Chapter 3

Shaun and I just stared at each other in silence for a moment, thinking about how to handle the situation. I didn't know what to say but I didn't have to. Shaun spoke first.

"Well," He said, uneasily. "Maybe you and Desmond are better for each other than you thought."

In that moment, Shaun looked incredibly disappointed. Maybe I was imagining things but I just wanted to hug him and cheer him up. I knew that was a bad idea so I thought out my next words very carefully. I didn't want to give him any reason to think I liked Desmond.

"We are not our ancestors," I said quietly and sat down.

The rest of the evening was quiet between Shaun and I. We stuck to our work but even that only got more frightening. Desmond and I were linked all over history whether it was marriage, casual romances or alliances, it was there.

"My god, my ancestors were whores," I said, making Shaun laugh hysterically.

"History repeats itself all the time darling," Shaun grinned at me slyly.

"Shaun!" I yelled and hit him. "Are you calling me a whore?!"

"I was hoping the 'darling' would cancel that out," He chuckled.

"Not a chance," I replied.

"What are you going to do? Fight me?" Shaun smirked.

"Sure, let's go," I challenged and stood up.

"A little exercise never hurts," Shaun stood too and we went over to an empty space.

"Yeah, but a couple punches will," I grinned.

Because I wasn't 100% yet and I didn't really want to hurt Shaun, I took it a little easier on him. I didn't punch as hard as I could've, I let him get a few hits in that I could've definitely dodged if not blocked. In the end, I still had him on the ground. I was sitting on his stomach and I was holding his wrists above his head.

"You're very good," Shaun complimented as I loosened my grip.

"Wow, I didn't know you could be nice," As soon as I said it, he flipped us so I was under him. He was straddling my hips and pulling my hands above my head.

"But not good enough," Shaun smiled triumphantly down at me.

"Ass," I mumbled and pushed him back so I could sit up. "You only won because I'm still recovering."

"Sure Tess," Shaun laughed and got up, offering me his hand. "Let's get back to work."

I took his hand and he helped up. We made a few jokes as we walked back and sat in our chairs. I watched Shaun as he concentrated on sorting through all the useless information on the pages that we're flying by on the screen. He was actually kind of attractive when he was so focused.

"So what's Desmond's deal?" I blurted out, seeming to make Shaun jump.

"What do you mean?"He drawled, clearly upset now. Hmmm…

"He's so cocky," I said and watched Shaun smile.

"Pride will be his downfall," he told me. "Either that or the stupidity that almost got him last time."

"But everyone has pride," I pointed out.

"Sure," Shaun agreed. "But most of us aren't prideful of our entire selves. I have my brain but I know I'm not as strong as Desmond. He's too sure of things he doesn't have, like a brain. What are you?"

"I have my voice," I laughed a little. "I speak too many languages."

"That's very useful," Shaun smiled. "Which is your favorite?"

"French," I answered easily. "It's just so beautiful."

"I'm sure it is," Shaun laughed.

Just then, Rebecca and Desmond showed up with another man. He looked like Desmond but older and without the scar. He was also in a clearly expensive suit while Desmond was in his usual hoodie and jeans combo that was getting quite dirty. I was positive that this was Desmond's dad.

"Hi Shaun," The man said.

"Oh, William," Shaun answered him. "This is Tess. She's the assassin we saved from Abstergo. Tess, this is William-."

"Desmond's dad, I know," I cut Shaun off and shook the man's hand.

"Well aren't you smart," Shaun mumbled.

"Your attitude is rubbing off on me," I replied before Rebecca and I went back to the our room, which is the one I woke up in when I got here. We slept in there but I had a feeling I wouldn't be sleeping for a little while.

"I'm surprised you didn't kill Shaun," She told me quietly with a smile.

"He's not so bad," I sighed. "Maybe it's just because I can insult him back."

"Because that's Shaun's biggest turn on," Rebecca laughed.

"Desmond is the annoying one," I told her. "He's so full of himself."

"Also very true," She answered.

The next morning, Shaun briefed everybody on what we'd learned the last night. Desmond was smirking at me the whole morning. William just looked impressed and Rebecca looked shocked. She shot me a sympathetic look before glaring at Desmond.

"Well, let's get her into the Animus!" William said enthusiastically. He was almost worse than Desmond… Almost.

I spent all day training alongside Altair. I picked it up quickly and could probably start actual work the next day. Either way, I was sore when Rebecca let me out for the night.

"Gah! My arms!" I complained as Rebecca handed me a plate of food.

"Yeah, that'll happen," She grinned. "You know Shaun's been stalking your family all day and almost got his ass kicked."

"Why?" I asked. Why is he starting fights?

"Desmond was talking all high and mighty again," She started. "He was going on about 'carrying on the family tradition' so Shaun punched him. Luckily, William and I caught Desmond before he could fight back. I've never seen Shaun so mad though."

"I'm going to punch Des myself," I sighed as I ate. "What a douche."

"Here's your chance," Rebecca said as I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Morning Sleeping Beauty," I heard Desmond say and without warning, I flipped him forwards. I enjoyed the loud smack I got when his back hit the concrete.

"You're a real pig, you know that?" I told him while holding my foot above his throat.

"Hey now," Desmond went to move his hands but Rebecca and I both stepped on one. "It was a joke!"

"Well I for one, am offended," I said. "That is disgusting."

"I'm sorry, okay?" He offered.

"Watch what you say from now on," I warned. "You're already walking on thin ice because I really don't like you Desmond. I am not my ancestors. Next time, I'll castrate you myself."

"Yes ma'am," He said as we let him up. Maybe now he'll get it.

"Thanks," I sighed.

"Anytime," Rebecca replied before walking off.