Here is chapter 2 ready for your reading pleasure.

SIS Chapter 2

Alice and I are full out laughing as we tumble out of the club. "That poor guy has no idea what's in store for him," I mutter to Alice, but her face turns hard and I frown. "Alice?" She points behind me and I turn to see the bouncer from earlier.

"So you've come back for me?" he says licking his lips as his eyes keep running all over me. Feeling disgusted by the way he's looking at me; I make it known on my face.

"We need a cab," I reply but he just grins, and his hand moves to my arm. I place my own hand on his upper arm, and as he pulls me toward him, I bring my knee up hard and fast. My knee collides with his balls as I feel the breath rush out of him. I whip my arm free from his grip and try to move away.

He stands and I let out a gulp over how angry he looks. He takes a large step toward me and Alice pulls me to her. "I will scream the place down!" I yell out loud, but he just smirks. But his eyes drift to the side, and I turn just as a guy moves in front of me.

I frown looking at Alice as I can't hear a thing being said. I reach into my bag and pull out my cochlear attachment and snap it in place. Switching it on, I hear a heated, yet velvety voice.

"Doubt it, asshole!" the voice grits. "I will be speaking with Marcus tonight and you'll be out on your ass."

The guy who is standing in front of me turns, and I see it's Edward.

"Hi," I say and he smiles back at me. He looks to my right, and his smile gets bigger because he can see my implant is back in.

"You girls need a cab?" he asks and twitches his brow at me.

I feel my face heat up. I know that it's stupid, but to have a guy—well, anyone that I don't know look at me like that—makes me feel as if I am a part of this world, and not just someone who watches others live it. Edward pulls his brows together as he looks at me; I am sure it's due to my own lack of response.

"Yes, we do," Alice answers for me. And Edward grins keeping his eyes on me.

"I'll call one and sit with you until it gets here." His eyes flash to the side, and I know without looking he's glaring at the handsy bouncer. As he talks on his cell, his eyes never seem to leave the bouncer, like he's keeping track of him.

I watch as he looks as if he is texting someone. His eyes flash to me and he smiles. "There is a bench just right over there; we can sit while we wait for the Uber I ordered."

I look at Alice who's nodding and we follow him to it. Once Alice and I are sitting, he takes the seat next to me. He taps my arm and I turn to him. "When is your big day?" he asks but I have no idea what he's talking about.

"Big day?" I repeat back to him, making sure I heard right.

"Your wedding day?" he asks me slowly making me feel revealed and embarrassed.

"I'm not getting married, Alice is," I say pointing to Alice who nods at him.

"There was no way I was getting on that stage," she tells him. "No disrespect, but I am so glad I didn't after seeing the dance."

I snort but nod at my friend, knowing she would have died of mortification. "It's okay, Alice, I didn't mind taking one for the team. Besides, I had fun. Then again, that was more action than I've had in over a year," I chuckle.

As I turn back to Edward, I see he has an even bigger grin on his face.

"Are you girls from Vegas?"

"No; it's her bachelorette party. We go home tomorrow," I say, remaining vague.

"And home is where?" he asks.

"Wouldn't you like to know," I tease.

"I would, hence the reason I asked," he states with a grin.

I shake my head.

"Seattle," Alice yells making me turn to her, but she just shrugs.

There is a part of me that knows it's stupid to be this happy that Edward seems interested, but it just does. I've only had my implant since I was eighteen; before that, dating guys was a nightmare. Not that it has been any better after I got it. None of my boyfriends knew sign language at all, and only two were willing to learn it. Those two both gave up, claiming it was too hard to learn it all. Then, of course, there is that jackwagon, Jake.

The Uber driver pulls up and I feel a little sad. I stand up, but Edward grips my hand. "Can I share the car with you? I am going to the Bellagio Las Vegas hotel."

"Oh, my, God, so are we," Alice squeals, and I roll my eyes.

I really need to talk to her about giving information to strangers. "If he kidnaps us and puts us into sex or human trafficking, I'll never forgive you," I sign to her.

Alice gives me a look—one I know all too well—one that tells me she's hiding something, but I do not know what.

Alice gets in; I follow, and then Edward gets in. He tells the cab driver where we are going before sitting back and looking at the side of my head.

I turn looking at him. "Yes?"

"What are the odds of you saying yes to have a drink with me?"

"You never know unless you ask," I reply coyly.

"She'll say yes if you'll take her out for food," Alice says as she leans over me. "I, however, am going to bed. Bella will want to get changed out of that club outfit my twisted mom dressed her in, though, but then she'll join you."

I turn and gape at Alice who shrugs and then takes out her cell snapping a photo of Edward. "I have your picture, and now I need your cell number, and room number," she states handing him her cell.

"What – no social security number?" Edward asks laughing lightly.

"No, that should be enough," Alice claims.

I turn looking at him. "My father makes us send photos, and the other details of any guys we spend time alone with to each other, just in case," I say.

"I understand," he says and then winks at me before entering his information in her phone.

The car stops and before I can get money out, Edward has signed a slip for the driver and tossed him some cash. He helps me out, and then does the same with Alice.

"I put my cell number, room number, and my full name in your phone," he says handing Alice her cell. He turns looking at me. "So, will you join me for a bite to eat?"

Feeling hungry and not wanting to end talking to him, I nod. "Okay, I will meet you back here in the lobby in half an hour?"

"I only need fifteen minutes," I reply and he grins.

"Maybe so, but I'm slow, and in need of a shower, so give me thirty minutes, Bitsy."

I nod and pull Alice toward the stairs. He gives me a strange look but doesn't say anything.

"Okay, I can do this," I say as I start up the stairs.

"Yeah, you can, and he is hot," Alice adds.

I look at Alice shaking my head. "You have Jasper."

"I know, but still," she states.

I hum.

"You'll call me, won't you, if you need me?"

"Yes, no worries. Cinderella will be home—in her room—at the stroke of two," I joke.

Alice shakes her head at me. "Just wait and see, but at least text me, I want to know that you're safe."

I walk Alice to her room and hug her. "Have a good night, Bella, and I'll see you tomorrow."

I wave walking to my own room. Peeling off the club clothes, I throw on my jeans, and a plain light, pink top. I finish it off with my leather jacket. I run a brush through my hair, and pull it over my right shoulder to make sure it is covering my cochlear implant; not that I am ashamed, I just hate people staring at it. I walk back down the stairs, but only get one level down when I hear someone running down the steps behind me. I look up and see Edward who is taking the stairs two at a time.

"Hey, be careful, I don't want you to get hurt, you promised me food," I say when he catches up to me.

Edward chuckles – shaking his head. "I am a master at stairs," he says with a wink.

He holds out his hand and I slide my own into it, he locks our fingers and we start going down the rest at my pace. When we get to the lobby, Edward's eyes move to mine. "Where would you like to go?"

"Anywhere that has good food," I respond.

Edward chuckles and then takes me into Cafe' Bellagio. "I think we should just go here, that way, you'll feel safe and we can spend more time talking," he suggests.

I nod at him and then feel a little worried. I am leaving Las Vegas tomorrow and this will be the only time we'll spent together. I look around and frown; why is he staying at a hotel?

"Why are you staying in a hotel, since you work here?"

"I'm from Chicago, and tonight I was just doing a favor for someone I know."

I nod but feel a little sad that he actually lives even further away from me than Las Vegas. "But, I am moving to Seattle on Monday," he adds and I just look at him with my mouth wide open.

He grins seemingly pleased with how I have taken that Information.

"That's great," I finally manage to say. "Are you looking forward to it?"

"I am, and even more now that I know you live there."

I feel my face heat up, which just makes him grin more.

A waiter comes over and I order the smoked bacon bbq cheeseburger, parmesan fries, and a bottle of beer. Edward smiles at me, and orders the exact same as me.

"What's the sign for beautiful?" I tilt my head, showing him.

He copies me and then points at me making me blush.

"I'm taking it you're just learning to sign?" I ask.

Where he has managed to sign most of his words, I've noticed he has missed the odd one or two, or gotten them slightly off.

"Yes, one of my best friends lives in Seattle and has a daughter who is deaf. So, I am learning sign language so I can talk to her."

I feel my heart swell over what he's doing. My father has friends, and most of them have learned the basics of signing so they can communicate with me. My own mother on the other hand, didn't even consider learning it; hell she barely spoke to me as it was. Edward's friend's little girl is very lucky, because to me this shows a lot of respect to not only his friend, but to the child, too.

"How old are you?" Edward asks.

I start to answer, but the waiter puts down our meals and drinks right at that moment, so I wait until he walks away. "I just turned twenty-one. How old are you?"

"Thirty-three," he says. "What's your full name?"

I smile. "Isabella Marie Swan," I say and he seems to merely stare at me.

"Your name," I ask hoping that he shakes off whatever it is that he's suddenly thinking about.

"The name I was born with is Edward Anthony Masen," his eyes twinkle with impishness.

His demeanor has me frowning slightly, but he simply winks at me.

"How about your hobbies?" he asks.

"Reading and cooking," I say raising my brow so he will answer his own question.

"Music and drawing," he says.

Edward keeps asking questions as we eat. When we are done with our food, we each order another beer, and keep talking.

"Your friends are back," Edward says out of the blue.

I turn seeing that they are all laughing as they walk in. Tanya has one of the strippers with her, and she is currently licking his tonsils.

"I'll be right back," I say getting up and running to her.

"Mrs. B.," I hiss and she turns looking at me. "You promised," I say with a sigh and she shrugs at me and wags her finger.

"Yeah, but then you bailed on us, taking Alice. Besides Rose got one, and I want one, too." I move my eyes looking for Rose and sure enough she is on the back of the stripper that did the dance with her while Edward danced with me.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Fine, whatever, but take my room," I say handing her my key.

"But—" she starts, and I cut her off by holding up my hand.

"Alice does not need to be woken up with all of this; this is supposed to be her weekend," I state.

Tanya just nods at me before taking my key.

"Such a good girl; don't tell Alice," she giggles.

I just shake my head as the guy picks her up and carries her away to the elevator.

"Night, B.," Rose yells as she is carried passed me.

"Where are you going to sleep, if she is in your room?" Edward asks, having come up behind me.

I turn and then frown because I forgot to get her key, and don't want to wake Alice up.

"Don't worry, Bitsy, you can share my room," Edward whispers to my right side. "I promise not to do anything. You can have the bedroom; the door has a lock on it."

I bite my lip looking at him. I wouldn't normally even consider doing this. My father has brought me up to make sure I don't put myself in places where I could get hurt. But there's something about Edward, something that is telling my heart and mind that I can trust him.

"If you are sure?" I ask.

"I am," he again holds out his hand and I take it. He walks me to the stairs, and this time we have to go up nine floors.

He lets me into his room and seems to look a little shy. He pulls at his hair as he turns to me. "I'll get you something to sleep in."

Before I can say okay he moves off. He comes back with a t-shirt and sweatpants. "Thank you," I say as he holds them out to me.

Use the bedroom to get changed, and I'll get changed in here.

I move to his bedroom, closing the door. I send a text to Alice letting her know I am staying in Edward's room. I don't add anything about her mom, knowing full well it will just embarrass her. I also know she'll be out for the count; therefore, she will not text me back.

I lay my clothes on the chair and peek out the door. "Are you changed?" I ask.

"I am," he calls.

I walk out seeing that Edward has set up the sofa with pillows and a blanket. "Come on," he says patting the sofa, so I know he still wants to talk.

I walk to the sofa and sit so that I am facing him.

"You're beautiful," he says again, as his hand moves to my hair and he pushes it back. I know that he has seen my implant, and I go to pull my hair back over it, but his hand takes hold of mine.

"It's beautiful, just like you are," he says.

"You need to stop complimenting me, you're giving me a big head," I tell him.

"No, because you are beautiful, and the blush of your skin tells me that it will not go to your head."

I just look at him and shrug. He leaves his hand by my head, and I feel his fingers playing with my hair.

"So where did you meet Alice?" he asks.

"She and her mom live next door to my dad and me. I wasn't in regular school at first, but when I joined in fourth grade, Alice and I were already best friends. She's always been there for me and I for her."

Edward smiles, but I know by the look on his face he has picked up on the sadness in my voice.

"What about your mom?"

"She walked out and became this passing ship in my life. I see her from time to time, but she's not a big part of my life. A part of me used to hope and pray for her to be a part of my life, but I no longer want that from her at all."

Edward nods at me. "Tell me about your dad?"

I smile right away. "His name is Charlie, and he's the best. He's funny, loving, and puts me first in his life. He's never made me feel like a burden, and he supports me in all I choose to do in life. He always builds me up and tells me I can aim as high as I want. He loves life, fishing, sports, and above all else, me."

"I'm glad you have such a great relationship with him," Edward says.

"I would be lost without him, he's my lighthouse. He guides me to where I need to be. What about your family?"

"My family is great. We're a very loving, close knit family. We're all there for one another, all the time. Like your dad, my parents have always been there to help guide me. My brother and my cousin do the same for me as well; actually, I would say there has never been a time where we haven't all supported the other with our choices in life. So tell me were you born deaf, or did something happen to cause you to lose your hearing?"

I nod, smiling at him. "I was born perfectly normal, but at the age of two I contracted meningitis, and due to complications with it I lost my hearing."

"I see, is that why your mom has a hard time with it?"

"I don't know, but it really doesn't matter, being deaf is not what defines me."

"You're very correct about that, Bitsy," he says with a smile.

Edward and I carry on talking, the topics are mostly light, but sometimes it moves to deeper subjects that lead to one or both of us showing our emotions.

It's just after five in the morning when my implant starts to beep. I move my hair taking it off.

"The batteries are dead, and I need to charge it," I tell him feeling sad that I will no longer be able to hear his voice. His hand moves under my chin making me look at me.

"It's okay," he mouths to me.

I nod at him and lean back smiling broadly as he moves on to signing to me.

"Who was your first crush?" he signs by spelling out each word.

"Was when I was fifteen; this boy was a friend of mine. He was a jock, and three years older than me," I sign, as I speak hoping it will help him pick up more words.

"What happened?" he signs.

I let out a breath, and even after six years, I still can't hide the hurt. "He didn't want me as a girlfriend."

Edward raises his brow picking up on the fact I am simplifying the subject.

"He didn't want a girl who was deaf," I sigh as I sign the words.

Edward's face hardens but I shake my head.

"It's okay; it was a long time ago."

"No, it's not okay. Did you stay his friend?" he asks.

I shake my head. "My mom made me feel unwanted as did her friends. I didn't need any more people who were supposed to care for me in my life who were like that."

Edward pulls me close to him and covers my hands with his own. "Biggest fear?" he mouths.

I chuckle shaking my head. "Small, confined places," I say and arch my brow. "Now ... how about you. First crush and biggest fear?" I say since he is still holding my hands.

"My first crush was a girl named Mandy; she was my babysitter when I was ten. When I turned twelve, she went off to college. I met her again when I was twenty," he mouths.

The grin on his face tells me where that meeting landed.

"And?" I ask.

"That was it, nothing came of it."

I nod and then motion my head at him to keep going.

"My biggest fear is losing someone else that I love," he mouths.

I give him a sad look, wondering who he lost that hurt him so much. I swallow, feeling a little worried that maybe he lost a spouse or something. "Ever been married?" I ask hoping it doesn't hurt him.

Edward shakes his head. "Nope. I've never been in a relationship that lasted more than six months," he adds.

I look at him in shock—not that I should be—my own track record is as bad. I just am surprised considering how gorgeous he is, not to mention he seems smart, and can really move his body. Right now, I can't see any reason why a woman would give him up if she was involved with him.

"My job causes most of my personal problems, but I love what I do and I will not give it up until I have to," he mouths.

I sigh feeling sad for him, I mean, I get it—he is a stripper. I know most male and female strippers have the reputation of sleeping with clients. For some reason I couldn't imagine, not trusting Edward fully. I somehow just don't think he is the kind that would cheat on me, if I were his girlfriend, anyway. "I'm sorry," I say.

"Don't be, it just means I haven't met the right girl—" he stops mouthing words, as he stares into my eyes.

I yawn and Edward looks at his watch and then to me. "Shit! I'm so sorry."

I frown and look at my own watch to see that it's almost seven in the morning. I look back up at Edward who's looking sheepish. "I should have let you sleep," he mouths.

I shake my head. "Too late now, we're checking out at nine, to see some sights before flying home at two. How about ordering some breakfast and strong coffee? That is, if you don't mind me using your shower to freshen up?"

"I will order a big spread for breakfast; go ahead and shower," he mouths.

I walk into the bathroom and turn on the water. Stripping off the borrowed clothing, I step inside the steamy shower. I feel the hot water run down my body, and I look up closing my eyes enjoying the feeling it gives me.

I slowly wash my body and it seems to be tingling. I let my thoughts drift back to how it felt when Edward touched me on stage. I had my clothes on, and his touch was unlike any other man who has touched me before. I can't help imagining how it would feel to have his hands on my bare skin. During the dance, it was clear that he is the right mix of rough and caring, and somehow I know that when he has sex, he's not just in it for him. He's the kind of guy who gets off on making sure his partner gets off, too.

I'm sure I am making noises, because I feel the vibration of my vocal cords, and I gasp realizing that one of my hands has gone to my breasts pinching and twisting my own nipples while that other is between my legs. Knowing that I am close—too close to stop—I keep going, but bite my lip to make sure I make no more sounds. My eyes roll closed changing the image of my own hands touching me to his hands caressing my body.

"Come on, love, give me what I want," imaginary Edward moans to me. His hands start to work faster and faster, he moves his fingers down a little more, finger fucking me. "Come for me! That's my girl; come now," I again imagine him telling me. My breath halts in my throat as I shake with the climax as it rakes through my entire body.

I open my eyes, and I can't help but smile; that is the best fantasy self-sex I've ever had.I move back under the water washing myself clean. I get out and dry off before redressing into the clothes I changed into after returning from the club.

When I walk out, I see Edward is also dressed, and he is setting the table with what must be our breakfast.

"Hi," I call as I walk over to him.

He turns and smiles at me. "Come, and have a seat," he mouths and pulls out my chair. I walk to it, and he helps me to sit and then takes the seat across from me.

"I hope the food I chose is okay," he signs again as he mouths the words.

I nod at him and start to fix a plate from the choices he ordered. He watches me, and I look up to see him with a big smile, looking at me.

"Sorry," I say blushing, "but I love food."

"Well, that is perfect, because I love a girl who loves her food," he mouths.

I blush again biting my lip. "What are your plans for today?" I ask and sign for him at the same time.

"Nothing big, not until Emmett—that's the guy who was with your friend, the one from the stage—Rose, right?"

I nod at him and he keeps spelling out words in sign language. "I need to wait for him; he is driving with me to Seattle."

I wonder if that will be good news for Rose, or not. Edward and I eat and after we're done, he walks me to Alice's room. I knock on the door, and Rose opens it still attached to Emmett.

"See, you soon," she tells him with a smile, and I read her lips. She looks at me and appears happier than I have seen her in a long time.

"Come on, Eddie, let's get to Seattle," Emmett says and gives me a smile.

Before I can say goodbye, Emmett is dragging Edward away.

"Bye," I yell and Edward hits Emmett and turns to me.

"Bye, beautiful," he mouths and signs the letters.

I blush but give him a nod, and wave.

Rose taps my arm, and I turn to look at her. "Did you sleep with him?" she asks me in sign language.

"No, we talked," I sign back.

Rose smiles and nods at me. "My guy is Emmett Cullen, and he's thirty-three next month."

I wonder if he is the Cullen that is starting at the fire station; that would be odd. What would a firefighter be doing moonlighting as a stripper? Rose taps my arm, and frowns.

"Sorry, go on," I sign.

"He's hung like a horse, and I am in love," she signs to me.

"You're going to meet back up in Seattle?" Alice asks her and Rose nods.

"I sure am, and right now, I'm going to go and text him," she signs.

I look at Alice giving her a shocked stare. I have never known Rose to text a guy, or make plans to see him again, like she is clearly doing.

"Did you get Edward's details?" Alice asks.

I shake my head and give her a sad look, but she smiles at me. "I have his number," she signs.

I let out a breath forgetting that Alice had gone crazy on his ass and demanded his contact information.

I let out a breath. "I need to go to my room and get packed."

Alice gives me the look.

"You don't want to know," I sign to her.

I get to my room just as Tanya is showing her booty call out. He walks past me grinning happily.

"Mrs. B.," I say walking in grateful the room looks tidy. I grab my bag and pack what little I unpacked. I open my case making sure everything is still inside. I'm happy to see everything is exactly where it belongs.

"I am going check out," I tell her with a wave.

I sit in the lobby, charging both my implant and my cell as I wait for the others to join me. I'm not sure why they unpacked when they were only here for two days. It seems pointless to me, anyway.

I switch on my cell texting my dad. ~ Morning, Daddy. ~

~ Morning, baby, how was last night? Did you have a good time? ~

I feel myself blush and nod as I text him. ~ It was the best, and I think I may have met our new captain. Not really sure though, I will talk to you about it when I get back home. How are things at the station? ~

~ Falling apart without you! No joke. I could barely eat dinner. And you did meet Bigs, in Vegas? ~

So Emmett is the guy that is joining us. ~ Bigs? ~ I text wondering what that is about.

~ That's his nickname. Long story, so what do think of him? ~

~ He seems nice. ~

~ Good to hear. Oh, have to go, baby, we just got a call. Talk to you when you get back. I love you. ~

~ Be safe and I love you, too, Dad. ~

~ Always am. ~

I sigh looking up, just in time to see the rest of the girls heading to check out. I wait until they are done before unplugging my implant and cellphone. The implant is not charged enough to be of much use, so I place it in its bag and then put it in my backpack. I place my cell charger in there, too, and pick up my bags.

"Let's go,"Tanya mouths, and snaps her finger as if she has been the one waiting on the rest of us.

A/N: Okay so that was quite a conversation they shared. What do you think about the new Firehouse Captain? Do you think it will be Emmett or Edward? Why do you think they call the new Captain BIGS? Anyone have any idea how Bella's meeting of the new captain will go?

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