Chapter 8

The Truth

Isabel's POV

I knew that 'be careful' was not what he really wanted to say. I took care of the guard and slipped through the crack. Vieri was I saw the gate was closed and smiled. I ran forward and quickly opened the gate.

"Ezio!"

He and Mario came running in with the other men. I ran off to find Vieri. He was coming in through the northern gate. Along with a few other men…and the man in black robes. He turned and looked at Vieri and the other two. One of them I knew was Vieri's father, Francesco.

"It's settled: Vieri, you will remain here to coordinate mercenari (mercenary).

Francesco will organize our forces in the city and send word when its time to strike. Jacopo, your job is to calm the citizens once the deed is done."

He was a Spaniard. That much I could tell.

"What about that ubriacone (drunkard) Mario? He continues to harass my forces and I fear he'll discover what we intend." Vieri complained.

"He's always been trouble. Just like his bastardo brother of his." said Francesco.

"Then let me reunite them father!"

I narrowed my eyes.

"There will be plenty of time to clean up the rifiuti (trash) when we're finished. Now, is there anything else?"

No one said anything.

"Muy bien. May the Father of Understanding guide you."

"May the Father of Understanding guide you." they said.

They all began to leave but one of the guards called for Vieri.

"Mario Auditore has invaded the city! He comes for you!"

Vieri laughed.

"Then lets not keep him waiting."

Vieri ran and hid on top of one of the guard towers. I smirked and I got Ezio's attention. He climbed up to me and I pointed to the guard tower.

"He's up there. He has two guards with him."

He smiled.

"Well done. Help uncle take care of these."

I wanted to go with him. He turned to leave but I took his hand.

"Ezio…"

He looked at me.

"Take me with you."

His eyes seemed to shine and he nodded.

"Then lets go."

I smiled and we made our way up the tower. I took care of the guards and he cornered Vieri.

"You need your little puttana to fight for you?" he sneered.

The look on Ezio's face even scared me. He threw the sword from Vieri's hands and grabbed him.

"Her name is Isabel!"

He drove his sword through Vieri's body and then let him fall to the ground.

"What are you and your allies planning? Is this what my father discovered? Is this why he was killed?"

Vieri smirked.

"I'm sorry. Were you hoping for a confession?"

Those were his dying words. Ezio started shouting at him and shaking him.

"Ezio no!"

I grabbed his hands and pulled him back. He fell against me and I kept him back.

"Show some respect Ezio."

Mario walked forward.

"Do you think he would have shown respect to either of us?"

"Ezio look at me."

I turned his face to mine and looked at him seriously.

"You are not Vieri. Don't become like him."

He slowly looked down and then fell against me. I put my arms around him and he held me tightly. Mario walked to Vieri and knelt down.

"Requiescat in Pace." he said.

He closed Vieri's eyes. He looked at me and handed me a letter.

"When he calms down give it to him. Let us return to the Villa."

I nodded and stood up with Ezio.

"Let's go. Come."

He was silent the entire way. Mario was holding a party and Ezio went to join them. I smiled, glad it would cheer him up a bit. I went to the top floor of the Villa and watched them from the window.

Ezio's POV

Isabel disappeared and my uncle put his hand on my shoulder.

"You've done us a great service. You and Isabel."

"Yes, and she seems to have disappeared."

He looked up and I followed his gaze. Isabel was there in the window. I couldn't help but smile.

"I've seen the way you look at her nipote. What are you afraid of?"

I sighed and shook my head.

"All our lives I have said such terrible things to her. She's done nothing but laugh and smile. She wouldn't want a man like me."

"You've changed Ezio. I know she's seen it just as I have."

I looked at her. I saw her brushing out her hair.

"Not after all I've said."

He looked at me.

"How do you know?"

I looked back and saw some of the candles go out. There was still light in the room, but not much.

"Go Ezio. You'll regret it if you don't."

He pushed me forward and then went back to the others. I walked inside and then up the stairs until I came to the ladder. I took a deep breath and climbed up. She was in bed, but she was not sleeping. She was just lying there, in only a shirt and her pants and boots. She looked at me.

"Ezio?"

"Isabel. May I speak with you please?"

"Of course."

She sat up and I walked to the desk.

"I know that I've said some terrible things to you…"

"Ezio-"

"No, I need to say it." I turned to her. "I have said and done terrible things to you in the past. You would always just smile or laugh me off. But I know that my words hurt you, even if you tell me they didn't. Over these past few months you're the one whose always been there for me. You have helped me in so many way, and helped my family."

I moved until I was in front of her. She looked up at me. I gently moved a lock of her hair behind her ear. I stroked her cheek softly and then ran my fingers through her hair.

"I know there is a good chance you will refuse me. But I'm falling in love with you, Isabel. I'm falling in love with you."

I could see the surprise in her eyes.

"I know that you may never want to be with a man like me, but I had to tell you the truth."

She did not look upset or disgusted. I leaned towards her and she did not stop me. She closed her eyes as I kissed her soft lips. I slowly put my hand on the side of her face. When I pulled away she opened her eyes.

"Ezio, there are two very important things I need to tell you."

"Tell me."

She nodded and took my hands. She told him all about a Spaniard and about Francesco and Jacopo.

"He is the one in the black robes Ezio. He is the one pulling all the strings." She said.

I thought about this. I suddenly remembered a man in black robes at Uberto's house that night.

"I wanted to wait until you calmed down a bit. And there is also this-"

She handed me a letter.

"Mario said to read it when you have time."

I tossed the letter aside and put my hands on her shoulders.

"And what was this other important thing?"

She smiled, and this in turn made me smile.

"Ezio I never took what you said seriously. I knew that deep down you couldn't mean them. I had seen the way you were with your family, so I've always known you have a loving heart. And I hesitate to say this because I'm not falling in love with you…I'm already in love with you! I have been for years, I just never realized until all this started. I was not sure how you would react so I stayed quiet." she said.

Her words made my heart beat faster and faster. She looked down but I lifted her chin.

"No woman has ever said things like that to me before. But then, you are not like those women. You are different, special and strong. You told me there is more than beauty, and you're right. Hearing you say that you're in love with me…I have longed to hear it. And I am glad I heard it from you. I want to be yours, for always."

She smiled and I saw tears in her eyes.

"I've only ever dreamed you would say something like that. I too want to be yours, for always."

I smiled and kissed her passionately. She wrapped her arms around me and pressed herself against me. I wrapped my arm around her waist and put my hand on the back of her head. This beautiful woman loved me, despite all my faults and shortcomings. When we separated I held her in my arms.

I will stand by you for the rest of my life.

Isabel's POV

I was in Ezio's arms, as I had longed to be.

"I will never let you go. And I will protect you. That is my promise to you." he said.

I smiled.

"And I will always be at your side. My heart is yours and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. This I promise you." I told him.

I looked up into his warm brown eyes. He smiled softly and stroked my cheek.

"I wish I'd realized long ago that I cared so much about you." he said softly.

I smiled and laid my head against his chest.

"All that matters is that you know now." I whispered.

He pulled away and took my hand.

"Come with me."

I nodded and we climbed out the window to the very top of the Villa. The party was still going on down below. The cool wind blew in our faces and he turned my face to his.

"You are the most important thing in the world to me. You will always come first. No matter what is happening, no matter who we are after, you come first." he promised.

I smiled and laid my hands on his chest.

"Oh Ezio…"

I pulled his lips down to mine and he held me. I suddenly heard cheers and whistling. We separated and saw that the men and Mario had noticed us. Mario raised his glass and I laughed with Ezio.

"Well done nipote!"

Mario seemed to be a bit drunk. Ezio looked at me again. I reached up and stroked his cheek. He closed his eyes and kissed the palm of my hand.

"You will never have to be alone again." I said.

He smiled and we went back inside. He stroked me cheek.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

I nodded and he picked me up. I laughed and he laid me on the bed. He removed his robes and then slid in next to me. I moved into his arms and he kissed my shoulder.

"Are we still going to Spain?" I asked.

"I'm not sure anymore. It's not as though mother and Claudia are not safe here."

I turned so I could face him.

"You have to do what you feel is right." I said.

"But I don't know what is right anymore."

I sat up and pulled him up with me. I put my hand on the side of his face and stroked his cheek with my thumb.

"You do know. Just look into your heart, listen to it and you will find your answer." I told him.

He kissed me and then held me.