Chapter 12

EPOV

As I lay here holding Bella I can't help but think of the story she just told me. What kind of hell has she been through in her short life? The abductions definitely explain all the security, especially if Aro was involved, he is free and she is forced to interact with him at times, she must have nerves of steel. I was more curious than ever about her marriage now, but I recognized that she would tell me when she was ready. I just hoped when she was ready I would be too, I had a feeling I would not like most of story she told.

A breeze was blowing off the water and Bella shivered before settling in closer to me. I picked up the blanket and wrapped us in it, I enjoyed her in my arms too much to go inside yet. How did this lovely woman come to mean so much to me in so short of a time? I loved her, I knew I did and I also knew she was not even close to being ready to hear me say it. While I was extremely happy she was opening up to me, I wanted to tell her how I felt. She cared for me I could tell she did but I could also see the struggle within her, she felt like she was betraying her husband on some level and that held her back. Did she love me? I wasn't sure but I knew it was close to love if not that already. I would wait as long as it takes, she was worth the wait and I had been waiting a long time.

My mind kept floating back to Aro and what we had learned so far. We was definitely smuggling, the discrepancies in the shipping logs verified that fact. What was he smuggling and why had he backed off so suddenly? He had to know by now that we had found the bugs and removed them. We hadn't made a secret of sweeping the offices or that we were looking hard at upper management. Did he suspect that Bella had told us about that possibility? I didn't think so, if he thought she was involved he would have acted by now against her, I think.

We contacted the FBI about Aro and what we suspected he was doing, at this point nothing could be done. Essentially he needed to be caught in the act for them to do anything. They were watching the docks and our shipments but since the board meeting the shipments hadn't been tampered with. Interpol had also been contacted so they could keep an eye on the countries we shipped to. We needed Aro to believe that we had moved on from this so he would start up his activity again. The first step was to bring Eleazar Denali into our circle more or at least make him think we were. He was in on things with Aro that we were sure of, so we pull him in and he reports to Aro that we don't suspect him and hopefully Aro starts shipping again.

The next question was what to do about Tanya. On one hand I didn't want to believe what Bella had told me, on the other hand though I knew this was right up her alley. As desperate as she appeared to be getting I had to agree with Bella that on some level she was involved with her father and Aro. I found myself hoping she was just a pawn in all this mess, she would not do well in prison at all. Plus she was working with Jacob Black. When I first overheard Bella talking to her reporter friend I was hurt that she would have someone dig into my past instead of just asking. Then I heard her say that she had asked me and I didn't know what Black's problem was with me and she is right I don't. That is when it made sense to me to have an outsider look into things, she was right someone else might see or find something that I was missing or just never deemed important. What I couldn't figure out was how Tanya and Jacob even knew each other, he was not someone she would normally associate with. Yes he had money but it would be considered 'new' money and Tanya had always had a thing for 'old' money and the prestige associated with it, her two ex-husbands confirmed that fact and that she would always marry up.

"Mmmm...Edward...need you...stay..." I looked down and Bella was still sound asleep, she was dreaming about me and I couldn't help but smile. I whispered, "I'll stay as long as you let me Bella." She sighed, "always...want you...forever..." and she squeezed me tighter to her. This moment gave me hope that she was at least starting to love me. I needed her in my life and I realized in that moment I wanted her as my wife. Getting her to agree would be an uphill battle, my father was right when he said she was fiercely loyal, it was one of her best qualities. How to convince her that loving me would not be betraying Edgar? I would definitely have to keep my opinions to myself concerning some of the things he exposed her to. Attacking Edgar would be like attacking her and would not end well for me or what I wanted.

I was just letting things float in my mind trying to make connections when I made one that shocked me and had me quickly rethinking my opinion of Edgar Sinclair. Was I really any better than him when it came to Bella? She was in danger now and being harassed by Tanya because of me and my business dealings. I only knew as much as I did because of her. I decided I would be very open minded when she told me her and Edgar's story, maybe he couldn't control things any better than I could when she was drawn into everything.

I could feel the sun on my face and fingers being run through my hair, then she licked from my collarbone to my ear which she bit. "Uhh Bella you need to stop." She pulled back and I opened my eyes, she had an unsure look on her face. "Bella it isn't that I didn't like it, I did a lot. But after holding you all night and the dream I was having when you did that I don't think I would be able to stop until I made love to you and neither of us are ready for that yet." I rolled over on top of her so could feel my morning wood and how very much I did want her. "Plus when I do make love to you it will take all night. I will worship your body like you deserve to be worshipped and when the sun rises you will have no doubt as to how very much you mean to me." I leaned down and kissed her before standing and offering her my hand to help her up.

"That is not fair or a very nice thing to do Edward. It was almost down right cruel of you." She said pretending to pout.

I chuckled at her. "Come on and get up, let's get some breakfast. Unfortunately I have some work I need to do today as much as I would like to spend another day at camp."

She laughed as I pulled her up. "So what is the boy scout making for breakfast?" I almost dropped her and she was laughing harder. "You should see the look on your face. I take it you don't cook?"

"No, I pretty much served up the entire menu of what I can make last night."

"Good thing for you I can cook so let's go make some breakfast." Once we were in the kitchen she started pulling out eggs, bacon, fruit and vegetables, she looked like she was cooking for an army.

"You do realize that there are only two of us?" She stuck her tongue out at me as she laughed.

"Yes I do, but I am meeting with Sensei Moore later and I need energy for that. If this is too much for your system old man I am sure I can whip up some bran muffins for you."

Oh no, she did not just say that. "Did you just call me old?"

"No, I asked if this was too much for your old man system. You are the one who implied it might too much for you." Then she had the nerve to laugh at me. I got up and stalked over to her - she did not look scared I might add.

"Are you seriously calling me old?" I asked boxing her in against the counter.

"Am I calling you old - yes. Am I doing it seriously - no. Would you rather I called you seasoned?" And she ducked under my arms going back to the stove. "I don't like either term." I murmured but she heard me anyway.

She jumped up on the counter next to me and pulled me in between her legs. "Edward, I really was joking. You do realize that you are 5 years younger than Edgar would be today?" I nodded. "I would never be happy with someone my own age Edward, I am not interested in the party scene and all that. I want someone to settle down with and who can take care of me, not someone I have to baby sit. Does the age difference bother you that much?"

"No I hadn't even thought about it before, I think I was just caught off guard. If it doesn't bother you than I am fine."

"I love to tease people Edward, I am sure you know this, don't be surprised when I tease you too but please know it is only teasing." She leaned forward and whispered in my ear, "you could call me little girl and I could call you sugar daddy?" I growled and crushed her lips to mine, god the fantasy that conjured should be illegal.

"Ok smart ass I get the picture, now make me breakfast before I go off to earn my pay. It is actually your fault I have to leave anyway."

"My fault?"

"Yes, yours. I received a bid late Friday from Swan Enterprises and I have to admit, if they can do what they are proposing it sounds fascinating. Can you really do it?"

"We have done it in a few select test cases and the results are amazing. However, so far we have only done it on very new amputations with skin grafts used to fuse the prosthesis to the limb, and titanium is fused directly to the bone. It is quite the process and the chip technology to interpret the brains signals, it really is like something out of a sci fi movie and so promising. What we need to find out now is if we can do it on a larger scale than what is currently being used."

"Do you think you can? I would love to be involved in this and see the technology for myself."

"I think we can. The other firms that were invited to bid also have someone in their organization with a medical background. I really can't tell you anymore about it without appearing to be playing favorites but I can tell you this - read the bid very carefully and look for ways to get what you want. It is not blatantly spelled out so read between the lines. I have faith that you will know what I am talking about when you see it."

"Ok, I will go over it with a fine tooth comb then, I really want this contract Bella and I am sure the others will too once I tell them about it."

"To be honest I hope you get it, but this is business Edward so you have to win it fair and square. Now, finish your breakfast and go get to work, Sensei Moore will be here soon to put me through my paces."

I hurried up and finished breakfast, I wanted to look at that bid. Bella sounded excited about it so maybe it would be keeping her in Seattle if we won it. I pulled her to me to kiss her before I left and I couldn't help whispering in her ear, "I will call you later little girl."

"Ok, I'll talk to you later sugar daddy." She purred and cue my hard-on. I wouldn't be calling her that very often if this was the reaction I had to her response. She laughed and said "have a good afternoon Edward." She knew exactly the reaction she got from me as she shut the door in my face. She could be so frustrating but I had to admit it was one of the things that drew me to her - she did not take my bullshit.

Aro POV

I was still fuming over the way the board meeting had gone. The Sinclair bitch was still a thorn in my side. Edgar had done a very effective job of protecting her before he died and she had kept up with all of it. It was impossible to get to her without them knowing it was me. I was just as certain that she is the one who tipped off the Cullen's that their offices were bugged, her phone call was just too well timed. My money was on Richard Campbell wearing some kind of detecting device, I should have remembered about that. Her threats were empty, I was sure of it. I have tested her time and time again and she has never given any indication that she knew anything about my business with Edgar.

Now Cullen was sniffing around because I wasn't able to get him out. He was too straight laced for his own good. I thought Jacob Black would be a good substitute but he is consumed with beating Cullen and his business is suffering. I can't afford to have a business go under that brings all kinds of audits. Now Black's obsession with Isabella was very convenient. He had no idea of the kind of security she had around her or that she could easily kick his ass either. If he would just take her that may give me the diversion I needed to complete my delivery. If it came down to it I could have Cullen taken and make it look like the target was Isabella and he was taken instead. That would be a last resort that bitch would stop at nothing to get him back I am sure.

If the Denali slut had been able to reel him in none of this would be necessary. She had one last chance to get him away from Isabella. If she couldn't deliver this time I would give her to Felix to pay her debt. As his wife she would be treated just like she deserved. He has been all but begging for her.

The only good thing so far is that Eleazar was being pulled in as an advisor to the Cullen's. He was helping them go over their staff and contracts to look for clues as to who may be doing this. I needed him to lead them astray enough so I could make the last delivery. I wasn't sure I had the kind of time that any of these plans would take to show results. At most I estimated I had 2-3 weeks before I had to take drastic measures to save myself. I had nothing against Isabella or Edward personally except for the fact that they kept screwing up my business but I would sacrifice them in a heartbeat to save myself.

BPOV

The look on Edward's face was priceless when I shut the door. I'm a joker what can I say. I do hope the age difference doesn't really bother him because it was too much fun to tease him about. I was glad he was so excited about the bid. I did hope The Cullen Group won it, this was right up his alley and we both knew it. The bid was worded such that the bidders could take a limited tour of the current operation facility if they requested it. They would need to sign confidentiality agreements and no one person was allowed to see the entire thing but they could get in. I was hoping he figured out the loophole that allowed him access, it had been put in intentionally because it would be hard to do an accurate bid without viewing the process. This was almost a test to see which bidders could figure out how to get in.

The week flew by and Edward and I were able to get together a few times for lunch but both of us were extremely busy. He never once mentioned the bid again and I was grateful. I had meant it when I said it was business, I could not show him any favoritism and keep my credibility in the business community. We had one request from a firm in Boston to tour the facility and when we reminded them the bid says no one may tour the entire facility they immediately backed down, they had not found the loophole.

I had a meeting with Emmett to tell him Cullen Construction had won the contract for San Diego. We had concerns about one of the local contractors because they worked closely with The Black Trust but if Emmett felt he could keep an eye on them that was fine with me. We made arrangements to announce next week in San Diego, we were both sure Jacob Black would be on hand to make a scene. Stephen would have a fit when I told him about this trip. I am sure the level of security he would insist on would drive me insane. I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard a call to hold the elevator. I was surprised to see it was Edward.

"What floor Mr. Cullen?"

"Your floor Mrs. Sinclair?" I raised an eyebrow at him in question.

"Something I can do for you?"

"Yes, I believe that I am your 2 o'clock meeting."

"Really? I know Gabe, Allan and I have a 2:00 meeting but Sue didn't tell me who it was with. Interesting." Edward looked to Anthony, who was standing behind me. He was getting use to always having someone close to me. The elevator doors opened and we walked to the conference room where Gabe and Allan were waiting for us. After everyone was comfortable I turned to Edward to start the meeting.

"What can we do for you today Mr. Cullen?"

"The Cullen Group needs to tour the Chicago facility to accurately submit a bid. I am here requesting permission to do that."

I looked at Gabe and Allan before turning to Edward. "The bid clearly states that no one may tour the facility. I'm sorry but we can't allow that."

He smiled and turned to the section of the contract that dealt with a facility visit. "I beg to differ Mrs. Sinclair. The bid states that no one may tour the entire facility. What I propose is that 4 Cullen Group executives be allowed to tour 4 different areas of the facility. That keeps any one of us from seeing everything and the confidentiality agreements are not a problem."

I smirked at him, "I don't see a problem with a tour then. When did you want to set this up?"

"Would it be possible to do it next week?"

"Next week is fine. I will be in San Diego the later part of the week announcing the Foundation's contract award but Gabe or Allan could accompany you on the visit."

"Could we push it to the week after next then?"

"Yes, I would be able to do it the beginning of that week. Have someone get with Sue and she will make the travel arrangements for everyone. If you like everyone could stay at Swan Manor."

"That would be great Isabella and I'll be in touch." He stood up and shook our hands before leaving. Gabe looked at me with a smirk.

"I swear I did not give him any hints on the clause. He hasn't even brought up the contract since he first received it."

"I believe you," Gabe said. "But boy do you both have it bad."

"Shut it Gabe." I said laughing as I went to my office. I knew Edward would figure it out, now the question remained how many others would? Bids wouldn't even be considered from a firm that didn't.

The weekend came and it was time for the Cullen's BBQ. Esme had been a trooper about my security. Stephen and I had had several go rounds about the BBQ until I broke down and asked Esme if we could come talk to her. When he saw the guest list included the Volturi brothers and Tanya Denali he said the only way I could attend was if Anthony was my date. I killed that idea real fast, there was no way Edward would agree to that and I didn't want it anyway. I was just getting ready to apologize to Esme because I wouldn't ruin her party with my security when she asked Stephen what it would take for me to be able to attend.

"After dark we would need a boat on the water. During the entire party I need 2 guys on the roof and 2 circulating outside with 1 inside. I would also need a room so we could keep an eye on her tracker and panic button." I looked at him like he was nuts.

"Done" Esme said, "do what ever it takes for you to feel comfortable with everything."

"No, Esme. You should not have your house taken over because you invited me. It is fine really."

"It's not fine Bella. Edward would never forgive me if I didn't make it safe for you and he will not attend without you. I see the changes in him and I know it is because of you and what the 2 of you are building. I insist on this. Make her safe Stephen, whatever it takes."

"Thank you Mrs. Cullen. I will have someone here early Saturday morning to start on everything. The other guys will show up as regular guests, no one will know why they are here." The next thing I knew Stephen was dragging me out of there to consult with the rest of the team.

I arrived early so I could help Esme and meet Edward's family. Emmett wasn't technically family but he and Edward were as close as brothers. I had never met Emmett's wife or Edward's sister and her husband. Emmett's wife, Rosalie, was gorgeous if a little stand offish. She didn't seem bitchy like the others, just guarded and I could understand that. His sister, Alice, was a force to be reckoned with, I had no idea one person could have so much energy. She was convinced that we would be close friends and started rattling off about shopping and everything, I felt bad reminding her that I oversaw 2 companies and didn't have an abundance of spare time. She looked so dejected I found myself promising to try to find time to fit in a shopping trip with her. Alice's husband, Jasper, was the calm to her storm, they were the perfect example of opposites attracting. He was very laid back and just went with the flow. I had never been around a family of this size and it was interesting to watch how they interacted with each other. I had often been alone as a child but it was times like this, when I watched families together that I realized how truly alone I had been.

Guests were arriving and I saw Kate, who I had met at Hope House, she couldn't keep eye contact with me. Angela Weber arrived and I talked with her for awhile, she was very nice and had been since I first arrived. I lost track of Edward when he was pulled aside by Mr. Yorkie to discuss a business deal they were doing together. I noticed Anthony had arrived and he did not look happy. As I made my way over to him I passed a group of ladies I had seen before but had never been introduced to.

"I heard he is only dating her because she saved his job and he feels obligated."

"Well my husband said he is after a big contract her company has out and what better way to get it than to sleep with her."

"Maybe he is having a mid-life crisis. I mean she is young and maybe he is trying to recapture his youth. He belongs with someone his own age."

I finally reached Anthony to see if there was a problem. "Is something wrong Anthony?"

"No, Ma'am everything is fine from a security standpoint."

"Is there something else?"

"I just don't like some of things I am hearing."

"Walk with me by the water, please. Does this have anything to do with what is being said about me? Or more specifically Edward and I?"

"Yes, these people don't even know you and the things they are saying, it is bad enough with the women but the men are just disgusting. They are intentionally talking loud enough for you to hear them. Do they not have any shame or care what the truth is?"

I looked across the crowd and saw Edward frowning my direction, probably worrying about why Anthony was with me. I smiled and waved so he would know everything was fine. He returned my smile and continued his conversation. "No they don't care if I hear them or not. You need to let it go too Anthony. They are looking for a reaction and I refuse to give them one. Perhaps I can pretend not to notice because it happens everywhere I go and I have no idea what causes it. I use to wonder if it was jealousy, ignorance or plain malice. I hate to admit it happens so often I have stopped trying to decipher it and just ignore it. Neither they nor their gossip are worth your trouble Anthony, believe me, just let it go."

"As you wish ma'am, we need to get back closer to the house."

As we approached the party the whispers had changed to how now I was on the prowl for someone younger. It was getting hard to determine if the jabs were meant against me or Edward. I went inside to use the powder room, just to get a moment to myself to regroup and plaster my smile back on when I was stopped by Alice. She had a question about the party I would be having at Sinclair House in 2 weeks and if it would be appropriate to bring her 4 year old daughter. I think because of how we were standing the men must not have been able to see her, people had been very careful to not talk about us when I was around one of the Cullen's.

"Can you blame Edward for tapping that I mean just look at her, with that body she must be a hellcat in the bedroom."

"Yeah, I wouldn't mind Cullen's seconds if it was with her."

"From what I heard she has really been throwing herself at him. I if you could get a young thing like that you'd be plowing her too."

Alice gasped. "Ignore it Alice. Do not say anything."

"How do you expect me to ignore it?"

"Trust me it is only worse if you engage them. I am sorry that their malice towards me is running over onto Edward and your family, had I thought it would be this bad I would have declined to attend. Do not tell Edward, I am a big girl and can take what they throw at me, it will just make things harder for him if he defends me publicly."

"Bella, I can not just let this go. I mean..."

"Yes you can and you need to. Please show me to the powder room, I just need a moment to myself."

"Very well Bella, if that is what you want."

"It is and thank you Alice."

I looked at myself in the mirror and felt like breaking down, but that would get me nowhere. I didn't want Edward to know what was happening, he would not deal with it well at all. He had a hard time at the Edgewater, this would freak him out totally. I wasn't ready to lose what I had with him yet and I worried that this type of thing would do it. As I opened the door to the powder room Edward was standing against the wall waiting for me.

"I have been looking for you. Are you enjoying the BBQ?" He looked at me like he was worried about something. I hope Alice didn't say anything to him.

"Yes I am. I love this house and your family has been very welcoming."

"Come on then they are serving dinner and I want to introduce you to some of my business associates and their wives."

"I would like that Edward." He kissed me quickly and led me outside, excited to introduce me to people. As we approached the table I could barely stifle a groan, the 2 couples seated at our table were ones I had heard discussing Edward and I. This would be a long meal.

"Isabella, I would like to introduce you to Michael Newton and his wife Liz and Todd Stanley and his wife Jessica." I looked at everyone and they acted as if nothing had happened at all today.

"Pleasure to meet everyone." I said as I sat down. It was an interesting meal, the women ignored me and as much as Edward tried to include me in his conversation with the men it was obvious it made them uncomfortable. Esme asked Edward to do something and he excused himself for a moment. As soon as he walked away from the table everyone dropped their facade.

"You do know everyone thinks you are just Cullen's whore? Do you really think he will stay with you once he gets that contract?" Mr. Newton asked me.

"Everyone knows Edward doesn't stay with any one woman for very long, so you are just the flavor of the month honey." Mrs. Stanley felt the need to warn me.

"What is it exactly you think you have to offer him except for business opportunities. I mean can you even converse with him intelligently about business? Besides sex and looking good on his arm what do you have to offer? You have male Presidents of your companies to do the actually work." Mr. Stanley questioned me.

I was getting ready to respond when Edward returned and kissed the top of my head. "Are you having a good time and enjoying the meal?"

"The food is great and everything else is just lovely Edward. Are you enjoying your evening?"

"I am and I am especially happy that I get to share it with you Bella."

"That is the favorite part of my evening too Edward, the time spent with you." I saw the looks the couples gave us, they were filled with disdain. Was it really so hard to accept someone new?

"Then come dance with me sweet Bella." He pulled us onto the small dance floor and I couldn't help but remember the night at my house. Norah Jones started to play and I gasped.

"That was one of the best nights of my life so far. Don't listen to what people are whispering, know that I care for you very much Bella." It wasn't the whispers that bothered me, I could hear them now. It was the things people outright said to me. I have never taken this kind of abuse from anyone but here I was doing it for Edward. I just hoped my resolve could last through the night.

"I do Edward, I do." I laid my head against his shoulder and let the calming effect of being in his arms take over.

When the song ended I heard someone clear their throat behind me to get our attention. "Do you mind if I cut in?" It was Tanya and I felt Edward stiffen.

"No, that is fine. Enjoy your dance." I said and I squeezed Edward's arm before I walked off the dance floor. As I walked through the crowd I noticed William look at me with alarm at the same time I felt a hand on my elbow.

"So you don't mind getting cozy with clients, it is just me you don't want to get cozy with?" I recognized that voice, Jacob Black.

"Mr. Black I am surprised to see you here, I didn't think you liked the Cullen's?"

"The Cullen's are fine. Edward Cullen however has been handed everything on a silver platter and that obviously includes you."

"How dare you? You have no right to comment on my personal life. I do not know what your problem with Edward is but leave me out of it. I do not want to see you again Mr. Black. Please let go of me."

"Everything I have ever wanted Edward Cullen managed to get to first but not this time. I will not give you up to him without a fight. We could be great together Isabella if you would just give me the chance. Why won't you give me the chance?" He was starting to raise his voice and draw attention to our conversation.

I could see William making his way over to us to force Jacob to let go of me. "I am sorry Mr. Black but I just don't see that happening for us. I do not have those types of feelings for you. You need to let go of me before William makes you."

"Who the fuck is William?" he all but shouted at me. People were stopping to see what was happening with us. I was surprised that Edward had not come over yet.

"My body guard standing right behind you." Jacob turned around and dropped his hand once he got a good look at William.

"Fine I will leave you alone for now but first I think there is something you need to know about your precious Edward. Follow me." I looked around and saw Tanya walking away from the pool house. That was the direction Jacob was walking in. I knew what I would find, the only question was who would the woman be and what exactly would be happening.

Jacob pulled open the doors of the pool house and on the coach was an obviously naked Edward with Jane Alexander lying on top of him covered by a sheet. It looked as if Edward was passed out and Jane was trying to act as if she had been woken up. I turned to William and told him to get a blood sample from Edward immediately. I heard several gasps close by and realized that other people were seeing this also, I quickly pulled the doors shut. I turned around and one of the people standing there was Esme, looking devastated. I pulled her off to the side.

"Esme, did Edward have to opportunity to discuss with the family Tanya's plans?"

"No, we haven't discussed Tanya recently."

"I need to do something Esme. It will be like what happened at the gala but not directed at anyone in your family. Is it ok if I address the crowd?"

"If you think it will help Bella, then yes."

"Truthfully I have no idea if it will help but it will make me feel better and your BBQ will be the talk of the summer, believe me."

"Please forgive Edward Bella, he loves you I know he does. I have no idea why he would..."

"There is nothing to forgive Esme, just listen." I made my way to the steps leading into the house before I stopped. I could see Tanya smirking, she thought she had me. She may be 10 years older than me but she was a baby compared to me at these times and she was about to schooled about playing out of her league. I could see William and Grey helping Edward out of the pool house and he looked like death warmed over.

"If I could please have everyone's attention for a moment, I have to say tonight has been very illuminating. Everyone seems to have something to say about Edward and I dating but I would like to take this opportunity to answer some questions I wasn't able to earlier and I just assumed since I was such a topic of conversation I would let everyone hear the answers. To the Newton's & the Stanley's, do you have any idea how insulting it is to Edward to say that he has to sleep with me to get a contract or that he is only with me for the business opportunities? Do you even realize you are insulting him and not me? I don't think you do because none of you are the brightest bulb in the box. I mean if you were then Liz would know Michael is screwing his secretary, his very young and perky secretary, every Tuesday and Friday and Michael would know that Liz goes to Vegas for the strippers and gambling when he is on business trips. Or maybe Jessica would like to tell Todd about the threesomes with her daughter's horse coach and the pool girl. Better yet maybe he should watch one of the tapes you guys made, and you have the nerve to call me a whore. If you would like to see a real whore Jessica, then Todd can take you to meet the one he hires every time he goes out of town to play his wife. You people need to understand something. I do not care what you think of me or the relationship I have with Edward Cullen. Talk about me all you want but expect me to call you out on all your hypocritical bullshit. I maybe young but I am not stupid and I know where your secrets lie so I suggest you start treading lightly before I have an article run on the front page of the Seattle Times telling everyone just how freaky each of you are. I own the Seattle Times, it is not an empty threat. I will not allow anyone to attack Edward because we are friends and business associates."

I paused to look around and wanted to laugh at all the shocked faces. I saw the Cullen's standing together, the men looked in shock and the women looked as if they were ready to pee their pants they were laughing so hard. "Now, let us talk about what everyone just saw going on in the pool house. Where is Tanya Denali?" People happily start to point out the table she is sitting at and she looks at me as if she has no idea why I am talking about her. "Rumor has it that Tanya has wanted Edward for years and had managed to scare off several women. The facts state that Edward can't stand Tanya and that is why he won't date her. Tanya tries unsuccessfully to run me off so now she has to come up with a plan to force me to stay away from Edward on my own. Her plan is to drug Edward and get a woman in bed with him so I can find them and then I will run away never wanting to see him again. I know this is her plan because she contacted someone I am loosely related to be the woman to do this. We have drawn some of Edward's blood and when it comes back he was drugged Tanya and Jane will have some explaining to do. I don't think they will do very well in prison." The look on their faces was great and Jane started arguing with Tanya about something.

"Why would she do something so desperate you ask? Well, it could be because she has already blown through the money from her first 2 husbands or it could be because she has developed quite the little coke habit and her dealer is insisting on getting paid. Maybe it is because for years she has been saying she would get Edward for herself and she can't back down now and appear weak or is it because of that little home porno video that was made when you were in New York last year? I don't care for your reasons Tanya, you need to stop this obsession with Edward. Do you really think he will want anything to do with you when he finds out that you have been not only fucking Jacob Black but passing information on for the last few years?"

That was all she could take and she rushed towards me. "You fucking bitch how do you know all of this?" I flipped her over my shoulder before she could really touch me. "Know your enemy Tanya it is the first rule of warfare." William and Anthony had moved to flank me when Tanya had tried to attack. I stood to address the crowd one last time.

"I can't say this applies to all of you but it does to most of you so listen well, I hate repeating myself. You seem to be under the misconception that because I am young, keep to myself and a widow that I am an easy target. Making that mistake will get your dirty laundry aired in a very public way. You have no problem starting rumors or fueling half truths in an attempt to ostracize me. Let me make this perfectly clear, I do not care what you think of me or what I do. The people whose opinion actually matter to me know who they are and I am glad to say it is not the majority of you here. Gossip about me is off limits, I will not play by your rules. Hunting season on me is over. This is your only warning. Coming after me or any of the Cullen's because of their association with me is tantamount to signing your own social death warrant. I may appear to young, meek Isabella Sinclair but remember I have been attacked like this for almost 10 years, since the day I married Edgar Sinclair it has been nothing but a constant attack on my character. Trust me when I say you are playing way out of your league if you choose to play this game with me." I scanned the crowd one more time to be sure I had made my point, and then I turned and walked inside the house.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.

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A/N: I will be on vacation until the 28th. We are going to Harry Potter world in Florida. I will try to write while there but don't expect and update for 2 weeks. Thanks for reading.