Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but the plot of this story is my own.

Author Note: I really had to stop myself from responding to some reviews, because I would have ended up defending characters and in the process divulged spoilers! Ahhh! I do know I have some controversial characters in this story, but in time my lovelies in time.

Also shout to my beta Fanpireish for cleaning up my grammar mess and providing me with awesome feedback!

Chapter 10

BPOV

The past several days had pretty much been uneventful. I had seen the rest of the recruits and finished all the lab work on them. No issues arose and for that I was thankful. I was sitting in my office/medical room waiting for Edward, since I needed to check on his healing progress and hopefully take the stitches out.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Come in." I answered loudly.

Edward came in and with a smirk said, "You didn't want to greet me at the door? I'm hurt." The bastard even put a hand over his heart, feigning pain. If he wasn't such an asshole, I may think he was attractive. Who are you kidding? Of course you think he is attractive…

"Haha," I said dryly while rolling my eyes.

Edward still had the damn smirk plastered on his mug when he sat on the hospital bed.

"Shirt off, please." I commanded, using a professional voice.

"Still trying to get me out of my clothes, I see." Edward replied with a wink, trying to be funny.

"As long as I keep mine on." I replied.

"Darling, we could change that in a heartbeat, after all I did promise that I would eventually see you naked," He said seductively,

I tried my best not to show a reaction. Fuck, why does he do this to me?

In the most professional voice I could manage I replied, "Edward, remove your shirt or I will have to use scissors and forcefully remove it."

"I like feisty and also don't mind a toy or two." He said with that fucking smirk.

Toys? What the hell did he bring that up? I mentioned scissors, but… Shit. Set yourself up for that one, Bella. In my defense, we cut off clothes in the E.R. during medical emergencies.

"Or we have option three where I assume you're refusing treatment by failure to undress and I go do something more productive than stand here arguing with you." I stated, letting my attitude show this time.

"Arguing? I thought this was foreplay?" Edward replied.

So help me God… I am going to the take the hospital pillow and suffocate him.

"Lighten up, Bella." He said while taking off his shirt.

I ignored him and proceeded with the exam. He was healing nice and with no signs of infection. I removed the stiches during which time Edward refrained from any additional comments. I conveyed to him which restrictions which were lifted and which were to stay in place. Edward nodded at the appropriate times and asked questions that were reasonable. This man was giving me whiplash! One minute he could be a cocky bastard making sexual innuendos and the next he was all professional. What the hell?

We finished up and Edward could take his leave at any time.

"I have changed out your entire security team. Now would be a good time to make proper introductions." Edward stated.

"Awww… New buffoons? You shouldn't have." I said in a sickly sweet, but still sarcastic voice.

By his facial expression, I don't think Edward could decide whether to be upset I wasn't being serious or found me actually funny. He then walked to the door and spoke with someone before walking to me with men trailing behind him.

I recognized one. Garrett, I think was his name? I didn't recognize the other two guys. The last one trailed in and… Fuck… it was Jacob.

"Bella, this is your new security team or as you put it your 'new buffoons.' Two will always be stationed outside your door or in the room with you, wherever you're at. The other two will always be close by though, so need to worry." He then pointed out who everyone was and informed me my cell was already programmed with their numbers (apparently he can have that done remotely). He then asked if I had questions, which I didn't, and he left. Peter and Mark left to go wherever "close by" was. Garrett then told me that he and Jacob would be outside the door and to let him know if I needed anything. I smiled politely and thanked him.

Garret didn't really seem that bad. He was with Emmett when they got Edward out of the hospital and… Shit. Why the fuck was a mob member one of my security? Edward had told me that they keep them separate. Had Edward previously lied? Was he changing the rules for me? That`s great, Bella. He fucking changed the rules so that you would have actual mob members be your security. Well I did break that one guy's arm… maybe that was the reason? Jacob and Mark were new though and from what I knew, strictly just security and legal. What did that make Peter? Most likely mob. Well that's fucking great. I shouldn't stress out. It`s not like the security doesn't know about Edward's involvement in the mob. It really isn't that much of a difference. Yeah it is! Two of your new bodyguards break kneecaps and necks for a living. Fuck, could I be tied to the mob now? Of course you can. You`re their doctor for fuck's sake. Yeah, but everything has been legal. I can't say anything because of the legal agreements and doctor-patient confidentiality. But this… This I didn't like. Who the fuck are you kidding? Do you really think that after your times is up, you can walk away and no one will connect you will the mob? I was freaking myself out. I was on the verge of a panic attack trying to figure out what my true connection was now.

I let out a frustrated scream. I've been so stupid. Did I really think that I was going to be able to walk away after my time was up? I took the deal because Jasper told me to and I feared what would happen to him if I didn't. I was living with the consequences now. I disregarded my training and buried all instincts and in the process have failed to see things around me. Let the other part come out. It will be beneficial to you. No, I can't risk it. It's too dangerous. Too dangerous? Or you actually afraid that you will start to enjoy this new life… Shut up!

The next few days passed and I added the new recruits' files. I took breaks for food and to go the gym. The estate had a full gym that I took full advantage off. I worked out for health reasons, exercise is important. I also did it so maybe I could control that other part. Between Edward's sexual comments and my inner beast wanting out, I needed an outlet. The problem was it wasn't really helping. Yeah it took the edge off, but I craved more. At meal times I opted to go the kitchen. Garrett and Jacob went with me and it honestly felt like I have two human-dogs following me around. Jacob seemed withdrawn and not his care-free self like he had been during his examination the week prior. I first chalked it up to him being professional, but something still seemed off.

During my next lunch I informed Garrett I needed to go to "Indulges"-Edward's strip club- the following day to perform routine exams on the girls. I also informed him it would take several days to get through all the girls. I had already informed Edward who told me the best time come, a few hours before opening, which I relayed to Garrett. Garrett then said he needed to make phone call about tomorrow and went to the other side of the kitchen. I was still in his sight, but he was far enough away that I couldn't hear his phone conversation. I decided to use the opportunity to approach Jacob about his behavior.

"You seem a lot more reserved now." I said.

No response.

"You were a lot more open and almost care-free during your physical examination."

No response.

"Did I do something to offend you?"

"I'm just doing my job, Ms. Swan."

"Ms. Swan?" what the hell? "What happened to Bella? And if I recall correctly, before you acted like you would be happy to be on my security. But now you seem cold and you're acting like everybody else." I was getting a little pissed, to be honest

"That was before I knew who you were." He stated calmly.

"Who I am? You know who I am. I am the doctor here. Tell me what else have you been told." I asked, demanding answers.

"I was told about your position with Edward."

"My position?" What the fuck was about?

"Edward made it very clear how you were to be treated. He also made it clear concerning your relationship with him. I am not going to get in between you two, and possibly get shot, because you want attention while he's away."

"What the fuck? There is no relationship between him and me! And I'm not some skank looking for attention. You and I treated each other friendly before and I thought that would continue now. But apparently you're a fucking lackey that listens to every word Edward says and never bothers to ask me about it." I was on the verge of yelling, but didn't want to draw attention to Garrett.

Jacob was quiet for a moment and then spoke, "Bella…" but before he could say anything else Garrett was walking over to us.

I was fucking pissed. What the hell was Edward saying about me? Was that the reason people were afraid to look at me and acted weird? What kind of game was he playing at?

The rest of the day passed, but I wanted answers. I considered approaching Edward and demanding answers. The downside was that he could do something to Jacob in retaliation. I wasn't sure if Garrett heard any of my conversation with Jacob, but I wouldn't put it past him to tell Edward or any of Edward's henchmen if he did.

The next day I prepared to go to Indulgences to begin examining the girls. It was the afternoon, but I had just showered and was now standing in my closet in only a bra and underwear trying to figure out what to wear. I had been mostly wearing dress pants and casual tops around the estate. What do you wear as an on-call doctor to a strip club? I decided to just wear dress pants and top. I was about ready to go when there was a knock at my door. We still weren't due to leave for another fifteen minutes, so Garrett better not be getting impatient.

It was Edward, oh joy.

"Getting ready to head to the club?" He said while looking over my outfit.

"Yes."

"I suggest packing a second outfit." He stated.

"Why?" I asked, in a ticked off voice.

"Because by the time you are leaving, the club will be opening up and you need to blend in. Wearing that will not be blending."

"Edward I really don't give a fuck-"

Bastard cut me off. "You should give a fuck, because I am telling you to do so for your safety."

"My safety?" I scoffed.

"Yes. I am trying to keep your position as our doctor under wraps as much as possible. I know Alice told you what happened to the last and I'm sure you don't want history repeating itself. Pack a club dress to wear when you leave. If anyone assumes you're there with me, just go with it."

"That is what this is really about!" I half-yelled.

"What?"

"Acting like I am there with you. Pretending to be one of your whores."

"Bella, you don't know what the fuck you are talking about." He said angrily.

"I don't? Then please explain why everyone around here acts scared of me? Why they think I'm 'yours' like a possession."

"It is for your own protection, but you're too fucking stubborn to realize it."

"Again with this protection shit!" I yelled.

"It fucking is! Did you ever stop to think how the security and organization would act after you hurt one of their own?" I knew he was referring to me breaking Ronnie's arm. "Did you ever think they wouldn't take to kindly to that? By saying you're mine ensures they won't do something the next time your temper gets out of control!"

"My temper?" I was on the verge on seeing red. Breathe Bella. Keep calm. Don't lose yourself.

"What about acting like 'I'm yours in public shit? Explain that?" I asked, still pissed, but more under control.

"As I already said, the less people know you're the new doctor, the better. Claiming you as mine ensures..."

"Claiming me! I'm not some fucking object."

"Fuck, Bella. I'm trying to keep you safe!"

"By putting a target on me as 'your girl'? I know how the mob works!" I yelled.

"You would have a bigger target on you as just the doctor. By making you both, all of security and my organization will ensure you are safe by realizing your importance. It also prevents in-house conflict, because they know I will put a bullet in anyone who touches you."

I scoffed at the last part. "Okay, Edward have it your way. I'll pretend when the time is appropriate and play along" I then stepped closer so I was right in his personal space. "But don't think for a second I will ever be truly yours," I seethed. I then turned to head for the day.

"We'll see about that, Bella" I heard Edward say before I opened the door and left, making sure to slam the door shut on my way out.

I was pissed, no, more than pissed- I was fucking livid. I now had to keep up this monumentally fucked up charade of being 'Edward's girl.' I agreed to it for the one night at the club, but this? Having to do this on a constant basis and around the security and organization? It was fucked up. Safety me ass… What if he does care about you and just wants you safe? No, Edward doesn't care about anyone but himself. Edward does things for his own benefit. Well maybe he… No! it just some fucked up game to him! Well you decided to play along Because I really don't have a choice. Don't have a choice or maybe you want it? Maybe you want him… No!

I felt like screaming. I felt hitting someone. I needed to calm the fuck down before I did something I regretted. I was playing a dangerous game with Edward. I needed to find out more about him if I was going to win. My mind was running rampant and at a million miles per hour arguing with itself over my feelings about the entire situation. I was playing a losing game- and I knew I had to make a huge comeback and play dirty if I wanted the upper hand at any point.

I had settled down during my car ride to the club. Garrett and Jacob stayed quiet and didn't make known whether they heard me and Edward's earlier argument.

We arrived and I was instantly in doctor mode. No matter what had happened earlier, I had patients now. I'd always been good at switching between doctor and civilian mode. Civilian? Fuck, was I reverting back to military ways? No. I couldn't let myself… Garrett lead me through a private entrance into the club. It was Edward's club but someone else did the everyday managing. I was supposed to get their name and info from Edward, but our earlier argument made that an afterthought, and we didn't get to it. I wasn't in the door before I was greeted by who I can only describe as a blonde bombshell.

"Hello, I'm Rosalie, but you can call me Rose. I manage the day the day to operations here. Edward informed me that you are new doctor and would begin the routine exams on the girls today." She said it with a smile, her managerial attitude coming through. Her blonde hair and blue eyes were striking and she had a body most girls would kill for. There was something familiar about her… I couldn't put my finger on it, though.

"Nice to meet you Rose. My name is Isabella, you can call me Bella."

"Okay, Bella," she said with a throat laugh, "let me show you to the examination room."

She led me down several hallways and then into a room that looked more like a hospital room than my office at the estate. It was laid out like an emergency room, with several different beds divided with partitions. Does every place Edward own have one of these? He had told me previously that everything I needed, apart form the files, would be here. It was still surprising none the less.

Rose sent the first girl in and got to work. Each girl had to provide a blood and urine sample. I also had to perform a vaginal examination which included a pap smear. I labeled as I went along and put the containers in a transport case. I would have to perform the lab work at the estate. After finishing up, I asked Garrett to have someone transport the samples for me.

"Finished up, darling?" I turned around to see Rosalie. Darling? Jasper used to always say that… Shit! Now I knew why Rosalie seemed so familiar

"Is your last name 'Hale' by chance?" I asked.

"It is."

"You're Jasper's sister." I said it more like a question.

"I am. He has been really torn up about you too. I've offered to talk to you, but Jasper didn't want me approaching you out of the blue."

"What did you want to talk to me about?" I asked, slightly curious.

"Well, answer explain how Jasper got into this life, and answer any questions you may have."

"That would be greatly appreciated actually." I said honestly. I had a lot of questions.

"Awesome. Let's go downstairs so we can get a drink while we talk. But first you'll need to change."

"Change?"

"Yeah. You'll stick out like a sore thumb down there and we will be opening soon." She replied. Did Edward talk to her before I got here after our argument?

"I didn't bring another outfit."

"No worries. Alice already stocked you a closet here for situations just like this. Follow me." And I did. We ended up in a decent sized room with couches and chairs. There was a good sized walk-in closet fully stocked with clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry.

"I suggest anything in this section." She said.

It was all dresses that were either very short, skin tight, had plunging necklines, or some combination of the three. I settled on maroon dress that would show a good amount of cleavage but wasn't super short. I changed and it fit snugly. I then put on a pair of heels since my flats would look weird paired with the dress. I didn't bother with jewelry. My hair had been up in a ponytail for the exams so I it took it down. I walked back out in the sitting area where Rose was.

"Perfect. Let's head downstairs." Rose said. We headed out and I noticed Jacob's eyes rake over me before a grimace formed on his face. I ignored him and followed Rose.

The club was mostly empty except the workers prepping for opening. Rose went behind the bar and pulled out two glasses.

"Any preference?" She asked.

"Surprise me." I said

She made us drinks and I took a sip of mine before Rose dived into the conversation.

"So you're probably wondering how Jasper got involved in this kind of life." Rose stated.

"Yeah. All I know is that he wasn't adjusting well back home, so he came here because that's where you were."

"Is that all they told you?" She asked.

"Yep." I said.

"Well Jasper did come here looking for me. What he found wasn't pretty. I was in deep shit and needed help."

"What kind of stuff are we talking about?" I asked. I assumed it was something with the mob.

"My ex-boyfriend, Royce, got me hooked on drugs. I was a junkie who was just looking for their next fix. Jasper tried to help me get clean, but at the time I didn't want help. Royce got involved with some dangerous people. He owed people and then stole product from Edward's guys."

"And by products, you mean drugs."

"Yeah. I think Edward's guy might have been in on it though and set Royce up to take the fall. Well some of the product was stashed at mine and Royce's place, but I wasn't aware until Edward's guys come by one day looking for it. I panicked and called Jasper. Edward's men were turning the place upside down. They found what was at the apartment and demanded to know where the rest was as well as where Royce was. I had no clue where Royce or the rest of the drugs were. They ended up calling Edward to have him come over. They weren't sure what to do. If I was a man, they probably would have shot me on the spot, but there are rules dealing with women and children. Edward came but he still wanted retribution for the stolen product that still wasn't found."

"But you didn't know where it was? Or had any involvement stealing it in the first place."

"They didn't know that for sure. Around that time Jasper showed up and I was so sure Edward was going to shoot him. Jasper talked his way out of it of course. He then negotiated with Edward and made a deal."

"A deal?"

"Yep. Well first Jasper would assist on a job and if successful the deal was made. Jasper pulled the job off and the deal was set."

"Which was?"

"Jasper would work for Edward for two years to pay back the money Edward would have made off the drugs that were never found. Also Edward and his men made sure I got clean and that no one would ever sell to me again. After going through withdrawals the way I did though…."

My expression was enough for her to explain further. "I was basically locked up in cellar for weeks. I had access to food, water, and a bathroom, but it was hell. Withdrawals are a bitch to endure."

"They locked you up and Jasper allowed it?"

She laughed. "It was his idea actually. He knew a legal facility wouldn't work for me. I needed the old-fashioned detox. It worked too. I never touched drugs after that. I'll have an occasional drink of alcohol, but nothing else. I am extremely grateful to Jasper for doing what the did, for both making a deal with Edward and the detox."

Well that changes things. I never considered Jasper joining the mob to help his sister.

"When is Jasper's time up?" I asked.

"It was up a little over a year ago."

"He stayed?"

"Yeah. Edward offered him a permeant position and he couldn't pass it up. He had found Alice and I had settled into life here so it made sense."

So Jasper made a deal with the devil, and then chose to stay afterwards?

"Does Edward do that a lot? Make deals with people?"

"Not really. He was able to see something extra in Jazz." She replied.

"Oh the special training…" Which is why he probably offered me my deal.

"Well that and something else."

"What do you mean?" I asked, a little confused.

"He has to see potential. Also if he knows they will stick around for the long run."

I wasn't sticking around after my year was up. Edward is mistaken if he thinks that.

"I also think he negotiated with Jasper because of me and Jasper's bond." Rose stated.

"Why do you think that?" I asked.

"Because him and Alice share one as well. I think he saw Jasper willing to do anything to help his sister and saw himself. He loves Alice and would kill anyone who even thought about hurting her. He even gave her a lot of free reign after Senior passed."

"Senior?" I asked.

"Their father."

"Oh…"

"No one has told you about their dad?"

I shook my head.

"Well about six years ago Senior got sick, cancer. They kept it under wraps though. Hired a personal doctor and converted a bunch of rooms to make an at home hospital." That explained all the medical equipment…" Edward was 23 at the time Senior first got sick. As time went on, Senior got worse. Edward started taking over more responsibilities and eventually was running it all and Senior was just the face to outsiders. It made Edward more cold and calculated. He was young and knew his father wouldn't survive the cancer.

Senior tried to marry Alice off for a business deal, but Edward prevented it. Edward may be cold killer, but he loves his sister. Alice wanted to start her up own clubs and Edward helped. He knew Senior wouldn't allow it so he kept it all in his name until Senior died, which was a few months ago. He turned all of Alice's clubs over to her legally and gave her free reign of decisions. He then gave her and Jasper their blessing to get married. Alice planned a wedding in a few short months and were on their honeymoon when Edward got shot."

"You know about that?" I asked.

"Of course. I am Jasper's sister and close with Alice. I also run this club for Alice, but also for Edward, since it's all connected. Emmett informed me of what happened and asked that I make sure it remained quiet."

"How did you end up running the club?" My curiosity had gotten the better of me at this point.

"After I got cleaned up from the drugs, Alice helped me get a job here. I mainly did set up and clean up. I never danced or anything. I started helping with management of the girls and eventually Edward had me run the day to day operations. He's still the boss of it all, though."

"You ever think of leaving?"

"No, I have it good here. I'm clean, have a job, and near my brother. I also have friends and people to depend on."

She made it sound so easy, that joining this lifestyle was no big deal.

"What about the illegal parts? That doesn't bother you?" I asked.

"It used too, but then I realized none of the girls are forced into the illegal side. They had a choice."

She had a point…

Fuck. When I saw her reasoning, it was hard to argue. Hearing about her and Jasper's history made me even more conflicted. Hearing about Edward`s involvement didn't help either. He could have killed them both, but didn't. He obviously loved his sister and cared for her. How could someone be a cold killer, but still have a caring side? It didn't make sense… It also didn't help my wavering ethos. Was he serious then, about keeping me safe? I thought it was just a game… but was there some truth?