Disclaimer; Stephenie Meyer owns everything twilight ... I own a Black Samsung B3410.

Chapter 4 – Relationships

BPOV

Before I got into bed that night, I knelt on the floor and tried to pray. I didn't really remember any specific prayer so I crossed myself, closed my eyes and just talked.

"Heavenly father," I paused and took a breath, "I know we haven't talked in a really long while. When Mom and Dad died I was really angry with you. I almost didn't believe you existed anymore." I sighed. "I thought how you could have sat up there, on your throne wielding your mighty stick thingy or whatever and let such a…" I felt tears pelt my clasped hands, "…a horrible thing happen to two really great people. But Mom always said 'Everything happens for a reason'…" I choked back a sob, "And, I am very grateful you left me my big sister. Without her, I never would have survived. And even if the blond ponytail man is supposed to kill me," I let the tears fall freely, "Please. Protect. Rose.

"Two arms enveloped me from behind and I looked up to see Rose crying too. "Don't say that. I would die to save you. I love you, Bellflower."

"I love you too, Rosie-Posy." Using our childhood names for each other made me feel safe.

"How long were you standing there?" I asked wiping my face with my hands.

"From 'wielding your mighty stick thingy or whatever...'" She giggled and stopped. We looked at each other before bursting out in laughter and rolling in our awkward position; we knocked my lamp over.

Heavy footsteps quickly ascended the stairs and Emmett came barrelling in through the door with his gun sweeping the room. He lowered his gun after realizing it was just us.

"Sorry, I heard some strange noises and then a crash like something broke and I thought…" he stopped talking and looked at us sceptically. "Are you guys okay?"

"Yea," Rose and I said simultaneously.

"Great." He placed his gun back in his waist, "Hey Rosalie, can you make me another sandwich please?"

Rose and I glared at him incredulously; he ate three more Italian hero sandwiches after Edward left. He held up his hands and backed away.

"It's cool … I can do it myself."

"Naa, Emmett, I'll make it for you." He nodded and went downstairs, "You gonna be okay Bella?" She asked rubbing my back.

"Yea,"

"Try to get some sleep, if ya can't ya know where my bed is."

"No way! Next thing ya know I'm in a spooning sandwich with you and Emmett." I laughed and wiggled my eyebrows. "And I doubt you'll be sleeping tonite anyways."

She sucked her teeth and got up to leave. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I was just teasing her; Rosalie had a hard showing any emotion, other than anger, to anyone but me. I thought Emmett liked her because he looked at her special. It would be a long and hard road for Emmett. I knew my sister; she believed if you loved no one, you wouldn't get hurt. So she would fight her feelings for Emmett until he gave up or wormed his way into her heart. I smiled because the way things started out between them was like love at first sight. They couldn't keep their eyes off each other. It wasn't lust filled or obsessive. It was in awe and admiration.

I got into bed and sighed. I wanted to find that kind of love. My mind instantly flashed to Edward and I felt at peace. I vaguely thought he was it for me but, I wasn't sure. It felt so right when he held me in that basement. I didn't know anything about him. I didn't even know his last name or how old he was. I yawned and stretched. I made a promise to myself to ask Emmett tomorrow. I adjusted my pillow and drifted off into slumber land.

I woke up to the smells of frying bacon and eggs and bright sunlight peeking in from a slit in the drapes by the window. I hadn't gotten much sleep but, I didn't feel tired. I went to the bathroom. After my morning routine I went down the stairs and saw Emmett and Rose holding hands and chastely kissing right beside the stove.

Well that was fast. I think I'll make them sweat a little bit.

"Bacon's burning." I cleared my throat and studied the floor. There was a massive chip in one of the tiles.

Hmmm, never seen that before.

I looked up with a blank expression. They jumped apart like someone was stoning them. Rosalie turned to the skillet and flipped the bacon; hiding her face from me. Emmett blushed furiously and scratched the back of his head.

"Morning Bella," He looked at everything that wasn't me.

I sat at the table and studied my fingernails.

Wow, Reduced to stubs; I really got to shake the habit of biting these mofos.

Emmett sat across from me and looked to Rose with a worried expression as she placed my plate in front of me. She shrugged as she handed his plate to him and sat down. But, she was worried; I saw it in her face. I poured myself a cup of orange juice and commenced eating my breakfast.

After ten minutes of silence and watching them squirm I couldn't keep the façade up any longer.

"So, when's the wedding?" I broke out into a full blown Cheshire cat grin as I looked between the two of them. They looked uncertain and uncomfortable.

"I'm not mad; I was just yanking youse chains." I drank some of my orange juice.

Emmett laughed while Rose just smirked.

"I'm very happy for you two…" I said sincerely "…unless I'm not invited to the wedding, then you guys can go…"

"You're gonna be invited Bella." Emmett cut me off and we shared a smile. I liked him.

"It was just a kiss," Rose bristled, "Nothing's going to happen."

I knew this was too fast. Damn it Rose!

Emmett frowned at Rose for a second before he went stiff. "I'm going to check outside."

He left and his plate wasn't even half finished. After last night I knew that Emmett was an eater and the fact that he left his food showed that he was very upset.

"Not. A. Word." Rose whispered as she kept her eyes downcast and stuffed her mouth.

Emmett stayed outside the house all day. He was either in his parked car or circling the house. Every minute Rose would peek out a window while she busied her self with chores. During lunch, which I had with him on the back porch, I learnt that Emmett and Rose stayed up all night watching Mario Puzo's 'the Godfather' and 'the Last Don.' Or so he told me.

More like they watched each other.

"We had a great night, what happened Bella?" Emmett asked he finished his third slice of pizza.

"She's being difficult because she's afraid." I said handing him another slice. Rose made four large pizzas ; she did chores and cooked when she was upset.

"Of? Who me? I'd never lay a hand on her, I swear on my mother."

I believed him; when an Italian swore on his mother you knew they were telling the truth.

I laughed, "If you did lay a hand on her, your face would be meeting Mr. Monkey-wrench. She's not afraid of you like that; it's more like… heartbreak."

"Oh…" He motioned for other piece of pizza I gave him the entire tray which had four slices left.

That should be enough for your hungry ass.

"What should I do?"

"If you only want sex; leave her alone and go buy a fucking prostitute."

"Damn Bella, where did that come from?" Emmett asked before he pushed a slice in his mouth. Then he mumbled something.

"Don't talk with with your mouth full,"

He swallowed. "I said I'm not like that."

"Okay. Since, you really want to get to know her just be a friend. Show her you're stable, caring and unassuming. I'm not going to lie. It's going to be hard and she'll probably hit bottom before she lets you in. You'll have to learn how to overlook her moods and anger and see the true problem." I sighed. "I know she likes you Emmett."

"I just need some time to figure it out." He looked out into the backyard.

I stood. "I'm going inside."

"Grazie Bella," He smiled and I noticed his boyish dimples for the first time. I hoped my future nephew or niece inherited that trait; they'd be so cute. "And tell Rosalie, the pizza was delicious." He handed me the empty tray.

"Want more?" I asked.

"Naa, I'm good."

I looked at my watch it was 2:30pm. "Until half an hour?"

He laughed and shook his head.

"I hope you figure it out,"

"I will." He smiled again.

I smiled back and headed inside where Rose was cleaning the kitchen.

"Emmett said…" I handed her the tray.

"I heard what he said, I heard everything." She whispered softly, she took it and put it in the sink.

"This is so stupid; I don't even know him. Why does it hurt so much?" She scrubbed the tray furiously.

"You can fix it Rosie." I hugged her from behind. "Did you see those dimples?"

"Yea, I wanna lick them."

"Nasty." I laughed, "I want my nephew to have them."

After a while while she said "I'll try Bella."

"Great!" I licked her cheek.

"Get outta hea'!" She laughed and shrugged out of my hold.

I stuck my tongue out and turned the corner to go up the stairs. I heard the back door open the back door and someone come in.

"Bella?" Emmett called. "Uh, where's Bella?"

I decided to hang back and see how things would turn out if they were alone for a while.

"She went upstairs." Rose sounded cold; I sighed.

"Tell her Edward called to say he'd be late. Something important came up but he'll be here for dinner around seven." Emmett sounded even colder than Rose.

I heard receding steps and the door to the back porch swing open. I banged my head on the wall three times in succession.

"I'm sorry for what I said this morning." Rose mumbled.

Yes yes yes! I fist pumped the air.

"It's nothing; I was outta line and you corrected me. Whatever." Emmett sounded distant and I didn't have to see the shrug that followed to know it was there.

No No No!

I heard the back porch swing closed and Emmett's heavy steps sounded further and further away. Rose went back to her furious cleaning and I dejectedly made the trek up to my room.

As I dressed for dinner later that evening I wondered what made Edward late.

A girlfriend or wife maybe? A kid? Or two? I felt depressed.

I pushed those thoughts out of my head and pulled on my shorts. I mean could have dealt with him having a kid but, everything else was non-negotiable. I forced myself to focus on the situation I was in; it only depressed me more. I pulled my 'I love Italy' t-shirt and brushed my hair.

I walked over Rose's room to get back my red barrette she borrowed and nearly fainted when I looked in the room. She stood in front of her full length mirror and was dressed in this skin tight, short black dress, light make-up and black fuck-me boots. The dress showed her curves perfectly; slim thin waist, rounded hips and ass attached to legs that seemed to go on forever. Her face; beauty personified. I was jealous and also vaguely worried for her sanity.

Mostly jealous.

"Rose," I said cautiously "You do know we're eating at home right?"

"Of course I know that; I cooked the food."

"So, what are you dressed up so hot for?"

"Not a what, a who dummy." She looked at me like I was the one going pazzo, "Emmett's only seen me in my mechanic jumper and huge t-shirts and baggy sweats. He doesn't know what he's missing so I'm going to knock his ass dead." She adjusted her boobs.

"And convince him that you're bipolar!" I shouted.

The doorbell rang and I stared her down.

"Nope," She popped the 'p' and crossed her arms. "I'm not changing, I'll be in the kitchen; get the door." She walked out.

I sighed and went to get the door. I opened it to a smiling Edward and my heart soared. I missed him so much and I hadn't realized it until that moment.

"Bella," He pulled me into his embrace like he was starving and kissed my cheeks, "I brought wine." He held up two bottles and I stood there grinning like an idiot. It was fine because he was grinning too.

"Gonna let us in Bella?" Emmett chuckled.

Thank you for spoiling me and my man's … I mean Edward's moment.

I let them in and locked the door.

"Don't say anything," I warned before I ushered them into the kitchen.

"Hey…Uh, ahem, Rosalie," That was Edward.

"Holy Fuck…" That was Emmett. And then he adjusted his junk in front of everyone.

Great, now I'm picturing him naked. Thank you, Mr. Emmett for the fucked up visual.

"Dinner is served." Rose giggled.

Emmett looked like he would have eaten Rose instead.

Another fucked up visual. Stop it Bella!

During dinner Emmett was ignored by Rose and he didn't mind; he just ate and stared. Edward told me that he needed more time to figure out what to do about the blond ponytail man. I told him that was fine and then I remembered my promise to myself to find out more about this emerald-green eyed stranger.

"Edward, what's your last name?"

EPOV

I stiffened. I was worried how she would have reacted when I told her my last name was Cullen. I looked at Emmett who was too busy ogling Rosalie's boobs.

What the fuck is with them anyway?

Just then the house phone rang and because she was the closest, Bella got up to answer. I thanked heaven and ate some more pasta.

"Hello?"

I could only hear Bella's side of the conversation.

"Angela what's wrong?"

"What happened to him?"

Bella's eyes widened as she stared at me. I snapped my fingers at Emmett who immediately joined us back in reality. Fear radiated from Rosalie as she glanced between the three of us. Bella stayed silent as that Angela broad ranted. I couldn't hear much but it sounded frantic and Bella looked more and more distressed as she went on.

"I'm so sorry Angela." She sounded close to tears, "Yea, I'll do that."

She hung up the phone and slumped into her seat. I reached over and rubbed her back.

"What happened?" I asked as she placed her head in her hands.

"Angela's father, Mr. Weber, owns the bookshop I work at. He was killed about after 6 o'clock and the neighbours say a group of men were terrorizing the area looking for a short brunette girl. My employee file from the store and a picture of me at last year's book drive were stolen." She took a deep breath.

"Anything else?"

"O-on-o," She paused, "O-one of the men, had a blond, p-po-ponytail,"

My heart dropped when I heard her stutter. Emmett took out his gun and went through the back door.

"Where is he going?" Rosalie asked.

"They're probably watching the house." I answered; it was what I would have done. They both went pale.

I wondered what our next move should be; Jasper and I thought we had at least one more day to sort this out. We had to leave right then.

"Go upstairs and pack one bag each, take only whatcha need." They remained seated. "Now!" I urged. "And change ya clothes. Put on jeans, sweaters and sneakers."

Rosalie grabbed Bella's hand and dragged her up the stairs. Emmett came back in.

"One car down the road, two goons and no buttons." He meant they weren't made men; so we could have killed them and the Volturi family couldn't really do anything about it.

"Alright, they know I'm here so I'll make sure they see me leave. Imma drive around the block and park. Then we sneak up on 'em and take 'em out. Maybe they haven't called James yet," He nodded. "Tell the girls to stay inside until we come and get 'em."

I put on my coat and headed out the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the goons' car. I knew they were amateurs; they were too close to the house. So I started to whistle and got in my car. I drove off; looking in my rear-view mirror if they would follow me. They didn't. I parked on the other street and jumped Bella's back fence. Emmett met me and we crept through the neighbours' yard until we passed the goons in their car.

We moved along the side of the house and hid in some shrubs that divided two properties. Silently, we approached the car and I took the drivers side while Emmett took the passenger's. They didn't even see it coming, like I said; amateurs. I thought they were having a conversation but then realized that the driver was on the phone.

"E. Cullen is with the broad. I just saw him leave a while ago. He left one of his goons there."

I pointed my gun in his face and Emmett did the same with the other bastard.

"Gi' me the phone." I said menacingly. He handed me it and I put it to my ear.

"Rossi… How are you?" I smiled. " Ya know you should really get smarter guinea bastards. These ones never even saw us coming."

"Fuck you Cullen. I'll get that bitch." He sneered.

"You can fucking try." I knew there was no bargaining with James so I didn't even attempt it. "The bodies will be here when you're ready for 'em."

I ended the call and we pumped the goons full of slugs.

"Where are we taking the girls?" Emmett asked.

"I don't know." I took off my leather gloves and dropped them a garbage bin near by. It was empty so I lit a match and watched the gloves burn.

"I got a cousin." Emmett said. "She lives over in Tennessee on a ranch. Let's go pay her a visit."

I didn't want to impose on anybody. I told him that.

"I put her up; she lives alone but she loves company and she has lots a space."

I didn't know where else to go. "Alright; just for a little while until I figure something out."

"Imma give her a call."

"What's with you and Rosalie anyway?"

"I don't wanna talk about it."

"Whatever," It wasn't my fucking problem.

When we got back to the house the girls were ready and waiting.

"We still have to leave." Emmett said bending to grab one of the girls' bags.

"Wait." Rosalie ran into the kitchen and came back with a wet hand towel. She wiped Emmett right hand which was covered in blood spatter.

"Grazie." He said lowly.

"Sure," Rosalie backed away.

So fucking awkward.

"Whose blood is that?" Bella asked. I sighed; what was I supposed to say?

"Bella it was either us or them. We don't need to know the details."

Thank you Rosalie.

"Let's go." I grabbed one of the bags and we walked to Emmett's car. After putting the cars in the trunk we got in. I rode shotgun and Emmett drove with the girls in the back. We reached my car on the other street and I got out.

"Ya girls gonna ride with Emmett?" I said hoping Bella would want to ride with me.

"I wanna ride with you…" Bella stated "If that's alright."

"That's okay Bella," Outwardly I just smiled while mentally I did a back flip.

"You staying Rose?" Bella asked softly.

"If Emmett's okay with it; I'd like to." Rosalie said quietly. Now we were waiting on Emmett to answer. He didn't.

"We gotta go." I reminded them.

"Fuck you Emmett!" Rosalie opened the door and got out.

Bella followed. They walked over to my car and Bella got in the back and made space for Rosalie.

"I am such a fucking idiot."

"No argument there." I paused. "Em," I shook my head in Rosalie's direction. He sighed.

"I gotta pick up some stuff at my place. You want me stay with 'em right?"

I nodded; it was his cousin. "I'll follow you."

The drive to Emmett's place was quiet. Rosalie stared out the window dejectedly. Bella met my eyes in the rear-view mirror and smiled sadly. We parked and waited. Emmett came out five minutes later with two black travel bags. I was sure one had guns and the other had clothes. It was all prepacked; just in case. My crew was instructed to keep bags like those ready.

Emmett put them in his backseat and walked over to us.

"Rosalie, I'm sorry for being such a fucking dick. I know you apologized and I forgive you. Anyway, It's gonna be a long drive and I would really love it if you rode with me." He looked down and scratched his head. "Please?"

On the inside I laughed. Fucking Pussy.

"Come on Rosalie," I added from the front seat, "Emmett's ready to hand over his balls. The least you could do is ride with him."

Rosalie looked to Bella and I hoped that she would go; I really wanted to be alone with Bella. Bella nodded and hugged Rosalie. Emmett opened the door and offered Rosalie his hand. She took it. Bella crawled into the front seat and buckled up.

"What was that about?" I asked as I pulled out of Emmett's parking lot.

"I've been having Rose-Emmett drama all day. I don't need to relive it. Ask ya boy."

"I did. He wouldn't say. Emmett's usually really loose and funny. I've never seen him so tense but I'm not that interested." I laughed.

"I like him." Bella stated. I felt a surge of jealousy; I couldn't help it.

"Do you like me?" I asked.

"Of course," She paused then added, "but, not how I like Emmett."

What the fuck?

"How do you like Emmett?" I tried to sound casual but failed.

"Like a friend," She said simply. I relaxed.

"So how do you like me?" I stopped at a red light.

"Not like a friend." She whispered and I noticed that she was staring. Her chocolate orbs looked depthless and were intense; it was like she could see through me. I swallowed and zoomed in on her mouth; she bit her bottom lip. It was plump and pink; I wanted to kiss her. I wondered how she tasted and automatically licked my lips. We both leaned in at the same time and just as we were about to touch Emmett pulled up on the right.

"Hey… Lovebirds; It's been on green for two minutes. Stop smooching and pay attention." He laughed.

"Just drive Em," I grumbled.

Cockblocker.

"I'm invited to the wedding right Bells?" He asked wiggling his eyebrows.

"Sure Em," She laughed as he overtook us. I scratched the back of my head.

"Sorry bou that." I said as I drove off.

"No worries, So what did you do today?"

"I had to take care of some business. I'm an…" I cleared my throat. "…entrepreneur."

I usually never had a problem with lying to people. But lying to Bella just felt wrong. It wasn't exactly a lie; I was an entrepreneur. But how was I supposed to explain Bella that some lowlife bookie tried to keep his tribute to me on a huge score and that I had to teach him a lesson so he wouldn't steal from me again? Or that a creep beat up one of Jasper's girls last night and that we had to find him. First, we let the girls have at him. Then we ended the miserable bastard's life.

"You don't have to lie to me."

"I'm not."

"I know we just met and you don't have to tell me everything but don't lie." She sounded hurt as she stared out the window.

I felt my heart sink. "Look at me," she refused. "Look at me!"

Slowly she turned her face.

"I will never lie to you. But there are some things I can't tell you." I paused. "I'm…"

"I understand." She said and just then my phone rang. It was my father; I didn't answer it.

"Can you tell me who that was?"

"My father," I looked over at her and she was eyeballing me.

"So… why didn't you answer?" She sounded suspicious.

"We don't see eye to eye on something."

"Whatever it is I'm sure it's not that important."

I wondered if she would have felt the same if I told her we argued about her.

"It is important."

"Hmmm," She sounded disbelieving.

"What is it Bella?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

So that's what you're worried about.

"No. But, I've got my eye on this little brunette." I shrugged, "She doesn't believe a word I say though. Think ya could put in a good word for me?" I winked and she giggled.

Love that sound.

"I believe you, Edward." She smiled.

My heart fluttered; I had a feeling that this was the start of something beautiful.

Great now I'm a fucking pussy.

My phone beeped signalling I had a voice message. I played it.

"Edward, don't think you can just drop everything to save this girl. You have responsibilities and an obligation to La Famiglia."

Fuck you Carlisle.

A/N: Tell me what ya think. All forms of criticism welcome. (Please review)

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Chapter 5 and the pixie coming your way soon :)