Hello everyone,

Like I said a few chapters ago these chapters are very important for this story. I love all of your amazing responses and that is why I work so hard to give you a story that grabs you all by the heart.

I could separate it and continue on in separate stories but I am not going to do that. Instead of posting in separate stories, I am marking them by parts.

Part one after this chapter is complete. I will post part two right here so don't go anywhere. This story is so far from over.

I repeat this story is not over. I will post part 2 right here. And the best part is, there is no waiting. PART 2 will start Monday.

Also, come find me in the group JM Gaff on Facebook.

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Bella was in a trance as she made her way into Edward's study later that night with his supper in her hand. She staggered back a step when she found an older gentleman present, standing to Emmett's right. The expression on Emmett's face gave her pause as she assessed the situation.

The second her gaze lowered to the Bible in his hand, understanding dawned on her. Her nerves soared causing her hands to tremble.

Holy shit, this was real. Her wide eyes darted between Edward, Emmett, and the clergyman. It appeared in minutes she would become Edward's wife.

A wild, concerned shadow-filled Emmett's gaze as he looked at her. Desperation oozed off his thick form, his back ramrod straight, his arms stiff, laced with tension. "Bella, you don't have to do this. You have other options. You don't have to marry Edward, it will never be …"

"Emmett," Edward growled, staring down at his desk as the anger he associated with him roared to life. "If you say one more word—."

"You will what?" Emmett dared, unconcerned with the clergyman next to him. "Bella doesn't need to marry you. Is this what you want, Bella? To marry a man that is no more than a block of ice? A man who will always love a picture—a fucking ghost?"

Suddenly, she wished—she wished for a whole lotta shit, but if she were marrying this man, she wished it were under different circumstances. Emmett's play on her fears had her insides freezing.

Only she wasn't marrying Edward for love. She was marrying him to gain her freedom. Obviously, Edward hadn't elaborated on their situation.

The jitters controlled her movements as she set the plates with their dinner on his desktop. Her hands shook so bad, Bella was forced to clench her fist to still her nerves. "Emmett, this what I need—have to do. I appreciate your concern, I really do." Shrugging, she turned her attention to the ruthless mafia king. "Edward and I have an understanding."

"Bullshit," Emmett mumbled beneath his breath. The muscle in his jaw flexed, his face turning an odd shade of red as he tried to control the rage. Ripping his gaze off of Bella, he stared at the floor. "Do whatever the hell you want."

She passed Emmett a fleeting glance before returning her attention to Edward. As soon as her eyes locked with his, she was caught in the web of desire. Breathlessly and full of nerves, she licked her lips, "Are we really doing this now?"

"Is there a better time?" Edward asked, clearing the husk from his voice. He'd never imagined taking this step with anyone again. The idea of pissing off the mayor was just too good to ignore, however. Then there were a few more perks, he decided, his gaze skating up and down Bella's form.

The pastor looked between Edward Cullen and a girl he'd seen a handful of times, still shaken by Emmett's outburst. That seemed to be the least of his worries, however.

Everyone in Kennett knew exactly who Edward was and his chosen profession, even if no one dared to speak of it. As for the girl, he did recognize her as the woman who was engaged to the mayor. What the heck was Cullen getting him into?

While Edward Cullen was tied to the mob, the mayor had his hands in everything. Jeffery hardly believed the young lady was willingly engaged to Winthrop. If the mayor ever found out he was the one who backhanded him, he'd be in a ditch somewhere. Lifting gray wiry brows in Edward's direction, his lips trembled. "I hope you plan on providing me and mine protection after this."

"Whatever you need, preacher man. Get on with it," Edward stated curtly from behind his desk.

Bella passed the pastor a crooked smile. She barely comprehended his question as he asked if she were a willing participant. With a slight nod, all the air froze in her lungs and she swore she hadn't inhaled. She was too much aware of the man still standing behind the desk.

They were by no means a loving couple. She wasn't an idiot, but even if this was all rigged to help her escape the devious plans orchestrated by others, she would've thought Edward would've at least come to stand next to her. Bella threw Edward a questioning look as the preacher opened his Bible. She could've kissed the preacher when he asked the question plaguing her mind.

"Would you like to stand near your intended?" The phrase left Jeffery's lips before he could retract them. Obviously, this wasn't the typical wedding ceremony but he couldn't dismiss the tension hanging in the air. He was still a man of God, and he wouldn't bless a union that seemed forced by any means.

Edward's jaw ticked under the scrutiny of the preacher. He didn't like being questioned or dictated to. Then his gaze found Isabella and there was distinctive hopeful light brightening them. Some of the tension evaporated, and he rounded his desk to stand next to her.

Emmett scoffed and shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe this was happening. Bella was far too smart to get involved with his brother. Of course, judging by the surveillance footage he'd been reviewing, perhaps not. Edward and Bella had randomly been sneaking around for a minute.

Edward might have let Irene go. For Bella's sake, he truly hoped that to be the case. If it were, however, this ceremony wouldn't be held in secret. Edward has expressed to keep this as confidential as possible. Even if he wanted to thwart the mayor, were these extremes necessary?

He glared at Edward as he took his spot next to Bella. Emmett was so wrapped up in his thoughts he barely noticed when the preacher began to speak. This was happening and no one gave a shit what he thought about it—least of all Bella.

As soon as they decided on this path, Edward had ordered a rushed license, not really seeing the point in prolonging the inevitable. He felt a daze take hold of him as Jeffery recited the words to bind him to Isabella, and with each word, he noticed the distance between them deteriorate.

He wasn't sure if he moved or Isabella but suddenly she was standing at an angle and her shoulder brushed against his pec. Her scent swirled in the air, tempting him to bury his nose in her hair. Without realizing it, that's exactly where it wandered. Breathing her in, he relished the euphoria taking his senses by storm.

The preacher's brows lifted when they both mumbled their I do's, he wasn't sure what type of union this was, but he imagined there was something far greater between this couple than either of them were willing to admit. As he watched, they seemed totally oblivious to his presence at this point and a whole new energy whirled in the air.

Slowly, Jeffery closed the Holy book, murmuring, "You may now kiss your bride."

He could virtually see the air popping and snapping with friction. Any moment the room would fizzle into a burning inferno and there would be no putting out the blaze. While he was very interested to see the next several minutes play out, he quietly backed away and left the study.

Emmett growled at the absurdity. He wasn't a fool, he recognized the chemistry between Edward and Bella. That was just one more rock in his shoe. Hearing the preacher declare they could solidify their union with a kiss was too fucking much. Without a backward glance, he slammed out of the office unable to watch it.

Edward stared at his wife. He'd said their marriage was an opportunity for Isabella to obtain her freedom. He'd meant that with his whole heart, yet at this precise moment, he wasn't feeling like he wanted to free her at all. He wanted the exact opposite in fact. He wanted her bound to him in all ways, but was he ready for the implications of that?

This was not a love match. Like Irene, their union was dictated by circumstances. Even so, Edward leaned forward brushing his lips against Isabella's. Their kiss deepened with each sweep of his lips until mouths fused together. Her gasp of surprise or hunger was Edward's undoing, and he pushed his tongue deep with explosive want.

Before Edward was aware of what he was doing, he had her pressed against his desk, his hands sliding down to cup her ass. Effortlessly, he lifted her to sit before him and stepped between her parted thighs. Ravishing her mouth, Edward pressed his length into her welcoming cove, wanting the feel of her warmth wrapped around his cock.

Bella was sailing in an ocean of uncertainty. She wanted Edward beyond comprehension. She'd never encountered this type of craving before and the word bride was her undoing. She was so lost, her arms encircled his neck and returned kiss after kiss.

Even with these undeniable currents sweeping through her, there was some lingering hesitation. How could she accept this man knowing their relationship would never be a traditional marriage? God, she wanted him. She would no longer deny that to herself, but she needed to set some boundaries. Otherwise, she would fly right off this cliff without a backward glance, completely losing herself in this man that would never be truly hers. Shakily, she broke their kiss, and with light pressure, she forced Edward to back up. "We have to stop, Edward. I-I've been thinking we shouldn't do this … ahhh."

What was she saying? Edward backed away breathless, his head hung as he braced his weight on the desk. His fingertips whitening as he maintained a grip on the smooth surface. Clearing his throat, he sighed. "What are you talking about?"

Bella hated this. She hated not knowing what their future held. She hated not knowing if he wanted her beyond this chemistry that tied them together. While she loved the dazed lull of attraction to this man, he was becoming harder and harder to resist. Of course, their exploits made it all the more confusing.

"I just think that with the definition of what this marriage means or doesn't mean, we should establish some boundaries. I mean you didn't marry me because you wanted to, right? You did it to save me—which I appreciate …" Bella's words trailed off as he closed the distance between them, kissing his way down her jaw.

Her fingers slid into his hair, fisting the silken strands. At this point, she wasn't sure if she was trying to stop him or hold him in place. She hissed as he licked her ear. "Aaaaah, fuck. Edward, we got to …"

Rational thought bounced from her mind as his lips locked with hers. Just a few more minutes and she would regain control of the situation. Finally, when Edward smothered the tender skin of her neck in open-mouthed kisses, she managed to open her eyes, and instantly the truth of their situation became clear in her mind.

Breaking free, she leapt from the desk and paced toward the window. "We really need to discuss this, Edward. I mean, what happens when I decide to leave now? What about Charlie? The mayor? They're both going to be pissed."

Edward stared blankly at the woman he had just sworn to love and protect until death do their part. Yeah-he'd uttered the words with the intent to set her free, but hearing the words fall from her lips seconds later had his breath turning to acid and the fire in his gut churned.

He didn't want to let her go. She'd worked a handful of miracles since coming here and he wasn't ready to watch her disappear from his life. He had promised that was the purpose of the marriage, however, and as much as he hated the thought—he would honor the plan he'd set into motion.

If she wanted to walk out those doors at the end of this then she could. His nostrils flared as Lily sprang to mind and then the rest of his family. They had all welcomed Isabella into their lives with open arms. If they learned the truth, that this union was built on thwarting the mayor, they would all be devastated.

Which meant—they couldn't know. Disappointment reared its ugly head, leaving a foul taste on his tongue. What had he expected? Did he expect her to recognize a bond between them?

"You're right. We should put some boundaries in place." Sighing, Edward turned away and went to his desk. Dropping into his chair, he studied her. "We probably shouldn't tell the family. I would hate for Lily to be devastated when you 'leave'. It wouldn't be fair for her."

Bella was so frustrated she wanted to rip her hair right out. She could lie to herself all she wanted. She could say she hadn't fallen for the heartless cad lurking behind his desk. She could say it. She could think it. But fuck. When did the thought of walking out of this house leave her feeling so fucking lost?

Suddenly, she wanted to withdraw her caution and steamroll ahead. She wanted the bastard more than she was willing to openly say. Why? Because he wasn't such a bastard. When had he grown a heart? What was that look on his face? He looked sad. Had the thought of her leaving made him look that way?

So many questions. So much that needed direct answers. Instead of voicing any of her hesitation and concerns, she nodded her understanding. "I agree. It wouldn't be fair."

"What were some of these other boundaries you were speaking of?" Edward dropped her gaze, staring at the flat surface of his desk before returning to look at her. "The kissing and touching? What about that? You asked if there would be physical contact. Was that still something you wanted?"

Fuck yes, she wanted that. Was it wise? Hell no. "I do, but this is so crazy. I've never had a fake marriage before. I don't know what we should or shouldn't do. I think I just need a breather to get my thoughts in order, ya know. I just …"

She needed to separate herself from this man. She needed to know what it all meant for him. She didn't want to be a distraction for the moment. Then what the hell did she want? Easy—suddenly the answer was crystal clear. She wanted everything.

"A breather?" His brows rose and fell as he digested her statement. Lifting from his seat, he glanced at their dinner sitting on his desk. While his hunger burned hot, his appetite had nothing to do with food. "Okay. You take your breather. I have some business to attend to."

Bella was on the verge of calling him back as he pulled the study door open and stepped out. She didn't really want a breather. Fuck. Now, what was she going to do?

Then it dawned on her where she stood alone. His study, his sanctuary. Whether Edward Cullen realized it or not, he trusted her far more than he would say. With warmth building in her chest, contributing to the fuzzy need welling within, the intimacy of the gesture spoke volumes.

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Part One

Complete

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Part Two

Starts Monday