Isabella's POV

The day flew by with me lost in the world of cars. Every time I got behind the wheel, it felt like I could breathe again. Deckard was away, handling business with someone who promised to help us, and I had to trust that. For now, I focused on fixing the car and driving around the yard. The sound of the engine purring under my hands was the only thing that made sense. I lost myself in the motion, the challenge of getting better with every lap I took.

After a while, I sat down with Deckard's mother, Magdalene, and she was surprisingly kind. She opened up to me in a way that felt natural. She told me about her family—her kids, the heartbreak of her ex, and the government's betrayal. I could hear the bitterness in her voice when she talked about how they'd turned their backs on her family. It made me angry, too. I understood her pain. It wasn't just about the government; it was about what they had done to the people she loved. It made me more determined than ever to protect the Shaws, no matter the cost.

I found myself smiling at Magdalene as we shared tea and lunch. She was a strong woman, and I admired her. But there was something else I admired, too—the way Deckard loved her and how she supported him. It felt like there was more to the Shaws than just the tough exterior, and I wanted to be part of that world, part of their family.

When I went back outside, the wind tousling my hair, I was ready to drive again. I pushed the car harder this time, focusing on getting better and improving my skills. I could feel myself becoming stronger, more confident, and, in some strange way, a little bit more like I was finding a home with Deckard.

Deckard returned, his presence like a shadow that I couldn't ignore. He'd been gone for a while, and even though he was here now, my mind still replayed the words he'd shared earlier—the truth about his past, the weight he carried, and how much he cared about me. I could feel my heart speeding up whenever he was near.

As Deckard approached, his eyes softened when he saw me, and I couldn't help but smile. It was a smile I couldn't hide, a smile that seemed to light up my entire face.

"Do you want to know the tricks that my family passed down to me?" I asked, unable to stop the excitement bubbling inside me.

Deckard's smile widened. "I love that," he said, his voice laced with admiration.

I felt my pulse quicken, the intensity of the moment taking over. It wasn't just about the cars anymore—it was about Deckard, and the way he made me feel alive in ways I hadn't before. His approval meant everything.

Magdalene caught my eye, and I saw the silent encouragement in her gaze. She gave me a look that made me feel like I belonged here, like I was part of this family. It was strange, this sense of belonging, but I had never felt it before. And I didn't want to let it go.

As we spent the rest of the day together, I realized just how much I had come to care for Deckard. There was something simple about the way we could be together without words, without complications. It was the kind of love I never thought I would find—untouched by the chaos of the world, just us in this small, shared moment.

By the time dinner came around, the connection between us was undeniable. I cooked an amazing meal, and Deckard stood by my side, his arm around me, kissing my shoulder as we talked. The way he kissed me back when I did the same—it was like everything clicked into place. I had never known a love like this, a love that made me feel like I could take on the world with him by my side.

After we ate, I thanked Magdalene for everything, for welcoming me so openly into her home. Her warmth and understanding meant the world to me.

"Deck," she said softly, her voice full of motherly wisdom as she approached him. "Never let that love go. I saw it from day one. The love between you and Isabella is pure."

Her words hit me in ways I couldn't describe, but as we went to bed that night, I knew she was right.

The next morning, I walked out to the car, my heart feeling light and hopeful. Magdalene watched me from the window, a smile on her face as she turned to Deckard. "Don't let her go," she said.

I smiled, feeling her approval in my bones. Deckard looked at me, his face soft, but I could see the determination in his eyes. "I won't," he promised.

Magdalene's voice rang out. "Isabella, make sure my boy treats you right."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I turned back to Deckard. "I'll keep him on his toes."

Deckard groaned, his face breaking into a smile. "Oh, good lord, not these again."

I just laughed, the sound of it filling the air between us. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was truly part of something.

On the Plane

As we settled into the plane, Deckard sat beside me, his hand in mine. I looked out the window, but my mind was focused on him. His words from earlier kept replaying in my mind. "Isabella, I know your life is much different now, but I love you, and I want to be your boyfriend."

I blushed, my heart pounding in my chest. "Life is complicated. That's something I know very well," I replied. "I love you, Deckard, from the first minute I met you, and I would love for you to be my boyfriend."

Deckard leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that felt like everything had come full circle. His hand cupped my face, and I melted into it, feeling the warmth of his love wrap around me.

When we landed in Russia and made our way to the house, I couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation. It was bigger than anything I'd ever seen, but the moment I stepped out of the car, Deckard was right there, offering his hand. I took it, feeling the bond between us grow stronger.

Inside, Madam M greeted us with a welcoming smile. "Deckard, nice to see you, and you must be Isabella Toretto."

"Nice to meet you," I replied, trying to keep my nerves in check.

Madam M looked me up and down, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "It's finally nice to meet the woman who is in love with Deckard."

I smiled nervously but felt a sense of ease around Madam M. She wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. "Let's get you started."

I was a little surprised when Madam M insisted on helping me first. I gave Deckard a quick look, and he silently warned me to be careful, but I could tell Madam M was more interested in becoming friends than foes.

As time went on, Madam M and I began to bond. She showed me how to use my gear, and we laughed about the complexities of our work. When Deckard came in and saw us getting along, he looked amused.

"Great, they're friends," Deckard called out, shaking his head.

"Come on, Madam M, I need to get going."

Madam M smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It was amazing getting to know you, Isabella. I hope we can be friends."

I smiled back. "It was nice meeting you, and I hope so, too."

Author's Note:

I've included Madam M here because it makes sense for her character to join the team, especially since she'll be in Hobbs & Shaw. I love Deckard's humor, and it's one of the things that makes him stand out among the Fast & Furious characters. I want to see Isabella form bonds with other strong women, especially since her only close friends have been the Toretto family. Madam M and Isabella will form a great friendship, without any of the typical rivalry that women sometimes face in stories. This is about strong women supporting each other!