Breaking his Mask

Chapter 8

I croaked out," please, the file in my hands was an accident. It was not planned."

I won't give up without a fight. When I was younger, my father hired a trainer. Being the heir to a well known company, required for me to be able to protect myself.

"Please, I am not doing this to escape because I'm guilty but because I am innocent and want to save my life."

I stepped back and in matter of seconds the gun was in my hands with a short trick I learned. Clarke recovered and his hand shot out to grab my wrist. I dropped the gun and let it clatter to the floor. I sent it to the other side of the dining room. With my right wrist in his hold, I used my right fist to land a punch on his jaw. Still no grunt or any sound of pain. My eyebrows flicked up in surprise, my punches were known to be agonizing. 

Clarke caught my left wrist as I went to throw a second punch. I recalled exactly how to get out of his position. My eyes lifted to meet his frigid eyes. I prepared my legs. I had to lift my legs at the same time kick his chest and then do a backflip once he releases my wrists. As I was launching off of my legs, Clarke had other plans. He simply let gravity pull him down and with me under him. His weight knocked the wind out of me. 

I gasped out loud. Clarke instantly rolled over, pulling me on top of him. With my energy depleted, and my body still recovering from the impact, my head drooped and fell gently on his chest. It was like a lock and key, my head fit perfectly under his sharp jawline and chin. 

I closed my eyes in exhaustion, but not without whispering, "I have nothing to do with this."

Then I blanked out remembering his gun placed on my head. 

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Julian Clarkes POV

She had been unconscious for hours. One time too many this had happened. Too many people have cheated me, crossed me. 

I learned to be strong and cautious from the beginning. Unlike my father who was a good, trusting man, I knew to be careful. It slightly worried me how I found myself from the same position with the daughter of Lucy Richards.

I hunched over and held my head in my hands. I let out a sigh while deciding what to do with the  beautiful woman lying next to me. 

I heard Isla stirring, which I responded by straightening my posture and putting up my blank mask on my face. 

She opened her eyes one at a time. Her dark lashes framed her large, bright eyes. She tilted her head towards me, taking in my void expression. 

With realization, she jolted awake, lightly shaking the mattress. 

"What are you going to do?" she asked with fear. 

Hmmm, what am I going to do with her I wondered. I have a feeling she would be a valuable asset to me. Of course, I need more leverage over her. I definitely came to a decision, she is innocent. 

"I believe you," I stated. Relief was evident in her face. Her body once tense and strained, now relaxed into the satin sheets molding her figure. 

"As a matter of fact, I would like you to continue to work for me. I have a mission for you."

"Really? Like, I should forget any of this happened?"

"I am leaving for Lisbon, Portugal in a two hours. I will explain it to you on my private plane."

Her mouth dropped open. My eyes were drawn to her pink, full lips. She exclaimed, "Wait, seriously?" Uncomfortably she cleared her throat and requested to pack her clothes and inform her friend. 

I nodded, "Be here before 4:00." No room for argument, I left and buzzed Zack to accompany Isla. 

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Isla POV

By the time I left the place where Julian kept me "hostage" it was already 3:00. Knowing I would have to be back here at the apartment building in an hour, I set my walk at a fast pace. 

My heels clicked and clacked against the sidewalk. I wove my way through the New York City crowd. I made it to my apartment in record time. 

"Riya?" I called out. She must be so worried. 

I walk past the kitchen dropping off my purse and house keys on the counter. Quickly taking off my heels, by the door, I walked in. I opened Riya's door and peeked in. She wasn't in there. Her room neat and organized as always. 

I felt upset at the thought of having to call her and tell her I'm leaving for Europe instead of face to face. 

I took the sharp right turn down the hallway and turned the knob to my bedroom door. I walked in to find Riya curled up on my sheets. 

As surprised as I was, I couldn't hold in my yelp of surprise. 

It woke her up, she let out a shriek and jumped off my bed with incredible speed and pulled me in for a crushing hug. 

She screeched, "WHERE WERE YOU?"

I grimaced because she happened to yell right next to my ear. 

"I'm sorry I didn't exactly have a chance to tell you. And I can't tell you either, but I am safe."

"Okay, but I missed you"

"I know, I know, I love you babe."

"Love you too baby girl," Riya gave me peck on my cheek. 

Curiously I asked, "Why were you in my room?"

She lifted one of her perfectly arched eyebrows, "I had a really late night shift and after that got completely wasted with a couple of other med students at the bar. One of them dropped me off here and at your room." 

I could tell she was embarrassed, unable to help myself I inquired, "Who is he?"

"Huh, can't hide anything from you can I?" Riya teased. 

"Riya, you are responsible, I know you would only get drunk if you trust the guy."

"Okay...his name is, you can't laugh okay?"

"I promise I won't laugh."

"Romeo."

"Whatttt!" I burst out laughing. 

"Isla Richards, you just said you won't laugh."

I continued to laugh. Romeo and Juliet was Riya's all time favorite. When we first read it in freshman year in high school, Riya would volunteer to read for literally all the characters. 

"I am sorry. It's still cute tho." I pretended to wipe my tears. 

"Its not like he named himself. Oh he is actually from Spain. You know I have a thing for hispanic guys, "Riya rolled her eyes. 

"OH, that reminds me I need to tell you something. I am leaving for Portugal pretty soon."

"WHAT? how soon and why?"

"Yea pretty soon as in tonight. It is a business trip provided by....Julian Clarke."

Riya's eyes grew wide as saucers. I wasn't quite sure if it was because of the time frame or mentioning my boss' name. 

"as in THE Julian Clarke?"

Oh, I guess it was the part where I mentioned my boss' name. 

"Yea. The one and only. Help me pack will ya?"

After a quick hustle, I took a shower and said my final good bye to Riya. I didn't know how long I would be gone and wanted to leave on a good note. Thankfully, Riya did not ask any questions even though I knew she was itching to. 

A sleek black car was waiting for me outside. I gave Riya a tight hug and took a glance at my safe place, my apartment. I took a deep breath and opened the car door, finding Zack Wyles in the drivers seat and Julian Clarke in the back seat. Right. Next. To. Me. Again.