CHAPTER 10: MIDNIGHT ASSIGNMENT

Mark?" she heard someone call his name just as the players were taking to the pitch, and they both turned to find Elizabeth moving in their direction, with her date in tow.

"What are you doing here?" She asked. The question seemed directed at both of them.

"Hey, Elizabeth," Mark replied smoothly. "We got bored at home and thought we could catch the game."

"Besides, It would be rude to turn down Ronald's invitation," he added, glancing up at Elizabeth's date, who had just caught up to them.

"Mark, it's been a minute," the man said, extending his hand for a shake. Isabella figured him as Ronald Shaw, the British business mogul Elizabeth was talking about.

Ronald cut an imposing figure, dressed in a tailored light gray suit crafted from the finest Italian wool. The suit complimented his tall, lean frame, exuding sophistication and authority. His crisp white dress shirt was accompanied by a black and white striped wool tie and a subtle crown-shaped gold brooch which added to his polished appearance, while his steely blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and ambition.

Beside him, Elizabeth looked equally stunning in a form-fitting light pink cocktail dress that highlighted her slender figure. Her brunette hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her striking features and bright blue eyes. The dress, modest yet tasteful, emphasized her graceful silhouette, while a pair of dazzling diamond earrings added a touch of sparkle to her refined look.

"Wow," Isabella mouthed, finding herself taken aback by Elizabeth's elegance.

"Isabella, this is Ronald Shaw," Mark introduced, turning to her. "Ronald, this is Isabella, my… friend."

"Pleasure to meet you, Isabella," Ronald said with a charming smile, extending his hand to her. "Mark, you really have to teach me how you keep surrounding yourself with stunning women" he added as he glanced at both Elizabeth and Isabella.

"The pleasure is mine," Isabella replied, shaking his hand politely, unable to shake off the feeling of awe at meeting such an influential figure.

While the men continued their pleasantries. Elizabeth pulled her to the side and repeated her earlier question."What are you guys doing here?" she said with clenched teeth. There was clear annoyance written on her face.

"What do you mean," Isabella asked innocently. "We decided to come watch the game… you brought the tickets, remember".

"Of course I do, I just didn't expect him to attend" Elizabeth replied.

"That's a good thing, right? Going out should do some good for his mental health don't you think… you should be pleased" she offered.

"Yes…yes, I am pleased but it's too risky… what if his seizure suddenly triggers" Elizabeth said with a distracted look. She looked anything but pleased as she stared in the direction of the men trying to listen to what they were saying.

"Well… we took enough precautions and we even brought his medication in case he starts feeling off. Don't worry, everything will be fine" Isabella tried to reassure her.

"Well I hope so… for your sake" Elizabeth hissed and walked off, leaving Isabella to wonder if she was just being over protective or if there was more to her anger.

Soon the match commenced, and the room fell into a hushed excitement, all eyes fixed on the pitch. Mark and Ronald continued their conversation intermittently, their attention divided between the game and their discussion. Meanwhile, Elizabeth stood beside them, her gaze shifting between the men and the match, her annoyance barely concealed.

Isabella focused solely on the game, the anticipation building with each passing minute. The first ten minutes were slow, with both teams cautiously feeling each other out. But in the 25th minute, the game ignited when Thiago, the new signing for Inter Miami, won a free kick just outside the penalty area.

With a powerful strike from his renowned left foot, the ball soared over the wall and into the top corner of the goal, sending the Inter Miami fans into a frenzy. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Galaxy fans looked on in shock.

From that moment on, the game took on a new intensity. Isabella watched with bated breath as both teams fought fiercely for control. The first half ended with a penalty for the Galaxy, swiftly converted to a goal, much to the delight of their fans, and the new shareholder sitting with them in the VIP suite.

During halftime, the suite transformed into a lively atmosphere, with wait staff bringing in snacks and drinks as the guests mingled and discussed the match. Isabella savored the experience, enjoying the excitement of the game from the comfort of the VIP suite.

The second half proved even more intense, with both teams giving their all on the pitch. Tackles flew in from all directions, and the referee had his work cut out to maintain order. Even Mark, who had initially been hesitant about attending, found himself fully immersed in the game, shouting at the players in frustration and excitement.

When the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, Isabella couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. The match ended in a draw, with two goals each for both teams. Thiago, the star player for Inter Miami, was awarded the man of the match for his stellar performance.

After bidding farewell to their host and declining the invitation to the after-party, Isabella and Mark made their way back to the car, the excitement of the match still lingering in the air.

"See, I told you it would be fun, didn't I?" Isabella said, giggling as they headed home.

Mark smiled, a rare expression of contentment crossing his face. "Yes, you were right," he agreed, his eyes shining with newfound energy.

When they drove out the gate, the sun was setting in the distance, Isabella couldn't shake off the feeling of joy and fulfillment that the day had brought. It had been an unexpected adventure, but one she was sure to cherish for a long time to come.

As the Mustang sped along the highway toward Malibu, Isabella relished the sensation of the cold evening breeze against her skin. But her moment of tranquility was shattered when Mark's sudden grip on her hand sent a jolt of concern through her.

"Mark, are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "Is it the headache again? I can take over driving if you need."

Mark flashed her a reassuring smile, his eyes betraying a hint of unease. "I'm fine, Isabella. Just lost in thought for a moment there. Sorry to alarm you."

Despite his attempt to brush it off, Isabella could sense something was weighing heavily on Mark's mind. She leaned in closer, urging him to share his thoughts.

"You can tell me whatever it is, you know"

"Yeah, I know. It's just a crazy thought and I don't want you to think I am crazy"

"Well, I promise to keep an open mind" she answered, trying to guess what could be making him feel so self-conscious.

"Ok. Now keep in mind that I'm just spit-balling here, but somehow I get the weird feeling Elizabeth would prefer if I never get better or return to the office" Mark confessed, his words laden with uncertainty.

Isabella furrowed her brow in concern, processing his revelation. "What do you mean?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Mark explained his suspicions about Elizabeth's intentions, voicing his fears that she may be more invested in her newfound role than in his well-being. Isabella listened intently, her misgivings about Elizabeth echoing Mark's concerns.

She had noticed Elizabeth was not exactly pleased to see them at the game. But I am not about to tell him that, she thought. So she said, "Maybe we're reading too much into it," Isabella offered, attempting to ease the tension. "She's been there for you through everything, after all. Perhaps she's just being overprotective."

"Maybe," he said, nodding in agreement but the look on his face told her that he wasn't satisfied with that theory.

As the Mustang glided through the gates of the exclusive Malibu estate, Isabella couldn't shake the lingering unease that had settled in her stomach. The weight of Mark's revelation matched the reservations she had about Elizabeth but for now, there wasn't much she could do.

The estate was bathed in the soft glow of evening lights, adding a touch of magic to the tranquil surroundings. Lush greenery framed the winding driveway, leading them toward Mark's luxurious home nestled amidst the opulent residences of Malibu's elite.

Mark navigated the car with practiced ease, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere as they approached the sprawling garage. Isabella stole a glance at him, noting the furrowed brow and distant expression that betrayed his inner turmoil.

As they pulled into the garage, the engine hummed to a quiet halt, enveloping them in a moment of stillness. Isabella hesitated, unsure of how to ease the tension that lingered between them.

Mark, I…" she began, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right words.

He turned to her, his gaze softening as he reached out to gently grasp her hand. "I'm sorry for bringing it up, I didn't mean to burden you with my worries," he said, his voice tinged with regret.

"No, it's okay," she assured him, her eyes meeting his with unwavering sincerity. "I promised you I got your back, remember? Whatever you're going through, I'm here for you."

A fleeting smile crossed Mark's lips, gratitude shining in his eyes as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. At that moment, amidst the quiet comfort of the garage, the rest of the world seemed far away, nothing else seemed to matter anymore.

She reached out to brush her hand across his face and, without a second invitation, he leaned in and kissed her. It was gentle at first but with each passing moment, it grew ferocious until she got up from her seat and crossed over to his side. She reached for the knob beside the chair and reclined it backward so she could sit comfortably on his lap.

This time when her lips found his, she was on top of him, fumbling to undo his blazer which she threw at the back seat. His hand was on her buttocks pressing her closer to his groin, and she could feel the heat of his erection through his pants. She helped him as he tried to take off her jacket and top and she gasped when his mouth found a nipple as he suckled it gently.

Her hands caressed his hair and she drew him closer to her chest. He took both her breasts in his hand and somehow managed to get both nipples in his mouth at the same time. Isabella arched her head backward as the passion overwhelmed her and when he noticed how crazy that drove her, he lifted her skirt and slid her panties sideways to find the wet sweetness between her thighs.

She gave a loud gasp as he gently caressed her clitoris initially with one finger then two in a circular motion. She bit her lips to stifle her moan but as she climaxed she let out a little scream. He smiled at her and she kissed him again but she wasn't done.

She reached down and undid the zip of his pants and with his pants out of the way, she eased him slowly into her, and when he was fully in she started riding him. The heat inside the car was palpable as they both turned up the intensity. When his thrust got faster, she felt herself getting close, her moaning got louder and in one explosive moment of ecstasy, they both climaxed.

As she lay against Mark's chest, her body still tingling from the intensity of their encounter, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. The lingering taste of champagne mixed with the saltiness of his sweat created a bittersweet sensation that seemed to encapsulate the moment perfectly.

Mark's arms wrapped around her protectively, holding her close as if shielding her from the rest of the world. In that quiet intimacy, with the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath her, Isabella felt a wave of emotion welling up inside her.

"I love you," the words slipped from her lips in a whisper, barely audible even to herself. It was a confession she hadn't planned on making, yet it felt right at that moment as if the weight of her feelings could no longer be contained.

Whether Mark heard her or not, Isabella couldn't be sure. But in that fleeting moment of vulnerability, she found solace in the warmth of his embrace, as she dozed off.

******

Miles away, in his shabby one-bedroom apartment in Cudahy, Matteo lay asleep on his old couch when the shrill ring of his mobile phone shattered the peace of the night.

Startled, Matteo jolted awake, recognizing the sound of his phone. Only one person had his number, and whatever the reason for the late-night call, it had to be important.

Fumbling in the dark, he searched for his phone, stepping on the leftover disposable box from his Mexican takeout dinner. After a moment of frantic searching, he found the phone under the sofa.

"I thought you had forgotten about me," Matteo remarked to the caller as he answered.

"… and why is that?" the female voice on the other end inquired.

"It's been weeks, and I haven't heard from you. I was wondering if you were having second thoughts," Matteo explained.

"No. Now listen," the voice replied curtly, devoid of emotion. "I have a new assignment for you… and I need you to do it as quietly as possible."

"Finally, some action. What do you need me to do?" Matteo's interest was piqued.

"I want you to watch someone and report back her every move to me."

"Watch someone? Why?" Matteo questioned.

"Because she might be a threat to our plans," the voice explained.

"Then why don't we just get rid of her? If she is a threat as you say," Matteo suggested.

"No, you idiot… No killing. Is that all you ever think about? I told you already, the only person that must die is him… no one else. We can't risk having a trail of bodies lead back to us," the voice responded, clearly annoyed by Matteo's suggestion. "Do you understand, or should I find someone else to do this job?"

Matteo bristled at her condescending tone but suppressed his anger. She always treated him like a fool and he hated it. One day he was going to show her, One day she would beg for her life with the same mouth she used to belittle me… but not today.

"No… I will do it," he answered, feigning remorse. "Who is the target?"

"The housekeeper," she replied.