Told you it wouldn't be long. To all of the people reviewing on the regs, thank you! I don't own a gosh dern thing.
Fuck. I looked over at them almost wincing, because I was so busted. This looked so bad. When I finally willed my eyes to look over at them, I noticed Edward had his arm around this Victoria's waist, his hand splayed out. You don't hold a casual 'friend' that way. His eyes were wide, and all the color drained from his face. Surprise, surprise, you fucking creep. He dropped his hand and looked down at the floor, like he didn't believe it. I hardly believed it either.
James cleared his throat. "Bella, this is Edward Cullen. His family owns the club with the DeVolturi brothers," he said, trying to stress the 'owns' part. "Edward, this is my friend, Bella," James introduced us. Edward looked into my eyes and kind of nodded. Oh, ok. I get it. We don't know each other.
I stuck my hand out to 'meet' him.
"Hello. Edward, was it?" I asked. He finally looked between the two of us and his mouth pressed into a hard line.
He still looked so damn gorgeous. He was wearing just about the same thing as James, a suit with no tie, but the top buttons on his shirt were unbuttoned, and I could see the little patch of hair on his chest that had taunted me more than once.
"Nice to meet you," he said and shook my hand. He squeezed it a bit when he was shaking it.
"Wow, so you're like the landlord of this place?" I asked with a bit of sarcasm in my voice, not able to help it. I thought his family owned a couple of apartment buildings or something back in New York. Why would he buy a club in Seattle? There had to be more to this story.
"Um, yes. We just bought into it a few months ago," he said. Victoria was looking up at Edward and smiling while he talked. She adjusted his lapels while he looked at me. He did nothing to stop her.
"This is a great place, Edward," she said, "You should be so proud."
"So is this the only club you are affiliated with?" I asked and raised my eyebrows.
He just shook his head 'no.'
"I see. I guess this one is…satisfactory," I shrugged, "But I've definitely been to better," I said and narrowed my eyes at him and Victoria. I wasn't really talking about the club and he knew it, the way his eyes narrowed back at me. James looked over at me and made a strange face, and Victoria's mouth hung open a bit and she scoffed. She looked absolutely appalled.
"Well I'm sorry it's not up to your standards, miss, um… I'm sorry, what was your name again?" he said and glared at me and then at James. Oh, the fucker has really done it now.
"Bella. B-e-l-l-a, sir." What I really wanted to say was f-u-c-k-y-o-u, but I decided against being trashy like that.
"O-kay! Bella, why don't we go back to the table," James said and tried to take my drink from me.
"Well, it was nice to meet the two of you, you make a lovely couple," I said and slammed my drink. My legs finally reconnected with my brain, and I walked briskly, almost tripping over myself. James said his goodbyes and I swore I heard him say, 'I'm so sorry, she must be drunk' and was behind me in two seconds.
"Whoa, Bella, slow down!" James said quietly and grabbed my arm, a bit hard for my taste. He pulled me into a dimly lit hallway right near the main bar. He turned me so I was sort of pinned up against the wall and his body," What the hell was that all about?!"
"James you keep some really shady friends," I said and pulled out of his grip.
"You were the one acting shady. You just embarrassed the shit out of me in front of one of the richest men in America, you realize that, right?! His father is one of my biggest clients. I cannot believe you did that," he said. Of course. Of course he would be.
When I didn't say anything, his face softened a bit and backed away to lean against the adjacent wall.
"I just don't think you realize the severity of the situation, Bella. Don't you read the paper?"
"Fine, I have to admit, I maybe was a bit of a bitch. I just didn't like that guy's attitude…whatever his name is," You know perfectly well what his name is.
"Anyway, attitude or not, he is a very important man. Just try to keep it together, ok?" An important , arrogant asshole.
I nodded my head, and took his hand when he held it out to me. "Let's go back to the table and just try to enjoy the rest of our evening."
We walked out of the little hallway and up the steps to the VIP area. When we got to the table it was empty. I looked around the club and saw Angela and Laurent on the dance floor and Jessica dancing with some random. I slid into the booth and James next to me.
He began pouring us to vodkas and then stopped abruptly, "Wait. Are you sure you can handle this?"
I took the drink from him.
"Just promise me no more outbursts," he said and smirked.
"I promise," I said and rolled my eyes and took a sip of my drink.
"So, who are they? The Cullens I mean."
"You honestly don't know?"
I shook my head no. I curiosity was really piqued at this point. I wanted to know the truth.
"Well, to put it mildly, they are one of the biggest real estate developers on the east coast. They own hotels, office spaces and some satisfactory nightclubs..." he said and rolled his eyes.
This made me crack a smile, but I composed myself quickly.
"....in New York, Boston, Miami, and Atlanta to name a few cities. Carlisle Cullen, Edward's father is trying to break ground on the west coast. They've just purchased a building in Seattle, and they're working on some new developments. I also just insured some pieces they've put in the new residence they bought here." Great, so they have a place here. Super.
"So, what, they're like the Trumps or something?"
"I can't believe you've never heard of them. The family consists of Esme Cullen, Carlisle's wife, Edward, Emmett and Alice Cullen. Emmett is married to Rosalie Hale. Her family owns like half of Chicago. Esme, Alice and Rosalie are like some big socialites in New York. Haven't you ever read an In Touch Weekly?"
"Unlike the women you're probably used to, I read things with actual substance," I said and took another sip of my drink. Jesus.
"Yeah, you're one in a million, Bella," he said under his breath. Oh, go to hell, Riley.
"So what's that guy Edward's story? He's married to that Victoria chick?" I asked knowing the answer. I was just prying.
"No, they aren't together…I don't think. He and Vicky are old friends. I mean like, known each other since they were in diapers friends. Carlisle and Vicky's father, Alistair, have been friends and business partners forever. Anyhow, I dated Vicky briefly a few years ago. I think she's always kind of had a thing for Edward, though. Even when he was engaged."
I poured James another drink. Give this one too much alcohol and he'd sing like a bird.
"Oh? Someone would actually marry that guy? Unbelievable." My, my Bella, how you lie.
"Yeah, Edward was in the tabloids a lot last spring. He was engaged to Tanya Denali. Ever heard of her?...Never mind, of course you haven't."
I knew of her, from Alice 'the socialite' Cullen, but I didn't know her background.
"The Denali family is headed up by the father Eleazar also a friend of Carlisle, his second wife Carmen, and the sisters Irina, Tanya, and Kate. They run in the same social circle as Alice and Rosalie, but I've heard they don't really get along that well. So, Edward was engaged to Tanya, and they were set to be married. It was like the perfect pairing, one rich family marrying into another rich family. But Tanya just vanished into thin air. On the day of the wedding."
I gasped for effect.
"Yeah it was bad. Edward like spun out of control. I actually partied with him in New York right after it happened. He seemed pretty bad off. He was out until all hours and going home with random girls and stuff. Carlisle did not approve. I mean, could you imagine? Edward Cullen Boozes with Busty Blond on the cover of OK?" he laughed. I did not.
"So he threatened his job and his inheritance if he didn't get his shit straight. His siblings helped him get out of the funk too. Last I head he was pretty much on the straight and narrow."
Wow, Alice really did a shitty job of explaining that to me. James, a third party, just exposed it all. For that I was thankful. And I wanted nothing to do with any of the Cullens.
"Gosh James, how do you know all of this?" I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.
"My father worked for Carlisle, and when he retired, I took over their account. I just hear things."
"Ah. I see." James draped his arm over the back of the booth behind me, and I let him. I was pissed at Alice and Edward…all of them. How could they.
I jumped when I heard someone clear their throat right next to us. I looked up. Great. Just the people I was not looking for. Victoria was clutching Edwards jacket, shoulder surfing, not really paying us any attention. Edward on the other hand was looking me dead in the eye. I must've grimaced, because James nudged me with his foot.
"Excuse me, do you think we could join the two of you? We're at full capacity." I instantly crossed my arms protectively over myself.
"Absolutely," James replied, "This is your club, after all." Suck up.
"I just wanted to make sure we weren't imposing on your evening," he said and faked a smile. I opened my mouth to say something, but James nudged me again.
"No, no not at all. Please," James said and motioned to the empty seats across from us. I mean there was plenty of room for everyone, even when the girls got back. Victoria slid in and scooted toward James. This left Edward sitting directly across from me.
"James, so tell me more about how work is going," Victoria stated and turned her attention toward him. James started spouting off about something I had no real interest in, so I just played it cool, looked down, looked around to the dance floor. Just trying not to feel the effect of one Edward Cullen's gaze. His eyes were like laser beams boring right into my face.
Along with the two unwanted guests, we also acquired a bodyguard and a member of the wait staff that stood off to the side at the ready. I was not surprised in the slightest. I was pretty sure I could never be surprised by anything aver again.
I drummed my fingers on the top of the table, hoping this would end soon. I looked up for just a millisecond. James and Vicky were still off in their own little world, and Edward was doing something on his phone.
I took the bottle of vodka off the table, put in some ice from the bucket and poured myself another shot. I took a sip of my drink when my clutch vibrated next to me. I took out my phone and read the text.
Are you not even going to look at me?
We don't know each other, remember? What ever would we talk about? Oh, and lose my number.
I threw my phone back into my clutch and looked down at my drink. It vibrated again.
That was for your benefit, trust me.
Oh, you are one to talk about trust, sir. I cannot believe you.
I threw my phone in my clutch and closed it signaling the end of the conversation.
I heard Edward clear his throat, " So, um, Bella, what is it that you do for a living?" he asked and looked at me. This was one topic we never discussed. And now he would force me to talk to him. So gentlemanly.
"Oh, I'm currently a bar wench."
He cleared his throat again and played with his collar, "That sounds nice."
"It is nice, Mr. Cullen. I'm sure it's not as great as being a big shot real estate developer, though. I'm sure my job is so boring compared to being one of the richest men in America," I said.
Edward's mouth dropped open at bit. James caught onto my snarky tone, and looked over at Edward and frowned. Edward smiled at him and he went back to his conversation with Victoria.
Thank you lord, thank you for my friends.
"Hey guys, I was wondering where you ran off to I gotta go," Angela said as she plopped down next to me. Jessica and Laurent sat down next to her.
"Hi, I'm Angela," she said and stuck her hand out to meet the king of development.
"Oh, hello, Angela," he said warmly, "Edward."
Angela dropped her hand abruptly from his and looked at me with wide eyes. I shook my head 'no,' to tell her silently not to say anything out loud. Jessica and Laurent both looked from him to me, Jessica laughed and said 'no way'. Laurent nudged her and they dropped their gazes back to their laps.
"Nice to meet you, Edward."
"You as well, Angela," he said and gave her a genuine smile.
"Uh, this is Jessica and Laurent," she said and pointed to the two of them. He nodded toward the two of them and said hello. They gave him awkward smiles. Victoria wasn't in the mood for introductions, it seemed, or probably just couldn't be bothered by it.
"Well it has been a night, let me tell you!" Laurent said as he rose from the seat, "but me and Jessica here have got to get going. Nice meeting you. Goodnight everyone," he said and walked away from the table shaking his head and whispering while he and Jessica walked away.
Angela made a move to get up as well, but I gripped her wrist tightly under the table. She hated confrontation or anything awkward.
"Bella. I have to go. Ben's flight gets in early in the morning, and I can't oversleep."
"Angela, you are really leaving me in the lurch here," I whispered and she grabbed her purse from beside me.
"You'll be fine," she whispered, "and we will talk tomorrow."
"Bye," she said and waved at Edward, who grinned at her.
"Wow, I can really clear out a room," Edward said and quirked his eyebrow at me.
"I should probably get a cab," I said and looked up at him. I felt exhausted, I felt betrayed, I felt…relieved? Relieved only to see that he was ok.
"Goodnight James. Victoria," I said.
"Bella, you're leaving?" James asked.
"Yeah, I've had a long night."
" I'll see you this week?" he asked.
"I'll be there," I replied with a wave of my hand.
Edward stumbled to get up, "I'll walk you."
James looked at him quizzically and then looked at me. Victoria looked at me and sneered.
"Oh, it's no problem, really."
"I insist," he said and stood next to me.
He whispered something to the bodyguard and put his hand on the small of my back, leading me down the stairs. I could feel his fingertips pressed into my skin through the thin material of my dress and it made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I wanted so badly just to lean into him, to grab the back of his head and force his lips to that place behind my ear, but I was mad at him.
People nodded toward him and gaped as he walked with me. He was like Moses, parting the sea of people. God, was I really that naive? I never even noticed before.
Wait a sec. Shit. I thought back to Hawaii, back to when that creepy guy, Mike, hit on me and ran from Edward with his tail between his legs. The hostess in the restaurant. The girls on the pathway. It was all there right in front of me.
He led me not through the front, but down a hall and out a back entrance.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Home."
"Don't you get that I don't want to talk to you?' I asked as soon as the door closed behind us.
There was a large blacked out SUV waiting there, a man standing by the back door with it open.
"Just get in the car, Bella."
I put my hands on my hips and looked up into his eyes. They swallowed me up and spit me out. Damn you Edward Cullen. I instantly knew I was going to get in the car with him and it pissed me off.
"Please," He grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Why? Why should I ever do anything you ask? You didn't even tell me who you were. You led me to believe your life was a relatively normal one, not one under public scrutiny. And just so you know, your little friend James in there told me everything."
"Get in. We have some talking to do."
"Come on, Edward, do you think I'm a simpleton? You must. I know what you think of me. Your booty call waiting in the wings until you got to Seatlle on business."
"Don't," He said sternly,"And this is your last chance. You get in the car now and talk to me, or I walk away."
I was seething but I climbed up onto the cold leather seat.
"Thank you, Demitri," he said and closed the door behind him.
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