. Izzy felt her heart flutter again. She had decided to let things with Shadows play itself out since she had less time to herself now that she was running the bookstore. They had become friends and Izzy was glad that they had formed such a kindred friendship. It made things easier for both of them taking the slow route.

Shadows continued introducing Izzy to numerous people until thankfully, Dana sidled up to Izzy with a warm smile hanging from her lips. Giving Shadows an apologetic look, Izzy allowed herself to be pulled away by Dana.

“Thanks.” Muttered Izzy as the two of them headed to the bar.

“You looked like you needed to be rescued.” laughed Dana flicking her long red streaked black hair as they accepted two glasses of pink champagne.

The two women laughed and chatted animatedly as people milled around them to soft background music. Izzy’s eyes swept the room again and her heart faltered at the sight of Vengeance dancing closely to his plaything. His wicked green eyes met Izzy’s and with a cold sinister look, he began to kiss the woman’s neck, all the while staring at her.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” asked Dana sounding slightly perturbed.

Izzy snapped out of her trance as a blush crept up her neck. She gave Dana a weak smile.

“I’m sorry Danes, I think I’ve had too much champagne. Excuse me for a moment.” said Izzy breathlessly.

Without a backwards glance at a confused Dana, Izzy made her way through the crowd, trying to put as much distance between herself and Vengeance. Her heart slammed in her chest as she fought back tears. She brushed past Gates who looked at her with concern but she took no notice. All Izzy could think of was getting away.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” came Shadows’ voice. Izzy knew that he was going to formally open the club but she couldn’t bear being around anyone. She needed to think. For the last two months, Izzy had to watch girls parade around the house with love bites adorning their flawless skin as they left Vengeance’s room. For the last two months she had to bear the brunt of Vengeance’s anger. He never said anything to her but the cold, sickening silence between them was enough. He would give her looks of contempt anytime they found themselves alone and Izzy didn’t give him wrong. She knew that he was angry with her after she had turned him down.

But tonight, tonight was the proverbial straw that broke her back. She said nothing to him about the pain he was inflicting on her with his hate-filled looks and coldness, but that one burning look in his eyes was enough to want to be next to him. She still didn’t understand the unnatural attraction to Vengeance but it was undoubtedly there. Too much of a coward to do anything about it, Izzy delved into her business as a way to relieve herself of the desire to be with him, as a way to keep herself occupied. Now, she needed to be alone and the only place she could do that was in the office that Shadows told her about.

***

Gates watched Izzy climb the stairs which would take her to the upper floors. He had no doubt in his mind that there was something wrong with her. He watched her entire demeanor shift as she gazed at Vengeance. Suddenly, Gates stiffened, his sixth sense screaming at him that something wasn’t right. Scanning the crowd quickly, he noticed a figure walking purposefully through the crowd, towards the staircase that Izzy had just gone up.

“We thank you all for being here to join with us for the opening of Scream…..” he heard Shadows say to the crowd. Gates knew he couldn’t interrupt him. Heading for Vengeance he pulled him away from his date.

“Follow me.” said Gates lowly as Vengeance scowled darkly at him.

****

Izzy exhaled slowly as she tried to gather her thoughts. The roar of the music from the ground floor had been significantly reduced to a dull thud. She walked to the tinted window in the office and looked down at the sea of colors. Lost deep in thought, she barely heard the office door open and close. Without warning, strong hands grabbed her and Izzy felt herself being hauled away from the glass. She struggled against the stranger’s hold, thrashing wildly against him.

“I suggest you stop struggling. You’ll just make it worse for yourself.” Said a soft female voice.

Izzy now faced the direction the voice had come from and she felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of Megan casually leaning against Shadows’ office door in her short white dress.

“Megan?” asked Izzy confused. “What’s going on?”

Megan let out a loud laugh but Izzy could hear hostility mar its sound. Megan gave Izzy a disdainful look as she sauntered over towards her, her blue eyes alight with malice that it took Izzy by surprise.

“I’m here to give Jake Night exactly what he wants.” She said venomously stroking Izzy’s cheek softly.

Izzy’s felt a damp cloth cover her mouth and nose and she inhaled the scent of something sickly sweet. Panic coursed through her body as she realized at that moment that she was being chloroformed. Trying to hold her breath, Izzy’s vision blurred slightly. The office door opened again and Izzy felt her knees almost give out at the sight of Jake Night entering the room. She struggled again against the man that held her captive as she watched with horror filled eyes as Megan retreated away from her and into Night’s arms.

Unable to hold her breath any longer Izzy inhaled the sickly sweet scent again and she could feel consciousness slowly slip away from her. Through almost hooded eyes she watched Megan kiss Night passionately before the sound of a single gunshot echoed loudly through the room. Izzy stared in terror as Megan slumped to the floor, blood staining her white dress, her blue eyes wide. Izzy felt her limbs begin to get heavy and she began to slump against her captor. Clinging desperately to consciousness, Izzy watched as Jake Night approach her, his handsome features torn between scorn and joy.

“You’re mine now Isabel.” He said softly, brushing the back of his hand gently along Izzy’s cheek.

The office door burst open and Izzy heard gunshots ring out again as her vision darkened. She could barely make out Gates and Vengeance exploding into the room, the sound of gunshots ringing out distantly in Izzy’s ears. She watched Night’s face contort in fury as he spun around, more gunshots echoing off the walls. Izzy felt her body fall to the floor as her captor joined the melee to protect Night and within seconds, Izzy watched him collapse on the ground near her, blood pooling from his head onto the white carpet.

Gates approached Izzy and he fell to his knees on the floor next to her. His features were set with blazing fury but his eyes were soft as he scanned her for injuries. Eyelids drooping, Izzy saw Gates’ mouth move but she couldn’t hear a word he had said. Suddenly, Gates’ features twisted with pain and Izzy felt something warm and wet drip onto her hand. Unable to see what it was, she held Gates’ gaze as his eyes clouded with pain.

Behind him, Izzy could see Night swiftly approaching them with wild eyes, his gun drawn and then all was black and Izzy was lost in a sea of darkness.

Notes