23

­Izzy pulled out of Matt’s warm embrace and tearfully looked up at him. Three tickets to Italy had been booked and the flight left in two hours. Matt looked down at her, his expression sad but his lips were set in a determined frown. Izzy stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him passionately, winding her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. Somewhere behind her, Izzy heard someone clear their throat. Breaking away, Izzy turned around and saw Jimmy and Christ standing awkwardly in the foyer with their suitcases. She smiled sheepishly at the two of them.

“I don’t want to leave.” whispered Izzy, her grey eyes pooling with tears as she looked into Matt’s hazel ones.

“I know baby, but it’s only for a little while. Try to enjoy the trip. You love Italy.” Said Matt softly, brushing his lips over Izzy’s forehead.

With a small smile, Izzy nodded and kissed Matt sweetly. He returned her kiss, his lips moving almost roughly against hers. Izzy heard him growl lowly and she giggled inwardly.

“I’ll see you soon.” He whispered, finally releasing Izzy from his hold.

“By Mattie.” Smiled Izzy, blowing him a kiss as she turned to walk out of the door behind Jimmy and Christ who had left to put their bags into Gates’ waiting SUV outside.

Izzy walked into the warm sunshine and put on her sunglasses. Her high heels clicked as she walked down the stone path. With a final look backwards, she waved to Matt as she climbed into the SUV. Jimmy smiled warmly at her and gave her hand a small squeeze as the Gates pulled away from the place that Izzy had just about started to call home.

****

Settling herself next to Jimmy, Izzy accepted the glass of champagne that the airhostess, with well-manicured nails and a fake smile handed her. Christ sat in front of them but was on his knees on his seat so that he could join the conversation over the back of it.

“I can’t believe we’re going to Italy!” squealed Izzy for the sixth time since they had departed. She took a sip of her champagne. “This is so exciting!”

Jimmy smiled at her and then shot up from his seat. “Do you think the pilot will let me steer this thing?” he screeched, barreling down the aisle towards the cockpit.

“I think he’s been sitting for too long.” said Christ, shaking his head as Izzy nodded her head fervently in agreement. The two of them laughed at Jimmy who had tried to handstand near the bathroom a few hours ago. The airhostesses looked at him appalled as he guffawed at their lack of good nature. Fifteen minutes later, a satisfied looking Jimmy was being escorted back to his seat by the same airhostess who had handed Izzy her champagne. She now wore a disgruntled look as Jimmy flopped into his seat.

“Well?” prodded Izzy, looking at Jimmy with bright grey eyes. “Did they let you?”

Jimmy shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the small badge with wings on his chest. “Nope, but the captain gave me a lollipop and this to go away.” He said proudly. Christ burst out laughing and Izzy followed suit.

“So where’s the lollipop?” asked Christ wiping away the tears at his eyes.

“I gave it to Sandra.” answered Jimmy, pointing to a pretty brunette flight attendant with bright blue eyes. She was blushing fiercely as she caught Jimmy pointing at her. “Told her to practice with it so that we could have some fun later.”

Izzy smacked Jimmy on his arm as Christ burst out laughing again, snorting every now and then. “That wasn’t nice!” exclaimed Izzy as Jimmy grinned widely at her. A few of the passengers seated near them threw nasty looks in their direction as Christ fell onto the aisle clutching his sides.

Eventually, Jimmy settled down and began playing Angry Birds on his iPad while Christ’s snored softly in his seat with his earphone on. Izzy watched the stars twinkle and dance from her window and found herself being lulled into a comfortable sleep.

What seemed like a few minutes later, Izzy felt her shoulders being gently shaken and she gazed at Jimmy with bleary eyes. Her eyes felt heavy with sleep and she wanted nothing more than the close them and go back to the dream she had been having. With an audible, half annoyed sigh, Izzy pulled her seat upright and gave Jimmy a withering stare that he seemed oblivious to as he bounced excitedly in his seat.

“We’re here Izzy!!!” he shrieked causing Christ to jump up from sleep, dazed and confused.

The three of them began to prepare themselves to disembark as the other passengers cast them wary looks. Jimmy practically leapt out of his seat to take down their carry-ons as Christ and Izzy exchanged dubious looks as they tried to stumble out of their seats in Jimmy’s wake. As they approached the doorway to exit the aircraft, Izzy saw the pretty brunette airhostess, Sandra, hand Jimmy a small piece of paper as she blushed violently. Jimmy’s eyes lit up and he pecked Sandra affectionately on the cheek. Christ and Izzy shook their heads and laughed to themselves as they followed a now skipping Jimmy through the terminal.

*****

Walking through the ornate front doors of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, Izzy felt her breath hitch at the splendor that surrounded her. The vast collection of art that perched neatly on the walls were enough to make Izzy want to stop and stare at their beauty. The three of them had been picked up from the airport by a friendly gentleman with a thick Italian accent who had greeted Jimmy and Christ with reverence. He whisked them through the traffic of the Eternal City and to a lush Mediterranean parkland where the elegant Rome Cavalieri Hotel was enclosed. The tranquility of the oasis was almost heartbreaking. Dazed by the grandeur, Jimmy and Christ both smiled warmly at her before the three of them were shown to their room on the 15th floor.

Izzy felt slightly overwhelmed as the porter showed them around their room which had four vast bedrooms complete with adjoining bathrooms and a whirlpool bathtub that made Izzy weak with want for a nice soak. The main sitting room was large and lavishly decorated from its matching furniture to the enormous fireplace. The view was breathtaking, as the balcony faced Rome’s skyline, the monuments that Izzy had so desperately wanted to see all her life almost in reach.

The moment felt bittersweet as Izzy gazed out into the distance, her eyes drinking in her surroundings. She had always wanted to come to Italy and here she was in the one of the most expensive hotels in the region with two of her friends and yet, she wished that the situation that led her here was not so dire. She wished that Matt could be the one with her sharing this view and her heart ached for the man that she left back in California. Matt’s parting words to her rang in her mind; “Try to enjoy the trip. You love Italy” and even though she wanted to enjoy Italy, part of Izzy felt homesick. She hadn’t spoken to her mother since she had arrived at the mansion almost 2 weeks ago. Matt had told her that her mother was safe and back to her normal self but with the breech in security, her mother’s location had not been disclosed and Izzy guessed that Matt would have moved her in fear that Jake Night would have discovered her location. Lost in thought Izzy jumped when Jimmy’s arms wrapped around her. She let out a yelp of surprise and heard him chuckle, his chest vibrating in that familiar way, bringing her mind to ease.

“You should get some rest.” He yawned, resting his chin on top of Izzy’s head. Jimmy’s barely had to bend down to do so since Izzy stood at a graceful 5 foot 9 inches, taller than most girls she knew. “Jet lag will kick your ass.”

Izzy pulled out of Jimmy’s warm embrace and trudged inside. Christ was hooking up his PlayStation to the large flat screen television in the living room. Izzy rolled her eyes playfully at him as she made her way to her room. Marching to the bathroom, Izzy turned on the hot water in the whirlpool bathtub and found some jasmine scented bubble bath which she squeezed into the steaming water. Pulling off her heels, jeans, tee shirt and hoodie, Izzy stepped into the bathtub and promised herself that she would enjoy this trip no matter the circumstances that brought her to the Eternal City. She was grateful that Matt had chosen Italy, it meant a lot to her that he did. Smiling to herself, Izzy closed her eyes and sank down into the water, relishing the new found luxury that had been afforded to her.

­­****

2 weeks later Izzy had seen the majority of Rome, Venice and Florence. She had reveled in the tours that she, Jimmy and Christ took every day. By the time they returned to the hotel each evening, they were all in dire need of sleep and relaxation. They ate at all the best restaurants and Jimmy and Christ took turns going on adventures with Izzy who was thoroughly enjoying herself. Ever so often Izzy would hear from Matt who would listen patiently on the other end of the line as she excitedly recollected all the places she had seen and all the things she had done. He would always tell her how much he missed her and that he was excited for her to come home.

On a bright Friday morning Izzy was awakened by Jimmy bouncing up and down on her bed. She gave him an exasperated look as the two of them fought over the blanket. He dragged Izzy off the bed and half carried her into the living room where he unceremoniously dropped her onto the large gilded sofa. Fully awake, the smell of eggs and bacon hit her nose and Izzy turned to the balcony where Christ sat with a loaded plate of breakfast goodness. Jimmy thrust a package that was beautifully wrapped into her hands. Izzy opened it carefully and flipped open the card resting on top of the crème colored tissue paper.

‘Tonight is the annual fundraiser for my Italian counterparts at the Grand Hotel Gianicolo. Someone as beautiful as you deserves a beautiful dress. I wish I could be there to see how stunning you will look tonight. Do me the honor of wearing this. I miss you more than you know. –Matt’

Izzy looked up at Jimmy who had a large smile plastered on his face, his bright blue eyes shining as he nodded at her to open the tissue paper. With trembling hands, Izzy pulled out a long pale strapless green dress that fell elegantly down to the ground. The dress itself looked like something that a princess would wear, not simple Izzy. Underneath the dress was a small velvet pouch and when Izzy poured its contents onto her lap, a diamond necklace with matching teardrop earrings and bracelet shimmered in the morning sun. Izzy looked at Jimmy again, self-doubt scrawled across her features.

“You’ll look beautiful.” He said softly giving her a reassuring smile. “You don’t have a thing to worry about.”

Izzy gave him a half -hearted smile, her stomach twisting uncomfortably into hundreds of knots. She would be going to a fundraiser in the most beautiful yet expensive dress she had ever seen in a few short hours. She was brought up in a home that taught her manners and social etiquette, but never in her 23 years of life had Izzy ever thought that she would be thrust into such a lavish world where she knew that she would be under heavy scrutiny.

Not going would be out of the question if the fundraiser was being hosted by Matt’s Italian counterparts. Jimmy had explained that these men were important clients and the three of them were expected to be there. Of course, Jimmy had Christ would be there for business. Around 4:30 that afternoon, Izzy felt nervousness overcome her as she sat in front of the large vanity mirror in her bedroom as two women worked on both her hair and nails, grooming her for tonight’s event. Any other girl would have relished being pampered but Izzy felt slightly uncomfortable for she was not accustomed to such things.

Izzy stared at her reflection in the full length mirror as one of the attendants draped a white shawl over her shoulders. The beautiful dress that Matt had chosen fit her perfectly and the color contrasted well with her skin and enhanced the grey color of her eyes as her raven colored hair fell in loose waves down her back. Never had Izzy felt so beautiful, neither for her senior prom nor her graduation. It was tonight, in the Eternal City did she feel like royalty.

Jimmy cleared his throat from the doorway of her room, a huge grin on his face. His eyes were glued to Izzy as he walked towards her.

“Wow!” he exclaimed, pecking Izzy on her cheek. “You look stunning.”

Izzy placed her hand in his and they walked together to the lobby where Christ was waiting for them, looking dashing in his black tuxedo. His eyes swept over her appreciatively and he gave Izzy a small smile as she straightened his bow tie. The three of them stepped out into the cool night air and were greeted by the same gentleman that had picked them up at the airport. He whisked them through the city that was teeming with cars and people and fifteen minutes later they pulled up in front of another palatial hotel.

Jimmy helped Izzy out of the car and Christ hopped out behind them. The three of them were escorted to a vast ballroom where regally dressed women and handsome men milled about chattering amongst themselves sipping champagne from crystal flutes.

“Master Reverend! Master Christ!” boomed a voice from the middle of the room. Izzy looked around and saw a portly man with white hair and beady black eyes walking towards them. He greeted Jimmy and Christ in that familiar Italian way and then cast his eyes onto Izzy who flushed slightly.

“Who is this enchanting young lady?” he asked kissing Izzy’s hand.

“This is Isabel Blackburn, our newest associate.” said Jimmy proudly, his arm snaking around Izzy protectively. “Isabel, this is Signor Camachio, our Italian counterpart.”

Izzy flashed him a dazzling smile, feeling more confident with Jimmy and Christ by her side. “So lovely to meet you. I’ve heard great things about you and the empire that you built for yourself. Truly remarkable Signor.”

Signor Camachio let out a booming laugh and smiled at Izzy with admiration. “Flattery will get you everywhere my dear!”

Jimmy stopped a waiter and took two glasses of champagne, handing one to Izzy and Christ before he took another for himself. Izzy took a small sip and smiled at Jimmy.

“Tonight is for friends and family. There will be no talk of business. Please, enjoy yourselves. Drink, eat and dance the night away.” said Signor Camachio clasping Jimmy on his shoulder before turning to greet some other guests.

Izzy listened to the music that played softly, the violins and flutes serenading all the guests who were chatting animatedly around her. A few men greeted Jimmy and Christ, never lingering for a significant period of time as Jimmy flashed them warning looks when their gazes strayed too long on Izzy. Izzy carried on small conversations with a few women who had complemented her on her dress and poised beauty. They were curious about her, asking numerous questions ranging from where she was from to how she had managed to maintain such a perfect figure. Izzy answered each one with grace and charm that surprised even her.

“Shall we dance?” asked Jimmy softly as Izzy laughed with an elderly lady wrapped in swaths of lavender, her neck dripping with diamonds. Izzy nodded and Jimmy led her to the dance floor that was filled with swaying couples, lost in the music. They saw Christ a few feet away dancing with a blonde beauty with large brown eyes. Christ seemed to be lost in her as their bodies moved fluidly through the crowd.

“How are you holding up? I know this is all new to you.” asked Jimmy, smiling down at her.

“I’m quite enjoying myself. I think I could get used to this.” She replied, flashing him that dazzling smile that seemed to have captivated quite a few people that she had met earlier.

Jimmy twirled her and they danced to two more songs, their conversation never faltering. Izzy was impressed by the change in Jimmy. Usually he was so child-like in nature that it took her by surprise to see him so reserved and calm. Most people who had met him had referred to him as Master Reverend and spoke with such respect that Izzy couldn’t help but wonder exactly how powerful were the A7X gang if they had reached as far as Italy.

“May I have this dance?” came a familiar voice behind her. Izzy turned quickly, coming face to face with a smiling Matt. Her jaw nearly hit the floor at the sight of him dressed in an all-black tuxedo, his hazel eyes drinking in every inch of her.

Jimmy placed Izzy’s hand in Matt’s and took his leave just as a new song started, the melody somewhat mournful and filled with longing.

“What are you doing here?” asked Izzy breathlessly as Matt held her close.

“I came to surprise you. You look heavenly.” He whispered in her ear causing shivers to run down her spine. He spun her around and they continued to dance looking like lovers that had spent an eternity away from each other. The familiar scent of his cologne surrounded Izzy as she curled her fingers in his slightly grown out hair, eliciting a small groan from Matt.

“May I kiss you Miss Blackburn?” he asked softly, his hazel eyes burning with desire.

“Yes.” Breathed Izzy, feeling her heart beat increase as Matt lowered his head to capture Izzy’s lips. The desire that surged through Izzy’s body caught her off guard and she moaned softly into the kiss causing Matt’s chest to rumble as he growled.

“I think we should make our escape.” He murmured to her as they finally broke their very public display of affection.

Matt led her through the crowd and stopped when he found Jimmy and Christ deep in conversation with a tall Middle Eastern looking gentleman who gawked unabashedly at Izzy.

“Make sure to seal the deal with Camachio, he should be drunk enough by now to sign the papers.” Said Matt coolly as Jimmy nodded his head. Izzy gave both Christ and Jimmy a small departing smile before Matt led her out of the ballroom and towards the hotel lobby. He held her hand in his and flashed her his dimpled smile that caused Izzy’s heart rate to speed up even more. They quickly climbed in to a waiting SUV and were taken back to the Rome Cavalieri Hotel.

****

Matt reached down and tangled his fingers in Izzy’s raven black hair, his lips attached to hers as she wound her arms around his neck. Neither of them were coherent enough for any type of conversation for the lust and desire that coursed through both of them was enough to cloud their minds. Matt spun Izzy away from him and pressed her against a nearby wall so that her back was to his chest. His heated breath against her flushed skin sent shivers of pleasure coursing through her already tingling body. Matt slowly unzipped the zipper of her exquisite dress and Izzy felt the soft material pool at her ankles. Matt kissed her neck, nibbling softly at her sensitive spot, eliciting a soft whimper from Izzy as he pulled his jacket and shirt off revealing his colorful tattoos and well sculpted body. Izzy felt her breath hitch at the sight of Matt’s muscles that ripped as he moved towards her.

Izzy stepped away from the dress and Matt’s eyes hungrily roamed her lingerie clad body. He pulled her towards him and they made their way towards Izzy’s room where they collapsed on the bed. Matt hovered above Izzy, his hazel eyes dark with lust. He captured her lips once again as he positioned himself above her and between her legs, his hips grinding seductively against hers. Izzy moaned and Matt took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, their tongues fighting the battle for dominance. Izzy raked her nails across Matt’s shoulders as his moved to suckle at her neck. His breath tickled her skin as he kissed down to her collarbone and she felt her back arch as his large calloused hand closed over her right breast, his fingers molding her soft flesh through the fabric of her bra.

With expert fingers he unclasped her bra and flung it away before he attached his lips to her right nipple, gently sucking and biting. Izzy let out a loud moan as she felt warmth pool between her legs. Matt’s free hand roamed down Izzy’s body and he hooked his finger in the waist band of her barely-there panties. He pulled the lacey undergarment off, exposing Izzy to him. Her grey eyes swirled with desire as he brushed his fingers against her sex feeling the wetness there. Her eyes widened as his thumb circled her clit and she threw her head back, a loud moan escaping her lips. Matt smirked and kissed his way down her stomach and then planted small feather-light kisses up her thigh. His fingers stroked her folds and Izzy bucked gently beneath him.

“Please Matt.” She whimpered as Matt blew on her heated sex, causing Izzy to squirm. He dipped his tongue, pushing it into her sex, lapping up her juices as she groaned. He thumbed circles into her clit and Izzy felt her back arch off the bed. She felt Matt’s tongue swirl against her clit, replacing his thumb and he sucked gently on her nub as he dipped two fingers into her core, pumping them in and out of her, causing her soft mewls and moans to fall from her kiss swollen lips.

“I want you. Please. I want you now!” moaned Izzy, twining her fingers in Matt’s hair and tugging slightly, causing him to moan against her sex. The vibrations it caused nearly made Izzy come.

Matt pulled off his boxers and positioned himself at Izzy’s entrance. He pushed himself into her tight entrance, moaning as he did. She winced slightly as he sunk himself slowly into her tight heat. He was by far the biggest she had ever had and he gave her a few seconds to adjust to his size before he pounded into her, her tightness milking him as he did. She was like a vice around his dick. She hitched her legs around his waist allowing him to thrust deeper into her. He continued to fuck her with long deep strokes and Izzy felt herself beginning to come apart at the seams. He shifted slightly and Izzy gasped as he hit those bundle of nerves deep inside of her. He moaned beneath him, meeting his thrusts with as much force as he delivered. He moaned loudly as Izzy felt a white hot ball expanding deep within her. Her muscles clamped down around his long thick shaft as Izzy’s orgasm exploded within her, causing her to cry out in pure blinding bliss. Matt’s strokes became shorter and sloppier and finally, Izzy felt him slam into her one final time before pulling out and coming hard. Their sweaty bodies heaved as Matt collapsed next to Izzy, giving her a small kiss on her temple. They lay in silence before Matt got up and picked up Izzy bridal style.

“Let’s go take a shower.” He whispered seductively in her ear as he carried her towards the bathroom. Izzy felt herself get wet again at the unmasked lust in Matt’s deep gravelly voice. Tonight would be a long night.

****

Sunlight filtered into the bedroom through the curtains of Izzy’s hotel room. She felt warm and thoroughly exhausted as she lay in Matt’s arms. His breathing was soft and even and Izzy snuggled closer to him. He shifted next to her and she heard him let out a yawn as she turned to face him. His hazel eyes studied her grey ones as a playful smile crept onto his lips. Izzy kissed him sweetly as he pulled her closer to him, nuzzling her neck. They lay in bed together falling into an easy silence as Matt played with Izzy’s hair.

“You were amazing last night.” He whispered in her ear causing her to giggle as his breath tickled her skin. She blushed at the sincerity in his voice and she kissed his forehead softly.

“Time for breakfast.” smiled Izzy, wiggling out of Matt’s arms.

“I couldn’t agree more.” He said flashing her a wicked smile before pinning her beneath him. He bent down to capture her lips when a loud knock on the door caused him to stop dead. The knocking continued, more urgent than before.

“Matt, get out here now!” roared Jimmy from the other side of the locked bedroom door.

Matt sighed loudly at gave Izzy a quick kiss on the lips. He swiftly put on his boxers and looked back at Izzy to see that she had wrapped herself in the royal blue silk sheets. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders, framing her face. Matt felt his dick twitch to life.

“What do you want Jimmy?” said Matt cracking open the bedroom door.

“We got the deal. Camachio signed the papers!” said Jimmy excitedly. “Morning Izzy!”

“Morning!” chirped Izzy, making her way to the bathroom.

“We need to celebrate!” shrilled Jimmy, pushing into the bedroom as Izzy snapped the bathroom door shut. “Put some freaking clothes on and let’s blow this town up!”

*****

Matt left for California two days later, even though his departure was bittersweet, the memories that Izzy now had of the two of them in Italy were enough to last a lifetime. He had taken her to some of her favorite monuments, this time allowing her to pull him around the area excitedly as she showed him the different features, putting even the best tour guides to shame. In the evening he took her to romantic restaurants followed by walks through the town where they did some shopping and bar hopping. Jimmy and Christ had joined them on Matt’s last night and the four of them hit one of Rome’s premier clubs dancing and drinking the night away.

A few days later, knowing that Izzy’s spirits seemed to have dampened slightly after Matt leaving, Jimmy took her down to the pool where they spent the day lounging around in the sun and drinking champagne until the sun went down. They laughed and talked and even allowed Christ to tell some of his ridiculous jokes that had them all cracking up. Izzy felt her mood lighten and thanked Jimmy for being such a great friend to which he responded by throwing her into the pool.

Jimmy took out his cell phone which had been ringing and answered it as Izzy climbed out of the pool with a murderous look in her eyes. Christ laughed at her sodden appearance but instantly stopped when she cast her glare onto him.

“Seriously?” Izzy heard Jimmy say. “Well then, we’ll be on the first flight out. Just don’t tell him. Im sure Izzy would want to surprise him.”

Curiously Izzy regarded Jimmy who simply beamed at her. She wrapped her towel around herself just as he snapped his phone shut.

“We’re going home tomorrow. Gates said that everything is back to normal and he booked us three tickets on the first flight out.” Said Jimmy excitedly as Izzy threw her arms around his neck. He spun her around knowing that Izzy was ecstatic. “You can surprise Matt.”

*****

Izzy could barely contain her excitement all throughout the trip back to California. She was practically bouncing in her seat as the aircraft taxied on the LAX tarmac. She had retouched her makeup and had chosen a new outfit that she had purchased in Italy. Dead set on looking her best, Izzy chose a pair of fitted dark wash skinny jeans, a silk white ruffled top and black pumps which fit as if they were made for her. Her hair hung in loose curls and her makeup accentuated her grey eyes, making them appear more sultry. She wanted to impress Matt, make his jaw drop when she surprised him with her return. After the time they had spent together in Italy, Izzy couldn’t wait to be back in his arms.

The three of them made their way through the airport and Izzy finally caught sight of Gates who stood with Matt Berry near the baggage claim. Izzy ran over to him and gave him a tight hug before pulling away and flashing him her new dazzling smile.

“Good to see you too Izzy.” He laughed as he swooped down and gave her a soft peck on the cheek. Matt Berry went over to Jimmy and Christ to help them as they struggled with the suitcases.

Izzy couldn’t wait to get to the mansion. She thanked Gates profusely as they drove down the highway for organizing their return.

“Things were getting kind of boring without you and Jimmy screeching down the hallways every day.” He joked as Jimmy chatted animatedly with Matt Berry.

Forty five minutes later, Izzy bounded up the pathway to the mansion with Jimmy in tow as Christ, Gates and Matt Berry laughed at their enthusiasm. She flung open the great front door and headed straight for Matt’s office. She heard faint commotion from within and saw that the door was slightly ajar. Izzy looked up at Jimmy who just shrugged his shoulders and he pushed open the office door.

Izzy’s wide grin falters at the sight before her. She heard Jimmy’s sharp intake of breath and felt his slender fingers wrap gently around her shoulders. Stunned Izzy felt tears prickle at her eyes as she looked on in horror at Matt who seemed oblivious to both her and Jimmy’s presence. Anger, betrayal and humiliation boiled under Izzy’s skin, threatening to explode from within her. Her breathing became ragged as she tried to tear her eyes away from the scene before her.

“What the fuck is going on?” she screamed, causing Matt’s head to snap up, his eyes cold and sinister. He seemed lost in what he was doing as the scantily clad petite brunette beneath him struggled against the cable ties that bound her wrists together. The lack of emotion in Matt’s eyes scared Izzy, she had never seen that look before; it was stony and dominant. Something Izzy never thought she would see in Matt. Confusion clouded Matt’s features as he stared at Izzy and Jimmy who both wore disgusted looks on their faces. The girl writhed beneath him, insensible to the disruption, her moans muffled by the gag ball in her mouth.

“Izzy……” began Matt, hastily scrambling to throw on his clothes, totally ignoring the girl who had been bound and gagged on his desk. “Izzy…please…”

Izzy turned on her heel, her shoulders squared as she walked away, fighting off the tears that threatened to fall. She refused to let them, knowing that they made her weak. She couldn’t be weak now, not after what she had just bore witness to. She made her way swiftly towards the front door, colliding with a hard chest. She nearly lost her balance but a strong hand grabbed her by her arm. Izzy looked up and was met by a blazing pair of green eyes. The look in Vengeance’s eyes sent her over the edge and Izzy felt the unshed tears cascade down her cheeks. She threw her arms around his neck and cried as he held her awkwardly.

“Get me as far away from here as you can Vengeance.” She begged, her voice muffled as she cried into his neck “Please.”

Vengeance pulled away from her and without a word, grabbed her hand and pulled her down a hallway and towards the garage where his black BMW was parked. Izzy heard Matt’s voice shouting her name frantically through the mansion, echoing off the walls. She could make out Jimmy’s angry voice mingling with Matt’s followed by Gates’ concerned one. Vengeance and Izzy climbed into the car and they pulled out of the garage. Izzy put on her seat belt as Vengeance peeled out of the driveway and Izzy turned in time to see Matt flying out the front door with Jimmy hot on his heels.

Turning to face forward, Izzy closed her eyes, tears leaking out from underneath. She didn’t bother to wipe them away. A few minutes passed by as Vengeance sped away from the mansion, neither of them saying anything. As Vengeance pulled onto PCH near the beach he turned to Izzy with a burning look.

“I warned you didn’t I?” he said softly, his voice filled with muted rage as he pulled up in an empty parking space facing the ocean. “I told you that there was more to him than meets the eye.”

Notes