Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I own an active and naughty imagination. Rated M for lemony goodness.

Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight are owned by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original content, ideas, and intellectual property of this story are owned by PeppahLouie. Plagiarism is theft – so please no copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without express written authorization. ©2011 PeppahLouie. All rights reserved worldwide.

CHAPTER 35 – ADDING THICKENER

Edward

"Hey Miss... Miss Cook... how's life, huh? I'm toasting you with my tequila and hoping life is good up there in Seeee-attle. I sure hope it's at least better than down here in this hell-hole. 'Cause ya know what, Miss Cook? Ya know what? Life down here really fucking sucks. 'Specially 'cause Laurent fucking left me today. He fucking left me, Bella. He said that I still loved Jake... and he couldn't be with me if I couldn't let Jake go. FUCK! He doesn't get it, though, does he, Bella? I never fucking had Jake, did I? Nope. You did. You had Jake. He married you. He kept me in his shadow. And now... just when I found someone of my own... someone that you've got no claims on... guess what? He up and fucking leaves because of a dead man that I never fucking had anyway. Why did you do this to me, Bella? Why did you take Jacob from me? I loved him, goddamnit... I fucking loved him and we should have been together. If you hadn't taken him from me, we probably would have moved away from this gay-bashing hell-hole and he never would have become a police officer... and he wouldn't be dead now – he'd be with me where he belonged. Sometimes when I think about what you've done to me, it just makes me want to..."

"Well, well, well. That's quite the drunken rant from your friend, Bells."

My sweetheart nods, her arms wrapped around herself. It's almost ten o'clock and we just got back from Edmonds. We're standing around the island in what is now Alice and Jasper's kitchen. Pulling her to my chest, I hug her tightly and kiss her head. God, I love the smell of her hair.

Alice's brow is furrowed. "Bella, do you think maybe it was just the alcohol talking? I mean, Jared really does know that you didn't take Jake from him. He and I had a heart to heart the morning after we all had dinner at your place and he slept on our couch. Jared was nothing but remorseful for what he and Jake had done to you. It was that conversation that changed my mind about him, made me like him and want to introduce him to Laurent."

I have to admit, from the time we spent with Jared that night, on the fourth of July and in recently in Forks, I was convinced he was a solid, genuinely good person.

"I don't know, Alice. I want to think it was just the alcohol... but that last bit is kind of scary. I really don't know how to take it."

"Well, I want to keep a copy of the message, just in case. Can you please email it to me?"

"Sure, Jazz. What's your address?"

"It's undertheradar at jswhitlock dot com."

Both Bella and I chuckle at that, and it's good to see a smile on her beautiful face.

Then Jasper asks, "What's Jared's last name and profession again? I'm going to run a basic check on him."

"Yellowwolf. He's a west coast buyer for Barneys. He graduated from U-Dub last year with a degree in Native American Studies. He wrote his honours dissertation on how Quileute legends had influenced the local folklore and urban legends of the western Olympic Peninsula. I don't know how he ended up going from that to fashion."

Typing notes into his laptop, Jasper nods and asks, "And were you expecting to see Mr. Yellowwolf anytime soon?"

We look at each other, and Bella turns back to Jazz. "He's delivering the food from La Push on the Saturday evening before the gala. He was going to pick me up here and then I was going to ride with him to Volterra to deliver the food."

I give her a look. "Well, that's not going to happen now – you're not going anywhere near him or, god forbid with him, alone."

Jasper agrees. "No, definitely not. But it's a good thing he's delivering the food. Edward, that will be the perfect opportunity for you and I to have a chat with Jared... see if we can suss out his intentions."

Oh yeah. We'll be sussing alright. Nobody threatens my girl. I catch a smirk form on Jasper's face as he watches me clench my fists.

We say goodnight to Jazz and Alice and I lead my girl back to our loft. Damn, I love that it's our loft now. I want to do something nice for Bella... my mind wanders to that big, comfy jacuzzi tub upstairs.

"Baby?" I slip my arms around her waist and hoist her up; she readily wraps her legs around me and kisses me warmly.

"Hmm?"

"How about a warm, soothing bath, followed by a massage and then bed?"

She moans softly in my ear. "Mmm, that sounds heavenly, Chef."

I run the water at a very warm temperature, light several pillar candles, and set my iPod to play one of my favourite relaxing albums.

When Bella enters the bathroom, it is softly lit and steamy, the haunting beauty of chanting Benedictine monks is quietly floating on the mist, and I am waiting for her in the tub. "Edward, it's beautiful."

Holding out my hand to help her step in, I answer, "It pales in comparison to you, sweetheart."

In the bath, we remain silent and relatively chaste. I want to show Bella that I don't expect sex from her all the time, that I want us to build a complete life together, not just a sex life... especially after the urgent, almost rough way I took her earlier this evening in the woods behind my parents' house. She loved it, obviously, but I need her to always know we have more, so much more. Of course, it's a physical impossibility to share a bath with Bella and not have an erection, and the thoughts of earlier only serve to make me harder. But I ignore it and focus on her. And she knows me so well, can read my intent so accurately – she understands this bath is not about sex. It's about taking tender care of each other.

We cuddle and kiss for a while, then she lets me work some of her delicious strawberry shampoo into her hair. It's incredibly sensual and intimate for me, and I experience fleeting jealousy that Alec does this to her regularly. Then, Bella lies back in the water in front of me, her eyes closed and her gorgeous dark locks fanning out. She is a vision, and as I scoop water over her hair, her back arches and her breasts jut out of the water, breaking through the waning shampoo suds. Maybe it's the music, but this perfect instant in time seems almost holy... I burn it to memory.

We wash each other gently, touching reverently, rinsing slowly and thoroughly. It's tender and beautiful, and as I gaze into her eyes, I see joy – the same joy I feel – shining back at me. It occurs that this could be the moment to ask her... but I don't have the ring here. It's in its velvet pouch, tucked securely inside my wallet back in the bedroom. Besides, it's late... and... shit. I just lost my damned nerve.

Standing, I reach for the softest, fluffiest towel and wrap it around my Bella. We step out of the tub, and I grab another towel and gently squeeze her hair with it. Then as I pull one around my waist, she wraps a dry one around her head like a turban and she looks adorable.

Finally, I break our silence. "Give me a minute, my love, and I'll meet you on the bed."

I towel dry my hair and root through my shaving kit to find the surprise I picked up a few days ago. Unwrapping it, I inhale deeply... oh yes, she'll love this. I pull off my towel and drop it in the hamper.

When I walk out to the bed, Bella is sitting in the centre, still wrapped in towels, with her legs out in front of her, one bent at the knee and one straight. She is leaning back slightly, propped on her hands, which are flat on the bed and slightly behind her back.

I sweep her body with my eyes. "That's a very sexy pose, Miss Swan. You look most inviting."

She bites her lip and manages to shrug her shoulders, bringing them forward a bit, and it does things to her collarbone and neck that make me want to pounce on her.

"Oh, oh, oh, Isabella..." my voice is husky, "if you'd like the massage I promised, you might want to be careful about how much you tempt me."

She tilts her head to the side, looking contrite. "Sorry, Chef. I'll be good... during my massage." She pulls the towel off her head, picks up a wide-toothed comb from beside her and begins pulling it through her damp hair. "So," her voice is thick and seductive now, "where do you want me?"

I smirk. "Everywhere. But we can start with the bed, on your back." I walk over and kneel on the bed beside her, reaching out to tug at her towel. "And you won't be needing this." She lifts her body off the bed as I pull it away from her, then she reclines, spreading out her hair around her head.

"Mmm... I smell chocolatey, orangey goodness."

I've been holding the orange-scented cocoa butter massage bar in my hand and a good bit has melted. I sweep it under her nose – she moans in appreciation – then lay it on her discarded towel and straddle her hips, rubbing the oil in my hands. "Where to begin..."

I notice Bella's eyes are rather lasciviously trained on my erection that is now partly resting on her abdomen. "Don't worry, baby. You'll be getting a very thorough rub-down... that includes an internal massage as well." I grin and wink at her, and my cock twitches when she moans and bites her bottom lip in response.

I start by spreading the oil over her upper body. From her ribs, up over her breasts to her shoulders and then down her arms, I move my hands and distribute the delicious-smelling oil. Then, I begin in earnest, massaging first her hands, one by one, then her arms, shoulders, and all along her collarbone. Every moan makes my balls tighten, and she's moaning a lot.

I purposefully avoid her breasts and her taut nipples, moving my hands to rub her ribs, stomach and waist. I can feel her pressing her legs together and her hips are beginning to buck under me.

"Edward..." she rasps, her eyes burning with desire, "... please."

I can't deny her, so I reach for her breasts and she thrusts them up to meet my hands with a sigh of relief. I spend extra time rubbing and squeezing her tits, pinching and rolling her sensitive nipples. Okay, I admit, running circles over her nipples with my palms is not really massaging, but I love the way it makes her squirm.

Time for her legs. I grab the coca butter bar and slide backwards to sit over her ankles. I see her watching my cock again, licking her lips this time. That makes me twitch some more and she smirks, glancing up to my eyes. "You're leaking a little there, Chef."

"Hmm... I wonder why?"

I start rubbing her legs, working from her hips to her feet and back up. When I urge her legs apart slightly, it's my turn to tease. "I see your pretty little pussy is rather shiny, Miss Swan. Is that a new kind of lip gloss?"

She giggles out loud. "Yes... it's called 'Lick Me, Baby'... do you want a taste?"

Fuck, she's hot. "Absolutely, as long as it's my favourite Bella flavour."

She bends her knees and spreads her legs, and I dive in, delivering one long, slow, searing lick from her opening to her clit. She gasps and reaches up to grab my hair, but I'm too quick for her.

I sit back up. "Mmm, you're delicious, baby. Now it's time for the other side."

I try not to chuckle at the wide-eyed look of disbelief she gives me.

"Don't worry, Isabella, you will be thoroughly satisfied when I'm done. Now, roll over."

She rotates to lie on her front and I melt a little more oil from the massage bar onto my hands. Working her all over from neck to ankles, I save her perfect ass for last. Finally, after I've rubbed down every square inch of her body except for her backside, I'm ready to give her the attention we've both been craving since I started this.

I rub her buttocks with both hands, starting below her hips and moving down until my thumbs are resting comfortably in those wonderful creases at the top of her thighs. Circling firmly, I lift and push her flesh away from her pussy over and over again.

Bella rasps, "Jesus, Edward... you're driving me crazy..."

"Up on your knees, sweet girl." She squeaks as I slap her ass playfully and scrambles up to her knees.

"Still wet, Isabella? Still wanting some attention here?" I extend my tongue to circle her opening and pull back as she moans deeply.

"God, yes... please, Edward..."

"Like this?" I circle her again.

"Yes..."

"And this?" I lick her from her clit to her opening.

"Yes!"

"And... this?" I slip my middle finger into her core and swirl my tongue around her clit, pumping and curling my finger to tease her G-spot.

"FUCK YES!"

She's so close, I can feel her tighten on my finger. I slip in another and reach with my other hand to grasp her breast and roll her nipple.

"OHMYGOD, EDWARD!" Her legs clamp together around my hand and her knees straighten, and she falls prone on the bed as her orgasm tears through her in waves. I gently extract my hand and lie above her, guiding my erection to the top of her thighs.

I murmur huskily into her ear, "Open up, baby... I want to fuck your sweet pussy."

She whimpers and spreads her knees, lifting her hips to meet me as I slip between her legs and into her wet, throbbing heat. Thrusting slowly, I lower my chest to graze her back and start placing wet kisses on her shoulders and neck.

"Is this what you wanted, baby? Did you want me to fuck you with my hard cock?"

She moans deeply. "God, yes..."

"Does it feel good, sweetheart?"

"So good, baby... so fucking good..."

My cock twitches again. "Jesus, Bella, say that again..."

"It feels so fucking good to have your hard cock in my pussy..."

"Christ, Bella..."

Pulling her up with me so she is on all fours and I am upright on my knees, I begin pounding almost uncontrollably into her hot core.

"And this baby?" I grunt out the words through clenched teeth. "Does this feel fucking good too?"

"Ohmygod, yes... Edward, I love the way you fuck me..."

"Jesusgod... fuck, yesss..."

As I start to come, I wrap my arms around her torso and pull her upright, holding her tightly against me and firmly down on my lap. I feel her pussy clench on me like a vise, and her intense spasms milk my cock until we are both panting. The pleasure is indescribable. Bella continues to writhe against me, and I slip my hand down to caress her clit.

"Oh god, Edward... again..."

What? Oh, baby...

She pushes my hand onto her clit, guiding my fingers back and forth, and she whimpers as more spasms rock through her. She rides back on my no-longer-wilting cock, bucking her hips.

"Do you need more, baby?" I whisper into her ear, and she nods, almost sobbing.

"Yes... please... oh god, Edward... more..."

I lift her off my lap and turn her to face me, and as I straighten my legs and lie back, she lowers herself onto me.

"Ride me, baby... ride me hard. Fuck, you're beautiful, Isabella... you're so goddamned beautiful..."

Her face is pure passion and I've never seen anything so breathtaking... her wild hair, her freely dancing breasts, beads of sweat on her forehead and collarbone, the way her bellybutton moves as her hips roll back and forth... it's mesmerizing. She starts to move a little slower but her thrusts are longer and more powerful, and fuck if she's not going to pull another orgasm out of me.

"Edward... oh, god... Edward... it's so good, baby... the way you feel inside me... I want you to come with me... come with me and fill me up... claim me, Edward... fill me up and make me yours..."

Holy shit... this is the most passionate I've ever seen her... she's the ultimate male fantasy and she's all mine, all fucking mine...

I sit up and pull her legs around my waist, bending my knees a little to keep her firmly in place. I capture her nipples with my lips, one then the other, circling with my tongue and sucking roughly.

"OH GOD! I'M COMING, EDWARD... I'M COMING SO FUCKING HARD... KISS ME!"

Our mouths crash together and I slide one hand to the back of her head, the other holds her lower back. Keeping our mouths locked, I moan as my orgasm starts in response to her throbbing and clenching. She's moaning too, and she sucks on my tongue as she tightens and spasms again and again. It's intimate and mind-blowing and flawless. As we slowly rock back and forth, holding each other close and riding out the waves of pleasure, I realize my entire existence has shifted and is now acutely focussed on this incredible woman in my arms.

Bella

"Am I addicted to sex? What if Edward starts to think it's all I want him for? I mean, I can't get enough of him, Rose! I want him all the time. I kept him in bed for hours yesterday... I can't be normal." It was a rainy day, our last day off, and I awoke so wanton and needy that I just kept holding him there with me. We made love over and over until finally in late afternoon we were so hungry, we got up and went to In-N-Out Burger for sustenance. We bought wine, rented a movie and went back home where the wine remained un-drunk and the DVD unwatched... the couch, however, was thoroughly abused.

Rose smirks at her plate and stabs a shrimp with her fork. "Oh, Bella... everybody has sex-days! You need to not worry about this. First of all, men want sex... lots of it. It's one of the primary ways they feel loved. Secondly, most men would kill to be in Edward's position. And third, he knows your relationship is built on more than sex. You guys spent what, two months proving that? Oh, and I have a fourth point... you are perfectly normal! I was the same way when Emmett and I got together... actually, I still am. And so is Alice." Then she leans over her plate to whisper, "And so is Esme!"

What? My eyes feel like they'll pop out of my head.

Nodding, Rose continues, "Carlisle and Esme have a very active physical relationship. Emmett told me he once heard his mom scream 'Fuck me hard with your fabulous cock!'. That's probably where their kids get their unstoppable sex drive."

Oh my... I may never be able to look at Edward's parents again without blushing!

"So tell me again, where is everyone today?"

"Um, Edward is asleep. I woke him to tell him you were picking me up for lunch and then he rolled over muttering something about needing to rebuild his energy stores." We both giggle. "I actually got my period this morning, so he'll have a few days to do that. And Alice and Jasper are shopping for lingerie."

Rose laughs. "Ah, so Alice and Jasper are getting funky in dressing rooms!"

I look at her wide-eyed. "Really?"

"Oh yeah... they are a very naughty pair, trust me."

Now I'm curious... I feel my cheeks redden as I ask, "Hey, Rose? What's the naughtiest thing you and Emmett have done in public?"

Smirking, she answers, "Hmm... let's see. I once gave him a blowjob in a booth at the opera. His parents had tickets but couldn't go, so they gave them to us. Luckily the other two seats were unoccupied. Oh, and we had sex at Luna a couple of times. And of course, in the car... a lot. What about you and Edward?"

I look down at my entwined fingers and blush harder. "Um... in the service elevator at the Space Needle..."

"Ooh, that's hot!"

"...in the water at La Push while people were on the beach..."

"Bella! How daring!"

"...on top of and against his Vanquish on the way home from Forks..."

"Ohmygod... on his precious car?"

"...in the office at work..."

"Holy crap!"

"...and in my truck on our way home from the car show on Sunday."

Rose squeals and claps her hands in a very Alice-like move. "Oh, Bella! It's such a rush, isn't it? The adrenalin from getting away with something while everyone around you is oblivious... it almost makes me high!"

I can't disagree...

.~.~.~.

As the week passes, I make a conscious effort to get us out of the apartment in the mornings. We go to the gym a couple of times, to the Seattle Art Museum, and to brunch with Edward's entire family at the Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday. No matter where we go or what we are doing, Edward and I thoroughly enjoy being together, while the time we do spend alone in our loft is filled with pure joy and intimacy, even for the four days that I am out of commission. There are a few occasions when Edward seems a little... off... like he wants to say something but can't find the words. I don't push him, though. I want him to say what he wants or needs to say in his own time in his own way. The only thing I really know is that I'm not worried about what it might be. I have complete faith in him and our relationship. We are a team, a package, a unit, a whole. Whatever it is, he'll voice it when he's ready.

I never dared to hope I could experience such happiness and complete connection with another person, and sometimes I wake up wondering if it's all real, fearing that perhaps it has all been a dream...

Then there are the dreams I still don't remember, yet Edward says I have them every night now. It's always the same thing... my dad and Jake warning me against crossing a river. Edward has tried waiting for the dream to progress beyond that point, to see of there are any more clues to be had. However, the most he's been able to decipher is that someone or something that I want to get to and don't consider a threat is across the river. Alice's dreams have continued as well. She remembers them vividly, but unfortunately the dreams themselves are hazy. She now seems to think is that the area around the river is grey and hard, like exposed bedrock perhaps. There is only one thing I do know for certain – I'm not going near any damned rivers.

On Monday morning, rather than sleeping in, we get up bright and early to begin preparing a complete run through of the menu for Aro and his brothers who will arrive at the restaurant at one o'clock.

"It's great that Garrett can make your puff pastry, Edward." I comment as I begin slicing the lobster mushrooms.

"Yeah, I'm lucky. I wouldn't have time to make it myself, and besides, Garrett's a puff pastry god."

We both jump and spin when a male voice interjects, "Well, that's true, I suppose."

"Garrett, my friend, are you ready to get started on it? We're going to need a lot. You can store it in the freezer."

"Absolutely, Chef." Garrett turns to me with a smile. "Hi Bella.. I've heard that you're some kind of wonderful cook – it's great to see you behind the pass for a change."

That makes me feel so good and I beam back at him. "Thanks, G. It's fun to be here."

The following few hours fly by as we cook and talk and joke. I am surprised to find out that Garrett met his wife while backpacking through Alaska. "Yeah, I lived the charmed life of a nomad for a few months, sharing the woods with wolves, moose and bears. Then I met my Katrina – she was the proprietor of a general store in a small town on Cook Inlet."

"So, you're quite the woodsman, then?" I ask, thinking he would probably enjoy the area around Forks.

"Yes, pretty much. Both my wife and I really love the outdoors."

"Garrett, why don't you and Katrina use my cabin in Forks for a few days after the gala? The hiking and fishing is great, and the golden chanterelles should be starting to appear."

Edward looks at me with a warm smile. "That's a great idea, Bells. Garrett, the place is fantastic, and you deserve a vacation, man. You've had a difficult few months. Why don't you take next weekend – you could go for the same days we did – Friday to Wednesday."

"Thanks Bella, Chef. That sounds really great, actually. I'll check with Katrina, but I'm sure she'll jump at the chance."

Our conversation is cut short by Edward's watch alarm that he set for twelve-thirty. It's time to switch to high gear and follow the tight timeline for prep, cooking and plating that he has drawn up on the white board.

Garrett is still rolling and folding his dough and I am pulling the first course out of the oven when Alice's voice rings through the empty restaurant at twelve fifty-five.

"Hellooo? Edward? Bella? I just saw the Volturi Brothers' car coming up the street."

.~.~.~.

Marcus, Caius and Aro are just popping beignes into their mouths when I return to the table with their espressos and take my seat next to Edward.

"That's vanilla creme and local mountain huckleberry filling, and it's been rolled in a mixture of castor sugar and Himalayan pink salt."

The brothers nod appreciatively and Marcus surprises me with a boisterous "Fantastico!"

Next is the cheesecake, and Caius is the first to finish. "Magnifico!" Marcus nods in agreement.

Marcus and Caius have been humming and murmuring their appreciation for each course, but we have yet to hear a single comment from Aro on any of the dishes. Having eaten his last bite, he puts down his fork and raises his eyes to me. "Ahh... Isabella. Such a divine meal was only made more exquisite by your delightful presence... bellissima!"

I notice Edward's fist clench against his thigh, and I reach out to smooth my fingers along the taut skin over his knuckles.

"Edward... Edward, sei un genio, il mio amico di talento... you are a genius!"

"So you are pleased with the menu, Aro?"

"Si, si, mio amico. It is wonderful...and so... unico!"

"No changes, then?"

"No changes, my friend. It is splendido!"

Edward

Well, that's a huge relief. I did have a couple of backup ideas if Aro found anything unacceptable, but thankfully he's good to go with the menu as is. I'm also relieved he listened to reason about raw oysters. He asked about it once, a while ago, but I explained my position on the added difficulties of managing a raw oyster serving for such a large crowd – not the least of which is that raw oysters are generally an acquired taste and many people would be turned off by platefuls of them everywhere. I was pleased when he understood and agreed with my recommendation to refrain from serving them. I was mostly pleased because they would be an ungodly mess to deal with in such numbers and combined with so many other courses.

Garrett made excellent progress with the puff pastry today. He offered to make more tomorrow, so we agreed to meet here at eight and work on the pastry until noon, then Bella and I are going to meet Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose for lunch and so Jazz can catch us up on any new information he's found.

Ha... Jazz. He's been having a blast here every night. Felix started training him to tend the bar, which is great because Felix is going on holiday for the next two weeks. So Jasper will fill in for him and be in the perfect position to observe all the goings on without seeming like some kind of secret agent.

.~.~.~.

I'm idly running my fingertips over Bella's left hand, imagining how it will look.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you want to order coffee now or wait for the others to get here?"

"Um... now." I look up to find a waitress standing at our table eying me curiously. I glance to Bella and she's smirking.

"We'll have two coffees, please. And we're expecting four people to join us. When they arrive, could you please bring coffee for them as well? Thanks."

My girl's eyes are so warm, her lips so full and kissable. I reach out and pull her to me, our mouths meeting softly.

"Baby, I could kiss you all day," I whisper against her lips.

"Here in a booth at The Virginia Inn?" She's grinning, but I can't stop kissing her.

"Mm-hm."

"Mmm... sounds good to me..."

"Well, I wasn't sure how we were going to find you two, but all we had to do was look for the steam rising!" Emmett's voice booms across the restaurant, drawing attention from patrons and staff alike. Rose play-punches him in the arm while Bella rolls her eyes and flips him the bird. Jesus, she's cute... like a fierce little kitten.

Rose and Em slip into the booth and the waitress is right behind them with a handful of menus and a tray carrying six mugs and a large French press of coffee that she places in the centre of the table.

"Ooh, scary, Bells!" Emmett chides, making Bella giggle. I love her giggle.

"I think you're just jealous, Emmett."

My brother snorts at Bella while Rose nods at his side. "He wanted to stay in bed today, but he had an important client to see... so no sex-day for us!"

Emmett pulls her onto his lap. "Yeah, well... cancel all of your appointments tomorrow, Rosie, because I'm keeping you home."

Rose giggles. "Already done, big boy."

I glance at Bella and she's both smiling and blushing at Rose and Em. I lean to her and nip at her earlobe. "I want another sex-day soon, Miss Swan."

She reaches up to run her hands through the hair at the back of my head and whispers in my ear, "Me too, Chef."

"For god's sake, people! You're killing me and we only just got here. Do I need to get a couple of buckets of cold water?" Jasper slides into the seat next to Bella and Alice bounces in next to Rose. She looks very... frazzled.

"Are you alright, pixie?" I ask.

"What?" Alice chirps, looking at me with wide eyes. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Jazz and I just finished shopping."

"Where?" I ask innocently.

"Agent Provocateur."

Jazz smiles crookedly at Alice while Bella and Rose crack up laughing. What the hell is so funny about lingerie shopping? I look at Emmett and he reaches out to fist-bump Jasper.

Oh, now I get it. Hm... images of making a similar shopping trip with Bella start to seep into my mind. Holy fuck. Note to self – take Bella to a lingerie shop. Soon.

After the waitress takes our orders, Rose gets down to business. "Okay, guys. Em and I were brainstorming about what could be interpreted from fuzzy images as a river cut into bedrock... and we came up with some ideas."

Emmett nods. "Yeah... we were thinking of things like river rides at water parks, aquaducts, stormwater drainage channels... even arroyos in the desert, for that matter."

Jasper is impressed. "Those are all great suggestions. It certainly gives us cause to widen the way we're thinking about Alice's dreams."

Alice is shaking her head. "But we don't have some of those things around here. And I really get the feeling that around here is important."

Bella looks to me suddenly. "The Waterfall Garden Park?"

Shit... maybe? We both look at Alice.

"It could be. But it seems... less enclosed than that. GAH! The damned images are so vague! You have no idea how frustrating this is for me!"

"Oh Alice! I'm so sorry..."

Alice looks up at Bella. "NO! No, Bella. Don't do that... please, don't feel guilty or try to blame yourself. You didn't give me this ability. But I feel very lucky to have it right now, if it helps us to help you."

I want to know if Jasper has anything new for us.

"Emmett, Rosalie... you came up with good ideas. I know I'll be more aware of stuff like that from now on. Now let's hear from Jasper." We all look at him. "Have you gotten any new information, Jazz?"

Jasper pulls out his notebook.

"Let's start with Renee... I have nothing new at all. We've got nothing substantial to trace her with, unfortunately. However, I'm still waiting on the results of a medical database search, so we might yet get something from that."

"You're trying all of her surnames, right? Higginbotham, Swan and Dwyer? And all the possible combinations? And also with her middle name, Marie?" Bella asks.

"Yes, ma'am. That's why it takes longer, there are a number of possible combinations to search. But don't fret, Bells, we're trying them all."

My girl smiles gratefully and nods, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Now, about Phil Dwyer. We've got a lead on his whereabouts. Thanks to the pictures you provided, Bella, face recognition software has positively I.D.'d him at gas stations in Santa Fe and Lubbock back in April."

What? "How the hell did you get your hands on video recordings from gas stations, Jazz?"

"Edward, my friend, this country is far more surveilled than most people would believe, thanks to big and small business alike. The trick is knowing which network to hack into." He winks and empties his mug.

Wow. Bella, Rose and Emmett look as stunned as I feel at Jasper's revelation, while Alice clearly already knew this. Emmett opens his mouth to say something, but the waitress approaches with our meals so he holds back.

After she leaves, Em is the first one to speak. "So where are all these video cameras, Jazz?"

"Gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, hospitals, banks, ATMs, intersections – ever hear of red-light cameras? – shopping centres, gyms, internet kiosks, schools... all of these security cameras that you see everywhere are all hooked up to networks. And once a camera is on a network, it's only a matter of knowing how to break down the digital walls."

Rose is wide-eyed. "Wow, I don't know how I feel about that."

Jasper shrugs. "If you think about it, you've probably always been subliminally aware of it. We've evolved into a society of surveillance. It's part and parcel to technological advancement. Anyway, it makes my job easier. In fact, I guess it actually helps make my job..."

Huh. We all think about that for a minute.

"Back to Bella's step-dad. Phil seems to have been travelling east, so I will continue to run the searches in that region."

Alice has been so quiet. "Ali-cat? Is something wrong?"

She shakes her head. "Oh no, Edward, I'm okay. I've heard a lot of this already – who do you think is playing assistant to Jasper?"

Rose grins slyly at Alice. "Playing naughty secretary again, Ali?"

"Of course!"

Emmett and I look at each other, his pained expression reflecting my own. Yeah, we're both thinking about fuzzy kittens.

"ANYWAY..." Bella looks a little pained too. "What about the others on the list, Jasper?"

"Let's see... Leah Clearwater. She works in an auto repair shop in Forks, has bad credit, drives a beat up old truck, and recently broke up with Quil Ateara. She emails Jessica Stanley Newton almost daily... usually complaining about Mr. Ateara. And for a while there, she and Jessica were emailing back and forth about their mutual dislike of Bella. Leah spends most of her online time surfing celebrity gossip sites."

I feel my girl tense up at that piece of information, so I pull her into my side and whisper in her ear, "Isabella, you are dearly loved and cherished by more and far better people than those two hags."

She graces me with her beautiful smile and whispers back, "Thanks, baby."

Jasper continues. "Jessica moved back home with her parents after cheating on and divorcing her husband Mike Newton. That's when she and Leah Clearwater became friendly. She works in a diner in Forks and spends most of her online time surfing something called tentacle erotica. And before any of you get it in your heads to go look that shit up, let me just warn you that what has been seen cannot be unseen... and that's all I'm going to say about it."

I can tell from the look on Emmett's face that he's going to be wishing for brain bleach tomorrow.

"The Trakkers... they've moved to Los Angeles where they appear to be setting up an internet swingers dating service. Quil Ateara is unemployed. He lives with his parents, spends his time trapping and selling the pelts, and his online activities are focussed on viewing pornography." Jasper glances at Bella and takes a deep breath. "He appears to prefer material featuring slightly-built caucasian women with long dark hair and brown eyes."

"Fuck," I growl as I pull Bella tight to me again. "Put him at the top of you radar, Jazz."

"He's already there, Edward. I've got a tap on his parent's phone and a continual trace on his mobile. There's nothing to report from that so far."

"Back to Mike Newton. He spends most of his online time in an online virtual world where his avatar is married to a character he created named Isabella Swan. He has also invested a fair amount of time researching you, Edward, and Bella. He comes to Seattle often, and the GPS in his fancy SUV reports that he spends hours at night parked down the street from Wild. And yes, Edward, he too is at the top of my radar."

"I want to rip that fucker limb from limb."

Bella turns to me, her big doe eyes beseeching. "Edward... don't do anything rash. You need the foie gras for the benefit dinner."

"Fuck the fucking foie gras, Bella. That bastard needs to be straightened out." The idea of him even thinking about MY girl is making me feel murderous. I rake my hand through my hair and pull. "...needle-dicked goosefucker."

She puts her hand on my cheek, caressing with her thumb. "Baby, I know. But he's nothing. And you can't just say fuck the foie gras. You and Alice and I all have a commitment to Aro Volturi and this gala. He's not getting near me, Edward. I know you'll see to that. Right?"

I nod, mentally hatching a plan to check the street every night from now on. I glance up at Emmett, and I can see from his expression that he's with me. He's a fucking awesome brother.

Jasper clears his throat. "Chelsea Afton is not a concern. She dates lots, and I do mean LOTS, of men, and appears to simply regard Edward as a notch she's like to add to her bedpost. I accidentally bumped into her one afternoon as she was leaving work and struck up a conversation with her... asked her about good local restaurants. She recommended Wild, sang your praises Edward, but there was no malice or deviousness in her mood. Unless you guys notice something change about her, I'm not going to assign resources to her."

There are nods of agreement all around the table.

"Another person I don't think we need to look at is Tanya Denali. Preliminary checks showed her to be working on an extended job in Hawaii where she is dating several gentlemen. She had not searched either of you online, and she has not mentioned either of your names in her email. I haven't bothered with her cell phone."

"The last person on my list is Aro Volturi. Now he's an odd bird... somewhat of a recluse by today's standards. He doesn't have a computer, doesn't use email, doesn't even have a cell phone. There are landlines at Volterra, but none seem to be personal to him. He usually doesn't go out without his brothers, although we know he has on at least one occasion come to Wild alone and his primary motivation at that time seemed to be to see Bella. And here's an interesting bit of information about why Aro supports haemophilia research. There was a fourth, eldest Volturi brother, Ignatius, who died as a young child as a result of mild haemophilia. It seems Aro witnessed his older brother bleed out when they both climbed into an abandoned well and Ignatius cut his leg deeply on a sharp rock. It was hours before they were found, and by then it was too late for the boy. Caius Volturi also suffers from mild haemophilia, but it was discovered early and better managed as a result of what happened to Ignatius."

Bella's expression is full of sympathy. "How sad! That must have scarred poor Aro and haunted him all his life."

"Any ideas what he's hiding then, Jasper?" I ask.

"Nope. It's a mystery. I don't know if this guy is really a technophobe and almost completely disconnected from the digital age, or if he's gotten so good at hiding his secrets that he's a more of a technomancer. And frankly, that makes me as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. So, we need to be extra cautious over the next week. Bella, you must not go to Volterra without Edward, Emmett or me, and preferably more than one of us. Agreed?"

Nodding, she answers, "Absolutely."

"Jazz?" Alice is looking at him expectantly.

"Go ahead, darlin'."

"Guys, I have a strong feeling that whatever the dreams are about is not connected to Aro Volturi or the gala. I'm not suggesting we shouldn't be diligent, I just want to make sure we don't focus solely on that to the exclusion of other possibilities. I also sense a strong Forks connection to whatever the dreams are about. Now, Bella has pointed out that Mike Newton, who is supplying the foie gras and will be attending the event, is from Forks and a lot of the food is being procured from that area. And of course, Bella herself is from there. And then there's Jared..."

We fill Emmett and Rose in on Jared's voicemail, and Bella plays it for them, her brow furrowed.

Rose's jaw is practically on the table. "I can't believe it!"

"I know," Bella agrees. "I'm just heartsick over it. I want to call him, but Edward and Jazz want me to wait."

"Yes, well Jared is due to deliver the food from La Push on Saturday, and Jasper and I intend to have a chat with him then."

"Correction, little bro. Make that Emmett, Jasper and you..."

Fucking. Awesome. Brother.

"You guys... promise me you won't hurt him!" Bella looks horrified.

Emmett responds, "We won't hurt him, Bells... as long as he isn't planning on hurting you."

Jasper draws our attention. "In the meantime, all my background checks on Jared Yellowwolf have come back clean as a whistle. I suspect that message was probably no more than the drunken ramblings of a broken heart. But until we talk to him, we should continue to consider him a threat."

"Okay you guys... you need to let us gals spend at least a few minutes talking about what we're wearing to the benefit!" And just like that, Alice transforms the mood around the table as she, Bella and Rose launch into an analysis of each other's planned ensembles.

The Em, Jazz and I remain silent, each watching our woman. No doubt they are marvelling, as I am, about just how incredibly amazing their girls really are.

I find myself transfixed by everything Bella... her long eyelashes, delicate nose, full, pink lips... her soft, shiny, flowing hair draped over her slender shoulders... her small, expressive hands. Every time she laughs or sways or tilts her head, I catch a breath of the sweet strawberry scent of her hair. Her skin is so pale and smooth, especially on her neck and that wonderful spot where her collarbone starts... I really have a thing for her collarbone. Jesus christ – I have to get her home. And one glance around the table tells me I'm not the only one who's ready to head out. Emmett is practically vibrating as he plays with Rose's hair and Jasper... well, let's just say I should take a picture of Jasper and upload it to wikipedia as an example of eye-fucking.

Like they're reading my mind, Em and Jazz pull out their wallets at the same time I do and we each drop a fifty on the table.

"Come on, darlin'... it's time to go." Jazz grabs Alice's hand and pulls her out of the booth.

"Rosie, you have two seconds to get out of this booth or I'm throwing you over my shoulder."

"Bella..." I growl. She takes one look at me and her eyes widen. "We need to go home now, baby... I've got... something... to show you."

A sexy grin spreads across her beautiful face as she raises an eyebrow. "Oh really? I can't wait to see it..."

.~.~.~.

Six a.m. Saturday morning and as I watch Bella sleep, I'm still thinking about our Tuesday half sex-day. I've been thinking about it all damned week, which is why every time I so much as look at my girl I spring a rock-hard erection and every time she notices – which she does pretty much every time – she's determined to make good use of it... to my utter delight and complete satisfaction.

And then there's the diamond solitaire weighing down my pocket, my wallet, even my hand on one occasion... yet I've either lost my nerve or we've been interrupted each time. There were plenty of post-coital opportunities, I suppose, but there's no way I'm asking that question in that position. I'm asking her for so much more than sex... I need to ensure it's clear. I want her entire being, and I want it forever.

But, fuck, she's so beautiful, lying there on her back, breathing softly with her perfect lips formed into a slight smile. I wonder what she's dreaming that would make her look so peaceful and happy?

I have to touch her. Gently, I reach over and cup her perfect, naked breast... so soft... my morning wood just got painfully hard.

She takes a deep breath and her eyes flutter open, then she turns her head and her eyes meet mine. It's magical. No words need be spoken, our eyes say it all. Then she rolls toward me, lifting her leg over my hip and we are so perfectly aligned, so in tune, that I slip right into her. We moan together as I start to move languidly, filling her again and again, her tight, wet heat enveloping me completely, claiming me, owning me. She's perfect... god, so perfect...

Bella

How many orgasms can one woman have in a day? I haven't found my limit yet... but we've surely been trying. I smile as I remember the slow, sensual way Edward made love to me this morning. We were on our sides, gazing into each other's eyes as our bodies joined again and again. My first orgasm hit me suddenly and powerfully, the next two were quiet and slow. But that last one... it was spurred by Edward's own powerful climax, and oh my god it seemed to last forever.

My cell rings a generic tone, startling me so that I nearly fall off the chair.

"Bella speaking."

"Hi Bella? It's Renata. I just wanted to let you know that the rentals have just arrived and are being set up in the venue. The dinnerware and linens are being set aside in boxes, as per your instructions. Everything looks perfect!"

"So nothing's missing?"

"Nope, it looks complete and matches your manifest."

"Thanks so much, Renata. I was just reviewing my lists for today, so I can check the rental deliveries as done. Now the food from La Push will be arriving a little later this morning. Are the refrigerators in place?"

"Yes, that was the first thing they unloaded, and they've been connected to power and set to the temperatures you requested."

I head from the office to the kitchen where Garrett is making the last of the puff pastry and Edward is skimming the fat from two huge vats of goose consommé. As I'm updating Edward on the rentals, my phone buzzes with a text.

"It's Jared. He's a half-hour away."

"Bella, can you please call Emmett and Jasper for me? They want to be here for this."

I sigh and dial Emmett's cell.

.~.~.~.

Alice and I are looking out the front windows when Jared and Embry pull up in his jeep towing an enclosed utility trailer. Embry stays in the jeep as Jared heads to the door.

I run to the door... it's my job to get him inside the restaurant where my bodyguards are waiting. Edward sent Garrett out for oysters.

Jared sees me through the glass door and a big smile breaks out across his face. He bounds in the door and reaches for me.

"Hey, hey, Miss Cook! Long time no... WHAT THE HELL?"

Edward grabs him by the collar before he touches me and shoves him up against the wall. Emmett moves to Edward's left and leans with his left hand against the wall by Jared's head while Jasper approaches from the right with a pocket recorder. Alice and I are standing back a few feet, her arm wrapped securely around my waist.

"Mr. Yellowwolf, we'd like to play for you a voicemail you left on Bella's cell twelve days ago, and then we'd like to ask you some questions about it."

Jared looks genuinely confused... and scared shitless. Suddenly, I know he's not a threat. I know it deep in my heart... he's my friend, not my enemy.

"Guys, let's all sit down and play it for him, okay?" I glance to Alice and she nods.

Jasper, who's looking at Jared curiously, agrees immediately. "Yes, Bells, good idea. Edward?" Jasper nods in a reassuring way, "why don't we let Jared listen to this in relative comfort."

Emmett looks a little disappointed as he follows the others to the bar. I sit next to Jared, who is visibly shaken, and put my hand on his. Edward stands beside me, leaning on the bar. He's got his arm around me protectively and he's still glaring at Jared. I withdraw my hand.

"Jared, you left a very angry and aggressive message on my voicemail. We want to know why."

"I did what? Bella, I'm really confused."

"Just listen."

Jasper presses a button and Jared's slurring voice begins to play.

Hey Miss... Miss Cook... how's life, huh? I'm toasting you with my tequila and hoping life is good up there in Seeee-attle. I sure hope it's at least better than down here in this hell-hole. 'Cause ya know what, Miss Cook? Ya know what? Life down here really fucking sucks.

As the message plays, Jared lowers his face to his hands and murmurs "Oh my god."

'Specially 'cause Laurent fucking left me today. He fucking left me, Bella. He said that I still loved Jake... and he couldn't be with me if I couldn't let Jake go. FUCK! He doesn't get it, though, does he, Bella? I never fucking had Jake, did I? Nope. You did. You had Jake. He married you. He kept me in his shadow. And now... just when I found someone of my own... someone that you've got no claims on... guess what? He up and fucking leaves because of a dead man that I never fucking had anyway. Why did you do this to me, Bella? Why did you take Jacob from me? I loved him, goddamnit... I fucking loved him and we should have been together. If you hadn't taken him from me, we probably would have moved away from this gay-bashing hell-hole and he never would have become a police officer... and he wouldn't be dead now – he'd be with me where he belonged. Sometimes when I think about what you've done to me, it just makes me want to...

Edward is the first one to speak. "So the question we have for you, Jared my friend, is just what the hell does it make you want to do?"

Jared looks up at Edward, his mouth opening and closing like he wants to say something but can't get the words out.

Emmett finally breaks his silent, menacing persona. "You need to tell us, Jared."

His eyes meeting mine, Jared starts to explain. "Bella... Miss Cook... I would never do anything to hurt you... I love you like a sister, you know that. Look, I don't remember leaving that message. Yes, I got really drunk the night Laurent left me." He glances at Alice and then looks down. "I was depressed and bitter, and I drank almost the entire damned bottle of that shit. And then when I came around the next morning, I cried for two days. But you have to believe me, Miss Cook, I would never hurt you... again. I couldn't... I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for what Jake and I did to you. And I'm so sorry for leaving that message. In my sober mind, I know damned well you didn't take Jake from me. I know that deep down, he was always mine, not the other way around."

My heart is breaking. I know Jared is being truthful... I don't need to see the nod from Jasper, or Edward visibly relax, or Alice bounce and grin.

I throw my arms around Jared and hug him close. "Oh Jar... I'm so relieved. But I'm also so sorry about you and Laurent. Can't you find a way to let go of Jake?"

He pulls back and shakes his head. "That's the worst part of all this, Bella. I've already said my goodbyes to Jake. I had before I met Laurent. And then when we got together, I realized how much better is was when your partner isn't ashamed of what you are. Laurent held my hand in public proudly. I love him with a much greater depth and maturity than what I ever felt for Jake. Don't get me wrong... Jake was my first love. But Laurent... well, I thought he was my forever."

"I'm confused, then. Why does Laurent feel you haven't let go?"

"I guess it's because I talk about him so much. And I've got pictures of him, and of us. Maybe I came across the wrong way... I didn't think about how Laurent might perceive it."

"Bella?" Alice is looking rather manic... like she's planning something. "Why don't you and Emmett go with Jared and Embry to deliver the food to Volterra?"

"I'm going too. Alice, tell Garrett when he gets back that I'll be back as soon as I can, and ask him to make one more batch of pastry?" Edward takes my hand and pulls me toward him, then reaches out his hand to Jared.

"I hope there's no hard feelings, Jared? You understand why we had to do that?"

Jared nods. "Yeah, man. I'm actually pleased and impressed. It's heartening to know that Bella is so well loved and protected." Then he looks at Emmett. "And you're not going to kill me, right? 'Cause, dude? You're scary. I'm just sayin'..."

Emmett's laugh fills the large room. "No man, you're safe. As long as you're on Team Bella, you're on Team Emmett too."

.~.~.~.

As we drive back to Wild, Jared updates us on how Billy's been doing.

"I hardly ever see him anymore. He's got a girlfriend, can you believe it? And he's so secretive about her. I've never seen her... he says she's shy."

"Really? What's her name?" I'm so curious – ever since Jake's mother died, I've never known Billy to even look at another woman, let alone date someone.

"Tanya."

Mine and Edward's eyes nearly pop out of our heads. "Tanya who?"

"I don't know her last name."

"Where did he meet her?"

"On the internet. She's from Olympia. He said they started chatting during a Yahoo bingo game and things just went from there. Apparently they have a lot in common. Billy said it was like he already knew her."

"Has he described her? How old is she? What does she look like?"

"He said she's thirty-two and she has red hair. She's a book editor or something, so she can work from anywhere as long as she has her computer and an internet connection. She's been staying with him for almost two weeks now. So why all the questions, Miss Cook? Are you jealous?"

Edward and I look at each other. "Jeez, Jared... of course not. I just feel protective of Billy, you know? I don't want him to get hurt."

"Well, he seems pretty content right now, so I say be happy for him. He's finally getting laid!"

I roll my eyes, Edward chuckles and Emmett guffaws. Embry simply groans and shudders, returning to the game of Angry Birds he's been absorbed in on his phone ever since we got in the jeep.

"Hey Embry, have you killed that fat pink fucker yet?" Edward asks.

"No man... that bastard is unkillable."

Emmett agrees. "Tell me about it!"

Oh for god's sake, I snicker to myself. I killed the pig king months ago. Losers.

"Holy shit." Jared suddenly looks nervous as we pull up in front of Wild. "That's Laurent's car."

As we pile out of the jeep, Alice and Laurent come out the front door of the restaurant. We all stand there, waiting, while Jared and Laurent just look at each other.

Alice breaks the silence. "Hey all, why don't we go inside for a coffee while these two talk, hm?"

I tap on Embry's shoulder. "You too, Call. Put away your ferocious feathered friends and come in for a while. Jared and Laurent need some privacy."

Edward and I are the last to enter the door, and when I glance back quickly over my shoulder, my heart warms to the sight of Jared and Laurent in a loving embrace.

"Alice, you obviously called Laurent?" I ask as we huddle together at the podium looking over the reservations for tonight.

"I had to, Bella. After you guys left, Jasper told me that Jared's feelings for Laurent are pure and genuine and deep, and that he was being completely truthful when he said he had let go of Jake. I called Laurent and talked to him, and it turns out he's been totally miserable too. So I suggested he come over and talk to Jared, and he jumped at the opportunity."

We both look out the window to see Jared and Laurent holding hands and leaning against the jeep. They really do look blissful.

"That's how you and Edward look at each other, you know."

"Really?" I ask. "Are we that obvious?"

Alice snorts. "Worse, Bells... way, way worse!"

.~.~.~.

On Sunday, Edward, Garrett, Emmett and I head off bright and early to Volterra. Edward and Garrett will be teaching the entire menu to the team of cooks they will lead in the kitchen the next night, while Emmett will accompany me to the guard house where I will sign in the cooks and brief security on the expected deliveries. Later, I'll sign in the servers and busboys who are scheduled to show up on a motor coach at precisely two o'clock to taste the dishes and collect their uniforms for the next day.

Everything runs smoothly, thank god, and Emmett and I spend a couple of hours observing Edward and the cooks before returning to the gatehouse to sign in the servers.

"Jeez... my little brother is really good at this shit. I'm feeling awfully goddamned proud of him right now."

I smile at Emmett. He's such a big old teddy bear.

"Yeah," I agree dreamily. "He's very impressive. He was like this the night I knew I was falling hard for him... my first night working at Wild. He was so confident and articulate, intelligent and professional. He just knocked my socks off in every way imaginable."

Emmett elbows me and I drag my gaze away from Edward to see what he wants.

"You had the same affect on him, you know. He was different after that night. Even though it took him a while to admit it? When I saw him at the gym the next day... he had a new light in his eyes. I'd describe it as, he had hope."

Emmett's words bring tears to my eyes and I look back to my chef to find he is looking at me too. In a flash he's by my side.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?"

"Oh Edward!" I throw my arms around him and kiss him none too chastely, and he returns my kiss in kind.

After a few moments and some loud giggles and throat-clearing from Emmett and his cooking crew, he pulls back to look at me with flaming eyes.

"Well whatever it is, I like it."

"I'm just... grateful. For you, and for us. I love you so much, and I just got sort of overwhelmed by it as we watched you."

He smirks my favourite crooked grin. "I love you too, my angel... more than anything. Are you okay now?"

I nod. "I'm good, babe. You have to get back to your cooks. Remember to tell them they need to check in with me to receive their jackets for tomorrow before getting on the motor coach after the tasting and scrub down, okay?"

"I will. I'll see you later. Stick with Em."

Emmett places me in a loose headlock to illustrate that he will be keeping me in his custody.

"Don't worry, bro. She's safe with me!"

.~.~.~.

Garrett just left to return to Wild and Edward and the cooks are completing a scrub down of the kitchen. I am currently checking out the servers and busboys with the list Renata used to check them in – she helped me out while I handled some last-minute details with the florist – and Emmett is helping me by passing each person their uniform.

I look up and my eyes bug out of my head just as the next server states their name.

"Jessica Newton."

"Jessica. What are you doing here?" I try not to sound too nasty, but she is an unpleasant surprise.

"It's a good paying job, a friend hooked me up with the agency. Look, I'm not here to cause trouble, okay. Leah explained some things to me. I still hate that Mike has always had a crush on you, but I know it's not your fault."

I nod. My gut tells me to fire her immediately, but my head tells me we need every single server on this list.

"Yeah, okay. Em? You can give her a uniform."

She steps to Emmett and that's when I see who's next in line.

"Quil? What the hell are you doing here?"

"Hi Bella. You look great!"

I take a deep breath. "Quil? Why are you here?"

"Oh, Jess got me this gig as a busboy. It's some easy cash, and she said you'd be here..."

Damn-it. We need busboys even more than servers.

"Quil? This gentleman by my side is Edward's brother, Emmett. Emmett? This is Quil Ateara. He will be bussing tomorrow night."

Emmett gives Quil the once over and hands him a uniform, but when Quil reaches out to take it from him, Emmett grabs his wrist and yanks him in, speaking low and menacingly. "Quil. I've heard about you." I can see Emmett's grip tightening around Quil's arm. "Let me give you some advice, okay, Quil? You keep your scrawny little ass as far as possible away from Bella. You do not look at her, you do not speak to her, and you most certainly do not touch her. You got that, Quil? Do you and I have an understanding?"

Visibly shaken, Quil nods and jumps back when Emmett releases him. He looks down and walks quickly toward the motor coach.

"Thanks Em." I smile at him, relieved for his intervention.

In Emmett's Lexus on the way back to Wild, I tell Edward about Jessica and Quil.

"They must have hidden from me." Edward is agog at the fact that both of them managed to slip by him during the tasting.

"Yes," I agree. "But why? They must have known they'd have to face me."

"Probably because you're less menacing and easier to deal with than angry Edward." Emmett chuckles.

"Ha ha, Em."

"Fuck, I hate that that little weasel will be there tomorrow night... watching you. We should fire him."

"Well, unfortunately, we're tight on busboys..."

"And Jazz and I, even Dad, will be keeping an eye on him, little bro. Hell, I might even set Rosie on him! Don't worry, we'll take good care of your girl until you can join us."

"Yeah, yeah... I know. Thanks man. So, Bells... did everything get delivered on time?"

"Yes, everything is there except the flowers – they are arriving tomorrow afternoon. And the menu cards look great! Here..." I pull one out of my purse and pass it to him.

"Bella... this is beautiful. Great job, sweetheart. You could be a graphic designer."

I chuckle at him. "Maybe with a couple of years of school... but thanks. I'm glad you like it."

When Jasper hears that Jessica and Quil are working the gala tomorrow night, he gets a cold, angry look in his eyes.

"I checked the lists from the agency, Bella. They weren't fucking on there." Gosh, have I ever heard Jasper swear before?

He picks up his cell and sends a text, then goes to his computer and begins typing furiously.

"Jazz... it's okay. Jessica seems to have relented in her issues with me, and Quil... well I think Emmett put the fear of the unholy into him. Besides, we really need the manpower."

Jasper turns to look at me, his expression has softened. "I just don't like surprises, Bells... but hey, at least this way I can keep an eye on them."

.~.~.~.

Edward returns from the salon at nine the next morning, just as I'm dressing after my shower. "Is everything packed, love?"

"Yes, and Alice is ready too. Did you and Jasper have fun at the salon?" I tease. "Your hair looks wonderful. Edward did you? ...did you get your eyebrows plucked?" I'm suppressing a giggle.

"Goddamnit. I told Alec it was stupid, but he insisted on tidying them. It hurt like a motherfucker, too."

"Oh... well you look very handsome, darling!"

"Alec said he's coming to Volterra later to do all of your ladies' hair?"

I nod. "Yes, your mom insisted. I shudder to think what she's paying him, but she wanted to do it."

The day passes like a whirlwind, and Alice and Jasper stay glued to my side as I hop from item to item on my list. The band and the flowers arrive at the same time, and it's the first time since I arrived that Renata and I have been near enough to talk to each other.

"Is everything going okay, Bella?"

"It's running like clockwork, Renata. We're doing really well! How about you?"

"Everything's been going very well... except Mr. Aro's escort for the evening. Her plane was late arriving and she was in a huge snit. She chewed the limo driver's head off and then spat at me about the sun not shining. She's such a cow!" Renata throws her hand over he mouth, her eyes popping wide. "Oh my god... I'm sorry, Bella. Please don't tell Mr. Aro I said that!"

I laugh. "Don't worry, Renata. The cow comment is safe with me."

One of the band members beckons her then, so Renata waves goodbye and heads off to direct them to the stage. I turn to see that Alice is directing the florists while Jasper remains by my side. I take a deep breath and relax for a moment.

When she's finished with the florist, Alice dances back over to us. "Okay! They're all set. What's next, Bells?"

I check my watch. "I need to bring Edward his red jacket and his cooks all need to put on their uniforms. Then I need to check every table for complete place settings, and place the numbers on them. Here they are." I pull a stack of cardboard a-frame number signs out of my bag. "Oh look, the limo has returned with your mom and dad and Emmett and Rosalie!"

Aro had kindly offered to have Edward's family picked up, so his parents drove to Em and Rose's to make things easier.

Alice starts bouncing again. "Okay! I'll show them to their rooms. Jazz, you stay with Bells, and I'll be back in a little while."

Jasper and I return to the main venue and bring Edward's jacket to him.

"How's it going babe?"

He rakes his hand through his hair. "It's good. I'm nervous, naturally, but so far, so good. The cooking staff all seem to think it's a great menu..."

I reach up and pull him down, kissing him sweetly on the lips. "Everything will be fine, Edward."

He nods. "How about you, sweetheart? Is it going okay?"

"It's all going nice and smoothly. You parents and Rose and Em just got here... Alice is showing them to their rooms."

"Oh, good." He's distracted, watching his cooks.

"Okay Chef. We're going to go take care of a few more things and then I have to head upstairs to shower and let Alec do my hair. I probably won't see you again before I'm all dolled up in my fancy dress and beautiful gold earrings and bracelet!" I give him a big smile and he pulls me into a tight hug, whispering into my ear.

"Lucky fucking shower."

.~.~.~.

"Bella, Alec is setting up in my room, so why don't we bring your dress over there and get ready with the rest of us girls?"

"Sure Alice." We bring my dress and make up over to her room where Alec is already working on Esme and Rose.

"Bella, darling! Are you excited? It's going to be such a lovely evening!" Alec is just finishing putting her hair into giant rollers.

"Bella! Look at the pearls Carlisle gave Esme! Aren't they amazing?" Rose holds up a black velvet case holding a delicate strand of white pearls that are separated by small clusters of three diamonds and a matching bracelet and drop earrings.

"Oh my! Esme, these are exquisite!"

"Yes, aren't they? They're actually my anniversary present, but he gave them to me a few weeks early so I could wear them tonight."

"And Emmett gave me these to match my dress!"

Rose holds out the red onyx earrings and ring that Emmett bought for her. The stoned are set in silver and gold and are surrounded by a border of small diamonds.

"Rose, these are beautiful!"

She smiles happily and nods.

I glance over at Alice who is pulling the plastic cover off my dress. I happen to know that Jasper hasn't given her the emeralds yet. They showed up a few mornings ago via courier, and he said he was going to present them to her just as she was ready to take his arm and walk out the door.

"Bella? Can you do me a favour?"

Alice is approaching me with a large shopping bag. "Okay."

"Can you take this back to your room and hang it up or lay it out on your bed?"

I look at her quizzically and check inside the bag. It's full of some frilly, lacy, orange satin... mess.

"Alice, what is this?"

"It's a decoy. I had a strange feeling... look, just humour me, okay?"

I roll my eyes at her. "Okay... well, I'm going to go get in the shower now."

I open the door to the hallway and come face to face with Jasper, who was just about to knock. "Is everyone decent in there? I need to get my tux and stuff... I'm going to get ready in Em's room."

I laugh. "They're all dressed, if that's what you mean... but I make no claims as to their decency!"

.~.~.~.

As I stand in the shower rinsing conditioner from my hair, I am suddenly beset with the sensation that I am not alone in the suite. My skin breaks out in goosebumps as I think back to when I entered the guest room. Yes, I definitely locked the door behind me... Jasper even tried it before he went back down the hall. Berating myself for not simply agreeing to shower in Alice and Jasper's room, I slowly turn off the water and open the glass shower door.

"Edward? Is that you?" I call out, wrapping myself in a towel. "Alice?" No answer. Shit.

With water from my hair running down my shoulders, I pick up a container of body powder that I intend to throw in the face of an attacker – the element of surprise is your best ally in self-defence – and unlock the bathroom door, creeping out to the large bedroom.

The room appears empty, but I check under the bed and in the closet just to be sure. Then I realize the door is just slightly ajar. Somebody's been in here. I push it to and lock it again, and shove a chair from a small desk up under the doorknob. Turning to inspect the bed where I had placed my underwear, jewelry and shoes, I find with relief that everything is still there. I pick up my cell to call Alice and Jasper, and that's when I notice that the dress I had laid out on the bed earlier has been torn, or maybe shredded is a more accurate description.

"What the hell?" Putting down my phone, I pick up the shredded orange material. Well, good riddance, I think to myself... it was a hideous thing. But clearly someone was in here, and that freaks me out... a lot. Thank god I locked the bathroom door. I decide to dry off and then put on everything, wrap up in a robe and call Alice.

"We're ready for you, Bells. Alec and I will come get you." We're only two doors away from each other, but we agreed I wouldn't even venture into the hallway unaccompanied.

In a minute or so, there's a knock on my door. "It's us," Alice's high voice calls through the door. I open the door and hand her the pile of orange shreds.

"Someone came in here while I was in the shower and did this to your decoy dress. Care to fill me in on what's going on in that omniscient little brain of yours?"

She lifts up the torn dress and looks at me through one of the many gaping holes.

"I knew it! I fucking knew it!"

A/N: Whaddya think so far? Fanfiction is having issues (again) with reviews and reply URLs... if I can find a way to send a teaser to reviewers, I will. But please, please, please leave me a review! Your feedback keeps me going :)
Check the Wild shopping album for pics of the girls' jewelry. The link and password are on my profile.
Oh oh oh! I have recommendations this week – two excellent stories by the very talented CaraNo:
Oh, I'll show you what's up, Edward's incredibly funny point of view for What's up, doc? Story ID 6969572
Our Yellow House - "Joined at the hip since kindergarten, Edward and Bella shared it all, and at the age of 22, they were happily married, expecting their first child. But when Bella was 4 months pregnant, she was kidnapped. That was 3 years ago - HEA? Yes, I promise." Story ID 6945394