Author Notes: I'm really sorry for the wait you guys had to endure so I thought I'd treat you with something special this chapter. And for those who are not interested in reading explicit scenes let's face it, were reading Ezio stories here so wouldn't you think that hunky man wants some action eventually? Haha Thank you for reading! You guys are the best and I hope I can give more soon xoxo


Diamond In Disguise

VII: Mixing Business With Pleasure

The sharp, throbbing pain in her skull was the first sensation to register to her acute senses, groaning in response as she squirmed around in the pleasantly warm bed she had slept in. She recalled excessively drinking with the Auditore women, laughing, sharing stories, making obscene gestures at the late-night customers at the bordello but nothing subsequent like arriving back at the Brotherhood. Sighing in content as the scent of earthly spices and man floated into her nostrils, she pressed her face further into the pillow with only one image come to mind that it belonged to.

"Ezio.." the name he made so powerful, feared by foes yet charm any he attempted came out as a soft, sensual purr off her lips. Had it been so long since her last coupling that she was finally falling for his overbearing appeal? Perhaps it was simply the flirtatious charm he exuded that was difficult to fight after an extended period of time in his presence.

A sudden shift in the bed caused her attention to snap back from her daydreaming, "Dream of me too, bella?" the sound of his baritone voice sent the disheveled female springing up from the bed in surprise, believing to have been in her own privacy. Veronica shrieked as she was absolutely horrified with her lack of clothing while in the presence of the very man she was musing over and quickly snatched up the sheets to cover herself as she was only dressed in her under garments while the grinning Ezio simply donned the loose fitting trousers, splayed out gracefully in the bed next to where she previously was.

Veronica screamed, her cheeks scarlet flushed with anger and embarrassment, caring not for who she woke up "Why are you in my room?!" Upon further inspection, she realized he was not in her room but the other way around. She certainly did not have a fireplace in her room, an exquisite bed with silk sheets and many other upgrades she only ever fantasied of. For a few moments, she was too dumbfounded to speak coherently.

Finally, Ezio's smug expression made her voice surface, "Did we.."
"No, bella. Although you were practically begging for it, I didn't. Wouldn't have been much of a win if you weren't in the right mind," he winked in amusement as he watched her face twisted with chagrin at her brazen behavior while she was heavily inebriated.

She huffed, trying to summon what little dignity she had left as she shuffled to the door, gathering up the pieces of gear and armor strewn about on the floor, "You will never mention this ever again."
"My lips are sealed," his lopsided grin was disarming as he stretched across the bed, his naked muscles flexing and moving in a tantalizing taunt as his masculine, yet suddenly sensual, hand rested lightly on the chiseled abs he possessed causing her mouth to involuntarily water in result.

Quickly looking away, silently chastising herself for the lack of control on her part, she informed her partner and superior, "You should get ready soon, we have an important job today I need to fill you and everyone on. It involves the Rosa in Fiore."

Ezio's jolly persona was quickly replaced with sincere concern, sitting up on his elbows, "Are they alright?" She forced her eyes to advert elsewhere – any where than the muscles beckoning her touch.

"Si. Your mother and sister are doing fantastic at the bordello and what they have planned will be a great service to the Brotherhood." He visibly relaxed as he leaned back on the bed, laying his arms behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling lost in his thoughts. This unusual demeanor she was not use to seeing him in drew her in like a moth to the flame, approaching him in a quiet shuffle as she sat on the edge of the bed next to him.

"What ails your mind, Ser Ezio?" she asked in a soft voice, still trying her best to ignore the visible flesh.

"They're getting themselves involved in this.. they could get hurt.. If I lost them.." Veronica silenced him by placing a comforting hand on his warm, bare chest. The heat and sensation sending warm stirs in her lower stomach, she clenched the sheets tighter to herself fearing she might betray her own self and drop it.

"I can't imagine the fear you must have for something like that.. but I can tell you they are stronger than you think. They love you as much as you love them, even Claudia. Which is why they want to help and do something." Ezio heaved a sigh, knowing her words to be right but it didn't stop the worry for their safety. Smiling up to the blonde vixen who was still in such close proximity than usual, he couldn't restrain himself as he gently grasp her hand with his and placed a soft kiss in her palm. He was certain she wasn't aware of the charm even she had as she smiled endearingly while her vibrant blue eyes warmed with an emotion he hadn't seen in so long. He cautiously tested the waters by taking the hand he still held and gently pulled her down to his face to capture her lips with his. Remembering how supple and velvety they were, he accidentally moaned as he lost himself in the bliss they provided. Parting her lips with his tongue – to much of his joy she didn't fight – he began to search the uncharted cavern of her sweet, wine laced mouth. Battling with hers for a moment of dominance, not too surprised as she always was a proud, independent woman. The taste of this new step between the two assassins was enrapturing and ended far too soon for both of them as Veronica broke away first for air, Ezio realizing he had needed it too afterward. Their lips tingled in the aftermath, yearning for more but to no avail as Veronica gently slink out of his arms with a coy smile at his begging expression.

"I have to admit, you're a good kisser," she complimented as she walked towards the door, reluctantly, as her body was aching for more.

"I can still show you what else I'm good at," Ezio quickly responded, almost eager to finally lay claim to her in his bed.

She blushed, feeling her knees getting weaker. Thankfully she was holding on to the doorknob, "When the time is right." And she exited, with haste, before the voice of reason was kicked out by the kicking and screaming voice of sin.

She sighed, placing a hand over her heart to steady the hard thrum it was beating at, 'Be still my heart.' Was loving a good idea in this line of work? She placed those thoughts to the back of her mind and began the walk of shame to her room, thankful for no one to witness it.

"A child from Auditore and Minelli blood would be powerful." Or so she thought. She gasped and whipped around to see Aslan Sessiz standing a few yards down the stone hall. Was he there before? No, she concluded she would have saw him. He was a sneaky one, definitely would make a great assassin.

"What? No, no. I wasn't.. with Ezio? No," Veronica stammered over her words, utterly embarrassed.

Aslan quickly regarded her lack of clothing and that she was leaving their superior's room at an early hour of the morning with a disbelieving rise of the brow. He merely shrugged, "No business of mine," and walked back towards the barracks with hardly a noise in his steps.

She wanted to argue for the sake of her dignity but found it would be difficult due to having evidence that could say otherwise, she simply huffed and quickly shuffled to her room before she ran into anyone else this morning. It was a long debate she had with herself but Veronica opted on wearing her normal assassin's armor, considering it was her uniform after all. Slipping on the armor and strapping on her old set of weapons, she didn't want to take her new set if she wouldn't be getting in on any of the action like the rest of the men tonight. She grumbled in disdain, as at times she really hated being a woman in this world. Leaving her hood down to let her blonde hair flare out around her shoulders instead of it being confined in a ponytail as she usually had it, she was satisfied enough with her appearance. Exiting her room to joined the small crowd of men she can hear chattering from down the hall, it was no doubt the Master Assassino was able to round them up quickly and effortlessly.

Once Veronica had entered the main room, Ezio rose his hand in the air – easily silencing the men, "Brothers, allow me to present Midonna Veronica Minelli. The daughter of a powerful assassin lineage, my partner, and your superior as well."

The recruits humbly bowed, speaking in unison, "Maestra (Mistress {female form of Maestro})."

She was surprised with both Ser Ezio's words and the reaction it caused but did her best to not convey it. "Grazie, mio fratelli (Thank you, my brothers). We all have an important task today that will be pivotal in establishing our purpose here in Roma and finally work to ridding our home of that Borgia trash." The recruits roared a cheer, pumped to hear the mission. Ezio Auditore smirked under his hood as he watched in interest his partner take charge, slowly but surely he can see her growing in confidence and skill.

"We are to aid Maestro Auditores at the Rosa in Fiore, providing them with guards disguised as citizens 'visiting' the bordello. Some of you will be scouting the perimeters for the night and the rest will be on Ser Ezio's call when he needs assistance if he chooses to deliver a cazzo (prick) to his maker. Stay focused, stay alert and I better not catch any of you drinking on the job or fottere (fucking) one of the girls, understood?" The men stood erect and saluted their superior with a fist over their chest before being dismissed by Ser Ezio, quickly strutting out the room to prepare.

"Benissimo (Very good), midonna. I have no doubt I could leave you in charge for a period of time."

Veronica blushed at his praise, "I'm catching on from watching you, Ser Ezio."

Ezio brushed a strand of blonde hair that had fallen in front of her face during her speech, tucking it behind her ear and letting his hand linger on her cheek. She responded by nestling into his large, slightly calloused hand, savoring the tender moment before she knew her next words would ruin it.

"I want to be disguise as a man for tonight."

"No," Ezio's deadpan voice rang out through the room as he pulled his hand away, the sentiment suddenly gone as he turned and strode down the halls to his office with Veronica chasing after him.

"Why not? I am just as skilled as the men!"

Ezio paused in his steps, nearly causing her to crash into him, and faced her with a sigh, "This is not about skill, bella. What you are suggesting is dangerous because you're a woman posing as a man in a bordello on a night where important cardinals and generals will be there. If they knew.." He trailed off pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to fight the images of her lifeless or worse corpse laying abandoned in an alley.

Veronica hoped she wouldn't have to concede with Claudia's original plan but figured it would be the only way if she was to participate, "Fine. If you don't want me as a guard, then I can be disguised as a maid. Not a prositituta, just a bar tender."

His honey eyes drilled into her aqua peepers before he grumbled, "You do not leave my sight for even a moment, compreso (understood)?"

She rolled her eyes before attempting to stalk away, only to feel him gently grab her forearm and pull her back into his arms suddenly capturing her lips with his without warning. She gasped in shock, granting him the advantage of darting his hot tongue into her cavernous mouth to battle her own tongue for a moment of dominance – similar to earlier but this time it seemed more feral – before ripping away from her, "Understood?" He demanded.

"Yes!" She nearly moaned out, wondering what in Dio's name was his big deal. Satisfied with her answer, he released her and walked into his office – shutting and locking it behind him – to finish his side of the preparations for tonight. Veronica stared incredulously at the door, attempting to gauge Ezio's sudden wild yet serious behavior; almost like he was on edge about her participation in the event but for what reason? Nothing could go wrong, could it?

Double checking all her equipment for the night, her small knives, stiletto, and her standard short sword – not taking the chance of bringing her new supplies if she won't be seeing any action. She bounded out for the exit and located the nearest local stable. Handing the young stable boy the rent amount and a little extra for a tip, she mounted up and kicked the colt's side in excitement and held on as it bolted down the streets in response. The colt and Veronica's blood pumped with adrenaline as they carefully weaved through the crowds of people, only slowing down when stationed guards were ahead as to not draw suspicion but once they were safely past, they took off again with the wind whipping through her mid-length blonde hair. Finally at her destination, Veronica can see the event was under way as the girls were carrying in crates of wine and food inside the bordello for the busy night. She was able to spot some of the recruits disguised as normal civilians, as they casually ambled by the front; one pretending to be a drunk in the nearby alley, and she was certain the rest were inside at their posts. All that remained was Ezio and herself assuming their job then everything was ready. Entering the main room careful as to not bump into any of the busy courtesans, Veronica was able to spot Claudia pointing to girls where to place items as she arranged a bouquet of flowers in a vase.

"Salve, Claudia," Veronica greeted as she approached.

Claudia's demeanor brightened cheerfully, the relationship between the two young ladies greatly improved since last night, "You're here, finally! Seguire (Follow) we have a lot to do." She was confused as to what the noblewoman meant by that but complied nevertheless, following in silence as she was lead up the large spiral staircase to the second floor and down a series of halls until Claudia stopped in front of one door. "Go in here and undress, everything should be ready for you." Claudia sighed and opened the door for her, pushing the confused assassin inside.

Veronica looked around the fully furnished washroom with a bath tub filled with steaming water, bottles of items she had no clue about. Not wanting to be taken off the job she already had a hard time getting, she disrobed grumbling along the way. Personally, she thought she looked just find the way she was. 'Ser Ezio doesn't have a problem with it,' she thought with a haughty pout. Carefully sinking into the steaming water, Veronica moaned in content as she could not remember the last time she enjoyed the experience of a hot bath. She uncorked the various bottles until she finally came across a scent she preferred among the rest then dumped the contents into the water and began washing herself in it. Although she cherished her moments of hygienic euphoria and the familiar floral scents of the country side, Veronica's privacy would be cut short.

"Are you done?" Claudia waltzed into the room without a knock, desensitized from her time spent among courtesans, as she stood incredulously looking down at the disheveled woman struggling to cover herself up with her arms.

Veronica fumed in embarrassment, "Couldn't you knock?"

Claudia huffed in response, "We don't have time for modesty, get out so we can get you dried off and dressed."

Much to her dismay, Claudia didn't even turn around, only urging the female assassin to quicken her pace and forget modesty as she 'already knew the kind of bits and pieces she had'. Veronica was slightly perturbed and thankful she wasn't around courtesans this much. After some work of drying her off and putting on new, silk undergarments, Claudia laid out a dress that would even have the most prudes of Roman men wagging their tongues. She reckoned it would only go as far as reaching above her knee in length but the bust line was dangerously low for her taste. Her own assets would be practically hanging out, just like the courtesans.

"This was the nicest one I could find, so I better not hear you complain," Claudia could almost hear her ally's discomfort. "Besides, I think Ezio would like to see you in something like this for a change." She giggled as Veronica's face contorted to that of shyness.

As Claudia assisted her into her disguise for the evening, she went over a simple set of rules for the night, "No fighting, no attitude at the customers, be kind even when they're not and for the love of Dio, smile."

"I have to smile at them too!? I could never be a courtesan." A puff of air escaped Veronica as Claudia tightened the final strings on the bodice. Looking over her appearance in a full-length mirror, she was surprised to see an hourglass figure the dress displayed.

"You may not be able to be a courtesan, but you could possibly be the most beautiful one here tonight," Veronica's face lit up at Claudia's genuine compliment.

"Now, for your hair and makeup and the show will begin.." The two, young ladies stared at the assortment of makeup on the vanity to choose from as Veronica wondered what she had gotten herself into. Hoping, Claudia wouldn't go overboard on her objective..


Ezio Auditore quietly weaved through the room of chattering cardinals, and political officials as his calculating, honey dipped eyes assessed each individual and memorized their rank based on their obvious attire. 'Holy' cardinals, the princes of the church, a general with local captains dragging on his coattails, doing anything they could to butter up their superior. Courtesans were on the lap of every notable official, laughing, conversing, only pausing for a fraction of a second to give the prowling killer a supportive nod of their head, signaling to him someone worth remembering in the group. He only, subtly brushed against his mother as she secretly delivered a folded list of names she gathered from the courtesans hard work. He slipped the paper into his pocket and continued walking through the bordello, his eyes searching for one person in particular.

"Claudia," Ezio's assertive yet hushed tone instantly grabbed the young, noblewoman's attention but she dared not turned to his direction, "Where is Midonna Minelli?"

"She's at the bar, to your right. Don't you see her?" Claudia smirked in excitement, wanting to see her brother's reaction to the transformation she had done to the female assassin but knew she would not as she had much to do; as Claudia Auditore always did. Ezio immediately made for a bee-line trail to the bar where he could see a huddled mass of men had gathered around. He was eager to see what they were looking at.

"Grab your drink and keep it moving, stronzo!" Ezio immediately recognized the harsh voice of its owner before he managed to wedge himself between two captains at the bar.

"I like 'em fiery!" one jeered as the rest cheered along. He would have immediately came to the defense of his partner but was too awestruck by her appearance to formulate a sentence. Veronica wore an all black lace bodice dress that its shortness in length caused Ezio's jaw to slack in shock. Her blonde, usually tussled hair was maintained in an elegant bun while strands of curls hung softly around her soft yet fierce face. It was sexy yet dangerous looking, Ezio couldn't blame the other men for hanging around the bar now. Once her vibrant blue hues that the black dress made stand out caught the familiar sight of the assassin, her expression shifted for a moment in a small grin that made her look even more devilish.

"Clara, come take over for me, will you?" Veronica called out to a nearby courtesan, much to the mens' disappointed as they groaned and shuffled away. Ezio delivered the best charming smirk he could muster as he strolled around the bar with swagger in his step. She simply rolled her eyes and lead him to a secluded corner of the bordello, behind curtains away from any prying eyes.

Once in their privacy, Ezio's smooth, deep voice rumbled from his chest, "Midonna, you look.. stunning," as he leaned in closer to her for a more seducing affect.

A flush of pink enveloped her already rosy cheeks from the makeup that she donned, "Thank you, Ser Ezio." Her eyes were locked with his, subconsciously aware but powerless in that moment to move as he slowly closed the small distance between them as if he truly was a predator with its sight set on the prey. She attempted to push him away with her hands on his chest, to no avail as it was already too late, his lips had descended on to hers searing with unnamed passion between the two. Both their minds swirled as some mysterious magnetic force pulled the two closer together with Ezio pushing Veronica against the wall behind her.

Fire roared in the loins of the female assassin but the voice of reason that was diminishing quite fast reminded her this was not the place or time but as his mouth began its onslaught on her sensitive nape of her neck, she kicked the voice of reason our the door. With fierce lust, she pulled Ezio's face away from her neck to look him in the eye, "This will not count as our first coupling." His mind was clouded with lust and didn't comprehend what his intoxicating vixen meant until he felt a hand slip into his trousers to grasp the eager, patiently waiting appendage. He gasped at both the shock of pleasure and what she wanted from him forthwith.

Veronica couldn't say she was surprised at the girth she had discovered her superior possessed, as she knew full-well he had to have previously been a 'Ladies Man' for some reason. She just briefly wondered if she could handle it all.

"Veronica," Ezio grounded out in strain, letting her know what needed to be done – or started for that matter. She threw her arms around his neck as he hoisted her up by the waist, letting her legs latch around him. Her heart pounded rhythmically in her chest in excitement, the fire between her legs begging to be put out.

"Are you sure?" Veronica growled in frustration at his question, their eyes at a level of each other to easily see the wanton desire between them.

"If you don't want to, I'll take care of it myself," Ezio smirked at her fiery nature even during intimacy and thanked his lucky stars for coming across such a woman. Pushing aside the soft material of fabric he stroked the spongy head of his erect member against the sensitive – soaked – lips of her sex.

Veronica hissed in warning, "Ezio Auditore," making him smirk devilishly before he gently began pushing his length in entirety inside her. The world around them went mute as all the two assassin's focused on were each other's gasps of pleasure and Veronica's mews as she felt her walls stretch to adjust for the beast plunging into her core setting her body on fire. She dug her nails into his leather armored shoulders, as he lapped and bit at her neck til it was as rosy as her cheeks. She could feel that edge of the cliff coming quickly, being that she had denied herself for quite a while. She purposely clamped and squeezed her walls around his large member, knowing full-well the effect it would have on her partner. Ezio groaned in response and gasp out he was nearing his end too. With only a few more hurried thrusts, both assassin's fell over a pleasurable edge.

After a few moments of catching their breathe, they looked each other in the eye and mirrored each others smirk. "You have contracts to complete, Ser Ezio."

"Business so soon?" he mused, jokingly, tracing her jaw line with soft kisses.

"I think we spent enough time mixing business with pleasure." Though, Veronica didn't believe that. She would have enjoyed spending more time with him like this.

He sighed knowing her to be right, "I suppose.. but we should revisit this moment again soon.. and many more times after that."

"We'll have to see about that," she playfully winked as he gingerly put her back down so they could adjust themselves accordingly.

"The patrols are set at each points in case you run into any trouble and Aslan has volunteered to be your shadow for the night as backup."

Ezio smiled approvingly, "You've got everything sorted out, don't you?"

"Almost," Veronica smiled in return, "I just need you to do your end and be safe about it.. I need you to come back to me." The words came out before she realized she had said them and bit her tongue in embarrassment, hoping she had not potentially scared him off so soon into the courting.

Ezio simply smiled genuinely, grasping her face with both hands and planting a soft kiss on her lips, "There is nothing that can stop me from coming back to you, Midonna." That was all she needed to be told to feel secure about the rest of the night even if she didn't see him until morning.

"Safety and Peace, Ser Ezio," She recited the words his mother and sister would always say to her as a goodbye, fully understanding it as she watched his retreating form.