Chapter 16

Jacob POV

I don't know what came over me at the press conference, I should have just stayed away. I knew Cullen had been awarded the contract, it should have been simple to just sit there and watch but the longer I looked at her the angrier I became that she was with Edward Cullen. Why couldn't she see that he was using her, I would treat her much better than he ever could, even her late husband thought so. I still remember the conversation that changed my life.

I was early for a meeting with my father, as I approached his office I heard him talking to someone so I paused out side his door waiting from him to finish his meeting, he was talking to Edgar Sinclair.

"I know this well be hard on her Billy that is why I am doing this. She will need something to make her truly get back out into society and start living, not just doing her duties. She is too young to never find love again."

"So you are going to pick out her next husband for her? How do you think that will go over?" My dad said chuckling.

"I think of it more as putting her in direct contact with men that I know will appreciate her and take care of her. It will be her choice, I know that. Actually, my first choice would have been your son, Jacob, but he is married and therefore not the contact on the list."

I couldn't believe my luck that day. Billy had let enough slip that I knew Sinclair was sick and they weren't telling anyone but to hear that I would be his choice for Bella was shocking. Everyone knew how possessive he was of her and with good reason. She was a beautiful woman but it was her innocent nature that really drew people in, especially men. I had seen them at several social functions together since they had married, Edgar Sinclair knew exactly how many men lusted after his wife.

That was the day I decided to do something about my sham of a marriage. I slept around on her, she slept around me, we both knew it we had just been avoiding dealing with the situation. That was the day I went home and told Vanessa that it would be best if we divorced, if we just let go of the lie we were living. She agreed and we very quietly and amicably separated. The divorce went smoothly and quickly and then I focused all of my attention on Isabella.

I researched Isabella Sinclair. I discovered her favorite charities, her schooling, as much as I could about her parents' deaths and her subsequent marriage to Edgar. My biggest ally was actually my father, once he discovered I was interested in her he was constantly dropping information about her into conversations. I never told him about the one I had overheard. The more I uncovered about Bella the more I knew she was meant for me, the thing that never occurred to me was that Sinclair had not told her I was his first choice, it would have made this much easier.

Fucking Cullen had to come into the picture then, I hate that bastard, always taking what is mine. First he pulls that shit on my sister causing the family to turn against her then I am consistently losing jobs to him. Because of him when Billy got sick I was forced to start cutting corners on bids and working with Volturi to keep the company afloat. I thought screwing Tanya Denali would have gotten under his skin, she is always running her mouth about how he is hers. It took a year to figure out that was her wishful thinking on her part and not the truth but by that time I was already in with Volturi. It is extremely hard to get out of a relationship with them and it only got harder when Cullen became CEO.

Then he offends Bella and I think everything is finally golden when she not only forgives the bastard but saves his job too! I know I came on too strong at first but I have backed off and she still can't see him for the prick he is. Now her security is beefed up and he is taking trips with her and surprising her in town. I will not allow him to take her from me, she was meant to be mine - not his. If I can't get to her then I will have to get to him, he doesn't have the security she does and with Aro still needing to make a shipment maybe he or Denali can be blamed for his disappearance. After the drugging incident people would believe she is crazy enough to kidnap him. All I need to do is bide my time and then make Edward Cullen disappear.

CPOV

Today was one of those days I just wanted to stop the rollercoaster and get off this ride. The deeper we looked into things within The Cullen Group the more appreciative I became of Bella Sinclair, had she not alerted us to what was happening we would have lost the company and some of us would be serving jail time when the dust settled.

Eleazar Denali was definitely involved with the Volturi brothers. We were slowly lifting our hold on the overseas contracts we carried and it was interesting to see the ones that Eleazar took a personal interest in. Those were the ones the FBI was taking special interest in and looking over thoroughly. We also re-evaluated any executive that he cleared as being trustworthy, this include several middle managers in the finance department which led us to what appeared to be someone embezzling funds. Either that or laundering money for Aro, not knowing who to trust we couldn't investigate it fully yet but I had called our independent auditor and told them of the situation to cover all our bases. They were analyzing their current set of financial documents versus the ones I had just pulled. To keep everything above board the auditors had to be the ones to trace the money trail.

I was the only one to know how in depth the investigations were going and all parties involved insisted it be that way. I had told Edward the bare necessities but not the executives that were being looked into, when I realized he was taking James Damon to Chicago with him I wished I had spoken up earlier. I was brought out of my thoughts by my wife.

"Carlisle, are you even listening to me?"

"I'm sorry Esme, you have my undivided attention now."

"Edward called to remind you of the trip they are taking to Chicago for the Swan tour. He e-mailed you a copy of the itinerary and he also mentioned that Bella said she wasn't sure he should be trusting James. He wants you to dig into his background."

So, Bella doesn't trust James either, that is an interesting development. "Ok, I'll look over the itinerary and get back to him. When is he flying out?"

"They leave for the airport in a few hours, then the girls are coming here for dinner and to discuss the party on Saturday."

"Are you positive this party is a good idea? Won't this just antagonize people further?"

"It probably will but they need to be put in their place, this has been a long time coming. Some of the other ladies attending will be helping with things and they agree the attitude concerning Bella has gotten out of control. I expect this to be an eye opening experience for most of the women attending."

"Isn't it a snub to Bella to do this when she is hosting a party? This won't upset her will it?"

"I have already spoken to Bella and she understands completely what I am trying to accomplish, besides her party will exclusively Sinclair Foundation employees and residents of the two Hope Houses'. People are meant to see it has a snub to her, they wouldn't have been invited to her house either way. It is important that these women know she had nothing to do with this, I do not want them pointing any fingers at her for this."

"And you don't think when all is said and done they will do that any way?"

"No, I think once we start revealing secrets they will be too busy pointing fingers at each other. Rose was right when she said not to invite the men, it will be a much more vocal party with just the women. Alice and Rose are placing bets on possible cat fights breaking out."

"Really? Maybe I need to stick around for this party."

"No. No men allowed. Edward will be at Bella's so you can go there if you can't find something else to do. We have all been invited and will be attending later in the evening however feel free to go with Edward in the afternoon but you have to be out of the house."

"Ok I will find something to do that day and leave you to handle everything."

"Thank you Carlisle."

EPOV

As we flew to Chicago I thought back over Friday night. Bella had been surprised to see me in the car, I had been at her house talking to Stephen about surprising her with a weekend away somewhere when the call came in from Anthony about the dinner. He was not happy, the extra men that had been in San Diego were already on their way to Chicago. He had to send two more men to San Diego and I decided to tag along.

The dinner was nice, even if Bella looked as if she did not want to be there, but the best was the reporter's question after. How did she expect me to answer that, of course we are dating I love her and I want the whole world to know it. I think she wanted the world to know too but didn't want to be the one to confirm it. Then when I woke up from that dream and we talked she didn't say 'I love you' but she did say I was the man she loved and that was the same thing to me.

Bella and I met up with Emmett, Jasper and James at the airport for the flight to Chicago. I saw the recognition in James' eyes before he caught himself, he knew who Bella was and was worried she would recognize him. I paid close attention to Bella when she first saw him and was introduced to him, if I hadn't been looking right at her I would have missed the brief look in her eye, she recognized James also. She did a very good job of hiding it, even when he asked her if they had met before. When she said no she didn't remember him James visibly relaxed, Bella was right he couldn't be trusted.

Once we landed at Midway we took a helicopter to Swan Manor. It was accurately named, it looked like an old English manor. It was 3 stories with a fountain in front and beautiful gardens in the back, it had been in the Swan family for generations. As we flew over the house two limousines were making their way to the manor, the other firms had arrived also. As we were exiting the helicopter I noticed Garrett Phillips and his team from Boston Medical standing by one of the limos. I had not seen Garrett in years but he was very competitive when it came to acquiring medical contracts. Peter Cooke and his team from UK International climbed out of the other limo.

Jasper leaned into me and said, "Just the heavy hitters I see."

I nodded to him, "Yes, tomorrow should be an interesting day. Remember what I said about the manor."

Bella welcomed them and ushered us into the manor. "Garrett your team will be staying in the west wing on the third floor, Peter your team will be in the west wing on the second floor and Edward your team will be in the east wing on the second floor. We have also set up a meeting room for each team in their wing, the doors are open so you should have no problem finding your way to your wings. Dinner will be in 3 hours so feel free to explore the manor or the grounds if you would like. Welcome to Swan Manor gentlemen." She turned to enter the house when two dogs came running towards her, "Thor! Loki!" She bent down to pet them, "I have missed you so much."

As she pet the dogs I heard the comments behind me but did not bother turning around to see you was saying what.

"Do you think the rumors are true? Is Cullen tapping that?"

"Wouldn't you if you had the chance?"

"Fuck yeah...but why send out bids then?"

A voice I recognized as Garrett's spoke next. "Even if Edward is as you so eloquently put it 'tapping that' it will not give him an edge in the bid. Mrs. Sinclair is nothing if not professional, I suggest you remember that."

Bella showed us into the manor and once again I was drawn to the portrait over the fireplace, it was of Bella with her parents probably close to when they died. She looked to be about 16 and was stunning. As we went to her bedroom the walls were lined with portraits of her ancestors, it was obvious this was an ancestral family home and her Scottish heritage was on display. Her bedroom was similar to the one in Seattle except for the windows and the water. When I closed the door to her bedroom she visibly relaxed.

"Bella I saw the quick flash of recognition in your eyes when you saw James. How do you know him?"

"I don't know him Edward but he is very familiar. He has been in this very house several times, with Aro Volturi. I was never introduced and he was kept in the background but he works with Aro I am sure of it. Do not trust him Edward."

"I won't but what about the tour tomorrow?"

"He will tour the area where security isn't an issue. He won't see anything."

"Is it safe for you with him staying the manor tonight?"

"Yes, the dogs will be given the run of the house tonight to discourage people from wandering throughout the night. I'll be safe, don't worry."

"You mean the world to me Bella." I said as I pulled her to me.

"I know Edward." She said as she put her arms around me then proceeded to squeeze my ass. I quirked an eyebrow at her. "We have 3 hours, whatever will we do to pass the time?" She asked, I picked her up and threw her on the bed.

"I am sure we can find something to keep us busy." I said and then proceeded to keep her very busy until it was dinner time.

As Bella and I made our way to the dining room we could hear the conversation taking place.

"So Emmett, Jasper who has to double up on a room?" Someone asked.

"What do you mean?" Emmett asked.

"Having stayed here before I know the wing you are in has the master suite and 3 other bedrooms. So, who is doubling up or are the rumors true? Is Edward screwing Mrs. Sinclair?" The same voice asked. I bristled when I heard the questions, what business was it of theirs what happened between me and Bella. Bella just patted my arm and shook her head with a small smile on her face and entered the room.

"Good evening gentlemen" Bella said as I pulled her chair out for her. "I couldn't help but over hear the last question and while I have an idea who asked it I am sure all of you are curious so let me put your minds at ease. Edward and I are seeing each other and we do many things together but I find it hard to believe he would describe anything we do as 'screwing' nor do I think he would use the phrase 'tapping that', that is just uncouth. None of the Cullen executives have doubled up on a room so take that as you will. My relationship with Edward has not in any way gained him an unfair advantage on this bid and I feel it is imperative to tell you he has not asked any Swan executive, myself included, a question that hasn't been asked by at least one other person here. I take any implication that he or I have acted inappropriately as a personal attack on my integrity and if that is how you feel gentlemen then please feel free to withdraw from the bid process immediately."

The looks are their faces were priceless and Bella was right about one thing I would never use those terms to describe what she and I did, making love - yes and fucking definitely but that was it and I would never share that type of information with any of men seated at this table except for two and only after they nagged it out of me. After several men mumbled apologies the dinner was actually enjoyable. It was interesting to watch each team try to figure out how much the other knew about the bid with out blatantly asking. After dinner each team retired to their separate conference rooms, we had not been told what parts of the facility we would be allowed to see yet so we were strategizing blind. At the end of our meeting James asked a question that proved he did not know me or the company we worked for very well.

"Come on Edward, she has not given you any inside tips on the tour or how to win the bid?"

"No James she hasn't. Did you not listen to her at dinner. She has too much integrity to do that and personally I would be insulted if she tried to. We do not need insider information to win this bid."

That shut down that line of discussion and the meeting ended not to long after that. I went to Bella's bedroom and found it empty but soft music was floating from the bathroom. I pushed open the door and relaxing in the middle of a large bubble bath was the woman that owned my heart. I stripped out of my suit and climbed in behind her. I felt my body relax as soon as she leaned back against me. We talked about inconsequential things until the water was cold, dried off and climbed into bed just holding each other until we fell asleep. Making love with Bella was indescribable but my favorite thing was this, sleeping with her in my arms, her scent wrapping around me soothed my mind knowing she was safe and mine.

At breakfast is when we found out who would be touring what parts of the facility.

"I wanted to give you a chance to determine who would tour what parts of the plant." Bella stated. "Since I know the Cullen Group executives I will use them as examples and you can let the members of your team know who they are with. Edward, Garrett and Peter will be touring medical wing. This is where we screen our trial candidates, do the fittings and compatibility testing. The actual attachment of the prosthesis is done in a hospital but we have full video of several surgeries you can watch and several patients will also be at your disposal today. Emmett will be touring the facility from a building stand point. He will be seeing the air filtration system and other special measures that must be taken to ensure a clean environment. Jasper will be touring the assembly room, where everything comes together. This is where the majority of the technology comes into play. James will be touring our receiving department. We have in place stringent standards that every manufacturer must meet and this is where they are enforced."

She turned to Garrett and Peter, "Decide who will be touring what part from your teams and everyone meet up outside by the SUV's in 20 minutes."

I turned to Emmett and Jasper, they knew why Bella had used us an example, she wanted to control the area James had access to and that was fine with me. When I told them before we left Seattle that Bella didn't trust James they immediately became more leery of him also, they trusted her instincts. When we approached the SUV's Bella had each of us stand by one, the tour would begin at different parts of the facility for each touring team. The driver of each SUV was a member of Bella's security detail, I recognized them and Emmett and Jasper had been around enough to recognize them also.

As we approached the Swan facility it was Peter who commented on the security.

"Holy shit, I have never seen this level of security for a prosthesis facility."

"It is much more than that Peter. Inside there is state of the art technology, light years beyond what is currently being done. No one will have access to the most sensitive areas but you will see enough to be able to place an accurate bid." Bella stated.

As we pulled up to the gate, the armed gate, the guard came out and greeted Bella before he did a fingerprint and retina scan on her. She authorized the passage of all 4 SUV's through the gate. The other SUV's broke off going to different parts of the facility, ours pulled up in front of the main building and let Bella out. "This is where we part company gentlemen until it is time to travel back to the manor, have a nice tour." She closed the door and we went to see the medical facility.

The tour was fascinating. Rather than a prosthesis that had to be removed this was one that was permanently attached and the chip technology was reading the brain's messages sent to the limbs. They had some success with the process, it was very promising and as I watched Garrett and Peter I knew they wanted to be a part of it as much as I did. Things would be very competitive between the 3 of us trying to secure this contract. After the tour and afternoon meetings we picked up Bella and returned to the manor. I was surprised that we didn't all return together. James group had returned before us and Emmett's right after but Jasper's group did not return for several hours.

Dinner was subdued and I could tell Bella wanted to laugh. It was obvious that everyone wanted to discuss the tour but no one was willing to do that with the other teams there. As soon as dinner was finished each team locked themselves in their strategy rooms.

Emmett and Jasper were very excited about what they had seen and the challenge it would present to develop a facility in Seattle that could go it on a larger scale, hopefully cleaner and more efficiently. James was not as impressed with his tour but I knew that was because of the area he was kept too. Bella was not going to put any of her company's secrets in danger even if he did sign the confidentiality agreement. James begged off early to turn in and that is when the 3 of us really started to talk about what we had each seen. It was after one in the morning when I climbed in next to a sleeping Bella but when she scooted over and placed her head on my chest, sighed 'Edward' and snuggled in close to me, that was the high point of my day.

I was having the best dream. Bella was riding me, god it felt good and her scent, it was all I could smell. "Edward, please." I heard her moan and that is what woke me up to Bella rubbing her tight ass against my morning hard on. I said her name softly and when she didn't answer I realized she was still asleep. I slowly worked her nightgown up to her waist and realized she wasn't wearing panties. I pushed her top leg forward and slowly started to stroke her folds, damn she was wet. She started whimpering again, "don't tease." I pushed my pajama bottoms and boxers down, she had me so worked up I knew this would be over quickly. I slowly started to push into her when she suddenly pushed her ass back into me impaling herself on my cock and waking her instantly.

"Fuck Edward"

I held myself still and rubbed her clit gently. "This is going to be fast Bella, you have me so worked up from rubbing against me like that. I slowly pulled out to push back in again just as slow.

"Please Edward, I need to cum now. So fucking horny."

All it took were a few more thrusts and we were both groaning as we came. She moved her head so she could look at me. "What got into you this morning?" She said with a smile.

"You did. You were dreaming and rubbing all over me and then you said 'please Edward' and that was all it took for me to decide I had to make love to you."

"I'm glad you did. It was a very good dream but waking up was even better."

After round two in the shower, since we were up so early, we went down to breakfast. It was slightly less awkward than dinner but everyone was trying very hard to stick to safe subjects and it showed.

On the plane back to Seattle Bella mentioned that Esme wanted to have lunch with her one day before Friday to go over some things about the party she was hosting on Saturday. I softly explained what I thought the purpose of the party was from what I had been told and Bella laughed.

"I would love to be a fly on the wall for that, I hope someone records it so we can watch it later. Maybe I should suggest it when we have lunch. You'll still be my date for the party though won't you?"

"Of course, there is no place else I would rather be than by your side."

"Good because I have a surprise for you."

I looked at her, "I remember your last surprise, and she still lives at my house."

"This one won't be as bad as that one but remember you need a sense of humor Edward."

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters

Please Read & Review

Thanks for reading