As promised, the next chapter...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*
I sat by myself for several hours at a 24 hour diner a couple of blocks from me. In those hours, I'd waited and thought and sculled a cup of coffee and waited and sighed as I went over every minute of the events of the night and early morning.
I was inherently aware of three things at this stage, firstly, I was completely and utterly screwed. Secondly the cup of coffee I was currently nursing was doing shit all to keep me awake and alert after my all-nighter and thirdly I was under some kind of irreversible spell that Edward had somehow cast over me without my knowledge.
The bastard had managed to not only get under my skin but into my head as well when I wasn't looking and now I was paying for it. There had been a reason why I had trusted no one as far as I could throw them – which was not at all – and tonight had become my best example of my initial reasoning.
Edward had used my own body and heart against me all so he could re-steal the statue that was currently burning a hole in my thigh as it lay on the seat next to me, I had been none the wiser to Edward's mind game and had almost played right into his trap.
I'd let my guard down for only moments and it had left me with a burning hole through my insides and a dizzying sensation of loss. I'd had a taste of the stupid forbidden fruit and like the little bitch it was it had poisoned me.
Sighing and finally giving up my crusade with my third coffee I slapped a twenty onto the table – which I might add was a hell of a tip after the crappy coffee I'd been served all morning – and gracelessly slid out of the booth.
The bell on the door was like hammers in my skull as I pushed it open and my tired eyes reluctantly adjusted to the bright sunshine of a new day.
Sliding onto my bike I sped down the streets not caring if I was pulled over for reckless driving, especially after almost driving into an open taxi door. I eventually managed to make it the corner of my street fairly intact and I secured my bike down the nearest alleyway, blending into the shadows until I had a nice vantage point of my apartment.
At first glance everything seemed quiet and calm but looks could be deceiving and I sure wasn't taking any chances so I made myself comfortable and hunkered down to run a bit of surveillance. My favourite.
An hour passed before I was completely satisfied that no one remained in or around my home, especially Edward, still cautious I made my way up the fire escape with my back firmly pressed to the brick wall of the building. Peeking in my window I saw that my room was completely trashed but void of people.
Soundlessly sliding open my window I cleared the apartment, keeping the lights off and my trusty taser in a firm grip, ready for the first sight of movement.
I had been sorely mistaken if I'd thought my bedroom was bad, taking in the ruined dining and lounge areas I couldn't help but compare it to a fucking hurricane. Nothing was left intact, furniture was overturned or sliced open and there was glass everywhere.
Son of a bitch!
When I got my hands around their necks they would be very sorry for all the damage they'd done.
Even my coffee machine was broken.
They were definitely dead men walking. Nobody messed with my coffee and lived to tell the tale.
Too tired to deal with my now shitty apartment I made my way back to the bedroom, and after making sure my window was securely locked, I swept the debris of my bed and fell face first into the fluffiness that was left of my comforter and in seconds I was snoring.
Waking up several hours later I noticed it was mid-afternoon and that I had managed to get a few hours shut eye.
It was as good as I was going to get at the moment so after wiping a bit of drool off my cheek I had a quick shower, the water soothing my tensed muscles and easing the throbbing headache that was lingering from my long night.
After wrapping the towel around me I padded to my closet and noticed that most of my clothes had survived the ransacking and that one of those items thankfully was my dress for tonight.
The elegant charcoal grey, jewel-necked, floor length gown with a slit on the side that reached my upper thigh, was specifically designed with my 'job' in mind – another Alice creation – and completely covered in tiny shimmering beads so that it was like liquid mercury when I moved.
It was beautiful and my favourite purchase so far – except for my lovely vehicles of course, nothing would ever beat them – unfortunately the reminder of why I'd been overusing my bike came back to me. Edwards face flashed in my mind for the hundredth time that day and angrily I snatched the dress off the coat hanger and huffed as I dropped it onto my bed.
Edward was in all of my thoughts even though I'd tried to forget everything about him, from his gorgeous green eyes to his velvety voice to his warm strong hands and as if I wasn't haunted enough by the memories of him, his scent still lingered on my clothes from the heist.
Once again I tried shoving those memories away as I slipped into my underwear, dress and black fuck-me-pumps and made my way over to the mirror.
I finished with one hour to spare and before my own brain could betray me I forced myself to concentrate on the next steps I had to take. I knew that the Volturi family could not be trusted, my gut had tried to warn me when I'd first taken the contract.
If I was to guess I had to say that the men who had raided my apartment earlier had possibly been sent by either Heidi, my contact in the family, or by another 'relative' that knew about me.
Either way, I could no longer consider Heidi a trusted contact. From this point onwards I was classifying the drop as extremely dangerous, for some unknown reason they'd felt the need to double cross me; I had a feeling if I was seen I would most likely be shot on sight.
No questions asked.
This didn't complicate things, however, only making it that bit more thrilling. I had already decided to make the drop at the party tonight from the moment I'd heard of it, the twenty first birthday celebration was a way to guarantee that everyone was sure to show up, family or not, in my case.
It was invite only and to be held at the same home I had visited to collect my contract and it was going to be large, loud and very busy which was the perfect place to blend in.
I had forged an invitation which secured me entry but after that I'd have to rely on years of being inconspicuous and low-key, hence why I'd worn a darker coloured dress. That was the first rule of blending, never too dark and never too light.
With the amount of people expected to arrive I would simply be just another guest that 'accidently' stumbled into the study and dropped off a priceless statue.
Sitting on the only part of my couch that wasn't shredded I took deep breaths as I waited for the last minutes to tick by and I calmed myself, going over the plan again and again until I could possibly do it with my eyes closed.
I had many faults but no one would be able to say that I was an under-planner.
All this fuss and preparation reminded me of a similar job I'd done the year before and I couldn't help but hope that things would turn out better this time. Not only had it been similar to my approaching drop off but because I was a masochist I remembered that it had also been the first time I'd met Edward face-to-face. It had been the one and only time I'd had a rare glimpse of the real man; the one that hid behind arrogance and a fiery temper.
*o*
The night was quite chilly as I arrived at the estate that held the target I was to acquire, the two story white-brick mansion, with its poison ivy creepers growing up the walls, loomed over me and gave me a sense of foreboding.
Taking a deep breath and pushing the uneasy feelings aside I reminded myself that this was what I was good at, deceiving people and stealing their most valuable treasures and tonight was no different.
I made it past the stewards collecting invitations at the door and admired the view of the main entrance. It was exactly how I remembered it from when I had scoped it out the week before except now it was full of rich, spoiled and rude upper class people dressed in their finest clothes and like me wearing masks.
Not real ones of course. They wore the fake smiles which were as good as any jewelled plastic could ever be.
I re-scanned my surroundings taking in the chandelier that hung directly over me, the marble staircases that flowed up from either side of the room to join in the centre, forming a balcony that overlooked the grand foyer.
Below me, the polished marble floor dropped away to a small set of stairs which led into the entertaining area where most of the guests now lingered. They weren't what I was looking for, the small white door in the corner that was almost hidden by a large beige curtain however, was far more interesting. That door led to the library and there I would find what I had come for.
Unfortunately I didn't make it more than two steps across the entertaining area when I felt someone's eyes on me and the air around me charged with something I couldn't explain. Casually slipping a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray I used that moment to scan the surrounding faces, freezing when my eyes connected with startling green.
I'd only glimpsed those unique eyes once, and it had been right before he'd run off with a two thousand year old necklace I'd been after.
Before me stood none other than Edward Cullen, thief extraordinaire and major pain in my ass. Our rivalry had spanned across years and I had never had a chance to figure him out or meet him in person until now. At the rate he was going in annoying me I wasn't sure I desired completing either of those options.
It seemed I had no choice about the latter as he stopped in front of me.
"What a pleasure to see you here." A crooked, egotistical, knowing smirk peeked around the champagne flute as he took a small sip. The muscles in his throat shifted as he swallowed and made me almost want to bite.
Emphasis on almost.
"So are you here to enjoy the party or do we somehow share the same motive yet again?" He questioned, smirk still in place but his green eyes turned dark and I inwardly shuddered at the heat in his gaze.
So not only did he know who I was but he knew about my purpose for the night as well.
Well, if it was a game he wanted, then I'd only be too happy to play.
"I don't actually need to say anything to you…I think you already know that this is certainly not my scene, therefore you already know the answer to your question." I replied mulishly, I would tell him nothing of my plans but the bastard that he was had already ruined them just by stepping foot in the mansion.
"So that was a yes?" He said as his crooked smirk widened when I glared at him.
"Now, now Bella…I'm just trying to make polite conversation, this is the first time I've had a chance to talk to you and I also recall that having a civilised conversation is a good way to not stand out." He pompously replied after sipping a bit more bubbly.
I huffed in annoyance at his tone and his continued waste of my time, it made my fist itch, especially when he seemed to be able to continue a conversation by himself. The jerk was reading my emotions like I was an open book.
"You know I'm right…I didn't become the best for nothing you know, I'd say that by now my advice is more precious than gold." He'd better have been joking because I was seconds away from screwing my plans and knocking him out cold.
His laughter chimed over the conversing voices and tinkling of glass and I glared up at him with the heat of a thousand suns for being such an enigmatic prick.
I took a few steadying heaves of air and when my blood pressure dropped back to slightly normal I finally noticed that we weren't blending in as well as we needed. Far too many women were staring this way, at Edward in particular, and if I put my bias aside for just a moment I would probably have been staring just as much.
Edward looked absolutely divine in a tux, the way the material hugged the broad width of his shoulders and the sinewy muscles of his arms made me want to violently rip the jacket off so I could run my hands over the taught skin instead.
The slim line of his pressed pants made his legs look long and firm and he shuffled from foot to foot, his shiny black Armani shoes adding to the already polished image he presented.
Of course nothing compared to his hair in my opinion, it was as messy as usual now that he wasn't wearing his signature baseball cap, and the bronze strands gave him that just-fucked look that made me want to grip and pull.
Bringing my head back in the game I realised I had a tiny bit of knowledge that I could use to my advantage; Edwards' one weakness which I had managed to find out from the grapevine.
He – unbelievably – was a gentleman.
It had something to do with his mother and the life lesson's she'd no doubt taught him.
"I guess that is a good idea…after all it's beneficial for both of us no to get caught. Maybe it won't hurt to help each other out while we can…just for tonight that is." I reasoned, eyes wide with my most innocent expression.
It seemed to work because I was startled when a genuine smile crossed his face, fingers combing through already messy hair as he placed his empty glass on another passing tray.
Formulating my plan I offered to get him another glass of champagne which he agreed to, telling me to hurry back. As I walked towards the freestanding bar I took in my surroundings, noticing that several couples had started to make their way to the allocated dance floor where Clair de Lune was playing.
The small ensemble of musicians sat in the opposite corner of the door I needed, right next to the bar, and there I found the perfect candidate for my plan.
Halfway there I vaguely noted that several women had made their way over to Edward who looked slightly uncomfortable at the attention – which made me roll my eyes in disbelief – as if the Edward Cullen would ever be uncomfortable around women.
The bastard was a damn magnet to my gender and I could feel a tiny green monster forming on my shoulder.
There was no way I was going to get jealous over that arrogant jerk.
After picking up a newly filled glass off the bar top, I pretended to bump into a busty blonde woman, whose tight red dress left nothing to the imagination. I'd managed to nudge her just enough to get her attention which had been solely focused on Edward. Now that I was closer I took note of her slightly glazed over eyes from the amount of alcohol she'd consumed.
"I'm so sorry…I'm very clumsy when it comes to heels but my best friend forced me to wear these death traps." I fake giggled, fighting my eye roll when she gave me an insincere smile back.
"S'okay hun, you didn't ruin anything so s'all good." She replied in her slurred, nasally voice. I knew this would distract Edward thoroughly and I had to hold back my laughter as I imagined his face after tonight.
"I actually couldn't help but notice that you seem interested in that man over there." I casually noted, pointing towards Edward who was still preoccupied with several women all vying for his attention.
Blondie blushed a bit but then looked at me warily wondering why I had pointed it out.
Perfect.
"I was actually talking to him earlier and he mentioned that he saw a beautiful lady in red walk in before him and that he couldn't seem to find her amidst everyone here…I think it was a fluke that I bumped into you because I really think he was talking about you." I said with false excitement and a teensy bit of shame as her face lit up like the fourth of July.
"Oh my gosh, really?"
"Absolutely…you should go over and ask him to dance, he said something about Clair de Lune being his favourite song." I could tell that she had stopped listening to me as she gave a small nod and started her flirtatious walk towards an unsuspecting Edward.
She would keep him occupied for a while by the smell of her breath and the idea I had put in her mind but it wouldn't be long, Edward was not stupid, as soon as I didn't return he would know what I was up to and interfere.
This painting was mine.
Sticking to the walls I dodged handsy couples, a few inebriated men and some wide awake children playing hide and seek until I came across the library door. I took one last glance at a highly frustrated Edward, his vibrant eyes flickering over the surrounding crowd, for me no doubt.
He was being led to the dance floor – the gentleman in him unable to deny a woman a dance – and I slipped through the door flicking the lock once it shut behind me.
Pleased, I turned around expecting an empty room only to come across my worst nightmare, the painting was gone and unfortunately the person who took it was still there. The man stood in front of the crackling fireplace, the red and orange flames illuminated the room and more importantly the container hanging from a shoulder strap.
When he pushed himself off the mantle and turned to face me I was expecting surprise or wariness but instead I was gifted with a sinister smile. The hair-raising expression accentuated by the shifting shadows and light that played over his features.
He was roughly the same height as Edward but this man's hair was a dirty blonde and was pulled back at the base of his neck in a ponytail, his eyes were an obsidian blue from the shadows. His build, also unlike Edward was lanky and made me uncomfortable for an unknown reason, his presence was ominous and it left me with the feeling that he'd been waiting for something.
"At last you decided to join me Isabella…I must say it is quite unlike you to take so long to complete a job." He taunted, his creepy smile still in place and possibly getting wider, unfortunately that wasn't what made me freak out.
What chilled me to the bone was the fact that he knew my name and what I did for a living when I had never seen him before in my life.
"Who are you and how do you know my name?" I questioned, minutely moving back towards my only hope of escape. Unfortunately I had moved too soon, his eyes that reminded me of a fox, cunning in its movements, immediately zeroed in on my shift.
He was in front of me within the next second, pushing my back flush against the wall, his hands gripping just above each elbow as he pressed in closer to me.
Panicked, I tried to wriggle out of his hands, soon realising I couldn't move a muscle with way he was holding me. The fact that I couldn't move as freely as normal was also thanks to my long dress which reminded me why I hated formal events.
"Let go of me!" I panted, my breaths heaving in and out.
"Oh no my little pet, did you think to leave so soon? I mean…I'm actually here with you in person," my eyes widened a fraction at his implied knowledge of me prior to tonight and he continued, "it's a surreal experience."
His voice was breathy and awed as he stared down at me knowingly, like he was an old friend or some shit.
"I knew from your patterns that tonight would be when you would come…I know you never pass up an opportunity to dress up." He stated knowingly, leering down at the skin exposed from the dress. "I've been watching you for many years now and you have always intrigued me, the way you process everything and the way you bypass anything thrown your way…I just couldn't resist seeing you…holding you."
His eyes at this stage had gone completely black, his pupils dilating as he got more excited and his face getting closer to mine.
"I have wished for this for so long that I can still hardly believe it…but how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself."
It was like he had no clue that I hadn't said a word and that I wasn't interested in anything he had to say unless it was to inform me that he was pranking me. If Edward was behind this then he'd be breathing his last tonight.
"My name is James Hunter and I have to say that I am your biggest fan."
Even though I hoped his presence had something to do with my previous thoughts, something deep in my mind had alarms going off. I had the worst feeling that I was dealing with a creepy, possibly stalkerish, crazy admirer who was not only gripping my arms so hard there were sure to be bruises but was staring at me as if I was his next meal.
The thought sent chills over my skin and I realised with despair that I had dropped my clutch when he had grabbed me, my pocket knife no longer within reach. I had taken a few lessons in kick-boxing but not enough to get me out of this situation so I realised I would possibly have to talk my way out of this.
Steeling my spine and concealing my true emotions I put on my most charming façade and hoped like hell my plan worked.
"So…you're a fan are you? Have you stolen anything other than my painting tonight?" I teased, the fake smile on my face slipping slightly when his grip tightened and his face transformed for a split second.
Anger simmering below the surface of his pale face from something I had said.
'Shit! I'd made the creepy psychopath angry.' I thought to myself.
"What did you say to me Isabella? Are you making fun of me? Are you assuming that I am not good at this? If I'm not mistaken, I beat you to this painting so I believe it is mine now." He sneered, his face even closer than before and his hot breath blowing in my face.
"I-I'm sorry James…I wasn't making fun of you I was just teasing," I stuttered out as I kept my fake, kind smile in place. My fear was rising steadily as his anger consumed him and I wondered how long I had before my false casualness cracked and fell away.
Thankfully before anything else could happen we both jerked as the locked doorknob rattled as if someone had tried to open it. The room went quiet for a few seconds before a scratching sound reverberated in the silence and then the quick click of the lock turning was like the drop of a hammer.
James, in a blurring movement, pulled me in front of him so my back was against his front, his sweaty hand clamping over my mouth and making me gag. His other arm enclosed over my chest, threatening to crush my ribs with his strength; he was stronger than he looked and I had a sinking feeling he'd used that to his advantage other times.
"Not a sound," his menacing voice whispered in my ear. "I'm not done with you yet."
His last comment made me choke; the sound muffled by his strong hand as his fingers dug painfully into my skin as Edward walked in.
His gaze went straight to the far wall where a large illuminated gap was all that was left of the coveted painting and I heard him quietly swear.
Never in my life had I been so desperate to see someone until he had walked in but my fear was that he wouldn't notice me, hidden by shadows as we were.
There was no reason for him to look this way or search the room, the item he was after was gone, he'd assume from what he knew about me that I had left via the window in the opposite wall.
My fears were unnecessary though when he turned to leave and by some luck a stone in my necklace glimmered in the light from the fire and caught his eye. Looking up I heard him suck in a quick breath as his eyes adjusted to the sight before him.
"Bella? What the hell is going on?" He questioned, his startled gaze moving to James and his hold on me, worry and anger crossing his features.
I tried to warn him that this James guy was possibly dangerous but all that came out was a muffled grumble and then I was pushed to the ground and what happened next was a complete blur. When James had pushed me away to make his escape I had hit my head on the corner of the glass table next to the wall.
Through my blurry and fading vision I saw Edward's enraged face as he threw a punch at the now frightened James who took the hit squarely on the jaw, he was unable to do anything as Edward's fist swung again. This time it was aimed at James' gut and the breath was knocked right out of him, sinking to the floor groaning in pain as Edward delivered a swift, angry kick at his legs.
It was only a fraction of a minute before I felt gentle hands pushing my hair away, no doubt to get a better look at the gash on my head and then Edward's face came back into view as he checked my pupils.
"Fuck, are you okay? Can you hear me?" His eyes were anxious as they moved over my face, to the wound and back to my eyes, his hands gently cupping my face between his palms. "Please answer me? Bella?"
I really did want to answer him but I couldn't get the words out, my vision swimming in and out of focus and my limbs were heavy, Edward's gorgeous and concerned face flickered orange and black from the fire then multiplied into three heads.
I think I groaned out loud when the room started spinning and Edward's glare was livid as he turned towards the twisting, whimpering mess that was James.
The last thing I remembered before everything went black was the green of Edward's eyes as he stroked the side of my face so gently that it was like I was made of glass and then the sound of the door slamming open.
*o*
Coming out of the memory I realised just how much Edward had saved me that night, not only from James but also from getting arrested.
He had told the owner of the house, who was the first to find us, that I had stepped out of the main area just for a breath of air and when I hadn't returned Edward explained that he came looking for me and found me being assaulted by James and put a stop to it. The container across James' back was evidence enough and the police assumed I'd stumbled across the robbery in progress.
Despite the entire failed attempt it hadn't ended as bad as it could have, James was arrested and as far as I was concerned still in prison, and Edward had managed to prove himself as a decent person. Well, as far as a fellow thief could ever be, the many times he'd cut in on one of my contracts since then chipping away at any future faith I'd put in him.
I couldn't help but remember last night and despite what he'd done I couldn't bring myself to completely discard that notion. At the time it had felt like he'd completely and utterly broken my trust but something deep down was telling me to give him a chance to explain.
Maybe I would.
But it would have to wait for another time however as I glanced at my wall clock, which was hanging precariously on the wall. Showtime.
I collected my clutch, which I made sure had a wrist strap, checked that the statue was inside and made sure my tiny pistol was secured to my inner thigh.
I closed my apartment and headed down to the street below, sliding into a waiting cab.
*O*
The house looked different from when I had come for the initial meeting to obtain the contract. Decorations lay over the large columns that ran from the roof to the ground, fairy lights sparkled in the rose bushes that lined the driveway and front porch. Their perfumes encasing the guests as they approached the front doors.
After handing over my invitation I headed straight for the staircase that I knew led to the study upstairs, I held my head high but avoided making direct eye contact with any of the other guests. I immediately spotted the dark-suited bodyguards around the area which is why I missed the one person I wasn't expecting.
Before I could get to the first step I felt a sense of déjà vu as the air crackled near me before a warm hand took mine, looping it through a strong arm. My forward momentum making me easy to manoeuvre as we changed course and headed for the dance floor currently full of waltzing couples.
Edward's scent of soap, sandalwood and just him enveloped me and calmed the tense nerves that had been preparing to spring into action, my body slowly realising I wasn't in danger.
Yet.
"What are you doing here?" I questioned him, my voice as calm as the silence before a storm. "I thought I was very clear last night when I said I didn't want to see you again."
"I know what you said, but you have to hear me out…I've been looking for you all day and it's really important that you listen to me." He whispered in my ear as he pulled me closer and started us moving in a slow spin, his breath sending shivers over my exposed skin as his hands gripped my waist and my hands locked behind his neck.
"Fine…but this doesn't mean that I trust you or what comes out of your mouth. What you have to say changes nothing between us." He sighed at my statement and looking into his eyes I saw the sadness in them before it was replaced with steely determination.
"Fair enough but what I have to say is essential to both of us surviving tonight."
I shot him an impatient look, urging him to get on with it.
"Bella…I'm not really a contracted thief anymore…I actually work for the FBI as a consultant..."
My shocked gasp made him stop and he looked down at me, pleadingly to let him finish what he had to say, so I shut my gaping mouth and nodded; resting my cheek on his chest to avoid getting lost in his evergreen eyes.
"I was arrested when I was twenty two…back then I was stupid and reckless and listened to a man I used to call friend. We were caught and I ended up making a deal with the white collar division detectives that were assigned to my case…I would help them catch the craftier and harder-to-get thieves if they would let me keep my freedom and I agreed to it."
I didn't know what to think and my head was spinning from this information.
'Did this mean that he would hand me over to the FBI after I made the drop tonight? Had I just been another assignment to him this whole time?'
"All these years, from the moment I heard about you, I never wanted you to get caught," he continued and it was as if he was answering my unspoken questions, "I looked out for you and I took all the most dangerous contracts and jobs that the FBI knew about in hopes of protecting you…I had them there to back me up if trouble arose, which actually happened more than I would like to admit." He said sheepishly. "And the bonus was you stayed unharmed and free…"
Shock and an odd kind of warmth filled me at this newfound knowledge that Edward was so freely giving and below it was a simmering curiosity over the details of these unknown heists. I raised my head fully intending on asking him one out of a thousand questions but he shook his head signalling 'not now', he smiled reassuringly at me and continued.
"That's how I got word of this new contract, it was only proposed to you and that's what got my attention…I was trying to intercept you at some stage and that was why I was there last night…I needed to get the statue before you but I failed.
"Without the info I would've got from the initial meeting I had no way of knowing where or when so I followed you and it made me lose valuable time to get a head start…the night didn't turn out as expected though." He amusedly huffed and I felt my cheeks turn slightly pink and my blood heat at the memory of what had happened at my apartment.
"Not only did you nearly knock me out three times, almost succeeding the fourth time, but you managed to escape with the statue and disappear into thin air." He said, his eyes rolling in frustration and I felt a small amount of humour and embarrassment at my actions, even though what I'd done had been completely justified.
Okay, maybe nearly breaking his balls was a bit much but he was being a giant jerk at the time, or so I'd thought.
"I'm really sorry about all that by the way." I mumbled, giving him a conciliatory smile, finding myself stroking my fingers down his cheek, his day old stubble scratching against my skin and making me shiver. Edward must have felt it too as his eyes darkened.
That electric tingle that coursed through my veins every time I was near him was practically visible between us and he pulled me even closer still leading me in circles as the music flowed to another slow song.
"I think I'm just the man to break you out of your violent habits… and I guess the way you look tonight makes me feel a little bit better, especially now that I've somewhat explained my reasoning." He whispered and his crooked grin turned his face several years younger once it was stress free. "All I want to do is keep you safe baby…and tonight that means that you can't make the drop."
I felt his muscles tense in preparation for the fight he expected from me but when I nodded in silence he looked down at me in suspicion, his green eyes shimmering in the low light as they narrowed on mine.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I questioned.
"Why are you agreeing so easily? I was sure that I would have to drag you out of here kicking and screaming against your will."
"Well I…I'm prepared to trust you the way you trusted me enough to tell me about your real occupation," glaring up at him for not telling me sooner I almost laughed out loud when I saw him nervously swallow but I quashed it down, "you must know something that I don't so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt but let me just say, if this is some kind of trap you will be very sorry." I warned and his eager nod placated me for now.
I hope he realised that I was breaking the most sacred rule that I had after years of denying anybody any real trust. I must have been insane, I was about to leap blindly into the unknown with this dazzling man, the same one that I still wasn't a hundred percent sure about.
It scared the living daylights out of me but you only live once, so they say, what the hell.
As the song drew to a close I felt Edward start moving us back towards the front doors, and stunning even myself, I leant up on the tips of my toes and gave him a small peck on the cheek. His startled eyes caught mine as his fingers grazed over the spot I had kissed and I couldn't help but stare uncertainly up at him.
"I just wanted to say thank you…you've been looking out for me all these years, possibly saved my life more times than I know of, and even though you're doing it because of a slightly selfish reason I still really appreciate it." I explained and his eyes turned a warm forest green as he slid his fingers down my cheek almost in reverence. "No one's done that for me in a long time."
"You are most welcome baby…but you're right, it is for selfish reasons. I just can't bear to think of you hurt or gone, it would kill me if either of those things happened." I wanted to be cautious and at the same time believe everything that came out of his mouth. "This whole contract was never about the statue, they-"
Edward never finished his explanation and I didn't have much time to think on what he'd said because I suddenly felt a cold cylindrical piece of metal pushed into my side. His muscles grew rigid below my hands as he looked over my head at the person behind me, chiselled features turning stormy in his fury, and I realised it was a gun.
I'd been spotted.
"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me." Turning my head slightly I looked up and then up again as I took in the giant man that was part of the Volturi's security detail.
Well shit.
"I think you have the wrong woman," Edward said carefully as his hands gripped me harder, reluctant to let me go, "we were just leaving."
"I'm sure you were sir," the guard said emotionlessly, his emphasis on the sir didn't go unnoticed and I realised they were probably aware of Edward's uninvited presence as well, I just hoped they were oblivious as to whom he was employed with. "Mr Volturi would like a word with the lady first."
His tone left no room for argument, the people around us watching on inquisitively, and I had an idea of how the following conversation would likely go.
Regret filled me as I realised how stupid I'd been by not listening to Edward that morning, if I'd just stopped and listened we wouldn't be in this position now, it was entirely my fault and it rested on my shoulders to fix.
"That's fine." I said to the guy and turned back to Edward, his eyes dark as he searched my face for some sort of hidden meaning to my words. "It's just a talk…I'll only be a moment."
Edward's eyes were piercing as they examined mine, probably checking if I'd gone mental. All these years he'd secretly put himself in harm's way to protect me and now the time had come for me to return the favour.
This time it was my turn to be brave and be the protector whether he liked it or not.
"Absolutely not."
"Edward…you don't have a choice. Not this time."
He didn't reply and the colour drained from his face as he realised what I was doing, his head absently shaking in disapproval as I pried myself from his comforting arms and faced the bodyguard.
"Lead the way."
I watched with calm detachment as Edward eyed the guests milling about with frustration as I walked away, I knew that he wanted to do something, but he couldn't risk causing a scene that might end with a lot of innocent bystanders getting hurt.
His eyes met mine right before I reached the bottom step and I saw every emotion that flickered through his them, this wasn't over and I knew he would have my back if this situation went to hell. His entire frame seemed to grow as his fists clenched and he turned and headed for the terrace on the side of the house.
His gait was unruffled but I knew him well enough to know it was a predator's calm right before it struck. He eventually walked out of sight but right before he did I saw his hand casually slip into his jacket pocket and I figured he must be calling in the reinforcements.
I winced as the gun pressed hard into one of my ribs as I stumbled a bit on a stair and I realized we'd made it halfway up already.
We came to a stop in front of the study which had originally been my intended destination, and now was the last place I wanted to be. Involuntarily I recalled the time I'd spent in Edward's arms in my apartment and on the dance floor, the one spot I wouldn't mind being in currently, and I realised I'd hadn't had enough time with him just yet.
I wasn't sure I'd ever get enough though.
Drawing back my shoulders I forced myself to concentrate on the upcoming 'talk', I knew who it was I'd be meeting with after the guy had mentioned a 'Mr Volturi'.
There was only one man that would inspire that kind of respect and with a sinking feeling in my stomach I hoped that Aro Volturi really did just want to talk and take the statue off my hands.
I had completed the contract so there was really no reason to get rid of me; I knew only what was necessary to get the job done.
I stopped before two cherry-wood doors and waited until the guy slipped his gun away into his side holster and opened one side for me to walk through. The room I entered would have been stunning under any other circumstance with its elegant décor but now it seemed overbearing and like a gilded cage.
I counted about six bodyguards scattered around the room and guessed that reinforcements could arrive in no time; taking in as many details as possible before I had to acknowledge the old man in front of me.
After only a brief examination of the room – managing to spot two or three possible exits in that short amount of time thanks to my profession – my eyes unwillingly met Aro's who was sitting in front of the lit fireplace in a large, cherry-wood wingback chair.
What with his features and posture one would automatically assume he was some kind of royalty and I guess he kind of was king of the underworld or some shit. His shoulder length grey hair cut in a severe line and his wrinkled face hiding the blood-thirsty man below.
"What a pleasure to meet you bellissima, I assume you know who I am so please have a seat…we have much to discuss my dear." His voice was unexpected in its gentle tones, as if he was speaking to a daughter or grandchild and it put me more on edge than if he'd spoken harshly.
He gestured towards the chair opposite him – which was an exact replica of the one he sat in – with a frail, bony hand and I looked back to him, steeling my spine for his reaction.
"I do know who you are which is why I'd prefer to stand."
His easy comment hadn't been a suggestion and I knew it. His eyes narrowed slightly and I held my breath that he'd accept my answer without insult.
"Very well my dear, I suppose you must want to leave quickly then so I'll be brief," well shit, I'd managed to irritate him in no time, "I do not appreciate you crashing my niece's birthday dinner but I do understand your reasoning and the temperament of persons such as yourself so I will let it slide this once."
I stiffened at the thought that if I wasn't killed today they'd be seeking my services sometime in the future and I was suddenly debating on which country I'd be moving to soon, my apartment was trashed anyway.
I think a scene change was needed for a year or two.
"I presume you have acquired the statue we hired you for so if I may, please present it bellissima."
I nodded and unzipped my clutch, and cautious not to drop the precious item, I gently placed it on the low table that was put in front of Aro by one of the bodyguards. The man's large figure blending into the shadows once more and it gave me an opportunity to see that these men were light on their feet and quite fast for their size.
"I had no trouble retrieving it from the museum…you must be pleased to have a family heirloom back."
Hopefully my cool politeness would last until I left but it took all my willpower to keep it in place as Aro's dark eyes greedily travelled over every inch of the statue and then moved back to me. His gaze was calculating as he searched my face for who knows what and then nodded to his right, another of his men walking over. He carefully lifted the statue and left the room via a side door.
"If that is all Aro, I would like to leave. I've completed the contract and unless you are in need of acquiring something else I must be going."
It was silent for a few agonizing minutes before he nodded and I turned to leave after I inclined my head and muttered a good evening. My hand had just grasped the handle of the door when his grandfatherly voice spoke up.
"Oh…I almost forgot…I wanted to ask you something my dear, do you have one more moment?"
Shit, I was getting that feeling that I'm sure a cat got before it was run over by a truck and it wasn't pretty. I somehow knew I wasn't going to like his question.
"Of course." I said politely as I returned to my previous spot in front of him.
"I wanted to ask if you remember the details of one of your previous jobs. It was a while ago but I'm sure your young mind will be able to bring back the memories." It was a casual statement and an order at the same time. "I believe you were hired to retrieve a certain picture painted by Klimt. Do you remember the job I'm speaking of?"
I did. It had been the job that James had crashed and I had a feeling Aro's question might have something to do with either the painting or the aforementioned man and neither was very appealing a topic.
"I do remember…are you interested in acquiring the painting?"
"Oh no my dear, I find his work abysmal…it is not my taste at all. I prefer the works of Da Vinci and Botticelli but that is not what I am after." Fuck, it was probably about James or the botched job then, the slim chance that it was about Edward flickered in my mind before I brushed it off.
"I was just curious to know what happened that night…you have managed to successfully complete every job until this one and since then and I wondered about the reasoning. Call it the curiosity of an old man." He smiled and I cringed internally at how wrong it seemed on his aged face.
This man was made to kill not smile courteously and I felt ice slide down my spine.
"It was a simple misunderstanding which was resolved on the night. I tripped on the carpet and hit my head but I managed to talk my way out of being arrested for trespassing." I didn't want to mention the real reason behind my head injury and my escape from prison – and I certainly wasn't going to mention Edward's involvement – in case Aro really was just curious.
"You lie to my face then." Fuck he knew. "Like you are quite skilled in your area I am also quite accomplished in mine. I have resources everywhere and I know about even the smallest of things that happen in my city, especially when it involves family."
*O*
I'll try and have the final chapter completed by next Wednesday...again thanks for reading and have a safe week :D
