A/N

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last time, I really love hearing your thoughts and theories.

Huge thanks to Trip who really had her work cut out with the mess I sent her this time, and to my awesome American pre-readers - ladyeire3 and dreamalittledream83 - who make sure only my Brits sound British.

Bit of a mixed bag this week, but some of it may give you a toothache. Here's your fluffy dose of a special sugar I like to call fictose...

EPOV

The following week passes painfully slowly. Bella had fortunately already requested time off to hang out with Emmett and do the tourist thing around town. I wouldn't want her attempting to type with her sprained wrist so from this perspective, I'm really glad that Emmett is here and can take care of her. It truly baffles me how Americans can be so fascinated by our Royal Family, but I'm not about to ruin their fun.

Without Bella, the office is a much duller place for me. I miss not only my girlfriend but my assistant too, Angela is covering and she's great but I love how passionate Bella is about keeping us on top of everything.

I bury myself in work instead and I must admit catching up is decidedly easier when I'm not constantly distracted by the beautiful brunette sitting outside my office. The Coleman project is proceeding well and we're getting close to making some placements, Aro is pleased with me and I feel the familiar thrill of excitement that I always get from headhunting.

This week gives me time to reflect too, to compare the Ed Cullen of two months ago to the one of today. Having no cares outside of work, my sister and my mother, was a very simple, straightforward existence. I could work late whenever I wanted and no one would mind, but did that really just mean no one cared? I could go out drinking and pick up whichever woman I chose but did I feel much desire for any of them?

Now everything is different. My whole existence revolves around another person and, although the feeling is entirely alien to me, it feels incredibly right. I want her to care how long I spend at the office. I want to be fiercely loyal to her because she affects me more than all of my previous conquests combined.

I haven't been used to caring about someone else but now I can't even remember how I lived the other way.

I still think we should come clean to Aro and the rest of the company. As far as I can tell, Volturi Executive Search doesn't have a non-fraternisation policy and life would be so much better, and simpler, if our colleagues knew about Bella and me. There is no way they would be able to transfer Bella back to the States for such a thing. It feels like she is being a little paranoid to be honest, but if Bella wants to wait that's what we'll do, for a little longer at least. She has been through enough, there's no way I'm going to push her on this.

I don't like to think about Bella's secondment ending, but in a few months she will officially be required to go back to America, by Volturi at least. With Kate permanently gone, I don't see any reason why her contract here can't be made permanent; I've already started a password protected document which lists her extensive PA skills and all her achievements so far in case I need to make a case for keeping her to management. We need her but headcount in this place is ridiculously rigid. Ironic really when our entire livelihood rests on other companies increasing their headcount.

Of course, all this would depend on Bella wanting to stay in the UK permanently anyway. She talks of how much she never wants to return to Forks but what about the rest of Washington, the rest of the US? It's home to her and one day she'll possibly want to go back and I don't mind admitting that that frightens me. Would I follow her? I love the US but could it ever be home? Deep down I know the answer already, wherever Bella goes I will follow. She has me completely at her mercy but I've never felt fucking happier about anything.

For now at least, London is her home and she appears to love it here. She fits in too, it's like she's made to be English. She's even started picking up on some of my phrases which is so adorable, not to mention such a turn on that I have the urge to pin her down every time. Just thinking about this stuff leads to me realising I'm sitting at my desk and staring into space. I guess Bella distracts me even when she isn't here.

I'm fairly certain many colleagues have a good idea there is something going on between us anyway. Especially Jess, that wily little coyote. Midweek she asked me how Bella was. I was in the middle of a report and she caught me completely off guard to the point that I almost blurted out "fine thanks" but caught myself just in time.

"How would I know, Jess? She's on holiday. You're her friend, you'd have a better chance of knowing than me."

I don't think she bought it for a second, her smirk certainly said she didn't. She's a pitbull that girl, and a worse gossip than even Kate. Unfortunately, she is also a bloody good researcher.

Aro bursts into my office and startles me from my thoughts.

"Is this correct?" He's grinning and brandishing an Excel print-out in his hand. My guess is it's a copy of this month's figures and next month's pipeline.

"Yes," I smirk a little.

His eyes widen, apparently incredulous.

"You're personally billing £56k and you have another four new searches at 33% fee in next month's predictions?"

I try to keep my grin just the polite side of "Smug Bastard."

"That's right, got sign off on three of the four this week and the other one should be any day."

He collapses down opposite me, chuckling a little.

"That's bloody impressive, Cullen."

I shrug. "Luck of the draw really."

It definitely isn't luck. I'm an aggressive salesman and I seem to instinctually know what clients want you to say, most of the time. I'm no doctor or lawyer or professional pianist but, for some reason, this shit I can do. But nobody likes a big head.

"Fantastically well done," Aro praises and I try to stop my head growing. He stares back at the spreadsheet, smiling and shaking his head. "The other business units look good too. We might have a record-breaking month on our hands."

His eyes are glowing with what can only be described as greed. I try not to laugh.

He stands up and throws his hands together. "Anyway, it's Friday. Want to go for a drink to celebrate?"

I swear the fella loves me right now. If there was ever a good time to tell the old man that I'm dating a member of the support team this is probably it, but I resist.

"Can't tonight, I'm afraid. Already have plans."

Plans with my hot assistant who I miss like crazy.

"With a nice bird?" He smirks and I choke. Blokes Aro's age should not say shit like that.

"Something like that."

He goes to leave but turns at the last minute.

"Something's changed about you in recent weeks, Eddie. You're very...focused." He frowns, suspicious but still smirking. "Whatever or whoever it is, keep it up."

I stay silent and just grin. Oh Sweetheart, I think the boss just gave us his blessing.

I practically run home to shower and change before racing to Bella's. It's only been a couple of days but I'm desperate to see her. I guess the feeling is mutual because when she opens the door she grins widely and drags me inside, throwing herself into my arms. Her mouth finds mine, my tongue slides through her parted lips and I groan at the familiar taste I've missed so much.

She kisses me deeply, slipping her delicate fingers into my freshly tamed hair and I couldn't give a fuck if she messes it up because it feels so good.

"Bloody hell," I mutter dragging in a breath. But she isn't done, her mouth sucks my Adam's apple and my hand finds her arse, pulling her tightly to my growing erection.

We finally break apart and I rest my forehead against hers.

"Hey," she whispers, suddenly shy.

I chuckle. "Hi yourself, Sweetheart."

Her fingertips gently brush the stubble on my cheek.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too," I tell her, tasting the skin on her neck, pulling her tightly to me again. "So fucking much."

A deep throat clearing grabs my attention, but I keep Bella close to my side anyway.

"Evening, Emmett. How's it going?"

"Good, good," he grins. "We ready to go?"

"Yep," Bella says, "Just let me get my purse."

She dashes off to her room and I instantly feel the physical loss. For the hundredth time I wonder where I left my bollocks.

"So what's this place like, Ed?" Emmett asks, pulling on his jacket.

"It's a Chinese restaurant," I tell him. "With karaoke and a club after."

"Karaoke?" He grins.

I cringe. "Yeah I know, it's lame but sometimes it's really fucking funny to watch. And their sesame prawn toast is awesome." In truth I secretly love karaoke but I'm not about to admit that embarrassing fact to Emmett.

"No, no that's cool, I'm actually extremely talented," he says and I snigger. "Yep, your Simon Cowell would crawl over 20 teenage girls to sign me."

I hold up my hands. "No judgement, mate."

I've seen him a couple of times this week, I met him and Bella for lunch one day and had them over to my flat on Wednesday evening. Compared to our initial rocky encounter he seems to have warmed to me considerably, and I to him. I guess I can forgive his cold reception, he cares about Bella and had to watch her with that bastard for years, not to mention everything Jake did after they split. When he finds her with her new boyfriend all bruised up then I suppose some suspicion is acceptable. He might just think Bella only picks nasty arse-holes or something.

Now I've gotten to know him I've found I like him too. For a Yank, he's bloody funny and he brings a lightness to Bella that is so beautiful I can hardly be bothered to be jealous anymore.

"Ready," Bella announces and I actually look at her properly for the first time, it's easier to survey someone's outfit when you don't have your tongue down their throat. She dressed in an incredibly tight pair of dark denim jeans that accent her curves so nicely my own jeans feel a little tighter, black high heels and a sparkly silver top. Her hair is down (thank you) and she's made it bigger somehow, one side artfully arranged to cover her eye where you can still make out the slight bruise under her make up. Her lips are pale pink and shiny and I lick my own conscious that she might have transferred some to me. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met and I'm not sure she'll ever stop stunning me.

"You look fucking amazing," I tell her, clearing my throat when it comes out a little croaky.

She smiles and I beg my erection away. "Thank you."

"Yeah you clean up all right, Bells," Emmett says.

Bella turns to grab her bag and I notice the back of her top for the first time.

"Fucking hell."

I can see Emmett's smirk from the corner of my eye but I can't keep my eyes off of my girlfriend, her top is cut so low the beautiful, smooth expanse of her back is on display to everyone. So much fucking skin...my mouth waters with the urge to taste it all.

"You're drooling, man." Emmett slaps his hand on my own back.

I clear my throat again. "Right. Sure. Okay, let's go."

Bella smiles and I give her a soft, teasing kiss. If Emmett weren't here I'm fairly certain we'd be staying in. Cock-blocking tosser.

"Oh, by the way," he says as we go outside. "I invited your friend Rosie tonight. I hope that's okay?"

Marvellous.

Bella and I exchange a glance.

"Um, Em, Edward doesn't -"

"No, no," I quickly interrupt, clearly he doesn't know about Rose and me yet and that's fine by me.

"That's absolutely fine. Of course."

"Awesome," he smiles.

It's going to be a long night.

I needn't have worried about having to talk to Rosalie as for the first half-hour, Bella and I may as well be intruding on Emmett and Rose's first date. Amidst the standard human mating rituals of hair flicking, arm-touching and lip-licking it's obvious that they are actually very suited. Both are confident and talkative but Emmett's easygoing nature counteracts Rose's intensity.

Bizarrely, I feel a flash of concern for Rose. Into her he may be, but Emmett goes home tomorrow so how is this ever going to work out? Unless they are just planning a one-time shag tonight, in which case that's no business of mine. Unbidden images of being in bed with Rose flash into my mind and I shudder a little. It's not that she was bad or anything but every encounter before Bella just seems...wrong.

Considering Bella and I haven't even slept together I realise how crazy this sounds but it's the inescapable truth. Rose and the others were literally just a warm body and a means of reaching orgasm, the emotional connection with Bella makes it completely different. I'm attracted to her in the normal, physical way of course but it's not just an itch to be scratched and forgotten about, it's this all consuming, obsession with touching her, holding her, kissing her, feeling her. Doing anything I can to keep connected. And I don't think it's just the sexual frustration talking, although believe me I am frustrated. Even when we've worked through Bella's problems and cracked this thing, I know that's just going to be the beginning. I'm going to want more and more and more like a crazy, insatiable love and lust addict.

Take right now for instance. Bella leans forward to eagerly introduce yet another helpful topic about Emmett to Rose and I can't take my eyes off of her beautiful back, bared by her sexy top. It's just a back for God's sake but as I watch my finger tips casually trailing down her smooth, warm skin from her neck to her shoulder blades and down and down as far as her chair will allow all I can thinking about is getting her home, alone, where I can study and worship her skin for as long as she'll let me, where I can feel all of her bare flesh against me, where I can suck and lick and...

"Edward?"

I jerk my eyes hastily back to the others.

"Eh?"

Three expectant faces watch me, amused. Emmett lets out a booming laugh.

"Dude, you are so whipped!"

"Shut it, Em," Bella says, smiling gently at me and leaning in to whisper very quietly. "Ignore him. I love how you watch me, how you touch me."

I swallow and try to resist the urge to yank my chair back and throw her onto my lap.

"But..." she says more loudly. "Rose was talking to us."

Rose laughs a little. "I was just asking about Volturi, how things are going over there?"

Lusty thoughts instantly gone, I look at my business rival sharply. "Well I'm not about to talk about clients with you."

She frowns, looking a little hurt.

"I know, Ed. I wasn't..." She takes a deep breath while Bella looks nervous and Emmett looks on confused.

"I wasn't snooping. I would never want you to think that," Rose eventually says. "Just making conversation."

I know the girl is trying to make an effort with me but regardless of what did or didn't go on between us in a personal sense, I'm not going to stop being angry with her for making a play for our client base, and managing to ensnare some of them.

"Whatever, it might just be best we don't talk business, don't you think?" I say through gritted teeth.

"Edward..." Bella says with a warning tone.

"Well, what do you expect me to do? Hand over a copy of our current assignments to the opposition?"

"Bloody hell, Ed!" Rose says, exasperated. "I didn't mean anything by it. I swear. That's all..." She cuts herself off, studying her napkin. "In the past."

"Hold on, have I missed something here?" Emmett says, confused. "I know you guys work for competitor companies but what else?"

The atmosphere at our table has gone from fun and flirty to tense and angry in a matter of minutes.

I watch as Rose grimaces and I imagine my face is a mirror image.

"I used to work for Volturi. Some stuff...happened when I left."

If by stuff she means trying to wreck my career then yeah stuff happened. It's taking everything I have, including Bella's tight grip on my thigh, to stop me from letting Rose have it.

"Professional stuff?" Emmett raises a suspicious eyebrow.

He looks back and forth between Rose and I, as we avoid his gaze and each other's. I sense Bella squirming a little in the chair next to me.

"Oh," he says, clearly understanding. "I get it."

He watches me for a few seconds, considering something before finally breaking the silence.

"All water under the bridge now though, right?"

"Yes," Bella, Rose and I say simultaneously.

"Alright," he says, smiling. "Guess that's yesterday's news then. Now, how about more of that prawn toast stuff..."

Yeah, it's true to say Emmett McCarty is definitely growing on me.

All headhunting talk avoided the evening plays out nicely. Rose and I begin to banter about our familiar bones of contention - politics, music and the best boroughs in London. It's actually strangely pleasant, I'm reminded of our relationship before we scratched the itch we should have left alone, a time when we were actually more rivalrous friends than just colleagues. Bella and Emmett tell us about Seattle and when Bella's eyes become a little wistful I ignore the stab of pain in my chest.

After dinner, with our drinks refreshed, the lights go down and the DJ announces the beginning of the karaoke.

"The usual, Bells?" Emmett grins, taking the songbook eagerly from the waitress' hand.

"The usual?" I choke. "You do karaoke, baby?"

I kinda love how this girl just keeps surprising me.

She smiles reluctantly. "I do one song and that's it, and only with Emmett up there with me."

Emmett nods, looking serious. "We're famous at the local karaoke place in Seattle."

"That's total bollocks!" Bella exclaims giggling, the distinctly British expression causing Rose and I to laugh hard.

I grab my girlfriend and pull her closer to me, planting a kiss on her neck.

"Sweetheart, you must warn me when you're going to go all English on me." I chuckle into her neck, nibble her ear lightly. "You know what it does to me."

"I'm just going to do it more then," she winks, kissing me quickly on the mouth.

She squeals when I reach out and drag her into my lap. Holding her feels really good.

"What's the song then?"

Bella opens her mouth but Emmett quickly interrupts her.

"No way, babe, no reveals till we're on stage. That's the fun of it."

Bella rolls her eyes but keeps quiet.

Rose and I exchange a friendly glance. It's weird...but kinda cool.

Twenty minutes later their names are called and Bella looks decidedly nervous.

"Why do you do it if you're scared?" I ask.

"Because he makes me," she replies, pointing an accusing finger at Emmett, who just smirks and rolls his eyes.

"Now that's bollocks," he replies and I can't help laughing again. "She fucking loves it when we're up there. You wait. Come on, little one."

Bella grins and lets Emmett lead her onto the stage where they begin an enthusiastic, slightly shouty version of Starship's We Built This City. I can't help laughing as I watch them hold hands and jump up and down on the spot, screaming the lyrics and trying not to trip over their microphone wires. It's so clear that I have absolutely no reason to feel threatened by Emmett at all; they are almost as close to being siblings as Alice and I. And she looks so carefree and happy up there. Fucking beautiful.

Speaking of Alice, she is the only person who knows about my secret love of karaoke. If a friend or colleague or woman I'd dated knew that Ed Cullen occasionally indulged in such a tacky activity my credibility would be shot to shit.

But...that looks like too much fun. And I really want to sing something for Bella.

"Hey Rose, pass me that book will you?"

She cocks an eyebrow and hands it over. "Who the hell are you and what did you do with the guy I used to know?"

I don't reply because she already knows he's long gone.

I look back at Bella where she is reaching the crescendo of the song, jumping, laughing. Eyes bright and shining, that gorgeous smile. Her hair wild and flying, her body is all soft, subtle curves. Yes, I know just the right song.

I quickly locate my selection and fill out the slip of paper. I take it to the DJ stand just as Bella and Emmett complete their act to raucous applause.

Bella jumps into my arms, grinning.

"That was perfect," I tease, gently running my fingers through her messed up hair.

She eyes the DJ box.

"Hidden talents, Mr Cullen?"

I smile down at her and tap my nose. "No reveals before the stage, Ms Swan."

"Can't wait. I already know how musical you are." She gives me a pointed look.

Bella has been trying to get me back on the piano stool since we came home from Essex but...I don't know. I just wish I could play without thinking of my father.

We rejoin Rose and Emmett and a little while later they call my name. I knock back my JD & coke and offer Bella a grin.

"Prepare yourself, Sweetheart."

I can't help chuckling to myself as I take the mic from the DJ's hand and wait for the music to cue up.

Ladies and Gentleman of Cheese Fest 2012, we give you Corny Cullen!

I try to channel Frankie Valli, or Andy Williams. The music begins and I watch Bella giggle behind her hand. I have an acceptable singing voice, I'm never going to be Number One but I'm musical enough that I can keep in key with relative ease.

There's my cue. I ignore the screen displaying the already familiar lyrics and just stare at my girlfriend instead.

"You're just too good to be true...can't take my eyes off of you.

You'd be like heaven to touch...I wanna hold you so much."

I'm vaguely aware of Emmett grinning and Rose looking on slightly slack jawed but all I can focus on is Bella.

"Pardon the way that I stare...there's nothing else to compare.

The sight of you leaves me weak...there are no words left to speak.

But if you feel like I feel...please let me know that it's real."

She grins at me indulgently, her hands clasped excitedly at her throat and - my God - I love her. When the chorus storms in I make a bit of a show, moving across the little stage, half singing half laughing, never taking my eyes away from her laughing face.

I belt it out.

"I love you, baby! And if it's quite all right I need you, baby, to warm the lonely nights!"

Emmett shouts and whoops, stealing my attention for a second, Rose is almost in hysterics. I don't blame her, she has certainly never seen me behave so embarrassingly before. Probably because I never have.

I find Bella's eyes again and sing the remaining words to her, before finishing with a little bow.
I return to the table to receive yet another back-slap from Emmett, an amused "well done" from Rose, and damn hot kiss from my bird.

"Amazing," she says. "Thank you."

We laugh our way through another hour of karaoke before the DJ takes over. They start playing some great tunes so we hit the dance floor. I'm having a ridiculous amount of fun.

"Another drink?" I ask the others when I realise I'm parched. Bella has been going easy on the sauce tonight, after last week, alternating alcohol and soft.

"Seven and seven, please" She yells in my ear.

I roll my eyes. "Translation?"

After a somewhat complicated explanation I establish that really she just means whisky and lemonade.

"Weird American," I tease, slapping her arse lightly.

"Crazy Brit," she laughs, kissing me.

I'm waiting for the barman to get free when I notice Rose next to me.

"Need a hand?"

"Sure,"

Silence.

We wait.

And wait some more.

"Didn't take you for a karaoke man?"

I offer a wry smile. "I'm not usually."

Rose watches me carefully.

"I think maybe I didn't know you at all."

I think maybe it's time she and I cleared the air. For Bella. For me, too.

I turn to face her, letting out a deep breath. "You only knew who I was willing to show you, Rose."

She nods, speaks quietly. "I know. I get it now."

I watch as she contemplates her words carefully.

"Listen, I need to apologise. You were right at dinner, I have no business asking you about work after I tried to hamstring you."

She pauses.

"I was pissed off. At you, at me more. I...I was hurt and I lashed out."

I move slightly closer.

"I know. It's okay. I'm fairly certain I deserved it, actually."

I hold her gaze. I need to apologise; if we're going to be in each others lives again we need a clean slate.

"Rosalie, I'm so sorry." Even as the words leave my lips I feel a little lighter. "I was a dickhead. A spineless, cold, selfish dickhead and you didn't deserve to have your feelings hurt by me."

She stares and I jump out of my skin when the barman interrupts us. I hastily order our drinks, while Rose studies a beer mat. When I've paid and the barman disappears she begins speaking again in that same quiet, measured voice.

"I'm sorry too. For a long time I was angry at you, I convinced myself that you'd led me on."

I grimace.

"But the truth is I'm just as much to blame, I understand that now. You were very clear, right from the start, and I was a fool for trying to make it into something it wasn't."

She's right, and she's wrong and I'm both too. And really what does it matter whose fault it was?

"It was just a bad situation," I tell her. "We were both just totally-"

"Stupid," she finishes.

"Yeah," I smile and hold my beer bottle just a few inches off the table to tap it against hers.

She smiles back. "Did you just toast being stupid?"

"I toasted that we were both stupid."

She laughs genuinely and it really is a pleasant sound, there is no denying that she's beautiful even if she holds nothing to interest me now.

I lift my eyes to the dance floor, seeking the brunette who does hold my interest and more. Who owns me.

"I don't want to be stupid anymore, Rose."

"I know. And you're not." She follows my roaming gaze. "She knows you're not."

"I'm crazy about her. It's kinda scary," I admit, with a chuckle. I'm not sure why I would admit that to Rosalie but there's something about sharing a history with someone, laying all your awkward cards on the table only to survive at the end of the game, that makes you feel like you can say anything without fear.

"I know," she replies. "But also kinda amazing I'm guessing?"

I grin. "Totally amazing."

"Well then," she shrugs, takes a long gulp of her drink.

"You know what I was thinking before," she continues, sounding a lot more relaxed. "How we were actually friends before all this and that was...cool."

"I was thinking the same thing."

She turns to face me, one elbow leaning on the bar and a relieved smile on her face.

She holds out her perfectly manicured hand.

"Mates, then?"

Acting entirely on impulse I ignore the handshake and throw one arm around her shoulder, pulling her in for a brief hug that she tentatively returns.

"Mates," I tell the top of her head.

I release her and she grins, looking like a weight has been lifted. I feel the same.

"Cool. Well I'm just going to go find Emmett then."

I can't help but notice the blush that crawls up her face at the mention of his name.

I grin, knowingly. "Right."

I want to ask her what she is planning with him, I don't want her hurt, but that's none of my business anymore and it hardly was to begin with.

With a shy smile, Rose disappears into the crowd with her and Emmett's drinks.

"Hey," the familiar American voice comes from behind me and makes me jump a little guiltily.

I spin around. "Baby...we were just chatting and-"

Bella interrupts, laughing. "I know, silly. I saw."

She wraps her arms around me, kissing my cheek and then my neck before murmuring in my ear.

"Thank you for doing that."

I shrug. "She's a good girl, I didn't want her to hate me forever or anything."

"I'm not sure anyone could hate you, Edward Cullen."

I lean down and brush my lips with hers.

"Do you know anyone who could love me?"

"I know someone who does love you."

While she kisses me I slide my hands over the exposed skin of her back and neck and marvel at how being so vulnerable also makes me feel so strong at the same time.

"Home?" she asks, eventually.

And because I know she loves Mr Big, and goofiness and - apparently - me, I reply:

"Abso-fucking-lutely."

The next day Bella insists that we accompany Emmett to Heathrow. I think she still feels guilty about overlooking his arrival although I'd say a head injury is a fairly good excuse.

I know she's upset that her friend is returning home, this week has been good for her, that much is obvious. He keeps her grounded and secure and I only hope that once he has gone, I am able to do the same. Later on today she is going back to therapy and I can't stand the idea of her being as upset afterwards as she was last week.

We arrive early and Emmett has a while yet before check in.

After having coffee Emmett says, "Hey, Bells, do you wanna go take a look round the stores while I have a word with your man here?"

I'm slightly alarmed and Bella is frowning.

"What about?" she asks suspiciously, and I'm curious myself.

Emmett just looks at her. Eventually, she says. "Fine, but don't be an asshole."

She leans down and kisses my cheek.

"Ignore everything he says."

Emmett rolls his eyes. Bella leaves and I look at him expectantly. I think we've come a long way since his arrival so I'd better not be about to get another lecture. This big brother bit is sweet and all but Bella's not a child.

He considers me for a moment.

"So...?" I prompt.

"You're good for her," he finally says and I breathe a sigh of relief.

"You're right together. I wasn't totally convinced from her emails. It seemed a little soon, a little hasty. And her boss too, that's risky. I wanted to meet you."

I keep my face unreadable.

"And?"

"And you're crazy about her." He shrugs. "That's obvious even to me. The way you look at her, it's like you'd jump in front of a bullet for her."

"I would," I tell him, honestly.

"I'm no way going to mention anything about her...situation. I don't want to know the details and it's none of my damn business."

"No it's not."

He nods. "Right. But I wondered what sort of guy...why you would accept that. But now I know why."

"I have no choice," I murmur.

"Exactly. You guys need to be together, so I guess you need to deal with that together."

"Yes."

"You're not going to hurt her." It's a statement, not a question, but I nod anyway.

"I'm glad she has you here," he finishes, with a sigh.

"I'm glad she still has you," I admit. "She's different around you, lighter. You make her strong, Emmett."

He shakes his head, smiling. "Nah, I don't think she needs me for that anymore."
I offer him a grateful smile back.

"We need to talk about Jake though."

The sudden change of topic throws me and I instantly feel on edge just at the mention of that bastard's name.

"I'm listening," I say through gritted teeth.

"Bella is kidding herself that he's out of her life. She ended it, she left, he-" Emmett swallows hard, locks his jaw. "Well you know what he did."

"Yes." My fists are clenched.

Emmett bores his eyes into mine.

"Even after everything, Ed, it's clear he still hasn't got the message."

He lets out a breath. "He's been to my place, twice, still looking for her. Says he has unfinished business with her, he still calls her his wife."

I remember the phone call from weeks ago, how little I knew about everything then, and I feel sick.

"He called the office, said the same thing."

Emmett nods. "I'm not surprised."

He leans forward. "That guy is fucking dangerous. I've known him for a long time and he has never seemed entirely normal to me. His buddies in the fucked up town I'm from all think he's a God, the locals think he's something special but I've seen a side of him that's nasty as fuck. And so has Bella."

"He's a drunk, and a violent fucker, but that's not even it. I just feel like something isn't right, you know?" He taps two fingers to the side of his head.

I nod, absorb this information, catalogue it away so I can be prepared.

"He knows she came to England and...I think he'll come here."

It's what I feared but I'm not surprised.

Emmett looks a little wild and I know how he feels.

"He cannot get near her," he almost begs. "I've seen what he's capable of and if I hadn't...I can't even-"

"Hey," I interrupt, holding his eyes with mine. "He's not going to touch her. You have my word, Emmett."

He nods, takes a deep breath. "Okay, okay, good. That's good."

"Wow, this looks intense," Bella says, startling us both and sliding into the seat next to me.

Emmett offers her a forced smile. "Just the usual, babe, gotta make sure he's good enough for you."

I can't even find the energy to make a quip back, my mind still reeling from Emmett's warning and the obvious fear I saw on his face.

"You okay, baby?" she asks.

Emmett sends me a glance, I force a smile too. What's the point of freaking her out?

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Anyway, I better go check in," Emmett announces standing up and we walk him over to the departure desks.

"Great to meet you, man," he tells me and I shake his hand, he pulls me towards him for more back slapping and then gives me an actual fist bump. Who fist bumps without being ironic? This dude is so American. Wait, did I just say "dude"?

"Take care, mate. Safe flight," I tell him.

I step back a little while he picks Bella off the floor in a huge hug. He whispers something to her that I don't catch and she nods, tearful.

"Bye," she whispers, turning and grabbing my hand. I offer him a wave and turn us to walk away.

I watch her as we exit the airport and she hastily brushes away tears. I don't bother to ask if she's okay, she obviously misses him and I know that.

"I'll be okay in a moment," she tells me and we walk in silence to the Tube. She gets a grip of herself quickly and squeezes my hand tight. On the train she snuggles into my side and I pull her close.

"I love you," she whispers into my chest.

I kiss the top of her head, inhale the smell of her hair.

"I love you too, baby."

We sit quietly and I watch the stations whiz by. I eventually ask the question I've been dying to voice all morning.

"Are you going to be okay later? When you see Maggie, I mean."

She turns her head to face me.

"Yes. I promise. Last week I was so stupid, I can't tell you how sorry I am, Edward. I just felt overwhelmed by it all but I'm prepared now, I know what to expect and I know it'll be okay."

She pauses, reaches up and brushes her thumb over my bottom lip. "I feel different now, better and stronger."

I nod. "Because of Emmett."

She frowns, then chuckles. "No, dummy, because of you."

My heart, my body's Bella compass, begins to beat harder.

"Really?"

She smiles, pulling my face down to hers. "Yes, of course. Last week I pushed you away because I'm a moron. I'm not going to do that again."

She kisses me briefly, so softly. "You make me feel better, Edward. Every day. And I'm going to get better, for both of us."

"I'm glad," I whisper back a little shakily.

She snuggles back into my side, turns her head to watch the window. "I know I need to relive my past with Maggie, and that's okay. Because once that's done I can build my future and move on."

My mind is full of images of a man I've never met and of all he did to the woman I love, and all he could do in the future. I cuddle her closer.

"I hope so, baby," I whisper.

A/N

The first time my husband sang karaoke for me I cried. Not even joking. BUT it was my birthday and I was really drunk so that's my excuse.

Disclaimer: ALL the Americans I know are "bloody funny", and make me happy every day. Also, "Crazy Brit" is copyrighted to bornonhalloween ;-) *ironic fistbump*

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Amber x