Chapter 3

A/N: Wow. We are amazed by the response to this story. Thank you to everyone showing love on Facebook and reviewing. We totally geek out over our reviews, thank you! Thank you to Maplestyle, 2 Brown eyes, and SassyNoles for the prereading and support. Love you ladies. Also, thank you to AlicesWhiteRabbit who takes her time to beta our chapters. Love you girl! Well, this is Edward's POV and this is where the mature rating really kicks in, so if you are not old enough to vote, you shouldn't be reading this. Alright, off we go.

Song- My House by Flo Rida, Bump, Bump, Bump by B2K and P-Diddy

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EPOV

I stared at the monitors, taking in everything happening around me. Dally was tending the bar with her usual wit and genius. She had just the right amount of flirtatiousness the customers required, yet she didn't take anyone's shit when we cut them off. The last thing I fucking needed was a lawsuit for letting some drunk overindulge.

Glitter and Nightingale showed the new girl the ropes over to the side, practicing lap dances with one another, which I might have to take advantage of shortly, considering how enthusiastic the crowd seemed to be for the girl-on-girl action.

Like right now, barely anyone was paying attention to a damn thing going on toward the stage. They were all focused on the girls in the fucking corner. Actually, it was kind of pissing me off these idiots thought they were entitled to a free fucking show. There was nothing free in this world, especially pleasure. Something I learned at an incredibly young age and a lesson I carried with me to this day.

Grabbing my cell from the desk, I pull up Em's contact and hit the call button. "Hey, Em, are you seeing what I'm seeing? There's a group of guys surrounding Glitter and Nightingale. They're teaching the new girl some moves in the corner. Tell them to start tossing some cash or get the fuck on."

"I'm on it, boss."

I ended the call abruptly as Emmett took my meaning. He was the best right-hand man when it came to shit like that. He just did—he didn't fucking question every order like an incompetent fool. Emmett was far from just a lackey with no brains. I don't take well to people who don't have the brains God gave a goose.

Through the monitor, I watched Emmett cross the room with a bouncer on his tail. There was a conversation I obviously couldn't hear, but shortly afterward, a shower of bills began. There was my moneymaker right there. I could definitely take advantage of this little show in the future.

My gaze instantly moves to the new girl, and a familiar pang of excitement courses through me. There weren't many people in this world who had the fucking balls to stand up to me, but this one—this one had balls I hadn't anticipated upon our initial meeting.

When I'd first spied her, she'd been hiding behind Glitter, and my first impression was that she was as timid as a mouse. There is something about fear that either excites me or turns me the fuck off. While I took extreme pleasure in watching my prey quake in their boots, a woman was a whole different ballpark.

The way this chick ripped her arm away from me when I'd insisted on checking for tracers still left me a bit amused. I'd faced half a dozen men in my line of work that didn't have the audacity to pull away from my hold. Then there was that innocent, sassy thing she had going on. She might have the eyes of a naïve doe, but she had the grit of a tigress I could get behind.

Even now, I can feel the corner of my lips tip at the memory of having Bella whispering lines from "For Your Entertainment" into my ear. Then, of course, there was the raging hard-on I know she felt pressed against her ass.

The image of Em's arm around the sassy minx instantly comes to mind, and a low growl rumbled from my throat. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but just the thought of anyone touching that girl—kind of pissed me off. Don't even ask what that was about because I didn't fucking know, but even now, the thought fisted in my gut. My lips pulled so tightly against my teeth it felt like the ivory was cutting into the tender flesh.

There was a thrill the woman gave me when her dander was in a fluff. Boy, she'd been pissed at me when I mentioned her being my property. That fire in her eyes slipped into the lower part of my body and tempted me to be half aroused just thinking about it. Hell, my cock was growing tight against my slacks, threatening to bust my fucking zipper. I pushed the memory of her ass wiggling against my thighs away before I took care of the flesh desperately looking for an escape. With the fire in my pants in check, I pick up my phone to make the call I'd put off for the last two days.

Forcibly, I ripped my gaze away from the screen and returned my attention to more important matters. Now I had to give Seamus the rundown from Wednesday night. I should've probably given him a call a couple of days ago, but, you know, this shit was done on my time.

The trilling phone didn't even make it to a second ring before he picked up. Seamus's Irish ass popped up, his auburn hair glistening beneath the well-lit parlor he was probably sitting in. "Seamus … Jobs done, but I have a little intel for ya."

Seamus's breath filled the receiver. "And what kind of intel would that be? Tell me McPhee pissed himself when he saw you coming, brother."

Seamus had been there since my family was executed. We grew up together under his father's tutelage. The death of my mother hit me the hardest. She was my rock when I was growing up, and it was my louse of a father who was responsible for her shortened life. While most people would say I'm nuts for working with the organization responsible for the destruction of my entire family, they didn't know the whole story either.

Of course, I didn't put my story out there for people to understand. Why the fuck would I?

I had no person of consequence in my life, and quite honestly, I didn't particularly want anyone. With sentiment came unwanted feelings, and let's face it, love was some made-up invention created to lessen the blow when things went to shit.

Playing with the whiskers on my chin, I gave a short nod into the video call. "Probably shit himself, but I wasn't about to go checking his ass to find out. That place smelled like a rancid brewery."

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't expect anything less from a weasel, the sissy," Seamus gave a nod, his wide green eyes locking with mine. His brow lifted. "So, what is this intel you have for me?"

"Right before I plugged him, McPhee sang like a canary. Said some cop by the name of Swan rode off into the sunset with your dough." I shrugged as I stared at my mentor. "Seems like someone needs to make a visit to Swan and discuss these concerns."

"Something to consider in the future. Motherfucker putting hands on my money, shit don't fly, yet there's some hesitation. I mean, dealing with cops, even dirty ones, can get hairy and needs to be dealt with delicately. Not a field I'm eager to get into," Seamus stated, "yet neither is giving up that kind of cash. Give me a few days to think about which way to take this one. Keep in touch, Cullen."

The video went black as Seamus disappeared. It didn't matter to me one way or another if Seamus collected the money. I have one job in this orchestration: plug the idiots stupid enough to fall behind on their debt. With a heavy breath, I turn my attention back to the club in full swing.

It was about that time to make the rounds and see what the hell was going on out on the floor anyway. Shoving away from my desk, I head out into the darkened hallway to see Gem disappearing into one of the private rooms, passing me a wink on her way.

I know that look. It's one I've seen from many women in this establishment. I'm not sure what caused them to flirt with me, probably some sort of wager to see who could get a reaction from me. Hell, if they let me in on the action, I might give them the response they sought. Since they hadn't, however, I merely acted as though I hadn't seen her as she slipped from view.

Smoothing the Italian suit, worth nearly four grand, down my sides, I step into the active nightlife teaming throughout the club. My gaze darted around the room; while the lighting was turned down low, the bright pinks and purples glowing from the interior caught my attention. There was something about DarkStrip that filled me with pride. While it wasn't my primary income source, I thought this place did wonders for deviating from my real purpose.

"Hey, Edward, want a drink?" Dally waves a hand in my direction to catch my attention. As soon as I focused on the bar, she lifted the bottle of Jack I typically drink. "The usual?"

Sidling up to the bar, I gave her a confirming nod before looking around. Jasmine was currently on the stage, but no one paid much attention, as I discovered before through the monitor. Again, I begin a visual inspection, instantly seeking out Belladonna. As I watch the perspiration glisten on her breasts with those cherries pebbled in temptation, my mouth goes dry.

"Looks like the new girl will be a real hit," Em says, sliding onto a stool next to me.

Yeah, a real fucking hit. Right now, she had half a dozen guys circling the table where she danced against Glitter, her lips gapped open, and I could practically feel the hot breath against Glitter's neck. The fucking hair on my nape prickled with anticipation, something I never remembered feeling before.

As one of the guys moved in closer to the girls, I tipped my chin in that direction. "Move those dudes back."

That stony expression of Em's I loved so much took hold of the bear at my side. With an air of amusement, I watch him slide effortlessly from the stool and move with purpose toward the group. As soon as the patrons saw Em coming, they must've understood without much communication because they stepped several inches away. Still, his mammoth form tipped toward the crowd, and several expressive words flew from his mouth as he pointed toward my girls.

Glitter's face turned in my direction, and with a tilt of my head, I acknowledged her. She was a great person to operate the head of the house. She was hot as fuck but took no shit. Her fucking gorgeous lengthy blonde hair appealed to gentlemen of all walks of life; however, I preferred women a little darker in coloring. Still, the woman fluttering her long, mascaraed lashes in my direction was stunning on all accounts.

Considering they'd all been dancing for a while, most of the girls were utterly bare at this point. One of the best parts of the show were some of the costumes the woman came out wearing. When Em's gaze flashed to mine, I tipped my head to call him over, sliding my hip onto a stool as I awaited him. "Have the girls go clean up and put fresh clothes on. They're starting to look a little ragged. Then have Glitter, Nightingale, and Belladonna meet me at my usual table."

"Here's your drink, boss." Dally slid the drink toward me, and I caught it as I pushed away from the bar. She must've heard my statement to Em because she leaned in close, saying, "I'll have a waitress come to your table. Need anything else?"

I stopped to contemplate her question for a long moment. After all the hard work these girls had put in over the last few days, working with the new recruit and doing their own dances, they kind of deserved a small thank you. "Have Robin bring around a tray of shots to the table."

"What kind?"

I shrugged with no real answer. I prefer my liquor as hard as the rest of me. "Make 'em random."

Without a backward glance, I headed in the direction of my favorite table, tucked in a far back corner typically out of sight. Taking a sip of the drink in hand, I watched the girls disappear from view and Emmett heading in my direction.

"They'll be right over," he told me, sliding into the booth next to me. "Did you call Seamus? Tell him about that dirty ass cop?"

"Of course." Swallowing another sip of my drink, I tip my head in Em's direction. "Doesn't wanna handle the cop at this point. He says it's too hairy getting involved with law enforcement, which I have to agree with. Maybe in a few days he'll change his mind. Said he was going to check into the situation."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." He fell silent next to me, but I could feel the heat from his gaze dart in my direction every once in a while.

"Something on your mind?" I didn't see the purpose of beating around the bush. If Emmett had something to say, he should just say it. With a final sweep of my surroundings, I turned to give him my full attention. Noticing his hesitance, I raised my brow. "Spit the shit out, Em …"

"I was just wondering what is up with you and the new chick? It isn't like you to get all commando over some woman," he stated with a nervous laugh. "Never had you bite my head off like that before."

I dropped his inquisitive stare with a shrug. "Nothing's going on … just isn't wise getting involved with people you work with. Plus, we have a no-hands-on policy in place for a reason. And your hands were all over Belladonna."

"I was trying to offer her a warm welcome. It can't be easy ripping your clothes off for a bunch of dirtbags."

"They sure make it look like it is." I chuckled, crossing my feet at the ankles. I leaned back against the plush seat. "Don't see many of them complaining when they walk out of here with wads of cash in their pockets. Hell, this is probably one of the safest places for a girl to dance. Plus, she needs to know her place here."

"What exactly is her place here, man? That's what I've been asking you."

It was a rarity—anyone questioning my authority—and having my Em do that unnerved me. Had everyone lost their fucking minds? No one talked back to me, and in the space of a handful of days, two—two people had. Passing the sternest look I could conjure to Emmett, I met him head-on. "Her place is whatever the fuck I say it is. Are we having a breakdown in communication here, Em?"

"I didn't say we were miscommunicating. Just thought there might be a little more human in you than you let people see." Emmett shook his head, but at least I could no longer feel his stare in my bones. "You do realize you are one cold son of a bitch, right?"

"That's why they pay me the big bucks," I murmur to no one in particular. "Make no mistake, Em. The human in me died a long time ago."

Five minutes later, Robin shimmied up to the table, holding a large, round serving tray. An array of different liquors dotted the tray. Gesturing toward the shots, I asked, "What do we have?"

"Jäger, tequila, apple pucker, buttery nipples, and cherry bombs."

I'd just thrown back a shot of tequila when a twinkle caught my eye, and my jaw instantly locked as my gaze settled on the woman headed in my direction. Talk about blown away—I was blown the fuck away, left fucking speechless. Once again, the weight of Emmett's dancing irises fell on me. If it wouldn't have given away my reaction, I might have cussed him out, but I remained steadfast in my denial.

Bella walked toward me in a white corset with the cups cut out. She wore a satin fucking cowboy hat tipped low over her eyes with her chestnut mane sweeping down over her bare shoulders. White cowboy boots and a lacey white thong to matched her outfit. The spurs piqued my interest on several different levels as she crossed the room in my direction. My cock sprang to immediate attention, making me shift slightly in my seat as she drew closer.

With an extraordinary amount of effort, I managed to rip my eyes off of her and focus on Glitter and Nightingale, who were quickly becoming my safety nets.

Who would've ever imagined, I, Edward Cullen, would rely on a safety net to disguise my interest?

Yeah, so I could bend her over this table and pull that string running up that nice ass to the side. Right at this point, an audience didn't make the slightest bit of difference to me either. Currently, my body was demanding absolute satisfaction, and if I didn't want to look weak to my people, then an alternative solution had to be created.

Gritting my teeth, I passed a look down Glitter's spectacular form, taking in the naughty librarian theme she was working on. While she was stunning, she just didn't do it for me, and instantly, I sought out Nightingale.

Leave it to Nightingale to wear something between sexy and quirky. I wasn't exactly sure how one pulled off that particular air, but Nightingale certainly did. She looked like the sexiest drill sergeant I'd ever fucking seen. Keeping my expression void of emotion, I looked at all of them, making sure not to linger long on any one in particular. Even though my instinct kept leading me back to the same woman. Bella.

Nodding toward the tray, I offered the treat. This was entirely out of character for me. I didn't usually find the need to spend my cash on entertaining the ladies, but shortly, these women would be bringing in a lot of money. "Drink up, ladies. These are on the house."

A sweet vanilla scent wafted to my nostrils as the women came closer to examine the shots. Of course, it would have to be her, I thought, relishing the creamy complexion of her skin as she came to stand inches away. Instantly, my attention darted to her ass as she selected her choice of liquor. The corner of my lip tilted as she slammed a shot of Jäger. Suddenly, I found myself wanting to taste the licorice on her tongue, yet considering that wasn't an option, I reached around and stole one of the shots.

Staring her in those intriguing green eyes, I threw back the liquor, letting my tongue trace my bottom lip. Still watching her intently, I lounged back, directing my demand to Glitter. "Think I might like a dance, Glitter … bring those sexy legs over here."

A wiggle of regret seated in my chest when I noted a flash of hurt in Bella's eyes, yet I refused to acknowledge the sentiment. More determined than ever to maintain the distance between us, I focused wholeheartedly on the sassy blonde coming my way. With a light push of her fingertips, my knees parted as she stepped between them, loving the sexy smile that flashed across her lips.

"My House" by Flo Rida came on as her face dropped to mine. The tip of her nose skimming my cheek as her pepperminty breath breathed heavily into my ear, she dipped between my knees before popping back up with a cock of her hip. Her nails scraped down my chest as her hips provocatively swiveled before me. Leaning close, she whispered her hot breath into my ear as her fingers working the buttons of her gray vest. Once the last button slipped through the eyelet, she ripped the material off, displaying a gray silken bra. Tossing her vest aside, she came in close, rubbing the swells of her breasts against my nose. The sweet, floral scent she wore clinging to the warm skin, adding to her tantalizing dance, her hot breath skating down my neck. Yanking the pencil holding her hair in a messy bun, she whipped her blonde hair around, letting the ends tickle my chest.

Glitter easily unsnapped the clasp on her bra and threw it in the direction her vest had landed. Again, she lowered her breasts' swells to my face before turning around to rotate her hips against my lap. I let my gaze trace down her spine to the panties riding low, displaying the wink of dimples above her tailbone. As her ass rubbed against my crotch, my gaze darted past her to find Bella staring at me with a mixture of emotions flashing across her delicate features.

She looked somewhere between jealous and intrigued. I felt my lashes drop as I regarded her to see which emotion would win. Staring at her, however, inspired a completely different reaction from me. Instantly, lust shot through my abdomen, going straight to my cock, and the leaden weight of my arousal pressed into Glitter's ass as she continued to dance against my crotch. I barely noticed the dancer now working hard to give me the dance of her life because my focus was otherwise occupied.

Suddenly, Bella threw back a cherry bomb before pushing away from the table; her gaze never wavering from mine as she stepped up to me. With a confident air, she stepped around me completely out of sight. I felt her fingers dart into my hair; fisting them, she yanked my head to the side. Once again, she sang in my ear, "Welcome to my house, baby, take control now." I noticed Glitter's gaze flash over my shoulder, obviously meeting Bella's.

A teasing smile passed across her face as Bella forced my head back until I was staring into glittering green eyes. Without hesitation, her mouth came within inches of mine, and the urge to push up to taste those tempting lips was nearly overwhelming. As if she wasn't alluring enough, the tip of her pink tongue outlined her mouth, and all I wanted to do was suck the morsel into my hot mouth.

The blood started to boil in my veins as she whipped her cowboy hat off and tossed it toward Emmett. Dangling her hair in my face, the scent of sweet vanilla filled my nostrils, and all coherent thought flew right out of my head.

Glitter continued to ground down on my lap while Bella refused to release my hair, pushing her cupless corset in my face. Those puckered cherry tips were rubbing across my lips, causing them to part of their own volition. On a whim, and completely against house rules, my tongue darted out to graze the tempting ruby. Her startled gasp inspired an earth-shattering smile I just couldn't hold back. I noticed instantly she didn't withdraw, however, and if I wasn't mistaken, the witch only moved closer.

A shuddering breath slipped from my throat, and if we weren't in the middle of a very crowded club, I would've bent her right over the fucking table. My entire body felt swollen and achy, and while I'd experienced arousal before, this—this was so different from anything I'd felt before. As the dance concluded and Bella released the hold she had on my hair, I started to suspect hiring her had been one of two things—a huge fucking mistake or a life-altering decision. At this particular minute, I wasn't ready to decide which, but I suspected these feelings were going to come to a head sooner rather than later.

Recs: The Muse in the Shadows by LilJill4286- One day there would be a day when it all would make sense. She would wake up to find the answers she so desperately craved, a meaning to all of the shadows. She would emerge from the darkened waters, stretching to reach the light that enticed her to the edge, and there she would find what awaited her. What had always been there beneath the surface with an outstretched hand. Him.

Collisions with Clouds by JMJiLL- One Guy. One Girl. One Apartment. A whole new world beneath the clouds.

A/N: So, how do we feel? Seems Assward is in over his head right? Please review and share your thoughts with us. We love to hear the theories and what you think of our cheeky guy. So, your reviews gave us Assward, so what is a name for Bella. She is a spitfire. We will see you all on Friday back with Bella's POV. Thanks, lovelies!

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