Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.

This chapter is all me, so just ignore any/all mistakes you encounter.

This story is winding down. Last chapter was somewhat a glimpse of Aro's personality, and the threat he poses. A threat just like any in E and B's lives. They are in the mob so there will always be some kind of danger lurking around.

This chapter is short but I wanted to post before 2012 comes in, so here it is. Hope you like it. =)


CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

BPOV

I was nestled comfortably in Edward's arm; my legs were tangled with his. I was beyond exhausted, but I couldn't find it in me to sleep. There was something nagging me, and my head was having a hard time letting it go. Maybe I could ask Edward later.

Instead of worrying, I focused my attention on the hairs on his chest, playing with the soft curls. I raised my head from his shoulder to check his face and he had his eyes closed, but the smile on his lips told me he wasn't asleep yet. The flight from France was tiring, and my body was shouting for me to give into the exhaustion but my brain was so stubborn. I moved and accidentally brushed my thigh against Edward's naked flesh, and he hissed. Pretending not to hear him, I started softly circling his chest with my right middle finger. His arms tightened around me in warning. I giggled. I knew he loved it when I played with his chest, but I also knew it could make him horny as well. It wasn't my intention to have sex tonight, but I couldn't stop touching him. I loved touching him, and he knew that. My hand continued its lazy caress, his muscles tensed from my touch. I was too pre-occupied with his body's reaction to mine that I wasn't aware he had moved. His hand was on my wrist, holding it firmly away from him and his chest.

"Babygirl, you're dangerous," he said softly. I moved so I could kiss the skin near his nipple. As expected, there was another hiss.

I giggled and rested my chin on his chest so I was staring directly at him. He released my wrist only to entangle his fingers with mine; pulling so he could kiss the top of my hand. Not satisfied, I reached up to kiss him on the lips. I only planned for it to be a short one but ended up out of breath because he didn't let go of my lips. Eventually, the need for air separated us. His breathing was labored; his nostrils were flaring so I knew he was more than affected by that kiss. Although I was tired, I knew I needed to have my answers. And this was my chance…my only chance. This was the perfect time to ask him my questions, the questions he had shrugged off before he dragged my ass out of France.

"Mase, why did we leave Cannes?" I asked softly. He looked surprised that I had to broach this topic again. He surely didn't think I would allow him to just shrug off my concern, did he? The frown on his face, however, told me he had every intention for me to leave it alone.

"You don't want to tell me," I said dryly. "I just don't understand why?"

"Bella, I…shit!" he muttered. He looked at me for a few seconds, as if assessing my mood. He started to open his mouth, but closed it again.

"Please, Mase," I pleaded. I was afraid if he spoke he would either deny or change the topic. "I know you try to protect me from so many things, but you can't always do that. My father and Emmett had tried to before, but they failed. I'm a member of this Family, and whether you like it or not, I also have a responsibility to keep it safe."

"I don't want the ugliness of this life to get to you," he whispered sadly. The look in his eyes was both tender and intense, making me want to comfort him.

Life in the mob was not one big vacation; I knew all the risks and even the bad shits that could happen. I might not know every detail, but I wasn't naïve. I knew I could easily be a target because of who Edward was. My stubbornness and recklessness had landed me into trouble multiple times, but ever since my father died I had tried to become the mature daughter he had always wished for. I tried to be responsible and patient as much as I could, but most of the time Edward was the reason as to why I was pissed.

"I want to give you everything, Bella. But the life I chose is dangerous, and I'm scared to lose you."

On top of his tough exterior was a considerate and caring man. I had a hard time believing it at first, but had come to realize I was the one who made him vulnerable. I thought it was sweet, but I knew this was a disadvantage where his duties as the mob boss were.

"You won't lose me, Mase," I whispered softly, leaning forward again to brush my lips with his. "I'm not going anywhere…you know that."

I knew he needed reassurance that I would always be here with him. I was his strength like he was mine. I smiled, and he reached out to caress my cheek with his finger.

"Tell me what happened. I know there's a reason we jetted out of France in a matter of hours after our arrival."

"Do you really want to know, babygirl?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Of course, I do. I wouldn't ask if I didn't."

He remained silent for what felt like forever. I almost thought he wouldn't tell me, but when he ran his hand through his hair and sat up to lean back on the headboard, I knew he would confide in me.

"I have a very bad feeling Aro wants you, Bella," he said. His eyes bore into me; assessing yet again my reaction. I was shocked, because I had assumed the meeting was some kind of a truce between the Cullen and Volturi clan. I guess I was wrong.

"What made you say that, Mase?" I asked.

"It's just a hunch. The way he had mentioned your name before I even left the building. He was fucking taunting me by even asking how you were. He didn't have to say it, but his intention was clear. He wanted you, but I would die first before he could get his hands on you."

"Are you sure it's me he wants?"

He frowned before nodding slowly, like he too was processing it like I did. "It's not in what he said that alerted my internal warning bells, because he didn't say anything. It's how he intentionally left it up to the last second of our meeting to mention you."

I tried not to panic hearing Edward's words. It wasn't as if it was the first time I was the target of a plot against my family anyway. Maybe he might even be wrong. Truthfully, I wasn't too concerned about me. That wasn't what I was panicked about. I was scared because of Edward. Somehow I knew whatever the plot was against me – if it was true – was connected to him, even though he hadn't realized it yet. Why in the heck would they want me if they didn't want to hurt Edward? Of course, that was the only reason Aro wanted me.

"Bella…babygirl, are you alright?" Edward asked; concern etched on his face. "Don't worry baby, nobody will fucking touch you. Not as long as I'm alive, and I plan to live for a very long time."

I rested my head against his naked shoulder while he wrapped his arm around my waist. Now I knew why he insisted on adding Alec to Seth's group of my personal security. Initially I had argued with him, but Edward was stubborn and I didn't win that argument. I understood the added security; it was for my own protection. From now on, even if I would look like I was some kind of a gigantic spoiled bitch, there would not be any protest coming from me when I had all these bodyguards following me wherever I go. Edward showed me a glimpse of what he was scared of, and I didn't want to break his heart by going against him any longer.

I would indulge him this time.

xxxxxxxxxx

"No, let me to talk to her," I told Emmett. I heard my brother's groan before he handed the phone to Rose. It took a minute before I heard my best friend.

"Hello," Rose hesitated. She sounded weak, but Emmett had told me she was doing better these days. It had been almost two months since the accident at the mansion, and three weeks after Cannes.

"Rose, sweetheart, how are you?" I asked, trying not to scare her. I was mad, not at her but at the situation.

"Bella, I'm okay. I'm just a little tired," she answered. A little tired? Emmett said she had been wallowing inside their room for days, never coming out. I could empathize with her, but she was hiding from everything, even my brother who loved her very much. Although Emmett never said anything about how Rose's change in attitude was hurting him, I knew it did. Ever since Rose knew about the lost of their baby, she had slowly retreated into herself.

She had been doing it for weeks now. She needed time, but this wasn't helping her. I needed to intercede.

"I know, Rose," I told her. "I understand why you need to stay inside your room, but I think it'll be nice for you to have a vacation."

"I…I don't thin-"

"Yes, you do," I said, interrupting her. "Do you want to come here to Chicago? I would even promise to fetch you there." Edward would be pissed if he knew I promised Rose something I wasn't allowed to do. He had been holding me hostage in Chicago ever since we arrived from France. All my protests fell on deaf ears. Something about my security being his first priority. But damn if I wouldn't try to help my sister-in-law and my brother. They needed me. During these past couple of weeks, I wasn't there for them, but this time I would. Maybe Edward would allow me to go to Seattle even for a few minutes just to get Rose. She needed me. But even if Edward didn't agree…even if he would be angry at me, I was determined to help out my family as best I could. They were important to me, and Edward should understand that.

There was still silence on the other end of the phone. "Rose?" I asked softly. I waited, afraid she would say no.

"Do you think you can really come here?" Her voice was small, like she was afraid. My heart went out to her.

"Of course I can, sweetie. I'll be there in a few hours if you promise to come back to Chicago with me."

"Okay."

I smiled, knowing my plan succeeded. "So that's settled then. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Bella. I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too, Rose." I could feel my eyes prickle with tears. "Can you get Em back to the phone? I need to talk to him."

Another few seconds passed before I heard my brother again.

"Em, I'll be there tomorrow. Make sure she's ready to come back with me here," I said.

"Thank you, Bella." The relief in my brother's voice told me this was a good idea. That this was best for everyone, including me. I said my goodbyes to Em before I dialed Seth's number.

"Bella," Seth answered. "Is something wrong?"

"No, but do you know where my husband is? I need to talk to him now," I replied. Hopefully, I could convince him to allow me to go to Seattle.


Happy New Year, everyone! Best Wishes to you all! =)

There is another chapter before the epilogue. However, I won't be able to post it before the year ends. Maybe a few days after. I'm sorry I can't keep my promise of finishing this story before 2012 arrives. Forgive me? *pouts*

Hugs and kisses! Hope the New Year brings us happiness in our hearts, prosperity (lots and lots of it), and hmmm...wisdom? lol.

Bring it on, 2012! I'm ready for yah! Hope you all are, too! =D