Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 12

In the last few weeks since Edward and Bella made up, Edward found himself having to juggle between Bella, mob business and Tanya. It was eating him up a live to have to pull away from Bella on those certain mornings after spending blissful hours the night before making love to go back to his family and act as if he enjoyed being around Tanya. Bella was the one that kept the darkness away from him, and he hated to be away from her for very long. Nevertheless, he knew he had a job to do or some would say a role to play when in the presence of his grandfather, and would try for now to keep their relationship hidden until Alistair thought differently.

So far everything was going according to plan, Tanya made sure to lay it on thick when in the company of his family and he could see that the small quips she made about not wanting children, and that money was the most important thing to her besides herself; was getting to them. He just hoped his grandfather would soon see the error of his ways and let him out of this farce of an engagement. The pressure and anxiety of it all was starting to show in small ways from losing his temper to taking out his aggression on his men. Though he tried desperately to hide his emotions from Bella, she still sensed that something was wrong and took every chance she could to ask him if he was all right.

He grunted as he thought about those days when Bella voiced her concern; he would stand there, gaze deeply into her chocolate brown eyes, and lie. How he hated lying to her, but what else could he do? After all, there whole relationship was a lie. He was not who she thought he was, and he had a bad feeling that she was not going to understand his reasons for keeping his real identity a secret…especially after what they had shared over the last few weeks. Edward swallowed that hard reality. He made a mistake. He should have never taken her to bed with that deception between them. He had numerous occasions to come clean. However, he had been a coward, taken the easy way out every time.

Edward did not know how much longer he could keep doing this to her to them? He knew when it came to Bella he would never be the same again. He did not know or understand how she did what she did to him, but he only wanted her…no other woman would do. He had to find a way to tell her the truth, before she found out from someone else.

Fuck! He closed his eyes and pushed away the pain that accompanied that last thought. Maybe Alice was right, maybe he should tell her before it was too late. He thought remembering a past conversation they had had concerning their relationship.

"Edward, I think it would be wise to just tell Bella who we are," Alice blurted out to him one afternoon over lunch.

"No," he muttered shaking his head.

"Why not," Alice argued.

"I have already explained my reasons." He answered in a hard tone.

"I don't give a darn about your reasons."

"Alice-"

"Oh, don't Alice me, you haven't been on the receiving end of Bella's emotions when it comes to you. She is completely conflicted about how you feel for her, and is becoming suspicious of your actions."

"What?" he asked perplexed knowing Bella had told him it did not matter about how he felt because she could not help but be in love with him?

"Edward she's concerned that something's wrong…that there's something you're keeping from her."

"Fuck Alice, I've told her how I feel…shown her, I don't know what else to do." Shit he had thought that she understood where he stood on that subject, but apparently, she was just putting up a front to protect herself from him, acting as if it did not bother her…when it did.

"Just tell her the truth!"

"She wouldn't be able to handle the truth," he said stiffly.

Alice scoffed, "Stop trying to protect her!"

Edward stiffened in anger glaring at her across the table.

"How do you expect Bella to ever trust you, if you can't even work up enough nerve to tell her the truth?" she paused giving him a hard glare of her own. "Because you my brother can't handle the truth about yourself," she said.

"What are you talking about?" Edward asked.

"That maybe the reason you're behaving the way you are..."Alice paused her eyes knowingly gazing into his, "Is because you have very strong feelings for her… that you love her."

Edward stared at his sister for a long moment before he looked away from her, his hand running through his hair. "That's just it Alice, I'm not sure that I do…I mean I care deeply for her, but love…" he faltered shaking his head as if he were in denial of the truth.

"You're such a hypocrite." she accused him angrily.

"I'm a hypocrite?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes because you're too stubborn to see what is staring you in the face. Bella is a good person, Edward. She will not wait for you forever; and not telling her the truth about us is not helping either."

"I will not budge on this Alice, I will tell her when I am ready, and not before."

Alice shook her head in defeat, "I care about the both of you…I don't want to see either of you hurt because of this."

He scuffed, shaking his head in disgust at himself. "Tell her the truth." His sister's words echoed in his mind as they have done since their conversation.

He sighed; what was that old saying 'the truth shall set you free' or something like that? He could just picture Bella's beautiful heart shaped face when he stood there and tried to explain that he was Edward Cullen …the selfish, low down, ruthless, drug smuggling, and feared mafia boss that helped kill her uncle and baby brother. That he cared deeply for her by fucking her night after night and then leaving her to play besotted boyfriend to the likes of Tanya Denali behind her back. That because of whom he was, and the life he led her life was now in danger and that is why he had around the clock supervision on her at all times.

Oh yes that would go over well, he thought ruefully.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that the sudden slamming of a door further down the hallway startled him from his musings, and he made to walk by when the muted voices behind the closed door drew his attention. Edward found himself standing before Alistair's office, listening to the hushed voices coming from inside.

"I told you I want my grandson married with children to safeguard the future of this family." His grandfather said in a hard voice.

"Alistair…you must understand he wants that to."

"Then why is he not obliging me?"

"I have already told you. The woman you have chosen to be his fiancée' is not the right one for him." His mother said in a reasoning tone.

"Why are you so against my choice?"

"Have you not taken the time to get to know her? Believe me when I say she will not make him a good wife."

"Tanya is perfect for him. The boy is just too stubborn to see that." His grandfather scoffed.

"You knew Edward would never accept an arranged marriage. He has the devil's pride."

"Nonsense, my eldest son had an arranged marriage and look how that turned out for the both of you."

Edward grimaced and shook his head in anger; the old man did not understand that he was not like his father. That he did not agree with an arranged marriage that was not with a woman of his choosing.

"Carlisle was frittering away the years with unsuitable women, just like Edward. He was bound to his family and the mafia world too. Edward is in the same place as we all once were, and it's his rightful place to step up and take responsibility."

"True, but Tanya Denali does not see it that way. From what I have learned of her this life style is a source of wealth, power and what it can get her, nothing more." His mother argued.

"Esme, my dear when I went looking for a woman for my son Carlisle, you were a perfect fit for his needs. It turned out for the best between you two, so I don't see why it would not be a happy match for Edward and Tanya."

"It was you who found me for Carlisle?"

"Yes. It was I who put you in each other's paths."

"But…why?"

"I wanted the Volturi dynasty to be united with my family, and the only way to do that was to bring my son and there mafia princess together."

"So it was all about power for you then?" Esme hissed.

"No…not all of it was."

"How clever of you, but putting Tanya and Edward together just… not right especially when there is no chemistry…"

"Ha! What woman wouldn't want Edward?"

"You're missing my point…he would have to want her too."

"Why ever not, Tanya is a strikingly beautiful woman…"

"Only skin deep."

"Let's not forget sexually attractive," Alistair, reminded her.

"No she's all skin and bones. Edward needs a woman that wants to have children, and treats others with respect. I think someone with the right attitude might be more important than who the woman's family is and what she looks like."

Alistair laughed, "I see what you are saying my dear."

"Good than you understand that Edward needs a true partner. Who will be happy to have his children, a woman who could be a partner in every sense?"

"Hmmm...Perhaps," Alistair murmured.

"Please think about this. I do not think the decision you are making is a good one, and I beg you to change your mind."

"We shall see."

"That's all I ask…"

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped Edward into action, he quickly moved away from the door and walked down the hallway, moving out of sight around the corner, hoping that he'd not been caught eves dropping. A sly smile formed on his handsome face as he realized what he had overheard concerning Tanya and him. To know that his mother was upset enough to have a heated discussion regarding the both of them made him feel exhilarated. If anyone could get through to him, it would be his mother for his grandfather had always had a soft spot for her, and it was just a matter of time before the old man would cave, just a matter of time…

He had been jarred out of his thoughts with the buzzing of his cell phone vibrating; he pulled it from his trouser pocket, and looked at the screen and was none too pleased at the name that appeared on the caller ID.

"Cullen," he barked into the receiver.

"Mr. Cullen I'm glad I was able to get a hold of you," A man's deep voice said.

"Jenks, this call better be good news?" Edward hissed.

"There's been a slight change in plans." Jenks said hesitantly.

"What do you mean… a change in plans; I thought I told you to take care of it months ago."

"The problem has become bigger…there was. I mean –"

"What the hell is going on?" Edward demanded, pissed off because apparently the bastard had been lying to him about the progress they were making.

"Someone attacked and set fire to the warehouses in Seattle, all the contraband has been destroyed. The loss is roughly around one hundred million dollars, and twenty of your best men are dead."

Edward stopped in his tracks at that bit of news, to say he was shocked was an understatement, he was livid. Of all the fucking luck, he apparently did not have any…one hundred million dollars; he had just lost one hundred million dollars of drug money and twenty of his best men because someone attacked and set fire to his warehouses, only he and his people knew about.

"Do you know who did this," he spat out between clenched teeth as he tried to keep control of his temper.

"I-I have been informed that some of Lucas's thugs have been seen in the area, but I can't say for sure." Jenks squeaked.

"Lucas," he thundered, as his hand gripped his cell phone to the point his knuckles turned white. How the fuck had, he known where those warehouses were located unless someone told him. Though it did not surprise him, that Lucas retaliated after what he had done to his own warehouse a few months ago. Nerveless it did not change the fact that their location was found out, and the only one capable of disclosing that kind of knowledge was the suspicion of the rat in their ranks. It was just a matter of time before they discovered who it was and they would pay with their life just as Laurent had.

"Yes-yes," Jenks stuttered.

Edward had finally made it to his office, and flung the door open with force causing it to slam hard against the wall, and knocking a few pictures off the wall and came crashing to the ground where the glass scattered into pieces on the carpeted floor, before storming inside.

"I want them found, questioned for more information, and then disposed of. I do not care if you have to round up the entire fucking city to do so. Do I make myself clear?" he commanded in a deadly tone.

"Yes-yes sir," Jenks faltered.

"Do not fail me on this, Jenks for I have had enough of your incompetence."

"I'm sorry Mr. Cullen, please…"

"Just fucking get it done, I will be there in two days to make sure that what I asked has been carried out." Edward roared. "And get me a list of the names of the men I just lost to that son-of-a-bitch!" he snarled before he hung up not giving Jenks another chance to say anything.

He left out a frustrated sigh and threw his phone down on his desk in anger, as he stared out of the window of his office.

Fuck! His mind shouted silently as he ran his hand agitatedly through his mussed hair.

He needed to arrange to go to Seattle and take care of the fucking mess, but first he would have to make a few phone calls to round up more of his men to accompany him. In addition, he needed to make sure that he had enough guards in place to keep Bella and the rest of his family safe while he was gone.

Bella.

He was not looking forward to having to tell her he was going to have to cut his time with her short this week; the thought of being away from her even if it was a few days was enough to drive him deeper over the edge of reasoning. His hands balled up into fists at his sides as his temper flared and before he knew what he was doing, he punched his fist through the wall causing a deep hole to form and pain to shoot up his arm. The pain was fierce enough to snap him out of his rage, but not enough to help him ease the guilt and sorrow of being away from Bella.

He just hoped that she believed him when he tried to explain why he had to leave her to take care of business.

He reached for his phone lying haphazardly on his desk, and dialed Emmett.

"Yo boss," Emmett answered on the third ring.

"Bear; round up twenty or so of our men and have them ready to leave for Seattle in twenty four hours."

"Sure boss, what's the occasion?" Emmett asked.

"Our warehouses in Seattle have been attacked and set fire. I have lost about twenty men and a fucking shit load of money. I need a team to do damage control, and to make sure that fucking excuse of a man working for me gets the job done this time."

"Shit! How did that happen? Only a few of us know where they are." Emmett asked surprise in his voice.

Edward laughed harshly, "Someone told them, and it had to of come from the inside."

"Still no lead on whom it is?"

"No…but I have my suspicions…" Edward trailed off when he heard a knock on his door and motioned the person inside. "I will talk to you later."

"Okay…I'm on it. I and the boys will meet you at headquarters no later than eleven o'clock tomorrow morning."

"Fine," Edward said before snapping his phone shut, and depositing it into his pants pocket. His gaze turned to rest on the man now standing in front of his desk with hands in pocket.

"You okay cousin?" he asked.

"Yeah Marcus, seems we had some trouble in Seattle."

"Really…I thought things were being taken care of?" Marcus said.

"I did too…seems we have a rat leaking information to our enemy." Edward said as he glared harder at his cousin, "You wouldn't know anything about that?"

Marcus gave him a strange look before folding his arms across his chest, "Now why would you think I might…cousin?" he sneered.

"I don't …just asking," Edward said while shrugging.

Marcus uncrossed his arms, "Edward you know if I did I would tell you…after all family is important to me."

"Yeah, it would seem." Edward said before making his way around his desk and toward his office door. "I need you to stay here and keep watch over the businesses until I get back. You will tell no one why I am gone other than business has called me away."

"Sure, whatever you say." Marcus answered.

"Fine, then I will see you in two days." Edward said before grabbing his trench coat and walking out of the office, and did not notice the evil smile cross his cousin's face as he walked away from him.

Around the same time in another part of mansion

Esme Cullen exited Alistair's office with a feeling of accomplishment. It was not every day that Alistair Cullen would stop and take into consideration something she said, and for him to do so was a clear indication that he did not like the idea of this engagement between the Denali princess and her son; as originally thought. However, convincing him was a loss to her; maybe she needed to meet Edward's other woman…Bella, without Edward being aware of it. She did not want him to warn Bella about the family, or sugar coat everything before she met them. She needed to see what was so special about the woman whom fascinated her son. If she saw what he did than she would stop at nothing to make sure that they would be together.

She smiled as the idea solidified in her head and before she could change her mind, she pulled out her cell phone to call for the limo to meet her at the front of the house, grabbed her purse and hurried out the front door.

Once she arrived at the restaurant, her brother Aro was surprised to see her
there without her husband or son. Nevertheless, he approached her with arms
out gathering her up in a brotherly hug.

"*Esme, che piacere vederti." (Esme, what a delight to see you.)

"It's nice to see you too," she said hugging him back.

"So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he asked.

"I am curious about an employee of yours."

"Hmmm…which one?" he asked.

"Her name is Bella Swan; do you know who I am referring to?"

"*Si, Isabella," he said giving her a confused look, "What interest a have
with her?"

"I know Edward has an interest in her. I am just curious to see what it is
that attracts my son."

Aro's big body jostled her as his deep laughter rumbled through him. "*Sei
curiosa?
" (Are you curious?)

She rolled her eyes in frustration, "Aro, this is not a laughing matter; I
need to know what kind of woman she is."

"Afraid she is like all the others?"

"*Si," Esme answered.

"*Mia cara (My dear) have not a worry she is a *buona ragazza." (Good girl)

"So I have been told, but I have to see for myself. I would not be happy for
my son to turn down the gold digger he is at this moment dating to move onto
something worse."

"So Alistair is making him date the Denali Princess?"

"Yes and I do not approve, along with half the family."

"Why Edward not with you? He introduce no?"

"Edward does not know I am here, and I'd like it to stay that way?"

"My nephew does not a know you here?" he asked, eyes widening as he looked
down at her.

"No he does not." She said shaking her head. "I just want to meet her before
Edward can sugarcoat everything about us. I want to see what everyone else
does." Remembering Edward told her Bella had no clue that he and his family
were mafia. She thought to herself.

"I will try, but you know how he is, especially when it comes to his Bella."

"No I do not see how he is with Bella that is why I am here."

"I see, well she a working in the kitchen."

"Bella is here today?"

"*Si, would you like for me to get her?"

"Yes-yes I would, but you must promise not to tell Edward that I have sought
her out, he would not be too happy if he knew." She would not want Edward to
be furious with her before he introduced the girl himself. Edward had made it
clear that Bella would not take kindly finding out she was dating a man from
the mob family that helped kill her uncle and brother. Though how Edward
thought to keep that information a secret from Bella was a mystery to her,
Esme thought.

"*Hai la mia parola." (You have my word.) Aro replied.

"*Grazie, fratello mio," Esme said happily. (Thank you my brother)

"*Prego, mia cara." (Welcome, my dear) Aro said giving her another hug.

"Bella you is wanted out front!"

It was more a command than a call, and she wondered why Aro needed her out on the floor when he had made it clear that she would be on the line with the chef's helping to prepare the food. Bella quickly set aside the head of lettuce she had been cleaning, and hurried from the back room, still wondering why her presence was required out front.

The reason was instantly evident when her boss came up to her and handed her a menu.

"My sister is dining here this afternoon; I need you to help a her." He commanded.

"Your-your sister?" she stuttered out, as her eyes swung to the booth in the corner where her boss was pointing.

"*Si, Isabella."

Bella stared openly at the woman seated in the booth across the small restaurant, taking in her red-bronzed hair, and green eyes, eyes and hair that reminded her of… Recognition of who this woman was came hard and fast, why she was Anthony's mother she had to be they looked so much alike. A quiver of apprehension ran down Bella's spine. What was she supposed to do? How was she supposed to act? What was she supposed to say? She thought as she slowly, and nervously made her way over to her booth. Before she could form a greeting, Anthony's mother raised her head to look upon her.

"Are you to be my server?" she demanded, her aristocratic bearing taut with what seemed to be disapproval.

For a moment, Bella wondered if she was aware that she was dating her son.

She tore her gaze from the piercing emerald green eyes to look down at the floor. "Yes," she answered huskily.

"What is your name?"

"B-Bella," she answered.

"Well, Bella my brother tells me you're his best waitress."

"Yes. What can I get for you?" She asked hand poised above the pad ready to take her order. Bella stood very straight as she felt Anthony's mothers eyes regarding her, and felt as if she was the object of scrutiny, as if being judged. From her long brown hair, her thickly lashed chocolate brown eyes, the bone structure of her face, the obvious curves of her full breasts underneath her white blouse, the neatness of her waist, emphasized by the mid length black skirt that Aro made them ware. It was embarrassing, and she could not understand why Anthony's mother was looking at her like this.

"I understand that you are seeing my son…Anthony Masen."

The knowing statement surprised her into replying, "Yes, I am."

"How long?" she enquired eyebrow rose.

"A few months."

"Hmmm…that amazes me."

Bella flushed at the implied criticism, "Why would that be amazing?"

"You are a very attractive young woman. He is known not to be patient."

"Well. I…uh…I um-" Bella floundered hopelessly, her face filling with a heated blush under the direct beam of those knowing eyes so much like Anthony's.

"Are you very attracted to my son?"

"Well, yes…"

"So why are you still working in my brother's restaurant when you have my strapping, and very rich son to provide for you?"

"I am more than able to provide for myself," Bella blurted out taking offense at her accusation that she wanted his money.

"Hmmm…I would assume so though wouldn't it be nice to have a husband to support you. The right man per say to help lift that kind of burden from you."

"Yes," she agreed. What else could she do? Arguing with Anthony's mother was far too daunting an option in that moment. She could only hope that Aro, whom stood silently by, would not take offence. For she would definitely be in trouble once Mrs. Masen departed. However, no immediate exit took place. "But I would never date a man just because he's rich."

"Hmmm, it seems that is exactly what a lot of women want now days…A rich man. Why would you be any different?" She mused.

"Well I'm not like most women," Bella said becoming irritated.

Despite having delivered her small lecture on Bella's situation, the older woman stood her ground and suddenly took an entirely different tack. "I can see why my son likes you Miss Swan."

"What?" she asked in shock, puzzled by his mother's behavior. One moment she was trying to insult her and in the next giving her a complement.

"Why child, you are aware that my son likes you?"

"Yes, of course." However, he does not love me.

"I have always been more than unhappy with the type of woman my son seems to like, but you my dear seem different."

"Different?" Bella questioned.

"Yes…it's not every day I see my son drawn to an old fashioned girl, but at the same time independent and not needing a man to take care of her."

How did she know these things about her? She then realized that Anthony must have spoken to his mother about her.

"I'm sure your father and mother must be proud."

"Thank you." So then, it was true, Anthony had spoken to his mother of her.

"So Miss Swan do you like children?"

Bella startled slowly looked up from her order pad and stared dumbstruck at Anthony's mother. Once again, she was puzzled as to why she was asking her so many personal questions. What business was it of hers whether she liked children or not?

"I can see that I made you uncomfortable, how rude of me. I am sure that is something the two of you have yet to discuss."

"Yes, I mean… that I like kids."

"Really," Bella watched the calculating smile grace the older woman's beautiful face, and wondered why she was looking at her in that way. "That's good to know, dear."

Bella wished she could read her thoughts. She was baffled as to why his mother would seek her out and try to wheedle information out of her when he had made it abundantly clear that he was not in love with her.

"Well I must be going; it was very nice to meet you dear." Anthony's mother said as she stood up.

"But you haven't ordered."

Anthony's mother turned to look deeply into her eyes, "Do not tell E-Anthony that we have met today," she said leaning toward her and patting Bella on her arm. "It will just be our little secret." Before she turned and walked away.

"I-ah…." Bella stuttered out, as she stood there staring after her. That had to be one of the strangest conversations she had ever had with someone before, and wondered why his mother had sought her out. She thought as she watched her boss and Anthony's mother hugging before she left through the entrance of the restaurant.

"Do not tell Anthony that we have met today," she had said, and Bella wondered why she did not want him to know that they had met.

By the end of her shift, Bella had decided that her tense conversation with Anthony's mother seemed harmless enough and decided to forget it completely. She was standing before the sink in the women's restroom trying to pull her thick brown hair back into a ponytail. She had already changed out of her uniform and into tenner shoes, jeans and t-shirt. Satisfied at her appearance she exited the restroom with an extra spring in her step as she headed down the small hallway that opened up into the main part of the restaurant. She could not help it overcome with excitement with the knowledge of seeing Anthony this afternoon. He had made it a point to call her earlier in the day, stating that he missed her and would meet her after her shift was over.

He was waiting for her leaning up against the bar watching as she approached.

"You're cheerful this afternoon," he commented.

Bella shrugged, but could not help the shy, happy smile that graced her lips at the mere sight of him. She knew it had only been a day since she had last seen him but it always felt longer. She'd meant what she had said that night two weeks ago about being completely in love with him, and it seemed that as each day passed she fell even harder making it excoriating to be apart from him for any length of time.

'It's Wednesday, and well…I missed you," she replied feeling shy all the sudden, and there it was, that drop dead crooked smile she had come to love, stopping her breath and her heart.

He straightened, and moved to stand before her. Bella watched his eyes darken with some undefined emotion as he leaned in close to her.

"I missed you too." He murmured in her ear sending a shiver running down her spine; she gazed up at him, and could not imagine how he could be anymore glorious in his handsomeness, though she could not help notice that he seemed to have an air of melancholy about him, and pondered why.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked, and she wondered if he ever knew how appealing his voice was.

"Yes."

With another panty-dropping smile, he escorted her out the door, joined by two of Anthony's guards on either side of them as they escorted them towards his Volvo. Bella immediately noticed the six black SUV's parked in front and behind his car. She glanced toward Anthony eyebrow raised inquiringly, but he acted as if he had not noticed her look. Thinking his behavior strange, and wondering if it had anything to do with the way he'd been acting since they made up, she could not stop herself from asking.

'Why do you have so many guards with you?"

He opened the passenger door for her only she hesitated getting in, waiting for him to explain the reasoning behind the guards.

"There for our protection."

"I know that, but why the need for so many?"

"It's nothing really, just something that has come up and I need them around."

Bella's eyes widened, "Did you get attacked again?" she asked.

"No…nothing like that." His smile was amused; she felt like she was missing an inside joke.

"Well then are you going to tell me what's going on?" She asked.

"No." He grinned knowing that he was starting to frustrate her with his vague answers.

"Anthony."

He continued to evade her questions instead almost pushing her into his Volvo so he could shut the door. Bella found it strange for him to be acting this way, and once inside he started asking her about her day, then about her parents. She was puzzled over the sudden interest especially in her father and was about to ask him if this was his way of trying to seek help, that maybe because of his wealth someone was causing trouble, when his next words stopped her.

"I should have left you drive yourself home today," he said.

"Why?" She demanded.

"I'm leaving for a few days on business. I am sorry that I will have to cancel our plans until I get back."

"Oh." She blinked, bewildered and disappointed. Maybe that was why he was acting so strange. "Do you have to go?"

He frowned at her impatiently. "Yes something's come up and I need to take care of it."

Why did she get the distinct impression he was not telling her the truth, as if he was keeping something from her? She had been plagued with suspicions for a while now but never really voiced them.

"So where are you going?" She asked as casually as she could manage.

"Seattle," he answered grimly.

"Seattle, what's there?"

"As I've told you… business," he said tightly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel.

"Anthony why are you being so evasive, I don't understand?"

His lips pressed together into a hard line, "Listen, Bella…as I've told you in the past my line of work can be… intense. I am just uneasy about leaving you for a couple of days, and I'm going to take every precaution I can to make sure you will be okay."

Bella's face grew morose and pleading, "You could always cancel."

"No," he whispered, looking deeply into her eyes. "I can't."

"Yes you can, let someone else from your office take care of it." She tried to argue.

"Perhaps," he murmured bleakly. His eyes seemed to darken in color.

At that point, Bella realized they had arrived at her home, and were now sitting in her driveway. The day had sped by in a blur that was rapidly becoming routine for them.

"Don't worry, everything will be okay." He said as he got out of his Volvo and came around to her side. Once again, his guards were by their side as he escorted her up to the porch of her home.

She peeked quickly behind her at them. They stood on the bottom step looking in different directions, exactly the same way the first time she had ever seen them. Only now, there were more of them.

"They don't approve of me, do they?" she asked.

"That's not it," he disagreed, but his eyes said something else. "They can't understand why I can't leave you alone."

"Seriously," Bella asked annoyed. "What is there problem?"

Anthony rolled his eyes, before he met her gaze again. "Bella I told you. You're not like anyone I've ever known."

Bella glared at him hoping he was not comparing her to his past faults.

He smiled as he read her expression, "Shit that's not what I meant," he said running his hand through his bronzed hair. "Being wealthy I have advantages most do not. I have a better grasp of the predictability of human nature. However, you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise."

Bella looked away, her eyes wondering back to where his guards stood embarrassed and angry that they viewed her that way.

"That is easy enough to explain," he continued. Bella could feel his eyes caressing her face but she still could not look at him. "But some things in my life are hard for me to clarify."

Bella finally turned her eyes back to look at him and noticed his face was tight as he tried to explain. "You see there just worried…it's just…they…if this don't work out after spending so much time with you publicly, it could cause a bad outcome…" he looked down.

"If," Bella asked.

"If this ends… badly," his distress was plain; Bella yearned to comfort him.

"Boss, you ready to go?" one of the guards spoke up interrupting whatever he was about to say next.

His voice was aloof. "Not yet, I'll meet you at the car."

"But sir," the guard tried to argue.

"I said not yet," Anthony, said harshly, giving him a hard glare.

His guard backed away without another word, and took his place on the bottom step awaiting him.

They stood silently for a moment Anthony with his head bowed as if he were trying to calm himself down. Rosalie had been right all those months ago to warn her about him having a temper.

Bella tried to speak in a normal voice, "You have to leave now?"

"Yes." He raised his head; his face serious for a moment, and then his mood shifted and he smiled sadly.

"I'll miss you," Bella whispered trying with difficulty to keep her voice sounding wholehearted, but she could tell he was not fooled by her behavior.

"I'll miss you too." He said grinning crookedly. "Promise me one thing, while I am gone."

"Hmmm," Bella hummed caught up in his burning emerald green eyes.

"Stay safe, and try not to lose your bodyguards."

"Anthony, it's not like I do it on purpose," Bella protested.

His jaw hardened, "Yes you do. Bella, please promise me."

"Alright I promise to stay safe, does that make you happy?"

He nodded his head, "What about your guards?"

"I will not try to lose them either."

"Bella," Anthony growled.

"Okay, I will keep close to them." Her voice sounded irritated.

"Thank you," Anthony said softly.

"When and what time will you be getting back in?" Bella asked already depressed by the thought of him having to leave even if it was just for a few short days.

"That depends…it's a Saturday. Don't you have to work that day?"

"No," She answered.

"It seems like a long time to you?" he mused.

Bella nodded glumly hating to admit how much she had come to depend on him, but then again she did love him.

"Then I'll call you first thing Saturday morning." He said, reaching up to touch her face lightly brushing along her cheekbone, before leaning toward her and kissing her soundly on the lips. She moaned softly, as he drew her hard against him, his hand sliding slowly down her back to mold intimately over the base of her spine. His teeth nipped sensuously into the vulnerable softness of her lower lip, and blindly she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, curving her supple body into his demanding embrace, unconscious of the vivid messages they were conveying to his men. However, she did not care, conscious only in her own urgent need for him, would she ever be able to get enough of this man.

As quickly as the kiss began, it ended as he suddenly pulled away from her and when she opened her eyes to look up into the heated blazing emeralds of his, she noticed he had done so with difficulty. He tried to mask his emotions but she could tell he did not want to end the kiss.

"I have to go," he whispered, backing away from her, then turned and walked away down the steps toward his Volvo. Once he was standing beside his car, door open he turned back to look at her, a sad smile marring his handsome face.

"Be safe," he called out before getting into his car and driving off.

Bella stared after him until he and his guards disappeared down the road, and out of sight.

What a peculiar day this turned out to be, she thought.

…..

A/N:

Okay first I wanted to say sorry to all of you for the long wait for this chapter, I was having a bit of writer's block. Second, I have been working many hours due to a promotion I got at work, and have not had a lot of time to sit down and write as I used to. I hope this chapter turned out good for all of you, I will admit it may not be my best…I tried to push myself through the writer's block issue…but I am not sure I did this chapter justice, then again I am my worst critic. Do not worry I intend to finish this story…even if it takes me another year to do so. Until next time happy reading!

*I also wanted to send a special thank you to eloquence-1 for helping with the right translations for the Italian words used in this story. Anyone needing help with the right translation for Italian in their stories I would strongly advise you to PM her on this fan fiction sight.

Gokdeneyes123

*Meaning of Italian words

"*Esme, che piacere vederti." (Esme, what a delight to see you.)

"Sei curiosa?" (Are you curious?)

"Mia cara." (My dear)

"buona ragazza." (Good girl)

"Hai la mia parola." (You have my word.)

"Grazie, fratello mio," Esme said happily. (Thank you my brother)

"Prego, mia cara," (Welcome, my dear)

Si = Yes