I hope you enjoy my new story, it's only going to be about 3-4 chapters and it evolved from a photo I saw which somehow got my writing cogs into motion and brought forth the creation below...enjoy! :D Feel free to leave a comment or review at the bottom...

*O*

Disclaimer: I do not own any 'Twilight' content that may appear in my completed story,

all copyright belongs to Stephanie Meyer, the lucky lady.

*O*

The secret to being the best in my trade was to be light on your feet and nimble in mind and body, without these two main skills you would never make it big time as an 'artefact/jewel/whatever-can-be-stolen' thief. I mean, to be honest, no one ever wanted to hire someone who sounded like a heard of elephants when this job required finesse and a certain kind of classiness to it.

Take me, for example, I made sure that I always ate healthy; I exercised regularly and practiced almost every day in the art of safe cracking. To make it in this business you also had to have trust issues which meant that our main motto was trust no one.

It was proven over and over again by the many crews that were arrested due to one wimp who got cold feet and loose lips. Most thieves, like myself, preferred to go solo these days which was a hell of a lot safer and this was a proven fact, exhibit A. I'm still here.

Right now trust was the least of my worries as doubt for the job I was currently involved in had me worried, which was never a good thing. My gut instincts had never failed me so far.

I normally picked my own contracts but I thought about having some variety in my life so I accepted a request that was offered to me by an anonymous benefactor.

Normally it was very risky if you didn't know who you were dealing with; if trouble arose you wouldn't know who to fight or run from. Luckily for me I had 'friends' all over the place, one in the police force, a couple from the streets and the best was the one from the highest mob family around called the Volturi.

After having a conversation with my mob contact for exactly fifty nine seconds I had come to the conclusion that the patriarch of the family had sent out the contract. My contact explained that this was strictly procurement and nothing more political or deadly so I arranged a time for the official meeting to be held the next day.

The job was to steal an antique statue from the state museum that belonged to said mob family but was stolen from them many years before.

So if you will, it was bit of an heirloom, a very expensive heirloom in fact. It had been valued at a little more than one hundred and fifty grand not only because of the age but because it was made of pure silver, gold filigree and rare gems.

Despite the substantial amount of money I had been paid after signing the contract this is what piked my curiosity, believe it or not I wasn't in this job completely for the money, I had an allure to the unique and the aged.

Gathering my wits back I put my complete attention to the task at hand. Today was the day of the heist and I had to be in calm control otherwise things could go horribly wrong.

The museum had been clever in the design of their security for this showing, installing state of the art lasers and sensors in every inch of the floor and ceiling, guards patrolled the surrounding rooms every fifteen minutes, a camera was singled in on the podium at all times and there was a pressure release alarm underneath the statue.

I had been impressed by the lengths they had put in place in order to protect the statue when I had cased the place, I had seen many priceless paintings and antiquities come and go through the museum and none had come close to the complexity of this new system.

It seemed that the Strigoni family – known rivals and enemies of the Volturi – who now owned the statue were putting in some extra funds in order to keep it safe and theirs, even in the opening hours there were guards patrolling the room and anyone who came too close to the glass pedestal was told to step back with chill politeness.

After a few detailed observations I figured that the safest time to try would be at night when there were fewer obstacles and the room was clear of tourists, children and especially the guards. Security details in other rooms and patrols I could handle but if they were in the same room it made it that much more difficult but not impossible.

When I had arrived home I set to work putting together the kit I would need for this particular job and made sure I had my plan memorized faultlessly. I dressed in my lucky underwear, black tights and three quarter sleeved top, leather gloves, specially designed boots and my slim-line utility belt that strapped to my thigh.

Pulling my hair into a tight bun I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and grabbed the keys to my black Ducati which was the fastest and stealthiest ride I owned out of my two vehicles.

Thanks to Rosalie – one of my best friends – who was in the automotive industry my bike and car had been modified to within an inch of their lives as she could basically alter or fix anything with an engine. Before I left I made sure that everything was in place and that I hadn't forgotten anything as one little mistake could ruin my carefully crafted plans. Happy that everything was in order I nodded to myself and slipped out the apartment building's back door and took off into the dark.

When I arrived I parked a block away and stuck to the shadows and silently thanked Alice – my other fashionista best friend – for my boots. They were designed for several purposes and one of those was to absorb sound, the other was the small dial near my heel which enabled me to stick to any surface when needed.

The absorption of my pounding feet meant a stealthy approach as I sprinted along the pavement to the museums loading docks; the outside patrol would never see or hear me coming.

Coming up to the large roller doors I checked for the two security guards that I knew would be huddled in the small corner office at the back of the building, making my move when they turned to look at something on the desk and gave their backs to the security monitors that showed all the areas outside the museum.

Keeping to the shadows I finally made it to the small 'employee only' door and attached my phone and a small cable to the automatized pin pad on the wall, in seconds the four lights turned green and I heard the quiet snick as the lock turned.

Putting my phone away I entered into the empty and quiet break room and smiled in anticipation of the fun part to come.

On the schematic sketches of the building it showed that this room in particular was directly below the statue area and a ventilation system, which started from here, ran throughout the entire museum's walls. Lucky for me I had a small figure and I could squeeze through the narrow ducts.

I quickly found the vent and opened the dusty grate but just as I was slipping in I heard the lock on the door I had just entered snick and the silent whoosh of sound as the door slowly opened. I quickly moved further down so I was shrouded in darkness and pulled the grate closed behind me. I held my breath as a figure walked past slowly, too slowly and stealthily to be an employee or guard and I couldn't help but notice that this figure looked familiar.

Oh hell no!

I recognised the unruly bronze hair that was sticking out from under his black baseball cap, the colour so unique and ingrained into my brain that I would surely never forget whose head it sat on top of.

It was the one and only Edward Cullen, professional thief, sex god and the bane of my existence.

This man was intolerable at times and completely panty soaking at others, but to me he was an extremely annoying rival that always seemed to snatch up the best jobs before I had even heard about them.

Don't get me wrong I was astounded by some of his work and how he managed to remain stealthy and unheard with his height and build. He was fairly tall, standing at least a head and a half taller than me, had broad shoulders and was leanly muscled which meant he looked astonishing in a tux. This I knew for a fact.

Even though I would love to stay and watch the way the material clung to his thighs like a second skin there was no way that he was getting this statue before me. Not this time.

He'd pulled this annoying stunt more than once, I'd no sooner managed to bypass several layers of security only to find the smug bastard had already come and gone leaving behind a single white rose in the objects place knowing I'd show up eventually. How he knew the timing's of my heists would probably haunt me forever.

Unfortunately I would have to push all thoughts of that infuriating man and his past antics away for a later time, right now I had to get my focus back if I was to beat him there. I was also getting slightly claustrophobic anyway.

Sliding along on my stomach I counted the openings until I came to the duct I was looking for. This particular one ran vertically and led to the opening that ran horizontally adjacent to the statue room, reaching down to my heels I spun the dial until it was on my selection of choice and I felt as my boots switched to a stronger traction.

Snapping open my hand-held grippers I placed them on the metal walls and lifted myself to a standing position and inched my way up after taking a deep steadying breath, the higher I went the more damage would occur if I fell.

I was careful where I placed my feet on either side of the duct and only moved when I felt the tread of my boots become tacky, quickly but carefully ascending the tight space.

What felt like hours but was only minutes later I came across the vent I was after, I made sure I locked the grippers in place and put all of my energy into my legs as they would be the only things holding me in place for a few minutes.

When I made sure that I wasn't slipping I felt around the wall and pushed finding myself in a dim light as the grate swung open, their one flaw in this set up had been made in the construction phase. This vent I was currently occupying was the only vent in the room and they had placed it directly underneath the only camera in the room.

At night it was switched to infrared mode which meant that the slightest glimpse of body heat would set off a silent alarm so leaning slightly out of the vent I made sure to remain below the lens and after getting my phone and cable out once more I filmed the room for two minutes. Replaying the clip first to make sure it was steady and then connecting it to the back of the camera.

I made my move when the green light dimmed – surveillance taken care of – and pulled out my miniature bolt gun. I shot out one of my retractable darts and pleasantly watched as it securely connected to the adjacent wall, a heavy duty wire pulled taut between my gun and the plaster.

I leant back into the duct as I clipped the gun to one of the grippers and attached my belt to the line with a modified swivel carabineer, tugging a few times to make sure it was steady.

Grasping one gripper I managed to pull myself up a little bit higher so that my torso was flush against the opening and placed my feet back against the walls, using the other gripper I steadied myself and feet first I slid myself out.

The sound of my breathing and the chaffing of my leather gloves against the wire were loud in the silent and still area and I surveyed the space upside down until I managed to swing upright. It took me a few pulls until I was directly above the glittering statue – in between the invisible layers of movement-detection beams – and then I was mesmerized. It was truly beautiful.

What I could find about the origin of the statue was minimal but it mentioned something about a mob boss who fell in love with a local girl whose father was the chief of police, the mob boss loved her so much that he massacred the other rival families so that he could collect their gold, silver and jewels.

He'd created the statue out of the acquired possessions in hopes of it not only being a symbol of his love but also a sign of peace between the law and his family. He had high hopes that it would mean they would be allowed to marry of course.

Naturally it had the opposite effect and the mob king was jailed for a very long time for murder and theft, he was imprisoned for so long in fact that the girl he loved got married, had a few kids and grew old and grey by the time he was set free.

In his pain he tried to sell the statue to the remaining relatives of the families he had murdered in hopes of forgiveness for the lives he took and again, understandably, he was shot dead on sight.

Thankfully for him though he had an illegitimate child who decided to rebuild the 'family business' of his forefathers and who was now a great grandfather himself. Or so I had read.

As I was reaching for the glass cutter on my belt I heard the swish of moving material and quickly glanced around me until I saw Edward, his face looked like mine had at his unexpected arrival earlier and I wanted to crack up laughing.

"You!" He whisper shouted, a scowl on his face, his bright green eyes livid. "This is my contract! What are you doing here?"

"Well I could ask the same thing really…I accepted this first so therefore it's my contract." I replied back, his face wary at this new information.

"I don't think so…how did you scam your way into this one? Did you hear it from one of your contacts or did you randomly feel like snagging the most expensive statue around?" He sneered, his arrogant attitude coming to the forefront as if he was the only thief in the universe that was ever offered a contract.

"Not that it's any of your business but if you must know I was invited to a lovely house, given coffee and an envelope and told to not return unless I had their lost statue. Does that sound about right Cullen?" I'd know by his reaction if he'd been put through a similar meeting and seeing his eyes turn to slits was my answer.

He'd never been contacted but he'd somehow managed to get enough details to proceed.

"I thought so…well it was lovely chatting with you but if you don't mind I have a job to do." I said quieter now that I could hear the footsteps of the night patrolmen just outside the large wooden doors of the room.

Edward must have heard it too because it shut him up and snapped him out of his annoyed glare and I couldn't help but think that, the sensors on the ground that lay one step in front him, were the only things stopping him from murdering me.

Ignoring him, which was disturbingly hard, I pulled out my glass cutter and placed it gently on top of the case, cutting a perfect circle for my hand and arm. Pulling out a side-cutter plier from my back pocket I steadied my breathing, blocking out everything else including Cullen's huffs of frustration as he tried to cross the sensors, and focused on this vital part of the night.

Making sure my hands weren't shaking I positioned myself so I was looking down at the statue and carefully cut the thin red wire that was barely poking out of the silver disk that the statue rested on. I paused for a few seconds, bracing myself for blaring alarms, but was relieved when the silence continued; I'd made a clear cut.

Gently, just in case, I removed the statue with sure fingers and made it back through the hole in the glass without any incidents.

Well almost.

I could hear Cullen getting closer and looking over at him I realised he was doing it the old school way. He was using a mist spray which was built into his gloves that illuminated the red sensors and right now I had an amazing view of his strong back, muscled arms and firm ass as he maneuvered to avoid the shimmering rays.

"Just you wait Swan" he grunted out between steady puffs of air from his fluid movements, "if I catch you this job will be the last you ever do."

I held back the laugh I so desperately wanted to let go and focused on retreating the way I'd come, he was only threatening me because he knew his time of obtaining it was gone or in this case about to slide down a duct.

I managed to make it back inside the vent and retracted the line just as he reached the pedestal his steely glare completely focused on my face as his strong chest rose and fell rapidly from his exertion. After I secured the statue in a satchel I'd brought for that very reason I secured it across my back and looked at Edward, the glint in his eyes making me shiver involuntarily.

I realized that he was trying to use that brilliant mind of his to think of a plan to reach me before I disappeared completely.

Unfortunately for him though I was about to unplug my phone and the camera would narrow on him instantly, he'd have no time to get back before several security guards rushed in. I had no idea what he'd originally had planned for the camera but he'd obviously foregone it by heading directly to the statue which was his mistake.

"Edward, I'm telling you this out of the kindness of my heart, but when I unplug my phone the infrared will be up again so I'll give you the option of going back the way you came or continuing and getting caught. It's your choice." I whispered as I heard the footsteps again.

Looking at Edward's face I knew that he was at war with himself, some unreadable expression flickered in his evergreen eyes before a scowl told me what option he chose, nodding in silent acceptance he turned back towards the door and slowly made it back without any problems. His lithe progress was mesmerizing as he weaved, bent and ducked the flickering red beams and I couldn't help but think that he put Catherine Zeta-Jones to shame in the movie 'Entrapment'.

He gave me one last scowl as I disabled my phone and closed the grate, disappearing from sight, he'd have to wait until the patrol went past again but I knew the chase was on.

He probably had an idea of my entry point so I would have to be quick, pocketing all my equipment I spread my gloved hands on the walls of the duct and used my feet to slow my descent as I slid soundlessly and swiftly down. Once again counting the openings I managed to make it back and after checking that it was safe I slid out and ran for another door. This access would bypass the outside guards and cameras completely and the only reason I'd had to forego it originally was because it only opened from the inside.

My hand managed to grasp the handle and my heart beat loudly in my ears as I heard Edward skid around the corner and into the room. Shit! I'd wanted more of a head start than this.

Sprinting into the fresh night air I high-tailed it down the street hoping that I was a faster runner than him, if I made it back to my bike I could easily outrun him any day whether he was on foot or not.

Turning the corner I could finally see my Ducati come into view but I could also feel Edward get closer and I made a split second decision, skidding to a stop I stepped to the side and stretched my arm out. Because of how fast he was running he didn't have a chance to alter his direction and my arm coat-hangered him, his legs flew from below him and he landed squarely on his back.

Laughing but slightly regretful – taking in his winded expression and gasps for air that reminded me of a fish out of water – I sprinted for my bike, shoved my helmet on and sped off. A quick glance in my side mirror showed Edward angrily pounding the ground with a fist as he tried to get to his feet.

I could feel my lips turn up at the corners as I found humour in the fact that this wasn't over and as soon as he found me I was dead meat. Of course after I gave the family the statue back I would at least be expensive dead meat.

*O*

By the time I made it home it was the very early hours of the morning, sunrise only a few hours away, and I was exhausted having come down from the usual adrenalin rush of a successful heist. I carefully dumped the satchel on the kitchen bench, unhooked my utility belt letting it fall to the carpet and flopped face down on the couch, the scent of comfort and home relaxing my stiff muscles.

I honestly didn't want to think about the drop off that night and all the possibilities of what would happen when or if I saw Edward again. To say that he had been furious would be an understatement and I definitely don't think he appreciated getting knocked to the ground either.

In other words, avoidance would probably be my best option for probably the next couple of months.

As I was lying there I could feel all my muscles unwinding as I sunk deeper into the soft cushions, my eyes finally drifting shut, which was why I heard the soft click. Quickly lifting my head after I recognized that distinct sound I looked towards my front door and watched as the handle slowly turned downwards.

I sprang off the couch as quietly as possible, grabbed the satchel and shoved it in one of the storage baskets near my TV making sure the lid was completely shut before I looked around for something to use as a weapon. I didn't have many objects to choose from because no sooner had I shut the lid the door was pushed open slowly, a black boot appearing and then a man with bronze hair and a baseball cap followed.

Edward.

I knew that he was an exceptional thief but the fact that he knew where I lived and was able to bypass all the security measures in my building made me slightly uneasy, the security of this complex had been my main reason behind purchasing my apartment.

I quietly grabbed the closest thing I could find which happened to be an old vase that my mother – God bless her artless soul – bought me. She'd thought it would match the décor of my living room but actually clashed horribly with the carpet.

I held it up high, aiming for the back of his head, but was startled when he quickly turned around to face me and his strong hands stopped my arms mid swing causing the vase to slip from my fingers and smash uselessly between our feet.

Looking down at the broken shards of the vase and then up at him, and I mean way up, the difference in our height clearly discernible what with how close he stood before me, I felt myself involuntarily swoon. I took in all the details of his face; the sharp jawline with a hint of stubble, the stunning green eyes with topaz flecks and the breadth of his shoulders as they towered over me.

Smiling innocently up at him I saw confusion cross his pretty face right before I shoved my heel down on one of his feet and when he loosened his grip on my wrists in pained surprise I drew my arm back and gave him my best right hook.

Not checking to see what happened I spun around and bolted to my bedroom, or more specifically my pillow, where I always kept my taser hidden for emergencies such as this.

I managed to make it to the door of my bedroom and swing it open before Edward was there. He grabbed my elbow, and due to the momentum, I spun around to face him. I was ready however, predicting the angle and spot I needed before I swung my fist again and this time clipping the edge of his jaw.

He rocked back on his heels slightly and his cap fell off but I must not have done any damage because seconds later I was pinned to the carpet at the foot of my bed, his hands trapping my arms to the floor, his full weight on me and his legs tangled around mine.

"I believe that is the third time you've injured me tonight." He stated menacingly, his eyes growing dark and sucking me into their depths.

"It was all self-defence…I didn't go out of my way to hurt you. The first time you were chasing me and just now…well that was breaking and entering. By law you would be considered an intruder." I smartly replied, keeping my face expressionless and looking away to the side.

It was the only way I was going to be able to concentrate what with the amount of heat coming from him and the way he felt, all hard and sinewy as he shifted to accommodate my movements. I still tried to struggle a bit but soon stopped after I realised that all I had succeeded in doing was making myself hot and bothered and his smirk more pronounced once he fully comprehended our prone position.

Slowly I felt him lower his head, his warm breath causing goosebumps to rise on my skin as his silky hair brushed against my cheek, whispering in my ear with his husky velvety voice.

"Isn't it lucky then that we don't abide by the law?" His voice was definitely different now, gone was the anger and in was the bone-melting honey tones as he skimmed my exposed neck with his nose sending shivers down my spine.

I tried, I really did, to contain them but I couldn't even if my life depended on it and he unfortunately noticed as I felt him grin against my skin. Frustrated with myself at showing any sign of weakness I made myself relax into him and felt his grip on my hands loosen infinitesimally as he pressed light kisses behind my ear.

It felt amazing but I wasn't giving up that easy so in one quick movement I slipped my hands out of his grip and shoved him as hard as I could so our positions were reversed with me straddling his thighs.

"You forget, Edward," I sneered, "that this is my home with my own law and I want to know why you came here and how you even know where I live." I was hoping to at least get some answers out of him before I would throw him out but the way he was grinning up at me made my hope shrivel into a tiny ball.

"I don't think I'll tell you…but I wouldn't mind it if you leaned down just a smidgen though…maybe I'll tell you then…" I didn't trust the sneaky bastard one bit especially when he was still wearing that stupid shit-eating grin, there was no chance in hell I was moving an inch, it was never anything good when he wore that expression.

"Sorry…no can do, I like where I am." Glaring at him so that he would get the message that I was unamused I asked again. "How do you know where I live and why did you com-"

I was suddenly cut of as he flipped us again and slammed his mouth down on mine, his kiss was bruising until he moved away to gasp in a breath. His full weight was on me once more but this time his hands were nowhere near my arms; one hand gripping the hair at the base of my skull and the other secured at my hip as he brushed his smooth lips against mine a little gentler this time.

I tried to resist for what I hoped was a minute but in reality was more like mere seconds before I gripped Edward's bronze-coloured silky strands and tugged, his groan reverberating through me. His kisses had become more forceful again as I felt his tongue rub along my bottom lip seeking entrance. Allowing him we fought for dominance as his fingers brushed over all of me and left goosebumps behind.

Along my legs and thighs, up my waist and just brushing against my breasts making me gasp and curve up against him. By now my hips had a mind of their own as I grinded against the leg that was lying between mine, my hands sliding under his tight black tee to the smooth skin and muscles of his back making him shiver and break from the kiss.

He didn't go far as he placed feather-light kisses across my cheek and down my neck to the parts of my breasts that were exposed from my V-neck shirt, my gasps alarmingly loud against the silence of my apartment.

If I thought every nerve in my body felt like a livewire from just the kissing it was nothing compared to his hand and those magic fingers as they rubbed against the seam of my tights, stoking the burn of desire spreading through me.

I couldn't control anything I did after that, I forgot about everything but this bronze-haired Adonis who was now dragging my shirt over my head with a mischievous smile on his face, leaving me in my black lace bra.

Longing for another kiss I gripped his hair in one hand and his shoulder and brought him down to me again, making sure I nipped at his lower lip and secretly loving the small growl that emitted from him.

"That wasn't very nice," he said as he grinned down at me wickedly. "Maybe you should be taught a lesson? Do you think that'll help you behave?" He whispered in my ear as his hand moulded to one breast fully, his long fingers rolling the pebbled nipple through the thin lace creating a delicious friction which then turned to a slight sting and more wetness below as he softly pinched.

"I asked you a question Bella…I expect an answer." He playfully admonished me, the sound of my name from his lips making me shiver as he rubbed his thigh against my crotch a little bit harder but not enough.

Never enough.

I needed more.

I needed whatever he'd give me.

"Yes!" I groaned. "Do what you like but just fucking do something now…"

I moaned as he complied and his other hand made a stealthy move into my panties, rubbing the small bundle of nerves that was aching for more than that simple pressure, my hips rocked against his fingers as my thigh came in contact with his hard arousal.

Oh my.

He grunted in pleasure as his stiff flesh rubbed against my leg and he whispered in a gruff voice, "I hope you know that I intend to enjoy you tonight…you have no idea how long I've dreamt of this. Every quick glance of you…every whisper of your name and then tonight…I was captivated by the way you move and think…"

One finger was now stroking in me, slowly rubbing and swirling, my mouth opening on a silent gasp as he added two fingers causing my hands to clench tighter to his shoulder blades, making him hiss at the bite of my nails.

After kissing and sucking on the soft spot behind my ear I felt him softly bite the lobe of my ear.

"You're too tempting for your own good…"

The volume that he'd said it made me think that maybe it wasn't for my ears and he was simply stating his deepest thought out loud. Soon though my own thinking was out the window and my toes were curling in my boots as the rhythm of his fingers increased and I could feel myself climbing higher and higher.

"You have way too many clothes on…" I finally panted out and thankfully he helped me – my brain was pretty much useless mush at this stage – as we stripped him of his leather jacket and tee. His amazing chest now mine to view and touch, I made sure to caress every inch of his tanned skin but had to grab onto his back again for fear of falling off the earth as he rubbed my clit one last time and I saw fireworks, stars, galaxies and then complete and utter blackness as I squeezed my eyes shut, my climax taking over me.

"Fuck!" I screamed as every muscle in my body seized and pleasure over took me as I groaned out his name.

When I came too moments later, I felt Edward softly kissing my neck as he rubbed his hands along my exposed stomach and around to my back, his fingers caressing my spine. I could only lie there as functioning was still out of the question.

"I'm sorry about before Edward…I shouldn't have knocked you over…and then punched you in the face…twice." I mumbled, a blush heating my chest as I heard him laugh, his crooked grin hidden as he nuzzled my neck.

"If I'd known that an orgasm would get me an apology I would've just cornered you by the door." He said as he lifted his head and smiled down at me, a smirk playing at my own lips.

"How charming Edward…really," I mocked, "you must say this to every girl that clocks you one."

I laughed as his smile grew and soon he was joining me and this was the lightest I had ever felt, a light fluttery feeling wrapping around my chest until I couldn't breathe without grinning.

Deep down it scared me that this man, that was drawing unrecognizable lines on my stomach, was the one who made me feel like this. That he was the one to illicit such deep emotions just because he existed.

I mean, for all I knew this was probably a one night thing for him and tomorrow he would go back to being my rival and sometimes enemy, the latter was what wiped the smile of my face. He was my competition for fucks sake.

'What the hell am I doing?'

Planting my hands on Edward's chest I rolled us so he was on his back and I was straddling his stomach, his unmissable hard-on brushing against my ass making him groan and grasp my hips. I leant down to kiss him as my hair fell around us like a private curtain – the long strands having come out of the tie a little while ago from his persistent hands – and I brushed my lips against his smooth bottom lip, sucking on the tender skin and hearing his intake of breath.

Unable to pull away for even a moment I promised myself I would do whatever it took to not get attached. I would simply enjoy the moment while it lasted.

We were really getting into the kiss when I felt his hands cup my cheeks and pull my face back a little bit, his eyes boring into mine and a warm light flickering in the evergreen depths. My startled expression over his affectionate grip must have showed because he chuckled softly and leant forward to brush my lips in a soft reassuring kiss, his breathe mingling with mine.

"So…can we use the bed in this apartment or do you normally sleep on this delightful carpet?" He questioned with amusement and I don't know if it was his boyish grin, the fact that I finally had the Edward Cullen under me or if it was his use of the word 'delightful' but I suddenly felt choked up. I couldn't breathe and I needed to get out of there for a minute to get my equilibrium back.

Shakily smirking at him I tried to continue the flirty conversation. "Of course not…but how about you get comfy up there and I'll be right back." I whispered in his ear and giving the lobe a quick peck I got to my feet and tried to calm my frantic pulse as I went into the bathroom.

"Sure thing baby…I'll be right here on this really comfortable mattress, hard and waiting." He replied with his stupid grin still firmly in place as he got up and slid onto my bed, snuggling into my pillows and giving me a fantastic view of the bulge still in his pants.

Oh my.

All the muscles in his chest rippled with his casual actions and that was the last thing I saw before I shut the door behind me.

I quickly rushed over to the sink after flicking the lock and glared at my reflection in the mirror. The person who was staring back at me was completely unfamiliar, she had rosy cheeks and her eyes were alive and wide with excitement and something else that sent warning bells ringing in my brain.

This was not what I had looked like yesterday or even an hour ago, something had changed and it was entirely Edward's fault.

I grasped the edges of my sink and lowered my head taking in deep breathes until I could feel my heart rate slowly returning to a somewhat normal rate and once I was happy I splashed a bit of cold water on my face, wiped it off and then made my way to the door after realizing I had been in there for a little too long.

Peaking in the bedroom I found it empty except for Edwards's leather jacket and baseball cap that now lay on my bed in his stead.

I walked out slightly confused, and I didn't want to admit, slightly panicked as I went over to my bedroom door and looked out into the hallway for any sign of Edward.

Maybe he'd gotten hungry and went in search of food or something. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but uncertainty was an ever-present monster in the back of my mind.

I suddenly heard a glass break from somewhere near the kitchen but before I could make it into the lounge I was suddenly dragged into a strong chest, warm arms wrapping around me and pulling me back into my room as a hand covered my mouth.

I struggled against the grip, only calming down when I heard Edward's familiar voice even though he was speaking in hushed tones.

"Calm down baby it's just me…its okay."

Relaxing into his hold I turned to ask him what on earth he was doing when he removed his hand from my mouth and urgently held a finger to his lips telling me to stay quiet. My eyes widened in alarm and I quickly rushed to my closet to change into regular clothes, pulling on the first things I found.

I wore my dark jeans, white t-shirt, khaki jacket with a hood and I pulled on my favourite pair of ankle boots, fastening my hair back into a high ponytail I noticed that Edward had already slipped his shirt and cap on.

I watched as he scratched the back of his neck, the muscles in his shoulders and arms rippling as he glanced nervously around the doorframe and into the hallway and I already missed the feel of his skin against mine. Right now however there were more important things to worry about like who the hell was in my apartment and what they were looking for as we heard more things getting tossed around.

As I stood there watching Edward keep an eye on the hallway it finally hit me.

It was the statue. They were looking for the statue. But how did they also know where I lived, my address was only known by Alice, Rosalie and myself. Even my parents didn't know where I lived, opting to visit them at their own homes instead.

It also niggled at me that they knew I had acquired the statue last night. The alarm surely wouldn't have been raised yet, it was only seven thirty and the camera was switched to normal visual by eight.

As I reached Edward I cringed internally as I thought back to his grand entrance and how I had hastily hidden the statue in one of the storage boxes which, by the sounds of it, the men would eventually find.

Whoever they were, they were being pretty thorough.

"Edward," I whispered, getting his attention as his back was facing me, "the statue is in the living room."

When I said this I was expecting surprise or worry or even panic at the inevitable outcome of its position but instead I saw guilt as he turned to face me and this made me suspicious. Years-worth of trust issues rearing their ugly heads.

"What is it? What did you do?"

"You have to promise not to react until I explain…alright?" He said cautiously determined as he shuffled on the spot, nervously glancing at my face and the glare I was shooting him.

Something was telling me that I wasn't going to like what he had to say and he proved me right when he walked over to his jacket on the bed and pulled out the satchel from underneath it. My eyes widened as a knot formed in the pit of my stomach as he held it in front of him as if it would protect him from my wrath.

He should've known he'd have nothing to worry about.

I wasn't going to kick and scream and hit him even though I really wanted to smash his stupid handsome face in.

Somehow over the course of the night and even long before today, when I had first met him at a gala, I had somehow begun to fall for him. I should have known that the saying 'honour amongst thieves' never applied to the real world and that I was bound to be betrayed. I should've remembered to hold onto my heart tighter.

I was a fool.

Well as some famous man once said.

C'est la fucking vie.

Even though it was painful to think of my life without Edward in it, that would have to suffice for now, I had to look after me, myself and I because obviously nobody else was going to do it.

"Well? Say something baby…" He said as worry formed in his eyes and if I didn't know any better I would have assumed it was genuine concern over my reaction.

I ignored him as I made my way over to my closet again and pulled out a small backpack. I shoved in some of my emergency cash, a spare shirt and my trusty OTF switchblade then pocketed my phone and keys all while Edward watched my every move. His brows furrowing deeper in confusion and caution.

As I made my way over to the window I stared up at Edward blankly and held out my hand, he knew what I wanted and he knew that I would get it off him even if it meant using force.

"Please Bella…you haven't let me expla-"

He cut himself off as he saw me narrow my eyes.

"Look, I understand what you must be thinking but I wasn't going anywhere with it," he pleaded. "I know it looks bad but please just trust me."

I ignored his falsely sincere words and snatched the statue from his grasp and shoved it into my pack still not saying a word, I was too worried that if I opened my mouth the waterworks would start and I would not cry in front of him.

Edward was about to speak again when we heard whispering voices getting nearer to where we were. Quickly rushing to the window I quietly cracked it open and climbed out onto the fire escape, Edward unfortunately following my lead as he shrugged on his leather jacket.

After we were both out I shut the window again and we ducked down in time as two men entered my bedroom and continued their search. I panicked for a moment as I realised my small bedside light was on but the two men seemed not to notice as they tore through my draws and cupboards.

Releasing the breath I didn't know I was holding I turned and slung my backpack onto one shoulder and rushed quietly down the stairs, sliding down the ladder and landing on the balls of my feet as I reached the alley.

Sticking to the shadows I made sure there was nobody keeping watch for the two goons upstairs and then made my way over to my bike, my poor 1967 Pontiac GTO was probably feeling neglected what with my preference as of late.

I was startled when I felt a hand on my arm and I realised that Edward was still following me, couldn't he take a hint after what he'd done, he should have the decency to scamper off like the little backstabbing thief he was.

"Look Edward…thanks for tonight but I really think we should go our separate ways, not only will it make us harder to find but I honestly don't want to see your face right now." I said as I yanked my arm out of his hold.

"No." He said stubbornly. "I'm not going anywhere and neither are you until we talk…we can either leave together or we can stay here in this alleyway and if you haven't noticed there's a couple of henchmen in your apartment."

His scowl deepened with his next comment and I felt my eyes narrow in impatience. "You promised to hear me out so keep it."

That really pissed me off.

Turning to face him completely he looked at me cautiously as his instincts probably told him that he had said something wrong.

"First of all asshole, I never promised anything…you just assumed that I agreed to hear whatever lame excuse you'd come up with and second…don't ever touch me again." I spat as I poked him in the chest with my fingers.

Satisfied that I had made myself clear I turned on my heel ready to walk away when I was suddenly pushed into the brick wall next to me with Edward's hot body pressed up against mine.

He had me pinned with not only his grip but his darkening green eyes which glared down at me in frustration. He made a few mistakes though, his first was underestimating my anger and his second was leaving my legs free and as much as I loved his junk I didn't right now so using minimal but sufficient force I kneed him in the groin and watched in satisfaction as he crumpled to the concrete of the alleyway clutching himself and groaning.

"Fuck Bella! Shit! What the fuck was that for?" He grated out, obviously in pain, and a flash of regret ran through me before I shook it off and crouched near his head.

"I told you not to touch me again."

And then I was gone as I reached my bike, I slipped the backpack and helmet on and took off like a bat out of hell.

I knew that as soon as Edward was able to stand he would be after me and I needed as much distance between us as possible. I had too much to think about without having him there clouding my judgement and worst of all my heart.

*O*

Hopefully i'll have the next chapter done by next Wednesday...Thanks for reading and have a safe week :D