Previously…
" Carlisle maybe I should go. I don't want to start…"
He touched my hand.
"No, no you aren't starting anything come here." He slid his arm around my waist.
"Edward, this is Isabella Masen."
I didn't miss the way Edward looked me up and down then focused on my face. He really knew how to make a girl feel like a piece of meat.
"How'd you'd two meet? Let me guess she tripped over you? No… she just happened by your office…or." Edward started angrily. Obviously he was ticked about something and taking it out on me talk about attitude. How did this jerk get women again? Guess what ladies he isn't that fine.
Carlisle shook his head.
"Edward stop it!" Carlisle said growing irritated. I have to say I like a man with authority. I may purr.
"She did none of those things. She did not come on to me and you will not disrespect her." He continued.
Yes, Carlisle was definitely irritated and I have to say I liked it. Yummmmy. Oh wait… Hold the phone! I've got to stop thinking like that. He probably has woman throwing themselves at him all of the time. He probably just blows them off. I did know he didn't date.
Carlisle turned to me then. He looked upset and I could see in his eyes he was angry.
"Sweetheart would you mind terribly fixing yourself another drink while Edward and I have a talk?"
Edward's been a bad boy and I am glad I'm not on the other end of that discussion. I won't stick my tongue out at the brat, cross my heart.
"I don't want to cause trouble Carlisle really I can go." I said trying to calm the situation.
He smiled cupping my chin as his beautiful green eyes pleaded with me. Ok I'm melting here.
"You could but I don't want you to go, please? I've only just found you." He asked again. I nodded and he kissed my hand softly. I walked by Edward not even bothering to look at him as I disappeared into the house. I still wanted stick out my tongue but I held my inner six year old in.
I poured myself another drink and then a shot of grey goose and downed it. I was not a happy camper. I figured Edward would be a challenge but a butt to go with it…. I may just have to smack him around a little, spoiled brat.
I jumped when I felt a cool hand on my arm.
"Sorry." Carlisle said gently as he kissed my temple. "My son can be a little crude sometimes. Please forgive his lack of manners this evening. It won't happen again."
I have a feeling it will but I won't worry him with that right now.
"I'm going to change I'll be right back, unless you want to help me?" He teased.
I raised an eyebrow going along with his tease and looked him up and down seductively. He is a handsome man and he definitely takes care of his body. I can appreciate that.
"If it comes off it's not going back on for a while Mr. Cullen."
He licked his lips and moved closer, "Really?"
I hoped I hadn't pushed it too far. I was just teasing back. Did he really just lick his lips? Why does he have to be hot???? I hate my job right now. Why am I not doing my normal gig just in and out again? Oh yeah Esme.
He smirked and looked me over. The man could make women drop their clothes from across the room with that look.
"We'll find out soon enough I think." He said and I swear it dripped from his lips like honey.
He winked and turned heading up the stairs. I sighed so glad he didn't push that offer. I drank some of my drink fanning myself. I was glad to have a break from his royal hotness and turned around. I was trapped in the bar by the prick of the century. He was unfortunately hot as Hades when I really got a good look at him. Shoot.
He looked me over from the bottom to the top ever so slowly.
"Tell me… Bella is it? What is it exactly that you want with my father?"
A prick and he was protective of his father, fantastic. I raised an eyebrow.
"I don't owe you any explanation. I don't even know you… Edward is it?"
"Smart girl, I'm Edward now you know me. As for my father he rarely dates if at all. He'll go out to a party or so with someone but you're different. He's taken with you and I've never seen that before."
I shrugged.
"I'm taken with him he's very sweet."
He stepped closer forcing me to move back. He almost had me pinned to the wall as he reached around me for the liquor he needed. He smiled down at me pouring it very close to my chest then reaching around me again. What a freaking ….I can think of a few choice words and none of them are nice.
He took a drink and looked down at my body again then back up to my eyes.
"My dad may be many things baby but sweet isn't one of them."
I pushed him back.
"Why don't you crawl back under the rock you so obviously came out from under and learn some manners?"
He chuckled, "What, are you trying to convince me you're a lady now? I've got a feeling about you and I don't trust you. Is it his money you're after? My father is not stupid." He watched me with a curious expression.
I laughed and lifted my foot to his chest which he immediately grabbed and looked down. "Rene Caovilla $1200.00 I don't think I need his money." I took my foot away pushing him back again in the process and his eyes narrowed.
"You want me to believe my father just happen to see you and come on to you. You had nothing to do with it?" He asked crossing his arms and looking at me doubtfully.
I threw my hands up.
"Why is that so hard for your little mind to conceive Edward? Am I hideous? Do I not do it for you? Is it possible that maybe just maybe your father finds me attractive and just maybe I find him attractive? Is it possible that maybe your father has manners and knows how to act with a woman and obviously it did not get passed along to you?"
He was furious and I smirked at him adding. "Maybe you should get a few tips on how to seduce a woman from your father because trust me he knows."
He was fuming now and backed me into the corner of the bar again.
"I don't need seduction tips from my father if I wanted to seduce you, you would be in my bed."
Oh my, he was really angry wasn't he? I smiled wider.
"Sure of yourself now aren't you? Now please back off before I get upset." I said nicely.
"You know what Bella, I will be watching you." He threatened me. Oh, I love a good game of chess.
I slid past him and leaned to his ear.
"I hope you bring enough towels. You might get a little hot." I smarted off. He turned to say something and Carlisle walked into the room.
"There you are. You ready for a wonderful evening?" he asked me. I smiled walking into his arms.
"I am now. You look so handsome." I looked over my shoulder at Edward who was still fuming and slid my arm into Carlisle's walking with him.
The rest of the evening I spent at Carlisle's side. I noticed Edward giving me looks all night. I even visited with Emmett who was really a very sweet guy. He was all bark and no bite although he would probably bite if he had to. The night came to an end and I was alone on the patio enjoying the night breeze. I knew Edward was there I felt him watching for a while just waiting to see what I would do.
He has no idea who he's playing this game with.
Carlisle came out setting his glass on the table and slipping his coat around my shoulders.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" I looked at the view and agreed. He held me close to his chest and kissed my head.
"Isabella?" He whispered.
I turned to face him. I had to make this look real after all I was being judged. Carlisle lips came down onto mine and I slid my hands around his waist. I don't know how long we kissed but I do know it was a long time. I had time to feel him up and he had some serious muscles. He finally broke the kiss and stroked my cheek. He was looking deeply into my eyes while I was trying to hold myself up and keep my mind straight at the same time. This man is lethal.
"Stay with me tonight." He asked then.
I fought with myself. I knew I couldn't do that. It would be a lie on so many levels and I couldn't. It didn't mean I wasn't tempted he was hot but that was so wrong to even think that way. I just met the guy and so many other things.
"Carlisle I can't."
"Still afraid?" He questioned.
"It's not that," I said in a shaky voice.
He lifted my chin.
"Isabella, look at me. I'm not some man who takes this lightly and who is going to leave you in the morning. I'm not going anywhere. I'll protect you I wouldn't do anything so careless as to get you pregnant. Just something about you…it feels like…" He trailed off.
"Like something from your past." I said knowingly.
He met my eyes.
"How do you read me so well?" If you only knew buddy you certainly wouldn't be rushing to get me in bed.
I turned away. He had no idea but I see it clear as day. He's still in love with Esme and whatever happened they need to clear it up, because it's obvious who needs to be together here.
"Isabella." He whispered and caught my attention. "I lost something precious once something I can never get back and I don't want to do that again."
I turned looking at him curious.
"How do you know you can't get it back?"
His eyes were averted and he looked away from me.
"You can never dictate the future Isabella there are so many unknowns. I've learned to live with that. I've had many women interested in me throughout the years but only one ever caught my eye until now."
I felt guilty now. I was only catching his eye because of Esme and the things she had taught me. He turned to see my face and took my hands in his.
"I haven't been with another since. I haven't wanted to. Now I find myself interested in a young woman the same age as my son." He chuckled. "It's certainly not what I expected but I'm finding I don't care."
"Edward doesn't like it." I said knowingly.
"No, he doesn't but that doesn't matter. He's grown and lives his own life." He pulled my right hand to his lips.
"It's too soon." I let him pull me closer. "I feel close to you Carlisle but this is too fast for me." I felt him nod in understanding and rub my back.
"I can wait." He said again. "We have plenty of time beautiful."
I slipped my hands around his waist.
"I feel drawn to you and I don't know why." I looked up at him he smiled brushing the hair from my face.
"I don't fully understand it and it's confusing for me why I feel so much so fast." I said softly.
He smiled.
"It will come in time Isabella. Some things we aren't meant to understand they just happen but I've learned one thing. If you feel something you should let it happen or you miss out on the most beautiful moments." He leaned down twisting his hands in my hair and kissing me tenderly. I am so going to go to hell for this. Esme was right about one thing he didn't push the issue. He kissed my head gently and held me for a while and then quietly walked me to the door.
"I will call you soon." He said as he waved goodnight. I had no doubt that he would as I walked to the waiting car I heard his disgustingly annoying velvety voice.
"Not staying the night?"
I turned to see him leaning on the house smirking at me.
"None of your business."
"All work and no play makes Carlisle a dull boy." He teased me.
I turned walking over to him.
"What is it I can do for you Edward? Did you need something? Or did you just want to taunt me as I left like a six year old? No one to play with Eddie tonight? No one skanky enough?" I said calmly.
I watched his eyes but they were emotionless. I wonder what he was thinking? Jerk.
"Goodnight Bella." He said then, no smart comments just goodnight. I waited for the other shoe to drop but there was no other shoe. He watched me and raised an eyebrow waiting on me to leave. I shook my head and headed to the car. I couldn't believe he said nothing as I left. I kept waiting on it but nothing….he said nothing. Irritating little snot nosed brat. How on earth Esme thought I was going to get in good with him when all I wanted to do was strangle him was beyond me.
I arrived home and took a shower. I grabbed the rocky road ice cream and sat on my couch flipping on the tv to travel channel and trying to relax. It wasn't long before I felt the couch move.
"How'd it go?"
"I just don't understand." I said shaking my head.
"Who said you were meant to?" Jasper said grabbing the ice cream from me and taking a bite. I sighed watching him curious.
"How far do I go Jasper? Carlisle is not holding back like she said he would. I don't think he's going to wait long. I get the feeling he's very interested in taking us further."
He looked at me wide eyed and shrugged.
"Well, I don't know how far do you want to go? Has Esme said? I mean do you find him attractive? What's you're take on the issue?"
"She said he wouldn't push me." I shook my head. "Esme hasn't said where to take it if he did and yes he is a very attractive man. He's also in love with her still. I don't know something is off there. I don't know what happened between them but it's not right. He still loves her it's like he's taking to me because I remind him of her."
Jasper took a bite of ice cream before he spoke.
"That was the goal she wanted you to act like her."
"I know but Carlisle seems nice. Doesn't that seem odd to you that she would want me to act like her?"
"I'm just doing my job." He answered with a shrug.
"His son…he's the pain, he's an arrogant little…" I couldn't finish for Jaspers laughing.
"Met your match huh?" He interrupted.
I elbowed him, "You shut up you need to get out more."
He handed me the ice cream.
"Seriously though, Carlisle may seem sweet but Bella you don't know that he is. Esme would she knows him better than any of us, so if she says he's not a good person I would go with her impression."
I sighed laying my head on his shoulder.
"Just my thoughts though sis." He kissed my head. "I'm off to bed."
I followed him putting the ice cream back in the freezer and went to bed. Who knows what tomorrow would bring and I needed to talk to Esme some more. I needed more information and I wasn't sure she was going to give me anything.
I was sitting on her desk when she came in the next morning. She smiled knowingly and sat down.
"I can only assume this is about Carlisle." She said looking at me as she crossed her long legs. I turned.
"I was expecting a challenge. I'm prepared for anomalies in the field but this is different I'm not running against a time clock or a bullet. I'm mingling with someone in person." I managed.
She smiled.
"Bella, that's exactly why you need to do this. Every job we do can't be just open and shut. We need to be able to mingle with people and you can't always just be behind the scenes. It is integral to the operation that you interact with people and be able to operate outside the safety of you net."
"He's not going to be happy with me not being intimate and you knew that." I said slipping off the desk.
"You need to learn how to handle this kind of situation Bella. This won't be the last one."
I turned angry, "How do you expect me to handle it! You threw me in the middle of this knowing what he would feel when he thought of you."
She sighed and looked down quiet for a moment.
"You're right. I did. I knew he would want you. Bella I really did not know he would want more than friendship. I knew he would be interested, but I did not realize he would move so fast."
"Isn't that what you wanted?" I questioned.
She looked up.
"I want him to suffer. You do what you have to just make sure that happens. I need the information on his business and he's not going to just hand it to you. He has to trust you."
"He still loves you." I said as the look on her face turned venomous.
"He has no idea what love is. Now, I am finished with this conversation get out."
"Esme…." I pleaded.
"Bella, go!" She pointed to the door.
I turned and headed out the door hearing her crying as I shut the door. I wish I knew what happened between them. My cell rang and I looked down raising an eyebrow when I saw the number, Carlisle.
"Hello?" I answered hesitant.
"Hello Isabella, I was hoping you would be available for lunch." His smooth voice came over the phone. I looked up and saw Jasper tracing the call as we spoke. I had to keep him on the line just long enough.
"I think I can make myself available for the right person." I flirted.
"Hmmm I wonder if I might be the right person. I promise only a good time with lots of laughs." His voice then turned serious. "I really would like to know you better Isabella please."
"How can I say no to that voice?" I smiled to myself. I'm good real good.
"Wonderful my place? I promise no repeats of last time just a relaxing lunch by the pool."
I smiled as Jasper gave me the thumbs up. He had all he needed.
"Sounds fantastic."
"I'll see you around noon beautiful." He said softly.
"I look forward to it." I said hanging up.
Jasper rolled his seat around to me and aimed a finger.
"Pow." He said with a smile.
"We got him. I should be able to get him locked in and trace all his calls just from his signal."
I shook my head my brother the computer whiz. That's why I love him.
"You need a life Jasper."
"I have one. Hey, have you seen his daughter Alice? She's a fox." He said grinning.
"Ok, not an imaginary one. Not one that can get you killed little brother. A safe one."
"Yes mom." He rolled his eyes and turned back to his computer. I swear he never listens to me.
Esme walked out leaning on the wall with a smile. Talk about your 120 wasn't she just upset and crying?
"Rose time to get her dressed."
I turned wondering what they would come up with this time.
I looked in the mirror stunned when they were finished. Rose giggled.
"Tell me this won't knock his socks off."
I couldn't believe those two. They had decided on an Alexander Wang one shoulder stretch dress in pale pink and Jimmy Choo slingbacks in champagne. I know some names but Rose, she is the queen of fashion. She pulled my hair back in some strange twist but it was actually very pretty when she was finished.
"Eat that Cullen." Rose said with a smirk.
"Oh, he'll be trying." Jasper said with a smirk from the door. I turned.
"You are not supposed to be agreeing with them." I said back grabbing my purse. He snickered as I past him.
"Well I am just telling the truth. You always told me not to lie." He followed me.
"Camera is on your purse if he keeps to his word and they don't search you. We're golden."
I nodded and headed for the car. I hope this went smoother than last night in the Edward category anyway. We approached the house and I didn't see any other car's so hopefully we wouldn't be dealing with the terror. Jasper opened the door for me and as I approached the main door Emmett opened it with a smile.
"Afternoon, Miss. Masen."
"Really Emmett call me Bella." I insisted.
He laughed lightly. "Mr. Cullen wouldn't like that."
I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer, "I won't tell if you don't." I don't think I realized until this moment just how big Emmett really is. He is massive.
He grinned wider.
"I'm going to like you I can tell. This house needs someone like you to brighten it up." He said leading me to the back.
"Really, has it been depressing?" I questioned.
"It used to be full of life and then….well it hasn't been for a while now." He opened the French doors for me.
"Miss. Masen." He said with a wink.
I winked back as I saw Carlisle sitting by the pool relaxing. The man looks beautiful even in swim trunks. How does he maintain that physique? I cleared my throat and he looked up.
"Isabella." He stood grabbing his towel and taking my hands.
"Look at you." He spun me around. "You just get lovelier every time I see you."
I blushed and he stroked my cheek gently.
"Please have a seat."
He held the chair for me and wiped himself down pulling his shirt on.
"I went for a swim earlier to relax. It's such a nice day you didn't happen to bring a swim suit did you?" I shook my head no and he sighed.
"Too bad we could've taken a swim." He sounded disappointed. "Maybe next time?"
"Maybe." I agreed.
An older woman set lunch on the table and he smiled at her.
"I hope you like chicken." He said with a smile. I noticed he was watching me more than paying attention to his food. I smiled back.
"I do."
"Good." He answered rubbing his hands together.
"Are you nervous?" I questioned him.
He let out a small laugh and leaned back in his chair.
"Perhaps a little it's been a long time since I had such a beautiful woman at my table."
I looked at him curiously.
"I was here last night." I replied back. He smiled at me looking off.
"Yes and I had a little alcohol courage last night. It is a little different today."
His honesty was actually kind of cute. Carlisle Cullen was nervous because of me? We ate in relative silence and I bit my lip as I tried to think of conversation.
"So…you have a son." A demon is more like it …keep your cool Bella.
He met my eyes.
"Yes, Edward. You'll have to forgive him for last night. He just doesn't understand much about my life." I smiled and bit my lip again. It was a nervous habit.
"Do you have any other children?"
"I do a daughter Alice. She is the baby of the family, she's twenty-four." He smiled brightly.
"She's a fashion designer I'm very proud of her. She would love you I can tell you already. She'll be home very soon she's in Paris."
I could tell by the way he spoke of her he was proud. I wish my father could speak of me that way. I looked off not realizing I had drifted off in thought. It wasn't until he had moved beside me that I was brought back to reality, his long elegant fingers under my chin turning it to face him.
"I am so sorry dear one I did not mean to upset you." His eyes held sympathy and he kissed my forehead.
"I can't imagine what it must be like for you."
I smiled looking down.
"It's lonely." Surprisingly I found myself being honest with him it was a little too easy. I was lonely without my father and I missed him terribly. I felt his fingers delicately stroke my jaw.
"You don't have to be." He said gently. "I would be glad to offer you company. I know what it is to be lonely."
I smiled not realizing my eyes had tears in them. I looked up and was surprised at how close he was to me. I knew he had moved close but he was leaning closer.
"Isabella…no." He whispered kissing each cheek softly then he focused on my lips.
"Don't…shhhh." He whispered as his lips met mine. He cradled my face gently in his warm hands as he swept me against him. I felt my heart rate speed up as he pulled against him. I don't know how but before long I ended up on his lap. My arms wrapped around his strong shoulders. He smiled brushing my hair back as he cradled me.
"I won't let anyone hurt you ever again." He promised kissing my earlobe. I closed my eyes and swallowed. If he only knew what he was saying and who he was saying it too. We heard a knock and both turned. I frowned seeing his retched son.
"Come on out." Carlisle said smiling at him.
I say go away far….far away. Hey, Antarctica is good but that is just my opinion. He had some blonde bimbo in tow and when I say boob job. I do mean I think she could float a few cars on those things alone. Carlisle raised an eyebrow. I could tell by his expression he was trying to be polite but not overly so.
"Well hello there Tanya, pleasure to see you again."
She grinned hanging on Edwards arm like he was a lottery prize and I nearly gagged. I didn't miss the flash in Edward's eyes when he took us in. Carlisle didn't move me from his lap and to my amusement held me steady resting his hand on my thigh. I whispered to Carlisle I needed to use the restroom and excused myself freshening up. I walked out only to see Edward across the room at the bar.
"So, are you going to be a permanent fixture around here?" He asked downing whatever he was drinking.
I raised an eyebrow walking toward the bar.
"Are you a permanent fixture at the bar? I have no idea by the way love Maliboob Barbie. If it ever floods you won't have to worry about drowning."
He smirked.
"What?" I shrugged innocently.
"What's your game Bella?" He asked circling me running his eyes over me as he did. "What exactly are you after?"
"You keep asking me that and I have to wonder what you are after, you do after all keep looking at me like I'm your next meal but please have a go... feel me up for wires." I said raising my hands in mock defeat.
I felt his hard body against my back, his lips against my ear as he spoke. Well this was unexpected.
"I may feel you up but it won't be for wires." When I turned he was leaning on the bar. I felt my heart pounding and tried to slow my pulse rate. So this was the game he wanted to play.
"What makes you think you're so special? Who died and made you a God?" I said raising an eyebrow.
One side of his mouth tilted up in that sexy smile and he raised his glass to me.
"Oh, I assure you I've made many women see God and just as many call out to him." What an arrogant fool. I wanted to slap that smug look off of his stupid good looking face.
"Good for you. Would you like a round of applause? A standing ovation? I'm sure the OBGYN's around the city love you as well as the pharmacy's who fill the prescriptions of the girls you pass little things called STD's to. You keep them in business."
His eyes narrowed and he slammed his drink down.
"I never do anything without protection. I am not a fool." He growled.
"Funny you sound like one right about now." I turned and walked into the bathroom slamming the door. He is such an egotistical little brat. Let me see how he handles this one.
I made a simple text and when I received one back I walked toward the door. Emmett turned to me with a grin.
"Leaving so soon?"
"No, my driver is dropping off a bathing suit. I didn't bring one and I hate to disappoint Carlisle and not go swimming on such a pretty day."
I opened the door where Jasper stood, his face hidden by a hat waiting. He winked at me and I headed back inside to the bathroom. I had no idea what Rose had packed but I am sure it would suffice. She knew the agenda. She sent me this extremely cute Jean Paul Gaultier silver bikini. The cut was perfect as I knew it would be enhancing all the right places. It had the side ties on the bottom which males seem to love.
I wrapped a towel around me and walked outside. Carlisle turned and raised an eyebrow.
"I was fixing to come looking for you. Is everything ok?" I noticed he looked me over.
"Yes, I just got my driver to bring me a swim suit so I could enjoy the pool with you."
I winked at him and dropped my towel. I am such a devious little devil. He grinned and stood pulling his shirt off. My…but he did look scrumptious. I must say the look on Edwards face was quite interesting too I wish I had a camera.
"You two have fun." He said to Edward as he followed me to the pool diving in after me. I giggled when he caught me and pulled me close. The next time I looked out they were gone. I smiled slipping my arms around his neck.
"My little mermaid." He said kissing me and lifting me up into the air. I giggled and rested my hands on his chest laying my head back as he twirled me in the water. It felt nice it was freeing and I haven't felt that free in a long time. It's a very dangerous thing because I am not free and this is not real.
I reminded myself of that simple fact and looked down at him. He met my eyes setting me down.
"What happened to that carefree girl from a moment ago?" He questioned brushing my hair back. I didn't realize he could read me so easily. I am definitely in the danger zone with him. I rested my face on his chest.
"I don't know."
He pulled my legs around him and lifted my chin.
"You know I consider myself a good judge of character. I've always been pretty keen that way." He ran his hands down my arms. "Sometimes I find myself so tired of the same old game…it gets so old. I find myself at a cross road with you."
I stiffened and looked in his eyes.
He smiled gripping my hair and pulling my head close.
"I want to know Isabella but I wonder how much you will tell me. I see the real you in flashes when you don't want me to see. I feel the real you when I touch you and you shiver. I want to understand what it is that makes you who you are. Yet, you don't want me to see you do you?"
I tried to turn away and he held me steady.
"Stop running Isabella why are you afraid to let me in?"