28

Bella's eyes dart around the room, avoiding me.

"None of which she has asked for. They are just things I thought she'd enjoy," she defends. "And for the record, I buy Alice stuff too. She just leaves the bags by my door. She's still bitter about me mentally bitch-slapping her boyfriend into next week."

I open my mouth to argue that she's spoiling them, but Bella stands up and opens the spice cabinet. She returns and sets a small gift bag in front of me. "I'll stop doing the things that bother you so much. Maybe I can go hang out with Jane during the day. I'm sure she could use a volunteer somewhere at V.C. I got you this, and I marked all over the price tag so I can't return it. Feel free to throw it out—I don't care. Other than watching over the girls and protecting you from Jasper, I won't be a bother from here on out. Enjoy, Mr. Cullen."

She's out of the room before I can say anything, and the guilt sets in as soon as I hear the soft click of her bedroom door shutting. I reach into the gift bag, and I can't help but chuckle.

It's a coffee cup covered in poop emojis.

To match your favorite pajamas ~Bella is written on a small tag tied to the handle.

I'm an asshole. I didn't set out to be one. It's not like I woke up this morning dead set on being a dick to Bella. I damn sure didn't think my asking her to step back a little would hurt her feelings so deeply. It's obvious that I need to apologize, and we need to set some ground rules.

With the girls, it's easy to say I'm sorry.

Angela likes Books-A-Million, and Alice is obsessed with iTunes. I have a few gift cards hidden away in my desk for emergency situations.

What do I get a female vampire I've deeply offended?

I look out the back door. I suppose I could try catching her a squirrel, but I know her taste in animal blood veers more toward the carnivores. She'd probably laugh in my face if I brought her a rodent for a snack.

If I could even catch one, that is.

I should call my mom. She'd know what to do. Well, considering the fact that I still haven't told my parents about our new houseguest, she's probably going to yell a lot. And maybe call me a dumbass for hurting Bella's feelings. Especially considering she's the President's daughter, and my mom wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for V.A.M.P.

Shit.