I don't own them...

~~Bella~~

It feels so good to be back home. We got home two days ago and things are just starting to hit me. I still can't believe I killed a man in Italy, on my wedding day. I want to feel bad for what I've done. I want to feel remorse for taking a life but I just don't feel it. That man walked into a church with a gun and the intention of killing my husband. I protected my husband, spilled blood for him, and I would do it again.

I became a part of the Cullen family in two ways that day. I married Edward, a man I thought I would never learn to love. And I killed a man that threatened my family. Carlisle made it clear that I was a Cullen and nothing would ever change that. Not even a divorce from my husband. Not that a divorce would even be allowed, but I refuse to dwell on that. Edward and I made vows to one another, to honor and cherish until death do us part. Let's just hope the death part doesn't come for a long, long time.

I haven't left my apartment in two days and everything from the past week has been on replay in my mind. I've cleaned, I've cooked, I've edited photographs, gone over the accounting for the gallery just to give myself a break from everything that is going on. I'm exhausted and overwhelmed and I miss Edward.

I haven't seen or talked to Edward since we got back from Italy and I have absolutely no idea what the hell is going on. Paul and Demetri are here all the time and there are new security guards downstairs. I have a new alarm system in my apartment and I'm pretty sure Demetri is hiding guns around here.

I actually found one in the refrigerator yesterday. I opened the crisper and there it was. I stared at it a long time before closing the refrigerator and walking over to the phone to order take out. Then I hung up on the take out person worried that the delivery guy would be carrying a gun and shoot me when I opened the door. My mind is going a million miles a minute and I'm not sure how to turn it off. Edward is the only one that can calm me down, but he isn't here. And I'm not sure how to do it myself. The wall I had kept securely around myself for so many years crumbled when I met Edward. And when he isn't with me, I get lost in my insecurities and fears.

Eventually, my hunger got the best of me and I went into the kitchen and started cooking. I'm not sure how long I was in there but I made a lot more food than what was necessary for two people. Paul joined me in the kitchen when he smelled the food. We ate dinner together and Paul talked about his girlfriend Rachel. He mentioned that he hadn't seen her in the past few weeks and she was pretty pissed off at him. I immediately felt bad that I was the reason he couldn't see her. My eyes watered and he shook his head.

"Bella, it isn't your fault some crazy asshole wants to kidnap you."

I frowned. No, it's my family's fault. "I still feel bad. Have you been able to talk to her?"

He nodded but frowned. "Not too much. I don't know if these assholes know who I am and I don't want to put her in any danger, you know?"

"Yeah," I pushed my plate away from suddenly not hungry anymore.

"You gonna eat that?" Paul asked.

I shook my head and he smiled and finished off my plate. "How can you eat all of that?"

"I'm a growing boy, Baby B."

I laughed and got up from the table. "Do you want cheesecake?"

"Of course."

I liked Paul, loved him like a brother. He's a good guy and I'm sure Rachel is a lucky girl to have him. I cut a slice of cheesecake and poured two cups of coffee. I placed a piece of cheesecake in front of him along with a cup of coffee. When he bit into it, he moaned.

"Damn, Bella, this is amazing. This is even better than Mrs. C's."

"Yeah?" I asked surprised.

He nodded, "but don't fucking tell her I said that."

I laughed again. "Okay, I'm gonna go change. I'll see you later. Call your girl."

"Thanks, B."

I could hear Paul moving around in the guest bedroom. All of the lights were off except for a small table lamp in the entry. I was sitting in a comfy oversized chair with a glass of wine watching the city in motion below. Red lights zooming by with traffic, traffic lights changing colors every few minutes, the colors reflecting dreamily on the asphalt due to a quick summer rain.

As I watched, I remembered how nice it was to be oblivious. While I love Edward and everything he is, I can't help but wonder how great our life would be if we had met outside of these circumstances. If Edward really was a real estate developer and I was just a photographer. Simple. Easy. But then again, Edward wouldn't be the Edward I know, would he? I sighed and took a drink of my wine.

The front door rattled and I heard a key slip into the door. I reached in between the chair cushion to grip the gun that was hidden there. My left hand held my wine glass and right hand gripped the handle of the gun releasing the safety. My God. What is wrong with me? The door rattles and I'm grabbing a gun? Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I mean, the person has a key. It could be Demetri, he said he would be right back. But then again...I haven't heard from him or Edward. And Paul didn't mention anything about guests earlier. How do I know we are safe? How do I know I am safe?

The door opened and the alarm beeped alerting the intruder that the alarm system was set. From where I sat. I couldn't see anything except the dining room and kitchen door in front of me. The alarm continued to beep and I gripped the gun tighter in my hand. It was taking too long to turn off the alarm. A four digit code take a few seconds to enter.

The beeping of the alarm finally stopped and my phone beeped at the same time. There was no movement from anyone. The person that entered was not visible from where I was sitting or the hallway where I hoped Paul was waiting. I heard footsteps moving toward me and I slowly lifted the gun aiming for the edge of the wall just where the person would appear. A black shoe came into view and I tried to keep my hand steady. I felt like my heart was beating its way out of my chest and I was gripping the wine glass so hard I was worried it was going to break. I took a breath trying to stay quiet.

A man stepped into my view but I couldn't see his face. The light from the entry way glowed behind him. My hand moved up to aim at his head. Then Paul was behind him with the gun pressed into his kidney.

"Fuck!" the guy called out under his breath when he felt Paul behind him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Paul asked.

Paul turned on the light and I didn't recognize the man standing in my living room. I kept my gun aimed at him, put down my wine glass and picked up my phone to call Edward.

"Hey, baby," Edward answered.

"There's a man here. He has a key to the apartment and knew the alarm code."

"Is Paul there with you?" he asked, his voice icy.

"Yes."

"Tell Paul to make him comfortable. I'm on my way."

I tilted my head and looked at Paul, "make him comfortable. He's on his way."

Paul nodded and clocked the guy in the head with the butt of his gun. The guy fell heavily to the floor and all I could do was sit in my leather chair.

Carlisle's voice came into my head, "You are a Cullen now, Isabella."

~~Edward~~

"Motherfucker!" I yelled once I hung up the phone.

I haven't seen Bella in two goddamned days and the asshole sitting in front of me had been paying for that. I looked at him, his eyes were completely swollen shut, his nose broken, I think I may have broken his jaw. As I looked him over, I realized I had done a lot of damage to him. He had refused to talk to me for the first few hours but the beating he was taking wore on him. Along with the fact that I threatened to go after his wife and kid if he didn't give up the information I wanted.

He admitted that he worked for Felix and was supposed to watch outside of Bella's office and report when she came and went. He said there was also another guy sitting outside of her apartment. As well as security guards in her building.

While I'm sure there is more information I can get from him, I don't have the time now and he told me what I needed to know, Bella was being watched. I lifted my gun and shot him in the head. I looked over at Johnny and Alex who already had their shit ready to go. Fuck yes, I love efficiency.

I walked over to my car and removed the clothes I had on dropping them on the ground next to me. I pulled on another pair of slacks and a white button down. I picked up the soiled clothes and threw them in a metal trash can that was a few feet away from the car and threw in a match. I watched the flame for a minute before walking over to Johnny and Alex to let them know I was leaving.

I called Jasper once I was inside of my car.

"Yeah?"

"Hey fucker, Isa invited us over for a late dinner." My use of Isa and late dinner would be enough to tip him off that something's not right.

"Sounds good. I'm on my way."

I sped through the streets. It was already ten o'clock and not too much traffic for a Thursday night. I was running through my phone call with Bella telling myself that she was okay. She's safe and okay because she called me. She told me about the intruder and Paul was with her. She's okay. But my anger was still boiling under the surface. I stopped at a light and punched the steering wheel. A horn honked behind me and I gripped the steering wheel trying to calm myself. I pressed the gas, taking off as the light turned yellow. I needed to get a hold of myself before I got to the apartment.

I pulled into the parking garage and looked around. I drove slowly making my way up to the next level. I didn't see anyone lingering as I slowly made my way toward Bella's parking slots. I pulled in next to Bella's car. I rolled my shoulders and popped my neck before getting out of the car. I walked quickly to the elevator and pushed the button. I placed my hands in my pocket and played with the coin my grandfather gave me in Italy. I figured if it was lucky enough to save Bella and I then, it can't hurt to keep with me all the time.

When the doors opened, a blond guy walked out and looked at me with wide eyes. I raised an eyebrow at him as he passed me and I stepped into the elevator. I leaned against the back wall and watched him walk away. He was on his phone and he turned around to look at me again as he walked. So I figured either he's a nosy asshole or he's a cop. He's too clean cut to work for Felix and he didn't really fit the cop role but I've been wrong before. I'd get Paul to pull the security footage from the garage to find out who he is.

I finally made it to Bella's floor and pulled out my phone, calling her as I walked toward her door.

"Edward?" she sounded breathless.

"I just got off of the elevator."

Her door flew open and she walked into the hallway looking for me. She ran up to me and jumped. I automatically opened my arms to catch her. She hugged me tightly before pulling away to kiss me. I continued walking to her apartment as I kissed her knowing this wouldn't look out of the ordinary to someone watching us on the camera's. I wanted to enjoy the way her lips moved against mine but I was too preoccupied with the man inside of her apartment.

"Are you okay?" I asked against her lips.

"Scared, it was so easy for him to get in. And I was worried about you." She had tears running down her face and her hands were brushing through the hair at my neck. "I missed you," she whispered.

"Shhh, it's okay. I'm here." I walked into the apartment and closed the door behind me. I kissed Bella again before lowering her back to the ground.

"Jasper's on his way, he should be here in a few minutes. Where's Paul?" I asked. I looked around the entry way to see Bella's gun sitting on the table. I picked it up and gave it back to her. "Keep this with you."

She nodded and tilted her head toward the living room. I looked over to see a guy slumped over and tied to one of Bella's kitchen chairs. Duct tape covered his mouth and bound his wrists and ankles.

"Hey, Paulie," I called out to Paul who was sitting in the corner leaned back with his legs crossed in front of him. He was the picture of calm and relaxed. I looked around the room again to see that Paul had already laid plastic sheeting on the floor. The blinds were drawn and the furniture had been moved out of the way. I nodded, happy that he had already taken care of everything.

"What's up, Ed?" he called back with a head nod. The asshole in the chair jerked a little bit. Must be waking up.

"Just waiting on J."

"Alright."

I turned back to Bella and kissed her forehead and led her out of the living area.

"Are you hungry?" Bella asked. "Have you been eating? I can make dinner. Lasagna? Chicken Parmigiana?"

I didn't even answer her before she was pulling me into the kitchen. I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to me. "Baby, wait," I said as I picked her up and placed her on the counter, making her just a bit taller than me. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close to me. I just needed to feel her.

Her hands ran along my collar before resting just below my jaw. She angled my face up to hers and leaned her forehead against mine. "I missed you. I've been worried," she whispered against my lips.

I pulled her bottom lip between mine and kissed her softly. "I'm okay. I was working."

She nodded. "I know," her eyes watered and she closed her eyes shaking her head a little.

"Hey, I'll make sure I call you. I'll try to come home every night and if I can't, I'll call you. Okay?"

She nodded and gave me a small smile.

"I'll make it up to you later, Mrs. Cullen," I said quietly before grasping her face and kissing her. Bella moaned quietly and tangled her fingers in my hair. God, I missed this, I missed her and it had only been two fucking days.

The doorbell rang and I heard Jasper call out for me. I pulled away from Bella with one last kiss. "I love you. Let me take care of this and I'll come back to you, okay?" She smiled and hopped off the counter. "And make the chicken," I winked and made my way out of the kitchen.

Jasper was sitting on a chair facing the asshole that had broken into Bella's apartment. He had woken up when I was in the kitchen with Bella but he had no idea that Jasper or I were here until he saw us each walk into the room. His eyes went wide with fear and then acceptance. Fucker knew that he wouldn't be leaving here in one piece.

His eyes darted around the room that was void of furniture and wrapped in plastic. Bella had the radio on in the kitchen to cover the noise we would be making out here. I could already smell the spices from the sauce and I hoped this didn't take long because I'm fucking starving.

"So," Jasper said calmly, "what are you doing here?"

My brother is a scary motherfucker on any day of the week but even I am scared of him when he is calm. This guy has no idea what is going to hit him. He has no idea that Jasper thinks of Bella as his sister, he has no idea that my father has deemed Bella his daughter. I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost, but not quite. I could see that Jasper was taking lead on this so I leaned back against the wall with my hands in my pockets and my ankles crossed. Might as well enjoy the show.

The guy just shook his head from side to side.

"Oh, can't talk? Paul remove the tape."

Paul ripped the tape off of his face and the guy yelled out. Jasper was immediately in his face, "Shut the fuck up. If you make one noise that I don't tell you to, I will start cutting off your fucking fingers. Do you understand?"

The guy nodded wide eyed and Jasper sat back down in the chair across from him. "What are you doing here?"

The guy gulped loudly, "I came for the girl."

My brother rolled his eyes, "No shit, asshole. Why the fuck did you come for her? Who sent you?"

"Um.." the guy was gulping again. "I don't know. Some guy offered me some cash to break in here and grab the girl."

I frowned and looked over the guy again. He was wearing long sleeves and he kept trying to shake his knee. A nervous gesture or maybe he needed a fix.

"And where were you going to take her?"

"I...I don't know. Someone was going to meet me outside."

"And how did you get the key and alarm code?" Jasper asked.

"The guy gave me the key and an adaptor for the alarm."

Jasper nodded and stared at the guy. After a minute, he started to squirm under Jasper's glare.

"Look man, I didn't know anyone was here, alright. No one has been in or out of this place in two days. I thought I could get in here and wait her out. You know, take her by surprise and get my money. That's it man. I wasn't going to do anything to her."

Jasper nodded again but I saw his left eye twitch. "And how did you get around the camera's?"

The guy took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "One of the security guys shut them down while I made my way up here."

"Name?" Jasper asked. He didn't answer and Jasper nodded at Paul who punched the guy square in the face breaking his nose. I had to give the guy credit, he didn't yell out when Paul's fist connected with his face. His head fell back and he said fuck under his breath.

"Name?" Jasper asked again.

"I don't know his name. I don't know anyone's names. I don't know anything!"

Jasper looked at Paul and nodded again. Paul walked up behind him and wrapped a thin piece of rope around his neck. The asshole was crying and begging for his life but kept saying he didn't know anything. And he probably didn't. Fucker was probably set up. Whoever sent him in here probably knew that he would be caught and killed for his efforts. They just needed to test it out so they could plan their next move.

Jasper stood from his chair and turned his back on the guy and Paul pulled the rope tight around his neck. With his hands and feet bound, he couldn't really move. His face was turning blue with the lack of oxygen and his eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his skull. His body jerked all over the place as he tried to free himself from the rope. After a while, he stopped moving and Paul dropped the rope before he snapped the guys neck.

I stood up and went over to help Paul. I cut the tape on his wrists and ankles and we lifted him. After placing him on the floor, I grabbed the chair and took it back to the dining room. I'm gonna have to buy Bella a new dining room set.

When I went back into the living room, Paul already had the guy wrapped in plastic with duct tape securing it so it wouldn't open up. Paul picked up the body and moved it into the guest bathroom while I moved the furniture back into place.

I could hear Jasper talking to Bella in the kitchen. They were laughing and probably cooking together. My jealousy flared for just a moment before I reminded myself that she is my wife and Jasper is my brother and they would never do something like that, not to me. I took a few deep breaths and started walking toward the kitchen.

I stood against the door watching my brother and wife finish up with dinner. Jasper was leaning against the counter eating garlic bread and Bella was at the sink draining the pasta. She is so beautiful. When I turned to look back at my brother, he was looking at me. He smirked, knowing that I was jealous as fuck that he was in here with her. Jasper and I were always competitive, especially over women. But Bella was different. We both knew it the first time we saw her.

"You know, you guys should go away for a few days. Get away from this shit."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. There ain't shit going on right now." He shrugged, "this stunt will make them back of until they can come up with a new plan."

I nodded but kept my eyes on him, wondering if there was something he wasn't telling me. Bella came into my line of sight with a hopeful look on her face so I smiled.

"Alright," I said and Bella leaned in to kiss my cheek.

She set the table and placed all of the food out. Bella said she wasn't hungry so Jasper and I filled our plates and started eating. Paul walked in after a few minutes and I held Bella on my lap as we all talked and joked around. I looked at Bella who was looking at Paul and Jasper with a smile on her face. She noticed that I was looking at her and she smiled brighter before leaning in to kiss me softly.

As we finished up, I told Paul to go home that Bella and I were going to stay in a hotel tonight. He nodded and kissed Bella on the cheek before going to the guest room to grab his stuff. We walked out of the kitchen and followed Jasper to the entry way. He slipped on his coat and turned to look at both of us with a smile on his face. A fucking sneaky smile. I knew he was keeping shit from me.

"When you get back, you're moving into the main house until this situation is taken care of. Enjoy your vacation," he laughed as he walked out of the apartment.

Motherfucker.

I looked over at Bella who had a look of horror on her face. I couldn't help it, I laughed at the expression on her face and she frowned before hitting my chest.

"Edward...do we really have to move into the main house?" she asked.

I could already see the 24/7 wedding planning in full effect and I was a little fucking worried that I wouldn't see my wife again until our wedding.

A vacation sounded really fucking great right now.