Marc's POV

This was beyond insane. We're all standing in the back of the Italian mafia's compound watching Dr. Sean Green fight with a real sword against his long-lost cousin who happens to be the head of the Japanese Yakuza. Yeah, that's your normal Friday morning. When Owen had told all of us the events that unfolded between Sean and Yasu the day before, it seemed surreal. Standing here now, it still didn't seem possible. I mean, putting aside the entire long-lost criminal family thing, there are the swords. Who the fuck knew Sean could even use a sword, let alone was downright skilled.

I watched Marissa cringe at the sound of the metal swords clanging together. I didn't really understand what style of fighting they were doing, but it was impressive. Both men were light on their feet and seemed to move with incredible speed, anticipating each other's moves. North handed us both a glass of water. "If they aren't really fighting, then how do you determine a winner?" he asked.

"Much like fencing, it's based on strikes that could be considered lethal," Owen answered. "Like that one," he said pointing to Sean who held his sword near Yasu's neck. He then pulled the weapon back and they both exchanged a bow before beginning again. "Sean earned another point. That gives him three, and Yasu four."

The two men began their deadly dance again. Marissa squeaked when Yasu landed a strike to Sean's chest, the sword slicing the fabric of his shirt. He instantly withdrew the sword and bowed, then asked, "Are you okay?"

Sean brushed his hand over the spot, smearing a dab of blood as he did it, "Yeah, it's not deep." He bowed and placed the sword in his palms, offering it to Yasu. "I acknowledge my defeat." Yasu took the sword with a nod of his head, then Sean stood again. "Thank you. It's been years since I've had a sparring partner."

"I can't believe it's been that long," Yasu replied. "You're out of practice, but by no means to be underestimated. A very balanced fighter." Sean's cheeks flushed as he nodded at the compliment. The Yakuza leader looked at Marissa and flipped the sword handle first toward her. "Take it."

She looked between him and Sean for a moment before taking it. Yasu took a step back, watching her closely. Marissa shifted the sword as if testing its weight and length for a moment. She was still looking down when Yasu swung. In a split second, she shoved Sean away and raised the sword above her head, blocking the blow. 

"What the hell was that?" she screamed at him.

"Testing a theory," he replied as he took the sword from her. She scowled at him as the rest of us glared. I thought Sean was going to kill him. "Your statement yesterday intrigued me. After seeing your instinctual response to protect Sean, I better understand the risk we face should you be taken."

"And what if she had not been able to block your attack?" Dominic growled.

Yasu grinned, "The moment she took the sword, I knew she would respond. What I didn't know is how quickly or if she would attack rather than defend." He looked at Sean, "The fact that her instinct was to protect makes her more dangerous. Any fool will fight, but few will sacrifice to protect another. Marissa's instinct was to defend, then attack if needed - a natural strategist."

She took a step forward until she was almost touching his nose with hers then said in a low voice, "If you ever do that again, I'll shove that fucking sword down your throat. Find another way to test your theories that won't place my family in danger." Then she stormed back into the house with Sean and Owen rushing after her.

I shook my head, "When are they all leaving? I'm not sure how much more she can take."

North grunted, "Hell, I'm not sure how much more I can take."

"Most are leaving today. Only my father will stay," Raven said. "He wants to look into that judge personally."

"Victor and I have already started the virus. It will take full effect on New Year's so the banks won't notice," Corey added.

"Does it wipe out all their money at once, or over time?" Kota asked.

"It will start shifting resources first, making it look like a banking or server error. By the time they figure that out, accounts will start disappearing as if they've been deleted. When they come back online, they will be emptied," he explained. "All the funds will be rerouted through a series of firewalls, dummy accounts, and more until it ultimately ends up in an unmarked account of our choice."

Axel walked up, coffee mug in hand. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "The coffee is amazing, Marc. Thanks for making it. I'm not quite up to fancy Italian coffee today," he chuckled. "So has she mentioned anything more about her father's trial?"

"She still wants to go, but I think Sean and Dominic talked her into waiting a bit," Silas replied, then added, "I think that's another reason Aleski is staying. Both he and Leonardo want to travel with her if she goes."

"But won't that tip our hand?" I asked. "If the Academy makes too many connections, it could cause us to fail."

"Father thought of that too," Raven said. "He wants to twist it. Maybe plant the idea that he doesn't approve of my engagement to her or the Blackbourne team. If he can convince the Academy he disapproves, they may let details about their plans for her slip." We all pondered what he'd said. It was a brilliant idea and just sketchy enough that the Academy would buy it.

"Well, he might want to start putting out feelers," Axel said. "She's not going to stay away forever, so we might as well plan accordingly."

****

As Raven has said, all the mafia leaders had left except his father by that night. As Aleski and Leonardo met in the office about their own plans, we all gathered in a large room filled with furniture and lush plants. As conversation filled the room, I noticed how Marissa restlessly moved around. She would run her hands along windows, lean in and smell a flower, then pace - stopping just often enough that none of them really noticed her nervous behavior. When she came near to my spot, I stood and came up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "What's wrong, baby?" I whispered in her ear. "You're restless, talk to me." I felt her body sag against me, but she didn't turn, her gaze fixed on some far-off point. I placed my face in the crook of her neck, noticing the volume of the room drop as they watched us. "Marissa?"

Like a damn breaking, she let out a gasping sob, her hands clutching my arms. I pressed my lips to her cheek and neck, just holding her. When her tears subsided she whispered, "I'm sorry. I know I'm a mess. I just feel so helpless, so lost."

"Then let us be your path, precious," I told her. "And you are far from helpless," I chuckled, "Just ask Anton." She giggled at that and turned, pressing her lips to mine as her arms snaked around my waist.

"Thank you." I just grinned as she pressed another kiss to my lips. "Hell of a way to bring in the New Year, huh?" Oh shit, it's New Year's Eve and we totally forgot. She sighed and leaned against my chest, "At least I'm here with all of you, and for now, we're all safe."

"Ahem," Dominic cleared his throat, "Maybe I can help with your mood, Flower. Call it a belated Christmas present." He gave her a wicked grin and motioned for us to follow him. She quirked her head sideways, then sighed and followed him and we followed her. He took us down a long hallway on the opposite side of the house, then stopped in front of a set of wooden double doors. This had not been part of the tour. Marissa squeaked and looked at him wide-eyed. He leaned down and took her hands, then whispered into her ear, "Spend some time with your men. Let them take care of you." She nodded and he placed a soft kiss on her lips, making her moan softly. Then turning back, he opened the doors.

It was a playroom. A massive playroom the likes of Crescent. Hmm, I wonder if this room inspired her renovations at the club. I reached out and grabbed his wrist as the others stepped in and he turned to leave. "Stay."

He looked at me in surprise and started to shake his head, but Raven stopped him. "Stay Dom."

"Like you said, Raven, she's taken," Dominic answered, his voice catching.

Raven reached out and put his hand on his shoulder. "She is, but I think she was taken by you first. Let her make the decision - we will all accept what she wants. Will you?" With a look of shock, he hesitantly agreed and followed us into the room. The door shut behind us as he locked it.

Marissa's dress was gone, and Owen was standing behind her, running his hands along her shoulders. "What is your safe word, mia bella regina?"

"Red, sir," she breathed.

Sean came to stand in front of her, already undressed. "Hard limits, sweetheart?"

"No handcuffs, knives, needles, and I can't lean over the bar on the spanking bench," she giggled at the last one.

Sean smiled at her and rubbed his hand across her belly. "No, love you can't. We will be careful and take lots of breaks. You are in charge, Marissa. No one expects anything from you. Whatever you give is a gift. We all love you." She smiled as he moved closer to her and knelt before her open legs. Owen tugged down the hook that retracted into the ceiling and set the length he wanted, then quickly bound her wrists and lifted her arms above her head. She let out a loud moan as Sean's mouth covered her core and Owen's hands supported her body while he placed kisses along her neck.

I felt my own cock twitch in my pants and heard Dominic let out a low groan, muttering, "Fuck me."

Author's Notes: You all asked for it...just remember that!