23

The next few days passed with ease as Izzy settled herself into her new life. Jimmy kept her busy most days, always coming up with something for them to do. She felt close to him, closer than she had to anyone in a very long time. He was carefree and easy going, making her feel comfortable in her own skin. She found herself laughing and smiling again, the rosy color in her cheeks returning after being absent for a while. Izzy didn’t really see much of Shadows or Gates and Jimmy told her that they were seeing to some business regarding a new club that they were opening. Christ would sometimes join in on some of the video games that Jimmy and Izzy played in the afternoons, making ridiculous faces when Jimmy beat him more times than Izzy could count.

Today however, Izzy crouched low in the kitchen, hiding from Jimmy who had suggested a game of hide and seek. Christ and Izzy scampered off in different directions as Jimmy had begun to count to one hundred. Hearing footsteps approach and the familiar hum of Jimmy’s wordless tune, Izzy crawled on her hands and knees away from him, praying that she wouldn’t be seen. She pressed her knees close to her as she crawled beneath the breakfast table, glad that the tablecloth just barely skimmed the ground, concealing her from Jimmy.

When he had passed through the kitchen, his voice echoing down one of the hallways, Izzy climbed out from underneath the table and scampered off down the opposite hallway. She peered around the corner and hightailed it to the safe zone in the living room. Taking a swift glance behind her to make sure the coast was clear, Izzy felt victorious. When she turned forward, she collided with a hard chest and stumbled backwards, rubbing her nose.

Scowling she raised her head, meeting a pair of green eyes that were regarding her with something close to disgust.

“Shouldn’t you watch where you’re going?” sneered Vengeance, his lip curling in disdain.

Izzy rolled her eyes and pushed past Vengeance. She was getting tired of his snide remarks and taunting comments every time she ran into him. Every single day since she had come to the mansion, Vengeance was there to pick on her like a child in the sandbox.

Vengeance grabbed Izzy and pushed her against the wall, her back connecting painfully with the hard surface. His eyes flashed menacingly at her.

“Haven’t I told you about rolling those pretty eyes at me?” he hissed at her, his shoes flush against her converse. Izzy just scoffed at him, trying to push him away. Vengeance braced his hands on the wall, caging Izzy with his body. She shoved against him, harder this time.

“Haven’t I told you that you’re a jerk?” snapped Izzy, anger flaring in her eyes.

“You know, Shadows won’t be here to protect you all time.” smirked Vengeance.

Izzy knew exactly what Vengeance was referring to. Last night Shadows had caught him taunting her with the fact that she was practically an orphan while he had her gripped tightly by her long black hair. The look on Shadows’ face was murderous. Izzy could have heard him shouting at Vengeance from the living room when she scurried away from Vengeance’s assault.

“Even if he wasn’t here, I can still fend for myself.” snarled Izzy, pushing again at Vengeance’s chest. She felt his muscles tense as she pushed over and over again. She didn’t like the way her blood warmed when Vengeance was so close to her. Out of everyone in the house he was the worst, treating her like a ragdoll every chance that he got. And yet, her heart-rate quickened as he drew closer to her.

“I’d like to see that.” He breathed in her ear, causing Izzy’s pores to rise at the intimacy of their position. She felt a blush color her already flushed cheeks.

Without warning, Vengeance’s mouth was on hers, rough yet passionate. Izzy found herself responding to his kiss, feeling a fire ignite deep within her. She pushed herself closer to the man that had taunted and teased her for the last few days. Skimming her bottom lip with his tongue, Izzy parted her lips, allowing Vengeance access to her mouth. Their tongues fought for dominance as Izzy twined her fingers in Vengeance’s soft black hair. She felt his fingers grip her waist tightly. She broke away from him, both of them panting slightly. Vengeance’s eyes swirled with lust for the raven hair beauty before him.

Pushing past him, Izzy continued to walk down the hallway, lips kiss swollen and her head buzzing. ‘What had did I just allowed to happen? Why did i give into him after everything he’s done and said to me? What the hell is wrong with me?’ she asked herself. She thought about how wrong that situation was as she continued down another hallway.

Vengeance stood in shock as he watched Izzy walk away from him. After so many heartbreaks and disappointment he had become cold and black hearted. He, just like Shadows and Gates had had their fair share of broken hearts, all of them just like him, cold and closed off. He knew that his reputation for violence proceeded him and Vengeance relished the fact that people feared him. He enjoyed the fear that would flash through Izzy’s eyes every time they bumped into each other. He would do anything to see those beautiful eyes cloud with terror. It made him feel alive. Now, forcing her to kiss him had his blood pumping, more so by the fact that she had returned the kiss with as much force as he had given. What he wouldn’t give to have her bound and gagged beneath him. His dark fantasies flashed through his mind.

Heading to the kitchen, Vengeance’s mind was clouded by all the dirty things that he could do to the grey-eyed beauty. Pulling a beer from the fridge he downed almost half of it. Maybe he could turn his fantasies into a reality. The electricity in the kiss was enough indication that Izzy wanted him as much as he wanted her. Now all he had to do was put a plan into motion.

.“Found you!” Vengeance heard Jimmy scream at the top of his lungs, followed by Izzy’s squeal of delight. Vengeance shook his head and retreated back to his room.

Izzy found herself later that evening wandering out into the vast backyard of the mansion. She threw herself onto the grass, looking up at the sky, watching the clouds slowly move as crimsons, lilacs and oranges swirled together. Despite everything that she had been told about the A7X gang, she found herself liking each one of them. Shadows was cold and closed off, yes, but he was kind to her, offering advice and a warm smile though it never quite reached his eyes. Gates and Christ were shy around her but they never made her feel uncomfortable. And Jimmy, Jimmy was the big brother she never had, keeping her spirits up and a smile ever present on her face. Then there was Vengeance. The thought of their kiss earlier kept flashing through her mind. She was afraid of him, there was something dark and sinister about the way he looked at her and yet, she felt herself being drawn to him as each day passed by. Izzy knew that there was more to him, behind the well maintained façade.

Lost in her own thoughts Izzy didn’t hear footsteps approaching, nor did she notice when someone lay down next to her. It wasn’t until that person poked her side did she snap out of her trancelike state. Jumping out of her skin she let out a small yelp of surprise and turned her head, coming face to face with Gates’ chocolate colored eyes.

“What’s up?” she asked, turning away from him and casting her eyes upwards to the now dark sky. Stars twinkled and danced through the darkness. How long had she been out there?

“I came to ask you the same thing.” He replied, a smile tugging at his perfectly sculpted lips.

“Just thinking.” She said nonchalantly, letting out a small sigh.

“Care to share?” enquired Gates, intertwining his fingers behind his head.

“Nothing in particular really. I miss my friends, and my mom and my life.” said Izzy longingly.

Gates looked at Izzy out of the corner of his eye. He knew that this sudden change had to be hard on her. Leaving everything she had ever known behind; making a new life after having her world shattered so suddenly. He knew the pain she must have been going through, hiding it all behind her infectious smile. He was in her shoes so many years ago, and Shadows had taken him in, giving him a home, food, clothes, everything. It wasn’t easy at first for him, but it all got better, everything got better. In the beginning he was angry and scared, defiant and wanting revenge but Shadows had coached him, teaching him to let go of the anger and fear. Eventually Shadows made him his second in command, seeing something in him that made Gates worthy.

“It gets better Izzy.” Gates said softly, crossing his feet at the ankle.

Izzy sighed and then turned to him, propping herself up to face him. Her greys eyes held a mixture of emotion. Some Gates could identify, others were lost on him.

“The funny thing is, you’re the third person to tell me that since I came here.” She said thoughtfully. “ I know things will get better, I want them to, I just miss my life.”

Gates smiled at Izzy and she gave him a confused look.

“Tomorrow me, Shadows and Christ have some business to attend to.” He said to her, pulling himself into a sitting position. He chuckled when Izzy quizzically raised her eyebrow at him. “Try not to get into any trouble while we’re gone.”

Izzy stared at him, dumbfounded at his cryptic statement. She watched him struggle slightly to his feet and put her hand in his outstretched one so he could pull her up.

“Are you on drugs?” asked Izzy with her hands on her hips, her expression serious

Gates looked at her and laughter so loud it rang out through the still night’s air exploded from his mouth. He couldn’t remember the last time he laughed so hard, his ribs hurting while his eyes watered. The confused look on Izzy’s face was priceless and only made him laugh harder.

“Just try not to do anything stupid tomorrow.” He gasped, walking away from her knowing that she was following him. “And try to enjoy yourself.”

Izzy stared at his back as she walked behind him, wondering what kind of bad drugs he had smoked, snorted or injected into his system. She suppressed a smile as Gates continued to laugh at her. This was their first real conversation since she had first met him on Saturday and even though he was now laughing at her, it was at least a start.

The next morning, Izzy was rudely awoken by Jimmy jumping up and down at the foot of her bed. She threw a pillow at him and pulled the comforter over her head.

“Get up!” he shrieked at her, jumping harder then launching himself at her.

“Jimmy! What the hell is wrong with you!” grumbled Izzy, fighting to keep the comforter over her head as Jimmy tugged at it. “It’s too damn early for this!”

“Never too early for a jailbreak!” trilled Jimmy, finally getting the comforter away from Izzy.

Throwing another pillow at Jimmy, Izzy gave him a withering stare which he seemed oblivious to.

“What do you mean jailbreak?” she asked irritably, dragging herself off of the bed.

“I mean, we are going out. You and me. To see the world. Mano eee..um…Womano!” he said happily, rummaging through Izzy’s closet and flinging clothes haphazardly over his shoulder. He looked like something out of Looney Tunes.

Izzy picked up the scattered clothes and dragged Jimmy away from the closet.

“Really?” she asked, a huge grin spreading across her face.

“Really. Now go and brush your teeth…you have horrible morning breath and go bathe. We leave here at 0100 hours.” He said marching Izzy to the bathroom.

“Right then Captain, give me 20 minutes!” said Izzy, turning to Jimmy and giving him a salute which he happily returned before she shut the bathroom door.

45 minutes later, the two of them cruised down the highway in Jimmy’s black BMW, Pantera blaring through the speakers. The two of them sang at the top of their lungs, the smiles on both of their faces never faltering. They pulled into familiar street, one that was only a few blocks away from Izzy’s home and into the parking lot of Wonderland, Izzy’s favorite restaurant. The two of them bounded out of the car and into the whimsically decorated eating establishment, arm in arm. A tired looking waitress gave them a wary smile before she led them to a table in the back, handing them menus and walking away.

“This place is so cool!” piped up Jimmy, looking at Izzy over the top of his menu.

“I know! It’s my favorite place to eat. The chocolate chip milkshakes are epic.” Grinned Izzy, her eyes wandering around the restaurant.

The two of them fell into an easy conversation. The waitress returned to take their orders, which consisted of steak fries, cheese burgers and two mega chocolate chip milkshakes. As she left, Jimmy’s eyes followed her all the way to the kitchen.

“I like that Alice in Wonderland dress she’s wearing.” He said appreciatively, his eyes glazing over slightly.

Izzy snorted into her glass of water at the expression on Jimmy’s face. “I’m sure you do buddy.”

Two and a half hours later, Jimmy and Izzy skipped out of the restaurant with a sugar rush that would probably lead to an epic crash later, gaining disapproving looks from some of the elderly as they did. Out on the street, Izzy saw a blur of bright red hair come flying at her and felt arms wrap around her in a bone crushing hug.

“Izzy! Oh My God!” screeched the red haired assailant.

“Annie!” squealed Izzy, returning the hug with the same force. “Annie! Oh my God!”

Izzy felt tears of pure joy escape, slipping down her cheeks and onto the top of her best friend’s lava colored hair.

“What the hell happened to you? You’re cell is switched off and when I went by your house there was caution tape everywhere.” Said Annie breathlessly. “What the hell is going on.”

Izzy laughed whole heartedly and then felt a pang of guilt tear at her heart. She couldn’t even tell her best friend the truth. She had never told Annie a single lie since the day they met in the fourth grade. How could she start now. Izzy looked at Jimmy who gave her a sad knowing smile and then put his index finger to his lips. Izzy knew exactly what he meant.

“Annie I want you to meet someone.” said Izzy, taking advantage of her best friend’s minute attention span. “Annie, this is Jimmy.” Izzy laughed when Annie’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Jimmy, this is Annie.”

Jimmy wrapped Annie in his signature hug, lifting the tiny girl off the ground.

“So you’re the Annie I’ve heard so much about.” Laughed Jimmy, placing Annie gently back on the sidewalk.

Annie blushed violently, her cheeks and ears nearly the same color as her hair. “Needless to say I’ve heard nothing about you.” said Annie softly, her shyness getting the better of her. Turning back to Izzy, Annie scowled darkly at her. Izzy knew that look, she knew it all too well. “What the hell has been going on Isabel Blackburn.” Said Annie with her hands on her hips.

Izzy looked at Jimmy for guidance; she was at a total loss as to what to tell Annie, knowing that telling her the truth was out of the question. Quickly realizing that Jimmy was not paying attention, Izzy realized something was seriously wrong. His entire body was now alert and rigid, the playful smile had disappeared totally, replaced by a frown. His eyes scanned the area and Izzy followed his gaze, both of their eyes landing on a blacked out SUV parked across the street.

“We need to leave.” breathed Jimmy, his playful smile returning. His eyes were filled with an unspoken warning which Izzy instantly picked up on. “Now.”

“Annie, I have to go. I’m sorry.” Said Izzy quickly, hugging her best friend tightly.

Jimmy looped his arm through Izzy’s and with one final look at Annie’s confused and sad expression, they turned to leave.

“I’m sorry” mouthed Izzy to Annie, tears welling up in her eyes.

Izzy and Jimmy climbed quickly into the BMW and Jimmy pulled out of the car park. They turned left and headed in the opposite direction to which the blacked out vehicle was parked.

“Jimmy. What’s going on?” said Izzy, panic coursing through her. Jimmy weaved expertly through the Friday afternoon traffic, his jaw clenched tightly.

“Don’t look back, just keep your head forward.” said Jimmy, tension radiating from his body. “We’re being followed. That’s one of Jake Night’s vehicles.”

Izzy looked at Jimmy, wide eyed as Jimmy continued to weave through the sluggish traffic. “Who the hell is Jake Night?” asked Izzy worriedly.

Taking his eyes off the road for the briefest of seconds, Jimmy looked at Izzy with unfamiliar cold blue eyes. “Jake Night is the man that wants you.” He said, his voice soft.

Izzy inhaled sharply as fear coursed through her body. They had finally hit the highway and Jimmy floored the accelerator, the vehicle lurching forward, shooting through the endless streams of cars. Izzy chanced a look backwards and saw their pursuers gaining on them. Pulling out his cell phone, Jimmy dialed Shadows’ number. Cursing to himself, Jimmy threw the phone into Izzy’s lap.

“Call Gates.” Growled Jimmy at Izzy who looked at him slightly taken aback by his tone. “Tell him we’re being followed.”

Scrolling through the phonebook, Izzy found Gates’ number and hit the call button. She listened as the line rang, over and over.

“What’s up Jimmy?” came Gates’ smooth voice on the other end of the line.

“It’s Izzy. We’re being followed.” She stammered, fear getting the better of her as the blacked out SUV pulled alongside them. Jimmy sped up again, switching lanes, cutting through traffic.

“Where are you?” he asked, his tone concerned.

“We’re on the highway, pulling off onto Riverside Drive.” Replied Izzy.

“Put me on speaker.” Commanded Gates. Izzy complied, her fingers shaking slightly as she did as Gates asked.

“Jimmy. What happened?” asked Gates, his tone serious.

“Night’s men were tracking us. I didn’t think that they would have. Surveillance hasn’t showed any signs of anyone watching the mansion or anything. We checked that this morning.” Replied Jimmy, his voice calm.

“I know we did.” Said Gates steadily. “Take Beech Lane and cut through the patch of woods behind the mansion. I’ll send the Berry Twins to intercept their vehicle.” The line went dead.

Jimmy made a sharp turn onto Beech Lane and Izzy turned around to look behind, ignoring Jimmy’s initial request. The SUV’s tires screeched as they made the corner, not too far behind them. A gunshot rang out, shattering the back glass of Jimmy’s BMW. Izzy screamed as Jimmy grabbed her and forced her downwards.

He swerved into a lightly wooded area, the two of them bumping around as they sped down the beaten track. Another gunshot rang out and Izzy whimpered in fear, silently praying to a God she didn’t believe in while clutching at Jimmy’s torso.

“Say down Izzy.” Shouted Jimmy as another gunshot sounded, closer than the others. Tears streamed down Izzy’s face.

Jimmy’s phone rang again, and Shadows’ name flashed on the screen. Without thinking, Izzy answered the phone.

“Speakerphone! Now!” shouted Shadows down the line. Izzy complied once again.

“The Berry Twins will meet you by the silver oak crossing to intercept.” Said Shadows, his voice filled with tempered rage. Another gunshot rang out and Izzy let out a sob that she was sure Shadows would have heard. “Be safe Rev.” The line went dead once again.

“Finally!” yelled Jimmy as the screeching of tires filled the air. Jimmy watched in the rearview mirror as the black SUV was cut off by the Berry Twins in their Hummer. Continuing to speed down the beaten track, Jimmy pushed a button and the back entrance gate opened up. Jimmy zoomed through the opened gate and down the drive way, finally pulling up to the front of the house. He let out a sigh of relief.

Izzy shook violently as Jimmy unbuckled his seatbelt then hers. Tears streamed down her face as Jimmy hugged her close to him. She buried her head in his chest as he tried to sooth her.

“Let’s get you inside.” He whispered to her. Jimmy got out of the vehicle and in an instant was opening Izzy’s door, extending his hand for her to take. She put out a trembling hand and he grasped it firmly, helping her out of the vehicle. Legs shaking with brutal force, Izzy collapsed against Jimmy. He scooped her up and carried her into the house.

“What happened?” asked Vengeance with uncharacteristic concern as Jimmy kicked the front door shut. His eyes moved from Jimmy to Izzy’s trembling body.

“Night’s men were tracking us. I had no idea.” said Jimmy solemnly as he carried Izzy to the living room. “Get something for her V, something strong. Poor thing’s nerves are shot to hell.”

Placing Izzy gently onto the large sofa, Jimmy stroked her hair as she curled into a tight quivering ball next to him. He could hear Izzy’s faint whimpers as her shoulders shook. This was not how he planned today to end. Never did he think that Night’s men would have followed them. He had triple checked all their Intel and surveillance systems last night and this morning. There was no threat posed at any time he had spoken with the head of security. Something was wrong. How could Night’s men have known? Unless…..

Jimmy’s train of thought was derailed as Vengeance came back into the room, thrusting a glass of what smelt like Jack Daniel’s roughly at him before striding out.

“Here Izzy, drink this, it will help steady your nerves.” Jimmy said gently, shaking Izzy’s shoulder.

Izzy peered at him from under her eyelashes, her eyes brimming with tears that threatened to fall.

“What is it?” she asked softly, reaching out with a trembling had to take the glass.

“It’s Jack Daniels. Just take a sip.” replied Jimmy stroking her cheek.

Izzy sipped the amber liquid and felt it burn its way down her throat. It warmed her as it went down and she took another mouthful. The last of her tears fell and Jimmy wiped them away with the pads of his thumbs. The shaking in her body had almost ceased. Feeling slightly light headed, Izzy smiled at Jimmy.

They both jumped when the front door slammed shut and they exchanged quick glances, both of them bracing themselves for the inevitable. Shadows stalked into the living room with Gates and Christ in tow. The look on Shadows’ face was lethal, his eyes filled with unbridled fury. From the corner of her eye, Izzy saw Vengeance leaning casually on the doorframe behind them.

“You. Get Up. Now” bellowed Shadows, pointing at Jimmy who gave Izzy an apologetic look before getting up.

Izzy watched in horror as Jimmy followed Shadows with his head bowed out the door. Gates followed the two of them out, shaking his head warily. Vengeance sauntered into the room and threw something over the back of the sofa. It landed next to Izzy with a soft thump; a bottle of Jack Daniels. Izzy picked it up. Vengeance hauled himself over the back of the sofa, landing next to Izzy with a smirk. Izzy felt her heart rate spike involuntarily. Christ joined them, walking around to sit on the armchair to Izzy’s right.

Vengeance took the bottle out of Izzy’s hand and opened it, taking a large gulp. He scowled at her before filling her glass.

“Looks like it’s gonna be a rough night.” He sneered, throwing the bottle at Christ.

Notes