How to Seduce a Werewolf

by leelator

First Place Winner "All Time Favorite Wolf Story" JacobBlack-N-Pack Awards 2012. Years have passed since Edward left Bella in the forest. She treats her best friend, Jake, like a beloved pair of old jeans. Jake is NOT happy. When he takes matters into his own hands, Bella realizes she needs to learn how to seduce a werewolf.

10. Chapter 10 Il Mostro di Milano The Mo

Chapter 10 Author Notes:

Many, Many Thanks:

Mybrandofheroin, main beta and grammar goddess, did an outstanding job as usual, but really went above the call of duty on this one. Thank you so much, angel. Love and hugs to diamondheart for allowing me in her incredibly busy life even through moving and working waaaay too many hours. Clover also took a shot at a little guest beta work. Thank you! I also got some helpful advice from belialsotona and btrimble. I relied very heavily on my translation team of Clover and Diana Chica-Brazilian for this chapter. They did all of my many, many translations in Italian and Portuguese, gave me pronunciation tips, Brazilian women tips, pointed me to appropriate restaurants and were wonderful, reliable support for everything I needed.

Shameless Pimping Section:

I wanted to tell you about a couple of blogs I just discovered and loved:

http(colon double slash)sparklingcitrus(dot)weebly(dot)com

AND

http(colon double slash)tazz0617(dot)blogspot(dot)com

They do several reviews and interviews of some of your favorite authors that are always interesting. Check them out. (Warning: heavy E influence)

Award Time:

The Underdog Awards are going on over at The Air_The Sun and you gotta check these puppies out! Wild categories abound for some terrific J&B stories with links to the appropriate scene. Here are some of the nominees and categories:

Best Foot Popping Kiss:

Coming Full Circle by toooldforthis and Zenith by majestamoniet

Best Kick in the Balls:

Fate's Idea of Fun by LittleFurryCannibals, Zenith by majestamoniet and Sublimation by sfiddy

Best Performance by an Inanimate Object:

Dreaming of Butterflies by stretch (only one I've read but I hear The Ballad of the Blueberry Muffin by IllegalWL is hysterical)

Best Panty Soaker:

How to Seduce a Werewolf by leelator (yes, I know. I don't have a chance of winning this one—again. Hell, I don't even know if I'll vote for me with all of these terrific fics in here! And for some strange reason, I've read almost all of the Panty Soakers.) Wedding Sex by ExquisitelyUgly, Seventh Inning Stretch by live720, House on Wolf Lane by Amanda Wilder, Fall for You by live720, 1001 Jacobian Nights by Amanda Wilder, With Bonded Eyes by MyTwiDreams, The Neighbor: Anytime, Anyplace by artbeatsandlife

Best Use of Quembry:

After the Rain by WolvesCanEatMe a.k.a. Graveyarder03, Thunder Cake by majestamoniet, Advice by audreyii fic

Go read and go vote at: http(colon doubleslash)community(dot)livejournal(dot)com(slash)theair_thesun (slash)67707(dot)html

Voting ends on MONDAY, July 12! New nominations for the next wave start July 12.

Usual B.S:

Stephanie Meyer is a genius and deserves her multimillions of dollars for her brilliant characters. I am merely a parasitic Oxpecker eating ticks off the butt of a talented rhinoceros—for no money.

Previously…Best friends Jake and Bella along with half of the Wolfpack are in Milan working for Carmen Bianca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell who wants Jake like a feral cat in heat. (Now, really, can you blame her?) A good-looking Italian male model, Valentino Simonetti, has his eye on Bella. She is totally uninterested in him, but regardless, Jake does not approve of Val's behavior and—er—subtlety lets him know.

Bella has finally realized she is deeply in love and in lust with Jake and, with Leah's help, is trying to seduce him. When the pack goes out to dinner at Il Carroccio, Bella has a few glasses of wine and ends up doing an erotic dance Leah helped her learn in Seattle. She succeeds in turning every guy in the restaurant on, particularly Jacob. He is wildly in love with her, but is worried she just wants a guy since she hasn't dated anyone since Edward left her years earlier. He is determined to hold off having sex with her until she tells him she's in love with him.

They have been planning their first date for the next evening and both of them can't wait to go. The youngest members of the pack, the brat pack, love being around Jake and stay in other parts of Jake and Bella's rooms while the rest of the pack uses their suite as a club hangout. Really pisses Bella off since she rarely gets Jake to herself. (Oh, the night Bella finally realized she was in love with Jacob, she got rip-roaring drunk. Jake made her a hangover cure the next morning—the Quileute Magical Cure—a yummy mixture of coffee, tonic water, orange juice, honey, bitter almonds and eel blended together.)

Chapter 10 "Il Mostro di Milano" (The Monster of Milan)

JPOV

After a couple more glasses of wine, Bella became so relaxed at Il Carroccio; I thought she might start drooling. Snuggling her closer to me so she didn't slide off my lap, I smiled down at her sweet head. The little sot still couldn't hold her liquor.

Jesus, what an exhibition she had put on tonight! My body and brain were overloaded with the seductive images of her performance. Every time I remembered how she slithered against that gypsy fuck, my hormones went into overdrive. If I had any hope of controlling my dick, I had to get my mind on something other than Bella seducing me with that dance of the seven veils she'd just pulled off.

Don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it, numbnuts! I kept telling myself until something other than Bella's beautiful, naked body sliding against mine entered my head.

Eventually, I began to wonder how Bella had managed to do the whole dancing thing to begin with; she usually had a hard time walking across a paved surface. She'd said it was "a little something" she'd picked up in Seattle. Seattle? Is that where she'd learned this stuff? And all the other things she'd been doing recently that had been driving me wild?

Thinking back, I realized things had started changing with Bella the night of the Valentine's Dance, radically continued at the Cinque Terra beach, and then come to a spectacular climax tonight. Maybe she'd just been drunk and jealous at the school dance. I could even say the night at the beach was the scenery getting to her head. But tonight, tonight was something all together different. What Bella did this evening she'd been taught.

Taught? What the fuck? I glanced around the table until my gaze settled on Leah and I remembered the looks that had passed between Leah and Bella before her dance with the gypsy. Something in my brain clicked—Leah was the source of information here. Just what the hell had gone on that week they'd spent together in fucking Seattle?

Shit! Of all the members of the pack, Leah's thoughts were probably the toughest to crack. She guarded them like they were secret communiqués from the C.I.A. or something. Chances of me extracting information out of her were zilch, damn it all. I was going to have to figure out by myself why Leah would teach Bella to perform like some sort of erotic sea siren.

Not only had Bella's actions changed, she looked different, too—sexier and even more beautiful since we'd left for Italy. I couldn't put my finger on exactly what she'd altered other than all of a sudden the girl who could go to Europe with only a backpack had now packed more shit than Paris Hilton.

Of course, there was the whole shoe thing that had happened. Most of her life, Bella lived in ratty Converse sneakers, but since we'd arrived in Milan, she'd been wearing the most amazing fuck-me pumps constantly. And what the damn things did for her legs and ass gave me a hard on each time I looked; I was pretty sure every other horny son of a bitch in Italy was having the same reaction.

What in Christ's name was going on? Something was happening right in front of my eyes and I better get to the bottom of it fast; otherwise, I could easily lose my chance with Bella. She could decide any minute she was ready to move on to somebody else and I knew Leah would cheer her on every step of the way, fuck it all.

Gathering the troops together, I insisted we head back to the hotel before Bella passed out altogether. When we got to our room, she crawled into bed, gave a little grunt, and immediately, I heard a tiny snore drift up from her open mouth. I thought she was adorable even when she was drunk and snoring, for fuck's sake. Jesus, I had it bad.

Stepping into the bathroom, I suddenly heard and smelled something that made my blood pressure skyrocket. That little—! I stalked out into the hall and pounded on the door of the other bedroom.

"Get the fuck out here, NOW!" I roared through the door. I heard some frantic scramblings from the other side.

"Jake, I'll be there in a minute!" came Mick's strained response.

"Right fucking now!" He had no choice but to obey. Mick finally fumbled at the lock until the door swung open. He wouldn't look me in the eye as he stumbled by and joined the rest of the guys in the living room. All members of the brat pack sat carefully on one sofa looking like three angelic choirboys while the rest of the pack glanced over at Mick and smirked, some in amusement, some out of pity. That expression quickly changed as I came storming into the room. At least the younger ones had the decency to look guilty for what they'd been thinking.

"What's up, dude?" Embry had discovered a liking for Italian wine at dinner and was comfortably sprawled all over the furniture, as were Quil, Paul and Seth.

"Are you going to make me say it?" I growled at the group of them furiously. "The next one of you that I hear or smell slapping their salami while thinking of Bella dancing, or of her at all for that matter, is going to deal with me personally and you can guaran-damn-tee it won't be a happy encounter. I'm going to check out every fucking one of you the next time we phase, I swear to Jesus. Now, get out of here, go to bed, and just forget about the whole dance thing because you really don't want to piss me off about this."

Except for the usual culprits, they sullenly piled out the door. I gave those three a disgusted look and returned to our room. Christ, bad enough I had to keep my dick in my pants while Bella drove me insane; now I had to deal with seven guys who wanted to blow their load while they thought about my girl. Not only that, but I would be able to see them fantasizing about it the next time we phased. That was my fantasy come to life, not theirs, and unless they wanted to die a slow, agonizing death, they better keep their dirty fucking minds off my Bella.

As I headed for the shower, I passed her sleeping form; her soft mouth was slightly open as she breathed. Instantly, my earlier fantasy of Bella's lips and tongue on every part of my body flooded my mind. I groaned in disgust. Shit, I couldn't keep my thoughts from circling back to that incredible dance. Why the hell did I think I could keep every other horny jerk-off from thinking about it?

Pulling off my clothes, I dove into the shower. The hot water felt wonderful cascading over my tense body. My dick was rock hard as the memories of the night flooded through my mind. Screw it, she was my girl and if I wanted to think about her and get my nuts off, I had every right. Besides, I was going to have to lie next to her all night and act like a goddamned boy scout. It only took me a few quiet seconds to finally feel some relief from Bella's latest seduction attempts. Jesus, maybe I could survive another platonic night lying next to her.

Quickly, I stripped and climbed in bed next to her, pulling her into my side. what I would give to sleep with her every night. When we got back to Forks, convincing her to move in with me was going to be my number two priority, right after making her fall wildly in love with me. I snorted at my own stupidity. After working on that one for four fruitless years, I had little to fucking show for it.

I lay in bed, savoring the sensation of having her in my arms. The first four nights we'd spent together had been sheer torture as I tried to keep my brain and my cock under control. Feeling her warm, silky body curled around me made that feat impossible. Tonight, I knew Bella wouldn't be waking up any time soon, so I let myself hold and touch her like I'd wanted to every night. Well, the non-erotic touches I wanted to give her, anyway.

Scooping her into my body, I put her head on my shoulder so I could stroke her silky hair away from her face. I ran my fingers down her skin, touching the thick fans of her eyelashes and rested one finger on her full lower lip, slightly open now as she breathed heavily. God, I loved her so fucking much it hurt.

My brain raced as I stroked my hands up and down her bare arms, thinking back over the events in Italy. Suddenly, I had another brilliant revelation—Bella hadn't said she loved me in weeks. I played back every conversation we'd had since the Valentine's Dance, looking for a time when she'd told me; I couldn't remember one single damn incident. She wasn't in love with me I knew, but Jesus; even though she'd said it like I was her pet turtle or something, at least she'd said she loved me almost every day. Even Sam had noticed.

FUCK! Not only was she not falling in love with me, maybe I was losing her love as a friend as well. Christ in a bucket, no matter what went on, that wasn't happening. Her friendship meant the world to me. We were going to talk this out first thing in the morning. I cuddled her next to me all night as I thought about how I would broach the subject. So much for getting a good fucking night's sleep.

The next morning, Bella rolled over and cracked open one eye. "I need a Quileute with a magic cure. Know where I can find one?" she croaked.

I grinned down at her. "Hangover?" I asked sympathetically.

"Psshhh, this is nothing compared to a few weeks ago. I'd have to feel a whole lot worse than this to face that eel and coffee horror you fixed for me the morning after the dance. Holy Crow, I thought you were trying to poison me for sure."

"You are such a delicate little flower for a hung over drunk!" I teased her. "I should never have told you how I make my magic. Some things in life you're just better off not knowing."

"Well, I just wish you hadn't known what went in the Quileute Magical Cure. Bleeeeccccckkk! I can still taste that crap in the back of my mouth if I think about it hard enough."

"Did it or did it not cure your hang over, Miss Pansy Ass?"

She nodded with a slow smile in her eyes, so I continued, grinning at her. "Well, I recommend you quit your bitching and get out of that bed and into the shower before I go check on the eel supply in this very fine, well stocked hotel, and force another batch of the stuff down your throat."

She gave a mock cry of terror as she erratically launched herself off the bed and stumbled into the bathroom. "Anything, anything but that!" she yelped over her shoulder as she reached for the shower door.

While the pack congregated for breakfast, I called for room service and told Bella I wanted to have a private talk while we ate breakfast. She seemed happy about the idea; it was a beautiful morning, and we decided to eat out on a little balcony off our room overlooking the city. When breakfast was delivered, I stared at her sweet face for a moment and then dove into the conversation I'd been rehearsing for the last six damn hours.

"Bella, you know you are my best friend in the world, don't you?"

She smiled like I'd given her the most wonderful gift I could find and took my hand. "Of course I do, Jacob. Just like you're my best friend and always will be."

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, honey. So many people seem to lose sight of why they even started dating and I don't ever want that to happen with us, okay? You mean the world to me, Bella. No matter what happens, I want you always to remember that."

The strangest look crossed her face before she got determinedly cheerful. Uh oh. Maybe I was getting ahead of myself here. Shit, she never said she wanted to date; she'd just agreed to go out on one date. Damn it!

"You know, Jake, we're just going to have a fantastic time, a fun time. We don't need to get hung up on silly stuff and I want you to know you don't have to worry."

"Worry about what? What are you talking about, Bells?" She'd lost me somewhere along the way.

"About the whole imprinting issue. I know it's a problem for you, Jacob, and I'm telling you up front—I don't care. We're going out to have a good time and I don't want us driving ourselves crazy over other people. If we want to go out with someone else, we do, right? If you imprint on someone, I'm going to be okay with it. We'll still be best friends, won't we?"

I felt like a boulder had just crashed into the pit of my stomach. She'd just mentioned two things I couldn't tolerate in my life: Bella dating someone else and me imprinting—ever. Both thoughts made me want to puke.

Bella looked at me expectantly, like I was just supposed to go along with her. Didn't she want me for herself? And did she actually think I was going to smile sweetly and be pleased for her if she became attracted to some other son of a bitch? Not likely. Any prick unlucky enough to turn Bella on was gonna die as soon as her back was turned. My mind was blank and I had no idea how to respond to her.

I heard myself mumbling, "Er, yeah, Bells, we'll always be friends no matter what." Well, at least I hadn't lied. She looked happy as if she thought I was agreeing to this bullshit idea of hers.

I'd willingly serve myself to a vampire before I let some other fucker touch her, much less date her. Fine tremors started in my hands testifying to how furious I was just at the thought. Trying to calm down, I told myself there was no reason to go apeshit over this because Bella dating someone else was never going to happen. I'd guarantee it.

"And besides, I think imprinting is for the birds," she blithely continued. "I'd hate to think the only reason someone wanted to be with me was because of some sort of werewolf magic.

"Then you get into the whole breeding thing, which honestly is kind of gross, Jake. You know, it's like Hitler's Lebensborn program or some sort of futuristic genetic engineering: people expected to breed with each other so they produce the proper offspring and then being stuck together for life. Thank God nothing like that will ever happen between the two of us."

What the fuck? As much as I hated imprinting, (and I hated it more than anyone except Leah) I was shocked by Bella's words. Hitler's breeding program? Futuristic genetic engineering? Fuck me running! God, she made it sound even worse than it was. The pack members fiercely loved their imprinted mates; they would gladly die for them. Imprinting wasn't some cold, analytical, scientific experiment.

But I guess I could understand Bella's point of view. Imprinted pairs suddenly attached themselves to each other like they were forged together or given some sort of experimental drug. I hated to even think about it, so I could understand why Bella never wanted anything like that to happen to her.

I sure as hell didn't want to imprint—ever. The thought of some stranger suddenly becoming the center of my universe was nauseating. So was the fact that imprinting would force me to feel like I should immediately go off and make wolf babies with said stranger.

Whatever happened, I would never stop loving Bella. She was my other half whether I had imprinted on her or not. My life was not going to take any other path because I wasn't going to let it. Somehow, wolf genetics fucked up and didn't let me imprint on my mate. I didn't give a shit.

Obviously Bella was my fate, since the Great Wolf Gods in the Sky hadn't needed to use their powers to show me The One. In a matter of days, I'd turn 21; if I was going to imprint, it would have happened years ago. I shoved the fact that neither Paul nor Embry had imprinted out of my mind.

Since wolves mated for life, nothing was going to change the fact that Bella was the beginning and the end for me. But she obviously didn't think our dating held special significance. Fuck, she didn't even want to be exclusive. Marriage sure as shit didn't seem to be on her radar screen. Did this mean she didn't want to have kids? Was the prospect of having a baby wolf that bad for her? I wanted her in every possible way: lover, wife, mother of my children, and companion for life. Would she ever want the same from me? Jesus Fucking Christ!

I scrambled to get off this radioactive topic and back to what I wanted to talk about.

"Honey, I'm never going to imprint, so let's not worry about it. I just don't want us to lose sight of what we mean to each other and how important you are to me. You are my best friend and I love you, Bella." There. I knew she'd say it back to me.

"You're my best friend, too, Jake. You always will be."

God damn it, she still didn't say it! What the hell had happened that she wouldn't even tell her best friend she loved him? And here I thought we were actually making progress. Fuck me blue!

Bella tried to wheedle the details of our date out of me. That wasn't happening. I told her to wear a nice dress and be prepared for anything. I'd worked hard on the planning of this very special night and I wanted each part to surprise and thrill her.

I'd called in 100 favors and come up with an evening I hoped she'd never forget.

The first thing tonight was a visit to see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." I'd set up a private showing (almost impossible, I'd been told) and couldn't wait for her to see it. Next, we were going to visit the Duomo. The Cathedral of Milan was maybe the most fantastic building I'd ever been in and Bella would love it. Visiting it at night, by ourselves, would be a once in a lifetime experience.

Following that, we were going to have dinner on the roof of one of the best restaurants in Milan and then I had some serious seducing to do after we ate. I was determined Bella was going to tell me she was in love with me and, if I had to drive her insane with wanting me, I was prepared to make the sacrifice. I'd reserved a room in a hotel on the other side of Milan so we wouldn't be the sole form of entertainment for a group of bored werewolves.

We joined the rest of the pack after breakfast and arrived at the studio; I was eager to finish our work, get the hell out of Dodge, and dress for our date. Shortly after we arrived, I was told Carmen needed to see me and I made my way to her office. I was not looking forward to the meeting. Carmen usually had one thing on her agenda and business wasn't it. Shit.

When I arrived, she had her usual five pounds of makeup on and a dress designed to show every lump and bump of her body. Jesus, I was so tired of this bitch constantly coming on to me. I wasn't interested; I didn't know how to tell her in plainer terms, but she never seemed to get the message. Maybe I needed to start writing it on my forehead or better yet my chest, since that's what she spent her time staring at. Of course, because of the huge contract we had with her, I couldn't be outright rude even though some days I'd pay good money to tell her exactly what I thought of her little games.

"Jack-obb, Meu amor," she purred at me. It cheesed my grits every time she pronounced my name "Jack-obb," with her lips full and pursed like a fish. I quickly ducked into a chair before she could invade my body space the way she normally did.

"Hey, Carmen," I greeted her cheerfully. I always acted totally unaware of the moves she put on me. She slinked over to my chair and ran one of those copper tipped nails down my face.

"My Jack-obb, where were you last night?" she pouted. "You should have been with me at the after party, meu anjo. Everyone wanted to know where you were."

I captured her hand and pulled it away from my face. Her heavy perfume almost made me sick.

"The pack always goes out together after the show, Carmen. You know that." How the hell many times I told her, I'd lost count.

"I know, querido, but it's time for things to change. You are the centerpiece of my collection, Jack-obb." Don't roll your eyes and keep your fucking mouth shut, I hissed to myself as she cooed, "I need you to be with me at these functions. Informe para os meninos que você tem outras coisas para fazer. Tell the little boys you have other things to do—Coisas mais importantes—more important things." She leaned into me, her lips only an inch from mine. I tried not to shudder as I stared at the layers of crap coating her mouth.

"Sorry, C." This was my favorite nickname for her. She had no idea what the 'C' stood for in my mind every time I called her that. "I can't desert the guys. If you want us to work together right, we've got to intermingle most of the time."

I'd pulled out this old excuse every time she tried to get me alone with her at night. It had the advantage of working and being true.

"Well, you'll just have to do without them tonight. We have a very important dinner to attend this evening and I won't take no for an answer, querido."

"I'm sorry, but there is no way I can go. I've been planning a special dinner with Bella for days now, C, and I've finally got it all lined up. Tonight's the only night we can go out, and I wouldn't miss it for a million bucks."

One of the best defenses against Carmen was to tell her how crazy I was about my Bella. I wanted her to know I was head over heels in love with someone else. She'd always acted supportive and interested to my face when behind my back she did everything she could to sabotage my relationship with Bella.

"Well, we'll have to test out that theory, namorada. Is tonight really worth a million dollars to you? Because that's how much the contract I'm negotiating will be worth. And I know how badly you need that money at the reservation, Jack-obb. Such a pity if I have to go with another group of models and you lose out on the Band of Outsiders profits, meu amor."

"What are you saying, Carmen? We have a contract for the line and you know it."

"Yes, my Jack-obb, I do know it. And in that contract it says you and the pack will make all such appearances that I deem necessary with corporate sponsors: page 6, section 4, paragraph c. Eu julgo muito necessario hoje, precioso. And I deem tonight very necessary, precious. Muito, Muito. Necessário de fato. Very, very necessary indeed, I'm afraid.

"So sorry about your little date with Bella. Perhaps you can squeeze it in another night." She leaned forward and gave me a peck on the lips with her shiny lipstick. I could barely wait to wipe that thick shit off my mouth.

She knew damn good and well there was no other night available in Milan. This was our only free night and Carmen Bianca Silva had just made sure it wasn't free for me, the fucking cunt. This whole dinner ploy was just that, a goddamned ploy to keep me away from Bella and to try to get into my pants. I was so sick of this skank trying to wheedle her way into my personal life and I could kill her for destroying my plans for tonight of all nights.

What was I to do? I knew if I didn't go along with her fucking demands she'd pull the contract sure as shit. I couldn't endanger the financial health of the entire reservation because I wanted to go on a date, no matter how important it was to me. Bella and I would just have to wait for a few more days. God, I didn't know who would be more pissed about tonight, Bella or me. Fuck it! Fuck it! Fuck it!

"Querido, I'd like you to go see Marta and Jenn down in wardrobe now. They have to do a last minute fitting for the suit you're wearing tonight. Do you need me to come with you?"

Fuck, NO, I didn't "need" her to come anywhere with me, especially somewhere that I had to take off my clothes. "No thanks, C. I've got it."

"Maravilhoso, namorada. Wonderful! I have so many things to take care of here in the office. We're going to have an early dinner at Trussardi's at 8 P.M. and I want you to look like the million euros you'll be earning when we win this contract. I'll pick you up in the lobby at your hotel, o amor Certo? Alright, love?"

"I'll meet you at Trussardi's, C. Bella is really going to be pissed about this. I'm going to have to do some damage control tonight."

"Don't worry about little Bella, anjo. She won't mind. Just tell her it's for the good of the company and she'll understand. Querido, Marta and Jenn are waiting on you, so please go see them immediately. The girls must get to work right now on your suit if it's to be finished by tonight because they leave in a few minutes for another project."

"Sure, sure," I replied, not bothering to hide my irritation as I stomped out to see Marta and Jenn. At least The Cunt was too busy to tell Bella what was going on. I needed to make sure I was the one that broke the news to her in person. If Carmen told her, no telling how she'd make the situation sound.

I ran down to wardrobe to see the girls and get my fitting done. I felt like a bomb was ticking right under my feet, just ready to go off as soon as Carmen got hold of Bella. Marta and Jenn were sweethearts. They were totally sympathetic when I told them what was going on. They had less love for Carmen than I did and they knew how long I'd been crazy about Bella. The two of them worked quickly to finish the fitting and in less than 20 minutes I was headed back to see Bells.

The pack was congregated in the large studio and I strode in, searching for Bella. As soon as I walked in the door, all conversation stopped abruptly and everyone stared at me like I'd just beaten a kitten. I saw Bella sitting in the far corner with Leah leaning over her, obviously consoling her. When I got closer, I could see tear stains on Bella's face, her eyes were red and her skin was blotchy. Leah threw me a look of total contempt and Bella looked like a wounded deer. She turned her head to stare my way and fire ignited in her eyes.

"Well, I hope you and Carmen have a wonderful time tonight on your date, Jacob Black!" she spat at me. Holy shit, that fucking bitch Carmen! What had she done?

BPOV

"So many people seem to lose sight of why they even started dating and I don't ever want that to happen with us, okay? You mean the world to me, Bella. No matter what happens, I want you always to remember that," Jacob had said.

This morning's conversation over breakfast had some twists and turns I'd wanted to avoid, but I was proud of the way I'd handled it. When Jake started talking about how we'd always be friends, no matter what, I knew what he was really talking about—imprinting. He was trying to prepare me for the inevitable, earth-shattering event that would shape his future—one without me.

God, I hated imprinting and I really didn't understand it. Why couldn't he have imprinted on me? Was it such an impossibility? I would love him more than any other woman on the face of the earth would. I would give him all the babies he wanted and more. I would be everything and anything for him. Why hadn't it happened for us? It broke my heart to think about it. The only way I could remain sane was to block it out of my mind.

Leah had given me some wonderful advice about the imprinting issue. "Bella, you can never be positive about anyone's love. There is a possibility that any man with whom you fall in love could one day want another woman. Had the whole werewolf thing never happened and Sam and I gotten married, he still could have developed feelings for Emily. At least it happened up front and not after three kids and years of marriage."

Leah was right; there were no guarantees in life or in love. When Jacob had alluded to his future without me, I felt like I'd been socked in the stomach. But I couldn't let him feel guilty about something over which he had no control.

He needed to know I was aware things may be short term with us. I would take any time I had with him and I wouldn't be bitter when things ended. My eyes were wide open going into this and he needed to know I would always be there as his best friend, regardless.

I'd even managed to make imprinting sound like it was the last thing in the world I wanted to happen to me. And I'd meant what I said; I'd have been horrified if one of the other pack members had imprinted on me. Being forced into a lifetime relationship with someone because of werewolf genetics was repugnant, unless that someone was Jacob Black, of course.

My sweet Jake had assured me he'd never imprint, something he couldn't possibly

control, and he seemed worried about our friendship. He wanted to make sure dating didn't affect it; he'd even told me he loved me—as a friend, of course. Thank God Leah had helped me handle moments like this.

Leah's Rules for Seduction #2 NEVER tell a man you love him before you're sure he's wildly in love with you. Nothing scares off a man like a declaration of love. The next thing you'll see will be his ass headed for the hills. And it won't be returning!

I knew Jake loved me, but in love with me? Nope, he wasn't, and I wasn't about to screw up my chances with him by telling him all of what was in my heart. Once I started, I might never shut up.

Breakfast had passed with me badgering him about our date tonight. I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I was determined to wear something absolutely fabulous that would knock his socks off and I had just the outfit in mind.

We all headed out to work and, as soon as we arrived, Carmen sent for Jake. I was beginning to deeply resent that woman and her possessive attitude towards my Jacob. After seeing her put her hands all over him every day, I was starting to have really violent thoughts about her.

Several minutes later, Carmen strolled into the studio looking perfect as usual. The woman always made me feel gauche and terribly unsophisticated. Today she looked fabulous in creams and gold; she just possessed an elegance with which I couldn't compete. She wandered over to my desk and looked at me with a sympathetic smile.

"Bella, querido, você olha hoje preciosa, Tão bonito e doce. You look precious today, so cute and sweet. I love your little suit you're wearing."

She made me feel like I had on a bunny sleeper with the hands and feet sewn in instead of the two thousand dollar designer suit I wore. Sure it was a model cast off, but she couldn't possibly know that.

"Is Jack-obb back?" she asked. God, even the way she said his name, with her lips full and open like she was waiting for his kiss, was exotically erotic, I thought enviously.

"Haven't seen him yet, Carmen," I replied sweetly while I imagined smacking the crap out of her.

She sank into a seat next to me and grabbed one of the model's mirrors from a nearby table, staring at her makeup and touching her lips.

"Oh, que garoto mal, that bad boy, my Jack-obb. I can never keep my lipstick on when we're alone," she laughed softly as I felt the blood drain from my face. I stared at her in horror. Sure enough, her perfect lips were mussed. Lipstick was missing and slightly smeared on her otherwise exquisite face. I felt my pulse pounding at my temples.

"Querido, I've got to have something—how do you say—drop dead gorgeous to wear tonight. Jack-obb and I are going out for a very special dinner this evening and I want to look…mmmm… para ele comestível…edible for him." She gave a throaty chuckle and I thought I might throw up.

"But, of course, I need to be able to slip out of it in an instant," she smiled, "or he needs to be able to slip me out of it in seconds. Take it from me, caro, when you date a man like my Jack-obb, you certainly can't keep him waiting." She shook her head ruefully. "Algumas noites tem sido um verdadeiro dilemma. Some nights with him, it's been a real dilemma." I wanted to punch that smiling, smeared mouth so badly. She put her hand on my shoulder and gave me a little wink as she sauntered out of the room.

I felt like my world had just shattered around me. There was deathly silence from everybody present. Even Paul had the decency to keep quiet for once. Hot tears formed in my eyes and I walked quickly to the bathroom before I lost it in front of everyone.

How dare he! On our special night, how could he dump me and go out with that wicked witch of Northern Italy? What the hell was going on? Was he sleeping with that …that… floozy? He'd certainly been in our bed every night. I didn't know of any unaccountable time when he could have been with her, but something was sure as heck going on between the two of them. I could kill him and I wanted to pitch her chopped remains into the Mediterranean Sea.

I locked the bathroom door and sobbed my heart out. What had just happened? Things were going pretty well between us, weren't they? I knew Jake didn't want or love me like I did him, but hadn't he been moving in that direction? Maybe he just needed an older, more sophisticated woman than me. Maybe that's why I couldn't entice him no matter how hard I tried and how much of Leah's advice I put into play. I must look like such an idiot to him, trying to seduce him with my sophomoric skills. God, I felt so low.

"Bella, Bella, honey, let me in," Leah tapped on the door.

I unlocked the door and was instantly enfolded in her hard arms.

"Shhhh, shhh, sweetheart, don't cry. No man is worth crying over. Especially one that breaks a date at the last minute to go out with that Lucrezia Borgia knock-off. Shhh, now."

I tried to get my tears under control, but I was at the emotional pitch where I couldn't speak any more, only gasp for air and sob. Leah let me cry it out, then bathed my face and finally got me quieted down.

"Honey, we'll go back to the hotel and move all of your stuff into my room, don't you worry," she murmured to me as she hugged me tightly.

"Wh-why sh-sh-should I-I-I move out?" I hiccupped. "I-I-I h-h-haven't b-b-been the one ch-ch-cheating!" I finally was able to sob out the words. "I-i-if s-s-someb-b-body's going t-t-to move out, i-i-it should be J-J-Jake!" Of course, how Jacob was cheating, I didn't really reason out. Not only were we not dating, I'd even told him this morning if we wanted to date other people I would be fine with it. But that didn't actually mean it was okay for him to really do it!

Leah shepherded me out to my desk and hovered protectively over me. The other pack members acted like they had no idea what had happened even though I knew they'd heard every stinking word that horrible woman had said and the entire conversation between Leah and me in the bathroom, darn those sensitive ears of theirs. At least they pretended like they were oblivious.

Suddenly Jake strode in the room and all conversation came to a screeching halt. Everyone turned to stare at him like he was the lowest worm on earth. I tried to get my act together before I started blubbering all over Leah again.

As I looked at him, standing there, looking absolutely gorgeous and totally unaware of the way he'd just lobbed an armor-piercing bomb through my life, my temper exploded. How dare he fool around with Carmen at any time, but to do it on our special night reduced him to crawling scum status in my eyes.

"Well, I hope you and Carmen have a wonderful time tonight on your date, Jacob Black!" I spat at him with every bit of venom I possessed.

All the color drained from his face and he looked like he'd been pole axed. "Date? What the fuck are you talking about, Bella?"

"Don't you swear at me, damn it! I said a date with Carmen Bianca Silva! She was just down here telling me all about you two. Is this why you wanted to have your little friends talk this morning, Jacob? So I'd still be your 'friend' while you date Carmen? Why didn't you just tell me what was going on? Why did you act so interested in me when you've been doing—doing God knows what with that—that nymphomaniac!

Jacob looked shell-shocked and seemed to search for his voice. "Bella, I swear to God, I don't know what you're talking about! I am NOT dating that witch from hell and I haven't been doing anything with her. Jesus, the thought makes me want to hurl!"

"Oh, yeah?" I honed in on him like a prosecuting attorney and ran a finger over that beautiful lower lip of his. "Then why do you have her lipstick on your mouth, Jake? Have you suddenly started wearing makeup?" I held the evidence under his nose and watched his eyes widen.

"Shit, Bella, I didn't have anything to do with that. I was sitting in her office because she commanded me to be there. Then she demanded I have dinner with her and a client and when I told her I couldn't possibly, that you and I had a very special evening planned, she threatened to pull her contract if I didn't go.

"When I told her she couldn't do that, she informed me the contract states the pack will make all such appearances with corporate sponsors she deems necessary and asked if the reservation could afford to lose a million dollars because you and I wanted to go on a date. Now, what the fuck was I supposed to tell her, Bella? You tell me!"

"Well, that's certainly not how she presented the situation to me, Jake. She said she wanted to look edible for you and she was going to wear something you could slip off her in seconds. She said when she goes out with 'her Jack-obb' she certainly can't keep you waiting while she gets out of her clothes!"

Tears started forming in my eyes again at the painful words. Jacob looked stunned and sick to his stomach. He scooped me up in a Jake bear hug and whispered in my ear, "Sweetheart, sweetheart, she was lying. It's not true. I could care less about that bitch except that she pays the bills and I could kill her for hurting you like this."

I wanted to struggle against him, but buried in his arms and chest was exactly where I'd longed to be. I hugged his neck and shakily inhaled his wonderful scent. Jacob couldn't lie to me. I knew he was telling me the truth.

"Why would she do that, Jake? Why would she try to hurt us like this? I don't understand."

"Honey, she likes to play games. I don't know. I don't understand people on power trips. She's just a vicious bitch and I wish we never had to see her again."

"It's more than that, Jacob." I leaned back and looked at his face. "You still haven't explained the lipstick." I stared at him, daring him to lie to me. He stared straight into my eyes, his open and sincere.

"She pecked me on the lips in her office this morning. It's the first time she's ever done that, I swear. Then she made me run over to see Marta and Jenn, I'm sure so she could come down here and try to drive a wedge between you and me."

"There's more going on than just Carmen on an ego trip, isn't there Jake?" I looked at him speculatively and concluded, "She wants you." Color flooded his cheeks and he looked guilty and angry at the same time.

"Sweetheart, I don't know what she's after and I really don't care. If she does want me, she can't have me, okay? I'm totally not interested in Carmen Bianca Silva. I don't know how much clearer I can make it."

I knew it! His evasive answer meant that he knew it, too. She was going after Jacob, beautiful talons extended. Regardless of the reason, they were basically going on a date together—my Jake and that beautiful, exotic tigress. How could he not be tempted? She was everything I wasn't and I knew she was going to pull out all the stops. I thought about my feeble attempts at seduction and got a sickening feeling when I imagined what kind of scheme the very experienced, very sophisticated Carmen Bianca would execute. Jacob was a dead duck.

"Well, isn't there any way you can get out of it, Jake? There's no telling what she's going to do tonight!"

"Baby, if there was any way I could, anything I could think of, I would. I'd rather chop off my right arm than spend a minute in that chank's company, but we just can't cut her off like that, Bella. You know it would devastate us financially. Not so much losing her contract—although that would be bad enough—but she knows everyone in the business. She'd come after us full bore."

I knew she would. Carmen Bianca hadn't reached her playing level without leaving a good many corpses in her wake. She was coldly ruthless when opposed. I had to concede Jake was right. He had to go, but that didn't mean I wasn't madder than a smashed cat about the entire situation.

"Jacob, there's a reason she's doing this. Are you sure you haven't given her the idea you're interested in her?"

He looked offended I'd even suggested it. "No, Bella, I've never done or said anything to encourage that bitch. I told you that. Look, we both know I've got to go, but it's strictly business as far as I'm concerned. You're just going to have to have a little faith in me, okay?"

"It's not you I'm worried about, Jake. It's her I don't trust."

"Honey, I don't know what I can do to convince you. I wish we didn't have to earn money, but this is the way we make life better for everybody, Bella. It's business, that's all. I'd understand if the situation were reversed. Sometimes, we have to do things we don't want to do to earn a paycheck. It's just one dinner, sweetheart."

The rational side of my brain knew he was right. The emotional side wanted to throw a screaming tantrum. The thought of the two of them together made my skin crawl. And I knew what that conniving woman would be wanting and planning every time she looked at my Jacob. The same thing I wanted and planned every time I looked at him.

To make it all worse, now I had to act like a mature adult about the whole situation. And Jake's little comment about how he'd understand if the situation were reversed just dumped fuel on my emotional fire. Like hell he'd understand. If I went out with someone else for "business," he'd pitch the same conniption fit I wanted to throw over the whole situation.

I tried to act like a civilized grown-up for the rest of the day, hiding the fact that I itched to murder Carmen and imprison Jacob in our room for the rest of our stay in Milan. Why did I have to be head over heels in love with someone that every woman in the world thought was mouthwateringly beautiful?

Leah's POV

Jesus, what a freaking mess! How I was going to keep Bella from launching herself at that manipulative bitch from Hell was beyond me. Bella was so pissed I thought flames were going to start shooting out the top of her head.

She was insanely jealous and really, who could blame her? Carmen Bianca was going to put the kind of full court press on Jacob that few men would be able to resist. I knew she was going to manufacture some kind of circumstance that ended up with Jake in her room and her slithering out of her clothes before he had any idea what bit him.

Obviously, that situation needed to be avoided at all costs. I actually trusted Jake implicitly. I knew nothing would happen between Carmen and him regardless of her machinations, but no one needed to be put in such a dangerous position with a rabid jackal. And besides, the rabid jackal needed to be taught a harsh lesson.

Jake could use a little kick in the ass as well. I knew that really, none of this was his fault, but his assurances that he'd understand a reverse situation rang a little hollow in my ears. He was so fucking jealous of Bella; all hell would break loose if she went on a "business date." My aching ass he'd understand, and I intended to prove it. After a little investigating into Carmen's plans for the evening, I was all ready to bait my trap.

Bella and I were in the studio setting things up for a photo shoot later that afternoon while the guys were down at alterations being fitted. The room was packed with models and their entourages waiting their turn with the camera. I searched the beautiful faces that filled the room and finally spotted the one I needed: Val Simonetti. While Bella was busy, I made my way over to him and noticed he was doing his usual: staring at Bella.

"Val, sweetie, how are you?" He jumped, startled, and began looking around a little frantically.

"Ciao, Leah! Is Jacob Black with you?" He seemed concerned that Jake was going to pop out of the woodwork and beat the crap out of him just for fun. Actually, that wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.

"No, Val, relax! He's down at alterations and he'll be there for a while. Besides, you really don't need to worry about Jacob for the time being."

"Not worry about him? Tesoro, he wants to kill me for just introducing myself to the beautiful Signorina Swan. I saw it in his eyes; Dio, mi spaventa— he scares me—what is the word—shitless!"

"Well, darling, the situation has changed since the last time you were around him. He and Bella had a little tiff when he bailed out on a special date the two of them had been planning for days. He has a business dinner Carmen is forcing him to attend, so poor Bella is going to be all alone tonight. I think she's really depressed about the whole thing and would love to have something to do."

"Cara, she has no interest in being with me. I think I have not a chance in the world with her."

I acted as though this was news to me. "Hmmm, you may be right, Val. Well, let's think about this for a minute. Maybe you're going about it in the wrong way." I paused as if I was giving the matter great thought. "Say, do you have a manager?"

He looked at me, confused. "A manager? No. Why, do I need one?"

This was going to be as easy as leading pigs to slaughter. Perhaps that violent image was a little too close to reality. Tough shit, I thought ruthlessly, and plowed ahead. "Val, every good model needs a manager. And you know, Bella is a very, very good manager." I gave him a wicked smile. He stared at me blankly. Well, maybe I was herding a very dumb pig to slaughter.

"Try a totally different tack, sweetie."

"Tack?" He looked thoroughly confused.

"A different approach, Val. If asking her out on a date won't work, try a business dinner. Tell her you understand she's a top-notch manager and ask her if you can take her out to dinner tonight so you can discuss the possibility of her becoming your manager. Assure her it's strictly business and see what happens. Couldn't hurt, could it? The worst that could happen is she says no." Actually, the worst thing that could happen would be Jacob ripping him limb from limb, but really, there was no need to worry the poor guy with little details like that.

His face split open into a grin. "Brava, Leah. That is a wonderful idea. And you say Jacob Black is going out tonight? He will not be around?"

"Carmen is dragging him to some sponsor's dinner. He'll be tied up all night and Bella has nothing to do."

He looked delighted with this turn of events. "Fantastico! I'll go talk to her while Black is away." He started to move towards her when I grabbed his arm.

"Wait a minute there, cowboy. Let's think this out a little. Where are you going to take her?"

"We will go to Innocenti Evasioni. It is very intimo." I made a face I was sure he would notice. "What is this expression you are making, Leah? Does she not like Innocenti's?"

"It's not that, but maybe you should take her somewhere a little less intimate and a little more impressive, somewhere you would take someone you really wanted to wow, not just seduce. You don't want her suspicious of your motives before you even sit down to dinner, do you?"

That seemed to slow him up for a moment. "Where do you think would really impress her, Leah? Does she have a favorite ristorante or has she mentioned anywhere she would like to go?" God, it was just like shooting fish in a barrel.

"Hmmm, let me think. Well, she's always wanted to go to Trussardi's. I know she's never been there, and I'm sure it would make a real impression on her. Val, if you take her there, I guarantee you will have one hell of a night." Now, truer words could hardly be spoken. I just wasn't clarifying exactly what kind of hell he was in for.

"And by the way, quit worrying about Jake. He's really just a pussycat, all growl and bluster. He actually wouldn't hurt a fly." Okay, so I flat out lied, but the situation called for some desperate measures. And I did feel a little guilty about that one, however I couldn't have the coward bolt out the door the second he realized he and Bella were at the same restaurant as Jacob. I had to pump up his confidence a little bit.

"Everyone lets Jake get away with murder," I honestly informed Val. That much was certainly true. "It's high time somebody stands up to him and shows him what a real man is made of." Christ, I hoped the poor bastard would make it through the night with all of his important parts attached. Well, I'd have to worry about that later; right then, I had other webs to weave.

"Val, give me your cell phone number. Here's what we'll do. I'll make the arrangements at Trussardi's and text you what time they can take you. Meanwhile, you go talk to Bella before Jake gets back. And remember, be all business!" He readily agreed and sauntered over to lure Bella into my snare.

I headed toward the door to catch a cab to Trussardi's since I needed to see the layout for myself to make sure this plan was going to work to perfection. A few minutes later, I arrived at the restaurant and took in the dining room, the anxious maitre d' at my elbow.

He showed me the table Carmen had reserved for her party, and since Jake always sat with his back to the wall, I could narrow down his potential location to one of two seats. After that, it was merely a matter of slipping the maitre d' a couple hundred euros to ensure Bella and Val sat directly in Jake's line of vision.

I was keeping my fingers crossed that Jacob wouldn't kill that gullible son of a bitch in a public venue. I did feel some responsibility to make sure my patsy made it through the evening alive. Perhaps I should send the pack over to Trussardi's to hide in the wings in case physical violence broke out.

Jacob was going to be so pissed, I thought with an evil chuckle as I headed back to the studio. My only tasks left were to see that Bella didn't back out of this little soirée and to get her dressed in something that was guaranteed to make Jake go berserk. Of course, that was going to happen regardless of what she wore. I was just going to seal the deal on an interesting evening by dressing her as provocatively as possible. Ah, well, tonight was certainly shaping up to be a night to remember, thanks to me.

BPOV

Great, just what I need, I thought disgustedly as I saw Valentino Simonetti head my way. Why couldn't Carmen and Val set their sights on each other instead of Jake and me? They were both obviously on the prowl and needed some attention from someone of the opposite sex. I sighed; I was certainly not in the mood to be charmed by the smooth Italian. It would take everything I had to be pleasant and not bite off his head. I smiled at the thought. Actually, Jake was the one who would bite off Val's head if he saw the upcoming interaction.

"Signorina," Val approached me with a sweet smile. "May I talk with you a moment?" I was a little surprised by his manner. The charm that verged on oily was missing and all that seeped out was courteous warmth. He quickly disarmed me and I felt much more at ease.

"Of course, Mr. Simonetti. Would you like to sit down?" I thought it might be a good idea to maintain the formality he'd started.

"Grazie." He took a seat and looked at me carefully as if considering where to begin. "Signorina, I learned, not long ago, that I may have a better career if I hire a manager. I understand you are a fantastica manager for a group of models and I wonder if you might allow for me to join your group."

Well, that certainly wasn't what I was expecting! What a pleasant surprise not to be propositioned or pressed into a situation in which I had absolutely no interest. I smiled warmly at Val. "How kind you are, Mr. Simonetti. You know, I'm only working with a specific group of men and they're all Americans. I'm really not in Italy enough that I would be an effective manager for you. I'm sorry, but I do appreciate you thinking of me."

"Si, Signorina, I'm aware you are out of Washington, is it? Is it not the capitol of your country? Surely there is much going on there."

I giggled and gently explained the difference between Washington D.C. and Forks, Washington. Unfortunately for Val, Forks was not quite the modeling mecca Milan was. He listened carefully and seemed to be thinking intently.

"Signorina, you have joined the new firm Black Moon, no?" I nodded and told him we all had. He continued, "Me, I have no contract. I have always wanted to live in the States. Could you tell me about Black Moon? I would love to hear."

I was glad to share the information with him, but really didn't have the time and told him so. "Perhaps some other time, Mr. Simonetti. I'm sorry, but I need to get back to work." Jake should be returning before long and I was not up for another emotional scene if he saw me with Val.

"I would love to discuss this over dinner tonight, Signorina." He smiled at me winningly. I immediately backed off. I had no intention of going out to dinner with Val.

"As much as I would enjoy getting to know you, Mr. Simonetti, I'm already involved with someone, and right now, I'm not dating anyone else."

He looked shocked. "Oh, no, you misunderstand me. I am not suggesting a date. I'm suggesting a business dinner—solo per affari—and only business, Signorina. We will discuss the modeling business and perhaps see if we can work out some business arrangement between the two of us. That is all I'm interested in."

A business dinner to discuss only business—gosh, was that music to my ears! Just how much would I love to go to a business dinner with a handsome man tonight, I thought with self-righteous anger. Jake would understand if the situation were reversed; he'd said it himself! I'd show him what it felt like to have your date go on a business dinner with an attractive member of the opposite sex.

"You know, Mr. Simonetti, I just happen to have a free night this evening. I would love to go out to a business dinner with you." Darn Jacob Black! Let's see how he likes getting a taste of his own medicine!

"Ti prego chiamami Val e io posso chiamarti Isabela? Please call me Val. And may I call you Isabella?"

Later that evening, I wasn't feeling nearly as gleeful. Leah was letting me hide out in her room and was putting the finishing touches on my hair. "No, Bella, I agree with you. No need to tell Jake about tonight. He'll just pitch a fit and, more than likely, you'll be in before he gets back. You know how long Carmen likes to drag out dinner."

I was a little surprised by Leah's attitude. Normally, she was all for shoving Jake's face into the middle of an explosive situation. My guess was she was placating me since she was worried I was going to back out of going altogether. She'd be right; the closer it came time for our dinner, the more I just wanted to bail on the whole thing.

Jake had already left to meet the witch. Between my anger at his dinner date and my guilt over my own plans for the evening, I'd avoided him all afternoon and evening, eventually turning off my phone. When he'd called Leah, she'd told him I was in the tub soaking. Sulking more like. After he'd hollered at her door telling me that he was going, I checked my messages. He'd called repeatedly and finally texted me saying he was leaving and would be back as soon as possible. Sure, sure, I thought bitterly; as soon as possible would be morning if Carmen had her way.

"Really, Leah, this feels wrong. I don't want to play games with Jacob and that is exactly what it feels like I'm doing. It's as if I'm trying to get even with him for going out with Carmen."

"Girl, you are going to drive yourself batty. Did he or did he not say that he would totally understand if you went out on a business dinner? Did he or did he not agree that you could date other people? So you tell me, Bella, how are you playing games or getting even with Jacob by going out on a business dinner to tell a very promising young model about the Black Moon agency and the work you and I do there? And, by the way, on the very same night when Jake has gone on a business dinner as well, so it's not like you are breaking a date with him or anything."

She just had to remind me about our special date night and how we weren't going so Jake could have dinner with Carmen. I seethed every time I thought about it. God, Leah was like a seasoned matador, constantly jabbing me with her verbal pricks until my blood started to roil. Gritting my teeth, I let her finish my hair.

We went back to my suite and Leah browsed through my clothes. The gorgeous dress I'd wanted to wear on my special date with Jake was separate from the rest. Leah zeroed in on it like a heat-seeking missile. "What about this one?"

"Oh, no!" I answered, shocked. "I want to wear that one when Jake can see it." It was a beautiful, sexy creation and I'd planned to drive Jake wild when I wore it.

"Bella, it's very cutting edge. I think it's perfect for tonight. If you are advertising yourself as a manager for haute couture models, you need to wear something on the leading edge of fashion."

"But I want to wear it for Jake," I whined.

"Well, wear it for him. It's not like anyone you know is going to see you tonight. Just wear your coat out the door and keep your dress hidden until you get to the restaurant, then cover it up again when you return. Chances are, he'll never see it, so you can wear it for him another night."

She saw the unconvinced expression on my face. "Besides, Bella, you have to wear something very sharp at Trussardi's. Baby, that is one hot, high-end place. You can't go wearing any old thing, so make sure you take your coat off when you get there. Don't you dare look like some fucking logger from Snohomish and stay wrapped up in your jacket all night. Promise me?"

Obviously, Leah was going to insist I wear my date dress tonight and I wasn't up to arguing with her. She always knew the pulse of whatever city she was visiting. If she said this was the perfect dress for Trussardi's, it was.

I slipped it on and looked in the mirror. How I wished I were getting ready for our date, the one Jake and I had looked forward to for days. I imagined the heated expression that would be on his face when he saw me wearing this dress.

It was black silk and fit like a loving caress. The neckline was heavy twisted silver that circled my throat and almost looked like a manacled collar. There was no fabric in the back, only more of the smooth silver lengths coiling around my body like snakes, holding the dress in place and allowing what little cloth that was there to fold around me in strategic locations. The front was simple; the silk draped across my chest underneath the metallic bands and then clung to my hips where the chains continued to make their way around me and were sewn into the beautiful material.

The entire effect was almost barbaric; it simultaneously made me feel both powerful and like a slave girl. I loved it and wanted to wear it just for Jake. He made me feel the same way the dress did.

My shoes were startlingly high; black leather encased my ankles and more silver bands serpentined around my feet. Leah had pulled my hair up on top of my head in a simple ponytail wrapped with my own hair. My makeup was heavy black around my eyes and lashes and delicate sheer pink on my lips. For once, my pale skin enhanced the outfit and I knew I actually looked pretty great.

"Holy shit, batgirl, you look smoking hot!" Leah seemed extremely pleased with her work.

"I don't know, Leah. I don't think this is very appropriate business dinner attire. What if Val gets the wrong idea?"

"Jesus, Bella, I told you what kind of a place Trussardi's is. You can't go looking like some sort of touristy hick."

"I don't think that's going to be a problem," I muttered underneath my breath.

"You know how fashion people dress when they're out. Just imagine what Carmen's going to pull out of her closet tonight." That did it; I was ready for battle. Just thinking of what that Bill Clinton in a mini skirt was doing to my Jake this very moment made my blood pressure skyrocket.

"You're right; it's perfect," I snapped. Pulling on the silver leather coat, I snatched up my evening bag and stalked out to the main room of our suite where Seth and the brat pack were hanging out.

"Seth, I'm going out. Call me if you need me and make sure these savages here behave." I gave the boys a stern look as all four of them looked at me in shock.

"I don't know, Bella," Seth began. "I don't think Jake's gonna like you going out like this. Is Leah going too?" he questioned hopefully.

"Leah has her own plans, Seth. We're both big girls and can take care of ourselves." Seth looked none too sure about that brash statement.

"I'm not worried about Leah, but Jake is really going to be ticked if I tell him you're out somewhere."

"Well, don't tell him then. It's none of his business anyway and especially when he's out on a date with someone else," I snapped.

"Bella, you know he'd never go out with anyone else." Seth was loyally trying to defend his pack leader as he moved in front of me.

"I beg to differ with you since he is right this very minute out with someone other than me, Seth." God, every time I thought about it, I just went crazy with jealousy.

"You know he couldn't help it. He's as upset about it as you are."

"He couldn't possibly be. Now, quit worrying and get out of my way."

"I really don't think Jake would want me to let you go."

"Well, when you and Jake become my keepers, I'll give a rat's patootee what either of you think," I snarled at Seth. "Now, move." I tried to push him out of my way, but it was like pushing a giant redwood tree.

"Seth, you have no right to keep me from doing anything I want to do." Suddenly, it was absolutely imperative that I go to the dinner I'd wanted out of five minutes ago.

"You're right, Bella, and I'm really sorry. But you're not the one that's going to have to face Jake when he gets in and you're gone. He's going to be really pissed and I don't want to die tonight, okay? So for me, Bella, please don't go."

"Don't be ridiculous! Actually, Jake and I discussed this very situation twice today, and he was just fine with it." Seth looked totally unconvinced. "And besides, I promise I'll be in before Jake gets back. He'll never know, all right?"

"He always finds out about this stuff, Bella, and it's my ass that's going to be in a sling when he does. More than likely he'll be sweet and nice to you about the whole deal and then come beat the crap out of me for letting you do it."

I rolled my eyes in disbelief. "Oh, for God's sake! Leah, would you get out here and deal with your baby brother?" I hollered.

Leah stuck her head out the door, one of my dresses on its hanger draped over her neck like an apron. "Jesus, Seth, grow the fuck up and get a set, will you? It's none of your fucking business what Bella does or who she does it with. Now get your ass out of her way before I come beat the crap out of you."

"Are you going out on a date?" Ricki gasped. As color flooded my face, Seth's noticeably paled, Nikki looked scandalized, and Mick grinned from ear to ear.

"Please, Bella, he's seriously going to kill me!" Seth pleaded with me unashamedly. "He told me I was responsible for your safety tonight. Maybe we should just come along with you to make sure you're okay."

Holy crow, wouldn't that be cute? Maybe all six of us could sit down to dinner tonight: Val, me, and my four huge, young werewolf bodyguards. That would certainly be a professional situation. I could just imagine the four of them peering over my shoulder and glaring at everything Val said and did.

"You all were not invited, Seth, so no, you can't come along. I've been an adult for some time now and I can take care of myself. This is absolutely NONE of your business so you need to get out of my way, now!"

He stood there with a mulish expression on his sweet face. Evidently, he was determined I was going to be no more than an arm's length away from him if Jake was holding him personally responsible for my well being.

"Seth, you are starting to seriously piss me off and believe me, that's the last thing you want to do," Leah threatened him with steel in her voice. "Now, I'm only going to tell you this one time. I know where Bella is going. She's going to be 100 percent safe. I guarantee it. Do you think I'd let her go somewhere she could be hurt? She means more to me than she does to you, you know."

Seth started to sputter his disagreement with that statement when Leah cut him off. "I've told you she's going to be fine, so you have no reason to keep blocking her in this room. You've got exactly two seconds." She inhaled. "Now, MOVE!" she bellowed like a freight train. Seth was so startled he stumbled back and I slipped by him before he could gather his wits and block me again. As I closed the door and hurried down the hall, I could hear Leah and Seth arguing behind me.

"Don't you dare follow her, damn it! I mean it, Seth. You chase after her and I swear I'll unload to Mom, Charlie, and Jake every erotic fantasy you've ever had about Bella…" God, I loved Leah. I would have been imprisoned in my own room had it not been for her.

Down in the hotel bar, Val was waiting for me and we quickly caught a cab and headed for the restaurant. We pulled up to a glass fronted building, the door of the cab was opened, and I was helped out and ushered into the glamorous foyer.

Trussardi's was visual candy, incredibly elegant and frankly overwhelming. I wanted to stand in the entrance like a goof and just drink it all in. Glass and mirrors were everywhere—the walls, the tables and the ceiling. Wildly original chandeliers hung at staggered heights casting light and shadows over the sophisticated glitterati as they ate. Although the restaurant basically had one floor, tables were set up at different levels all over the dining room, which were accessed by glass steps. The result was bizarrely palatial, yet warmly intimate. What a fascinating place!

This is just the sort of venue Carmen would love, I thought sourly and speculated where she had dragged Jake to dinner tonight. No doubt somewhere dark and closed in so she could run her nasty hands all over him, I reflected as acid bit into my stomach. I really needed to let it go for a little while. Val was in for a miserable night if I couldn't get my mind on something other than Jacob or, at least, on something other than Jacob and that snake.

A pretty girl came up and asked me something in Italian. Val leaned over and translated for me. "She wants to know if she can take your wrap, Isabella." Desperately, I clung to the beautiful acid washed leather coat covering my dress. But I had promised Leah and it was the least I could do after all she'd done for me.

Leah's Rules for Seduction #1. Be confident. A bashful, inexperienced pansy is NOT seductive.

Holy crow, what on earth was I doing thinking about Leah's Rules when I was out on a business dinner? She'd drilled them into me so many times they were leaking out in any social situation. Well, I did need to be confident, especially considering the dress I was unveiling.

I turned so Val could help me out of my coat and I couldn't help but hear the little gasped Italian he uttered when he uncovered my naked back. I didn't know for sure, but I had a pretty good idea he'd let slip a curse, especially when I saw the expression on the hostess' face. Turning around and facing him, I gave him an inquiring look and the heat in his eyes made me want to kick Leah. Darn it, I knew I should have saved this dress for Jacob and only Jacob.

"You may not be aware, but in Italy girls do not call themselves Bella, or beautiful. Here you would call yourself Isa. But tonight, Isabella, you are truly bella," he crooned.

Crap, so much for our professional dinner. Well, what did I expect? I'd dressed in a way that guaranteed male attention, darn Leah. Evidently, I was going to get all the attention I could handle. At least I hoped I could handle it.

The maitre d' approached us with a delighted smile on his face and gestured for us to follow him. Val wrapped his arm around my hip and rested his hand on my bottom. As we moved forward, the hand started caressing my butt cheek as we walked through the dining room.

"Move your hand, Val, now," I whispered quietly. I wasn't about to embarrass him by making a scene, but I'd be darned if he was going to feel me up for all to see as we paraded through this restaurant.

The hand instantly went to my back. It dove under the silver chains and began exploring all the skin exposed by my dress. He lingeringly stroked my spine and shoulder blades then began gently rubbing the edge of my rib cage. Just when I was about to hiss at him again, he stopped in the middle of the dining room to greet someone who hailed him.

An attractive man came over and began to speak excitedly in Italian and Val responded in kind. The entire time the two talked, Val's hand was stroking my back intimately. He became familiar with all the peaks and valleys the dress exposed and some it didn't. I hated to confront him before his acquaintance and the huge crowd of onlookers in the restaurant, but if he didn't stop soon, he was going to have a small nub instead of a large hand.

I was introduced to the friend, Francesco Mauri, but as I didn't speak Italian and Francesco didn't speak English, little information either of us could understand was exchanged. Even though I didn't know what he was saying, I had a feeling I wouldn't like the way in which Val presented me to Signor Mauri. Instead of business associates, I got the idea Val referred to me as some sort of an intimate, perhaps even as a lover. Something about the looks exchanged between the men and the warm tone of Val's voice gave me the idea Val was not touting my experience as a manager of haute couture models.

Jake had drilled into me for years to trust my instincts, which were telling me this dinner was going south in a big way. God, please don't let this be a nightmare, I prayed sincerely as we moved on, following the host around the dining room. I really didn't need more confrontations and emotional battles today.

When the maitre d' finally stopped, I was a bit surprised to see the only two chairs were arranged on one side of the table for four instead of facing each other. As I sat down, I turned towards Val in order to gain some essential space between us. Just to confirm my thoughts, he moved into my side and started stroking my face, his hand moving down my arm and skimming the edge of my dress, coming dangerously close to my breasts. His arms were rapidly reminding me of an octopus and he needed to be set straight before things deteriorated further.

Leaning over, I whispered in his ear. "Val, if you don't want me to skewer your hand with my dinner fork, I suggest you take it off my body and keep it off. Are we clear?" I asked sweetly. He tensed and then slowly pulled his hand away, reaching for the menu.

After seeing the menu was in Italian, I turned to face the restaurant, soaking in its beauty and quirky originality. Leah had been right; the people were as beautiful as the décor. Every table was filled with wealthy, powerful looking men and women, perfectly dressed and groomed.

I finally noticed a table directly across from us, but several levels up. The people there must be particularly important given the location and position of the setting. Back against the wall, it was one of the highest tables in the restaurant, giving it a perfect view of everything and everyone. I was curious who rated such a locale and focused in on the group.

The first person I noticed was a richly dressed woman with her back to me. She wore a skin tight, blood red dress that was pulled taut as she leaned over the table, her hands outstretched, holding on to the man across from her. Holy Crow, she acted as if she thought he was going to get away from her. Who could he be that would make such a woman act like that, I wondered as I stared at her clinging hands. My eyes shifted over to him, curious, and then they traveled up and up a beautiful, huge, familiar torso—right into the burning eyes of Jacob Black.

OH. MY. HOLY. GOD! The look on his face should have set my dress on fire. Blood drained from my head, making me momentarily dizzy. As he stood up, towering over the table, his expression was tight with rage. I stared, horrified, and it seemed like I was suddenly being transported right in front of him. He became bigger and bigger in my field of vision until everything and everyone else disappeared and the only people left in the room were Jake and me. I could see him so clearly that I noticed the whites of his eyes gradually disappear until nothing was left but the eyes of my furious wolf. When his lips drew back into a snarl and he started moving towards me, I knew I was in deep, deep trouble.

Leave me a review and I'll send you a sneak peek at Chapter 11. Believe me, it is a very interesting chapter. If you don't get your peek, write me at at leelator(at)bellsouth(dot)net and I'll get it right out to you. Also, somebody please send me some title suggestions. I'm in serious need. I hate to leave you with a cliffy, but I had to chop this monster into two parts. It was just waaay too big.

So I have a bunch of questions for you: What the hell do you think is going to happen next? I want to hear what you think! We all know Carmen is being a real skank, but is Leah being a sweet friend or very naughty here?

What did you think of Eclipse? Edward lovers, did it move your allegiance in any way? Are you even more Team Edward or do you have a different understanding of Team Jacob? What about Jacob fans?

I'm so sorry to be such a major fail in answering your reviews in a timely manner. However, my beta had some free time to work on Chapter 10, so I grabbed it while it was available and we worked hard to get it out for you. I have answered all of my lovely, wonderful reviews—finally. Thank you so much for each and every one. I know how fortunate I am to have such an intelligent, thoughtful, enthusiastic, talented group of readers.

The character of Carmen Bianca Silva is named after several supporters of my story: my two Carmens, mybrandofheroin author of Anger Management, and diamondheart, author of The Moonshadow Continuum, Bianca Stel, a.k.a. bforqueen, author of Fallen Princess, and Angela Silva a.k.a. Diana Chica-Brazilian a.k.a. anginha. These lovely, wonderful women want you to know that they in no way inspired the character or actions of the very nasty Carmen Bianca Silva. Val Simonetti was named for MischievousMe and valelf, author of The Wedding, as well as Jenny True, a.k.a. Jennifer Simonetti. Val's good looking friend at Trussardi's, Francesco Mauri,was named after our Milan resident, Francesca Mauri a.k.a. Clover. The sweet alteration ladies, Jenn and Marta, were named for uinen, author of I Thought it was so Easy, and JBC719. The brat pack was named for Randi, Nikki, author of Turn of Events, and Mick.

My apologies to loggers in Snohomish. I have no idea if you all are fashion mavens or if you actually do wear your jackets in restaurants while you eat. The restaurants mentioned in the chapter are actual restaurants in Milan although I took some serious poetic license in describing Trussardi's.

Ill Mostro di Milano – The title of this chapter has some historical reference. The most infamous serial killer in Italy was nicknamed Ill Mostro di Firenze. His murders were somewhat of a cross between Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer. Watch a great video about this compelling case at: http(colon double slash)www(dot)youtube(dot)com(slash)watch?v=swZIL8es3nc

Lucrezia Borgia - Historical record portrays Lucrezia Borgia as a beautiful, manipulative creature who participated in incest and sexual orgies with her father and brother. She thought nothing of carrying out cold-blooded murders; some masterminded by herself others by her equally ruthless relatives. Lucrezia Borgia's name remains synonymous with material and carnal excess and cold-blooded murder. Find out more about her at http(colon double slash)www(dot)essortment(dot)com(slash)all(slash)lucreziaborgia_rldl(dot)htm

Hitler's Lebensborn Program – A program set up by German SS chief Heinrich Himmler in 1935 to propagate Aryan children. After the Nazis overran Germany's neighbor states in 1940, German occupation soldiers were encouraged to find suitable local mates. Many of the fathers were SS officers with their own familes. Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, encouraged his men to sire children outside of marriage as a way of building a German master race. Read more about it at http(colon double slash)www(dot)shoaheducation(dot)com(slash)lebensborn(dot)html References: fjordman(dot)blogspot(dot)com and www(dot)nytimes(dot)com

I'm thinking of having a HYSOA warning on some chapters. (Have Your Significant Other Available) What do you think? Good idea or not?