"I'm sorry about my family," he called after me, and for a moment I felt really sorry for him.
I didn’t know him well enough to really know if he was a good guy or not. Time would only tell. For today, he was on my good side. I felt exhilarated as we entered Izzy's car and she peeled out of the driveway like a racecar driver at the start line.
"Thank you," I told her, really having needed this.
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.
