AN: thank you to my awesome beta EdwardsFirstKiss

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

BPOV

"Isabella, my office NOW!" Aro barks passing my desk in a fury.

I don't stop to ponder over what I could have possibly done wrong. I don't have to do anything for him to bitch me out due to his shortcomings. I silently rise from my desk and follow the familiar path to his office. I knock on my boss's door and slowly enter his office.

"You requested to see me, Mr. Volturi?" I ask my eyes low to the floor. Once during one of his verbal assaults I looked him in the eyes and was accused of defiance. He accused me of his being angry with me as a joke. Technically, it was a joke at the time, he was angry that he never gave me the briefs on the Johnson account to notate. So now he was unprepared for the meeting tomorrow. Needless to say because I was being "sarcastic and defiant" I was ordered to finish the notes on the Johnson account by end of the day. When I arrived home at four in the morning, my fingers ached, and I had enough paper cuts to last a lifetime. Although, that isn't the worst punishment I've endured while working for Volturi Marketing. I don't really know what's worse, Aro's work-related punishments or the punishment for rejecting his unwanted sexual advances.

The question always remains; why do I still work for him? It isn't like I don't have other options. Last year I obtained my MBA and the job offers started rolling in, with generous salary increases. The thought of leaving the company is appealing, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't gone on a few job interviews. I just can't leave Volturi Marketing. Despite Aro, we are all a family. Jane the VP is like the sister I never had, and her brother Alec is the sweetest guy I've ever met. Alec works as our top marketing representative. I love everyone from Maggie who books our events to Demetri in the mail room. Even Aro's Brother Caius the CFO is a delight to be around; I can't leave. Marcus took a chance on me fresh out of high school when college wasn't on the table at the time because I had to take care of my mother. He paid me a generous wage not deserved for someone just coming out of high school. Later on, I went to college on the company's dime. Marcus was the heart of Volturi Marketing, and that heart broke last December when he had a stroke and passed away in his sleep.

That was the saddest day I can remember at VM. Ever since then, the warmth of the company has somewhat dissipated. The office can become cold and stiff at times. Though we're all still family, it's a broken one. Most of us haven't gotten over Marcus's death, and if they are like me, they never will. That man gave me everything; even more than my own father. I owe him my life, and before his death, I promised him I'd never leave VM. I told him he would have to drag me out kicking and screaming. It was a joke at first but now that he's passed I can't help but keep my word.

"BELLA!" Aro snaps at me, bringing me back to the present.

"Um, Yes Mr. Volturi?" I answer.

"Why do I keep you around? Are you even paying attention to me?" he screams.

"I apologize, Mr. Volturi, what is it I can do for you, Sir?"

"The representatives from Cullen Corporate Advertising will be here within the hour, I need you to bring me the Johnson brief that I hope you finished. Prepare the conference with refreshments, and make sure IT set up the projectors correctly. Make sure Caius and Jane are still coming to the meeting,, if not speak with their assistants and make sure their schedules are cleared until two maybe three at the latest."

"Anything else Mr. Volturi?" I ask. It was inconvenient when I complete everything on my list then get bitched out about whatever else he forgot to tell me that needed to be done.

"A little lip action never hurts..." he grins.

Before I lost my lunch at the thought of ever giving him any kind of action, I turn on my heels and exit his office. I choose not to acknowledge his advances in an attempt to deter them, but I'm quickly noticing that that strategy isn't working.

Refusing to dwell on it, I grab my coat and head out to Jakey's Cakey'sBakey's to pick up assorted baked goods for the meeting. I haven't met anyone to date that can resist his scones.