Chapter 2: Diversion Tactics

"Would that be before or after I press charges for sexual harassment, Edward?" I said fiercely looking up into his emerald eyes for the first time in six years.

"Bella" He gasped.

For a second I could have sworn I saw his emerald eyes lighten when he saw me; however, the look of surprise slowly faded into one of disdain. His eyes froze, his muscles contracted, and his lips set into a thin line. I would love to say his appearance had slowly deteriorated in the six years I have spent avoiding him… but that would a hideous lie. If anything the years had only made his godlike features more pronounced. His unruly hair was a delicate shade of copper and it hung just over his eyes. The lines of his jaw grew more pronounced while his alabaster skin tone looked flushed from the Los Angeles sun. He wore a pressed black long sleeve button-down, with the arms rolled up to his elbows, and tight black jeans... The top two buttons were undone, showcasing his chiseled chest muscles. His beauty always took me by surprise and when I looked into his green eyes I felt like my legs were going to give out under me. Even in his distressed state, his eyes were still filled with emotion. I know him well enough to see the depth behind his cold, distant stare. Fear, confusion, and anger all flitted across his eyes. It took me about three seconds to realize his features had transformed once again, and he was now in the defensive.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he seethed. "Are you stalking me now?"

I had the urge to punch him in the face. I almost took that fateful step forward and slammed by small fist into his all too perfect nose. He thinks that after six years I would still be chasing after him? He must be more delusional then I thought, or maybe all that drug use had simply fried his brain. Does he honestly think that I am the same shy girl who wouldn't stay out past curfew or argue with anyone in fear of getting reprimanded? Well, he is in for a rude awakening. I have changed. I am no longer that scared little girl anymore; Charlie's death changed my outlook on life. Edward should know that better than anyone.

"Yes Edward I am stalking you… because I honestly have had nothing better to do in the last six years but obsess over a misogynistic, egotistical womanizer like yourself. You know I would recommend you go see a shrink about your paranoid delusions: however, your and I both know there is no cure for being a narcissistic pig." I smiled. I swear I saw him talk a step back during my rant. I knew I had surprised him with my audacity and he soon ran his long fingers though his hair slightly pulling at the ends. Edward always takes his issues out on his hair, it's a wonder he is not bald at twenty four. I turned back towards my cabin door, attempting to slide the key into the lock despite my shaking hands.

"Well someone has been reading a dictionary in their spare time. Tell me, do you know any synonyms for being a vapid bitch?" he snarled behind me. I turned to see a hint of a smirk beneath his cold façade.

"Let's see: easy, skank, whore, bimbo, slut. Oh shit, I guess I just described every girl you've fucked in the past six years. Maybe you should ask them for vocabulary lessons." And with that I slid the key into my door and walked inside. I felt him staring blankly after me. I knew he had to be pissed.

It was not my intention to accuse him of being a whore within ten minutes of seeing him again. He just made me so mad! Not only did my repressed feelings of anger resurface when I saw his face, but added to them was my disgust over his treatment of his family. He has never been this shallow or callous towards his family. He had definitely fallen into the deep end.

Upon entering the cabin, I fell back onto the door and took a deep breath. Not having seen him in so long definitely took a toll on my current emotional well-being. It was not fair that he looked exactly the same. The bronze haired god I vividly remembered. The way his chiseled jaw would set in a rigid line when he was upset. I thought my memories of him were highly sensationalized, that his looks couldn't possibly be as Adonis as I recollected. Yet, somehow he still was after six years. His looks had matured and gave his face a more rugged exterior.

I knew seeing him after all this time was going to be difficult. However, I didn't expect to feel this strong of emotion after six years. Those years had given me the opportunity to move forward with my life, and let go of the painful memories of the past and what I had assumed would be my future. I had truly built a life for myself that I was proud of. A life I knew Charlie would be proud of. My dad always wanted me to go off to college and leave Forks behind in the rearview mirror. He never tried to delude me into believing that life would come easy. At the time, I thought my life was on a certain course. A course that would lead towards an altar and whatever came afterwards.

I rubbed by eyes and tried to focus on the present, it wouldn't do me any good to start thinking of Charlie right now. It wouldn't help me in this situation. I need to have a clear head to face Edward. I wiped away the tears that had unconsciously rolled down my cheeks. This wasn't the time to break down or drown in repressed emotions. I was a different person now, one who wasn't dependent on anyone especially Edward Cullen.

I heard a knock at the door behind me and I felt a vibration from something hitting the bottom of the frame. I quickly shot around, hoping there was a peephole in the door. To my relief, there was and I cautiously looked into the lit hallway. He wasn't anywhere to be seen. The only person in the hallway was a ship employee with a baggage cart full of luggage. I unlatched the door and grabbed my suitcase that was lying on the ground. The bag was unrealistically heavy for its size. Alice always had a habit of going overboard with packing, but this was ridiculous. I would probably be in a swim suit most of the time anyways. I froze in horror at the realization that Alice had bought these swim suits. I grabbed the handle and with a muted groan lifted the bag towards my room and locked the door behind me.

The door closed with a click and I finally looked at my cabin. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. I was expecting a small bed and a porthole window. What I found was a five-star hotel room the size of my entire apartment. I was standing in the middle of what could be called a living room. A black leather couch and ottoman was placed in front of a massive flat screen and accented with deep blue pillows. Beyond that was a large, hard wood dining table with ocean blue candles and modern chairs cast around it. What would someone possibly do with a twelve piece dining set during a cruise where there were four dining rooms? Behind the table was a floor to ceiling window that spanned the length of the room. The view was spectacular. The ocean gleamed in the setting sun and cast shadows across the open room. The deck outside the window was large and had cushioned tanning chairs surrounding to my horror a private hot tub.

Carslie must have confused me with someone else. This was ostentatious to the extreme and I could help but feel immensely guilty for the expensive suite. This was never my lifestyle, I was all for simple not lavish. Even though I had been tricked into this whole cruise, the suite still seemed like too much. Money always made me uncomfortable especially when it was spent on me.

I saw a door to my left across the room that must lead into the bedroom. I lugged the suitcase and my other bags towards the door. I had accepted before I reached the door that the bedroom would probably be as impressive as the rest of the cabin. A four poster, king bed sat in the middle of the room with deep blue drapes hanging from the sides. The sapphire theme must be continued throughout the ship due to the name of the vessel.

I heaved the bags onto the bed and quickly unzipped the suitcase praying Alice wasn't planning on torturing me with skin tight dressed and too high of heels. It seemed impossible how much clothes and pairs of shoes were packed away. Everything was color coated and labeled with numbers started from one to ten and then marked with either an M, A, or D.

Holy hell. In the middle of the bag was a folded piece of paper that I hoped would explain the madness behind this arrangement.

Bella,

I know how much you hate feeling like my Barbie doll, but this trip is going to have to be an exception. I know you Bella; you would curl up in an oversized t-shirt and read a book on deck. Just trust my judgments, I know my brother. For the next ten days, get into the game and start playing with his head. Have some fun with it. You're not the same shy eighteen year old.

Alice

PS- M (Morning) A (Afternoon) D (Dinner)

PSS- Carslie says don't be upset about the suite. He wanted you to be well taken care of.

I stood their awestruck. Did Alice really expect me to change three different times? That seems a bit excessive. I started to unpack the bag and became increasing distressed at what I found. Crop tops, short skirts, lace lingerie, and silk dresses were only the beginning. All the tags were names I didn't recognize, but screamed money. The swimsuits were all bikinis and miniature. The bottoms would never cover my curves. I opened the compartment on the top side of the bag and practically fainted. REALLY ALICE!

On top of the box of her-pleasure condoms was another note.

Just because you have a job to do, doesn't mean you can't have a vacation fling.

When I get home I am definitely going to strangle her. This was NOT a vacation. I was here for one reason, to keep an eye on Edward. Carslie was counting on me and not to mention my job was in jeopardy if I screwed this up. I would not let Edward ruin this opportunity for me. He had already ruined me once, it wouldn't happen again. For the next ten days, the past didn't exist and Edward Cullen was just another guy.

Alice was right; I am not a doe-eyed teenage girl anymore. I was a self-assured, confident woman who didn't take people's bullshit. One look from this Edward could no longer weaken my resolve or send shivers through my veins. If Edward was expecting me rely on the past or stroke his male ego- he has another thing coming. He doesn't know why I am here or what I have been asked to do. This is my game and unfortunately for him I have just the right cards to play. The façade of Playboy Cullen would crumble. I've heard small bikinis and hot bartenders are in full supply on this cruise.