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 belittled by my father further.
"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 before us. He was really mad, and I was feeling bad for worrying him so much. I have to remember that he's been through something no one should ever have to endure, and thinking of us in danger probably really scared him. When a man is scared, he expresses 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 me to feel really guilty. 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. The guilt of worrying him was eating away at me as I looked at him. 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 at him as he looked at me, then 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 doesn't lie to me, so he wouldn't lie about this either. He is right; I am 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 am not 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 seemed to finally relax 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 that was kind and supportive. One that was protective as hell and loved me like no other.
A girl can dream.
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"Harder, Lisa, put all your weight into it. Otherwise it's a waste of energy to even try and punch." Izzy was nothing like Davis as a teacher.
Where 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 that 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 is a great teacher, but he may be too gentle with me. It may be because he's worried about hurting me. Izzy could care less, if I allow her to land a punch, she will 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 in 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 that I had slept with Leo before. Why are 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 in 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 spared 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 never had any before. Davis was a good cook, too.
Is there anything he's not good at?