A/N: Hi all...here I am with some more Edroar for you. I finally wrote an outline and story calendar…it really makes it so much easier. I can't wait to share it all with you. I'm a woman on a mission. Look out! The lion has been dying to be set free so I think it's best if I meet you at the bottom.
Happymess: I need you like Edward needs Bella...like Bert needs Ernie...like my hubby needs bacon...HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY...my beautiful beta...my virtual daughter...my better half.
I'm pleased to announce I have the fandom's hottest pre-readers djsmommie & caro2lalala .Thanks so much for caring about this crazy little tale.
*DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight…I'm just a girl that got a Kindle for Christmas. Santa ROCKS!
I'm not going to change the way I look or the way I feel to conform to anything. I've always been a freak. So I've been a freak all my life and I have to live with that, you know. I'm one of those people.
- John Lennon
The minute I stepped into work I was assaulted by four sets of waiting eyes. Good Lord, what were they up to now?
"Miss me?" I batted my lashes at them, holding back a laugh.
Emmett looked at his watch and shook his head disapprovingly.
"What? I'm fifteen minutes early," I glanced down at my watch.
Then I noticed Jessica was there. Now thatwas strange. She was always at least twenty minutes late for work.
"Did you not even notice how full the parking lot is?" Mike's hands flew down to his aqua coated hips.
Before I could even respond the four of them stormed off towards the elevator. They really should be medicated, I noted to myself.
Emmett glanced back at me from over his shoulder. "Earth to Bella," his deep voice bellowed.
Mike stomped his foot down in frustration. "I told you guys this was a bad idea. Mark my words she's the Yoko Ono to our Beatles," he was pointing at me.
They were still bickering with one another as I slowly made my way over to them.
"First of all, comparing yourselves to the Beatles is just sacrilegious." I scowled at the gall of it. Had he no shame? "Second of all," I folded my arms firmly together. "I'd be John Lennon." My eyes landed on Mike. "You'd be my crazy ass stalker since you're clearly delusional and your diva-tude just might kill me one of these days."
He narrowed his eyes at me as I chuckled fiendishly. I entered the elevator, still clueless as to where we were rushing off to.
"Alright you two. Play nice," Rose warned as the doors shut.
Jessica nodded her head in agreement.
Rose placed one hand on my shoulder and the other on Mike's. "Apologize to Bella for calling her Yoko Ono."
He threw me an icy glare. "I'm sorry you're Yoko Ono."
I rolled my eyes. Rose squeezed his shoulder tightly until he started to buckle beneath her fingertips.
"Michelle Hot Pants Newton. Apologize properly to Bella or so help me we'll vote your pretty little ass right out of this group." She was using the drill sergeant voice I recognized from her aerobics class.
He grumbled under his breath a few moments. "Sorry." The word fell from his lips like vomit.
Rose loosened her grip on him and turned her eyes to mine. "Bella, your turn."
I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, noticing all eyes were on me. "Fine, if he's sorry then so am I," I announced right before the elevator doors slid open.
"There, that wasn't so bad, now was it?" Rose's sweet voice returned and I almost laughed at the abrupt change.
Jessica bounced around as we walked down the hall together, making little popping noises with her pink bubblegum. "We're gonna be the best team ever," she sang out.
Rose smiled. "It certainly wouldn't hurt if we all started thinking like Jessica."
I literally had to bite my tongue to stop myself from blurting out one of the snarky comments that ran through my mind.
Jessica froze in place and waited for our attention. "No Rose. I don't think…I know."
"You know?" I had to ask. I could never resist.
Her eyes darted around the perimeter before settling on us once again. "Yes. Last night I went to see my psychic and she knew about the contest. It was so eerie" her eyes widened dramatically.
"You have a psychic?" Emmett asked, skeptically.
"Of course I do." She giggle-snorted, as though his question were totally ridiculous. "Not just any psychic either...Madame Jennie."
"Wow, the Madame Jennie," he smirked.
"YES!" She shrieked, completely missing Emmett's sarcasm. "Madame Jennie sensed I was worried about something important. I knew right away it was the contest," Jessica's face grew serious. "Guys, she turned over a card…it was the Wheel of Fortune."
Mike gasped, as though this held some sort of meaning for him.
Jessica smiled brightly as she tossed her curly, black hair behind her shoulders. "Madame Jennie said for me not to worry, all would be well."
Emmett coughed back a laugh. "Uh...Jess I hope you don't believe that-"
"We might lose the contest this year, because we're going to win it," Rose cut Emmett off sharply, shooting eye darts directly at him.
He got the same wounded puppy dog look I'd seen on his face when he'd been scolded by Edroar. He really was a big baby.
We quickly made our way over to a large table in the center of the cafeteria.
"What's all this?" I asked. It looked like much more than breakfast was going on.
"It's sign-up day silly. You didn't forget did you?" Jessica pouted at me.
Holy shit! I did forget.
Was it really Friday already? My week had flown by. After meeting with the Lion on Tuesday I spent most of my time trying to figure out if and when I should deliver Edroar's message to his Robo-Dad.
Why did I always have to stick my nose in where it didn't belong? I was so preoccupied with that damn letter all week.
I somehow managed to keep my inner snoop monster from steaming it open, but couldn't stop myself from holding it up to every bright light I could find.
I suppose it served me right that I couldn't see a single word of it.
How horrible a teammate was I that I completely forgot it was sign-up day? Of course the talent show hadn't completely slipped my mind.
How could it? Every lunch break that week had been filled with team meetings, which consisted of constant bickering about what we were going to perform at the ball.
I just couldn't believe it was Friday. Apparently, the rest of the company could because the cafeteria was filled with people.
"Oh, great. Look who's at the front of the line," Emmett noted with a sour look on his face.
The gang sighed in unison.
"Who?" I asked, while trying to sneak a peek.
"The mail room crew," Mike's voice dripped with disgust.
"Also known as Deliverance," Rose added. "They won the contest last year. Their magic act is quite a sight to see."
Mike balked, while Jessica and Emmett sulked.
"Magical mailmen," I laughed out loud.
"Mail people," Jessica corrected.
"It's a trio, Riley, Ben and Bree. I hear if they win again this year they're moving to Vegas," Rose said, as I continued to strain my neck for a glimpse of them.
I was suddenly distracted by the sound of my cell phone ringing.
As I searched around in my bag for it, Jessica yelled out. "You changed your ringtone!" She looked devastated.
"Hello." I said, while giving Jessica an apologetic look. Why on earth I was sorry for not having Sir Mix- A- Lot as my ringtone was beyond me.
"Happy Friday!" Alice's perky voice chirped in my ear.
"Hey, Alice."
There was a pause. "Do you have a minute?" She sounded a bit apprehensive.
"Sure. What's up?"
"Well...normally I'd be able to give you much more notice than this of course. But uh..."
"Yes..." I hedged, as she continued to stammer.
"I just found out about it this morning," another pause. "Mr. Cullen will be going to New York on important business next week."
"Oh, okay," I replied.
There was a pause again.
"You see, he always travels with his massage therapist," she reluctantly continued. "It's crucial that he be relaxed while negotiating business deals and I'm sure you've noticed that isn't his natural disposition."
I chuckled. "Really? No, I hadn't noticed."
She giggled. "So, what I'm trying to tell you is that you'll be required to travel to New York...with him. You'll leave next Sunday and return on Wednesday. I'm so sorry for the short notice Bella. I swear it very rarely happens this way." She sounded so worried.
"Alice. It's fine, really. It's part of my job. I understand. A weeks' notice is more than enough time for me."
She exhaled a deep breath. "Oh, thank heavens. I promise I'll give you more details at lunch. It's almost time for his morning massage so I won't keep you any longer."
His morning massage…oh yes, that's right I had an actual job to do. I quickly ended my call with Alice and told the gang I needed to get down to the massage room before Mr. Cullen arrived.
Believe it or not, the Fat Cat and I had been working well together since our little chat…and when I say well I mean no one had been injured, which was a major improvement in my book.
Surprisingly, his massage sessions were going smoothly. Perhaps that was because he spent most of our time together sleeping.
It really helped that I figured out a wake up method that worked like a charm.
Out of sheer desperation I asked him if he knew of anything that affected his sleep pattern. He was annoyed by my question and curtly claimed he rarely slept.
He was adamant that when he did sleep, it was lightly. I couldn't help but laugh in his face as the image of his comatose body filled my mind.
That sparked a heated debate as to whether or not he was a deep sleeper.
He was…like a log.
Though for some reason that stubborn tyrant wouldn't admit it. It took some digging, but eventually I found out the smell of coffee had disturbed his sleep on several occasions.
So I got a jar of coffee beans to wave under his nose at the end of each session.
He seemed to prefer it to being screamed at or sprayed in the face with a toxic mystery liquid.
Go figure.
Edroar fell into a very deep sleep in every session I had with him. I often wondered how it was possible that it never happened with his other massage therapists, but I didn't ask him about it.
Actually, I didn't ask him much of anything. I decided to give Alice's method of dealing with him another try.
So, instead of tormenting and provoking him, I kept our conversations to a bare minimum and nodded my head so often I was beginning to feel like a damn bobblehead.
Alice's method wasn't nearly as much fun as mine, but hey, work was work. I'd just have to find another hobby. As long as he didn't try to bully me I didn't foresee a problem.
Edroar's eyes were healing quite nicely, much to my relief. I was still determined to find out what the hell was in that god forsaken bottle.
Though, the prospect of that happening was looking pretty bleak.
I got back to the massage room with minutes to spare. His morning massage came and went without occurrence. Oddly enough, that was nothing new.
He even came down for his afternoon massage every day since our meeting. We'd gotten into a routine that really seemed to be working out.
Make no mistake, the man was horribly uptight. If I ventured a glance into his darkened eyes, fragments of a broken soul looked back at me from behind green walls.
There was an inferno burning deep inside that man. Always burning….
He was filled with such turbulence, I couldn't help but to react to it, which was exactly why I refrained from looking into his eyes.
I realized they were the catalyst for the masochist in me.
Just one look and I'd take out my shovel to dig around. It was none of my business and it was blatantly obvious that Edroar wanted to be left alone.
Whatever was haunting him was not my concern and as long as I was able to keep my eyes away from his it would remain that way.
How simple.
What could be so difficult about that?
As expected, there was a mandatory team meeting during lunch at our headquarters…Panera. It was the onlyplace they could all agree on.
And how rare it was those crazies agreed on anything. Alice tagged along with us even though she wasn't actually on our team, the lucky bitch.
She wasn't allowed to enter the competition since she was heavily involved in the planning aspect of it.
I got my lunch and prepared for the inevitable bickering to begin. We still couldn't agree on an act for the show.
My only request was that we incorporate music into whatever we decided to do. I told them I could sing and play a few instruments.
Mike wanted us to perform some sort of yoga du soleil act, while Pep passionately pleaded for us to involve puppets in our performance.
She said her grandfather was a master puppet maker and claimed to be a skilled ventriloquist.
I fought off a serious laughter attack just at the thought of that.
Emmett was adamant that we needed killer special effects to stupefy the audience with.
Rose reasoned that if we tried hard enough we could find a way to include all our ideas into the act.
Easier said than done. I was expecting a full hour of our usual negotiating tactics… blood, sweat and tears.
But much to my surprise the gang actually preferred hearing about my upcoming business trip.
True to Alice's word, she gave me the details at lunch. Was it crazy that I was more than a little excited that I was going to New York City?
I mean, yes, I was basically going by myself, but still it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Manhattan was the epicenter for musicians. It was the birthplace of Punk Rock, for Christ's sake.
I wanted to go to the Blue Note.
I wanted to go to Strawberry Fields.
I wanted to ride the subway and haggle with street vendors.
Alice seemed surprised by my enthusiasm, but looked more relieved than anything. She told me I'd be staying in a private suite in Mr. Cullen's penthouse….Chetwin.
Yes…Chetwin.
The apartment had its own name. Was he serious? How absurd. How could I not laugh at that?
Alice said she hadn't been there herself but heard it overlooked Central Park and was breathtaking.
I'd never been on a plane before. I often wondered where my first flight would land. Now I knew.
New York City….
"New York City?" Jazz squinted his eyes as a thin stream of smoke left his lips.
"Yep."
He scratched at the stubble on his jaw, like he always did when he was unsure of how he felt about something. "I thought we were going there together someday?"
"They do allow people to visit more than once you know," I said, as I followed him through the parking lot, the crisp fall leaves crunching beneath my boots.
"Yeah, but the first time is always the most special," he winked at me.
I made a sour face. "Uh…that's definitely not true."
He smirked, knowing exactly what or should I say whom I was referring to.
He stopped walking and turned to look at me. "You're going to New York with Cake Face?" That was his pet name for Edroar. I swear, the man had more nicknames than he had money. I wondered if he knew about any of them.
"Yes, I already told you that. It's a business trip. So stop trying to make me feel guilty about it."
He took a long drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke straight up in the air. "As if I could ever make you do anything," he tossed me a lazy smile. "When are you leaving?"
"Next Sunday. I'll be back on Wednesday night."
He didn't respond right away. He just stood there with a blank look on his face.
"Are you joking?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "No, why would I be joking?"
He stomped his cigarette out into the ground and walked away. I rolled my eyes at the back of his head. What the hell was his problem?
I walked fast trying to catch up to him. He paused as he opened the door that lead into the employee's entrance of the casino, waiting there for me.
"Thanks," I said, as I strode past him.
I watched as he opened his locker and put on his vest and badge. I cleared my throat to get his attention. "So…want to tell me what that was about?"
"Nope."
I sighed. "Jazz, if you've got something to say just spit it out already." I had no patience for dramatics.
He slammed his locker shut. "Alright," he lowered his shoulders and squared his jaw. "I can't believe you're going to spend your twenty-fifth birthday alone in a strange city."
My birth… oh shit! Was I going to be in New York on my birthday? Damn it. Jazz and I always celebrated our birthdays together.
It was one of our rules.
He saw my shocked expression and his face softened a bit.
"I...I didn't even realize the date when Alice told me about the trip." I bit down on my lip trying to figure out if there was some way I could get out of going without losing my job.
He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Just tell her you can't go." He tugged on the back of my hair and walked away.
I followed him into the employee lounge. "I don't think that's possible."
"Why not?"
"Because, I can't expect my boss to cancel his business trip just because it's my birthday."
"So let him go. There are plenty of massage therapists in New York, Bella."
"I'm sure there are, but he pays me to be his personal massage therapist. It's my job, Jazz."
"Fine...then go to New York." He popped a stick of cinnamon gum in his mouth and chomped in my face, like the obnoxious little punk he was.
"Stop being such a freaking baby." I slapped his arm. "We can celebrate the day before I leave alright?" I ruffled his hair, the wound on his forehead making me frown. "Besides, my birthday is on a Monday this year. Not a very big party night."
"How do you know I didn't have something planned for you?" He scowled, as he struggled to fix the mess I made on top of his head.
I laughed. "Who are you trying to fool, Jasper Whitlock? We both know we'd spend the night getting piss ass drunk together and end up brawling with a bunch of losers in some hole in the wall bar."
His eyes lit up as he recalled us doing exactly that…year after year.
"Darlin', I don't want you spending your birthday alone. Or worse with someone that treats you like his fucking servant. Remember how depressed you got last year?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder and for your information that was not a depression." My hands flew down to my hips. "That was me drinking way too much tequila and hanging out in a bar full of couples."
"Couples?" He scoffed. "Since when have I ever been part of a couple?"
"Oh, pfft… please," I swiped the air. "Since when do you not have someone hanging around your neck?"
He broke out into a fit of laughter. "You were hysterical that night."
I kicked his ankle. "I'm glad you find my birthday breakdown so amusing."
He fought to catch his breath. "Come on, you jumped on top of the bar and announced you were running for President...so you could outlaw couples everywhere." He doubled over in laughter.
"Don't laugh so hard mister, it just may happen." I poked his chest with my finger, "who the hell do you think does all the voting in this country anyway? That's right… single people. Couples are too damn busy sucking face all the time."
I was laughing right along with him before I could even finish my sentence. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt, my eyes burned and my throat was dry.
Thank god there were chairs behind us or we would've been lying on the floor for sure. Other than my grandmother, Jasper was the only person I knew that laughed as hard as me.
I didn't feel like such a freak when we laughed together…which, actually, was quite often.
I was sitting in a chair with my head between my knees desperately trying to catch my breath when I heard footsteps coming toward me.
"You know, I really hope one of these days you two will finally give me some of whatever the hell it is you're on."
"Sorry to disappoint you, Jake, but Bella and I are high on life." Jasper stood up and smacked him on the back.
Jake was the son-in-law of casino owners Harry and Sue Clearwater. He married their daughter Leah, but sadly lost her before their first wedding anniversary.
It was such a tragedy. She died while giving birth to his son, Alexander. Jake was destroyed by Leah's death, just utterly ripped apart.
He devoted himself to caring for his son and was an excellent father.
Alex was now five years old and had no memories of his mother, though Jake made sure to talk about her often.
He still worked as a bartender at the casino, which was how he met Leah. Jasper liked very few people, but I could tell he genuinely liked Jacob.
"Did you ask her?" Jake was looking directly at me.
"Not yet," Jazz replied, also looking directly at me.
"Ask me what?"
"Jake wrote a book," Jasper said.
"Really? That's incredible. I'd love to read it."
"Thanks, Bella. I'd like that." He fidgeted a bit with his hair. "Uh… Jasper told me you're working for Edward Cullen."
"Yes."
His eyes brightened a bit. "Then I'm sure you're aware in the publishing industry he's like the top dog."
"More like lion," I mumbled to myself.
"Huh?"
"Nothing. So… what did you want to ask me?"
"Oh, well…uh…If it's a problem I'll understand." He looked away uncomfortably. "I mean I know you just started working for him and all."
"Jake, I still have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh right… well I was just wondering if you got the chance if you could uh…if you would...uh…maybe get me an appointment with Edward Cullen so I could submit my book to him for publishing?"
The room went completely still as I thought over my answer. "Well…I can't make any promises of course, but I'll definitely mention it to him for you." I held up a finger in warning. "But beware, he's not the easiest going person." That was an understatement.
Jake smiled widely, showing practically all of his teeth. "Oh yeah, I know. I've heard the rumors." His smile grew even wider. "Thanks, Bella. You're the best."
I laughed. "That's what I keep saying, but no one believes me."
"It's true," Jasper's eyes filled with warmth as he looked at me. "No one believes you." He grinned devilishly.
I jumped up and smacked his shoulder with my purse. Unfortunately for him it was filled with change.
I saved twenty dollars in spare change and was ready to take one for the team, which was exactly what I did.
I lost my money in less than an hour, but stayed to cheer on my comrades all in the name of hope.
Gambling for me was about more than just money...it was about taking chances and the thrill of tempting fate.
Jake asked me to come see him before I left for the night and when I did he waved me over to the wait station at the side of the bar. He discreetly handed me a brown paper bag.
"Hmmm ... this looks awfully suspicious," I eyed the bag cautiously. "Is it a sex tape? I swear that girl only looks like me from the back." I smirked wickedly as I grabbed the bag from his hands.
Jake blushed about five shades of red. "It's a copy of my book. You said you wanted to read it."
"Oh right….of course."
I started to take the book out of the bag, but he stopped me.
"Bella, I'd prefer if you read it in private. I haven't told anyone around here that I wrote it yet. I figured I'd wait and see if it was even good enough to publish."
I placed the bag in my now empty purse and smiled up at him, "Sure, no problem."
"Thanks," he said, as he headed back to his customers. "For everything."
I gave a quick head nod in response and made my way to the blackjack tables to say good night to Jazz. There was a group of women sitting at his table…nothing new there.
Not only did the boy have band groupies but he had casino groupies too. It was out of control. He smiled when he saw me walking his way.
"Hey darlin', coming to keep me company?"
I chuckled. "I'd say you have plenty of company already." I eyed the ladies and shook my head. "I'm heading home. I'll talk to you later."
"Text me when you get in."
"Will do."
I did, the second I got home or there would be hell to pay. Angela was still awake when I got in. It felt like we saw even less of each other now that we worked together.
I told her about my upcoming trip. Of course, she panicked immediately, but I quickly convinced her that I was actually looking forward to getting out of Seattle.
We talked for a while just catching up. After we finished off a bottle of wine she passed out mid-sentence.
Ange was always a lightweight. We really were total opposites, yet we got along so well. In all the years I'd known her we hadn't fought once.
It was so unlike me.
I covered her with a blanket and headed off to bed. After grabbing Jake's book from my purse I slipped under the covers. I looked down at the title.
'Where did Mommy go?'
Oh my…tears formed before I even read the first page. It was a children's book though there was nothing childish about it.
It explained the loss of a mother…to her child.
It was the story of a little boy who lost his mother. Every day he wondered "Where did Mommy go?"
He went on a journey to all of the places mommy's go. He went to the zoo, where he saw lots of baby animals with their mommy's…but not his.
He went on a hike, hoping Mother Nature knew where his mommy was. He listened carefully to the wind and to the birds in the trees, but they didn't offer him any clues at all.
He went to the hospital where babies were born. There were plenty of mommy's there, but none of them were his.
When he got home he told his father that he looked for his mommy all day, but couldn't find her.
His dad hugged him and explained that his mother was special, he couldn't see her with his eyes like other mommy's…. he had to use his heart to see her.
The father took the little boy to large field with lots of funny looking rocks in it.
He told his son it was a sacred place and then brought him over to a shiny grey stone that had his mommy's name on it.
The father explained that the piece of land was a special place for his mother only.
He told his son they can visit her there anytime they wanted and could even bring her presents.
The following day they decorated a small wreath together and brought it to his mommy's special place.
Through the years, the little boy and his father brought many wreaths and other beautiful gifts there.
Now, whenever the little boy wanted to visit his mother he knew exactly where to go….
My sleeves were saturated with tears by the time I closed that book. One thing was for sure, I was going to do everything in my power to get it published.
Not that I had a lot of power…or any really, but seriously how could anyone possibly turn away such a poignant and heartfelt story?
That night I dreamt of my grandmother and when I awoke the next morning I decided to finally work up the courage to visit her…at her special place.
Jake's book reminded me how short life was. I wondered what Edroar was so angry at his father about. How bad could it be?
It wasn't my business, but now that I was their personal courier pigeon I couldn't help but feel involved in the matter.
So that Saturday afternoon I found myself bringing the letter over to Dr. Feel Nothing, even though I knew I'd be doing more harm than good by delivering it to him.
It was a sure bet that whatever Edroar wrote wasn't going to mend any broken fences. More like demolish them, if he had his way.
I nearly turned back several times on the way there. Something about Dr. Cullen's numb demeanor spooked me to the core.
It wasn't that I was afraid of him, he just creeped me out a little. Okay, a lot. There was no life in his eyes, no emotion there at all.
Numb…hollow…void. I was always very receptive to emotion and he was just so…empty.
His son was at the opposite end of the spectrum. There was so much emotion rolling around inside that man…such intensity. It lurked beneath the surface for the most part, but it was always there.
I could see it…feel it…Christ, if I wasn't careful I absorbed it.
He reminded me of a bloodthirsty warrior. What on earth could make a man that angry?
I must have checked my purse a hundred times to make sure the letter was still there before I reached the reception desk.
For some crazy reason I assumed Dr. Cullen would just be there whenever I decided to show up. Turned out I was wrong; he was off for the weekend.
I seriously contemplated leaving the letter with the front desk clerk, but I just couldn't do it. Edroar trusted...well….demanded me to deliver it to his father personally.
Damn it.
I stomped out of the hospital, mumbling about pigeons and lions under my breath.
Monday morning arrived in a flash. Why was that always the case? I read Jake's book again before placing it down on the counter in the massage room.
The content was morbid, there was no doubt about that, yet I was incredibly drawn to it.
It may have been the emotions it evoked in me. I hadn't cried like that in years, not that I was particularly fond of crying.
I wasn't.
As a matter of fact, I hated crying and generally avoided it at all costs, but what I'd forgotten was the replenishing effect it had.
Tears always had a purpose.
When I cried I let go of so much more than what had started my tears to begin with.
Feelings were magnetic…they drew in like emotions.
When I was happy I noticed all the good things in my life, as was the same for sad, angry or otherwise.
Jake's book, though heartbreakingly sad, served a purpose. It just had to be published. Surely, Edroar would agree.
No sooner had I finished that thought he was standing before me. I hadn't even heard him walk into the room.
"Ms. Swan," his cool, dry tone jolted me back to the present.
"Oh...good morning, Mr. Cullen." I cringed at my words.
For the love of god…I knew better than to use words like 'good' around the man. Words like that annoyed him.
Yes, part of me got a sick thrill by irritating him, but it certainly wasn't my intent…at that moment.
He stood before me, grumbling heinously under his breath. His tall frame blocking the sunlight that poured in through the glass wall behind him.
I noticed his hair was a bit messier than usual. It made him appear more lionly. His bronze highlights glistened in the sun. His eyes were two blackened slates of coal.
He looked exhausted.
His chaotic energy surrounded me, overloading my senses. If I wasn't careful the man would frazzle me again. I couldn't have that.
I turned away and began smoothing out the creases on the crisp, white sheet that covered the massage table, all the while feeling his eyes on me.
I was actually able to feel when his eyes were on me. It was the strangest sensation, sort of like being snapped with rubber bands; it stung and was nearly impossible to ignore.
He remained still, as I busied myself with pointless tasks before I headed for the door. I decided to wait until the end of the session to discuss Jake's book with him.
He'd be more relaxed then.
Minutes later I returned. He was stretched out on the table, lying flat on his stomach. It took me a few seconds to center myself before I began his massage.
I heard his light snoring moments after my warm palms touched down on his cool skin, he was completely zonked out.
Light sleeper my ass.
What was his definition of a deep sleep…death?
My hands were tyrant tranquilizers. I wondered if they worked on all tyrants or just him.
It never failed to amaze me. I wasn't complaining. I felt more at ease when he was asleep. It may sound strange, but I was forming a connection to the sleeping tyrant.
I didn't quite understand why and would never admit it, but I had an urge to protect him from the angry beast that dwelled within.
I wanted to save Edsnore from Edroar…I really was crazy. Maybe I was the one that needed the medication.
It made no sense to me. What a strange instinct to have.
I pushed such thoughts from my mind and re-entered my zone. At the end of the session I grabbed the coffee beans and waved them under his nose.
Sure enough, his eyelids fluttered open. He gazed up at me sleepily. His eyes were the lightest shade of green when he first awoke, almost translucent.
It never took long for the darkness to seep into them, like pollution corroding a crystal clear ocean.
I hated watching the darkness return. I pulled my eyes away from his. No good could come of that. I decided to pounce while he was still groggy.
"Our session is over, Mr. Cullen. But before I go I'd like to talk with you for a moment."
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "What is it?" He wasn't one for beating around the bush. We had that in common.
I grabbed Jake's book off the counter and held it behind my back, like a present. "I have a friend that wrote a book...it's amazing," I gushed.
He didn't respond, he just looked at me blankly.
"So... I told him I'd mention it to you," I added, awkwardly.
Still no reaction from him.
"You know... since you publish books." I explained, as though he didn't know what the hell he did for a living.
"Yes, I'm aware of that," he said, sharply. "I'm unaware of what led you to believe you were qualified to assess what constitutes amazing in the literary world?"
His eyes bore into mine, gripping them with force.
I gasped at his arrogance. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that I can read and form an opinion. You know, like the people that will be buying the book." I snapped at him, venomously.
So much for Alice's method of dealing with him. I never really cared for bobbleheads…they made me dizzy.
He scowled at my response. "Using that logic anyone with hands would be qualified to assess professional massage technique."
I rolled my eyes at his illogical comparison. "No, not exactly, but you do know what an amazing massage feels like, don't you?"
"Of course." He looked appalled by my question.
"Alright, so if a friend of yours gave you an amazing massage wouldn't you be qualified to at least tell someone in the massage industry about their talent?"
He blinked a few times. "Why would I do such a thing?"
"Well…first of all to help your friend, second-"
He held up his hand. "Stop right there," he said, firmly. "I have no interest in helping your friends."
I narrowed my eyes. "I don't expect you to help my friends." My hands were on my hips. "Aren't you at least a little curious to know what the book is about?"
"No."
I eyed him, inquisitively. "Haven't you ever done something to help a friend who truly deserved it?"
He grimaced. "I don't have friends."
"Oh stop, you must have at least one good friend you can trust?"
"I trust no one." a flicker of pain crossed his features before they stiffened. "You'd be wise to do the same."
I shook my head. "I don't think so," my voice softened. "I could never cut myself off from bonding with other people." I paused, as I took out my shovel. "Don't you ever get lonely?"
"No." He frowned.
He was lying to me and probably himself as well.
"Come on, that's impossible." I dragged out the last word. "I have a lot of close friends and I still get lonely every now and then. It's human nature." I hesitated a moment. "Are you sure you're human?"
"I never said I was human," he stated, coolly. "But, if having friends is a requirement, then no…I'm not."
My brow rose dubiously. "Really, so if you're not human, then what are you?"
He ran a hand through his tousled hair. "If I recall correctly you told me what I was on your first day of work."
"Yes, I did and if I recall correctly you told me you knew what I was."
"I do."
"Well…what am I?" I was curious to hear what his twisted mind had come up with.
He contemplated his answer a few moments. "Perhaps, you should ask one of your friends," and then the wall went up. "We're finished here. You are dismissed."
I let out a frustrated gurgle. "Why must you always dismiss me?" I glared at him. "It's so rude."
He raised himself up from the table so that he was sitting at the edge, the sheet tossed loosely around him.
He actually looked insulted by my accusation. "It's called leadership. This is a business, Ms. Swan. I am your leader."
I grimaced. "My leader…don't you think that term is a bit much?"
"No, I don't," he snarled. "Now go!"
"Fine, I'll go," I spat angrily. "But just so you know…good leadership is more than bossing people around. You should respect your employees."
I resisted the urge to point my finger at him. I turned and walked away from his reddened face and scorching eyes.
He chuckled darkly. "Respect is earned. I don't give it lightly."
I froze at his words. "You don't respect me?" I was looking at him from over my shoulder.
He waved me off. "You have been dismissed."
"I asked you a question." I stomped my foot like a child.
He shot away from the table and stormed towards me. "You've been warned about your inappropriate behavior more than once," he growled, lowering his face to mine. "You assaulted me, while I lay defenseless in your care, you intruded in my personal life," his growl was steadily increasing." And now you have the audacity to scold me with your unwelcome business advice," he roared in my face, full on lion.
I wish I could say it scared me.
I really wish I could say it didn't electrify…incite…arouse...and stimulate every fiber of my being.
But it did.
I ripped our eyes apart and walked over to the counter, slamming the book down pointedly. "Well, if I'm such an awful employee then why haven't you fired me?"
Stupid question, but I was angry and really wanted to know the answer.
He was completely still for a few moments. I decided to shoot some more fire his way, so I stomped back over to him and looked directly into his eyes, ready for the storm. I was stunned by what I saw.
His eyes…looked wounded. It made no sense at all.
"Is that what you want?" he asked.
"What?" I was so confused.
"Do…you…want…me…to…fire…you?" He showed no emotion.
I thought about it a moment. Why did he care how I felt? The room began closing in on me. I couldn't breathe.
God damn it…I was frazzled.
"I….I…don't know," I stammered like an imbecile.
He moved in closer making it worse. "You don't know?"
"No," I shook my head. "I don't." I worked hard to steady my breathing. What on earth was wrong with me?
His cool stare was covering me like a blanket. I needed to get away from him. I spun around to leave the room, but my footsteps weren't getting me anywhere. I looked back and noticed his hand on my elbow.
"Not until you answer my question," he warned.
"I can't answer your question right now," I huffed.
"Why not?"
"Because…you've… frazzled me," I blurted out like a confession.
"I frazzle you?" He looked stunned.
"Yes, frequently," I admitted.
He released my arm.
We were just standing there looking at each other. The animosity seemed to have dissipated. Slowly, I started to regain control of my senses.
"Why do you want to know how I feel?" I asked in a low voice.
"I don't know," he answered, honestly.
"Oh." I didn't know what else to say.
He was deep in thought for several minutes before returning his eyes to mine. "Answer my question," he ordered, curtly. He was so damn bossy.
I raked my teeth across my bottom lip as I contemplated an answer. "Do you want the truth?"
"Of course."
I inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. "Okay, well… I find that I…uh….enjoy…making you angry."
Jesus, Mary and Joseph; the secret was out.
He laughed. I liked the sound of it. I was sure his features had softened a little….very little.
A crooked smile formed at the tips of his lips. "Was that supposed to shock me?"
"You knew?" My mouth fell open.
"You were trying to hide it?" He looked confused.
"Of course I was trying to hide it. You're my boss." Did he think I was an idiot?
"Well don't. I can't stand liars," he gruffed.
I choked, fully insulted. "I'm not a liar. I was trying to be respectful. Do you really believe your other employees tell you exactly what they think?"
"I don't care what they think."
"And you care what I think?"
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't say you didn't. You care what I think don't you?"
"Don't flatter yourself."
"Well, someone has to." I folded my arms.
"Give it to me," he demanded, impatiently.
I stepped away from him. "I beg your pardon?"
"The book. Give it to me." He held out his hand.
"Ah ha!" I shouted. "I knew you were curious to read it."
"Hardly," he scoffed. "I'm intrigued to know what someone like you finds amazing."
"Someone like me?"
"Yes, now give it to me."
"You know saying please wouldn't kill you."
He glared at me menacingly.
I rolled my eyes before darting over to the counter, I grabbed the book and slowly strutted my way back to him swirling it around in the air tauntingly.
"You want it don't you?" I teased.
He didn't respond right away, but his eyes gave me the answer. They always did.
"Not nearly as much as you want to give it to me," he grinned, wickedly.
"I only want to give it to you because I know it's amazing."
"We'll see about that."
"Yes, we will." I handed him the book and headed for the door, feeling his eyes on me every step of the way.
I stood in the frame for a moment allowing my eyes to wash over him. He was still grinning…the cocky bastard.
I'd driven halfway over to the hospital, it was the end of the day and the pigeon was delivering the lion's message to the robot.
I reached for my purse to check for the letter and realized I left my bag at work. Apparently, my brain was still a bit frazzled from my encounter with Edroar.
I wasn't a forgetful person.
But, since I started working at Cullen Publishing I was really starting to believe I didn't know myself quite as well as I previously thought.
I turned my truck around and headed back to the office. I quickly made my way into the club waving at Jessica as I passed her by. She instantly started humming Hell's Bells, making me laugh.
I climbed the steps and walked down the hall. The door to the massage room was open and the light was on…how strange.
I crept up to the doorway. It was only five o'clock…way too early for the cleaning crew to be there.
I peered into the room.
Nothing could prepare me for what I saw.
Mike was sprawled out on the massage table, flat on his back, his feet up in the air midway. He had a spray bottle in his hand…correction…he had THE spray bottle in his hand.
He was spraying his feet with it.
I watched as he sprayed the tops of them and then rolled to his side and sprayed the bottoms.
I stormed into the room and ripped the bottle from his hands. "What the hell are you doing?" I yelled.
He bolted up into a sitting position and gave me a death glare. "I'm caring for my tootsies, what's it to you?"
"Tell me what's in this bottle?" I demanded.
"What are you the foot patrol?" he snarked. "Not that it's any of your business, but it's FungiCure."
"What the hell is that?"
"Suffering Spinsters! The name is self explanatory…it cures fungi." He grabbed the bottle from my hands.
I rolled my eyes. "Okay… so why are you spraying it in here?"
He spritzed his feet a few times before answering my question. "I certainly can't use my room, this crap is toxic." He waved the bottle in my face. "It kills fungi. My studio can't have that kind of poison in the air," he crinkled his nose in disgust.
My hands balled up in anger. "I sprayed that crap in Mr. Cullen's face last week!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
He pulled his neck back. "You didn't?" His hand was on his heart.
"I did."
"You're one crazy bitch." He twirled his fingers in my face. "I'm surprised he didn't rip your ass to shreds."
My face was frozen in an angry scowl.
Before I could even say another word he hopped off the table and sashayed across the room.
"Look, Yoko, I don't have time to hear about your twisted games right now. I got places to be."
He was gone before I could blink.
A/N: FungiCure is an odorless, clear liquid. Who knew? Should Mike be forced to cover his tootsies at work? Should Bella plot revenge?
Fun Fact: Madame Jennie is inspired by my friend djsmommie. She told me she wanted to hypnotize Edroar and have him fulfill one of her favorite Edward fantasies. That sparked the psychic idea in my head. Thanks bb.
HUGE LOVE to the Edroar readers of the world. You guys are incredible. I'm so lucky to have you.
That's all for now folks. Let me know what you think….it's the gift that keeps on giving.