Happy Sunday!
I'm so glad you all liked the last chapter. Seriously, thank you for reading and reviewing. You guys are the best.
Fran- I don't know how you put up with me, but I'm so grateful you do:) Any mistakes are my own from playing round with the chapter after she's worked her magic.
~Chapter 41~
A few days have passed since Marcus was captured and presumably tortured to death. I don't ask for details because I don't want or need to know what happened. All that matters is that he's out of our lives for good. Edward is adamant he's been taken care of and can never harm us again.
Edward still believes it best we stick together, and I agreed, so we are staying with the family for the short term, at least. In many ways, I'm glad we're all together because as much as Marcus has been caught and dealt with, we can't go back to normal overnight—living our lives as though none of it ever happened.
Edward is still processing and dealing with Marcus' bombshell. So are the rest of the family. Carlisle and Esme are both incredibly supportive; they are there for us when we need them. Gramps is his usual cheerful self, keeping our spirits up with his quick wit and sharp tongue, but you can see he's using humor to cover his devastation. Nanna sought distraction in her cooking and taking care of everyone else, yet refused that same luxury for herself. It was her way of coping, as she told me herself.
Rose and Emmett were inseparable and enjoyed spending time together without hiding their relationship. As for Alice and Jasper, they were trying to avoid stress with Alice being so early into her pregnancy. Thankfully, she had the all-clear at her last check-up, which eased some of their fears.
Amongst all of this, the family was still working with the Russians. Carlisle had even invited them for dinner tonight at one of the family's restaurants as a thank you for all their help and to, no doubt, discuss future business too.
The dinner was for close family only, accompanied by our enhanced security team, of course. Rosalie was invited, but after some debate, she declined the offer - feeling their relationship was too new to be put under the scrutiny of a family occasion.
I felt for Emmett, and while it saddened me that Rosalie wouldn't be beside him, another part of me didn't blame her. I've come a long way since my timid first meeting with the family, but even I was a little wary of meeting the Russians, though I had my own reasons for feeling uneasy ...
Getting ready, I had enlisted Rosalie to help me with my hair and makeup. Usually, I didn't feel particularly pressured by Edward or any other family members to look good, but I wanted to look my best and made more effort than usual. That's where Rosalie came in. She was an expert and did my hair and makeup in a matter of minutes. I was pleased with the results; I felt comfortable …. confident.
Any woman who tells you she doesn't want to look her best when faced with a woman who's crossed you and gone after your man is either a liar or a bigger person than me. Just thinking about that awful woman makes my blood boil.
Edward forewarned me that Irina would be making a brief appearance tonight and I was determined to show her the plotting and scheming hadn't hurt me - the opposite, in fact. If she thought she could break us, she was in for a big surprise. We are stronger than ever.
Apparently, one topic among the legal and illegal matters the families planned to discuss tonight was Irina's part in Marcus' wicked plan. I was horrified to learn she would be attending but calmed somewhat when Edward explained she was only there to defend herself or at least try to explain herself before the families made their final decision on her punishment.
Just the mention of that woman's name caused an unmistakably furious look to appear on Edward's face, so I was certain he would demand the most severe punishment possible. Whether he would get it was another matter ...
...
"Argh! This is impossible!"
I'm about five seconds away from giving up and changing outfits ...
Again.
Edward is in the middle of fixing his tie but stops what he's doing when he hears me struggling. Okay, cursing is more accurate. I've been cranky, argumentative, and generally feeling a little sorry for myself all day. Sue me. I'm thirty-two weeks pregnant ... I'm struggling to fit into a dress, to go to a meal I don't particularly want to go to. I'm entitled to feel a little cranky.
For the most part, I've loved and embraced everything about this pregnancy. I've never felt so content and confident in myself. I've looked after myself because I'm looking after someone else - the life growing inside me. I didn't question what I ate; I ate what I wanted - within reason. I feel sexy, beautiful and most of all wanted. Edward has made sure of that. He's never stopped showing me how much he wants and desires me. I don't know why, but today, I've just felt a little down ... low ... emotional.
Gently pushing my hands away, Edward appears behind me, whispering, "allow me," in my ear before smoothly pulling up the zipper I've spent the last five minutes fighting with.
His hands wander around my body before settling on my shoulders, turning me around to face him. My anger disappears when I see Edward's happy, smiling face. He leans down and kisses me, but it's all too brief, yet it's enough to get my blood pumping and my pulse racing.
"Will I do?"
"You'll more than do," Edward replies. His lips find mine again, and this time I'm not settling for a quick peck. Reaching up, my hands grip his tie, using it to drag his face down to mine. Our lips meet ... our kisses deepen ... our hands wander ... our bodies press tightly against one another.
And then Edward stops.
"Don't start something now, Bella," he warns.
"Are you sure I can't tempt you?" We're so close my lips brush his with every word I speak.
"Oh, you can't tempt me alright, as you well know," Edward sends me a knowing smile. Pulling away slightly, his forehead rests against mine.
"Believe me, if we could get out of this meal, I would. We need to be there - at least spare them a couple of hours. We owe the Russians that. They did come through for us and help locate Marcus,"
What he's saying is totally reasonable, but still, I would much rather be spending my night with my husband with no distractions - just the two of us. Since Marcus was found, we've barely had a moment to ourselves, and I'm starting to feel frustrated ... incredibly frustrated.
However, tonight is important to Edward and the rest of the family too. I need to put them first, ahead of my hormones.
"I hate it when you're right," I say, hiding my face in Edward's chest. He holds me for a few moments. When Edward pulls back, I can see the concern in his eyes. "You don't have to go tonight, Bella. If you're not feeling up to it, or you simply don't want to go, you don't have to," he thoughtfully offers.
"Absolutely not! I'm going," I say adamantly. I refuse to let that witch think she's won by running me out of town, or in this case, a meal with my family and hers. I once told Edward I was capable of dealing with his 'business,' now is the time to prove it.
"I'll make it worth your while," he teases me with a light kiss before he pulls away completely.
"What are you looking so smug about? " I question, sensing he is up to something. I can read Edward's moods as well as he can read mine. We have that understanding ... that connection that comes from being with someone you love.
"Let's get this dinner over with first." He smiles, but it's more of a smirk.
"What are you up to?" I question, but he merely leans in, placing a quick kiss on his lips. It was a short kiss filled with promise.
"You'll see." And then he walks away. He's almost out the door when he turns, offering me that devastating smile I love before telling me, "I'm excited for tonight." He winks at me, and then before I can come up with some quick-witted remark, he's gone.
"Tease!" I shout, but he's not listening.
...
Dinner is ... well … it's interesting, to say the least.
Alexis is exactly as I pictured him. He's smartly dressed in a tailored dark navy suit, and I'd estimate he's in his forties, but it's impossible to tell. His face is all hard lines and sharp eyes. He talks with a slight accent, but that's where the cliches end. He's not some generic bad guy who belongs in a James Bond movie. He's very ordinary and somewhat unassuming, the type of guy you'd walk past in the street completely oblivious to the fact he's the leader of one of the biggest crime families in the city. Perhaps that's how he's so successful at what he does.
Not that I suspect people would mess with him. I do not doubt he's dangerous and ruthless. And if the scar on his left cheek is anything to go by, he's had his fair share of run-ins in the past.
His wife, Khristina, is also just how I thought she would be; utterly gorgeous and glamorous. She seems nice ... normal ... friendly. Her accent is strong; her English is, she jokes, 'a little rusty.' But she makes an effort to talk to the family and me. She doesn't sit in silence, obediently by her husband's side. Despite the language barrier, we talk about family, careers, and babies. I learn she has three of her own —each of which she talks of with obvious love and affection.
I expected the evening would be awkward and incredibly forced, but it's the opposite. Conversations flow easily around the table, and it's clear to see the mutual respect each of the men has for each other. They are alike in many ways.
Strangely, I forget they are a powerful family and, in truth, deadly, much as I do my own. Do I agree with all their investments ... their businesses … their methods? Hell no. I will never come round on some of the things they are involved in, but it is what it is.
...
The night flew by and was filled with delicious food, laughter, and lively talk around the table. Dinner was lovely but tortuous, and sitting next to Edward didn't help. Every look and every comment, especially every touch, left me reeling. I can feel my body responding to every accidental and not-so-subtle brush…
I've decided tonight is the night; I'm sure of it; I'm done fighting. I don't care who hears us. All the teasing, touching, and flirting has me so worked up we'll be lucky if we make it to the house.
I don't know what's come over me—what Edward has turned me into, but I'm tempted to suggest we find a room, any room. But call me a romantic; I want the first time to be special … meaningful and not just fucking around in a bathroom, you know?
I blame Edward, who's slowly driving me crazy.
Edward was never shy of showing affection, but this evening he's not holding back. The simple things, like the way his hand always fell into mine, lightly stroking my palm, or the teasing kisses he placed on my neck when everyone else is preoccupied with whatever they are discussing, are starting to drive me crazy. I'm so worked up, and I know we are in danger of getting carried away, and we need to slow it down or take it to another place.
It's almost a relief when the men are called away to a room I didn't even notice before. Carlisle invites the men to join him for a private conversation, and they quickly disperse. Before he goes, Edward reaches over, runs a finger down the side of my cheek, all the way down to my neck, causing me to shudder.
"I won't be long," He leans down slowly, his lips brushing my forehead before he pulled away, walking to the far side of the room with the men following. As often was the case, they had matters to discuss, what I assume is more business; illegitimate business.
...
"What were you discussing? Was it Irina?" I ask when Edward returns a short time later.
"You," he kisses my lips. "Are too smart …" he kisses my cheek. "Too observant …" He kisses my jaw. "For your own good."
"So, I was right?" I smile, pleased with myself. I can't help feeling a little smug.
"Yes, we were discussing how best to deal with the situation," Edward explains.
"So, Irina could prove a sticky point if the two families hope to stay on good terms?"
"In a way, Marcus' scheming had the reverse effect of what he planned. It brought the families closer. Irina may be Alexis' niece, but that makes her betrayal all the more personal. This isn't her first run-in. She's been warned before, but clearly, she thinks she's above retribution." Edward tells me before his expression suddenly turns furious. My gaze follows his, and I immediately spot the source of his anger.
Talk of the devil.
Irina …
My face drops momentarily, and I feel Edward's arm tense around my waist when he spots her walking towards us. If I was worried I would struggle to be in the same room as that woman, Edward is much worse; I must physically hold him back when she enters with a fake smile. She's defiant despite the two men blatantly escorting her over, not trusting her enough to even make her way to our table alone.
"What happens to the witch?" I ask as Alexis goes to meet her. The two of them exchange words, which result in her smug smile faltering - slightly.
"That's up to you," Edward whispers in my ear. My head whips around - My shocked eyes meeting his amused ones.
"What the hell are you talking about? You can't be serious."
"We discussed her punishment earlier, and the decision has been made that because Irina wronged you, her fate should lie in your hands, Bella."
Wow!
I must admit, a part of me is thrilled with the opportunity to do my worst; to hurt Irina as she did my family and me, but what should I do? I honestly don't know what the right thing or wrong thing in this case is. I'm new to this life. I need guidance, and luckily for me, I have someone to turn to.
"What would you do?" I ask.
Edward looks thoughtful for a moment before he answers.
"As your husband, I say send her to hell for what she did," he says through gritted teeth. I can see he's reliving her many acts of betrayal. There's a strange look in his eyes; he almost looks torn.
"There's more, isn't there? Tell me what you're thinking," I encourage, sensing he's holding back.
"But as a member of this family, I say we make her suffer in other ways; take away her influence and privileges. She'll be miserable, but at least alive."
I like the idea of her suffering.
"Such as?"
"Send her to a member of the family far away, where she can never bother us again. But the choice is yours, Bella. I'll support you in whatever you decide to do."
"Thank you for your insight but most of all for trusting me," I tell him, and I mean it. I'm not underestimating how much of a big deal this is; Edward handing over the decision to me, which I'm certain he would have had to fight for in his discussions with Carlisle and Alexis.
Edward cups my face in his hands, bringing my eyes level with his.
"You don't have to thank me, Bella. You've proven time and time again how much I can rely on you. I trust you implicitly," He says, sealing his words with a kiss.
"Do you have any idea what you will do?" Edward asks. He's not pressuring me; he's merely interested.
"Honestly, until I've heard what she has to say, I don't know. I hate the woman … I despise her, but a lot depends on the families cooperating, and if she's repentant, then maybe I can consider a less severe punishment."
Edward looks surprised by my answer. I am, too, I can't believe I'm considering giving her a second chance, but I have to put the family ahead of my own thirst for revenge; Be the bigger person, even if it pains me to do so.
"You are too kind ... too good. I thought you would be out for her blood. Perhaps, my advice is too lenient," he muses.
"I'm giving her a chance, Edward. That's all."
"Fair enough; let's get this out the way, then we can get out of here."
Taking my hand in his, Edward leads me towards Alexis and the witch, who has the audacity to look smug. I hadn't seen her since the charity gala all those months ago, and sadly, the time has not altered her sense of self-importance. She's as immaculate as ever; Her hair is style back in an elaborate up-do, her eyes are sharp, cold, and her smile unashamedly smug.
"Bella, how nice to see you looking so … pregnant."
Irina's snide remark draws a growl from Edward's lips, and his hand tightens in mine.
She's barely spoken a word, but she's doesn't need to because, within moments, it becomes clear she shows no guilt whatsoever— not a hint of regret or remorse over her actions.
She's made my decision an easy one.
"Perhaps we should take this somewhere private," Edward says, signaling toward the room he disappeared to earlier.
"Have you and your wife discussed what we spoke about earlier?" Alexis breaks the awkward silence once we enter the private room.
"We have," Edward says simply. Turning his gaze to me, he sends me an encouraging smile.
"Given everything that's happened and what she did to my family and me, I think it would be better for everyone concerned if Irina is sent away," I explain, keeping my voice level and my face expressionless.
"Of course, that is understandable," Alexis nods. He doesn't seem surprised by my decision; his face shows disappointment, whereas Irina smiles smugly, thinking she is being let off lightly. Little does she know …
Not so fast.
"We have family on the east coast that will take responsibility for her." Alexis continues. I wait for him to finish talking before I speak once again.
"I had something different in mind."
All eyes suddenly focus on me again. Moving out of Edward's embrace, I stand a little taller, keep my head high because I refuse to appear weak or timid in front of the witch. Thinking back to what she did ... what she planned to do to my baby and me; how she tried to split us up, gives me the courage to say what I need to say.
My eyes meet Irina's, and I look at her stoically as I deliver my words slowly … deliberately.
"Given the nature of the wrongdoing committed by Irina, involving kidnapping and attempted murder; and later, my death, not to mention what was planned for my unborn child, I want the punishment to fit the crime. You must understand my fear of someone so cunning, so calculating, so cold. To be honest, if Irina were anywhere in the United States, I would be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. I want her passport in my hand after she is sent back to Russia, where she will spend the rest of her life, hopefully doing something worthwhile. If she tries to take revenge on me or any member of my family, she will be killed."
Irina's startled gasp breaks the momentary silence that has descended. She says nothing for a few moments, but it doesn't take long for all hell to break loose. She lunges forward, but before she can reach me, Alexis steps forward, holding her back.
Edward reacts quickly, too; He pulls me back, urging me to stand behind him - trying to protect me. He means well, but I refuse to cower to this woman. Not now … not ever again.
"You can't do this to me, you Cuchka derganaya !" Irina screeches; her shrill voice goes through me like nails on a chalkboard. "The life you are living should have been mine! He will leave you; you are a Dura if you think Edward can be tied down. I hope you lose everything, Poshyel k chyertu."
Is she for real?
I'm so worked up, absolutely furious. Edward places his hand on my stomach, reminding me I need to calm down.
"You tried to split up my husband and me. You impersonated me, went along with the idea, knowing full well what would happen to my baby and me if your evil plan worked. Your actions weren't just cruel; they were potentially deadly. You're lucky I'm alive because my family would have disposed of you in the most brutal way possible once they discovered what you had done."
"Uncle, please! You know what life would be like for me there." Irina turns to him and starts begging ... pleading with him, but he cuts her off.
"Enough..." His voice sounds firm … final, and she knows better than to argue with him. Irina is silent for a moment - totally shellshocked. Her face is as white as a sheet. I'd like to think my words have got through to her, but I don't think someone like her will learn from words alone. She needs to truly experience hardships to understand that actions have consequences.
After an immeasurable about of time, Alexis finally speaks,
"Vladimir, take Irina back to the apartment and gather her things."
While they are talking amongst themselves, I look up to Edward, who sends me a smile - telling me without words that I've done well; that he's proud of me, and I've made the right choice.
Yes, I could have come down harder on her, but for the good of the family, I made a choice I can stand by. She's out of our lives, and we can maintain a reasonable relationship with the Russians.
"Alexis, I appreciate you are in a difficult position, but I agree with my wife; Irina cannot be trusted," Edward speaks; his voice is hard and resolved. This side of Edward I've seen so few times, but it is such a turn-on.
Alexis sounds surprisingly reasonable. "We may be from different families, with vastly different traditions, but loyalty to our family remains paramount. My niece crossed the line when she chose to conspire against both her own family and yours with such a deadly plan. I will be sure that instructions are followed."
"And I'm confident we can move on and learn from this, right, Edward?" Alexis holds his hand out to my husband, who reciprocates the action.
"Absolutely. Now that's settled, we can look forward and work together in the future."
"I should be leaving now. It was lovely to meet you, Bella," Alexis smiles.
"It was nice meeting you too," I agree.
Goodbyes are exchanged, and when Alexis leaves the room, I make a move to follow and return to our family, but Edward holds me back.
"Shouldn't we go back out there?" I ask.
"In a minute …. I need a few moments with you first."
Before I can blink, his mouth is on mine, and he's kissing me, and all I can feel is the pressure of his mouth on mine. It's everything. I don't even try to pull away because that would be impossible. And the second his tongue lightly brushes against mine; I can't control the surprised gasp that escapes my lips when Edward deepens the kiss. Nor can I control the way my arms seem to have a mind of their own; I reach up, threading my fingers in Edward's hair, pulling his face down to mine with equal enthusiasm.
I can't resist him—I never could. I want him as much as he wants me. After what feels like hours but is probably only a few moments, his lips slowly draw away. Edward presses a final gentle kiss to my lips before he pulls back, resting his forehead against mine. Disappointment hits me when Edward's arms release me, and he takes a step away. I don't know where the hell that came from, but I enjoyed every second of it.
"What's gotten into you?" I ask, not that I'm complaining.
The air crackles, my breathing is slightly labored, and my pulse hammers from the look in Edward's eyes.
"Seeing you put that bitch in her place … be so strong; is a big turn on to me." His eyes are dancing with mirth and that lopsided grin- he's full-on smirking now. I send him a warning glare, but he isn't budging. He looks at me through his lashes, a teasing grin overtaking his face.
"Shame we are going back to a full house then," I point out.
There's a dangerous glint in Edward's eyes, and when his head lowers, he nuzzles into my hair, his voice dropping to a low murmur that makes every nerve ending in my body come alive, and my pulse quicken.
"We're not going back there tonight, Bella."
"We're not?" I find it impossible to look away from his piercing eyes. He stares at me; I stare back for an immeasurable about of time, both of us with matching heated expressions on our faces. All the while, Edward's hands trace an invisible path up and down my arms, raising goosebumps on my skin.
"No … we're going home."
A shiver ran through my body from his words ... the implication there.
"Home ... home?"
"Yes, back to our home..."
Cuchka derganaya Crazy bitch
Poshyel k chyertu Go to hell
Dura Fool
I know I'm such a tease, but this chapter is already quite long.
There are only two more chapters to go and the epilogue. The end is in sight. I feel sad, happy, and so incredibly relieved. I may actually finish this story :)
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