17 Izzy The Teacher?

Lisa's P.O.V.

"What were you thinking? You two could have gotten hurt!" Davis scolded us, standing before us as we sat on the couch with our heads bowed.

I felt like a small child being scolded by her father. Izzy and I weren't looking down because we felt bad. On the contrary, we were looking down because we couldn't help the stupid smirks on our faces. We had bonded, and it was fucking spectacular. Izzy helped me feel powerful again—strong—like the old me. The me I was before I'd been abused by two boyfriends and further belittled by my father.

"Izzy, you know better! I've taught you better than to go out looking for trouble."

Davis was hobbling around in front of us. His leg was probably really hurting him, but he didn't seem to care as he paced in front of us. He was pissed, causing me to feel bad for worrying him so much. I had to remember that he had been through something no one should ever have to endure, and thinking of us in danger probably frightened him. When a man was scared, he expressed his fear through anger.

"She was just trying to help me, Davis. Don't be mad at her." I tried helping Izzy, standing and placing my hand on his biceps. I stroked his arm as I met those blue eyes of his. Those sparkling eyes that caused me to feel so loved when they looked upon me.

"Don't try to calm me down, Lisa. This is serious." This was the first time that Davis was actually upset with me, causing my stomach to twist with guilt. I didn't enjoy having him angry with me. It hurt me more than any punch ever could.

"I am sorry we worried you," I muttered as I looked at him tenderly. I wanted him to know that I was being genuine. Yes, it was amazing, and I would probably do it again, but I would do it with him instead.

"Promise me you won't do it again." He looked at both of us, looking at each of us seriously.

"All I did was what you taught me. The coward-special," Izzy defended herself stubbornly. She crossed her arms and slouched back on the couch like the teen that she was.

"I never do it alone, you know that."

"I wasn't alone. I had Lisa."

"You and I both know that Lisa is not as experienced and doesn't count."

I know he didn't mean to hurt me with his words, but he did. He said I was strong, that I was growing, but he still saw me as weak. I took a step back, removing my hand from the warmth of his skin. I didn't think I would feel so hurt, but I did. He was too worried about us and making his point that he didn't even notice that he had made me feel like crap. I felt small again, losing that powerful feeling instantly.

"She did great. I don't know what you're talking about," Izzy shrugged.

"We won't go alone again," I promised him almost melodically. My voice sounded off when I spoke, showing the feelings I was trying to hold back.

Davis furrowed his brow as he looked at me. In an instant he wrapped me in his arms, holding me tightly against him as he buried his head in my neck. His powerful hands held the back of my head, pulling me in and holding me in place. He shook his head at me as he spoke.

"I am so sorry, Lisa. I didn't mean it the way it came out. You're just not experienced enough to be Izzy's backup. You're still learning, but you're doing amazing. I promise I don't think of you as weak."

I nodded my head, unable to speak. I couldn't believe his words now. The seed of doubt had already been planted. I pushed past it, wanting to trust Davis. He didn't lie to me, so he wouldn't lie about this either. He was right; I was not as experienced. A lot could have gone wrong with Izzy today.

For example, Chris' younger brother could have been a dick, too, and then it would have been two against two. I wasn't sure I could have handled either of them on my own. I took a deep breath, inhaling the delightful scent of Davis' conditioner. His hair always smelled so nice. It was a scent that now brought me comfort when it invaded my nostrils.

"Izzy, please, for the sake of my sanity, promise you won't go alone again."

"Fine, geez." She rolled her eyes, but I didn't miss the small tug at the corner of her lips. She liked that Davis worried about her.

"Thank you," Davis finally seemed relaxed at this, his shoulders dropped, seeming utterly exhausted.

"If you don't mind, I want to train with Izzy. I think I might do better learning from another female."

My request seemed to surprise them both as they stared at me silently. Izzy then smirked, possibly excited about the idea. Davis looked at the two of us as if we were up to no good.

"I don't mind. I have a lot of free time right now." She smiled up at Davis, getting off the couch, looking at me excitedly.

"What do you mean? Aren't you going to school?" Davis asked her, sounding really confused.

"I finished already. I started learning in high school, and just needed another year to finish."

"Why didn't you tell me?" He seemed offended. "Did you have a graduation?"

"I just finished. Graduation is this weekend. That's what I came here to tell you this morning when I ran into Lisa."

"Oh," Davis fell silent for a few seconds before he smiled widely. "I'll be there, front and center. I'm proud of you, Izzy."

"Thanks." She smiled, showing me her youth. She may act upset with him, but deep down she was like any other daughter, wanting to make her dad proud.

I smiled, loving this moment between them. I wish I had a dad like Davis, one who was kind and supportive. A father who was protective as hell and loved their kid like no other.

A girl could dream.

"Harder, Lisa, put all your weight into it. Otherwise, it's a waste of energy to even try to punch." Izzy was nothing like Davis as a teacher.

When he gave words of encouragement, she gave 'don't give me that shit'. She demanded more, expected more, and I wanted to prove to her I had it. Her words were harsh, but never once did they hurt me. It was tough love, and apparently exactly what I needed.

I love Davis, and he was a great teacher, but he may be too gentle with me. It may be because he was worried about hurting me. Izzy couldn't care less. If I allowed her to land a punch, she would do it. It kept me alert and on my toes, knowing I would actually get hurt if I didn't dodge.

"Good, now let's add a distraction, because out in the real world there's always distractions. So let's talk about your dad," she said, throwing a punch my way.

I saw it coming and narrowly avoided it as I ducked down. She knew the subject that most affected me, using this morning's conversation to get into my head. I was rattled for a moment before I snapped back and focused.

"What's the plan? How are you going to take down the man you've deemed as unbeatable?"

Her question floored me, distracting me enough to be hit on the side by one of Izzy's harder punches. It hurt terribly, but it wasn't anything I hadn't felt before. Branden had hit me there a few times when I had angered him for talking to Leo in front of him. He swore I had slept with Leo before. Why were the abusive ones so possessive?

"I need to find his ledger. I've always been great at sneaking around his office," I replied, lunging forward to hit her. She dodged, but I didn't lose my footing this time when my fist didn't make contact.

"Good. What happens if you don't find this ledger?"

"Then your father and I will come up with another way."

"Don't count on him to save you. Save yourself, Lisa. You're more than capable."

Her words surprised me, making my hands drop the smallest amount. She took advantage of that, lightly tapping her knuckles on my cheek. She didn't hit me this time, just kissed her knuckles on my skin.

"Stay focused," she instructed.

Izzy was amazing, teaching me so much as we sparred for a few hours. We were both exhausted beyond reason by the time we stopped. We dragged our feet up the stairs, greeted by Davis, who had apparently cooked us dinner as we were sparring. He had made homemade cabbage rolls. They were so delicious, I couldn't believe I had had none before.

Is there anything he wasn't good at?

Feeling empowered by Izzy, and the beat down we gave Daniel, I decided to text dad. My fingers shook as I typed the message, but I was determined. I pushed my fear back as far as I could. I would face the monster today, before Davis did. Maybe I could appease him somehow, although I highly doubt it.

Lisa: If you want to talk, I will come to your office in an hour.

I felt my heart race with anticipation. I was nervous and scared of what he would say, but really, I was more afraid of seeing him. Today, I won't let that fear consume me. I would give it five seconds and once that fifth second was up, I would push it aside.

Dad, Who?: Come now.

Seeing the name I had changed his contact to, made me smile. He was not a dad, at least not mine anymore. He was a sick man with a twisted mind and little to no regard for his family. His ambition has clouded his mind so much that he couldn't even recognize himself.

Lisa: I'll be there in an hour.

I would no longer stop what I was doing at the drop of a hat for him. He could wait on me, and he would. I was done taking his emotional abuse and he would learn that today. When I saw him, I would give him a chance to break the contract for what Daniel did, but I doubt he would. If he still tried to tie me down to Chris, then I would show him this new side to me. I would unleash that warrior that had been growing inside of me.

Dad, Who?: I said come now.

Lisa: And I said I'll be there in an hour.

Dad, Who?: Come now or don't come at all.

Lisa: Guess I'm not coming then.

I smiled at my texts, feeling amazing standing up to dad for once. My heart was still racing, but it was more exhilarating than frightening now. It felt good not to cave to Dad's immediate demands.

Dad, Who?: I'll come to you if you don't come now.

Lisa: Good luck finding me.

I was almost tempted to send a winking emoji with it, but thought better of it. There was a difference between standing up to him and antagonizing him. The emoji felt like it would be more of the latter.

Dad, Who?: I'll give you 20 minutes then I'm sending this video out to the world.

I clicked on the video attachment, seeing my living room in the apartment. The camera was high in the hall and had a good view of the couch. I saw Chris holding that glass of wine I had given him that night. I recognized what this was instantly. It was the first time Chris, and I had sex. I didn't know dad had cameras in the apartment. I stood up so fast my head spun.

"Lisa, what's wrong?" Davis asked from the kitchen as he read my body language.

"I don't have a Dad. I have a tormentor."

"What?"

He looked at me, confused, as he made his way towards me. The cast had really been bothering him, making him want to tear it off with his bare hands. He continued to walk on it despite everyone telling him to use the crutches. I turned the phone with tears in my eyes. It was at the point where my breasts were out and in Chris' mouth. After a few seconds, I turned the phone back around, not wanting Davis to see too much. I still felt so ashamed for having ever slept with Chris.

"He has this video and is threatening to send it out if I don't go see him in twenty minutes."

"I'll kill him. I'll kill him right now." Davis looked beyond furious as he leaned down, grabbing his cast. He pulled at it as if he could tear it off with his bare hands.

"Davis, stop! You can't." I shook my head.

"I've done it before, for Grace. I'll do it for you, too."

It scared me a bit how serious he was as he spoke. He wasn't just saying that. He would kill for me, and it was a frightening sentiment.

"You can't. He isn't like that man. He's a public figure, well known by many. On top of that, no one outside the family knows what he's really like. It would seem like you killed some kind of philanthropist CEO." I shook my head at him so vigorously it made me dizzy.

"I'll run him over. We'll lure him to the garage and I'll get some random car and run him over. Then I can tear the car apart and no one will know."

"Okay, Mr. Killer. Let's slow our roll here." I patted his cheek, surprised by how serious he sounded. "It's just a talk. I will go to his office and we'll talk. Anything more and I'll let him send that out. It's probably a bluff, but I don't want to test it unless I have to."

Davis nodded his head in understanding, standing back up to his full height. He grabbed my hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of my palm.

"I'm coming with you, and you can't say otherwise. I said I would meet your father this week, anyway."

I didn't want him to have to endure my father, but thanks to this stupid video, he has to. My feeling of power was quickly gone as I watched the video again. My stomach curled at the thought of Chris' touches and sausage dick. I shivered, knowing my dad had seen this video.

My own father.

"Let's go," I said, with a nod. I was kind of glad that Davis was going with me, though. I wasn't sure I'd be able to stay focused and in control with this video hanging over my head.

I drove us since Davis' right leg was the one that was broken. When we arrived, Davis held my hand as we walked in, not letting go of it either, despite the stares we received. He didn't let go when we entered my dad's office, either.

"Cutting it close, Lisa," he greeted me, staring at the papers on his desk. "Sit."

He pointed to the chair before him with his pen, not taking his eyes off the paper. It wasn't until he realized I didn't do what he said that he lifted his gaze up towards me. He looked pissed as he saw Davis and then our interlocked fingers.

"Did you walk around the building like that?" He almost shouted. Dad never shouted while at work. Seeing him in his company was the safest place to do so.

"Yes, we did."

"You're going to give yourself a terrible reputation if you keep this up. They all know you're supposed to marry Christopher. All you're doing is making yourself look more like a whore."

"Don't worry, Dad. Chris and I will not get married. I will not marry a man like him, not now, not ever."

"The contract can't be broken, Lisa. You're going through with it, and that's that."

"I'm sure the contract can be broken after what Daniel did to me."

"What are you talking about? What did you do?"

"I did nothing but throw up in the bathroom. It's him that tried to rape me after." I shrank as dad threw his glass paper weight across the room. It hit the wall, shattering into a hundred shimmering pieces on the ground.

"What's wrong with you? You try to seduce him and then say he is trying to rape you when it didn't work. I knew you were a slut, but I didn't think you were this much of a whore."

His words hurt as he accused me of something so ridiculous. Was this what Daniel was saying? What Chris was thinking? Obviously, Dad believed Daniel over me, his own daughter. Davis couldn't handle it anymore, stepping forward with his chest puffed out.

"What kind of father are you? You call her a whore when you're the one that's put her in those kinds of situations. Lisa is an amazing woman, full of love and care, despite her upbringing with you. I'm here to tell you I plan to marry her one day soon and there won't be a damn thing you can do about it. She's not going back to Chris' place ever again. She's mine now, and neither you nor Chris will hold any claim over her. You will learn to regret how you have treated your daughter." Davis was stern and serious, not intimidated by my father in the least.

Dad was ticked. His eyes narrowed on Davis in anger. He watched him closely, standing tall and pulling at the hem of his blazer to fix it from his outburst a second ago. Dad walked around his desk, passing us to close his office door. He walked around, closing all the open blinds.

Oh shit.

"Davis, is it?" Dad asked, turning his attention back to us.

"Yes, it is."

"You have a daughter, Izzy, correct? I believe she's graduating from her vocational school this coming weekend. Welding, no?"

Fuck, Dad had dug into Davis' past.

"That's right, but I'm going to stop you there. Unlike you, I won't let anything happen to my daughter. You're not the only one with connections, only mine are a lot darker. So think long and hard before you try to threaten her."

Dear baby Jesus.

Davis looked hot as hell as he stared down at my father. He wasn't taking any of his shit and for the first time; I saw my father stammer. It seemed his plan had backfired, and he didn't have a backup. He narrowed his eyes for a moment as he thought.

"On the contrary, Davis. I'll offer a job and keep her under my thumb."

Davis laughed at that, surprising the hell out of Dad.

"Good luck with that."

Izzy would never accept a job from Dad. Not only that, but if she ever took a job from him, she certainly wouldn't be under his thumb. I was actually worried about whoever Izzy's future boss would be. Good luck telling her to do anything she didn't agree with.

"Dad, that's enough. We're done. There's no touching us, or Lucas and Liv. If you keep trying, I'll make sure you lose everything. I'll bring you down with my own two hands and take your business for myself. It'll be, literally, your worst nightmare."

"Lisa, I think you forget who you're talking to. That little video is the least of what I have on you. Are you sure you're prepared to have everything shown to the world?"

"Go for it, Dad. Ruin the image of your only daughter and your company. The only person whose opinion matters is standing beside me and he won't leave me over my past. Meet the future of the company, Dad. You can't live forever."

I knew that would really piss him off, to think of Davis or me running his precious company once he departed this earth. He could watch us from hell.

"Neither of you will ever run my business. You can be sure of that. This is not over, Lisa. I won't lose half of my company for you."

"Real father of the year here. You wouldn't do anything for me or Lucas, yet expect us to give all of us to you. I hope you lose half of your business and more. I came here hoping that for once you would be on my side, but who am I fooling? I'm done, Dad. You're all alone. No son, no daughter, no wife. All you're left with is this company that has caused you so much misery. May it drag you to hell."

I felt strong finally saying what I needed to say to him. My eyes locked with his in a deadly stare down, one I refused to lose. I won't be his pawn any longer. Davis was right. He was just a man with money. He was not untouchable, just difficult to get to.

I would find a way though and then I would take this place for myself and let it burn to the ground so he could watch as the thing he worked so hard for crumbled before him.

Revenge sure was sweet sometimes.

"You don't know what you're doing, Lisa. I promise you'll regret it."

"If you come for my girls, that includes Liv, you won't live long enough to ring in the new year. You haven't faced someone like me before." Davis was quick to remind Dad that he wasn't the one holding the power here.

My Viking was saving me again, keeping me safe like always.