Sixteen
We return to a quiet house. Esme and Carlisle are asleep in their room.
I lead Emmett to the kitchen, throwing my purse down on the bench, as we walk.
"Won't Step Fucker miss you?" I ask.
"She's too wrapped up in Alec to notice," he shrugs, "She didn't take much convincing. I noticed something. He was tense with her advances."
"I watched them all night and didn't pick that up at all," I shake my head.
"Well his body language was tense, he kept checking his phone," he explains, "he was anxious about something. I don't think it was her."
"Organised crime is so interesting," I say.
"If you say so," he pulls me into his hold, his back leaning against the counter.
Wrapping my arms around his body I enjoy the feel of his hands on me, wishing I didn't have to wait so long for this to become a permanent fixture in my life.
"We probably have a bit of time before they wind it on home too," he kisses my forehead.
"What are you actually saying?"I tilt my head.
"We should fuck. Hard," he cups my face, leaning in to press a soft, enticing kiss to my lips.
"You're so blunt," I pull back giggling.
"You're so sexy," he looks down at my body, "I don't want to waste time beating around a bush."
"Bedroom?" I whisper in question.
With a nod he leans down, wraps an arm around the back of my legs and lifts me, up and over his shoulder. I giggle, grabbing his back for support, smacking his ass with my free hand as he caveman walks me upstairs.
I wait for him to throw me on the bed, but instead once we're inside my room he pushes me up against the door. Arms above my head, sweater inching up my stomach slowly.
"I love you. I haven't been able to tell you today and it's been itching at me like a rash," he says.
"I love you," I gasp as his hand cups me under my sweater, squeezing my breast, rubbing a thumb just above the lace of my bra.
"We didn't get a midnight kiss. But I promise to be every single one from now on," He says.
"I understand," I bite my lip, arch my chest slightly into his touch, "every midnight for the rest of ever is already yours."
Struggling to have an actual conversation.
"I need to leave tomorrow," he admits suddenly
I look back at him, trying to ignore the tinge of sadness.
"Why?" I ask.
"Theory I have," he removes his hand to begin pulling my sweater up, over my head.
"What?" I lift my arms for him.
"It's a work in progress," he leans down to kiss my neck, my lacey bra on show for him "you don't need to worry. I'm going to get us through this."
"I am worried," I put my hands on his shoulders and push him back, "I'm worried about you. Is this dangerous?"
"Baby," he grabs me by the hips, "I don't want you to be fearful. Know that no matter what I'll always come home to you."
It's the reassurance I need. But also isn't.
He can't guarantee anything. He can only pretend.
"Oi," a sharp voice comes from the other side of the door, a knock, "let me in."
"Shrivel," Emmett huffs, moving me aside to open it, peer his head out.
I smirk as Emmett glares at his brother.
"What?" he asks with an annoyed tone.
"I need to come in," Edward tries to push his way in, only to be stopped by the large police officer holding onto me.
"Says fucking who? Why are you all back?" Emmett's eyes narrow.
"Your step fuckers pissed off. Which is why I need to come in," Edward nudges the door again.
"Wait what?" Emmett's eyes widen, arm slacking enough for Edward to push open the door, to shut it.
"Step fuckers is really catching on," I say, stepping out of Emmett's arms.
I move to grab up my sweater to cover my chest, so I feel less exposed.
"It's a great nickname," Edward compliments me.
"Stop," Emmett holds his hand up, "where did they go?"
"So that's the thing. They went home," he looks at his brother, "said they wanted to just head back to the city and Cassie had told you. Said that's why you left early."
"Fuck," Emmett grunts, "I need to get back to the city tonight."
"What's going on?" I glance at Edward confused.
"They're fucking moving on it," Emmett whips his phone out, frantically pulling something up, "I have to call my chief. We have to move in on this asap."
"They kept mentioning a boat," Edward says, "that they were going on a trip."
"It's the drug boat," Emmett nods, "I'm aware of it. Wasn't due in till tomorrow night, but I think they've changed plans. I suspected it's how they're bringing drugs in. It's a small yacht but I think it meets up offshore with someone else. They know someone is onto them so they'd rather have supply here before they're caught, then delay it. They just don't know its me."
"I had someone run some background checks. Alec and Jane are…" Edward begins.
"Edward," Emmett growls annoyed, "don't get fucking involved. I told you this already. This is a classified investigation. That shit will impact a trial."
Normally Emmett rolls over for Edward. But not bad cop Em. Emmett is in charge here. It's incredibly interesting to watch the dynamic of the brothers shift in Emmett's favour.
"You should see it," Edward pulls his phone out, "there's a warehouse under the twins name. They acquired it right before I fired Jane."
Emmett looks at Edward like he doesn't want to be interested. But he can't help it.
"Who'd you hire to find this out?" Emmett asks.
"Doesn't matter," Edward shakes his head, hands his phone to Emmett.
"I knew it," Emmett huffs, "it's not a warehouse, it's a shipping dock house. Under Cassie's fucking name. They're using her."
"How?" I look at him.
"She was into Alec. They were preparing for this and were planning to work under Edward's nose, but then he fired Jane so the motivation switched. She wanted to take you down from the inside out, but now she can't. They used Alec to gain Cassie's trust, then they found me to lurch off and get closer to you. They had Cassie take hold of shit so when shit goes bust she can take the fall," he thinks out loud, "the stuff about bringing you down was just a side bonus."
"You said she doesn't know your a cop," I motion to Emmett.
"She thinks I'm a low level traffic cop," he shrugs, "doesn't realise I'm a high ranking detective that's been watching them for years."
"Even so a traffic cop could sniff out their bullshit," I shrug.
"I'm great at playing dumb and she is naturally dumb," he smiles at me, "she thinks I'm too stupid to notice things. That's what she told Jane anyway. That or Jane thinks her crime is so underground I wouldn't notice. I honestly think she's scared of them. But anyway I have to go. I need to try and intercept them and get some backup."
"I'll come with you," I move to grab my sweater.
"Absolutely not," he shakes his head, takes my face in his hands, "that is way too dangerous baby. These people are criminals. You are to stay here with Edward."
He catches the worry on my face.
"I will come home to you, baby," he promises, "between now and then look at flights to Vegas for me."
He leaves me standing there, trying to compose myself, trying not to fear the worst. Edward reaches out to me at one point, cuddling me into him.
"He'll be okay," he comforts, "what's in Vegas?"
"I asked him to marry me," I admit through a sniffle.
"Then he'd never break that promise," Edward rubs my back, "he's been on about marrying you since the first minute he saw you at Alice's get together for the bridal party."
thanks for reading x