A few tables pushed together, some cables to attach my laptop to and some bottled water.

A conference room within a strip club.

That would be big business, I thought to myself.

Aro called everyone here, and the chairs around the table were occupied quite quickly.

Beautiful women, for sure, but only one stood out to me.

Her hair was curled, half of it was up in a ponytail while the bottom half twirled around her upper arms like silky vines.

She was wearing black leggings that had mesh panels on the sides, her top was an off-shoulder red one. I could see straps peek out and go around her neck and the bare shoulder.

They were blue.

I smiled and tried not to think too much about it.

"So, everyone, this is Edward Cullen from Cullen Company Security. He'll be upgrading the security in this place, something I know you've asked for. I want you all to be thorough and tell him all your concerns and issues. I believe he has prepared a lot of material for us to look at." Aro introduced me and I got smiles from all the pretty faces.

I recognized Irina and Irish -the redhead. Siren and Sapphire too, of course, but the others were basically strangers to me.

I started my presentation, turning the laptop around so they could all see what I was talking about. I didn't go too technical, since I knew most people didn't really care along as they felt safe.

All I picked out was quite expensive, but it was state of the art and that was what Aro was after.

The outline of the parking lot was next, the upgraded cameras would give the bouncer some more peace of mind since he wouldn't have to circle around the building anymore every hour.

"We will actually need Marcus inside a bit more often, so that would be absolutely fantastic." Aro nodded.

"You'll have somewhat of a control room, so unless you sit by that yourself, you'll need someone to man that." I explained.

"Can't it be, like taped?" one of the girls spoke. She was blonde, her hair dead straight and cut into a bob style.

"J is right. I knew a girl at some other joint, and she says there is just the tape room and no one is paying attention. Won't that be a problem?" Siren spoke, her hair pulled into a loose braid.

"That's not at what I had planned. I guess the equipment can be set up in my office. I'm there most of the night and that way I can keep an eye on everything. Marcus can jump in when I'm out or busy." Aro answered her.

We went further into discussing the various things I suggested, and I was surprised when Aro agreed on every single thing. This could cost him greatly, but he said he was up for it. His club had an impeccable reputation, and this was the last thing he needed to amp it up.

In the meantime, the girl's pizza arrived. They all flew to the boxes like they hadn't seen food since childhood, and I smiled and accepted when Giselle asked me to join in.

Time was ticking, though, and soon it was almost nine. The club was opening soon and I needed to let them go and get ready for showtime.

Bella stayed behind, claiming all she needed to do was throw the leggings and shirt off and swipe on some more lipstick.

"So, you have a great eye for safety, huh?" She joked and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

I smiled at her and nodded.

"Yeah, good enough to see that your apartment isn't at all up to par," I said.

"Oh come on. It's a normal apartment for normal people. It's not like we live in the ghetto."

"I know, but still. I want you to be safe," I muttered.

"We can't afford a place with a front desk, and we don't need it. Rose has mastered about every single self-defense class there is and I'm sure you've seen the size of my baseball bat."

"I have seen the size, Bella. But if you go whip it around, wearing next to nothing, I'm not sure anyone would be impressed." I joked.

"Hey!" She nudged my chest and kept her hand there. "You should be glad I at least put some clothes on, I normally wear exactly nothing in bed." She said, her voice low and husky.

She was too close.

There was so much tension.

I felt like I was going to burst.

"Well, that would lead to a whole different crime, I'm sure." I teased.

She arched a brow at me, the shimmering eyeshadow she wore got caught in the lighting.

"Oh, would it now? Who says it would be a crime, Good Guy? I might like it a little on the rough side."

She wasn't fighting fair. She just wasn't.

I swallowed thickly.

"Would you like a dance later?" Her mood seemed to have shifted. "I mean, you're here anyway and I need to work… I'd rather enjoy myself than have to beg for dances tonight." She bit her lip and gazed into my eyes.

You shouldn't, Cullen.

"Can't we just talk?" I asked, my voice cracked a little.

"They do have cameras, remember? They'll be watching and that's not exactly what the rooms are for." Bella chuckled.

"Please?" She pulled out her puppy-dog eyes and I was done for.

It was just a dance.

It was her job.

She was my friend, right?

"Okay," I breathed.