F is for Fox

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters.

Fox (n): (1) a clever crafty person; (2) a good-looking young woman or man. (v): to trick by ingenuity or cunning.

The alarm goes off, it's a loud and irritating sound and she curses under her breath as she rolls off and slaps down on the nightstand trying to silence the irritant. With a frustrated groan her hand continues its search for the clock. Sitting up with a growl she looks around bleary eyed, a small pout upon her full lips and a red nightcap upon her head that only makes the few strands of hair that are sticking out looking even more wild. Her mouth opens in a huge yawn, one eye closing in the process as she gets up and pads across the floor to the bookshelf where the clock has been placed.

She's wearing a button-up red flannel shirt as her pajamas and the nightcap upon her head is also red but with giant ears sticking out at the top and knitted eyes. She stands on unsteady legs for a moment reveling in the silence of the room once the 'Stop' button has been hit. Looking behind her, she notes her bed with its rumbled sheets, blanket on the floor and empty – always empty once she's out of it.

Stretching out her arms she heads towards the bathroom and starts to get washed up for the day. Today is going to a productive day that requires her laptop, packed lunch – nah; she'll buy something out and even a trip to the museum. In half an hour she's dressed in jeans and a sleeveless baby doll top. Her long black hair is tied up into a simple ponytail and her hazel eyes quickly skim the papers for any interesting news – it's always so depressing.

"Doest mine eyes deceive or is Leah Clearwater looking for a job?" Leah looks up and smirks as she watches Rebecca, her roommate, walk in with a surprised look upon her face. She giggles seeing that Rebecca even has a hand placed across her chest to dramatize her shock even more.

"Nope, just reading the newspaper but I am going out today." Leah says with a quick wink before biting into her piece of toast with a fried egg on top.

"Is this simply for pleasure or more of a 'Fox' outing?" Rebecca asks pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Fox," Leah simply answers turning back to her paper.

The two women fall into a comfortable silence as they eat their breakfast, Leah reads the newspaper and Rebecca has her nose buried in a book. Looking up Leah takes in Rebecca's appearance; her skin a deep russet that contrasts beautifully with the corral-colored top that she is wearing. Her black hair braided and resting casually over her right shoulder and her big brown eyes reminds her of pools of chocolate. Leah's brow furrows for a moment as she is suddenly hit with a hunger, a desire that darkens her eyes. She is so wrapped up in her thoughts that she doesn't notice Rebecca looking back at her.

"Stop it," Rebecca snaps with a deep frown pulling Leah from her lust-filled thoughts. "I know what you're thinking about and I'm telling you to quit it."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Leah snaps back before looking away trying to hide her blush. At Rebecca's 'uh-huh' Leah gets up and quickly downs her tea before placing her dishes in the sink. "I'll be back later." Leah doesn't wait for a response back, not as if Rebecca would give her one, as she walks out the door and down the stairs to the busy street below.

Pulling on her sunglasses Leah walks down the street heading towards the museums. She hums to herself as the sun's rays warm her skin, the smell of freshly baked pastries waft to her nose and tickle her sinuses and the chatter of the people sitting out on the bistros surrounds her. Bouncing up the stairs she walks into the museum and casually marvels, critiques and contemplates on all of the pieces of art before her. She flirts with an art student and listens with a small awe at his knowledge of Picasso paintings. Nodding at the security guard standing by the door Leah looks at all of the diamonds, gems and jewels that are on display.

She looks around as she stands in line waiting to get to the next display case; her eyes take in the amount of security cameras, notes the small settings for lasers and even the types of alarms at all entranceways and windows. It's a daunting task for an n00bie or even a small time criminal looking to make his or her first big break. Leah can't help the confident smile that graces her lips as she sees how easy of a job this will be.

Walking up, her eyes widen at the diamond before her and if it was possible she'd think it was love at first sight. The cut is flawless and is, without a doubt, one of the rarest cuts of diamonds that had been recently found in South Africa. It's called the 'Red Fox Diamond' and is reportedly 105.6 carat of the Fancy Red, normal red color diamond that has just outshined the Moussaieff Red Diamond. The 'Red Fox diamond' has received its name courtesy of finder, Sebastian Fox; who has been milking his fifteen minutes of fame with the geological find of the century.

Leah can't help the smile that breaks across her face thinking about the coolness of the diamond resting against the hollow of her throat; she'll have it fitted to a necklace. It'll simply be an added guilty pleasure that she'll never flaunt around but will simply wear on those quaint, quiet nights alone watching an old movie.

Leah is so wrapped up in admiring the diamond before her that she doesn't notice the huge figure's reflection that has moved up behind her. Her body tenses slightly of its own volition before her brain has a second to register what is happening. With a quick inhalation of air, her body tenses completely, her hands clench into tight fists as a low growl rumbles from her throat. A deep, husky chuckle sends shivers up her spine as she feels a warm body pull her back and she immediately fits against his body perfectly. She lets out a relieved sigh as his strong chin rest on her shoulder and the pair stands in a content silence, enjoying one another's presence as the hustle and bustle of the museum becomes a low, dull hum.

The contentment lasts for a few seconds more as Leah is knocked out of her revelry as the realization that Jacob 'The Wolf' Black is behind her, standing behind her, looking at her diamond. The two have known each other for quite a few years now – okay, maybe all their lives – and their interactions were never just 'convenient' as there was always some common motive that brought them together. Jacob was always known to show up wherever there was an interested buyer, choosing to never have any of the stolen merchandise in his possession if he was ever caught.

"What the hell are you doing?" Leah asks trying to control the fluttering butterflies in her stomach as Jacob hums and nuzzles into her neck.

"I've missed you." Jacob whispers into her ear before placing a light kiss on her neck. Despite her wariness Leah can't help but let a light moan escape her lips as Jacob nips at the sensitive area, his hands rubbing roughly around her sides, hips and her stomach. It never fails that Jacob's simple touch always turns her brain to mush.

They have quite the history between them having both grown up on the same reservation but leaving at different times and for different reasons. Leah left wanting to travel and see the world, somehow she just fell into pickpocketing to help pay the bills and later for the excitement. A skill that she'd picked up by falling in with the wrong crowd. Jacob always had a knack with cars and working in a chop shop always paid a hell of lot better than working as a bus boy. They both perfected their arts and met up years later in a small providence outside of Paris. From there the two struck up quite the hot, heavy and heated romance.

Their flings never really lasted long as both were forever on the move, taking on jobs and always looking for that next big score. However, over the last few years it was Jacob that was doing more of the walking away. The last time they were together, they pulled a job together using her quick hands and Jacob's skills with computers. The job was a success and they celebrated in the best possible way: mad, hot, passionate and raw sex. But when Leah woke up the next morning Jacob was gone. There was no note, no explanation – nothing. That was five months ago and this is the first she's seen, let alone heard from him.

Leah lets out a deep and frustrated sigh as Jacob inhales her scent deeply, his full lips working their magic on the skin of her neck. She's missed him – like crazy – and it's moments like these that have filled her dreams at night and carefree thoughts during the day. Jacob both frustrates and excites her.

"I just so happened to be in town and caught wind that a certain little 'Fox' was in the area." Jacob says relenting a little on his assault on Leah's neck. "I'm serious," Jacob says in his defense as Leah looks back at him with a small frown. "I really felt bad about bailing out on you last time so suddenly and I've been thinking of all the ways that I can make it up to you."

"Why did you leave?" Leah asks wanting to get to the root of the problem. Deep inside, she already knows the answer – a job.

"I had a big job to do and there was barely time for me to pack up all of my stuff." Jacob answers and Leah lets out a sigh while nodding her head in understanding and moving on to another exhibit. It was always the same, something bigger and better just on the horizon that meant Jacob was off in a heartbeat.

She listens half-heartedly as Jacob tries to convince her that he meant to call but then her number was changed and he just figured he'd catch up with her later. She's hesitant to buy it because Jacob's business is being able to find people. With his warm personality Jacob has friends everywhere and it wouldn't surprise Leah if a few of his so-called' friends' were actually detectives or even employees of Interpol. The point being, "you can find anyone, anywhere if you really wanted to." Leah says pausing for a moment to let a line of students pass by. She lets a small smile grace her lips seeing their brightly shining and innocent faces.

"Oh, c'mon, Foxy," Jacob teases as he takes Leah's hands and spins her around before pulling her in for a tight hug. "We both know that we are very busy people at times and that you could turn around and find me just as easily. I'm not the only one good with a computer." Jacob states with a playful smirk that has Leah's face heating up. "Didn't you miss me?" Jacob asks and Leah finds herself coming undone as Jacob flashes his million dollar smile at her, the smile that makes her feel all warm, fuzzy and snuggly inside.

And just as quickly as he appears does Leah find herself falling back into step with him. The pair spends the rest of the day together, going to art shows, dining together and even sneaking into a movie. Night begins to fall and as the warm, summer wind picks up so does the warm feeling that sits at the bottom of her stomach. Their hands linger in special intimate places as does their kisses which have Leah's eyes darkening with lust. Her hunger only grows as she sees the same darkness in his eyes.

Leah giggles as Jacob follows her up the stairs to the apartment that she shares with Rebecca, Jacob's own sister. It's hard to be worried about how Rebecca will react to seeing Leah walking in with her legs wrapped around Jacob's waist when he's gently swaying her hips and thrusting his pelvis up into her. Shushing him Leah slowly opens the door and looks around to make sure that the coast is clear and freezes to find Rebecca sitting on the counter staring directly at her.

"Hey Beck," Leah greets sheepishly running a hand through her hair noticing Rebecca's cold, hard glare. "E-everything al," And before she can finish her sentence does Jacob pop out from behind her, his arms circling around her waist and a chuckle escaping. However, he does sober up to see his big sister glaring at him – at them.

"Hey Becca," Jacob greets with a nod as he clears his throat. The tension is intense for a few moments as Rebecca only sucks on her teeth before hopping down from the counter.

"Don't take our shit." Rebecca orders as she grabs her purse and walks out the door. Leah stands looking down at the floor as the door slams shut behind her causing her to flinch. Rebecca is no stranger to Leah's relationship with her brother but has taken it upon herself to warn Leah about Jacob and his 'charm'. Leah's worry and guilt doesn't last long as Jacob turns her around and quickly captures her lips in a heat searing kiss that leaves her feeling weak in the knees.

The night is wonderful and passionate as their bodies move together in unison working to their collective orgasm. Leah's eyes roll back and her toes curl as Jacob hits all of her magic little buttons that only he has been able to find and push. Whatever misgivings she may have had over letting Jacob Black back in melt away with his warm breathe against her skin.

Jacob's deep, husky voice lulls her to sleep like a lullaby as he whispers to her how much he's missed her, thought about her, wanted nothing more to be laying down beside her just like this. His huge arms acting like a blanket that wraps her up in security as his lips traces her skin lightly. It's pure heavenly bliss and, same as always, Leah knows she could get used to going to sleep like this every night.

The morning comes eagerly, the warmth of the sun's rays creeping up her skin, slowly heating her body and welcoming back to the world of the alert and active. Rolling over Leah stretches out, a content groan escaping her before her eyes shoot open finding that the other side of her bed is empty. Sitting up Leah finds her bed empty and finds herself experiencing something she's grown used to seeing – an empty bed after a wild night of sex with Jacob Black.

With a low growl she gets out of bed, internally cursing herself for getting her hopes up. Why would this time be any different from any of the other hundreds of times that she's slept with Jacob, only to wake up and find him gone? Stomping into the bathroom Leah quickly washes up and deciding that the Red Fox Diamond would be her pick me up. She'll steal the diamond, skip town and possibly head to Venice or Tokyo and sit up watching the city lights while eating a pint of Double Chocolate Mint ice cream with her newest accessory resting just on the hollow of her collarbone.

Licking her lips Leah can't help but chuckle lightly as she skips out of the bathroom and into the main room of the apartment; the idea of testing her skills exciting her almost as much as a naked Jacob Black. The moment the thought leaves her mind she freezes seeing him standing at the kitchen island, his bare back to her wearing nothing more than a pair of boxers. Slowly walking forward Leah tenses noticing that Jacob is at her laptop.

Clearing her throat she watches as Jacob quickly whips around to look at her, closing her laptop in one fluid motion preventing her from seeing what he was even doing.

"Morning, Foxy," Jacob greets with a warm, gorgeous and disarming smile as he wraps her up in a tight hug and kisses her forehead lightly.

"Morning, Wolf," Leah greets warily fixing Jacob with a pointed stare.

"What's wrong, Lee?" Jacob asks raising an eyebrow, a small frown appearing on his face.

"What were you doing?" Leah asks looking between Jacob and her laptop.

"Oh? That? I was only checking some messages." Jacob says dismissively with a smirk before nuzzling his nose into Leah's neck.

Leah accepts the hug willingly but can't help but feel slightly anxious and frustrated, cursing her own ignorance for leaving her laptop out where anyone could get at it – especially Jacob Black. Jacob Black could hack through any firewalls and encryption settings that she had put in place meaning that all of her plans and blueprints for the museum were visible for him – if he wanted.

She stands beside him watching him cook breakfast, elbows resting on the counter and chin resting in her palms. Jacob teases her about not cooking for him but she only shrugs and gives him a small smirk. Even breakfast is, oddly, comfortable despite Rebecca's appearance and harsh, scrutinizing glare. Jacob only rolls his eyes at his sister and makes Leah his center of attention. Try as she might, she can't fight the content moan that escapes her as Jacob's large hand massages her neck, his calloused fingers releasing the tension in her muscles and leaving her with no urge or other choice but to lean against him.

Leah finds herself preparing to drift back off to sleep, listening to Jacob's heart as they both lay on the couch when a loud ring snaps her out of her bliss. With an aggravated groan Jacob gets up and quickly retrieves his phone answering it quickly.

Leah doesn't hear the conversation that he is having as he slips into her bedroom. There's no doubt in her mind that it's someone calling with a job and that he's more than likely gathering up his meager belongings, preparing to kiss her good bye. Getting up from the couch she grabs a bottle of juice and drinks it over the kitchen sink, looking down at the busy street below.

"I got a job." Jacob announces walking out of Leah's room fully clothed. She only silently nods her head never once turning around to look at him. The open window brings in a fresh breathe of spring that makes her feel anxious to get outside – maybe run away from the comfort of the apartment that Jacob had brought.

"You gonna be here tomorrow, right?" Jacob asks picking up on Leah's silence and hugs her from behind.

"Yea," Leah answers with a quick nod. After all, why not stick around a little bit longer?

"Any plans for tonight?" Jacob asks burying his nose into Leah's hair and placing a light kiss on the top of her head.

"Nope," Leah answers popping the 'p'. It's a lie but there's no need in letting him know that. After all, it's not as if they tell each other everything and besides if she told him she was going after the diamond tonight, he'd want in. That'd mean having to give him a cut of what the diamond was worth and not only did she have those kind of funds but she wanted it for herself – selfish, yes, but there's nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while.

"Okay, I can't make any promises that I'll be back tonight but I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Jacob asks turning Leah around and kissing her. It's a deep kiss that would've turned passionate had Leah not tried to keep her hormones in check.

Leah can't help but chuckle lightly as Jacob drags her to the door, forcing her to see him off. He kisses her again and lets her know that he'll see her tomorrow. Shutting the door behind her Leah can't help the giddy smile on her face as she leans back against the door. If everything goes as planned not only will she have the Red Fox Diamond but Jacob Black tomorrow as well.

"You're not buying his horse shit, are you?" Rebecca asks snapping Leah out of her thoughts. Leah's shoulders fall as her ego and happiness deflates a little under the older woman's hard glare.

"Well…he's – he's never promised me," Leah adds with a small pout.

"You're right he's never promised you anything and he still hasn't." Rebecca interjects her voice dripping with venom. "I bet he either skips town or,"

"You know just because you got," Leah begins and stops quickly shutting her mouth. Leah has never been one to back out of an argument but she knows that picking a sensitive subject as Rebecca's 'runaway husband' when she's staying with her for free, isn't a smart idea. "Never mind…but…but, I trust him."

"I trust him to leave you behind – again." Rebecca states with a dark glare before turning and walking away.

XXIIXXIIXXIIXX

Walking down the long, dark hallway Leah can't help but feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Even if she is just casually walking along as if she belonged there is still the off chance that a security guard could appear and question her. After all, she had managed to hack into the security system and play a loop of an empty hallway to whoever was monitoring tonight. Reaching the stairs she quietly opens the door which is heavy, as expected, and cautiously shuts it ensuring it doesn't slam shut alerting the guards to her presence.

Not many people were aware that majority of museums were built upon a huge system of tunnels and hallways to store museum artifacts and transport them from one location to another. She happened upon the plans while at the library looking at maps of the sewer system, certainly it was a mild slip on the library and government's fault but who was she to looked a gift horse in the mouth? It's a saying that has never made much sense to her because why wouldn't you check the horse's health first? Why would you willingly accept a pinto when the prized thoroughbred is right there?

Shaking her head of those thoughts Leah turns her attention back to the task at hand. Quickly slipping through the door, she silently moves down the hall, eyes alert and seeking out the tell-tale signs of the alarm system. She frowns for a moment noticing that they've not been turned on yet which is odd but maybe there was someone new on duty and he was being shown the ropes at a much slower pace. Again, Leah wasn't going to knock a golden opportunity.

Rounding the last corner that leads to the display Leah pauses for a moment hearing heavy footfalls. Crouching down low, she hugs the wall and leans forward to catch a glimpse inside the room. Usually, Leah would prefer to pull a job where she's not seen or is forced to hurt someone but when the need arises she likes to know exactly what she's up against and quickly plan a way to bring down the largest of targets with the minimal amount of force.

Leaning around the corner, her eyes widen, mouth falls open as does her body when she realizes that the room is empty – especially of her diamond. Quickly recovering herself, she lets out a low growl pissed that someone dared swipe the diamond she'd been planning on swiping first. Sure in her line of work, it was always first come, first serve but, damnit, she wasn't just going to let this slide.

Eyes narrowed she scans the large room quickly looking for anything out of place or a sound leading her to her prey. Walking into the room, her fists clench tightly she catches movement out of the corner of her eye. Heading off in that direction she bites back an angry yell as she sees a black rope hanging from the ceiling.

Whoever the fucker was had left a clue alluding to how he or she got in and out.

A rookie move.

Jumping up Leah grabs hold of the rope and begins to work her way up the rope. Quietly, she says a quick thanks to the powers that be, for never letting her feel intimidated by the dreaded rope climb assignment in gym class as her arms begin to ache a little with the long climb up. Pulling herself over the ledge of the sunroof, Leah pulls up the rope deciding to use it to choke the fucker to death for beating her to the punch. Hearing a noise over by the alley Leah runs over and notices a dark figure landing lightly on his feet at the bottom. He's a big guy even from this distance and there is just something familiar about his movements that give Leah need for pause.

She stands for a moment watching him roll out his shoulders and re-secure the bag that, no doubt, holds her diamond and her chest heaves already knowing and recognizing the culprit – The Wolf.

XXIIXXIIXXIIXX

Sitting inside of a small café, the air thick with a cloud of smoke, the smell is sweet; her shoulders are hunched as her eyes stare off into outer space. The usual sparkle is gone from her eyes, focusing on some object or idea that only she can see or possibly even begin to fathom. Bringing the small joint up to her lips she takes a nice, long and slow drag, her eyelids fluttering close through the process before she finally lets the smoke creep out slowly through her full, plump lips. Licking her lips she pinches at the brownie before her, or what's left of it, and looks lazily toward the counter. Without any words being exchanged the boy behind the counter nods his head at her, letting her know that he'll bring her another brownie over and soon.

Turning back around she blows the rest of the smoke out and despite herself, she giggles. Leah's smile seems to grow as two dark-haired guys walk by, one pausing in mid-step to look at her before returning her smile. With a nudge from his buddy, the handsome stranger moves on leaving Leah behind, still with the odd smile upon her face.

The brownie is dropped off with neither a word exchanged between Leah and the waiter but the gratitude is expressed just the same.

She's so hungry and she can't seem to find it in her to stop eating the brownies. There's no doubt in Leah's mind that hash brownies in Amsterdam are always the best and picks her up when she's down. However, she's never had so many in just one sitting. There was always someone or something to remind her to stop, to cut her off, to let her know that she's had enough. But it's not as if she paid much attention to them anyway.

"You look like a girl that's realized that what you've been doing hasn't been working." Looking up with heavy eyes, Leah looks up to see an older woman standing before her. Her hair shaved close to her scalp and Leah wonders if it's so short by choice or maybe if she was ill at some point. Or it could just simply be a genetic trait like the tiny hole she has at the top of her ear, same as Seth and her father; Sue having one in the other ear. A preauricular sinus, a hole left over sometimes during the fish stage of a fetus's development. She giggles, again, at the idea of being a fish and swimming around, free.

"Why not just stop what you've been doing and try something different. You're bound to get a different reaction." Leah frowns at the woman and as her left eye squints, possibly to get a better look at the strange woman, she notices her tanned skin that is probably just a few shades darker than her own. Her strong piercing black eyes that make Leah question for a moment whether the woman is a figment of her imagination or possibly she's a figment of the woman's. She's a slender woman but has a slightly lithe and muscular build to her – possibly a dancer once upon a time or maybe a gymnast.

She once wanted to be a gymnast; with the small body, the long, muscular legs, periods a vague memory and spending all day jumping, bouncing and flipping around. But that was a dream that died long ago; gone with the desire to have a pony of her own named Petals that would be a chestnut color with flower petal shaped markings on her rump. Like the dream to find the infamous Cabbage Patch where Cabbage Patch Kids were born. Or possibly like the dream to lie on a soft, huge couch with Jacob Black; having a lazy day where they did nothing but gently caress, kiss and whisper sweet nothings to one another as husband and…wife?

Tilting her head to the side with a frown, Leah wonders where the hell that dream came from. Had she always had that thought but then pushed it so far back into her mind that she actually forgot about it? Is that what has been what's really bugging her? Not so much that Jacob beat her to the diamond but that he used her to get the diamond? That she felt that they had some sort of special…what? Bond, agreement or something that made them closer than any of the other people they worked with and for? Sure there's no honor among thieves but…well, didn't the fact that…well, the sex alone should mean that they had something.

Sure it was frustrating to realize the next morning that Jacob had called and couldn't keep his…appointment. He only said that he had a few things to take care of but he'd see her later on in the afternoon. Then the phone call from Paul came in mocking her, asking her how it felt to be 'outfoxed by a wolf'. And as if that wasn't enough insult to injury, to find out that he had given the diamond to Renesmee, the bronze-haired bitch that went around calling herself 'The Fox' knowing damn well that someone else had it. Leah had quickly put an end to that a while ago but then to recall that Jacob had slept with her, at some earlier place and time, too? Leah had her share of partners but she drew the line at Jacob's arch rivals or really who he saw as a rival in his head.

With a deep sigh, Leah slowly begins to shake her head. She cared too much about this whole situation and it had nothing to do with her ego, pride or cred. It had everything to do with her heart. She loved Jacob Black but it was apparent that he only saw her as a casual fling; something to help pass the time in between jobs or that one time, before and after. She's not sure when it happened but somewhere along the line she fell for him.

How could she have? She fell for a guy whose whole life was based upon lies, exploiting and thievery. Why should she expect anything less? And since when did she expect and start wanting more? Did she want the average life with a husband and possibly kids? Was she that high? Or was this her genuine, sober thoughts?

Pushing aside the brownie Leah looks up prepared to finally say something to the strange woman but her eyes widen slightly to realize that she's gone. Just as quickly and strangely as she appeared, she's gone. Looking around the small café Leah tries to see if she can catch sight of the woman anywhere but there is nothing.

She'll not acknowledge whether or not some woman appeared and presented a life-altering epiphany. After all, if she was just stoned off her rocker it's best to just swear off the hash for a while and if she was real then she'd just think the woman later on.

Getting up from her chair Leah heads towards the counter and drops some cash on the counter. The waiter doesn't bother counting but simply nods at Leah as she walks out with a coy smile. The world seems so bright, new, big and fresh…well the air seems so much fresher compared to the smoke filled hole she's been in for only God knows how long and maybe the waiter. Walking down the street Leah pulls out her phone and removes the SIM, walking on as she ditches the phone in a trash bin along the way. Holding it up to the sunlight, she looks at the small disc; it's a disc that holds all of her contacts, pictures, apps, emails – everything of the life that she's created as the 'Fox'. With a short shrug she throws the disc away in another bin – after all, if she wants more out of life then she should just 'stop doing what she's been doing' and the best way to do that is to cut off all contacts with those who would encourage her back into her old ways.

"Today is the start of a new day." Leah whispers to herself as she stuffs her hands in her pockets and walks off down the street.

XXIIXXIIXXIIXX

One year later…

She frowns as he laughs at her, his arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her closer to him – it's more of a pout really. She finds herself melting into his side, inhaling his warm scent that reminds her of summers in Spain and fresh bread. The pair pauses for a moment at the corner of an intersection waiting on traffic to die down. In this moment, he leans down and captures her lips with his own and she can't help but moan softly at the contact; his tongue quickly and lightly tracing her lips before he pulls back and smirks down at her. Squeezing her hand lightly the couple walks across the street.

Stopping outside her apartment he toys with her fingertips for a moment. "Well I'll see you in the morning, Shawn." Leah says reaching over and taking the bags that Shawn has insisted on carrying for her.

"So you sure you don't have time for me to come up for a while?" Shawn asks with a small smile, holding Leah's hand.

"Yea, I gotta finish that report for Jeff and have it ready to present by 10am tomorrow. So no distractions." Leah says firmly before quickly kissing his nose earning a small frown from him.

"Alright, alright. You be the good-little-two-shoes employee that you are." Shawn says kissing Leah's forehead.

"Hey! I'm a sexy good-little-two-shoes employee." Leah corrects and despite her attempts to keep a straight face starts chuckling at the absurdity of the statement. With a small wave, she watches as Shawn disappears around the corner before carrying her groceries up the stairs to her apartment.

She knows he's inside before she even reaches for her keys. She's not sure whether or not he thought he was being sneaky but she saw him standing outside in the foyer of her office building, trying to look busy by checking the list of names on the placard. She made sure that she chose an occupation that would not draw any of her friends or contacts to her location – so the idea that Jacob was scoping the place out before pulling a job was not a possibility.

She doesn't blink or even look surprise when she opens her door to find him sitting on her couch as if that is where he's always belonged, always been waiting for her after a hard day's work. Shutting the door with her foot Leah struggles with her bags for a moment, trying to hang her keys up on the hook, that brings a small frown to her face as Jacob gets up to help her. The look of indifference doesn't leave her face as he takes the bags from her, his body now uncomfortably close to her, the heat from his body warming her own in an attempt to remind her of what they could do to one another and for one another.

Before he can open his mouth to express, she is certain, some sentimental dribble about missing her, she snatches her bags from him and places something in his hand. She hears his low chuckle when he sees that it's only the small 'bug' that he planted on her boyfriend at some point during the day.

"You're a tough woman to find." Jacob states breaking the silence – or at least attempting to. Her response is only a short 'hmph' that leaves him feeling put out and awkward. She can hear his body weight shifting from one foot to another, his mind no doubt trying to figure out how to make right a situation that he, more than likely, has no idea went wrong.

"I've missed you, Lee." Jacob sighs out and his same old words, his fall back lines, instead of melting her heart and opening her legs only causes her back to tense and her eyes darken.

"Well you're really good at finding and getting anything that you want – when you really want it." Leah states after letting out a deep breath and relaxing her muscles. Whether or not he gets the double meaning, she doesn't know nor does she care. All she knows is that she's done with that life – with having him in her life. That life was nothing more than a meager existence built upon lies, lies and more lies. Lying to others was easy, manageable and added to the excitement but them lying to one another was unbearable.

"Not when it runs from me." Jacob grumbles out and Leah can hear the deep frown on his face.

Not bothering to even fall into his hands Leah begins cooking dinner. It's automatic, cooking, one of the few honest skills that she earned from the old life on the reservation in La Push. Her mother cooked all the time and for years Leah couldn't understand how her mother could use cooking as a stress reliever, how she just seemed to automatically shut the rest of the world out and focus solely on the ingredients and recipes before her – until now. Cooking, for Leah, was meant to be something special, intimate that she'd do for that one special someone – something that they could enjoy together and not be her escapism from life's problems.

Sometimes the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

By the time her mind returns from its sanctuary is Leah suddenly aware of the surprised look upon Jacob's face; his eyes wide as he looks between her and the meal that she's prepared. She knows it's because he's never seen her cook before, not even on the reservation and she never offered whenever she was bunking with Rebecca. The only people who knew that boiling water came easily to her as making braised ribs were her family and she's certain that Seth would never bring it up in casual conversation with anybody. She can see the impressed questioning in his eyes and despite her better judgment she turns around, reaches into her cabinets and pulls out two plates. Jacob doesn't hesitate to take the plate from her, obviously, not wanting to pass up on the offer of a free meal and some sort of benevolence on Leah's behalf.

The two eat in silence, the mindless chatter of the TV playing in the background as Leah focuses her attention on the project that she's been working on for the last week. She hadn't completely lied to Shawn when she told him that he couldn't come up because she had work to do – it was partially true. She can't help but frown realizing that despite the time living an 'honest' life, lying to Shawn was no big deal. There is no pit of guilt that is eating her up on the inside or even a hint of self-righteousness in explaining away why there was such a need. No, those feelings and internal debates had been reserved for one man and one man only, the man eating the meal that she prepared – for him. That thought alone brings about self-loathing that has her hands balling up into tight fists, the knuckles cracking under the pressure. One clear thought in her head – to get rid of him ASAP, if not sooner.

"I'm not fucking you – so if that's what you've been hoping for I strongly suggest you go buy yourself either a cheap whore or an expensive mistress." Jacob looks up at her surprised from his plate, the sound of her voice breaking the long held silence and the tone dripping with anger, resentment and hatred.

"I – I didn't…is that what you think I've come here for?" Jacob asks with a mixture of hurt and confusion on his face. It's a strange look, a look that she cannot seem to recall ever seeing on his face. Fixing him with a bored stare, she remains impassive reminding herself that he's lied to her once and that this time won't be any different from the last.

"Well if memory serves me correctly, it's usually how things play out between us." Leah states matter-of-factly with an air of confidence and the voice of someone speaking from the support of cold, hard facts. "You show up, tell me how much you miss me, I get all shy and coy, you smile at me, we share a moment, we fuck and then you leave."

Jacob sits looking at her with dark and narrowed eyes; his unexpected silence only encouraging her to continue on, to air out all of their dirty laundry. To seek her closure and be done with this unexplainable attraction for the man who has only used her time and time again to satisfy his own fancies and whims.

"Paris, London, New York, Mumbai, Tokyo, Sydney, Naples – no matter the location, it's always the same." Leah states while trying to fight back the passionate and emotion-driven images struggling to surface.

"I came back the next morning." Jacob states, his hands balling up into tight fists.

"I bet you did." Leah responds back with a hint of boredom as she steps down from her stool and grabs her briefcase, rummaging around and finding the necessary documents.

"Did you quit because I stole the diamond first?" Jacob asks after regarding her carefully for a few minutes. At the mention of the diamond, Leah can feel the chink in the armor that she's built up against Jacob begin to splay and crack. Glaring up at him, her lips pursed tightly together all she receives back is a questioning look from Jacob. There's a slightly disappointing look on Jacob's face as if her decision to quit the life has brought it on.

"Don't flatter yourself. I didn't quit simply because I didn't get to it first." Leah states after reclaiming some sense of indifference and coolness. "I could've just stolen it right back." She bites her tongue, tasting blood in her mouth, to keep from adding 'but that was before I saw you give it to your sweet Nessie'.

"Then why?" Jacob asks firmly. "You just dropped off the face of the Earth. You didn't take on any jobs. You've avoided everyone's calls and emails."

"Maybe because I realized I suddenly wanted more." Leah answers and regrets the words from falling out of her mouth. She wanted closure – sure, but not at the risk of putting herself out there, again. Not for Jacob 'The Wolf' Black to see her vulnerability, take advantage of it and either stroke his ego or find some way to cash in on it. A part of her is convinced that finding her has become some sort of 'Great Race' within their inner circles, cash prize going to the person that can find Leah and get the proof to support their claim.

"Wanted more out of life – want…want something that's more valuable and rare than any diamond." Jacob's eyes widen at her tone, softening for a moment, almost as if he understands what she's expressing. "You," Jacob winces at Leah's tone as if she reached over and slapped him. "You showed me that…that I couldn't keep it up anymore. It's just not worth it." Leah cannot help but wrap her arms around herself, hugging herself, trying to find some sort of self-worth in this trying moment.

"Is he worth it?" Jacob asks, his voice dark, husky and the anger is prominent. She's certain that there is a hint of jealousy in his tone, jealous that she'd allow some other man to touch her, have her and hold her. A man who would give her anything within his power and capability to give her – that was still within legal standards.

"He doesn't lie to me, use me,"

"I didn't lie to you!" Jacob interrupts, his fist banging down on the counter causing the silverware to rattle with the force. "I had come to see you."

"When our date, day, night, fucking," Leah states without missing a beat and earning a growl from Jacob, his knuckles turning white, "ends, he calls me the next day." Leah states unable to deny that the sense of security, reliability and dependability that is offered is part of the lure. "I can trust him." Leah shakes her head as Jacob opens her mouth to say something. "I can only trust you to show up and run out just like always."

As expected her words silences The Wolf as he sighs and looks down at the counter. Elbows in her palms, Leah waits for Jacob to say something else, to find some charming words that would guarantee him a place to lay his head tonight and keep his dick warm and snug.

Getting up with a sigh, Leah begins to clean up, washing the dishes and hoping that her indifference and turned back will give Jacob the hint – that he's not wanted by her anymore. However, deep down inside she knows that things are never that easy with him. That he's as stubborn as they come and will do anything and everything outside of physical assault to get whatever fix he has convinced himself he needs.

Her breathing stutters as Jacob stands up, the stool scraping against the linoleum floor alerting her to his movements. She prays that he'll leave, now. That he'll get a call asking him to take a job that will have him packing up, ready to leave and offering his half-assed empty promises to be back. There is no such luck in her life as Jacob stands behind her, she fighting to keep her heart rate in check, when he leans forward, burying his nose into her hair and wrapping his arms around her waist.

Kissing her neck, Leah closes her eyes holding onto the fire that is quickly consuming her and hoping to find the strength to push Jacob away from her. Her throat goes dry under Jacob's gentle ministrations as his breathe warms her body and puts every nerve on full alert. Licking her lips and swallowing the dry lump in her throat which turns out to be the nerve she's been looking for, she freezes feeling something cool and hard resting on her chest. Opening her eyes, Leah looks down in surprise to see a diamond – her diamond – set in a silver chain.

Turning around she stares at Jacob in disbelief as he only gives her a sad smile back. His fingers toy with the diamond that is resting just above the valley of her breasts with a look of regret. The longing look in his eyes confuses her because she is uncertain if it's for the diamond or for her.

"Ja – Jacob, what is," Leah begins questioning trying to find the resolve that she held earlier, the skepticism that she so desperately held onto to combat his con.

"I wasn't lying when I said that I had only shown up to see you." Jacob explains wrapping his arms around Leah's waist and pulling her closer towards him. Resting his forehead against her she can feel his heart racing a little bit at the close contact. "But I saw the way your eyes had lit up over the diamond. I had been thinking for a while now what would be the perfect gift to give you. To say 'I'm sorry' for all those times I disappeared, for 'being a fuckin' ass' according to Becca." Jacob says with a weak chuckle. She looks as he takes in a deep breath, steeling himself, before opening his eyes and looking into hers. "And to tell you…how much I love you."

To say that she is surprised is a complete understatement as her mouth falls opens and her eyes widen.

"So I decided I'd steal the diamond." Jacob continues on, taking Leah's flabbergasted moment and using it to his advantage. "I did see someone asking for it and I took the job to ensure that no one else got involved." Leah's breathing becomes shallow as she tries to locate the resolve that has kept her on this path, the straight and narrow, and far from Jacob.

"I didn't know you were going to steal it that night. I figured by the time word got out, that I'd have it set and could give it to you in the morning but that didn't work out as planned." Jacob rolls his eyes and she can see the frustration lurking underneath as he probably relives that night again for a moment.

Frowning Leah looks down at the diamond and begins to question whether or not he is telling her the truth or just more lies. If he's lying, there's no doubt that if she takes him to her bed tonight, that come the morning she'll wake up and find him gone – again, same as always and probably the diamond too.

"Come on, Lee, you've never heard me or heard of me saying 'I love you' to just anyone, right?" Jacob pushes as there's a playful tone in his voice, the same tone that always leaves her smiling like an idiot. "Lee, I love you. And…I want it to be just 'us'." Jacob pushes and frowns uncertain of whether or not his words and feelings are getting through. "Becca told me about what happened when you came back home. I swear to you I didn't know that Renesmee was the buyer." Leah's eyes darken at the memory of seeing the bronze-haired tart jumping into Jacob's arms.

"Look, I know that my track record doesn't inspire a lot of confidence but…it's been horrible, the whole year without you." Jacob sighs out heavily, his shoulders slumping. "Not knowing where you were, who you were with," The hint of annoyance flashing across his face, no doubt, thinking about her boyfriend. "All I want and need is you and I want this diamond to prove that."

Leah toys with the chain for a moment, her free hand resting against Jacob's chest feeling his heart beat anxiously. She can't deny that she loves him, still, even after all this time. She had hoped that her epiphany would've freed her from this puppy love that she carried for him.

"If you want I'll even go straight." Jacob offers up. "We can save up some money, move back to La Push or wherever you want to live. I – I just want it to be with you. I love you so much, Lee." Jacob sighs out letting a frown grace his lips at Leah's inattention to his words.

"I love you too." Leah whispers out softly. Looking up she can't suppress the smile that spreads across her face upon seeing Jacob's. She laughs as Jacob, easily, picks her up and spins her around, hugging her tightly to the point of suffocation.

"So…are we staying here? I saw that one of the other companies in your building was hiring." Jacob states after pulling Leah down and a huge grin is still on his face. "Well you really didn't think I'd show up here, trying to win your heart and not follow through on what I said, did you?" Jacob asks noticing Leah's surprised and confused look. "I meant what I said about going straight. I won't steal a thing if that is what it takes," Jacob is silenced as Leah places her fingers on his lips.

"Don't worry about it." Leah says with a smirk. "To be honest, this whole working 9 to 5, five days a week and making about $65K a year really isn't cutting it. I don't see how people can do it." Letting out a loud laugh Jacob leans down and captures Leah's lips, kissing her deeply and passionately.

In the morning, Leah's reports are turned in with a letter of resignation, Shawn is left behind with a simple note thanking him for his time and expressing her sincerest gratitude for the time that they have shared together. Leah knows that she didn't become a master thief by being gullible neither did she make it by being overly cautious. Giving Jacob the chance that he needs, the rules are made clear that if he fucks up again that she'll leave him and there will be no diamond, painting or rare artifact that can win her back.

A/N: Okay, so here goes my 'Fox'. To be honest, I really don't care for this one and have another one that I wrote days later after this original idea. I'll post the next Fox either later on tonight or within the next couple of days but you all wonderful people know what to do. Leave me a review and tell me what you think. Also, there are other authors getting in on this alphabet one-shots, so go check them out because they are really good.

After thought: So I updated this chapter after reading a couple of reviews and re-reading this myself. Just to clarify, Jacob DID sleep with Renesemee just not that night. Jacob never sold the diamond but Re-name-me was the buyer and he just went to settle some business. It finally occurred to me WHY I didn't like this story because there's a whole other side that I never absolved and that was Jacob's. I may re-do this story but turn it into a short multi-chaptered story but that's still undecided. So, yes, Leah is a bitch for ditching Shawn just like that but c'mon it's Jacob Black! Have you seen those abs? Of course you have, that's the whole reason you're even here. LOL.

Oh, and rules about the Blackwater Alphabet contest can be found on my profile page. The gist of it is, must be Jacob and Leah centered, doesn't have to be romantic as you have seen from my Evil but this is your chance to have fun with our favorite 'should've been' Alpha pair. The only limitation is your imagination and creativity with the word prompts.