Secrets Leave Scars [EDITING]

30 - New York

Marcus's POV:

It had been two weeks since Ivan made a move against me, and captured Isobel. He somehow vanished into thin air after that.

I had my team stand watch outside the warehouse he was staying in, but there had been no activity. When we checked online, the property was up for rent again, meaning they were gone.

Everyone hoped he would take some steps back, but no one expected him to disappear. Without knowing where he was, we had no way to be prepared.

Two weeks later, we finally found something. The Steele Family Cartel is an extensive organization, meaning we have allies everywhere. A business partner from New York, recently got in touch with me about some suspicious activity nearby. Ivan had shipments delivered. Finally, we had found him.

I enter the conference room, preparing myself for another Dimitri-sized tantrum as he sees the mission team I've chosen. The five recruits are seated at the end of the table, ready for their orders.

"Oh come on not this again," Dimitri grunts as he enters the room. "Recruits!? Again?!"

"Yes," I reply plainly. "I've already told you before, this group has more potential than the recruits from the past 5 years combined. Now shut up and sit down." He trudges to one of the seats stubbornly. "Alright everyone," I start, facing the eager learner's in front of me. "Ivan has fled to New York, along with the other members of the Russian mafia. We're not sure what he's doing there, but we're making it our mission to stop him."

My eyes wander towards Isobel, sitting comfortably in one of the chairs. Her hands are clasped together as she stares at me attentively. I clear my throat, trying to focus on the mission, but her glare is mesmerizing. "Anyways," Kol steps in, "We'll be on a plane by tomorrow, get everything packed and we'll fill you in then." I nod in agreement and dismiss them, before returning to my office.

A soft knock on the door excites me. The excitement quickly fades when Kol walks in. He notices the disappointment written on my face and laughs.

"Thought I was Isobel huh?" He teases. I roll my eyes, ignoring him, as he takes a seat. "Look Boss we need to talk." I glance up from my work and raise an eyebrow at him. "You know I love you," he begins.

I look up, surprised and stop him. "Kol what the h*ll are you saying?" He quickly shuts up, embarrassed.

"I know you love me too it's fine you don't have to say it," he laughs. "But we need you focussed on this mission. I know you like Isobel and I like her too! I want you to be happy, but just... stay focussed on the mission, and then you two can live happily ever after." He raises his eyebrows, waiting for my response.

"I am focussed," I finally respond. He looks back at me, a smirk forming on his face. I slam my pen on my desk, frustrated, "What are you looking at me like that for?"

"You never denied it," he says, cunningly. "You and Isobel."

"Just shut up and get out," I grunt, returning to my work. His laughter continues as he walks out of the room. "Quit laughing and get to work!" I yell after him.

"Love you Steele!" he shouts, shutting the door behind him. I roll my eyes, ready to punch him the next time he shows his face.

Isobel's POV:

The alarm goes off at 5 in the morning. Everyone has to be at the landing strip at 5:30am sharp. The plane ride to New York from Miami, was around 3 hours, and we needed every minute to prepare.

Marcus insisted that he drive us to the strip, considering I would be late if I drove myself. He's constantly teasing me about my time management skills...

I pick out a medium-sized bag to hold all of my things, and begin to pack for the trip. I pick out as many weapons as possible, and stick them safely into my bag. I toss in some random outfits, before checking the time again. I quickly get dressed and do my hair before going to wait by the bar.

Marcus pulls up to the curb right when I arrive. He pops open the door, signaling me to get in, and I oblige. "Look at you being on time," he teases me. I roll my eyes as I buckle my seat belt.

The ride is quiet but relaxing. We haven't had a chance to talk about our kiss or what exactly we were, but I didn't mind. Not knowing made it feel less complicated, and less wrong.

We arrive at the landing strip early, a new experience for me. There's no one here other than the pilot and some body guards. Marcus orders some guards to take our things, before ushering me inside.

The plane is huge and expensive. There's drinks provided and a personal flight attendant. I smile and politely decline as she offers me a drink. There's a secluded area off the side, and a bathroom too. Marcus follows closely behind me and takes a seat. "This is all yours?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yep," he replies plainly. I frown a bit when I realize he looks tense. I sit next to him, leaning on his shoulder and soaking up the smell of his cologne. Footsteps come from the door and we both instantly pull away uncomfortably.

"It's too early for this," Axel complains, dragging himself to one of the chairs. Trinity comes in behind him and sits down. She smiles at me and I return the gesture.

Marcus moves to the front of the plane to work, while I stay with the other recruits. Kol and Ivy eventually show up, coincidentally together, and Omar soon after.

"How'd you get here before me," he gasps in disbelief as he takes a seat next to me.

"Very funny," I tease, scooting away jokingly. I feel Marcus's eyes on me and quickly look up. To my surprise, he's not watching me, but Omar. He almost looks....jealous? I scoot back over, blocking his view.

After an hour of flying, Marcus and Kol explain the game plan for the mission. We'll head to the address of the shipment, and attack strategically. Marcus walks to the secluded room, after announcing the vague plans for the mission. I discreetly follow him, ensuring that no one else sees.

I squish through the tiny door and press my back against it as it shuts. Marcus is lying on the bed in the middle of the room, stomach first. He looks up as the door shuts. "Hey," he grunts sleepily.

I sit next to him, placing my hand on his back. "Are you tired?" I ask softly. He nods and turns, sitting up. His hand reaches up and caresses my face lovingly. I smile as he reaches down for my arm. He pulls me close and I rest on his shoulder.

"I think we should keep this a secret," he says, breaking the silence. I look up at him as he brushes my arm. "People will start targeting you in order to get to me." My stomach aches as I think about being tortured again. "I don't want to put you through that." I nod and he kisses my forehead sympathetically, leaving a smile on my face.

A phone call ruins the moment and I slip out carefully. I stop in my tracks as I enter the main section, Trinity and Axel down each other's throats. I clear my throat uncomfortably and they quickly push away. Before I can say anything about the strange scene, the pilot calls out, "Prepare for landing everyone, we're here."