FINALLY!

I am so sorry about the wait. I truly am, but I had to focus all of my time on my finals. I did do good on them, so it payed off, lol. Because of my long absence, I was able to write every once in awhile and I made this chapter extra long for all of you guys! Now, this is the record breaking chapter for me, I have never written a chapter this long before. Also, a lot of people had a lot of questions about the last chapter, and I hope that all your questions are cleared up in this chapter, if they aren't, then let me know! I also, want to thank all of my reviewers, I have never gotten 139 reviews for one chapter. EVER. It is amazing, and I am loving the response I am getting form you guys! I love it so much, and you guys are the best. :)

Edward, Mike, and James: 22 years old

Jacob: 21 years old

Bella: 19 years old

Here we go, 15,188 words. I hope you guys like it!

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: I am going to tell you now that there is probably going to be a lot of mistakes in this chapter because my beta didn't have a chance to read over the chapter. If you do see anything wrong, then let me know and I will fix it asap! Thanks!


Once Upon A One Night Stand

-Chapter Eight-

"What the hell are you screaming about?" Jacob yelled as he ambled into Edward's bedroom veiling his ears with his hands.

"L-Look!" Bella yelled as she beckoned her index finger towards Edward's motionless body laying on the floor.

"What?" Jacob asked, releasing his hands from his ears.

"You don't see the blood or the shards of glass?" Bella shrieked. Jacob craned his head and saw what Bella was screaming about. He rolled his eyes, Bella always seemed to over react when ever she saw blood. He didn't know, maybe it was a girl thing.

"Yea, I see the blood. It isn't that bad, Bella. The shards of glass aren't a big deal either." Jacob said as he shrugged his material clad shoulders.

"Not so bad?" Bella barked out a crisp laughter at his nonchalance. "How is this not so bad!" Bella yelled as she pointed her finger back towards Edward's unconscious form.

"Bella, sure he is bleeding but he is going to be fine. I thought you hated this guy..." Jacob trailed off as he tuned his head to the side and looked out of the bay window. "..Or is my best friend starting to warm up to the big, bad Mafia boss?" Bella couldn't help the blush that started blossoming on her cheeks. She turned her head to look at Jacob and was started to see Jacob's dark eyes now staring intently at her.

"No, I just don't want him to die. Then his blood will be on my hands." Bella retorted.

"I'm sure that is the only reason." Jacob said, sarcasm dripping from every word as he narrowed his dark eyes.

"Can we stop fighting and just help him?" Bella asked as she held her hands out in a questioning manor and raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"Yea, whatever." Jacob watched as Bella walked over to Edward's body holding her nose shut with her thumb and index finger. Jacob had to suppress the chuckle that threatened to promulgate itself. Bella looked so absurd, holding her nose closed like a scuba diver. He knew she was trying to prevent herself from smelling the odor of blood, but she looked really stupid trying to do so. Bella heard her companions muffled chuckles and turned around to give him her worst death glare. She didn't even have to speak for Jacob to know what she was saying. Jacob rolled his eyes at her, and the brunette woman watched with satisfaction as Jacob spun around on his heel and walked into Edward's enormous bathroom. The tall man reappeared a couple minutes later, holding two towels. One was wet and the other was dry.

"Here, clean him off with this. Then dry him with the dry one." Jacob said. He dropped the materials in front of Bella's kneeling form, and proceeded to sit in Edward's desk chair. Along the way, he was trying to dodge the shards of glass that were sprawled across the floor. "I'm going to use the Internet and look up the symptoms of alcohol poisoning."

"Thank you so much, Jake." Bella said as she began to wash away the blood that has accumulated on certain parts of Edward's battered body. She fished cleansing his perfect face first, and cringed at what was revealed without all the red liquid covering the skin. The Adonis had two black eyes, a broken nose -Bella could tell his nose was broken by the bruising on, and the swelling- and there were many open wounds on his face. Nothing that will scar -thank god-, but he will definitely be in some pain when he wakes up.

"Oh, Bella, you have to come over here and see this!" Jacob's deep voice called out, sweeping Bella away from her thoughts. Her head immediately jerked up in Jacob's direction, and surveyed his facial expressions. Bella couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Jacob's frozen position and agape mouth. Something must have really shocked him. Her interest heightened in a matter of seconds and she immediately dropped the towels on the wooden floor, the sound of them hitting the wood echoed throughout the silent bedroom.

"What is it?" The long haired beauty questioned as she bent down to peer at the computer screen.

Jacob hefted his head up, so he could look at Bella directly. "Your man is getting himself in some deep shit." Jacob said shaking his head, and bringing his eyes back down to look at the glowing computer screen.

"What do you mean?" Bella asked, even more intrigued.

"Do you know the Justin Moretti trial that is coming up?"

"Oh yea. Isn't he the Mafia man from New York?" Bella asked

"That's him. Well guess what...?" Jacob trailed off.

"I don't know." Bella snapped. She hated whenever there was news to be heard, and Jacob would always keep her waiting. It was really indescribable how much it irritated her.

"Okay, well your man over here is going to pay off the trial." Jacob pointed at Edward's body.

"No he isn't." Bella accused astonished. "He can't! I mean Justin Moretti is such a bad man, how can Edward just fix the court decision like that and let the man roam free?" Bella questioned, now looking down at Edward's unconscious form. "If they let him go, he is only going to keep killing." She finished lightly.

"I know. A guy like Moretti deserves to be thrown in jail for all the things he has done. God, do you realize how many people he has killed? Man, he already spent 25 years in prison for being involved in the Huron Massacre almost 26 years ago." There was a gasp from Bella and she looked at Jacob with wide eyes.

"This was the man who was in charge of the Huron Massacre?"

"Yea, I thought you knew that, Bella."

"Wow. Now he really can't let this man go. I knew he was involved in some killings, but not that. Why would Edward want the man out on the streets anyway?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Jacob said.

"What was the Huron Massacre again, I wasn't even alive when it happened. I just learned from textbooks and other resources, but I never actually found out what really happened." Bella said.

"I wasn't alive either, but I had to do a repot on it. The Huron Massacre was an event that took place 26 years ago near lake Huron. Some of Justin's men were there to pick up a drug shipment, but there was other people from other mobs that had plans to steel the goods. Turns out Justin was actually there, and he killed most of the men. There was a total death amount of 50 people, and the FBI tracked Justin Moretti to leading the Massacre. Back then, he was only 32 years old, and now the man is 57, and he is still going strong with his Mafia ways." Jacob finished.

"Wow."

"You would think a man like that would learn his lesson you know, but Moretti? No. Do you know what he is on trial for?" Jacob asked.

"I'm not sure." Bella said, trying to think back to anything that she has heard about Justin lately.

"Do you know the Staten Island killings? The ones where there were 10 people killed?"

"Oh yea, I remember now. How do you know all of this information about the trial?"

"Look, it says right here in his e-mail." The way Jacob said it was so jarring. He just shrugged his shoulders being so careless about the situation, even though he was invading Edward's privacy.

"You looked on his e-mail. Are you kidding me Jake? You're going to get in so much trouble!" Bella voiced as she looked at Edward's body. She was checking to make sure he was still sleeping. That wouldn't be good if he found out they knew about the trial coming up.

"Oh don't get your panties in a bunch. He isn't even going to know. Look, I am going to mark the e-mail as unread." Jacob checked off the e-mail and looked up at Bella. "See, looks like nothing ever even happened." Bella rolled her eyes at her best friend.

"Don't do it again. Now look up the symptoms for alcohol poisoning. He could be slowly dying right now and we are sitting here talking about the inevitable." Bella stated.

"I don't think he has alcohol poisoning, but I am going to look just incase." Jacob said.

"Aright, let me know when you pulled something up." Bella said as she took her previous position on the floor, and began washing off Edward's arms. He hand some minor cuts on his arms, but there was this one spot on his right fore arm where there was shards stuck in his skin. He obviously had glass thrown at him, and he blocked it with his arm. I'm not going to be able to get that glass out of his arm. Bella thought as she looked down at the lurid looking skin. Once she was finished with his arms, she observed his body and noticed there was some blood that started to soak threw his silk green dress shirt. With nimble fingers, Bella reached forward and began unbuttoning the offending material.

"Woah, woah, woah. Bella we haven't even been in here for ten minutes and you are already undressing the man. Really Bella, keep your hormones in check." Jacob said teasing her.

"Shut up, he is bleeding and needs my help." Bella shot back.

"Oh, so it that the excuse you use now?" Jacob said laughing, and Bella rolled her eyes at Jacob's silliness. When was he going to grow up?

Knowing boys will always be boys, Bella didn't even bother to reply to Jacob's comment. He was trying to bait her, and she wasn't going to bite. Instead, Bella pushed the smooth fabric away from Edward's chest. When his upper half was completely open to her salacious filled eyes, she tried not to leer at his perfectly sculpted body, but she was failing miserably. Shaking her head to clear away some very naughty thoughts, Bella picked up the washcloth and began washing off his chest. This however, did nothing to clear her thoughts. She treasured how his muscles would jump whenever she would accidentally brush her fingers against them. Once his chest was fully clean, Bella moved the rag down to Edward's washboard abs. He didn't have any cuts on his abs, only the formation of some bruising that will no doubt be there for a little while. Bella absentmindedly ran her hands down his abs, and closed her eyes, just enjoying the feeling of them ripple under her digits.

Suddenly, she felt a light pressure on her hand and she immediately stopped moving it. Her eyes shot open and she had to let the adjust to the light. How long were my eyes closed for? Bella thought with a blush on her cheeks. When her vision was back to normal, Bella looked down and saw a pale hand covering over hers, the hand definitely didn't belong to Jacob. Slowly, Bella allowed her eyes to trail from his hand and very slowly she worked her eyes up the man's muscular arm. She stopped when she reached two dark green orbs staring at her.

"Oh my, I am so sorry!" Bella apologized. She ripped her hand out of Edward's so fast that you would have thought it was on fire. Instead of being effected by her movements, Edward only chuckled. The sound rumbling threw his body, making his chest rise and fall with a fast pace.

"Why are you apologizing?" He asked looking down at Bella, or more like her exposed... assets. Considering she was sprawled over his body, he had a view of a lot of things, and he definitely wasn't complaining.

"Oh you're up!" Jacob said happily.

"Yea, I am." Edward said. He tipped his head back to get a look at Jacob.

"Now I can leave! You to have fun now!" Jacob exclaimed. Edward and Bella both watched as he hopped out of Edward's desk chair and over towards the door where he paused holding onto the handle. "Oh and Bella, you can stop worrying. He doesn't have alcohol poisoning." And with his last words, he was gone.

"Jacob, wait!" Bella called after him. She tried to stand up, but Edward kept her where she was.

"You were worried about me? By the way... I like that dark blue bra." Edward stated

"Yea... I was." Bella confessed. "And how dare you look there! I am here helping you and all you can say is 'oh I like that bra'?" Bella mocked.

"No-"

"Now, I have to go. Jacob is my ride home. If I don't go with him, then I will have to take a cab home." Bella blurted out. It was the first excuse that floated into her mind. Sure, it was very lame, and Edward didn't miss the chance to jump on it.

"Don't worry, I can give you a ride later." Edward said easily, his eyes twinkling with delight.

"N-No.. I should really-"

"I'm severely injured and I need your help." Edward said. He clutched his chest and closed his eyes tightly, trying to give off the image of pain, which he almost had her convince. That is until he smiled.

"Nice try." She said flatly. "But I really need to go. I have to wake up early tomorrow and I have a lot of things I need to do." Bella said.

"Then you can just spend the night here again." Edward shot back, pointing towards the bed.

"Oh...no, no, no." Bella chuckled nervously.

"Why not? You know, it has been really lonely without you..." Edward trailed off, looking at the ground.

"Oh. Well, I'm sure you will have no trouble finding someone to take my place then." Bella stated.

"No!" Edward nearly shouted as he looked back into her eyes. "No one will ever take your place! I love you Bella and I will never be able to find someone that can take your place. You are in here," Edward pointed to his heart, "forever." Edward looked up from his chest and into Bella's eyes.

Bella just stood there like an idiot not knowing what to say. She looked into Edward's green eyes and saw nothing but love and truthfulness in them. They way his eyes sparkled when he said the words, let her know that his words were truthful. Edward's large hand reached for her smaller one, but she withdrew from his touch.

"Bella what is wrong?" He questioned with wide eyes.

"Don't come near me." Bella ordered backing up.

"Bella, don't you love me? Don't you feel anything for me?" Edward questioned. His eyebrow was raised, making a little worry line appear on his forehead.

"You're still a little drunk, Edward. You have no idea what you are saying." Bella commented.

"You know what they say, drunken words are sober thoughts." Edward flashed her a crooked grin, and she felt her insides melt.

"You always have an answer for everything don't you." Bella replied.

"I was raised that way." Edward shrugged. "Stay the night with me, Bella."

"Edward, just...stop." Bella responded as she held her hands up in front of her.

"I know you don't want me to. I won't do anything, I promise. I will behave."

Bella snorted. "No."

"Why? Bella tell me you feel something for me." Edward said, "no better yet, look me in the eye and tell me you don't feel anything for me."

Bella tried to hide back the smile that threatened to make itself known on her face. Why did he have to be so persistent? The female blew out a breath, and lifted her eyes to look into Edward's smoldering ones. Her insides began to twist and her palms began to sweat. She wanted to badly to tell him that she just wanted to be left alone, but then why couldn't she? Bella took in a breath and opened her mouth to speak, but Edward's index finger pressed to her lips. How did he get so close to me so quickly?

"I know you can't do it." Bella inwardly fumed and he had the balls to actually smile at her upset state.

"I would have done it, but you stopped me." She accused.

"Ah, but if that is the truth, then wouldn't you of already said it to me?" He asked smiling. Asshole.

"Fine. Want me to say it?"

"Yea, I do." He remarked. "And I want you to say my name when you do it too."

"Fine, if that is what you want, then that is what you are going to get." Bella said. She looked back into Edward's eyes and took another deep breath. Bella started to fidget with her the hem of her brown top as she said those six words. "Edward Cullen.... I.... don't like you."

"You're lying." Edward said smiling. "You're lying." Edward repeated more to himself, and she watched as his smile slowly disappeared on his face, leaving a deep scowl on his face. Bella thought it would be better if she just stayed silent and let the information sink in. Bella watched as he put his head in his hands and let out a frustrated groan. "Bella, I...I can't live like that."

"Like what?" She asked.

"With you being with someone else. I don't like to share. You are mine, all mine."

"Edward, I'm not yours. Stop being so possessive."

"I can't help it!" He yelled.

Bella groaned in annoyance. "Edward, what do you want from me?"

"I want you to be with me forever. I want you to love me back, the way I love you."

Bella could do nothing to stop the cool laughter that escaped from her mouth. "Love you?" Bella asked like she has never heard the word before. "How can I love you Edward. Matter of fact, how can I wake up every morning laying in bed next to you? Every time I turn over to see the man I am suppose to love, I am going to see the face of the man who killed my father? How do you think I could do that?" Bella asked with vengeance in her voice. Edward killing her father was her trump card, and she just threw it out on the table. Now it was time to sit back and wait to see what his move is going to be.

"How dare you judge me when you don't even give me the time of day to be able to explain myself?" Edward asked bitterly.

"What is there to explain? You killed my father and he isn't coming back. Ever." Bella snarled.

"Bella...."

"Now, if you will excuse me, I have some important matters to attend to." Bella knew for a fact that she was being a huge bitch, but she needed to find a way to get away from him. She had to get away from him, no she needed to. Bella stood up and this time Edward didn't even bother to hold her back. She started walking towards the exit and she turned around when she heard foot steps behind her. Sure enough, Edward was walking across the room, heading straight in her direction. Bella couldn't help, but look at his bare chest and abs. He was so perfect, and he damn well knew it.

"You know, it isn't polite to stare." He said smoothly as he looked down at her.

"I wasn't staring." Bella responded.

"Don't deny it Bella, I know you want me." Edward said as he looked down into her eyes.

"No. I-" Bella stopped in mid-sentence when Edward placed his hands on either side of her head, trapping her between the wall and his hard body. Edward gazed into her eyes for a little while longer before bending down to capture her mouth with his. Surprisingly, Bella didn't even protest to his advances. She closed her eyes and tilted her head upwards to meet Edward's lips in the middle. Bella felt Edward's move from the wall to cup her cheek. The kiss held so many different emotions from each person that it made Bella's head spin. When they both pulled away, they looked into each others eyes until they regained their breath.

"Now tell me you didn't feel anything." Edward said as he brought his right hand down from her cheek and rested it on her hip where he started rubbing random patters with his thumb.

"Edward, I really can't be doing this right now." Bella complained.

"Just tell me you felt something and I will let you go." Edward said looking into her eyes.

"Fine, I felt something. Okay?" Bella questioned.

"That was all I needed to know." Edward said smiling. "Maybe I do have a chance." Edward added as an afterthought, and Bella couldn't hide the little chuckle that left her lips.

"Bye, Edward." Bella said.

"Let me drive you home." Edward said.

"No, you're still drunk and you're going to get in a car accident."

"So you do care for me." Edward said smiling. "Don't even try to correct that sentence. Don't burst my wonderful thoughts." Bella just had to roll her eyes, the semi-intoxicated Edward was actually kind of funny, but she would never let him know that.

"What are you doing?" Bella asked Edward when he was just standing in front of her with his eyes closed.

"I was enjoying the moment of you admitting you cared for me." Edward responded, opening his eyes again.

"My god."

"Now, I am going to drive you home." Edward said making a move to walk out of his bedroom, but Bella grabbed his forearm, holding him back.

"I'm going to take a cab." She started firmly.

"Bella are you insane? It is 12:00 at night and you want to take a cab? No. I will not risk you getting into a cab at this time at night." Edward's voice was filled with so much authority that she didn't even bother to fight him, not like she would anyway. It was more safe for her to grab a ride from Edward than a taxi, or even walked home. Either way, the bronze haired god's mind was already made up, and nothing would stop him from driving her home tonight. "I'm just going to take a quick shower to wash of my body. You can wait out there if you want. I prefer you stay in here while I strip down, after all I have nothing to be ashamed of." Edward said with a smirk.

"You're an ass." Bella accused and walked out of the bedroom. Okay, maybe semi-intoxicated Edward can be a little annoying. Bella thought as she started to make her way to the front of Edward's condo. Out of nowhere, she was grabbed around the waist, and a hand was thrown over her mouth and she was being dragged somewhere unknown. What the hell? Her mind screamed. Bella tried to wiggle free, but her captor only tightened his hold on her.

Maybe it is Jacob? Bella thought. After all, I highly doubt he was going to leave me in Edward's condo alone. She was then pushed into a room, and the door was closed and locked. The person stepped into the light, and she recognized the man as James?

"What the hell are you doing here?" Bella asked backing up.

"I just came over to see how my boss was doing. I heard Mike got him bad." James said as he moved closer towards her.

"W-well why don't you go and check on him." Bella stated as she continued to move away from the man.

"Stop moving!" He commanded, and Bella stopped. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanted to ask you a few questions."

"How do I know you aren't tricking me?" Bella asked narrowing her eyes at the brunette man standing in front of her.

"Why in the world would I want to make a move on my boss's girl?" James's tone of voice made Bella itch to move over there and slap him.

"I'm not Edward's girl." Bella growled.

"Alright, whatever. I'm not going to do anything after what happened to Mike at the club." James said glancing back at the door momentarily. "That was pretty intense."

"Yea, I know." Bella agreed. "What did you want to ask me?"

"Did Edward say anything to you about Mike?" James asked.

"No, nothing at all, and what do you mean by Mike got him really good?" Bella demanded.

"Mike was the one who came in here and beat Edward up." James said.

"You're kidding right?"

"No, Mike called me right after he was done beating up Edward, and told me what he did. Mike said he wanted payback for what he did to him back at the club. I also think Mike is planning something really bad against Edward." James said.

"What do you think Mike might be planning?" Bella asked

"I really have no idea, but Mike was pissed when I talked to him. He was so pissed that I was even wondering if he even liked Edward all along, you know. A persons hate doesn't grow like Mike's did in one night, you know?" James asked

"Yea, It takes more than one incident to hate someone. I know that Edward did get Mike pretty bad. If they were really friends, I highly doubt Mike would have come back to beat Edward up."

"I am also under the impression that you might be in trouble too." James said pointing at her.

"What makes you think that?" Bella asked. Now that James was throwing her into the mix, this can't be good at all.

"Mike is known for his obscene chases after woman. You have just got to be is most exciting chase ever. I mean Edward likes you.. a lot. Mike now hates Edward. What is there not to like, you know?"

An involuntary shiver made it's way down Bella's spine, "Are you sure?"

"I am positive. That is another reason why I came here to see Edward too."

"So you came here to check up on him?"

"Yep." Just then the both of them heard the shower turn on, "I guess I will have to wait a little while though." James said as he leaned against the wall.

"Yea, he isn't as bad as I thought. I mean he has a broken nose, two black eyes and some cuts and bruises on his body." Bella informed. "The broken nose will be able to heal on it's own, but it will hurt."

"Yea, trust me. The boy has had way worse before." James said blowing out a breath upwards in an attempt to move his bangs out of his ice blue eyes. "So, did you hear his dad is going to be getting out of jail soon?"

"Yea, I did hear about that. Why was his dad in jail in the first place?" Now, that was a question that has been nagging Bella for some time now.

"Well there has been rumors that Carlisle has been beating Edward during is childhood, and one night someone caught the whole scene on tape. Also, when Edward was beaten really badly, Carlisle had his private doctor come to the house and tend to Edward's wounds. When Carlisle was in court, the doctor testified. Carlisle was found guilty and was thrown in jail." James said, "Edward hasn't been to happy knowing his dad is going to be getting out soon."

"Yea, I'll bet. When does he get out?" Bella asked.

"Oh lets see..." James stopped to figure it out. "He gets out June 23 and it's the ninth, so three weeks."

"Wow, that is sooner than I thought. How long go was he put in?" Bella asked. She could distinctly remember hearing about Carlisle Santucci going to jail, but she doesn't remember how long ago he was thrown in jail.

"It was actually three years ago. Carlisle was suppose to be in for another year, but they are letting him out for good behavior. You should have seen how irate Edward was when he caught wind of the news." James said blowing out another breath and sweeping his chocolate locks away from his eyes. "The amazing thing is, he has never gotten in trouble for being in the Mafia. Everything he has done, is still a mystery to the world."

"This is something that has really been confusing me. There is some people out there that do know about Carlisle's real position, yours, Mike's, and Edward's. My question is why doesn't anyone come out and tell the feds what is going on? Because I know they have been trying to track you guys down for awhile."

"See, it is like a win-loose situation. You have a less chance of getting caught, but you have to trust that your men won't bail on you."

"Ah."

"So, what are you doing here?" James asked.

"Well, Edward called me drunk a couple hours ago, and he suddenly stopped talking and there was a loud crashing sound in the background. I was worried, so I came here and I saw Edward passed out, laying on the floor beat up."

"So you were worried about the man? That's cute that you're warming up to him. He really likes you, a lot. He has never felt this way about any other girl. I mean, the hoops he has jumped through for you." James said looking at her shaking his head. "Man."

"I'm not warming up to him." Bella responded bitterly. Bella watched as James recoiled away from her, holding his hands out in front of him.

"I'm sorry." James said in a small voice.

"No, I'm sorry." Bella said frowning. "It's just a really touchy subject for me."

"Why?" James asked, pushing off the wall, but suddenly he went back to his previous position. "No, I shouldn't of asked you that. I am being nosy."

"No, no." Bella said walking towards him. "It's fine." Bella said putting her hand on his fore arm. "It's just that Edward claims to love me-"

"Which he most defiantly does." James cut in.

"-But he has only known me for what? two days now?" Bella knew James was going to cut in, so she held up her hand silencing him. "He killed my father, Chief Swan."

"No way." James said, his mouth wide open. "God, I remember Edward telling me about that 5 years ago. You know that was the first man he ever killed?" James asked.

"No, I don't think we should talk about this." Bella said.

"No. I think you need to know because you have the totally wrong idea of things." James accused.

"How do you know anyway?" Bella shot back quite rudely.

"Edward has been saying how you are constantly running away from him. Trust me, I know what you are doing, and I know the full story."

"How do you know the full story?" Bella asked

"Edward and I have been friends since we were 10 and he told me about the first man he killed." James said. "So are you going to let me tell you the story, or am I going to have to make you listen?" James asked with a smirk.

"I think I am going to listen." Bella said as she moved over to the bed and plopped down.

"Edward really didn't have a choice in the matter." James said running his hands through his hair. "God, he is probably going to kill me for telling you the story, but I don't think you would give him the time of day to be able to let him explain it to you." James said. "Okay, well as you probably know, your father was onto Carlisle's mob, and Carlisle found out that Charlie was close to cracking the secret. Edward was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. His father saw Edward right outside the office when he found out the news and called Edward into his office. He told Edward that he would need to kill Chief Swan." James said taking a deep breath.

"Sounds like he had an option to me." Bella said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Let me finish." James said smiling. "So anyway, Carlisle gave Edward an ultimatum. Either Edward killed your father or Carlisle would kill Edward."

"Carlisle wouldn't of killed his son." Bella said in a matter of fact tone.

"Carlisle isn't Edward's real father, and you obviously don't know Carlisle if you say something like that." James said. "He is a cold hearted son of a bitch, let me tell you. Edward was adopted, his parents died when he was really young. Carlisle took him in, and got rid of all the existing papers about him. Medical papers, dentist papers, and other important sheets with his name written on them. Carlisle even destroyed the kid's birth certificate and many other things. When Carlisle took in Edward, he wanted it so he looked as though Edward didn't even exist. That way, when Edward took over the mob no one would ever be able to figure out who he was. The FBI wouldn't be able to track him because he wouldn't have a background. Carlisle kept him hidden away from the world for years, no one even knew he existed, so when the day came for Edward to kill your father, Carlisle said he would have no problem getting rid of Edward. He didn't have any friends or anyone who would be able to report his disappearance. It was a pretty cold thing to say to the kid, really. Thus, Edward thought he didn't have any other choice, and he did what he was asked to do, but man... He has really got to be kicking himself for how this is coming back. Wow, I know I would be."

"I mean.. that's terrible." Bella said.

"Yea, Edward was still young and didn't realize that he did have other options." James said, "I really do pity him for it though. He had to be scared shitless of Carlisle, everyone was, and still is."

"But that is what I mean when I tell Edward I can't love him, hearing the truth is nice. Trust me, it just doesn't make the pain go away." Bella responded wiping away some of the stray tears that fell from her face.

"It wasn't suppose to. Nothing can ever replace the feeling of loosing the ones we love, but eventually everyone we love will pass on. It is a way of life. Me telling you Edward's story was to make you understand how Edward feels about everything. I was letting you see it from Edward's point of view. I know it probably won't make you change your way of thinking about him, but at least do me a favor and think about it. It isn't nice working with a grumpy boss." James said. He winked at Bella and she smiled lightly at him.

"I-I don't know." Bella finally voiced. She looked down at her lap and began to fidget with her sweaty palms. James does have a good point, but what am I suppose to do? Leap into Edward's arms and act like nothing ever happened? What if this whole time Edward is planning to kill me? "I'm scared." Bella finally admitted.

"Scared of what?" James asked taking a seat next to her.

"What if he... h-he kills me." Bella said shivering at the thought.

"Trust me." James said. "I have known Edward since he was little. He always takes care of the things he loves." James said smiling at Bella, and she smiled back. Just then, the door opened and Edward walked in clad in a... towel, and there was no denying that Bella was staring. Stupid idiot, he probably did that on purpose to make me stare. Bella thought, inwardly fuming. And he is doing a good job of it too. She added as she looked at the water droplets trailing from his face, down his neck, over his muscular chest, down his chiseled abs, and she watched in amazement as the water dipped below the towel...

"Are you done or should I just drop the towel for your viewing satisfaction?" Edward asked with a smirk.

Bella, completely taken aback by his boldness started at him contemplating what she should say. "What makes you think it would be to my satisfaction?" Bella questioned.

"You seemed pretty satisfied the other night." Edward said smirking, folding his arms across his broad chest

"Oh, well-" Bella was cut off when James stopped their little discussion.

"OKAY! I don't need to know about your night together!" James said covering his ears. Bella and Edward looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

"So Bella, what do you think about a repeat? I really liked it when you would-"

"Now you are just doing it on purpose." James accused. "Now you two run along and I will be leaving."

"Wait, what did you stop by for?" Edward asked, holding up his hand as he turned his attention to the brunette male leaning against the wall.

"I wanted to see if you were okay, but it seems as though Bella was doing a good job of taking care of you." James said trowing a smirk at the two of them. "I will call you later, probably tomorrow."

"Yea, whatever James. Now get out of here. Bella and I have some important...matters to be taking care of." Edward said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Yea, yea, just wait for me to be out of the condo before you two start anything." James said smiling.

"I don't think we will be able to wait if you keep talking." Bella said causing James and Edward to laugh.

"Alright, I will see you guys later and Bella make sure to think about what I told you. Really." James said. He pushed off the wall, and brushed off the wrinkles on his pants and sent once last fleeting glance at the two youths before rounding the corner. A minute later, the sound of the front door closing echoed through out the condo, signaling they were by themselves.

"So what about that repeat?" Edward asked smiling.

"Never in a million years." Bella said standing up and walking towards the door.

"Well then I guess I will be waiting for a hell of a long time." Edward said stepping in front of her.

"Edward! Look at those cuts. You have to do something about them!" Bella exclaimed as she examined his body. Now that they weren't in a dimmed lit room, Bella could really see the damage Mike did on Edward.

"No. it's no big deal." Edward said stepping towards her.

Bella was going to scold him lightly for his little actions, but all of those words faded in her mouth when she saw how bad his cuts really were. "Edward, are you okay? Look at the size of those cuts!"

"No, I am going to be fine." Edward waved it off in a dismissive manor.

"You're not going to do anything about them?" Bella asked looking at him with disbelief.

"No, I am fine. I promise."

"Edward I really think you should do something about those."

"Bella, I am going to be fine okay? Lets just get you home." Edward said patting her lightly on the shoulder.

"Aren't you going to get dressed?"

"Nah."

xx

Ten minutes later Bella and Edward were speeding down the street in Edward's Ferrari. Bella was gripping the seat tightly as they swerved in between cars.

"Can you please slow down!" Bella yelled as they nearly hit a car.

"Nope." Edward responded. He quickly glanced at her and threw her one of his crooked smiles. He smiled even wider inside when he heard Bella's breath hitch suddenly.

"So what do you think about dinner?" Edward asked.

"W-what?" Bella responded.

"Dinner. I want to take you out to dinner, and you are going to go with me." Edward said. "Come on, I know you want to go with me. We aren't going to do anything unwanted. Just a little date and that is it. I already have it all set up." He said. "So you are going to go with me right?" Edward asked, an adorable smile lighting up his face. Bella rested her hand on the center council of the car as she pondered. She felt something cool rap around her hand and saw it was Edward's.

"I...I.. Edward. I don't know." Bella said sliding her hand out of Edward's. "Just give me some time to think about it, okay?"

"Bella, I will be here waiting here for you. No matter how long the wait is." Edward said, smiling down at her. Bella completely missed the gesture because she quickly moved her attention to the life buzzing around outside of the car. Not only that but she started to feel a little sick from driving so fast. Bella watched as the people outside started to pass by the car at a much slower pace, and she turned her gaze to the front wind shield. It was a red light. I am surprised Edward didn't decide to run it. Bella took this time to steel a glance at the man sitting next to her, only to see him looking back at her.

"What?" She asked as she turned her head to get a full look at him. They way he was looking at her was starting to make her feel very self-conscious.

"I was just admiring how beautiful you are, Bella." She just blushed and looked down at her hands folded neatly in her lap, mumbling a quiet 'thanks.' Bella opened her eyes and shifted her eyes to the right where Edward was sitting. The red lighting from the stop light have his skin a reddish tint, but it didn't make him look weird. If anything, he looked just as gorgeous as ever. The light changed green, and Edward pressed down on the gas, accelerating the car. "So where do you live?"

"289 North Grant street." Came the simple reply.

Other than that conversation, the ride to Bella's apartment was awkward to say the least. The atmosphere was thick and no one had an idea what to say to the other person. What seemed like a year later, Edward pulled into the parking lot of her complex.

"Well... um.. thanks for the ride." Bella said turning to Edward.

"Let me walk you up to your door." Edward said it more as an order than a request, and Bella only shook her head, granting him an okay. She did have to give him points for being a gentleman, wanting to walk her to her door and everything. Bella opened the car door and stepped out before Edward could open the door for her.

"That is suppose to be my job." Edward folded his arms across his broad chest. Bella looked over at him as she closed the door the car. He looked so gorgeous right now. The light breeze in the air was playing with his bronze locks, and the moonlight was complementing his skin. Casting shadows over all the right places, giving him that mysterious look.

"Well not today." Bella responded laughing.

"Humph." Edward said as he stormed off in front of Bella.

"Where are you going?" Bella asked laughing. "My apartment is that way." Bella yelled pointing down a long hallway.

"Oh. I thought I would try and pick out your apartment." Edward called back to her sheepishly. He jogged back towards her body and grabbed her hand in his before Bella could protest. "So where is your apartment?"

"All the way at the end of the hallway." Bella said.

"Do you like living here?" Edward asked as he took the time to look around. The complex wasn't much to brag about. There were white walls, with white doors, royal blue carpeting, and dimmed lighting. The rent was low and it is easy for Bella and her friends to live there.

"Yea, I don't mind it that much."

"Would you rather live somewhere else?" Edward asked

"That would be nice." Bella said smiling to herself. She always had a dream of getting an apartment downtown in one of the high rises, so she could have a view of the city and the Olympic mountains.

"Good, because I am going to buy you a place." Edward remarked.

"What?" Bella screeched.

"Don't act all surprised. I am going to buy you a nice condo, you disserve it." Edward said.

"No, no, no, no! Don't even think about buying me a condo!"

"Then go out to dinner with me tomorrow night." Edward said.

"You are impossible!" Bella groaned.

"I know." He responded. He winked at her and let her hand go when Bella stopped in front of a door.

"This is my place..." Bella trailed off awkwardly.

"Go out to dinner with me tomorrow night." Edward pressed.

"Edward.. no I need time to think." Bella said waving her hands in the air. She quickly turned around and started fumbling with her keys to get the door open. Edward just stayed silent, and watched as she opened the door to her apartment, shifting his weight from foot to foot. When Bella turned around to bid him goodnight, Edward stepped forward, wrapped his arm around her waist, pushed her into the nearest wall, and started kissing her senseless. Bella was totally taken off guard, and didn't even bother to get involved in the kiss at first.

Kissing Edward.. God where was she suppose to begin? He was an amazing kisser. Not only that, but he whenever he kissed her, unwanted feelings would start to radiate from Bella. Feelings such as... romantic. When Edward licked her bottom lip with his tongue, asking for entrance, Bella sighed into the kiss and opened her mouth for him. Bella's tongue met Edward's and they fought for dominance, but Bella gave up eventually knowing Edward wasn't going to. The kiss was absolutely mind blowing, and left them both breathless, and wanting more. Bella was the first to crash down to Earth, and she untangled herself from Edward's death grip; the magic they shared seconds ago was completely gone. Edward, wasn't ready to let her go and began kissing her forehead, neck, cheeks, and any other skin available to his lips.

"Edward... please.. st-"

"No, I... am... just.. enjoying the.. moment." Edward's sentence came in fragments as he talked and kissed her at the same time. Bella rested her hands on his clothed chest, and began to apply pressure. Edward sighed loudly, and backed up away from her running his hands threw his gorgeous hair. "Bella.. I'm sorry. I just got.. carried away."

"N-No. It's fine. I'm uh.. bye Edward." Bella said in a rush. She fumbled for the silver door knob and opened the door. She slid into the place she called home and closed the door behind her. She was shaking, literally, and it all was because of the man standing outside her door.

xx

As soon as Bella closed the door, she sunk to the floor and began to sob. Edward was starting to make her feel ways she never even thought were possible. One second she could be totally pissed of at him, and completely hate his guts, but the next he could have her smiling and swooning over him. Bella wasn't stupid, she knew the feelings that started to come out whenever Edward touched her or kissed her were dangerous, but she never wanted them to go away, and that is what scared her. She was scared that one of these days, if he kept his ways up, she would fall for him, and that was the problem. She didn't want to. Or did she?

One part of her was screaming at her to just say yes and give into him, and the other one was fighting and saying she needs to stay away from him. Currently, she was going with her last decision. What scared her about the situation, was how excited she got when Edward as her to dinner tomorrow night. The feeling of thousands of butterflies moving through her body, and the feeling that no one could bring her down surfaced with that one sentence he spoke. Those feelings only came out when you were... dare she say it? staring to like someone. Bella shook her head roughly, and more tears streamed down her face. She needed a break from him, maybe even a life long break. A jolt of displeasure shot through her at the thought of never seeing Edward again, and that was when she knew, she was already in too deep.

"Oh, Bella!" Alice cooed as she saw her best friend sitting up against the door crying. "What happened to you?"

"N-Nothing." Bella hiccuped as she wiped away some of the tears that continued to fall from her tear-streaked face.

"Oh, now don't be giving me that crap now! Now, what happened and where the hell did you go after the club? Rose and I were scared you got kidnapped! We tried calling you, but you didn't pick up. Oh, Bella where in the world did you go?" Alice asked bending down to eye level in front of her friend.

"I-I don't want to talk about it." Bella croaked out.

"Bella, I think it will be a good idea if you do. One minute you are at the club having a good time, and the next you go missing, then you show up at our door acting like someone killed your best friend." Alice responded.

"I just.. am having a hard time with something. I will figure it all out. Don't worry about me." Bella said struggling to stand on her own two feet.

"You know Bella, I don't like seeing you like this, but if you don't want to talk about it then I am not going to make you. It is obviously something you want to handle on your own, and I will respect your personal space. If you ever do want to talk about anything, then just let me know. I will always be here for you, Rose included." Alice said putting a hand on her friend's shoulder, and squeezing it lightly.

"Thank you so much, Alice." Bella whispered, "Where is Rose?" Bella raised her eyebrow when her friend giggled.

"Oh, Emmett called her and she went to stay at his house for the night." Alice said

"Oh." Bella responded, her answer, or lack of, shocked Alice because she just stood there with her eyes open wide. Usually, Bella would bombard Alice with questions, but not now. Not tonight. Bella said her good nights and proceeded into her room. She shut her door and lingered there for a couple moments, just to make sure Alice wasn't standing outside. When Bella was 100 percent positive her friend wasn't outside of her door, Bella crawled into her bed and cried herself to sleep.

xx

Edward awoke the morning in great pain, and to the sun shining threw his thin drapes. He rolled onto his back, and looked up at the stark white ceiling above him. Groaning, he threw his right arm over his eyes and kept it there for a very long time. He felt, and probably looked like a piece of crap. His nose hurt like a bitch, and his eyes were a little swollen from the punches he received from Mike the night before. God, I am going to kill that soon of a bitch. Edward thought. Or maybe not because Bella came over to check on me... Edward's phone started buzzing frantically, and Edward turned his head to glare at the device. He didn't bother to pick up the phone, but when it rang for a second time, he knew the person on the other end wouldn't stop calling until he was on the phone. Edward threw his arm at his dresser and picked up his silver blackberry. He looked at the caller ID and pressed the green button.

"What's up James?" Edward asked in a tired voice.

"I was calling to ask you when we are going to plan our revenge on Mike, and I had some interesting things I needed to speak to you about." James's business-like voice spoke through the speaker.

"James how can you be awake this early?" Edward questioned rubbing his eyes lightly, trying not to apply too much pressure to the swollen skin.

"I want to know what you are going to do." James sounded so excited and Edward just had to smile at his chid-like attitude.

"Ah, nice to see I have one loyal friend." Edward said. "Yea, we have to get him and good."

"I know, I was thinking we can do something like break into his apartment and take all of his money." James said excitedly.

"What? No. That has been done way to many times." Edward said sitting up. "Listen, I have the perfect idea. You know how his whole life revolves around sleeping with girls?"

"Yea, but I believe I am missing your point." James said confused.

"Just say he has Chlamydia or Syphilis. Those girls will stay so far away from him, it won't even be funny. Now, that is the worst punishment a man can ever receive." Edward said laughing into the phone and James joined in too. It was a mean plan, a very mean one, but hey, he deserves it.

"Man, you are one mean bastard." James accused jokingly.

"Like what he did to me was right? My nose is killing me and I probably look like a raccoon. No wonder why Bella didn't want to go out to dinner with me tonight." Edward said joking.

"Wait, you asked her out to dinner?" James asked getting serious all of the sudden.

"Yea, is that a bad thing?" Edward questioned, suddenly wondering if he did something wrong.

"No, not at all, but what did she say? I mean I already know she turned you down."

"Yea, she said she needed time." Edward said sighing. "I don't know what to do. Honestly James, I don't know what to do. I know I fucked up pretty bad, but it isn't like I can take it back. If I apologize, her father isn't going to come back to life." Edward said. "I just wish I can go back in time and change everything. If I knew this was going to be the outcome of things I never would have pulled that trigger." Edward finished.

"Edward, you need to tell her exactly that." James said.

"She isn't going to want to talk to me." Edward said.

"Well, I was able to talk to her, but then again I didn't you know... Anyway, you have to do something to make her want to talk to you." James said.

"You make it sound like it is the easiest thing to do in the world. How am I going to do that?" Edward asked.

"Gifts." James replied.

"Gifts?" Edward asked laughing. "What am I going to do? Send here a box of chocolates with a note on it saying, oh by the way I am sorry for killing your father."

"Edward." James scolded. "You need to do something nice.... something creative." James said thinking.

"Do you have any idea's?" Edward asked.

"Do you know what you can do?" James asked

"No, what?"

"You can send her a gift every day." James said happily.

"Jesus, my bank account isn't endless." Edward said into the phone.

"Oh come on Edward, you have enough money to buy the whole world two times over." James said laughing. "If you want the girl, then you are going to have to open up that wallet."

"Alright, fine. I am only doing it because I have to get her to forgive me." Edward said throwing the covers off of himself. He walked into his bathroom and began running the water for a shower. "What kind of gifts should I get her?"

"You can start off with something like flowers. You have to do something nice, something that will have her thinking about you through out the day." James said. "That way, every time she sees the gift, you will pop into her mind. Not only that, but she will realize how much you are on her mind."

"Cool with me." Edward responded, "I am just wondering how you are an expert on this kind of thing." Edward responded, bewildered.

"Oh, you know how me and the chicks are." James responded laughing.

"Alright man, now what was the important thing you wanted to discuss?" Edward said switching gears.

"Well you know how Mike has a thing with woman, like we talked about earlier?" James asked

"Yea, he likes a good chase." Edward clarified.

"See, that is what I am worried about." James drew in a deep breath, "I think Bella is in danger."

"What? Why? James what are you.. oh." Edward trailed off when he figured out what James meant. "Shit! That son of a bitch wont go anywhere near her if he knows what's good for him." Edward growled the last part of the sentence.

"Edward, that is exactly why he would go after her." James said. "I don't want to be the one to be pouring on the bad news, but that is the reality of the situation."

"I know, but what can I do? I sure as hell can't protect her. She doesn't really want to be near me."

"Your guess is as good as mine. If you do end up going to dinner with her tonight, maybe you can talk to her about getting a protection service." He suggested and Edward laughed.

"Bella a protection service? No. James, she would never go with that idea. This is Bella Swan we are talking about." Edward said still laughing.

"If she doesn't like that, then you are going to need to do something. Edward, she can be in big danger, and you need to take some precautions here." James said sternly.

"I know, I know. What could I do though? Whatever I do it has to be secretive so she doesn't know about it. God, you are even more worried than I am!"

"You could do a secret protection service." James suggested. "And, you should be worried too, but you are to far away in dreamland right now."

"I am not in dreamland. I am just think about what kind of gift I should get her. Anyway, I think that is a really good idea, and maybe I can hire a camera man to take pictures of her too. That way if someone does sneak up on her, there will be pictures." Edward suggested.

"I think that is a good idea, but you are going to have to stress to everyone that it needs to be kept a secret. If anything gets out about protecting a random girl, then it could potentially lead to your cover being blown. You know? Especially if Bella his highly offended and takes you to court. You could find yourself in some deep shit." James said

"I know, I am going to be really careful with everything. By the way, thanks for everything. You are the best man out there, James."

"C ya, Edward."

xx

It was about mid-afternoon and Bella was walking around her apartment, cleaning up some random things that were left out. She was going to be sitting inside all day sulking, so why not clean? Alice left earlier this morning for work, and Rose was still at Emmett's house doing god knows what, leaving her alone in the apartment. Once everything was cleaned up, Bella heard a knock on her door. She immediately rushed over it and flung it open, expecting to see her best friend Rose. Instead, she saw a man dressed in a butlers outfit, holding a bouquet of red roses. What the hell?

"Um.. can I help you?" Bella questioned. She was looking at the man in front of her with a raised eyebrow. The outfit the man was wearing looked like it would belong to someone from the 1800's. He had the potential to be a very good looking guy, but the outfit. Gosh, what was this man thinking?

"Oh... yea!" The butler suddenly came to life, his blue eyes twinkling "I am terribly sorry, please forgive me. A gift from Mr. Edward Santucci." The butler said, pushing the flowers into Bella's hands, and running a hand over his red hair.

"Oh. Thank you." Bella said, thanking the butler awkwardly.

"Well.. ta ta now!" The man yelled suddenly. Bella watched as he put on his hat and sprinted down the hallway.

"Now he is one strange man..." Bella trailed off as she back up into her apartment again. She looked down at the bouquet of flowers in her hand and smiled. She played around with the stems a little, and a cream colored card fell out. Bella quickly reached down and grasped the card in her hand. The front of the card had her name written in a manly, but very neat script. The card was small, but judging by the texture of the paper, it was an expensive little card. Bella opened the tab, and began reading the contents of the letter.

Bella,

I want you to know that you are always on my mind, and I wanted to give you something to remember my by.
I also wanted to thank you for coming over to my house last night. I wanted to apologize for making you feel
uncomfortable last night when we said good bye. It was so stupid of me, and I am so sorry. You just looked too..
tempting. Remember, that offer for dinner is still on for tonight if you want to go. Just call me. 1-978-562-9345.
I hope you liked the flowers I picked out for you, a symbol of my love.

--Edward C.

Bella folded the cream colored card and gently placed it on her counter top along with the beautiful flowers. She began searching her apartment for the perfect vase to put the flowers into. She finally found it all the way in the back of one of the cabinets. She pulled it out from it's storage and ran her index finger over the crystal, only to see dust left in it's wake.

"Wow, this thing hasn't been used in awhile." Bella commented as she patted over to the kitchen sink an rinsed the vase off. When she thought it was clean, she lifted it from the water and wiped it down, and admired her work. "Nice."

She filled the vase about halfway and reached for the roses and planted them inside. "Prefect fit." Bella smiled at a job well done. She took one of the buds in her hand and smelled it. "God, those are the things that confuse me about him." Bella said as she opened her eyes and looked down at the roses. "Why does he always have to make me feel so guilty? I mean when he saved me from Mike at the bar, and all I did was leave him broken, and now this?" Bella asked herself. "Maybe I should just give in to him." Bella said. No, you can't give into him. Edward is such a dangerous man, and if you have anything to do with him, you are putting yourself in danger as well. Bella's mind reasoned. God, why does he have to be so damn confusing!

"What should I do? I mean should I call him and thank him for the flowers?" Bella asked herself. No, because that was probably his plan in the first place. "ARGH! I hate this so much. Maybe I should just act like nothing ever even happened, and go on through life forgetting about him, acting like he never even existed." That isn't a healthy practice for anyone to preform, but Bella was willing to do anything she can to be able to forget about Edward. You know you don't want to forget about him. If you see him with another woman... that would just tear you to shreds. Her mind spoke again.

"God, Edward fucking Cullen. You, are going to be the death of me." Bella growled. "What the hell should I do?" Bella stood up from her bed and began pacing back and forth. Should I call him, or shouldn't I call him?

"Maybe Jacob would know what I should do in this situation." Bella said. "Yea, he can help me out for sure."

xx

Jacob was sitting at his desk chair in his luxurious office, working on some paper work when he heard a sharp knock on the door.

"Come in!" He called out. Jacob heard the turning of the knob, and the squeaking noise of the door opening. The sound of heels tapping against the floor could be heard around the room, as it bounced off the walls. Hearing the familiar sound of heels, Jacob looked up from his paperwork to see Nessie standing across the room, smiling at him. Jacob began to feel a little hotter as loosened his tie a bit.

"What brings you down here?" Jacob asked fixing his tux.

"What? Can't the boss see her employee?" Nessie asked as she stalked toward Jacob's desk.

"Uhh.. yea. Yea!" Jacob began fumbling with the pen he was currently holding in his hands.

"Jacob, what's wrong?" Nessie questioned as she walked closer to Jacob's desk. "You seem a little... nervous."

Jacob shrugged and looked back up at the woman a mere two feet away from him, "I.. am just. You know I am just really bored. That's it."

"Well is there anything I can do to make you un-bored?" Nessie asked. She put her hands on her hips and looked down at Jacob, a smile playing with her lips.

Wow, she is really being bold today. Jacob thought with a grin on his face. "Well.. there is one thing you can do.."

"And what would that be?" Nessie asked stepping closer to the man sitting at the desk.

Jacob looked hesitant before he spoke up. "Let's just cut to the chase. Want to make out?"

Nessie smiled and climbed onto Jacob's desk chair, straddling him. "Now, what makes you think that I will want to make out with you?"

Jacob had to smile, "I see the way you look at me."

"Oh?" Nessie asked bending down to wrap her arms around Jacob's neck. "And how do I look at you?"

"Like you want to do dirty things with me." Jacob said smirking, and Nessie began to play with the lapel of his jacket.

"Maybe I do." Nessie said. She leaned down and captured Jacob's lips with hers. Nessie licked Jacob's bottom lip, and then Jacob's phone went off.

"Fuck!" Jacob swore and Nessie laughed at his outburst.

"We can continue this later." Nessie said. She started climbing off Jacob, so he would be able to get his phone out of his pants pocket.

"Yea, we have to." Jacob said before he answered the phone. "What?" He snapped rather loudly.

"Oh, Jacob. I am sorry. Did I interrupt anything?" Bella asked innocently.

Jacob pinched the bridge of his nose to help calm himself down, "no not at all. What did you want to talk about?"

"Jake, I am so confused!"

"About what, Bella?"

"This morning I received a bouquet of roses from Edward, and I don't know if I should call him and thank him for the roses." Bella said.

Jacob resisted the urge to roll his eyes. This is what was so important that had to disrupt his time with Nessie? Don't get him wrong, he loved Bella like a little sister. It was just that.. he was right in the middle of something so.. wonderful! "Did he leave his number there?"

"Yea." Bella said, "he did."

"Then he wants you to call him." Jacob said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"He asked me to go to dinner with him." Bella responded.

"You want to go?"

"See, that is another thing I wanted to talk to you about. Jacob, I think I am really starting to like him, but I don't want to."

"Bella, us being human beings, we can't control who we like, or who we fall in love with."

"I know, I just... he is too dangerous."

"Bella, that may be true, but look at the man. He is completely head over heels for you."

"Do you like him?" Bella questioned.

Jacob let out a long sigh. "I don't know. I mean, I am sure he is a really nice guy, but personally I think there may be something wrong with the man."

"What do you mean by wrong?"

"Like I said before, he can get obsessive with you Bella."

"Oh." Bella did recall him saying something along the lines of her being 'his' last night.

Jacob's question brought Bella out of her pondering. "Are you going to go out to dinner with him?"

"I don't know. Should I?"

"It is completely your choice, but I would thank him if I were you. You know, he didn't have to go out and by you flowers this morning. He did it all on his own because he likes you. If you think it is right to go out to dinner with him, then I am not going to hold you back from what you want to do."

"Thanks Jacob." Bella said smiling into the phone. "I can always count on you."

"Anytime. Bye, Bella."

"C ya, Jake."

Bella hung up the phone, and picked up the letter that was left behind by Edward. Bella lightly ran her hand over the indentation of his name. The writing was so perfect that it must have taken him a little time to write out the letter. Bella looked over at the number and picked up the cordless phone. She read off the numbers and punched them into the device. Bella looked at the LED screen and sighed. "I feel so stupid."

Bella clicked the talk button and she could feel the insides of her body begin to tingle. When the sound of the dial tone reached her ears, Bella thought she was going to be sick to her stomach. I know I shouldn't of done this. She thought sourly.

"Hello?" The sound of angels speaking made Bella float back to reality and she could start to feel her mouth go dry. She tried to get herself to speak, she really did. It seemed as though she forgot how to talk. Before Edward could utter another word, and Bella try to utter a word, she hung up the phone.

"I hope he doesn't find out that is me. How embarrassing would that be?" Bella said as she gnawed on her bottom lip nervously.

No longer than a minute later, the phone started ringing. Bella picked up the cordless phone and was scared to see the number. She knew it was going to be Edward, it had to be. Reluctantly, Bella looked at the caller ID and saw the number she just punched into the phone only a minute ago.

"Shit." She cursed. "What should I do?" Bella said to no one in particular. She could start to feel herself perspire more and more with every passing second. Finally, the nerve wrecking ringing stopped and Bella blew out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Then the answering machine went off in the front room and Bella smacked her palm onto her forehead. "How can I be so stupid!" Bella moaned.

"Please hang up, please hang up, please hang up." Bella chanted. Oh, who am I kidding? This is Edward Cullen we are talking about, he isn't going to hand up the phone, and she was dead on, he didn't. The answering machine finished speaking and Edward's melodic voice filled her apartment.

"Hello Bella." Edward's voice was laced with seduction that would make any ones knees melt. Thank god I am laying down. Bella thought humorously. "That was very mature of you to call me and hang up. You know, I might have to come over there and make sure you are alright. How do I know you aren't in trouble and you called me to help you." All the seduction was gone from his voice, and she could just see his smirk coming off the words he was speaking. "Call me back or else I will be showing up at your apartment." The call ended all too soon, and Bella was trembling. Yes, she was trembling. God, look at the effect this guy is having on me. I really, really need to stay away from him. Bella thought as she played with a random lock of hair.

"God, I don't want to call him." Bella said as she pounded her fists into the bed. "He obviously knows I called him earlier. It will only show him that I am effected if I don't call him." She told herself. Bella picked up the phone, and dialed the number to Edward's phone. Again, the nerves returned, and she tried to ward them off, but no avail.

"Hello?" Edward's voice asked.

"Uh.. hello. No. Hi, Edward." Bella said stammering.

"Ah, so you called me back and this time you are staying on the phone." Edward said teasingly.

"Yea. My finger slipped and I accidentally ended the call." Edward didn't need to know what actually happened. What he didn't know, wouldn't hurt him. That is if he even believed her.

"Yea, okay Bella. You are such a bad liar, you know that?" He asked laughing slightly.

"Whatever." Bella responded moodily. "Why did you want me to call you back so badly?"

"Ah, ah, ah, don't be getting all moody with me Isabella Swan. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and that you didn't need my help at all." The way Edward said it, made Bella contradict her earlier thoughts. She couldn't tell weather he was lying or not. She knew it would be stupid to press the subject because he would just lie through his teeth again.

"That was nice of you, Edward." Bella responded. She couldn't hide the smile that made it's way onto her face.

"Say my name again." Edward ordered.

"Why?" Bella asked.

"I like it when you say my name. Say it again."

Bella rolled her eyes even though she knew Edward couldn't see the action. "Edward."

"One more time."

"Edward."

"That was nice." He commented. "Now say, you will go out to dinner with me tonight."

"Edward, how many times do I need to tell you that I need time to think about everything?" Bella asked.

"You were obviously thinking about me if you called me and hung up." Edward shot back.

"Okay, maybe I was." Bella responded, "I just don't think I am ready to go on a date with you, yet"

"Bella... please?" Edward asked.

"Arghh..." Bella trailed off. Edward has been bugging her non stop about going to dinner tonight, and Bella knew for sure he was going to keep bugging her about it.

"Bella if you go with me then I won't bug you about going to dinner again, I promise." Edward said. His voice was so... alluring, and the way he was talking to her with such affection. He was really effecting her, maybe she just should go with him, so she could prove to herself that he isn't good for her. Yea, that is a good idea.

"Okay.. Okay. I'll go." Bella said

"Great." Edward said a little too excitedly. "You are going to have to dress nice... real nice."

"What will you be wearing?" Bella questioned.

"A tux, and I will come pick you up at 7:30." Edward said and he hung up before Bella could protest.

"Is he crazy? Why did he set the date to be so late? Argh." Bella groaned.

xx

About an hour later, Bella was sitting at her bathroom vanity applying some last minute touches to her make up. She really didn't bother to put that much on, just some foundation and a little bit of eyeliner. Tonight, she decided she was going to wear her favorite shoe and dress combination. Of course the clothing wasn't hers, but Rose and Alice wouldn't mind if she used their wardrobe for a date. That is the nice thing about having two stylish roommates, you can always use their clothing. Right now, she was wearing Alice's dark blue strapless Chanel dress. Bella has loved this dress ever since Alice showed it to her. It came two inches above the knees, so it showed of a little leg. The dress also had a sweetheart neckline that showed off a generous amount of cleavage, and the dress was also a satin blue. Bella was also wearing Rose's favorite white Jimmy Choo peep toe pumps. When Bella was finished applying her makeup, she slid out of the vanity and walked across the bathroom to the full length mirror. Earlier, Bella let her hair down from her messy bun and was happy to see she didn't need to do anything with her hair. It flowed freely in nice curls.

"I guess I look okay." She as as she smoothed out some invisible wrinkles on her dress. There was a knock at her door, and the nerves started to take over her body once more. Bella quickly made sure all the lights were off in her apartment before she skipped down the hall and to the white door, swiftly opening it. As she took in the sight of the man on the other side of the door, she could feel her throat shrink to the size of a walnut. Right in front of her, was America's most eligible bachelor and feared Mafia boss, and he was here to take her out to dinner. "Um.. you can come in if you would like."

"I would love to." Edward said as he ducked his head and walked into the apartment. "Oh, this is for you." He handed her a single white rose.

"What is the deal with all the flowers?" Bella asked as she sniffed the bud.

"Beautiful flowers, for my beautiful woman." He smiled. The way Edward said my, made shivers go down her spine. He sounded so happy and did she detect some pride in his voice?

"Are you trying to send me hidden messages with these flowers?" Bella questioned as she bowed her head to smell the flower again. When she didn't get an immediate answer like she expected, Bella looked up at Edward through her long eye lashes. His face looked completely guilty. He looked like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Edward sighed and looked right into her eyes.

"Yea, I have." He responded looking at everything but her. "I just thought it was a good way to convey my messages."

Bella giggled at his embarrassment. "So the roses meant you love me." Edward nodded, and Bella continued. "And the while rose means you are worthy of me." Bella watched as Edward's face went a little pink. What was wrong with him tonight? He was acting a little weird. "Are you okay?"

"Yea, I am fine." Edward said, "I am just a little surprised that you agreed to go to dinner with me."

"Don't be getting your hopes up." Bella smiled as she pointed the rose's stem at Edward.

Edward grinned back, showing his perfect teeth. "So what are the chances of me being worthy of you?"

"We will have to see how tonight goes." Bella responded as she twirled the rose in her hands, "I am going to go put this in a vase. I'll be right back."

"You better be. I don't want you to be ditching on me." Edward warned seriously.

"I'm not going to, trust me. You're here and even if I did back out, I'm sure you would find a way to make me go with you." Isn't that the truth. Bella thought. She walked into her room, and placed the white rose in the vase on her night stand. She situated the flowers so the white rose was in the middle, and she smiled at the arrangement. She looked back towards her bedroom door and pinched the bridge of her nose. What did I get myself into?

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I am so sorry about the long wait, but I hope I was able to make it up to you guys with this long chapter! If you have any questions or anything, then feel free to ask me! I also want to thank everyone who volunteered to be my beta reader as well! I want all of you guys to know that all the drama hasn't even started yet. Everything that has happened so far, is like nothing compared to what I have planned for the rest of the story. I am guessing there are going to be at least 15 more chapters to this story, if not more or a little less. :D


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Q: Will we see Bella's ex boyfriend Travis?

A: I highly doubt it, but it might be a possibility. Most likely, he will not be making an appearance, but if he does it will be very minute. He hasn't played a part in the story at all so far, except the first chapter when Bella first breaks up with him. One thing to know is, he is the main reason why Bella decided to have a one night stand.

Q: Will we see more of Nessie?

A: I am planning on it, but I will see how everything plays out first. As you already know, we did see some of her in this chapter. I guess we will have to wait and see :D

Q: What time of year does this story take place?

A: This story takes place at the beginning of summer, like the beginning of June. Also, that is why Bella isn't in school. She is currently on summer vacation.

If you guys have any questions, then feel free to ask me and I will gladly answer them!


Thanks to all my reviewers: Alissa, Billy Bob Bo Jangles, Katie, Trition x0, Kate, Christina, just j3n, bellacullen202, Dayuummmm., g, twilightOBSESSEDcutie, oceandaydreamer, IHeartMrEdwardCullen, update!, dominiqueanne, Saku-Chan9876, Linds14, s m Neal, bondidog, Lavianca, joblackero, MiszSpunkRansom, Caroline.L.H., Minniluna, kikyo2101, THExBESTxNINJAxEVER, lovestoryjunkie, Inferena, Ella, Katielyn, TwiWriter14, Chopz, menchieisme, Asta-loves-colors, twilight-fedishfreak, amethyst stone, batman's my man, Blueberryx34, x0Edward Cullen0X, HisEyesMyName-AmBeR159, run with the wind, ashika07, your not alone., VeggieGirl15, fire cracker, Starofthenight819, Otakugal, Moonwolf27, edwardcullensbuffy, 8mega8, rainandthunder, Big Mac Lover, Twilightlover2011, momams, taytay43, Christina, MiRiNHa, Fairest of Them All, 08, vipshere, Holly Marie Fowl, kuntrygal, Makoto-Gerou, Kellinw, solarstar17, medievalove, xXMissInvinsibleXx, Meg, .strong, shamonti, DarkAngelRakell, snowfire81, andii256, dreamer, Empty Fields, vampgirl18, arizonajess, A Cullen, anothertwilither, kellicoleen, TriGemini, MrandMrsEmbryCall, kaname_yuki, aznphreak1218, ny88, AnUnbrokenHorse aka Rushton Elf, stavanger1, Twilight-Writing-904, lagunacarta, empiphany, Edward'sdwifey4life, TwilightFan104, alanacullen19, HOLY SHIT IT'S EDWARD, Romance4ever, danger, crazyobsessedtwilightfan, penguin-luver1901, Kaylan101a, Coven Mistress, VanessaHW, twilightaddict26, skittelysweet, Meghan, klutzygirl34, sli723, Inu-ru831, lanabelle22, giftiebee, Gosta Have My Hardy, Miss Poison, Ratty Rowley, ilovejessssss, TheNinthCullen, Taybaskt22, lildv274, TwiDi, pixievampire92, Soccer11, bitty91, Gotta Java, xplay_with_firex, yankeerose, tayt63, AtotheizzO, TwilightFan2010, louisemum1, faerie kitten, greenbuttonsx, SummerSis, daniela692001, justm, Krissy7, polkadotcow, xtaintedsongx, rmcrms5, erinmiyu, EdwardsCandyCane, and lovesanime92. Wow, that took me so long to write all of those. haha Thank you guys for the support and everything! Also, thanks to all my readers who are sticking with me!

Please review! -- come back running