(9) Santa Monica

My mind came up with two solutions the first solution was to run and run very fast. The second solution was to stay where I was at because there were plenty of witnesses to prevent Edward from killing me. I chose solution number one without thinking thoroughly.

I turned to jump off the clustered bar and the bright light glided right in my eyes. I moved my hands to shield my face from the light and slipped on a puddle of liquid near the ledge. I fell back in slow motion trying to grab the ledge and push my foot into the open cabinet. My foot refused to cooperate and I saw the people upside down with looks of horror.

I plummeted to the ground and would have cracked my head on the linoleum but Edward caught me within an inch of the cemented floor. I heaved a huge sigh of relief and saw him grimace.

He helped me up and brought us around to the exit of the bar. His hand was wrapped firmly around my arm and he was tugging me behind him.

He was almost to the outside doors and I saw Jasper staring after us and going out the back door. He probably went to go find Alice and make sure she was okay. I was still a little drunk and I moved against Edwards pull and tried to shove his hand off my arm. A couple of guys near the exit noticed me struggling and stood up.

"Hey man it doesn't look like she wants to go with you." The taller guy said and moved to block our exit. His other friend moved to the other side of us and crossed his arms in front of him.

"Leave us alone." Edward growled and tried to push through them. He moved me so I was directly next to him with his hand on my waist.

"I don't think so." The friend said and I noticed that he was built like a wrestler. He had a tattoo of a skull and rose on his bicep. His arms were comparatively larger than Emmett's. The other guy had matching arms but no tattoos graced his biceps.

Edward stopped and looked fiercely at the guy. He was trying to control his anger and keep me safe. He moved within an inch of the two guys. Jasper silently appeared next to me and I felt relaxed in my induced state.

Jasper stood menacingly beside me and glared at the friend ready to rip him apart if he dared to touch me. I looked frightened beside Edward and held onto his arm tighter.

"I don't want to fight you." Edward stated and I examined the words. It wouldn't really be a fight because Edward and Jasper were dangerously strong and fighting involved another party being able to hit.

The two men glared at Edward and sized him and Jasper. I could tell their intentions and so could Edward. He shoved me behind Jasper and caught the guy's fist before he made contact with his face. Jasper moved in front of me protectively and Alice appeared next to me. She held onto me in case I did anything stupid like get involved in the fight.

Edward's hand was still holding the guy's fist and he tightened his hand. The guy yelled and begin to shake against the strength of his hand being crushed. Edward let go and the guy clutched his hand and moved to the back of the crowd.

His friend went to raise his arm and Jasper moved behind him and shoved him into the wall. The shove was looked so effortless yet the guy slammed into the wall with damaging force. Two frames fell from the wall and a small crack formed from the guy's head.

I clutched Alice's arm and gasped. I was beginning to get sober and frightened at the same time. Alice moved her arm around my shoulders and led me out of the bar. People parted from the door entrance to let us through. I saw astonished looks from the girls and the guys looked like they wanted to challenge the Cullen's but couldn't muster the courage.

Edward reached me and Alice handed me over to him. I wiped a few tears using the sleeve of my jacket. We walked to Alice's Porsche and stood by the driver's side.

"I'm so sorry." I said and a few more tears escaped my eyes. I wiped them and looked away.

"Don't cry," Edward said quietly and wiped a few drops from my chin. His beautiful face was wrinkled with concern and he put his fingers on my neck. "I would never forgive myself if something happened to you."

Jasper walked over to Edward. "I know Jasper." Edward motioned for Alice and Jasper. Alice walked over to me and opened her door.

"Wait, I said." I saw them focus their attention on me. "I would like to go to Santa Monica pier." Edward began to protest this decision.

Alice came up behind me. "That is a wonderful idea. The beach at night is luminous and we could walk along the pier. I'm so excited."

Jasper and Alice both looked at Edward. He was beginning to feel outnumbered. Why was he worried it was only the beach? It's not like a huge wave was going to come and sweep us away. Well I won't mention that because I didn't want to put ideas into his head.

Edward sighed deeply. "Why must I always be the voice of reason? If it makes you happy Bella, that let's do it."

"But what about the car?" I said and saw Edward think the same thing. A yellow cab pulled up to the front entrance. He looked at me and the cab smiling because of the perfect timing.

"Alice, you and Jasper take the Porsche. Follow behind us." He grabbed my hand and we walked to the yellow cab.

I saw the cabdriver look in his rearview mirror, which had an air freshener dangling below.

"Santa Monica Pier please." Edward announced and settled into the backseat next to me. He put his arm around my shoulders and I smelled the intoxicating scent from his skin. I rested my head on his shoulders and felt the night breeze.

"Edward, I am so glad you're here." I said and rubbed his hand. "When did you start to come?"

"Not that long ago." He said sheepishly and looked out the window. I saw the Porsche following behind us.

"How long ago?" I asked and looked up at him expectantly.

"Well, I was close enough." He admitted and watched my reaction. I looked at him and rolled my eyes. I pushed myself up and stared at him.

"How close?" I demanded and saw his eyes become troubled.

"Bella, be happy were here and you're safe. You always were near me."

"Edward, that's not fair." I proclaimed and laid my head down again. I blew out a huge breath of air and saw the streets narrow. The Santa Monica Pier sign announced it's welcoming.

Edward paid the cab fare and we walked onto the sidewalk. He had his arm around my shoulders as the cool wind blew. I immediately smelled the ocean brine flowing around us. The temperature was a vast difference between Fork's weather and Los Angeles weather. I needed a jacket but not a bundle of clothing.

"So what's the plan?" I asked as we headed for the pier.

"I booked us a flight to Washington and Alice will drive the Porsche with Jasper." He walked along the edge of the pier. I saw the sturdy boards underneath our feet. The water looked murky and black below us. I shivered and hoped the dock was secure because it would suck to fall into the water.

Alice and Jasper walked ahead of us hand in hand. I smiled up at Edward. I stood on my tiptoes and put my arms around his neck. He rubbed my back and showed his crooked smile.

"I hope we can stay a little longer." I murmured and watched his reaction.

"The flight is at eight tomorrow morning." He replied and bent to kiss me. I felt his mouth press against mine with his flawless lips moving to my rhythm. I felt his lips stiffen and his hand pushed me away. I sighed and knew he was just calming my overreaction to his kiss. Then I saw his body go in front of mine protectively and I felt a chill run down my spine.

"What is it Edward?" I asked quietly my voice shook.

"Shh, Bella." He whispered and looked fiercely at the crowd of people.