Disclaimer: I don't own them...

~~Bella~~

The plane ride home was quiet, very quiet. Edward lifted the armrest and held my hand but kept quiet most of the time. Probably because we weren't alone. He would occasionally raise my hand and kiss the fingers that were wrapped around his or kiss my temple, but not much else. It allowed me entirely too much time to think. And trust me there was a lot of information going through my head. First of all, Peter is my cousin. I had a cousin who had acted like my best friend all of this time. I wonder if he'd always known or if he was kept in the dark just like I was.

And I can't help but wonder if my father knew about all of this. I can't help but think that if Charlie knew he would have moved us far away from Washington using all of his contacts to get us new names and whatever else people do who don't want to be found. I know he would have done that, he would have protected me with his life. I miss him so much.

It's so hard to wrap my mind around this whole situation. A month ago, I was invisible to the world. No one knew me, no one bothered me and no one ever sought me out. Until Edward. When I met Edward, it was like a new universe opened up to me. And now, I have new friends and soon to be in-laws and crazy people looking for me. I find out my crazy, out of control grandfather made deals that affect my future. And I have uncles that I don't know trying to keep me safe. It is just too much to believe.

But the one person who has been a constant so far is Edward. None of this has caused him to run from me. Well, I guess he can't really run since he is kind of the reason everyone knows who I am now, but that isn't the point. I mean, couldn't he have just left me to fend for myself? I'm sure most guys in his line of 'business' wouldn't have given two shits about me. They would have handed me over to the other family and gotten the hell out of Dodge. But not Edward. He's here, holding my hand, kissing my lips, and caring for me.

I smile and turn to the beautiful man next to me. His eyes are already focused on me. He is looking at me with clear eyes that say 'we are in this together', it's clear on his face. Always together, facing it head on.

His eyes move, following his finger as he traces the line of my face, the curve of my neck and then moving along my collarbone. I feel my face flush but I don't take my eyes off of his face. I'm watching every emotion and when his eyes meet mine again, his fingers move quickly and his hand is at the nape of my neck. I'm suddenly thrown back to this morning. His lips, his hands, his body moving against mine. I close my eyes and imagine his fingers tracing the line of my body.

I'm on an airplane with other people.

I am on an airplane with other people.

But then I feel Edward's fingers in my hair and my whole body shivers. How am I supposed to control myself when he's touching me this way? And then his lips are on mine, warm and soft and urgent. I can't stop myself from moving closer to him. He pulls me into his lap, his fingers holding me tightly and his hands burn my skin. I've never been happier for private airplanes and nice roomy seats.

I move my fingers into his hair and lightly scratch his scalp. He moans my name and the sound snaps me out of my Edward haze. I smile against his lips as he continues to place small kisses to my lips, the corners of my mouth, my cheeks and finally my nose. His fingers are rubbing small circles on my hips and I wiggle against him a little bit and he groans, "Bella..." dragging my name out in a husky, breathless voice.

I laugh quietly, "Yes, baby?"

He just shakes his head and smiles, rubbing his nose against my cheek. Moving toward my ear, he sucks my earlobe into his mouth and I let out a tiny gasp, "you'll pay for that later," he says.

I giggle. "I look forward to it."

Edward laughs out loud and smacks a kiss on my lips. I move from his lap and straighten my clothes. Edward smooths my hair out for me by running his fingers through it. I close my eyes and hum. I never knew that a man running his hands through my hair would feel so good.

"We're almost home," Edward says quietly. I smile at him and nod.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" I ask. Apparently, I've gotten over all of my shyness because I don't even feel my face flush.

Edward gives me a bright smile. "I was planning on it."

"Good." I look over to see Peter and Charlotte across from us. "Where will Peter and Charlotte stay? I have the extra room.." I trail off not really sure I want them to stay with me. The man I once considered my big brother had kept a huge secret from me. A life altering secret. If Edward hadn't suspected him the other night, I wonder if Peter ever would have said anything. I'm not sure how we'll get over this but it feels weird to have him sitting across the aisle from me and not speak to him.

I noticed Peter stiffen in his seat but he didn't turn to look at us. And suddenly I realized that he would have heard Edward and I making out earlier. Ah, there's the blush I know and love. Edward ran his thumb along my cheek and laughed apparently figuring out what I had been thinking.

"I was thinking they could stay at my place. And I can stay with you?" Edward said quietly.

I nodded my answer smiling at the thought of Edward staying with me in my home, in my space, in my bed. Ugh, there's that blush again. Focus, Bella.

"Peter," I leaned into Edward as I spoke, "Are you and Charlotte okay with that?"

Peter looked back in my direction but I made sure my face showed no emotion. His eyes looked so sad and he seems to have aged 10 years since yesterday.

"Peter, Edward's building is really safe. Maybe your grandfather can stay with you also, you guys can catch up or whatever," I said awkwardly reminding myself of the secret he kept from me.

Peter just nodded his agreement and turned back toward Charlotte.

Oh my, I forgot Charlotte was pregnant. Edward told me on our drive over to Peter's. Suddenly, I didn't care that I was mad at Peter. I needed to make sure my friend, my sister was okay. "Oh my God, Charlotte are you okay? How are you feeling? Do you need something to eat?" I jumped out of my seat and sat in the seat facing Charlotte. Her eyes were red and puffy and she had fresh tears running down her face.

She started to sob and I pushed Peter out of the way and held her in my arms. "Don't cry, honey, everything will be okay. Shhh.." I said as I rocked with her.

"Bella, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know anything until the night we met for dinner. Peter told me everything when we got home. I don't know what to say but I feel like I've betrayed you somehow by not knowing sooner. And then Peter told me that people had come to our house and threatened him, us. I've just been a nervous wreck and I'm so worried about the baby. This has been such a horrible day." She collapsed into my arms crying.

I looked at Peter who had tears running down his face. I reached out and held his hand. "We'll figure this out," I said and turned to Edward. "Together we will find a way to make everything okay and when the baby gets here he will be healthy and happy and loved. You'll see. Everything will work out. I can feel it."

As I said this, I could feel the truth of it in my bones. With Charlotte in my arms, my right hand holding Peter's and my eyes on Edward, I knew that this was just a bump in the road. Our lives were just beginning and I'll be damned if some asshole who thinks he's entitled to something is going to ruin it. I squeezed Peter's hand pulling him over to take my place with Charlotte. When I stood, he pulled me into a tight hug that said he was sorry and he loved me. I hugged him tightly letting him know we'd talk later. We'd fix this later.

I smiled at Edward and the words 'I love you' wanted to burst from my mouth. I could feel them filling every cell in my body. I pulled away from Peter kissing him on the cheek and made my way to Edward. I took his hand as he stood and he led me toward the back of the plane to a small lounge area. He pulled me into his arms and swayed back and forth with me for a moment as if he needed a moment to get ahold of himself.

My body felt like it was going to explode if I didn't speak to him, if I didn't tell him the words that were running through my mind over and over again. But could I really say that so soon? We have only known each other for a little while, how can I be sure that this is love? But even as I ask myself the question, I know the answer. I am in love with Edward and I think he loves me too. Just the thought makes my whole body tingle.

After a moment, he pulled back just enough to look at me. I smiled and he leaned in and place a small, sweet kiss on my lips. I moved my hands to his cheeks, keeping his lips just a whisper away from mine.

"Edward," I sighed against his lips.

I didn't move. I kept my hands on his cheeks and my eyes on his. I don't know if he feels the same way I do but now that I know that I'm in love with him, everything seems so clear. The color of his eyes and the bronze of his hair, he's amazing and beautiful and mine.

"Bella," he sighed and kissed me. He pulled away and looked at me and then kissed me again. One arm wrapped all the way around me pulling me into him. "Bella," he said and leaned his forehead against mine. "Bella mia," he whispered against my lips.

I smiled and peppered his face with kisses. Apparently, epiphanies make me act like a giddy schoolgirl. But I couldn't help it. The happiness was just flowing out of me and there was no way to contain it.

Edward laughed at me, completely unaware of the thoughts running through my head, and then picked me up in his arms so our faces were even. I let my legs dangle and tightened my arms around him. The smile on his face told me he was just as happy as me at the moment. And the kiss we shared was the best kiss of my life.

Edward

I watched Bella go to Charlotte and take her into her arms. Comforting her and reassuring her that she and her baby would be okay. I turned my attention to Peter who looked at his wife and best friend with such a broken look on his face. He didn't even try to stop the flow of tears. I could see how much he loved them, it was surrounding him. I could also see how scared he was that he wouldn't be able to protect them. That his decisions could put his entire family in harm's way.

I have never understood that feeling before. The weight of the responsibility for taking care of someone, for protecting someone, for loving someone. But as I watched the scene play out in front of me, I understood. I would do anything for Bella. I would do anything to keep her safe regardless of the consequences. The feeling was heavy in my chest and I rubbed my hand against it absently.

I looked back toward Bella as she reached out and took Peter's hand. I heard her speak but I didn't actually hear what she said. All I could focus on was her eyes. Brown eyes full of love, protection, and determination looking directly into mine. She said we were in this together. My chest tightened at her words. 'Together, we would figure everything out together'. I am going to marry this woman, have a home with her, maybe have some children with her. The reality of our situation was settling in the middle of my chest forcing me to see what was in front of me.

She was so full of love. I could see it in the way she took care of Charlotte. She was so angry and hurt by Peter, yet she was holding his hand and reassuring him that everything would be okay. That they would be okay. She may have closed herself off from the world for awhile, but her heart was full and strong. And I don't think I've ever seen a woman more beautiful than she is right in this moment.

She walked over to me and I stood, reaching for her hand. I led her toward the back of the plane. I just had an overwhelming urge to hold her close to me, to kiss her. But I couldn't process all of the thoughts going through my head. It was like that word that is on the tip of your tongue but you just can't put it together.

I pulled Bella into my arms and swayed with her, held her to me and my world suddenly felt right. I pulled away from her just enough to see her face and when she smiled, a rush of happiness and contentment ran through me. I leaned in and kissed her softly. She placed her hands on either side of my face and whispered my name against my lips. And the word, my name, was filled with such passion.

I choked out her name, and kissed her. Repeating this over and over trying to get ahold of myself. I have never felt such emotion before and if I'm being honest, it scares me. The idea of this woman owning me, heart and soul, is exciting and fucking scary all at the same time.

I finally look into her eyes and say what I'm thinking,"Bella, mia."Because she is mine and I have no intention of letting her go.

Bella giggles and starts placing small kisses all over my face. I have no idea what made her so happy, but I laugh and pick her up so that our faces are even. She has the most beautiful smile on her face and her cheeks are flushed and she's perfect.

Our kiss is full of passion and fire and my chest tightens at how right it feels. I lean my forehead against hers to catch my breath. I can feel her fingers in my hair and I close my eyes enjoying the moment.

I hear footsteps approaching us. I pull away from my girl and kiss her one more time. Just as I place her back on her feet the flight attendant clears her throat.

"Mr. Cullen, we'll be starting our descent in about ten minutes. Would you and Mrs. Cullen please have a seat and buckle the safety belt for landing?"

I look down at Bella and she has an eyebrow raised but her smile is happy. "Of course, Mrs. Cullen and I will be right over."

The woman nodded and smiled before walking away. Bella fell against my chest and I could feel her shaking with laughter.

"Let's go Mrs. Cullen," I said with a smile.

"I love how that sounds," Bella said in a breathy voice.

I leaned into her and kissed her neck, "Mrs. Cullen," I whispered feeling her shiver around me. I smiled, happy that I had that affect on her.

She tilted her head to kiss my lips and then nipped at my jaw with her teeth before whispering, "You'll pay for that later."

I laughed, she was using my words from earlier. "I'm counting on it," I replied and pulled her toward our seats.

~~u~~

"When we land," I look over at Bella, "Jasper is going to meet us and he'll take you, Peter and Charlotte to my parents house. I'm going to follow you with Emmett."

Bella nodded, "Okay. Do you," she paused, "do you think someone will be there waiting for us?"

I rolled my shoulders and closed my eyes. I felt her small hand on the back of my neck trying to ease my tension. "I don't know, Bella. But I don't want to take any chances. Peter," I turned my attention to him, "Stay close to Charlotte. My brother, Jasper, will be meeting us as soon as we step off of the plane. You, Charlotte and Bella will be riding with him. Do whatever he says. I don't know what or if anything will happen but we need to be prepared." He nodded and I narrowed my eyes. I'm still fucking pissed that he sent those fucking people to Chicago to look for Bella. Asshole. Bella may have a huge and forgiving heart but I do not. I can hold a grudge for a long ass time and this is definitely going to be one of those times.

We finally landed and I kissed Bella before helping her stand. "Stay close to Jasper. I don't care what happens, do not leave his side." I raised an eyebrow at her, "Okay?"

"Okay."

We got out of the plane and walked down the steps to the tarmac. Emmett was already grabbing the luggage from the cart and putting it in the car. Jasper walked up to us quickly and gave me a quick hug whispering, "Someone followed us."

I nodded and he took Bella from me, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, "Isabella, nice flight sweetheart?"

She looked surprised at the endearment but smiled and nodded. He leaned in to kiss her temple and I could see he was whispering instructions to her. She wrapped an arm around his waist tucking herself into his side.

Emmett and I finished with the luggage and then ushered Peter and Charlotte into Jasper's car. He brought the Mercedes with the tinted, bullet proof windows. I closed my eyes, I hope we can get to the house with no problems.

Emmett was driving a sleek black SUV with windows that were tinted completely black. "Can this thing move?" I asked looking it over.

Emmett smirked and got into the car. I looked over the car again and then I took in my surroundings. I didn't see any other cars on or near the airplane. But I know they are here. My skin is fucking tingling with anticipation.

I could feel the adrenaline moving through my system. Emmett nodded his head to the glove box and I opened it finding two police issued Sig's.

"Where the fuck did you get these?"I asked as I looked them over.

"You don't want to fucking know," he said easily. "But, let's just say I had some fun acquiring them."

I shook my head. I'm not in the frame of mind to enjoy his story tonight. I checked to make sure they were loaded and ready. Emmett followed Jasper off of the tarmac and I kept my eyes moving looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Once Jasper hit the main road, he took off. He gunned the gas and Emmett was right behind him. We heard tires screech and I looked to my right to see a black Lincoln Continental coming at us.

I rolled my window down and aimed at the passenger. His eyes opened in surprise and I took advantage of the split second emotion and shot at the front tire. I blew it out and the car swerved, crashing into a car parked on the street. We were moving fast through the streets. Jasper was making erratic turns, almost going in a circle at one point. We ended up on Highway 14. The problem we have now is that my parents live in a community where there are a lot of two lane roads. So we need to make sure no one is following us before we actually head in that direction.

The highway was not too busy but it only had two lanes on each side so we were maneuvering through the traffic as quickly as we could, no doubt looking like we were racing. I could see a car coming up fast behind us. There weren't flashing lights, so I'm guessing its one of the assholes following us from the airport. We were still weaving in and out of traffic. Jasper slowed down and mixed himself into the other cars on the road. There was another black Mercedes right beside him. As they slowed down, Emmett slammed on his breaks causing the SUV to swerve into the other lane which led to a chain reaction of cars swerving and moving on the highway. We heard a few bumps from the accidents that followed but I could see that the sedan following us was stuck in between some cars. While we were causing the commotion on the highway, Jasper slipped onto the off ramp unnoticed. Emmett looked around satisfied with his handy work and put the car into drive. He drove past three more exits before getting off of the highway and making his way back to Barrington Hills.

We didn't see any other cars follow us off of the highway so we were pretty confident there were only two cars following us from the airport. I called Jasper after a few minutes and they were almost at my parents house. He said they had no problems after they got off of the highway except that Bella and Charlotte were a little car sick. I could hear Peter laughing and Bella telling him to shut up.

When we pulled up to my parents house about 15 minutes later, I was surprised by the amount of cars in the drive. I saw the Mercedes Jasper was driving was parked at an angle blocking the rest of the drive. Emmett parked the same way as Jasper blocking the other side of the driveway. No one was leaving until we knew what the hell was going on.

Emmett and I made our way to the house. I looked around the property to make sure no one was lurking around. My parents property was expansive. But the two acres that surrounded the house was all lawn. There were no trees or bushes that a person could hide behind. My mother had a small garden that surrounded the house but my father was adamant that he be able to look out of the windows to see a clear view of the property. Unfortunately, it is a necessity with our lifestyle.

We walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell before opening the door. Paul, one of our guys, was standing in the hallway and turned toward us when we walked in.

"Hey Paulie," Emmett said with a smile, "how's it hanging?"

"Fuck you, Emmett," Paul answered and Emmett and I laughed.

"Come on man, we didn't know that chick was gonna knee you in the junk for hitting on her."

"Yeah, whatever. Edward your dad is in his office. He wants you in there."

I immediately straightened up. "Thanks."

I walked to the office and knocked. "Come in."

I walked in and scanned the room for faces. My father was leaning against the front of his desk, Bella and Jasper were sitting in the chairs to the side of him. Peter and Charlotte were sitting on the leather sofa in the middle of the room and there were two other people I didn't know.

"Son," I walked over to my dad and shook his hand. He took my face in his hands and kissed both of my cheeks. "Go sit next to your fiance."

I nodded and went to sit on the other side of Bella. I looked at Jasper with a raised eyebrow but he made no movement other than to look at me and back at the people on the other side of the room. As I sat down, Jasper released his hold on Bella and rested his elbows on his knees. He was completely focused. He's going to be a great boss when my father steps down.

"Edward, I'd like you to meet Marcus and Saul Buccieri. Bella's uncles." I frowned, uncles?

Marcus and Saul stood, as did I and we shook hands. When Saul took my hand he said, "Saul, Jr. My father passed away a long time ago."

"I'm sorry for your loss," I responded automatically.

"Edward, does Charlotte need to be here? I can have your mother come for her," my father asked.

"I don't think she needs to be here," Peter turned his head quickly to look at me.

"Edward," Bella said quietly, "I'll go with Charlotte, if that's okay?" She looked at me and then to Jasper and my father.

My father gave a quick nod and I stood to walk Bella to the door. "Stay inside the house. I'll come find you when we're done."

She nodded and squeezed my hand before walking out with Charlotte following behind her.

I closed the door and turned back to the room. I leaned against the door with my arms across my chest waiting for my father to start.

"Alright, who wants to start?"

Jasper had moved to stand next to my father. His face was unreadable and was my father's. They looked like brothers standing next to each other. The similarities between them were uncanny. Across from me was Peter who looked completely panicked. He kept adjusting in his seat and looking from one person to another. I wanted to tell him to calm the fuck down but it would have been inappropriate and my father would not appreciate the interruption. I finally looked at the two men sitting across from my father. Marcus was an older man, probably in his seventies. He looked tired and disappointed. He sat forward and looked at his nephew who nodded and sat back in his seat.

Marcus began to speak with a heavy Italian accent. "My brother was not a bad person, he just didn't think. He acted on impulse, spoke with out thinking over his words. It tended to get him in trouble a lot when we were kids but ended up getting him killed as an adult." He sighed and stood up. As he began speaking again, he paced and used his hands. He was much like my grandfather when he was talking to us. "My brother was never happy with what he had. He always wanted more. One night he was out drinking and I believe he was using drugs and there was a young girl at the club." Marcus sat back down and rested his hands on his knees.

"He took advantage of the girl, not knowing who she was or why she was there. The girl was spoken for by the youngest of Carlo Aro's sons. Antonio Aro had already stepped down and Alec, his eldest son, was in charge. Salvatore, Carlo's son, wanted blood. He wanted to murder Saul for his actions so he went to Alec for permission. Alec was pissed that Saul had put him in the middle of his problems but he wasn't prepared to kill him. Saul was a problem but he made the family a lot of money with whatever he did. So Alec scheduled a meeting with all of the made guys, including Salvatore and Saul. It was decided that because Saul took the virtue of a young, attached woman, he would be required to give up a daughter. She would become betrothed, for lack of a better word, to one of the men in the Aro family. Saul would have no say over it. When the girl turned sixteen she was to be told of what happened and why. Of course, Saul tried to fight the decision but it was too late. He had made his bed so to speak.

"At that point Saul had 5 sons, no daughters. He figured he could just stop having kids and that would be the end of it. But he learned that the debt would be transferred to his sons if failed to meet the demands. Saul had one more son and then a daughter, Renee, two years later. Everyone knew of the debt and what her birth meant. Saul had sunk so low by that point that know one knew how to talk to him anymore. He confessed everything to me the year Renee turned 16. He and his wife, Alina, took Renee to Italy as her gift and they stayed with Dida and me. When I heard what Saul had done, I beat the shit out of him. I was so angry at the disrespect he had shown his wife and family. Then we made the decision to hide Renee away." At this, Marcus hung his head and rubbed his eyes. "We thought, if we hid her away she would not be subjected to that kind of life. Not too mention, if everyone in the Aro family knew of why she was betrothed, we would have no recourse if she was beaten and abused. So we moved her to Washington. My brother, Domenico, was already living there. He and his wife had children and we thought it would be good for Renee to be around family that could look out for her.

"Things were going well until someone found her. Luckily, they went to the home and she was alone. Isabella had gone away for the day with her father. The man that found Renee threatened her and she ended up leaving Charles and Isabella shortly after. No one knew where Renee was for a long time but she turned up in Italy about six months ago with Angelo Anello, the son of Carlo's daughter Anna. It's been 16 years..." he drifted off in thought. "I don't know how they found out about Isabella."

The room was silent when he was done. I looked to my father and he understood I had a question and he nodded. "How did Saul die?" I asked Marcus.

"He was murdered in his home. When Renee suddenly disappeared, the Aro's figured he had hidden her from them. They beat him trying to get the information from him and when he didn't tell them, they shot him in the head and left him in his home for his family to find him."

Well, that was quite the message. I'm surprised it took so long for them to find Renee. I certainly wouldn't think they would just let her sit for ten years. "Was Renee's named changed when she was moved to Washington?" I asked absently while I was processing the story.

I looked over at Marcus who was eyeing me cautiously, "Yes, we used Domenico's wife's maiden name, Oliva. We figured the name would not draw too much attention." I nodded and walked across the room, occupying the chair Jasper was sitting in earlier.

"Well, it seems Isabella is the target now. She and Edward are to be married in December and I want this settled before that time comes. Does anyone have any suggestions?" My father walked around his desk and sat in his leather chair. Jasper took the seat next to me and looked at each of us quickly before he made eye contact with me. I'm not sure what he was looking for but his back straightened and my father looked at him.

"I think I have an idea."

My father nodded at him to continue.

"Edward and Bella continue planning the wedding but make plans to go to Italy to visit our grandfather before the wedding takes place to obtain a blessing from the family, as a respectful gesture," he paused and my father wave his hand to continue. "While they are there, we seek out Antonio Aro and ask for a meeting."

My father sat quietly twirling a pen in his hand. He sat forward and looked in our direction. "It could work."

Marcus agreed, "Yes, Antonio would see it as a sign of respect that you go to him in order to avoid a dispute between families. And your Isabella will be safe amongst family."

My Isabella.

"Okay, when do we plan this trip and am I to assume we keep it quiet until we are actually there?" I asked my father.

"The trip needs to be soon, within the next week. We need the element of surprise and I don't want to allow the Aro's to get a hold of Isabella while she's here in the city," my father stood and paced the room as he did when his mind was working. "Jasper, assign Paul to Isabella. He is to be with her at all times. She should keep her schedule as such," he counted each item off on his fingers, "working at her studio, lunches with Edward, dinner with us. Edward, I assume you will be staying with her in the evenings?"

I nodded, "Peter and Charlotte are going to stay in my apartment while they are here," I looked over at Marcus and Saul, "you are also welcome to stay there. There is more than enough room for all of you and the building is secured."

Marcus nodded his thanks.

"Okay, Edward you need to fill Isabella in on all of this. I don't want her to be surprised by anything that happens. Give her only details that pertain to her family and the situation she is in. Everything else will be given on a need to know basis." My father continued walking around the room and then looked at Marcus.

"Are you planning to stay here for awhile? We can all fly to Italy at the same time. I think it will be easier that way. If we are being watched," my father looked at Jasper and I and we both nodded, "it will be safer for all of you as well. We will have a driver available to you so you can get around the city."

"Yes, we would like to stay and I'd like to get to know my niece a little bit," Marcus turned his attention toward me and I looked at him, then Saul and lastly Peter.

"Of course," I said quietly unable to be disrespectful to the old man. He seemed like an alright person but I didn't trust Peter or Saul with Bella.

My father continued to move around the room planning everything out. He was meticulous when he put a plan in motion and things always worked out flawlessly. It was a trait Jasper and I tried to emulate.

"Marcus, Saul thank you for coming here and providing us this information. I will have a car drive you to Edward's apartment for the night. Peter, you and Charlotte should join them." My father dismissed them swiftly and then turned to me, "Does Emmett have a key to your apartment?"

"Yes, he can get them settled." He nodded and we all shook hands with the men before they left. My father told Emmett to take them into the city and stay with them tonight.

Emmett nodded and fist bumped Jasper and me before leaving.

"Okay, let's get something to eat and we'll get started." It's gonna be a long fucking night.

~~U~~

Bella

The week has passed by so quickly. It's already Thursday and the whole week has been about preparing for our trip to Italy. Edward and Jasper have been constantly busy with planning and the work they normally do for their father.

Edward filled me in on the meeting with Marcus and Saul and to say I was saddened by it is an understatement. Saul made choices that affected his entire family in as negative way. And it looks like my mother may not have walked out on Charlie and I for personal reasons after all. I wonder if I'll get the chance to ask her myself.

I was getting ready to go to lunch when my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Bella, baby, it's me." Edward said into the phone. I could hear noise in the background and it sounded like someone was yelling.

"Edward, are you okay?" I asked worried about where he might be. I heard Edward yell and tell people to shut up and then it was quiet.

"Sorry, it's a fucking madhouse here. I'm not going to be able to meet you for lunch today but I will be there to pick you up after work."

"Okay, that's fine. I was just getting ready to grab something." I felt a little disappointed that he wasn't going to meet me but I would see him soon. "I'll call Paul to have lunch with me today."

Edward made a noise, "Yeah, tell him to keep his hands to himself."

I laughed, "Edward, are you still upset about the other night? I tripped and Paul caught me before I broke my leg. He wasn't trying to feel me up."

"The fuck he wasn't. I see how men look at you Bella, everyone wants to feel you up."

"Okay, I'm sorry, baby. I'll tell him to let me fall next time," I laughed. At that moment, Paul walked into my office with a big smile on his face.

"Hey Eddie, that you?" I put Edward on speaker phone so Paul could hear him.

"Fuck you Paulie, don't touch my lady you hear me?" Paul laughed and said, "Yeah, yeah I got it."

"Okay, baby I gotta go but I'll pick you up later."

"Okay, bye," I answered and he said a quick bye before I heard him yelling at someone in the background again.

"Ready for lunch, Isabella?"

"Yes, let me just lock up my desk. I'll meet you in the front."

Paul nodded and walked out of the office. I locked my desk and computer and walked to the coat closet to grab my purse. Just as I grabbed it, my cell phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and saw Jasper's name on the screen. I frowned and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Isabella, it's Jasper."

"Hi Jasper, how are you?" I was a little surprised that he was calling me. Jasper and I had started talking more since he picked us up from the airport over the weekend but not so much that I expected him to call me.

"I'm good. I just wanted to call and see how you are doing?"

"Oh, I'm good, I guess. There's been so much going on this week I haven't really had a moment to myself. Is everything okay, Jasper?"

He chuckled and I could picture him running his hand along the back of his neck in a nervous gesture. "Yes, everything is fine. I didn't mean to worry you. I just had a funny feeling and felt like I should check on you. But obviously, your fine."

I stayed quiet because it seemed like he had more to say. I was touched that he cared enough to call and make sure I was okay.

"Isabella, I know we don't know each other very well but I want you to know that you can call me anytime. You are going to be my sister soon and I want to know you better, I want you to feel comfortable around me."

I was shocked at his words. I know it must have been hard for him to say that. The Cullen men never show emotion. This is one thing I've learned over the past months. They are stoic unless they are laughing and joking with one another.

"Jasper, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to check on me. I have to admit that I am a little intimidated by you but I'd like to get to know you as well. I look forward to having a brother."

Jasper let out a deep breath, "Alright, thanks Isabella. I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay, good bye Jasper."

He hung up and I looked at my phone for a moment still surprised that he called me. But I couldn't help smiling at the thought of having a brother.

I walked out to the lobby to find Paul leaning over the reception area flirting with Lauren. She of course was playing with her hair and giggling like a schoolgirl. I rolled my eyes and hit Paul's arm as I passed him.

"Later, baby." I heard him say as he ran past me to get the door. He smiled at me playfully and I smirked back at him.

We walked to the sandwich shop down the street making small talk and laughing. There was a table outside open so I asked Paul to get me a sandwich and an iced tea as I sat down. The traffic was loud during the lunch rush but it was gloriously sunny outside. I adjusted the umbrella so it covered just my face from the sun and I soaked up its warmth on my arms and legs. I watched people walk passed me on the street some in a hurry and others strolling along enjoying the day as much as I was. I snapped a picture of the busy street with my phone and texted it to Edward with a note that said 'missing you'. I closed my eyes and couldn't help but smile as I imagined his beautiful face. I heard the chair across from me scrape the sidewalk and I opened my eyes, still smiling to look at Paul. But it wasn't Paul that was sitting across from me.

There was a man with dark hair and the bluest eyes I've ever seen sitting across from me. He was in a dark suit with a yellow silk tie. There were two very large men standing behind him. The smile slid off of my face as I looked at the men across from me. My phone was still in my hand and I hit the send button fumbling with the side keys to lower the volume so it wouldn't alert the blue eyed man. My mind started panicking. Where is Paul? How long does it take to buy a couple of sandwiches.

I raised an eyebrow but didn't speak.

"Isabella?" he said my name in the form of a question.

I didn't answer.

He laughed. "I see, you're going to be difficult. I have heard that you can be a bitch. But the pictures I have of you and Cullen don't show that side of you."

I could feel my hands shaking but I tried to remain cool on the outside. I didn't want to fuel the flame.

"May I ask what you are doing? I'm expecting someone for lunch," I said this while crossing my legs and tucking the skirt of my dress tightly under my legs. The man's eyes traveled across my form and lingered on my legs.

He smiled and licked his lips. "You won't need to worry about your lunch date. He's a little busy right now."

Oh shit, Paul isn't coming for me. I tilted my head toward the sun and closed my eyes knowing I couldn't show any weakness. This man would pick up on it in a heartbeat and I couldn't afford that right now. I pictured Edward's face and smiled. I looked past that image recalling the Bella I used to be before Edward. Cold, unfriendly, lonely Bella. I needed to be that Bella, just for a little while. I needed to be strong and allow time for someone to get here. Edward will take care of this guy in due time. I have no doubt about that.

I opened my eyes and looked at the man, smile still on my face. "Wonderful, what do you want?"

The man stared at me as if trying to figure me out. "You," he said simply.

"I'm taken."

He laughed, "Yes, so I've heard but that won't be the case for long," he leaned across the table and looked me in the eye. We sat there looking at each other for a moment. I had to admit that he was a beautiful man. Olive coloring, blue eyes, black wavy hair. His suit just finished off the look. As I raked over him, I could see him sit up a little bit, pea-cocking. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"So, you think I'm just going to give up my nice life and run off with you because you look good in a suit? I don't even know your name."

"How rude of me," he held a hand out to me. "I'm Felix. Felix Aro."

Lovely, just what I needed. One of the Aro family here trying to stake a claim to me like I'm some kind of cattle.

I glanced at his hand but made no move to shake it. Felix raised his eyebrows and shook his head chuckling lightly. "Quite the firecracker, aren't you?" Movement behind Felix caught my eye. Jasper and Emmett were walking up quickly behind him. In a swift movement, Jasper and Emmett had his two body guards on the ground crying in agony.

Felix didn't move. He didn't flinch at the sound. He did however, smile at me. I felt a hand on my neck and willed myself not to jump. But I recognized who it was right away. It was my Edward, his hands were tucked into my hair, lightly massaging the nape of my neck like he did when we were alone. He was letting me know that it was him and I didn't have to worry. My posture stayed tense but I smiled at Felix. This is going to be interesting.