BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Forget Me Not

It was well after lunch hour's the next day before I woke. Angry at myself for having slept in so late, I flung the covers from my body. Thankfully I called in one of my personal day's this morning before I drifted off. As I showered I convinced myself not to be so hard on me for sleeping late. After all I had went through a shootout the night before, a disastrous date, and some form of breakup with Demarco. Well technically not a breakup, you'd actually have to be dating the person for that to happen, but another rejection so to speak.

As I styled my hair and applied makeup I did some deep thinking. My life has been in shambles since I first laid eye's on Demarco. Oddly enough that doesn't bother me or the fact that I'm a lawyer and he a criminal. It's still there but my worry isn't as strong. However my main concern is the head game's he continues to play. He goes from hot to cold in zero point two seconds and I'm a grown woman who will not tolerate such behavior. Demarco needs to man up or move the hell on. In fact I made the decision to move on last night. That's why I chased him downstairs and laid that kiss on him. I wanted him to know how royally he screwed thing's up and what he'd be missing.

As for me, I'm okay. It would take a lot more than him shutting me out to hurt me. We barely know each other and have no time invested together so it makes for a clean break. I'm forgetting about him and moving on. In fact, I still have a upcoming date with Seth and I intend on enjoying myself. Demarco had better not contact me in any form again. He made his decision now he needs to live with it.

Before I knew it almost a month had passed since that eventful night and just as I had hoped there had been no word from Demarco. Finally that segment of my life had closed. Besides I was now working a new case that kept me on my toes and working late night's. My new client was a well respected socialite who is accusing her fellow business man of sexual assault. If I win this case I could finally get my name out there and possibly make partner. However the more I study this case the more it seems to be he's innocent. I am aware that they share a multimillion company and were past lover's. It could possibly be that she's out to seek revenge for a bad breakup as well as gain control of the entire company. What it comes down to is if I could ruin this man's life knowing that he's innocent for my own personal gain. On the other hand if I intentionally lose this case and expose the woman for what she is I could be ruined. Decisions, decisions.

On a brighter note Seth and I really hit it off on our date and enjoy each other's company at least three time's a week. It's not serious by no means but I feel it could be. In fact I'm knocking off early to catch a movie with him tonight. Spring had sprung to I opted to leave my car at home and walk to work. I had nearly reached my apartment building when I heard a familiar voice. "Hey Ivy, how you been".

Smiling fakely I replied. "Wonderful Jax, and you?"

"I've been better. Care to join me for a quick drink"? He asked hopeful.

"Sorry, I'm in a rush. Maybe another time". I said quickly.

"Please. I have some news on Jone's". He said baiting the hook.

Fuck I really don't have time for this and there's a chance he's leading me on so that I'll agree. Then again I couldn't afford to not hear him out just in case he actually did have something. With a sigh I said. "Fine but only one drink and it must be quick".

His smile lit up his eye's and he led the way to the closest bar. I ordered a water because I really didn't want to drink this early. "So let's hear it Jax". I said in a hurry to move on.

Taking his time to speak he finally said. "Jone's has claim another victim".

"Yes, I know this. I do read the paper and know his method to identify his style of murders". I said none to impressed.

"Oh". Was all Jax could say. I assume his wheels was cranking trying to think of something to add.

"Harper has him to do this. The women he attacks, their husband's or father's owe the Harper's money so he sends a message through the brutal killing of their loved one".

I took a deep breath letting that sink in. Could it be possible I thought and a mental image surfaced to the forefront of my mind. That night we was under attack Demarco stepped from the car like a machine. He alone handled most of our attackers, even finshed some off by hand. He was a deadly weapon, he could be vile and viscous, and I knew he had no qualms about killing a woman, but could he actually ordered this to be done. Not wanting to discuss the Harper's with Jax I simply said. "That's something I will need to look into myself."

"Take my word Ivy". Jax spoke with such hate. "Demarco Harper is evil. He deserves to be dead. I hope you took my warning and stayed away".

Checking my watch for the time I caught a attitude and put my tough girl front up. "Look Jax, I appreciate the tid bit on Jone's but who I do or do not associate with is not your concern. I'm grown and don't need a daddy. As for Demarco that's the past and that's where it will stay. I barely know him and I plan to keep it that way. As for you I don't care if you have information on the President stay away from me. I got this. Now I must go".

Sliding from the stool I went to walk away when Jax gripped my arm. I hissed out. "Take your hands off me".

Jax gave a smirk and whispered. "I know who your father is. I know you was purposely put into that orphanage to keep you hidden from his enemies but it didn't work. The man who raped you every night found you there. He was your father's worse enemy and since he couldn't locate your father he took his revenge out on you until you killed him. Even though you posed as a orphan you was well trained. Yes, I know your father was the head of the Russian mafia. Hummmm... what does that make you, his only child. I believe that makes you his only heir, soon to be queen. You know what the funny part is Ivy? The Hapers hate you. They hate your father. In fact you are the Harper's biggest enemy. If they happen to discover who you are, well let's just say you want live long".

My heartbeat was so loud it faded out all the typical bar sounds. How the hell did he know this. It was all true. I had been sent off for safety reasons. No one was to know my father had a heir. The man who raped me was supposed to have killed me but instead he wanted me to suffer. I refused to return to Russia after I graduated. I didn't want my title. I had my own dreams and I'm living them. All these year's I had been running from my title, disowning my family and kept my secret well hidden until now. "Fuck you". I snarled and broke free from his hold.

I needed air quickly. I rushed into the busy street's and took off running. Finally the tears cut loose and was blurring my vision. Once in the safety of my home I canceled my date with Seth and fell apart alone. Year's of tears, abandonment, pain came pouring out. I knew that someday my father would come for me and force me home to take my rightful place. However i didn't know if Jax was telling the truth about the hate between my family and the Harper's. I'd honestly never heard of them until I met Demarco. Yet I'd been so disconnected from my family for so long it could be true.

Eventually I calmed down enough and trotted to my bathroom for a warm bath. I looked at my red, puffy eye's in the mirror and felt disgust at my meltdown. Standing up straight I looked myself in the eye with strength. Using my birth name I repeated out loud to myself. "You are Ivanya Kerverso, future queen of the Russian mafia. You are one tough bitch. You got this".

With a smile, I sank into the warm bubbles and knew one thing only.... Jax must die, he knows my secret.