$GREED$

"Did she specify which McDonald's?" Edward occupied the passenger seat, studying his surroundings. His knee bounced like there was a spring attached to his heel.

"There's just one, and it's on 183; it's like a main street. Colorado Street, actually."

"I can't believe she's been in Lockhart this entire time." Edward shook his head, disgusted, though he didn't exactly know why. "Fuckin' half hour away from us."

Felix tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel, frustrated. He wondered if the red light would ever turn a shade approximating green. "It's not like she was permitted to call us," he sighed with a shrug, "and she probably didn't even know where she was until tonight when she ran into town anyway."

Another two miles passed in tension-saturated silence until they spotted the oversized, glowing yellow M in the distance.

"There it is!"

"I see it; relax." Felix's voice remained calm as he pulled his sedan into a parking space close to the front door. It was quarter till one, and there was only one other vehicle in the lot. A split second after he had the gear shifted into park, Edward clawed around in the darkened car for the door handle. Felix's arm shot out to stop him. "And where the hell do you think you're going?"

"I can see her from here!" Edward threw his hands toward the window. Isabella was tucked in a corner table, her hair hanging in her face while wringing her hands. "She's pale as a damn ghost, I have to go see her!"

Cue Felix's wry grin. "And you're about to rush into a fast food joint–that's lit up like Mardis Gras—to save the day like her knight in shining armor? I'm sorry," he shook his head, "do you think it's in my job description to talk you out of a massive panic attack and save Isabella from rogue mafia hit-men all in the same night? Because . . . fuck that; it's not."

Felix was right, but that only made Edward feel even more powerless to help Isabella through this unimaginable debacle. What kind of man was he? Did he truly think he was worthy of Isabella? He couldn't even function as a normal human being or friend, let alone someone who had declared his love for her all those months ago. He was a fool living in a fantasy world, and he knew it. Growling, he slammed his head back against the seat. "Just— just go get her, would you?"

Felix opened the car door but turned back again to address Edward. "And don't grill her and make her any more frazzled than she already is, okay? Let's just get her out of here and figure out what the next step is back at your place."

Edward nodded, his eyes closed. He focused on his breathing, knowing he was moments away from that anxiety attack Felix mentioned. On one hand, he felt thrilled that he would have Isabella in his home again. She'd be there; maybe she'd even sleep in the guest bedroom—her room—tonight, and she'd see the lamp still lit. It could be another small victory for them, like the truce they forged in Abilene three months ago before she got hidden away in the safe house for the duration of all the court proceedings. Of course, on the other hand, Edward had no idea what the future would hold. Was this just going to be a tease before his heart would be crushed again? Would they get in touch with the federal agents who would whisk Isabella away and make her disappear forever? There were too many variables and not enough answers . . . and Edward knew they were on borrowed time. After a few deep breaths, he moved to the back seat so that he could be of some comfort to her during the ride back to Austin . . . or maybe it was selfish on his part because he just needed to see and feel her close again after this madness.

The back door opened, and Isabella scrambled into the seat. He stiffened but studied her for a few seconds, watching her curl in on herself, her arms wrapped around her shoulders as she puffed out choppy breaths from her tear-stained cheeks. One look from Felix, and Edward knew they were thinking the same thing.

The irony of Edward remaining the calm one, attempting to ease Isabella and being the clear head in this scenario was not lost on him.

Edward reached out to touch her hand. "Hey," he whispered. Her fingers tightened around his in an instant—like a newborn's grasping reflex—with a combination of comfort and desperation. His heart hurt for her.

She looked up at him, scraping her tangled hair behind her ear. "Thank you." Isabella's broken voice, coupled with a stream of tears, prompted Edward to pull her into a hug. He was grateful in that moment that she didn't resist, but rather tucked her arms into his chest and buried her face in his neck. "I'm so—so scared."

Edward nodded and continued to rub her back while Felix sped off toward Austin. With any luck, they'd be back in his apartment before two and figure out where they would go from there.

$GREED$

"It's only a matter of time before the agents come to question us." Felix rubbed his fingers back and forth over his eyebrows. "I mean, we didn't give that female detective our cards or anything, but all she has to do is a little bit of research, and she'll be on our doorstep looking for answers."

"Did you get rid of the agent's phone Isabella used to call us?"

Felix nodded. "It's long gone. No worries."

Claudia placed two cups of coffee in front of Edward and Felix, who were seated at Edward's dining room table. It was quite early, just after seven in the morning. They allowed themselves to get a bit of rest after they returned from rescuing Isabella in the middle of the night. Felix went back to his apartment where Claudia had been waiting for him, and they managed to get a few hours of sleep. Edward, on the other hand, was running on empty. Isabella came back to Edward's apartment, and she followed him back to her old bedroom, not balking at all. He offered her a t-shirt and sweats after she showered, and she cocooned herself in the sheets and blankets, falling fast asleep. Edward found solace sitting in the corner chair at the foot of her bed, watching her breathing even out. Though dozens of questions ran through his mind, he couldn't help but thank whatever deity looked out for them that he was able to put his eyes on Isabella again. She was with him, safe . . . and he'd do whatever he could within his power to keep things that way.

"Morning." Isabella's voice sounded raspy and unsure as she approached the two men. "Have you been up long?"

Felix shook his head and Edward just offered a pensive smile, not wanting to make her feel any worse that he hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours.

"Oh! Good morning!" Claudia came around from the other side of the counter to introduce herself. Felix beat her to it as Isabella turned with a grin.

"Isabella, this is my girlfriend, Claudia Angiello."

Isabella reached out her hand to shake, but Claudia embraced her instead. Edward could see that Isabella was taken aback at first, although she seemed to relax her shoulders and welcome the hug before Claudia pulled away. "I'm thrilled to meet you. I'm sorry it's under such awful circumstances, though. I just want you to know I'm in your corner." She wrung her hands as Felix leaned in to kiss his girlfriend's temple. "Can—can I make you some breakfast?"

Isabella held her hand up. "Oh no, nothing right now. I'll just grab a cup of coffee."

"Sit," Claudia whispered with a wink. "Let me get it for you."

"Thank you." Isabella's smile appeared genuine. Edward wondered if she ever remembered what it was like to be taken care of. He took care of her. He wanted to do it again, but he shook himself from his delusional thoughts and cleared his throat to finally speak up about the mess.

"Did you hear anything last night?" Edward asked as gently as possible. "Were there any threats from the shooters?" he fidgeted with his coffee cup, searching his mind for the right words, "or—perhaps did the agents tell you what to do while you were being attacked?"

She shook her head, leaning to the side as Claudia set a mug on the table for her. "The guys wore masks. One of the attackers alerted the other that there was a third agent. I think they were shocked to find that out, to be honest. It was ironic; the third guy had only arrived a day earlier." Isabella's facial expressions were the picture of bewilderment.

Felix and Edward exchanged a look of deeper concern just before Edward spoke up. "I wonder—"

"If somebody fed them information," Felix nodded, finishing Edward's thought. "I mean, yes, it's plausible the agents might've slipped up and were followed so that the shooters knew where you were, but if there's a dirty cop involved somewhere in the chain . . ." He trailed off, sighing and shaking his head. "We can't give you up. Even if we don't reach out and the detectives come here searching for you instead, how can we turn you back over to them? Clearly their protection is shit."

"The WitSec program is pretty solid from what I've gathered over the last few months," Edward added. "A breach like this is rare, at least that's what I found in my research." He turned toward Isabella, whose eyes had become glassy.

"You did research?"

If his sheepish look didn't give him away, his response did. "Those people were in charge of keeping you safe, Isabella. Just because our friendship fell apart, it didn't take away my concern for your safety." Her stare locked on his face until he became self-conscious and had to look away, but not before he murmured, "I couldn't stand not knowing—I just needed to know you were all right."

Felix cleared his throat, halting their tender moment. "I don't think you're safe with them. Someone pretty powerful is after you, and they found somebody who's willing to give you up for a price. I mean, shit! We don't even know if this is definitely the D'Emilias. You screwed over a hell of a lot of people in the last few months." Felix looked back and forth between Edward and Isabella. "This could be anybody who wants you to pay for what you did or silence you before you say anything else."

"Felix!" Claudia snapped, smacking her thigh. "You're scaring her more!" Claudia stomped to the bathroom and came back with a box of tissues.

"We don't want to scare you." Felix's voice was quiet but stern, and he planted his index finger on the table with every word he spoke. "But we need to make some hard and fast decisions. Right now. Where can you go?"

Isabella jutted her chin out. "Where can I go? Felix, I have no money! They froze all my funds here. I have thirteen dollars in my fucking pocket. Care to start chauffeuring me around again so I can turn some tricks to earn my dinner?"

Edward buried his face in his hands, sickened, hearing Isabella's momentary break from reality.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it."

"Well, what did you mean?" She cocked her head. "You said it a few months ago; I've got nobody! My mother is a flake and a half, and even if I trusted her enough to keep her mouth shut, I'd go crazy staying with her for God knows how long!" Isabella huffed, folding her hands on the table and quieted her voice. "I cannot involve her. She'll get us both killed."

Felix chewed on the inside of his cheek. "Maybe we can take you with us to Grand Cayman today."

"We're still going?" Claudia questioned.

"I don't know what our other options are at the moment," Felix said, shrugging. "You'll come with us and we'll get you a room until we figure out a more permanent place for you."

"I don't think that's wise." Edward's interruption caused all of their gazes to fall on him. "They know she has accounts down there. That'll be one of the first places they look after they track down my apartment and her mom."

"Maybe just somewhere remote in the Midwest?" Claudia offered. "Or middle-of-nowhere Wyoming?"

"Unprotected . . ." Though it seemed like he'd questioned her, Felix was just mulling things over aloud.

"I think I should take her out of the country."

Every face whipped toward Edward again. Claudia's eyes widened, Isabella's jaw dropped, and Felix leaned forward across the table. "You." Felix's head dipped in disbelief. "You. Are going to take Isabella out of the country."

Edward nodded, allowing himself a glance at Isabella, who sat frozen and mute, her gaze ping-ponging between the two men.

"How the in the ever-loving fuck are you going to do that?" The bite in Felix's words resounded crystal clear. "Pardon me, ladies."

"In all honesty, I don't know, but what choice do we have?" Edward widened his arms. "I—I can do whatever I need to do for the company and other ventures the same way I've always done. My role has never been more than a voice on the phone or a dimly lit face on a computer screen, and I can do that anywhere in the world. You have a life here." He gestured to Claudia. "Your girlfriend is here. Your families are here. Yours is the face they see up at Cullen Oil. Having you relocate is illogical and unfair."

"But—"

"No!" Edward pointed at Isabella. "She can't be alone, Felix! I don't know how I'll do it, but I'll figure it out, right?" He started ticking off his fingers. "I made it to a lawyers' meeting in Dallas, a hotel room in Abilene and then Lockhart last night all in the span of four months or so. Fuck, I wanted to be the one to go into the McDonald's last night, but you stopped me. I was ready!" Edward pounded his fist on the table. "If it concerns her, I'll always be ready." He stiffened, regretting his audible confession. Granted, it was no surprise that he cared about Isabella, but to say it out loud in front of all of them was unprecedented. He shook it off and continued. "Who's to say I can't escort her out of the country . . . if she'll let me, that is."

They all sat in silence, staring at Edward. He was right; somehow, between his desire to help Isabella and the time he spent working with Dr. Banner, he'd stepped out of his shadowed doorway several times and come through those experiences unscathed.

"Besides," he scoffed, "a plane is just like an extra-large car, right? Except in the air . . . and possibly over water . . . with artificial light everywhere." The corners of his mouth turned up in his crooked smile, and they all chuckled. "It'll be a cakewalk."

Isabella was the first to stop giggling, though it had been a welcomed moment of levity. "But where?"

"Italy." Claudia's voice was an excited whisper. "My mother's cousin owns a few villas all over the country. I could call her and find out if anything is vacant right now."

Felix shrugged. "It's a thought. Call her and see if it could work." He ran his fingers through his hair before resting his chin on his clasped fists. He looked back at Claudia. "I think it's important that you and I leave as soon as possible for Grand Cayman, though. If the Feds come snooping, we need to make it look like things are business as usual around here."

They all nodded before Claudia and Felix excused themselves to make some calls to her family in Italy. Edward was left at the table, watching Isabella walk toward the guest room. He wondered if his suggestion disgusted her. He never asked her how she'd feel about being in his presence around the clock. So much had gone on between the two of them: so much hurt, so much anger, too much mudslinging while so many other words were left unsaid. Yes, they were able to find civil ground back in Abilene before she disappeared, but they needed to get to the heart of all that went wrong between them, and discover what was right, if it ever really existed.

He followed her into the guest room and found her sitting on the bed, staring out at the Austin skyline. Another scorcher was predicted; temperatures in the triple digits and not a cloud in the sky. Not that Edward knew what a scorcher truly felt like. He was always surrounded by air conditioning, always protected from the elements that affected ordinary people. He was about to discover all of the elements first hand, though. He leaned against the doorframe, hands in his pockets.

"I guess I should've asked you in private if you'd want to go away with me." He furrowed his brows. "I didn't give you much of a choice out there."

She studied him before speaking. "I still don't understand why you'd ever want to help me. After everything that's transpired, Edward . . . stepping out of your comfort zone, leaving everything you've ever known, risking your emotional, maybe even physical health?" She winced, looking back out the window. "I just don't get it. All that risk? Where's the reward? I don't think it's worth the cost to you. You don't deserve this."

He could see a tear rolling down her cheek before she dashed it away. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.

"There will be a lot of risk . . . for both of us. But, aside from Felix, you're the only person I've ever cared about, who's ever cared about me. I'd do anything for him, and I've already told you that I'd do anything for you." He turned, looking out the window. "I know you don't think you're worth it, and that it's all loss and no gain at all on my part, but I just don't see it that way. And what about me? If we go through with this crazy idea, you'll be stuck with a reject that lives in the shadows." He pinched his lips, shaking his head. "No, I don't think this will be easy or fun, but it'll definitely be worth it." He grabbed her hand, and she threaded her fingers through his. "Knowing you're safe is a reward. Your life," he tightened his grip, "that's the reward."

A/N: Crazy love and thanks to my GREEDy team: Lay, Hoodie, Born, Cejsmom and Momo. Couldn't treasure you more. Thank you to all my readers and those sending me reviews. So glad you're all enjoying this bumpy ride! See you Sunday!

xo, Jen