Disclaimer; Stephenie Meyer owns all things twilight ... I own a red HP camera.

Chapter 5 – Hideout

BPOV

It took us four days to drive from Staten Island, New York to Hendersonville, Tennessee. Edward said we had to avoid New Jersey because that was where the blond ponytail man, James, lived.

Ugh… even his name sounds evil.

So we drove through Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky until we reached Tennessee. Each state had a different air about it. The further we got away from New York the cleaner the air got. I had never travelled to the south before and I was taking in all the scenery even if it was mostly cattle, horses and sheep on open land. I liked it.

Bathroom breaks were far and few in between and we ate junk for the whole trip. Rose and I tried to get the guys to eat healthier. Emmett said salads are chick food and Edward said there just wasn't enough time. He wanted us to reach safety because he couldn't let anything happen to us. I think I fell a little harder for him when he said that.

At nights we stopped at cheap motels and got adjoining rooms. I slept with Rose in one room and the guys were in the other. However, I doubt they even slept. It's like they were just never tired or were on some drug. When I asked they said they took shifts and got like four hours of sleep each. I felt guilty that they were losing sleep over me. Edward said it was okay as normally they wouldn't be sleeping if they were at home.

Suspicious.

Emmett and Rose seemed like they were progressing in their relationship. They hadn't labelled it yet but they were always holding each other's hand when we stopped for food, bathroom breaks or clothes. Edward hadn't brought any clothes so we had to buy some for him. When I asked why he didn't pick up some at his apartment. He said James was probably watching his apartment.

I tried not to think of the blond ponytail man and focused on enjoying my time with Edward. He was funny, intelligent, devilishly handsome and extremely jealous. This guy hit on me in the Pennsylvania Wal-Mart and made the mistake of touching my arm. Edward nearly killed him. Emmett had to separate them. I helped Edward clean off the guy's blood of his hands.

I have a feeling I'll be doing this often. I thought when I wiped the last drop of blood off.

So whenever we stopped I avoided guys at all costs and let Edward drape his arm over my shoulder as we shopped or walked. I was tucked into his side while he glared at every male passer-by. He was like a dog defending his property; he should have just peed on me because after a while it got ridiculous. When I told him I thought he was being a Neanderthal; he started using the female bathrooms with Rose and me. I didn't say anything else after that and except for the Wal-Mart thing, the drive was thankfully uneventful.

The ranch wasn't really in Hendersonville; it was a few miles outside of it. We turned off the main road on to a dirt one flanked by trees on each side. It was well hidden. After a while the trees thinned and open land appeared on each side and Emmett said he and his cousin owned it all. We approached the fenced in homestead which was medium sized, organized and clean. Well, as clean as a farm could be. There was a red barn to the extreme left in the distance and a few other buildings I couldn't identify. We parked in front of the main house which was two stories with a porch that wrapped all the way around. From the roof of the porch hung swing-seats decorated with random cushions that somehow fit together. We got out and a child-sized person with dark short hair ran out and jumped on Emmett. He caught her.

Maybe a niece?

"Emmett!" She squealed. "I've missed you so much, darlin'," Her little southern drawl was cute.

Emmett squeezed her tightly and kissed her cheeks. "Ali, I've missed you too."

He put her down and we saw that it was an adult but she was very short and small.

Wife of the cousin?

You could see that they adored each other. Rose stiffened beside me and I rubbed her arm.

"Guys, this is Alice, my cousin. Ali, these are…"

Oh! She is the cousin.

"Wait!" she shouted and started to jump up and down, "Let me,"

So much energy.

She skipped to Edward. "The only other male so, you're obviously Edward, the boss."

The boss of what? Rose and I shared a look and she mouthed 'Mafia' and I shook my head.

"Yes, Alice. Nice to meet you." He held out his hand and she slapped it away.

"No-no-no, honey, I'm a hugger!" She said quickly and they hugged.

She bounced over to us. It's like she couldn't stay still or walk like normal people.

Must be a cokehead too.

She looked at me. "Isabella… yea?"

"Yes." I said and she broke into a massive grin. My cheeks hurt for her and I wasn't even smiling that wide. We hugged and she whispered "I just know we're going to be great friends, sugar." She sounded sincere and I couldn't help but like her. She was energetic, happy and friendly and it didn't seem fake.

"Call me Bella." I said as I released her.

She turned to Rose. "So that leaves you Rosalie. You're all Emmett talks about." They hugged and Rose relaxed visibly.

"His words don't do you justice. Every call, everything I hear is about his Rosie. Rosie is so beautiful, so smart, so sexy and so loving. A great cook; he loves your food, says you're as good as his mother was. Now, usually I talk and he listens. 'Cause I'm a bit talkative but we're on the phone and I can't even get in a word edgewise. He goes on and on about how you're absolutely perfect in everyway, how you might be the one and he's so excited and never felt this way before in his life and speaking of life; he's never letting…"

I don't think she took a breath the entire time and I was waiting on her to faint from lack of oxygen.

"Ali! Stop embarrassin' me!" Emmett screamed while he and Rose blushed scarlet. I grinned at the scene. I liked Alice even more then.

"But, you two are together, yea?" She looked to Emmett and the colour drained out of his face. He scratched his head.

Fuck!

"Yea, we are." Rose pulled Alice's attention to her. Alice grinned like a happy maniac and Emmett looked shocked. Hell, I was floored.

"Oh, I'm so happy y'all are here!" She jumped on the spot while clapping her hands.

Really? We hadn't noticed.

She took our arms and headed for the house. "Get the luggage boys, dinner's on the stove!" She was loud.

"Guys, I'm so sorry about my cousin's crazy ass. She was a crack baby." Emmett laughed.

No shit Emmett.

"I'll get you for that Emmett." Alice laughed and then she patted Rose's arm. "Rosalie let me tell you about the time Em and I went to the beach as kids."

"Ali," Emmett warned.

"Oh hush it, Rosalie don't let Emmett scare ya. He's just a giant teddy under all that muscle. Let's get y'all settled and we can tell stories over dinner."

EmPOV

My cousin Alice was a lot to take in all at once but she was a good person deep down. I knew this was the best place for Bella and my Rosie.

It was far from Jersey and James. The land and house was in Alice's name and they would never figure out that we were here. Also, I could visit my cousin, she would make new friends and I could watch over and protect all the girls.

I had a selfish reason too. I recommended this place was because I wanted to keep my Rosie near. She was a little difficult but I was making headway and for that I was grateful. I could handle Rosie.

I carried Rosalie's bag to her after dropping mine off in my room. She was coming out of the bathroom as I entered her room.

"Here's ya bag. Where you want it?"

"The bed's fine." I placed it down and pulled her to me.

"I'm not complaining but how come you didn't tell me we're together?" I rubbed my thumb across her cheek.

"I thought it was obvious after these past four days." She whispered staring up me with those blue eyes I loved looking into.

"Rosie, I will never assume anything else about us. You have to tell me."

She pulled my face down to kiss me. "We." Kiss "Are." Kiss "Together."

We started making out and I felt my stomach tighten. I tried to keep my hands to myself; I didn't wanna grope her like a horny bastard. Her hands roamed freely and landed on my ass. She squeezed it and gently forced her tongue was in my mouth. I vaguely wondered how far away sex was. We had just started and I didn't want to push her; I could wait. Her body felt wonderful against mine and I tried to pull away before she could feel my growing erection but she held me tightly and braced against it.

"Fuck," She whimpered against my mouth, "You're huge aren't you?"

"Everything on Emmett Island is super-sized." I chuckled.

She smirked. "I wanna try all the rides."

I loved that she went along with it. Before I could tell her that I would be always open for her there was a knock on the door.

"I know you two are in there." Bella's voice came through the door. "Alice says dinner's ready."

After one last kiss I told her I was ready whenever she was and that there was no rush; I would wait for her.

I opened the door for her and walked out behind her. She grabbed my hand and we bumped into Edward on the way down to dinner.

"Rosalie, mind if I steal Emmett for a minute."

"Sure, Mafia Boss, just make sure you give him back." Rosie laughed when we looked at her like we thought she was crazy. "I heard what Alice said. You should tell Bella soon. I'm fine with it but I don't know how she'll take it though. She seriously believes that you're not in that business. No matter what I say I can't convince her."

"I have no idea what you're talking about Rosalie." He grinned.

"Sure you don't." She smirked.

I shook my head and we kissed before she went down the stairs. I watched her leave; she didn't know she carried my heart with her.

Way too early for me to say 'I love you' right?

I loved the way her hips moved in those tight jeans. I wanted to peel them off with my mouth.

"Oi!" Edward snapped his fingers, "Em,"

"Yea, boss?"

"I'm happy you've finally worked out that shit. But, you keep day-dreaming like that and you're gonna put 'em in danger."

Fuck, he's right.

She was all I thought about those days and I would murder any fucker who put his hands on her. I frowned; I've got to step this shit up.

"It's alright," He grinned, "I can't keep my mind off Bella either; they have us under some fucking spell. Maybe it was the coffee."

I laughed, "Naa, So what's up?"

He got serious again. "I'm bringing the guys down."

"What ya gonna tell Bella when you bring a whole crew of criminals down here?"

"I won't lie. I'll say I paid them to protect her; which is somewhat true." He crossed his arms. "Ya know I can't admit that I'm in the mafia and that I have a crew unless she's my wife. And you can't tell Rosalie either."

"I didn't." I met his eyes, "Ya know she's way too smart for her own use."

"I know you didn't," He paused, "There's something else too. Bella's house burned down."

"Ya fucking serious?" I shouted.

He nodded. "I called Jasper on the disposable cell. Told him to come and carry the rest of the crew. They should be here tomorrow. They don't stop at nights like we did. The night we left the house was set on fire. Two male bodies were found inside."

"So the fucker put his goons in there and cocktailed it?"

"It was on the news."

"Do we tell them?"

The girls were homeless now; they had a right to know. Rosie could always move in with me, and I'm sure Edward wanted Bella with him. I smiled at the idea of us living together like a couple.

"After dinner," I nodded and we headed to the food. Good thing too; I was getting hungry.

BPOV

Inside the house was really beautiful. It was very modern and chic yet it still had that country feel. Alice said she decorated it herself and I complimented her sense of style. I liked her clothes too. She told me she had the perfect country girl outfit for me and that we'd play dress up one of these days. I wanted to never leave.

"Finally!" Alice screamed. She really needed to stop that. "What were two doing so long?"

"Calm down pixie ... We were just discussing business," My velvet retorted.

I looked up to see Edward and Emmett entering the room. I smiled as he took his seat beside me and put his hand on mine under the table. Emmett sat beside Rose and picked up a roll. Alice slapped his hand and he dropped it.

"Ya know we say grace roun' these here parts before we eat." Alice drawled.

Before the guys came down I learned that Emmett moved her to Tennessee after they lost all their family in a plane crash three years ago. He had to stay in New York on business. I asked her if she knew what type of business they did. She asked us what we thought they did. I said entrepreneurs and Alice said 'Somethin' like that."

Rose said Mafia. Alice said nothing and studied the table.

Suspicious.

It was then that I realized he was in the Mafia. Not only in it, but probably a big boss. I needed more information. So I asked Alice if she had a computer and Internet.

"Yes, I do. It's in the downstairs office. We're very modern out here. You can use it whenever you need to." Was her reply.

I said my thanks.

Alice said grace and we started to eat.

"So you take care of the farm by yourself?" Rose asked.

"I am the manager but I get a little help from the Blacks." Alice said.

I dropped my fork. "The term is African-American." I knew that people in the south were a little backwards when it came on to freedom and rights of African-Americans. But, I never took Alice for a racist; she was too nice.

Alice laughed. "No Bella, the Blacks are a family of four Indians. You'll meet them tomorrow."

"Sorry," I mumbled picking up back my fork feeling like an asshole.

"So just five of you; It's a decent sized farm."

"We manage." Alice shrugged.

"What are their names?" Edward asked sceptically.

"There's Billy and his wife Sue and their children Leah and Jacob." Alice stopped eating "I trust them Edward, they've been with me since I came out here years ago."

"I don't know, maybe they should leave."

"Why would they leave?" I asked.

"I'm trying to hide you Bella; the less people that know where you are the better."

"No, I don't want to put a hold on anybody's life. They stay. I'd rather go before I put an entire family out of work."

"You're not holding up my life Bella, I wanna help you guys." Alice resumed eating, "And I have a feeling this will all work out." She winked and smiled. "I know things."

"Thank you Alice," I looked to Edward. "They stay."

"Bella…"

"No, Edward,"

He sighed. "James will do anything to get to you. I'm trying to make you see how serious…"

"I said 'No'. Now drop it!" I was getting pissed off.

How many more people were going to suffer because of me?

"I didn't wanna tell you but, your house burned down." Edward said quietly.

"What?" I yelled.

"James burnt down your house." He raised his voice. "This is serious, Bella."

"No-no-no-no…" I looked to Rosalie who had her face buried in her palms. She was crying.

First Angela's father now the house.

I started to hyperventilate. We had no where to go. The house, with all of mom and dad's stuff was gone and it was all my fault. Despair started creeping in. I was on the run from a mafia murderer. I had resigned myself to the fact that I probably wasn't going to get out of this alive. And now even if I did escape James there was nothing to go back to.

"Bella…" Edward sounded so distant, "Bella…"

Everything slowed down, even Edward's voice and it sounded distorted. I felt myself falling before the darkness engulfed me.

EPOV

Bella fainted.

Fuck.

I caught her before she hit the ground and lifted her up to carry her to her room. I liked the feel of her weight in my arms. As I made the trek up Rosalie and Emmett followed.

"She'll be up in 15 minutes." Rose sniffled.

"She's done this before?" I asked as I kicked the door open.

"Yea, whenever she gets really stressed it flips a switch and she's out like a light."

"What do I do?" I lowered her on the bed.

"Just wait."

So we waited on Bella to rejoin the world of the conscious. Alice brought cold compresses and I put them on Bella head. Emmett sat in a chair in the corner with Rosalie in his lap. They were whispering; well Rosalie was crying softly and Emmett was talking. He was probably consoling her. But I didn't give a fuck, my girl was out cold and I had no one to console. It was the longest fifteen minutes of my life. I paced the room. Finally, I heard signs that she was waking up.

"Edward…" She whispered. My heart swelled at the fact that she called for me.

"I'm here Bella," I held her hand. "I'm right here."

"Edward," She sounded stronger and I helped her sit up. She looked across the room where Rosalie and Emmett were still whispering; their heads together. "Rose,"

Rosalie looked up and wiped her face. Then she slid off Emmett's lap and walked over.

"I'm sorry," Bella croaked.

"It's okay Bellflower, we'll be alright."

"But…"

"Fuddgetaboutit." Rose hugged her, "I don't wanna talk about it anymore, there's nothing we can do that will change it."

"I love you Rose,"

"I'd take you over the house any day. I love you Bella." They released each other and Rosalie made for the door. Emmett headed for the door.

"We're just across the hall okay?" Rosalie grabbed Emmett's hand and they left.

I looked to Bella who was getting up and heading for the bathroom.

"Please don't leave." She turned around to face me.

"I'm not leaving." I replied.

"I mean, tonight, I would ask Rose but I don't wanna cockblock Emmett and Lord knows she could use a good shag for all the shit I'm causing." She shook her head, "I did not just say that to you. What I'm saying is, sleep with me?"

I grinned; I was enjoying her awkwardness.

She smacked her hand against her forehead, "No that's not what I'm saying, I mean, ya know; in my bed… with me… platonically. Wouldn't want you to get the wrong idea; Imma virgin." She smacked her face this time. "You know what… it's okay. Don't… "

A 23 year old virgin? Hallelujah.

"I will sleep with you Bella," I walked over to her and kissed her forehead, "Can I clean up first?"

She hugged me. "Yes. Half an hour?"

"Sure babe,"

I walked out of there before my semi-hard erection got harder and started poking Bella.

Go down ya stupid fuck ya.

Nowadays my dick only stood up for Bella. When I went to the club Tuesday with Jasper the new girl offered me a BJ. It's not that I wanted it but usually my dick normally responded to any type of sexual advance from any good looking broad. I didn't even get a jump. But as soon as there was any mention or thought of Bella he was up and running.

Once he was up, there was no going down without a good choking and even that didn't completely satisfy him. I couldn't control him anymore. He was Bella's now. I reached my door down the hall and touched the knob.

A one woman dick; never thought I'd seen the day. The capo was laughing at me. Maybe something was in the coffee they gave you.

Maybe you love her… The optimist chimed in.

Naa, maybe you're turning into a fanook. The capo continued laughing but he was afraid of whatever this was; I could see it. I was too.

Look we don't know what that feels like, the only female we love is our mother.

"But, it doesn't feel like that." I said to myself.

"It's not supposed to." I turned to see Alice standing behind me in the hallway.

"Eavesdropping is wrong little pixie," I chuckled and turned the knob hoping I could hide in my room.

"And talking to yourself aloud is a sign of mental insanity." She stepped closer and shrugged, "Not really, a lot of people do it."

"Talk to themselves aloud?"

"Yea," She paused "Don't fight the feelings Edward you have for Bella; there are other battles that you actually have a shot of winning to be fought." She smiled.

I didn't know what she meant.

"Blond, ponytail man?"

"You've been talking to Bella?"

"No, she was showering when I knocked on her door. I just know things."

She tapped her temple, "But when the time comes the amount love you have for Bella will determine whether she lives or dies."

Bella dying? That won't fucking happen.

"I know you'll make the right choice when the time comes," She smiled,

Did I say that out loud?

"No, Edward. Goodnight and oh… Bella's door creaks if you pull it too fast."

How does she do that?

"I just know things." "You just know things." We said simultaneously.

"Goodnight Alice." I smiled.

I hurriedly showered and put on sleep pants. Thoughts of Bella dying killed my erection. I slung a T-shirt over my shoulder just in case she was uncomfortable with my bare chest. I hope she wouldn't be; I hated sleeping in clothes and had too many on already. I headed to Bella's room. I heard a guttural noise and I put my ear to Rosalie's door. There was low moaning and grunting.

Lucky fucker.

I knocked on Bella's door.

"Ya decent?" I opened the door slowly, heeding Alice's warning, and stuck my head in.

"Ya didn't even want for me to answer, suppose I wasn't decent?." She giggled and ran a brush through her wet hair.

Love that sound.

"Maybe I wanted to see something." I shrugged and walked in.

"Such a pervert," She giggled again and it went straight to my dick.

You have no idea.

"You're the one who asked me to sleep with you and I'm the pervert?" I flopped on the bed face down. She put down the brush and turned off the light.

"Thank you." She got under the covers and faced me. We stared for a while before she broke the silence.

"Could you hold me for a while?"

I nodded and we rearranged ourselves. She fit so perfectly against me.

It was at that moment that I knew that I would never want to sleep without Bella in my arms again.

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Next we meet Edward's crew in Chapter 6. :)