Innocent Until Proven Guilty Chapter 31

The flight had been fun.

We spent majority of the time talking and planning our future.

We spoke about me working for him, Edward had asked me to wait until the mess with Hunter was dealt with before I start helping him run the club. Hospitality was never a profession I considered going into but there's no harm in learning the business. Edward had simply asked me to let him know if I ever change my mind and want to pursue my journalism career.

I had told him that I wasn't even sure if that was still something I wanted to do. He gave me his undivided attention whilst I spoke about my fears and not knowing what I wanted to do anymore. He reminded me that I actually don't have to do anything at all if I didn't want to. Which then led to him giving me figures of his offshore accounts as well as the amount of money that was currently sitting in his bank account, a bank account I apparently have full access to.

I don't plan to become one of those wives though.

He reassured me and told me we will figure it out.

We spent time talking about our parents and our friends.

We looked back at how much our relationship has changed and grown in the space of 2 months. We laughed at how crazy all of this might seem to a stranger looking in but we also marvelled at how right it all felt for us. We are not perfect and we are still figuring each other out and we are doing all of this at our own pace and in our own way. I wouldn't change a thing about the past couple of months. I am married to the most amazing man in my world and I can't imagine not knowing him.

Our little trip down memory lane lead to a new experience as we got lost in each other.

It didn't take a lot to persuade me to join the mile-high club after all.

Gentle touches and wondering hands made their way inside my jeans and panties. His slow ministrations had me panting on his lap. I tried to stay as quiet as possible as I got lost in him. But once my hand made contact with his erection, he marched us into the spacious restroom and had my back pressed against the walls in no time as he took me swiftly.

Just the thought of it made my body tingle again.

He stepped out of the restroom first, giving me a moment to clean up and I heard him talk to Johnson as soon as he closed the door, making me blush 50 shades of red at the thought of getting caught.

When I finally stepped out, Johnson asked if I was feeling better and whether he can get me some iced water. I shot a quick glance in Edward's direction and found him trying hard not to laugh. I informed Johnson I was feeling much better and that flying made me queasy sometimes. He seemed to have bought it and went to retrieve some water for me anyway.

I scowled at Edward who no longer hid his amusement and smacked his chest as I sat down across from him and not on his lap like he indicated. He gave me his best puppy dog eyes but tittered when Johnson handed me my water and asked if I need a blanket. I declined and he left us alone once again.

The landing was smooth and we were escorted into a waiting town car that Edward had hired. We quickly stopped off at our hotel to check in and leave our bags behind before we left again to meet his uncle Peter and his wife Charlotte.

He told me Peter owns a chain of clubs and restaurants on the strip and that we were actually going to one of his clubs for the joined bachelor/bachelorette night. He has given us access to his VIP section as well as an open bar.

The car stopped outside a swanky restaurant with outdoor seating. The sun was blazing hot by now and I was glad I decided to leave my jacket back at the hotel. Before we could reach the the main entrance, a boisterous voice called out Edward's name. His face lit up as we both turned to find a tall and handsome man making his way towards us. His hair was slicked back highlighting the grey hairs against the dark brown. He wore a grey suit and a mint coloured shirt with a few too many top buttons undone but he had an infectious smile and I couldn't help but smile back at him.

"Uncle Pete!" Exclaimed Edward as they hugged, Peter patting Edward on his back and giving him one hard squeeze for good measure. I laughed as Edward did the same and Peter winced before they pulled apart, both still smiling at each other.

"Boy am I glad to see a familiar face! How you been Ed? Ho ho hooo and who's this beauty on your arm?" He focused on me and grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips. Before they could touch my hand, Edward slapped him on the back of the head and his uncle just laughed before pulling me into a hug.

He smelled nice.

"Hands off the missus Peter," Edward growled playfully and placed his hand on the small of my back once Peter let me go.

"Missus? And does Mrs Cullen have a name?" he quirked an eyebrow, it was hard to figure him out behind his sunglasses but he managed to wag them a little, making me laugh again.

"Bella, nice to put a face to the name. Edward's told me a lot about you," I said and wrapped my arm around Edward's back

"None of it is true I swear!" he pleaded.

"Oi doofus get your ass back over here, you know I can't get up without your help!" a lady shouted, causing a few of the people scattered around us to laugh.

When I looked over to where the voice was coming from, I saw a gorgeous woman sitting a few inches away from the table because her protruding stomach was in the way. She held a fan in one hand a a fruity looking drink in the other as she glared at Peter.

"Woman I swear to god you're scaring all the patrons away!" replied Peter as he turned to face her, he was smiling like a fool in love though.

"Come on you two, Bella I'd love for you to meet my ball buster of a wife." We followed Peter to where Charlotte was sitting.

He held both of his hands out and almost hoisted her out of her seat. She was super model thin, her belly being the only indication that she was pregnant. I guess some women were just lucky to keep their figures whilst pregnant.

"Edward! It's so nice to see you, gosh it's been too long since you guys visited! How are Es and Carl?" she placed one delicate manicured hand on his cheek whilst leaning in to kiss the other. It was hard to say how old she was because it definitely looked like she's had some cosmetic work done. She must have paid a lot of money to look as good as she does. Most people probably couldn't tell but no one looks so smooth and wrinkle free in real life.

"Charlotte great to see you. How many is it now then? Mum and dad are great, they wanted to come over too but dad got held up on business as usual." I noticed how he didn't go into detail but Peter smirked, knowing exactly what business Edward was referring to.

"This is the 5th one, I think. I don't know anymore, my house is overrun by men and it's getting hard to keep track. Thank god for my nannie, I don't know what I'd do without her." Charlotte gushed and shot daggers at Peter before he could open his mouth.

"This fool over here keeps asking her if she wants to join us in a threesome just to rile me up. The poor woman is in her late 60's for crying out loud!" she slapped his chest but I could see the corners of her mouth twist into a smile as Edward and Peter both laughed.

"Charlotte I'd like you to meet my wife Isabella, Bella baby this is the one and only woman who carries uncle Pete's balls in her purse…and he lets her," my silly husband snickered and dodged Peter's punch to the arm.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Edward told me how you guys met. I want to know all your secrets." I pretended to whisper and saw Edward smile falter slightly as Peter cracked up beside us.

Charlotte placed her hand on her stomach as she took me in. It felt a bit tense for a second before her pearly whites were on display and she moved in to hug me.

"I knew Ed would find the perfect girl for him. Welcome to the family Bella." We pulled apart and she moved her hands to hold my face and planted a loud kiss on my lips. I stood still, stunned for a moment before a laugh escaped me.

We all took our seats then and they all caught up whilst I sat back and listened. They wanted to know why they weren't invited to the wedding so we told them we had an extremely private ceremony and that the big wedding will be next year and that they are definitely invited. Charlotte was pleased she would have her figure back by then and warned Peter she was going to max out his credit card if he didn't agree to a vasectomy. He nearly chocked on his wine and looked at Edward pleadingly who only continued to laugh harder.

The boys broke out into their own conversation so Charlotte and I got to know each other a little more.

"So tell me how you two met? My jaw nearly dropped to the floor when Pete told me Ed's bringing a girl with him." She teased and I laughed thinking about the night we met.

"He came to my sorority house party with Emmett and Jasper. Emmett is dating one of my best friends Rose and I had known him for a while now, I never met Edward or Jasper before that night though. I already had a few drinks before he showed up and by the time he did, I was in the horny stage. He had me hook line and sinker the moment I laid eyes on him and took me back to his place. He gave me the whole spiel about it not being safe, that he was a bad guy blah blah blah, but I was gone the moment he touched me. And the rest as they say is history." I smiled the whole time I retold that story, it was a night I'll always remember.

"Wow, so it was like love at first sight," it was more like a statement than a question.

"I guess you could say that. The connection was instant. I couldn't get enough of him and when he dropped me home, I thought was never going to see him again but he told me he couldn't stay away and that he made a mistake in thinking he could just let me go. We have been together ever since." I said and rested my hand on his thigh as he carried on his conversation but covered my hand with his own.

"So who's getting married here?" she wondered.

"That will be Jasper and my other best friend Alice, they met the same night Edward and I did and he proposed on the spot whilst she was on her knees already!" I tried to keep my voice down but that story will go down in the history books as one of the best proposals ever.

Charlotte burst out laughing and started wiggling in her seat.

"Oh my gosh I'm going to wet myself!" she screeched which got the men's attention. Peter stood up and helped Charlotte out of her chair.

"Need help?" he asked her and she shook her head whilst smiling lovingly at him and trying to hold her laughter in.

"I'll go with her, this wine has gone right through me," I say as I get up to follow Charlotte who beams at me.

I turned to face Edward whose hand had wondered down to my ass now that I was standing up.

"I won't be long baby, try to not get in any trouble ok?" I teased and leaned down to kiss his soft lips. He nipped at my bottom lip before I stood straight and followed Charlotte to the restroom.

She wound her arm through mine and we walked inside the restaurant. It was quieter than outside as most people decided to sit out and enjoy the sun. A guy behind the bar was fixated on us as we manoeuvred around the place. I noticed Charlotte turn back to look at him before we turned the corner and I heard her scoff as she pushed the door open.

"He would never be able to handle me," she said nonchalantly as she stepped into the free stall and closed the door behind her as I stepped into the one next to her.

"Edward told me how you and Peter met," I said and heard Charlotte laugh.

"I had been a ring girl at his underground club when one day he decided to do due diligence and start getting rid of a few of us. I had a thing for him the day he came into a strip joint I used to dance at. He bought a private dance and even though the douchebag of an owner allowed us to be groped, Pete kept his hands to himself. He hired me on the spot and offered me a shit load of money for prancing around in my underwear in the ring. You think he's good looking now? Back then he was the guy all the girls wanted to bed and then work for. We would always flirt but nothing came off it. And then he calls me into his office, telling me he's going to have to let me go for some bullshit or other. I wasn't having any of it. So I pulled his gun on him and he told me he loved me. And now we're 5 or 6 kids in, happily married and business is booming." I heard her flush and grunt as she tried to stand up.

"Can't wait to get this baby out of me!" she grumbled.

I flushed too and got out of the stall only to find her door still closed. I went over to wash my hands and heard a quiet sob come out from her stall.

"You ok?" I wondered.

"No…I know you don't know me that well yet but can you help me up please?" she asked in a timid voice. I wanted to laugh at the situation but I didn't want to upset her further.

"Of course I don't mind. Can you reach out and open the door?" I asked and then heard it click and swing open slightly.

She sat there looking miserable and sheepish at the same time. I opened the door wider and held my arms out for her to grab onto so I could pull her up. She was wearing what looked like maternity underwear and it was still wrapped around her knees. She huffed in annoyance and proceeded to bend down to lift them up. I swatted her hands away and dragged them up her legs, high enough for her to reach them and pull them all the way up herself.

"God you're amazing! I hope your girlfriends will do this for you too one day." She gushed and I saw her eye water.

"Don't be silly, it's not a problem at all. I'm glad I could help," I grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

She thanked me again and went over to the basin to wash her hands. She fluffed her hair and checked her makeup before she deemed herself ready to leave the restroom.

Once we were back at the table, Peter helped her sit down and kissed the top of her head whilst resting his hand on her stomach.

"Everything ok?" he asked us.

"Yeah, Bella and I hit 2nd base in the toilets," she teased and winked at him. He threw his head back and laughed whilst Edward nearly chocked on his drink.

We went back to our lunch, conversation flowing easily between us. Edward told them we're staying at the Bellagio and Peter tried to convince him that we can stay at his hotel instead. Edward informed him that letting us have a free bar all night was enough.

"You never guess who I saw last night at one of my clubs!" Peter gushed.

"Remember your dad's friend George, Hinter or Hunter or something like that. Well his kid James was here last night, walked into the club with girls in both arms. Bought out a table and people kept milling in and out of it. Had my security guys working overtime just to keep an eye on him. Are you two running in the same circles still?" Peter asked.

I instantly sat up straighter and reached out for Edward's arm.

"Are you sure it was him?" Edward asked.

"Hell yeah I'm sure, he used to come through here every now and again flashing his name about like it's supposed to mean something." Peter continued to talk about Hunter whilst I tried to wrap my brain around the fact that he's here.

I guess now we know where he ran off to. The fact that he was surrounded by women means he doesn't give a fuck about Victoria and his unborn child back home. Once again proving what a lowlife he is.

Edward gave my hand a squeeze before he excused himself and stepped away from our table, his phone glued to his ear.

"Did I say something?" Peter asked, I wasn't sure how much he knew about the family business so I simply smiled at him and reassured him it was nothing, and that Hunter has been giving them trouble back home and we wondered where he went. Peter seemed to have accepted that answer and didn't press for more. I'll definitely have to speak to Edward about this and find out just how much Peter knows.

When Edward returned back to our table he didn't sit back down, instead he placed his hand on my back and told Peter and Charlotte that we had to go as he had some business to take care of before our friends arrive later today. He was about to put money down for the food but Peter waved it off, saying that it was his restaurant and his treat.

We exchanged pleasantries and told them we'll get together again before we leave. Charlotte and I exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch once we go back home.

Edward's phone was blowing up as we sat in the back of the town car but he didn't answer it. I wanted to ask him a million questions but the way he was looking at the back of the driver's head, I knew now wasn't the time.

"Where are we going?" I finally asked.

"Back to the hotel." Was his quick response. We sat in silence for the rest of the journey and luckily it didn't take us long to get back.

Once we were inside the suite, Edward walked straight over to the minibar and poured himself a scotch, downing it in one huge gulp before he slammed it on the marble top. He started pacing and raking his fingers through his hair.

"Talk to me," I finally said.

"I spoke to Jasper who confirmed it. Victoria's brother gave him up pretty easily and Stefan eventually gave it up too in the end. They said this was a stop over for Hunter and that he's planning to move over to Canada, claims he has a few links there." His voice was clipped as he continued to pace.

"What do we do now then?"

"We wait to see where that sonofabitch will pop up tonight and then he's dead. As soon as we get wind of his whereabouts, we'll move in." I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience as I listened to my husband plan to kill someone like it was the norm.

Well I guess it is for him.

He walked over and wrapped his arms around me and telling me everything will be alright and that nothing will happen to me. I don't know whether he was reassuring me or himself.