"I found it!" 

Isabella stood up holding the small white button that had been popped from her blouse. "The sun will be up soon."  She said, dusting off the button and put it into her pocket.  "I need to get back."  

She looked over to where he'd been searching for the button.  She couldn't help but smile at him.  This was NOT how she'd seen any of this going, but she couldn't say she was disappointed.  Some things, at least, felt a bit clearer.

Gavin was half sitting, half sprawled on the picnic table looking at the river. The sky had just turned the slightest shade lighter, and dawn was coming faster than he would have preferred. She smiled at him, and he simply smiled back.

She came to sit beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder.  "Pretty fucked up, night, am I right?"  She half-scoffed /  half-laughed.  The sound died in the air.  She knew he wasn't out of sorts about her craziness, but something HAD happened tonight.  She just wished she understood what and how she could help.  For all the ferocity he'd show making love to her... though perhaps that turn of phrase wasn't one Gavin was comfortable using... he'd been docile since it ended. 

She'd looked out at the river and listened to the morning larks for a while before asking,  "What do you need, Gavin?  Tell me some way I can be here for you like you always are for me."

What do you need, Gavin?

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t sure.

Gavin flashed a smile as he stood up, tearing his gaze away from the river.

“I think right now we both need the same thing, which is you getting back like we promised, and then taking control of this thing, whatever you decide.”

Gavin halted abruptly. He’d almost asked if she wanted him to go with her. Not the easiest situation to walk into, but he was bothered by how natural the question had seemed.

“And when it’s settled, one way or another... well then let’s talk. Maybe... somewhere sunny.”

"I like that idea."  She stood up and walked over to him and kissed his lips gently - an innocent peck really - lest they get distracted again.  Though with the shell shocked way Gavin was acting, she wasn't sure that would really be possible.

"I should go home alone though, this is my responsibility, my duty both as the woman who was going to marry Elias and as a Don of the Ivory Tower.  It's the collar I put on my own neck you could say.  I'm afraid I'll always be married to the crew."  She shrugged and wrapped her arms around Gavin one more time.

"Whatever is going on... if you need me, just call.  Day or night.  I'll come running."  She pulled back and looked into his eyes again.  "I mean it.  Just... call?"  She paused and then said, "I'll board the first  flight out of Detroit the moment I've settled affairs.  It could take some time though, but I will come to you... if you don't change your mind."  She smiled warmly and let him take her back to the road where her bodyguards were waiting with a car to drive them to the airport.

Gavin grinned after she kissed him.

"There's nothin' goin on, Bella. Call it a lack of sleep, combined with you almost wearing me out. "

He winked roguishly.

"Not that I'm complaining. And notice I said almost. Not admitting defeat yet."

They walked back to her car together. When she was inside, he leaned down at the window and looked at her steadily.

"Go kick some ass, Bella."

With a final grin, he hit the top of the car twice, and the car pulled away almost immediately. Gavin watched it drive away for a few moments before he realized what he was doing- then he turned and walked away with his hands in his pockets.