Eighteen

"Are you ready for your big debut?" Edward chuckled as he pushed my hair over my shoulder, pressing kisses to my neck. I'd been letting it grow for the past few months, but it hadn't reached a length I was happy with, so I'd decided on extensions.

He'd been true to his word when he said he wanted to wrap my hair around his fist while he fucked me, and honestly, I regretted not growing it out sooner. Though right at that moment, I hated it and what it symbolized. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to grab my knife and start hacking away at it.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I sighed, pulling away from him. I knew our little charade would work, but it killed me to think that the men who had worked under me for the past few years would now look at me as if I was beneath them. I'd lose the respect I'd worked so hard to gain and others would lose the fear I'd instilled in them.

"Are you changing your mind?"

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "Even if I was, it's a little late for that now. Besides, my father agrees with what we're doing. While he isn't the head of the family any longer, I value his opinion."

He took a seat, lacing his fingers with mine and pulling me down onto his lap. "As you should. Aro is a brilliant man who raised an equally brilliant daughter. I'm merely a figurehead, Bella. Every man in this operation will know that behind closed doors they're to answer to you. And if they don't, it's been a while since I've paid a visit to Felix. I'm sure the butcher is itching to get his hands on some fresh meat."

I smirked at him. "I know, but... they'll still talk, Edward. Those men gossip worse than wash women. They'll say how the wicked witch has fallen—"

"Since when does Isabella Volturi give a fuck what people are saying about her?" He gripped both of my forearms, staring at me. "I've never seen you doubt yourself this much."

I wrenched myself from his grasp. "Since I've worked so fucking hard for it to not come to this, Edward. These women—the girls' club that I'll be a part of—I can't stand them!" I stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking in my reflection. "I look weak."

He strode over to me, standing behind me with his hands on my hips. "You look beautiful, and you are far from weak. Nothing about what we're doing changes a thing about you. Now stop your whining and put your big girl panties on. We have a job to do."

I glared at him through the mirror. "I still know how to use a gun, Edward," I said as I turned and stormed out of the room. It was an empty threat, but I felt better for saying it.

::BW::

Papa greeted us at the door of the venue. "Look at you, my princess. I haven't seen you with hair so long in years! You look beautiful, like the perfect little wife." He smirked, and I scowled at him.

"Now, Isabella, none of that. Your father deserves respect," Edward chided from beside me.

I blew out a rough breath. "Yes, thank you, Papa."

"There's my sweet girl." Papa leaned in, kissing my cheek before turning to Edward. He held out his hand, which Edward shook. "It's good to see you again, son."

"Likewise, Aro. Has everyone shown up?"

"Yes, everyone who matters is here. Come, Princess." My father locked arms with me. "Let's go find your mother; your appearance will be quite a surprise to her, and then we'll announce the news about our happy couple."

As they served dinner, my father stood from his seat, clinking his glass with his knife. "If I could have your attention, I'd like to make a speech about my beautiful daughter and her fiancé. I knew Edward's father for many years; we grew up together and attended the same schools while we were in Brooklyn. Our families were close. As we grew, we stayed just as close. Really, we were more brothers than we were friends. So, it's with great honor that we celebrate the upcoming nuptials between Edward, the son of the great Carlisle Cullen, and my beautiful princess, Isabella. I know and trust that Edward will be extremely successful as the head of the Volturi family. Salute e cent' anni!"

There were a few gasps heard, and while I glanced around the room, I noticed a few smug grins from the other wives as their husbands rose from their seats, coming forward to congratulate Edward. There wasn't a doubt that they were happy to see my demise.

Finally, my eyes landed on Maggie as she sat next to her mother, Siobhan, their heads bent together. Both of them glanced my way every so often while whispering to one another.

We'd successfully pulled off the first part of our plan.