Chapter 11

Nailing It

A/N

SM owns it all…

The end of this chapter has a death – sorry it had to happen sooner or later. It's not the one we're all waiting for – but it might be a little graphic to some. There's my warning – hope it's not too bad for you.

Next chappy won't take as long, I swear!

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! Food, family…Black Friday deals – what more can you ask for? I went out at midnight to Macy's and spent the wee hours fighting mobs and hunting down deals…home by 5ish and then slept most of Saturday away.

On with the show….

E-POV

The Volturi Family contacted Carlisle for a face to face meeting. No details were given over the phone.

Just that a meeting was needed.

Carlisle called Marcus; Marcus called me.

Marcus works as an advisor of sorts to Carlisle and often represents Carlisle in important meetings not only within our own Family but with other Families as well.

His official title in this thing of ours, consigliere.

When a boss gives orders, he issues them in private either to the consigliere or directly to his caporegimes – or capos. The insulation between the boss and operational acts is a necessary form of protection.

That's how it works in a nutshell.

I knew the upcoming meeting wasn't a good sign and I didn't know how late I'd be 'working' tonight so on my way to meet Marcus I dropped in to see Bella.

I had been tense about this meeting most of the morning – just a bad feeling in my gut but seeing Bella working behind that display counter I love watching her clean so much brought a sense of peace.

She looked up, her whole face lighting up with her beautiful smile – the smile she reserves for me, "Hey!"

I loved her smile – my smile. Loved it even more that I was the one that put it there.

She walked from around the counter with a to-go cup and I gladly wrapped my arms around her and pulled her in close. I buried my face in the top of her soft hair, my eyes rolling to the back of my head as I inhaled deeply. I don't think I'd ever get tired of her scent. It's sweet, it's innocent and at the same time sexy as fuck.

I quickly kissed her head as she pulled away. Not all the way though, I kept her pressed against my side. "Here…" She handed me the cup she had been holding.

I looked over head towards the back, "You got a crystal ball back there I don't know about or do you always have this ready?"

With an eye roll, she giggled and shook her head. "Nope, no gaudy crystal ball – too tacky and too breakable. That would never be practical."

"Not practical – of course." I agreed in mock seriousness. She wrinkled her little nose up and I nipped at it. "What was I thinking?"

"I have tea leaves, though." She rubbed her small fingers together in the air and circled her hand around – like she was offering a demonstration. "I sprinkled them in an over-sized mug, I like the red ones best by the way, and swished them around with just a splash of unsweetened green tea." She crinkled her nose up and waved her pointer finger at me. "No sugar – that's key. Sugar just makes a goopy mess and everything gets all muddled." She shuddered and I tried to keep from laughing at her antics. "They formed a capital E and I knew – so here it is ready and waiting for you….just the way you like it."

I looked down at her and raised my eyebrow. "Green tea?" I nodded and pursed my lips, trying to hide my amusement. "Hmm, now would that be caffeine-free or the regular kind?"

"I shouldn't give away secrets of the trade. In fact, if I told you I might have to kill you."

That made me chuckle. I don't think Bella could hurt a flea – actually I don't think, I know. A few days ago we were walking up her street and she spotted some alley cat scratching around. When the cat started for the street, Bella literally stopped traffic so the cat could cross without getting splattered to the pavement - made no difference to her that she could've gotten mowed down or that I had to exchange words with some impatient asshole laying on his horn and shooting off his mouth. All of this commotion for a fucking cat. And I'm pretty sure if that mangy flea bag would've stuck around she would have toted him home with her.

And this is the girl that might have to kill me.

"That's a fact, is it?"

"Fo sho." She gave one nod of her head and crossed her arms across her chest.

My brows furrowed. "Did you say 'might?"

"Nope – no might. Its truth, I'd definitely have to kill you." She rolled her eyes and shoulder up and gave me a sideways glance. "Sorry – those are the breaks."

"Hmm, cause I thought I heard you say 'might'."

With twinkling eyes, Bella smiled and shook her head no. She was so adorable. I could kiss every inch of her – and have.

I looked down and swirled the covered cup of coffee she gave me. "The way I like it, huh?" I winked and gently poked her cute little nose as I teasingly added, "I'm not so sure. In fact, I beg to differ. Either you're not so good at reading…" I tilted my head and shrugged. "… maybe you need to go back to school and relearn your AbCs, this time don't drop out before you get to 'D' and 'E' – especially 'E', either that or some fuckin' gypsy sold you a bum batch of leaves."

Her sweet smile fell and her brow furrowed as she looked from the cup to me. "You always get the same thing."

I shrugged. "That doesn't mean that's the way I like it."

"Well how do you like it then?"

I couldn't help the smirk. I studied her shiny lips as I chewed the corner of my mouth, thinking about how I'd really like it. "I could tell you, you could do it - but then I might have to take you home with me." I thought for a second before adding, "But see – then I'd have to kill a few of these fuckers sitting around in here before I kidnapped you." I'm sure she thought I was still playing around with her – in some ways I was but I wasn't joking.

She tilted her head and mimicked my earlier questioning. "Might?"

My mind conjured up images of how I'd like it – like Bella and she wouldn't stand a chance. I'd have her over my shoulder and out the fucking door in a heartbeat – she'd be lucky if we made it back to my place before I had my dick in her. "No, you definitely would be coming home with me – no question. And there would be a blood bath in here – and that's no good for anybody." Like I said I really wasn't joking.

The idea of someone else seeing her like I get to – going home and beating off to images of my girl wasn't gonna happen. I cut their fucking eyes out first.

With other girls…it's never bothered me before – they could give the whole God damned neighborhood a free show and I could give a fuck. I don't know what the difference is – I just know what's mine is mine. I don't share. And she is mine.

"Tell me –" Her soft brown eyes looked up into my own. "how do you like it, Edward?"

It amazed me how innocent; almost shy she could be at times. That sweetness was part of the attraction for me and I wondered on many occasions if she knew what she was doing – knew she was making me ache for her.

I have had this very fantasy countless times but I never imagined telling her. Setting the cup she gave me on the display case and keeping her eyes locked with my own, I walked her backwards behind the counter and pinned her against the wall leading to the back. It wasn't exactly private – but it was away from the public eye. I reached up, with my right hand purposely letting the backs of my fingers graze her covered nipple as I fingered the thin material of her apron. "This white apron on…" I leaned down, brushing my lips across her cheek and letting my hand slide down her ribs to her hip and around to her backside. I pulled her closer, letting my nose skim up her soft neck and whispered into her ear, "…nothing else. That's how I like it, Bella."

I softly placed my lips on her blushing cheek, again reveling in her scent. Picturing Bella wearing just this little apron and maybe a pair of thigh highs and heals had my dick standing at full mass. In my fantasies she always has white thigh highs on, the kind with lacey tops with a seam down running the backs and heals – red ones.

"Can you get out if here for a bit – maybe take a break?" I let my words end there as my hand lifted up the front of her apron and massaged her inner thigh. I was thinking I could take her back to her place for a quickie – it was just a few blocks down the street.

A quick fuck wasn't my intention when I dropped in – I was just gonna visit with her for a few minutes. She just does something to me – and now I have to get inside her. I knew Adrianna would be downstairs with Mrs. Cope and her skank of a roommate would be at work this time of day, so I could have Bella to myself for a little while.

She'd definitely be bringing her apron.

"I can't leave. It'd leave Ben here by himself – it's almost lunchtime so we'll be getting busy soon."

"He's a big boy, he can manage without you for a bit." I looked out to the floor to the lanky guy dropping drinks off at my usual table and called out, "Yo!" When I had his attention, I gestured to the tables scattered around the café. "– you got this for a few?"

He raised his hand, "Yeah, it's cool, man."

"See it's all good, no worries. Come here." I took her hand and led her to the back. The only room with a lock was the bathroom.

"Edward what are you-" I cut her words off with my mouth on hers. She kissed me back, letting my tongue taste her and my hands explore her every curve. I unbuttoned her jeans and slid my hands around her hips to feel her bare ass and pull her closer, rocking her against my aching dick. "Feel that?" She moaned into my mouth in response. I tugged on her jeans. "These. Off. Now."

She nervously glanced at the locked door as she kicked off her shoes and reached around her back to untie that sexy little apron. "Leave it on." I ignored her questioning eyebrow, choosing to watch her slip out of her jeans instead. Her wide brown eyes looked back at the door again. "Nobody's gonna come back here –" I unfastened my belt buckle and unbuttoned my own pants as I walked the short distance to Bella. "- you just have to be quiet." This would be interesting – Bella has never been quiet. And I loved every sound she made – especially when it was my name spilling out of that hot little mouth.

"Quiet, right," She rasped out and let her fingers toy with the hem of her shirt – before taking a breath and pulling it off. I have seen, even tasted every square inch of her naked body before – so I wasn't sure why the sudden shyness. It wasn't even like she was completely naked.

She slowly let her arms drop to her sides as she turned to face me, her little apron just barely touching the very top of her thighs – it was fucking hot. She wouldn't look at me, so I grabbed her chin to look in her eyes and told her how hot she was and how much I wanted her. I kissed her mouth hard, plunging my tongue down her throat. Reluctantly I broke away and kissed down her neck to her collarbone. Her soft sighs just made me want her more – if that was fucking possible.

So we could both see in the mirror, I turned her around keeping her back flush against my chest. I bent my head, leaving open mouthed kisses up her neck as my right arm crossed her midsection, holding her to me – firmly. My left hand slid up her neck and cupped her jaw, forcing her head up to look at her reflection. "Do you see yourself? Do you see how beautiful you are?" I kissed her blushing cheek and released her jaw to slide my hand back down her throat – I was amazed how fragile, how delicate she felt.

I watched her as she watched my movements in the reflection - her heavy eyes followed my hand as it slid underneath her satiny bra and palmed her perfect tits. Her heart was hammering against my palm as I pulled the skimpy material of her bra down and gently pinched her nipple. Those pouty lips released the tiniest of whimpers and I was regretting telling her to be quiet. Her head fell back against my chest further exposing her body to me.

Darkened eyes, heaving chest, glowing cheeks – she was glorious and she was all fucking mine.

The hand that had been holding her hip moved lower, my thumb just grazing her hood. Her small whimpers only made my dick want her more. I could feel it leaking, leaving a light trail of wetness along the small of her back. My middle finger slipped between her folds. "Baby, you're so ready for me."

Keeping her warm body close to mine, I walked her closer to the mirror. "Put your hands on the sink." I stood back and took a second to appreciate the view. My teeth cut into my fist as my eyes hungrily took in those spread legs and cherry sweet ass sticking up - waiting for me. All of this with a white bow neatly tied and perched just above her ass.

Marron! She was fucking perfect.

Stalking forward, my own hand slid up the back of her thigh and my fingers entered her from behind, she gasped and spread her legs further apart for better access. She was so fucking wet, my fingers just glided through her folds as they slipped in and out of her.

My wet fingers squeezed her hips as I sunk myself deep inside of her without warning. Burying my dick deep, I grunted over her gasps when my hips came flush to her backside. I felt her stiffen underneath me – I didn't want to hurt her. My body molded to hers and stilled to give her a minute. Kissing her shoulder and rubbing her hip she relaxed beneath me. My hips circled as I slightly pulled out and moved back in a little slower this time -more gently, "Is this ok?" I needed it to be ok, prayed for it to be ok.

"God, yes! Don't stop!" She pressed her hips back into me. "How do you even need to ask?"

That was the green light I needed. I pulled out and plunged back in a little harder, a little deeper.

I moved fast and hard, pushing her body forward with every thrust. Her knuckles turned white from the tight grip she held on the sink.

With her hands still gripping the porcelain sink to brace herself against my movements she let her head hang low. Her dark hair was like a curtain draped over her face. I needed to see her. Wanted for her to watch me fuck her. "Bella. Look. At. Me." I fucked her with those words, grunting between them and fisted her hair to force her head up. Her dark eyes found mine in the reflection and I held them there as I moved my hips against her faster yet.

She was so fucking sexy – and I told her so.

Her breaths came out in short ragged pants as she met me thrust for thrust and held back the moans that threatened to escape those beautiful full lips. At this point I knew it wouldn't take much more to bring her over the edge. Feeling her come on my dick would be my undoing. I wouldn't be able to hold out any longer and I wasn't ready to blow my load.

"Not yet, baby…" I stilled her hips. I was close, too but I needed her longer – it's never enough. At this point I'm not sure it could ever be enough. "Edward, I'm gonna…oh fuck – I can't-" She swiveled her hips as she pushed back– seeking more. "Bella," I warned.

Pressing my fingers into her hips, I held her tighter. Fighting my own need to come, I lowered my voice and gritted out, "not yet," more sternly this time. Bella's small body shook with her efforts to hold back. I could feel her walls begin to tighten so I momentarily pulled out and moved her long hair to the side to kiss her heated cheek. Her top teeth were cutting into her sweet bottom lip, muffling her whimpers and pleas – all she could manage was a quick nod of her head.

While I watched her in the mirror, my hands massaged her thighs and kneaded her hips, my throbbing dick aching to be buried deep. I caressed her soft skin all the while avoiding touching her where she needed me most – when she came it was gonna be on my dick.

I pushed back into her, reveling in her warmth and began thrusting in and out. It was getting harder to hold on – my dick painfully ached to release inside her. When I couldn't take it anymore, my thumb pressed circles into her swollen clit. "Oh Jesus…fuck Edward, I have to – I…oh God! Please Edward!"

"Come for me, baby girl." I pressed my thumb down a little harder and felt her walls clamp down around my dick. Bella released a string of profanities around my name as she came on my dick – and that was all it took. I was done for – following her over the edge of pure fuckin' bliss.

"Fuck!" Holding her tighter, I picked up the pace and on the last thrust, the deepest thrust, I came mother fuckin' hard. Leaning over her, resting my head against her shoulder I tried to catch my breath and figured Bella was probably doing the same. She gasped out a bunch of words, curse words maybe then, "Holy shit…that was just…just - wow!"

I trailed kisses down her back and she jumped up with a squeak when I nipped that sweet bare ass. "Fuck, sorry." I rubbed the spot I had sunk my teeth into – which was a little harder than I meant. I planted a sloppy kiss on her round bottom then zipped myself up. "You okay?"

She turned around, cheeks still flushed. "Perfect. That was…wow!"

I chuckled and kissed her damp forehead. "You're perfect and that was- that was incredible." My fingers played with the fabric of her apron. "Definitely in our top 3, if I do say so myself. Let me ask you – any chance in you bringing this, uh little thing home?"

She slipped her pants back up with a big fucking grin. "Oh, no worries. I got it - it's in my purse and out the door when I beat feet outta here today."

She lifted her hair and tied it up into some kind of long tail and that's when I noticed the reddened spot over her forearm. I held out her arm for a better look. "What's this?"

She frowned and looked at the spot I was inspecting. "Oh, no it's nothing. Earlier, I burnt it on one of the burners."

"Did you put anything on it?"

She shook her head. "No, there wasn't time then and I just kind of forgot about it later."

Careful not to touch the painful looking burn mark, I held her arm out and walked her back to the sink. "You should have at least put it under some cold water – it's a little late now but it might help make it feel better – take some of the sting out of it, you know?"

"I guess it couldn't hurt." She sounded doubtful.

She rested her head on my shoulder as I ran her arm under the cold water. I let the water hit it for a few minutes before gently patting it dry and taking another look. I hated her soft skin being marked like that.

"Oh!" She yanked her arm out of my hands. "I almost forgot – sorry. Tyler stopped in earlier."

"Excuse me?" I was confused and couldn't fathom what Tyler would be doing coming to see Bella. I'd like to say he knew better – should know better but he's one stupid fuck. "Tyler?" I pointed to the floor. "Stopped in here - to see you?"

"I guess, I don't know. He left something for you. Le'me grab it real quick." I followed her as she flew out the door to another small room that looked like a break room. She pulled out a white business envelope from her purse and handed it to me.

I didn't have to look inside the envelope to know that it was the money Tyler collected from his rounds. "He gave this to you?" I asked incredulously.

"Well, he didn't give it to me. He asked me to give it to you. So….here-"

I took the envelope she offered up and shook my head as I shoved it in an inner jacket pocket. Not only did he fuck up by handing this off to Bella but this envelope feels light - again. His stupidity knows no bounds. "That's not your job."

"Edward I didn't open it –or look at what's inside of it."

She did - she didn't, I really didn't give a fuck – that's not what I have a problem with. I was pissed – not at her but pissed just the same. She wasn't the one to blame here. Tyler had no business coming down here to begin with – let alone involving Bella in the one fucking thing I try to keep out of her life.

I go to all kinds of lengths to keep this shit out of her life and this mother fucker sends her a special delivery, personally dropping it right in her fucking lap.

"I'm not mad –" I lied. "you didn't do anything wrong. What'd he say when he dropped this off?"

I pursed my lips, as I listened to her response. "Just asked if I could give it to you when I saw you."

"How long was he here?"

"He just handed me the envelope and that was it – he left. Why? What's wrong?"

There was a lot wrong at the moment – but there was no need to lay those burdens on her. Tyler is my problem not hers and I'd take care of it. "I'm sorry he did that – it wasn't right. It's not your place - your job to make deliveries for him."

"It wasn't a bother and it's really not a big deal. I just stashed it away until – well until now."

Bella down played it because she just didn't understand. "It is a big deal and he won't be doing it again."

"Its fine, Edward – really it is."

I shook my head with a bitter chuckle. "No, Bella it's definitely not fine."

"Look, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it. Do you have to say something to him – I'd feel bad-"

"You'd feel bad – what do you have to feel bad about? He crossed a line he shouldn't have and he won't do it again." He also disregarded a direct order. After he helped fix her door, he started banging some broad that lived by Bella. I didn't want him near Bella and I specifically told him he wasn't to speak to Bella – ever. I promised him I'd cut his fucking tongue out and nail it to his mother's door if I found out otherwise.

"I can tell you're mad. What are you gonna do?"

Although sometimes it was necessary, I didn't like lying to Bella. More often than not I kept my answers vague and changed the subject – or closed the subject. I'd never tell her that I was going to call his ass in, break his fucking fingers then beat some fucking sense into that thick head of his. "I'm not mad at you and this subject is closed."

"You're not gonna tell me are you?" She sounded disappointed that I wasn't discussing this with her.

I looked at my watch then leaned forward to peck her nose. "I gotta go. Let me see your arm?" She extended her arm; the searing mark was still a nasty red color. I knew it had to hurt so I was careful when I peppered kisses around the burn– making sure I didn't press my lips to her scorched skin. I bent low so I was eye level with her and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. My thumb stroked her cheek as I studied her eyes. "Promise, you're gonna be more careful. I can't stand the idea of you hurt."

She nodded and returned my good-bye kiss. I gave her bottom a swat and headed for the door.

"Oh, wait! Edward, you forgot your coffee!" For her I could smile. I took the cup and stole another handful of kisses. "And what would you have done if I didn't come in?" I lifted up the cup to clarify. "With this I mean?"

"I don't know. I saw you pull up; I knew you'd stop in so I made it for you. I guess-" She gestured wide in Ben's general direction. "-I'd just give it to Ben over there...if you didn't end up wanting coffee today. He's like some kind of human garbage disposal – he eats, drinks anything." Her little button nose curled up showing her distaste.

I could relate, this dumb fuck enjoying shit Bella makes for me-

I cupped her cheek. "I always want everything you have to give me. From now on you make me something, I'm not here…" I pointed to Ben. "…he doesn't get it." I winked at her. "I don't share."

Remembering I needed to pay for the coffee, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a roll of bills. "Edward I'm not gonna make you pay for it."

Ignoring her I pulled out a few hundreds and handed them to her. "Here."

"Edward, I'm not taking this."

I took her hand and curled her fingers around the bills – she was gonna take it. "I am paying for the coffee and it's rude not to leave gratuity. In fact I hear waitresses do nasty things to your orders when you're a lousy tipper."

"Edward, there's like three…" she fanned out the bills and counted. "Edward, there's four…" She counted again. "There's four hundred dollars here!" She scolded and tried to hand it back. "Oh, no, no, no, I can't take this. No. Absolutely not."

She worked hard and made fucking peanuts. You'd have to be blind not to see how tired she was after being here all day, only to go home, take care of the baby and pick-up after her pig of a roommate. I knew things were hard for her and I genuinely wanted to help – help make it a little easier. Everyone deserves a break now and again. Everyone needs somebody and maybe I wanted Bella to need me.

I curled my hand around hers and rested it against her chest. "Take the money. I don't know buy things with it – for you, for Adrianna… because that's what money's for."

She puffed out her cheeks and blew out a breath. "I really don't want to take this, Edward. You always talk about the right thing – doing what's right-" She held out the cash. "this, it isn't right."

"It's a few bucks – don't be like that. I want to help – I like being able to help. Please, Bella just take it." The look on her face told me she wasn't gonna budge.

Up until now I really thought I'd seen and heard it all but I've discovered Bella is full of surprises. I have never known anyone to turn down money – free money at that.

Most girls bat their fucking eyelashes, drop to their knees like they're doing you a favor then before they wipe their lips clean they're holding out their hand for a little something extra. I've seen it over and over. I can honestly say that Bella has never asked me to spend a fucking nickel on her – as of yet anyway.

Maybe that's why I like to do it, she doesn't expect it.

I wanted her to take it - so I played a little dirty. "It would make me happy if you took the money. For me, please." I hated it when she stared at the ground. "Look at me…" Her eyes snapped up and I really couldn't tell what was going through her head right now. "For me, Bella – please just take it."

She shrugged and begrudgingly whispered out a 'thank you'. Her frown was cute. I squeezed her cheeks and pecked her pouty lips. "No thanks required. Have some fun with it." I leaned my head to the side to catch her attention. "Okay?"

She nodded.

"Okay, I gotta go. I'll call you later – " I liked knowing Bella got home ok after work. Usually I make a point to be here when she gets off work and if I can't Jake is here. Sometimes she gives me a hard time about it – but I can tell deep down she's more relaxed when she doesn't have to head home alone. Tonight neither was gonna be possible. "- or you call me when you get home. It'll make me feel better, ok." I pecked her lips. "Or if you need something – you need me, whatever the reason just call. I'll have my phone on me."

She whispered out a thank you and kissed my cheek before I headed to this meeting.

As a kid I always referred to Marcus as 'uncle' – really that was out of respect. Marcus and Carlisle grew up together and Carlisle trusts Marcus like a brother. Both families have always been close. Holidays, birthdays, whatever the occasion Marcus's family was always there.

Marcus sat down across from me and looked around the small restaurant – taking everything in. This wasn't our usual meeting place – it was neutral ground. Just some little, out of the way place.

The Volturi were sending this fat fuck, Vito down here to meet with us on their behalf.

While they send Vito in here to do the talking, they'll also send a couple of guys to a nearby location as a standby. Makes no difference – I have Felix and Demetri sitting at a table on the other side of this restaurant.

Bottom line is I trust Vito 'bout as far as I could throw him.

And that ain't fucking far.

I walked in and spotted Marcus sitting in the back. Sitting in the window was too risky – makes for an easy target.

"What's the fucking crisis? I gotta wake up and get dressed in my fucking car?"

"Here." Marcus gestured toward the chair. "Sit down." He looked down and smoothed his dark suit jacket with his hands then adjusted his cuffs and sat back in his chair while resting his arms on the white clothed table.

"You still fucking around with that broad over there at the coffee shop?" Marcus inquired and took a sip of his water.

He knew her name. He was just being a dick now.

I stared at him with annoyance before answering. "Bella. Her name is Bella." I answered flatly and did nothing to hide the irritation ringing out in my tone. I had some reservations about bringing Bella to my grandmother's birthday party this weekend. Bella would be a surprise to most of my family. I hadn't mentioned her to my mother or grandmother – not even Alice. I couldn't say why – too many questions I wasn't ready to answer, maybe? I knew they'd be respectful – even Carlisle and no business would be discussed at a family party, so this eased some of my concerns.

He waved his right hand in the air dismissively. "Yeah, ok, ok. Bella. You still got a hard-on for this broad or what?"

I didn't respond.

I wasn't about to broadcast what I do or don't do with Bella. That has never been my style but for some reason I felt extra protective of my relationship with Bella. At this point, I knew it was more than fucking. I just wasn't sure how much more. I also wasn't willing to lay down my cards yet – especially not for Marcus.

In truth, I kept waiting for the bottom to fall out. I figured one of two things were gonna happen. Either the novelty is gonna wear off and I'll finally wake up without her being the first thing on my mind and the last thing on my mind when I go to bed. Or the day will come when she kicks my shit to the curb. Either way the end result is the same.

"I take that as a yes then. You know, as long as you keep…" He waved his right hand in the air to finish his words. "…this cop is gonna keep being a pain in the ass. Is it worth it?" He dipped his head and tapped his fingertips to his temple. "Think about it. Maybe you buy her something….something nice for her time because putting up with you is no fucking bed a roses and then….be a little less available. You understand what I'm saying? Then, I don't know…take some time; get your head straight -"

I laughed and shook my head in disbelief. The fact that he'd insinuate that Bella was some fuckin' whore didn't sit right. That was a direct insult, not only to Bella but also to me. Not once have I ever paid to get my dick wet. And I wasn't about to start now.

I had no idea how long things with Bella would last, if they would last, but I did know that I wasn't walking away any time soon.

To me it was worth it.

"Your father – he's concerned and rightfully so. You agree?"

Carlisle had made it clear that under no certain terms was I to touch James. I had mentioned it to Carlisle only as a courtesy – I didn't need his fucking permission.

"Carlisle spends too much time looking out from his ivory tower." It's been years since Carlisle worked out on the streets even longer since he made his buttons. He sits in his perfect office now handing down orders to everyone else.

"Hey!" Marcus smacked the table with his hand, rattling the water glasses. "Your father worked hard to get where he's at – don't ever forget that." I nodded in agreement. Carlisle did bust his ass to get where he's at, but it's me that deals with the constant day to day bull shit not him.

Marcus leaned forward and lowered his voice. "People aint' stupid, they know what we are. So what are we gonna do? What? Are we gonna worry about cops now?"

"James is my concern. You don't have anything to worry about." Worrying isn't something I had to do either. They could tear down the fucking wall paper at the club and wouldn't find a God damned thing.

"When they find this prick's body parts scattered across three counties – "

"That's not going to happen." That was a half-truth. I'd make sure there wouldn't be anything left to scatter when I was finished.

"You do this –" Marcus shook his head. "You've got a lot'a balls, you know?"

"I'll tell you what I know. I know you didn't call me out here to talk about my balls. So let's get to the point here. What time is it?"

Marcus pulled back his sleeve and looked to his wrist. "1:30 give or take a few- this watch is a piece of shit."

"He's a half hour late. Who's this prick, Vito think he's fucking with?"

Vito's ears must've been ringing. "Who are you calling a prick? Who are you referring to?" Vito rounded the corner as he straightened the sleeves of his jacket. "I think, given the circumstances, you better show me some respect."

"Respect? I think you got it backwards – if I may be so bold as to correct you."

"Cause your idea of respect is to rob the Volturi Family?"

I laughed at his accusation. "Robbed what? Everything I got is mine."

"Because you stole it from-"

I quickly interrupted. "Watch your words. What's mine is mine and everything I got I'm keeping – so you can go fuck yourself."

"Fuck you!" He spat back.

"No, fuck you." I pointed my index and middle fingers at Vito. "Look at me – fuck you! If I was you I'd shut my fucking mouth and watch my step." I jerked my head at him. "Yeah, Smiley – before I blow your Adam's apple down your spine."

"Okay – enough of this." Marcus interjected. "We're gonna talk nice – no accusations, no insults. Can we be civilized – sit at the table and talk like people? We're not a bunch of animals."

Vito took Marcus's suggestion and pulled a chair out to sit at the opposite end of the table from me.

"There's a problem." He was quick to get to the point.

"And what does that have to do with us?" I asked, not really caring what the fuck kinda problem they had.

"Enough - there's time for that. Let's eat first. I'm fucking starving." Marcus waved his hand in the air and called the waitress over. Marcus never got to the brass tacks of shit on an empty stomach. He'd stuff his pie hole and talk about nothing before anything of importance was discussed.

"I knew your boss when he was just a runner lookin' to earn his buttons. He worked under Bianchi – before he-" Marcus cocked his fingers and pointed to his temple. "-you know." There's always someone lookin' to move up – when your boss you gotta watch your back. Another reason bosses meet with their consigliere and capos privately – the less people the less risk. You live your life by the knife and the gun and you die by the knife and the gun.

End of story.

Vito scratched his head. "I don't know? That was a little before my time."

"Yeah? Columbus was before your time too – but you know about him, don't ya? Marcus knew all the old guys from back in the day. He could probably tell you where they stashed their money and who they fucked too.

"The name sounds familiar – I don't know, maybe."

"Eh, what are you gonna do? It's not important – I was just making conversation." Marcus winked at the smiling waitress that approached our table.

After taking the food orders, she was quick to bring out drinks and a basket of rolls.

Marcus's thick hand reached out to grab a roll and the small plate with a cube of butter. "When I go to a restaurant, the first thing I do?" He smeared some butter on his bread and brought his index finger to his mouth. "I taste the butter – if it tastes like the ice box I know right off the bat I got a problem."

I played along talking about nothing. "You gotta watch the specials – sauce and gravy cover up a lot of mistakes. You're gonna have a problem alright, you eat that shit…and you're fucking plumber too." I laughed.

Vito skimmed over the drink menu. "Never order fish on a Sunday – nobody gets fresh seafood on a Sunday. Shit's been sitting around stinkin' up the fridge all week – they just want to get rid of it." Vito knew how it worked, too.

And for the next 45 minutes - no business was discussed. It wasn't till the dishes were taken away and the coffee poured that Marcus gave Vito the go ahead.

Vito was quick to get to the point.

The money that Marcus fronted for Joe's debt was light.

75 Gs light – to be exact.

This simple fucking task was given to Tyler. He fucked up and I was gonna extract my pound of flesh. You let people steal from you, you lose respect. Then they walk all over you – and before you know it, you're dead – floating in the Chicago River.

Vito left and I was quick to follow, dialing Jake as I walked through the door. "Hey, whatcha up to?"

"Just about to crack a beer, put my feet up and watch the SOX game. They played Detroit last weekend – didn't get to see it yet." Last weekend I had Jake follow around Mancini – best way to get to know someone. You find out their hangouts, their usual stops, who they're close to – it's research.

"Yeah? Heard it was a good game. You up to cracking a couple a coconuts?" I kept business talk and details to a minimum on the phone.

Jake knew the drill. "Always - when's the party?"

"Meet me at the P&P in…" I checked the time. "30 minutes. Get Felix, too."

It didn't take long for Jake to round Felix up. I finished my drink as they walked in and met them halfway on the club's floor – ahead of schedule. My car is checked regularly for bugs, so I was able to speak more freely and provide more details.

I parked and we went in the back entrance – taking the stairs to the third floor.

I motioned for Jake to stand off to the side, away from the peep hole, as my fist came down hard on the worn green metal door. The banging echoed through the dimly lit hall.

The music was abruptly turned off – silencing the apartment. I listened and heard a bunch or scrambling around so I gave the door another bang with my fist. Tyler looked like he'd piss himself when he answered the door.

Without a word, I jabbed two fingers into his shoulder and walked him back down the short hallway towards the living room. When I rounded the corner his boy shot his ass off the couch in an attempt to run. I had to laugh. What's he think he's got wings? He's gonna fly away? "Hey, where you think you're going?" I asked in amusement then pointed to the couch. "Sit the fuck down."

Jake stepped in his path and crossed his arms. Tyler's boy apparently wasn't as stupid as he was. He sat his ass back down and nervously looked from Jake to Felix then back to me. Stupid or not – he knew he was fucking toast.

"E, man look I can explain." The time for explanations had long passed.

I ignored him and took a look around. Mostly the place is a dump…save for a few new purchases. New plasma TV mounted to the wall – 55 maybe 60 inches. New suits hanging from the closet door. The kind that are nice and expensive – hand tailored. Now I know that a suit like this – we're talking anywhere from 1500 to 2500 Gs. I also know that it takes time to have a suit tailored. I can't even pick-up a suit before a week's time – and this tells me this was something he had planned for awhile now.

This also explains his sudden disappearing act. Usually he hangs out at the club – last few days he's MIA. Too busy spending money and partying.

My attention was brought to the back of the small apartment when I heard a door opening.

When a blond appeared around the corner, my fingers told her to come in. "Well, well, look what we have here." I looked back at Tyler. "And here I thought you two love birds were holed up in here all alone." I looked back at the blond and appreciatively took in her barely clad and bangin' body. "No need to be shy, sweetheart." I chuckled at her hesitation, then for some reason gestured toward myself and added with a wink, "I'm not gonna bite."

She cautiously stepped into the room and I motioned with my hand for her to take a seat. She stayed glued to the floor as her round eyes anxiously darted around the room. Those baby blues did a double take and widened when they landed on Felix's hulking form. The thick, raised scar running down the side of Felix's neck held her attention and she swallowed hard. I gave a few quick snaps of my fingers and her eyes snapped to mine. When I gestured again to the couch she stole another glance around the room then used quick feet to step wide around Felix. Once she cleared Felix she tip-toed to the couch.

Sitting on the small couch she shifted her weight under my watchful eyes. She avoided my eyes and kept her gaze trained on her nervous fingers. I had to smile – her fidgety movements were cute and reminded me a lot of Bella. I took in the blonde's appearance again and noted that the similarities ended there.

"Who else you got stashed back there?"

"No one." Felix moved to check it out when I jerked my head to him.

I looked back over to the blond, although I was talking to Tyler. "Who's this?"

"This is Tori. She's Bella's friend – neighbor." My jaws instinctively clenched. I didn't care for him being on a first name basis with Bella and I cared even less for her name coming out of his mouth, bringing her into this shit hole.

"Don't bring Bella into this. You've got nothin' to do with her."

"I was just-" The look I gave him stopped him in his tracks. "Sorry."

I looked back at the leggy blond. "Tori was it?"

"Um, yeah."

"I think it's time for you to go home, hun."

She looked at Tyler for direction. "Don't look at him. He's got nothin' to say."

"But-" She sat straight and still while facing me. The uncertainness she was feeling was reflected in her stiff posture and watery eyes as they shifted to the side, towards Tyler.

"No worries. You're gonna go home, relax and Tyler here is gonna have a little chat with us." She didn't look convinced and chanced a peek over at Tyler. My eyes traveled back to Tyler, too. "Hey, be a fucking man. Tell your girl not to worry."

"It's fine Tori. I'll call you tomorrow." That was debatable but as long as this broad was on her way, I didn't give a fuck what he told her.

She looked down and nodded before slowly getting up to walk the distance to the door. The door softly clicked behind her and I nodded towards Jake, indicating he should go and lock it.

Jake slid the deadbolt in place and walked the short distance back. "Looks like a fucking party?" Tyler didn't answer Jake's observation. Probably the smartest thing he's done all fucking week.

"Looks more like a god damned bunny slope, who brought the skis?" I looked to Jake before leaning over the cut lines that were neatly chopped out on the table and helping myself. The powder slid down my throat and I bit back against the slight burn and instant numbness.

Mother fucker couldn't even use my money to buy decent blow. This fucking shit's been passed through too many swarthy, unwashed pairs of hands, and is so diluted… it's at best ten percent.

And that's being fucking generous.

On the street the average gram is twenty percent, you hook yourself up with a credible supplier and you're getting 30 maybe 35 percent pure; this shit's like hitting grannie's talcum powder.

Coke's a funny drug.

You're lovin' it while you're doing it and then the next day you're pissed at yourself because you're tired as fuck, your nose is plugged, you're spitting up nasty shit and your sinuses are all fucked.

Right now I was lovin' it…it helped clear my head even if it wasn't quality shit.

"Look I was gonna pay it all back." I laughed at this bullshit. "I swear!"

"Let me ask you something?" Tyler nodded his head agreeably.

"Yeah, ok. Anything." He'd agree to anything right about now.

"You ask me to give you more –to trust you with bigger jobs. And when I do – when I give you more responsibility, you turn around and fuck me." I step closer to Tyler and he cringes back when my pointer finger stabs at his skull. "What was going through your head? Hmm? You think they weren't going to notice 75Gs missing?"

"There was this-"

"Do you want to fuck me?" I asked with zero amusement.

His eyes widened as he asked, "What? No!"

"Do you want to fuck me?" I asked louder. "I didn't hear you!"

"N-no, no!" He managed to stutter out.

"What? You want to rape me?"

"No, no. It wasn't like that! I didn't-"

"No?" I bitterly laughed. "Because you stole from me. Stealing is a form of rape." My patience was wearing thin and I could feel that fucking twitch in my eye. "You fucking stole from me!" I roared.

"I didn't! I wasn't-"

"Do not lie! Do. Not. Fucking. Lie. Look at me! Did you fucking steal from me?"

"We…I-" he amended. "…got a tip. Ok? It was supposed to be a sure thing."

"Continue."

"There was a card game out in DuPage, high stakes type. The take? We're talking over a mil easy."

This wasn't surprising. It's common to take business out to the burbs – it tends to be less risky. The average suburban street cop was laughable. Most municipal police departments are confined geographically and lack experience and timing in dealing with organized crime. And most wouldn't be able to spot a wiseguy if he came up and introduced himself with his weapon of choice.

And even if they did recognize the name it's not like the pigs out there have the street knowledge to know what to do. For this reason, it's also pretty common to use the burbs as a dumping ground. Random bodies were always popping up out there.

"Do you hear yourself?" I had to laugh at his stupidity. "The luckiest you'd ever get is finding an onion ring in your order of fries."

"I wasn't planning on winning. We – I" He amended again. "needed 50 grand – the buy in, ya' know?"

"Who's card game?"

"Bobby - from the West Side. You know? "Bobby 'the Boxer' DeSarno." Bobby was an enforcer and gambling collector for West Side mob boss, Marco D'Amico.

"Where in DuPage did this go down?"

"Carol Stream. "

There were many low key areas in the burbs – areas where guys like us could keep a low profile. Carol Stream was an upscale bedroom suburb that's not exactly considered your average hotbed of sin and sleaze.

My patience was wearing thin as I looked over at his silent buddy. "You're awfully quiet over there. How do you fit into this?"

"This is Toby. He's a friend of mine." Meaning he's not connected, otherwise Toby would be introduced as a 'friend of ours.'

"Maybe you ought to pop your tit out of Toby's fucking mouth and let him speak for himself." I spat back.

Toby managed to string some words together and offer more to the explanation. "I, uh…I was going to be playing – you know a participant in the card game." When I didn't say anything he continued. "A set up, you know?"

"I know how it works – I don't need a fucking lesson. How big a piece was Tyler gonna cut you?"

"My cut was going to be 20% after um…after things successfully went down."

I quirked my eyebrow and looked over at Tyler. The blood must had run out of his cheeks because he looked whiter than a sheet. "E, I was gonna give you a cut too, I swear to Christ. Things just got fucked is all."

"This seems a bit elaborate for the two of you nitwits. Who else was in on this?"

"My cousin Tommy. He's a driver and we needed a truck."

"Your cousin Tommy…" I said mainly to myself – another loose end that would need to be taken care of.

I walked behind the couch, these two dumb fucks just sitting like a couple'a bumps on a log. I pulled out my gun, attached the silencer and shot Toby in the head. Tyler jumped from the sound, his eyes big and wide as he pushed Toby's lifeless body off of him. "Jesus Christ…" Tyler scrambled back away from Toby, wiping pieces of his boy off his arm. He scooted further away from Toby, his bloodied hands clutching the back of the couch and arm rest. "I'm sorry, so fucking sorry." His voice cracked when he spoke. "Please don't kill me." Tears streamed down his face. "Please…"

"You disgraced me."

"I'm sorry – I had this vision, you know. Making you so proud – making up for all the times I fucked up. I have most of the money…" He pointed to a duffle bag sitting near the galley kitchen. "…it's there. I'll get the rest – I don't know how - just, please." He squeezed his eyes tight and shook his head. "Please don't."

"I'm not gonna kill you." Tyler closed his eyes with relief. "I'll pay it back – do whatever I have to. I swear to Christ, I won't let you down."

I pursed my lips and shook my head at his stupidity. "A vision, huh?" I looked to Felix, debating. I could appreciate wanting to get further – wanting to make a name for yourself. What I didn't appreciate was being lied to and fucking stole from. I couldn't – wouldn't let that shit go. That was completely unacceptable.

"Did you collect this week?" He didn't answer and I raised my eyebrow waiting.

He wiped the tears off his blood stained cheeks. "Yeah-" He left it at that and I moved in front of him, squeezing his fucking cheeks hard. "And did you deliver that money?" I squeezed harder then changed my grip, yanking him forward and pounding his forehead on the wooden coffee table. "Where? Where did you fucking take it?" His arms tried to cushion the impact but didn't do much good. I was pissed and banged his head harder – rattling the half-filled glasses. "I asked you a fucking question!" I raged through clenched teeth and felt my control slipping. "You think I'm fucking around when I say stay the fuck away from her – " The glass near the edge fell of the table from the hard impact. "- don't talk to her? Is it a fucking joke to you?" I kicked his side. "IS IT?" I grabbed the back of his hair and yanked back. "ANSWER ME!"

"Fuck no - I'm sorry…" He was sobbing now. I let go and shoved his head forward, he fell to the floor in a ball clutching at his bloodied head.

"And how does that work into your fucking vision?" I kicked him in the lower back, hard. If I let him live, he'd be pissing blood tomorrow. I nodded Felix in Tyler's direction. "Cyclopes him. We'll see how much vision he has then." Felix popped open his stiletto and walked towards a now pleading Tyler. Felix clucked his tongue, "..all fun and games till someone gets hurt." Felix has never liked Tyler. He was gonna enjoy this.

Remembering my promise, I motioned for Felix to stop and walked back to the front of the couch, squatting next to Tyler. "A man is only as good as his words. Get the fuck up. NOW!" He sat up and I dragged him back to the couch by his sleeve.

I looked to Felix and he took a position behind Tyler. Leaning down I whispered to Tyler, "I never go back on my word – always keep my promises." He knew what I was getting at and tried to make a run for it – he just wasn't fast enough.

Felix grabbed Tyler's jaw and pried his mouth open, "Open wide, you little fuck." Tyler fought hard – but Felix had maybe 50 pounds of muscle on him. I pinned Tyler down with my own weight – keeping him in place. He wailed around my hand and bucked like crazy as I cut out his tongue with the stiletto. I threw the ruined appendage on the floor and wiped the sweat off my upper lip with my sleeve. "Fuck-" I was out of breath.

I didn't take more than a few steps towards the door when I turned back, aimed my gun at Tyler's forehead. His hands were holding his mouth as he sobbed and screamed. When his eyes met mine he whispered what sounded like a 'please, no' but I really couldn't tell and squeezed the trigger.

One shot – square between the eyes. One way or the other he needed to be made an example of. He can make all the promises he likes but he won't change. A man would say just about anything when one step away from knocking on hell's door.

"I changed my mind." I looked back at Felix and adjusted my sleeves. "Get this shit cleaned up." I motioned to the fucking mess then pointed at Dee and Dumb over there. "Plant 'em deep – I don't want 'em popping up in the spring rain somewhere."

"Got it, Skip." Felix spread out a plastic shower liner on the floor and rolled Toby on top of it.

"Call Demetri if you have to – and one more thing…" I pointed to the stump I cut out of his mouth. "…find his mother. I don't give a fuck if she lives in Siberia and she's Mother Superior, nail it to her God damned door."

Felix laughed as he rolled Tyler's body off the couch and kicked his leg. "If she's Mother Superior – she's getting about as close to God as you fucking can- fucking all them lonely monks over at the monastery. "

"Find this cousin Tommy –" I picked up the duffle bag of money. "see if he has anything of ours, then get rid of him."

"Sure thing." I had no worries with Felix and Demetri – they'd get the job done and they'd do it right. They were methodical if nothing else. This would have been their job, too – but there are some things you have to do yourself.

This was one of them.

A/N

Ok – so I'm sorry but this is a harsh reality of E's life. I tried not to make it too gross – and even tossed you a lemon for forgiveness.