Hi Ladies,

This dinner has been anticipated from the start of the story and it's finally here. The scene will continue through Bella's chapter next. Thanks for being so dedicated to this story. Once Facade is over, I will get back to work on Salvation. I have not forgotten that story but wanted to give a hundred and ten to this one. I'm estimating maybe another ten chapters to this one, however. Thanks for reading.

If you like sexy and scary, you should head over and check out Booed at Midnight.

Chapter 28

Edward-

"I will pay you five hundred a day," I explained into the receiver of my cell. "I need you to report everything and anything you see. Where he goes, who he's with, why he's there if it's possible. Does that sound like something you can do?"

I sat in the dining room watching Bella twist a napkin around her fingers. Her anxiety was making even me antsy. "Bella, why don't you cook some breakfast before you give me a stroke."

Her wide eyes collided with mine, and without arguing she slipped from her chair and headed into the kitchen. Seeing the distress on her face, I wanted to pull her to me and assure her that everything would be okay. The problem was I was so close to losing my shit, and I needed to keep my composure together.

Alice's hesitant answer echoed through the receiver. I could hear traces of terror in her voice, and I knew she was reliving our last encounter. "What would happen if I decided not to take this job? I-I mean …"

I cleared my throat, cutting her off. "Alice, I realize our last meeting wasn't harmonious. Bella told me you need help with rent since she's moved out. I am offering you a chance for a better job. If things work out, I would consider making this position permanent and I'm not sending you on this mission alone. Jasper will be at your side at all times. You won't be in any danger."

"Bella seems to be really into you. She's a great judge of character and she doesn't trust easily," she explained, telling me everything I already knew about my wife. "You understand why I'm apprehensive about accepting this job, right? What if I tell you things you don't want to know? What will happen to me?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose, her statements ringing true, her questions were legitimate. "Alice, I can't change the way we met and I surmise, you will tell me many things I don't want to know, but none of the blame will be placed on you. I need someone who isn't tied to my father. When Bella mentioned you would be perfect for the job, I'm trusting the opinion of my wife, and if you find out lucrative information I'm willing to pay a bonus for that information."

"What about Blinkers? It's a shitty job but it's permanent. What if I don't uncover anything?"

"I'm pretty sure a ferret could uncover information at this point, but I need someone my father won't recognize. If you feel uncomfortable with any situation at all, you are free to walk away–no strings attached and I will still pay you for the day. If our arrangement doesn't work out, I will help get you a job in one of my family's restaurants. It's a win-win either way."

I negotiated with Alice about my proposition for another thirty minutes before she finally agreed. With a sigh of relief, I hung up the call and swung around in my chair. Bella was hovering over the stove and I could almost envision her chewing her nails. The smell of eggs wafted from the stove, but I could give a shit less about breakfast. "Princess." Slowly, she turned around to face me, and with the anger still gripping my soul, I waved her over to me. "Come here, baby."

She cranked the gas in the off position before padding to me on bare feet. Tapping my thigh, I urged her to sit on my lap, my arm locking around her waist as she settled on my leg. "I'm not mad at you, princess. I know you probably think that, but I'm honored you trusted me enough to tell me the truth. I'm so enraged at my father at the moment, and I don't want to wind up biting your head off over it."

Bella draped an arm over my shoulders, her fingers playing with the hairs on my nape. "I understand, Edward. If you need some space, I get that too. It's a hard pill to swallow when someone you trusted betrays you and everything you thought they stood for."

I goosed her side, smiling faintly when she squealed and laughed with the unexpected grab. "I knew you would understand. You're an extraordinary woman, Bella, even if I am distant." I caressed her hip, liking the way she wiggled on my lap way too much. If she sat there any longer I would be too distracted to complete my business. "Why don't you call that lady who did your hair and see if she would be willing to make a trip here to Chicago? I will pay whatever she wants to help you get ready for tonight."

"Okay," she whispered, brushing my hair back from my forehead to drop a kiss there. "I'm making you an egg sandwich and you better eat it."

"Princess, the last thing I want at the moment is food," I started, but she placed her forefinger over my lips. The corner of my lips lifted when she leaned forward watching me intently.

"I'm your wife, and you will eat something," she insisted. As a warm feeling bloomed in my chest at her obvious care, I kissed her finger.

"What did I say about you telling me what to do?" I teased, pinching her hip.

She paused, searching my gaze and I wasn't sure what she was looking for but need welled within me when she simply said, "I'm the only person in Chicago allowed to tell you what to do, and that you liked me sounding like a real wife."

I couldn't dispute her response because that was exactly what I'd said. "Fine. I will eat an egg sandwich and you will make a call to the girl who did your hair."

"Deal," she agreed, leaving my lap to finish cooking the eggs in the pan.

-M-

I was lost in thought when I noticed Bella wringing her hands together in nervous anticipation. I watched her out of the corner of my eye for a solid ten minutes before I reached over and laid a reassuring hand over her. "Princess, stop fidgeting. Everything will be okay. My mother will love you and Rose will be present as well."

After her confession at breakfast, I'd been consumed with my thoughts and my temper simmered for hours, until now when my anger threatened to boil over. That didn't mean I wasn't aware of Bella's discomfort. I was in no condition to offer her the solace she required without snapping and so I chose to remain silent. This time I turned my head in her direction, letting myself appreciate her appearance. As if a magnetic gravitation hummed between us, I leaned across the backseat of the limo and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You are beautiful, princess," I grunted, not sure why I was so surprised. She could be clad in a towel and look as stunning as she did now. I let my knuckle drift along her jaw. "You're always beautiful, Bella."

And she was. After a visit from Jane to do her hair and makeup, she looked like a prized jewel. I'm not entirely sure when it happened but I suppose she'd become a rare diamond to me. Her burgundy tresses were wound into a French twist, bobby pins with light blue flowers held the smooth bounty tight to her head, the glossy locks catching the light flickering through the window. Her makeup was done to perfection, the black liner she wore giving her an exotic look as it tilted upward, and the curl of her lashes was hypnotic.

Ripping my attention away from her mesmerizing eyes, I glanced down at the dress hugging her curves in all the right places. Her bodice cupped her breasts, the small swells tempting me to forget this dinner and ravage her on the way home.

Of course, this meeting was far too important to blow off. I needed my father to know, I would under no circumstances comply with his arrangement while simultaneously trying to keep my rage in check. If I let on to his deception in the slightest, I would ruin the whole arrangement with Alice and Jasper, and I needed all the eyes and ears I could get to find out what the sneaking son-of-a-bitch was up to.

A light pink, the color of peonies, brightened her pale cheeks and she attempted a smile before her lips thinned, and her gaze dropped to our joined hands. "Thanks, Edward."

Releasing her fingers, I wrestled with the tie wrapped around my throat. In all the years of business, this was the first my suit felt too fucking restricting. I wanted to rip the layers of fabric from my body, my skin itching and burning with irritation. I wanted to storm the castle and press the fucking king to the wall and strangle the bastard with my bare hands. But even more than that, I wanted to make my father pay for his grievances toward our family. I wanted to look Mateo in his eyes and tell him what a colossal error he'd made in placing faith in my father.

My apprehension grew with every minute that ticked by and when the limo pulled up to the iron gates outside of my childhood home, I felt ready to burst out of my skin. My nostrils flared and my jaw ached as hard as I clenched my teeth. I had my attention pinned on the house looming in the distance and didn't notice Bella resting her hand on my thigh until their lightweight slid along my leg. When I looked over at her, my heart thumped in my chest, and a blinding pressure eased, allowing me a lungful of air.

"You look like you're ready to murder someone," she murmured, her fingertips gripping the muscle beneath her hand in an attempt at reassurance. "If you need me to do anything just let me know. I want to help get you through this, you know." She lifted her bare shoulder in a slight shrug, her eyes locking with mine as she said, "You've done so much for me, Edward. Let me help you if I can."

Some of the ire died while I stared at her. She was so genuine and composed, lending me a support I didn't think she was capable of. I tossed her a playful wink, my lips tipping at the corners, letting the charm I had ooze from my pores. "Baby, if you want to do something for me, just keep looking at me like you are now. I don't think I've ever received such a sweet gift in my life." there was such warmth and radiance in her gaze it was hard to tear my eyes away. I kissed her knuckles, smiling playfully up at her. "How are we coming with that pet name, princess?"

She wiggled in her seat, and I knew she was remembering the results of our last conversation about pet names. I fully intended to renew those sensations too, as soon as I dealt with the louse that was my father. Her pulse fluttered under the knowing weight of my gaze locked on hers. She bit her bottom lip and if I wouldn't smear her perfectly applied gloss, I would kiss her senseless right this moment. "I have …"

Bella didn't get a chance to finish because the limo had stopped at the side entrance, and the driver was already opening the door. "Hold that thought, princess …"

I ducked out of the car, the gravel crushing beneath my feet as I turned and offered her my hand. Her fingers gripped mine, gingerly stepping onto the drive, wobbling slightly from the heels she wore. She took in a lungful of warm summer air, and I could feel her gathering her courage to face off with not only my father but our special guests. "You have more friends than enemies here, princess. There's no reason for you to be nervous."

"That's easy for you to say," she mumbled, as I turned us toward the side entrance. "You are used to this. I mean, damn, look at this house. I feel like a mouse in a lion's den."

"Are you kidding me, woman? You look like you were born for this place," I stated, looking her up and down, pride filling me, knowing I got to claim this remarkable woman as mine. The thought made my heart increase in tempo. She was my woman. No matter how this arrangement began, my attachment to her was growing by the day. With this knowledge, I pressed a kiss to her temple. "I think we need to talk later, princess. There's something important we need to discuss about our situation."

I could have chosen a better time to drop that bomb, I decided. Bella's face filled with worry and Tomas, my father's butler, stepped out of the house, giving me no chance to hint at what our discussion might entail. So, technically, I had botched the whole evening with my ill-timed remark. Her fingers dug into my bicep in a death grip like she was terrified to let go. If only she knew I didn't want her to let go.

Fuck.

"Evening, Mr. Cullen," Tomas greeted with an elegant bow. I tipped my head in answer to the butler while he held the door wide. "The party is waiting in the parlor, sir."

"Is Emmett present?" I wanted to know, knowing I would need fortification to deal with Carlisle. If I entered that room without my brother, I might blow.

"Yes, Mr. Cullen. Everyone is present," he explained, leading the way toward the parlor. "Dinner will be served after drinks, sir."

I was completely thrown by my mother's appearance. She looked a tad unsteady on her feet, dark circles lining her eyes, and her cheeks were hollowed out. Even though her complexion was pasty white and I feared she would collapse if she moved, she rushed forward with the brightest smile she could manage. "Hi, baby," she squealed, her voice breaking in her excitement when her gaze locked on Bella. "Who is this lovely creature?"

The words dried up on my tongue. Even while my mother was elegantly put together, it was obvious her illness hadn't improved since I'd last visited. A pang of guilt knifed in my chest over my negligence. I should have come to check on her, and when she discovered I'd married without her knowing, she would be utterly devastated. Clearing the regret from my throat, I urged Bella forward, saying, "Mom, meet my wife Bella."

"Your wife," she cried in dismay, every head in the room whipped around in our direction, and the dagger in my chest deepened. The hurt in my mother's voice would haunt me forever, and there was no way to make it right for her. Her eyes sparkled with anger as she glared at me, and Bella's hold on my arm tightened. I knew my wife thought my mother's reaction to my introduction was in regard to her, but I knew better. "How could you keep such a beautiful creature to yourself, Edward? And why the hell wasn't I invited to the wedding?"

I didn't get a chance to answer or apologize because Esme was already tearing Bella from my arms. Rose wasn't far behind my mother, wrapping an arm around Bella's waist and drawing her in close. "Hi, honey. I'm so happy to have you in the family. When Edward stopped in the bakery the other day, I nearly fainted when I realized he'd married you. He couldn't have chosen better."

Bella's head whipped around to find me as my mom and sister-in-law whisked her away. Even though I felt like an asshole, I winked encouragingly at her. Hurting my mother was the worse feeling, and knowing I had, was torturous–especially with the new revelations I'd learned this morning.

I strode deeper into the parlor. Pouring myself a glass of Scotch, I headed to where Emmett hovered next to the women, letting my gaze survey the other side of the room. Carlisle, Mateo, and Ginerva stood huddled together, and a fiery blaze ran up my spine. My gaze collided with black irises, a dark brow lifting as Mateo leaned in close to my father breaking the intensity of his stare, I glanced at Emmett. "I cannot believe he dared to have Mateo and his daughter come tonight. What the hell is he hoping to prove?"

"I think we're about to find out," Emmett answered, his chin tipping in their direction. I looked up just in time to see Carlisle and Mateo crossing the room, with a hesitant Ginerva following close behind. "Stand tough, brother."

"No problem. I want to rip that bastard's throat out," I gritted out between clenched teeth just as they came to a standstill before me. Glaring at the man responsible for fathering me, I ground out curtly. "Father." His gaze crackled into mine, and I could feel the rage emanating from him in thick waves. With a cocky grin Carlisle hated, I transferred my attention from him to Mateo and held my hand out. As his firm grasp closed around my hand, I greeted, "And I presume, you are Mr. Ricco."

"That I am," he stated, standing at an angle as he urged Ginerva to come forward. "May I introduce you to my daughter, Ginerva? She's been looking forward to making your acquaintance."

Even though my insides were grinding under my skin, I turned to Ginerva and took the hand she offered. Instead of bringing it to my lips for a kiss on her knuckles–she was likely expecting–I shook it gently. Surprise glittered in her soft brown eyes like the gems sewn into her dress. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ginerva."

"Edward, Ginerva would have been a Princess in Italy if the monarchy hadn't fallen. You should address her with the recognition she deserves," Carlisle's clipped tone admonished. His stance was rigid and his spine ramrod straight, no forgiveness in his eyes.

Just to piss him off further, I nodded to Ginerva, "Miss Ricco, you will have to forgive my lack of manners, but I only regard one woman in this room as a princess. Bella," I called, catching the attention of the women sitting on the couches. My wife instantly rose and walked with purpose to join our party. "Miss Ricco, I would like to introduce you to my wife. She's my princess."

My calculated cutdown wasn't intended to offend Ginerva but to draw an unwavering line–a line that wouldn't be crossed. Her painted red lips parted and her brow wrinkled in confusion as Bella slipped an arm around my waist and I drew her closer. "I wasn't aware you were married. When was the happy day?"

The room was so quiet one could hear a pin drop as they awaited my answer. The princess oozed animosity as she looked Bella up and down. The good Princess Ginerva didn't appreciate the woman who'd taken her place. To rub my intent home, I let my hand wander over Bella's hip and drew her closer. "I was so smitten I had to make her mine as soon as possible. We've been married for a week now."

"So new," she hissed, her gaze left my hand on Bella's hip to meet mine. "How did you meet such a lovely creature?"

She said the word creature as if Bella was a snake who'd slithered onto her path. The curl of her lips was a blatant show of distaste and irked me to no end. "We had a chance encounter that led to marital bliss. That's all you need to know, Miss Ricco."

"Edward," Esme called, stepping into the middle of the showdown in her parlor. "What's going on?"

A humorous laugh erupted from my throat as I pinned Carlisle with a hard stare. "Dear dad was hoping to chain me to an arranged marriage with Miss Ricco here–even though, days ago, I told him of my nuptials to Bella. Apparently, he was hoping for a different outcome by insisting on me meeting her. He's sadly mistaken, however, I happen to take my vows seriously."

"Carlisle, what are you thinking trying to sell our son off into a marriage to a woman he's never met?" Esme's shock was evident and my chest squeezed when she looked close to vomiting all over the expensive Persian rug. Her hand held her belly, her gut obviously churning, a wounded light dimmed her gaze as she studied her husband. "You've been acting strange lately, but I never would've thought you would do something so barbaric. Bella is a beautiful young woman, how could you disregard the sanctity of their marriage like that?"

"I guess that answers my question about whether Mom knew or not," I ground out, leaning some of my weight against my wife.

"Woman, this has nothing at all to do with you. This has to do with business …" Carlisle nearly snarled at my mother.

His harsh tone caught me off guard. I had never heard my father disrespect my mother in such a fashion. My blood began to boil and I started to step forward until Bella's hold around my waist tightened. Gritting my teeth, I had the pleasure of seeing real fear enter Carlisle's eyes. "You ever speak to my mother like that again, I swear to God, Lucifer himself won't hold me back, old man."

At the same time that I faced off with Carlisle, Emmett growled next to me, taking a step toward Carlisle. "Watch who you're speaking to, Father. If I hear that tone directed at my mother again, you will have a bigger problem than Edward to deal with."

Carlisle appeared as if he would respond, yet Tomas entered the room, announcing dinner was being served. Promptly, he turned on his heel, and ushered his guests toward the dining room, leaving his family to follow in his wake.

Suddenly, I felt beyond exhausted. I wanted nothing more than to leave this house and never step foot into it again. I wanted to lay down on my bed and cradle Bella's head on my shoulder and stay there for the next month. Perhaps after everything was settled and I had a chance to tell her I wanted to keep her, we'd go away for a honeymoon of her choice–if she decided to stay with me of course.

The ring glittering beneath the low-lit parlor lights drew my attention. Somewhere along my way, I had fallen–or was in the process of falling for my innocent wife. She might know the streets of Chicago like a trooper, but there was so much I wanted to teach her, show her, and the way her hand caressed my side, and her electric current zapping me when our gaze connected, solidified the intensity of that feeling.

"Looks like dinner went to shit," Emmett acknowledged, tossing the last of his brandy back before setting his glass on the silver cart. "The rest of the event should be priceless."

As soon as Carlisle and Mateo disappeared, my mother shook her head, aiming her attention at Bella with a warm, faltering smile. "I'm sorry about my husband's disrespect, my dear. Come, I want you to sit beside me at dinner."

When Bella's arm slipped from my waist, I caught her fingers in a firm grip, holding her to me. "Not too far, princess, I want you close to me."

Affection warmed my mother's gaze when Bella's lips turned up in a pleased smile. With both of the most important women in my life exuding happiness, my chest welled with satisfaction and feeling rejuvenated by the sight, I escorted both lovely women into the dining room.

Please review ...