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

EPOV

Waking up is never difficult for me, being in the Mafia means you're on call 24/7. My work phone and regular cell are on throughout the night, my brother's and I always have to be prepared for my Father to call. The entire night I thought of Bella. I sat up in bed, on my laptop, and tried to Google her, for God's sake. She had no social media, which I preferred in a woman, given my illegal line of work. I'd have to wait for Jenk's to give me a thorough report on Isabella.

The time on my phone read 5:00 AM, it was time to prepare for the day. I hopped in the shower, which had the best water pressure in Chicago, and let the water fall on me. Usually I spend around ten minutes in the shower, but today I was speculative about Bella. I'm not a good person, I have killed hundreds, but the Italian Mafia detests anything that deals with disrespecting women.

Stepping out of the shower, I heard my phone vibrate near the sink. Immediately, I picked up "Cullen".

"Questa è la mia linea, figliolo." (This is my line, Son.), Carlisle's voice was steady.

"Papà, c'è qualcosa che posso fare per te?" (Dad, anything I can do for you?)

"There's a shipment coming into the IPD at dusk and we need to intercept it. It's supposed to go to the Volturi's to sell to us, but I believe they're trying to scam us." Carlisle's instincts were veracious.

"We'll go and grab it then. If the Volturi's men are there-" He cut me off.

"Aim to kill." Carlisle's voice never wavered.

"Sì papà." The line clicked, the call was over.

I put on my Gucci suit, with my Bulgari Octo 41 mm watch- black leather with gold accents, my personal favorite. Grabbing my wallet and keys to my Porsche Cayenne Turbo, I headed out to go to Emmett's.

Emmett and Rosalie's home was outside in the suburbs of Chicago. Since business is conducted in city limits, Emmett has a condo near mine. The building is only a few blocks away, but I prefer to always have transportation ready. Two minutes later, I arrived in the parking deck, taking up two of Emmett's reserved spots.

His building wasn't so different from mine, I made my way to the elevator, typing in a code to be let up on the penthouse level. I knocked three times on his door, heard a faint "come in", so I opened the door. The smell of espresso hit my nose instantly. Rosealie wasn't a nice person, but she sure as hell made a mean espresso.

Emmett walked up to me, espresso in hand, "Let's get this over with bro".

Taking the espresso like a shot of vodka, I walked over to his office "Has Jasper arrived?"

Emmett looked at me and rolled his eyes, "Che ne pensi?" (What do you think).

We sat for a few minutes waiting for Jasper to arrive. We heard the door slam open and his annoying ringtone blaring. My sister is married to this. I inhaled deeply, reducing the tension headache that had already begun.

*I'm gonna take my horse

To the oldtime road

I'm gonna ride,

Like I can't no more*

"JASPER! Pick up your fucking phone!" Emmett and I roared.

"Jesus, Okay…" He clumsily retrieved his phone from his jacket and looked at me with a grin.

"Do you have something to say to me?"

His grin grew further, "It's Bella!" My heart sank into my stomach. Why is she calling Jasper?

"Answer it!" I almost screamed.

"Darlin', do you have the wrong number? It's 7 am.."Again with the pet names.

"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?"

Emmett was next to me barrelled over trying to hold in his laughter. I swiftly smacked him on the back of the head, "BRO!"

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

"Are you going to get me to my truck? Or should I walk to work?" Jasper and Emmett both looked at me with teary eyes.

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

"Do you remember-" Jasper hung up the phone before she could finish speaking so he could laugh mercilessly.

Standing up and adjusting my sports coat, "Well, I'll see you later, assholes."

Isabella barely spoke in the car after my driver and I picked her up. She looked muddled about the driver. We briefly spoke about her job, which I know now to be at a public library. Bella disliked my confrontation style, yet she agreed to come to lunch with me.

I quickly made my way back to the office so I could read through the file Jenk's got me on Isabella. Walking through the corridor of the offices for my Import and Export company, I realized I truly didn't know any of my employees. They just stared at me, frozen in time, waiting for me to get to my office. My secretary was out for the week, so I went to her desk and transferred all the messages to my phone.

The file was on my desk when I walked through the double doors of my office. The skyline could be seen from the floor to ceiling windows behind my desk, it was a powerful sight to behold. I tediously organized everything on my desk to my liking, then began my deep dive into Bella.

Isabella Marie Swan

Born in Forks, Washington to Renee Dwyer and Charlie Swan.

Charlie Swan occupation: Chief of Police in Forks, WA

Renee Dwyer Occupation: Unsure

Phil Dwyer (Step Father) Occupation: Minor League Baseball player

Isabella Marie Swan, now 22 years of age, graduated from Forks Highschool with a 4.0 GPA, and was accepted into The University of Chicago for English Literature major with a minor in Research. She was an honor student, and graduated Magna Cum Laude while working two jobs to pay for her education. A job at Eclipse Nightclub three times a week, and a job at Newberry Library as a Library Technician.

No felonies or misdemeanors were found against Isabella Marie Swan. Along with no speeding tickets, or write ups with any law enforcement. Isabella Marie Swan's record is completely clean and has never been wiped.

Phil Dwyer, Isabella Marie Swan's Step Father, has accumulated over 1 million dollars in gambling debts. Phil Dwyer lost his money in gambling debt in underground Casinos in Chicago, IL. Phil Dwyer has been threatened by Garrett Lefevre multiple times. Lefevre owns over ten underground Casinos in Chicago, IL. and is 30 years old.

Isabella Marie Swan has been seen multiple times with Lefevre, (see photos below).

The photos included in the packet showed Bella with this Garrett person. In one photo he had his hand snaked around her with his hand on her ass, but she looked uncomfortable and fearful. This is how Isabella got injured. She's trying to make up for her step father's debts.

BPOV

My job was calming for me. Organizing novels by category and alphabetically, it was uncomplicated. My entire body was throbbing, but I couldn't afford to miss work.

Phil's debts were the reason I couldn't afford anything right now. Garrett was the reason I was broken. While taking my fifteen minute lunch break, I googled Edward Cullen. I found a Chicago Post article I was interested in.

Edward Cullen, #3 of Chicago's most Eligible Bachelors

Born as a Cullen Heir, Edward Cullen was a millionaire before he was born. Today, he's a multi millionaire on his own. Owner of Import and Export company, EC Export, he's made a fortune for himself.

Graduate of Vanderbilt University, Edward Cullen is a catch. His striking green eyes and athletic body make him one of Chicago's most eligible Bachelors.

Edward Cullen has been seen with few ladies. It seems he prefers to keep his personal life private.

Why is he interested in my situation at all? If he's truly one of Chicago's most "eligible bachelors", he could do much better.

I continued stocking returned books to the proper shelves for hours. The clock nearly read 1 pm when I realized I agreed to meet him at…SHIT, I forgot.

I made the decision to take my lunch anyway, which I hardly ever ate. I only took my break to rest and escape the library for a bit. Stepping out into the busy streets of Chicago, I wrapped my scarf around my neck, and went to my usual spot. It was a small table overlooking a park, but I enjoyed the view after staring at the spines of books for hours.

Sitting was grueling with my injuries, so I laid back on the bench seat. I closed my eyes for what felt like a minute, and woke to the annoying vibration of my phone against the metal table. It didn't occur to me to check the caller I.D.

"Hello?" I said sleepily

"I believe we had lunch plans, Isabella."

DAMN, that jerked me out of my languor, "Right.. I forgot!"

"My car's infront of the Library, I've come to pick you up." His voice was always stern, so businesslike.

"I'm actually not at the Library, I'm at a park nearby. I'll just meet you at the car in a minute or two."

"I'll swing around to the park then." Before I could protest, I heard the engine of his car. Not even 30 seconds later, a fancy dark gray SUV pulled up to the park's entrance.

Walking as quickly as I could, I made it to the car. Prior to opening the passenger door, Edward jutted out of the driver's side and ran to open the door. How gallant of him.

Entering the car, I sat back in the plush leather seat, careful not to move too rapidly. As Adonis entered, I looked up at him, "I can open my own door".

He smirked a sideways grin at me, "you could have opened that door, but the body mechanics to do that would've made your injuries worse" Oh.. not chivalrous.

"Feeling any better today?" His smirk was gone, and cold Adonis was back.

"Uh.. well, no." This man proffered honesty.

"I'm guessing you haven't seen a professional, either."

I rolled my eyes at that, "you guess right."

"I have a personal doctor, if you'd feel more comfortable in a private setting, and it would be off the record.." I couldn't let him continue that sentence.

"Why the fuck do you care so much!?" I almost screamed.

He was completely unaffected by my yelling, "You do enjoy cussing a lot."

I gave him an evil glare, "that didn't answer my question".

"I didn't consider it a question, I believe that was an outburst." He smirked again.

I huffed out a breath, "let me out of the car!"

"I will. Once we arrive at Manny's." ASS.

The audacity of this man. Who does he think he is? He was raised on a silver platter, so he believes he can push everyone around. Spoiled, conceited, ASS.

I sat silently the rest of the way. This guy could be taking me to sell me to sex slavery for all I knew.

We arrived at what looked like a hole in the wall, it actually took me by surprise. A millionaire coming to this part of town was unpredicted.

"Can I get out now, your highness?" I spat and opened the door. I swear I heard Edward mumble something before exiting.

Walking up the door in front of me I attempted to open it, but it was locked, with signs of foreclosure on it.

"Isabella, this way." Edward's hand beckoned me to walk around the side of the building. Now I was seriously getting sex trafficking energy. I accepted my fate and followed Adonis.

We walked to the side door and he let himself in. There were two large men in suits standing post, were they guards?

The larger of the men greeted Edward, "Mr. Cullen", with a slight nod. We walked back into a sitting area. The lights were dim, the tables small and wooden, with little candles on each one. He pulled out my chair, and I sat slowly, trying not to aggravate my ribcage.

He sat and looked at me, "This is Manny's, the best Italian dining in Chicago. It's just private."

"How would I have possibly met you here?" I asked, intrigued to hear the answer.

"Don't be dense, Isabella. I would've gotten you." He answered suavely.

"I'm sorry I'm so dense, Edward. This situation is wildly confusing to me." I snarked back.

He pulled a pill bottle out of his suit jacket pocket, and reached over the table setting them down in front of me.

Edward cleared his throat, "Pain medication, which you would've gotten if you went to see a doctor. They're strong, so take half of one to start."

I took the bottle off the table and put it in my bag, "Thanks."

A server came over to the table, he was an older man with a prominent mustache,

""Signor Cullen, è bello rivederla. Il solito?" ("Mr. Cullen, it's good to see you again, the regular?")

Edward looked at him and responded, "Grazie, Reggie. Il regolare anche per il mio amico." ("Thank you, Reggie. The regular for my friend, also")

Reggie walked away, and I looked into demanding sage orbs, "What's your regular?"

Edward looked at me in revelation, "Parli italiano?" ("You speak Italian?")

"Solo un pochino. Ho letto alcuni romanzi italiani." ("Only a little bit. I've read a few Italian novels.")

He smirked, "Sembra che ci sia molto da imparare su di te, Isabella." ("Seems there is plenty to learn about you, Isabella.")

I held his gaze, "allo stesso modo, Edward." ("Likewise, Edward").

Reggie strolled back over to us with two plates of Bolognese.

Edward thanked him and looked back to me, "Questo posto ha l'unico Bolognese che rivaleggia con quello di mia madre." ("This place has the only Bolognese that rivals my Mom's.")

I smiled at that, "Beh, grazie, sembra fantastico." ("Well, thank you, it looks fantastic.")

We both began eating. It was noiseless, but pleasant. Reggie brought over a glass of red wine for Adonis. It's considered normal in Italian culture to drink with lunch and dinner, although I had no idea Edward was Italian.

Edward stopped Reggie before he left the table, "Reggie, ti dispiace se condivido la tua storia con Isabella?" ("Reggie, do you mind if I share your story with Isabella?")

Reggie looked over to me and gave a sweet smile, "Certo che puoi." ("Of course you may.")

As Reggie walked away, Edward looked at me, "Reggie knew my family back in Italy, before the Cullen's came to America. His wife used to take care of my siblings and I when we were children. Unfortunately, when we all came to America, Reggie got involved in a dangerous habit, and owed a large sum of money to some people. My Father knew Reggie was good for his money, and paid his debts for him. Now he runs this restaurant and makes his own money, giving some to my Father every few months so he'll eventually pay off his debts."

Beginning to feel disoriented due to the topic of the story, I took a sharp intake of breath and winced, "Edward, why are you telling me this?"

I felt my heart thudding in my ears. Everything began to go blurry, except for Adonis. Inhale, 1234, exhale, 1234, inhale 1234, exhale 1234. My calming technique was futile. I'm almost positive I was hyperventilating. I felt a hand on my left arm, and saw that Edward pulled his chair next to mine.

He looked so undisturbed, "Isabella, bevi questo." ("Isabella, drink this").

Taking the wine glass from his hand, I began chugging the glass. It took only thirty seconds until he poured me another glass. I felt more relaxed knowing alcohol was going through my bloodstream.

I exhaled heavily, "Do you know Garrett? Are you collecting for him? Please, don't hurt me. I have some money, I pro-"

He interrupted me, "Isabella, I promise you, I am not here to hurt you."

"Then why… Why did you tell that story?"

He took my hand in his, "When I saw your body in Jasper's office.. I became fearful for you. My Mother was abused as a teenager and young adult, and it reminded me of her. I looked into your background to see if I could find out who did this to you. My security got me the information, and it had the details of your Step Father's debts. I saw a photo of you and Garrett Lefevre, he owns the underground rings in Chicago which is where your Step Father grew his debts. I know Garrett Lefevre did this to you, Bella."

Standing up abruptly, I snatched my hand out of his, "What the FUCK were you thinking!? You could get me killed, Edward. THEY'RE DANGEROUS." I walked out as fast as I could, ignoring Edward's voice calling me.

Stepping into the alleyway next to Manny's, I attempted to catch my breath. I walked out to the backside, and felt an electric shock on the side of my neck. I was being pulled into the back of a vehicle. I heard the roar of an engine, and a man's voice.

Before I knew it, everything went black.