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CHAPTER 11

EPOV ~

Saturday, December 30th, 2006 ~

"I …." I didn't know what to say. How do you beg someone to stay, when you know you really have no business being with them in the first place? Was begging her not to leave me really the best thing for her?

"I'm sorry," she whimpered, standing up to face me. "I just … it's too hard …." A sob ribbed through her chest and I couldn't help my next move. I walked swiftly to her and pulled her into my arms.

"I know, and I'm sorry—" My blackberry chirped, interrupting me. Motherfucker!

"Its okay, Edward," she sniffled, stepping out of my arms. "I … I just need some time …."

I nodded, not really knowing what to say. I felt like I should say something, anything, but I just couldn't get my mouth to formulate anything. Well almost nothing.

"Okay …."

After she dressed and left the suite, I stood there, softly rubbing the charm on the necklace, asking myself how things had became so fucked up. All I knew was I had to fix it, because all of a sudden, I felt as if the life were being sucked out of me—she definitely took my heart with her when she walked out the door.

Monday, January 1st, 2007 ~

"Hey, it's Bella. Sorry I missed your call. But if you leave me a message, I'll try to get back to ya."

Beeeeeeep.

"Hey … I … I just wanted to say, Happy New Year, baby ..." I sighed, hitting the end button on my phone.

After locking the key pad, I placed the phone back in my pocket and switched off the light in my study.

"It's about time!" Tanya hissed, when I walked into the bedroom. I rolled my eyes, and walked toward the bathroom, pulling my shirt off.

"It's fucking New Years Eve, Edward—"

"Technically, it's New Years Day," I retorted, walking into the bathroom.

"Whatever! The point is—you said you were going to check your email, real fast then come back to me," she whined. Fucking whined—all nasal and shit, which sounded strangely like nails down a chalkboard. I couldn't help the shiver that rolled down my spine in disgust or the roll of my eyes. I couldn't wait to be as far away from this house as possible tomorrow.

"Sorry, I got sidetracked with a proposal …." I let it trail off there, shutting the door behind me, making sure to lock that shit so she couldn't impose herself on me again. If I had any luck left, she would be passed out by the time I was done with my long-ass shower. I definitely was not in the mood for her shit tonight.

Her whining started the moment we met up at the hospital. My uncle was in ICU, but stable—not something I needed to rush home for, but Tanya explained that my father needed me there, claiming it was touch and go and my father wanted to go over business options to keep stock prices at an all time high.

I should have known that was bullshit. My father would never be thinking of business while his only brother was laying in an operating room. In truth, I was probably more pissed at myself than anything else, considering I allowed Tanya to talk me into leaving my happiness and in return losing the one thing I held dear in my life.

Thursday, January 18th, 2007 ~

"Hey, it's Bella. Sorry I missed your call. But if you leave me a message, I'll try to get back to ya."

Beeeeeeep.

"Bella, baby," I sighed, pulling my hand through my hair. "I just want to talk to you … make sure you're okay …. Please, call me back …." I hung up the phone, tossing it into the seat next to me.

This was the seventeenth day in a row I'd called and gotten the same response. Every day I called—sometimes more than once just to hear her voice—even if I knew she wouldn't answer. With every time her voicemail picked up, my heart shattered a little bit more. I needed to get back to Vegas to try to fix this as soon as possible, but with Uncle Aro taking a turn for the worst with an infection, things were up in the air for the time being.

I realize she said she needed time, but fuck! At least let me know you're okay! Especially since I sure as fuck wasn't. I needed her more than I needed air—shit, I think she was my air.

Monday, January 29th, 2007 ~

"Hey, it's Bella. Sorry I missed your call. But if you leave me a message, I'll try to get back to ya."

Beeeeeeep.

"Bella," I sighed, clutching the phone in my hand as if it were my only lifeline. "I'm really starting to worry about you …. I'm going to be in Vegas this weekend, and, well, I'd really like to see you. I just need to know you're okay …. Please, call me back …." I hung the phone up, tossed it in the seat next to me, and made my way through rush hour traffic.

When I pulled into the garage, I groaned. I was hoping to avoid her for a few more hours, but no such luck. Ever since I came home from Vegas the night my life went to hell, the bitch had been clinging on for dear life and come hell or high water she made sure to be sweet as sugar to hold onto me. I was ready to tell her to fuck it all and just walk out the door, but once again, Jenks, my attorney reminded me how fucked I could be at this point if I reacted hastily, but Fuck, I couldn't wait to have Bella back in my arms again. Every day without her was becoming too much to bear. I couldn't do this anymore. I needed her. I needed to talk to her, to hold her, to know she was okay.

I got out of the car and headed for the door. I had just reached for the door handle, when my phone vibrated in my pocket. Hoping it was Bella; I quickly pulled my phone out, and answered it. I didn't even bother checking the caller I.D., first.

"Hello?"

"Edward?"

I sighed, turning back to the car for privacy. "Yeah, baby, it's me. Thank you for calling me back."

She didn't reply. In fact, it was so quiet; I actually pulled the phone away to see if the line had disconnected.

"Bella?" I asked, closing the car door behind me.

"I'm here, Edward …" she answered, but didn't say anything else. I could hear the distance in her voice—she was a million miles away and she had a huge fucking wall built to protect herself as if I were the enemy. Hell, I probably was. I probably broke her heart and left her with no one to help her through the miscarriage, then this …. God, I can't do anything right by her.

"How are you?" I asked, desperately needing to hear her voice.

"I …." She hesitated, but only for a second. "I shouldn't have called …."

"No!" I yelled, hoping she didn't hang up already. "Bella?" I was shocked at how hard my heart was beating at the possibility of losing a single second of her voice. Now that I had her on the line, I couldn't imagine hanging up. Her voice was like a lifeline, sending sparks down my spine and calming my broken soul.

"I'm still here …." Her voice was hesitant, like she wasn't sure if she really wanted to be there or not.

"I'm glad you called," I replied, quickly and honestly. "I wanted you to call …."

"I miss you," she whimpered. Her tears, the brokenness in her voice, broke the last shred that was holding me together.

I sighed, pulling my hand through my hair, my own tears forming in my eyes. "God, baby girl … I miss you, too … so much …. Can I please see you this weekend, Bella? I know you said …."

"I'm not sure that's―"

"Please?" I interrupted, getting desperate. "We'll talk ... I'll be there all weekend. Actually, I'll be there until Monday …. Please, just say you'll see me?"

Please, I can't live without you anymore. I need you baby girl, I need you so bad.

I heard her sniffle on the phone, and knew instantly she was crying.

"Please, don't cry―"

"When?" she asked, cutting me off.

I knew what she was asking, so there was no reason for her to clarify. "Whenever, is good for you. I have a meeting at one on Friday, but otherwise, I'm free."

It was silent again, but eventually, she whispered a faint, "Okay." I wasn't even sure I heard her correctly.

"Did you just say, okay?" I asked, just to be sure.

"Yeah," she sniffled, again. "I don't, um … I don't work this weekend, so call me when you're done with your meeting."

I smiled. "Thank you, Bella …."

She didn't respond. I noticed the door from the house to the garage open, and immediately turned my attention to Tanya, holding a finger up, silently asking her to give me a minute … praying, she gave me a minute.

Tanya huffed, stomped her foot, but turned around.

"So, I'll see you this weekend, then?" I asked, again, watching Tanya retreat back into the house.

"Yeah …."

"Okay …."

It was silent for a second, and then she whispered, "So … bye?"

I didn't want to hang up, but I knew I didn't really have a choice, so I said, "Yeah … I'll, well, I'll see you this weekend … bye, baby …."

"Bye," she whimpered, and then hung up the phone.

I sighed, my head falling back on the headrest.

What the fuck am I doing?

I mean, Jesus, why the fuck can't I let her go?

I'm not sure how long I sat there, but eventually, I figured it'd probably be a good idea to go into the house. So, reluctantly, I pulled the handle on the car door and exited.

Tanya was standing in front of the kitchen counter, eating yogurt, when I walked in.

"Who were you talking you?" she asked.

"My sister," I mumbled, walking out of the kitchen, down the hall toward the bedroom.

She didn't follow, and for that, I was grateful.

Friday, February 2nd, 2007 ~

It was closing in on five o'clock and the meeting was finally starting to wrap up. I couldn't tell you how many times I looked down at my watch; just to see only five minutes had passed. Not much was accomplished this meeting—not that anything would have been anyway. The contractor wanted to dick me around some more, and I wasn't going for it—especially not today. I was at my wits end, I hadn't slept a full night in over a week, and I was pisser than a bitch in heat.

The second I walked out of the boardroom, I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and hit Bella's speed dial, trying to avoid talking to any of these lazy fucks for a moment longer. I had a much more pressing matter to tend to, and I wasn't about to allow them to keep me from her any longer.

"Hey, it's Bella. Sorry I missed your call. But if you leave me a message, I'll try to get back to ya."

Beeeeeeep.

Fuuuuuuuuck! I hung up, not knowing what to say at this point, considering I was still surrounded by my business associates. I didn't figure it would bode well for me, if I was trying to compile plans with my girlfriend, while they all knew I had a wife at home. Shit! I had to do something about that. I had to figure something out! Anything!

Waiting for Bella to call back, I bullshitted a little longer with Jasper and a few other partners, before excusing myself to make my way back to the hotel so I could get comfortable. Jasper knew something was wrong, but thank God, he didn't call me out on that shit, because I didn't know what to tell him. At this point, I'd probably just tell him the fucking truth, listen to his shit, get pissed, then beat his ass right there in the new office.

By six o'clock, when I still hadn't heard anything from Bella, I decided to go looking. I was beyond worried, and my desperation won out. I saw a few lights on in her apartment and decided to just go up—if it was one of her roommates, at least they could tell me where to find her. I had to see her, and no one was going to keep me from her.

The second I was buzzed in, I ran up the stairs and straight to her apartment, my desperation was definitely driving me to act crazy. I had to have her in my arms now. There was no more waiting. I felt if I had to wait any longer I would seriously go postal or some shit. I felt on the cusp already, and she was the only medicine I could think of.

When Bella opened the door, my breath caught. Her eyes were red rimmed, and her hair was a mess—but she was more beautiful than ever.

"Bella," I breathed, still amazed she was in front of me. She stepped to the side to allow me in, but remained silent. "You look good," I added, entering her apartment, keeping my eyes on her the entire time as if she would disappear if I looked away, even for a moment.

"Thank you," she replied softly. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked quickly, making sure to walk away from me and toward the kitchen before I could respond.

I wasn't having it. I grabbed her from behind, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her to me as fast as I could. I needed to feel her against me—to reassure me we would be okay. I needed to feel her like I needed the sun in the sky. I felt her body stiffen at first, but she quickly melted back into me, her head finding its place on my shoulder where it belonged.

She felt so perfect in my arms. With her near me, I felt complete. I couldn't imagine ever living another day without her in it.

"I missed you so much," I groaned, increasing my hold on her—she wasn't close enough.

"I missed you too," she responded. Her words caused something in me to stir—something that died the day we parted and just sprung to life. He words brought on a reaction in me I hadn't ever felt. Desperation flooded me and caused me to act hastily. Before I knew it, we were on her kitchen table, my cock buried to the hilt in the perfectness of her pussy. Home was the only word I could think to describe the sensation of being with her in this way. This was where I belonged, with her … always.

Her pussy contracted around me tightly, bringing me to a much quicker release than I would have liked, but she just felt too damn good. I groaned in frustration as I came deeply inside her, marking her as mine once more. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be able to leave this spot. My life would be complete if I could just stay there, in her arms until my dying day. Suddenly, work didn't matter, my life outside of her apartment had no consequence, and nothing else mattered—just me and Bella.

"I … I gotta get up," Bella said, bringing me back to earth from my post-orgasm haze. She roughly pushed at my shoulders, forcing me up and out of my bliss.

"Everything okay?" I asked, pulling my pants back up from my ankles. The look in her eyes scared me; they were wide and distant.

"This … this shouldn't have happened … we're—" Tears were spilling down her cheeks by this point.

"Please don't regret this, Bella," I interrupted, pulling her into my arms. "We'll talk, we'll figure this out, but please don't regret this," I begged.

She buried her face in my chest, her little fists bunching my shirt and clenching it tight. "I don't want to, Edward. I just …." A painful sounding sob broke through her words, causing her body to jerk against mine.

"I know, baby," I soothed, trying to give her as much contact as possible to calm her down. "Let's get dressed and we'll talk …." I offered.

I felt her body stiffen, I felt the distance coming full force.

"I can't. I gotta go. I'm sorry, I can't do this," she cried, running from the room. I didn't have time to comprehend what was happening before I heard the front door slam in her wake. Once I hit the entryway, I noticed her tank and shorts gone, but her panties and bra still littered the floor.

Fuck! I couldn't keep it in my pants long enough to tell her how I felt. Shit! I'm such a douche!

I waited until nearly midnight before I decided to go look for her. I didn't want to leave the apartment, in hopes she'd come back, but I didn't want her roommates to come home and find me all alone in their apartment either. I had to find her. I couldn't let this shit slide. I had to talk to her—I had to tell her what she meant to me—how she was the only thing that mattered, and I would do anything to make shit right again. I couldn't lose her. I had no idea how I was going to go about making it work, considering I was still married and didn't really see any way out that any time soon, but I couldn't give Bella up. I needed her to feel complete. With her by my side, I knew I could overcome anything.

I'd happily give up the money—give Tanya anything she wanted … except Masen Industries. I couldn't lose the company my grandfather built from the ground up—not to her … not to anybody. I would never forgive myself if I lost it, and unfortunately, she knew that—everyone knew it—and there was no doubt in my mind she would try and snag it the first chance she got, especially if my infidelity were to be exposed. Therefore, until I could figure out a way of walking away from my marriage with Masen Industries still intact, I was stuck.

I honestly didn't know where to look. It was too late for her to go to the library, and I didn't really think she'd go to the gym without any workout clothes with her, so I drove around Vegas aimlessly before I decided to check the club.

I parked the rental and made my way to the entrance.

"Hey, dude, is Izzy dancing tonight?" I asked, torn. I wasn't sure if I wanted her there or not. Knowing she ran from me and into the arms of scumbags wasn't a good feeling, but at least I would know where she was.

The bouncer ignored my question, forcing me to pay the cover with no answers. Upon entrance, I made my way to the bar and ordered a much needed beer, which I nursed as I scoured the club for my girl. I found Victoria and Angela immediately, dancing on the stage, rubbing up on each other making the guys go crazy. Girl-on-girl was always an instant boner, though I wasn't sure why. One girl, who knew how to work it, was better than two girls acting easy any day. As Vic grabbed Angela's breast and rubbed her groan all over Angela, I thanked whatever God was up in heaven tonight that my girl wasn't up there with them. Yes, I didn't say much about her profession, but I knew I wouldn't be able to sit back and watch as a room full of guys blatantly gawked at my girl. Her shit was for my eyes to see and my eyes only. I honestly couldn't wait for her to end her dancing career.

I was almost finished with my beer when a familiar squeal rang out behind me. I quickly turned around, just as my girl was falling into the arms of another man. It would have looked more innocent had dick-face not had his hands all over my girl. I instantly saw red. Before I knew I was even moving, I was standing right behind my girl and said man.

"Easy girl," the asshole cooed, wrapping his arm tighter around my Bella, attempting to stabilize her. It appeared my girl was a bit intoxicated, considering she was swaying all over, even with the man's grubby hands holding her upright. "I think you've had enough to drink …. You can barely stand up straight, let alone dance. How bout I take you home?"

"But, Benny, I don't wanna … I wanna dance … come dance with me!" she whined, not going to lie, it struck the same cord as when Tanya used that nasal shit on me. I honestly didn't think Bella had that loud, obnoxious shit in her.

I stepped around them. "I'll take it from here," I sneered, pulling Bella into my arms. Asshole just stared at me as Bella relaxed into my embrace.

"Ed-ward," she whimpered, nuzzling her face into my chest. I tightened my hold on her as asshole and I had a stare down. I wasn't letting her go, and I sure as hell wasn't letting anyone else touch her.

"And you are?" he finally spit at me. He looked ready to take my girl and run.

I smirked. "Her boyfriend," I informed. "You are?"

Bella lifted her head slightly, looking at me from under her eyelashes. "Mmm … boyfriend. I like that," she whispered, a small, precious, smile gracing her beautiful face. My heart soared at the sight, and I knew I'd do anything in my power to see that smile again.

The asshole glanced between Bella and me, before relaxing his stance and extending his hand to me as an offering. I narrowed my eyes at him but Bella's laughter brought both of our attention to her.

"Oh, Edward," she giggled. "This is Ben. Angela's finance."

I glanced at Ben. He just nodded his agreement. "She's in good hands?" he asked, gesturing toward Bella. I glanced to my girl, the one that happened to be holding onto me as if she were afraid I was going to disappear. I guess in her defense, that had happened a lot lately … something I had to work on. Bella nestled her cheek against my chest as if she was a small kitten and her hand was gripped my jacket in her tiny hand tighter.

Ben didn't wait for my response. "Take good care of her," he said, pulling my attention back to him. "She was pretty messed up when she got here, and she's pretty intoxicated if you haven't gathered that yet."

I nodded, tightening my hold on her. "I did, and yes, she is …. Thanks, Ben. For keeping her safe."

He nodded a single nod, saying, "She's the sister I never had. I'd never let anything happen to her." If I wasn't mistake, I heard the silent warning in his words. As if they didn't speak loud enough, his eyes were hard as steel before he leaned over and whispered-yelled in my ear, "I have friends that will make you disappear if you hurt a hair on her head. You hurt her, you're as good as a dead man, ya hear?" Turning his attention from me to Bella, Ben continued. "Go home with Edward, Bella. Talk to him." I didn't miss the emphasis he put on the word talk.

Bella nodded against my chest. "Thanks, Bennie … for listening."

Ben smiled, glancing toward the stage. "Well, I'm gonna go get a lap dance from my girl …. You two have a good night …. And talk."

"Edward," Bella whimpered, grabbing my attention. I brought my eyes to hers and my heart broke when I saw the tears welling up in hers. "I'm sorry I left you …."

I smiled, pressing my lips against her forehead. "No apologies, baby girl. I get it."

Bella gnawed nervously on her bottom lip, staring intently into my eyes. "I'd really like to have that talk now, Edward."

"Me too, baby girl." I pressed my lips against hers, kissing her chastely. "Let's get out of here." Bella nodded and I wasted no time wrapping my arm around her.

I lead her toward the exit. I was just about to open the door when it suddenly opened, and in walked a few fraternity boys. Bella jumped back, stumbling a bit from the sudden movement.

"Easy," I chuckled, tightening my hold on her.

"Hey!" one of the guys squawked. "It's you … the girl from last night! Where are you going? The party just started!" One of the assholes tried reaching for Bella to pull her toward them, but I tightened my grip and held her tighter to my side—no one was touching my girl.

"Sorry boys, you've got the wrong girl," I chuckled, trying to keep my anger under wraps. It infuriated me that someone else saw what should have been for my eyes only. The fact they actually thought it would be okay to touch her only pissed me off even more.

"No. We'd recognize Izzy anywhere. She gave us all lap dances last night … she's the reason we came back tonight … we were hoping for a repeat," one of the douche-bags claimed, sizing me up.

Bella looked up at me, her eyes slightly larger than normal as if she were alarmed.

"Sorry guys," Bella apologized, her voice soft and innocent like, which only added to my fury. "I gotta go home. My man came into town to visit me. I'll be back next weekend if you wanna stop in then?"

"Come on, babe," one of the dumb fucks cooed. "We'd be more fun than this old fuck could ever dream of being …. At least give us a little peak? Something to hold us over until next weekend …. Tommy here has been jonsing for you since last night. He's had a boner since your tits were in his face." The one, who I assumed to be Tommy, backhanded asshole number one in the chest—I was ready to plow the stupid fuck in the face. It'd be a cold day in hell before I'd allow her to give anyone a peak.

"It was your idea to come back, Franky!" Tommy grumbled.

"Sorry, boys, but last night was Izzy's last night," I snarled. I knew I was speaking out of line, but this shit was seriously fucking with my head. "This old fuck, as you so eloquently put it, will be paying her bills from now on … she's no longer required to work. Thank you for your interest, but I suggest you move along, before we cause a scene."

"What the fuck!?" asshat number three nearly shouted, as Bella's hands tightened on my shirt—luckily, she remained silent. I knew she had questions, and I was fairly certain she wouldn't in anyway allow me to support her, but I was desperate to get these fucks away from my girl—and if I were being honest, I'd gladly support her if it meant her keeping her clothes on.

"Seriously, dude, who the fuck do you think you are. You can't tell a girl what she can and can't do. Come on, baby, we'll have some fun without Mr. Stick-up-his-ass." Tommy's hands reached out and grabbed Bella by the waist. My vision turned red and my actions were unconscious. Before I could help myself, I had Tommy by the throat against the wall, my body pushing his farther into the cinderblock behind him.

"If you ever touch what is mine again, you will be severely sorry. Do you understand me?" I waited a moment for him to respond, when nothing came, I laxed my hold, only to push him into the wall harder. "I said, do you understand me?" I spat in his face.

"Dude, he gets it," Franky yelled, garnering us some attention. "Back the fuck off!"

I patted down the front of his shirt and reached behind me for Bella. My girl didn't hesitate but to take my hand and allow me to tuck her back into safety.

I decided I'd given the assholes enough of my time and pulled my girl from the club. I needed to get her out of there before anyone else decided it would be okay to approach what was mine. "If those douche bags ever come back into this club or give you a hard time—you let me know. I'll take care of it," I vowed. And I would. It wouldn't matter what I had to do, who I had to hire to take care of it, they would never bother my girl again. I would make sure of it.

**Author's Note*

I'm excited to hear it … please, review!