Thanks to my two lovelies, Cintia and Kriszta for their constant support.

So this is it. Today she finds out who is Anthony.

I've been on the road a lot these past few weeks and today I am off to Hilton Head Island. I want to thank all of you for your reviews and your support of this story. You all ask me so many questions and I just don't have it in me to give out spoilers! So, hang tight and let's watch these two deal with this debacle.

Now … Edward or Anthony?

"What's that?" Edward asks, taking the card from Bella's hand.

"Aro's phone number. He said that if I ever needed him for anything, I could call him. I think Aria could use his underground connections to help, don't you think?"

"I think you are the brightest person I know," he answers affectionately, kissing her forehead.

"Let me call him and set this up. If Aro agrees, I'll give this card to her. Um," Bella begins, shuffling the toe of her shoe over the tile, "if he says he'll do it, will you help her?"

Edward searches his mind for the answer while looking into her emotionally void face.

Bella doesn't want to deter him either way and waits for his answer. What she doesn't want him to know is that if he decides to help Aria in her search, she plans on returning to New York. She has no plans to stick around and watch him rekindle the love he once had for her.

"No, I don't think so," he says, cupping her face into the palms of his hands and looking deep into her eyes. "She's done fine on her own without me, and with Aro's help, she will continue without me."

Bella smiles and reaches up on her tip toes to kiss him before turning to make the call to Aro. He picks up on the second ring.

"Bella, you call me so soon? I hope you are all right," he says in the smooth tone she has since learned is a tactic of his to get what he wants.

"I'm fine, Aro, thanks. But there's someone here that needs your help. Your … connections," Bella begins.

"Go on," he says, his voice changing to serious again.

"Edward ran into an old friend who is searching for her husband and son that have been abducted by a militant group. I don't know who they are, but she has learned that they were last seen here in Rome. I was hoping you could help her, at least with pointing her in the right direction. She's alone and has no help at all."

"This isn't something I usually get involved with, Bella," he says, her heart sinking.

"I know. But it was a chance I was willing to take. Thank you anyway, Aro," she says, her heart sinking to her stomach. She knows that without Aro's help, there's a possibility that Edward might want to stay behind to help her.

"You give up too soon, dear Bella. Of course I will help her. For you, I will help her."

"Oh, thank you, Aro," she exhales. "Thank you so much. May I give her your number, so she can contact you directly? Her name is Aria. I don't know her last name, unfortunately," she admits.

"Yes, give her this number. And remember, Isabella, I still want you to paint for Marina for," he reminds her. Bella rolls her eyes at his request, knowing it will never happen.

"Thank you again, Aro." She quickly disconnects the call and turns to Edward to see him and Aria waiting patiently for her.

"He'll do it. Here's his number, Aria. This is the only number I have for him, so please don't lose it. It's his private line, and you can work with him directly," Bella explains, handing the card to Aria.

"Thank you so much, Bella. I guess I don't need to tell you how much this means to me," she says, tears running down her cheeks.

"No, you don't," Bella replies, turning to Edward. "I'm going up to our room. I'll see you soon." Edward nods and bends down to kiss her briefly before she leaves.

"You love her," Aria says while watching Bella walk to the elevator.

"Yes. Very much."

"She's beautiful. I'm sorry to have brought this to you," she says sadly.

"You didn't. You didn't know I would be here. I'm just glad you have someone to help you. I won't be going with you, Aria. Aro will take care of you, I'm certain. I have Bella to think of, and I won't abandon her … like I did you."

"It worked out … for both of us, Edward," she replies, looking deep into his eyes. "I just want you to know that I loved you. I know we never said the words, but I did."

"And I loved you as well, but now, I'm in love with the woman that's upstairs, waiting for me, and I won't have her fretting that I'm down here making arrangements to help you. I need to go to her," he says, kissing her cheek. "Goodbye, and good luck in finding your family, Aria."

Aria is left watching him leave and then looks down at the card. Taking her cell out of her bag, she quickly dials the number, starting yet another search for her family.

As soon as Edward gets off the elevator, the adrenaline that rushes through his body from his need to be near her can be felt from his head to his toes. He can't get the door open fast enough.

As soon as he enters the room, he sees her sitting on the balcony, the breeze blowing the sheers in and out of the doorway.

"Bella?" he says, his heart pounding in anticipation.

She turns her head to assess him. Is he going to tell her he's going with Aria after all? She's afraid to speak out of that fear.

"Baby," he says, scooping her into his arms, holding her tightly to him. "Where I go, you go."

Bella's muted cry can still be heard as her mouth is muffled against his neck. That's when Edward realizes how much she feared he was leaving with Aria, just as much as he was that Bella would go home without him.

Carrying her to their bed, he lays her down, taking his place beside her. Turning her face to him, he runs his fingers across her forehead, moving loose strands of hair from her face.

"Did you think I would leave you to go with her?" he asks, running his lips across her eyes.

"I wasn't sure. I know you told me you wouldn't, but after I left you down there, I didn't know if you would change your mind," she says, loving the feel of his touch. "I was hoping you wouldn't."

"Bella, you will never have to worry about that. Ever," he says, pulling her into his arms, holding her to him. "I love you so much."

"Me too, although I confess I was afraid you would choose her. That you saw an opening back into her life with her family missing and all," she says into his chest.

Edward pulls her away from him and looks deep into her eyes and it's not long before his mouth crashes to hers in a desperate kiss, filled with need, desperation and want.

While his lips tell her how much he wants her, Bella begins to unbutton his linen shirt, pushing it away from his chest and over his arms. It doesn't take him long to remove her small shorts, pulling them and her thong down her tanned legs. Bella removes the rest of her clothing as Edward does the same with his.

Wrapping his hand around her thigh, Edward pulls one of her legs high over his hip, opening her up to him. Sliding his long fingers into her folds and deep inside her, he grins when it's revealed that she's wetter than he had hoped.

"I need you so much," Edward growls as he rolls her onto her back. He wants to put his mouth on her, but his need to be inside her is greater.

As soon as he hears her whimpering cry, he slowly and gently enters her, teasing both himself and her, with his deliberate and unhurried movements.

"Jesus," she cries, wanting him to move faster. Instead, she lies back, enjoying him making love to her and enjoying even more the pleasure he's giving her.

"You like that, baby?" he whispers.

"Y … yes, oh fuck, yes!" she pleads.

Edward rises to his knees, pulling Bella with him, so that she's straddling him, grinding and circling her hips over him.

"Fuck yeah, baby. God, that feels so fucking good, the way you do that," he growls, his hands grabbing the flesh of her bottom as she moves over him. "Just like that."

Bella wraps her arms around his neck, anchoring her chest to his, using him as support, which allows her to circle her hips over his cock with greater ease. She feels every bit of him, and when she hears his guttural sounds begin, she knows he's near.

"You're killing me here. I need to fuck you, Bella." Throwing her back onto the bed, he pushes into her, hard and deliberate.

Bella feels the tingle begin in the depths of her body, emanating from everywhere. It's amazing how powerful it feels when love is involved.

"Oh, God, here it comes," she cries, her head burrowing into the pillow.

Edward holds her head still, so that he can see the heated passion in her eyes … see her come beneath him, something he missed in their earlier days together.

"Come for me, baby, because I'm going to explode inside that tight pussy of yours."

That's all it takes for her to free fall over the edge as his words send her into the abyss.

With a final hard thrust, he feels the powerful orgasm rush through his body, and he empties himself inside her before falling on top of her.

Bella loves the feeling of him covering her like a warm blanket and holds him not wanting him to move away. Running her hands simultaneously over his back and through his hair, she hears a low grumble coming from deep inside him.

~.~

The rest of the week is filled with "touristy stuff" as Bella calls it. More museums, more visits to the ruins, more shopping for art.

When it's time to pack to go home, they are ready. Two weeks is long enough when it's filled with as much as they tried to fit into each day. They are exhausted.

Bella, wearing a short sun dress, bends over her bag, trying to pack as much into it as possible before asking Edward if he has room for some of her things.

As she struggles, he gets a peek at her cute little ass that's covered in a pair of cheekies. Licking his lips, he can't resist.

Walking up behind her, he wraps his arm around her waist, holding her ass to his now hard cock. Shoving her suitcase out of the way, he pushes her chest onto the bed as he lifts her dress, pulling her panties down to her ankles.

"I need you, baby," he says just before he thrusts into her.

"Oh, God," she whimpers, spreading her arms out across the bed, holding on for life.

It doesn't take long before they are both lying heavy on the bed, out of breath and giggling at how fast that was.

"I think that was a record," Bella laughs. "What was it, three minutes?"

Edward also laughs at himself at how quick it was. "I think it was more like three strokes."

"Come on, we have to hurry," he says, running his finger along her cum laden pussy. He rushes to the bathroom where he dampens a cloth for her to clean up with. Leaning out of the bathroom door, he tosses it to her and fter taking care of himself, he puts his shorts back on, then helps Bella with her over-filled bag.

"And don't try to fuck me on the plane. We almost got caught the first time, you goof," Edward says, smacking her on her firm ass.

~.~

"It's so good to see you back, Bella," Alice exclaims, nearly jumping up and down. "Come on, I want you to see the studio. It's complete, with the exception of a few pieces of equipment."

The girls make their way upstairs, followed by Seth who is as energetic as Alice.

"Oh, my God, Alice! It's beautiful," Bella nearly squeals, seeing the clean lines of her design.

The flooring looks like black ice, and the walls are white with burnt orange accents. The design tables are lined up, looking like a checker board. One table is clear glass, the other is a solid white material designed for cutting. The wall of windows is lined with high-tech sewing machines, with comfortable orange chairs that match the accent colors.

"Come see this kitchen," Alice says excitedly, pulling Bella along with her.

The kitchen is stainless steel with a breakfast bar that seats six and a large Wolf stove top with six burners.

"I think that stove will cook for an army, Alice," Bella says, admiring it.

"Once I get a full crew working here, I'll hire a cook to take care of them. Come on, I'll show you the dark room. It's the room that I put four bunk beds in, just in case someone needs a rest."

After the tour, Bella hugs her friend. "I'm so proud of you, Alice. I want to be your first customer. I need a gown for an event coming up for the Arts Council. I want you to design it for me."

Between tears and excited laughter, Alice fiercely hugs Bella, nearly knocking her down.

"I'll get started on it right away," she squeals, nearly abandoning Bella in her rush to the computer room where several laptops are set up for the crew to draw their designs.

"Alice, I'm going back downstairs. I'll see you later at dinner, all right?" Bella calls out to her.

"Okay, see you there."

Later that evening, Rosalie and Emmett are having a barbecue on his rooftop patio and Bella's excited because she hasn't seen Edward but a few times since they got home from Italy. He's been ensconced at home, editing the wedding photos and writing his article on Aro.

After taking the subway home for the first time in ages, she takes a long hot shower, making sure she shaves her legs for what she'll be wearing tonight.

Looking at the clock on her dresser, she's about to call for a cab when Stuart calls to tell her that Edward's downstairs. Not expecting him, she feels the butterflies in her stomach.

"Send him up, would you, Stuart? Thanks." Taking one last look in the mirror, she likes her outfit of a white tank and black skorts with white polka dots.

Spinning toward the door when she hears his light knock, she quickly opens it, flinging herself into his arms.

"I've missed you," she says, crashing her lips to his as he lifts her off the floor, wrapping her legs around him.

"Mmmm, that's quite a greeting there, little lady," he replies, kissing her back. He runs his hands up under the skirt, finding the material between her legs.

Dropping her to the ground, he lifts her skirt and inquires, "What's this?"

"It's called a 'skort', silly. It's a skirt and shorts. Kind of like culottes. If you don't know what that is … ask Alice tonight."

"No, thanks," he chuckles. "Come on, sexy, let's go, Em's already texted me a million times," he says, pulling Bella to him for another deep kiss. "Fuck, I've missed you. It took me forever to do the photos to send to Aro, and then with the article ..."

"Don't explain. I can't wait to read it," she says, grabbing her bag. "Come on, let's go."

After the cab drops them off at Emmett's place, they make their way to the elevator to the rooftop. It doesn't take Edward long to run his hand up under her skirt, slipping his hand between her warm thighs.

"Can I spend the night tonight?" he asks, breathlessly kissing her along her neck.

"If you don't, I'm coming to your house," she answers, jerking away when the doors open.

They both look around seeing more than just their close friends. Bella didn't know it was a party, party. She thought it would be just the six of them. It looks more like a promotional thing, and when she sees Phil on a chaise lounge, talking to a brunette, her stomach turns over knowing they are in for a bit of drama.

It doesn't take Edward long to see him either, and he grips her hand even tighter, pulling her into him.

"Don't' make a scene, Edward. Let's be professional, and if I have to drop him as a client, I will. I don't need him that bad. I won't have you going to jail, all right? We'll just leave if he causes trouble."

"I'll be okay. I know you love me, but if he lays one finger on you …"

"He won't. I won't let him. Come on, let's say hello to Emmett and Rosalie."

They both walk over to the couple who are playing the perfect host and hostess when none other than Phil walks up.

"Bella, it's good to see you again," he says, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

"You as well, Philip," she says, stepping back diverting the kiss.

"Edward," Phil says coldly.

"Phil."

"Excuse us, we were just about to get something to drink. Edward," Bella says, feeling Philip's eyes on her back. She thinks she may have to drop him with or without a scene and plans on doing that very soon.

"Hey, Bella," Jasper says, coming up behind her.

"Hey, Jazz, how are you?" she replies, giving him a hug as she looks around for Alice. As soon as Alice sees her, she squeals and runs toward her.

"Oh, Bella, you should see the material I selected for your gown. You're going to love it."

"What gown?" Edward asks quizzically.

"A gown I'm designing for Bella. She has a gala at the Institute, and she asked me to design it," Alice states proudly.

Edward looks at Bella with a raised eyebrow.

"I was going to ask you tonight, and would have sooner, but you've been busy. So, would you like to be my date?"

"I don't know, when is it?" he answers, in a cocky tone of voice.

"In two weeks, ass," she says, nudging his arm with her shoulder. "Pleeeease?" she drags out, and then just as quickly says, "Don't make me ask Philip."

"That does it," he growls and as he tosses her over his shoulder, he smacks her on her ass, causing everyone to look in their direction when they hear her scream.

"You won't go with anyone but me, woman!" he exclaims, paddling her once more before putting her down.

"Wait until I get you home," she whispers, embarrassed that everyone is still watching.

"I'm looking forward to it," he shoots back with an ornery grin.

After a fun evening, Edward and Bella make their way back to her place where they sit for a while on her balcony, enjoying a glass of wine, listening to the city sounds.

"So, what's next after the article?" she asks, laying her head back against the chair.

"I don't know. I guess I go to South Africa to do the Mandela thing, unless they changed their mind. It's really kind of ancient history. There's been so much written about him already. I wasn't too eager to do it in the first place."

"Have you thought about going pro with your photography?" Bella asks, sipping her wine.

"Jasper is always pressuring me to do that. I just haven't thought about going that route with it. I do it for fun, you know? Not for sale or anything."

"You don't have to sell it. Just show it. You did really good work with the wedding. Maybe you can do portraits or something?" she hints.

"No. No way. That was a one-time deal. I won't do that again," he says, chuckling at the memory.

"I hear you there. Aro still wants me to go back to do Marina, but I don't want to be around him ever again. Especially if you aren't there." The memory of Aro 'accidently' touching her in places where it was difficult for it to be called an accident makes her ill. If Edward found out, she knew he would go to Italy, and Aro would have him put in a cement block and tossed in the river.

"I don't know what I'm going to do, Bella. I don't think I want to jump around the world anymore. I don't …" he trails off.

"Don't what?" she presses.

"I don't want to leave you here. I don't want to be without you in my life, and those assignments take me away for months sometimes," he replies, reaching for her hand, running his thumb over the top of it.

"I don't think I want you to go either. I can only imagine the danger you put yourself in. But I don't want to be the reason you quit doing what you love either."

"But I love you more."

"I know, but please think about what your life would be like if you quit doing it because of me," she persists.

"I promise. I'll think about it, but I'm pretty sure my mind is made up, Bella. I would miss you too much, and my heart wouldn't be in the game anymore," he says, looking into her eyes.

"I would miss you … so much," she says to him, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Awe, baby, don't cry," he coos, pulling her over onto his lap.

They lay there on the lounge chair, silently holding each other, thinking about their lives and their future.

It is late into the night when he takes her to bed, where he shows her how much he loves her by making sweet love to her, making her cry again. Only, this time, it's tears of pleasure.

~.~

The following week, Bella is getting anxious to meet the infamous Masen, who she will be showing at her opening. Rosalie has been skirting the issue, and Bella presses her for the meeting.

"Rosalie, when are you setting up the meeting?" Bella asks, as soon as Rosalie picks up her phone.

"I'm working on it, I promise. He's very hard to reach. But, trust me, I'll set it up for next week. He's kind of shy about his work," Rose says, rolling her eyes, getting tired of making excuses. She's finally going to have to nail Edward down for the meeting, and that's that.

"Okay, next week, and then I can't wait any longer."

"Deal. I'll call you back as soon as I can. I promise."

"Okay, with the opening in just a month, Rose, I need to nail this shit down, all right?" Bella says, getting a little angry that this isn't settled.

"I'll take care of it, don't worry. I'll get the meeting."

After hanging up, Bella gets a call from Lisa to meet her at a location very near a place she knows only too well. Taking a cab, she meets Lisa at the office around the corner from Princeton Tower.

"I'm sure you're curious why I wanted you to meet me here," Lisa inquires.

"Actually, yes, I am."

As soon as Bella answers, Chirlane De Blasio, the Mayor's wife, enters the waiting room. Bella and Lisa both stand to greet her.

"Mrs. De Blasio …" Bella begins.

"Chirlane, please," she says to Bella and Lisa. "Please, come and sit. The reason I asked you here is because the Mayor and I will be attending next week's gala at the Art Institute, and I understand you are friends of Ms. Brandon?" she asks Bella.

"Um, yes. Why do you ask?"

"She was recommended, and I was hoping you could get her to design a dress for me on such a short notice," Chirlane says with hope written all over her face.

"Well, she's designing my gown, but I'm sure she would put mine on the back burner to design yours. It would be an honor for her, I'm sure," Bella suggests.

"I don't want to interrupt her making your dress, Bella. Perhaps I could ask someone else then."

"No, Chirlane, she would be truly disappointed to pass up this opportunity. I will have her call your office to set up the meeting. Would that be all right?" Chirlane beams a smile at Bella and nods her head.

"I'm just curious though, why didn't you call her directly? I mean, you would have your answer right away," Bella asks, her brow furrowed.

"Well, I know Lisa, here. And I know you are on the board, and I also know that Ms. Brandon is your good friend. The Institute is near and dear to my heart and I wanted to meet you personally," she says shyly. "I've heard good things about your work on the council, and the city is waiting for your opening. I do hope I receive an invitation," she says, her smile beautiful and bright.

"I look forward to seeing you there, Chirlane. I'll have Alice call you this afternoon," Bella promises.

"Here's my card with my personal cell phone. Have her call me as soon as she can."

"I will, and thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I'll see you at the gala."

After the goodbyes are said, Lisa and Bella walk out of the office and agree to walk around the corner for a bite of lunch since neither has eaten yet. As they turn the corner, Bella looks up at the Tower. It's the first time she's seen it since she and Anthony broke it off.

"That went well, didn't it?" Lisa says of the meeting with the Mayor's wife. Looking over to where Bella's eyes are focused, Lisa is curious at what she's looking at.

Just as Bella's eyes trail down the building to the front door, she sees a familiar figure exit a cab and go through the door being held open by Willoughby.

"Lisa, I need to pass on lunch. I remember I have something I need to take care of. Can I have a raincheck?" Bella asks, looking back at the Tower.

"Absolutely. Make sure you call me."

"I will."

It doesn't take Bella long to dodge the traffic as she runs across the street to the front door of the Tower.

"Hello, Ms. Swan," Willoughby greets her with his usual smile.

"I saw Mr. Cullen arrive just a moment ago, may I go up to see him?" she asks nervously through shallow breath.

"Mr. Cullen?"

"Yes, he just arrived," she replies, looking anxiously at the elevators.

"I don't know a Mr. Cullen, but Mr. Anthony just arrived. Let me get the elevator for you." He escorts her to the Penthouse elevator, waiting with her until the doors open.

"Th … thank you," she stammers.

She feels her body shake in nervous tension as she presses the button that will take her to the penthouse. Her heart pounds in her chest as she watches the numbers light with each passing floor until it comes to a complete stop. She wants to be wrong, but something inside her gut is telling her something completely differently. She's afraid her suspicion may be accurate, and as the doors open, the deep pounding of her heart can be heard pounding inside her ears.

Pressing the button that holds the doors open, then on weak limbs, she stumbles as she takes the first step into Anthony's apartment. Looking around the vast open space, she peers down the hall toward his bedroom.

Standing there, silent and shaking, she hears whistling coming from across the room. As soon as she looks in that direction, she sees him. Her body stiffens in shock.

Shock waves shoot through her and then the exhale of a shuddering whimper fills the room. A mixture of fright, alarm and devastation pulse through her body. What completely frightens her is the cleansing calm that comes over her replacing the myriad of emotions she felt just moments before. They stare at each other wordlessly.

Edward's blood drains from his body upon seeing her standing there and hearing the cold tone of her voice. The look of pain on her ashen face shakes him to the core.

"Bella, please, let me explain," he says, rushing toward her.

She holds her hand up, pointing at him, halting his movement.

"NO! Don't ever … speak … to me again," she seethes.

Where she got the power to move, she doesn't know, but when she takes a step backward into the elevator, quiet tears begin to stream down her face. Swallowing a sob that lodges in her throat, her eyes find his one last time.

Watching as the doors close her off to him, he slowly drops to his knees.

He knows it now as clearly as he knew it then.

She'll never forgive him.

A/N: I know you are probably pretty ticked off at me right now with this cliffie, but I had to leave it at this point. So, let me have it. Till then …