I'm thinking Esme does not have a future in the match-making business. How about you guys?

And Edward, Vicky? Really?

Before we see how it all plays out, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone supporting Stronger Than Blood! You guys are the best motivation I could ask for! I'm even thinking about a Rose and Emmett one shot to go along with STB ;)

Back to our favorite couple... the dance floor is open, but does Edward have the moves?

BPOV

"This is so sweet!" I admired the framed wedding picture as we put the finishing touches on the decorations.

"They were only nineteen when the picture was taken. People used to get married so much younger back then. I suppose there was a reason for that, no birth control," Esme laughed.

"Yeah, that would make sense." I couldn't help but giggle.

"If only I could get Edward to get on board with the idea of marriage," she sighed.

"Edward doesn't believe in marriage?" I frowned, oddly concerned.

"It's not that as much as he's putting no effort into finding the right girl." She handed me roses to trim.

"He's young, though. Isn't he?"

"Twenty-five. Carlisle and I were married and expecting by his age."

"I can't imagine that," I laughed, picturing myself with a husband and a swollen belly. Then cleared my throat when I realized how appealing the image was. I tried not to dwell on the fact that the husband I envisioned held a strong resemblance to Esme's oldest son.

"Hm. If you don't mind my asking, how old are you, Isabella?"

"The same age as Edward," I admitted.

She cocked her head to the side, lost in thought.

"What are your feelings on marriage?"

"I haven't thought much about it. I assume I'll get married eventually."

"Do you have a boyfriend, dear?"

I snorted, "No. I haven't had a boyfriend since college."

"Interesting," she mumbled. "Here, go put these in the vases on the main table. Aren't red roses so dramatic? These are the exact color my aunt had at her wedding."

"They're beautiful," I said, breathing in the sweet aroma.

"Maybe you'll have the same color at your wedding." She had a mischievous glint in her eye that I didn't understand.

"Maybe?" I shrugged as I arranged the vases and pushed all thoughts of weddings aside.

There wasn't much needed to create a romantic atmosphere. The restaurant's charm did the work for us. Once the flower arrangements were complete, I took my spot by the front door. Guests trickled in, handing me jackets and anniversary gifts until the restaurant was full of the extended family and friends of Esme's aunt and uncle. All of whom looked to be having a wonderful time.

An unexplained thrill shot up my spine and my senses heightened as I stood scanning the crowd. A light breeze blew strands of my hair against my cheek as I heard the front door open, then swing close.

"Am I late?"

I didn't dare turn at the question murmured in my ear. The heat from Edward's body scorched my back, making my thoughts cloud in a haze of arousal. The silky gravel of his voice turned even the most mundane words into temptation.

"You're not too late. The dancing just started, and the main courses aren't on the buffet table yet." I stepped away before turning to face him. The scent of his skin mixed with the spice of his aftershave was too much to bear.

"Bella, could I talk to you?" His eyes bore into me. I feared that he would read my every thought if I let him.

"About what?" I squeaked.

"Friday night. I want to explain why Irina-."

"Oh! Right. How is Irina? Is she with you?" I glanced behind him, expecting to see the statuesque bimbo.

"Jesus, Bella. I'm not dating Irina!"

"Tanya?"

"No!"

"Are you dating anyone?"

"No."

"Oh." The admission hung heavy. His dating status shouldn't have mattered, but it did.

"What about you?" He ran a hand through his hair. The sexy chaos mesmerized me.

"No. I'm single," I scoffed. "Actually, I was just explaining to your mother that I've been single for a while."

"Why was my mother asking about your dating life?" His eyes narrowed.

"She wasn't exactly. We were talking about weddings since this is an engagement party."

"Sure." He sent a quick glare in Esme's direction. "So, why are you over here when the party is over there?"

"I'm not a guest. I'm working."

"I'm pretty sure the work is done."

"People are still arriving," I said, glancing at the front door. Truthfully, no other than Edward had arrived in half an hour.

"My entire family and half of the Italians in Chicago are here. I can promise you've fulfilled your duties. Get a drink with me. It's the least we can do for making you come in on a day off."

I stifled a gasp as his hand settled on the small of my back, guiding me toward a table of expensive wines. His touch sent an electric charge through my body, and goosebumps broke out across my flesh.

He picked up two glasses of champagne, handing me one.

"Salut!" He said, raising his glass with a smirk.

"Salut," I repeated, clinking my glass against his.

"Are you Isabella?" A perky girl with dark hair spawned out of nowhere, causing the bubbly alcohol to burn my throat as I coughed it out of my lungs.

"Christ, Alice!" Edward glared at her.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to kill you!" She patted my back while I got myself under control.

"I'm okay," I choked out, "I'll live."

"Thank God! I'm Alice Cullen. It's very nice to meet you!" Her megawatt smile was infectious.

"Bella Swan. It's nice to meet you too."

"Oh! It's Bella? Okay. So, Bella, let me show you around." She grabbed my arm, pulling me from the drink table.

"Alice, really?" Edward scowled.

"You'll get her back eventually," she said before turning to me and whispering, "I think my brother has a thing for you."

"What? No, that's not-"

"Calm down, Bella. I'm not saying you have to marry the guy. Hey, Emmett!" I got the feeling Alice didn't stay on one topic for long.

"Baby A! What's up?" A giant of a man rushed over, picking Alice up and twirling her around. I recognized him immediately, Edward's brother. "Who's this?" He asked, placing Alice back on her feet.

"This is Bella Swan. She's the new hostess."

"Good to meet you, Bella Swan. Welcome!"

"Jasper!" Alice squealed, "Come meet Bella!"

A handsome young man with dirty blond hair and a perfectly fitted suit walked over. He slipped one arm around Alice and stretched the other toward me.

"Jasper Whitlock, it's a pleasure."

"Nice to meet you."

"Alice, you've dragged her around long enough." Edward caught up with us, holding two glasses of red wine. "Do you like Cabernet?"

"Um, sure. Thanks," I said, taking a glass. He stepped closer, snaking his arm around my waist.

I turned back toward Alice and Jasper, who were scrutinizing Edward. Alice was grinning and bouncing on her toes while Jasper raised a brow and smirked.

I didn't have long to muse over the firm grip Edward held on me or the safety I found in his arms. A murmur went through the crowd before polite applause caught everyone's attention.

"Benvenuti, everyone! What a beautiful occasion we have the privilege of celebrating today! Carmen, Elezar, the years have been good to you." Everyone stopped to listen to Carlisle as he spoke from the makeshift dance floor. He commanded respect in a way I'd never seen.

I stole a glance at Edward as the speech continued. The resemblance between the two men was undeniable. Edward's strong features and beauty mirrored his father's. Their similarities didn't end there. They shared a confidence and underlying sense of power that I was sure got them anything they asked.

"Buon anniversario!" The room broke into congratulations for the older couple. I raised my wine and took a sip. It was smooth and complex, a more luxurious wine than any I'd drunk before.

Carlisle left the floor, allowing an Italian quartet to set up in his place. The mandolin melody began as servers placed mouth-watering entrees on the buffet table, and guests filled their plates to the brim.

Alice chatted animatedly throughout our meal, regaling me with stories about the restaurant staff. I was particularly interested in the gossip she had regarding Jessica. I could barely believe some of the absurd anecdotes Alice swore to God were true.

Edward and Jasper worked the room while everyone dined. Edward, along with his father, led the conversations at each table. Emmett and Jasper stood close, listening intently. Carlisle noticeably took a back seat, allowing Edward to act as head of their group. Men far older than Edward hung on his every word. He kept his conversations short, and each time he shifted between tables, his eyes would settle on Alice and me.

"Bella, are you even listening?" Alice tapped on the tabletop in front of me.

"What were you saying?"

"What's up with you two?" She narrowed her eyes, glancing at Edward.

"I don't know what you mean." I sipped on my wine, feigning indifference.

"You and my brother. You keep staring at each other. You're totally into him, aren't you?"

"What? I- no?" I lied.

"Yes, you are. Hm, I can't decide if this is good or bad." She thought for a minute while I downed more of my wine. "I think I like the idea. But, Bella, you have to understand what you're getting yourself into. Edward's life is… intense."

"Alice! I barely know him!"

"Just don't say I didn't warn you." She smirked as the men turned back toward our table.

Edward's gaze locked onto mine, making my pulse accelerate. The dominance that he radiated terrified me, but his sheer masculinity made me weak in the knees.

"Bella, would you like to dance?" His voice washed over me like a slow caress.

I glanced toward the dance floor, where couples were swaying to an Italian love song. Accepting his invitation was a dangerous option. Declining was unrealistic.

"I don't dance very well. You might get stepped on."

"I'll take my chances."

His palm returned to the small of my back as he guided me to the floor. The music shifted to a haunting mandolin melody. He pulled me close, his fingers running down my arm until he grasped my hand in his. My free hand rested around his neck, allowing my fingertips to brush against the soft ends of his hair.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" The murmured question held a sense of intimacy that made my stomach flutter.

"Yes. It's a lovely party."

"I'm glad to hear that." He led us in a slow spiral across the floor. In the process, pushing my breasts against the hard planes of his chest. "I would like to drive you home tonight if you would allow me to." His lips brushed against my ear as he spoke. I couldn't think.

"I don't know…." I was on the verge of making an irreversible decision.

"I have no ulterior motive. I promise. I only want you to get home safely. The idea of sending you away on the L is… unsettling."

I bit my lip, at an impasse. A small rational voice inside me begged me to run. To follow my instincts and stay away from the man. A much louder voice commanded me to enter the mysterious world of Edward Cullen.

And so I answered, "Yes."

EPOV

I needed to get Bella alone.

Not for that. Okay, I'm lying. Yes, for that, but also because I'd spent the entire weekend thinking about her. My curiosity begged to know more about her. My primal instincts begged to protect her.

Something was wrong with me, and Bella was the key to figuring out what that was.

I still wondered if I just needed a good fuck. A night of pounding into her to get over my newfound obsession. Although, I had an inkling that one encounter would only leave me starving for more.

On Friday night, I was positive any female would suffice. Sure that I was so horny, I was going insane. I'd made it halfway to Vicky's apartment before a twist in my gut forced me to turn back. The idea of actual sex with Vicky was less appealing than a solo session spurred by fantasies of Bella.

I was losing my fucking mind.

I didn't know where Bella found the little black dress she wore to the anniversary party, but I wanted to personally thank the designer who made it. The material clung to her curves, accentuating her hourglass figure. My cock was at half-mast through the majority of the evening. Having her pressed against me as we danced was insufferable. Her soft curves tortured me in a way that promised a pleasure I could only dream of.

"Take a right at the next light." She instructed. We were headed south toward the less affluent part of town.

"What street do you live on?" I asked with concern. We were already past the South Loop.

"Um, I'm near the corner of Michigan and fifty-first."

"Jesus Christ, Bella! Do you live in fucking Washington Park?" I seriously considered flipping the car around and taking her home with me. Washington fucking Park? I knew drug dealers who wouldn't slum it there!

"No! I'm technically in Bronzeville. Washington Park is on the other side of the street," she muttered.

"Bella, Washington Park has made lists as one of the worst neighborhoods in Chicago!"

"My building is perfectly safe," she huffed. "We have a gate that locks, and I have multiple deadbolts on my door. Plus, my dad is a cop, and he gave me pepper spray before I moved here. So, I'm prepared."

"You're prepared… oh my God," I scoffed. Wait. Her father's a- oh shit! "Your father's a cop?"

"Yeah, he's the chief of police."

"He's the chief of police? In Chicago?" I racked my brain, trying to remember who held that position and if we had control over the man.

"No. Not Chicago," she rolled her eyes. "I'm from a little town in Washington. A few hours drive from Seattle."

"Thank God." I ran my hand down my face. The chances of a small-town cop causing me trouble were slim. Although, I had a feeling he wouldn't be too pleased if he knew what I desired from his daughter.

I pulled up in front of Bella's complex and raised a brow. The place was a dump. The "locked fence" sported broken bars perfect for breaking and entering. A group of wanna-be gangsters stood on the corner, watching as I climbed from my Maserati. I adjusted my suit jacket, flashing the piece tucked into my waistband.

Bella led me through a dilapidated courtyard and unlocked the door to the building. Blinking fluorescent lights glared from the ceiling inside. A line of dead ants sat against the wall where someone had sprayed Raid but failed to clean up the carcasses.

"My apartment is on the second floor," she said. I followed her up the stairs, grimacing as a mouse ran across the far end of her hallway. She didn't seem to notice.

She stopped at the second door and fiddled with her keychain, unlocking three different bolts. I sighed at her naivete. It would take me sixty seconds to pick those locks.

"Okay, so… goodnight." She stood awkwardly in the doorway, her lip trapped between her teeth. Like fuck I was leaving.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" I gave her a crooked smile and cocked a brow. Her breath hitched.

"Edward, um, I'm not that kind of girl." She stammered. My eyes followed her flushed skin to where it disappeared under the neckline of her dress. I had an urge to trace the heated flesh with my tongue. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to come in."

"Bella, relax. I'm not looking to take advantage of you." Despite my desires, I wouldn't force her into something she wasn't willing to give. "I'd like to look around and make sure the place is safe."

"You're being ridiculous. Did you see how many doors I unlocked to get in here?"

"Did you see the group of thugs standing on the street corner?"

"Fine. If it makes you feel better, you can come in to look around for a minute."

She turned, leaving the door open for me. I made a mental note to have one of my guys replace her locks.

"Would you like something to drink?"

I shook my head and perused the space. She was neat and obviously took pride in her mismatched home. A picture of her and a dark-haired girl at Navy Pier hung from the wall. In another, she stood by a lake holding up fish. An older man stood next to her beaming over their catch.

"You like fishing?" I asked.

"My dad does. Not my favorite." She responded while frowning at the sink.

"What's wrong?" I could only imagine. Maybe a family of cockroaches built a nest in the drain.

"The water is off again. The super told me they fixed everything!"

"How often is your water out?" For fuck's sake, the place should just be condemned.

"The first few days I was here, it was coming out, but the water pressure was low. When the water pressure got fixed, the water heater went out. We got hot water back yesterday. Now we don't even have water!"

"You're coming home with me," I demanded, grabbing her purse.

"No, I am not!"

"Bella, this place is a fucking slum! Look around! The paint is peeling off your kitchen wall. The fence outside is bent so far open that Emmett could pass through! Not to mention, the building is infested with insects and vermin. You don't even have running water! What's next? Is your heater going to go out?"

"I have a radiator! And they fixed it when it broke last week!"

"Jesus fucking Christ! How in the hell are you living like this? Don't you have any dignity?" I regretted the question the second it slipped out my mouth.

Bella's eyes watered, and her fists clenched at her side. "Get out."

"Damnit! Look, I'm sorry. I just think it would be best if-"

"I don't care what you think would be best! It's my apartment! If it doesn't live up to your standards, you can leave!"

"Fine. You don't want my help? I'll go!" I stormed out, slamming the door in the process. Sprinkles of drywall fell to the floor.

Jesus, she was fucking unreasonable! I was offering to save her from the hell hole! What kind of person passed up a penthouse to live in a ghetto?

Fuming, I rammed through the iron gate and stepped onto the sidewalk. I wrapped my hand around the cool metal of my twenty-two and pulled it from its holster. The threat of violence instantly calming me.

Too bad the wanna-be thugs hadn't understood my earlier message because I was in no mood for forgiveness.

"I dare you, fuckers. Touch my car."

oOo

"You look like shit."

I glared at my brother. He and Rosalie arrived at the office in overly chipper moods. I was trying not to think about why.

"I had a long night."

"Holy shit, Ed! Did you fuck that hostess chick?"

"No, you jackass. I just drove her home."

"Come on, man, I saw the two of you dancing. You were one step away from taking her to the bathroom and doing the nasty!"

"What is it with you and bathrooms? Do you have some fucked up kink- no- don't answer that. I don't want to know."

I refrained from punching him in the gut at his responding laughter, but just barely. My thoughts drifted back to Bella as I glared out the window.

Around midnight, after the adrenaline of our argument left my system, I realized I'd messed up. While I hadn't been wrong in my assessment of Bella's living situation, shoving it in her face and questioning her sanity was not my finest moment.

There had to be a way to make it up to her, but I had no idea where to start. I'd never had to work for a woman's attention. I considered sending her jewelry or flowers. Then I imagined Bella bringing them to Esme's and throwing them at my head. It was a likely scenario.

I needed to know more about her and find out what made her tick. There was one man I could trust to get me what I needed. I pressed the intercom button on my desk phone.

"Rosalie, I need to speak with Jasper," I commanded.

"So go get him. He's in his office." I glared at Emmett. He needed to get his woman in line.

"Why the hell am I even paying you?"

"Because no one else will put up with you."

"Emmett, will you please tell her to do her job?" I growled.

"Rosie, would you go get Jasper for Edward? His panties are in a twist this morning because he got shot down last night."

"I didn't get shot down, you asshole!"

"Fine. I'm doing this for you, Emmett, not him." She disconnected the line.

"What is her problem?"

"You're not an easy guy to work for. You know that, right?" Emmett raised an eyebrow. "You can be kind of… rough around the edges."

I took deep breaths, reminding myself that, deep down, I was fond of my brother.

Jasper stepped into my office, effectively saving Emmett from my wrath, and closed the door behind him. "What's up?"

"How are things going with the shipment situation?"

"No lead on the name. However, I heard through the grapevine that our friends in Miami are having a similar issue?"

"What happened?" Jasper had my complete attention. Amun Saieed, our Miami contact, was not a man to be messed with.

"One of their planes arrived in Guatemala with an unaccounted for crate. When they opened it, they found the same evidence we did on the ship. The pilots never touched any of the cargo, but the rest of the flight crew took off pretty quick. You know how it is south of the border, nearly impossible to track anyone down once they disappear."

I sat on the information for a minute, Jasper and Emmett watching while I decided on our next move.

"I'll get in touch with Amun. Emmett, start talking to the families outside Boston and Miami. See if this has happened anywhere else."

"Got it." He stood and headed toward the door.

"Jasper, I have something personal I need your help with. Stay here a minute." I waited for Emmett to leave before continuing. "I need you to do a background check."

"Let me guess. It's on an Isabella Swan?"

"How the fuck?"

"You're not as stealthy as you think you are. You couldn't take your eyes off her yesterday. Your sister is already planning the wedding." He smirked.

"Fucking hell. Tell Alice to mind her own damn business, and just get me whatever information you can. I also need a safety detail put on her."

"I would recommend using Seth. He's been doing good work lately."

"Get in touch with him. Tell him I need a meeting."

"Got it. Hey, Ed? For what it's worth. I think Bella could be good for you."

I waved Jasper off and returned to my laptop, but I agreed. Bella Swan could definitely be good for me.

Oh, Edward!

Maybe Bella is what he needs to help him pull his act together... if he can grovel enough to earn her forgiveness ;)

Chapter six will come out a little earlier next week as I'm headed somewhere tropical for my birthday, and my laptop is NOT invited!

Follow, fav, and review! Thanks for reading!

Translation:

Salut- Cheers

Benvenuti- Welcome

Buon anniversario- Happy Anniversary