J a c k

Morning arouse and I found myself sitting up on my living room couch where Liz and I fell asleep. She was still sound asleep. I can't believe that after hours and hours of talking we finally went to sleep not too long ago, at least, not too long before I had to wake up and get ready again.

Today was my trip to Barcelona.

Sighing, I allowed my eyes to close for a second before I started regenerating myself.

There were pillows aimlessly sprawled across the living room floor. Bottles, empty and half full, of water thrown over the coffee table as well as some snacks I ended up bringing out for us. I loved spending time with Elizabeth. Last night was one of the best talks I've had in a long time. Yet again, every talk with Liz is the best because she's just so easy to talk to. I am myself.

Looking back at her resting body, a smile appeared to curve on my lips. She was so beautiful. I meant what I said last night when I told her I would miss her. It's not an easy thing for me to do, packing and setting off across the world while a silent Colt awaits for the space to be clear enough to hunt his prey.

Shaking away the abruptly thoughts from my mind, I stood up from the couch and began to walk over to the stairs. My bags were already packed, but I needed to shower before parting my way.

I went upstairs and showered in the bathroom of my room. It was quick and still left me with a short 20 minutes to get dressed and pick up some breakfast before I had to get out of here. A set of clean clothes was what I changed into before walking back out and downstairs to the living room.

Elizabeth was still sound asleep.

I looked down to the time on my wrist watch before noticing I was running late.

There was no need to wake her up. She looked so peaceful, I wasn't about to end that for her. So instead, I looked around for a pen and piece of scratch paper and left her a note.

The note was placed where I thought would be visible for when she woke up as well as another object I found useful in leaving with her for some time now. Smiling, I dropped the pen over the paper and began to head out with my luggage in my hands.

Barcelona, here I come.

E l i z a b e t h

My eyes squinted to the bright light illuminating through the glass windows. I groaned in annoyance but complied with rubbing my fists over my throbbing eyes.

Where was I?

Opening my eyes, I sat up on what I soon became aware of that was Jack's living room couch.

Oh.

Everything was coming back to me again. The food, the drinks, our talk.. I was in Jack's home, laying on Jack's couch.. But there was no Jack..?

Furrowing my eyebrows, I began to stand up from the couch in order to go out looking for him in his mansion of a home. But it was all too soon before I glanced down at the coffee table and noticed it's been cleared up so that only a sheet of paper and pen rested above it. It was a note.

Sitting back down, I moved some pillows back over to the couch and took the note in my hand.

It was cute..

I've never seen Jack's handwriting before so it was strange at first to see how real the note was. People don't handwrite anything anymore, at least not in notes to leave behind to people. Seeing that Jack left this behind, it made me smile.

Liz,

By the time you see this, I'll probably be 75,000 ft in the air over the Atlantic Ocean. I'm sorry I had to leave so early. Duty calls. I meant to wake you up to let you know I'd be on my way out but you just seemed to peaceful. I didn't want to wake you. So instead, I'm leaving you this so that when you do wake up, you won't get frightened. I've arranged for a driver to take you back to your home. He will have your belongings with him to hand back to you. Please, feel free to call this driver whenever you need a ride while I'm away. I also leave you with a copy of my house key, for if any reason, and any reason at all you want to stop by, while and even after I'm back from my trip.

Take care now, I'll be back in a week. Can't wait to see you again!
- J

My vision glanced back over the table where the single silver object laid flat out on display. It was his house key. Oh m god.. Jack gave me a copy of his HOUSE KEY!

So many questions rushed through my mind as I held the key in the palm of my hand. But in the end, I decided it was best if I leave them unanswered to ask him personally when he gets back. There must be something he wants out of this.

Oh boy..

J a c k

"Glad to see you made it, G."

My head glanced up to notice the tall guy standing before me on the top of the stairs of the plane.

Cameron was smiling from above. His black hat shading his eyes from the sun while he stood.

"Did you really think I'd miss out on my guys?" I joked, walking up the steps myself to meet him. When I did, we did our handshake but I stopped myself before walking inside. There was something I haven't asked him in a while and as I friend, I was genially curious to know.

"Hey, how's Sophia by the way?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

Cam smiled. "She's good. A little worried, you know how how she gets when it comes to these trips.." He chuckled. "But she's good."

"Good." I smiled. That made me feel so good to ask.

Nodding my head I began to walk inside but Cam's sudden grasp on my arm halted me.

"Thanks for asking, Bro." He nodded. "Means a lot."

Now that really made me feel good. Maybe this nice guy thing isn't so bad after all. I was always afraid of using it because I envisioned myself becoming vulnerable. But if sending time with Elizabeth taught me one thing, is that friendship is important. Look at how close she is with James? These guys are important to me. It's about time I started showing them that.

"No problem." I smiled, turning on my heels to walk into the jet.

It's been a while since I've been traveling. Last time I recalled stepping in this private jet was probably a year and a half ago. It was another business trip all the way in Dubai.

The cabin was neat. Tan leather seating and wood furniture surrounded the space. We all had a personal seats. It was nice to see some of the crew was already here.

"Johnson." I smiled, shaking his hand before turning over to my right and shaking Sam's hand.

"Hey, G, how's the girl?" Sam asked, smirking up at me.

I looked around and by the judgment on everyone's face it was clear the word got around of last night's rendezvous.

"Where's your head, Boy?" Johnson laughed. "Didn't you learn from the last time you took her out."

"Face it, G.. She can't handle our group." Sam's laughter filled the air.

I felt my fist tighten. Just as I was about to plant it over his mouth, another voice stunned me to hold back.

"Oh, I think she can handle us just fine."

I spun around to see Justin entering behind me. He dropped his bag on the seat besides him and walked closer. He had the whole room on him.

"In the time I've known Liz, I've seen her do some crazy shit. For a girl who didn't sign up for this, I think she's stronger than you make her out to be."

The room was silent. No one else touched the subject again, all thanks to Justin. I turned to him and nodded my head, mouthing the words thank you before we were interrupted once more.

This time, the voice wasn't so welcoming.

"Alright. Now that we're all here--" Clapping his hand, Walker's eyes fell upon me and only me. Here comes some stupid shit...

"Gilinsky. Surprise seeing you here." His arms wrapped around his chest, proving that he was the alpha of our group to stand tall and proud.

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if you weren't in jail all the time to actually see me on these trips." I retorted, pinning my eyes angrily over to him.

Stepping up to his level, both metaphorically and physically, it felt good for a change. Ethan is always stepping on the guys, they're just too scared he'd cut them off to actually say something. Not me. He needs me. Which is exactly why I've lasted so long because it certainly wasn't my charisma what kept me in.

"Find yourself a seat." He spoke through gritted teeth. "We're about to take flight."

My tense jaw relaxed a little, allowing for myself to move away and do just as he said. Johnson was besides me. He looked at me with warning eyes. As always, he wants me to get along with Ethan due to everything he's done for us. Sure, he's helped in the past, but that doesn't give him and excuse to be a Bitch.

Here's to the next 7 and 1/2 ours..

* * *

"Gentlemen, make yourselves at home." Ethan walked into the hotel, arms wide open in admiration to the view of the hotel lobby.

It was a nice place, but very quiet. I'm suspecting it's because the price of this place is overly ridiculous beginning at almost $500 a night. Not like Ethan would care though, he has more money than the other five of us put together.

"Oh this place is lavish." Johnson smiled as the greeter of the hotel approached us with some champaign on a tall glass cup.

Cam and I were the only ones who passed. Collecting our suite keys, Ethan explained to us that we each got our personal room and that we should get some sleep because tomorrow morning, we start getting down to business.

"Also, tonight.. Drinks on me." Ethan rose his hand, smirking at a pair of girls who also happened to be passing by as he did so. "You ladies are welcome to come join too."

Giggling, they continued their walk. Feeling the same sort of power he gets of being in charge, and well, his looks are a plus, Ethan remained smiling at them. Two seconds after, he ordered us to be gone while he chased behind them.

I recollected my bag and walked alongside Cameron. We read the room number on our keys and headed to the elevator while Johnson and Sam stayed behind in the lobby.

"Hold up!"

Looking back after clicking the sixth floor button, I noticed Justin calling out to us. The elevator doors opened and the three of us walked in.

"What floor, Biebs?" Cam asked.

"6th."

Clicking the button for us all, we watched the elevator doors close in front of us. There was a moment of silence.

"Can you believe those guys?" Justin joked, starting a conversation. "Twenty minutes in a new country and they're already hitting on girls."

Cameron nodded with a chuckle. "They're bachelors, alright." Taking a pause he looked back at Justin. "I'm surprised you're not down there."

Justin looked back at Cam a bit offended but of course, not in a serious way. "Well, for your information I've actually been seeing someone thank you very much."

"Really." Cameron laughed, finding it amusing. "No way bro! Who's the lucky girl?"

"For now, it's just gonna be for me to know." He winked back at Cameron.

I knew exactly who he was talking about. Well, at least had an idea. My Boy Justin was has been talking a lot lately with Elizabeth's friend, Alex I think was her name. But.. The boy hasn't told me anything about it yet so I'm not going to bring it up. He'll come around when he's ready.

"Okay." Cam nodded, smiling with Justin's remark. "I see ya."

The elevator doors opened on the sixth floor and we walked out into the glass walled hallway. As we walked out I took the chance to look down at my phone to see I had a missed call from Elizabeth. It's been there since we landed. I'm sure she wanted to see if I landed okay or whatever, but I wasn't used to those type of calls so I decided to leave her call unanswered. My moment of self thought didn't last long though. Immediately, Cam was over my shoulder.

"You know, it's safe to call and tell your girl you landed." He joked, chuckling as his pace speeded up besides me. He was now walking a few steps in front of me.

"I'm not calling her." I spoke, locking my phone and putting it back in the pocket of my hoodie.

"Why not?" He looked back. "She could be worried."

"Look, I'm not contacting Liz during this trip. You know how this stuff goes." My hand gave him a gentle shove to the shoulder.

We're not permitted to call, video chat, or even message someone else back home, especially one close to you, due to fear of them being tracked down. It's dangerous what we do. It's not often we come on these trips but it's a must.. And our families and loved ones just have to understand that limited communication is the best thing we can do for them while we're away.

"Yes, but one call won't hurt anybody. Believe me, I do it with Sophs' all the time." He shrugged.

"Soph isn't being tracked down by Andrew Colt." I defended.

"Still man, a girl worries." He nodded.

His words left me thinking of Elizabeth. I know she worries, but not thinking about her worrying is what gets me through the day.

"So what is going on with Liz?" Cam asked. "Anything new?"

"Um.." I'm not big on talking to the guys about girls. Mainly since we're guys and Cameron has really ever been the only one in a relationship from the group. But.. I guess since it's all out in the open. "She's good. I think she should be home by now. I told the driver to be at my place first thing in the morning."

"Wait..." Cameron halted us in the middle of the hall. "Are you telling me she actually spent the night?" His eyebrow arched.

I couldn't help the smile that began to appear on my face afterwards.

"No way, G! Good for you!" He patted me on the back.

I laughed and we continued our walk over to our rooms. Cameron has always been the relationship kind of guy. He's always been blinded by love which always annoyed Ethan and honestly, the rest of us too. But now.. I'm kinda seeing where he's coming from.

"So are you two... Together..?" He asked, moving his hands around as if he was trying to level out between the right and wrong answer.

I immediately began to shake my head. "Whoa.. Hit the break there, my friend." I like Liz, I really do. But with my past experience and I'm sure what she went through with the last guy she was with the night her dad died.. We could both say a relationship is too soon for us. We've only known each other for a little over two months. I mean.. Isn't that too soon?

"I mean, I like her and all.. But.." Above all the other excuses I could come with, there was one really big concern for me. And that was Me. "My life is too complicated now. Just look at all the shit I've put her through already."

"I get it." Cameron nodded his his, understanding just where I was coming from. I mean, Cam and Sophia are no different than Liz and I, but very different at the same time. For instance, Sophia is a street racer. She's been to our gigs and won a few herself. Even though Sophia isn't part of our group, business wise, she comes to every race and she's in on everything we do. Liz is none of that. But don't let Sophia's independence fool you. She's been in a couple positions much like Liz, but she was able to protect herself. Not to mention, Cam and us always had her back. She became like our little sister.

But despite our crazy life, Cam never stopped fighting for her. Those two are a perfect example of true love.

"But, Jack." He stopped us again. This time I looked up to meet his gaze. The one he had intended on me. "Don't let the life we chose get in the way of the life you deserve."

I pondered over his philosophical quote for the next second to which we stood and picked up our bags again.

Don't let the life we chose get in the way of the life you deserve.

I'm going to let that stick.

"We better hurry up and change to meet Walker and the guys down at the bar." Justin stepped in. "We have a long week ahead of us."

"True. That." Cameron spoke exhaustedly.

I found the number to my room and stopped after the guys.

"I'll meet you down stairs." I showed them my keys.

Nodding their heads, they continued walking to the next two doors which were theirs.

Turning over to the door, I unlocked it and walked inside the vacant room. Dropping my bag by the entrance I kicked the door behind me with my foot.

At last. Peace and Quiet.

"Finally!" A voice very hauntingly similar to Ivy's ran through my ears. Her presence shocked me as she walked out of my suite's bathroom. "I was beginning to think you guys weren't going to make it!"

I mumbled some curse words to myself before finally looking up at her. "What are you doing here?" I asked, nonchalantly. I should revise you that surprises like this aren't really much of a shock to me. I'm used to people hiding out in my shit, waiting for me to come in for them to speak. And honestly, this isn't my first encounter with Ivy like this..

She was wearing the same thing as always, a taut dress only this time she took a break from the black and wore an olive green one. Her long hair was straight and over her shoulder. Good God, what is she doing here?

"Don't act so surprised, Jack." The palm of her hand slowly drifted away from her contact on the doorframe. Long, toned legs made their way closer to me. "What? Not up for the... Business Trip Tradition..."

My head looked straight forward as I felt her hands roam freely over my chest and shoulders.

"Not interested, Parks." My jaw tensed.

"Is it because of that Elizabeth girl?" She looked up at me, hands over my shoulders. "Hasn't stopped you before. Let's have some fun..." Leaning up, Ivy's lips grazed above my own, catching and taking hold of my bottom lip in between her teeth.

I began to ease with her touch, all too soon before I actually noticed who it was with.

"Ivy!" I moved away, locking my hands over hers in attempt to keep her from touching me any further.

"I said, I'm not interested." My eyes pinned down at hers.

Her eyes met with mine, trailing up and down my face before I noticed her lips pull up to a smirk. "Oh.. I see." She chuckled, moving away from my grip only to turn around and walk over to the couch chair in the room. Eyeing the furniture, she hesitantly took a seat and crossed her legs.

"You told her there was nothing going on between us." She arched a brow, feeling pleasure in all she was saying.

I stood impatiently. Why now? Why the sudden obsession with what we used to do?

"There is nothing going on between us." I argued.

I meant every word of that. Sure, we hooked up a couple of times... Okay.. A lot of times.. But that was just it. It was only sex and she knew that. I felt like an Ass having to lie to Elizabeth about us, I take full responsibility in that. But how would the woman of my dreams look at me when she finds out the woman she fears.. The woman who she was right about towards the flirting and jealousy with, that we were fuck buddies. It would break her apart.. It would break me apart. Which is why I vowed to stay away from Ivy Parks; stay away from her as much possible. Elizabeth is the one I want to be with now.

"You mean recently." She crossed her arms, smirking. "Face it, Jack.. We are so good for each other."

"Oh really?" I arched a brow. "How's that?"

In all my years of knowing Ivy Parks I knew we always had one thing in common.. Sex. Nothing else, just meaningless, hot, angry sex. Whenever I had a bad day... I'd find Ivy and once we done, I'd be gone and out my way, just like she did with me. No staying over.. No 'call you the next day'.. Just SEX.

"Well for starters.. We're great in bed.." She winked, biting her lip seductively my way. I only looked at her, motionless. I felt nothing for her.

"I also race.. And can shoot." She chuckled. "Jack, I'm part of your world! I go on the business trips and I do my job." Her hands went up as if she was a clear catch. Wrong. "And let's not forget, you were pretty open to me once too."

"Yeah, when I was drunk and angry." I retorted.

"You seek comfort, Jack. And you got it.. All of it, from me." I remained silent as she stood up again. Watching her every move, my jaw tensed again as she stood in front of me. "I listened, I stayed, I made you feel good..." There was a slight pause before she spoke up again.

"I get you Jack." She whispered, lips coming dangerously close again to my own. "She will never understand what we do.. She won't understand you like I do."

My hands trailed over to catch hers tracing over my jawline again. I was gentle, a move that made her feel like she's won me over. If I didn't say so myself, I'd say that's exactly what she thought was going to happen.. But she stood corrected once I grinned and whispered back the following words..

"That's where you're wrong."

Ivy's face turned into a frown. She wasn't understanding, so I decided it was best to keep it very clear to her.

"I'm no longer that lonesome, sullen guy from before that went to you to seek comfort." I pinned my eyes. "I'm happy now. She makes me happy. I don't expect her to understand this life I've taken up, but I'm actually glad she's not part of it. It means she's still human. She's pure, she's honest, and she's kind. I would never get that from you." I looked down at her, feeling disgusted by the sight in front of me. "If I recall, you also slept with Sam and.. Oh right.. Walker!"

Ivy angrily pulled her hands away from mine. "You slept with other women too." She pinned her eyes at me.

"True.." I didn't object. "But none who were close to you."

Ivy looked at me and you could see it in her face that she was thinking of something to fight back with. I got her good this time.

"You're lying to her, Gilinsky." She warned. "And she will find out!"

"No she won't.." I shook my head. "Not from you at least."

"Is that so?" She crossed her arms, taking a step closer to me to feel the need for dominance.

I only nodded my head, replicating the actions myself.

"Go near my girl, and I'll tell Walker how much you enjoyed sleeping with his brother..."

Ivy looked at me with wide eyes. I knew I had her there. Ethan's brother is his most prized possession  if you ask me. The Jr. Ethan Walker is all Ethan really cares about. Let's face it, if someone like Ivy got with his saint of a brother right after she got with him, it's a dead ringer for a goodbye from the group. Ethan does not mess with that.

"You wouldn't dare." She spoke through gritted teeth.

"Don't put me in that position, Ivy." I warned. "Stay away from me, and stay the Hell away from Elizabeth."

The room fell in silence. Her expression shocked with what I was telling her.

"And whatever this is.." I pointed in between us for emphasis. "It's over."

Ivy's stare immediately went to pin her eyes over to me. Her notorious smirk approaching her plump red lips. "Oh... whatever you say Jack. Sooner or later, you'll get bored.. Or she'll find out all about your dirty little secrets and dump your pity ass. I mean.. Does she even know why you're here?" She chuckled.

I stayed silent.

"Just what I thought." She scoffed. "You can't build a relationship on lies Jack. Sooner or later she will discover you. Like you said, she's still human.. Pure.. Honest.. And Kind. She will realize you're no good for her and that.. That my friend, is when you'll come back to me."

She purred with the end of her sentence. Giving into me one last time, her touch finally withdrew from me as she made her way over to my door.

"See you around.. Jack."

And with that, she was gone.

Shit... What did I get myself into?

* * *

For the rest of the night I sat alone in bed, reading the old conversations of Elizabeth and I on my phone. At least like that I could imagine her voice which after my encounter with Ivy was all I could think about. I hated lying to her about Ivy, but I had to believe it was for the best. I wasn't lying though when I told her there was nothing going on, because nothing really isn't despite Ivy's seductive conclusions.

I didn't even go down to meet the guys at the bar. Great.. Another thing I'll have to ignore tomorrow morning besides Ivy. The guys, we never miss a drink together; especially when Ethan is paying. He's never so generous so we try and take advantage of the time while he's at it.

But all my problems had to be set aside. Tomorrow, business will get done.. And not just the kind we came to do.

Tomorrow morning... I will put a stop to Colt. Once and for all.

* * *

N e x t D a y

Wearing my favorite leather jacket and black on black clothes, I made my way over to the car parked out in front of the lobby. The group of guys were all waiting for me by the door.

Taking in a deep breath, I shoved my hands into the front pockets of my jacket.

Appearing in the doorway, I saw that the guys were gathered in front of the large white Range Rover discussing remote matters. They were all laughing, talking about last night.. The night I purposely skipped. Justin's eyes dragged over to me first, and then the group immediately hushed.

"There you are!" He smiled.

Cam, who was right besides Justin, jumped in and added to the remark. "We missed you last night, G. Everything okay?"

Nodding my head, I faked the situation. "Yeah man, just a bit of jet lag."

"That's what you get for missing so many trips." Johnson joked, passing by me with a playful punch to the shoulder. I watched him pass me, not enthused I decided to remain silent.

The guys all went back to their previous conversations just as I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Digging my hand inside to pull it out, I unlocked the screen and opened my messages. Just who I wanted to hear from.

Cole:

Just got in my office. Swing by whenever you can. I'll be here.

Replying, I hit the sent button and looked back at the guys.

"Let's get going!" I clapped my hands, smiling back at them.

I'll be there soon

* * *

"Arms up." The security guard instructed. Sighing, I did so, allowing him to pass the metal detector underneath my arms.

The boys were also instructed to do the same. I lost tract of the count but if I had to take a guess; I'd say this is the 10th security check we go through in the 15 minutes we've been here. The Lord does not mess with this shit, alright.

Giving me the look of approval, I went over to grab my stuff from the basket they had set out aside from me. Airport security is nothing compared to what this guy has.

"Talk about State of The Art Security." Justin whispered jokingly besides me.

We laughed but became interrupted as Ethan turned around to look at us. His eyes pinned.

"Let's keep up now." Ethan looked over his shoulder, walking behind the escort lady down the long black tiled hall.

We all caught up and followed behind our guide. This place was dark, and that wasn't only visual wise. No, you could feel the darkness in this place. The Lord, is one many fear. The Lord has killed, The Lord has taken and stolen many things. Things The Lord finds of use and value someday.

I've never personally met The Lord before. None of us have. We've done business, yes, and talked over the phone but the voice was clearly in disguise. That's why it was such a surprise for us when we got a letter From the Lord himself explaining that he wanted us to go to one of his many castles. Atlas, The Lord will finally have a face to us.

This is one crazy Bitch we're dealing with; and every second I spend in this hall makes me more uncomfortable than the last.

Finally, we came face to face with a big red door. I could only imagine the horrifying images that were held behind it. Even the escort seemed terrified of approaching it. Bowing her head down in front of the bodyguards by the door, everything went to silence and then... They opened the doors.

I inhaled, giving Justin an unclear look before our visions were darted over to the two males in front of us, brutally beating each other on the ring.

Blood. Blood was dripping from the man's face. I imagine this was some sort of a show for The Lord to watch. Only... The was no Lord.

"The Lord will be right out." The escort bowed again, leaving us for once to witness the horrifying view in front of us.

One of the two guys, a dark curly haired male was being undertaken by the power the other red head was giving off. The intense shouts were later heard from the dark haired male as the sounds of his breaking bones. My eyes squinted... No one was stopping this... There was no Mercy. The dude was dying.

What the Hell is going on here?

"Is someone going to stop this?" I asked, extending my arms out to the two guys before us.

I scoffed as Ethan only rolled his eyes. Disgusted, I found out he was actually enjoying this... And was curious to know if the dark haired guy would die.

"Dude..." Justin looked away. The painful screams of the dark haired guy were becoming impossible to stand. The sounds of more breaking bones literally sent me on my edge. I wanted to leave.

The dark haired guy was now finally on the ground. His body filled with cuts and bruises and let's not forget the broken bones; made it impossible for him to keep fighting the red head. You'd think this would end here...

Staring down at what I'm sure the red head felt like pride in the beating, you could sense there was a feeling of second thoughts towards finishing the job, or letting him live.

From the looks of it... He was going to let him live.

"What do you think you're doing?" Another voice rang in. This voice was more feminine. The sounds of clicking heels altered me to my surroundings when suddenly, a woman showed up.

"I'm finished, My Lord." The red head looked at the man laying almost motionless on the floor. "The opponent is no longer a threat to me. I won."

We all watched in concentration as the black haired woman wearing all black leather and thigh high boots walked closer to the red head.

"You haven't won." She spat. "The man is alive and breathing. La misericòrdia és per als febles."

Her heels kept clicking on the tile as she walked around the red head. Hands behind her back as he kept his look down in obedience.

All of a sudden, with her back turned to his front, she felt his hand go up to her and she immediately reacted.

Climbing over him and straddling her legs over his neck, she twisted. The man's body fell to the floor.. Motionless and lifeless. She broke his neck.

Wow.

Sighing, the woman stood up and fixed her appearance before calling out to her servants to come and take them men away. Hair, dress, and necklace. All that was fixed before she look up at the five mouth wide opened guys staring right at her. She smiled.

"Ah.. You boys must be the Vipers." She grinned, walking up to us. We all stared at one thing and one thing only. Still, we were speechless. Fearful to say the wrong thing and have another move like that sprawled onto us.

"Hey.. My eyes are up here." She pinned her eyes up at Ethan who was shamelessly still looking at her busted chest.

"The name is Ethan, Ethan Walker." He smirked.

Everyone, including the woman and I rolled our eyes. Here we go again.

"I see you're familiar with our name." He stepped closer to her. "Why don't you go and scurry along to tell The Lord we've arrived."

The woman looked at him with wide eyes. Crossing her arms, she tilted her head and smirked back at him.

"Why don't you tell her yourself." She smiled, enjoying the wide eyes look growing on Ethan's face. "I'm The Lord. Nice to finally meet you boys."

All the guys laughed with Ethan's reaction. Even I couldn't help but break a laugh. It was so obvious when she walked into the room who she was, he was just too distracted by her chest to notice that. Still, it was pretty unbelievable.. The Lord is a GIRL!

"Y-You are a woman..?" Ethan was still unable to catch on. He looked back at all of us. "The Lord is a WOMAN?"

"Something wrong with that?" She furrowed her eyebrows, curious to know how he'd answer to that.

Walker began to laugh before he caught a glimpse of her deadly stare on him. "No.. No.." He immediately shook his head.

The Lord looked over at us, stopping at Cam she raised an eyebrow and pointed over to Ethan.

"This is your leader?" She almost get sorry for us.

Our silence was all she needed for an answer.

"Em sento tan dolent per a vostès." She took one last good look at Ethan, before turning around.

Before her was a tall vibrant red throne-like chair. She took a seat on it with us standing before her. With her legs crossed, she waited for another second or two before speaking.

"I suppose you want to get right down to business." Her hand curved beneath her chin, elbow over the armrest of her throne.

"Sooner the better." Johnson nodded.

She didn't look so pleased with the answer he gave her which only made Johnson sit back in silence. Afraid of speaking out again. The woman had a stare that could kill. I felt bad for all the business men she's brought here.

"I have a proposal for you." She began to speak. "I'm looking for something.. Something that is said to be so powerful, so pure. Maybe you've heard of it..." She looked at us. "It's called El Verí Vermell."

"Red Venom." Justin translated.

The Lord smirked with his words, allowing us to know he was correct. Approaching besides her came a man holding a tray. I'm that tray was ruby colored bottle, small but tall, that had us all intrigued.

"So I see you guys are familiar with the name." She smiled, taking the top of the bottle with her long nails.

"It's only been in every car talk out there." Ethan sarcastically responded. It was not a response The Lord was happy in hearing.

Ignoring Ethan though, The Lord turned back to us and opened the bottle.

"Red Venom is a prestigious invention created by the greatest racer of all time... Dominic Baines." The Lord continued. "Not many people knew he was also a chemist and with that advantage he created a powerful fuel specifically for race cars using the venom of the most dangerous snake known to man.. The Taipan. It's venom is believed to give it that extra smooth boost.. For the best driving experience of your life." She explained.

"But Red Venom is a myth. Dominic Baines died and took his recipe with him. No one was ever able to copy his formula." Johnson shrugged.

"That is true... But not for long." She smirked, popping the top open of the bottle to then take a quick whiff from the top. "I have with me what I believe is the exact formula of Dominic Baines' Red Venom. But there's one ingredient missing."

We all waited for her to finish.

"You see, Sir Dominic wasn't as good as people believed  him to be when it came to bending the truth. I cracked into his code and found a new ingredient. It's some type of element found in a substance powerful enough to soar, yet weak enough to burn."

The look on all our faces became perplexed.

"What?" Ethan mentioned out loud. "What is that suppose to mean."

"I don't know." She closed the bottle again. "That's why I called you in here."

"I'm sorry.. How are we suppose to figure this out?" Cameron furrowed my eyebrows.

"I looked into you boys." She smiled. "One of you has close contact to what could be the source of this information."

"Who?" Johnson asked. We all looked at each other, having absolutely no idea who it could possible be. All of us are close and tell each other everything. If one of us was in contact with someone close to Dominic Baines, believe me, we would talk.

Dominic Baines was a living legend from around my parents time. He was the best street racer to race on the streets of Los Angeles and then travel all around the world.. Spreading his talent in all of the world's most famous cities. All by the age of 24. Today he would've been in his late forties if it wasn't for that mysterious death of his a couple of years ago. It's mysterious because no one really saw how he died but was last seen driving a car. People say he hot a curb on one of the mountains during a cold December night and the wheels slipped on ice-- taking the car over to a 150ft drop.

He's the legend us young racers want to look up to because of his charisma and amazing racing skills. I have huge respect for that man, though I never really met him. It's a shame what happened to him.

"That is for you to find out.." She looked at us. "As it turns out, the source is blood. My blood. I was banned from coming into contact, though this source is unaware of me. It's risky and too dangerous."

"But why can't you just tell us the name?" Sam asked. "It'll be a lot more easier."

The Lord looked at Sam with her deadly stare. C'mon Sam...

"I have enemies, Boy. Enemies who are working on getting the same formula. Telling you the name personally would only put you and the source in danger.. And that is something I can't have." She shook her head. "I need that ingredient."

Yes, Red Venom is great for cars, but in the black market it could be worth billions. So much can be done with this uniquely sacred element which is why every racer is out there looking for the formula.

"What's in it for us?" Ethan crossed his arms, interest highly noticeable in his tone.

"Oh, don't worry. I always reward those who help me." She smiled. "Find out what this ingredient is and bring it back to me and your group will be rewarded a billion dollars."

"Whoa.. That'll be 200 MILLION each!" Justin's eyes widened. All of ours did, actually. That is a LOT of money!

"That's more than we've ever made putting all our racers money together.." Cameron added.

"Aw man.. WE'RE GONNA BE SMOTHERING RICH!" Sam's head tilted to the sky, hands set in a prayer.

"In addition I will give the one who brings me the ingredient a car of your choice. Any car in the world, name it and it's yours." She added.

Fuck... ANY CAR IN THE WORLD! I can get my own Koenigsegg Agera R, the car I was talking about with James' little brother. Oh man.. This lady is really tempting us!!

"What's the catch?" I asked, knowing that all of this had to have a catch.

"So he talks." She smiled at me. Wow, I didn't even notice. I haven't spoken a word and this is the first thing I say.. Nice Jack. "What's your name, Boy?"

"Jack." I replied.

"Well, Jack.. There is no catch. Just bring me the ingredient and all of that will be yours." She explained, games back the small bottle to the man besides her. He walked away.

"Is there at least a time frame for all this?" I asked.

Placing her hand back under her chin, The Lord looked at me. Lips began to display a devilish smirk. "You've been fairly quiet this whole meeting. I like the questions you ask.. They're better than your leader's." Her eyes looked back at Ethan and we all watched him roll his eyes.

Turning back to us, she sat back in her throne. Comfortably, she began to speak. "You will have five months from now. I expect to see the ingredient by then."

"What happens if you don't?" Johnson asked.

The Lord smiled. Looking at her long nails, she began to praise them out in front of her. "Let's just say, my men will find me some new nail polish.. You know, red is my favorite color... But this color in particular is made personally by my own secret ingredient. Wanna know what it is...?" She looked at us. An evil smile approached her lips before speaking again. "My victim's blood."

Chills ran down my body. I could only imagine how exactly she got her victim's blood. Jesus, this woman was demented! If the use of a person's blood to make nail polish isn't insane enough.. I don't know what is. No wonder this woman has so much fame.. She's crazy!

"So what do you say boys.." Her eyebrow arched. "Do you accept my challenge?"