*I obviously don't own Twilight. But I do own this. Haha! Please review. :)*

Royce struggled to get out of Emmett's clutch but Emmett's grip was firm. Royce doesn't stand a chance against Emmett.

"I am not going to repeat myself, punk. I suggest you leave NOW before things start to get ugly." Emmett's tone was harsh and vicious.

He let go of Royce and rushed back to my side and wrapped his arms around me protectively. Royce struggled to regain his balance and tried not to look scared but failed.

"You'll be sorry for this." He sneered towards Emmett, and then looked at me. "Come on, Rose, just -"

Before Royce could finish his sentence, Emmett lunged towards Royce and punched him in the gut and in the face. Royce screamed like a little girl as his nose started to ooze blood.

"You are one son of a bitch." Emmett muttered, disgust obvious in his voice. Emmett pulled me closer to him, making sure I was safe in his arms. I rested my head on his chest.

"Go away. Never ever come near to Rose or else, I swear to God I will be your hell." Emmett's voice was still ferocious.

I never expected him to act like this – so protective, but then again, he doesn't look like just an average guy. He's got an intimidating burly body; anyone who'd see him glare would quiver and be scared. But when he talks to me, he's very gentle and positive. I now saw both sides of Emmett – the tough protective side, and the gentle loving side. This fact made me even more attracted to him.

Royce faltered as he ran to his car. I stood firmly, wrapped around in Emmett's arms as we watched Royce pull out of the parking lot. Emmett looked at me and cupped my face between his hands.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" he asked with overwhelming concern when Royce's car was out of our sight.

The anger and pain that burst out in me slowly faded away as I looked at Emmett's innocent eyes. Now, I felt secured and protected and loved. "I'm okay. He didn't touch me."

"Good," he muttered. He kissed my forehead again and picked up the grocery bag he dropped earlier and placed it at the backseat of his car. He then opened my door side and tucked me on the seat. "That jerk almost ruined my day." He said as he climbed onto his seat and started the car.

We were silent for the rest of our trip. I wondered where we were going, but one thing I know is we were still in Forks. He stopped the car in front of an empty lot and was quick to open my door and ushered me as I stepped out of the car. The empty lot was huge enough, overlooking a stream of river at the far end, and I could make out a small pathway to the river. Trees swayed with the breeze of air, and flowers were blooming everywhere.

Emmett took out everything from the backseat of his car. It was only then that I realized he had planned a picnic. He told me to wait by the car as he laid out the blanket on the grass and spread out a container of bread, tuna, and other ingredients for a tuna sandwich, a bottle of wine and a couple glasses. I looked at him with awe as he moved. He is really not just an average guy. He's a big guy, but very gentle and sweet. Now I realized that I am content just to be with him.

When he was done organizing the cute scenario, he went back to me and held my hand as we walked to the picnic area. I couldn't help but smile as we walked hand in hand; his touch made me feel happy, comfortable, and ecstatic all at the same time.

I sat down at the blanket he laid out and watched him as he propped himself on the blanket. I swear I could live like this forever. "This place is so fascinating." I said as I looked around once more.

"I fell in love with this place the first time I laid my eyes on it." He said as he started to make a sandwich. "I hope you like tuna sandwich." He added playfully.

I giggled and nodded. "You really did expect me to answer yes, eh?"

He grinned and handed me the sandwich he made. We ate in silence and I was amused as he munched down three sandwiches fast. He said a guy his size will really eat like that, and it's true. He poured wine on our glasses after we ate.

"Was that guy from the parking lot your ex?" he asked cautiously.

I nodded and took a sip from my glass. "He was the reason I became so…" I trailed off. No words could ever describe the way I felt about my past…my life. I was too afraid to show him how hollow and empty I felt. I never let anyone, not even Alice or Esme, know the way how I feel about my ill-fated life. Only Jasper knows how much pain and longing I felt inside. And the way I see things, I want to keep it that way – locked deep inside my heart.

Emmett inched closer to me and held my hand. "You can tell me anything you want, Rosie." His gentle voice caressed my feelings.