Super special props to Frannie for getting this beta'd overnight AND after a long drive home from her short trip. Pre-readers … Surprise! Sorry, I was in a hurry.

Gore rating—0

When the wheels of our private jet hit the old, unused runway about twenty miles outside of Chicago, a huge gust of air leaves me. We're back on home turf. Bella is fucking safe, and my men can get the help they need. Fucking Riley hasn't woken yet, but it appears Demetri just needs a little TLC.

I nudge the sleeping woman beside me, hating to disturb her, but at the same time, dying to get the fuck off this tin coffin and back to the secure luxury of the penthouse. This trip was way too close of a call for my liking.

Her beautifully expressive dark eyes open, and she immediately realizes we're on the ground. "Are the medics here?"

I chuckle as I lean over to brush my lips across hers. "They better be," I say as I pull back from the soft, thankful pass. "I love that your first thought is about the others even after all you've been through. After everything you've seen, and it's all because of me."

"Edward," she says softly, cupping my cheek and brushing her thumb across my bottom lip. "I'll admit this wasn't in my plans when I went on vacation, but it was all worth it. This is where we're supposed to be. Together. Hearing you admit you feel it, too, will probably go down as one of my top ten greatest moments ever." She purses her lips. "But that doesn't mean I'm letting Emmett off the hook just yet."

I groan. "Don't even mention that fucker right now. He's within killing distance, so it's best I forget he even exists for the moment."

"Boss," Caius call from down the aisle. "You wanna check out these bozos before we hand over our men? That Miami shit has me paranoid." He shoves his thumb toward the open door of the plane where two men are standing impatiently.

"Who arranged for them to be here?" I ask, gripping the handle of my piece.

"Only person I've spoken to is Emmett," Caius replies.

I relax and wave them onto the plane. I may be mad as hell at his ass right now, but I'm not concerned that anyone he sent is a setup. Emmett is super smart, but sometimes he gets zeroed in on one thing and can fail to see the bigger picture. In this instance, he was so focused on fixing shit between Bella and me that he inadvertently put her in danger to accomplish his goal. It's definitely not ideal, at-fucking-all, but it also wasn't intentional on his part.

I oversee the two medics as they check on my men. One of them helps Demetri to stand, and he and Caius get the old geezer off the plane. When the other medic returns, it's with some kind of board thing.

Caius enters a few seconds behind him. Tilting his head toward the plane entrance, he says, "We got men out there, too. I made two of 'em load into the ambulance with Demetri." He cuts his eyes to the two medics. "At this point, I can't trust a face I don't recognize."

"Smart man," I say, tapping my temple. "There a couple cars here, too?"

He nods. "Yes, Boss. With trusted me behind the wheel."

I bob my head a few times as I watch the men try to work out how to maneuver Riley's giant-ass frame onto this skinny-ass board. There's a brace on his neck, and he's still out cold. "Is he going to be okay?" I ask, my worry increasing with each moment he lies there unmoving.

One of the medics lifts his eyes to mine. "His breathing is normal, so that's a plus. We'll know more once we get him back to the facility."

"Facility?" I ask, because shouldn't he be going to a fucking hospital.

"Yes, sir," he replies, looking away from my hard gaze. "We have a special setup for instances such as this."

I don't know shit about a special setup, so I step closer, my tall frame towering over the puny fucker. "I'm going to assume since my bother sent you that you're exactly what my men need, but know this, if they don't walk out of your "special setup" of their own volition, I'll burn it to the ground."

"Yes, s-sir," he stutters as he strains to lift his end of the board holding Riley's bulky frame.

"Jesus fuck," I mumble. "Just move outta the fucking way. We'll get him." My hands fly around in frustration as I usher them up the aisle. "Come on, Caius. Grab the other end. These pussies couldn't lift a five-pound bag of flour."

Bella's giggle echoes up the aisle, bringing lightness with it that expands inside my chest. "Go easy on them, Edward. Not everyone can have your brute strength and good looks." Her eyes sparkle as they lift to my hair; the slicked-back clump of hardness atop my head. She is so fucking with me—and I goddamn love it.

I smirk. "You keep that up, and I might adopt this as my usual style."

"Not likely," she says with another light, airy giggle. "You hate it more than I do."

"How'd you get to be so fucking smart?"

She pokes my side. "I just know you. That's all."

The moment overwhelms me, and I'm caught in her stare. Her statement is more accurate than I ever wanted it to be. If I had my way, she'd have never seen the things she did in Miami. But there's no taking it back now. She knows me through and through, she knows the monster, and what's more, buried deep inside she has her own.

Caius fakes a loud cough, pulling my eyes away from Bella. "Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. Let's get him off this plane."

We spend the next ten minutes maneuvering Riley up the aisle and down the perilous stairs to finally reach the cracked asphalt of the old runway. Flashing lights greet me as I see a pair of ambulances off to the side and four dark SUVs. The two medics motion us toward the empty ambulance where we help transfer Riley to a gurney.

Once he's loaded, the medics are eager to be on their way. I halt them for a second and motion to Marcus and one of his crew. "Take an SUV and follow these fucks. I want an update as soon as we know something. Get a man in there with Riley, too."

"Got it, Boss," he replies and does as he's fucking told.

When the runway is empty of everything but the remaining SUVs, I call Caius over. "Look, I just wanted to commend you for your help with this trip. You did a good job and kept your cool."

"Thanks, Boss," he says, surprised by my candor.

"Don't get used to it," I snap, just so he knows not to take advantage or expect it in the future. "Have everyone ready. Bella and I will be there in a sec."

"Got it."

When he's moved away, I turn and hold out my hand. "Are you ready to go home?"

Bella takes it, but her brows are furrowed. "Home? After all this, you're taking me home?"

I yank, pulling her flush against me with one swift move. "My home."

"Ohhhh," she says, and her mouth forms such an inviting visage that I can't stop myself from taking advantage.

Gripping her nape, I tilt her head and plunge my tongue into her unsuspecting mouth so fast she's frozen for a second, but it's only a fucking second as the fire between us explodes. Her hands fist my shirt as she frantically tries to get closer, to take more of me, to give more of herself. Her taste clutters my mind, causing me to forget where we are and where we've been. I lose all sense of self as I revel in her and the emotions I've kept banned from my life.

As the kiss deepens, I see it all. Us. A future I never thought possible. But as it comes to a blissful, sensuous end, I also question that future. Is it possible to have? Can I keep her safe with the life I lead? Will I become vulnerable with her by my side? Will she be the chink in my armor, the weak link?

But as we break apart and I stare into her kiss-dazed eyes, I know she won't. She'll give me a reason to come home at night, a reason to plan my every move to exact precision, a reason to ensure every mission is a success—a reason to live.

I take a deep breath, and with it, I exhale all my worries. There are still a lot of things I need to accept in order to make room in my life for a change this big, but the change is here. It's evident by the swell that blooms in my chest every time I gaze at her beautiful face. By the desperate need I feel to protect her from all harm. By the fact that as I gaze at her, sex isn't even on my mind.

In fact, a shimmer of fucking uncertainty creeps across my skin as I remember the last time. I shake off the funky vibe and take her hand. "Let's go home."

As we approach the SUVs, Aro is the only man stupid enough to open his fucking mouth. "Are we ready to roll, Boss?" he asks, stepping forward and spreading his arms. "Or are ya gonna make out some more."

My muscles tighten as I consider what I'm going to do to his disrespectful ass as soon as he's within reach, but a soft touch to my arm causes me to pause. "He's ballsy," Bella says with a cheeky wink. "I like it."

"He's fucking stupid, but it is part of the package with him," I concede, brushing his insolent comment aside. Sometimes, he just plain doesn't know any better. "Aro," I bark, causing him to jump to attention. "Come meet Bella." I motion to the smiling woman at my side.

Too fucking stupid to be afraid, he saunters right up to her and makes a giant show of taking her free hand and placing a kiss on it. "My lady," he says, like the fucking dork that he is. "I am honored."

I snatch him up by the front of his shirt with my own free hand. "You fucking should be. She's the reason I'm not cutting out your tongue." I toss him back a couple feet and pass my glare over the soldiers gathered around to ensure we have a safe trip the rest of the way home.

I shrug. It's as good a time as any. "Men, I'd like you all to meet Bella." Their faces remain stoic, but I can see the question in a few of them—aside from Caius—he might actually be rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "You may never see her again, or you may see her often, but whatever the case for you personally, know this. She's important to me. Very important, and she should be treated with respect and honor no matter where or how you encounter her. Should the need arise, I expect you to give your fucking life protecting hers." I meet each and every one of their eyes, absentmindedly thankful that James isn't among those gathered. I have other plans for him. "Got me?"

"Yes, Boss," they reply in unison.

I nod and start leading Bella toward the SUV Aro was standing beside earlier. "Good. Let's get rolling. I want one SUV behind and one ahead of us."

The trip is short in comparison to the long journey we've traveled up to this point. The past twenty-four hours feel like they lasted a goddamn week. Was it only yesterday when I lost my cool and beat an old, one-eyed man to death?

As sun's ray begin to shine over the horizon and the city lights come into view, Bella leans her head against my shoulder with a sigh. "You know, you should probably be more careful with your words. I might start to think you care." Her fingers are absentmindedly tracing the Polo emblem on my shirt, careful not to make eye contact.

I lift her chin, forcing said contact. "I do care, Bella. I'm not a man who flip-flops. Yeah, I got freaked out after that night, but up here"—I tap my temple—"it's all straight now. I know it, and I accept it, and I can admit it. You aren't going to wake up one morning and that be gone. That's not me. It's not who I am." I sigh, glancing out the windshield to gather my thoughts before focusing back on her. "Am I ready to admit my undying love?" I shrug. "No, I'm not, but I can't honesty tell you I don't feel it. I'm just not sure, but I promise as soon as I am, you'll know, too."

Bella blinks, her misty eyes reflecting the lights from the city around us. "That's all a girl ever wants, Edward. Honesty." Her eyes fall back to her fingers, which are still tracing the little emblem on my shirt. "I wouldn't have been upset if you'd just stayed and talked to me, but you didn't. You ran away, and I woke alone and unsure. It was a bitter pill that turned into rage as the days passed."

When she lifts her eyes back to mine, the swell inside my chest expands and explodes, causing the fine hairs on my body to stand at attention. Because it's there. I see it in her eyes. Her very essence is screaming it loud and clear.

She loves me.

"Bella," I whisper, dying to hear the word fall from her lips yet afraid of the same thing. "I …"

She shushes me with a finger across my lips. "I do love you, Edward, and I am sure of it, but I don't trust you. I can't right now. Those two go hand in hand for me. So no matter what I feel here"—she places her hand on her heart—"I have to know it here, too." She taps her temple. "Until then, I can't give you that part of myself."

I swallow the hurt and nod, knowing my actions are the cause of her hesitance, but also knowing I shouldn't expect things I can't give myself. "What a pair we are, huh?" I ask, attempting to make light of our situation.

She shrugs and wrinkles her nose. "We are a little pathetic, aren't we?"

I brush my hand along her hair. "Nope, just two incredibly thoughtful people who're trying to be honest with the person we may or may not love."

Her giggle fills my ears, and that goddamn swell collects back in the center of my chest. Yeah, I'm such a fucking pussy. "Gesù Cristo," I mumble, shaking my head.

"Hey." Bella pokes me in the rib cage. "Pretty sure I've warned you about that."

It takes me a second, but I freeze as her words hit me. My Italian. More specifically, me speaking Italian and what that does to her. The same creepy vibe from earlier races across my skin, making me want to bolt from any mention of the subject.

I chuckle, but it sounds uneasy to my own fucking ears. "Yeah, I remember."

I may have brushed it aside earlier, but as I force myself to delve deeper into the idea, I realize just the thought of sex with Bella is unsettling. My stomach does a little flip even as I stare at her gorgeous smiling face.

What the fuck?

"Boss, we're here," Aro says, snapping me from the unease of my thoughts.

I look around and recognize my garage, my heart giving a little thump when I see another man posted in Demetri's usual spot. "I can fucking see," I snap to cover for my little freak-out.

"Whoa, man, chill," Aro says, getting out the SUV and moving to open Bella's door.

As I get out behind her, I stand to my full height. "Haven't we discussed this man shit before?"

"Yes, Boss. Sorry, Boss. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," I growl as I move past him and take Bella's hand. Even with all the weirdness going on inside my mind, the need to be near her is almost overwhelming.

I jab the elevator button harshly, still irked at Aro, until Bella grabs my abused finger and places a small kiss on the tip. Instead of finding the image hot, as I fucking should, my stomach does another goddamn flip—this one almost making me nauseous.

Playing that shit off like a pro, I take my hand back and toss it around her shoulder as I guide her through the open doors. After giving my thumbprint, I turn to face Bella—who's standing there in what I can only classify as a predatory stance. When my stomach flips this time, I use it as ammunition and back her against the wall like a fucking pro—which I am, of course—just not usually with this queasy feeling attached.

For the first time ever, I pray this elevator ride with Bella goes quickly. There's the obvious reason. I'm fucking more than ready to see my home again, but there's another, more sinister, reason. I'm not sure I can pretend I'd fuck her right here for very long.

I take my time as I position myself between her spread legs, discretely watching the digital numbers as they climb higher. My lips drop to her exposed neck and caress across her skin as my hands roam down to grip her hips tightly.

This isn't so bad.

She moans as she cranes her head to give me better access, but instead of going straight to my cock, it makes my fucking stomach roll. I pause and breathe deeply, centering myself with her scent, before continuing to her ear and teasing her lobe with my teeth.

The ding of the elevator is the most welcoming sound I've ever heard, and I can't stop myself from pulling away as soon as I hear it.

But she grabs my shirt before I can exit the elevator. "What's wrong?" Her brows are pursed, and the way she's looking at me makes it clear. This is a test of my honesty, and I better pass it with flying colors.

"It's complicated and fucked up," I admit, all the fight leaving me. I can't keep this from her, no matter how much I wish I could lock it away and pretend it isn't happening. I turn back and take her in my arms—nausea-free, I might add. "Look, let's go inside, and I'll cook us a nice breakfast. We can talk while we eat."

"Is it something I said?" she asks, and my heart breaks just a tiny bit.

I brush her hair from her face. "Not at all. You'll probably laugh and tell me to quit being a fucking pansy. I swear, I don't even know where it came from."

She studies me, and I must pass muster because she smiles. "We can do that."

"Good." I peck her lips and take her hand, leading her from the elevator. Only I stop dead in my tracks not two feet from the door. Because my fucking stupid brother with his stupid girlfriend have the nerve to be standing in my living room, him looking anxious as hell.

I thought I was the master of tense muscles, but I have nothing on the woman at my side. Her whole frame goes rigid as her eyes narrow on his lanky-ass frame with the precision of lasers.

Looks like Emmett's in more trouble than I realized.

Whew, guys, this felt like the longest three weeks of my life! So I need to talk your ear off ;) Since I started posting FF in Sept of 2014, this was the longest stretch I've ever went without posting something.

Have you seen the Winterward Card Contest? I'm the super special secret keeper, and man, those entries are amazeballs! There's a group on FB you can search and join. 21 so far, and today is the last day for submissions! It's open to anyone who can find a pic and add some words. Come check them out!

Today is Sharp Right Turn release day! For the occasion, I've made Sharp Left Turn free for today and tomorrow, while SRT is still only .99 for just a little longer. The final book will be out Jan 22. My author name is Faye Byrd.

So, Operation is back on schedule and with a couple more posts, I hope to be able to move it to less than 2 weeks. Give me a little to get ahead on chapters.

I hope everyone has a Holiday Season filled with family and love along with a bright and optimistic New Year!

See you in two weeks :)