THE FACADE

CHAPTER 20

Author's Note:

1. Lucie Silvas- I want you all to myself

2. Tamino- Persephone

3. Rhodes- Your soul

4. Joe Cocker- With a little help from my friends

5. Goodbye June- Step Aside

6. Camera Obscura- Honey in the Sun

7. Imagine Dragons- Wrecked

8. Doris Day, Paul Weston- Dream a little Dream of me

9. Audrey Hepburn- Moon River

10. Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrel- Ain't no mountain high enough

Warnings:

violence, sexual violence, cursing, smut :)

---

Ivy's POV

The next day I woke up, feeling exhausted. The light was seeping through the curtains, lightly warming my face. My whole body was in pain. My side hurt, and my stomach was sensitive and rigid. I wasn't sure if my head hurt from the concussion or the alcohol I drank last night. But the warmth from James' body, who held me close, was very soothing. I was feeling safe, and at ease. I felt important to him. I was wondering if he feels the same way. I wanted to discuss this matter with him. Also, I wanted to go through the report of the mission once again to explain to him what I'd done there and what were my motives. I slowly turned to him, despite my cracked rib, and placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth. He mumbled something under his breath and sighed sleepily.

"Hi, soldier."

"Hello, gorgeous." His deep voice trembled in my ears, keeping his eyes closed.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Good, you? I tried not to move to not hurt you." He opened his eyes and looked sleepily at me.

"I'm fine. A little sore but fine." I snuggled into his arms, despite the sharp pain I felt moving too quickly.

"Come here." He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and rested his chin on my head.

"I wanted to talk to you about the mission." I started quietly. "And I want you to listen to me first before you say something, ok?"

"Agreed." His voice vibrated.

"Ok, good." I took a deep breath. "Where do I start?"

"From the beginning?"

"You promised not to speak!" I said in an offended tone but still amused by it.

"Sorry, go ahead." He smirked at me.

"First of all, I want to apologize for my behavior. It shouldn't look like that. You all trusted me and I feel like I failed you. I've never been a team player, I was always trained to work alone, to be alone. I was taught that the only person I can count on is myself. I've also never shown my emotions to anyone or the world. I kept them hidden."

"Of course, I've always said everything I believed was true. I didn't sugarcoat anything. So opening up to other people and letting them into my life was a big step for me. A very big step. And I think it defeated me in some way. I wasn't prepared for that because I don't have any experience in this matter, being a people person. So starting from the beginning..."

I sighed heavily and continued.

"Me, being in this team, with all these amazing, crazy people, I felt torn. I didn't know what to do, or how to act exactly because I'd never had this kind of relationship, at least not with this many people. The only people I've had in my life were my parents and Vivienne. But they're gone. And till I met all of you, I've only had Minnie. So the number of positive feelings, like caring for me, protection, and considering me as your family was overwhelming to me. I think I was ping-ponging between my old customs and my new reality."