A Little Payback
1321 Words
POV: Isadora
He walked up to me, looking totally confused, scanning me from head to toe. I was frozen, completely static. I couldn’t even wrap my head around a reaction.
“It is you, isn't it? What is this? A disguise?”
Before I could say a word, Carol burst into the locker room, her eyes widening when she saw me face-to-face with Thomas.
“What are you two up to?”, he asked, glancing back and forth between us.
“It’s okay, Carol.”, I looked at her.
“Okay, I’ll head back out. If anyone comes this way, I’ll give you a heads-up.”, I nodded, and she slipped out.
“I’ll tell you my secret if you tell me yours.”, I stared him.
“What? What secret, Izzy?”
“Take a good look at me, Thomas! You’ve seen me like this before.”
He stared at me for a second, and then it clicked.
“I knew that girl at the pub looked familiar…”, he said with a half-smile.
“Yeah. That was me.”
“What were you doing there looking like that?”
“You first. You lied about when you got into town, and you were a total wreck that day. What’s going on, Thomas?”
He let out a heavy sigh.
“It’s no big deal, Izzy. I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not! You know you can trust me, right? Talk to me.”
He just stared at me for a few seconds, weighing whether to spill it or not, before finally giving in.
“I made some bad investments. I thought it was a sure thing, but it blew up in my face… and I ended up losing a lot of money. Money that… wasn't mine.”, he said, looking ashamed, like he’d just confessed to a crime.
“Dad’s money?”
“My father-in-law’s.”, he let out a humorless laugh. “Let’s just say things have been a bit tense since then. Matteo Bianchi doesn't take losing well. He wants his money back, and he’s willing to make a scene to get it.”
“Do our parents know?”
“No… I managed to talk him into keeping it between us. But his silence wasn’t cheap. I even had to sell my house.”
“Oh my god, Thomas! Is that why Aurora and your son are in Italy?”, he nodded.
“She didn’t take the house sale very well. She’s staying in Italy until I get this sorted out.”
“So she just… walked out on you?” he didn't say anything.
“I’m so sorry, Thomas.”, I said, pulling him into a hug. “You should’ve told me. This is way too much for you to carry alone.”
“It’s my own fault, Izzy.”, he pulled back from the hug. “I took too big of a risk. I was so obsessed with proving myself that…”, he sighed. “I thought playing in this tournament would make me feel a little better, but… anyway, it’s done. I’ll figure it out. I’ll get the money together, and things will go back to normal.”, he forced a smile.
“Now it’s your turn. What’s all this?”, he asked, pointing at me.
“Well, long story short… I met someone. I really like him, but he can't know who I am.”, he gave me a confused look. “At least not yet! I plan on telling him eventually.”
“Wait, is that why you broke up with Ryan?”, I nodded. “And why can't he know?”
“It’s better if you don’t know.”
“Izzy, the guy isn't married, is he?”
“No!”
“Is he here? Is that why you’re dressed like this?”, I nodded. “So what did you do? Spend the whole day playing dress-up?”, I nodded again, and he laughed.
“Good lord, Izzy! That’s insane.”
“I know, but it’s worth it, I swear! What we have is different. It’s not about status, or money, or image… I just like him and he likes me. It’s pure and simple, but at the same time, it’s the best thing I’ve ever felt.”
He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.
“You’ve always been a little crazy. Well, I hope I get to meet him one day, at least.”
“You will, I promise!”, I smiled.
“Alright, I’ve gotta go. My flight leaves in two hours.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“I have to. I’ve got to handle this mess.”
“It’ll work out. You’ve got this!”, he smiled and gave me one last hug.
After we said our goodbyes, I rushed back to Henry. My brother’s situation was still weighing on me, but at least now that I knew the truth, I wasn't as frantic. It was a bad spot to be in, but I was sure Thomas would bounce back. And who knows, maybe he’d finally distance himself from that family, he deserved a better wife than Aurora.
I didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the matches. I was tired, actually, I was exhausted. It had been quite a day, and I couldn't believe everything had worked out in the end, or at least, hadn't gone totally south.
After the final match, which Ryan lost, by the way, we headed home. Richard invited us to the after-tournament cocktail party, but there was no way I was risking being recognized at that point. And as much as he tried to hide it, I could see the relief on Henry’s face when I said I wanted to leave.
“Man, what a day!”, Henry said, stepping out of the shower with only a towel around his waist.
“I bet you didn't think you’d have to spend the whole day there, huh?”, I asked with a smirk. He laughed.
I was sitting on his bed. I had just sent Carol a long text thanking her for all her help. After everything she’d done to help keep my cover, she could ask me for anything. I wouldn't even have the heart to say no.
“Thank you, seriously. I know tennis isn't your thing, and that crowd definitely isn't your scene… but you still took me, and that was really sweet of you.”, I smiled.
“I’d do it all over again if it made you happy, princess.”, he answered, walking over and kissing me.
He didn't sit down; he just leaned in. When he pulled back, I noticed the unmistakable bulge forming under his towel.
“You know, considering all the sacrifices you made today, maybe you deserve a little payback.”, I looked down at his lap with a wicked grin.
He grinned back, knowing exactly where I was going with this.
“I think you’re right.”, he said, dropping the towel onto the bed. “It was a lot of sacrifice.”
My mouth went dry the second I saw him. I wrapped my hand around him, giving him a light squeeze, and then took him into my mouth. He gripped my hair as I started, his breath hitching and getting heavier as he grew harder. I took him deeper, wanting to feel all of him; it wasn't easy, but I loved the feeling.
“God, Anne…”, he groaned, his voice thick with lust. He hit his limit seconds later, coming in my mouth as I swallowed every drop.
Right after, he pushed me back onto the bed and stripped my panties off.
“My turn now, princess.”
- Writer
