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Chapter 11
Scandals & Secrets
(Two Weeks Later)
Edward WAS JUST about to step through the open doorway of his office when Tanya was suddenly blocking his path. Great she was all he needed after a long evening in the presence of her father and his grandfather planning out their lives. He wasn't in the mood to be around anyone in that moment and didn't appreciate her sudden appearance at his office door. He grunted his displeasure and moved to go around her.
Edward!" Tanya called to him.
He stopped and turned his gaze upon her, "What do you want, Tanya?"
She smiled, "Apparently the same as you."
"And what would that be?" He asked.
"I can see that you don't want to be with me as much as I don't want to be with you." She stated.
He gave a small shrug of his shoulders, though he couldn't mask the suspicion on his handsome face.
"I see that you doubt me."
Edward's eyes narrowed on her and he wondered what she was up to, "Can you blame me? You're father seems very determined to have you married off to I." He said suspiciously.
"Yes…he does and I can tell you I am not in agreement with his reasons."
"Really, and what are those reasons?"
"He feels threatened that I might stray, that I would be willing to give up the crime life to live happily with my lover."
Edward's brow rose at this information, "So there's someone else?"
Tanya nodded her head, "Yes, and I am doing this to keep… her safe."
In that moment, Edward was shocked. He stood there mouth gaping with amazement. Her! This would be completely amusing if it wasn't so fucking serious.
Tanya was gay!
"Please say something?" Tanya said wringing her hands in agitation.
"You're gay?' he asked like an idiot.
Tanya nodded her head.
"Well this changes things." Edward said.
"So you see-"
"You want to be with a woman?" He asked again seeming not to be able to wrap his mind around what Tanya was saying.
"Yes." Tanya huffed distressed.
"So this plan to marry us was a way to keep you from the one you want to be with?"
"Yes."
Edward laughed, "That's just fucking insane, because it's the same for me right now."
Tanya's eyes widened, "Are you gay too?"
Edward's shocked expression turned thunderous; "No!" he hissed and pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation. "I am not."
"Oh I thought-"
"Well you thought wrong," he snapped glaring down at her.
An awkward silence fell between them as they stood there lost in their own thoughts.
"So what are we going to do about this?" Tanya finally asked breaking the silence between them.
"We are just going to have to change their minds."
"How would we do that it's impossible?"
"Well, it will have to be something major… to cause them to see things in a different light so to speak."
"I don't know Edward right now I am at a loss as to what to do."
Edward went to answer her than suddenly remembered that they were standing in the hallway where anyone could overhear there conversation, without another word he took ahold of her arm and guided her inside of his office closing the door behind him. Once inside he removed his hand from her arm and started to slowly pace back and forth across his office, "You will have to become someone my grandfather will despise."
"What do you mean?"
He stopped pacing and turned to look upon her. "My grandfather is very old fashioned, besides wanting the power of uniting the Cullen's with the Denali's, he hopes for an heir to make sure that the family line continues. My mother wants to be a grandmother too, if we are able to convince my mother that you are not suitable enough to be my wife then she might be able to change my grandfather's mind."
"I'm sorry Edward, I still do not understand."
"What I am saying is …I would need you to act like a complete and utter bitch. Become someone that would not be happy or willing to become pregnant, someone who is only interested in materialistic things and how much money you will acquire." Edward sighed and ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "Making my mother not like you will be a plus."
"And you think acting the part of the selfish, conniving bitch will do the trick?"
"Yes."
"What would you're part be in all this, Edward?"
"I will continue being the selfish bastard that I am known for." He said and hoped it would be enough to hopefully deter Alistair from making this decision for the both of them, and to also keep him from hurting Bella.
"I would never have thought that the almighty Edward Cullen actually gave a damn about anything other than himself. Though when you're in love that perspective on life suddenly changes, does it not?" Tanya said.
Edward chuckled and shook his head, "Tanya this has nothing to do with love. I want a girl, and apparently so do you. Its pure lust on my part and I will stop at nothing until I get what I want."
"Really," She asked. "Then why would you go through so much trouble for this certain someone if it was only lust? Seems to me that deep down there is more…" Tanya stood there staring at him with a knowing smile plastered on her beautiful face.
"Don't act as if you know me Tanya, for you will be sadly mistaken." Edward muttered harshly. He could not take the chance of letting her or anyone else know of his weakness when it came to Bella. Because it would most definitely cause problems later on down the road if someone were to get wind that Edward Cullen had a weakness.
Tanya continued to stare at him and contemplated what he was asking her to do. Could she do this? Could she pull off acting the part of the shellfish bitch? After all she'd always wanted to be an actress…she'd been good in high school plays. One thing for certain was she couldn't continue going through life without her significant other, and right now she was desperate enough to try and help Edward pull off a stunt like this to hopefully change her father's mind.
"Alright I'll do it," she said.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"Yes…"
"Good then so it begins," Edward said with a devilish smirk. "Now we just have to convince your father, my grandfather, and mother that we are entirely not suited for one another.
"I just hope we can pull this off for both our sakes," Tanya replied. "For I hate to see what would happen if we failed. I-I don't think I could live with myself if my father were to hurt the woman I love."
"Then don't fail," Edward said in a hard tone, before walking away from her and ending their conversation, leaving a stunned Tanya in his wake.
…
(One week later)
Esme Cullen EYED her son, approving the strength she saw in Edward's face so much like her own. She was considered the matriarch of the Cullen family, understood what family was about- property, heritage, money, responsibility's passed from generation to generation.
She was wholeheartedly in agreement with her father- in- law when it came to wanting her son Edward married off. She understood that there had to be marriage. There had to be children. Like her daughter Alice she wasn't content with the possibility of Edward marrying the Denali princess. This union between the two of them to unite the Cullen's and the Denali's was not a marriage Esme favored.
The woman his grandfather chose was not right for him; But how to make Alistair see? How to change his mind?
At least the wedding date had not been set. She'd asked Alistair to agree on a courtship for Edward and Tanya to buy them time. Alice had come to her in secret telling her about a woman named Bella that Edward was seeing…a woman that was everything that she Esme would want in a wife for her son. She was shocked and angered when Alice told her that Alistair had threatened the life of this woman to get Edward to do his bidding. She was even more surprised to hear Alice say that her cold hearted brother…had fallen deeply in love with Bella though he was too stubborn to admit it.
If her son was falling in love with Bella, than she had to be a special woman…for him to agree to marry another to keep her safe from Alistair. It wasn't fair to him or Bella to be put in a situation such as this, and she needed to fix this before Edward made the biggest mistake of his life. She wanted him to be happy, wanted him to have something to live for, to love besides his family. It wasFebruary now, the mobster's ball wasn't until October.
Eight months Esme had to somehow show Alistair that uniting the Denali's with the Cullen's using Edward and Tanya would never settle things between the families. So far she was unimpressed with Tanya. She was selfish, and self-centered, and used to getting her own way. She was disrespectful to a number of their family members including her and her daughter, and she wondered if she was using her beauty and cleverness to get Edward to do her bidding.
Though Alice had said Edward had not shown any interest in women since Bella came into his life there was still that little uncertainty in the back of her mind that they were being intimate. Something she hoped they were not; especially after the last conversation she'd had with Tanya stating that she didn't want children because it would ruin her perfect figure.
Pregnancy would not be attractive to her and she couldn't phantom for the life of her why Alistair was excited about this match. After all he's the one that wanted an heir for the Cullen thrown. With Tanya there would always be excuses, delays, outright refusal as to why she didn't want to become pregnant. How long would that last into their marriage before Alistair started demanding an heir?
She pulled herself out of her thoughts as she once again glanced at her son who sat brooding in the chair across from her.
"Edward, are you sure this is what you want?"
Edward nodded cautiously, "Yes. I would not have agreed to this if I wasn't sure." he said as if trying to convince him.
"*Mio figlio I can see that you do not want this union with Tanya."
She watched as Edward fidgeted uncomfortably in his chair, and shook her head. He always had trouble giving way to his emotions especially those that came from the heart. And yet what did she expect being he was raised to become the head Don of the family?
She needed to find a way to get Edward to open up to her about Bella. Ever since Alice made mention of her she'd become extremely curious and finallydecided there was no easy way but to just come right out with it.
"*Mio figlio, tell me who Bella is?"
Edward stiffened, his eyes widened in momentary surprise. He then turned his startled gaze upon her.
Esme nodded, "Yes I know about her. Why would you keep something like this hidden from me?"
"*Mamma, How did you find out about Bella?" he asked roughly, anger then panic crossing his handsome face.
Esme waved her hand, "I have my ways."
"But-you, Alice," Edward hissed pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Please don't be mad at her, Edward…she means well."
"She needs to mind her own business," he muttered.
"So are you going to tell me about her, or leave your poor mother hanging?"
"She's just some girl I met…"
Esme leaned forward and gazed directly into her sons emerald green eyes, "Really, Edward, just another girl, is she?" she asked sarcastically. A knowing smile graced her beautiful face as she watched the small blush enter her son's cheeks as he tried in vain to hide his emotions from her.
"Fine, she's different okay. Though I am not sure where we stand right now."
"What do you mean?"
"She will not see me."
"And why is that, *Mio figlio?"
"I've been terrible to her and do not think I can fix it."
"What is so terrible that you cannot fix?" She waited with baited breath to see if he'd open up to her.
"I met Bella months ago at Uncle Aro's restaurant. She is a waitress there…the attraction was instant and mutual. I pursued her relentlessly, she did not know who I was and I found myself lying to her about my true background."
Esme gasped, "Edward are you telling me your with this girl who has no idea that you are a mob boss, and not just any mob boss but the leader of the Cullen crime family." Esme asked stunned that her son could be so deceitful to someone he apparently cared about. "How could you, Edward."
"Mamma you don't understand. She's the Chief of Police's daughter…she's Charlie Swan's daughter, Isabella Swan."
"She's the Chief of Police daughter! You're involved with Charlie Swan's daughter."
"Yes, now do you see why I had to lie? If she knew who I was, whom my family is I know I'd lose her and I don't think I could handle that right now." Edward confessed, letting her in, letting her see his weakness when it came to his Bella.
"*Che cosa avete fatto?"
"What have you done?" His mother accused him and he had no answer for her except he was sadistic, selfish, and a bastard. He was still beating himself up regularly for not telling Bella the truth from the get go.
"You do realize that you have put this family and Bella in danger with your involvement of her?"
"Yes."
"And knowing this you still kept her in your life? Is this the reason your grandfather is so gung ho about wanting you to marry Tanya Denali? Does he know that you're sleeping with the Chief of Police daughter?"
"Yes, but she's not just a lay. She's-she's…" he trailed off not sure what to say. He knew he cared for her, wanted her, lusted for her… but at that moment didn't think he was in love with her. "*Dio what she must think of me especially after…" he faltered out.
"I sometimes think it's the bad things that happen that forge character," Esme mused. "To rise above them, to endure…"
"What are you talking about?"
"To fight and keep what you have," Esme said strongly.
Perhaps it was the vital conviction in her voice that caused Edward to look at her considering. "You don't understand, it's not that easy…" Edward said then trailed off frustrated.
"I agree with your grandfather, to a certain extent. Our bloodline needs to continue, after all that is what matters to him most being he is getting old. To have what he and his processors built remain in the family and continue to be built upon. You understand this, Edward."
He nodded.
"I am sure you know that will not be easy to achieve," Esme continued, needing to talk her problem through with him so he could comprehend it. "This family has been one of the strongest among the mafia world…we have lost loved ones because of it…but it has made us stronger…."
"But that isn't what-"
"Listen to me Edward, you have done your father and I proud," came the quiet summing up. "Holding it all together for the family; I watched you grow into a man and achieve all you have."
"But it can so easily end mamma."
Esme shook her head and shot a keen look at Edward. "I want my son married with children one day to safeguard the future, but I also want you to be with someone you love….someone who will love you in return…someone who would make you a good mafia wife."
"And who do you think would be a good pick for me?"
"Possibly this Bella of yours…"
A hesitation, then slowly, "So you don't approve of Tanya? Why not she seems nice…very polished."
Esme grimaced at his careful comment on her character, her eyes flashing in mock humor. "No I do not."
"Ah I see but it's her beauty that captivates me so."
"That is what I'm afraid of," Esme muttered under her breath, unhappy that her son could be so callous.
"What was that, momma?"
"She is beautiful, but she has a heart and will that's not to giving in that young body of hers."
"Well grandfather seems to."
"What your grandfather thinks is no concern to me." Esme said disgusted.
"Mamma, please do not upset grandfather more than he already is concerning Bella."
"Oh fiddle sticks that man is an idiot if he cannot see that Tanya is not the right woman for you or the rest of this family."
"Mamma!"
"In truth I want to meet this Bella of yours so I can see first-hand what she is like. The last thing I would want is for her to be like you're soon to be fiancée."
"So you're unhappy with my choice."
"As I have said I do not think Tanya will make you a good wife."
He had an instant understanding. Appreciation, too, of the dilemma he found himself in. "I don't know what else to do." He muttered running his hand through his tussled hair.
"Don't let this other woman go…find a way to change your grandfather's mind before it is too late."
"Why would you say that you haven't even met her?"
"Because a woman who is able to capture and keep my sons attention is telling me there is something special about her."
"Hmm if you say so, momma," Edward mused. "It's not as though grandfather would ever accept Bella. You know how he is Mamma."
"Edward, you have been frittering away the years with money hungry, gold digging, loose women. Your grandfather was unhappy with your choices…choices that were not suitable to become the next Cullen bride. You know how old fashioned he is, especially about the leaders of the family settling down with a suitable wife. If he were to get to know this Bella of yours, instead of thinking the worst of her, he just might change his mind."
"He'd never agree to Bella."
"Well, Tanya Denali in my opinion is just like all those other women. To her and her family ours is a source of wealth and power nothing more."
Edward gave a light chuckle and shook his head. If she only knew, he thought to himself. Though he would not be the one to fill her in on the little plan Tanya and he devised to make sure that the very engagement she was talking about never happened.
(Flashback)
"What do you want, Tanya?"
She smiled, "Apparently the same thing as you."
"And what would that be?" He asked.
"Of not wanting to be saddled with someone we don't want to be with." She said.
"I see that you doubt me."
"Can you blame me? You're father seems very determined to have you married off to me."
"Yes…he does and I can tell you I am not in agreement with his reasons."
"Really, and what are those reasons?"
"He feels threatened that I might stray, that I would be willing to give up the crime life to live happily with my lover."
Edward's brow rose at this information, "So there's someone else?"
Tanya nodded her head, "Yes, and I am doing this to keep… her safe."
"So this plan to marry us was a way to keep you from the one you want to be with?"
"Yes."
"So what are we going to do about this?" Tanya finally asked.
"We are just going to have to change their minds."
"How would we do that it's impossible?"
"You will have to become someone my grandfather will despise." He stopped pacing and turned to look upon her, "Also making my mother not like you would benefit us as well."
"What do you mean?"
"My grandfather is very old fashioned, besides wanting the power of uniting the Cullen's with the Denali's, he hopes for an heir to make sure that the family line continues. My mother wants to be a grandmother too, if we are able to convince my mother that you are not suitable enough to be my wife then she might be able to change my grandfather's mind."
"I still do not understand."
"What I am saying is …I would need you to act like a complete and utter bitch. Become someone that would not be happy or willing to become pregnant, someone who is only interested in materialistic things and how much money you will acquire. Making my mother not like you will be a plus."
"And you think acting the part of the selfish, conniving bitch will do the trick?"
"Yes."
(End of Flashback)
Snapping out of his thoughts he pierced his mother with a hard stare. He was happy to see that there plan was working, and hopefully by the mobster's ball there would be no engagement.
"So you want to meet, Bella?' he asked a smile gracing his handsome face.
"It would be nice to meet the woman who has stolen my son's heart."
"Mamma, it is not like that. As I have said I care for her deeply. But I am not in love with her."
"Yes, yes I heard you."
"Fine, If Bella and I should get back together, then I'll arrange a meeting, but you must promise me that you will in no way hint of who I am or what we are. I will not do so unless I have your word."
"Then you have it, *Mio figlio."
…
(Two months later March)
THE IDEA PRAYED on Bella's mind for the past two months. She wanted to surprise Anthony, by going to his place of business. After all the time they had spent apart over the last two months, she decided the best way to show him that she was ready to forgive him was to surprise him with that information. It seemed no matter how hard she'd fought her feelings for Anthony she was doomed to live in misery of missing him and wanting to be close to him. The loneliness and pain had finally caused her to break down in front of Alice last Sunday and to her horror found herself telling her about how she felt about her brother. Alice had been the one to help her come to terms with her feelings for Anthony and before she knew it she'd promised Alice that she'd try to have a serious talk with him about there so called relationship. She was ready to share with him her thoughts and feelings on loving him whether he was fully invested in her the same way. What better way to do that than to show up at his place of business unannounced after not seeing him for the past two months.
Though she was still puzzled as to why Anthony was reluctant to have her visit him at work…more often than not he'd change the subject when she'd try and bring it up. It sometimes made her question his motives, fueling that unconscious feeling in the back of her mind that he was keeping something from her. Maybe he was slightly embarrassed to be seen with her, being the plain jane that she was. But knew that couldn't be it because he'd always took her out to very public places and was far from shy about showing her off. Even Alice had said that he felt something other than friendship toward her. So what was the problem? Why was he always so reluctant? She thought.
So here she was now in her old rusted Ford truck making her way toward E&C Corporation. She had been there only once before when she was very young, and no one, she thought could have been more impressed by the hustle and bustle of all the business people walking into and out of the building. Even already having been there once it still wasn't easy to find, and she hoped that Anthony would not be mad at her for attempting to seek him out in his place of business. Then she laughed, her eyes glancing in the rearview mirror for any sign of her personal body guards following behind her and sure enough there was the black SUV. Why didn't she think of them before now they were probably notifying him that she was heading in the direction of his company…to think that she'd be able to surprise him? She thought bitterly.
Her confidence faltered a little as she wondered how he would greet her once she was there. Would he act like the distant, self-aloof, detached business man that he was? Right from the start she had noticed the invisible but potent aura that clung to him. Most of it had been an indication and extension of his personality, but that inborn authority could only have been made more formidable by growing up in a rich family. Or would he greet her in his carefree, happy to see her manner he'd developed when around her? But as she thought this she felt something inside her demand that she continue, and quit being such a ninny.
Once she found the building and parked her truck. She quickly got out and made her way to the entrance, and through those doors without feeling to out of place, and found herself standing in a surprisingly busy foyer, where she paused to glance around her, wondering anxiously what she was supposed to do next. A sigh broke from her, tension etched into every muscle of her body, and her mind was busy worrying about her next move to notice the way she caught more than one very appreciative male eye as she hovered there uncertainly.
"May I help you?" a woman's voice sounded from behind her.
Bella spun around startled out of her musings to look upon the woman who'd just spoken, "Yes-yes, I am here to see Mr. Masen," Bella stuttered.
"Is he expecting you dear?"
Bella bit her bottom lip and thought about her answer, deciding to lie, "Um sort of…you see his sister asked me to drop something off to him."
The woman looked at Bella with a calculated stare, "Then you can give it to me and I will make sure it is delivered to him."
"Well…err, you see I am under strict orders to personally give it to him." Bella retorted. The 'I don't buy it' lookthe receptionist was giving her made her continue quickly. "You can call her and ask her yourself if you don't believe me."
The receptionist continued to stare at her but she picked up her phone and paged what Bella assumed was Anthony's secretary in regards to if he was in his office at the moment, once she hung up her calculating eyes bored into Bella's.
"Mr. Masen's secretary said that he is available his office is on the top floor."
"Thank-thank you," Bella stuttered once again as she caught sight of her guards making their way into the entrance of Anthony's building. She quickly made her way over to the elevator and hurried inside hoping the doors would shut before the guards could get to her. She let out a relieved sigh when they did just that, and waited anxiously for the small car to reach the top floor. Once again she worried about what Anthony would say to her when he saw her standing in his office and hoped he wouldn't be mad at the surprise visit.
Bella didn't have long to wait as soon as the doors opened to reveal his floor, she saw him standing in the foyer waiting for her. Then her eyes fixed on his, and it was electrifying, Bella felt the same charge of awareness shoot through her as it always did at the mere appearance of him. He stood across the foyer wearing an Italian-cut suit with pale blue shirt and dark silk tie knotted neatly at his throat. His red bronzed hair was in disarray on top of his head as if he'd been running his hands through it, and he looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes as if he'd been having trouble sleeping at night.
Even after not seeing him in two months, her skin began to tingle, her eyes drifting downwards over sleepy emerald green eyes fringed by impossibly long eyelashes, and then there was his mouth, she noted with a dizzying swirl of senses that kept her completely held in there thrall. She had to hold back a groan as she hungrily stared at that mouth; it oozed sensuality, promised it, wanted and demanded it. It was a mouth of a lover, of a Greek God. A fire burst of craving flared in her breast, making her gasp, making her own mouth quiver, making her want to taste that mouth again so badly. She hadn't realized that he'd moved until he was standing in front of her.
"Bella," he breathed out as if he couldn't believe she was standing there in front of him.
"A-Anthony," she stuttered out as her heart beat rapidly in her chest, still caught up in his magnificent eyes to take notice of his sudden demeanor.
"What are you doing here?" he asked in a steely voice, as his eyes narrowed on her before darting around the foyer as if looking for someone.
"I-I wanted to surprise you," she answered suddenly aware of his hostile stance and attitude.
"I told you never to come here?" he sneered, taking a step closer to her and grabbed her upper arm in a tight grip, his eyes still had not made contact with hers.
"I-I thought you'd be happy to see me," Bella whispered, befuddled as to his behavior.
"You shouldn't be here, not while he…while my grand-damn it!" he swore and started to pull her roughly toward what she could only assume was his office.
"Hello Mr. Masen," his secretary said sounding slightly uneasy, after getting the gist of his mood.
Edward nodded, "Lauren where is Jessica?" He asked her.
"She went to lunch sir…and asked me to take over until she returned."
"Fine, meet me in my office," he commanded, and continued to pull Bella towards his office door.
Once inside Anthony's office she noticed how tastefully decorated it was. It had shelves of books aligning the walls. The back wall of his office had a huge glass window that overlooked the city of Port Angeles. His desk was a dark wood and had a computer and phone on it along with many papers and folders scattered on top of it, and two black leather chairs sat in front of his desk, which he steered Bella toward, "Sit down," he commanded her.
Bella just stood there gaping at him; she was completely taken aback by his behavior. Seriously what was wrong with him? Could it be that he was upset with her for wanting space from him? It would explain why he was being abrupt with her, though his mood swings always gave her whiplash; he was probably feeling the same when it came to hers. She thought. She was about to retort, when his secretary flounced into his office looking like a Malibu Barbie want to be.
"You needed me Mr. Masen?" she purred in what was supposed to be a sexy voice, making Bella want to gag. His secretary Lauren then turned her eyes on her and if looks could kill she'd be dead right then.
He nodded towards her, "I need you to cancel my twelve o'clock appointment, and make sure that no one else comes into my office unannounced."
What the hell was wrong with him? He's acting as if she wasn't even in the office with him he had yet to look at her. Why he didn't even make an effort to introduce her to his secretary, who looked willing to fall to her knees and to his bidding if he so much as looked at her. Bella spluttered to herself as she crossed her arms angrily over her chest, and raised an eyebrow in question.
His secretary huffed and looked away from her after she muttered a brief "Alright Mr. Masen is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No that will be all Lauren." He answered, apparently oblivious to the innuendo in her voice.
Bella didn't even give her a smile; she was to agitated at Anthony's behavior to worry about some floozy sectary of his right then. As soon as his secretary took her leave, Bella asked angrily, "What is wrong with you?"
With a sigh Anthony ran a hand through his tousled bronzed hair, "You shouldn't be here."
"You don't want me to be here?" she asked stunned. Though what did she expect after giving him the cold shoulder for the past two months.
He glared coldly at her, "No."
"I-I," she stuttered, shattered. She wasn't prepared for the pain slicing through her heart at his harsh words.
He didn't want her.
With a sigh he moved forward until he stood in front of her, "It's not a good thing for you to be seen here…if he…there's so much that could go wrong."
Bella closed her eyes and took a deep breath, his close proximity was causing her to be unable to think clearly…god she'd been away from him far too long.
"Why did you come here? Why are you seeking me out, after all this time?"
Bella winched. "I-I?" she took another deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Wanted to see you." she said turning away from him, the way he was staring at her was causing her to go weak in the knees.
"See me?" he was able to ask through a suddenly dry throat; he seemed to be unable to look away from her, his breathing becoming ragged.
Was he as affected by her as she was of him?
"Yes," she whispered, turning back to look at him. "We need to talk.'
His expression tightened, "Talk? You want to talk, why now?" he asked bluntly. "I think I gave you plenty of opportunities over the past months when I was constantly calling and texting you. I cannot help that you chose to ignore me."
She realized he wasn't going to make this easy for her, but she deserved his behavior after the way they parted the last time they were together, though he was partially to blame for the way she acted.
"I think it's time that we had our talk."
"And what if I don't agree to do so?"
"Then I guess I will have to accept that," Bella answered.
"Where are your bodyguards? How did you make it up here without them?" he suddenly asked her completely changing the subject.
"I gave them the slip…in the elevator," she answered hesitantly. Not sure how to take his sudden mood change.
He shook his head at her, grinning crookedly, "Bella I have those men guarding you for your own protection, why would you try to give them the slip knowing that?" he asked with a hint of amusement even though he was trying to appear angry.
"I really don't need all of those bodyguards, why must you insist that I do?"
"Bella," he acquiesced, adding emphasis and a sultry tone so that she shivered at the sound. "I've already told you."
He was too handsome, too close and too darned infuriating. Bella stepped back. "Well why don't you explain it to me again, Anthony?"
He inclined his head, nostrils flaring in acceptance of her clear challenge, "It would be my pleasure."
Bella was suddenly feeling very angry to the point she wanted to rant at him. She wanted to actually hit him, for acting and treating her like this. But if she was being honest with herself she mostly wanted to touch him and see if he was as hot and bothered by her as she was by him. Damn sometimes she despised this crazy attraction she had toward him.
"Since the night that you were held at gun point I swore to myself that I would provide you and my sister Alice with around the clock guards. It seems that Port Angeles crime rate has gone up and I personally feel better knowing that the two of you are safe." He said walking over to his desk and sat down in his chair, "Why must you keep fighting me on this?" he finished, and it seemed to her there was more too that question than what it seemed.
Bella puzzled over his bizarre behavior, and sudden mood swings, and wasn't sure what he was feeling in that moment seeing her again, after all he'd always been hard to read. She watched him pick up his phone and call someone.
"I want you in my office now," he barked into the phone before slamming it down in its cradle.
"What are you doing?" Bella asked.
He glanced up at her, "Calling your guards…I want them to explain to me why they let you slip past them, and why they let you come here to my place of business without my permission."
"Why do I need permission to visit the man that I love?" Bella asked quietly. As she uttered those words she could feel her heart literally wanting to burst from her chest, at that point she was laying herself bare and was scared he would reject her like she'd done to him two months ago.
Please, please don't turn me away.
He rose from his chair and came around his desk to stand in front of her, so close but yet so far away.
"Bella-"
With a strangled oath, he took the remaining steps toward her and roughly pulled her to his muscular chest, his eyes bored into hers. Bella felt like she was suddenly being sucked into the dark vortex of his emerald green eyes, unable to break contact. She could feel her breath catch in her throat; her heartbeats were suddenly falling all over themselves in trepidation, and anticipation. The tension rose, was so thick around them that Bella could almost taste it.
His gaze held her immobile and the ember that had glowed about them sparked to life in a blaze of desire. Bella watched it flare in the depths of his eyes and she knew the fire was reflected in her own. And all she really wanted at that single moment was to remain exactly where she was. In his arms forever, it had been far too long since she'd had the pleasure of being here. She closed her eyes in anticipation as his lips slowly lowered toward hers.
The sound of a throat being cleared caused them to jump away from each other, though Anthony had not let go of her waist. Bella seeing the men standing in the doorway instantly blushed and hid her face in his chest.
"Excuse us Mr. Masen," One of the men spoke up.
Anthony turned to look at them with a deadly, cruel expression upon his handsome face and Bella felt her body heat with desire…there was just something about a fierce, intense Anthony that called to her making her weak at the knees.
"Sorry, boss but you wanted to see us."
Bella still embarrassed gave them a shy smile as Anthony tugged her closer towards him, "As much as I want to continue this *cara, I need to deal with my men at the moment, please wait outside my office until I come and get you," he said.
Bella's eyes moved from Anthony's emerald green ones to look upon the three men standing before them and then back to Anthony before lowering her head. "No I want to stay here with you," she replied stubbornly, not wanting to leave him.
He grabbed her chin and titled her face up so he could gaze into her eyes. Gone was the easy smile and teasing glimmer in those emerald green eyes. Bella saw the glimpse of sadness and some other emotion before he closed his expression. She frowned. She had been told on numerous occasions that Anthony wasn't the sentimental type but now she was starting to wonder. Before Bella could dwell on that possibility, Anthony started leading her toward the door.
"No, you will remain outside," he commanded of her as he deposited her in a small waiting area with three chairs before turning quickly and reentering his office closing the door behind him.
"Well that didn't go as well as I had expected," she muttered under her breath as she took a seat and crossed her arms over her chest pouting and a little disappointed by the interruption.
Inside Anthony's office you could hear him giving her guards the third degree, there was no mistaking the anger in his voice as it muffled through his closed office door; guilt filled her for getting them in trouble, after all they were only trying to keep her safe, she just hoped Anthony would go easy on them.
Bella said very little, as she sat there waiting for him to come and get her. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle as a feeling of unease washed over her and pondered what could cause her to feel like that when she out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Anthony's secretary glaring daggers at her, in that moment if looks could kill she would have been dead. She tried to ignore her but it wasn't easy; what in the world would cause his secretary to look at her in that way. After about fifteen minutes of total complete silence coming from Anthony's office and no sign of him, she finally decided to leave, and that Anthony and her would have to continue their conversation at another time. She rose from her chair when Lauren suddenly appeared in front of her blocking her way.
"Stay away from him," Lauren hissed at her.
"Excuse me?" Bella said astonished by her behavior.
"You heard me, he's mine."
"Yours," Bella murmured.
"Yes," Lauren said taking a threatening step toward her, "I know who you are Miss Swan, and if you know what's good for you you'll stay away from him."
"How do you know my name?" Bella asked surprised that this woman knew her by name.
"Word spreads fast in the business world."
"What are you talking about?" Bella spluttered wondering why there was a fluctuation in her voice when she said business the way she had. Seriously what was wrong with this woman?
"Listen to me bitch, he's mine, and if you don't leave him alone you'll be sorry–"
A movement to her left caught Bella's attention and she glanced in that direction to see Anthony standing in the open doorway of his office glaring darkly at his secretary, and then at her, his gaze tracking between them as he listened to Lauren threatening her. She noticed that he tightened his grip on the door handle, and looked none too pleased.
Bella turned her eyes back to Lauren, and away from him, "I'm not sure what makes you think by threatening me that I'll stay away from Anthony." She said not realizing that he had walked over to where they were talking and now stood beside her.
Anthony had heard there conversation. His scowl was evidence that he was not happy with what he was seeing or hearing coming from his secretary. He cleared his throat letting her know of his presence. "Exactly what will Miss Swan have to be sorry for Lauren?" he snarled.
Lauren took a step away from Bella, before snapping her head in the direction of her boss. Her eyes widened and a small yelp of surprise slipped past her lips as she realized that he'd heard everything she'd just said.
She paled in the face of his fury, and began to back away, "I-I'm sorry Mr. Masen I-I didn't mean to-"
"Get out of my face before I decide to fire you," he sneered.
Lauren turned and hurried away.
"Oh and Lauren," Anthony called to her in a cold, steely voice.
She stopped and turned her head back to look at him, "If I ever hear you address Miss Swan in that manner ever again, you will be the one that will be sorry. Do I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
"Yes-yes sir," Lauren cried before hastily running down the hallway.
Bella in that moment was so worked up from the small spat with Lauren she decided that she was going to take her leave after all, and made a move to depart but was stopped by Anthony's voice.
"You're not leaving, are you?" he demanded more than inquired.
He looked concerned, which confused Bella even more. His mood swings were really starting to make her light-headed one minute he was mad and in the next worried. "Do you actually care?" she asked in bewilderment.
He leaned towards her, a whimsical appeal in the smile he constructed for her. "Yes."
"Well your mood swings are making me crazy."
"Hmm… I could say the same about you." He said smoothly, causing Bella in that moment to want to pull her hair out.
"God you are so-so…" she spluttered unable to get her words out. She was so agitated with him, with Lauren, with the situation she now found herself in, that she didn't know what to do. Nothing was going the way she had planned, had thought out before coming here today
"May I see you a moment," he said, taking her upper arm in a grip that wouldn't easily be broken. He practically marched her from the hallway back into his office.
"Anthony, what are you doing? Let go of me." Bella squeaked in surprise, completely flabbergasted by his behavior.
"Do you have any fucking clue how much that woman grates on my nerves?"
"I-I can imagine," Bella stammered.
"So you didn't answer me, were you going to leave?"
"Yes I was."
"Hmmm...I thought you and I were going to finish our explanation session. Instead I come out of my office to find you in a heated conversation with my secretary, and you trying to make your escape?" he accused in a hard tone.
Bella instinctively bristled, "For your information I was defending myself from that-that…" She hissed, pulling her arm free from his grip. She glared up at him. "I wasn't the one who started it, she attacked me. And as for leaving I figured you didn't want to continue with our conversation after the way you dismissed me from your office."
It didn't stop him. Her nerves were getting the best of her, she'd hoped that in coming here today it would be easy, but now she knew she'd been wrong. He brought to many emotions in her to the surface…some painful, some bitter, some of hopes and dreams of the day he'd return her love for him to her.
"It's been way to long," he remarked casually as he closed the distance between them, making her very conscious of how tall and aggressively male he was.
Bella felt her heart quivering, still reacting to his closeness and how he always seemed to affect her. Somehow, she summoned up an ironic smile.
"So you want me here at your…place of business?" She asked knowing full well that he did not want her here for some unbeknownst reason.
God he was sickeningly handsome up close, she'd almost forgotten over the last two months just how much. The compelling vitality he'd always emitted, His clear tanned skin gave his face a healthy glow even though he looked tired and worn. His hair was messed on his head in an untidy style that suited him. His nose was strong and straight and his mouth perfectly balanced. Although his jaw line was rather square, the firmly defined chin lent even more strength to his features.
Despite all of that it was his eyes that drew and dominated, piercing green eyes, all the more compelling for being set off by thick lashes and arched eyebrows which carried more than a hint of arrogance. They scanned her expression with too sharp an intelligence for Bella's comfort.
Anthony shook his head once, "It's complicated, Bella," he sighed exasperated.
"Then try to explain it to me."
"I can't, Bella." He said in a soft lilt that sent a shiver down her spine, as his eyes pleaded for her understanding.
All the defenses she could summon shot into place. He was not going to tell her, and for that she was not going to let him see how much that bothered her. With the most determined deliberation Bella could manage, she adopted a careless air.
"I didn't think so, though I cannot understand why." she threw him a dismissive smile as she added, "If you'll excuse me…" then proceeded to move around him.
His voice followed her. "Do you mind if I accompany you?"
It wasn't a shiver this time. Her spine literally crawled with a tangled mass of unresolved feelings. Oh how she wished that he would return her love…How was she going to be able to be around him loving him knowing that he didn't want the same from her. Such foolish, naive yearnings!
She squared her shoulders before glancing back at him. "Won't you be missed?" she asked pointedly, mocking the importance of his company in place of her.
"Right now you're the person I want to be with," he said with a directness that jiggled something deep in Bella's heart, and found she didn't want to deny him.
"It's your choice, though I am surprised," she quickly parried.
He shrugged his strong shoulders, "It's my choice to make."
There was purpose written in his eyes, indivertible purpose and some other hidden meaning that she couldn't decipher. With her feelings all over the place she wanted to defy it, she knew he would not be turned away. After all he seemed to be able to get whatever he wanted.
"Fine!" she agreed, relenting, weakling that she was when around him.
Before she had a chance to protest he took her by the upper arm and quickly escorted her from his office and into the elevator.
"Where-where are we going?"
"*Ti piacerebbe tornare al mio posto?" he asked quietly.
"I'm sorry but what did you just say?" She asked not catching what he'd said.
"I asked. Would you like to go back to my place?"
"Your place, but I thought you wanted to finish our conversation?"
"Yes, it would be private and we could talk with no interruptions."
She could only nod her head.
Once they had arrived at his mansion, Edward escorted Bella inside and to his living room, where she left his side and proceeded to walk over to his couch and sat down. He followed quickly behind her and took a seat to her left, leaning back into the thick cushions of his sofa. They sat there staring at one another as an awkward silence fell between them; though you could cut the tension in the room with a knife it was thick and heavy with their unspoken attraction for one another.
"Bella, tell me why after two months you have finally sought me out?" he asked gently, being the first to break the uncomfortable silence.
She took a deep breath and met his penetrating eyes, "I-I already told you."
"Indulge me." He said handing her a glass filled with a purple liquid.
She frowned. "What's this?"
"It's just wine. I figured you were thirsty."
"Okay." She said taking the glass from his hand and cradled it in hers, staring down into the purple liquid. "I wanted to try and make amends."
"Amends?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you contact me, instead of coming to my business?"
"I didn't think that you would want to talk to me after the way I behaved; ignoring you for the past two months." She lowered her head. Hair fell into her eyes, and he reached out to tenderly comb it back with his fingers.
"That's one of the craziest things I've ever heard you say. I'd much rather you have contacted me than try to sneak out of your house and around your guards."
"What is so terrible that you do not want me to visit you at work?" she asked exasperated with him.
"It's dangerous, Bella."
She gasped, "Dangerous in what way…I was just wanted to see you."
"Dio! How many times do I have to tell you that it is unsafe for you to be out on your own?" He exploded. "You could have been hurt, and without your guards there to watch over you."
"Well as you can see I am fine." she huffed.
"Maybe so but giving your guards the slip today was not a smart move, Bella."
He said taking a sip of his wine. "How am I to protect you if you do not take anything seriously?'
"I don't need your protection." She snapped stubbornly. "I was just fine on my own before I met you."
"Bella-" he implored.
"No! Just hear me out." She said cutting him off taking a deep breath, it would be now or never to try and explain why she sought him out. "I visited your place of work today in hopes that we could start afresh, I had plenty of time to think things through and I wanted to try and fix some things between us. Now I can see that maybe this wasn't a good idea." She paused and looked deeply into his emerald green eyes, "It doesn't matter though because I can't change how I feel…I need you to know that I love you."
Edward just stared at the beautiful woman sitting beside him on his couch, a woman who admitted for the third time, that she loved him. Two months ago she had spoken those words in anger, as though she were resigned to a fate she wasn't certain she wanted. Now two months later she spoke them with such eloquence, he didn't know what to do or say. He was shocked at first when he was told that a Miss Swan was there to see him, and then when his eyes beheld her as she stepped off the lift he'd been bowled over with the fierce emotions of seeing her again after two months of separation. All he'd wanted to do in that moment was pull her into his arms. It took everything in him to stand there and not rush over to her and do just that to devour her, and never let her go. But then reality sunk in and the realization that his grandfather was in the building and could come upon them. If he would have seen her there instead of Tanya….He shook his head not wanting to think about it.
In that moment some of the darkness faded from him. Her love reached out to him, and like a beacon of light it shone on him and felt a piece of his heart melt. He wished he could say those three words back to her. He couldn't, though, because that kind of intimacy scared the hell out of him. His sister had been right that he ran from his feelings…feelings he'd had since the first time he and Bella met, he had known they were two halves to a whole.
He sat there staring at her, and listened to the sound of his own heartbeat. In that moment he wanted to say the words to tell her that he loved her but they wouldn't come. So instead he said, "I care…deeply for you."
Bella felt a blush heat up her checks as she stuttered, "I-I know."
His gaze searched her heated, heart shaped face. "More than you'll ever know."
"It's all right, Anthony. I don't expect you to say you love me if you don't. I have done a lot of thinking over the last few months and have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how you feel about me my love for you is unconditional."
"Doesn't matter?" Edward was troubled greatly. No one other than his mother and sister had ever given him that kind of unselfish love. He could feel the prick of tears form in his eyes as he tried not to show her what he was feeling. Confusion and fear coursed through him. What if because of this she finally left him for good? What if because of his own selfish reasons something bad happened to her? He shook his head and pushed those thoughts away. Nothing was going to happen to her, he told himself. He wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to her. He felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him, and realized that Tanya and he needed to see their plan through if he were to ever have a chance with Bella. He vowed to protect her, keep her safe and that is what he would do, until his last dying breath.
"Anthony?" The apprehension in that single word brought him back to the moment. "Are you all right?"
She watched as a heartbreaking smile crossed his handsome face, "I'm sorry, love," he said softly.
He knew he owed her an explanation for why he couldn't say he loved her. With a sigh, he began to try to explain something he wasn't sure he understood, though how to put what he was feeling and thinking into words she could understand, and keep her from leaving him was going to be the hard part.
"Bella, I don't know what love means to me anymore. It seems like I should love you." His voice sounded strange to him. It was full of emotions he couldn't sort out…emotions he'd been feeling since he'd first met her all those months ago.
"Maybe it's because I haven't let myself open up and love anyone other than my mother. Hell maybe I'm afraid to love anybody because of the type of job I have consumes everything. I have learned to distance myself, and let it spill into other areas of my life…" He broke off not able to finish what he was about to say. To admit that he was living a different life style than he perceived to be; that he was a selfish, sadistic, power hungry mob boss who killed people for a living, and couldn't afford to let people into his heart because it would be a sign of weakness. So he changed course and said instead, "If I don't know what it means to me, how can I say it to you? It would just be words, and you deserve better than that."
You're such a fucking coward, Cullen. He scolded himself.
"Well, there's always time," she said. "Perhaps you'll figure it out."
Her response surprised him. He hadn't expected her to set aside her own deeply ingrained fears of trusting men to reassure him. "Yes." He nodded feeling oddly humbled.
He gazed at her for a long moment. Then said, "Until I am able to say those words and mean them heart and soul, you will have my loyalty, and deepest respect. No one will care for you more than I. You are and will remain the center of my existence."
Asshole she deserves so much more than you can offer her. That voice inside his head continued to rant.
"I've never been the center of anyone's existence before." A dazzling smile lit up her face, and his senses swam in its brilliance.
"What can I say? I want you." Selfish bastard that I am, he thought.
"You want me?" she asked, "But you said..." she dwindled off confused. Damn him and his mood swings the man was making her woozy.
"Haven't I made it abundantly clear to you how much I want you?" he purred as he moved forward until he leaned in and kissed her gently at first. Bella didn't respond for a moment so he began to apply more pressure until she responded by kissing him back, her body reacting to his closeness, to the scent of him as it always did.
With a groan her hands of their own accord, reached up to tangle in his messy bronzed hair. Edward began to lick her bottom lip asking for entrance in to her mouth, her lips parted granting him entrance. With a groan from him, their lips and tongues moved together.
"So does this mean I am forgiven?" Edward asked huskily.
"Hmmm, for now," Bella replied.
Suddenly a dazzling smile lit up his face as he rose to his feet. "I think there's been enough talk for tonight, don't you?''
Fucking bastard quit taking advantage of her like this, either tell her the truth or just let her go. The voice snarled at him.
"No! I will never let her go." He augured right back, ignoring the voiceof reason inside his head.
"Yes." She answered.
He held out his hand and she stood there staring at it for a moment seeming to contemplate whether she should take his offered hand. Then suddenly she raised her eyes looking up at him through her lashes before she placed her hand in his. Edward felt another shaft of light warm the dark corners of his heart.
"Stay here tonight," he implored. The need and want surging through his body could not be ignored any longer.
"Anthony…"
"Stay," he ordered softly, tugging on her hand, not giving her a chance to say no. He needed this, needed her, and in that moment he didn't want to think about his grandfather, or about Tanya. It was just he and Bella and he was going to make the best of it. He guided her out of the living room, down the hallway that lead to the staircase, and began to climb the stairs.
Are you mad Cullen, stop this right now before it's too late. The voice warned.
"Anthony." She whimpered behind him.
He turned his heated gaze upon her, letting her see how much he wanted and needed her to be with him in that moment. His body craved hers, and he couldn't go much longer without being inside of her.
No she's mine, and I want her, he thought, and blocked the voice of reasoning from his mind.
For a moment sheer terror fountained through Bella, and wondered if coming here had been the right thing to do. After all she'd just offered herself up to him on a silver platter, without him committing himself fully to her. But even as she looked into that strained face set in what looked to be a grim mask of need, the fear slowly evaporated to be replaced by the overwhelming love and need she felt for him and fitted herself into his strong arms with an intense, rapturous joy that had something of relief to it.
They had been playing cat and mouse for a while now, but now in this instance it was over, the chase had ended, the catch was secured in a timeless bond for her at least and she was powerless to stop the hot, molten, wanton desire that overtook her body, mind and soul. She didn't care anymore; she just knew she couldn't survive any longer without him in her life.
His mouth descended upon hers, hungry, demanding as though he wanted to punish her, devour her, but with her complete surrender of her feelings for him it altered miraculously, conjuring a radiant, seducing sweetness from some inviolate place hidden within her that no other man besides him had ever been able to reach.
Bella gave him all he asked for, everything he wanted, so ensnared by the piercing enchantment of the moment that she had no conception of caution. They were ripping at each other's clothing, removing it in the heat of their passion needing to feel flesh upon flesh.
When he picked her up she barely noticed, for her clamoring senses were overtaken by the dangerous security of his arms around her, the rapid tattoo of his heart beneath her check. But the slight roughness of the carpet beneath her feet broke the spell, and into her dazed mind there crept some sort recognition. It was a bedroom, they were in his room. She looked around to see a four poster bed set in the middle of the room taking in the dark silk drapes and masculine feel of it all.
"Do you like what you see?" Anthony asked, watching her from where he now sat in all his naked glory on his bed.
Somehow that simple question, banished all of Bella's qualms. Smiling shyly, her lashes drooping; when she looked back up and met his emerald greens, hers eyes said it all.
Edward sank down on the edge of his bed, and watched her as her eyes filtered around his room. He was naked, having shed their clothes during a passionate kiss on the stairs. His gaze left her for a moment and traveled over his room taking in the dark silk drapes, and the masculine things lying out on his dresser, over the walls. He shifted his gaze back to Bella who stood in front of him almost naked.
"Do you like what you see?" he asked huskily.
Smiling shyly, her lashes drooping; when she looked up at him again her eyes shined with love, passion, anticipation. It took his breath away. For an instant guilt filled him for not being able to give her what she wanted, for not being able to tell her what she needed to hear. But it was quickly replaced with a burning hunger as she reached behind her back and unclasped her bra.
As he watched her she no longer reminded him of a scared, uptight, naive little girl. She was finally letting go of her fears, leaving behind that self of her, risking the future. He felt awed by her tremendous, courage to love selflessly without knowing whether she would ever be loved in return.
"Bella," he groaned huskily, his voice deep, thick and shaken. "You deserve someone better than I."
A disconnecting thought snaked through his mind. A part of him was as tightly closed as she'd been when they'd first met. Regret filled him. He didn't want to be that way, but there was nothing he could do about it unless he told her the truth…and that's something he could not do. He knew sooner or later he would have to change his ways for her, but change was hard, even when it was desperately wanted.
She smiled at him. The desire and longing in that smile erased his uneasy thoughts. His heart beat faster.
"It doesn't matter." She said softly. "Nothing matters but this, you and I."
"*Dio, let me show you how much I care about you." He held out his hand once again pleading with his eyes for her to accept what he was offering her. Wordlessly, she came to stand in front of him. Her half-naked body revealed the ivory column of her throat and inviting slopes of her breasts.
He placed his hands on her hips, drawing her to him until she stood between his thighs. He stared long into her face, wanting to commit to memory of her like this.
"I've missed you so much, needed you so badly." His arms slid around her, and he rested his forehead upon her midriff. The warmth of her body penetrated through him leaving him wanting the feel of her more. He breathed in the scent of her intoxicating aroma mixed with strawberries.
"I need you too," she whispered.
Overcome by the love and tenderness in her voice, Edward squeezed his eyes shut. He felt her touch the back of his head, and then her hands trailed over his naked shoulders and down his back.
Desire flooded him, burning a heated trail to the lower region of his body. He lowered his head and moved his mouth across the naked skin of her stomach.
"I love you," she whispered.
For a moment, he could only hold her close. Then he said, "Since you came into my life, I've come to understand that you are my anchor, Bella. I need you to continue being that for me." God he didn't deserve this woman, but knew he'd never be the one to willingly give her up. His grandfather and the Denali's could go to hell for all he cared, and hoped to God that his plan was successful so he could be rid of at least one problem before it went too far.
"Oh, Anthony, I'll be anything you want me to be," she whispered, bending down to kiss his brow.
"You are so beautiful," he said looking her body over before moving his head to nuzzle and kiss the swollen tip of her breast. Heat coiled deep within his body.
Her skin felt so hot beneath his fingers and mouth. He heard her repeating his name in a low throaty moan. Her quivering body, the frantic movement of her hands on him told him that she, too, felt the hot-white heat burning between them. How could he give this up for another woman that his grandfather demanded he marry…there was no way?
"Bella!" Blood pounded in his ears. It had been much too long since they were together in this way. He couldn't wait another moment. Anything else he might have thought or said to her was lost in the flames of that desire. Together they removed her remaining undergarments over her hips and down her smooth, long legs until he dropped them to the floor. Then he was lowering himself backward onto the bed, pulling her on top of him.
Edward fused his mouth with hers, hungrily claiming, affirming his need for her. She was everything that made a man feel strong and tender all at once. He trailed his hands along the enticing curve of her waist and hips, reveling in the satiny feel of her skin.
The sweetness of having her tongue explore, taste, and tease the inside of his mouth ignited flames that blazed through his veins. She was his, holding back nothing, giving everything she had selflessly; that she would give herself so completely filled him with reverence, a reverence that revealed itself in his touch.
Tremors wracked her body. She twisted and withered over him, heightening his arousal. Her ardor made him hungrier, pushing him to the edge of reason.
Bella tore her mouth away from his to look into his eyes. Her heart overflowed with love for him. She wove her fingers into his bronzed, silky tresses. Her legs moved, rubbing against the hard roughness of his thighs.
He rolled her over to the center of the bed, covering her with his body, taking her mouth again with a kiss that grew more demanding, more enticing, more out of control. Everywhere he touched her she burned, burned until she could bear it no longer.
Bella broke the contact of their lips to scorch kisses down his throat. His husky groan excited her to the edge of madness. She wiggled restlessly against him, pushing at his shoulders until he rolled onto his back again.
She rose over him, spreading one thigh across his while dampening his flat nipples with kisses. The primitive, passionate woman she was seemed insatiable as she explored his body with hands and mouth.
The feel of his hands on her breasts drove her to peaks of pleasure so intense, she cried out. Thrusting her lower body against his, she communicated her readiness and need.
She whispered endearments as she moved over him and joined their bodies together. Desire raged, becoming a frenzied obsession for fulfillment. Tension spiraled inside her as they rocked in an age-old rhythm.
His grip on her hips tightened as their lovemaking reached a shocking strength. He thrust deeper and deeper, taking over her body entirely, forcing her further and further beyond the mundane into some unrecognized place until she cried out, her voice shaking with unbridled emotions. The force of it racked her from head to toe. She felt the stiffening of his body, strength gathering to his need, and then his head flung backwards and he spilled into her.
"Mine!"
She heard his guttural cry as he succumbed to his own ecstasy.
Bella collapsed over him. She lay there, too drained to move, listening to the beat of his heart and the ragged sound of his breathing. Then she became aware of his hands- such marvelous hands gliding over her back. She raised her head to look at him. His eyes were half closed. A soft smile rested upon his lips. After a while he stirred. Murmuring a soft protest, she linked her hands across his broad chest.
"It's alright. Sleep, now," he said his voice still thick with satiation. He scooped her up and rolled on to his side, and placed her to lie across his shoulder, drawing the bed covers over them both, he cuddled her close to his warm damp body.
She lay relaxed and inert across him, aware of the tangy scent of mingled sweat as it dried the scent of passion heavy in the quiet room.
"I love you," she whispered.
He slid his arm over her breasts, and knew she was already well on her way to slumber. Edward lay awake for hours cuddled up against her, relishing the feel of having her back in his arms where she belonged. He didn't want to think about the difficulties that would plague them if he continued living his life the way that he was. There were too many things that could go wrong. Tanya and he could not marry…Lucas and Black had to be dealt with…and he had to find the mole, before someone he cared for got hurt because he had failed. If he didn't tread carefully he would end up losing Bella and that was something he wasn't willing to let happen not now, not ever.
His turned his head to look at his nightstand and reached over to pull the drawer open and checked to make sure his gun was there. Satisfied when he beheld it lying inside; he closed the drawer and turned back to Bella, finally drifting into a deep, dreamless slumber.
Morning came. Edward awoke to find the sun's rays filtering through the silk curtains. He stretched, feeling rested and peaceful from a sleep untroubled by dark dreams.
Beside him he felt Bella stir, instinctively seeking his warmth. He rolled onto his side, propped his head upon his arm, and gazed at her face. Waking up with a lover had always made him uncomfortable. But waking up to find Bella curled up against him was a pleasure so rich, he couldn't begin to describe it.
She loved him. Knowing that filled him with overwhelming emotions. Although he liked the idea of her being in love with him, the feelings it evoked in him were new and perplexing. He cared for her in ways he'd never cared for a woman before. But was that love?
Her eyes fluttered open. A beautiful rosy blush spread across her face as she met his intense gaze. "Hello," she said shyly.
"Good morning." He brushed a kiss across her lips.
"Morning," she asked taking in the light shining in his room.
He smiled, "Hmmm."
"How long did we talk yesterday?"
"It was a while, then once we made it in here…well…" he trailed off giving her a sexy smile.
"So where do we go from here?'' she asked hesitantly.
His smiled broadened, "Right where we left off." And without another word made love to her with infinite tenderness.
Over the next few days, Edward slowly became aware of the emotions growing brighter inside of him helping push the darkness away. He didn't let it show amongst his men, but when he was with Bella it came across. Through Bella's loving eyes he began to see and accept himself as a good man, a man who still had dark thoughts and selfish motives at times, but nevertheless a good man. It was a sign of maturity, one that he knew his mother would be proud of, and it wasn't such a bad thing after all. He was well aware of the issues he still had to face on a daily basis…but he knew with Bella at his side he could get past them.
The darkness, of his dreams was gone too. He slept through each night he spent with Bella's soft, sweet body next to his, and when he woke on those mornings, he felt more at peace with himself than he could ever remember.
Unbeknownst to him love and happiness were sneaking up on him in little ways. In Bella's thoughtfulness, in her willingness to give unselfishly, in the sexy gleam in her chocolate -brown eyes, in her sweet smile. In the endless empathy and understanding she now gave him. In coming to terms with himself, Edward unconsciously opened his heart to the possibilities of loving her.
He would try for now to keep their relationship hidden as best he could until he was able to get his grandfather to see differently.
A/N: Alright there was chapter # 11 I hope you all liked it, I look forward to your reviews and until next time happy reading…
*Meaning of Italian words
Mamma = Mother
Che cosa avete fatto = What have you done?
Dio! = God!
Mio figlio = my son
"Ti piacerebbe tornare al mio posto?" = Would you like to go back to my place?