Hello everyone,

So the response to this story is incredible. I am extremely flattered to have you all here for another ride. Thanks so much for being a part of it. I am extremely thrilled with every new chapter I post and just so y'all know, I just finished writing ch12 and am working on 13. So there will be no delays for the duration of this story.

Please head over and check out these fics.

The Rec by Lily Jill

Vengeance by FanficR4nerds /13876846/1/

Truth In transience by Danidarlingxx

Behind the Shadows by Princess Treacle /13864681/2/

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Edward tucked his hands into the pockets of his wool trench coat. Walking the perimeter of his estate, he lingered on the high rise overlooking the Mississippi, as he waited to hear from Emmett. He was supposed to grab Isabella Swan and bring her to him. There was no doubt that Charlie had sold his daughter to the mayor to get the funds he owed him.

However, if there was one thing Edward's organization did not touch it was human trafficking, and this was a clear case of selling another human for profit. Yeah, there was no way he was going to let this shit go down. And still Charlie would owe him. As for Ms. Swan, she may have her uses. It was yet to be determined what he would do with her.

From this distance, the depths below looked murky, and he grunted with the thought. Up close, the river wasn't any better, he surmised, yet little else was fathomable considering the bottomless pit. Not only did the mighty body of water hold this country's history in each ripple of water, but it impacted millions of dollars that went into his pockets every year.

Of course, a lot of that cash was untouchable, wrapped up in casinos and charters running the river, gaining him profits he couldn't claim … not legally, anyway.

Laundered … his cash came in so thick he couldn't touch a cent until it was cleaned and mixed with the casinos' profits. Luckily, Edward had people who handled this revenue.

Not that he wasn't smart enough to get the job done. The fact was he had little need to dirty his own hands when he had people doing it for him.

He sniffed as he took in miles and miles of greenery spread all around him. Thick maples and oaks were starting to bud with impending spring on the horizon. Just across the river was Tennessee and Kentucky , and a few hours down the water was Illinois, Kansas, and right next door Arkansas.

He had the best real estate in the mob world. Five states fell under his control. Operating that many locations meant working and dealing with people of all ages, backgrounds, races, and even religions. Until he'd taken over the Missouri Kings upon his father's untimely death, Edward would've never guessed how many people of faith dealt in organized crime.

There went God, he decided—actually, they decided, the second they spied that green cash flowing from hand to hand; their greedy little mitts darted out for their share.

Kennett, Missouri, was the perfect place to lay low; hell, he was knocked completely off the grid. When one thought of organized crime, they thought of big cities, high traffic areas, never once considering their organized mobsters could be hidden in the shadows. The tiny town consisted of a population of only ten thousand inhabitants.

Yeah, sometimes lying low was a struggle.

Edward pushed a lock of nearly black hair lined with traces of a deep cherry red off his cheek as he studied the muddy banks of the river below. People like him stood out like a sore thumb here in such a small town, and everyone … everyone, even the nobodies on the street, knew precisely who he was. Even while this was the case, no one would ever dare to speak out against him.

For a flat annual fee to the mayor, the diligent county servant looked the other way when business turned shady. And for just a little bit extra, he overlooked the dealings that were far beyond legal.

Hell, if anyone dared speak against Edward and actually provided the proof, he could spend decades in prison. That would never happen, however. He had fall-guys for that, and then, of course, Edward made sure his hands were squeaky clean.

Tearing his navy gaze from the murky depths of the Mississippi, Edward turned his attention to the mansion that had been in his family for generations.

Of course, the lavish home had been modernized through the years to offer the finest luxuries available. The mansion provided so much space his entire family lived there. While it annoyed him beyond measure to still reside with his family, it was for their protection, and well, honestly, eased his mind … for the most part anyway.

Just as his roaming gaze fell on the balcony doors, he spied a blonde head peeking over the cobbled wall lining the deck. Edward quickly scanned the area in search of his mother, and suddenly Esme rounded the corner, and while her words were inaudible from this distance, Edward imagined she was scolding the child for slipping away.

When his navy eyes collided with a brighter set of aqua, he was hurdled in time to another place. Six years ago, he'd met Irene at an event held by their ever-trusty mayor, and at the prompting of his father, began dating the lovely blonde. Their relationship only lasted a handful of months before the couple was urged to solidify their arrangement permanently—which would grant Carlisle the jurisdiction of Illinois. For family and business, Edward saw no reason not to secure the match.

Irene had been beautiful, sweet, and intelligent. She had recognized the complications of his life; understood the severity of their business. She came from the King Family in the Midwest, and his alliance with her had granted their family, Chicago. Having control of a city that size meant capital flowing steadily in their direction for eons. Hell, Edward's grandchildren's children would never know the meaning of struggle.

Yet, that was not all Irene had been for him. They'd been friends and lovers. She'd known when to push and which was hardly ever, trusting him to handle the business. Quite frankly, she'd known him better than anyone in his life, even better than his own family. And as he stood there thinking of her, his chest grew tight with the familiar pangs of loneliness. He missed the warmth of her smile, the light that danced in her gaze when she laughed, and the warm press of her fingers against his cheek.

Fuck, he missed her.

As his daughter's pleading gaze met his, shame pierced Edward's gut. Since his lovely wife had died from complications of childbirth, he'd been tasked with caring for his daughter alone. Enter Esme, his mother, for what the hell did he know of taking care of a child. Plus, it was hard to care for someone when you couldn't bear to look at them. Lily, his beautiful little girl, had taken away his best friend.

Even as this wicked blame stabbed his chest, Edward was ashamed of his behavior. Lily had no real fault in Irene's death. It was just the way of this cold world. Fate gave him everything with one hand and took it back with the other.

Ignoring the set of wide blue eyes following him across the yard, Edward jingled the change in his pocket as he continued along the property line. Of course, to cover all the ground he owned, it would take days, maybe a week on foot. Suddenly, he craved the solitude of his study away from curious stares and that meaningful look his mother was currently pinning him with.

Chewing the inside of his cheek, Edward turned back to the manor and briskly climbed the hill. The elegantly serviced lawn stretched for miles around, and he was half tempted to beat a path to the stables located to his far right. A good ride on his gelding was flowing through his blood, yet he ignored the craving as he climbed the cobblestoned deck; his plans for escaping into the confines of his office detoured when Esme stepped into his path.

"Edward, we've avoided the topic of Lily's education long enough. It's time we talked about putting her in preschool and letting her socialize with children her own age." Esme wiggled her fingers for the child to come to her side. Eagerly, Lily hopped across the porch and took hold of her grandmother's fingers.

Blonde lashes grazed Lily's cheek as she blinked past the sunlight to gaze upon her father. "Hi, Daddy. I made a …"

Something in Edward froze as the creature before him spoke. When his hard eyes left his mother's beautiful face to focus on his daughter, her slight form shrunk into Esme's side, and she blinked rapidly up at him, her voice trailing away. His pursed lips pulled into a grim line as he regarded her. "She doesn't need to attend preschool. I will hire tutors to come here and educate her. I wouldn't want her mingling with the wrong crowd. Plus, she looks like a frightened mouse …"

"She looks like that because you never speak to her unless, of course, you're snapping her poor head off. I'm getting really tired of how you treat her, Edward." Esme insisted, blocking her son's path when he would have skirted her to run into the house. "Ever since Irene died …"

"Can we go one day without the reminder of my wife dying?" Edward snapped, shifting from foot to foot. "I have business underway and a few calls to make. You wanted to know about her education, and I've told you my plans. Find some tutors and have them thoroughly investigated before they step foot in this house."

Edward didn't give Esme a chance to respond; hurriedly, he slipped around the duo and entered the kitchen. Without pausing to greet his sister sitting at the island, apparently having breakfast, he turned in the hall and, in a few short paces, entered his study and locked the door behind him.

Peace entered his chest as the quiet penetrated his soul. Edward couldn't explain the war raging inside him, yet whenever those crystal eyes locked with his, it was like a sharp dagger being thrust into his gut. Honestly, he had no idea how to deal with a child, and currently, he had no desire to learn either.

Squishing the dread into the black hole where it belonged, he dug in his pocket for his cellphone and checked the time. Heading to his desk, he opened the file and read the first paper the investigator had given him.

Isabella Swan

Age: 24

Occupation: Full-time Student

Field of Study: Education

Parents: Charlie Swan & Renee Swan

Siblings: None

Edward spent the next hour learning everything there was to know about Isabella, right down to preferred nicknames, her best friends, zero boyfriends, up to this point, and fiancé, Mayor Winthrop. While Edward reacted to very little nowadays, even he cringed at the prospect of nuptials linking the beautiful woman before him to the older civil servant. He knew exactly what was going on, Charlie was selling his daughter. The question that bothered him was why the young lady would agree to commit herself to someone so much older than her?

He rubbed his chin as he reached for the bottle in the top right corner of his mahogany bookcase. Pouring himself half a glass, he lifted it to his lips and took a long swallow. As he relished the warmth of liquor on his tongue, he flipped through the pages before him.

She was an incredibly attractive woman. Edward couldn't imagine her having trouble securing a relationship with anyone she chose. So, why would she agree to marrying Winthrop? Unless, as he suspected, she hadn't chosen him. Perhaps someone had chosen for her. But then why was she acquiescing to the marriage?

And why was the wedding so soon? No way she could be pregnant; that old coot couldn't even get it up. The newspaper said the wedding would take place next week. The girl looked happy in the photo announcement, but something didn't make sense. And those gloves, what the hell century was this?

It wasn't a surprise to him that Charlie Swan sold his own daughter straight to the devil. And let's face it, Mayor Winthrop was the human Diablo. The man was in everyone's pocket, from the lowly crack dealers to the more profitable crime lords. That even included Edward. Well, if Charlie was selling his daughter, he must be pretty fucking desperate.

Edward sat back in his chair, folding his hands across his stomach and crossing his feet at the ankles. The whiskey was just starting to warm his blood when his phone rang. Spying Emmett's number, he lifted the cell to his ear. "Yeah?"

"Boss, we have the package. Come to the stables, now.

~*~

Emmett looked down at the girl at his feet. Crouching down, he brushed her hair from her cheek, his head tilting as he studied her intently. "Holy shit … talk about luck. You gave me quite the chase Ms. Swan, but I still got the job done…"

While Emmett recalled seeing this woman on the news the other night, he could swear that wasn't the only place he knew her from, yet at this precise moment, he couldn't pinpoint where or how he knew her. Emmett shrugged as he scooped her up and headed for the room off of the stables.

As soon as Emmett had her settled in the back room, he dug his phone from his pocket. "Edward, man, you're going to want to come down to the stables. Got that package you wanted."

TFA

Edward dropped the file he couldn't stop reading. He wasn't sure what it was about the woman in the manila folder, yet he found himself drawn to it time and again. Rising from his seat, he passed one glance toward the picture sitting in the corner before promptly turning on his heel and striding out of the study.

Usually, Edward would've changed his footwear when heading to the barn, yet this wasn't meant for a pleasant outing. Disregarding the expensive shoes he wore, he hurried through the house.

The last thing he wanted was an unexpected encounter with anyone, especially her. A breath of relief filled him as he exited through the balcony doors; jogging down the steps of the deck, he rounded the mansion on the cobblestone path leading to the stables.

Edward turned his attention to the sun still high in the sky, letting the warmth bear down on his cheeks. He was halfway to his destination when his phone trilled to life. Digging the cell from his slacks, he glanced at the screen, spotting Charlie's name and number flashing with the incoming call. Instantly, distaste coiled on his tongue as bitterness filled him.

One thing on this earth he couldn't stand was a fucking shady ass liar, and Charlie was all types of nefarious. He flaunted that badge as a tool to fool the people of this town, while on the side, he was mixed in all sorts of crooked dealings. With a snarl on his lips, he lifted the phone to his ear. "Tell me you have my money, or this is a waste of energy and time."

"I am calling about the money. I should have it this Friday afternoon. They are running a load down to Mexico, and the truck is due back here before Saturday."

"Music to my fucking ears," Edward agreed, stalling on the path. He could see Emmett hovering near the door with all sorts of gloating on his face. Spotting his brother's smile only seemed to irritate Edward. "Swan, don't call me again until the loot is in your palm. If you do, I might rip out your tongue the next time I see you."

"I just thought I'd call and let …"

Edward clicked the off button, not caring what Swan had to say, his mood instantly darkening with the thought of the sheriff. While he'd been good for business in the past, the man's integrity and dedication had wavered drastically over the last year. Pushing the phone call from his mind, he watched Emmett prancing on his feet with eagerness, and Edward promptly headed in his direction.

"What has you looking like you're about to piss yourself?" Edward asked as an odd sensation filled him as he entered the barn.

"Can you go one minute without insulting me in one form or another?"

"Probably not," Edward acknowledged, following his brother along the aisle, his hand slipping down the nose of his gelding as he strode by. The animal's nostrils flared, and he blew hard with a whicker in greeting. Rubbing his muzzle, Edward continued, "You make it so easy to do, from your fucking clothes to prancing from foot to foot. No one would ever guess you're a Cullen."

"You are such a self-righteous prick," Emmett mumbled with a shake of his head as they came to the door at the back of the stables. "I think after you see what I have for ya, you just might change your mind."

"Promises, promises," Edward mumbled sarcastically as he walked into the room to find Ms. Swan strapped to a chair. Haphazardly, he looked toward Emmett. "Why the fuck is she all scratched up and shit?"

Currently, the lifeless figure dangled in the chair, her hair strewn across her face. Edward reached for a handful of blonde hair, matted with twigs and leaves, and pulled her head back to get a long look at her features. Her delicate skin was covered in scratches from an apparent jaunt through the woods. Sighing heavily, Edward faced Emmett. " Why the fuck is she dangling like a limp noodle? Tell me you didn't use a fucking dart on her."

"I could, but then I would be lying. " Emmett acknowledged, walking around the chair. "She took off into the woods as soon as we took out her guards. We chased her for a couple of miles, but lost her. She came stumbling out of the woods about twenty minutes ago. Pretty lucky, eh?"

Edward sniffed as he studied the wench before him. Distrust immediately swelled within his chest. "I don't know. I just got a call from Charlie right before I came in here. Seems kind of shady he'd call right as we are taking his daughter. When she comes to, let me do the talking. I want to see what her angle is. Did she see you, know that it was you that took out the bodyguards?"

"No, she never saw us. And it looked like she hit her head on the door, so she might be confused as well. She never looked back. Took off straight into the woods, and never turned around. Actually, I thought we lost her, pure luck she ended up here," Emmett admitted.

"Maybe it was luck, maybe not. I'm not taking any chances with her fucking father. He may be using her. I don't know, but let me take the lead." Edward reached towards her, when she started moaning.

Bella groggily came to with a whimper. One minute she was crashing through the forest, and the next, she was tied to a chair. Weakly, she lifted her head, looking through mere slits at two men who blurred before her vision. "W-where am I?"

Edward scoffed at the question, crouching down to face the woman, rapidly blinking back at him. "You seemed like you knew the answer to that. Moments ago, you fell out of the woods onto my property. The question is, why?"

"I w-was looking for the King," she murmured from what felt like a fog. Her mouth felt like it was full of cotton, and all of her limbs were leaden. "I was hoping to get some help."

"I'm not a charity worker, Miss Swan. I rarely help anyone. Hell, I cannot remember the last time I wanted to," Edward admitted shoving his hair out of his eyes. Curiosity getting the better of him, his brow lifted. "Out of morbid curiosity, what do you think I can help you with?"

Slowly, mobility returned to Bella's weak form and some of the haze cleared from her brain. The figures before her came back into focus until she could trace the familiar face of the King, Edward Cullen. She hadn't seen him in years, and he looked so different now than he had back then. Shadows were lurking in his eyes that hadn't been there years ago. Clearing her throat, she moaned as she tried to lift her hand and found it bound to the chair. "Why am I tied up? I came here to get help. I don't understand."

Edward licked his lips as his weight shifted. Shrugging, he said, "Like I just told you, I am not a charity worker. That's for one, and for two, you are related to someone I don't trust very much … not at all, in fact. So, you see my dilemma here, right?"

"My dad," Bella started with a shake of her head, her fingers curling around the arm of the chair. "He's trying to force me to marry the mayor … I-I saw the bruises on his face. He said-he said you put them there. I just need a way out of this state. Just send me anywhere out of Missouri."

Edward contemplated the information she gave him. If she didn't know it was them that took out her bodyguards, then why was she coming to them now. His lips pressed into a thin line as his gaze roamed over her body to land on what appeared to be a swollen wrist. Hefting his weight back upright, he stared down at her as he thought over her explanation, and his brow drew tight. "What do you mean he is making you marry the mayor, the smile you were sporting on TV the other day indicates there isn't anything forced about it? What were you doing in the woods in the first place? Did your car break down or something? Is that why you ended up on my property?"

"What would you have me do?" Bella snapped back, impatience filling her as she studied Edward. "Charlie told me if I didn't marry the mayor, he'd kill me. Said I was finally going to provide more than I am worth. So, I got on camera and gave them the show they wanted. Someone—someone shot the goons my dad put on me in the car earlier, and I ran into the woods. I didn't know what else to do, and so I came here."

Edward's lips pinched together. Selling one's daughter was the lowest thing he'd ever heard, and while it seemed she wasn't aware that it was Emmett that shot the bodyguards, he wasn't ready to trust it.

Of course, being in the business he was in, he could rarely trust anyone. Pacing away from the chair, he glanced over at Emmett, keeping up the ruse, "Check her for any weapons or wires. I will call Doc Demetrius and have her thoroughly examined, and when it's finished, lock her in the room above my study."

"What?" Bella yelled in surprise. "I just wanted you to help me, not lock me in a dungeon. Edward!"

She screamed his name as he strode out of the room without a second glance. Bella's wide eyes turned to Emmett as he stepped forward to untie her. Instantly, Bella went wild as she fought against the beast for all she was worth. A squeak leaving her lips as the brute grabbed her already wounded wrist. "Fuck. Stupid mother …"

Instantly, Emmett let go when she cried out in pain. His black brow lifting as he contemplated the woman before him. "I'm only going to tell you to chill one more time. If you don't, I don't care what my brother says. I will tie you right back up."

Bella forgot all about the nicks and scratches on her feet as she leaped from the chair and darted for the door. One massive arm curled around her waist to draw her backward. The second Bella felt the animal's chest against her back, she struggled harder. Tossing her head back, she caught him in the mouth, satisfaction filling her when he grunted and cursed in pain.

"Little fucking banshee," Emmett growled, tightening his hold around her waist. He was certain he was squeezing the breath right out of her at this point, but she didn't cease in her effort to break free. Next to her ear, he hissed, "I said to hold still. I have to check for bugs."

"Bugs," Bella hollered, not fully understanding his meaning. "I don't have bugs, and get your hands off me."

Emmett did the best he could to check her trim form as she continued to struggle against him. Currently, his lip throbbed as it swelled, the coppery essence of blood was twinging his taste buds. When he finally determined she was of no threat he let her go. "Crazy little …"

TFA

Edward walked briskly back toward the house, muttering under his breath the entire way. He really couldn't believe his fortune. The one person he'd been out to find had literally tripped right into his backyard.

How fucking lucky could one person be?

Help her?

Was she fucking crazy?

Edward Cullen was not a charity. The Missouri Kings didn't help people. Sometimes he helped them see the errors of their ways when they failed to uphold their end of the deals they made. On general principle, Edward steered clear of getting into other's personal affairs.

Help her? She was nuts.

Isabella Swan, while looking quite helpless and worse for the wear, was probably working for that douche bag she called a father. Who knew if Charlie would send his daughter here. It all could be a coincidence that she ended up at his house. Maybe the sleaze bag was looking for information to take him down. Perhaps that little piece of work had come to spy on him and return the information to the police. Hell, it was possible Isabella was working with the FEDs and would plant fucking bugs all over his damn house. Well, he wasn't a fucking idiot, and the chick wasn't roaming his house freely.

Help her?

Edward scoffed all the way to his study. Plopping into his chair, he slid the cell from his pocket and found Doc's number. "Demetri … I have a situation in my barn I need you to come take a look at. I found an unexpected guest on my property. She looks a little rough around the edges. I just need you to come to examine her."

"I'm currently with a patient, Cullen. You will have to give me some time."

"Just get here as soon as you can," Edward grumbled as he rifled through papers littering his desk.

Rubbing light fingers over his aching brow, Edward reached for the bottle that seemed to be his lifeline these days. Honestly, he was tempted to call the investigator, yet a part of him wanted to know what had the woman stumbling into his backyard, and until he did …

Edward shut the file and slipped it into his drawer. The paperwork said he and Isabella attended the same high school. Thinking back, however, he couldn't remember ever seeing her. Of course, she had been a few years behind him if he was calculating right. Shaking the thoughts from his head, he lifted his gaze to stare blindly out the window.

Pouring half a glass of scotch, he sipped it as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze roaming to the photo of his wife. His chest pinched as he studied her delicate features. His temples pulsed as he thought of the injustices of the situation.

Irene had been a pure, sweet woman. Their way of life hadn't even slightly corrupted her, yet she'd held no judgment over him for his lifestyle or choices. Here he sat, while she rested in the ground. As the familiar rage filled him, he considered slinging the glass towards the adjacent wall.

How many glasses had he shattered over the last few years? So many Edward lost count, and still, he remained alone. Grinding his teeth, he glanced toward the door when the structure cracked open.

Jane, his maid, stood visible through the crack she'd created. A soft smile played across her lips, and Edward rolled his eyes. Ever since his wife died, the persistent maid had flirted and tempted him in every way possible. Regrettably, about a year ago, Edward had succumbed to loneliness and taken Jane to bed. It has not been a love affair by any means of the imagination, yet the woman seemed adamant about seeking more than Edward would ever be willing to give another living soul.

"What do you need, Jane?" Edward's nostrils flared with annoyance as her blonde head popped into his study with those fucking hopeful eyes. "I trust there is a good reason for you coming into the privacy of my study."

No one besides him and Emmett was allowed in his sanctuary. This had been the first room Irene had redecorated for him when they'd first married, and he didn't want anyone tainting it.

"I was checking to see if you needed anything, mr. Cullen. Can I bring you some lunch or coffee?" Jane gulped as she returned Edward's hard stare. It took all the willpower she possessed to maintain eye contact with the cold glint shining back at her.

What did she have to do to prove how much she cared for him? "Or anything else you might need?"

Edward understood her implications. The woman seemed to ooze desperation. That pissed him off in a way he couldn't explain. Hell, if he wanted her to; Jane would be on her knees in a flash or bent over his desk. Even as he felt a rush of blood to his cock, Edward's jaw tightened, his teeth grinding. "If I needed anything, I would've said so. Did you hear me call anyone in here?"

He should've let her go after that one weak night. He'd never meant to give her hope of a relationship progressing between them.

"No, I just," Jane swallowed the lump clogging her throat at his harsh tone. She just wanted to go over there and soothe the shadows from his eyes. Of course, running her fingers over that firm jaw would be a plus, however, the feelings of hope deflated once again. How many times did she have to put herself out there to be shot down? "I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Mr. Cullen."

Edward's eyes lifted to the ceiling as his door was pulled closed, and the maid disappeared. Releasing a tense breath, Edward's thoughts immediately dismissed the woman and her clinginess.

Retrieving the cell from his desk, he found Fernando's number. He had a shipment of firearms being delivered from Mexico in a couple of days, and he needed to check the progress of the transaction. "Hey, it's Cullen. What's your location?"

"I'm at the border. The patrol has me pulled over and is checking the rig as we speak. I don't have anything currently, so all is good."

"How long until you make it down to Mexico City?" Edward shuffled through papers locating the order he placed. "I'm going to need the shipment by Monday. We can't handle any delays. My contact is expecting them in hand …"

"I realize that, Cullen. Have to get the pigs off my ass. It's not like I can plow through the border. We'd have some real problems if I did that."

Hearing the impatience of Fernando's voice, Edward's temper rose. "Watch who the fuck you are talking to like that … I have no problems replacing you. I have connections everywhere. I will call Jose and have him get the patrol off your ass."

He quickly disconnected the call wondering if the day was going to get any worse.

Please Review and let me know whatyou think.

Also, thanks to Sassynoles for prereading and being a sounding board. Thanks to Coppertopj for all of her helpand beta'ing.