Author's note: I am glad you like my story so far. Thank you so much for reviewing and following this story. My chapters do not load right so I had to adjust how I write them. I kind of got lost in my writing and next thing I knew I had 8 pages. I just didn't know where to end it. So no cliffhanger sorry.

She turned at the noise of her bedroom door being forced open. It was Illya, his hand noticeably twitching. She took a calming breath. "What are you doing in my room?"

He was panting with barely controlled rage. "You were not home."

Is that all? She looks confused. "No. I stopped by a diner to eat. I don't ever want a repeat of yesterday."

He paused his hand steadying. "Oh." He started backing up.

She did not want him calm. She wanted him angry. At least, she knew he felt something. "No. You don't get to walk away without explaining yourself! You just broke my bedroom door. You keep going back and forth. You care. You don't care. Make up your mind! If you don't want to see me with a guys hands all over me, you need to step up."

His hand started to shake again. "You know I can't"

"No. You won't. You refuse to try." She looked up at him shaking with anger. She wanted him to lose it. "Maybe, I will let him kiss me tomorrow."

"No. You are mine." He grabbed the vase, next to the door and smashed it to pieces. He surged in, looking for more things to break. Only she was there. In his face. He tried moving away, but she followed him.

"No. You do not get to destroy my room, because you hear something you don't like." She placed a hand on him pushing him into a corner. "I tried. You still walked away. You left me. You coward." She slapped him. "You know what? I will kiss him. He's rich and handsome. He likes me. He won't walk away."

He moved forward. Now it was her backed against the wall. She didn't back down. Her jaw clenched, she stared him in the eye. "What are you going to do?" He punches the wall by her face. She doesn't even flinch. "You won't hurt me Illya." At least, not physically. She left it unspoken.

He backed away from her. Stalking out the room. Brushing past Solo, who had just returned.

She heard the door open and slam shut. She looked at Solo. Then down at her night clothes. Baby doll top sheer just below the her breasts with little shorts. She crosses her arms. Self conscious all of the sudden. "Get out Solo."

Only he didn't. He stalked into the room, towards her. She had never seen the look he had in his eyes before. "Solo. Leave." He grabbed her upper arms tightly shaking her. "Why would you do something so stupid? Are you trying to push him to hurt you?"

"He won't.." She was cut off.

"You push him far enough, who knows what he will do?" He growled staring into her eyes, trying to get through to her.

"I know! Solo! I know he won't hurt me!" She growled in his face.

He caressed the thin scar on her upper arm. He felt her flinch. His heart was beating so fast. It was a scar he caused Illya to give her. What started all of this.

He knew he needed to let go of her. His grip was so tight. He knew she would be bruised. He had just been so scared for her. And Peril. She didn't think Illya would hurt her, but he still remembers the thud of her body hitting the wall and the crash of glass. Pulling that glass out of her arm while she made a brave face. Holding her hand through the stitches, as she cried silently.

"S-solo." He heard her whimper. "You are hurting me."

He quickly released her arms and drew her into a hug. "I am sorry Gabby. Maybe Peril is right." He held her not even noticing what she was wearing. He felt no lust for her. Only, fear at her getting hurt. Also, pride at her strength and stubbornness. Even now she only took comfort for a moment before starting to fight back.

"No. That was an accident!" She insisted. Pushing him away.

"Yes. An accident, I caused." He stated, trying to push aside the guilt. "I caused him to question whether you were safe to be around him. And maybe he should!"

He felt the sting of her slap long before he heard the crack.

"Get out!" She hissed.

"I just want you safe. I don't want another trip to the hospital. Holding your hand while you get stitched up." He looked at her trying to keep his cool and calm mask up.

"Get out." Her voice trembling. "You know." She took a shuddering breath. "You know he won't hurt me. Not on purpose. Now get out of my room."

Respecting her wishes, he turns and leaves.

(Meanwhile)

Illya is stalking down the street not knowing where he had planned on going. The scene in Istanbul, playing over in his head. His old boss calling him. Making comments about his father and mother while trying to push his own agenda. He noticed Solo noticing his shaking hands. Heard him yelling something, but he had already lost it. Smashing things. The breaking noises were oh so satisfying to him. He was swinging wildly. He didn't see her until it was too late.

He squeezed his eyes tight. He hurt her. The one good thing he had going for him. He messed it all up. Just like everything. He wouldn't risk her. She had to know that he was too dangerous to be around. Still, she just shrugged it off. Blaming herself. For not calling out to him before rushing into the room. That hurt him the worst. Solo blames himself for calling her. It was logical, she had backed him out of his episodes every time. None of them saw this happening. He should have.

He just didn't want too. The days before that had been absolute bliss. A picnic in disguise of teaching her how to use a sniper rifle. Their bodies laid out side by side. So close. She was a good shot. She had been so excited about it and it was infectious. Soon, they were kissing. Slow passionate. Building up. She was so soft and tasted so sweet. She trusted him. Gave him the greatest treasure a girl could give. It was so good. Pure Wholesome.

He should have known better.

"Hey buddy! Where you headed?" He heard.

Ignoring the voice he continued on. Reliving her small body being knocked into the wall. Her head connecting with the picture frame. Her collapsing like a broken doll on the floor. Solo had ran towards her. He heard her moan and the horror of it all came crashing down on him. He ran. She was right. He was a coward. He was also a monster.

"Give us your wallet and we will let you walk away, no harm done." The voice called out again.

He came back to reality seeing himself surrounded. Five men had him surrounded. The one in front of him had a knife. He did not have time for this. He tosses him the wallet. Trying to continue to walk away.

"And the watch." Knife guy stops him.

His hands were starting to shake. "Leave me. Now. Or I will hurt you." His accent thick with anger.

"I am the one holding the knife, pal. Now give me the watch." He looked cocky. Laughing at him. His friends joining in.

"So be it." He sighed. Embracing what he was. He let the monster out.

(Following morning)

She woke up frowning. Inspecting her arms. She could use this. She chose a dress with billowy short sleeve. It would look like shadows, unless someone was really looking. She wanted him to look. Bring out his heroic, chivalrous side. He would eat it up. The charity event was in a few days. She needed to keep his interest. Innocently run into him. Her red tired poofy eyes...that needed to be toned down. She went to the kitchen and got some ice. Pressing a cube each to her eyes. She heard a clearing of a throat and knew it was Solo.

"Yes?" She asked.

"I am sorry." He paused. "About last night."

"No. You are not. You should be ashamed at having so little faith in him." She said calmly.

"Maybe, you are right." He shifted. "He came home late last night. Blood on him. Looked like he was in a fight."

She shrugged. "Did you ask him about it?"

"No." Was the reply.

"Then you don't know what happened." Her eyes feeling numb she tossed the cubes in the sink. "I'm going to bump into Ray. Keep him interested."

Solo looked her up and down. The knowledge dawning on him. "I see. Who wouldn't fall for such a pretty damsel in distress."

"Exactly." She grabbed her clutch and was out the door.

(A few hours later)

She spotted Ray. She casually walked across the street from him. Her aim, his favorite cafe. She knew he would spot her. "JJ?" Bingo.

She turned towards him, but looked like she was looking around before focusing on him. She sent over a shy smile and a wave. He made her way towards her. "Ray." She said in a quiet voice. "I didn't think I would be seeing you again so soon."

"Me neither." He smiled a dazzling smile. "What brings you here."

"Oh. I did a little shopping. I saw this little cafe and it seemed like a good place to eat as any." She looked up at him batting her lashes.

"It is my favorite place to eat. Come. My treat." He offered his hand.

"N-no. I couldn't. You have already been so nice to me. It should be my treat." She looked up at him.

He shook his head. "Can't say I ever had a girl offer to buy me lunch. Still, I insist on treating you."

She manages a blush. Taking his hand. Letting him lead her into the cafe.

He ordered for the both of them. They were soon seated in a quiet corner. They ate while, he chatted away about himself. Her mind kept drifting. 'He came in with blood on him.' Solo had said. Was any of it his?

"You will come to my father's event, wont you?" He asked knocking her out of her thoughts.

Here was her cue. Biting her lip. "You see..." She gestured in a way that would show off the bruises. "My father. Doesn't think I should see you. He did not have nice things to say about you. Or about my behavior yesterday." She looked at her feet. "I am sorry, but I cannot go."

He was silent. She took a look up at him. His jaw was clenched. Time for the kill. "Please don't be mad at me." She tried to draw in on herself. Sucker, she thought when she felt his hand on hers.

"I am not mad at you JJ. Did your father do that?" His hand brushed gently against her arm.

"H-he was just worried about me. He got a little carried away." She quickly makes an excuse for her nonexistent father. "He thinks you will just use me and toss me away. Ruin my reputation." She looked shy. "I don't understand why. You are such a nice gentleman."

He sighs. "He shouldn't have done that. It is my fault. Up until a couple of months ago, I was quite the playboy. I am not that person, anymore." He shrugs. "I don't want to be that person anymore. I can't change what the public rumors about me however." He runs a hand through his hair in a nervous gesture. "I am sorry you had to pay for that."

She shifted uncomfortably. "It's alright. I think you are a good man. I like being with you. My father. He's strict, but maybe when he comes back from his trip he will be in a better mood?"

"If he's not here. Why can you not come to the event?" He asked. His hand squeezing hers lightly.

"My father tore up your invitation." She looked at her feet.

His finger lifts her chin up. "I will get you another one."

"I-it's not just that.." She mumbles.

"What is it? Let me know. I will fix it." He was looking at her earnestly.

She felt a pang of guilt at leading this man on. She stuffed it down. She was a spy. This was her job. "My father purposely left me little allowance, to make sure I wouldn't be able to go." She blushes in embarrassment. One less budget expense paperwork she would have to fill out.

"Is that all?" He stood, taking her hand. "Come on."

"W-where are we going?" She asked.

"To get you a dress, and whatever else you need. You are going to the ball, my lady." He says. Sounding very much the night in shining armor.

"Oh Ray! I couldn't." She says.

"I want you there by my side. I promise I will convince your father of my sincerity. Until then, please. For me." He looked her in the eyes.

She looked like she was warring with herself. She quietly says. "Okay."

They were off.

(Meanwhile)

Illya reported to the secret lab. Replaying this morning. Hearing Solo and Gabby talking through his bedroom door. She still had so much faith in him. He pushed those thoughts away. He focused on his mission.

He noticed most of the grunts did not speak English. The scientists mainly communicated with gestures. However, he was new and not much of interest was said in the section he was assigned to. He mainly moved equipment around. He resisted the urge to look around. He noticed a female trying to move a box out of her way. He moved towards her picking up the box and clearing her path.

She looked startled, but muttered a "Thank you. Not that you can understand me." She sighed. "I wish someone would. Then maybe..." She sighed, then smiled and nodded at him, trying to dismiss him.

"Lisa! Here now!" She jumped startled and ran to the gentleman.

He noted the interaction. Something was not right. He had only been there a couple of hours, but he knew ownership when he saw it. Those men treated her like a slave. Lisa Henderson is what her nametag had said. He would mention to Waverly to get intel on her. She might be a way to figure out what is going on.

(Worthington Estate)

He was smiling and charming. Mr. Worthington was an easy enough mark. The man wanted everything. He was there offering his services to get things. He would be tested of course. Not a problem.

He tried to keep his mind on work and not worrying about the rest of his team. It startled him. He worked solo and he was good at it. Still, he had to admit he had grown accustomed to having them there.

Gabby would be at the charity. He was not sure what schedule Peril would have. He worried about him the most. Maybe it was guilt. He had been pretty hard on him. Gabby was right. He needed to have more faith in him.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. Please review! I'd love to know what you think about it. Log in and review if you have questions and I will try to PM you an answer(as long as it's not giving too much away.) I will try to get another chapter up tomorrow. I don't have much time to write during the week. I did not have time to proofread so hopefully not too many errors.