Happy Sunday everyone! Just a quick little tid-bit: So, if it's bolded, it's supposed to be in Portuguese. I had the words actually in Portuguese, but it was honestly a lot for me to go back and forth, so I figured it would be a lot for you guys to go back and forth with reading. So, we're going to pretend a little. If it's bolded it means it's in a different language. Anyways, please enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Barra Mansa was beautiful. The streets were cobblestone, there were bright flowers growing everywhere, and the buildings were clearly old, but they were very well taken care of. The oldness of the town added to its allure.

The first place we went to in Barra Mansa was of course the bakery. I could smell the treats the bakery was currently making before we had even walked into the little building.

"It smells amazing." I said, inhaling deeply.

The bakery was extremely old, and I knew that because the inside of the building was still the same. The stones were completely faded, the mural on the wall was also faded and very hard to tell what it was or had been of.

"This place certainly has… character." Edward said.

"It looks beautiful," I told him. "Can you read Spanish? What does that say?"

He looked to where I was pointing. "The Rodriguez family is one of the founding families of Barra Mansa. They opened this bakery after the patriarch, Mateo, was killed by… I don't know that word… his wife, Camila founded the bakery, and it has been the cornerstone of the town for years. It is still run by the same family, but the tradition dictates that the firstborn female runs the place because they believe that women make the best bakers."

"Oh wow," I said. "That's really cool. We need to take some pictures of this place. Maybe I can include it into the bakery's website."

"How would you include it into the website?" He asked, placing a hand on my lower back.

"I don't know. Maybe I'll come up with a dessert that inspires me. I'd like to give credit where credit is due." I said.

"Hello, how can I help you?" A little girl said as she walked up to us.

"Do you have any menus we can look at?" Edward said. Of course, I had no idea what he was saying but I knew he wouldn't steer me wrong.

The little girl ran off to the back and returned quickly with a little booklet. She handed it to Edward. We looked it over for a few minutes, but of course it was in Spanish, so I had no idea what anything was.

"What would you recommend?" Edward asked.

"The Brigadeiro is very delicious. But our famous dish is Bolo de Rolo. But that takes a long time to bake " She said.

"We'll take those then. Can you bake the Bolo de Rolo and save it for us?" Edward said.

"Yes sir, that will be fine. You can pay my mom when you come back for the Bolo de Rolo. She's busy right now. But I'll get you the Brigadeiro. How many would you like?"

"We'll take four, please."

"Okay, I'll go get that ordered in for us." The little girl ran off again.

"So what did you get us?" I asked.

"I got us this cake that looked pretty good. But that won't be ready for a while. So I got us these chocolate truffle things, because I know how much you like chocolate."

I smiled, "You know me so well."

He kissed my forehead. The little girl returned with a little box and held it out to me. Edward took out his wallet and handed her a couple bills.

"Oh, no sir, it's not that much," The little girl said hesitantly as she stared at the money.

"It's a tip for you and your mother, for baking for us." Edward said.

The little girl took it and smiled. "Thank you!"

I chuckled. "Such a generous tipper."

"Eh, that's who I am." He smiled. "You want to save these for later? Or snack on them now? I got four of them."

"I am dying to try one, so open please." I said.

He chuckled and opened the package. It looked delicious. Like a little chocolate truffle. I was eager to dig into it.

"Oh my god," I moaned after I took a bite. "This is fucking incredible."

"It is really good," Edward said as he took a bite of his. "You should add this to the menu. It's so good."

"I bet they have access to some really good distributers—,"

"Mr. Cullen!" A loud, booming voice greeted.

I spun around to see a very wide man walking towards us with a perfect toothed grin. His hair was slicked back, and he had on an obviously very expensive suit. He didn't really fit in with the rest of the town.

"Mr. Hernández," Edward greeted; his demeaner changed completely. The hand I was currently holding tightened around mine and his shoulders reared back. I wasn't sure who this man was, but he definitely put Edward on edge.

"I heard you were making your way through this part of the world. I trust it's living up to your expectations."

"It's truly beautiful here. The perfect place for the first part of our honeymoon."

"Ah, I see." He said. "My receptionist told me you were coming here for business. Her English isn't very good."

"Unfortunately, I'm not here for business. Purely pleasure." His arm tightened around me.

"Is this your new wife?" He asked.

"Yes, this is Isabella. My wife." Edward said.

"Very nice to meet you," He smiled in my direction, but his eyes never really met mine. "Your wife is very lovely."

"Thank you," Edward said. "Now, if you don't mind, we'd love to get back to our honeymoon."

"Actually," He said. "I was wondering if perhaps we could talk business. This is time sensitive. Can I treat you and your wife to lunch? I'll even invite my wife and they can talk about girly things while we conduct business."

"Let me consult with my wife," Edward said. "I will call you in an hour."

He smiled and clapped Edward on the shoulder. "I look forward to your call."

Once he left, I looked up at Edward.

"Who was that?"

"Santiago Hernández." Edward said as he walked us out of the bakery and in the other direction of Mr. Hernández. "Around here, he's top dog, like I am in New York."

"Oh," I nodded. "So, are we having lunch with him?"

"I'm so sorry, but we really don't have a choice." Edward said. "We're on his turf. If he asks us to meet with him, it's not really a choice. I really don't want to endanger us by getting on his bad side."

"Okay," I nodded. "It's fine. We'll have lunch with him and you two can talk business."

He kissed the top of my head. "Thank you. I'm sorry we have to deal with this. I really thought he'd leave us be, since we were here on vacation."

I smiled at him. "It's okay. We'll do some shopping, and we can meet him for lunch. It'll be fine."

He smiled at me. "You're the best. I promise I'll make it quick."

An Hour and a Half Later

Mr. Hernández lived up in the mountains inside of a heavily guarded electric fence. It was truly a beautiful home, but it looked so out of place in the mountain.

"We won't be long," Edward said, holding my hand tightly as we drove through the fence. "In and out. Mr. Hernández and I will talk business and then we'll leave."

"It's okay Edward," I said, rubbing his arm gently. "I'm completely calm."

I truthfully was very calm. I wasn't sure where the calmness was coming from because I felt as though I should be a nervous wreck.

A woman in a maid's uniform was waiting to greet us as we got out of the SUV.

"Hello sir, Mr. Hernandez is on the patio. Follow me." She said.

We followed her into the house and up the grand staircase. Mr. Hernández and his wife, Camilla, were seated at the glass table. He stood and smiled.

"I'm so glad you decided to come, Edward." He said as we all sat down at the table. "Isabella, this is my wife Camilla. Camilla this is Isabella, Edward wife."

"Welcome to our home, Isabella! It's so nice to meet you! I love your dress!" Camilla smiled as she shook my hand.

"Uh, nice to meet you." I didn't speak any Portuguese, so I had a feeling I probably wasn't going to say much during this lunch.

"Hello, Camilla, it's nice to see you again. You look lovey. Isabella doesn't speak Portuguese." Edward said, placing his hand on my back.

Camilla frowned. "Oh that's too bad"

"That's alright," Mr. Hernández said. "We have important business to discuss. The ladies can just enjoy lunch."

"Of course." Edward said.

Mr. Hernández clapped his hands and maids came out, placing food in front of us. I wasn't quite sure what I was eating, it looked like some sort of chicken salad with various spices on it.

"So, Edward," Mr. Hernández started. "How was the wedding? I'm so sorry we couldn't make it."

"We understand, but we appreciated your gift. We placed it in our sitting room." Edward said. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I did best to compose myself as to not give him away.

"That was real gold and emeralds," Mr. Hernandez said. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a big tricky getting it through customs."

"We appreciate the sacrifice you made to send it. We would've appreciated a card as well."

"Well, I needed to send something grand. Since I couldn't be there."

"Hopefully soon the DEA will move on. I mean, it's not like they can really link you to anything." Edward said.

"Yes, that damned DEA," He shook his head. "That's actually what I wanted to speak to you about."

"How can I help with the DEA?"

Mr. Hernandez took a bite of his chicken before smiling. "I know your family has connections in the DEA."

"We do." Edward nodded slowly.

"More connections than I do." Mr. Hernandez said. "I guess that's what I get for playing favorites solely with the FBI. I should've spread out my bribes."

Edward shrugged. "You live and you learn. You just started moving your operations through America, so I'm not surprised your connections are limited."

"I guess it's a good thing I have a friend on that side of the world." Mr. Hernandez said.

Edward stared him down for a moment. "What do you want from me, Mr. Hernandez?"

"I can't travel to America. I'm under heavy surveillance at the moment. I'm trying to figure out a way around that, but I'm not risking winding up in prison because I get caught on American soil."

"You want me to pull some strings with the DEA?" Edward asked.

"No, truthfully I don't need to leave my house to conduct business. I'm doing quite well," Mr. Hernandez smiled. "It's about my daughter. She's been accepted into Cornell, and she wants to establish herself in America. Become a U.S. citizen and what not."

"She's welcome in America." Edward said.

"She is," He nodded. "But my daughter is a bit of a… free spirit. And since I can't be in America to monitor her, I was wondering if perhaps you'd be willing to cover her in your protection."

Edward looked over at me. I only bit my lip. I didn't really know what to say, this was Edward's decision.

"I know your daughter. She's a nice girl," Edward started. "But I met her through Tanya. And if I recall correctly, Bianca and Tanya are best friends."

"I understand you've married someone else, but I don't see how that would be an issue."

"Have you not heard what happened?" Edward asked.

"No, I haven't." Mr. Hernandez said as he leaned forward.

"Tanya was an accomplice to a man who tried to have Bella killed." Edward explained. "And should Tanya be found; she is going to be killed. She betrayed my family. No one betrays my family and lives."

Mr. Hernandez nodded. "I understand your anger. But my Bianca had nothing to do with Tanya's decision. I don't want her punished for the crimes of others."

"I'm not blaming or punishing Bianca. But I'm hesitant because with her and Tanya being so close, I'm almost certain she knows where Tanya is hiding and that's a potential risk to my family. Especially my wife."

Mr. Hernandez leaned back in his chair. Then barked, "Bianca!"

A young woman walked one the patio. She was dressed in a very revealing bathing suit. She was very attractive. I suddenly felt self-conscious.

"Hi Edward." Bianca giggled, giving him a little wave. Edward nodded once in her direction.

"Have you spoken to Tanya, recently?" Mr. Hernandez snapped.

"No daddy. I haven't heard from Tanya in months." Bianca said.

Mr. Hernandez turned back to us. "She hasn't heard from Tanya."

Edward looked over at her. "Bianca, did you hear about any of the unfortunate mess that occurred only a few months ago?"

"No, Edward," Bianca said through a thick accent. "What's going on with Tanya? Is she here?"

"No, Tanya is not here," Edward said. "Tanya is hiding. Do you know where she is?"

"Of course not." Bianca said sincerely. I couldn't tell if she was lying. "What happened with Tanya? Why is she in hiding?"

"She tried to have my wife killed. She betrayed my family." Edward said.

"Oh," Bianca said.

"You see Edward? Bianca isn't involved with Tanya anymore. And I'll make sure it stays that way." Mr. Hernandez said.

Edward leaned back in his chair, sighing heavily as he thought. He looked over at me. I didn't say anything, there was nothing for me to say. This was Edward's decision.

"Alright. Bianca can come to America to attend school." Edward nodded. "I will keep her under the veil of my protection, but if she steps one toe out of line—,"

"She'll behave herself." Mr. Hernandez smiled.

Bianca apparently couldn't contain herself anymore, she squealed loudly and threw herself onto Edward.

"Thank you! Thank you Edward!" She said, covering his face in kisses.

I felt a surge of anger rush through me as I saw that. I balled my fists and clenched my jaw tight.

"Bianca please," Edward said as he gently pushed her off of him. "I appreciate your gratitude, but I am married."

"Of course," She giggled. "When do we leave for America?"

"We're actually on our honeymoon. We're not going back to America anytime soon." I said, a little snappish. "Mr. Hernandez, I don't mean any disrespect, but is there anything else we need to discuss? I am feeling very tired, I would like to go rest."

"Oh certainly, Isabella," Mr. Hernandez said. "But hopefully you can answer my daughter's question, Edward."

Edward inhaled deeply. "We'll be stopping in Teresina on our way back to America. We'll be staying there overnight and boarding in the morning. I'll give you our hotel details and you can fly back with us."

Bianca squealed again and made a move to jump on Edward, but I shot her a very dirty look. She backed off.

"Thank you Edward," Mr. Hernandez said as he stood, shaking Edward's hand vigorously. "I so appreciate you looking after my daughter. I'll check in, and hopefully in a few months I can make my way to New York."

"Of course," Edward said. "Now if you don't mind, we're going to get back to our honeymoon."

"Certainly. Show them out," He snapped at the maid.

We walked out of his house and back into the SUV. I huddled myself tightly against the side of the door, away from Edward.

"Bella, I'm so sorry," Edward said once the door was shut. "I know that was uncomfortable, and probably the last thing you'd ever want to do, but—,"

"Did you… sleep with Bianca?" I asked.

"W-what?" He asked in shock.

"You heard me. Did you sleep with Bianca?" I asked. "And I know, it doesn't matter now, but if she's coming to America I need to know. Because the last woman you slept with—,"

He grabbed my hand. "I am going to do everything humanly possible to make sure that situation never happens again. I will never put you in a position where you feel uncomfortable."

"You didn't answer my question." I said, crossing my arms.

He sighed and looked down, ashamedly. "Yes. I've slept with Bianca."

I nodded. "When and how many times?"

"Only once, about three years ago. Tanya and I came out here on vacation and we all… well, we had a threesome."

"Oh… oh wow, um, okay." I said, a bit in shock.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I know that's so awkward, but I swear that's in the past in my younger days. And nothing like that will ever happen again. The only woman I want is you." He pulled me close against him and kissed the top of my head.

"I'm sorry," I said, shaking my head. "I'm acting silly. But you know, it's hard for me not to act that way because, I mean, well look at Bianca. She is very pretty, and I know I'm only going to get bigger, and I'm not used to that. And now we're bringing this very pretty woman to America and we're going to be essentially taking care of her. And there's already a lot going on and I don't have any time to… there's just a lot going on."

"You don't have time to what?" Edward asked.

I just stared at him for a moment. "It's so fucked up… because I know better but… I just don't have time to make sure that Bianca doesn't try to worm her way in and fuck up our relationship."

"I would never let that happen." He almost growled.

"I know you wouldn't intentionally let it happen, but how are you going to feel in three months when I'm fat and gross and don't have the energy to have sex and all the other wonderful pregnancy crap. Bianca will look pretty good by that point."

"Whoa," Edward said. "I can't even believe you're saying this. Bella, I could never sleep with another woman. No matter how… pregnant you get. I am always going to think you're beautiful and sexy. Sexier than all the other women on this planet. Plus, I love you so much. I've shared things with you that no one, not including my mother knows. Things I would never ever want to share with anyone else. You are my soulmate, and I will go to my grave knowing this." He pressed his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. "I wish you knew how much I loved you. How perfect I think you are. I wish you could just read my mind and know."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath without saying anything. I knew how Edward felt about me, I never doubted his love for me. I guess this was coming from a place of self-consciousness.

"And Bianca is a pretty girl," Edward said as he pulled away. "I'll admit that. But honestly Bella, she doesn't hold a candle to you. You're absolutely perfect."

"Do you think she knows where Tanya is?" I asked after a brief quiet moment.

"Yes." Edward nodded.

"Then why are you letting her come to America."

He licked his lips. "I'll only admit this to you. I am scared of starting a war with Mr. Hernandez. He's stuck here, yes, but he is very powerful. He's done things that I… I just could never even fathom. And I want to live in peace. The shit with Caius is enough violence for me. I don't want to endanger you anymore than you already are."

"I'm in danger?" My eyes got wide.

"Yeah," He said. "Bella, you are my wife. I have enemies. It's not a secret how I feel about you. If someone wanted to hurt me, they could do that through you. Why do you think I'm so insane about security? It's not just because of the shit a few months ago."

I nodded. "That makes sense. I guess that never occurred to me."

He chuckled. "Let's get back to enjoying our honeymoon. We'll worry about everything else later."

And of course, I had to add some spice to the story! Hopefully you liked it. And hopefully you can understand Edward's point of not wanting to start another war. Anyways, I will have to switch back to only posting on Sundays. I'm started a very tough class in school and my focus needs to be on that. Have a great day!