Warning: Final scene has a glimpse into human trafficking practices.
This week's drink special!
Vodka Gimlet
1 oz lime juice
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 tsp powdered sugar
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
We last left Edward facing quite the dilemma. Here's a little blast from last chapter.
Is she talking in her sleep? Edward raised his brow as he contemplated the possibilities.
If I touch her, I might be able read her thoughts.
He remembered Jasper's words from earlier this morning and found them echoing in his head. Keep your hands to yourself.
But has Jazz ever felt like this? Tethered to someone?
Glancing down, Edward saw her hand resting outside of her blanket just inches away from his right hand. Her thoughts were just a touch away. When he heard Bella quietly slur his name, he leaned his head back while closing his eyes.
Fuck. What should I do?
Chapter 10: What a sweet ride!
Should I touch her? Why am I even worried about this? It's like someone has my balls in a vice grip. I've never had a conflict like this. I see what I want and it's delivered on a silver platter. This woman is so fucking maddening. I need to get my shit together and work past this thing between us, just shake it off. Why should I give a fuck what she's thinking anyway?
Edward closed his eyes tightly and pressed back against the cushioned seat attempting to clear his head. He reveled in the joys of flying first-class as he stretched his legs out in front of him, careful to keep his movements from waking up the sleeping Bella.
Okay, now focus on something, anything else. He tried moving his thoughts away from Bella.
Edward surveyed his first-class neighbors – a high-browed man engrossed in an economic periodical, seated next to a woman whose glassy stare focused on a trashy romance novel. Perusing the woman's thoughts as she read caused a tightening of Edward's trousers.
Who said that women were the delicate sex? He knew better having had free access to their inner thoughts. It's always the innocent ones that hide the most delicious secrets and inner passions, Edward thought, almost blushing.
But a slight movement from Bella made him shift his focus once again to her. He sighed in complete frustration.
Who is this strange creature leaning so softly against my shoulder? How can she possess all my thoughts when I can't know any of hers?
Edward rattled around the questions in his head, trying to make sense of this unfamiliar power that she held over him and wondering how to free himself from it.
Not hearing her words and thoughts has been oddly comforting. I've had no guard to keep up, no wars raging as her thoughts invade my mind. What now? Do I choose the silence that's set her apart from everyone else in my life? Right now, she's a mystery to me and I'm drawn to her. Maybe if I can peek inside her hidden thoughts, it'll break this spell I've fallen under.
Finally, Edward opened his eyes to see her hair cascading across his chest. He was torn between making contact with her hand or running his fingers through her glossy hair.
As he pressed his nose into her brown tasseled curls, he was caught in the spell of her fragrance and felt himself being pulled closer to her. The tethered string tightened and his dilemma became even more pressing as he heard her murmur his name again. Her faint sounds removed any slack left in that tie between them.
Slowly Edward moved his hand towards hers. He had no more fight left in him and he exhaled as his fingers touched the soft skin covering her knuckles. Just the sensation of her skin against his gave him a feeling of bliss.
The wall between us will come down, he hoped.
Edward shut his eyes and mind to everything else surrounding him expect the beautiful girl he now felt under his fingertips. He began to drink in her thoughts and mentally he had to calm himself. The strangest emotions were gripping him and he felt a high overtake him as he heard her first words.
The mission. It's a serious one. I can see the young girls in Bangkok. Sad. Lonely. Hungry. Eyes empty and hallow. Holding them as they stare ahead. Reliving their nightmares in broad daylight. I comfort them, telling them that the evil will be stopped. I cry out, and feel two strong arms picking me up carrying me somewhere new and foreign. A voice. It tells me that everything is okay. I look up to put a face with the voice. Green eyes, beautifully deep jade. But they are kind and comforting. Melt into his arms. He smells so good. I hear Charlie behind us. He's so far away. I reach for him.
"Bella, be careful. Is he any different from those that use people for their own desires? Sweetheart, remember… you are precious." He fades away. "Charlie please come back there's so much I need to tell you." But he's gone, left me. The green eyes are searching me. I feel it. A tug from somewhere deep pulls me under. We begin to sink. "Please don't hurt me Edward, please." His lips take mine, and I surrender as I am submerged.
Edward jerked his hand away as if he had just been scorched by a fire. A startled gasp left his lips and Bella began to stir, mumbling his name. Her painful, beseeching plea seized him and left him feeling physically ill.
Was I really like them? A user, a taker? The man she spoke to warned her away from me. What the fuck? I'm no good for someone like her. An innocent. But she let me kiss her because she feels it too, that undeniable connection.
Edward ran his sweaty palms over his dark jeans and signaled to the flight attendant. She smiled at him while moving in his direction. He caught her thoughts and was repulsed by how she dreamed of him pushing her into the lavatory and pounding her senselessly.
Normally these animalistic fucking thoughts made him chuckle and puffed up his ego, but for now he couldn't stomach it.
"I need a scotch and make it a double." He avoided eye contact, hoping that his indifference would stop her lust filled desires. The images sickened him.
Gently, Edward moved Bella from his shoulder, surprised that she continued to sleep. Her slumber gave him an opportunity to collect his thoughts and swallow a little comfort from his scotch.
The first call I'm making once we land is to Jazz. I need to talk this whole shit out with him.
Edward needed to hear more than "be a gentleman" from Jazz because acting that way still left him wanting and yearning for more. Try as he might, he simply couldn't wrap his mind around those words, at least not yet.
TAT better let Jazz come out here. I may pull rank on her if she drags her feet on this one. I need him here to keep me focused.
Edward was unsettled by Bella's dream. He knew in his mind, however, the best cure for what was ailing him had little to do with being a gentleman.
It was just a silly dream. I need to hook up with someone, anyone. Dammit, high school was the last time I've gone this long without a fuck. After she's safely tucked away in bed at the hotel tonight, I'm out the door.
Even after his get laid or else pep talk, Edward was wavering on the edge of something that felt almost desperate in its nature. He thought it was just his desire for a sexual release, a basic need that could be quenched by a physical pleasure or two.
His calloused heart had no idea what his real feelings were for the beautiful woman sleeping next to him. But he knew that she had penetrated below his carefully controlled exterior, a place that no other woman had ever ventured.
As Edward ordered his second round of scotch, Bella's head again found a resting place on his shoulder. This time he fought back an aggravation, but couldn't understand the reason for his annoyance.
His scotch glass was soon emptied and Edward felt the warmth of it numbing his brain. He was just starting to relax when the plane hit a patch of turbulence.
Bella woke with a jerk. Her neck ached and she realized with a start that she been sleeping against Edward's shoulder. Quickly she glanced towards his arm making sure she hadn't drooled on him. She prayed she hadn't snored or, even worse, talked in her sleep.
Thank God no drool! She let out a sigh of relief.
Edward gazed down at her with his emerald green eyes. "Sleep well?"
Bella nodded, and noticed that the question was asked without any trace of his usual smugness. Her heart felt a little more hopeful.
"Yes, sorry about the whole leaning on your shoulder thing." Bella glanced down at her hands.
Edward shifted slightly. "It wasn't a problem. I rather enjoyed it. Do you always talk so much in your sleep?"
Bella felt nauseous. Oh crap! What did I say?" Her cheeks felt like they were going to burst into flames.
She looked over at him before she spoke and saw his trademark smirk. Oh and the bad boy is back.
Just as Bella was getting ready to come back at him with a snarky line, the flight attendant reminded Edward to "place his seat in the upright position." Bella noticed the attendant's breasts popping out of her shirt.
Had the woman unbuttoned her shirt another notch or two in order to get Edward's attention?
Well, it worked. Edward took full advantage of the free look. He flashed the attendant his most dazzling smile. And it is dazzling, Bella thought. "Thanks for making this flight so enjoyable." His velvet voice no doubt gave Ms. Busty a glimmer of hope.
He's unbelievable. And he flaunts it right in front of me. I've got eyes here people.
Bella turned to look at him and rolled her eyes. Edward's eyes gleamed at her in amusement.
Great, he's practically laughing at my expense. He's got nerve, and here I thought we had somehow progressed past all that bullshit. Boy, I was wrong. All I want to do is wring his neck.
"Hey, you getting hungry? Maybe we can stop for dinner on the way to the hotel. Getting our luggage shouldn't take too long. A car service is taking us to a special rental car company."
Still perturbed by his blatant flirting, Bella batted her eyelashes and mocked him in a high pitch voice, "Sure Mr. Cullen, anything you say Mr. Cullen. Should I unbutton another button now, Mr. Cullen?"
Edward quirked a devilish smile as he started to laugh.
"Don't play with me babe cause I don't lose," he said in a cocky tone.
"There's a first time for everything." Bella slowly licked her bottom lip and inwardly cheered when she heard Edward inhale sharply.
Bella's exchange with Edward was cut short when the plane encountered more turbulence. The passengers,along with the flight attendants, gripped their armrests as the plane descended. The plane was making a bumpy approach to the runway. Bella closed her eyes and squeezed her hands together – she hated rough landings.
After a few hard bumps, Edward touched her arm. "Hey, we're down now," he spoke softly.
She was touched by his concern and glanced into those gorgeous green eyes.
"Thanks."
His eyes will be my undoing or maybe it's his barely there stubble spreading across his firm jaw or ...Stop it Bella. She shook her head and turned to look out the window at the airport buildings flying by. She needed a quick distraction from his "pretty boy" face.
After the usual crowded standing and waiting for the plane doors to open, Edward followed Bella down the walkway. They walked to the baggage claim area in comfortable silence. A few times during their trek to the baggage area, Edward would guide Bella through a doorway or around a corner by placing his hand at her waist.
He never kept his hand on her too long, but Bella noticed the heat of his touch. She had to admit the thrill that his contact brought to her. She wanted to lean back into it, but just couldn't give in to the feeling. It went against everything that she stood for as an agent. He was her boss and they had a serious mission to complete. She couldn't let a physical attraction keep her from being focused. Too much was at stake, and too many lives depended upon their success.
As they stood with the rest of the crowd waiting for the merry go round of luggage to start up, Bella realized she didn't have any idea where they were staying tonight.
"So are we getting a rental car and heading to the hotel?" Bella looked at Edward and, for the first time, noticed dark circles under his eyes. His hair, as always, was wonderfully messy and the stubble on his jaw was magazine perfect. She felt herself being drawn into those dark green pools again, experiencing a warmth for him she had hadn't felt before. She wondered if he was tired and more anxious about this mission than he acknowledged.
Bella realized that Edward hadn't answered her. He was looking into her wide brown eyes and was shocked at the gentleness he saw. Before he could help himself he raised his hand and placed a lock of her hair behind her ear. Bella blushed, and Edward finally spoke.
"I'm sorry. Yes, we're heading to the hotel after I get our rental car squared away."
He turned back to the luggage turnstile. Christ, she's beautiful. Breathtaking.
The luggage began spilling out and there was a rush from the throng of people to grab their suitcases. Soon there were only one or two bags still circling around on the black belt.
Where the hell is our luggage? Damn, we need our guns and techno gear. Shit! Edward thought as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Um, Edward, maybe we should go to the baggage service area?" Bella gently tapped his shoulder trying to gain his attention.
Edward could not believe this. No bags? What the hell? In all my trips for the FBI never once have the stupid airlines lost my luggage. There's going to be hell to pay for this clusterfuck.
Edward remembered, much too late, that he had no paperwork on their luggage. He had left that up to his usual capable driver. He realized that he was helpless without any paperwork, and he hated weakness and incompetence. He immediately text the driver for the tracking number.
Rogers, this is Cullen. Our bags never showed. Text me the tracking number, now.
Of course, sir. I'll send it right away. Will that be all? Rogers wrote.
Yes. Edward responded.
"Let's go face the music." Edward directed Bella towards the service desk by placing his hand on her lower back.
After receiving the tracking number from Rogers, Edward and Bella walked up to the service desk. Edward flashed his FBI badge and the airline employee called the supervisor over to assist them. Next they followed the supervisor over to the TSA officials.
"Got to love bureaucracy. Seems like we're just getting passed around here," Edward whispered into Bella's ear as she smiled.
"Afternoon, how can I help you two?" asked the nameless TSA official.
Edward flashed his badge yet again and gave the official a "don't fuck with me" look.
"Seems that the airline lost our bags. We have rather important items in them. I need you to trace them and deliver them to our hotel as soon as possible."
"Certainly, give me the tracking info and I'll locate them."
Frustrated, he turned to Bella as he ran his long fingers through his hair and let out a long sigh. "So umm sorry about the bags, but I'm pretty sure they will make it to the hotel. We'll just stop by the mall and get a few essentials."
"I can just wear these again, Edward. I don't have money to…"
"No, don't worry, it's all covered."
"By the agency?"
"Yes, I have the corporate card that I use when undercover." Edward lied to her because he felt like it was his screw up. He planned on pulling out his own personal card to pay and hoped she wouldn't know the difference.
"Excuse me sir, I have the bags located. They were placed on a plane to Miami. They haven't arrived in Miami yet. However, when they do, the TSA will personally pull them and get them on a flight to SeaTac."
"Miami. Really? You've got to be kidding, right?" Edward wondered if his luggage secretly wanted to go back to Miami for some more fun in the sun. "Strange, that's the last place I went with those damn bags."
"I have the TSA loading them onto a direct flight leaving around 9 a.m., so the bags should be delivered to your hotel by noon. Where are you staying?"
"We're staying at Cedarbrook Lodge on 36th Ave." Edward booked this hotel after discovering that it was the airport's only five star, business class hotel.
"Certainly sir. Good choice. Expect the bags to arrive by noon tomorrow. Here's my card, please call if you have any concerns."
The gentleman handed Edward his card, and he placed into his wallet.
"Let's hope for both of sakes that this is our last communication." Edward shook the man's hand and thanked him for his assistance.
"Alright Ms. Swan, let's get the hell out of here. What do you say?" Edward winked at Bella as they walked to the exit.
"Sounds great, Mr. Cullen." Bella couldn't help but smile. He can be so damn charming. Makes my head spin.
"I have a special car service picking us. I can't just rent any type of car. I need to look like the part, so I'm renting a Ferrari. The Volturi would laugh if I pulled up in the standard rental car. And damn, I've always wanted to drive a Ferrari." Edward had a dreamy look on his face as they walked out of the airport and stood on the curb.
As they waited for the car service, Bella looked up at the dark gray sky. The heavens were spitting and the surrounding area was a testament to the generous rain. Everything was green and lush.
A sleek gray sedan, marked, "VIP Car Service," pulled into the waiting area. Edward signaled to the driver and the car stopped right in front of them. Before the driver could get out, Edward opened the door and gestured for Bella to get in.
"Afternoon, sir. We have a five minute drive to our facility. Your car is ready and waiting."
"Thank you," Edward responded to the driver as he eased himself into the soft leather seats.
"Comfortable, Ms. Swan?" He watched Bella pull the seatbelt tight and lingered at her breast. He liked how the strap separated her fullness. He felt that familiar twitch and tightening and leaned back closing his eyes.
Damn, since when was a seatbelt sexy? I guess when it's placed in her fucking cleavage. He silently smiled as he answered his own question.
The close quarters of the car made it impossible for Bella to ignore the beautiful man next to her. They were separated physically but the backseats seem to turn into each other, making her knees face his direction. She scanned his face as he leaned back against the headrest with his eyes closed tight.
He looked exhausted and, before she could stop herself, she touched his arm and asked, "Do you want to go to the hotel first and get some rest?"
His eyes snapped opened. He never wanted to show weakness and it bothered him that he had let his guard down and had nearly dozed off in her presence. What was it about her that made him lose his step?
"No – no, Ms. Swan. I was just thinking." His snapped back at her, and let his eyes slowly sweep over her body. "We'll go shopping first as planned."
"Fine, Mr. Cullen. I get the feeling I am just along for the ride anyway." Bella replied back, unable to conceal the exasperation in her voice.
Arriving at the rental agency, Edward glanced out the window, and was pleased at what he saw waiting for them. A red Ferrari gleamed under a special black tent, like a shiny, new toy – one that every boy dreamed about. Bella observed Edward and noticed the boy like glee spread across his face.
Edward quickly exited the car, holding the door open for Bella. He tapped his foot as he waited for her, his fingers itching for the keys. Bella sensed his excitement and laughed at him.
"Mr. Cullen, what's the hurry? Your other car's a Vanquish." She couldn't help the sarcasm and was glad to throw a little dirt back in his face. She still was holding a grudge from his open flirting with the flight attendant.
"True, Ms. Swan. But look at her – she's a beauty." Edward scouted around the car caressing it like a fine piece of silk. Bella just rolled her eyes as she watched him orbit the car and hoped he would come back down to Earth.
"Mr. Cullen, I have your keys, sir. Here's my card if you need our assistance for anything. Please sign these documents and you'll be on your way."
Edward signed the documents, swiped the keys from the man's hands, and moved to the passenger door.
"Your chariot awaits my lady." Edward flashed Bella his trademark smirk as he opened the door for her.
He looks so damn handsome. Totally in his element standing next to this sexy car.
Bella tried, but couldn't pull her eyes away from him. His jaded glaze was a magnet that pulled her to his side.
"Why thank you, Sir Gallant." She couldn't help but play along with his sweet mood. She blushed when he softly took her hand as she entered the car.
Once safely buckled up, Edward worked the GPS system and found the closest Nordstrom's. It was his favorite place to shop in D.C. He had a "close" relationship with his personal stylist, a woman who knew what fit him the best, thanks to firsthand experience.
"Thought we could pick up a few things at Nordstrom's until our luggage arrives, just to tide us over." He glanced over at Bella as he pulled the car out of the lot.
"I don't shop there often Mr. Cullen, since I have to live on a limited budget. However, I've gone there with Rosalie. I love their shoe department, though."
"Great, there's one close by. Figures, since Seattle is their corporate headquarters."
Edward pulled out onto the highway, and Bella gripped the door's armrest. She knew he would travel fast, but his speed was alarming. She closed her eyes and prayed they would arrive safely. Edward seemed possessed with the speed and quick handling of the sports car. And, frankly, she didn't think he would be able to slowdown and come out from under its spell.
When they arrived at the shopping center, Edward parked his pretty toy in one of the furthest spots from the building.
"Hope you don't mind walking a bit. Hate to get a door ding on my baby."
"Sure. It's no biggie. It's quit raining away. I could use a little exercise after the long flight anyway, right?"
As they entered the store, Edward knew that he couldn't follow her around as she browsed the aisles of clothes and possible undergarments. The thought caused a warm stirring in him. He wished he could pick out some unmentionables for her. Perhaps in an icy blue color to contrast beautifully with her pale skin and chestnut hair.
"Listen, how about meeting back here in an hour." They were standing in the women's designer area. "You can pick out what you need for tonight and tomorrow, and I'll pay for everything with the plastic. Sound good?"
"An hour is perfect. I think you'll find that I'm not very high maintenance, Mr. Cullen." She smiled and turned towards her first stop, lingerie. Edward watched her walk away and pick up something short and silky.
Not good. I don't want a hard on right here. Sure as hell can't take care of it now. Better just focus on what I'll need from here, even if I need something else more. Damn her. She just picked up something pale blue. Outta here.
Edward pulled out his phone and called Nancy, his Nordstrom personal stylist, back in D.C.
"Hey Nancy, it's Edward. Good, thanks. Listen, I'm going to need a few things put together for me. I'm in Seattle and my luggage is in Miami." Edward listened as Nancy tried to ask a few personal questions. But Edward quenched her line of inquiry, needing her to focus on her job. Problem was she just wanted to do him again, and he knew it.
"Okay, one day's worth of clothes should be enough. Yes, a few toiletries, too. Charge it as usual. I'm at their flagship store on Pine."
Edward had two bags waiting for him at customer service in under an hour's time. He hated to but knew that he should text Nancy and thank her for a job well done. He cringed when he saw her return text.
Let me know if there are any other jobs you might need help with. I can be quite handy!
Cursing under his breath, Edward walked over to their designated meeting place, and was relieved to see Bella standing there chatting with the saleslady.
"Ready, Ms. Swan? I've got the card right here."
"Ms. Martin has already bagged and ran the tags for me on the extra register, so all we need is your card, or I mean the corporate card."
The transaction complete, Edward and Bella turned toward the exit. As they approached, a heavy rain greeted them through the glass doors, blanketing the parking lot.
"Listen, Ms. Swan, I can run and get the car for you. I hate to make you run in the rain."
"I'm fine. Remember, I'm low maintenance. I just hope I don't slip in these shoes."
"Okay, let's run out on the count of three. 1….2….Here take my hand…..3." Laughing, Bella placed her small hand in his palm and the two ran towards the Ferrari. Edward started jumping over a few puddles and Bella joined in. She giggled as he started to run in a zig zag pattern. It reminded her of the obstacle course training back at the FBI.
By the time they reached the car, they were doubled over in laughter. Edward fumbled to find the keys and hit the button to release the lock. He quickly threw their bags into the space behind the front seats and tried to help Bella into the dry car but she slipped. He caught her in his arms before she fell.
Awkwardly, he tried to straighten her in his arms but it only caused her body to be pressed tighter against his. He waited for her to react and tense up, however it didn't happen. Instead he scanned her face and he saw what he had been longing to find.
Surrender.
He placed his left hand firmly against her lower back and moved his right hand behind her neck gently grasping a few strands of her hair. All at once, he drew her harder against him, the pull between them lighting a fiery desire. Edward knew how to quench it and slowly lowered his lips to hers, closely watching her eyes for disapproval.
Bella heard warning bells going off, but their sound was drowned out by a flood of passion. She wanted this man, and realized that she yearned for his touch as she gazed up at his perfect face.
A quiet moan left her lips as she pressed into him and acknowledged what could no longer be denied. She closed her eyes and waited for his kiss while feeling the length of his arousal at her hip.
He wanted to kiss her, taste her, and consume her. The order didn't matter to him but, for some reason, he held back and gently pressed his lips to hers. Instantly, all her thoughts and passions rushed into his mind. It felt as if her very soul poured into his, and the feeling was too much for him to contain. He pulled away, trying to catch his breath and free his mind.
"Bella," he whispered, "that kiss. It was like nothing I've felt before." He rested his forehead against hers wondering why this kiss was different than the one at Café Saint Ex or when they were in his car.
The answer came to him. He realized their passion for each other was reciprocated. This time Edward and Bella were kissing as one heart and one mind. Nothing was forced or pushed. Instead, their desires melted together, and the force behind their union was too intense for Edward, and a panic bubbled up in his chest.
Wanting more, Bella slowly pulled back to gaze into his green eyes and caught a glimmer of fear. The look faded quickly and she wondered whether she really saw it at all. At the moment, she was certain that they would be chilled to the bone if they stayed in the rain much longer. The rain was soaking through her clothes, causing her to shiver.
"Mr. Cullen, let's get into the car before we get sick." Bella observed the lost look on his face before she climbed into the seat.
Edward moved quickly around the car, to escape the cold rain that soaked him. Why didn't I keep kissing her? I'm acting like the fucking virgin here. But dammit, I just couldn't handle it. It felt like I was going mad.
"Ms. Swan, sorry that I don't have a towel for you. I'll stop at the gas station across the way and get a few paper towels. The GPS says were just a few minutes away from our hotel, so hang on."
Bella wanted to bring up the kiss, wondering if he didn't feel the same about it.
Maybe I was the only one who felt the power in our kiss. But he did say he'd never felt anything like that before. And with his kissing history, that's saying quite a bit.
Bella smiled while she used the paper towels to dry her face. Something had changed between them, and she felt that there was no going back to where she was before – a place where she fought and suppressed her feelings for Edward. Now she just needed to figure out how to manage her feelings and her job while on their assignment. And with no clear answer, she became troubled. Bella wondered if that kiss was a big mistake.
After a silent car ride, Edward glided the Ferrari past the lodge's entrance and pulled under the gracious portico. Bella was rather impressed with the hotel's surroundings. It would be her first time staying at a five star hotel and she realized that this wasn't her father's Holiday Inn.
"Wow, this hotel is lovely. I can't believe that we can afford this on a government allowance. How did you pull this off by the way?" She glanced across the car with her brow raised.
"Just enjoy it. I'll try to figure out a way for you to thank me later." Edward winked as the valet opened his door. "Okay, watch closely Ms. Swan, the ass kissing is about to begin."
Bella was confused until she heard the valet, then the bellhop gushing over Edward and his car.
Yes, definitely some ass kissing going on here. And he's loving every damned second of it. Bella rolled her eyes when Edward looked at her laughing and nodded toward the two ass kissers in question.
"Mr. Cullen, just get my key and then let me find my room. I've got to get out of these wet clothes." She reached into the car and pulled out their shopping bags and followed him into the lobby.
Bella watched him at the concierge desk and couldn't help but stare at his lovely backside. He looked like he belonged on a runway, not as a super undercover agent. She wondered what made him choose this line of work and, more importantly, what he did to deserve all the favors he received.
Maybe he has the goods on someone, or maybe perhaps he has some weird secret power? She laughed at her superhero thoughts.
After checking them in, Edward gracefully strolled across the lobby to Bella. He gave her a room key and helped her stand up from the chair.
"I'll carry your bag. We're in adjoining rooms. Thought it was a good idea since we have an eight o'clock conference call with TAT in the morning."Edward watched Bella's face for any concerns. "You okay with that?"
"Of course, Mr. Cullen. I think I can resist your charms for tonight." He nervously laughed at her words.
As they made their way to their rooms, they decided to call it a night and see each other in the morning, both needing showers and dry clothes.
"Room service actually sounds good. And I really should go over things before tomorrow's call. At least I still have my computer." Bella chuckled and took her Nordie bags from Edward.
"I'll probably do the same. It wouldn't hurt for me to go over a few items before getting on the phone with TAT, too." Edward never wanted to be unprepared when he dealt with Tanya. Even though he outranked her, she had a way of making his balls shrivel up.
Once inside his hotel room, Edward quickly showered and laid down on his bed. He planned on taking a short cat nap before heading down to the lodge's bar for a drink and a little carousing, hoping to find a distraction from the crazy feelings he experienced with Bella today.
Edward woke with a start, perspiring from a forgotten dream. He frantically sought out the alarm clock in his dark room. It read 9:00 p.m.
"Shit!" Edward cursed as he regained his bearings.
He decided to go downstairs and see what the restaurant offered, realizing that he hadn't eaten since the airplane. His stomach called out for food and his body wished for something else on the side, too. A choice dessert would be nice, one with willing legs and open arms and preferably no cherry to pop.
Unfortunately, these thoughts lead him right back to the virginal Ms. Swan and this fact made him more determined to head out for a possible encounter knowing that Bella was tucked away inside her room. Completely unaware of his actions, or so he thought.
The Copperleaf Bar was a quiet and dimly lit establishment, a great place to relax after a busy day. He decided to order from the kitchen at the bar. It was really late for a large meal, so a quick sandwich or burger would have to suffice for the night. And, frankly, he felt in his element at the bar. He was surprised to see the place empty of customers with the exception of a couple sitting, dangerously close to each other, across the bar from him.
The bartender gave him his usual scotch on the rocks and suggested the turkey club sandwich. Edward ran his fingers through his messy hair, frustrated that he came down for nothing. He looked over towards the pool table and saw a women sitting discreetly at a back table close to the fireplace. She appeared to be reading a book, and was turned away from him. He held out the hope that she was there alone.
Edward motioned for the bartender. He wanted to ask him a couple of questions about the woman hiding out in the bar.
"Hey, the woman sitting by the back fireplace. Just wonder if you got a look at her when she came in."
"Yes, I did." The bartender answered quickly as he poured Edward another scotch and cleared his sandwich plate away.
"Well would you call her a looker?" Edward waggled his brow and the bartender knew exactly where this conversation was going.
"Honestly, she the best looking woman I've seen in here." The bartender gave him a sincere smile and Edward knows that he was shooting him straight.
"Give me another one of whatever she's drinking."
Edward took his scotch, along her glass of wine, and sauntered towards the back of the bar.
As he approached her table, Edward noticed a fine pair of legs peeking out of a just above the knee black skirt. He prepared for his strike by letting his killer smile spread across his face and then moved in.
"Hi, beautiful, I thought you would like another glass of wine and some company."
Slowly, the woman turned towards him.
Bangkok
When she awoke, she noticed the silence around her. The other girls who slept around her were slowly starting to wake up. Timidly, the girls glanced around and started shaking when they realize that their nightmares remained the same.
She was hungry and her mouth felt dry and desperately wanted just a drop or two of water.
Male voices started to filter into their area and the girls' fear became palpable. Four men clambered down the ship's steps. They wore bright smiles and carried clothes to the girls, who were confused by their sudden activity.
Suddenly she felt a hand grip hers. She looked down and realized that a young girl had clung onto her hand. She gently squeezed the girl's hand, hoping to convey comfort and strength in her small gesture.
She watched the tall man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He seemed to be the one directing the others. He spoke in a language that she didn't understand, but she recognized its roots from television. She believed that he spoke with an American accent. His grin was wide and his voice was loud, almost overly cheerful. He spoke and then paused to allow his words to be translated.
"Girls now your dreams are starting," the translator began. "You are on your way to the land where dreams come true. You will have more money and things than you can imagine. We have clothes for you to get you started on your new journey."
The clothes were thrown in a pile on the floor and the men started heading back up the stairs. Turning around, the blonde one spoke again and his translator said, "We'll be leaving here in a couple of hours. Get changed and we'll bring some food down to you."
No one moved towards the clothes. Again the men descended down the stairs. This time their hands were carrying trays, laden with food and cups of steaming tea. After placing the trays down, the men invited the girls to eat and they returned back up the stairs.
Still no one moved. The fear in the girls was so overpowering, causing them to ignore a more basic human need – hunger.
Fear can either causes one to cower and shut down, or it spurs one into action. Glancing around the room at the eyes of her fellow victims, anger rose within her. She stood up and strode to the trays of food. This simple act broke the dam of resistance and the rest of the girls attacked the food hungrily.
After the girls had their fill of the food and tea, whispers started spreading throughout the room.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs caused all conversation to stop and the blonde was with them again. His smile made the bile rise in her throat. He glanced around the room, his soulless blue eyes alighting on her. She saw the slight incline of his head. After he surveyed the room for several more minutes, he picked three more girls. The men gathered her and the other three girls and spoke roughly to them. "Grab your things. You're coming with us."
She felt the small hand in hers again and squeezed it softly.
"Why us?" she asked defiantly.
She heard the slap before she registered the pain.
"You little beggar dog. You should be grateful you get the chance to go to America. Now shut up and move along before I hurt you more." The man leered at her.
The slap fulfilled its purpose as the other three girls hurriedly fell into line. She was yanked hard and lost contact with the small hand. She glanced at the girl's pale face and dark black eyes and smiled a smile she did not feel, praying that she conveyed hope to the scared girl.
The harshness of the sunlight revealed the blackness they had been in. Squinting, she stumbled into the brightness. "Give them a chance to get used to the sun."
She felt cool fingers ghosting her arm. The blonde man looked down and it was unnerving to her. She felt tremors go down her spine. But before she could worry or dwell on it, the group moved down a narrow gangplank to a waiting car with darkened windows.
She climbed inside the coolness of the car and touched the smooth leather seats. It only served to highlight the contrast of the night they spent on the boat sleeping on hard cots.
The three other girls and the blonde man were riding in the car with her. Thankfully, she wasn't seated next to him. He seemed to ask a question and she heard the word English.
One of the girls nodded her head. He smiled at her and spoke even more slowly. The girl nodded again and then, in a trembling voice, she spoke barely over a whisper. "We need to stay close, be quiet. We are going on a plane to America."
She looked out the window and watched her homeland speed past her. And she started to feel the seed of hope grow in her heart.
The girls and the blonde man were swept through customs without a question. No one seemed to notice the exchange of handshakes that were filled with cash.
Once on the plane, she felt like she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn