A/N: I had really wanted to get this posted over the weekend but I'm hoping Wednesday is okay! I'll be otu of town this weekend so I know I won't be able to post again for at least a week and half - possible two weeks.

We're really ramping up in the story now! Hope you enjoy this piece. And please excuse any typos...I wrote this while at work today and between keeping an eye out for the internet police and helping coworkers with questions, I was slightly distracted. :-)

~Tiff

Chapter 9

Spending the day with the guys had been fun and I had forgotten at one point why they had even been at our apartment in the first place. That was until I was reminded we had to get ready to start our new jobs.

My mood had instantly taken a huge downward turn. I wanted nothing more than stay in the apartment, comfortably dressed, hanging out with Edward and getting to know him – well getting to know all of them better.

There was a past to each of them, and while I wanted to know how Emmett became Emmett and who Jasper's contacts were, I really wanted to know how Edward came to be a part of the DEA.

There was something hiding behind his gorgeous green eyes. He had done a really great job of stuffing it deep down and ignoring it, but it was there.

The obvious change in topic when we asked about their history wasn't missed by me and therefore I also knew it hadn't been missed by Alice or Rose either.

At 8 it was decided by Alice that it was time for us to get ready for the evening. We left the boys to their own devices in our newly arranged living room while we prepared for the evening.

As I was scanning my poorly stocked closet, I heard Alice yell across the apartment.

"I have nothing to fucking wear! We have to go shopping for clothes as soon as possible!"

"Alice, you have twice as many clothes as Bella and I'm sure she's already found something to wear!" Rose shouted back.

"Oh for crying out loud, just put some jeans on, you'll look hot no matter what you wear!" I added my two cents. "Besides, we'll have uniforms at Noir anyways."

"Good point." I heard Rose say.

"Fine." Alice said annoyed and even though I couldn't see her, I imagined she had her hands on her tiny waist, tapping a foot, and rolling her eyes.

Once I had settled on my jean mini-skirt, a purple and silver backless shirt, and my knee high black boots I finished the look with dark eye makeup, and tousled wavy hair that I pulled over to one side.

I was not at all surprised to find that I was the first one back out to the living room where the boys where, and where I was greeted with a round of wolf whistling form Jasper and Emmett, while Edward stared at me.

"No." Was the only word he managed to form.

"No?" I challenged.

"I don't think it's such a great idea to go prancing around James Denali looking the way you do."

"I think if you want us to get close to him we have to become his favorites. I believe this will get the job done before Jasper gets the undercover IDs you three need." I said smirking before I watched Emmett's eyes pop out of his head, his jaw drop open, and I was pretty sure his tongue flopped out of his mouth just a little bit.

It could mean only one thing; Rose had appeared from her bedroom.

"Close your mouth idiot." Jasper laughed.

She walked up next to me and I could see why Emmett had gone all cartoon character dramatic on us. Rose was wearing her skin tight red halter dress that pushed her tits up to her chin and ended just below her ass. It didn't help that she paired it with her black Louboutin heels that wrapped up her calves and tied behind her knees.

"Can you work in those tonight?" I asked Rose.

"Pretty sure we won't be working tonight. Just going to tell him we accept the job offers. Shit, he's not even gonna be there until, what? 11? So we can't even officially accept until then. We'll probably start tomorrow night."

"That's what I thought too." Alice said as she appeared out of her bathroom fully dressed.

I was surprised to see that she had actually gone more conservative than Rose and I. She was wearing her black low-rise skinny jeans, paired with bright pink strappy heels and a light pink top swirled with silver and black. The top was one of her favorites because it made her tits look great.

It was Jasper's turn to stare at one of us.

"So we'll be parked a block south of the club while you're in there…" Emmett started after clearing his throat and turning away from Rose.

"Why?" Rose interrupted bring his attention back to her.

"Why what?" He dumbly asked after a few more seconds of staring.

"Why are you going to be outside waiting? You can't do us any good there and since we can't be wired and you can't go in…might as well stay here until we get back. I'd say go home, but I know that won't happen since you'll want a debriefing as soon as we're out of there."

"She's good." Edward laughed.

"We're all good." I said then winked causing him to choke on absolutely nothing.

After a stare down of sorts, the boys folded and agreed to just stay at our apartment while we were out. We promised we wouldn't stay any longer than we absolutely had to, but it was hard to know how long James would want us there.

Edward made me promise to take my cell phone in and if anything seemed suspicious to text him and they would be there in a matter of seconds. Emmett and Jasper also finally gave their numbers to Rose and Alice. I was happy for that, as they both had been bitching about the fact that I had my hot cop's number but they didn't have theirs.

Finally at 10 we started towards the door, only to have Edward jump up from his spot in the chair and follow us. I was the last one out the door, but before I closed it I turned around and caught him staring at my ass.

"If you boys get tired, feel free to crash in the beds. I know only one of you, or well you or Jasper could fit on the couch but only half of Emmett can. I'll text you when we leave so you know we're on our way."

"Thanks Bella." He said smiling – which was swoon worthy.

"We'll see you boys soon." I said then before my brain could stop me, I leaned up on my toes and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek before quickly turning back around and walking out the door and down the hall to meet up with Rose and Alice at the elevators.

Waiting for me there was not only my friends but two sets of wide eyes and raised eyebrows.

"Oh just shove it up your asses and let's go." I said as I stepped into the waiting elevator.

When we arrived at Noir we were met with a line to get in. Not ones to ever wait to get into a club we casually approached the bouncer who, as luck would have it, was the same bouncer from the previous evening.

"Hello again ladies." He said as he yet again eyeballed us.

"Evening. We have a meeting with Mr. Denali this evening." Rose said.

"I've been informed." He nodded then moved the clichéd red velvet rope to the side and let us through earning him a few disgruntled customers. "When you look like them, then you can go in too." We heard as we walked away.

Once in the doors we each took one last calming breath and then turned the corner where we found Laurent hovering apparently waiting for on us to arrive. He greeted us and then escorted us through the club and up to the VIP area where Felix graciously stepped aside and let us into James's personal VIP area.

James was not there yet but we were told to wait for him there and help ourselves to the stocked bar. Laurent stayed for a few minutes but then disappeared leaving us and Felix in the VIP section. Since Felix was there watching us almost so intently it was creepy, we had to keep our conversation away from the task at hand and focused instead on the show below us. We also watched the waitresses and the bartenders to see how they worked.

At 11:30 James finally showed up, only he wasn't alone. He had Laurent with him as well as a fiery red-head he introduced as Victoria.

"His wife." She added with a hiss as she sat down on his lap.

"Now, now V…these girls are here to replace Lauren and Tyler. Besides…you know the deal." He said as he all but molested her.

I turned to Alice and Rose only to find them looking at me with the same disgusted looks on their faces.

She nodded her head before moving from his lap and settling in a chair across from the three of us.

"Well…ladies you definitely look tempting this evening. I knew you'd look amazing when you actually tried to." He said to us then focused on my legs before licking his lips.

"Mr. Denali…" I said getting his attention.

"James, my sweet Bella."

I seriously wanted to vomit…or kick him the nuts. But instead I plastered on a smile that I hoped looked genuine as well as seductive. It apparently worked as he smiled back at me.

"James, it is then. We're here to accept the jobs you offered to us. We're in need of cash and as this seems to be an opportunity too good to pass up, we want it."

"Fabulous!" Laurent said from his place next to the door, reminding me that our gay friend was still present.

Victoria looked less than thrilled and somewhat skeptical but kept her mouth shut.

James clapped his hands together before standing up from his chair and walking over to the couch where we sat.

"Excellent news! We'll work out details tomorrow…"

"Actually, can we work out details tonight?" Rose asked earning a raised eyebrow from James. "It's just we'd like to know a schedule or how to dress so we can properly prepare tomorrow during the day."

"Hmm…we don't work on Friday nights baby. We play." Victoria purred.

"What Miss Rose says is valid though and this will only take a few minutes and then you can play all you want to." He said to her before turning his attention back to us. "The club is open Tuesday – Saturday. Every night is 8 pm to 3 am. You are to be here no later than 7. If you're late, there will be repercussions. You will get a fifteen minute break every other hour unless it's extremely busy. I run a strict business. You are to obey the rules or you'll be dealt with. As you're not dancers, you are not allowed back stage except to deliver drinks to the girls between sets."

"Is that all?" Alice asked.

"Your personal lives stay outside. In here, you belong to me. I own you. And never…I repeat never go into my office unless I invite you in. Obeying these rules will result in me treating you so well, you'll never want to leave." He said as he took Victoria's hand and helped her up out of the chair. "Welcome to Noir ladies. I'll see you tomorrow at 7. As for tonight – you're off the clock. Please stay and have fun. I'll be…unavailable for the remainder of the evening but Laurent will help you with anything else you need."

And then he was gone as was Felix.

Laurent was standing in front of us grinning like a fool though and before we could say anything he was talking a mile a minute about how much fun he was going to have with us working there and he just knew we would become great shopping partners.

"…and you three just seem so much more fun than the skanks already working here. And let me tell you…stay away from that Jessica. Wow…that one's just special. So…anyone special in your lives?"

"I thought James said to keep the personal lives outside?" Rose laughed.

"So there is special man-meat. Do share!" He said as he plopped down in the chair across from us.

"We'd rather not." Alice said.

"Oh come on! Please! Just a little something…judging by the blush coming from Bella over there, I'm guess they're steamy."

"You could say that." I said as I sipped my vodka cranberry.

"Shopping, spa day and then I'm getting those dets out of you three."

At the mention of spending money, I did some quick thinking and acted further on us needing cash that we'd mentioned early. Laurent seemed fairly close to James and he was clearly nosey so he might have something to divulge to us.

"Money Laurent…we need money to go shopping in Beverly Hills and do a spa day." I tried to say in a joking tone. Rose and Alice both gave me slightly confused looks but then put smiles back on their faces and laughed as soon as Laurent started speaking again.

"Oh girls…I got you and so does James. We'll just tell him that I've decided you need makeovers for the club to give you a fresh look and I'll get the money from him. He's always got a stack on him. The man is loaded; I tell you what his business definitely keeps him living a life style…"

"The club does that well?" Alice inquired causing Laurent to stop short and stare at us for just a second.

"Yes." He said quickly.

It was the shortest answer he had ever given us to a question and all but confirmed that Laurent had details we would need to get from him.

"Well that's cool. Means we'll be busy and tips could be good." Rose shrugged.

"Tomorrow work for you? Be good to start the new job looking all stylish!" He bounced around back to his normal self instantly.

"Tomorrow is good. We'll do shopping, lunch and then afternoon spa." I said.

"I'll call my spa and see if they can fit you in. I have a standing afternoon appointment at 3…that should give you girls plenty of time to get ready for your first night. I suggest coming in a little earlier than 7 as it will make you look better. Also, don't forget to bring me your driver's licenses and social security cards so we can get you on the payroll." He said and I could just see the end of that sentence playing in his eyes, 'and do background checks.'

"Sounds like a plan! I love shopping and as my wardrobe reminded me this evening – I need something new!" Alice said bouncing in her seat remarkably like Laurent had earlier.

"Yay!" he screeched. "Meet me here at 9 tomorrow." He added then left as well.

The three of us looked at each other then rolled our eyes before downing the rest of the drinks and heading out.

As soon as we stepped out of the club, I reached for cell phone. 1 missed called and 2 texts – all from Edward.

Em's hungry again – going to get a late night snack. If you're on your way home – you want anything? – E

So it's going on 1 and we haven't heard anything from you. U ok? – E

It was now 2:30 so I quickly typed a message back to him as we walked to the car.

Just left. All is good. – B

"Okay so he may be sex on legs, but he's clingy." I laughed as I pocketed the cell phone.

"They're just worried about us. Hell I'm worried about us." Alice giggled. "We might be in over our heads ladies."

"Too late now." Rose sighed as we pulled away from the curb.

It took us 10 minutes to get back to the apartment and when we got there we found each one of them asleep. And even though I had given them permission to use the beds, they were still in the living room. Jasper had taken the couch, Edward was using the chair, and Emmett was on the floor practically in the dining room.

It wasn't exactly the scene we thought we'd walk in on. I fully expected them all to be staring intently at the door waiting for us to arrive, Edward with his cell phone in his hand. As it was, it did appear that he had been holding in cell but when he passed out, it fell to the floor and the battery had popped out of it.

Alice held a finger up to her lips indicating we should be quiet and let them sleep. Rose and I agreed knowing that they, like us, hadn't gotten a lot of sleep the night before.

We agreed silently to set our alarms for 8 to allow plenty of time to get to the club and meet Laurent and then we each headed off to our respective bedrooms.

I had just changed into a tank-top and shorts, when the thought of one of them waking up in the middle of the night and not knowing we were home crossed my mind.

"Well shit…" I mumbled to myself before quietly sneaking back out into the living room. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, I didn't want to wake them, but I didn't really have a piece of paper to write a note on either.

Once in the living room, I realized the only thing I had to write on was a box that we had unpacked earlier. I shrugged before trying to locate the permanent marker.

After finally locating the marker, I bent over to write a quick note on the box. I was halfway through the note when I heard a sharp intake of air and what almost sounded like a growl coming from behind me causing me to quickly stand and turn around coming face to face with the DEA agent haunting my every thought.

"Jesus fucking hell." Edward mumbled as he pulled at his hair and shook his head.

Even in the darkness I could tell his eyes were focused not on my face but my tits and my body reacted to his attention on its own accord. My whole body flushed as if on command as he continued to stare. I felt myself heat up from the inside and the urge to attack his lips was almost unbearable.

To distract myself from the sudden need, I started rambling.

"You were all asleep when we got home and we didn't want to wake you up since we know you didn't sleep much last night but then after I laid down, I realized that you would probably freak out if you woke up and didn't know we were home. Since your cell phone is in three pieces on the floor, I knew you hadn't received my text letting you know we were on our way and…I know you probably wanted us to wake you so we could give you details, but we have to be up at 8 so we can meet Laurent at 9 and so…"

"Bella." Edward finally spoke and interrupted me which was probably a good thing because I was just going to continue talking like a damn idiot.

I stopped talking and starting chewing on my lower lip to keep from saying anything else while I waited for him to continue.

"We can catch up on everything Sunday since apparently tonight went down without any problems." He said as he took a step towards me. "I'm glad you girls are back safe and that you apparently texted me like I asked…but, who the hell is Laurent and why are you meeting him at 9?" He finished as he took yet another deliberate step towards me, bring him within inches of me.

I took a shallow breath before looking at him Since I was barefoot, I was close to a foot shorter than him and he was so close to me I had to literally look up to see his face.

The jealousy raging in his eyes completely ruined the moment for me though.

"Oh for fuck sakes." I huffed crossing my arms over my chest. Edward looked taken aback to my sudden change in attitude but instead of saying anything he just cocked an eyebrow at me before his eyes drifted back down to my chest, which was not very much on display having crossed my arms and squeezed my breasts together.

When I realized that he was once again distracted, I sighed and dropped my arms to my sides. The movement snapped him back to reality and he returned his focus to my face.

He certainly did look adorable when he was confused.

"Laurent…" I began and with the mention of the name Edward narrowed his eyes causing me to roll mine in response. "Laurent is the manager or something at Noir and very gay. He's taking us shopping and to get makeovers tomorrow before we officially start working tomorrow night."

"Oh." Was his lame comeback.

"Yeah. We'll be out of here by quarter till 9 in the morning and then won't be back here until around 5 or so to get ready for the evening. After that we'll be back here at 4 probably. We'll text you Sunday when we wake up and we'll make plans to go over anything we have at that point."

"Umm…ok." He said still confused by the change in the atmosphere surrounding the two of us.

"You all are still more than welcome to stay here or you can get the other two up and go home." I said as I turned back towards the hallway.

"Bella?"

"Hmm?"

"…good night."

"Good night Edward." I said then disappeared down the hall and into my bedroom.

Once again though, sleep was hard to come by and when I did sleep I was bombarded with images of Edward.

And we're not talking G rated images either. We're talking adult only images which seemed to have been on replay in my mind even after waking up.

When I wandered out to the living room later that morning, I found that the guys had left at some point before 8 and for that I was actually thankful. I was pretty positive I wouldn't have been able to face him and not blush like a silly school girl after the naughty images my subconscious was able to put together.