THANK YOU FOR THE WELL WISHES, EVERYONE. I'M GRATEFUL AND THEY MEANT A LOT! :)
I think I've mentioned this before but in case I haven't... I tend to use British spellings in my stories. I try to use US spellings due to most of my readers being from the US but old habits die hard and sometimes I slip. The words aren't spelled incorrectly, sometimes one word can be spelled two different ways. Here are a few examples: neighbour/neighbor, color/colour, grey/gray, travelled/traveled, centre/center etc... I hope it doesn't really matter to you guys. I have gotten a few pm about it and I want everyone to know it's not a big deal.
Rosalie's necklace isn't bugged, something about that was mentioned in chapter five.
As stated in chapter one, Bella is twenty-two, she and Alice are the same age. The guys' ages are at the end of chapter seven, they're all in their early 30s.
My life is really hectic right now and I write whenever I have free time. I'll be updating my other story, '555-TALK' in a week or so.
During the present...
Rosalie POV
I feel like I'm about to black out...
"I don't like to be ignored."
"I don't care what you like or don't like. Get off of me."
I attempted to push Emmett away but couldn't.
"Tell me why you've been avoiding me and I'll let you go."
"I don't have to tell you anything, go fuck yourself."
He grinned and whispered "have it your way."
I felt him trailing hot kisses down my neck to my collarbone. I could feel my resolve crumbling and needed to be free of him quickly.
Emmett was kissing me passionately and I bit down on his lip. He pulled away and grinned.
"Such fire, that turns me on even more."
His hands were all over me, groping me everywhere.
"Stop it and let me go. This is assault."
"Why have you stopped accepting my gifts?"
"I don't want them, now let me go." I protested while trying to turn my body away from him but it was no use. I was sandwiched between him and my car."
I could feel myself becoming wet, Emmett's body pressed up against mine is making my free will dissipate.
Emmett's hand traveled up my skirt and he ripped off my favorite agent provocateur panties.
I slapped him.
"Have you forgotten that we're in my driveway, even though it's dark, anyone could look out of their window and see us."
He didn't seem phased at all.
"Why do you always torture yourself, you want this just as much as I do. Why deny yourself being happy with me?"
"You're obsessed and diluted."
"Tell me you don't want this and that you don't want me."
"I don't want this or you!"
"You don't even believe that and you expect me to?"
Emmett pulled me away from the car by my shirt, opened the door and pushed me into the backseat then got on top of me.
"Admit it, this turns you on doesn't it?" He whispered against my ear.
His mouth found mine and I could feel his arousal against my wetness. I couldn't take it anymore and hungrily returned his kisses while grinding myself into him.
He pulled my shirt open, buttons flying everywhere, his hands immediately coming into contact with my breasts. I winced from the pain, they were so sore, my nipples especially.
Noticing, he turned his focus to between my thighs instead. He rubbed my clit and I couldn't help but grind my pussy against his hand. I needed more friction, I was about to explode.
He entered me with his middle finger and I became even more aroused, my juices saturating his hand. I was so close when he pulled away and got off of me. He leaned back resting his head against the head rest and pulled out his cock. It was still as thick and beautiful as I remembered.
"Come sit on it."
I got on top of him and slowly guided it into me. I gripped his shoulders tightly as I adjusted to the full feeling.
Emmett placed kisses between my breasts, he put his arm around me, bringing my chest closer to his face and I reminded him not to touch my breasts. The reason for them being sore is still unbelievable to me. Who would've thought something like this would've happened.
I can't believe what I'm doing, it's like I'm an addict and he's my drug of choice. This is the last time, I swear. Somehow, I myself find these words hard to believe.
I moved my hips slowly, teasing him. I avoided his intense gaze, keeping my eyes downward. I took a quick glimpse and his eyes were hazy with desire and lust. I quickened my movements while twisting my hips.
Emmett's hands slid down from my back to my ass and I could feel a heat building inside of me while he firmly squeezed my ass.
His lips captured mine as we rocked in a fiery, passionate embrace. His cock felt so warm and so good inside of me. I don't know what it is about his cold demeanor and dominating form that turns me on so much. Why do I get so aroused watching him be cold to others. Why do I find him so damn attractive, I can't get my heart to calm down whenever he's close to me. I always feel like it's going to overwork itself and give up, wouldn't that be a strange way to die.
Emmett seized my neck and shoulders greedily, sucking, biting, teasing and kissing. He wrapped his hand around my neck while pulling me down with the other. My juices continued to flow and I couldn't stop my juices from flowing all over him.
I was getting wetter with every slight touch.
He nibble on my ear then whispered "I'm glad to know you want this just as much as I do." With that said he lifted me off of him and lied me down on the seat and parted my legs. Before I knew it he was on top of me and between my legs thrusting into me.
I admired his muscular, sculpted chest while enjoying the sensations building within me. Armold really should get into bodybuilding. I chuckled at the idea.
"What's so funny?" He whispered in my ear.
"Its nothing."
Emmett repeatedly plunged deeper and deeper into me and I could no longer contain the sounds that were threatening to escape.
I didn't want to look in his face so I stared at his shoulder.
"I'll have none of that."
He put his hand under my head and gripped my hair tightly so I was forced to look him in the face while he fucked me. I remember the last time we fucked, it was at his place and I looked everywhere but in his eyes.
My nails dug deeper into his back the more forceful his thrusts became.
I could see the passion in his eyes and the deep feelings he held for me. It stimulated and awoke something in me at the same time. The tremors had started, I was so close to becoming undone. Emmett slowed the pace and his strokes became slow and gentle but still very deep, continuing to stretch me. I watched while he swirled his tongue around and over my nipple, the pain adding to my pleasure. I now stood at the edge of a cliff. My walls began clenching while he paid my other nipple some attention too. As soon as his cock hit my g-spot my eyes rolled to the back of my head and I was writhing and shaking involuntarily and uncontrollably. Emmett had pushed me over the edge and I was now falling in euphoric bliss.
My walls repeatedly clenching swiftly and firmly around his cock, it was now completely saturated with my juices. Instead of subsiding, my orgasm went into overdrive. I was screaming and swearing to my hearts content. The sensations built up until I became too sensitive and the sensations became too intense and too much to bare. I was biting down hard on Emmett's shoulder and had yet to stop clenching and shaking, I couldn't handle it anymore so I tried pushing Emmett off of me.
"Stop. Too much."
I was gasping and out of breath. It was more pleasure than I could handle. Emmett's own release had triggered and he pumped deeply into me, fulling me to the hilt. I cried out, utterly and completely gratified. He kissed me roughly, suffocating my cries of pleasure.
We were locked in an explosion of sexual fulfillment, I had yet to stop falling, my orgasm just wouldn't end. If only I could hit the ground...
I could feel Emmett filling me up with his seed, he still hadn't relent his grip on my hair and I was forced to look in his eyes as our souls entwined together. The nerves in me were over-stimulated and I couldn't take it anymore. I had finally hit the ground.
Alice POV
I lied awake on the couch in Bella's hospital suite, no matter what I tried I just couldn't fall asleep. I looked over at Bella and she looked so peaceful, she must be having pleasant dreams. I wonder why she wouldn't tell me where she and Rosalie went today. Whatever it is, I'm sure she didn't tell me because she cares for me.
A call came through interrupting my playing of Looney Tunes Dash and I promptly ignored it.
Afterward I got a text.
Is my Princess still ignoring me?
Son of a bitch, he knew Bella didn't look fine but he still lied to me.
Can I at least know why you've been giving me the cold shoulder?
I texted back: I hope you die!
Maybe that was a little too much, I don't wish that on him but I'm so pissed at him. I clenched my fist when I thought about what Bella had said.
*FLASHBACK*
"Edward said he'd give me some time away from him to relax and clear my head then he would pick me up for dinner later that night. I didn't respond and he tried to kiss me but I turned my head and it pissed him off. He grabbed me by my throat and slammed me back onto the bed and whispered: "Since you won't drop the fucking attitude, I'm going to show you how little you are and how powerful I am. I won't even make you shower. When we land, I want you to go to the nearest police station or any station for that matter and tell them Edward Masters raped you. See how far it gets you. When you see it leads nowhere and no charges are brought against me-I want you to call me and say, 'yes Mr. Masters, I see things your way and I'd like for you to take me to dinner.'"
"Then he let me go and told me to get dressed. I did and when we landed some man with blonde, curly hair came on the jet. Edward greeted the man and they spoke. I noticed the man was grinning at me. Like he knew what Edward did to me and thought it was funny. I didn't even know him but in that moment I hated him for that and I hate Edward even more for what he did to me."
*END FLASHBACK*
I remember Bella collapsing shortly after that.
Jasper texted me again.
If we don't discuss this, nothing will get resolved.
Doesn't he understand that I want nothing to do with him.
Answer your phone or I'm coming up and I don't give a shit if there are guards posted outside the room or not.
How does he know where we are?
My cell phone rang again and I answered this time.
"Stop harassing me or I'll go to the police!"
"I don't care if you go to the fucking FBI, I want to see you, meet me downstairs in the parking lot now!"
He wouldn't dare come up here, would he? I couldn't take the risk of Bella finding out so I grabbed my leather jacket and threw it on to go meet Jasper. When I entered the parking garage, a red Ferrari f60 america pulled up behind me and I got in. Only ten made in the world and I'm not surprised he had to have one.
"How did you know we were here and what do you want and why aren't you in the middle east, you do realize the trial is the day after tomorrow. I thought you'd be halfway across the world so you don't have to testify against your dear, beloved Edward."
"Hospital staff can never keep secrets, especially when it's the alleged rape victim of a famous billionaire. I came back because someone decided they wanted to be childish and not accept my calls or return my texts."
I folded my arms.
"I don't have to speak to you if I don't want to."
"You know, Edward once told me you and Isabella were exact opposites but I think he got it wrong. You two seem to be very much alike, you two do make a perfect match for each other."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"The way he described her to me, she sounded childish, the both of you act like children."
His words burned me to my very core. I opened the car door to leave but he pulled me back in by my arm.
"I'm not done talking to you." He seethed at me. "When something doesn't go the way you want it to or if you don't hear what you like, you up and leave. You can't keep running away from all of your issues, the world doesn't work that way. Besides, no matter what you're like and despite how childish you act sometimes, I can't ever stop loving you."
"I don't leave because of that, I just prefer not to be with a liar. We aren't even married and you already look me in the eye and lie to me like it's nothing. I don't want to imagine what it would be like going forward with you."
"I keep telling you, the only people who knows what really happened are Edward and Isabella. I'm not psychic nor am I a fucking mind-reader."
"Is that all you have to say? I'd like to leave now."
"If you think you can walk into my life and just walk back out at your own discretion after I've fallen in love with you...You're sadly mistaken."
I wrenched my arm free from his grip.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No."
"Are you going to have me killed if I won't be with you?"
"Of course not, I could never hurt you."
"I don't believe you."
"All I'm asking you to do is to behave, be reasonable and act rational. Don't just throw away the past ten months."
"Behave and act reasonable as in do whatever you tell me to? You have some nerve judging me when all I've asked you for is the truth and you couldn't even tell me that."
"You want to know what the truth is, does the name Benjamin Russell mean anything to you?"
How does he know about Benjamin?
"I can tell it does. Benjamin is an...associate of Edward's. Edward sent him to steal you away and distract you, he said you were a nuisance and a negative influence on Bella."
Now it all makes sense, I guess it would have been too perfect for it to have been a coincidence.
"To be honest, Edward offered the task to me first as a favor to him, I declined. Had he shown me a photo, I would have leaped at the chance."
Jasper stroked my hair and I swatted his hand away.
"You wanted to hear the truth, there it is."
"And after he offered for you to 'distract' me, you still don't think he had malicious intentions with Bella?"
"He may have just thought you were a nuisance."
"And you, what do you think of me?"
"If I thought you were a nuisance I wouldn't be chasing you for a chance at forever with you."
"I hope Edward burns in hell and I should have threw two hot coffees in Benjamin's eyes instead of just one."
"When I asked him how he got those burns he said from some emotionally unstable broad. I remember thinking I had dodged a bullet...that is until I met you that day at the police station. Why did you throw hot coffee on Benjamin anyway?"
"He kept getting touchy with me and I wasn't interested. Why are you just telling me about this now?"
"It was the past, I didn't see any reason in bringing it up and I didn't want to further complicate things."
"You mean because you knew I would say Edward wanted me out of the way so he could influence and control Bella but when she shot him down he couldn't handle the rejection and lost it?"
"I don't want to talk about Edward or Bella. I want to discuss US." Jasper told me then took my hand in his and held it. "I'm sorry for the secrets I kept. I just want us to leave the past in the past. I love you and I want you to be my wife, Alice."
I opened his palm and placed the ring and credit card he had given me in his hand.
"I'm sorry, I can't do this anymore. Our happiness was built on lies and deception. I'm not like you, I can't deceive someone I care about and feel nothing. You knew the guilt had been eating me from day one."
What a greedy fool I am. I pressured Bella into getting with Edward then I left her to run off with some guy and she ended up getting hurt. I chased after what I thought was happiness but it was only misfortune wrapped in metallic gold wrapping paper. I didn't learn from my mistake with Benjamin, I got involved with a man who's much more wealthier and more powerful than Benjamin but he's even more darker and now I can't get rid of him because he won't leave me alone. Benjamin was an asshole but when I ended it he didn't bat an eye, Jasper is possessive.
"Alice, Coleman&Maters Oil Company isn't going to run itself. Edward seems to be preoccupied with other matters so I'm working overtime. Edward and I can only leave other people in charge for so long. I can't stay here too long, I'll be flying back in a few days, why don't you come back with me after the first day of trial?"
"If you truly love me you'd let me go."
"I can't let you go because I love you."
"If you really love me and care for me, you'd let me go to be free and happy. I just want to put this behind me. I don't want to lie to Bella anymore, I'm tired of all of the secrets and sneaking around. I know I can't tell Bella, it would hurt her too much. You don't understand how much this hurts me, I'm tired of my heart aching. I have to let you go and move forward. From tonight on, we're perfect strangers. If you pursue me or interfere in my life in any way, I'll take legal action. If it gets to that point, I won't care who finds out. You don't want that kind of publicity do you, especially when your closest friend and business partner has been accused of being a rapist. Please, after tonight I want you to stay away from me. I'm sorry if this hurts you, it was never my intention to hurt you."
"Touche, Ms. Blanc. This is goodbye then?"
"It is."
At that point so many emotions welled up in me but the most prominent one of all...was sorrow.
Jasper brought his face close to mine and I breathed in his scent one last time. He pecked me on the lips then reluctantly pulled away.
"I want you to keep the ring, as a parting gift."
"I don't want it."
"Please."
Jasper tried to force the ring into my hand.
"I can't, seeing it everyday would hurt too much."
I couldn't take it anymore, I quickly got out of the car and ran back into the hospital. I went into the bathroom and balled my eyes out. I couldn't stop myself from shaking and sobbing. I tried to pull myself together before I left the bathroom. I took the elevator up to Bella's room and hoped she was still asleep. The guard stationed outside of the room asked me if I was okay and I nodded 'yes'.
I quietly entered, threw off my jacket and lied down on the couch, my mind restless and wandering, I know I won't be able to sleep a wink tonight.
Why do I feel so broken up over a man who wouldn't even tell me the truth when I begged him to? Why does my soul ache and grieve over such a conflicted relationship?
I knew I loved him, but I never realized how much until tonight. There were too many issues, it wouldn't have worked out anyway, Alice. I told myself for comfort but it didn't help at all. I couldn't do anything but put my hands over my mouth and silently cry.
I should have ended it a long time ago, before I became so attached. Why do I want him so much after he said all those hurtful things to me, but they were true, weren't they?
I thought if I ignored him I'd be fine but seeing him brought out so many emotions in me. That's why I knew it wasn't a good idea to see him.
"Alice, is something wrong?"
I took a deep breath and told her "I'm fine."
"Are you sure, you don't sound fine."
"I'm sorry, I don't feel well. Did I wake you, Bella?"
"No. I was having the best dream ever, we were back home and Mom and Dad were there then all of a sudden I woke up. It felt like I just lost someone, I don't know, maybe I'm just missing them extra tonight."
"I miss them too." I told her while holding my tears in.
"I can't wait until all of this court mess is over, I want us to disappear after all of this. Out of Edward's reach and away from everything. I'm so grateful to have you Ali, you stood by me and never doubted me when everyone else did, even Rosalie doubted me and you stood up for me. You're more than a friend but a sister to me."
I couldn't keep the tears from falling any longer. I sobbed and my body shook uncontrollably.
"What's wrong, Alice, I thought I heard sobbing earlier but chalked it up to me being sleepy."
"Nothing is wrong, I just don't feel well."
I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm a traitor.
"Do you want me to get a nurse?"
"No."
"Is it your Mom, you haven't cried about her for a long time."
"No, it's not that."
I felt Bella's arms around me and turned to embrace her.
"It's okay, everything is going to be alright so don't worry Alice."
"I don't deserve someone as loving and kindhearted as you Bella."
"Are you crazy, we complete each other and nothing can ever separate us."
Bella held me while I cried over the loss of my relationship with the bestfriend of the man who raped her. The same man who laughed at her situation, the same man she said she hates.
"Come on, you should sleep next to me tonight."
"What about your IV and those other things?"
"Don't worry about that, I'll be fine. There's something I want to show you."
I sat on the bed and Bella took out a box she had under the bed.
"Rosalie gave these to me earlier when I felt like giving up. Read some of them."
Please fight as hard as you can. Never give in and never give up or you'll end up worrying about all of the what ifs and what could haves. I gave up and I regret it. Don't make the same mistake I did.
-Sam M.
When I read about what happened to you I felt your pain and felt sorry for you.
I've since realized that I should have been happy that you still had the strength and courage to speak up.
Never doubt yourself and never let anyone silence your voice!
-Monica Taylor
Dear brave stranger, on behalf of the Manfield family,
we'd like to thank you for standing up against the injustice
that was done to you. You're a living example of nothing
beats a failure but a try. It's time the elite start paying for
their mistreatment of the people they view beneath them and
to be helpless. You're in our prayers.
-The Manfield Family
"Rosalie said people have been leaving these at their office for months, her boss has given instructions to have them tossed but she was able to save a few of the last ones. It doesn't matter if Edward isn't found guilty. I used to look at a 'not guilty' verdict it as me losing but I've realized that no matter the outcome, it won't be a loss. I got to stand up and call him out for what he is and what he did to me, that's more than other people can dream of."
"Awww, Bella!"
"You're squeezing me too tight, Alice!"
"Sorry."
"Come on, lets try to get some sleep."
Bella and I hugged each other tightly and before finally drifting off to sleep, I felt like the biggest backstabbing hypocrite.
Rosalie POV
I opened my eyes feeling groggy, I was definitely exhausted and my entire body felt like mush.
"Look who's finally awake."
We were still in the backseat of my car and Emmett was holding me in his arms.
"What happened?" I asked.
"I wore you out." His tone was one of glee and triumph.
"I don't think that's the case."
"You do know that it's okay to not win every once in a while right?"
"What are you trying to say Mr. Gloatful?"
"You're a sore loser."
"I am not! The orgasm wore me out-not you. That was the longest fucking orgasm I've ever had in my life!"
Emmett chuckled.
"Who gave you that orgasm?"
"You mean 'what' gave me that orgasm. Lets see, it was due to hormones and every nerve in my body being extra sensitive tonight."
"Are you afraid to say I fucked you so good that you ended up unconscious?"
"You can believe whatever you like, I agree to disagree."
"Would you like to settle this with a second round?"
"Are you out of your mind!?"
"I'm kidding."
I hit him hard on the shoulder.
"That's not funny, I almost died during the first one."
Emmett apparently finds it hilarious.
I slightly touched my nipples with my fingers tips. Damn they hurt like hell.
"Damnit Emmett, I told you not to go near my nipples!"
"I'm sorry, I got a bit...excited.
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Why were they sore anyway?" He inquired.
"I have no idea." I lied.
"You sure you weren't playing too roughly with them when you were craving me?"
"You're so full of yourself."
"And you're not?"
He does have a point, I can be quite conceited.
"I am but only slightly."
"Shouldn't you be pulling yourself away from me while complaining about how you can't stand cuddling?"
"I can't move." I admitted.
"But you sure found the energy to hit me. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that the Ice Queen Rosalie Smith enjoyed cuddling with me."
"Better not or I'll gut you."
"Is that an admission?"
"Maybe."
Emmett placed a kisses on my temple then down my jawline and to my neck.
"You had me nervous, you took forever to come to."
"How long was I out for?"
"About an hour."
"Almost an hour!? And you didn't seek medical attention for me?"
"If you'd stopped breathing I would have called an ambulance and given you CPR until they got here. I wouldn't mind giving you CPR until help arrived."
"I'm not surprised." I rolled my eyes. "So you just sat here with me and hoped I woke up?"
"It would have left a bad taste in my mouth having to explain what I'm doing with a naked, unconscious woman in the backseat of her car. Especially if that woman is prosecuting my client."
"One more day left."
"We have to go head to head against each other."
"Yeah, it's going to be fun kicking your ass again."
"I hope your performance will be a lot better than tonights."
"Shut up. I was tired and my hormones have been acting weird, Sears has been riding my ass non-stop ever since I took this case. It's probably stress." I lied again.
"Excuses."
"Gloat all you want tonight, prepare for the ass-whooping I'm going to dish out to you."
Emmett sighed.
"What's the matter?"I asked.
"I would prefer if you didn't prosecute this case." He admitted.
I thought for a second.
"Why did you tip me off earlier, you didn't have to but you did. You could have been having us followed until Bella was released from the hospital and I would've been clueless."
"Let your boss prosecute this case alone or relinquish your position to someone else who wouldn't mind sitting second chair on it."
"You know I won't do that. I'm going to see this through to the end, no matter what happens."
"I see."
Who would've thought that I'd be cuddling in the backseat of my car right outside my house with Emmett.
"I hope no one saw us, this age of smartphones and people recording everything they see can make a person paranoid."
"If this gets out it will have a negative impact on my career."
"If this gets out I'll straight up deny everything." I told him.
Emmett chuckled.
"How are you going to do that if there's video evidence?" He asked.
"I'm not above lying and saying you forced me. If I remember correctly, you grabbed me by my hair and threw me against the car, groped me then ripped off my underwear and shoved me into the car. That sounds like assault to me."
Emmett's deep laugh rippled throughout the car. He was clearly amused.
"You're a dangerous woman, Ms. Smith. If I thought for even a second that you didn't want to I would have stopped."
"I know that but no one else would know that. We're both liars, you're a lawyer and I'm a lawyer, you're among a like-minded person. Besides, you don't have as much to lose as I do." I told him while entwining my fingers with his.
"I don't?"
"No, you don't. I work for the state and plan to move up the ladder, I want my Boss' position but I hope to become a Judge one day, not to mention I have a mortgage to pay among other bills. You sir represent celebrities, crime bosses, wealthy people of all sorts and lets not forget oil tycoons. I've seen your home, Armold and you're raking in the dough. The only way the publication of our relationship would affect you negatively is that you'll probably fall out with Masters."
"Do you think crime bosses would trust me to represent them if I have a reputation of fraternizing with the opposing side?"
"Don't give me that Armold, you co-own an oil company with Masters. You have more money saved than me and everyone in my office can rake in in 281,000 lifetimes. You've already fulfilled your dreams, let me fulfill mine and accomplish the goals I've set for myself."
"You've got me there, but would you really paint me in that sort of light just to save face?"
"Is the sky blue?"
We both laughed.
"Hopefully no one sees us and nothing gets out. Besides, if you cared about me you wouldn't be angry if I did that, my job would be on the line."
Emmett laughed.
"You're insane if you think I wouldn't be angry over being accused of a crime I didn't commit, especially such a heinous one. You shouldn't have to worry about financial problems. You can let me spoil you rotten and handle all of your financial obligations."
"Thanks but no thanks. Besides, I wouldn't testify against you or anything like that, you have my word."
"We're both liars here, aren't we?"
"I'm serious. I wouldn't come out and say it was consensual but I wouldn't help build a case against you. No testimony and you're clear."
"That's very reassuring." Emmett's voice was laced with sarcasm.
"I take it you've changed your mind?"
"About...?" I questioned.
"Don't get coy with me."
I sighed. "You don't give up do you?"
"Not until I get what I want."
"Fine, we'll give the relationship thing a try but I must warn you, I'm a bitch, especially in the mornings."
"Thank you." I could hear the appreciation in his voice.
Emmett kissed me on my temple then took me by the chin, turning my head to face his and he kissed me. I kissed him back and he slid his hand down my neck and squeezed slightly.
"You just love to dominate me don't you?"
"And you love to be dominated, a dominant man is needed to tame the shebeast that is Rosalie Smith."
"What!?" I couldn't contain my laughter.
"That's what Edward calls you occasionally."
"He calls me a what, a shebeast!?"
Emmett and I were both laughing our asses off.
"I can't believe he has the nerve to call me such a thing and you let him?"
"I always correct him and tell him you're a magnificent goddess. Ever since I went up against you in court, he's felt like I have a thing for you."
"I had no intention of showing Masters any mercy but now that I know this, I'm going to be extra hard on him when he takes the stand."
"Like I believe that. You've had it in for Edward for so long, you were ever going to be extra hard on him."
"True. Would I be asking too much if I asked you to try to take it easy on Bella?"
"I can't do that."
I sighed.
Emmett twirled strands of my hair around his fingers and kissed my neck.
"You do remember I have a reputation to uphold, right? I've been beaten ONCE and that was by you."
"So you care more about your reputation?"
"Don't try to twist my words. If it were any other client I wouldn't care if you mopped the floor with me."
"But because it's Edward and he's your friend?"
"It's complicated."
"Then explain it to me so I can understand."
"I don't want you to ever feel like I'm putting Edward before you."
"That's how I feel right now."
"When I say it's complicated, Edward knows things."
"You mean malevolent, horrendous, wicked and atrocious things you've done?"
Emmett laughed.
"You can put it that way if you like. We know certain things about each other, if those things ever got out it would be bad for he and I both. However if I'm ever in a situation where your life is at stake, I'd sell Edward for thirty pieces of silver, hell thirty pieces of copper even. I would deliver him to his enemies myself to save you."
I giggled with joy.
"I can't go easy on Isabella even in the slightest because it would show, no matter how hard I try to hide it, it would show. Look at the bigger picture, if Edward gets off she'd be hurt but she's already supposedly been hurting. If she was raped, a guilty verdict will make her feel better but it isn't going to unrape her. The only thing she can do is continue to see a shrink throughout her life and try to move past it. If Edward is found guilty of false imprisonment and rape, you do know what will happen, the scales with tip."
"They'll tip for the better, justice would be carried out."
"Do you really think Edward is going to go to prison if found guilty?"
"He'll have to."
"Open your eyes and stop being so naive. If you really care for the girl, you should convince her to take the money."
"This is pure conflict. How do I know you're not just saying this so I'll drop the case. The last time I approached Bella about what you said, she told me her side and I believe her. After that she had a meltdown and collapsed."
"And you feel guilty?"
"Only a heartless person wouldn't."
"I'm not surprised she was able to talk her way out of it. She is a great actress, she missed her calling."
"You still think she's lying?"
"We'll continue to agree to disagree. It would have been illogical and ridiculous for Edward to rape her. He probably just got rough with her."
"There's a difference between getting rough and rape. We get rough with each other but you and I would never cross such a line like rape."
"I know. Does hitting or biting arouse you more?"
"Definitely hitting."
"I can tell."
"I hate this whole situation."
"I know. If I had been representing a drug cartel I would've sold him out to you long time so we could be done with this."
I laughed.
"Do you really think Bella should just take the money and move away? Please, tell me what you know. You don't have to tell me about your case, I just want to know what Edward is planning to do."
"He hasn't said anything really, he just wants her. The fact that she's still alive when the resumption of the trial is in two days speaks volumes. I thought he would've just killed her but then I realized months ago that he really does love her. Still, with that said, he's losing patience. I want you to listen good, Edward has no intentions of letting the trial complete. He's going to sabotage the trial before the jury can deliberate."
"Does he not know that this trial is the highlight of my career, how can he stop it?"
"Just know this, Edward will get the girl and by that time it will be too late for her."
"But you said he cares for her which I still don't understand."
"She's accusing him of raping her and she's moving forward with testifying, how long do you think his affection and leniency for her will last, it's been almost a year since all of this started. No amount of detectives or bodyguards is going to stop him from getting to her. She should take the money and stop all of this while she still can."
"How much has Edward increased it to this time anyway?"
"$550 million."
"$550 million!?"
"Correct."
"Just to not go through with the trial!?"
"If she recants he'll give her $1.2 billion."
"You expect me to believe this, why is he offering that kind of money!?"
"You don't understand, he's offering so much because he hopes she will take it and go quietly. He's trying to stop himself from having to hurt her."
"That's a hell lot of money, I'm clearly in the wrong profession."
"To be honest he wants her to tell him why she did this, face to face. Then he'll decide if he wants to just forget about all of this and make up with her so they can work on her issues. But the girl seems adamant about refusing all money offers and proceeding with testifying. He's refused to be found guilty, especially of a crime like that. Not to mention a certain seductive ADA not only charged him with rape but rape in the 1st degree."
"Oh yes, yes she did." I smiled.
"I want you to know that I won't ever allow Edward to come after you. He knows you're gunning for him but of course I can tell him to pardon but the girl... I can't help or protect her. She's not going to end up dead, it won't look good. She'll go missing instead. She can still save herself of course but once she takes the stand and testifies against him, it will be all over for her. The trial won't continue and she will disappear, she does NOT want to end up in Edward's hands."
"Last time when we had dinner you told me that there was absolutely no reason for Masters to rape Bella and you claimed she was after money. She's refusing to accept money knowing she has to take the stand in two days, do you still think she's after money?"
"Who knows what she's after. I thought it was money but maybe not. She may change her mind tomorrow or she might not."
"That speaks volumes, she has one day to change her mind and she still hasn't."
"Maybe she's being modest."
"Maybe, or maybe she just doesn't want the money. She doesn't need a guilty verdict to sue him for money for raping her, especially when you've already offered her money. So what do you have to say now, why would she go through all of this, why risk her life by testifying?"
"Who knows, she may be unstable."
"Don't give me that. She's only fragile because of what happened to her and the stress and repercussions that came with speaking out about someone so powerful."
"Honestly, who knows what went wrong. Are you sure she's not confused about what happened?"
"Come on, she's not retarded. Bella's an intelligent girl with a college degree."
"So intelligent that she won't preserve her sanity and well being by just taking the money?"
"Not everyone wants to sell their soul for money. This is really an interesting case, I'm going to have to stick with my belief that he raped her. There's no other reason for her to risk her life, not to mention she doesn't want money. However I'm going to inform her that Masters is offering $550 million if she disappears and $1.2 billion if she recants."
"Who knows if she even knows the difference between rough sex and rape, I was told that she was very sheltered most of her life."
"She's told me what happened over and over again, her story hasn't changed. She said no, told him he was hurting her and to stop."
"I would hate for this to be a case of confusion and misunderstanding."
"Who are you trying to kid, Armold? No means no and stop means stop. If it's not yes, it's no and if that is the case then Masters needs to suck it up take his medicine."
"Does stop really mean stop? I recall a certain someone who shall not be named who always says stop but really means 'fuck me harder because it will make my orgasm more intense'."
I tried my hardest not to laugh.
"Who's this certain someone?"
"That's privileged."
"I admit that stop may not always mean stop during an orgasm but Bella said when she told him to stop he hadn't even penetrated her yet. Your argument has no merit."
"Edward told me she told him to pull her hair and to get as rough as he wanted to her."
"That doesn't make any sense and if someone with no sexual experience tells you to do that, obviously you don't, they don't know what they're asking for."
"He also told me she asked him to slap her repeatedly."
"Okay you're putting on, I refuse to believe that."
"You don't have to."
"Wait, you're serious?"
Emmett nodded.
"But why would she ask him to do that?"
"I already told you the girl is unstable."
"Even though he says she asked him to do that I don't believe it. He obviously lied to you."
"He told me he got rough with the girl but he never punched her or repeatedly slapped her."
"Why do you say repeatedly?"
Emmett sighed.
"So he did slap her, did he say if he slapped her once or twice?"
"You know I can't tell you if he slapped her."
All of this makes Bella's story even more believable. I know Masters isn't going to admit to slapping Bella on the stand. But why didn't Bella mention that part?
"Haven't you discussed this with your 'victim' already, she never said he slapped her did she?"
"That's privileged information."
But why didn't Bella tell me Masters hit her. I really don't want to get blindsided in court. This is a mess, my situation, this trial, everything. Everything is one big mess. I rubbed my temples.
"Don't get yourself worked up. No matter the outcome, you still have one of the highest conviction rates in the State." Emmett wrapped his arms tighter around me pulling me closer to him. "At least you can say you had the privilege to face the great Emmett Armold a second time in court."
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Great, I feel so special and honored now."
"Why aren't you spending the night with whats her face?"
"I do have a trial to prep for you know."
"So all of this sugary junk is for you?"
"So!"
"Don't get so touchy."
"I wonder how much of my snacks are salvageable." Most of the snacks had fallen out of the seat. "Some wild hebeast decided to fuck me on my strawberry pies."
Emmett Chuckled.
"How long have we been sitting in here anyway?" I asked him.
"Almost three hours."
"I know I'm not going to get enough sleep."
"Early morning?"
"Yeah, my boss wants me to get in a few hours early." I lied.
"Do you want me to have him taken out?"
"No!" I laughed.
"When you're ready just say the word."
"Thanks for the offer but no thanks. My biggest issue right now is getting inside. Someone ripped off my shirt and left me in nothing but a skirt, I'm sending you the bill for my shirt and undies by the way. I hope everyone is asleep at this hour. I can't stand nosy neighbours. I reached down and picked up Emmett's jacket and threw it on."
I opened the door to get out but my lower half felt like spaghetti.
"Allow me."
Emmett picked me up and carried me inside and placed me on the sofa, then he brought in my shoes and bags. I really wanted Emmett to leave but he came in good use putting up my groceries, melted häagen-dazs salted caramel included.
"I feel so exhausted. I hate you Emmett."
"You're welcome."
Something is wrong, my body doesn't feel right.
"Feel free to pour yourself a drink and while you're at it, bring me a glass of wine." I told instructed him.
Emmett came and sat down next to me on the couch.
"Here you go."
"This is water."
"Good observation."
"I asked for wine."
"You need water."
Emmett took my feet in his lap and massaged them. I drank the water then reached for his glass and drank his scotch.
"So rebellious."
Why is my head spinning, I could really do with a hot bath and a glass of my favorite wine.
"Do you want me to stay the night?"
"I have an early morning, remember."
"I didn't mean it in that way. You look like you can barely stay conscious."
I feel so nauseated. It must be this pregnancy, damn parasite is already sucking all of my energy not to mention ruining my sex life already. I hate asking for help.
"Could you run me a hot bath please?"
When Emmett was halfway up the stairs I called him back.
"Take me with you."
He picked me up and carried me up the stairs with him. I don't want him searching through my stuff, who knows what he's going to find in my bedroom.
Emmett placed me on my bed and disappeared into my master bath. I reached in my nightstand drawer for some painkillers and sent him downstairs for a glass of wine but he brought me water again. He's lucky I don't throw this in his face.
My pussy and thighs are so sore, they hurt like hell. Why do my muscles feel so stiff?
"Your bath is ready your Highness."
"By all means, take me to it."
Emmett took off the jacket and skirt I was wearing and carried me to the bathtub.
"You're dismissed."
"Don't I get to stay and watch...or perhaps...assist?"
Every muscle in my body now felt relaxed from the hot water. I ended up letting Emmett bathe me, he didn't miss a single spot.
"You've been such a good boy you deserve a reward." I told him while reaching my hand up tracing my hand over the crotch of his pants. "My mouth still feels fine." I told him.
Emmett smirked at me but stopped me.
"Tomorrow, you should rest for tonight." He told me.
I continued tracing my fingers over his pants and felt his cock twitch under my touch. He moved my hand away and I felt something in his pocket. Curiosity took over and I reached in and took it out.
"Condoms?"
"Yes."
"Why, the last time you didn't want to use them so why do you have them now?"
"I thought you were on your period."
"Have you no shame?!" I couldn't stop laughing.
"Apparently not."
"How did you come to the conclusion that I'm the type to have sex during that time of the month anyway?"
*FLASHBACK*
Bella POV
"So you knew your Mom was stopping by?"
"I told you, I know the woman like the back of my hand. After I introduced you I knew she would take time out of her vacation to stop for a visit."
"She's so sweet, she really wants grandchildren huh? I thought I had ruined her whole day when I told her I'm not interested in having kids."
"She'll get over it. She knows how I feel about the subject and I don't see children in my future. Unless of course..."
"No." I told him.
Edward took me to a library and I realized I still hadn't called my parents for the two days I've been gone.
"I'll be right back." I remember Edward telling me the cell phones he gave us can make long distance calls anywhere with great reception.
I took out my new phone and dialed my parents and mentally prepared myself for the dramatics. I walked over to the other section of the library for privacy.
"Hey Mom-"
"Bella!"
"Before you freak, I'm fine and Alice is fine. We just took a little trip, I know you were probably calling our place and our cell phones are off. We can't really receive calls on them where we are but I have a new one and I'll give you the number."
"A trip, where are you?"
"Rome..." I said barely above a whisper."
I could hear her yelling for my Dad. Great...
"We were just about to fly out to see what happened and why we couldn't reach you. Your Dad and I was about to file a missing person's report!"
"I'm sorry. It's just a trip, I am an adult after all."
I caught sight of Edward in one of the metallic statues in the library, he was standing behind me, he followed me in here? Does he not understand that I want some privacy?
"How did you get to Rome, how are you even paying for that trip?"
I sighed. This is going to be long.
"Bella, I'm speaking to you."
"Alice and I came here as a celebratory trip for graduating."
"Bella!"
Crap, my Dad took the phone.
"Bella, what could possibly possess you to leave the Country without discussing it with us!? You and Alice will fly back to the US right away!"
I can't tell them it was a 'spur of the moment' kind of thing. They'll say I'm making impulsive and irrational decisions.
"Alice and I have been thinking about it for a while and we decided it was time. Don't worry, we're perfectly fine and safe."
"Which part of Rome and what Hotel are you two staying at, where is Alice by the way?"
"She's out doing a little bit of sight-seeing."
"Without you?"
I knew he was going to ask that.
"I ate a little too much earlier so I'm just resting a bit. She's only been gone for half an hour and is suppose to be back in an hour so we can go to other places together. Don't worry, she's not alone, she's with a friend from college. We're actually staying with one of our old friends from high school who we went to college with, we've always kept in touch. Her Dad has a house out here and they were more than happy to have us. When Alice gets back I'll tell her to call you."
"Where is this house, what's this friend's name, her Dad's name and how long will you be gone?"
"I don't know, a month."
"A month!?"
"Probably longer."
There was silence on the other end, Charlie is probably fuming.
"I'm putting you on speaker phone and I want you to repeat what you just said so your Mom can hear you."
"It's not that long, Dad."
"I knew it, I should have made you return home the same day you graduated."
I sighed.
"Bella honey, who paid for the tickets, who's paying for your food and other expenses, you didn't have a job or anything." Mom asked.
"Angela did, she's really well off and she told us she really wanted us to visit and that Alice and I didn't have to save up any money. Everything is on her."
When I think about it, I haven't spoken to Angela since graduation day, I was suppose to keep in touch with her but I don't know what happened.
"You two did get round trip tickets right?"
"Of course, Dad."
"We have our tickets and all of our documents. We still brought the money we managed to save in case of emergency, Alice and I have had a few part time jobs, nothing big."
I wonder if he's even buying this.
"Does this Angela have a surname?"
"Evans. Her Dad is Carlton Evans and I don't quite remember the address. I'll ask her when she and Alice gets back."
"I swear Bella, one of these days you're going to give me a heart attack."
"I'm sorry Daddy, Alice and I were so excited we just...forgot to do things the proper way."
"Your Mom and I want to see you."
"Sure thing, I'll get on skype."
"Okay, your Mom is turning on the computer and we'll be online in a sec."
"Okay." I told him then hung up.
"You're quite the little liar aren't you?" Came Edward's voice from behind me.
"And you're a very nosy man aren't you?"
"You're full of surprises, telling lie after lie on the spot."
"What was I suppose to tell him, Hey Dad, Alice and I took a trip across the world with some wealthy man we barely knew but don't worry, we're dating and I'm getting to know him better."
"You're twenty-two years old, you don't have to do what he says."
"I actually like listening to my parents most of the time, not to mention they put me through college. I'm not going to act horrible and ungrateful to them."
"So let me send them a generous cheque for all of the money they've spent since you were born. You can tell them you're moving away, you'll be travelling the world with me."
"What?"
"Of course you can fly back to see them every now and then, after all, they are your parents."
I walked out of the library in search of the new laptop Edward had given me and Edward followed behind me.
"Did I upset you?"
Yes. Didn't he promise to stop trying to plan my future? "No, I'm just trying to understand what you're saying to me. This afternoon you wanted to marry me and now you want me to stay with you. I feel a bit overwhelmed. I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful but you're starting to overwhelm me, Edward."
I located my laptop then sent a video call request to my parents.
"See, I'm fine. I've been eating and sleeping well."
"Oh honey, you look radiant."
"Thanks, you look great too Mom."
"I wish Alice was there so we could get a look at her as well."
"She'll be back soon. It looks like you've gotten more grey hairs, Dad.
"Yes and I'm looking right at the cause of them."
While I was catching up with my parents Edward left the room. I thought he was going to stay until I finished the call, he really needs to tune back his overbearing nature.
*END FLASHBACK*
During the present...
Rosalie POV
"Damnit, why is there so much fucking traffic?!"
It took everything in me not to hit snooze on my alarm this morning, it went off at 6:30 am. I'm running on three hours of sleep, having an abortion in half an hour and not to mention I have to prep Bella and go over her testimony and answers with her. I'm suppose to meet Mr. Sears for 10am but obviously I have no intention of doing that. I'll get there when I get there.
My watch read 7:35am and my procedure is scheduled for 8:00am. My doctor owes me a few favors for cleaning up some legal matters regarding his wife so he opted to do my procedure early and for free. This is perfect. Dr. Nelson better give me a hell lot of painkillers, I have to remind him not to give me anything that will make me drowsy. Fuck resting, I have a lot of shit to do today.
I turned into the parking of the Doctor's office. Better than having to go to one of those abortion clinics, I'd run those fucking pro-lifers over. They always have time to exercise their 'free speech' outside of those clinics but can't find the time to do community work at their local orphanages or adopt, damn hypocrites.
I grabbed my cell phone, Givenchy tote and got out of the car. Well, this is it.
Alice POV
Bella finally gets to go home today, what a relief. We can put all of this behind us, no more Jasper, no more Edward and the trial will all be over with soon. Bella seems to have made peace with whatever the verdict will be.
Eventually my heart will stop hurting and Jasper will be a distant memory. There were no new texts or calls from him trying to plead with me and I haven't seen the guard he had placed in Bella's security team, I think he understands that this is for the best.
"Excuse me Ms. Adams and Ms. Blanc, we'll be transporting you in a rather unorthodox way today. Please don't be alarmed, the trial is so close so we're just taking extra safety precautions."
"Umm...Okay."
"So how are you feeling today, Bella?"
"I feel happy and optimistic. I was thinking maybe we should go out to lunch or watch a movie. I mean if you're up to it..."
"What!? You!? You actually wanna do something besides stay in doors or walk around the yard at our place, of course I'm up to it. It's a great idea, Bella. I'm so happy!"
"Alice you're squeezing me too tight, I can't breathe!"
I let Bella go then went over to the door to ask the guard how long it would be until our escort arrived because Bella and I wanted to make plans.
"I'm sorry but Ms. Adams isn't allowed to leave the protection of her security team for any reason at all."
"But before, we were told we could go out as long as we didn't draw attention to ourselves and wore hairstyles and hats that kind of covered our faces. I've been going out on my own since this whole witness protection thing started, why can't Bella and what's changed now?"
"You were already questioned on the stand by the prosecutor and you weren't really a main target. Ms. Adams has yet to testify and with the trial so close, we're taking extra precautions. We can't allow her to leave an-"
"But we were told Bella can go out and her guards would be near her, incognito."
"The trial is in two days, Ms. Adams is NOT allowed out, nor are you. The leniency you've had is over."
"But I'm not needed to testify for the prosecution anymore."
"You are closest to Ms. Adams, if you're allowed to leave the way how you used to, you could be kidnapped and held hostage. Understand that you could be used in an intimidation tactic to strong-arm Ms. Adams into not testifying. This code red protection order will be lifted after Ms. Adam's has testified. From here on out, the two of you will be kept at a different location. You won't know the location of the house we're heading to nor will you be allowed to see the route to the new location in the event you somehow sneak away or get kidnapped, you won't be able to inform anyone of the location of the witness, however, it's highly unlikely you'll be kidnapped, you and Ms. Adams will be watched 24/7."
Is this woman serious?
"Fine." I walked off.
I'll just use Rosalie, I'll ask her if she can take us out later, we can all go for dinner.
Rosalie POV
Thank heavens for pain killer, I was about to punch Dr. Nelson in the fucking face!
My cell phone beeped and I saw it was a text message from Emmett asking how I was feeling. I definitely don't have time for that, I looked at the time and it's almost 12pm. Damn traffic, I hate bad drivers.
I know Mr. Sears is going to have serious attitude. It occurred to me that I didn't miss being at work at all when I turned into the parking lot. I quickly made my way up to the old man's office, ready to mentally roll my eyes when he scolds me. I did use the phone at the Doctor's office to inform him I'd be a bit late, I wanted the number to show up on his caller id so he wouldn't think I was lying.
When the elevator doors dinged I got out, walked to his office then knocked.
"Come in."
"Good afternoon Sir, I apologize for my tardiness but I fell ill last night and had to visit my doctor."
"Of course. You were sick, couldn't help it and I can't fault you for that." He didn't sound angry but his tone was condescending, passive aggression?
"I did some thinking and I don't really have much to say to you. You'll no longer be sitting second chair, you'll be prosecuting this matter by yourself. You did good on the first day of trial and I think you'll handle yourself just fine at the continuance."
"I don't follow, Sir."
"You're a smart, bright girl. You were the top of your class and at twenty-six you've already made a name for yourself in the judicial world, most hated prosecutor by criminals and the most admired by other justice workers. You shouldn't have a problem handling a simple rape case by yourself, you've beaten Emmett Armold once before, I'm sure you can do it again. This should be an interesting watch, one of the best attorneys in the world up against one of the best prosecutors in the Country for the second time. I won't be helping you in court nor will I be questioning any of the witness."
"May I ask why the sudden change of mind, Sir, you would have benefited from this trial as well, am I right?"
"I'm at a certain age now and I feel accomplished in my work, I'm recognize and satisfied with the title I hold. You wanted to take this case from day one, have you forgotten. I was going to turn it down but because of you, my eager protégé that I decided we'll go through with prosecuting. I'm not wet behind the ears, I know when and how to pick my battles. My accomplishments are already acknowledged so one high profile case isn't worth my safety and besides, with the careless way you've been behaving I've decided that your arrogance deserves a reward. I'm not saying you have no merit behind it but there are certain ways things ought to be done. You jumped at the chance to prosecute Edward Masters and to go head to head with a world renowned lawyer such as Emmett Armold, to show the world what you're made of. You had such passion and you still do, now. I wasn't going to give you these but I do hold some responsibility for what you do professional-wise and you did study under me, I don't want anything to reflect badly on me so here are my notes and tips, you're on your own from here on out. Put on a good show and make Mr. Armold earn every cent he's being paid. It's time to put all of that passion and hunger you had in the beginning to good use."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing, didn't he want to go over strategy with me?
"Thank you, Sir. I'll do my absolute best."
I took the notes and proceeded on my way out.
"Oh and Rosalie? I heard him call from behind"
"Yes, Sir?"
"I hope this turns out the way you're hoping."
I responded to Emmett's text on the way to my car. I didn't even get to ask Mr. Sears about the deals he supposedly offered to Armold, I guess that doesn't matter anymore.
"Dinner tonight at 9pm?"
"Sure." I responded.
Whenever Emmett and I get together we always feel a spark and then an explosion happens. No sex no sex no sex. I couldn't even if I wanted to, I feel sore and nauseated, the thought of it makes me wanna faint.
I was driving out of the parking lot when my cell phone started ringing.
"Hey Rosalie, Bella and I were wondering if you wanted to have lunch?"
"Sure. Does Bella want to have lunch or do you?"
"SHE wants to have lunch, I swear. I'm surprised too that she doesn't wanna stay cooped up."
"That's great."
"We got moved to a new place, it's just as nice, the interior is a little less modern but I can't complain, it really is a nice townhouse after all. Security said we couldn't leave because the trial is picking up in two day so we have to stay here 24/7 until after Bella testifies but Bella's really looking forward to being among other people besides you, I and the security guards."
"Don't worry, I'm friends with one of the security guys. I'll talk to him." If Mr. Sears hasn't had him removed already.
"Thanks."
"No prob. I'll see you guys in an hour or so."
I don't have an appetite but I do need a drink...or ten. Dr. Nelson said to stay away from alcohol but obviously that isn't going to happen.
*FLASHBACK*
Bella POV
"What do you mean you're running off with some strange man you just met!?"
"Why do you have to put it like that?"
"Because that's how it is. After being out all night partying until 3am you spring this on me now."
"Relax Bella, I'll be keeping in touchy everyday. When I got in the car yesterday the driver gave me a new iphone with a sim that already had Edward's landline and your cell number programmed into it. He said it was a gift from Edward. Oh how I love my new bro-in-law."
I sighed. Alice had gone all starry eyed again. "Yes, he's generous but lets not stray from the topic. You meet this guy at a party, come home intoxicated then you tell me now during breakfast that he asked you to stay with him after only knowing you for less than 12 hours!?"
"Sounds familiar doesn't it, pot?"
"Don't try to turn this around on me and I knew Edward at least a month before he offered this trip, fyi. Lets not forget you were the one who convinced me to come!"
"I know I know it's just..."
Alice stuffed large pieces of pancakes in her mouth.
"That's not going to work. I accepted this trip half way across the world for you, you convinced me and deep down I knew you would be happy here in Europe, one of the biggest fashion headquarters of the world. I wasn't going to come here without you, we're suppose to be a package deal but you're running off and leaving me by myself. I love seeing you happy even when it's at my expense so why do you want to run off with some guy who could be a serial killer or into weird, freaky stuff?
I will choke those pancakes out of you, open your mouth and talk to me Alice! "
She sighed then swallowed without chewing. I rolled my eyes at her terrible habit.
"Bella, I thought Edward was off his rocker when you told me about him. When you first told me about Edward's proposal my thoughts were he was some billionaire sicko who wanted to prey on you then pass you around to his wealthy friends. But I thought about it and he didn't seem that way at all, plus he earned points with me when he didn't take advantage of you before bringing you home with a hangover the next morning. He seemed like a really nice guy then I spent time with him and learned he's a really great guy and probably one in a million. And I bet when he saw you it was love at first sight for him, now here we are in Italy in his 350 million dollar mansion eating a buffet of food for breakfast. You two are perfect and happy and you'll more than likely grow closer and even happier but hopefully not too close before he marries y-"
"You're getting off topic again." I warned her.
"I met this guy, we hit it off great. By some magic of the stars aligning, I met a rich guy who's really into me. I can end up happy with him living in his mansion and hopefully fall in love to get married. And you don't have to tell me why you accepted the trip. I know you did it to make me happy but I would have been just as happy with only the two of us in our apartment. But I'm here and the opportunity has presented itself. Please just trust me and be positive about my shot at happiness like I was about yours. I know you're worried about me and I love you for that. But please, just try to understand. This is a once in a lifetime chance for me finding wealth and even more happiness." Alice begged while squeezing me tightly.
"Fine. But I wanna meet this guy and I wanna see where he lives! I have questions for him."
"No problem."
"What's his name anyway?"
"Benjamin."
"I don't like that name, sounds like the name of a weirdo."
"This conversation ends here."
"Like hell it does, when I was having doubts about going out with Edward you pestered me for forever."
Edward walked into the kitchen and both Alice and I changed the topic. I hope he didn't hear me.
"Are you sure you don't want me to do your hair, I can give you some really pretty highlights."
"No thank you." I declined then took a bite of toast.
A girl can get used to a breakfast like this. Hmm... A girl can put on a lot of weight with a breakfast like this too.
"Good morning Bro-in-law."
I rolled my eyes at Alice.
"Good morning, Ladies."
"I forgot to mention that I spoke with Mom and Dad yesterday. You had me so pissed it slipped my mind."
"Really, how are they?" Alice asked.
"Pissed."
"I'm not surprised." Alice told me nonchalantly.
Edward came and sat down at the able with his laptop and ate while he worked. His expression was indifferent and I couldn't read him, I wonder if he's pissed that I yelled at him yesterday about privacy and personal space. I did kind of let my emotions get the better of me.
"They're worried. I told them you would call them when you got back from sightseeing."
"So what's the story?"
"We're staying with Angela and her family cause her Dad has a house here and Angela paid for her tickets. When I told Charlie we'd be staying for a month, possibly longer, he didn't seem pleased."
"You're a horrible liar Bella, a four year old wouldn't believe that story."
"Well the expert was too busy gallivanting with the rich and famous."
"Yep, she definitely was. I will say that I missed you all day." She told me.
"You better had."
Edward looked up from his laptop at us.
"Did you enjoy yesterday, Alice?" He questioned.
"It was heaven!"
"Would you like to do it again instead with a different designer?"
"Of course, when!?"
"How about today?"
"No, Edward. Don't send her on another fashion escapade, she just got home after 3am this morning and needs to spend the day here...with me."
"I'm spending time with you now Bella. We can always spend time together but these are life experiences I don't wanna miss out on. Edward, I'm up for anything."
"Glad to hear it. I'll have my assistant call and confirm you meeting."
"Who will I been meeting this time?"
"It's a surprise."
"I'm going to get all dolled up!"
So much for girls time. I was now left alone with Edward at the table. I sighed.
I felt fingers playing and wrapping around mine.
"Don't look like that, you won't be alone here, you have me." He told me.
"I know but I wanted to spend time with Alice too."
"She won't be gone forever, Isabella. Don't you think you're too attached to each other?"
"No. Is that how you feel, Edward?"
"It doesn't really matter how I feel, does it?"
"What do you call your fixation on me, you can't really pick at my and Alice's relationship, can you?"
"You don't cling to me the way you cling to her."
"Every time I'm around you I feel like I'm slowly loosing my free will and that isn't healthy. Our feelings for each other are so intense it scares me."
"Stop resisting how you feel but embrace it instead." He told me. "Let me in, let me deep inside of you." He whispered the last part in my ear. I could hear the yearning in his tone and it ignited something in me.
"If I did that I don't think I'd ever be able to leave you, it's like you have a hold on my mind and it grasps me tighter every time I'm near you."
"Are you planning on leaving me?"
I thought for a second, I don't even know what I want. Whenever Edward's near my mind gets to fuzzy and my inhibition increases.
"No. I just...need some space. I need time away from you to think."
"What's there to think about?"
What is there to think about, I want to be with Edward but I know...
"Nothing. I'm sorry."
I'm falling for him more and more everyday but I know...
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just need to relax and enjoy the time I'm spending with you. I just wish you wouldn't have told indulged Alice again when she just got back after parting for almost twenty-four hours straight. I think it's sweet that you make her so happy but I don't want her to get lost in the fast lane. I just-I feel-are you jealous of the close relationship she and I have?"
"Of course not, Alice makes you happy. I could never hold malice against someone who makes you happy or the foundation of that happiness."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Had she been a male, it would have been a completely different story."
I rolled my eyes.
"Of course of course, I shouldn't be surprised."
"I'm back!"
Alice strutted in the kitchen dressed to the nines.
"So, how do I look?"
"Perfect." I told her.
"I know right, I can go on my date with Benjamin right after."
The thought of Alice going out with some strange guy made me feel uneasy. What kind of man wants to whisk away a woman he just me, seems sketchy to me. Edward is a rare find, it's hard to believe the same would happen to Alice too. If this is all a coincidence then maybe I should write a book about it. I doubt Edward would be pleased with me writing about our personal lives though.
"Don't make that face, Belly, he's a really sweet guy and I can't wait for you to meet him."
"Benjamin?" Edward inquired.
"He's some strange weirdo Alice met while out partying with the rich and famous. He wants to 'whisk her away and make her happy'."
"And you don't approve?" He asked me.
"Not at all."
"Sounds familiar. I recall wanting to whisk a certain angel away and lay the world at her feet."
Edward was stroking my hair.
"Awww, how sweet!" Alice yelled.
"It sounds sketchy." I told Edward.
"How do you feel about him, Alice?" Edward asked her.
"I just met him but he seems like a really kindhearted person. Bella's just being a pot."
"Alice, you know I want you to be happy but I just don't want some stranger carrying you away and chopping off your head to put in his freezer or selling you on the black market."
"Huh?" Alice looked clueless.
"Dad warned me those things sometimes happen." I told her.
"Have a little faith in her judgement of character, Isabella."
"See, Edward turned out to be a prince charming. I'm a good judge of character."
"If it will put you at ease, lets meet the guy and if everything checks out then-" Edward began telling me before Alice cut him off.
"I can go away with him without Bella worrying herself to death!"
"I'll probably still worry."
"Enough of discussing me, what did you and Edward get up to yesterday while I was gone!?"
*END FLASHBACK*
Alice POV
"If my Boss knew I brought you two out in public he would flip." Rosalie told Bella and I.
"How come?"
"Well Bella, God forbid you're taken out by one of Edward's henchmen, it would mean that we wasted a lot of time and money trying to keep you safe and we wouldn't be able to convict him without your testimony. After all of that and not being able to convict Masters, I would be jobless and in a whole lot more trouble."
"Ohh."
We were sitting in some fancy restaurant, I skimmed through the menu and everything was really expensive.
"Don't look so down, Bella. No one knows where we are. Lets have a celebratory pre-trial dinner. Order whatever you like girls, tonight is on me." Rosalie told us with a big smile but she had bags under her eyes as if she hadn't slept at all and she looked haggard and sleepy.
"Are you okay, Rosalie, it looks like you didn't get any sleep all night."
"I'm fine, it's that time of the month and I'm having one of those unforgiving, angry periods. I was up half of the night putting the finishing touches on my plan and going over strategy, cramps kept me up the other half of the night. My heating pad died on me and I couldn't find my bottle of advil, ugh."
"Sounds like a rough night."
"Tonight is going to be a whole lot better." Rosalie said with a smile.
Rosalie signaled for the waitress and she came over to take our orders though I had yet to decide what I wanted. I listened to Rosalie order four bottles of wine and some rum.
"Aren't you going to order food with all of that alcohol?"
"I'm not hungry. Don't worry, we're sharing the wine but the rum is strictly for me." Was all she said.
Bella and I ordered the same thing.
"So girls, it's less than forty-eight hours to the continuation of the trial, how are you two feeling?"
"After reading those letter you brought me, I feel a lot more confident. I'm a bit nervous and I know I'll be even more nervous that morning but I won't be scared. I don't feel afraid anymore." Bella sounded content while she spoke.
"Awww, group hug!" Rosalie sure is in a cheerful mood...
Rosalie squeezed us to death and I noticed Bella was smiling. It's good to see that she's feeling better. If only I could smile and truly mean it.
"I'll be happy when Bella's done with testifying and being crossed-examined."
"I'll be happy too, Alice." Bella smiled at me.
"Master's attorney can be a real asshole, don't let him get to you, Bella. I've spoken to you about this before." Rosalie lectured.
*FLASHBACK*
"You have to be ready for this, Bella. If you're not then we shouldn't go through with a trial. What I can recommend is you get therapy for any PTSD symptoms and that's it. I can't put you on the stand if you can't handle it. Mr. Masters has many lawyers on hand but his favorite to use is Emmet Armold, he's a real cutthroat."
"I remember. When I first met him it was at a charity ball with him, he introduced himself as his friend and business partner."
"Yes, he handles civil and criminal cases, whatever the field is, Masters uses him and he handles it well. His reputation exceeds him. I've went head to head in court with him once. He didn't beat me but he was close."
"He's not sympathetic to anyone on the stand, he rips everyone to shreds. He distracts the jury from his brute ways by bringing up shockingly negative things from the witness' or accuser's past. He doesn't just take your words and twist them around, he gets into your head, he makes you say things you shouldn't tell the court. "
"When he's not destroying someone in court for Masters he's getting some mob boss off. Emmet Armold is so good you can walk into a room filled with cameras, kill everyone and that video can be played in court but he can still get you off and he doesn't even use an insanity defense. I'm not trying to scare you or deter you, I just don't want to put you up there and Armold breaks you down. Then there's the media."
Bella looked up at Rosalie, alarmed.
"Don't worry, I will request a closed case so no media outlets or anyone else can come into the courtroom. I know Armold is going to request the same, he won't want all of the dirty details of what his client did to you leaking out. Master's rivals and the rest of the world would have a field day, it would be fun to see all of the smear campaigns come into play against him. Don't worry, your name won't be listed on any records for this case. I'm going to protect your privacy as best as I can but leaks still happen sometimes. There are moles everywhere, if your name somehow does get out, Masters will pay media outlets to slander you. I don't want to see you dragged through the mud, you've been hurt enough." Rosalie said as she stroked my hair.
"You already know you're going to have to talk about the rape in full. He's going to pick your story apart, he's going to ask you inappropriate questions. Armold dissects every little thing. So now is the time to tell me anything you may have left out or any negative things from your past that can come back to haunt you. Any ex boyfriends, any-
"Bella has never had a boyfriend in her whole life." I told Rosalie.
"I'm not keeping anything from you and there's nothing I've done in the past that I feel ashamed of."
*END FLASHBACK*
I remember that day, Rosalie was informing Bella of what to expect. It's so fresh in my mind, I can't imagine how this all feels to Bella.
As soon as the drinks hit the table Rosalie picked up her glass. She must have had a really rough day.
"Are you suppose to take medication with alcohol?"
"It's only a few painkillers."
"That's eight."
"Yeah, a few."
Thank goodness I don't have horrible periods like I used to, cramps are a thing of the past to me.
"Now Bella, Armold will ask you things like 'did you orgasm' or 'if there were any parts of it you enjoyed', don't let it get to you. He's going to try to get you to talk and rant so he can twist everything. Keep your answers short and don't give him anything to work with. I want you to know, the video of the morning after the rape with you walking past your apartment but heading to the bus stop instead is going to be played. When Armold crosses you just tell him the same thing you told me, I'm going to instruct you on how to word everything."
"Okay, I understand."
"Good girl."
"You're gonna do great, Belly." I encouraged.
"After we leave here I'm going to go over everything with you. I can't allow you to be blindsided, you'll know everything I know and everything I'm expecting Armold to do. Don't be surprised if he has 'witnesses' that can place you somewhere else during that two-hour gap. He wouldn't be able to back that up without video evidence but Armold has been known to try the legal system. He will stop at nothing and find every possible way to taint your image and distort the truth but don't worry. I've beaten him before and I'll do it again. All of the evidence is on YOUR side."
"Of course...I can't warn you about what I have no knowledge of. He's bound to have some secret weapons up his sleeves."
"I know, I have a feeling he does." Bella told her.
"There's something I want to know, Bella."
"What is it?"
"Did Masters slap you any time before or during the assault?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. Why?"
"I'm just triple checking if he hit you."
"No, he only held me down."
"Okay."
Why is Rosalie asking Bella this?
"Don't you think she would know if he hit her or not, Rosalie?" I butt in.
"I've been doing this for a couple of years and most rape victims always hold something back because they're embarrassed about it. But I believe Bella and I know she's being honest. There's something else I want to talk to you about, Bella."
"Okay."
"I'm required to tell you of all offers made by the defense, it's ethics."
I watched and listened intently to Rosalie as she spoke to Bella.
"Masters wants to offer you-"
"I'm not interested in anything he has to offer."
"He's offering $550 million dollars if you disappear and $1.2 billion if you come back to him."
I spat out my wine.
"What!? He's offering Bella what!?"
Rosalie nodded confirming that I had heard correctly.
"Is he insane, what would make him think Bella wants to see him much less get back together with him. Why is he offering Bella so much money?"
"I wondered the same thing." Rosalie said.
I looked at Bella and could see she was really taken aback.
"Is he that afraid of being found guilty and going to prison, that's a hell lot of money." I stated.
"When you think about it, Masters is worth over $148 billion, giving Bella that amount of money wouldn't really put a dent in his bank account."
"That is true." I agreed. "But does he honestly believe Bella would come back to him, he has a lot of nerve."
Bella still looked speechless.
"This is his last and final offer or he will be forced to 'take action'. I received that little news off the record." Rosalie told us.
Is Edward planning on killing Bella, this isn't good.
"So Bella, what's your answer, only you can make the decision."
"I don't want his money and I don't want him."
"Good. Don't let this ruin our day, drink up. I'll go over everything with you when we're all well-rested and sober."
"Okay."
I do need something to help ease the aching in my heart.
"I'm down for drinking as much as I can, I just have to go to the little girl's room first." I told them.
I hurried to the restroom to empty my bladder, I sighed in sweet relief. When I wiped I noticed pink spots on the tissue. Damnit! My period isn't suppose to be here for another week, maybe it's early cause I'm stressed. I need to relax more and put Jasper out of my mind.
I washed my hands and headed back to the table. I'll just borrow something from Rosalie, hopefully she's a pad girl cause I'm not really a fan of tampons.
Rosalie POV
As I was emptying the third bottle of wine I felt my phone buzzing against my thigh, I just know it's Emmett texting me. I put on my poker face and took it out and read the message.
I hope you're enjoying your afternoon gorgeous. Would you be interested in letting your 'victim' take a polygraph test? It's admissible as long as both parties agrees to it. I'd like the test done by a third party of your choice and entered into evidence.
What is he trying to pull, the trial is the morning after tomorrow. Why such short notice and why a test, why now? I responded:
I've been wanting to ask for one since this whole thing begun but knew Masters would decline, why now?
We want to exhaust every option before he takes a more hostile route. A polygraph has been on the itinerary since the beginning, now is finally the right time to do it. Ask Ms. Victim if she would like to take a polygraph test to prove her honesty.
Masters is a psychopath, he wouldn't have a problem beating a lie detector test.
If the girl is telling the truth she shouldn't have a problem passing the test.
I decided to call Emmett.
"Excuse me, Bella. I have an important call to make, I'll be right back."
I went outside on the balcony and dialed Emmett.
"I heard the security team managed to give my intern the slip earlier today." Was the first thing he said when he picked up.
"I hope you didn't think I would make it easy for you."
"So we're going to court with two passing results since Masters will probably pass and Isabella isn't lying?"
"Don't jump the gun so quickly, ask the girl first."
"You sound pretty confident."
"Are we still on for tonight?"
"Of course." I really don't feel up for a night with Emmett.
Alice POV
When I came back to the table I met Bella finishing off her food alone.
"Where's Rosalie?"
"She had to make a call."
"Ohh. Mother nature came early this month and I'm in need of assistance. Hopefully she won't mind if I grab a pad from her bag, I really hope she's not a tampon user."
"I can't stand tampons, they're always uncomfortable." Bella agreed.
"I know right."
I unzipped Rosalie's Givenchy bag and felt like I opened a treasure chest of name-brand makeup. Rosalie has nice taste, I fished for her feminine items through makeup, magnums, a cell phone and a lot of other stuff-who needs two cell phones anyway?
"Why does Rosalie have so much junk in her bag, ugh."
"Having trouble finding them? Maybe you should wait until she comes an ask her to get them." Bella suggested.
"Mother nature is calling, Bella. I'm not about to have a good pair of lace undies ruined."
I wonder what Rosalie does in her spare time when she's not with us, preparing for cases, partying or both? One of the lids on her mineral powder came undone and some got in an unsealed white envelope in her bag. Shit shit shit, I took out the envelope and shook out the powder. I wonder if this has anything to do with the trial or why we were moved to a new location?
I put it back in her bag and slowly and silently opened it so Bella wouldn't notice I was snooping. I unfolded the paper and quickly started to read it. Oh crap, Rosalie just had a pregnancy terminated! I quickly folded the paper and put it back in the envelope then back in her bag. I continued my search through all of the crap in her bag until I felt something shaped like a tampon, I pulled it out and it was a tampon. Come on, you've gotta be kidding me. I looked a little more and found some pads, yes yes yes! Rosalie had a lot of pads and tampons at the bottom of her bag, I took two pads then headed back to the ladies room.
"I'll be right back, Belly."
Rosalie POV
"Your teeth marks are still embedded in my shoulder."
I remember last night, I bit down on Emmett's shoulder so hard and for so long.
"Good." I told him.
"Maybe I should get a shot for this."
"Very funny. Would you like one on your cock next next?"
"When you talk like that I get hard and want to stuff that mouth of yours. I've been thinking about you all day."
"Is that so?"
"I thought how I wanted to hear you gagging on my cock."
"I don't know if your cock is 'gaggable'."
I heard Emmett chuckle.
"The claw markings on my back and shoulders tells a different tale."
He's got me there. He's more than gaggable but toying with him is fun.
"Lies. I left no such marks." I laughed.
"I don't think I can wait until tonight, what are you doing now?"
"Having a drink with a co-worker I ran into after leaving my Boss' office earlier. What about you?"
"At my office wishing I was inside of you instead. I have a business luncheon with one of the new interns and an old friend and business partner in half an hour, I'll try to keep it brief and I'll pick you up from your place as soon as I'm done."
"Sounds good, I'll be waiting."
I hung up and headed back to the table.
Alice POV
"That was a pretty long phone call, was it work related?" I asked Rosalie.
"Yeah, if I win this case I'll be up for a promotion."
I watched Rosalie signaled the waitress for more drinks.
"I already know I'll be triumphant so cheers everyone, this will all be over soon and we can move on to a new chapter in our lives."
Rosalie took a shot of rum and Bella and I drank wine, she looks happy like she just won the lotto. Why wouldn't she be, she has a nice job, money, and a very endowed lover, not to mention she has no kids and just had an abortion. I can see why she had one, she's definitely going places considering her résumé, has great looks and can do whatever she wants in her spare time, I can see how a baby can ruin that for her. I wonder who the guy is and if he's as successful as her or more. I guess she's guzzling down the alcohol to numb the pain after having an abortion and to help with the cramping.
Life, why are you so unfair, why has fate dealt us this hand, is it because of what Bella and I did in the past? It wasn't done with malicious intent, it was only right. It was the only way.
Why did I have to fall in love with such a man, I wonder if I had told Bella about him from day one, would she have mind? Would she had been upset and appalled that I wanted to go out with the bestfriend of her rapist and yell at me or would she had sacrificed her feelings for me and pretend like she didn't mind when in truth, it hurt her inside.
It doesn't make sense crying over spilled milk. What's done is done and I can't go back in time to change the past, I can only move forward and try to do right by Bella and start being honest.
Rosalie POV
"By the way Bella, I was thinking and I wanted to know how you feel about taking a polygraph test?""
"Why?"
"It will prove your honesty to the jury, it would help a lot. I'll select an anonymous entity to do the test to make sure there's no tampering.
"Is that even admissible in court?" Alice asked me.
"In this State if both parties agree to it, it can be entered in as evidence."
"You should do it, Bella." Alice encouraged her.
I couldn't place Bella's expression.
"No."
Alice and I gasped in unison.
"Why?" I asked her.
"What's the point. Edward would more than likely pass it anyway." Bella told us.
"I get what you're saying Bella, when I thought about it earlier I knew there might be a good chance I'll be going into court with two sets of truthful results. I know it would seem redundant and pointless but obviously someone has to be lying. The jury would pick up on the psychopath that's underlying Masters' suave and charming businessman demeanor and see you're just a simple, honest, girl."
"I know it may help but I don't want to do the test, to be honest-I find it insulting. It's like I always have to prove that what I said happened really happened. The police didn't really want anything to do with me when I first reported it and from what Alice told me, your Boss didn't really want to take the case either. Like even though they knew I wasn't lying it didn't matter because I'm a nobody and no one wants to ruffle any feathers with Edward. I'm tired of it all. I'll show up to testify and continue to hope for the best."
"Okay. Forget I even brought up the lie detector test." I told her.
"Bella, I've always supported every decision you've ever made and even though you've explained your reasons, I still think you should do the test. I don't know if I can stand behind your decision. I'm not doubting you, it's just... I want Edward to pay just as much as you do. If this increases our chances of winning then I want you to go for it." Alice encouraged her.
"I know how you feel Alice but from that night on I've been trying to hold on to the little pride I have left. I felt and carried shame that didn't even belong to me, I feel like if I do this, the fragment of dignity that I have left will crumble into microscopic pieces. Please don't make me have to pick up my last shard of dignity off of the floor.
Alice POV
"I'm sorry Bella, I- I-"
I caught sight of curly, blonde locks and couldn't help but look past Bella. I'd know Jasper's form anywhere, I caught sight of him from the corner of my eye. His back was to me and a waiter was seating Him, some hot blonde chick and...Edward's lawyer? What the heck is going on here!? I can understand Jasper and the attorney coming to a place like this cause obviously they can afford $200 per helping but Rosalie brought us on the outskirts of town. What are they doing here, this is too...this can't be a coincidence. If it is, life is continuing its cruel assault on Bella by repeatedly dealing her these unlucky cards. She may freak out and have an anxiety attack if she sees Edward's attorney. Crap! What if Edward is suppose to join them!?
I hope Bella doesn't turn around, she has no need to look behind her...right?
"Are you okay Alice, you're stuttering a lot."
"Sorry, it must be the alcohol. I'm starting to feel a bit light headed."
"You should drink some water." Bella poured me some from the crystal picture on the table.
"Thanks."
I took out my phone and quickly texted Rosalie. When she took out the phone, she looked a bit surprised and eyed me strangely for a sec but didn't say anything.
Whatever you do, don't turn around but Edward's lawyer is seated at the table closest to us. We have to leave before Bella sees him.
"Lets take a pic." I told Bella. She might find it suspicious that Rosalie and I are both texting at the same time. I set my phone on silent mode so there would be no vibrations or beeps."
Are you serious?!
I wouldn't joke about something like this! I responded.
You're right, we need to leave.
"We've been gone for at least three hours, the drive here took over an hour alone. I should be getting you guys back."
"I'm sorry, I'm a party pooper. I shouldn't have brought up all of that."
"No, it's not that at all, Bella. I'm here to listen anytime you want to talk." Rosalie told her.
I couldn't help but steal glances of Jasper and everything that was going on at the adjacent table. The blonde woman looked to be my age and Jasper was quite attentive to her, hanging on her every word. He was stroking the blonde's hair and he had put his arm around her shoulder. How silly of me to just assume that she was Mr. Armold's girlfriend. Well Jasper sure moved on quickly...but this is what I wanted right...to be perfect strangers. I couldn't stop the jealous feelings and I felt like throwing a wine bottle over at the table to hit Mr. Armold just for representing scum like Edward and Jasper for being a lying cheater. How long has it been, sixteen or so hours, there's no way this is some random chick he just recently met. The way he looks at her...with adoration. In that moment I felt nothing but hate.
"Yeah Bella, we're always here to listen. I just had a little too much to drink and I'm sure Rosalie has a lot of work to do to prepare for court."
Rosalie signaled the waitress and handed her her credit card.
I stood up and told Bella I needed to walk off the alcohol a bit, she suggested she come with me like I knew she would. I put my arm around her and led her out of the restaurant. I handed the valet the ticket I got from Rosalie and he fetched the car for us. I let out a deep breath when Bella and I were seated in the car, that was close, really, really close.
Rosalie POV
Fuck my luck! I can't even have lunch with Bella without Emmett pulling some sneaky, underhanded, trickery! I can't take Bella back to the new safe house, I'll have to call her security team and rendezvous. What if Emmett was having me followed when I went to pick up her and Alice? This is such a mess, I hope word of this doesn't get back to Mr. Sears.
I took my card from the waitress and began to text Emmett as I walked out of the dining room of the restaurant.
You're a disgusting piece of filth, I can't believe you would do something like this. I thought you were going to back off but instead you're still having me followed! I'm disappointed in myself for having expected better from you. You're only using me to get to Bella, your blatant disrespect for our relationships shows you're no more than a selfish son of a bitch! We're finished and I'm disgusted with myself for giving you a chance and letting a snake like you slither into my life and between my legs. I hope that some day your entire empire comes crumbling down around you. Showing up at the same restaurant that I'm eating at with Bella shows your disregard for my feelings and principles! Same bullshit, different day, don't you get tired of this? You should just hurry up and die so my life would be a lot of easier!
The nerve of Emmett... This is no coincidence, I brought Bella and Alice out of town just to have lunch. I don't care what lies Emmett tries to concoct, he can drop dead for all I care.
Within seconds my phone was vibrating and I gladly pressed ignore. The cycle continued four more times until I received a text.
Has Isabella's paranoia and delusions rubbed off on you, I'm not having you followed and what do you mean showing up at the same restaurant? You're here, now?
I read the text but didn't respond. Emmett attempted to call me again twice but each time I hit ignore. As soon as I get home I'm blocking his number. I'm so stupid for letting my walls down for such an asshole.
When I was halfway out of the arched hallways I felt a grip on my arm but yanked away. I didn't have to look behind me to know who the hand belonged to. I continued to strut out of the long hallway.
"Wait."
I ignored him and continued to walk.
"Stop following me, go back to your table and enjoy your fucking meal."
"Why the text, what are you doing out here?"
I continued to ignore Emmett.
"What's with the text and your fucking attitude!? I'm not following you, this is just a coincidence."
"Quit lying to me and tell me the truth for once in your miserable life!"
"This is all a fucking coincidence, I didn't even know Isabella was in the same damn restaurant as me until I got your text. I drove out here because Jasper is trying to get over some woman and wanted a change in scenery."
I continued walking, ignoring him.
"Stop walking away from me or I'll start yelling at you and cause a scene."
I spun around and looked him in his eyes.
"I hate what I've been doing and I hate myself for wanting you. I hate it that you make me feel emotions I've never experienced before. I can't stand that just one look from you and my defenses crumble, no matter how much I've told myself not to want you-I've been yearning for you more and more. I give into you every fucking time and every time, you've managed to lie to me and deceive me! You have a hold on me that I can't seem to break free of and I don't know if you're just so strong or is the weakness in me."
He pulled me into an embrace.
"I'm past tired, I'm exhausted and want to be over this and over you, Emmett."
"I promise, I swear to you I didn't know you were here with Isabella. Did she see me?"
"That doesn't matter. This-this is all just too much, we have to stop this, I have to stop this. I can't allow myself to continue like this."
Emmett's eyes shifted away from mine to something behind me. I turned around to find Alice standing behind me, she looked at us with disgust and hate...like we were an abomination to her eyes.
"I came to see what was taking you so long and if you were alright but I see you're just fine." Her eyes narrowed in on Emmett.
"So he's where you got all of that bullshit from. I knew something wasn't right but who would've thought you were fucking Edward's attorney. You stressed Bella because of his words-lying, deceitful, mistrustful words from his manipulative mouth!"
Alice was seething and I could see just how much she loathed Emmett and how pissed at me she was.
"But I shouldn't be that upset with him, he can only talk if there's a listening ear. You opened the door to all of this, Rosalie! I hope you're happy with yourself, here I thought you were a woman with standards but you're just a classless slut!"
I was taken aback.
"Watch your mouth." Emmett warned her.
"Don't ever address me you lapdog!" And with that Alice spit on Emmett, I held my hands over my mouth in shock. "Does Edward know you're fucking the prosecutor or did he put you up to it and gave you a pat on the back!?"
Emmett shot her a death glare. This isn't good, Emmett isn't one to be taken lightly... I watched in horror as Alice turned her attention back to me.
"Do you always stupidly open your legs to the enemy for worthless info or do you just like being a cum dumpster?"
Before I knew it I had balled my fist and my hand had a mind of its own.
The impact never came and I didn't feel skin against my fist but a hand on my wrist instead. The grip was painful and Emmett quickly took the hand off of mine. The blonde man who was sitting at the table with Emmett had stopped my punch. I recognize him, he's the one who Isabella said came on the plane the morning after, something Coleman if I remember correctly.
"Now Emmett, I know catfights are your 'thing' but it wouldn't be fair to allow your girlfriend to challenge someone who's at such a disadvantage in size."
"I don't need your help, your interference was unnecessary because I can handle this bitch." Alice yelled at Coleman.
In distraction and confusion, Alice had managed to slap me and as a reflex I quickly returned the favor then Emmett pulled me away from her.
"Let me go, Emmett! If she can dish it out-she can take it."
"Calm down Alice, this isn't the time nor place for such behavior." Coleman told her while pulling her behind him.
"Don't dictate to me, I want nothing to do with you, why don't you go back in and finish your lunch with blondie!"
"Alice just calm down and I'll explain."
It hit me and I realized Alice and Emmett's business partner knew each other. I heard the jealousy in her tone, it's clear that they were an item or at the very least have feelings for each other. I couldn't help but laugh.
"It's always sneaky tramps like you who act so highly and righteous when you're no more than a hypocrite. If I'm slut then what are you, for all I know you could be fucking Coleman and Masters behind my and Bella's back! You're lying to Bella too and have the nerve to call me out!?"
Emmett was holding onto my arm and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't free myself.
"I may be lying to Bella but I'm not the one prosecuting the case! There's no conflict of interest with Jasper and I but here you are fucking Masters' attorney!"
"No conflict of interest?! Your best friend was raped by his closest friend and I'm sure he knows Edward did it but is lying to you about it yet you're still fucking him!"
"I'm not fucking him! You're prosecuting the fucking case! You could sabotage your own case, how do I know you aren't working with Edward's lapdog against Bella!?"
"Why the fuck would I do that!?"
"It doesn't matter if you lose for the first time in your life, your résumé already speaks for itself! One loss is nothing for the millions Edward would pay you. How long have you been fucking him, was this a setup from the get-go?!"
"I'm appalled you would think that!"
"But you're fucking the enemy!"
"So are you!"
"I won't let my personal life affect my work and I won't be influenced by outside-"
"You already have been! You interrogated Bella about lies from the son of a bitch you're fucking who you're also in a legal fight with."
"Stop being such a hypocrite!"
"You're missing the point! Yes, I used to see Jasper behind her back and he may have been dishonest about what he knows but I still support Bella every step of the way! I'm NOT the one prosecuting her rapist and fucking his attorney at the same damn time. My situation is the lesser of two evils. You're betraying Bella in a worse way than I ever could. You were suppose to be our friend and you're probably betraying us! Why shouldn't I report the both of you?!"
"But you're like a sister to her, she trusts and loves you more than anyone else in the world. She holds you to a much higher standard than she would ever hold me to which makes your betrayal equal to mine or even worse when you look at the bigger picture.. Tell my secret and I'll tell yours, I hope Bella will be able to forgive you!" I threatened.
"I always knew you were an untrustworthy whore!" She screamed at me and I threw my cell phone at her, it would have hit her right in the face if Coleman hadn't stepped in front of her.
She and I glared at each other.
"The both of you stop it, this can be dealt with later. Where's the girl?" Coleman asked.
"Crap, I forgot Bella's in the car waiting. I'm not letting you take Bella anywhere, I don't trust you! For all I know you might take her to Edward for cash."
"I have the contact for her security detail and I'm calling the shots! Why don't you take a ride back with Mr. Coleman, you two can hash out your relationship troubles."
"Fuck you!" She yelled at me.
"Aren't you fucking enough people already?" I asked her.
"Why don't you go have another abortion, bitch!"
How the hell does she know that!?
"Enough of this childish behavior, Alice-we're leaving. Ms. Smith, I don't care what excuse you give the girl, let her know that Alice will return home in a few hours. Emmett, we'll reschedule."
"I'll have one of my assistants call you later." Emmett told him.
I watched Coleman drag Alice behind him and thought good riddance. I could feel eyes burning holes into my skin, Emmett looked pissed.
"What abortion?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"I don't know what the hell she was talking about, maybe she said it to take the focus off of her hypocrisy."
Emmett was looking at me still questioning.
"Ugh. I don't have time for this, either you believe me or you don't. If I say it's not true then it's not true. I'm surprised and offended you would believe her ov-"
"I believe you." He said.
There it was again, I was yearning for his touch and I could feel the chemistry and sparks between us.
"I have to go."
He reached out for me and I dodged his grasp.
I hurried to the car and tried to calm my nerves.
"That was a long wait, where's Alice?"
"Sorry about that. She ran into an old friend and said she'll be home in a few hours. I gave her the S.D's number so they can rendezvous and bring her to the townhouse."
"Okay."
"I'll take you home now, do you want me to stay over until Alice comes back?"
"No thanks. I'm gonna take a nap and read a few Sidney Sheldon books."
"That sounds relaxing."
Today was the day from hell, it was just a big mess. I was too exhausted to go over anything with Bella, I'll do it tomorrow when she's sober and I'm rested. As soon as I walked through my front door I kicked off my shoes and slipped out of my clothes. I played my messages on the answering machine and poured myself some brandy while listening to the shit people called me about.
I realized I was drinking Emmett's favorite drink again, maybe his habits are rubbing off on me.
I grabbed all of my files and documents for court then plopped down on the couch with my drink in hand and the bottle on the table. Before I could read the second line there was a banging at my door.
Crap, what does he want?
I got up and let him in.
"I'm really tired Emmett and I've already said everything I wanted to say to you."
"I know where you were this morning. Does a Dr. Nelson ring a bell?"
Shit!
"Of course it does, that's my doctor. I had a physical done this morning."
"Who are you trying to kid?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"We've both dealt with high profile cases and we both know people would sell any sort of information for the right amount of money. You remember his medical assistant, the redhead, she told me what you were there for."
"And what was I there for?"
"You had a pregnancy terminated."
"Well she lied to you."
"I spoke to your doctor."
"He wouldn't give ou-"
"He sang like a canary knowing his life was on the line."
"You can't meddle in someone's personal affairs like this, it's wrong to send your men to threaten and hurt people!"
"You of all people want to talk about what's wrong?!"
Emmett's demeanor was cold and threatening.
He took a step toward me and I took a step back, we repeated the process until my back was literally against a wall. Emmett pressed himself against me leaving no space in between us. I turned my face away from his and asked "What do you want Emmett, why are you here?"
"You had NO right."
"I don't know what you're talk-"
"Stop the games! You had no right to do what you did without consulting me first!"
"Why did I have to consult you, MY body, MY choice. You don't even know if it was yours, we were just friends with benefits up until last night. I wasn't in a relationship with you and could see whoever the fuck I wanted!"
Emmett looked me over and I couldn't figure out what he was thinking.
"Were you seeing someone else?"
"What does it matter, what's done is done and we're a thing of the past." I told him while trying to push him out of my way but to no avail.
"Were. you. seeing. someone. else."
"That's none of your business."
"Was it mine?"
"Who knows."
"I'm losing my patience. Was it mine or not!?"
"No! It was a colleague's from work, he didn't want it and neither did I. It was just a fling."
"What's his name?"
"So you can go and investigate and threaten or kill him, I think not. I've already told you everything. I was seeing someone else and it wasn't yours."
"If that's true then the DNA from the medical waste shouldn't be a match to me."
Is he serious!?
"What the hell is wrong with you, how did you even get that?"
"You were the only abortion Dr. Nelson did today. He was more than happy to hand it over to keep his medical practice and life from being ruined."
I can't believe Emmett!
"I'll ask you again, were you seeing someone else?"
I tried to avert my gaze but was snapped back to reality when I felt Emmett's hand around my throat.
"Were you seeing someone else?!" He asked again.
"No."
"Was it mine?"
"Yes, it was yours."
His grip on my neck tightened and my necklace was now pressing into my skin, it was painful.
"What right did you have, I should have had a say in it!"
I could see the anger and emotions raging in his eyes and tried to pry his hand off of my neck with both my hands.
"I can't...breathe...s-stop this, Emmett."
Emmett had lifted me off of the floor but still had me pressed against the wall with his hand wrapped around my throat.
"I want to know why, why did you deprive me of my right?!"
I struggled to talk.
"I don't want a child at this point in my life, besides our relationship is toxic."
He let me go and I fell to the floor. As soon as I caught my breath I stood up and backhanded him which made him angrier causing him to grab me by the throat again then throw me against the wall.
"You didn't think to consult me?"
"It's my body. What, did you think I was going to carry a child for nine months then just hand it over to you, Emmett!?"
"To think last night I was holding you in my arms all the while you were planning to kill my child." He seethed.
"If I had told you we both know you would've done everything in your power to stop me, where would that had left me?"
He only glared at me.
"Answer me, damnit!"
"In a situation you wouldn't have want to be in."
"Exactly! And I'm already in a situation I don't want to be in! I'm tired of being hounded and harassed by you! Your behaviour is unacceptable, If I had kept it my life would be extra hellish right now! I couldn't stomach the thought of having a permanent connection to you. I want you out of my house and out of my life!"
He stepped closer to me once again invading my personal space, he brought his face close to mine all the while staring into my eyes.
"Watch your mouth, you're treading on dangerous ground." He whispered.
"I'm glad I had the abortion, best decision of my life." I whispered back then gave him a wicked smile.
He quickly drew back and I immediately closed my eyes and turned my head to protect my face. I heard an impact sound but didn't feel any pain, I slowly opened my eyes and saw he had punched the wall next to my head, leaving a huge hole in it.
He wanted to hit me... He was going to hit me...
"I hate you, Emmett. I really and truly hate you." I said through hot tears.
Emmett slowly stepped away from me and he seemed surprised at himself. He was looking at me...he looks...remorseful...
"Please leave, just get out of my house!"
He turned to leave without protest and I watched his large form walk out my front door.
The platinum diamond and emerald necklace he had given me, now damaged, slipped off of my neck. I tried to catch it but it fell and hit the floor with a loud clang, the large emerald in the center shattering on impact.
I know, I know! This chapter was really long but I didn't want to split it into two or three because I don't believe in depriving my readers! :P
This is my longest chapter ever and I worked really hard on it so I hope you guys enjoyed it.
The following chapters will be Edward-heavy. Next chapter we're going to find out who's really lying... Along with a lot of other revelations. Yippie! :)
I don't have a sneak peek for you guys because I'm not even half way through with the next chapter. The sneak peek I posted at the end of chapter fourteen is apart of chapter sixteen which I'm currently working on. What I can tell you guys is that things will get a lot worse for Rosalie. Alice is the least of Rosalie's concern when it comes to what Edward has planned for her.
Any questions, don't be afraid to ask. Just don't ask me what Edward has planned because I can't tell you! :P
