*All characters belong to Stephanie Meyer and the Twilight Universe*

EPOV

I was LIVID.

The injuries on Isabella were not from an inanimate object. I've seen many injuries, some on my own body, that looked the same as hers.

Being born into the Mafia isn't a choice. My Father, Carlisle, has been King of the Chicago mafia for fifteen years. Since we were sixteen, he began teaching my brother and me the ins and outs of this life. My Mother, Esme, she's always been the core of our family. In this life, I've been told that women are supposed to be the hearts, while men are supposed to be the muscle. It's deceit, because Esme is a perfect shot with a gun, and has always shown the most strength in the family.

Esme was abused, before Carlisle met her. It wasn't until Carlisle put a bullet in her abuser's head, that she became his; The abuser, Esme's Father- the leader of the Irish wing of the Chicago Mafia. Carlisle killed him, without order from his King, his Father.

The Cullen's are Italian Mafia royalty, who reside in Chicago for the ports. Shipping containers, filled with guns or drugs, that's how we make our living. Before the World became bitter, the only thing that was illegally dealt, Parmigiano Reggiano. Believe it or not, the Mafia used to eliminate enemies for cheese.

Alice, my little sister, now 22 years old and married to Jasper. She's a strange feat, our Alice, but I would never not believe her word. I can recall the day she was born, because Esme nearly bled out from placenta previa. My Grandfather had to stop my Father from putting a bullet in a young intern's head. Perhaps that was the first time I saw Carlisle holding his weapon.

I would like to do what Carlisle did to Esme's Father, to Isabella's abuser for what they did to her. Pulling into the parking deck at my building, I couldn't help but run my hands over my face in agony.

"FUCK!" I shouted in torment, my fists banged against my steering wheel.

Making my way out of my Vanquish, I walked up one flight of stairs and entered the password protected lobby. Instantly I spotted Maria, who works reception on the night shift.

"Hello, Mr. Cullen" Her accent must be Spanish.

Slightly nodding towards her, "Maria."

"Can I assist you with anything?" I do need to let off some steam..

"No, thank you. Have a good night." Ah, pleasantries.

With Maria's eyes burning into the back of my skull, I got onto the elevator and pressed the "P" button. My penthouse was quite large, with four bedrooms including my master suite, and high ceilings throughout. While pouring myself a scotch, I couldn't stop my mind from reeling about Isabella. Fantastical doe eyes, a heart shaped face, rose lips, and ivory skin that gleamed. Her blush was delightful, and I believe she thought she hid it from me.

Seeing her lovely skin battered with black and blue, it reminded me of how my Father always spoke and dealt with abusers. In the Mafia, there's a golden rule, women and children are invariably off the table. Once sons become of age, they can be allocated with. Within the Mafia, we protect our women, usually wives, that's just how it is. There isn't a world of domestic abuse in our Mafia, and we have ways to deal with it.

The sound of my fist meeting the punching bag was elating. The muscles in my wrist and hand palpated with every hit. My head was spinning with thoughts of the petite, bruised, brunette. Mid work out, I knew I had to contact Jenks.

He answered on the first ring, "Sir?"

"Jenk's I need to investigate a situation. Do you have time to get me information for tomorrow morning?" Jenk's is head of security for Jasper, Emmett, and me.

"Sure. Name?" See, simple.

"Isabella. I have no last name, but she's an employee of Jasper's at Eclipse."

"I can get her name. How much information are we talking about, sir?"

"Basic demographics and background check."

"Tomorrow, 6 AM, sir."

"Thank you, Jenks. Be thorough with this one."

"Always do, Sir." Disconnecting the call, I rubbed my temples. Jesus, what is with me?

This random innate need to know more about her, it's unfamiliar to me. Being known as the cold one, perhaps heartless at times- I had no idea how to handle this burning within my chest. It could be feasible that my connection to her is because of Esme. Right? No one should ever lay a hand on a woman, and whoever did, deserves to suffer.

BPOV

Drip

Drip

Drip

The sound of drops of water hitting the metal drain is what woke me. I should really get that fixed. Glancing at my bedside table, the time read 7:00.

"SHIT!" I got up with a start, "Ow, dammit."

Quickly washing up using the sink and some soap, I found deodorant and scrapped some on. I put on a gray long sleeve shirt, tucked into mid-rise blue skinny jeans, and pulled on my black high top chucks. Running out of the house, I grabbed my cosmetics pouch and my dark purple knit scarf, a gift from my Mom.

After making it through the door, and locking it, something occurred to me.

"MY FUCKING CAR!" I huffed while running my hands through my knotted hair. The events of last night lit up like a Christmas tree in my head. The Adonis drove me home. My truck's still at Eclipse, and I have to be at work in twenty minutes. Yanking my cell from my back pocket, I immediately dialed Jasper.

Ring

Ring

Ring- Please pick up.

Ring

"Darlin', do you have the wrong number? It's 7 am.." I have no time for banter today.

"Your brother gave me a ride home last night, now I have no way to get to my other job. Can you give me the douchebag's number?" In hindsight, Edward wasn't a douchebag, not last night.

I heard some intakes of breath and what sounded like a large man laughing and saying "Bro!"

"Douchebag speaking. You're on speaker phone, Isabella." Fantastic.

"Are you going to get me to my truck? Or should I walk to work?" More intakes of breath.

"For someone so small, you sure are demanding. I'll be there in five."

"Do you remember-" Click.

All I wanted to ask was if he remembered where I lived. He seems to be on edge constantly, opposite of Jasper, that's a fact. I took the stairs slowly, probably looking as if I were 90 years old, then sat on the cement in front of the lot to wait.

Two minutes later, an all black SUV pulled up. I got up and went to go to the passenger side, but there was a man I didn't recognize sitting in the driver's seat. A driver? My mind was going in circles. Why would Edward need a driver? I stood there, bewildered.

I heard a door open, and Adonis walked out, "Are you going to get in the car?"

Adonis was in a suit, it was navy blue, and perfectly fitted. He wore Ray-Bans over his serpent eyes, and his hair looked as if he put his hands through it a lot this morning. He continued to stroll over, and opened the door for me, holding his arm up as to say "get in".

I slid into the comfortable leather seat, looking at my surroundings. Unsure about how I felt with a stranger driving, although, Edward's a stranger- isn't he?

"Sometimes I get around with a driver.." Oh, he's back in the car.

"Thanks for getting me, I really can't be late.."

"Where to then, Isabella?" I like it when he says my name.

A bit dazed, I said, "The Newberry Library."

I could hear him huff, "Library?"

"Yes. I work there, as an assistant. I basically sort books for eight hours a day."

The car began to move, "Isn't that… Dull?" I smiled slightly.

"No. I enjoy tedious work, especially when it comes to books."

He let out a sigh, "Do you enjoy tedious work so you don't have time to think?"

"Aren't you perceptive?" I said jeeringly.

"I do the same thing, Ms. Swan." I inhaled sharply at the realization that Adonis and I weren't so different.

His eyes, now uncovered, starred into mine. His jaw was hard, but he had a sly grin that lived on his lips. There was no way he'd ever want someone like me. He was fuck hot, but I was damaged.

I exhaled and looked at him, "Thanks for the ride. I would've been a few hours late if I walked."

"You should never have to walk anywhere, especially alone, Isabella." His perfect face looked contemplative after he said it. Yeah… I know, I'm not the "it" girl.

The car pulled up in front of The Newberry Library. My hand moved to the handle, but his hand on my shoulder stopped me. His touch courses through my skin, like he's hot grease, I'm cooking, and the grease spills on me. It's impossible to ignore, and by his face, perhaps he feels it, too.

"Are we going to address the issue at hand, Isabella?" He was serious.

"What issue, Edward?" I spat.

His eyes looked at mine, and for a second I saw his shield release. Adonis looked genuinely concerned.

"I can't…" My words were easy to say, yet hard to swallow. "I can't do this now."

Pulling the handle to the door, I exited the car. Looking back I saw his face, and I felt abominated. Edward looked broken, like me, I thought.

"Could you have lunch today?" I asked wearily. "I have an hour at 1 pm." I looked into his eyes, suddenly, the Edward from before was back.

"Manny's, then. 1 pm." I curtly nodded and closed the door.