A/N: Alrighty folks. Are you ready for dinner with a Lion? Edroar is totally famished so we better feed him right away. I'll meet you guys down below.

Happymess: My beloved cannoli virgin…in the bakery of life YOU are the sweetest treat of all.

Caro2lalala& Djsmommie: I fully blame the tweak demon for everything. Perhaps together we can bring him down.

*DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight…I'm just an evil goat from Hell *

Oh now my body is starting to quiver, and the palms of my hands getting wet… oh. I got no reason to doubt you baby, it's all a terrible mess.

-Led Zeppelin, Fool in the Rain

Though I hated to do it, I buzzed poor Jenks to guide me on my journey to the main foyer. There were at least ten other names on the information panel beside my bed, but his was the only one I recognized. I had yet to meet anyone else. Where were all these mysterious Edroar servants?

I had no idea.

What I did know was that it was nearly eight o'clock and I was getting ready to go out for dinner…with my boss, the boss that I may or may not have been uncontrollably attracted to.

Definitely had to be the drugs and alcohol, I told myself continuously as I got ready. The man was an arrogant Fat Cat; definitely not my type.

But what was my type? I wondered as I applied a tiny dab of clear lip gloss. I was going very natural, basic black dress and heels. My hair hung loosely down my back, I let it air dry, no styling products at all. The light curls actually dried without frizzing, to my surprise. It must have been that snobby Lion shampoo and conditioner. My normally dull, lifeless hair never looked healthier. It felt like silk, shined like satin and actually bounced when I moved around.

As I looked in the mirror I frowned at my reflection.

If one were to look at the men I dated in the past they would think my type was lying, cheating, drug addicts. How insane. That was not what I wanted at all.

Yet, that seemed to be exactly what I ended up with time and again. Hence, the self inflicted boycott on boys or mancott on men, I suppose. Because the truth of the matter was the type of man I wanted…didn't even exist.

Honestly, I wasn't looking for Prince Charming. In fact I used to think I wasn't asking for much at all.

Was it so unrealistic to want someone with integrity, a sharp wit, and a wickedly warped sense of humor? My Mr. Ideal would also be brilliantly creative, infectiously passionate, fiercely loyal and brutally honest.

It wouldn't hurt if he were incredibly bad ass too. I mean, that's just sexy. He definitely had to have a strong backbone.

The last thing I needed was a man I could push around. My outspoken personality scared off more than a few good men through the years, further proving my point. The guy I wanted did not exist.

Which was exactly why my drug afflicted brain latched on to the first guy it saw. It was all a moot point really because above all the man was my boss, my boss that didn't even believe in friendship.

Who doesn't believe in friendship?

What was so severe it caused him to shun human bonding altogether? A thought flickered through my mind and I swatted it away, but it kept returning.

Perhaps, I could be his friend.

It sounded crazy at first, but he was taking me out to dinner. He even trusted me…for a few hours. And he didn't fire me even though there were several instances where he would have been mildly justified in doing so.

I stood up and grabbed my shawl. Well, Angela's shawl. The entire outfit was hers of course. I took one final glance in the mirror before making my way over to the dutiful butler that patiently waited by my door.

Bright brown eyes reflected back at me, glowing with determination.

My Grandmother always said, "Friends are like a good bra, supportive, hard to find, and always close to your heart."

By the time I reached Jenks, my path was clear.

I was going to be Edroar's bra, which was totally fitting since it was obvious the man had a huge thing for breasts. A slight smirk appeared on my face as I glanced down at the small, yet visible bite mark in my cleavage.

Oh yeah, that Lion was definitely a boob man…a boob man in need of a bra.

The walk to the foyer took mere minutes. Had I ventured there on my own it would have taken hours. My boss was standing near the door in a sharp grey suit and black tie, his cell phone to his ear, lips spewing venom to whoever was on the other end.

Jenks bowed at me once before exiting the room.

"Unacceptable. You're fired," the Tyrant said firmly before disconnecting the call and raising his stormy eyes to mine.

"You know if you keep firing all your servants there will be no one left for you to lead," I warned with a sly grin.

He placed the phone in his suit pocket before acknowledging my words. "My standards are high, Miss Swan. I won't tolerate incompetence," he shot me a serious look. "You would benefit from doing the same."

With just a few steps I was at his side looking up at his stern face. "Being that I don't have servants it's really not much of an issue for me, but thanks for the advice," I smirked, playfully.

He smirked back, "Ah yes, no servants…just friends," the F word spilling from his lips as though it were a wretched disease.

I nodded. "Yes, friends. They're very important." Jumping at the chance to lay some groundwork I added, "A good friend accepts you for who you are. They help fill in the blank spots in your life." Lord knew I had plenty of blank spots.

His brow arched inquisitively. "I see. Do they do this by drugging you or teaching you criminal activity?"

"Both, if they're real good." I winked and then laughed to show him I was kidding.

He shook his head disapprovingly before turning to open the door. "I much prefer obedience to acceptance," he explained casually while guiding me to the elevator.

He was such a tyrant. Actually, it was good to see him back to normal. Edroar was in full control again. Swift, fluid movements, impeccable style and, of course, complete arrogance.

I watched as he pressed the call button, contemplating his words. "Are you sure about that?"

"Most definitely." His striking green eyes sparkled with mischief as they held mine. "I give commands, people accept them. That is the only form of acceptance I require."

"Of course they accept your commands," I laughed. "You're their boss. They fear you," A slight grin appeared on his face. I stepped in a bit closer to him. "But what if you have a bad day? Who cheers you up?"

He looked at me without speaking for several moments. "You are incredibly nosey," his voice deepened just enough to raise my heart rate.

"Inquisitive," I corrected, leaning in a bit.

"Meddlesome," he countered, stepping in nearer to me.

Instinctively, I sniffed him. His scent was so unique; musky and exotic. I inhaled again, deeper this time, allowing my senses to become saturated by his aroma, such masculinity, but most definitely laced with danger.

My nose was at his throat, my body nearly flat against his when the elevator doors slid open. How that kept happening I could not explain.

Once we were comfortably seated in the limo I continued our conversation. "So, you haven't answered my question. Who cheers you up when you have a bad day?"

He laughed dryly. "I am not a cheery person. I don't require cheering up…ever."

I sighed in frustration. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought. I glanced out the window feeling somewhat defeated, but the city was so full of life I was instantly rejuvenated by its abundant energy.

"Do you want my opinion?" My eyes found his like magnets.

"You ask this as though there were a choice," he noted with a wise grin.

I smiled at the truth in his words. "I was just going to say that in my opinion, you're not nearly as cold as you would like people to believe." My expression turned serious. "I've seen you laugh from your heart. Not everyone has that ability."

His eyes remained firmly on mine. "Narcotics can have that effect on people."

I shook my head. "Nope, I'm not talking about last night." Hell, I barely remembered it. I wondered how much of it he remembered.

Edroar's penetrating gaze was steady, gripping me tightly, on the cusp of frazzling me, but I fought it off.

I crossed my legs firmly and sat up a little higher in my seat. "The fire in you scares away most people, but there's this incredibly passionate and occasionally charming man that makes brief appearances," I took in a slight breath and quickly released it. "I was thinking perhaps…I could be his friend."

Why on earth this was so damn important to me I honestly did not know. But in that moment it felt like all that mattered in my world. Talk about pathetic. All along I had convinced myself I was trying to be his friend to save him. Yet, that didn't feel completely true anymore.

I braced myself for his wrath. Fully prepared to fight back, but was surprised by how calm he looked. He took his time contemplating my words. His silence was absolutely killing me.

Lightly his tongue glided over his bottom lip. "I wouldn't go there if I were you," he warned very seriously.

"Go where?" I wanted him to tell me what he was thinking.

Not because I was nosey. I mean, yes I was nosey, very nosey, but I found I genuinely cared about what ran though that crazy lion brain of his. To an extent I didn't quite understand.

"I am not…" he stopped abruptly looking away for a moment before his tormented eyes returned to mine, "that type of man," he added with an almost remorseful look on his face.

I moved in closer. "Then what type of man are you?"

"Toxic," he stated with such force my eyes widened and I swallowed hard. "I am not a good person…at all." His body looked physically pained. "You would be wise to remember that."

Intuitively, I reached out to him, cupping his chin in my hand. "No one is all good," I stated forging as deep into his turbulent eyes as I could go. "But no one is all bad either. A true friend accepts both the good and the bad."

How did he not know that? I was certainly no angel and my friends accepted me in spite of it. Hell, most of them encouraged it.

We sat there for several intense moments, my hand still cupping his chin, until I felt his fingers grasp them and pull them away. He held my hand out in midair.

"I am your boss," he spoke each word very slowly. "A good leader does not form friendships with their employees," he stated this as though it were a federal law.

"That's not true," I argued. "Plenty of amazing leaders are friends with their employees," I scrambled to quickly come up with an example. "Oh!" I shouted triumphantly. "Look at Oprah and Gayle. They're best friends."

He released my hand, letting it drop to my lap. "You can't be serious."

"I am very serious." I folded my arms stubbornly.

He rubbed his hands across his face and then up through his hair, ruffling it more so than it already was.

"That comparison is absurd," he looked baffled by my victorious expression.

"I don't think so at all." I eyed him carefully, my wheels spinning at full throttle. "How about I offer you a deal?"

"Another deal?" He griped, but I could see he was mildly curious. The Fat Cat in him simply could not resist a negotiation.

"Yes," I nodded enthusiastically.

"I'll pass," he said flatly. "If I remember correctly your last two deals required compromise and forgiveness on my part, yet I don't recall there being anything in return." He looked away disinterested.

"Uh, excuse me?" I rolled the E dramatically. "If I remember correctly I wasn't given the chance to fully negotiate either of those deals."

He thought a few moments before turning his face back to mine. "Alright then, tell me what you're after."

"I'm not after anything," my voice raised a few octaves from the insult.

"Really?" He seemed doubtful.

"Yes, really," I responded, thoroughly appalled by his outlandish insinuation.

"I don't believe you," he stated bluntly. "No one offers a deal unless they're after something."

I thought over his words and realized they did make a bit of sense. Okay, perhaps I was after something, but he was acting as though I was out to take something away from him, which was not the case at all.

In fact it was just the opposite. I was a giver not a taker. I had always been that way.

"Perhaps you're right," I reluctantly agreed. "Deal may not be the correct word to use." My finger tapped lightly against my cheek. "How about if we call it an offering?"

His brow rose, "An offering?"

I nodded, "Yes, just an offering."

"And you expect nothing in return?" He was skeptical.

"Nothing that wouldn't benefit you," I said sincerely. It was the truth.

"What would this offering require on my part?" He appeared slightly less apprehensive.

"Just an open mind," I paused, "I'll need to ask you a few questions, but I promise anything you tell me will be strictly confidential," my voice was filled with honesty. I even crossed my heart for added assurance.

The Tyrant leaned back in his seat. "Go on," he commanded.

"The first question is easy. Have you ever had a friend?" I smiled warmly, unsure if he would even respond.

"No," he answered stiffly.

"Good!" I yelled out and then realized how awful that sounded. "No! I mean it's not good that you're friendless. That's horrible, really horrible. What I meant..."

"I know what you meant," he cut off my awkward babbling.

After regaining my senses I asked my next question. "Was this by choice?"

"Eventually," he replied coolly, seemingly unaffected by the question.

Edroar was not the type of man to open up without a bit of a push…more like a mighty shove to be honest. I got the feeling no one had dared to shove him before. Hell, I got the feeling no one had dared to breathe around him before.

"You had no playmates when you were a child?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He was silent for so long I didn't think he was going to answer me, but to my surprise he shook his head. "That was not an option." Then he frowned for the briefest second before swiping it from his face.

Sadness coursed through me, taking me off guard. "Oh," I breathed out, my heart plunged directly into my stomach. "I'm very sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It was for the best. I have no use for friends," he stated coldly. His iron clad walls sprang up before I could even blink.

"How would you know that? You can't possibly make an informed decision until you've at least had a friend," I explained logically, trying to rationalize with him.

"I've never had the bubonic plague either, yet I can assure you I have no use for that, same difference," he replied bitterly.

"Talk about absurd examples," I scoffed at his words. "I don't buy that for a minute. If you weren't looking for a friend then why did you invite me out for dinner tonight?"

His eyes snapped up to mine. "Is that what you thought? That I invited you to dinner so we could become friends?"

My chin lifted up a bit higher. "Would that be so crazy?"

"Yes," he said firmly.

"Really," I shot him a doubtful look. "Alright then, explain to me why the dreaded Mr. Cullen would invite his lowly servant out to dinner with him?"

His jaw tightened. "I don't have to explain my actions to you," a low growl coated his words. "But I will tell you this, Oprah Winfrey is an imbecile and," he moved his face in so close to mine I could barely see beyond his dark green eyes, "there is an excellent reason people fear me. Do not push me, Ms. Swan."

My brow rose defiantly. "You don't scare me." Our faces were so close I could feel his cool breath brush across my lips. "But I think perhaps I scare you. You want to be a friendless, tyrant? Fine!" I practically shouted against his mouth.

I was so angry I wanted to…I wanted to, quite frankly there was a lot I wanted to do. Most of it more than a little obscene, which I chose to ignore completely. The fact that I actually believed I could be his friend had me so frustrated.

What a fool I was.

Edroar was full on lion, staring me down, eyes full of fury. "You certainly don't scare me," he stated arrogantly. "Though, I do find your lack of self preservation frighteningly careless. Have you no regard for your own well being?"

I shrugged. "Why should I fear you? What are you going to do…roar at me?" I didn't dare tell him I was a crazy masochist that found that thrilling. It definitely wasn't something I was proud of.

His eyes closed a few moments. He breathed in deeply before re-opening them. "Maddening," he murmured under his breath.

The limo came to a smooth stop, moments later my door was opened and the driver guided me out of the car. I had no idea which direction to go so I remained in place as the Lion walked around to my side. He quickly advised the chauffeur to await our return and then his eyes landed on mine.

"Let's go," he commanded, irritation lacing each word.

"Yes, Sir," I saluted dutifully.

He eyed me disapprovingly before turning and walking away. I glanced back at the driver and waved politely. "Thanks," I said warmly.

He nodded. "It was my pleasure," his smile was genuine.

Unfortunately, he wasn't the same driver from the night before, who I was hoping to thank emphatically for pretty much carrying my spaced out butt to the front door.

The driver's warm gaze darted from me over to the Lion that stood glaring at him murderously. Instantly he stiffened, his eyes filling with fear, abruptly he stepped away from me.

Edroar waited impatiently as I made my way to his side. I was just about to ask if he wanted to forget dinner since his mood was obviously sour, but he spoke interrupting my thought pattern.

"Have you ever tasted Scandinavian cuisine?" his velvety smooth voice was like honey to my ear.

"No," I shook my head. "Not unless Swedish fish counts."

"Hardly," he brought his eyes to mine. "Tonight I'm going to introduce that smart mouth of yours to something new." His smirk was slightly crooked, utterly devilish and God help me incredibly captivating.

The Tyrant's mood swings were moving so fast I felt dizzy. Crazy as it may be I found myself smiling widely as I walked beside him down the path that led to the restaurant. How was it possible that he was capable of simultaneously infuriating and charming me?

The restaurant's décor was Euro chic, sleek and modern. The place was crowded but the moment we appeared in the doorway several staff members nearly tripped over themselves to get to us.

"Mr. Cullen," A tall, extremely handsome, blonde man smiled eagerly as he stood before us. "Welcome back to Aquavit."

My boss nodded his head barely acknowledging his presence.

The man's eyes drank me in from head to toe before flashing back to Edroar. "Vacker kvinna," he stated with a sly wink.

"How observant," Edroar snapped in response.

He looked my way again. "Och den här vackra damen är?" His brow rose up very curiously.

Just as I was about to explain that I didn't understand a word of Swedish my boss was standing directly in front of me, completely blocking me from the Maitre'd. It was incredibly rude and totally uncalled for. I stared at his back for a moment before huffing loudly as I walked around him.

"None of your concern," Edroar shot fire at the man, "Do you plan on seating us or staring at her all night?"

"Yes, of course, Sir, right away." The poor guy quickly jumped into action guiding us to our seats, apologizing profusely the entire way.

The man snapped his fingers and a swarm of workers suddenly appeared at our table. My chair was promptly pulled out, our glasses filled, and several small plates of food were placed down before us. They handed us menus and then stood in a straight line like soldiers as they awaited Edroar's command.

He barked something to them in Swedish and they scurried off in a flash. The moment we were alone I shook my head at him disapprovingly.

"I hope you know you were incredibly rude to both the Maitre'd and me." My eyes shot fire.

We were seated at a corner table near an expansive window with a breathtaking view of Manhattan, our chairs nestled tightly beside one another.

Edroar leaned in closer to me. "Untrue," he stated calmly. "Actually, that inadequate leech was rude to both you and me. He will regret that I assure you."

I laughed lightly. "The man is clearly terrified of you. I highly doubt he meant to be rude."

"That is irrelevant. Perhaps he should think before he speaks," he replied, opening his menu as though that particular conversation was over.

"You speak Swedish," I stated the obvious.

"I do," he nodded.

"What did the man say that was so rude?" He did seem a bit nosey, but who was I to fault someone for that?

My boss's eyes scanned the menu before they lifted to mine. "He said you were beautiful."

I gasped dramatically. "That bastard! Have him fired at once," my tone oozed sarcasm.

"It was inappropriate," he said sternly. "And I certainly won't tolerate being questioned by an insignificant waitperson." A look of disgust swept across his face. He was such a snob.

"Well, I find you standing in front of me as though I were an inanimate object completely inappropriate," I matched his stern tone as best I could.

With my blood still boiling I opened the menu. We locked eyes for several moments before I pulled away and focused my attention on the eloquent script on the page. Damn. Every word of it was in Swedish. There weren't even any pictures.

I had two choices, ask that that arrogant Fat Cat for help or eenie meenie miny moe my meal choice.

Deciding to leave it up to fate I closed my eyes and didn't open them until my finger landed on something called renytterfilè. I had no idea what the hell that was, but I wasn't' a very picky eater so I wasn't worried.

Edroar had taken off his suit jacket and placed it on the back of his chair. I removed my shawl and did the same. He was munching on some sort of…well I wasn't quite sure what he was munching on. He must have seen my baffled expression. A slight smirk ran across his face.

He pushed the plate toward me and handed me a fork. "Taste," he said. His tone was a bit softer, yet still commanding.

"What is it?" I looked down at the circular black glob before me. It kind of reminded me of tar, but there were all these tiny bubbles in it.

"Taste," he repeated, this time giving me his bossy eyes.

"Alright," I used the side of my fork to slice a small piece of the tar pie and scooped it up midway to my mouth. "How bad could it be?"

He stared intently at my lips as they closed down on the fork. My taste buds were instantly assaulted with the oddest flavors. The bitterness caused my eyes to clench shut before popping wide open.

"What on earth is that?" I gasped as I grabbed for my water glass.

"Steak tartar encased in Paddlefish Caviar." He reached over with his fork and scooped up another piece for himself. "Do you like it?"

"It's okay I guess." My nose scrunched tightly. "Very bitter."

"Not everything can be as sweet as a cookie," he said knowingly.

"Or a breast?" My eyes lingered down into my wounded cleavage and his followed suit.

"Indeed," he surprised me by acknowledging his naughty fetish.

We were seated so closely together his cool breath on my shoulder caused goose bumps to break out all over my body.

His eyes remained locked on the tiny bite mark until our waiter's sharp accent rang out beside us. Edroar placed his order in what sounded to me like fluent Swedish. I hadn't noticed it before since he was being so rude, but it was kind of attractive, hearing him speak in another language like that.

The mystery of what he was saying enticed me.

When the waiter's expectant gaze landed on me I quickly grabbed my menu and scanned it, bypassing the eenie, meenie and miny sliding my finger down the list until I found the moe.

The second I found it my head popped up. "I'll have the renytterfilè," I said confidently. Though judging by the waiter's amused face I was quite sure I butchered the pronunciation of it.

Edroar cocked his head to the side. "I thought you've never tasted Scandinavian cuisine."

"I haven't," I said, handing my menu to the waiter. "It just seemed like the obvious choice."

He sighed, shaking his head, "Always the anomaly, Miss Swan."

"One could say the same of you," I noted casually, as I tried another bite of the tar pie. It actually tasted pretty good once I was prepared for the bitterness.

"Untrue. I am very easy to read, you on the other hand are an oddity." His eyes swept the room before grabbing mine.

"An oddity?" I laughed at his unflattering word choice, "You mean like the bearded lady at the circus?"

He smirked devilishly. "Not exactly, I hardly find the bearded lady fascinating in any way."

My fingertip lightly followed the rim of my glass before I raised my eyes to his, "Are you saying you find me fascinating?"

The Tyrant didn't respond right away, instead he lifted his glass to his lips for long drink of water, keeping our eyes connected all the while.

He lowered his glass, his lips glistening. "I find you many things," he admitted, somewhat reluctantly.

Just as I was about to ask him what those things were our meals were suddenly placed down in front of us. I hadn't even noticed the waiter standing there, which was really weird since I was usually so observant.

Much to my relief my meal looked absolutely amazing, a plump and juicy steak with a hearty variety of vegetables surrounding it. I glanced over at the Lion, he had ordered the lamb. How fitting. I chuckled to myself.

"Something funny?" he asked shooing the doting waiter away from him.

"No," I shook my head, "Just a pre-dinner chuckle," I explained, what that meant I had no idea, apparently neither did he because he looked at me as though I were insane.

I dove right in. The steak had a slightly different taste than I was used to. Oddly enough it was a bit gamey, though very, very good. There was a red wine sauce on the side that was to die for.

My gaze landed on my boss, who sat quietly enjoying his meal. I took a moment to just watch him. His presence really did stand out. The room was filled with people, all of them ultra chic and extremely attractive, but Edroar with his ruffled mane of champagne flavored, bronze hair and blazing green eyes was impossible not to notice.

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner with you tonight," I said, sweetly.

He seemed taken off guard by my gratitude. "You're welcome. Do you like your meal?"

I nodded. "It's delicious. Though I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to try something new."

His brow rose. "You've had reindeer before?"

I coughed on my meat before swallowing it. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Renytterfilè," he pointed to my dish. "Reindeer filet," he explained as though that were obvious.

My eyes widened drastically. "Reindeer?" He couldn't be serious, "As in Rudolph the red nosed?" My fork dropped on my plate.

"No," he shook his head and I let out a sigh of relief. "Rudolph is a fictional children's character. Though I am sure he would be quite tasty," he snickered at my horrified face.

"This is not funny," I grabbed for my water and chugged it down. "How could you let me eat reindeer?"

"If I recall correctly it was the obvious choice," he noted with a snide grin on his face.

Even though my meal truly was incredible, the little girl inside of me adamantly refused to eat one of Santa's helpers. Edroar found the situation entirely too amusing for my liking, though he did offer to order something less traumatizing for me.

But there was so much food already on the table it seriously wasn't necessary. When I politely declined he insisted on sharing his meal with me, demanding that I eat more. By the time the busboys were clearing the table the Lion had noticeably relaxed. It was so good to see his walls come down, however brief that might be.

Dessert went much smoother, in fact it was heavenly. The main ingredient was something called cloudberry, though Edroar referred to it as Swedish gold and I could certainly see why. I moaned through each pleasure filled bite. My smart mouth, as my boss chose to call it, couldn't get enough. In fact, I felt slightly guilty that I ate just about the entire thing leaving him to sit there watching me drown in paradise.

A ridiculously large smile was plastered on my face as we walked to the limo. The light rain that had begun to fall cast a shimmering effect on our surroundings. The city streets glimmered in the moonlight, all the animosity from the beginning of the night had become a distant memory.

Perhaps I came on a bit too strong with the whole I want us be Oprah and Gayle offering.

Maybe we would just ease into a friendship naturally. Why I cared I had no idea, but I did. I cared more than I probably should, obviously much more than he did, because he certainly wasn't obsessing over being my friend.

Yet, unless my instincts were totally wrong, I strongly sensed he thought of me as something more than just an employee. He was far too stubborn to admit it though, which of course provoked the masochist in me to push him. But, when it came right down to it I had no right to do that, as he made quite clear, he was my boss.

As his employee I was supposed to respect him on a level that wasn't equal, something I found incredibly difficult to accept most of the time. How strange that I never once struggled with that at my previous jobs.

Driving back to the penthouse I was surprised to find I didn't really want the night to end. It was close to midnight and my birthday was just about over. Though it was nothing like the way I would have normally celebrated with Jazz, it still somehow felt right. As though he had read my thoughts my phone suddenly rang, grabbing it from my purse I saw Jasper's picture on the screen. I smiled brightly not realizing until that exact moment how much I really missed him.

"Happy birthday, Darlin," his familiar drawl filled me with warmth.

"Thank you," I was grinning like a fool, dying to tell him all about how amazing New York was.

"It fucking sucks here without you. These pussies don't know how to party," he griped, but I could see his flirty wink through the phone. I knew my best friend all too well.

I laughed. "Silly boy, you should know better than to try and enjoy a night out without me," I teased. Based on the giggling bimbos in the background it was a sure bet Jasper wasn't exactly lonely.

"I really do miss you, Bella," he said sincerely. "You better not be putting up with any shit from that cake eater boss of yours," he warned in his most fatherly tone.

I glanced over at my boss who I had momentarily forgotten was sitting right next to me. He didn't look pleased.

"I miss you too," I said truthfully. "I'll be home soon. Stay out of trouble," I chided.

"Now where would be the fun in that?" he asked, fully serious.

I could only imagine what Jasper could be up to without me there to keep him grounded. Our friendship was a steadying force in both our lives. We were more than just friends, we were family.

"I thought there was no fun without me around?" I retorted, playfully. The sound of him shooing away one of his bimbettes made me laugh.

"I gotta go, Darlin. You make sure to get that wise ass of yours home safely," he yelled into the phone over a sudden blast of music.

"I promise. Good night, Jazz." I watched with a wide smile on my face as his picture disappeared from the screen, shaking my head at that southern charmer.

My chat with my best friend made the night complete. I hadn't felt so content in quite some time. Feeling giddy I decided I wanted to do something extra special for my boss. He was most likely very tense since he hadn't had a massage in quite some time. It would be an excellent way for him to relax before bed.

I turned to face him still smiling widely. "If you want I can give you a massage when we get back," I held up my hands and wiggled my fingers in his face. "I'll have you in a heavenly slumber in seconds." Honestly, I felt a bit guilty that I had yet to actually do any work.

His eyes were pure ice. "That won't be necessary," he replied stiffly before looking away from me.

"Oh," I was slightly taken aback by his abrupt mood change. "Are you sure? Because you seem a bit tense," his jaw was clenched so tightly it looked painful.

He ignored me completely, turning his face and looking out the window. He had totally detached from me and I had no idea why.

I sat there for a few moments unsure if I should just let him be or attempt to find out what was bothering him. It didn't take long for me to figure out I couldn't let him be. That would have been the less masochistic option, which I of course never chose.

Carefully I reached out and touched his shoulder, which felt extremely tense beneath my fingertips, instinctively I kneaded the muscle. "Is there something wrong?" I asked, genuinely concerned.

He grabbed my wrist and spun around so quickly I lost my breath. I was actually pinned against the seat with him holding my wrist flat against it.

He lowered his face to mine. "Yes, something is very wrong," his eyes shot fire. "You do not touch me without my permission. Is that understood?"

I nodded my head diligently as I attempted to breathe properly. Still pinned against the seat I did my best to not appear intimidated by the slate black eyes glaring down at me.

I cleared my throat before speaking, not wanting to sound flustered. "I was just trying to be nice."

My words seemed to inflame him even more. "I believe I told you I would summon you when your services were required," he growled. "I have no use for you tonight."

The way he said those words set off something inside of me. My back stiffened as my hand wrapped around his. Judging by the intense rage that coursed through me I was quite sure my eyes were flaming red.

We were in such a heated stare I broke out in a cool sweat. "You do not touch me without my permission," I threw his words back at him while removing his fingers from my wrist. "I may work for you but you do not own me," I seethed venomously. Never had I been so angry in my life.

As livid as I felt it was no match for the lethal look my boss had now unleashed upon me. "As long as you work for me you will obey my command," he had the gall to say.

My jaw dropped. He had to be kidding, but as I searched deep into his dark, brooding eyes I found no hint of humor. He was completely serious. What was I doing? How could I work for a man like that?

Seconds later the limo came to a stop. I swung my door open and jumped out of the car.

Looking directly at the Tyrant, still raging in the back seat, I boldly said. "I will never obey your command and I am not your servant. You have no right to treat people like shit just because you're angry." I laughed humorlessly. "Do you know why I wanted to be your friend? Because I actually cared about you, but I guess it's like you told me, my standards are so low it's pathetic. Aren't you also the one that advised me to raise them?" The wind whipped my hair into my face and I pushed it away.

His eyes were locked onto mine, but he showed no reaction at all.

"I think I'll take your advice, Mr. Cullen," I spat his name out with disgust. "I quit!" I yelled out before slamming the door shut with all my might and storming off in a fit of rage.

The rain was coming down much harder than when we had left the restaurant and the wind picked up substantially. I had no idea where I was even going or how I would get back to Seattle. I knew I had to return to the penthouse to collect my things, but I wanted to wait until the Tyrant was asleep.

My heart was beating so fast it was all I could hear. I headed in a random direction having no clue where I was and not particularly caring, totally unaware of my surroundings. My eyes were focused straight ahead and most likely looked homicidal.

How had such an amazing night turned so horribly bad all in an instant? It made no sense to me. I walked until my feet began to hurt on the slick pavement, but that didn't stop me. I had so much adrenaline flowing it felt good to burn it off. The rain was pouring down, I was drenched from head to toe, but it was an unusually warm autumn night. The cool water helped to extinguish the fire that was burning inside me. My stomach felt like it was filled with flames.

I don't know how many blocks I walked until I finally became aware of my surroundings. The streets weren't nearly as crowded in the area I had ventured into, it was darker and the vibe was not at all energizing or filled with life as I was used to seeing. In fact, if I had to label the vibe around me I would call it dangerous.

Then I noticed it…footsteps directly behind me.

I was too tired to run and honestly getting mugged would have been the logical ending to the evening so I was quite sure it was about to happen. I stopped walking, prepared to face my fate head on.

The footsteps came closer, but I just stood there waiting.

I knew how to throw a solid punch, but I certainly wouldn't be able to defend myself if the slimeball had a weapon. Damn, whatever happened to that guy Peter? Why didn't I take him up on those kick boxing lessons he offered me?

As I stood there, getting soaked by the rain, I wondered how I would find my way back to the penthouse once the sleazeball stole my purse. I didn't' even know the address of the place.

The footsteps stopped directly behind me. I swallowed deeply, now sensing a distinct presence. Minutes went by. What the hell was he waiting for? I certainly wasn't about to just hand him my purse without a fight if that's what the creep thought.

He would have to earn this mugging.

If it wasn't for the loud clap of thunder that suddenly rang out it would have been completely silent. It was almost as though time had stood still. It struck me a bit odd that I had yet to be attacked. And then I heard it… a loud sigh, a familiar sigh, a tormented sigh.

Slowly I turned and faced him, my ex-boss. He was completely soaked. His normally chaotic hair was slicked back from the torrential rain. His fine Italian suit clung to him tightly.

His eyes met mine. "I'm sorry," he said simply.

"You should be," I agreed stiffly.

A sudden gust of wind nearly blew me over. Edroar moved in closer, running a hand through his hair before making eye contact with me again.

"I just…" he looked away a moment before his somber gaze grabbed mine, "I don't want you to quit," he stated with an intensity that caught me off guard.

"Then why did you treat me that way? You gave me no choice." A stray leaf landed in my hair and I tossed it aside. The wind was howling, thunder and lightning crackling in the sky.

Edroar took a step closer. "I was angry," he watched me take in his words. "It's…difficult for me to suppress it."

"So you unleashed it on me?" my hand was on my hip, "What the hell were you so angry about anyway? We had an amazing dinner. We walked to the car smiling. Then out of nowhere you just became so…so…cruel."

He let out a frustrated sigh. "I am cruel," his face contorted in emotion. "You were right. Your standards are ridiculously low. Believe me, I am not the type of person you want as a friend."

A strong gust of wind blew us even closer, our drenched bodies nearly touching now. I wanted to comfort him. He was so damaged. Despite what he thought he needed a friend, someone to care about him. Someone that didn't run from him when he roared, but could I really be that person? I certainly didn't want to be a whipping post that much I knew for sure.

He had to understand it was not okay to treat me like that, though as I searched his eyes this time I saw it there. Remorse. He was genuinely sorry.

"Can you at least tell me why you were so angry?" I asked, hoping to help him sort through his emotions.

He shook his head, "No, definitely not."

I sighed. "Do you have any idea how frustrating you are?"

"It's not important," he said firmly, his walls were up in an instant.

"Obviously it was important enough to enrage you." The man made no sense.

He let out a low growl. "Why must you always push me?" His hands were tightly fisted.

"Why must you always give me no choice?" We had moved so close together his unique scent assaulted me.

Mixed with the fresh rain and cool autumn air the aroma was deliciously intoxicating. Graphic images began flashing through my mind relentlessly. It was harder to fight them off. They were impossible to ignore. The Lion was frazzling me…without even knowing it.

Edroar's eyes darkened, his wet lips set to spew fire my way. My heart rate picked up instantly from the thrill of it, the thrill of him.

Before he even had a chance to speak my mouth was on his, my hands on his face, in his hair. It happened so quickly I took us both off guard. He was stiff as a board, no reaction at all. I jumped back just as suddenly as I had moved in, horrified by my actions, humiliated at my lack of restraint.

With my head lowered in shame, I cursed myself for once again being my own worst enemy. Reluctantly, I lifted my rain soaked face to his. Just as I was about to plead insanity the Lion swiftly pulled me in, biting down hard on my bottom lip before devouring my mouth whole.

A/N:

MERRY KISSMAS EVERYBODY! Okay, I promise to pick up where we left off….in the rain being devoured by an angry Lion. Oh my! Wonder if Bella will accept her job back. Wonder if that Tyrant will ever learn to behave himself?

As Jazz would say...now where would be the fun in that?

Huge Love to: Nina from Sweden for helping me translate the dinner scene. I researched Swedish cuisine last month and the moment I saw the word reindeer I was instantly obsessed with feeding it to Bella and posting on Christmas Eve. I swear I'm in therapy.

Fun Fact: Aquavit is real. You can find pics of the restaurant, the reindeer filet, and Edroar and Bella's first kiss on my blog.

Warm Hugs to: the mystery folks who voted for this crazy tale for Fic of the Week at the Lemonade Stand. Edroar didn't win, but how freaking cool to even be thought of. Thanks guys!

That's all for now folks. Let me know what you think…it makes me happy like Oprah and Gayle.