Crosshairs
Chapter Twenty—Another Cullen Family Dinner, Part I
Emmett headed straight to the kitchen of Edward's penthouse apartment once they arrived. "God, I'm starving."
Rose rolled her eyes. "You are aware that we're heading to dinner, right?"
Emmett grinned cheekily as he turned away from the fridge, dumping several things to make a sandwich on the granite countertop. "But I'm a growing boy, Sweets."
Rose cocked an eyebrow but otherwise kept her face neutral and droll. "Please continue calling me such stupid names; for each one it'll be a minute longer of torture for you."
"Are we talking torture, torture, or sexual in nature?" Emmett continued making food, even offered one to Rose and the others. She joined him in the elaborate kitchen filled with high-end steel appliances that gleamed under the bright lights. "I'm totally down for that. I'd be an alpha submissive for you, baby."
Isabella was impressed with Edward's place, but kept her attention on the conversation between one of her best friends and Edward's baby brother. Emmett was riding a thin line, and he could easily cross it. She would have to break them apart because, despite Edward's love for her, he'd kill Rose in a heartbeat if she hurt his brother. Family trumped friends in his book, and normally, would in hers, too. But Rose was her family and she wouldn't allow that to happen, even for her would-be fiancé.
Edward skimmed his hand down Isabella's back, settling it above her delectable ass. "Shall I show you to the bedroom to get ready or continue to witness their foreplay?"
"He wishes." Rose leaned against the counter, glaring at Emmett as he hopped on it. Right beside her.
Oh fuck, Isabella thought, wincing. Rose was irritated and that never ended well for whoever pissed her off.
"Foreplay is awesome." Emmett licked mayo from the corner of his mouth, noticing Rose staring at his tongue. "Speaking of torture, you into delayed gratification, baby?"
"Was there something else?" Isabella sensed there was more than Rose's appearance and her insistence on joining them. She thought it would be best to change the subject.
Rose smirked at her best friend. "Yeah, I've been assigned as your protection."
Edward cursed while Emmett grunted.
The latter's brow tightened. "How do you know Edward's fiancée, anyway?" Emmett continued to munch away, looking from one woman to the other.
"We met in college." Rose shrugged, looking away from everyone. She never liked to discuss her past; that would never change. "We helped each other out. I helped her deal with someone blackmailing her, and she helped me cover up the fact that I murdered all of my rapists."
Everyone had stilled at her confession, remained silent for a beat too long.
Rose tipped her chin up and met Emmett's dark gaze. "There you go, baby. I'm damaged goods. No hard feelings if you're no longer interested." No one said a word, then suddenly, Rose screamed as quarter bounced off her temple. She whirled around to face Edward and Isabella. "What the fuck, B?"
Isabella placed her hands on her hips and glared at her best friend. "I told you never to call yourself that. Ever."
"Fuck you, bitch." Rose headed to the main doors. "You have to be ready in an hour. The rest of your security will be waiting for you out in the hallway."
The second the door slammed behind her Emmett exhaled sharply. "I knew I fucking recognized her."
"You do?" Edward ran a hand through his hair, concerned his Isabella had yet to say another word.
"You remember King's Valentine Massacre after his fiancée went missing about five years back?"
Memories surged disjointedly in Edward's mind, newspaper headlines and news reports. The affluent and well-connected King Family, once in line to become one of the Seven Families, had been gaining attention and territory. Royce King was on the front-page pleading for help to find his lovely, new fiancée shortly after the winter holidays.
"Fuck." He turned to Isabella and looked her in the eyes. "Tell me you weren't hurt, too."
"I wasn't involved with any of that, but a professor expected me to perform a few extracurricular activities or I'd fail his class. She helped me get out of that situation and I helped her with all of that."
With that said, Isabella climbed up a modern glass and steel staircase. "I can find my way around. I'll be ready in forty-five minutes."
Edward watched Isabella with growing concern. There was more to her story, but it wasn't the time or place to discuss it. He knew she didn't like to be the center of attention, and whatever happened to her in college was private.
For now.
Emmett said nothing for another minute, but curiosity got the best of him. "How long have you known Isabella was Phoenix?"
Edward shook his head, but wasn't surprised his brother figured it out. "Since her attempted kidnapping." He looked at his brother. "No one can know; it stays between us and Dad, but there's a chance Ma knows."
"Sure." Emmett didn't say anything for a while, cleaning up after himself. "I'll stay away from her—Rose, I mean. If that's what she really needs. I don't think that's what she wants, though. I don't know, I think maybe I should…"
Edward closed the distance between them, looking down at his little brother, who wasn't so little anymore. "That kind of thinking is the problem; you think you know what she wants or needs. If anyone gets to decide that, it's her, not you. Don't think for her or make decisions—she's probably had enough of that shit in her past. Let her come to you, and if she doesn't, let it go. If she does, go slow, get to her know her first. But do not allow it to throw her off her job. She's here to offer protection. Do not distract her from that."
"I understand."
Edward removed his jacket and headed toward the stairs, but turned to Emmett again. "What gave Isabella away?"
His brother shrugged. "I'm not as stupid as people think I am. It's a fucking game, a part I play. Even Mom and Da believe what I put out there. Her arms are goddamn cut, and she moves with a kind of grace that's both beautiful and skillful. They know each other too well, not college friends well, but a blood oath kind of shit. Then the way she threw that quarter across a room with a precision of a fucking bullet, as if she had thrown a blade before. Plus, she has this vibe going on, that says she's dangerous. But damn, when she laughed and giggled, looking all sweet and innocent earlier, it threw me off."
Edward nodded, agreeing. "Guess we all have parts to play. We should probably rehearse a little more now."
"No shit." Emmett checked in with his father as Edward disappeared to get ready for dinner.
.
.
.
Edward found Isabella showering in his master suite, but decided to give her a little time to gather herself after the discussion with Rose downstairs. Finding a robe in case his brother decided not to mind his own business, he went to shower in the guest bedroom down the hall from his room.
Anger had him clenching his fists as scalding water ran over his head. The idea of his beautiful Isabella dealing with some bastard professor, an authority figure that should never cross that line, made his blood boil. She had to have been young, at most twenty years old, battling with her own demons. By then, she'd already been working contracts, killing to keep herself from spiraling out of control. A part of her likely wanted to kill the motherfucker the moment he threatened her, but she couldn't act on it. Not when she was too close to the situation and would likely be on the suspect list.
Those thoughts led to Rose's confession, the fact she used the words rapists made bile rise and Edward's hands clench into fists harder. He racked his mind for anything he remembered about "King's Valentine Massacre," as the media had called it. They would have to ensure it never came back to Rose or Isabella. Especially, now that they were about to become somewhat infamous local celebrities by association the moment the media got hold of his and Isabella's impending marriage.
An informal announcement would be made later that night, a public one soon after. He regretted that he hadn't been able to propose officially, but when had he ever done anything traditionally?
Never.
Edward dried up ten minutes later and escaped the heat of the bathroom in search of Isabella. She stood at the foot of his massive platform bed and tapped her black-hosed foot, her hair in soft curls around her lovely face. The ruffled, short, black silk robe she wore barely covered her ass. Her longs legs were encased in black hosiery, with different lacy patterns. How were they supposed to leave the apartment with her looking like sin incarnate?
"Took you long enough." She smirked over her shoulder, biting her lip as her eyes roamed over his bare chest. It appeared he wasn't the only one wishing they could stay.
"I wasn't sure if I should join you." Edward dropped his robe in a chair and walked into his closet naked. The spacious room lit up upon entering, the suit his mother likely sent to him lay in a heap by the door, making him laugh out loud. Another lay in the center of the space.
His soon-to-be wife had impeccable taste, the suit she chose, every item down to his boxer briefs were black. She wanted to present an imposing presence when they arrived, understandable considering they'd been lied to for quite some time. He heard her approach as he dressed.
"He can't hurt her, Edward." The implication clear in her voice. "I don't want to hurt him, but Rose has saved my ass more than anyone else I know, other than my father."
"My brother would never hurt her intentionally, Isabella." He struggled with his onyx cufflinks as he continued to get dressed. "I made it clear that she needs to come to him, and if she doesn't, to let it go."
He felt her move closer, sensed it in a way that reminded him that danger was coming closer. A gift his father always indicated was extraordinary. He always knew when his enemies were closing in on him. Always, and with Isabella, it was no different. Except his body didn't instantly go into a defensive mode and ready itself for a fight. It moved to meet and accommodate her as she closed the distance between them. Her hand slid up his back, her fingernails teasing the space between the collar of his shirt and hair behind his neck.
"Is the bastard still alive?" Edward couldn't help the need to have retribution, even if it had happened before they were together.
She didn't bother to lie, aware that it wouldn't take much work for him to find out the truth. "Yes."
He wouldn't be for much longer. "I'll take care of it."
"Like you did Mike?"
Edward nodded and held up his wrist, silently asking for her help. She walked in front of him and worked the tiny cufflinks, and when done, she slid his middle finger between her blood red lips. His breath caught when he finally caught her smoky eyes, filled with desire and love. "Isabella."
She smirked and stepped back, taking his finger with her. The dull edge of her teeth nipped at the tip as she released him. "Something to look forward to," she promised. Her body turned, her head tipped to one side, showing her exposed shoulder. Three gold buttons were undone, the two sides falling delicately over her shoulder blade and chest. "Button me up."
He did as she asked, realizing her dress was rather short, but kept his mouth shut. It wasn't something anyone would wear to a gala but more of a cocktail dress. The material clung to every curve, and his hands itched to explore them. Breathtaking didn't cover how incredible she looked.
"It looks like my men will not be the only one testing anyone tonight." His hands slid down her arms and sides, settling on her hips.
She shrugged her shoulder and smiled up at him. "Might as well get it out of the way now."
"You're asking for trouble."
"Think about it this way: we get rid of all the assholes incapable of keeping their attention on their jobs. I meant what I said, I'm cleaning house when it comes to security. Though you had a good system going on for traveling, we need to take further precautions, especially when your father steps down and you take over. Someone may think it's the perfect opportunity to take advantage. Plus, Rossi loyalists will want revenge and regain their territories. Jane has already implemented my suggestions and cleaned house. No one has tried to kill her yet, but I warned her not to become complacent. Someone will try soon. The same goes for you and your father."
"You're right, but I wish you wouldn't choose to test my men now."
She laughed. "You're worried about your mother's reaction, aren't you?" She was teasing him. "I can handle her, but Rose is also dressing the part. Who better to test the will of your men?"
Edward shook his head. Rose was beautiful but didn't hold a candle to his Isabella. "All right. Can we agree on not confronting my parents until after everyone else has left at least?"
She helped him with his tie and agreed. "Unless your mother pisses me off, then all bets are off. Give me a few minutes and we can go."
Edward nodded and watched her walk into his master bathroom with growing trepidation. The dress barely covered her ass, and with those lacy stockings, he'd likely cut off the hands of half his security and scoop out the eyes of the rest.
.
.
.
Isabella remained stoic and still on the drive over to the Cullen Estate in a limo, his father sent, and it made Edward even more nervous. Across from him, Rosalie smiled. "She's mentally preparing; don't take it personally."
"She's like a fucking Zen statue." Emmett waved his hand in front of Isabella's face. The third time it passed, she grabbed it and bent his fingers back until he cried "uncle." All while her facial features remained unchanged.
Edward was impressed; even against his greatest enemies, he struggled to have such composure. Though he could keep his emotions from showing, only Jasper had the ability to remain so at ease, even if a bullet flew by his ear. Playing poker with his brother or Isabella would be a bad decision. He would need to ask for tips on how to accomplish the perfect poker face, vital for the role he would soon take over.
"Rose, get me city maps and current road construction of the entire city and nearby areas by Monday. Update them daily, too."
"Already done, boss, I'll send them to you now." Rose pulled out her cell phone from her right breast, and Emmett choked and started to cough to cover it up. "What? Does this dress look like it has pockets?"
When they were ready to leave earlier, Rose appeared in a long dress in a deep purple shade that almost appeared black. Where Isabella's dress had long sleeves, Rose's had none, but had slits on each side of her hips from ankle to just above mid-thigh. Emmett almost swallowed his tongue then, too.
Emmett cleared his throat but kept his attention on the city streets as they continued to his parents. "I didn't say a word, though I do wonder where you keep your gun."
"That's privileged information, big guy." She patted his thigh and offered him a fake smile when he looked at her for a brief second. "What? You can't look me in the eye now that you know…"
Emmett's head snapped toward her and glared. "You finish that sentence with damaged goods or something equally ridiculous, I'll have to insist that Isabella send you packing because you'll be no good to her with that justifiable chip on your fucking sexy shoulder."
Rose looked at Emmett with equal amounts of anger and wonder. "I can keep it under wraps, asshole."
"Good, because we're here." Emmett was the first to escape the tension-filled limo, and he ignored the driver as he held open the door.
Rose looked at Isabella and Edward. "Fuck, he's right. I'm going to end up marrying him."
Edward gaped after her as she slid out of the car and thanked their driver.
Isabella giggled and tapped his chin closed. "She's going to surprise the hell out of him, all of us, really." She squeezed his hand and pressed her lips to his lightly. "Are you ready?"
Edward looked to the driver and motioned for him to close the door. "I know we didn't do this right, but I have no doubt they'll be announcing our engagement tonight."
"I'm aware." She cocked an eyebrow, silently asking him to continue. "I won't tell them the truth, but perhaps I'll have fun when someone asks me how you proposed."
Edward groaned. "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"
Isabella shook her head. "It wasn't necessarily your fault. We went from my kidnapping, a ten-mile car chase through the city, to rescuing your brother all in a matter of hours. Between then and now, we've barely managed to discuss anything other than family to prepare me for what I'm about to face."
"Thank you for assuaging some of my guilt." He winked and pulled out a small box from his jacket pocket. "I'm not proposing right now, since I promised something special. It is, however, necessary for you to wear the ring I planned to do it with."
She looked confused, her eyes on the beautiful intricate ring sitting prettily in a cushion of blue velvet. "When did you get this?"
Edward smiled, happy that he caught her by surprise. "I had it made a two weeks ago. It was actually designed in the late 1930s but never created and no one will own one like it other than you."
"It's beautiful…" She bit her lip and held out her hand. "I'll take it off when we get back to the apartment, though."
He slipped it over her finger and kissed the diamond in the center then looked her in the eyes. "Why is that?"
"The first time you make love to me with it on will be when I'm your fiancée." Her sultry voice stirred his arousal; the image she created with her words made him groan.
"Agreed." With one more kiss, Edward tapped the window and helped Isabella out of the car. The driver did clear his throat when her gorgeous legs came into view, but luckily, for him, he didn't allow his gaze to linger.
"He passed." Isabella winked and held onto Edward's hand as they walked toward the front entrance where Rose and Emmett continued to argue. "You two need to nip this shit in the ass, right now. We're about to face the dragon and we need all our wits about us."
The doors opened to Carlisle and Esme, both with tension-filled smiles on their lips.
It was Edward's mother who spoke first. "Is it safe to assume that I'm the dragon?"
Isabella kept a smile on her face, and she replied, "Of course, a dragon is fierce and very protective over her horde. I expect nothing less from Edward's mother."
Somewhat pleased with Isabella's answer, Esme smiled. "I see you didn't like the dress I sent you. Perhaps it was too small?"
Emmett winced, and Edward rolled his eyes.
Isabella's eyes roamed over Esme's beautiful but much thinner figure. "I have a pair of tits; so yeah, it was a bit too small."
Edward sighed. "This is not starting well. It's going to be a long night."
Carlisle grunted and shook his head. "Perhaps we should go inside."
Isabella held up her chin and winked at Edward's father, taking Edward's elbow that he held out. "After you, sir."
Edward dipped down to nip at Isabella's ear, and whispered, "A very long night."
AN: So Edward's men may put his relationship to the test but they're not the only ones. Just remember, Carlisle, Charlie, and Esme wanted them to come together. But it doesn't mean that Esme wouldn't want to make sure Isabella is good enough for her baby. Why am I unable to move forward with this story?! Anyway, thanks to Midnight Cougar for her help with the chapter. I have some traveling to do for a wedding, but long drives are always so productive, yay!
