Hey guys! I managed to write another chapter and I apologise for any mistakes you see, I will come back to edit but I thought you wanted to get on with the story.
6 months ago EPOV
I was just finished with typing up the numbers from our last investment when Angela, my assistant knocked on the door. I waved her in upon seeing her through the glass door of my office.
She was dressed in her usual suit and hair pinned back, I knew although she appeared stiff the office parties showed she had a wild side. I smiled at the thought, she was the only one in the company who could tolerate me and I appreciated that. We became closer but only on a professional level. There was no way I would go down any other road with her while Bella was my wife.
"Mr Cullen, Aro is here." she said holding tight onto a clip board.
"Thank you, tell him I'll be down in a minute."
"Yes sir." she said walking out.
I sighed heavily not looking forward to this meeting, Aro is known for his more aggressive style in business and while he maybe a great businessman his reputation spread through rumours a about his uncanny need to kill off his competition once they signed off a deal that often had a clause handing over their business in an event of the owners death.
I believed them, there was something about his presence that said he did kill. I would know all about it.
I gathered my papers stuffing them into my folder as I tried to think of a way to turn him down without offending him. However I doubted that I'd be able to do so. I locked my computer then made my way down to the lobby.
The lobby was full of people, both workers and visitors, this was not surprising but I was glad at how well we were doing. A few people greeted me on my way and I nodded in acknowledgment.
Aro was sitting with his back to me but I'd seen this man enough times to know what he looks like. His head was bent probably looking at his phone or iPad. His hair was in its usual style slicked back with gel making his hair much darker. His surprising choice of colour in suites startled me for a moment. He was wearing a blue pin striped suite which was the first colour besides black I had ever seen.
As I got closer I mentally prepared myself for the long talk of be mot accepting his proposal. I knew he would be shocked by my lack of cooperation but I really couldn't risk it especially because of Bella. She'd flip out if I did, she and Aro haven't been on the best of terms since his wife sabotaged her birthday a year ago.
"Aro," I said announcing my presence.
He turned to me a small smile on his face. If I didn't know any better I'd think he was greeting his old friend.
"Edward, so nice to see you again." he said standing up to shake my hand.
"You too" I lied "Shall we go for lunch? We have a restaurant just down stairs."
"Yes I could do with a lunch."
Together we walked to the elevator making small talk, somehow our wives made their way into our conversation.
"Bella, is a lovely young women. She's got wide hips, good for giving birth. I hope you two have a child soon, they bring such joy." he went on.
I didn't like the way he noticed the size of her hips nor did I like that he was bringing personal matters into this meeting even though it hadn't formerly started. I hummed not wanting to entertain his train of thought and brought us back on topic. Half way through the meal I decided to tell him, I couldn't hold off anymore. I set my knife and fork down.
"Aro, I'm afraid I must decline your offer." I said with caution watching as his face dropped.
I saw a flash of anger mar his features and in a blink if an eye it disappeared. His face was impassive and lips drawn into a thin line.
"Are you sure about that Edward?" he asked me, his voice calm and collected.
Keeping me cool leaning back slightly I nodded.
"We received a better offer, I couldn't pass, it's not personal just business." part of that statement was true, we did get a better offer in terms of contract but money wise his proposal looked more appealing.
He didn't respond for a while I began to get nervous watching for any signs he may lash out at me.
When he finally spoke he sounded like he just solved a puzzle.
"I see, so you take me out for lunch to soften the blow."
I shook my head, that wasn't the only reason I brought him here.
"No, I came up with another deal you may be interested in. We need investment for our toy factory, I know it isn't as good as our Twilight technology but there is a lot of potential there."
I plucked out my folder from my laptop bag and handed it over to him. I'd been working on this for a while and knew it was a good investment. It was the next big thing I could give him, letting Aro have any percentage of Twilight Technology would put the whole business at risk.
He didn't make a move to take it, he remained still and silent. If wasn't so sure of myself I knew I'd be cowering in my seat.
With a heavy sigh he reluctantly picked up the folder and skimmed through. I was glad I put the figures first as his eyes widened a bit before flicking the page.
Smiling smugly I relaxed knowing I had him. This would benefit him more than me in the long run but having him sniffing around my Tech Company was not an option.
He cleared his throat.
"I'll have my lawyers have a look at the contract but you have deal." he reached over and we shook hands.
I hoped that the toy factory would take him off my back a while and it seemed that it was going that way. We parted ways on a good note both of us happy that this afternoon was not a waste.
The rest of my day felt relaxed now that the worries of earlier dissipated.
When I got home Bella had dinner waiting for me as usual, the house surrounded in the wonderful aroma of her cooking. I walked in the kitchen watching as she moved around. She was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. Even now after being married for two years I could appreciate her beauty. I wrapped my arms around her waist resting my chin on her head.
We fit perfectly.
...
Present day BPOV
I held tight onto Edwards hand as the first sound of sirens reached our ears. James turned his head to the window curling his hands into fists. He kicked Edward in the leg before approaching the windows. He cursed under his breath before talking to the other guys in another language. Three of them disappeared while James threw us a murderous look, his face darken considerably, and he looked like pure evil.
I moved impossibly closer to Edward who wad nursing his face. I cringed at the bloody sight wishing I could get him a pack of ice.
The sirens got louder until the blue lights filled the room indicating that they were outside.
I sighed in relief, my dad was going to get us out of there.
"This is the police." I heard my dad say, his voice projected by a megaphone. "Let your hostages go, and you'll get an easy trial."
James snorted from his position now in the middle of the room, he muttered under his breath clearly not going to let us out. From upstairs two shots echoed making me flinch and inch closer to Edward.
"What's this about?" I whispered in his ear, I mean I understood that this was about a business deal gone wrong but I didn't know the specifics.
Before he could answer James grabbed onto my arm yanking me forcefully away from Edward.
"Was it you?" James sneered, his face close enough to mine I could feel his hot breath and the stench of cigarettes. "Did you call the police?"
I remained quiet but yelped when he his grip tightened considerably.
"Tell me now or I'm going to shoot your husband." He snarled, faster than I could comprehend he pulled out a gun and pointed it as Edward stood up in protest.
"Yes, I called them." I said without hesitation, there was no way Edward was going to die because of this little piece of information.
"Where's the phone?" he shouted into my ear.
I looked at Edward for reassurance, if giving him the phone was the right thing to do. He smiled sadly at me, his green orbs full of worry as he watched me from his helpless state.
Hesitantly I pulled the phone out placing it into James's open palm, he shoved me back to the sofa with Edward. Instantly Edward wrapped me up in his arms pulling me close, I felt his lips on my head as he gently kissed me.
I watched as James press a few buttons then put the phone to his ear and remained silent until then someone on the other side answered.
"Chief." He said in mock enthusiasm. "Don't worry, I didn't harm your daughter or son in law." He paused again and grinned, if I didn't know any better I would think he was talking to an old friend.
"No, can do. I still haven't had a chance to talk to them." He continued. "I'll be out of their hair in no time." He said cheerfully.
I glanced at Edward wondering if he knew anything, he shook his head turning back to James. He'd moved away now peeping between the curtains ducking when a light shone in his direction, after a moment he sighed and disconnected the call.
"I really should punish you for this," he said looking at me "but I'm afraid I don't have time. Antonio!" he yelled, his gaze flickering to the stairs.
The pounding of footsteps alerted us to Antonio's presence, he walked in carrying a gun strapped to his shoulders, and he still wore his mask not revealing his identity. The two men spoke briefly in their language before it seemed like they came to an agreement.
James walked over to us smiling, it sent shivers up my spine, and I knew nothing good can come from a look like this.
"Well, it's time for us to go," he said, a tone of disappointment. "don't worry we'll be seeing you soon, this was just a… how should I say this." He paused "a warning. But before I leave there are some things I must discuss with Edward alone."
He motioned his head to Antonio, Antonio came forward and pulled Edward up leading him to the kitchen, I made to stand but James whistled low, a warning. I stayed put but felt like I needed to make sure he wasn't hurt.
James left me alone and I debate whether or not it would be wise to go to the window, the police lights were still flashing but I it was like we were in our own world in here.
James coming for us made me realise they would never stop. Just when I thought things were over, that the chapter of our life was closed.
He had to ruin it.
I knew Edward and I would have to revert back to our old ways, I sighed thinking about the number of calls we would have to make once James left.
We were going back to war.
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