Page 20 of Ruthless Redemption

She also helped me into the dress and a new set of heels to match before encouraging me to turn and look in the suite’s expansive three panel full-length mirror.

My heart nearly stopped at what I saw.

I had seriously thought the black dress was perfect. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This one. It was true perfection.

I found it hard to explain other than it made me, more me. Sophisticated? Yes. Sexy? Absolutely.

It made me look just like my—mother.

“Oh no. Please don’t cry. We don’t have time to redo the makeup again. I’ve got to get you next door like five minutes ago.”

I looked at Nina in the mirror. “I won’t cry. I promise.” I turned away from the mirror and squeezed her hands. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Nina scoffed. “I have no doubt you would have been fine. I’ve already got the impression you have a spine of steel and could have taken care of business.”

“Probably because it takes one to know one.” We both laughed as she handed me my coordinating clutch and led me from the suite.

“I have no idea what’s so important about this fight tonight or what went on between you and your man, but I hope one day we’ll get to sit down and get to know each other. I have a feeling we’d be friends.” She stopped at the hotel room door next to mine and turned back on a laugh. “Although it is a little weird I don’t know your name.”

“It’s Isabella. Isabella Mazzeo.”

For a split second the smile faltered on Nina’s face, before she quickly recovered. I wanted to kick myself for using my full name. Izzy would have sufficed.

She knocked on the door and took several steps back. “Well, Isabella, it was great meeting you. If you need absolutely anything while you are here, don’t hesitate to ask for me through any of the staff.”

Her suddenly formal tone made my stomach roll, but I had no time to say anything more as the door behind me opened and Nina strode down the hall in the opposite direction.

“Izzy?”

When this was over, I needed to change my name. Whatever it stood for here in The Sinclair I didn’t think it was good and I had no intention of living the rest of my life tainted by the sick deeds of my father. Family or not.

This was it. We were all out of time.

Chapter Nine

Houston

Houston walked numbly behind Izzy as they entered the MC’s suite. Most of the club was already here and after a huge blowout between him and JD, things had settled enough for civility.

Barely.

Axel had held his own in their fight, which hadn’t really surprised him. His former best friend had always been a fighter and from the gossip he’d picked up here and there since his return, it seemed the man had never gone long between his times inside a ring. They also had the aches and bruises to show for it.

Fortunately, his reputation with Mr. Mazzeo as a fighter would account for any and all marks on him.

The marks on Izzy however.

Houston inwardly cringed. He’d lost control and there was no excuse for it.

He was about to fall down the hole of sick self pity, but the catcalls and shouted “oh damns” filling the room pulled him free from his thoughts.

Instead his anger rose as he took two steps and inserted himself between Izzy and the rest of the club.

He didn’t miss the arch of JD’s brows or the nasty smirk on Axel’s face when he did it either. Not that he cared what they thought. She was his woman and he would protect her—from anyone.

JD cleared his throat. “Let’s get down to business, shall we? I don’t imagine we have much time before Frank arrives.”

Izzy seemingly ignored his attempt to block her from view by stepping around him. “I’m anxious to hear what it is you want me to do.”

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