The next day rolled in, and Edward didn't come home the night before. She heard from Alice that they were meeting the boys at the club again. So Alice and Bella dressed up, and they went back to the club that night. Bella felt numb to it all. She knew death was the reason they were at the club. She felt herself growing hardened to this new way of life. It was only 2 days before school started again.
When Bella and Alice arrived, the boys hadn't shown up. They went down to the dance floor, and Bella began to take a couple shots. She felt unfamiliar hands on her, and she spun around to address the suitor. She said, "No thanks" to the man, and moved away. He said, "Come on, baby, don't be like that."
And out of nowhere, Edward stepped in. He swiftly broke both of his hands and he was removed from the club. Bella didn't feel anything anymore. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she felt like she was in another world. And it was because she was. Edward laid his claim on Bella with a hot kiss, which she eagerly returned. She would protect Edward with everything. He led her back up to the VIP area, and she drunkenly asked him why he didn't come home.
He held her chin in his hand, "Just work." He looked tired and worn out. They stayed at the club a couple more hours per the alibi.
The next morning, Bella awoke in Edward's bed with two things. The first, a headache. The second, a determination to get back to some amount of normalcy. Today was Saturday, which means school was starting soon. She hatched a plan. She went to the kitchen and excused Clara. Bella made breakfast and brought it to Edward's, now their, room. She placed kisses all around his face.
"Edward, I made you breakfast." She placed the tray on the nightstand and snuggled into his side. The pair ate and chatted, and Bella got down to bargaining. "First, I am going back to school on Monday. I am fine with a bodyguard as you have made your feelings quite clear. They will stand outside the room at all times, especially when I am teaching or meeting with my adviser. Second, I need internet. I am not going to email the police. Edward, I am committed to you. I need you to trust me as much as I trust you. And third, I need to know when you are going to not come home. I care for you so deeply, and I worry when you are away. I can't focus. Fourth, when I leave here, when the Black case is closed, I still want to see you."
Edward mused at these strong requests. "Here is what I want Isabella: You will be my accountant full-time when you graduate and part-time until then. Your body guard will stand wherever necessary, but outside the classroom when possible. You will continue boxing lessons and how to fight for yourself."
Bella felt like she was making a deal with the devil. Her faced paled. Goosebumps went through her entire body.
"Oh, and one more thing," Edward kissed her deeply, "You're never leaving."
