A/n: Ok everybody. I am very sorry for the long wait. I was sick twice , went on vacation and my step grandmother died on top of all of the other real life junk going on. Oh and other then that you guys should blame yourselves for the long wait. Wtf are you talking about Tori? Every time I open my email I have brand new updates or recommendations on stories. You guys write such amazing stuff! It's so distracting! Blame the following people and their great stories. (I always wanted to be a pimp and here I go lol)
1) Buried among the begonias by Durtynelly
2) Desire by Twilightfan2010
3) Don't tell me you love me by tellmenolies
4) All four of Starrynytex stories
5)Edward the Plumber by caughtmyselffalling
6) Holding out for you by obsessing over Edward
7) Inked by Arenee363
8) Miami at Twilight by mischief maker1
9) Branded by leelan oleander
10) Son of a Preacher man by la vie pastiche
And check out my amazing beta Courtneys(AnUnbrokenHorse aka RushtonElf) profile. Shes a great writer and has some great recommendations.
Don't own it, just love it!
And now on with the show….
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Screaming. A woman was screaming inside Cullen's garage. I jumped out of my car not bothering to shut the door. What if we were too late? What if I was too late? Was the other surveillance team more dangerous than we thought? Had they decided that because Cullen was out of the country they would make their move? So many questions as I raced to the garage. We still didn't have any answers. The screaming had stopped. I got close enough to the garage that I heard only two female voices. One was strained; the other was comforting the other. I was relived. I walked back to the car, while dialing Sam to find out what happened.
"Yo Sam. What the fuck happened? There was screaming in there!" I yelled
"Hey man, she closed her hand in the trunk of the car getting out the big box. Alice is trying to convince her to go to the E.R." he replied.
I let out a deep breath. "I thought maybe the other team got to her." Then it hit me. "Fuck man! Cullen's going to be pissed! My fucking cover may be blown now! What hospital are they headed to?"
"County is closest to them. Emily and I are pulling up now. So you can head home. We will fill you in on what happened in the morning."
"Alright man see you at 8 tomorrow morning we can talk about tonight after we get more details."
"Ok."
"Relax Jake. We will see you in the morning."
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I pulled up at 5 minutes to 8 Friday morning. I parked my car on the quite street and walked over to Sam's van. I knocked on the passenger side window where Emily was sleeping. She jumped up and looked relived when she saw me smiling at her. She yelled to Sam to open the door. I took a step back as the door slide open.
"Good morning man in a strange van." I smiled as I held the bag of coffee and donuts.
He smiled back looking tired. "Good morning little boy, come in my van, I have free candy and puppies."
I laughed. "How did your night go?" I asked as I sat inside and closed the door.
"It was ok." He and Emily began digging in to the coffee and donuts.
"The girls didn't get out of the E.R. till after 3. Cullen called his father Dr. Carlisle Cullen to order a full work up. Even had her x rays faxed over to him so he could confirm the diagnosis. We couldn't listen in at the hospital though, too many signals. We were likely to mess up somebody's heart monitor". He laughed.
"Damn. She just hurt her hand."
"Yeah man, she broke her pinkie and index finger. You should have heard her on the phone with Cullen. As soon as she said hospital he freaked out."
"Nice. That's going to mess up her stripertastic birthday surprise."
"Yeah, bigger news though. Emily scanned the pictures you took. There are a couple of faces that keep popping up. It was harder than we thought to identify them though."
"Why?"
She smiled gently "It's a college campus Jake. It's hard to tell if someone's following her or just going to class."
"Alright man, give me a printout of the faces that keep popping up. I'll go to the campus on Monday morning to ask around if anybody knows them. I am going to meet with Cullen in the afternoon to tell him what we know so far."
"Are you sure Jake, he's going to be pissed if you can't answer all his questions."
"I know man, but I got scared last night when she was screaming inside the garage."
"Awe Tin Man really does have a heart." Emily laughed.
"Shut up scarecrow." I laughed. "I have got to tell Cullen what we know so far because we are information gatherers, not security. And I can show him the faces of those following her. He's been in this business long enough to know people."
"Got ya man."
"How about the tapping in to the signal, did you get anything?"
"Negative, except that Cullen's office requires its own security code to get in to. Alice mentioned it. Apparently it's new from the last time she was here. Isabella said Cullen wanted to put in a panic room but she said no. He settled with a new home security system and a special separate one to protect his office. Apparently business is good so he has to protect all his dirty secrets."
"He is such a dirty son of a bitch. What the fuck is a nice girl doing with him?"
"Agreed, and yes we know what you think Emily."
"So Sam, what can I expect from the girls today?"
"Party planning. The party supplies people and caterers are coming by the house go over Saturday birthday festivities, other than that, nothing much else."
Alright man, do you mind if I be the strange man in the van today and you guys take my car home. I need to keep this cover after last night. I want to listen in on her. I have been following this chick for a few days now and I have yet to hear her speak."
"It's cool. Oh and keep an eye on tinker bell. She's something else." He laughed.
EPOV
I sat in my nice hotel suit in purto rico going over the contracts for tomorrow. I had a few hours before my dinner meeting with Santiago and Senna. I decided to lie down for a little while when my eyes started to cross at the site of the fine print. As I lay down on the hotel bed I smelled my Bella on my clothes. I smiled a bitter sweet smile as I replayed this morning. The mornings when I leave are always ruff. On top of all my regular anxiety her classes were canceled due to carbon monoxide leek. What the hell is that? I pay a lot of money for her to go there and they can't keep that place safe. That was unacceptable. The school and I would be speaking when I got back. We spent most of the morning in silence. She sat on the kitchen counter next to me wearing my tee shirt and a pair of sweatpants while I made French toast for breakfast. While it cooked she looked up at me thru her lashes with sad eyes. I took a step over as she spread her arms and legs open and we hugged. We buried ourselves in each other. It was all the communication we needed. After we ate we went upstairs. I followed her into the shower. We made love under the hot water. She didn't know that I knew she cried a little during sex. We got out of the shower still holding hands. I watched as she put on jeans and a white tee shirt as I put on my suit. I went to one of my drawers and pulled out my Dartmouth sweatshirt. I handed it to her and she smiled for the first time this morning. I knew she felt comforted in it. She put it on and brought part of the hood over and inhaled deeply. I smiled. I finished getting dressed as she lay on our bed. She watched as I started tying my white and blue tie. She smiled a sly smile as she got on her knees and stood at the edge of our bed.
"You're doing it wrong." She said.
I walked over and stood in front of her with my hands still on my tie.
"Oh, really?" I asked sarcastically.
"Yes really." My Bella replied.
She started to untie and retie my tie. I smiled as I watched as she did this expertly. She really did do a better job than me. I found out that my father had taught her one weekend I was away when we lived in Forks. I had to laugh at that. My father was the main naysayer in my relationship with Bella.
Flashback
Bella and I had gone out that Saturday running errands. It had been a really beautiful November day. We had lunch out, spent the day buying new thanksgiving stuff at target and even saw a movie. We were getting the bags out of the trunk when she pulled me down to kiss me. What started off as a quick peck turned into a full blown make out session in the driveway of my parent's house. I never would have done that with any other woman. But my Bella just made me feel so free. We were walking up to the house with our bags holding hands when I noticed my father standing on the steps blocking the front door. His face was unreadable. I hadn't realized he was home from his latest trip. I knew I was in trouble now considering what he just saw. I had yet to speak with him regarding Bella.
"Carlisle!" Bella yelled happily next to me. Carlisle's face brightened but he didn't take his hard stare away from me. She broke our hand holding to walk quicker up the steps to get to him.
"Hello Dear" he said as he kissed her hello.
"How was your trip?" She asked excitedly
"It went well"
"Did you lay by the pool for me?" Bella questioned
"I did actually, it was quite nice."
"Very good, I am proud of you, you finally relaxed for once" Bella laughed.
He smiled a genuine smile at her. "Bella dear I think Esme could use your help in her office." He tucked a piece of Bella's long brown hair behind her ear as he spoke. I was instantly pissed that he touched her. I knew it was an innocent fatherly gesture but it angered me all the same.
"Ok" Bella turned to me "I'll see you inside". She walked through the front door, closing it behind her.
"Hello dad. Good trip?" I asked, trying to avoid what I knew was coming.
"We need to talk Edward, be in my office in five minutes". He demanded. I knew that tone of voice, I was about to get my ass handed to me by my father. Five minutes later I walked into Carlisle's office. He just stared at me while I took my seat. I felt like I was 15 years old again getting caught drinking with Emmett.
"You wanted to speak to me?" I asked sounding boarded.
"Don't you dare take that tone with me Edward. You know exactly why you in here. What the hell do you think you're doing with her?" Carlisle yelled.
"Dating" I simply replied.
"Dating?! Dating?! Edward she 18 years old! "
"She's legal." I replied very seriously
"Yes she's legal Edward but she's still in high school, your 27 and in a completely different life stage than Bella." He countered.
"True, but I care about her." I stated.
"That's great you care about her, but you could care more when she's a few years older. Like after she's done college."
"And let those cretins touch her? Never!"
He closed his eyes, took a few deep breathes while pinching the bridge of his nose. "And do you know what her parents are going to say?"
"Her parents? Carlisle, you and Esme are more like parents to her then they are. Charlie is a distant workaholic and Renee is as much a kid as the ones she teaches. This is the most stable home life she's ever had." I stood as I yelled.
"Exactly, so why are you capitalizing on her vulnerability?" Carlisle asked
"You think I am taking advantage of her?" I questioned.
"Yes I do. I know you're quite popular with women Edward and I don't want her to be another notch on your bedpost. Or another challenge, like one of your business deals. You're a Cullen. We are determined mother fuckers. You are no different Edward and when you set your sites on something you get it. I don't want Bella to be something you acquired." Carlisle sneered.
I was prepared for this argument. Time to pull out the blackmail.
"I am not taking advantage of her. I care and respect her. Our decision to date was made together. And how dare you lecture me on setting my sites on Bella. Should I lecture you on how you began dating my mother?"
His stare got cold, I hit a nerve.
"Yes I know all about how Esme was engaged when you met her. Where's that guy now Carlisle?"
"That's enough Edward. Ok, ok, but if something happens to her you're going to be held responsible. Your mother and I care about her very, very much. We always wanted a daughter and found that in Bella. She's a good girl Edward don't hurt her." He warned.
"Yes, I know we have a lot at our disadvantage. But I have never felt this way about anyone Carlisle. I want Bella. I am willing to make it work."
I walked out of Carlisle's office and upstairs to my bedroom. I opened my door to find Bella crying on my bed. I scooped her up and sat her on my lap.
After a minute she began to speak.
"I am sorry, I don't want you fighting with Carlisle over me, us. I don't want to cause them any problems."
"Shh, Bella. Carlisle's just worried about you."
"Edward, he's right. What are you doing with me? Christ you're amazing, gorgeous and successful…" I put my fingers up to her lips to stop her.
"Stop. You are one of the greatest people I have ever met. You are so selfless, smart, and can always make me laugh. You're sexy and strong as hell. Yes, the age difference sucks."
She laughed at that" but as long as you're willing to put up with me and my crap I am willing to make us work." She held my face and stared at me with a fire I had never seen in her eyes.
"Yes Edward, I want to make us work" We kissed with a passion that I had never felt before. As we kissed I knew in my cold, dead, corporate heart that I loved Bella and I would never let her go.
Flashback end
Bella finished tying my tie before I took her small hands in mine. I placed lingering kisses on them before I kissed her lips. Bella and I spent the rest of the morning cuddling in our bed. My phone rang letting me know my cab to the airport was here. We walked downstairs together. Bella opened the door while we said goodbye and I wiped away her tears. I told her I loved her and that I would see her in a few days.
As I walked out the door and down the steps I saw Jacob parked in his car. I gave him a "fuck you "glare before getting in the car and going to the airport. Having him following her was eating me alive. I hated it. Six hours later Seth and I were in purto rico. Seth knocked on my door at 8:00. We left for the restaurant via limo. We were met by Santiago, Senna and several others there. All the figure heads of these businesses were the same. Old, creepy, evil and cocky. While we were getting situated at the restaurant my phone began to ring "Claire De Lune." Bella was calling me. I was instantly worried because Bella usually texted because she knew I was busy. I excused myself and walked out of the restaurant.
"Bella? What wrong? Are you ok? Is Alice with you?"
"Hi, I slammed my hand in the trunk on the car," she winced, "Alice and I are the way to the E.R."
"WHAT? OH MY GOD BELLA!"
"Edward, calm down. It's not that bad"
"It's not that bad, Bella you're going to the hospital. I am coming home!"
"No you're not Edward, I will be fine. It's probably just a few broken fingers."
"Bella let me speak to Alice."
."I will give the phone to Alice, but you better control yourself Edward. This was an accident, not her fault."
I took a few deep breaths." Yes, you're right I just over reacted. Please give the phone to Alice"
"Ok. And Edward if you come home over this it just means you have to leave again."
I signed, "You're right Bella, I don't want to leave you anymore then I have to. Please let me talk to Alice"
"Ok, and Edward, I love you"
"I love you too Bella."
"Hello Edward, please calm down."
"Alice, what happened?"
"We were getting her new clothes box out of the trunk. She shut her fingers in between the doors when she tried to shut the trunk. We put ice on them and I am driving her to county hospital right now."
"Whew ok, ok, I am sorry I just got scared. "
"Yes Edward, I know how you are."
"Ok, I am going to call Carlisle to see if he can over see everything."
"Good, call Daddy C so we can get in and out faster."
I laughed, "You know he hates when you call him that Alice"
"Well he and Esme should have been quitter at Easter"
"Eww. Call me when you get the results. Love you Ali."
"Love you too Edward"
With that she hung up. I sat on the smoker's bench outside. I wanted a cigarette for the first time in 3 years. Bella was ok I kept repeating as I took a few deep breaths and called Carlisle.
"Hello Dad"
"Hello Edward how are you? You sound funny?"
"Bella slammed her hand in the trunk on the car," I winced "Alice and Bella are the way to the E.R."
"WHAT? OH MY GOD BELLA!"
"Dad, Calm down. It's not that bad"
I shuddered. I was having the same conversation with my dad as I did with Alice. Only this time I was on the other end. Holy Fucking God! I have become my father.
"It's not that bad, Bella's going to the hospital. Where are you? Do you need me to come to Chicago?"
"I am in Purto Rico for work, Alice and Bella will be fine, it's probably just a few broken fingers."
"Holy shit Edward! You scared the hell out of me!"
I laughed "I was scared to, but Bella and Alice will be fine" I reiterated. "I was hoping you could use your influence and make sure they get in with a good doctor and not some intern in their 25th working hour."
"Yes, absolutely. I'll call Alice and get the hospital name. Then I'll pull all the strings I can."
"Thank you Carlisle, I'll call you later"
I sat on the bench outside the restaurant. I was trying to compose myself before I went inside. Carlisle and Alice are going to make sure my Bella is alright. I bummed a cigarette off of a waiter on break. I took a deep soothing drag as I thought about Bella. I was tired of not knowing what was going on with her. I needed answers. Answers I couldn't get till I got back to Chicago. And then I remembered Seth. Seth was making phone calls to Bella. Seth was in Purto Rico with me. Seth was now going to have one hell of an interesting weekend ahead of him.
~*~
Sorry again about the wait guys.
Reviews are like hits with the riding crop from "The submissive". Lol. Please hit me!!
