This week's drink special!
Cosmopolitan Martini
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
1 oz vodka
juice of 1/2 limes
1 splash cranberry juice
Pour over ice, shake and serve.
Drugstores to Bangkok
When Bella and Edward approached his car, Edward slipped his hand out and greedily touched Bella's fingers, desperate to hear her thoughts.
Bella jumped and grabbed Edward's hand tightly in hers. Her grip started to crush Edward's fingers.
"Bella, what the…?"
"‛What the' – indeed, Mr. Cullen. From now on we have a new working policy. It's called, "Hands Off."
Bella released Edward's hand as pain registered in his eyes, but she knew that the battle was far from over.
She had a sneaking suspicion that he would keep trying to push their working relationship. She felt he had a side mission, landing in her panties. And somewhere deep down inside, she secretly hoped that he wouldn't give up.
What the heck is wrong with me? Bella wondered, questioning herself.
He sees me as nothing more than a conquest, his next feast. But there's just something I feel when he's near. I've never felt anything like it before.
Edward stood wide eyed next to Bella shaking his hand. He mumbled his apologies to her as he tried to compose himself.
What is it about this woman? This time, Edward questioned himself. She's driving me fucking crazy. And I've got to have her. I've never felt anything like this before.
Edward took a couple steps forward and opened the car door, signaling for Bella to take her seat. He caught a whiff of her scent as a breeze blew her hair close to his face. He momentarily closed his eyes and drifted back to the last night's dream when he had her hair wrapped around his fingers.
"Oh, Mr. Cullen, are you all right? Is everything okay?" Bella's voice made him snap his eyes open.
"Yes, Ms. Swan. Everything's fine." Edward responded, clenching his jaw, frustrated by his lack of control when it came to Bella.
As he was closing the door, he noticed that she was having difficulty fastening her seatbelt. He heard her grumbling about expensive sports cars and how they made simple things difficult.
He caught her eye and leaned in to help her get buckled.
"Let me help."
He reached across her lap and quickly snapped the seatbelt together. But as he pulled his right arm away from buckle, he accidently pressed his hand into her breast.
Bella gasped at his touch and felt a shiver run through her. Without thinking she instinctively leaned into his touch. Her nipples hardened from the attention, as if they wanted more.
I can't believe I'm reacting like this.
"Please excuse me, I was just trying to.."
"I know. It's okay, Mr. Cullen." Bella quickly responded, blushing a bright red.
He shut her door and walked around the back of the car trying to hide his smirk as he adjusted himself. He was thankful for the unseasonably warm afternoon, because Bella was able to wear a thin blouse.
They felt real. I knew it. It's been a long time since I felt real ones that size.
As Edward left Rosalie's neighborhood, Bella reflected on Jacob and Edward's confrontation at the condo.
She was stunned by Edward's protective display and how he tried to calm an agitated Jacob.
She stole a glance at him and noticed that his fingers tightly gripped the steering wheel.
Damn his jaw, she thought as she squirmed in the soft leather seat.
She turned forward and saw a drugstore down the street.
Crap, she realized she needed more tampons. Crud, crud, crud!
"Umm Mr. Cullen..."
He cut her off.
"Hey, please, call me Edward. I feel like an old man when you call me, 'Mr. Cullen.'"
Bella hesitated.
"You're not old, Mr. Cullen, but you're my superior. So it's best we keep it formal, for now."
She wanted to call him anything but Edward. His name reminded her of last night's erotic dream. She had moaned that name as his wonderfully skilled hands…
Stop! I'm wading into murky waters here.
Coming out of an Edward induced fog, she realized that they were quickly approaching the pharmacy.
"I need to ask a favor." Bella sheepishly peeked at Edward. "Would you mind stopping at CVS? It's coming up on the right."
Edward puzzled by the request, glanced her way.
"You mean like now? You have a headache or something? I have some Advil in the glove box."
"No, not a headache."
"Well can't it wait until after we meet with Seth?"
"I'm not sure and it's kind of personal. I'll just be a second."
"Oh, do you need to pick up a prescription?" he smirked.
God, I hope its birth control.
"Yeah, something like that." Bella said, annoyed at his nosiness.
"Sure, I'll stop."
He swerved over two lanes and pulled into the parking lot. Bella snorted as someone honked and gave him the bird.
She unlatched her seatbelt and hopped out as the car came to a complete stop.
"I'll be right back."
"Wait, I'm coming in, too." Edward said as he opened the car door.
Horrified at this new development, Bella quickly thought of a way to make her embarrassing purchase without him seeing it.
"Okay, we'll just meet back at the car."
"Sure."
Bella rushed into the store. Damn why does he need to come in?
She glanced at the aisle signs and found the one marked "personal hygiene".
Her heart was pounding. Why am I so nervous? she wondered.
She found the pink box, grabbed it quickly, and practically ran down the aisle. As she rounded the corner, she crashed right into the firm body of Edward Cullen.
He grabbed her waist, trying to steady her. His hands were strong and Bella gasped as she felt them tighten around her waist.
"Christ, Bella, you need to watch where you're going."
Why was he so angry with me?
"Sorry," she muttered unable to think of anything else to say.
He glanced up at the aisle sign and a smirk formed on his face.
"Did you get what you needed?"
Bella flushed bright red.
If I wasn't trying to hide this box, I would slug that pretty face of his.
She stepped back away from him with her eyes blazing.
"Well, what do you need from this aisle? Some jock itch cream?"
"No, latex baby! I'm always prepared." Edward laughed softly as she flipped her hair and stormed towards the register.
Ugh I can't believe him. What a total and complete asshole.
Taking a deep breath, she approached the cashier.
"Are you ready?" the gray-haired woman asked, smiling sweetly at her.
"Yes."
The cashier scanned the box and gave Bella the total.
"That will be five dollars and ninety-five cents dear."
Bella reached into her purse. "No, no it has to be there," she moaned.
No wallet. Frantically she dug around in her purse and only found her FBI security badge along with a few bits and pieces of spare change.
Crap. She remembered transferring it to her evening bag for the banquet last night
Edward sauntered over to her, and Bella saw that his hands were empty.
No condoms, thank God.
She knew what she was being forced to do and it was absolutely going to kill her.
Turning to the cashier, Bella said, "I can't find my wallet. Can you give me one second?"
"Mr. Cullen, do you have a ten I can borrow?"
His eyes shifted from her to the box. How did I end up in this situation?
"Sure, glad to help a damsel in distress." He winked at her and pulled a ten from his wallet and placed it in her hand, grazing her inner wrist.
Bella felt that all too familiar surge of energy as their eyes met.
"I'll wait for you in the car."
Damn, him. His seemingly innocent touch turned on her body and her anger.
Before she could think twice, the vulnerability of her situation caused her to lash out.
"What – couldn't find what you needed? Are they out of extra small?"
Why did he make me so mean? My filters get turned off when he's around.
Edward stepped up to her and pressed his thigh against her hip. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. For the first time, she smelled him.
God, he smells like an Old Spice commercial, all rugged and all man. Her knees became weak and she leaned into his body.
"Small?" he breathed into her ear. "No, they're out of extra large. Did you forget our little dance at the bar? I'd be happy to refresh your memory."
Bella pushed away from him and turned back to the cashier, who was staring wide eye at the both of them. With a shaky hand, she handed her the ten.
Even with all his jerkiness she was feeling sensations in her lower regions, and it wasn't menstrual cramps.
Looking back at Edward, Bella noticed that his lush green eyes were dark with an expression that she now recognized as pure lust.
He stared back at her, scanning his eyes quickly down her body. Before their eyes met again, he turned around and walked out of the store.
Bella finished her transaction and headed out to Edward's car. She saw him sitting in his Vanquish, looking like he belonged on the cover of GQ magazine.
His Raybans were pushed down on the end of his nose. His eyes peered over his glasses and burned right into her. She felt her self imposed resolve start to wear down.
He's a complete manwhore! she reminded herself. She hoped her weak legs would carry to the car without collapsing.
She climbed in next to him and prayed that the ride to the lab would be short.
Arriving at the secret lab near the FBI's Hoover building, Edward turned the Vanquish down a side alley. Bella was confused, as it appeared to be a delivery area. As they approached a solid metal gate, a uniformed man walked over to Edward's side of the car.
Edward rolled down his window and asked Bella for her FBI badge.
"Hi Morgan, here's our badges. We should be on the list."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Cullen, Ms Swan. Yes, you're here, but we were expecting you around 2pm."
"I know." Edward was unable to hide his annoyance. "We had a couple of things come up unexpectedly. Now would you please just open the gate?"
Edward didn't appreciate Morgan's thoughts as they related to Bella's full breasts. He wanted to reach out and smack Morgan as he practically undressed her with his eyes.
Damn, he's a mother fucking pervert.
Bella watched Edward tense up as Morgan returned their badges. She couldn't predict his moods and they were starting to make her head spin.
One minute he's as cool as a cucumber, and the next he looks like he could punch something. Geez.
Edward pulled the car into the underground garage hidden behind the gate.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he has his own parking space, she groaned inwardly.
The sign at his space read "Reserved for Edward Cullen". She thought "Cullen, Edward Cullen, Agent Extraordinaire" would have been more fitting.
Edward ignored her stifled laugh and parked the car.
He was beyond flabbergasted with Bella and hoped that he could relax tonight in Atlantic City.
Drinks, a winning hand, and a willing pussy. Maybe that'll get her out from under my skin. Fuck, it better.
Edward escorted Bella into the underground lab. Once again, they had to produce their badges for security clearance. Upon entering the secure room, Bella couldn't help being impressed with the lab's surroundings.
It looks like something out of an Ian Fleming movie.
Edward noticed her dropped jaw and laughed.
"It's impressive, isn't it? I had the same reaction the first time I came here. Believe me, you'll get used to it."
They walked over to a glass enclosed office and Bella saw a handsome man smiling at them.
"The one with the grin plastered on his face is Seth. I'm going to introduce you to him and he'll go over your phone with you. You did bring your phone, right?"
Crap, please let it be here, she worried, but reached into her abyss of a purse and found the phone.
"Yes, here it is," she replied, relieved.
Upon introducing Bella to Seth, Edward was not surprised to detect Seth already thinking about Bella's boobs.
Yep, Edward thought. He's a boob guy. And with her rack, it will be a miracle, if he can focus on anything else.
"Listen, I am going to leave you two and go speak with Dr. Newton. I need to talk with him about the assignment. He emailed me about some changes."
"No problem, Mr. Cullen. I think I can take care of Bella, I mean…me, uh, sure it'll be a pleasure." Seth fumbled with his words and Bella turned scarlet.
God, what is it with her? She has grown men acting like they're in high school, and I don't like it one bit.
Edward made his way to Dr. Newton's office and lightly tapped on his door.
"Hey, Cullen. Glad you could finally make it." Dr. Newton conveyed his irritation at Edward's late arrival.
"Sorry, Dr. Newton. We had a few issues on the way over here."
"Well, we'll just have to shorten our meeting. I am concerned that the Volturi's are mixing into something related to sex trade activities. You are leaving for the area tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, we have a flight at eleven tomorrow morning."
"I think it best that we keep the sex trade suspicions from Ms. Swan for now. Once you're able to pick up their thoughts, we should know more. Agreed?"
"Sure, no need to bring it up yet. I want to introduce you to her. Seth is showing her the special features on her phone. For right now that will be her one and only device, along with her gun."
Dr. Newton walked around his desk and together, they walked towards Seth's office. Once again, Edward had to hear another man's thoughts concerning Bella's beauty.
However, Dr. Newton's thoughts were concerned that Edward might have trouble working with such a lovely specimen. He knew of Edward's womanizing ways and grew very worried that they might run into serious trouble.
"Cullen, tell me, you sure that you can work with her? This mission might become quite dangerous, and frankly I need your head in the game. And I mean the one on the top of your neck."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, by the way, but I think we'll work great together."
"Okay, but I'll be the judge of that. I would like to see you two interact before I give my final blessing."
They arrived at Seth's office and Edward was relieved when it saw that they were finishing her debriefing.
"Ms. Swan, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Newton, the head of this division."
"Dr. Newton, this is Ms. Swan."
"Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Swan. I was wondering if you and Edward could spend a few minutes together with me over a cup of coffee. We'll just go down to the staff room."
"Sure, and Seth, thanks for going over everything with me. You have been more than thorough."
"Again, Bella, please call me if you need anything or have any questions. I would be happy to help in any way."
I'm sure you'd be willing. Damn, I wish I didn't have to hear his thoughts right now, thought Edward.
Edward and Bella walked with Dr. Newton to the break room. They each poured a cup of coffee and Dr. Newton couldn't help but notice how different Edward was acting. He didn't have his old cocky attitude on today.
They made small talk for awhile. Bella shared her reasons for going into the FBI. Dr. Newton watched Edward as he seemed to be rather mesmerized with Bella – especially her mouth – as she talked.
As they concluded their meeting, Dr. Newton asked Bella to head back towards Seth's office. He made an excuse that he had something to give Edward in his office.
Once Dr. Newton and Edward were out of Bella's hearing range, Dr. Newton started to laugh.
Edward stared at him in disbelief. He had never heard him laugh and Dr. Newton was laughing so hard, Edward thought he might start to cry.
"Oh Cullen, you've met your match with this one, haven't you?"
"What do you mean, Dr. Newton?" Edward's lips formed a straight line as he cocked his brow.
"You know exactly what I mean. And yes, Cullen, I agree, you two are going to work quite well together."
Edward put the Vanquish in park as they arrived back at Rosalie's. On the ride back, they discussed their departure scheduled for the following day. Edward answered a few of her questions concerning where they would be staying in the Forks area.
She promised to finish reviewing the material pertaining to their assignment. Edward stressed the importance of knowing the Volturi family by name and photo. He also wanted to make sure that she understood her role as his assistant.
If Newton's right and there is a sex trade component, we can't screw this up. Edward knew that a simple and unintentional mistake could cause a loss of life.
Edward watched Bella struggle with the seatbelt again.
"Is this how you like to trap your dates, Mr. Cullen?"
"Believe it or not Ms. Swan, you are the only woman who's had difficulty with my belt."
He leaned over to assist her and she brought her head up, shaking it.
They both stopped their movements as they faced each other, their noses just inches apart. Edward felt her hot breath ghosting his skin.
Bella sensed the pull between them and she knew that she should run from the car, but she couldn't move. Instead she looked into Edward's dark green eyes and licked her lips.
"Fuck," Edward muttered as he lost his resolve and forcefully brought his lips down on Bella's.
He reached his arms around to hold her. One slipped behind her neck and the other gripped her waist.
This kiss was not like the one back at Café Saint Ex. This time Bella kissed him back, her tongue mixing with his as he pulled her body close.
Edward read her thoughts as their lips touched. He was encouraged by just how much she wanted him. He smirked when he realized that he had her, and a lot earlier than he had predicted.
I wish I could lay back in this seat and have him take me right here.
He felt like she was giving him an open invitation. So Edward slipped his hand under her blouse as he whispered.
"God, I would love to take you here, too. Make you mine."
His words startled Bella back into reality. She pushed him away disgusted that she had willingly and wantonly kissed this beautiful cocky jerk.
"Edward Cullen you make me sick."
"And after today, I never want you to touch me again."
Bella lightly slapped him across the cheek and bolted out of the car. She ran to the door of the condo trying to distance herself from him.
Damn him! And damn his wicked and delicious lips.
I am so screwed.
In the slums of Bangkok, a young woman is imprisoned.
The plastic ties which secured the girl to the bed rubbed her wrists raw. Time became an abstract concept in the windowless room.
Tears rolled down her cheeks, leaving a trail of clean skin as they washed some of the filth away. She shook uncontrollably from fear and the daily injections.
Food was scarce for the first few days, but the meals had improved and were brought more often. Her hair stuck to her face and head. She couldn't remember her last bath.
Over and over she replayed the moment her life turned to hell. Her father yanked her towards a car with blackened windows, money exchanged, begging, slapping and a cloth held against her nose as her last image of her father was his back leaving her.
She would take it all back; the nagging mom, the annoying brothers, even the hard floor she slept on.
The girl shook from her sobs, causing her ribs to hurt from where she had been beaten. Too late she tried to stifle her cries as the door flew open, the sudden shock of light causing her to shut her eyes.
Rough hands slapped her face. "Shut up bitch."
Another man's voice echoed in the room. "Is she ready?"
"One more dose and I think we can ship her out." She cried out for help and began to thrash around.
"Handcuff her other arm until she learns to shut up," the second voice shouted. "And stop hitting her in the face. We need her to appear perfect and they're not going to like bruised faces."
Her arm was yanked up to the bed post and restrained. "I'm going to miss this one." He slammed the door leaving her unable to cover her exposed breast. The door flew open almost immediately and a small man, with a face bitten by years of acne, entered the room. He wiped her arm with wet cotton, and as she felt the sting of the needle, the world became hazy again.
A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn