Chapter 35 – Take Me As I Am

Izzys hand brushed the cold cream wall as she walked down the hallway, her red tipped toes sinking into the plush carpet as she quietly tip toed her way to Stephen. He'd left her sleeping soundly in his bed; though she had been comfy she wanted nothing more than to be wrapped up in his arms. His dress shirt hung off her slim frame; she made a mental note to pinch one of them and work it into an outfit. She made it to the office and stuck her head around the door, her lips curved upwards as she took in the room.

"Hey." Her voice was quiet, not wanting to startle Stephen who was sat behind a computer screen, gently drumming his fingers against the desk. He looked over his shoulder as soon as she spoke, he grinned and she walked over to him.

"I thought yeh were still asleep, I'll be done in a minute." He pushed the chair slightly away from the desk; Izzy took this as her cue to join him on the chair. She settled herself on his lap and hung her long tanned legs over the arm of the chair, "Ah, make yehself comfortable why don't yeh." She mumbled and groaned in response whilst burying her face in the crook of his neck pressing a kiss to his warm soft skin as she did. His arms instinctively snaked around her, holding her close to his hard body.

"Ste?" She lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him, her hair sliding across his bare back as she did.

"Yeah." He gently rubbed one hand up and down her thigh, stopping as he saw the serious look on settle on her features; "Something on yer mind?"

"It's my dad's birthday in a few days and we're having a party at my parents. Will you come with me, I'd like you to meet my parents?" Stephen raised both eyebrows, his heart rate quickening at her request. He didn't answer; her mind automatically feared the worst, words quickly left her mouth to try and ease the blow, "You don't have to, I just thought I'd ask because.." Hot lips on hers silenced her next words.

"I would love to." He whispered against her lips, his hot breath tickling her skin. Through the smile on her face and her bright blue eyes sparking there was no denying she was delighted with his answer. She rested her head on his shoulder again, curling up on his lap. Her eyes drifted shut; gently she nuzzled her face into his shoulder towards his neck.

Stephen stared at the computer screen, Izzys timing was impeccable. The email to his parents in Ireland stared back at him, briefly telling them about his girlfriend with an attached picture. He pressed a kiss to Izzys temple then hit the send button on the screen. He had written the email a few days ago, there was reluctance to send it though. He didn't want to tempt fate. However Izzy asking him to meet her parents sealed the deal. He let out a contented sigh and looked down at the sleeping beauty in his arms.

Carefully he scooped her up, her long legs dangling over his forearm and elbow. He carried her back to the bedroom, carefully placing her onto the soft mattress. She stared up at him through glossy eyes as he started to unbutton his shirt she was wearing. She sat up as he pushed the shirt over her shoulders and pulled it free from her body. He pulled the duvet up over her body after she lay back down; she buried her face in the pillow. Stephen kissed the top of her head, "I'll be back in a minute." With that he left her to turn off the computer and shut off the lights in the apartment. He walked back into the bedroom, looking at the woman in his bed. Quickly he shed his grey sweatpants and crawled under the covers, waiting a moment for her to move up against his body like she usually did.

After a few moments Izzy moved into the warmth comfort and safety of Stephens arms, he held her tightly as his thoughts floated back to the events that evening. He just hoped Sean would heed his warning and leave Izzy alone.

-Friday Night-

Stephen tapped a finger nervously on his knee as he watched street signs flash by him, he heard Izzy sigh beside him then felt her hand on top of his stopping his tapping.

"Why are you so nervous?" She stared at him, expectantly waiting an answer.

"I'm not," she squeezed his hand and he looked towards her, "What if they don't like me?"

She wanted to laugh at his ridiculous remark, "Ste, they're going to love you. You're sweet, kind, smart, funny and you treat me like a princess. They couldn't ask for more."

He smiled, her voice laced with truth and honesty shone from her eyes. The cab they were in pulled to a stop outside her parents' house in Brooklyn Heights. Izzy climbed out of the cab, her black Yves Saint Laurent tributes hitting the concrete, she smoothed out her Alexander McQueen black wool-blend dress; gold embellishment sparkling at the neck. She turned around, expecting to see Stephen close beside her. He was only just getting out of the cab. Stephen had shocked himself at how nervous he was; he slowly walked around the cab onto the sidewalk. Izzy laced her arm around his giving him a reassuring squeeze. She smiled up at him, he looked perfect. Black dress pants covered his huge thighs and a light blue dress shirt covered his bulging arms and wide chest. Of course the outfit wouldn't be complete without his trademark waistcoat, tie and flat cap. She moved up the first few stone steps, Stephens heavy footsteps behind her. She turned to him before opening the front door, pressing a gentle kiss upon his lips.

She pushed the door open, immediately greeted by the sound of laughter and the smell of food. Pulling Stephen with her she stepped into the hallway and shut the door.

"Izzy!" Her sisters voice floated through the air, she was quickly pulled into a hug, "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too sis." She was finally let go, she pulled Stephen close to her, "Josie, this is Stephen. Stephen this is my sister Josie."

"Nice to meet yeh Josie." He gently shook her hand.

"You too, I've heard so much about you. It's finally nice to meet you." She glanced over her shoulder, "PAUL!"

Izzy rolled her eyes at her sister's big mouth, a moment later he appeared from the living room. Paul stood at 6'1", he was a big build due to playing rugby but he still looked small next to Stephen. Saying that, most people did. His short brown hair was spiked up, an Armani suit in perfect place upon his body and a bottle of beer resting in one hand, "Izzy, how you doing love?" His English accent stronger than usual.

"Good thanks Paul, yourself?" She smiled at him as he slipped his arm around Josie's waist, the bottle of beer still in his hand.

"Can't complain, you must be Stephen?" Paul's free hand reached out, Stephen shook hands with him but Paul held on a little longer than necessary.

"That's right fella." Josie elbowed Paul lightly in the stomach and he let go, a wise move considering Stephen looked like he was about to crush him. Paul knew about Sean through Josie, which would explain his reluctance to be anything more than civil to Stephen for the evening. No doubt he would be pressing him for information later on.

Izzy sent Josie a knowing look, mentally urging her to have a few words with Paul, "Mom and dad are in the kitchen."

"Okay." She took Stephens hand and pulled him down the long hallway, glancing over her shoulder at him for a second as they reached the large kitchen. Her heels echoed on the white marbled floor, her parents who were stood deep in conversation turned in her direction. Her mom in a black Chanel dress and a white pearl necklace greeted her first. She pulled her in for a hug only a mother could give, warm and filled with endless love.

"Elizabeth you made it. And who's your friend?" She held her at arm's length as her eyes scanned over the huge man in her kitchen.

Izzy moved away from her mom and wrapped her arms around Stephens waist, "Mom, dad, this is my boyfriend. Stephen."

"Welcome to our home Stephen, it's very nice to meet you." She gave him a friendly hug which was a strange sight to say the least. She looked over to her dad who had remained silent, stood watching the scene with a glass of whisky in his hand.

"Hi dad, happy birthday." Izzy left Stephen to hug her dad, his gaze remained on Stephen the whole time.

"Thank you sweetheart." His New York accent undoubtedly much stronger than hers, she moved back to Stephens side, clutching onto his forearm tightly. She didn't like the awkward tension that was building.

"Here you go mate." they all turned to the arched doorway leading into the dining room which had been made into the party area. Paul stood with a beer in his hand, offering it to Stephen. Izzy smiled and gently pushed against his back, "I heard you're a rugby fan too."

Stephen looked towards Izzy then back at Paul, she pushed him again and Paul took Stephen away from her. She heard them faintly talking about sports as they walked away from her. She turned to look at her parents.

"Well, he seems.." Izzy frowned at her mom.

"He seems what?" She narrowed her eyes waiting for her answer.

"Whatever happened to Sean? He was such a lovely young man." Izzy scoffed at her moms words; she never told her why they ended, or about the recent going ons.

"I love Stephen." Izzy declared to the room, her heart rate speeding up slightly.

"You're still young darling." Her dad chimed in, much to her annoyance.

"Does he have a job?" Her mom continued her onslaught of questions.

"Of course he has a job." She couldn't believe her mom, she never in a million years thought she would act like this.

"What does he do? Is he an intellect?" Izzy groaned, she wanted to tell her to fuck off.

"He's a wrestler." Her moms face was one of horror.

"He fights for a living? Elizabeth, I'm pretty sure you can do better than that."

"Are you being serious?" she was quickly becoming irate at her moms words. She heard someone cough from beside her, her eyes widened as Stephen stood in the doorway. He had heard the conversation; the look on his face said everything. Her eyes locked with his, she was sure her heart broke in that moment. His beautiful grey eyes glazed over with hurt and disappointment.

"Ah know when I'm not welcome." Stephen brushed past her, heading towards the front door.

"Ste, wait!" She managed to take hold of his hand and stop him a few metres from the door.

"Iz, let me go. You stay here and have a good time." He didn't turn around to talk to her but she felt the pain in his voice.

She heard her mom's steps behind her, "Leaving so soon, that such a shame."

"Oh for god's sake mom, shut up." She'd had enough of her condescending attitude, her mom looked shocked. And truth be told, Izzy was shocked too. She had never spoken to her mom like that.

"Either you stay here on your own, or leave with him." Her eyes widened at her moms ultimatum. She looked back at Stephen who was facing her, arms crossed over his wide chest. Stephen shook his head knowing what choice she would make. He turned back around and reached for the door, pulling it open. Izzy took one last look at her mom and took after Stephen. He looked surprised as he saw her following him; she shut the door behind her and walked down the steps. She fell into his embrace, tears stinging her ocean blue eyes.

"I'm so sorry." He held onto her tightly but didn't reply to her, he didn't know what to say to be honest, "I love you so much Ste." She began shivering as tears started flowing, he held her tightly in his arms.

"I love yeh too Iz." He pulled his blackberry from his pocket and called for a taxi. He looked up to the house, Izzys mom stood in the window staring at the couple. He shook his head; he ran his hand soothingly up and down her back and placed a kiss on top of her head. He wondered how many people in Izzy's life were going to hurt her. He watched Izzy's mom disappear. They would get through this, they had to.

A/N – Thank you DefinitelyProbablyMaybe, celticfighter, MissShelz, xFindTheEnigmaWithinx, miamitravel, Chelle, wwemagpie, LA Williams, poisenousprincess, ThatGirl54 and Tiffyxox for the lovely reviews. Sorry you had to wait a while but hope it was worth it.