A/N: Thank you for the the love and reviews. I know some of you have noticed that slowly but surely this fic is being beta'ed. My beta SarcasticBimbo is amazing and she is such a cool chick to work with. All my crew over on FB are amazing. Angel, April, Tierra, Shalando, Jaime, MK ahh so many of you ladies but all of you drive me and keep me focused and believing in me when I'm unsure…Thank you. Well here is the rest of the ball for better or for worse. I can't wait to see what you think!
Oh before I go I want to say Happy Memorial day to all of those who have served and continue to Serve. Thank you to the spouses and kids of our soldiers your sacrifice is not unnoticed. I know the struggle and it's huge and real but we're the ones who fight the battles on the home front.
BPOV:
"Who the fuck are you to call anyone a pathetic whore; you the out of work fucking flight attendant who thought by fucking the bosses son she was getting somewhere. That's what I'd call the epitome of pathetic" I sneered turning around.
"Like you would know" the fake blonde sneered with a roll of her eyes.
"I know that I make him work for it. I made him beg and I'm the one with the ring. You are the used up skank; you're the one reduced to fucking an old unheard of congressman wait; is he even a congressman or is he someone's errand boy that's throwing you a mercy fuck for press?" I crossed my arms over my chest.
"How fucking dare-"
"You take one more step towards her and you'll be snacking on your own fucking teeth" Rosalie said locking the bathroom door.
"Oh isn't this rich; you bring your body guard what are you afraid of me?" Tanya fake whined.
"Bitch please. I know she could probably kick your ass on the first day of her period blindfolded but I been itching to beat your ass since you tried it with my husband. Let's face it Tanya. You'll never have the Cullen name. No one fucking wants you; you're not even good enough to be the side piece you were a coked out fuck that lasted longer than it should have; and you're now a pathetic whore who can't take the fucking hint. Edward put a ring on her finger. He's marrying her he hates you. Go away" Rosalie stalked towards her.
"If you lay one finger on me-"
"You'll do what run to the cops; scream to the press. I swear I will end you if mine or my fiancé's name come out that loose good for nothing mouth of yours one more fucking time and I swear they will have to come up with names for the things I will do to you and I'm America's newest fucking sweetheart. No one will ever suspect me. Try me if you think I'm joking. I've had it with bitches like you and I swear I will make you pay for every fucked up bleached fucking blonde that's crossed me" I said my long manicured nail jabbing her in the chest.
"I'm not afraid of you and you have to know when you're not doing it for Edward anymore, he will come to me" she smiled tartly.
I'd had it, I was tired of being picked on and picked over and being constantly underestimated. I cocked my fist back and was about to let it fly when Rosalie grabbed my hand.
"Don't sis, she's not worth damaging that thousand-dollar nail job your fiancé paid for. That bitch couldn't even get a three-dollar happy meal" Rosalie said in my ear.
"You should thank her; she just saved you from the mother of all ass beatings, but I promise it is coming if you don't stay the fuck away from my family" I pushed her with all my might and turned on my heel and stormed out of the bathroom.
I was running on pure adrenaline.
"I need a fucking drink" I whispered when I felt Rosalie walking next to me.
"Bella, you don't drink" she said simply.
"No time like the present to start. It's either that or send that whore out of here on a stretcher and get my first jail sentence. Take your pick" I deadpanned.
"Okay let's go get you a drink" she said walking us towards the bar.
"Who popped the quarter in you?" Rosalie asked as the bartender sat my strawberry mojito in front of me.
"You really wanna know?" I looked at her with a conspiratorial smirk on my face.
"I'm asking ain't I?" she said leaning close.
"An orgasm in the middle of a crowded ball room in the middle of a press surrounded dance floor while your exes jealous psycho one night stand watches the whole thing will make you wanna do crazy shit" I whispered in her ear after I drained my drink.
Rosalie stared at me with this look of pride mixed with shock.
"You little whore. I'm so proud of you. You kick so much ass you know that right?" she quietly squealed hugging me.
"It was scary and amazing at the same time. The sick part of the whole thing is I was staring Tanya directly in the eye the entire time. Sick bitch knew what we were doing and legit watched the entire thing" I shook my head.
"Wait hold up you knew she was watching and you did it anyway. I swear I wanna be like you when I grow up" Rosalie said playfully smacking my arm.
"Truth be told I did it rather I did him because I knew she was watching" I winked.
"Way to fucking go princess bad ass" Rosalie said bumping my fist.
We both grabbed fresh drinks and headed back to the table.
When we got there the guys all stood up and Edward pulled out my chair.
"Where'd you go babe; Everything alright?" Edward leaned over softly kissing my earlobe.
"Just some girl talk in the bathroom; I'm fine" I smiled up at him.
"What are you drinking love?" he asked nodding towards my drink.
"Rosalie picked it; it's strawberry and minty. It tastes really good" I said starting to feel a little flighty.
"I think you're a little drunk babe" he laughed softy.
"I'm sorry, is that bad?" I asked suddenly feeing unsure of myself.
"No; it's awesome to see you finally relax baby. Bella you're smart kind and beautiful it's alright to go off the rails every once in a while" he said wrapping his arms around me.
"I don't want to embarrass you or-"
"Bella you're the best part of me; I'll always protect you" he said kissing my temple.
"I love you Edward; thank you for always knowing what I need" I said turning towards him and pressing my lips softly to his.
"You look beautiful tonight; that dress babe. I can't wait to get you home" he whispered.
I giggled and I looked over saw our entire family watching us with these dopey smiles on their faces.
"You guys are so cute it's giving me a toothache it's so sweet. I love this" Rachel swooned.
I could feel my cheeks heating up. I looked at my father and he winked at me.
"Bells, come and dance with your old man?" he asked.
"I'm a horrible dancer Char-da-uhh sir" I said stumbling over my words.
"It's okay little princess; it's all in the leading" he smiled and stood up.
"I'll step all over your feet and fall" I said.
I looked first at his outstretched hand and then up at his face.
"I won't ever let you fall" he said
I smiled as I took his hand and followed him to the dance floor.
"I know I already told you but you look real pretty tonight Bella" my dad said.
"Thank you. I'm glad you're here. I'm sorry about earlier; I know this is gonna be-"
"No Bella, you shouldn't apologize. You were right in everything you said. I'm just glad we're finally found you. I can't wait to be a part of your life. I know Edward is a good kid and he'll take care of you and keep you safe" my dad said leading us around the dance floor.
"I know dad. If it wasn't for Edward and Carlisle, I don't know if we would have gotten the chance to re connect" I said
"I'd like to think I would have found you; but I do owe the Cullen's a debt of gratitude. You're a great dancer" he remarked.
"No I'm not. It's really all in the leading" I smiled.
"It's really hitting me how much you and Riley look alike, almost like twins"
"Yeah it was weird; I was taken aback earlier when I saw him. I'm excited to get to know him"
"So tomorrow I was thinking I'd like you and Edward to come have lunch with us; I'd really like to spend some time with you before I have to head back to New York. I hope that You'd want to come out to New York and see me?" he asked as the song ended.
"I'd really like that dad. I'm sure Edward would love it too" I said.
"We're all family. I'm big into family Bella, you're my daughter and I missed out on a lot but that's all in the past" he placed a soft kiss to my forehead.
"As long as you tell Riley Seth and Jaime to cut Edward some slack. He's really trying to be respectful; but the way they tested him tonight was unfair. They knew he was trying to impress you earlier so he wouldn't fight back; they were taunting him and that's pretty crappy"
"Yeah but he handled it like a man. Sometimes you just have to let men get it out of their system. He needs to be a man, to the men in this world respect is everything. Edward has earned all the respect of his cartel; mine remains to be seen. Respect is never just given little lady it must always be earned. But I will make sure the boys give him a fair chance" my father said as he carefully dipped me.
"That's all I ask" I carefully responded.
"I'm proud of you. I have always wanted my children to stand up for who and what they believe in with no fear. You did that tonight and I didn't get the chance to raise you as I would have wanted but I'm very impressed. You my little Bella are a princess"
"I know I've been treated like one. You-"
"Excuse us-Mr. Swan Bella. Katie with Entertainment Edition. I just wanted to know if we could get you to do a live interview with us?" the perky blonde was bouncing with excitement,
I felt Charlie tense and I looked up and I knew he was about to blow his top. I gave his elbow a squeeze
"Sure, why not?" I asked giving her a warm smile.
All of a sudden a bright light flipped on and the perky blonde did her intro.
"I'm live at the Governor's Annual Fundraiser ball with the fiancé of South Beach's hottest bad boy Edward Cullen-Bella Swan who has recently been reunited with her Father east coast real estate power house Charlie Swan. How are you guys doing tonight?" she turned shoving the microphone in my face.
"We're having a great time. It's always nice to hang out with family" I replied with a big smile looking up at my father.
"So Bella you just recently reunited with your father. Are you glad to have him in your life?"
"It's great to find out where you come from. To know you have people that have your back. My father and brothers are a welcome addition to my life" I replied.
"Mr. Swan how does it feel to be back in Bella's life?" she turned to my father.
"She's a great young woman who is giving me a lot to be proud of. She's amazing and I'm happy to be a part of her life" he responded giving my shoulder a squeeze.
"So your little girl is engaged to Edward Cullen. He was recently released from prison on some pretty major drug charges. Are you okay with Bella marrying him?" she asked with a quirk of her brow.
"Edward is a good young man who has made some choices that I'm sure he's not proud of. We all have-I mean how did you feel when your boyfriend leaked that tape of your cooked out threesome with that stripper in Reno?" Charlie leveled her with a hard stare.
"What did you-I don't know-" The reported turned at unnamed shade of red and sputtered out some unintelligible grunts before Charlie cut her off.
"Look young lady I don't know what game you're playing but what I did there was put your bad choices on blast and it didn't feel too good. I don't appreciate you attempting to do it to my son in law. He is a good kid from a good family that you bottom feeders are constantly digging at trying to find some angle. Well I'll tell you that I won't allow you to do it with my daughter. Enjoy the rest of your party miss" my father bit out and grabbed my hand and walked away.
"Dad that was pretty bad ass" I said as we walked back to the table.
"Bella I'm a fucking power house. I am bad assed all the time" he said with a soft pinch to my cheek and we laughed the entire way to the table.
We were just finishing the worse chicken meal I'd ever had. You know it's bad when Even Emmett the human garbage disposal was pushing it around his plate.
"At over a grand a plate the least the bastard could do is give us something edible" Carlisle remarked
"Come on Carl. The cheap fuck who tried to barter his way out of a loss at a charity poker tournament. He's the king of cutting corners; you shouldn't have expected anything less" My father laughed.
"I refuse to eat this shit. Aye let's bounce and go to Steak and Shake?" Edward asked.
"Oh no you don't we're working Edward. Remember?" my father said shooting him a look.
"Oye fuck. I'm fucking hungry. I swear I'm gonna shoot that fucker for trying to starve me. First his little bitch ass friend locks me up on some bullshit charges I beat them only to get out and the assholes try to starve me. Fuck that I'm kicking someone's ass" Edward grumped.
"Baby chill I made some stuff yesterday. I have food at home for you" I whispered in his ear
He leaned over and I'm sure he was going to say something either filthy or smart assed.
"Well if it isn't the Cullen's how nice of our governor to include the commoners and the criminals" An older man with a young redhead hanging off his arm walked up to our table.
"Well if ain't the fucking wash up of a judge who can't keep his wife or make a charge stick, how sad" Edward sneered.
Emmett and Jasper coughed to hide their laughs. Carlisle just leaned back in his chair and lit a cigar.
"Well hello Judge Platt. How are you doing?" Charlie asked.
The judge blanched and opened his mouth and closed it and opened it again.
"Uhh Swan I didn't ahh know you were gonna be here?" he asked quietly
"I didn't know I was supposed to clear my movements with you nor do I ever recall being told I had to ask your dam permission" Charlie snapped.
"Now we know that's not what I meant. I just-"
"Quit back peddling, your words are almost as meaningless as the oath you took to get your good for nothing ass on the bench" Charlie waved him off dismissively
It was then that the Governor walked up.
"Well if it isn't all my friends, how are we all doing?" he said with a grand smile and flourish of hand gestures.
"Friends my ass" Edward grumbled under his breath.
I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing and subtly slap Edward's thigh under the table to which he smirked at me.
"Be nice" I whispered.
"To those assholes, they can both-"
"If it isn't the bad boy and his new girl that everyone loves. I've seen you all over the television young lady. The cameras don't do you justice" The governor gushed and rushed over to kiss my hand I had to run a monologue of reminders to smile, be nice and not roll my eyes so hard I'd see the top of my skull.
"thank you sir, nice to meet you as well. This is a wonderful party" I replied with a polite smile.
"Well if that isn't sweet of you. You'll have to thank my wife. She's the mastermind behind this. Talented event coordinator she is; She actually has a friend who runs a business of some sort doing this I'll have her get in touch. I heard there is a wedding coming up?" he said with a sly smile.
"That's very nice of you. I'll mention that to my mother in law. She's doing a lot of the wedding planning" I said screaming in my head not a fucking chance.
I felt slimy as he wrapped his arm around me to have a few pictures snapped.
Edward was about ready to explode when I pulled him as close to me as I could to get him in the pictures too.
"Well I should go make my speech. I hope to see all of you gentleman at the club tomorrow for the golf and poker tournament. We're hoping to raise some good money for the children's shelter downtown" he said with a few bobs of his head and big smiles.
"Man I think we need some boots it getting so deep" Jasper remarked quietly.
"You got it Aro; you'll definitely see us all tomorrow" Charlie said with a sinister smile that made me squirm.
Judge Platt looked at Charlie and Carlisle and then looked at the Governor and shook his head and mumbled something
"Was there something you wanted to say Marcus?" Charlie asked.
"I know what you're planning Charlie and I'm warning you-"
"You're warning me-really; the press would be really interested to hear what you're about to accuse me and my family of since you know Swan industries just gave the Governor a check for a quarter of a million dollars for the Children's shelter and I volunteered to do the consruction of a new facility as a community service project. I also think you would be interested to know that at this very moment the ethics committee is getting some very interesting information about you. They're gonna wanna talk to you on Monday" Charlie smirked.
"What have you done Swan?" Judge Platt screamed and suddenly all the cameras were on our table.
"I assure you Marcus. I have done nothing and have no idea what you're talking about. How dare you come over here and start slinging accusations. Even though we both know you're good at falsely accusing people of things. I mean you hired two crooked cops to plant drugs on the Cullen boy to get those charges leveled against him. You bribed a docket clerk to get the case moved to your court all so you could what? Exact your revenge on Carlisle and Esme Cullen? Marcus you really should be more careful about who you try to fuck with" Charlie smiled.
Edward was looking between Charlie and Judge Platt with a look of shock and awe and a hint of amusement.
"How fucking dare you try to tarnish my good name by telling this wild story in front of the cameras; I'm no criminal. You and the Cullen's are the criminals here. I'm the law. I enforce-"
"Spare me the political grandstanding bullshit. I just happen to know that said cops and the clerk have signed sworn statements and there are some rumors that one of the cops recorded and videotaped his meetings with you. I'm just trying to warn you friend. Now you have a good night Marcus. I think the Governor is ready to make his speech" Charlie pointed at the stage where the Governor stood stock still staring wide eyed at the Judge.
The ball room was a blur of activity and murmurs after that. I don't think a single reporter in the room heard a word of the Governor's speech. I don't think anyone paid attention to the dry cake and lukewarm coffee that was served for dessert.
I however did notice how Judge Platt sat his table in a rage and stared at my father the entire time.
"Dad did you really mean what he did to Edward?" I leaned over and whispered.
"Every word. He's gonna pay for what he attempted to do to this family. I'll make sure of that" my father said kissing my forehead.
At the end of the night we all were standing around.
"Edward are you coming to the country club tomorrow?" Calisle asked.
"No Bella and I are planning to spend the day together. Just the two of us. I plan to take her to the shooting range" Edward said with a squeeze to my hand.
"Well you kids have fun. I'd told Bella that I want the two of you to come have lunch with Rachel and I possibly the boys before we head back to New York this week" Charlie said shaking hands with Edward.
"For sure, I thought maybe Bella and I might take a trip to New York over the summer and come out and see you?" Edward asked.
"I'd mentioned that to Bella earlier. We'll hammer out some definite plans. I know we have that work thing Monday evening; I'm hoping you'll be there?" Charlie asked and he and Edward had some silent conversation.
"Yeah, oh yeah I'm not missing that" Edward laughed.
We said our goodbye and made out way though the ballroom. We were stopped a handful of times by reporters trying to get our reaction at the confrontation between my father and Judge Platt but we both kept repeating no comment.
When we got to the car and Enzo made sure we were inside and the doors closed; we just looked at each other.
"I love you Bella. I was in awe of you tonight. You're everything I never knew I wanted or needed" he said sliding closer to me.
"I didn't do anything Edward. I love you. I will defend you and our love to my dying breath you are my entire world" I whispered.
"You have the whole fucking world in love with you; they see what I saw in that first letter. I'm the luckiest man alive"
I blushed at the shower of compliments; there was a time where I was convinced that I was the lucky one that Edward even wasted his time on me and never thought I could ever be worthy of his love.
"I'm just glad I made it through the night without breaking m neck on this gigantic dress, but I love it though The tiara and I swear this is like a fairy tale" I smiled.
"Well I think we will get our happily ever after; and I'll fuck up anyone who tries to get in the way of that" Edward winked.
"So are you seriously taking me to the shooting range tomorrow. I've never even held a gun" I confessed.
"Exactly, my woman needs to be handy with the steel. I'll teach you everything you need to know and you can practice with Rose"
"Are you sure you want to teach me how to shoot, there are quite a few people who should fear me having a gun?" I laughed
"You with a gun is one of the sexiest mental images I've ever had" Edward smirked.
This man would be the death of me.