A/N:
I am so grateful to the warm reception for this story.
To those who made time to review, thank you so much and I appreciate it. Please don't stop!
To those who added my story to their alerts/favorites, I am so delighted that you did but it would please me more if you would take time to click on the review button.
Just some things I wanted to point out, I was not solely sold on the idea for an EPOV for this chapter but you requested it, so here it goes.
Another set of mafia terms:
Burn: to murder; synonyms: break an egg, clip, do a piece of work, hit, ice, pop, put out a contract on, whack.
Caporegime: Synonymous with capo, but often used to refer to more significant group leaders.
Crank: speed; in particular, crystal meth.
Fence: someone with worldwide outlets to liquidate swag
Make a marriage: to bring two parties together for legitimate or illegitimate Family issues.
Swag: stolen goods.
By the way, SM owns Twilight, I just own the plot.
CHAPTER TWO
EPOV
My visit to Boston was an inconvenience, but the necessity of the matter at hand made me go there first rather than me being on my way to Seattle right now. I needed to check a warehouse. I rarely did these things myself anymore. Jared and Eleazer, the caopregimes I had assigned in the Boston and New York area, were more than capable of doing it. Not to mention Jasper was the one responsible to oversee the entire mob operation so only the most important issues would need my direction. The owner of the building/warehouse I bought it from, however, boasted of an underground level. He assured me that it was extremely secure, which was why I was here at the moment, checking to see whether he was telling the truth. The next shipment, which costs a shit load of money, would be arriving soon and needed to be stored as soon as possible. The guns that came from Berlin would be perfectly kept secret if my assessment of this location were correct. The secret rooms down below were so thoroughly concealed that the feds would have difficulty finding it, even when it hit them in their faces, thus making me fucking happy.
"Everything within your standard Boss?" Marcus asked. He stayed alongside me, chain-smoking as always, while I surveyed the area one more time. His stance was less guarded than usual since we were in the confines of my property, but still being the protective guardian he was employed to be, matching me move for move. He and Seth were my close-in bodyguards, the best trained assassins that could hold off an attack from a dozen men. Nobody could get close to me easily with these two around, not to mention another half a dozen or more men who served as my perimeter guards.
"Yes Marky. Just fucking perfect!" I clipped back. I strode back to the black-tinted Escalade. My men, who were scattered around, scrambled to their designated cars to wait for departure. We exited the compound, with my car being in the middle of the whole entourage.
I was running late. I was supposed to be in the air two hours ago, but there was a matter of a particular swag Jared wanted to discuss with me in person and the fence that needed to be contacted because of it. I was just fortunate that Jasper was already in Seattle preparing everything for our meeting with the Swans. He insisted in joining me here but I told him it was not necessary because that particular meeting was more important than anything.
We went directly to the airport and straight to the tarmac, where my Learjet was already fuelled and checked for the five-hour flight to Seattle. I brought with me half of the entourage from Boston. Once I was settled inside, the jet quickly made its way into the air. I needed to rest but my brain didn't want to slow down even to allow me an hour of sleep. I just closed my eyes and let my mind ponder on what I had been obsessing all these years, Isabella Swan.
This meeting would be my first chance to see her up-close again after three years. I had been keeping track of her activities and her whereabouts all this time, unbeknownst to her, by hiring a guard to follow her around stealthily. I desperately wanted to know a small piece of her life, even if it the course of action it entailed was less than stellar. She had definitely matured from the beautiful girl with the mesmerizing brown eyes and sweet disposition to a stunning and sexy woman. It had been quite difficult knowing she was there within my reach, but that I was unable to be with her, all because of my stupidity during that time in New York. I didn't have a choice back then, or so I thought, but what did it matter? The end result was not having her in my life. I was willing to stay in the background for as long as it took. An opportunity finally arose a few months ago. An opportunity that I couldn't resist.
It was the middle of May, four months ago when Charlie Swan called Jasper and requested a meeting with me. By that time, I was already familiar with him, the most vital information being that he was Isabella's father. I jumped at the chance, hoping to wiggle whatever deal he wanted from me with Isabella as the trophy. The meeting went more satisfactorily in my favor. Charlie wanted to make a marriage, a marriage in the mafia world, which was different from the marriage that I truly wanted to have with his daughter. I agreed to provide him with everything he wanted and needed from me in exchange for Isabella. I knew using Isabella as a bargaining tool was cruel but I knew he would not be able to resist our deal. I didn't fucking care how low I went, as long as my baby girl would be mine again! The meeting resulted in him having my full protection to his Seattle Family, and his reluctant agreement to make Isabella my wife. As long as she agreed, there would be no problems. Luckily she agreed without hesitation.
The cabin was quiet as I sat in the luxurious seat of the plane, sipping the scotch that the stewardess handed me a couple of minutes ago while eye-fucking me and subtlety inviting me to a tryst. I wasn't the least bit interested so I didn't acknowledge her invitation at all. My mind was fully occupied by images of a certain brown-eyed brunette beauty that I was dead set on conquering tonight.
I closed my eyes and willed myself to take the nap I desperately needed.
ooooooooOOOOOOOoooooooo
The black Mercedes sedan parked and I stepped out; Seth, Marcus and Garrett were hot on my heels. A butler greeted me and opened the door, leading me straight to the den where Jasper and Alice were chatting with Emmett. I scanned the room quickly and saw her. Even with her back to me, talking to the blond chick facing her, she was gorgeous in the red one-shouldered dress that was clinging snuggly to her curves. Fucking shit, she is still so stunning!
My heart started racing and I inhaled sharply before turning my head to Jasper who greeted me with enthusiasm. I acknowledged everyone, except Isabella whom I was still wary of because of the anxiousness I felt when I was around her. I also expressed my sadness over the tragic death of their father.
Emmett's outburst about the whole planned arrangement riled me to the point that I was just seconds away from losing my temper and smashing his face. I couldn't allow him to jeopardize my only chance with her. I stood there and started to formulate plans to make him pay. Giving him the most hateful look I had, unflinchingly responding to his murderous glare with my own until Alice came and whispered, "Edward, don't lose it. Isabella is here, just within your grasp. You waited for this for so long, don't fuck it up." She then kissed me on the cheek. I turned and looked to catch Bella's eyes, making my anger simmer down a little and decided that I wouldn't let her brother's ire get in the way of my plans.
"Swan, why don't you show us how great a host you are," I said with a little less anger and clapped him on his back, which earned me a nod. He eventually led me to the dining area.
We sat down and started being served on by the staff. Seth, being the ever effective guard, automatically started doing the first drink and first eat that would allow me to continue with the course. During the meal, conversations flowed around trivial things about each of our legal businesses, everyone contributing to the conversation-all except Isabella, who I occasionally turned my gaze to. She was so fucking beautiful! Maybe if she would lessen the scowl she was directing towards me. I would start conversing with her personally, but me being the coward I was, decided against it.
I was acknowledging something Alice said when suddenly Bella snapped, "Fucking hell Cullen, we won't poison you!" Causing my gaze to shift from Alice to her. "You've been allowing him-" she said pointedly to Seth, who was again tasting the salad that had been served, "-to do that shit for you all night!"
Her eyes were alit with fury and it was directed my way. Fuck me! I looked at her, trying to hide the smirk that was beginning to form on my lips, but clearly failed since she looked angrier than just a moment before. So fucking feisty, I like it!
"If we wish you dead, I would have made sure that I did it myself, you asshole!" She stated before she stood up and confidently stormed out of the dining hall leaving all of us gaping in her wake. My baby girl is so fucking hot when riled up! Oh my God, she turns me on so much!
When I scanned the room, all of their gazes were on me. I casually adjusted myself so my erection would hopefully go unnoticed. "I'll go to her and explain," I said nonchalantly as I stood halting Emmett with my hand when he rose to follow Bella. Rosalie, seeing that Emmett was being an asshole by not listening to me, intervened by pulling him to her and convinced him my need to have a private chat with her.
I found Bella standing on the patio looking like a goddess out to taunt me. I approached her while staring upon closer proximity and waited for her to turn and face me. When it was made clear that she would not acknowledge me, I stepped in front of her. I forced her face to look at mine by lifting her chin with my fingers, willing her to understand what I was trying to convey with my eyes. I gathered the courage to tell her that she was the reason I was here, even though her obvious distrust in me was clear when she flung my words right back at me like a slap on my face. I also learned that calling her the endearment that I used in New York seemed to infuriate her more. The problem was, the angrier she got, the more it turned me on. Her fury eventually led me to ravish her mouth and telling her once more that she was mine. She is mine and nothing or no one will get in the way of that!
ooooooooOOOOOOoooooooo
The penthouse suite where I was currently staying was luxurious and complete with all the amenities a guest would want and just as posh as the penthouse we had in my Chicago hotel. Jasper, who made all the arrangements, insisted that by all of us staying in the Swan Olympic Hotel, we would score points in my favor. The likelihood that Isabella would be more comfortable around me here was high, especially if we would be discussing arrangements for the upcoming nuptials.
I was getting ready for another meeting that she insisted on having here before I leave tonight. I checked my appearance in the mirror. I was wearing dark blue jeans, a gray-colored shirt and a dark brown sheepskin flight jacket. I attempted to unsuccessfully tame my ever-unruly hair by running a hand through it. When all was to my liking I stepped out on the balcony to light myself a cigarette.
Alice called as I finished with the last of my smoke. She informed me that everyone was in the restaurant below waiting for my arrival. I gathered all my things and went to the hallway where my three guards met me. We all took the elevator to the lobby of the hotel. I went directly to the restaurant where my sister and her husband, plus a couple more muscles were already at their tables having breakfast.
"Edward, you look so tense." Alice said in a teasing tone, although it probably stemmed from the fact that she could usually assess my mood so precisely. "If I knew that she would have this effect on you, I would have hunted her down myself and brought her back to Chicago with me to use her as a bribing tool against you."
"Jasper, shut your wife okay?" I snapped at him, ignoring the smirk he was giving me. I scowled at Alice, telling her that I was in no mood for her teasing today. I turned to the waiter and ordered their breakfast special.
We were in the midst of our breakfast when we were informed that Isabella had arrived. I turned around to see her approaching our table. She was wearing a pleated, blue skirt paired with a white blouse, which she covered with a blue and white printed coat. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She looked appetizingly sexy. I stood up to greet her and led her to the vacant seat beside me. I was so focused on Bella that I barely saw Rosalie, who was beside her looking like a mother hen out to protect her chick.
"Nice to see you again Isabella, Rosalie." Alice broke the silence once we were all seated, and gave them her best smile.
"Yeah, it's too fucking early in the morning for this meeting," Rosalie mumbled. She had her gaze on me and was raising her brows in question.
"What? You were the ones who demanded a meeting this early. Don't fucking blame me!" I snapped at her.
Isabella whipped her head in my direction, giving me a deadly look and asked, "Can I talk to you in private somewhere?" I nodded, took a long drink of water from my glass, and stood to wait for her lead.
She whispered something to Rosalie that earned her a nod before standing up to lead the way back to a secluded portion of the restaurant. Marcus and Seth were automatically on their feet following us.
"Marky, you and Seth just stay right out here," I said to them as we entered what looked like a private quarters of some sort. "I need to speak to her in private."
"Whatever you say boss," Seth replied while Marcus grunted as they took their posts outside the door.
I closed the door of the room and turned around to face her. She was scowling at me.
"Cullen, I don't want to beat around the bush with you."
"Neither do I, Isabella. I am hoping that the reason for this early morning appointment is a good one."
"Reasons you will be enlightened with in a while," she expressed in a cautious tone. "I am here to honor the promise I made with my father on the grounds you tell me all of the agreements you made with him."
"Of course." I smirked at her and moved towards the chair on the side of the table, plopped down and turned to her. "He wanted me to pledge my alliance with your Family. To give you our protection against outside forces, specifically the Volturi unit."
She was now looking at me with a less agitated look and started nodding her head to confirm she knew all of this.
"He mentioned recently, before his unfortunate demise, that they are hitting Washington in all of your weak areas, thus making you lose a couple of million in crank that was intercepted by the V's. Although, he hadn't found the evidence to prove it yet. To some it all up, he just needed me to put you guys under my wing to scare off the Italians, of course that is conditional to your agreement."
"I was made his bargaining tool," she sarcastically said to no one in particular. I stood up, went to her and bent down a little so I could look her straight in the eye.
"The condition was for you to agree to marry me," I informed her, my brows furrowing from the panic I was feeling knowing that she might reconsider her previous decision. "But you can always back out of the deal since Charlie is gone and all."
She gave me a steely look and gritted her teeth as she said, "But that would also make you take back your word that you would help my family."
I shrugged casually. She came towards me and asked in a soft voice, "Why?"
"Why do you think? Why would I fucking keep my end when you wo-," I stopped mid-sentence when I saw her shaking her head vehemently.
"Why do you want to marry me?" she asked.
I closed the remaining gap between us. "I want you baby girl." She looked into my eyes, searching for something but no doubt seeing the lust reflecting through them.
"You want my body," she said in an unemotional voice.
"Yes," I answered huskily, not adding more. We stared at each other for a while, until she broke the silence.
"Okay," she said softly and licked her lower lip with her tongue. I want to fucking lick that!
She was staring at me with her brows raised in question. I suddenly realized that she just agreed verbally, to honor the deal made between her father and myself.
I steadied my heartbeat, willing it to slow since I had a few conditions I would like to add; I doubt she'd like them but would nonetheless agree based on her reaction a while ago.
"Bella, before anything else, I want to make it clear that this marriage will be a conventional one," I said, looking confidently at her, making her see the seriousness in my words. She frowned and I continued. "I don't want you to be my wife so that I can have you as fucking arm candy. I want you in my bed." She gasped as her eyes widened in shock, the blush creeping to her cheeks as the implication of what I said set in.
"How many times?" she asked hoarsely, clearly affected by what I said.
"As many times as I want it to be. I want you willing and able, to be an active participant to whatever will be going down between us." I was now tilting her chin so her eyes were looking into mine. Her breath hitched and I knew that she was still as sexually aware of me as I was of her.
"You want me to be your fucking slut, is that it?" Her anger flared and I was afraid she'd change her mind. She stared at me and took a deep breath before she calmly said, "I can't believe I'll be doing this," mumbling to herself but turned to look me in the eye. "Since I am whoring myself to you, I want to get something out of this."
I looked at her, raised my brow in question, willing her to continue, and she did. "Okay you fucking asshole, you can fuck me whenever you want but you have to promise me something."
I flinched from the anger she was directing towards me; it was as if she slapped me by her blatant use of the word fuck. As if that would be all I ever wanted from her, which couldn't be further from the truth. I returned her stare and nodded.
"You fucking promise me that no one from my immediate family, meaning Emmett and Rosalie, will be hurt ever again," she said, her eyes pleading with me. "Don't let anybody get to them like they did my father."
I moved towards her, lifted her chin so that she could see my eyes when I said, "I fucking promise baby girl, nothing bad will happen to them."
She nodded, but added something else. "And when we know who really burned Charlie, you let me get a chance at him or her," she said so seriously that made it clear she wanted a consensus from me, the one thing I was afraid to promise her but had no choice but to agree to. I had to find a way to convince her otherwise when the time came.
"Also, don't mention anything about this to either Emmett or Rose."
"Of course baby girl!" I answered quickly, giddy with excitement now that the deal had been made. I held a couple of strands of her hair between my fingers. "Your hair is longer. It looks different…much more you," I said softly, as I gave her my most dazzling smile.
"It's my natural color," she replied shyly, responding with a small smile herself.
"So I guess all we have to do is seal the deal," I said as I removed a black box from my jacket pocket, opened it and slid a large diamond ring on her left ring finger. "This will put you off the market and this, " I pulled her close to me, grabbed her waist and encircled my arms around, "will seal the contract."
I crushed my mouth to hers, pushing my tongue against her lips until she eventually granted me entrance into her sweet mouth. I sucked and nibbled her lips and tongue, always wanting more of her.
"You taste so fucking good," I said hoarsely as I pulled her down with me on the chair, leaving her to straddle my lap. My left hand went to grasp the hair on the nape of her neck. I turned her head to allow me to kiss on the exposed skin of her neck, eliciting a moan deep in her throat, sending another course of desire straight to my rapidly hardening cock. I held her hips as I ground myself against her. My cock felt the heat from her hot core through her thin panties. I moved my lips back to her mouth and started wrestling with her tongue. My left hand moved from her hips to palm her breast, feeling her nipple pucker against the soft material of her blouse. Another moan from her was lost against my lips as I ravished her mouth, holding her head tighter as I fucked her mouth with my tongue. All too suddenly, she began to wiggle and attempted to pull free of my hold. I responded by grasping her head with a tight grip, not ready yet to release her from our kiss. She saw no other escape and bit down on my lower lip hard, making it bleed, the taste of blood evident on my tongue.
"Fuck babygirl," I growled. I was still dazed from our kiss but her biting me made me want her so much more. I touched my lower lip with my fingers and said huskily, "You fucking know what biting does to me."
She raised her brows in challenge and said spitefully, "You fucking deserved it! Since we're on the subject, let's be clear here so there is no confusion… there will be no sexual activities before the wedding!"
"But you are officially my fiancée so technically that means we can fool around," I whined, still worked-up from having her lips on mine. I became increasingly annoyed by her denying my advances. Did I just fucking whine?
"What the fuck Cullen," she rasped out, scowling again. "I will not be fucking you until after the wedding. Is that clear?"
I was staring at her with hooded eyes but reluctantly nodded in agreement. I stood up and straightened my rumpled clothes.
"Just as a reminder," she said matter-of-factly, her finger was stabbing me lightly on my chest. "I am not your babygirl anymore Masen, so I suggest you stop calling me that!"
She turned and quickly left the room, leaving me once again gaping after her.
I hoped you liked it.
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Also, you can make suggestions if you have an idea for this story, even though I already have the entire flow of the story mapped out. But I think if I like a certain scenario you suggested, I might incorporate it here.
Thank you again to my readers!