Disclaimer: Twilight and all the associated characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. The story line and all their naughty little actions come to you courtesy of me.

Investing in Love – Chapter 10

Edward and Mike have been talking in the office for the last 10 minutes, but it feels like it's been 10 hours. I'm using the benches in the waiting area for their intended purpose… waiting… because I need to know what's going on in there.

"Hey Bella!" Alice comes bouncing out of the auditorium. "How was your practice today? Last one before the big event." It takes her a little bit to realize something is off. "Wait...What are you still doing here? What's going on?"

I give her a shrug because I honestly don't know. "I'm not sure," I nod my head towards the office door. "Edward stormed in after our practice and demanded to speak with Mike. They're in there now. I'm waiting right here until I find out what's going on."

"Really? Wow… Jasper said that Edward has been a little on edge lately. I guess they are having some issues at SpyTech. Someone's apparently leaking inside information to their competitor." Alice informs me.

"I guess that explains his bad mood, but why would he take it out on Mike?"

"I don't know…" Alice shrugs. "Did Mike do something to make him mad?"

I think back to what Mike was telling me about Edward warning him not to touch me. Mike did have his hand on my thigh, but how in the world would he know that? Wait, unless... he told Mike he has eyes everywhere…

"What is it, Bella?" Alice notices my contemplative expression.

"Well I'm sure it's nothing, but Mike was telling me about a confrontation he had with Edward. I guess Edward didn't like how Mike tends to be a little…hands-on. So apparently Edward warned Mike that if he touched me inappropriately again, he would make sure Mike never dances again. I guess Edward claimed to have 'eyes everywhere'…" I said using air quotes and rolled my eyes.

"So did Mike get 'handsy' today?" Alice inquires.

"Not until the end of our practice when we were sitting on the stage talking, but Edward wasn't even here then. He couldn't have seen it."

"Well, that depends if he was watching the monitors or not." Alice says this so nonchalantly like I should have thought of it myself.

"Excuse me? What do you mean, watching the monitors?"

"Jasper told me that they installed security cameras, so I guess if the monitors were on and Edward was watching, he could have seen Mike touching you."

I'm in shock. Surely Edward didn't come all the way over here because Mike was touching me, did he? I mean, I can't deny that I like the idea of him being protective but…watching me on camera? Isn't that more like stalking, or possibly borderline psychotic?

"Bella? Hello? Earth to Bella!"

I snap out of it when Alice starts waving her hand in front of my face. "Sorry, what where you saying?"

"I was saying…I just talked to Rosalie and she is giving you the night off on Friday so we can go out on the town. I thought it would be fun to go out somewhere other than the BDL. What do you say?"

"Sure, that sounds like fun." I don't really comprehend what I just agreed to because I'm still considering the possibility that Edward Cullen might be stalking me. I'm not sure whether to be creeped out by that or… turned on? No, definitely creeped out, not to mention pissed!

"Oh, good! We're gonna have so much fun!" Alice bounces while clapping her hands. "I'm staying at Jaspers again tonight, but I'll swing by the apartment tomorrow with the perfect outfit for you!" Alice can't contain the smile on her face. It makes my heart swell to see her so happy. "Okay Bella, I'm going to head out, but let me know what you find out about what's happening with Edward and Mike." With a little wave she is gone as quick as she arrived.

I don't have to wait much longer. The office door swings open and as soon as I see Edward walking out, I stand up, no doubt with a look of concern written all over my face. He stops as soon as he sees me, seemingly surprised I'm still here. He stares at me for the longest time before walking over to me.

When he stops next to me he doesn't look me in the eyes, and sounds very formal when he speaks. "You won't have to worry about Mike Newton bothering you anymore. This charity event will be the last time he ever dances with you. I will work on finding you a new dance partner, and I'm sure I can find someone equally as talented or better."

With that Edward starts to walk off. I reach out and grab his arm. "Edward, what in the hell are you talking about? What have you done?"

"The only thing I know how to do. The only thing I'm good at. I'm protecting my investment."

I release his arm as he pulls it from my grasp, and walks out of the building and into a sleek black Ferrari waiting for him.

I'm dumbfounded and left staring at the empty curb where Edward's car was parked when Mike startles me. "You need to stay away from him, Bella."

I turn to look at Mike, still confused about what just happened. "I'm so sorry Mike. What is going on? Edward just said…"

Mike interrupts me and says, "You don't have to worry about me, Bella. He's getting me a pretty good gig with another dance company, so I'll be fine. Besides, I think his main concern was keeping us apart."

I'm still stunned, and I have a few tears running down my face. I can't help it; Mike and I have been partners for 6 years. I can't believe Edward did this…what gives him the right? Who does he think he is? "Are you sure? I….I can try and talk to Edward about this. Maybe this is just…I don't know….maybe it is just a misunderstanding."

Mike reaches up and wipes the tears from my check with his thumb. "No, Babe, it's for the best. We can't help the sexual tension we have between us, and he can see it. It's better this way, really. It probably isn't a good idea for us to mix business with pleasure anyway." He gives me a wink.

I suddenly feel better because for one, Mike is delusional as always about the so-called 'sexual tension' between us, and I won't be sad that I don't have to deal with that anymore. And two, Mike really seems to be okay with this decision.

But I'm also more confused than ever. Edward was so mad when he arrived, yet he didn't just get rid of Mike, he gave him a better opportunity. Maybe he's not the tin man and does have a heart after all? At the same time, the fact that he did this to Mike because of me, claiming to be 'protecting his investment,' makes me furious. I'm not his possession, or as he keeps calling me, one of his investments; yet I can't deny that his possessiveness intrigues me.

I have to get my libido and my mind on the same page. His caveman tendencies are driving my libido wild, but my mind knows guys like Edward are bad for my heart. I just need to find a way to satisfy both my libido and my mind. I guess 'Big Eddie' will just have to be enough for my libido right now…

A/N: Thanks to Chiefexecutiveeditor I have a blog where you can check out some pictures for this story. Go to angelsandusky . BlogSpot . com(with out the spaces ;) ) and check it out. I hope you have been enjoying the story so far. Your reviews make my day so…review away. Your kind words and constructive criticism mean the world to me. If you don't like the story, then remember what your mama told you, "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all." I hope my story brings you a welcome escape into the world of fantasy.