Sunlight filtered through the blinds and Izzy threw her arm over her eyes to block it out. She had been awake for the last hour, not bothering to get out of the lavish bed that she could now call hers. Her imagination swirled with images of her father’s murderers. She had even dreamt about them, giving her new found fears temporary life. There were still so many unanswered questions from even before Izzy had been brought to the A7X mansion. Now, she had even more to add to her list. First things first, she would ask Shadows more about the men that killed her father. Maybe she could gain some insight into this situation. Maybe…..

Pulling back the comforter, Izzy padded barefoot to the bathroom attached to her room. She made her way to the sink, where she found a toothbrush and tooth paste resting on the counter nearby. Brushing her teeth, Izzy contemplated how she would approach Shadows for answers. He seemed good natured enough last night but something about the way he looked at her with those brilliant yet calculating hazel eyes scared her deeply.

Switching on the shower, Izzy stepped under the gushing water. She just stood there for a moment, letting the cool water wash over her as if willing it to take away her fears and confusion. Surprised to find soap, shampoo and conditioner, Izzy began to wash her long raven colored hair, lost deep in thought as she did so. Twenty minutes later, Izzy wrapped herself in a large fluffy white towel. She gazed at herself in the mirror, startled by the lack of color in her cheeks and the frown drawn on her lips.

Emerging from the bathroom, Izzy stopped suddenly, greeted by a stranger in her room who was busy resting tons of bags on the bed.

“Good Morning Miss Blackburn!” chirped the young woman at Izzy, a large smile plastering her face,

“Um, good morning.” Replied Izzy shyly, rubbing her arm nervously. “Are all those for me?” nodding her head to the bags on the bed.

“Yes Miss Blackburn. I went out to get you a few things as per request of Master Shadows. I think I went overboard.” The woman blushed violently, and Izzy couldn’t help but smile. She was as flustered as Izzy felt.

“You can call me Izzy.” Said Izzy softly, approaching the woman carefully.

“My name is Florence.” Said the woman as she tucked a stray strand of her auburn hair behind her ear. “But everyone just calls me Flo.”

Izzy felt herself smile. “I like Florence better, like the city in Italy right?”

Flo shook her head enthusiastically, her smile widening further. “Yup! My parents told me that that’s where I was conceived.”

“That seems like a little too much information for anyone.” Giggled Izzy. She had taken a swift liking to Flo. She reminded Izzy of her best friend. A pang of sadness stabbed through Izzy’s heart at the thought of Annalise.

“Everything will get better here.” Said Flo softly, reaching out to touch Izzy as if sensing the sadness in the young woman. “I promise it really does.”

Izzy lifted her grey eyes to meet Flo’s shimmering green ones. Izzy could see the concern and care behind them. Maybe she had found a friend to help her through this madness. Realizing that she was getting ahead of herself, Izzy shook the sadness away and squared her shoulders.

“I hope so too Flo. I really do.” said Izzy solemnly.

With a quick, reassuring smile, Flo wrapped Izzy in a warm hug. Awkwardly, Izzy raised her arms to hug Flo back.

“I’ll be here, around, if you need anything.” smiled Flo, releasing Izzy.

“um…maybe you could tell me where the kitchen is.” said Izzy, realizing that her stomach had begun to grumble.

“Walk down this hallway and go down the staircase on your left and then just follow your nose.” winked Flo, opening the bedroom door to leave; laughing when Izzy rolled her large grey eyes at her.

“Thanks Flo.” Grumbled Izzy as the bedroom door snapped shut.

Izzy began to rifle through the bags that were placed neatly on her bed and found an assortment of graphic T-shirts, plain colored shirts, jeans, shorts and even a few sun dresses and pajamas. Flo had even purchased some modest undergarments for her. Peering into the bag on the floor, Izzy let out a squeal of delight at the sight of seven different pairs of shoes, ranging from converse to sandals to high heels.

Hunger outweighing her shoe fetish, Izzy pulled out a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a black and blue plaid button up shirt. Getting ready, Izzy pulled on a simple pair of black sandals with assorted gemstones and went to bathroom to tame her hair. Reaching for the brush that she hadn’t noticed earlier, Izzy ran it through her semi-dry hair and called that George. She was never much of a makeup kind of girl. All through high school she could never understand the need for girls to paint their faces with it every day. Izzy preferred to remain natural, using only lip-gloss and the occasional mascara. She left the real makeup for when she was going out. That way it was a surprise to everyone how good she could actually look.

Peering out into the hallway, Izzy left the confines of her bedroom and made her way down the hallway. When she reached the top of the stairs, she came face to face with Vengeance, who was clearly in a very bad mood. He shot her a disdainful look and unnecessarily shoved past her to go down the stairs. Izzy rolled her eyes at his back.

“I suggest you stop rolling your eyes.” said Vengeance dryly, shocking Izzy who followed him down the stairs. “It’s very disrespectful”

Izzy rolled her eyes again choosing not to respond to the man that had assaulted her last night.

“I see you face is healing.” He sneered as he turned around quickly, causing Izzy to jerk back in surprise at his sudden movement.

Izzy rolled her eyes again, more in anger this time, and felt a sense of satisfaction at the frustration brewing behind Vengeance’s jade eyes. What she didn’t expect was for Vengeance to grab her roughly and twist her arm behind her back, simultaneously spinning around so that her back was to his chest.

Tears sprung to life, threatening to fall as Vengeance increased the pressure, twisting Izzy’s arm until she thought it would break. A smirk crept across Vengeance’s snake bitten lips.

“I told you, doll, that’s very disrespectful.” He hissed in her ear, twisting Izzy’s arm further.

“Let her go V.” came an unfamiliar voice from behind them. “Go pick on someone your own size.”

Vengeance pushed Izzy away from him with enough force that she lost her balance, falling to her knees. She cradled her arm to her chest, wincing in pain. Turning her head, she watched Vengeance’s back retreating down a corridor at a leisurely pace. Izzy allowed the man who had stopped Vengeance from hurting her (again) to help her to her feet.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his clear blue eyes shining with concern. “He has a nasty temper that one. Kind of like one of those kids that gets mad when then can’t get what they want.”

Izzy looked up at the tall lanky man and gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks.” She murmured softly.

“I’m Jimmy.” Said the man, giving her a warm smile, holding out his hand.

“Izzy.” She replied, putting her small hand in his large one.

Taking Izzy by complete surprise, Jimmy pulled her into his arms, hugging her to him. For some strange reason, Izzy relaxed in his embrace, feeling safer than she had since last night. When he finally released her, Jimmy grinned down at her and Izzy couldn’t help but return the smile. Something about this man comforted her, made her happy even.

Still smiling Izzy nodded when Jimmy asked if she was hungry, and continued to smile as they walked towards the kitchen. They struck up an easy conversation. Izzy listened in wonder as Jimmy spoke about his beloved drum kit. The two of them laughed at Jimmy’s impression of Vengeance as they walked into the kitchen. Izzy’s laughter died instantaneously as she was greeted by 3 pairs of eyes, looking curiously at her from around the breakfast table.

“Morning.” She mumbled as Shadows got up from his seat, striding over to her and Jimmy.

“They tend to have that effect on people.” Whispered Jimmy in Izzy’s ear, causing her to smile.

“Clearly.” She whispered back just as Shadows came to stand before them.

“What are you two whispering about?” he asked with a small grin, dimples forming on his cheeks as he clasped Jimmy’s shoulder. Izzy couldn’t help but blush. Shadows really and truly was incredibly attractive, from his beautiful hazel eyes to well- built body to his gorgeous smile. Everything about this man was attractive, down to his tattoos and piercings

“Nothing in particular.” shrugged Jimmy, grabbing Izzy’s hand and half dragging her to the breakfast bar where an assortment of pancakes, fruits, eggs and bacon were laid out. Izzy looked back at Shadows who gave her a small smile.

Jimmy loaded up plates filled with a little bit of everything for both of them, humming a tune as he did. Izzy spotted two glasses and filled them both with orange juice. She followed Jimmy to the breakfast table and sat down next to him.

“Morning.” She said with a small smile to Gates and another man she didn’t recognize.

“Morning.” Came their replies. The short man with blonde hair with flecks of black smiled shyly at her.

“I’m Christ.” He said, extending his hand to her over the table. Izzy shook his hand, casting her eyes downward. “You’re prettier than these guys let on.” He said with a smile, jerking his head at Shadows and Gates. Blushing furiously Izzy thanked him.

A comfortable silence fell over the table as everyone dug into their breakfast. Izzy gratefully ate her meal, relishing how good it all tasted. She hazarded a guess that they had a cook to prepare their meals.

“So what do you want to do with your Sunday?” asked Jimmy through a mouthful of pancakes.

Izzy gave him a surprised look, confused by the simple question. She watched Jimmy struggle to swallow, hearing him let out a small gasp for air as he managed to let the food down.

“We can hang out by the pool or we can watch movies or we can play video games!” he said animatedly, counting things off with his fingers. “I for one want to watch movies!”

Izzy let out a timid laugh. She knew that she wasn’t being held here against her will per say, it was more like she was under the protective custody of the A7X gang. Chancing a look at Shadows , she blushed again as she met his steady gaze.

“Or maybe we can….” Continued Jimmy, only to be cutoff by Shadows’ deep voice.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine with whatever Isabel chooses to do Rev.” said Shadows. Izzy gave Jimmy a confused look.

“Oh! My name is The Reverend Tholomew Plague, or the Rev.” Jimmy said simply, drinking his orange juice.

“I thought your name was Jimmy?” asked Izzy, her voice soft and laced with confusion. “Isn’t that what you introduced yourself as?”

Izzy looked at the rest of the guys at the table. Gates shook his head, a smile hanging from his lips while Christ slapped his forehead.

“The rev is more of a gang name, something that keeps my true identity and my other identity separate and apart.” He said, reaching to the middle of the table for more syrup. “We all have them.”

Izzy looked around the table again and met Shadows’ gaze once again. It crossed her mind to ask him what his real name was but thought against it. Izzy dropped her gaze and focused on finishing her breakfast.

“So Shadows, do you think we could talk before I start a movie marathon with Jimmy?” asked Izzy when she had cleared her plate. She heard Jimmy let out something that sounded like a squeal of delight. The sound warmed her heart.

Shadows gave her an appraising look and then nodded. “Shall we go to my office then?”

Izzy nodded, getting up from the table as Shadows did, with her plate in hand. “Leave it.” He said to her, gesturing to the plate. Izzy rested her plate back down on the table and followed Shadows out of the room.

“See you in a bit!” came Jimmy’s excited voice.

The walk to Shadows’ office was uneventful and filled with silence. Izzy used that opportunity to survey her surroundings, taking in the various pieces of artwork that hung on the walls. Some of them were dark and filled with terrifying images, others not so much.

When they were in Shadows’ office, seated comfortably, Shadows filled the silence.

“So what did you want to talk about?” he asked, powering up his computer as he rested his cell phone on the desk.

Izzy wrung her hands nervously in her lap, thankful that Shadows couldn’t see what she was doing.

“I want to know why those men killed my father.” She said softly, “I want to know why they want me.”

Shadows rubbed his temples as if Izzy’s questions were giving him a migraine.

“Isabel, it’s very complicated. The less you know, the better.” He said after a few seconds.

Izzy felt anger boil within her. She wanted to punch Shadows in the face. Why wouldn’t he just tell her.

“The less I know? How do you expect me to be okay with that? You dropped a huge bomb on me last night, telling me that my father was framed and murdered. Do you seriously expect me not to ask any questions? You’re a smart man Shadows. I’m not leaving this room until you give me some answers.” The rage in Izzy’s voice laced every word she spoke. Her chest heaved and her fists were balled up in fury. “You can’t expect to take me away from everything I’ve known and be content with your ‘the less you know the better’”

Shadows regarded her, the fire in her eyes shocking him, the stubbornness and rage in her voice taking him by surprise.

“You’ve been taken away from everything you’ve known Isabel so you can be protected.” He said levelly.

“That’s not an answer.” She retorted, her eyes flashing.

“For now you have to trust me.” He said dryly, leaning back in his chair.

“Trust is earned not given.” Izzy spat aggravated.

“I’m fully aware of that Isabel.” Said Shadows irritably. “Until things die down, I need you to trust me.”

Izzy let out an exasperated sigh, throwing her hands up in frustration. “I’m supposed to be safe here. That’s why you kidnapped me. To protect me.” She snapped at him.

“Yes, but there’s….”began Shadows only to be cut off by Izzy.

“But nothing. Either I’m safe here and you can fill in the blanks, or I’m not and I leave.” She threatened, her voice deadly.

Now it was Shadows’ turn to let out an exasperated sigh. Never had he met such a headstrong young woman that infuriated him with her flagrant disregard for his authority. Never had anyone, let alone any woman, questioned him, and yet, sitting opposite was a grey eyed beauty doing just that. Shadows got up and placed himself at the edge of the desk, the way he had done last night.

“Listen to me Isabel. I know you want answers. I can understand why. But I promise you I don’t have all the answers right now.” he said delicately, “I am still gathering information as to why my enemies want you. When I find out everything, I promise you, I will tell you.”

The anger and frustration that threatened to explode from within Izzy seemed to have simmered down. The sincere look in Shadows’ eyes made her resolve falter ever so slightly. She know how stubborn she could be, it was something she inherited from her mother.

“Well if you can’t tell me why they want me, then tell me why they killed my father.” Said Izzy, struggling to keep the iciness out of her voice.

“Your father was killed because he managed to singlehandedly close a deal that my enemies had been after for 6 months.” Stated Shadows after a few brief seconds of silence. “They were furious because closing that deal meant that their territory would be diminished even more.”

“So why make it look like suicide?” asked Izzy softly, her mind beginning to race.

“Because Isabel they are cowards, knowing that if they murdered him in the open that we would retaliate. They threatened your life after he sealed the deal. He came to me the night before they murdered him, asking me for help. He knew they were going to kill him. He asked me to protect me. That was the only thing he has ever asked of me.” Said Shadows, his voice filled with remorse. Isabel’s father had been a good friend to him, much more than someone who worked for him.

“You said that they framed him.” She prodded, willing Shadows with her mind to continue. She could hear the pain in his voice.

“The night they murdered him, I got a call saying the deal had fallen through, that the money that was paid was stolen.” sighed Shadows, his voice tight with both anger and sadness “The money was found in one of your father’s storage cells in Madison.” He looked at Izzy who’s eyes were wide and full of emotion. “I knew your father would never steal from us, the same way I knew that he didn’t commit suicide.”

Izzy felt so many different emotions bouncing around her that it made her dizzy. Tears that she didn’t even know had formed now cascaded down her cheeks, hot and wet. Shadows looked at her, at a loss as to what to do. He desperately wanted to comfort her, he just didn’t know how.

“Your father was a good man Isabel.” He whispered softly to her, taking her small hand in his. “I will protect you, just as he asked me to. You are not a prisoner here, this is your home as much as it is mine.”

Izzy got up from her seat and threw herself into Shadows’ arms, hugging him close as she cried, surprising them both. She felt overwhelmed by everything that he had just said. Awkwardly he put his arms around her and cradled her to him. She wept in his arms and he just held her, thrust into a situation that he hadn’t been prepared for.

For as long as he could remember he had been devoid of emotion, and now, here he was, struggling to figure out what to do with the weeping girl in his arms. He had shut off any kind of feeling long ago, using women for pleasure rather than company. Now, he was protecting a young woman whose company he was beginning to enjoy. She was fiery and headstrong, confident yet mild, beautiful and clearly able to take care of herself. Most of all she stood up for herself and challenged him. It warmed him in the most surprising way.

Stroking her soft hair, he tightened his hold on her.

“Things will get better Isabel.” He said gently.

Pushing away from him, Izzy looked into Shadows’ hazel eyes and saw the concern behind them. Shadows raised his hand to her face and wiped away the last of Izzy’s tears. Izzy felt the color rising in her cheeks.

“I should go.” She said apologetically. “Thanks for shedding some light on at least part of this mess.”

Shadows smiled and released Izzy from his hold. “I don’t have anything much for you to do work wise yet, so take this week to settle yourself.” He said, shutting off the emotions that he had allowed to surface.

Izzy raised her eyebrows at him and gave him a small smile. “Thanks. I should go find Jimmy.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and turned to leave.

When she had left the room, Shadows raised his hand to his touch the place where Isabel had just kissed him. His fingers brushed the spot gently, and he smiled to himself. Getting up, he went back to work, all the while smiling like a fool.

Izzy wandered through the house and found herself back in her room. She washed her face and while drying it heard a soft knock at her bedroom door.

“Come In.” she yelled from the bathroom.

Walking out she saw Jimmy grinning from ear to ear.

“Horror movie marathon?” he beamed at her, holding up a bunch of movies in his hand.

Walking over to him, she picked one and looked at the cover.

“Jacob’s Ladder?” she questioned, gazing at Jimmy. “This one is my favorite.”

“Mine too!” he laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room.

The two of them made their way to a large room, which held comfortable looking sofas and an entire wall filled with movies. On the coffee table in the middle was an assortment of sodas, candy and a large bowl of popcorn. Time for a horror movie marathon.