Damn you, ever-nagging plot bunnies … I just can't get this one out of my head. I am focusing on one story, but I wanted to get a foundation on this new one. So, here we go … This will be similar to Buying Love, Friends with Benefits, Mafia Princess and The One That Got Away, with shorter chapters and weekly updates: Sundays with teasers on Thursday.

We heard from Bella … and heard Edward's story. I was hoping to do a batch of Edward chapters and then a batch of Bella chapters … but, I'm thinking it may be mainly Edward, with some Bella thrown in. Up next will be Edward again … will he stay on his side of the bed?

Chapter Seven

EPOV

Waking up, I was warm. Very warm. My entire being was on fire and it felt amazing. Blinking my eyes open, everything seemed sharper, more colorful and more in focus. The smells of the room were more fragrant. Some, not so pleasant, but I was more aware of them. Looking down, I saw that Bella was curled on my chest, her cheeks flushed and her face relaxed. The bruises on her face had faded significantly and her hair was draped over my chest in mahogany curls.

This is not good. She's my client.

I tried to move her, but Bella tightened her arms around me, whimpering quietly. She snuggled closer, burying her nose into my neck. "Bella," I whispered, trying loosen her hold on me. She sighed, her eyes fluttering against my neck. I felt her smile. "Um, this is awkward," I laughed.

"No. It's nice," she giggled, her hand gliding across my belly. "You're like a human 'Chillow.' You know, one of those pillows that are constantly cold? It feels so nice against my heated skin."

"I'll have to take your word for it," I said, rubbing her back. "As nice as this is, you're still my client. And this is crossing so many lines that are highly unethical and very unprofessional. You want to divorce your husband? Your husband. You're still legally married to him. You don't want to give him proof of you cheating."

"We're not cheating, Edward," she said, sitting up and giving me a mock glare. "We fell asleep and it's not like we had sex."

"There was snuggling," I chuckled. "Snuggling usually leads to other things, like sex." I pinched my nose, sliding out of the bed and padding to the window. I leaned against the frame, watching as ice cracked from my hands. I had to get my temper under control. "I have to finish the order of protection and get it submitted to the court. I'm sorry." I stomped to the nightstand, grabbing my laptop and smiling tightly at Bella before I ducked into my room. I sent a text to Carmen.

I don't know if I can handle this case with Bella ~ Edward

Too bad … you're stuck with her. Trust me ~ Carm

"Fuck," I spat. I dialed her, sneaking into the bathroom. "Carmen, pick up the damn phone."

"Edward, I'm holding firm on this," she said as she answered the phone call. "You have to trust me."

"You know something," I said. "And it's not about her case. Why are you so insistent that I work with her?"

"Do you know where I live?" she asked.

"Yes. I've been to your house numerous times. Christmas party? Marcus's birthday? Heidi's wedding thingy?" I snorted.

"Just to the north of my house is a gated home. The pin number to enter is 1918. Meet me there after you file Bella's order of protection," Carmen said. "I need you to know more than what I can tell you over the phone."

"Carm?" I barked.

"Just be there, Edward," she said. "I'll explain everything. I promise." Before I could respond, she hung up. I got another text, too. I'll pick up Bella. I think that staying at the hotel is not an option much longer. Jacob, Bella's husband, came to the office looking for her. I don't know how he figured it out, but I'm on my way to pick her up.

I sighed, knocking on the door between our rooms. Bella was dressed in some of my sister's clothing. It was swimming on her, proof positive that she was underweight. "I'm sorry, Bella. Carmen is on her way. Your husband came to the legal aid office this morning. She's taking you to a more secure location."

"I felt him nearby. Just as we were waking up, I could feel this cold, emptiness," she shuddered. "I think that's why I was so hesitant to get out of your arms. I feel safe with you, Edward."

"I'll do everything to keep you safe, Bella. And I'm sorry about freaking out. I just … with what happened to me prior to my breakdown, I'm afraid of crossing a professional/personal line," I blushed. "And, you're my client. I … I …" I gulped, looking down at her. "I'm attracted to you, but we can't do anything." She pressed her lips into a thin line, her brown eyes glowing and flames beginning to lick her hands. "I tried to get Carmen to reassign your case. Not that I'd cross that line with a married woman."

"I don't want to be married. In my mind, I'm not married," she sneered, her hands flying up and sparks flying from her fingertips, causing the bedspread to flame. I shot some of my powers to stop the flames. "You can't even let me have my temper tantrum."

"This room is under Carmen's credit card, Bella," I snorted. There was a knock at the door and I growled. "Stay behind me, Bella."

"I can protect myself," she said, huffing quietly.

I shot her a look, gazing at her still healing bruises. She bit her lip, stepping behind me. Using my left hand, I reached for the door and allowed the power grow within me, my right hand almost a frozen block of ice. Looking out the peephole, I saw Carmen and I relaxed, letting my power dissipate. Opening the door, I ushered her in. "That was fast."

"I was in the car, stopped at a light when you called," she said. "How are you doing, Bella?"

"I'm …" she sighed, "I'm frustrated. Emotionally drained and frustrated."

"I promise to explain everything, sweetie," Carmen said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Blinking up at me, she gave me an understanding smile. "To both of you. Now, Edward, you have a ten o'clock appearance for Bella's protection order. Detective McCarty is meeting you. Bring him along with you to the house, okay?"

I nodded. "Please, don't be mad at me, Bella. I want …" I trailed off. I wanted her. My heart yearned for her and my body screamed to protect her. She looked up at me, her simmering eyes cooling and her body relaxing. She walked up to me, sliding her arms around my waist, snuggling her cheek to my chest. I awkwardly hugged her back and pressed my head to her hair. Carmen gave me a sympathetic look. "I'll take care of your bags. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you," Bella whispered, leaving me in the room.

"I'll check you both out," Carmen said. "All will be explained, Edward. I promise you. Both of you."

"Be careful, Carm. Jacob's dangerous," I said.

"I have my own ways," Carmen snickered. She winked at me, guiding Bella out of the room.

I packed the bags and changed into a new suit. I drove to the office, printing out the protection order and just making my court appearance with Emmett. We pleaded Bella's case for the restraining order and it was granted, along with a legal separation. The case would be brought to trial, in regards to the domestic abuse, but that wouldn't happen for several months. I also took the liberty of filing the divorce paperwork, beginning the proceedings for that as well. I wanted to snap my fingers and end her marriage easily. But, that's not reality. "Emmett, can you come with me to explain the protection order for Bella? We've moved her to a more secure location. Jacob came to the legal aid office," I frowned.

"I was planning on it. I received a call from someone in the precinct. Jacob terrorized Bella's neighbor, Rose. She wasn't hurt, but it freaked her out. I sent a colleague of mine, Garrett, to pick her up as soon as I heard. Carmen told me to bring her to this address," Emmett said, showing me the address of the house just north of Carmen's. "Garrett did that and I'm going to take her statement."

"Let's go," I said. "There's something more going on here than an asshole of a husband."

"I get that distinct feeling, too," Emmett said. "Right here." He rubbed his belly and his ice-blue eyes darkened. "I'll follow you."

I nodded and we went down to our cars. Emmett followed me in his police cruiser as we drove through an affluent part of the city, close to where my parents lived. I passed their neighborhood, giving it the finger as I navigated my way to a secluded, prestigious set of homes, looking almost like castles. Arriving at the house, I punched in the number into the pad and the gate slowly opened. Emmett followed me, parking on the large circle drive and blinking rapidly, shocked at the opulence of the modern-day, American castle. "This shit doesn't exist in the real world," Emmett choked out.

"I can assure, this shit does," I deadpanned. Fuck, I lived in it. The house I grew up in was about twice the size of the castle we were approaching. We had a cook, chauffeur, several maids and a house manager. Well, my family did. Not me. Not anymore. I had a hovel.

Shouldering my messenger bag and the suitcases from my sister, with Emmett's help, we walked to the door. Knocking on it, an older gentleman opened it. I recognized him. "Eleazar, right? Carmen's husband?"

"Yes! Good memory, Edward," Eleazar beamed, shaking my hand. "Come in, please. And let me take your belongings. You'll be staying here."

"Oh, these aren't mine. They're my sister's, but she gave them to Bella," I stammered. Eloquent, Cullen. "Where is she?"

"In the library," Eleazar explained, pointing to a set of doors. "Mr. McCarty, you're needed as well."

"How did you know who I am?" Emmett asked.

"Carmen told me," Eleazar chuckled. He bowed, shuffling up the grand staircase with my bags.

"Why did he bow?" Emmett hissed.

"I have no clue," I hissed back. I tugged on his sleeve and we went into the library. Carmen was seated on one of the brocade couches, sipping tea with Bella and her neighbor, Rose. She was an elegant woman, with blonde curls and a statuesque body. However, her face was marred by a handprint. My hackles went up and the wood cracked beneath my feet. Emmett stumbled.

"What the fuck? Is there a leak? There's ice here," Emmett muttered.

"Uh," I chuckled. "I have no idea." I took a breath, calming my anger and I walked to the couches. Rose gave me a harsh glare, but her gaze softened. Without thinking, I cupped her cheek and closed my eyes. She shuddered and when my hand pulled away, her bruise gone.

"Your instinct is coming back. Good," Carmen smiled.

"What?" I asked.

"Edward, please. Have a seat," Carmen said, gesturing to the spot next to Bella. "Tea?"

"I just healed some stranger's face," I laughed, almost maniacally. "Sorry, Rose. I didn't mean to …"

"I knew you wouldn't hurt me," Rose said.

"Kind of lost here," Emmett chuckled, plopping down on an overstuffed chair. "What's going on?"

"Now that the important players are here, I can finally tell you everything," Carmen said. "There are a few more people that need to be filled in, but you four are the most cherished, valuable people in our world."

"Our world?" Bella asked. "You mean the earth?"

"Sort of" Carmen chuckled. "You and Edward, you are not entirely human and you're royalty. This is your home and the pair of you are the only defense against the growing evil in this world."

"Excuse me, but did you say that I'm not entirely human?" I squeaked, my brows arched. Carmen nodded.

Say what?

A/N: Cliffhanger … gotta love them, right? Anyhow, pictures of the castle are on my blog and all will be explained in the next chapter. Leave me some loving! Thanks for reading!