Chapter 30
Part I
AN: Hi guys! Guess what? I recently got married… and for some coincidence I married on September 13th. It was a beautiful day, and it got me thinking that I should write about a marriage as well. Anyway, I went on a lovely honeymoon, came back to work, and somehow ended up staring at my computer screen thinking that I should finish this story, and that I was a long way to write a HEA, because I can't rush it.
So here is the first part of chapter 30; I'm sorry it's unedited. This is dedicated to everyone who is still bearing with me. Thank you.
Tuesday came and greeted us to a singular sunny morning. I woke up early, just before sunrise, and without planning found myself wondering outside and yielding to the need of just being me and enjoying the little alone time I was given. It's funny how you only learn to appreciate those small tidbits of solitude when your life becomes overwhelming. I often welcomed the busy schedule and the endless amount of work, but recently I just kept complaining about "being dog tired", even though my dominant state was one of frustration and anxiousness.
As I walked and neared the edge of the ancient stone steps that led to the maze, my eyes wondered along the dewy leafs that sparkled like little diamonds in an emerald sea. On the left, there were the statues Edward showed me just a few days before, and they seemed as anonymous in the distance as they were when in its close vicinity. My mind was cleared as the late wintry air inflated my lungs. Strangely enough its cold renewed my strength and in that fleeting moment I was happy, I could see far beyond the glistering green lake of bushes and grass, and suddenly the world was such a wonderful, dependable and unbroken place, filled with beauty as far as I could see. The birds were singing an elaborate orchestra in the distance just for me, creating the perfect beat for the marathon of life. Just keep breathing in and out, I taught myself. In again, holding as much air as possible in a forced inspiration until it burnt and the earthy smell of the dewy morning was just a remembrance, and out. That was bliss.
I tucked my earphones in its place and listened to Grieg's Morning humming as the sun went higher in the sky, the shy morning rays greeted me and I bloomed with just a hint of warmth. I wasn't going to venture on the maze on my own; instead I decided to look at it from my privileged point of view, and that was a life lesson, because even from there, I wasn't sure I could follow the intricate pattern. So I closed my eyes and just listened thoughtfully to the song, there were no butterflies but as I deprived my brain from seeing somehow for three minutes my heart was filled with beautiful colorful butterflies. As the song ended, the sun was completely above the horizon making it clear it was time to go back.
"Good morning, sunshine" Edward greeted lazily as he entered the library where I was working relentlessly on my presentation. Waking up early just got me – two hours, I realized looking at my watch. I wasn't able to get anything done in regular hours (given the family gathering and the second full time job), so I placed down my pen in surrender knowing it had to wait for a few more hours to continue. Obviously the no sex rule went down the drain, closely followed by his bad temper.
"Hi, did you sleep well?"
"Like a log. You're the most comfortable pillow one could find." He added leaning down for a kiss that I responded briefly. "You're skittish today," he accused.
"No more than usual," I answered.
"Well, obviously more than usual." He said looking at me dumbfounded.
"Not sure what you mean. You're still up for some male bonding today?" I quickly diverted.
"Of course, I'm taking your father and brother to play some rugby later today, not that padded thing you play in America."
"That's still on?" I asked casually trying to figure out how much time I had for myself that day.
"I promise I'll bring them back in one piece," he teased. "I can't think of nothing better to let off some steam. It's new to me, you know, wanting to please your girlfriend's dad. It's more nerve wrecking that I suspected," he mused with a mix of annoyance and surprise.
"That's good to know," I smiled encouragingly. "I think it's a good thing you're putting an effort into this, and really trying to get along with my family. It says more about us than anything else." He eyed me for a while, pondering my words, and my message didn't fell in arid soil because his answer was a bright smile. "My dad is really going?" I checked.
"Of course, but I'll go easy on him." He reassured me before adding "I won't extend the same courtesy to your brother."
"You know he played football in college, right? Not to mention he doubles you in size…" He looked at me quizzically, not in the least amused because of what I was implying. "I know you're taller, but you have to admit that he's somewhat bulkier." This was another understatement.
"After today you'll never imply that I don't have just the right amount of strength to get what I want," he stated as he moved predatorily in my direction and lifted me like I weighted no more than a feather, tearing the articles I recently printed into the ground as well as the colored pens of the specific brand that helped me through med school, grabbing me firmly against him and forcing my legs around his waist. "Now, where were we?"
"Okay, I'm convinced. You're a big strong man," I teased, but was impressed nevertheless.
"You missed the opportunity for a peaceful surrender; you're going to capitulate on my terms. I believe you'll rephrase what big and strong means in your dictionary," he taunted before he kissed me. At some point, my hips gained a will of their own and I couldn't stop rolling my pelvis against his, and a simple kiss escalated in full force to a very messy foreplay.
"Lift," he demanded after he deposited me over the desk grabbing the hem of my jeans and pulling down.
"Edward, someone might come."
"I hope so." He answered between kisses. His hands were everywhere, like he couldn't decide where he should place his attention. Somehow his left hand ended up pushing my panties to the side, and his index finger probing, circling my vagina without ever entering it. Just when I was completely wild and squirming for some extra friction, he suddenly penetrated me, forcing a guttural moan out of my mouth. His lips parted from mine in that moment and he closed his eyes briefly, before refocusing again on my face again and restarting his relentless ministrations in a demanding movement. He almost forced that orgasm out of me, because out of nowhere I moaning his name incoherently as I pulled his thick hair and buried my face in his neck. He continued thrusting for a while, going deeper and deeper; and only after I was boneless and completely satisfied, did he quietly come inside me. He could barely stand as his muscles twitched spasmodically after his orgasm.
We lay there for a while regaining our breath. I was a bit flushed not only because of the physical morning demands, but also because suddenly I remembered that we didn't bother locking the door. I have always been somewhat shy about everything sexual. Maybe because my mother was almost flamboyant about it or maybe because I just never found someone who I was really attracted to and could help find what made me tick. Nevertheless, it still surprised me that given our circumstances he could arouse me almost to the point of oblivion. I never thought I could separate the intellectual from the sexual, but with him it was evident that it was a possibility. How else could I justify my aberrant behavior?
He kissed me gently on the forehead before pulling away from me. "Have you had breakfast? I'm famished now," he said as he leaned down to pick up my discarded jeans kissing inside my knee as he came up.
"I think I need to shower first."
"Let's eat first. You need sustenance woman; otherwise you mind end up disappearing. Hadn't your teachers in med school warned you against the risk of skipping meals?"
"Yes, but I'm grimy because someone hates condoms."
"I don't hate condoms; I just don't see the point in using them since you're on the pill. Besides, you feel amazing without them. I've always been careful before and I'm clean as you're well aware since I sent you my complete medical history. I know it's very primitive, but I just love the idea of coming inside you."
"Now you'll say that it makes us connect in an unexpected way…" I added with sarcasm.
"No, it's just hot as hell," he smirked.
"It's not just about diseases I'm worried about. Like everyone else, I've forgotten my pill on some occasions, I work in different time schedules and I do night shifts. The condom is just an extra precaution."
"Did you forget your pill this month?"
"No."
"So, we're okay. Bella, we're adults. Everyone knows that people having sex while in child bearing age always face some risk of pregnancy. In the unlikely event of you becoming pregnant, we would deal with it together. It's not the ideal situation, but it's not like we can't afford to support a child."
"There's more about raising a child than to provide for food or clothes."
"Yes, buzz killer, but may I remind you that you're the one who first brought up the conversation about babies?"
"When did I do that?" I asked finally zipping my jeans and getting some space between us.
"Two days ago. Now that I remember it, I'm still mad about it. I don't fancy the idea that my girlfriend goes out and gets drunk with another man."
"Another man who works for me as my bodyguard. Edward, we had this conversation yesterday and I won't repeat myself today."
"Of course you won't, but can you see the double standards? What if I came home completely drunk after spending an uncertain amount of time with a woman who fancied me?"
"Mathew doesn't fancy me like that. He's my friend."
"He's a man who spends more time with you on a daily basis than I do. He's a man who is uncomplicated and clearly infatuated with you, that doesn't come with any baggage attached to him and who gives you a sense of security. Don't you think I have reasons to be a little concerned?" his voice grew lower and deadlier as he spoke.
"I am not the sort of woman who dates two guys at the same time. The thing that speaks louder than words is the fact that even with quote 'all the baggage that comes with you', end of quote, we're here. I'm here. There's no reason for us to be together aside from this madness that pulls us in. Every rational cell in my body is screaming at me to get the hell away from you. But I'm here." I say the last three words slowly emphasizing my point. His green eyes were assessing me, trying to read my body language. "I've told you all of this before."
"That man is not supposed to be your friend. He's your bodyguard so that alone prohibits him of having feelings of any sort towards you; it's unprofessional," he huffed annoyed, but there was a glint of something in his eyes that denounced his thoughts.
"Oh no, leave Mathew out of this; I forbid you to do anything against him. Do you hear me Edward?" he was already walking away towards the door and I couldn't see his face.
"Doing anything against him is beneath me. It would mean that I saw more into this than there was. Should I read anything between the lines, Bella?" He asked. As he spoke, his voice became almost inaudible; I was surprised how his seemingly quiet voice could be so menacing. "It's quite refreshing to see you acting the jealous part," I said nonchalantly, "it's actually quite of an ego boost." I complemented with what I hoped was a coy smile.
"You'll be the death of me." He said more to himself as he came back for one last kiss. "Let's make ourselves presentable for breakfast. I'm really starving"
"I'll be there in a minute; I just need to pick up the papers that someone threw unceremoniously to the ground."
I surely had a death wish because a leopard never changes his spots and that got me thinking that I had to know if there was anything into J's suspicions and aside from that, I had the Greta issue to solve. She had been loyal to me so far and a huge help. Without her I wouldn't have gone beyond the first month and she deserved credit where it was due. Nevertheless, she deceived me into promoting James Hunter. Love made you do a lot of silly things; I knew that from my own experience. Did I want to antagonize someone who was for all intents and purposes my right hand, or should I make her see that she temporarily misplaced her loyalty? That got me thinking that a scorned woman is a fearsome beast to behold, and maybe, just maybe, I could turn this situation around in a way to benefit me. With that devious thought in mind I confirmed that the library's door was locked before calling J.
"Do you think it's wise to go play with the boys?!" I teased my dad over breakfast and everyone laughed.
"Yeah, yeah, make fun of the old man. You'll be surprised kids, and then we'll see who'll be laughing by the end of the day."
The bantering continued throughout the meal, and as I looked around I was happy to see that everyone was having a good time. Edward was on his way to be embraced as a prospect future Swan-family member, I could see that clearly; it boggled me how easy it was for him to be charming when he put some effort to it.
"So, what are our plans for today?" Rosalie asked after receiving a tender caress from my brother, as he was leaving.
"I didn't give it much thought," I said, which actually meant I didn't remember she'd be staying in the house. "Why don't we go to London for some shopping?" I asked. "We can call Alice and she could make you some company while I pass by the office to sign some papers."
"I don't want to disturb your schedule if you have to work."
"You're not. I need some girl time, but unfortunately there are a couple of things that need my attention today."
"Some things that may require Edward being engaged somewhere else?" she asked probingly.
"You know me too well. Nothing goes by unnoticed by you, does it? Are you sure you don't want to come and work for one of my companies? That trait alone is a huge asset."
"Are you offering?" Rosalie turned serious.
"Would you consider it?"
She got up from her seat at the table before answering my question. I'd love to see more of them, especially now that the family was growing.
"You know, with the baby I'm becoming somewhat weaker, I don't know how to explain this, but facing the world alone doesn't appeal to me anymore in the same way that it used to. I'd like my son or daughter to grow knowing you, Grandpa Charlie, my parents and maybe even Renée. That won't happen if we're living in Sydney. If something ever happens to me or Emmett-"
"It won't." I interrupted.
"It might. And if it does, our children would be better it they knew and loved their family. That's why I have something to ask you."
"What?"
"Will you be the baby's godmother?" She asked.
"Of course, Rose, I'd be honored."
All of a sudden we were both crying happy tears and that precious moment would forever be locked in my heart. That's how I became the Godmother.
Bad joke, right?
"Would mind if we make a small detour before going to London?"
"I knew it. Where do you want to go?"
"Can you be discreet?" She nodded affirmatively. "Felixstowe."
"Should that name mean anything to me?" Her curiosity level was rising but I didn't want to get her too involved.
"No, it's a deep sea port that supplies the whole country of several goods. But we're actually going to Ipswich hospital."
"Are you planning on working there?"
"No," I laughed. "I honestly have no intention of leaving Seattle for the time being. I'm visiting someone who worked in Felixstowe and who injured himself in an accidental explosion."
"That seems straightforward enough. Why can't Edward know about it?"
"Because he was acquainted to Henry and I think he knows something I need to know."
"Like what?"
"I honestly can't tell you, but I do need you to back me up on this. I might not have a chance like this in a foreseeable future. Things with Edward are complicated to say the least. I just need to make sure that he's trustworthy."
"If you don't trust him why are you entering in a serious relationship with him? I thought you were clearing things between you two. Yesterday Emmett was just saying that Edward is growing on him. You introduced him to your father as your boyfriend and he's sleeping here when your father is here on vacation. How much more serious can you get? And you're telling me that you don't trust this guy? Bella, are you out of your mind?"
"Rosalie, don't give me a headache. I know what I'm doing. Please trust me."
"You have to spill the beans if you want my cooperation."
"Rose, I'm sorry that I can't tell you, but it's important to me."
"Okay. But only if you assure me that this is safe. You're not getting yourself into trouble, are you?"
"No, but if my suspicions are correct, someone will be in trouble. Anyway, I hope you don't mind but John will drive you to London and I'll meet you there as soon as possible."
"It'll take you hours."
"Take your time getting dressed. I'll fly in a helicopter to Ipswich and then from there to London. We'll meet for lunch at Verta Hotel since it has its own helipad and is conveniently close to Alice's apartment. She's at work but arranged to take some time off. I'm worried about her, I'm sure she can use the distraction."
"What is there to be worried about?"
"Too much, Rose. I'll see you at lunchtime." I waved goodbye and headed to the helipad in front of the house running because the clock was ticking.
I chose to have just Mathew accompanying me, there was a lot less hassle that way because John had some sort of understanding with Edward about what they considered to be my safety; I rented the hotel's helicopter and arranged for a private meal in an al fresco terrace with Rose, Alice and to my utter shock Esme as well, while the boys went out. Edward was taking them to see real life rugby training, lunch and after that they were going to play with his mates.
"So what's in Ipswich Hospital, Bella?" Mathew asked as we took off.
"There's someone I visit."
"A friend?" He inquired.
"No, definitely not a friend Mathew. That's why I need you with me." And suddenly it hit me that what I was about to do might be dangerous.
"Should I call John?" and because he didn't for an answer out of me, he grabbed my hand tightly and insisted, "Bella, should I call John?"
"I don't want anyone knowing about this little escapade. As far as John knows, we're going to the MorePharm building. No one must know about this and that includes John. Do you hear me Mathew? Now, there isn't any foreseeable danger, but I know better than to wander alone. The count on the attempts of assassination is at two, for the time being. I'd like to leave it at that; I'm not looking after a third."
He looked concerned and had every right to be. "Mathew, nothing is going to happen. No one expects me there. We have the element of surprise."
"Just tell me what we're going to do and let me work from there," he chastised.
"I'm visiting Rowland Hall. He's the son of Mr. Hall, one of the minor shareholders of MorePharm, I believe he was Henry's friend."
"That's really nice of you. Why the secrecy then?"
"I think Rowland got injured doing something naughty. Seeing his reaction to my visit will be enlightening in a very important matter."
"He betrayed you?"
"His father betrayed Henry's trust and I think they're trying to pull the rug beneath my feet. I can't let that happen, can I?" I eyed him and he was smiling back at me, with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
"No, you can't. But going there is enough for you to let him know that you know what he's been up to?" he questioned amused. Saying it aloud actually made my logic appear somewhat dim.
"It would make sense if you knew the whole story, but you don't. And before you ask, I'm not telling it to you either."
The rest of the trip was quiet. He was studying the emergency exits of the hospital in case we needed to hurry for some reason. The helicopter would have to land in a nearby helipad of a country house turned hotel because unfortunately not even billionaires were allowed to use the hospital's helipad, but it still saved us nearly an hour.
"Welcome to Hintlesham Hall hotel, Dr. Swan. It's a pleasure to be of service," a gentleman greeted as we came off the chopper.
"Is my car ready?"
"Of course, this way please."
"I'm impressed; you thought everything through in advance." Mathew complimented as we entered a black limo. "Except to use a different name and a car that is less conspicuous. At least the limo isn't white," he teased.
"Edward is babysitting my dad and my brother, John is only expecting to meet me in two hours, Greta is in London answering a pile of emails and Professor Walker doesn't meddle too much into my personal life. Rosalie will be delaying John's departure giving us an extra hour. If we're back in London in time, no one will raise questions."
"I'm pretty sure His Grace will question the simple fact that you came to London accompanied exclusively by me. He won't like it and he'll probably seek for more information when he finds out about that small detail."
"Has he threatened you?"
"I'm a grown man, Bella." And that meant he did but I wouldn't hear more about it. "I was actually kind of flattered to find out that he considered me competition. His type would never even bother to notice me in regular conditions. I've worked for the late Duke for about a year before he died, and I have seen the current Duke during that period of time on a few occasions, but he never even said hello, let alone knowing my name."
"It's not exactly a good thing to be in Edward's radar, Mathew. If anything bothers you, I want you to come to me immediately."
He was a little disgruntled by my affirmation, because he stared at me for a while before asking "if that's how you feel about him, what the hell are you doing dating him? Are you insane?" Trust Mathew to be honest about anything.
"Have you been talking to my brother?" I joked. "I'm well aware of how this may seem to you but the truth is a little more complicated. I owe Edward a lot, my life even. There's more depth to him than he shows, but I'm not delusional into thinking that his feelings for me, whatever they may be, actually changed who he is and how he operates. I'm really not that gullible. I've trusted you, Mathew. Please, don't throw that trust back in my face."
"I'm the man for this job; but you already knew that. Haven't you?" He put as he looked at me for a while in a way that was making me uncomfortable. I never noticed his eyes had such a dramatic blue coloring. "There isn't much I wouldn't do for you, if you asked," he whispered, his eyes never leaving mine, "but I'm afraid you already know that as well and saw beyond the inconsequent flirt."
"Mathew, I honestly don't know what to say."
He took my hand and brushed his lips lightly and the moment seemed to vanish, just like the landscape in the background of the car.
"The hospital is just around the corner. We don't have much time… Now, I'm back to being your bodyguard so always stay close to me," he ordered and he breathed deeply and slowly until the limo door opened. "We'll use the stairs; he's staying on the third floor. I don't want you standing still in the same place for long."
"I'm sorry, Miss? Where do you think you're going?" A nurse asked as we entered the ward. Getting there was pretty straightforward until that point.
"I'm sorry, my name is Dr. Swan, and I'm here because Mr. Rowland Hall was admitted to your hospital just a few days ago. I know this isn't the right time but I'm actually under a very tight schedule and decided to give it a try and say hello to him. He works for my company, and his father was a beloved friend of my grandfather. I just want to make sure everything is alright and if I can be of some assistance. It'll take no more than five minutes, I can assure you."
"And who's that fellow next to you?" she eyed Mathew with suspicion so I guessed the truth was the best. "He's my bodyguard."
"I'm sorry, what did you say was name was?"
"Dr. Swan, Isabella Swan." I extended my hand towards her and read her tag. "It's nice to meet you Sister Jenkins."
"You're the elusive heiress the papers are talking about. I think it's very nice that you find time in what must be a very busy schedule indeed."
"I hope this visit remains anonymous, Sister. I have a lot of trouble to keep my private life private. I assure you that your discretion will be dutifully awarded."
"I wasn't planning to tell anyone that you were here," she said clearly offended and irritated by what I was implying.
"That's why I believe you deserve a reward. Something for the Hospital, perhaps? I like to feel useful helping causes that may go unnoticed by many but that are just as important as other with better publicity. Mathew will take your number and leave his contact so that we can stay in touch." I smiled. "I mean it when I say that it was really nice to meet you. I'll just go and say hello to Rowland."
"Five minutes, Dr. Swan. Mr. Hall has an exam a CT scan at eleven."
While Mathew exchanged numbers with the nurse, I entered the room quietly closing the door behind me. The man was alone and clearly injured so I didn't see any immediate threat. The man in front of me was around thirty years old, but some white meshes of hair were starting to show. It didn't go unnoticed how battered he was; a very badly bruised left eye stood out. Aside from that, his face was reddish, as well as his torso, probably from minor burns. He wasn't seriously injured from what I could tell. His right arm was bandaged and he had cast on the right leg as well, but he was breathing evenly, without a sign of distress.
"Mr. Hall?" He opened his eyes to my voice, clearly surprised to see me. In just a few seconds his face went from surprised to inquisitive and then to scared.
"Do I know you?" He stammered.
"I'm Dr. Swan. I don't think that we were properly introduced before and that is very unfortunate." I smiled.
"I'm sorry; the name doesn't ring any bells."
"Isabella Swan. I was told that you were in hospital and decided to personally stop by and see how you're doing. I'd love that the friendship that blossomed between His Grace, Lord Henry More, the late Duke of Vidal, and your own father could flourish again, even in such tempestuous times."
"You shouldn't have bothered, really."
"I didn't feel a postcard would convey the appropriate message."
"What are you really doing here?" he asked, but there was more than annoyance in his voice. He seemed afraid. "You want to check if your lackey did everything right?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," but his question just confirmed what J said. "I just wanted to see how you're mending and to check if I could be of any assistance. I regard Henry's friends as my friends as well."
"Is this a bad joke? What do you want, really? Are you saying that there's a way of my accusations could just vanish?"
"You're facing real time in jail, aren't you?" I slipped, damn it.
"Why ask when you already know the answer to that?"
"I might be of some assistance at a reasonable price." I decided to try to take some advantage of the situation, considering that the cat was out of the bag. But truly, was I expecting that he returned the shares just like that?
"What?"
"Nothing much if you consider that all those shares you and your father managed over the past few years were bought without Henry noticing to whom they were being sold. Let's just imagine for a moment that those shares return to their rightful owner, maybe something could be done about it."
"Does Edward More know you're here? That's exactly what he asked for, but I don't know if he agrees with you in the part of who's the rightful owner; anyway his request was refused because we don't know what you're talking about." What did he think he could get with his half-truths and denying the obvious?
"I'm not to be trifled with!" I said pausing between each word, trying to seem menacing. "You should choose your friends wisely from now on, Rowland. I'm really offering an olive branch but that offer may not stand for long. Think about it please or I'll let you rot in jail and I'll make sure your father makes you company. How's that for a family vacation?"
"I still don't know what you're talking about." He was testing me, so in a hasty decision I decided to thread on muddy waters. For years, Henry didn't sense anything wrong with Mr. Hall, so I had to assume that Edward picked up on something different. What if the son was the one who messed things up because he got too greedy?
"I'm sorry to bother you then and I do hope you get better soon. I'll just drop by your father's office today and compliment him on the extraordinary education he bestowed upon you. I have no doubts that he'll love to know that his son has accomplished so much and was planning on outgrowing him? An apple never falls far from the tree." I stopped assessing his reaction and realized I hit a home run "honestly, he'll be nothing but pleased."
"I wouldn't dare to assume as much," he gulped. Apparently he was more afraid of the senior Hall than from Edward. That was a massive turn in the day's events.
"Well then, maybe because I'm sure you need time to rest and recover your strength consider yourself from this day forth on a permanent leave from work; I know how you'll be very worried about it and about who would fill in for you while you were gone and I'd just hate to know that there was something always hampering your recovery. Am I being clear enough for you?"
"You'll pay for this, you know. I'm not like Cullen; I don't care how sweet your cunt tastes like."
"Well, Mr. Hall, you're almost making me blush. It really didn't have to pan out this way, but in any case you should get in line." I turned my back to him and went for the door. Just as I was about to leave, I couldn't help myself and added "you should have trusted the second instinct you felt towards me because a certain amount of fear is healthy; it could save you a lot of trouble. Do you really think I was chosen to be Henry's heir because I was cute? Have it occurred to you, very provident people that you all are, that maybe Henry More made sure to choose someone who could match or even outdo the current Duke?!" He was thrown back my affirmation. "I'm leaving now but you should call your father since I'd love to know what you have to tell. The wonders of modern technology. I won't take more of your time, you should have your CT scan done right about… now," I said looking at my watch and then at the nurse who entered the room in that moment. That finally earned me the terrified look on his face I was after. Surely he was now wondering if I had his every move traced.
I wasn't sure that I should have come out as strong but first I needed to stop the word going around that I was inept, second I wanted him out of my company, and third I managed to confirm that Edward was definitely involved in this mess. Now I only had o find out in whose benefit, his or mine.
"Thank you, Sister Jenkins. I'm sorry I overextended somewhat my stay but I was just about to leave."
"I would be happy if this conversation never leaves this room. Surely you don't want to worry my dad over nothing," he almost yelled as I walked into the corridor.
"Naturally, I think you and I will be great friends," I answered and he nodded paying special attention to Mathew that had just come into view, and who nodded as well gravely.
"What was that about?" Mathew asked as we went down using the emergency stairs.
"I just had the most enlightening conversation."
"I'm sure you had. Hall's father is on his way up, so we're taking the side exit. The car is just outside."
The flight to London was pretty uneventful and a lot quicker than I assumed, so we landed at half past noon over the hotel's helipad. Soon after, I was chaperoned to the terrace where our meal was going to be served. I still wasn't used to all the pomp that everyone seemed to inflict upon me. Frankly, everyone expected me to behave in a certain way, and I'm pretty sure I disappointed them every time, and that they often found my manners lacking. I never ordered the most expensive food or knew what wine went with what food, I didn't close stores just for my amusement, and I didn't wear obscene amounts of jewelry. All in all, I was a pretty boring billionaire and I guess that's what kept the media attention away from me. That and all those great connections that came with the inheritance.
Twenty minutes after I arrived, I was greeted by Rosalie, who was talking to Emmett on the phone.
"Hey, your brother is asking you to check your mobile phone. Edward tried to call you but it went directly to voicemail," she said.
"I left it at home."
"She left her phone at home… Oh, hi... We're having lunch with your mother and your sister; they should be getting here anytime… You want to talk to Bella? Sure, she's right in front of me." Her eyes were gleaming mischievously because she knew I was a bad liar.
I took the phone from her hand mouthing thank you before saying into the speaker "Hi, Edward. Are you guys having fun?"
"Why didn't you pick up your phone?" he nearly barked.
"I left it at home."
"I called John who told me you flew to London with Mathew. Care to explain?"
"Is this going to be World War 3?"
"Yes. It will."
"I don't think we should talk about this over the phone, do you? Look, I'll be with the girls for the rest of the afternoon and you can call any of them if your stalker tendencies overrun you."
"Bella, I'm very upset right now."
"So am I, actually. Mathew is my bodyguard and I trust him with my life. You're the one that said that I shouldn't be alone, and Rosalie couldn't fly because she might get sick. After all it was a little windy and it's still very early in her pregnancy. You're the one with a past, and I'm not constantly on your back. Get your act together because it's getting old. This lack of trust is disrespectful to say the least and I won't have any of it. Is this clear enough for you?"
"It's not you I don't trust," he said after a while. "I don't like the way he looks at you."
"For God sake, Edward, how does he look at me?"
"Like I do."