Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight ... I own a very old Nintendo 64.

Chapter 6 – The Crew

EPOV

I awoke to a cold bed and no Bella in my arms. I looked on the clock it was 4 am on a Sunday morning. I checked the bathrooms, the kitchen, the living room, dining room and the laundry room. She was no where to be found. I tried not to panic. I walked out the front door and searched for signs of abductors. I didn't think she was taken because only James was after us and if he was here I wouldn't be alive.

Not wanting to disturb Rosalie and Emmett I choose to wake up Alice.

Before I knocked on her door she opened it.

Weird.

Alice was wide awake with her face covered in some green gunk. Only her eyes and mouth were free of it.

Must be a chick thing.

"How do you… Never mind. Sorry to disrupt your … whatever but Ya know…"

"Try the office." She cut me off and I glared at her incredulously. It was very strange that she kept answering questions before I asked them.

She smiled, "I know…"

"Yea, I know you just know things." I cut her off. "Thanks, pixie."

"Anytime and Edward go easy on her." She closed her door and I headed to the office.

What did she mean by that?

Sure enough, Bella was there on the computer. I snuck up behind her to see what she was doing. On the monitor was a newspaper article about the alleged Cullen Mafia Empire. I remember it came out a few years ago when I got pinched on a weapons charge. I was acquitted after the star witness and the guns that were in evidence mysteriously disappeared. There was a photo of Carlisle, myself and Jenks, our lawyer, walking out of the court house.

I couldn't believe that Bella hadn't felt my presence behind her yet.

"Light reading?" I whispered in her ear. She jumped and picked up a stapler.

"Oh, it's just you" Bella sighed and placed her hand over her heart, "Fuck, don't do that." She sat back down and continued reading.

"What were you going to do? Staple me to death?" I laughed at her.

"Maybe," She snorted.

"What are you reading?"

"I'm reading about Edward Cullen. Funnily, he kinda looks like you and has the same first name." She paused, "But he's not because the Edward I know would have told me something about this. He wouldn't have lied."

"I didn't lie." I hedged.

"No, you just didn't tell me. Same difference," She sounded hurt.

"I told you there are some things I can never tell you."

"Is it true?"

"Do you believe it?"

"... Yes," She whispered.

"Then it doesn't matter if it's fucking true or not does it?" I shouted.

Even though I know I had no reason to be, I was pissed. First, she was all naive and trusting. Now, she was asking questions and snooping like it hadn't been in her face all the while. At least Rosalie was up front about it.

"Believe anything you fucking want to, Bella." I spat out.

"How could I not have seen it ... You're a criminal!" She screamed.

"Emmett carried a gun while he stayed with you! I left with him in the dead of night to deal with the two men that were watching your house! What the fuck you think we were doing? Drinking fucking tea? I came back without my gloves and Emmett had blood on his hands. I killed for you Bella. Of course I'm a fucking criminal!"

What the fuck am I saying? This broad has got me incriminating myself. I need to leave this fucking place.

"It's just not right!" She cried.

"It is what it is!" I shouted. "This is the only way I know how to help you, Bella!"

"I don't want your help! Oh, God! … I can't be in love with a murderer!" She screamed again.

In love? I really need to get the fuck out of here.

"I'm in this too deep already… You don't get a choice!"

"There's always a choice!" She was in my face.

"It's either this or death!"

"What? You're threatening me? What you gonna make me disappear like that witness?" She slapped my face and I tasted blood. "Well, fuck you! I've already got one death threat! You don't fucking scare me!"

"Don't. Hit. Me." I gritted out.

"What are you going to do about it?" She hit my face again.

"Kill me already!" She kicked my shin. "I'm ready to fucking die," She punched my gut. "What the fuck are you waiting for?"

I grabbed her arms. I wasn't going to hit her. But, she was making it so fucking hard not to. I pushed her against the wall and punched the wall beside her head. She flinched, but continued her shouting.

"Yea, that's it! Let's get it over with! Whack me Edward!" She was at the top of her voice.

I sighed and released her. I could never do anything to hurt Bella and I knew that she was just stressed. But there was no excuse for her behaviour and I was through dealing with her. I turned to see that we had woken up the entire house and that my crew was here.

Just fucking great!

Bella saw them too. "Who are they?"

"Evidently I'm a liar and a criminal so why don't you try to beat the fucking answer outta me?" I shouted.

"Fuck off, Cullen!" She spat the last word.

"You're such an ungrateful little bitch! I should have just left you for James to fucking rape and kill you!"

She faltered at my words and I walked away. I was beyond caring; Bella pushed me too far. The crowd that had gathered by the office door parted and let me through. I climbed the stairs to my room with out making eye contact with anyone. After breaking the wooden chair in my room with my bare hands I sank to the floor and rubbed my face.

I let Bella get to me. I've been accused of all those things to my face multiple times before and kept my cool. Bella's words hurt because I cared what she thought. I thought she had accepted it; accepted me. Like how Rosalie did with Emmett. But she didn't. She said she couldn't be in love with a murderer. She didn't want a murderer's help. Well fuck, I didn't want her. That was a lie and I was crushed by her words but I needed to figure out the next step. I was a Mafia boss; I needed to be strong for my crew.

I got up and took a shower. My mouth wasn't bruised that bad. There was just a little cut on the inside of my cheek. My shin and gut hurt like a motherfucker though.

Damn it Bella!

I put on my clothes; Italian loafers, black slacks and a grey button down and masked my face in indifference. I cleared my throat and checked my appearance in the mirror; I looked like myself. I didn't feel like myself but nobody else would know that.

When we stopped for clothes Bella encouraged me to buy t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. I did and for the drive down here I was dressed in them. But I also bought slacks and button downs which were what I normally wore.

I headed downstairs. My crew was spread out in the living room drinking coffee but I didn't see Jasper. I looked in the kitchen and saw him pouring himself a cup of coffee. Alice and Rosalie were cooking up a storm.

"Want a cup Eddie?" Jasper asked.

"Sure." I didn't even register his Eddie comment. I just didn't give a fuck any more; the one person I wanted to talk to hated me.

Rosalie poured it and handed me the cup before going back to her cooking. She never said a word but her eyes looked sad.

"Salute," I said sipping the brew.

"Let's take a walk." Jasper motioned me over and we headed out the back door. We had walked off the back porch and out into the yard before he said anything.

"So what was this morning about?" He asked staring at the sun coming up.

"She googled me and couldn't deal with what she found."

"Oh, I knew that. I meant with you. Never seen you lose it like that."

"It hurt Jas… So fucking bad." I shook my head as if it would erase the memory, "I thought she had an idea and had accepted it already. But turns out she didn't."

"Why'd ya threaten her?"

"I didn't mean it that way. I meant that James would kill her. I could never put my hands on her that way. But then she started hitting me and telling me to off her."

"Yea, you took a lot of blows. The Edward I knew would have stopped the very first one."

"I…" I sighed, "I don't know."

"I do… Ya love her Edward."

"Not anymore." I grumbled. There was no use in hiding it.

"It don't work like that. This is just a little petty argument; you'll fix it."

"I don't know how to fix this. I can't leave the business and I'm not sure Bella can overlook it." I raked my free hand through my hair.

"It'll be fine."

"How do you know?"

"I just know things." He shrugged.

"I see you've met Alice."

"I like her ... a lot."

That was all he said. I knew there was more to it than that but I didn't really give a fuck at that point. I was miserable, so the world should be miserable too.

"I didn't call you guys down here so you can get your dick wet."

"Don't talk about her like that," Jasper sounded cold.

I laughed bitterly and threw away the rest of my coffee.

Must be some love potion in that shit they're brewing.

"Speaking of that," He regained his normal calm tone. "What's the next move?"

"I don't know. They'll hide here for a while. I'll be going back to New York to continue business and watch James. I'm leaving Emmett and a few other guys. We'll wait to see what happens next."

"He's getting married to Victoria Volturi."

"When?"

"Couple weeks," He shrugged, "Little less than a month. Rumour has it the broad is knocked up."

"Meeting after breakfast."

"Alright," Jasper patted my shoulder. "I'm sorry man."

"Yea, me too."

Jasper headed back inside and I stayed outside for a while. I watched the cattle graze and the other farm animals wake up. Alice called me for breakfast but I wasn't hungry for food. I needed Bella to accept me. But I also needed my pride and at the moment I had it and I wanted to keep it. I wouldn't be the first to apologize.

I felt some one's eyes on me and looked back to the house to see Bella in the window of her room. When she saw me turn my head she quickly shut the window and drew the curtains.

Fuck you too.

I couldn't believe what was happening. I had put my ass on the line for her and that was how she repaid me. I was ready to go to war for her. I decided not to think about the ungrateful little bitch for the rest of the day.

Soon breakfast was over and Jasper had assembled the crew in the living room. I had no idea were the girls were. My crew consisted of Sam and Seth, the Mancini brothers, Ben Costa, Eric Ricci, Emmett, Jasper and myself. We made a good team and I trusted them as much as a Mafia head could. My father always told me to never trust any one not even him.

This life is so fucked up.

"Change of plans," I said walking into the room, "I'm leaving in a couple of days and I need four of you to volunteer to stay and protect the girls." I paused, "I won't force anyone one to stay with this pazzo broad."

Jasper and Emmett glared while the rest of the crew laughed along with me.

"Emmett I know you probably won't want to leave and I'd prefer if you stayed too. So that leaves three spots."

"I'll stay." Seth, the youngest of the crew, offered." She's got balls."

"Yea, Edward's balls." Jasper snorted and the rest of the crew laughed.

"In a vice grip," Emmett guffawed; more laughter.

"Alright, alright," They were my crew; we've been together for years. We lived like brothers; we messed with each other all the time. "Two more…"

"I'll stay with your little spitfire Boss," Sam volunteered.

"Me too," Eric leaned back in his chair and shrugged.

"Good. I'll make sure your interests are taken care of." I cleared my throat, "A family of four helps out on the farm, the Blacks, I want you to watch them. Someone clocks Bella all the time. Two take the perimeter and one with the other two girls." I paused, "Don't crowd them; watch from a distance. The girls don't leave the farm. If, there is a problem, get the girls and get out. Don't. Stay. Here. Call me and keep driving. Don't. Stop." i couldn't stress it enough.

"Where we going?" asked Seth.

"Just drive away from here. Ya know whenever we have a problem there's always a rat. I don't have to tell you what happens to rats." I looked around at all of them, waiting for a sign of discomfort or guilt. I saw nothing, "Let's have no problems. Capisce?"

"Yea, boss." The crew chorused.

"Who's taking the perimeter?" I asked, wanting to end this meeting.

"Eric, Sam, and Ben they slept on the way down." Jasper, my second in command, yawned. "Seth can take Isabella. Emmett's got the other two. You and I have business,"

"Get to work." I ordered and the crowd disbursed. I sat beside on the couch in the seat Emmett just vacated.

"What now, Jas?" I asked. "I wanna go sleep."

"No you wanna go hide," Jasper said knowingly. I hated that he was right. "Look, Edward, we were there watching you two since the shouting started. You were too wrapped up in each other to notice us. That's intense, that's real."

"I don't wanna talk about it." I raked my hand through my hair. "Is there actual business you want to discuss or is that it?"

"When we get back to NY, Midnight Sun is going to be audited by the IRS."

Midnight Sun was officially Jasper's club but, I was a silent partner.

"How are the books?"

"Cooked and ready to go. My informant told me three months in advance so I started to prepare from back then."

"The real books?"

"Are in the safe-house of our apartment building,"

"So if everything's fixed why are you telling me bout this?"

"Because boss man, you need to know." He poked me in my side.

"When is it?"

"Thursday at 3pm."

"Only legitimate business this week."

He nodded.

I got up to leave. "Now I know."

BPOV

"Did you say bodyguard?" I asked disbelievingly.

Seth Mancini stood in the doorway of my room and grinned at me. He looked like a kid as he nodded eagerly.

Fucking gangsters roping kids into their fucked up world.

"What happened to Emmett?" I put the book I was reading down and sat up in the bed.

"He couldn't watch all three of you at the same time." His grin downsized and he sobered up. "Don't worry Ms. Swan; I'll take good care of you."

Ms. Swan?

"Call me Bella. How old are you Seth?"

"No, Ms. Swan. The boss would cut off my fingers if I disrespected you like that." He laughed when the colour drained from my face. "I'm joking. The Boss is a great guy. He's just a little rough around the edges is all." he looked at me pointedly.

He was sending me a message. I got it, didn't change my mind about Edward being a murderer though.

"I'm 19."

I regained my composure "How about Ms. Bella?"

"That'd be alright." His grin appeared again.

I was curious as to how a kid like him got into the Mafia and did he even want it?

"How did you get into… " I trailed off not knowing what to term it.

"The business?" He smiled mischievously. I nodded. "My brother Sam; he's around here somewhere, you'll meet him later."

I was angry that his brother inducted him into this life. He seemed like a good kid; someone that could have been successful.

"Did you want to?"

"Yea. But, Sam didn't want me to. See our parents were coked up fucks. Pardon my French." He said solemnly and I laughed. "Sam got in the business because he wanted a better life for us. He wanted to send me to college. He saved up for it and said I could be anything I wanted to."

I felt horrible about judging Sam so harshly and resolved to be very nice to him when I met him.

"I went to the boss behind his back and the boss told Sam. See, good guy."

"Yea, yea, I get it."

"Sam and I fought. I told him I was doing it whether he wanted me to or not. The boss made me join his crew because Sam wanted to keep an eye on me. That was two years ago."

"Where's the boss now?" I sneered.

"Downstairs with Jasper last time I checked."

"Alright Seth, so what do we do now?"

"Do what you'd normally do. I'm just going to keep an eye on you."

I had been cooped up in this room since after the fight with Edward. I wanted to get out. I hated the bodyguard thing. But Seth was turning out to be great company and I didn't feel like moping in my room.

"Come on. Imma take a walk and see if Alice needs any help."

"She tha really tall one with the blond hair and the hot bod?" He sounded hopeful.

"No, that's Rosalie my sister and she's Emmett's so take youse eyes off.'

"Oh, well." Seth shrugged, "I like ya too, Ms. Bella, ya know." He winked and I giggled. He was too cute.

I put on my chucks and we headed out into the hallway. Just then Edward came up stairs and we stared at each other as we passed. He looked angry, hurt and confused.

I had hurt him with my words. Was he really that bad a person? He saved me and was still protecting me even though I hit him in front of everybody; even sent for his crew. So what if he was a criminal? He had feelings for me and had not done anything to hurt me. Not even when I pushed him to the limit. I was judging him so hard.

He looked away and instantly I felt the loss. What was I going to do? He probably never wanted to talk to me again. I wanted to rake my fingers through his sex hair and tell him we were fine. But, I couldn't and we weren't. I was confused too. My heart and brain were at war.

I love him, so what if he's a criminal?

He does horrible things to people for a living, what are ya? Blind?

He's a good person. Seth said so. Edward won't hurt us.

Seth's a criminal too and yes he will.

I don't believe that.

I do…

"Ms. Bella?" Seth was standing in front of me waving his hand. "Earth to Ms. Bella."

"I'm here, Seth."

"Ms. Bella, this is Houston." He made static noise with his mouth. "We thought we lost you for a while back there. We're happy that you're back with us." He laughed.

I punched his arm. "Shut up."

"Oww… Wow. Ya sure can pack a punch. The boss must be in wicked pain." He laughed.

I sighed. I didn't mean to hit Edward but I was just so angry.

"Ms. Bella, I'm sure he's fine." Seth offered. "Let's look for the little one eh?"

Seth and I walked down the stairs and headed for the front door. On the porch sat a blond man with clear blue eyes. His presence was very calming and I felt at peace around him.

"Hello, Ms. Swan my name is Jasper Cullen. I'm the brother of the idiot that is in love with you." He held out his hand.

Wow, do all the gangsters around here have manners?

I laughed. "In love? Yea, right. Edward hates me." I took his hand, "Call me Bella."

He shook it firmly but gently. "I highly doubt that… Bella," He winked.

Its official all gangsters wink.

"Have you seen Alice?" I asked changing the subject. His eyes lit up.

Strange…

"They're in the garage; Rosalie is fixing a broken tractor with Emmett." He pointed to a building.

"Thank you, Jasper."

"You're welcome Ma'am. Seth."

"Later J," Seth and Jasper touched fists.

Seth and I walked towards the wooden structure. It was one of the buildings I saw when we first arrived but couldn't identify what it was. The sun was out but it wasn't scorching yet.

"That's Sam, my brother." Seth pointed to a huge man of Emmett proportions who was walking the farm. As we got closer I saw the resemblance to Seth. They both had dark hair, the same skin tone and the same build. The facial structure was the same and Sam looked like an older, thicker version of Seth. Sam also had a lot of scars, they made him look scary but I could tell he was a good person and he had been through a lot.

He approached cautiously as if he was afraid he might scare me. So I decided to bridge the gap.

"Hey, Mr. Mancini," I smiled genuinely.

"Ms. Swan," A deep baritone invaded my ears. "Please it's Sam to you."

I held out my hand. "Only if it's Bella to you,"

I looked at him expectantly. He smiled before he gently took my hand. "Okay, Is Seth annoying you?" He released my hand. "He can be a little…"

"I'm enjoying his company. Seth is a good kid," I looked over at Seth.

"Yea, he is." He looked over our heads to the house. "I gotta go. Goodbye Bella."

"Later Sam." I held up my fist and he laughed before he gently bumped it.

We walked into the garage and found Rose and Emmett bent over the tractor engine while Alice sat in the tractor seat. They tinkered a little before backing away and telling Alice to start it. Alice turned the key and the engine roared to life. Alice and Emmett slapped each other a high-five. Then Emmett lifted Rose up and kissed her; even though they were covered in grease and oil.

I was happy for them but also a little jealous. They fit so perfectly together. It worked for them. Would it work for Edward and me?

Alice turned the engine off.

"Hey," I said lamely as the little group turned to look at me. I suddenly regretted seeking out Alice.

"Look Bells, we fixed it!" Emmett bellowed.

Rose knocked the back of his head. "The engine is off dummy."

"Sorry," He grinned sheepishly while rubbing his head.

"That's great." I tried to sound enthusiastic but failed. Rose looked at me sceptically. I ignored her. "Hey, Alice where are the Blacks?"

"Oh," She hopped down from the tractor, "I told them to take a day because I have lots of guests, I've never had so many people here before. I planning a huge dinner. You'll help right Bella?" Alice bounced and clapped her hands.

"Sure Alice. They guys'll love it."

"Who's this?" Rose asked looking at Seth who was looking at the vehicles. They were a few farm vehicles, Edward's El Camero, Emmett's car and a couple of black SUVs. I guessed that's what the body guards travelled down in. A couple bicycles sat in the corner.

"That's Seth." Emmett said wiping his hands with a rag. "He's a good kid."

"My body guard." I nodded. "Those bicycles working?"

"Yea," Alice said "Why?"

"Going for a ride." I said walking over to the bicycles hoping to make a hasty retreat.

"Bella," Rose called. "Imma clean up and we're going to talk while we make lunch okay? Be back in two hours and be careful."

"Yea sure, Seth." I motioned to the bicycle and he grinned like it was Christmas. I handed him the helmet after putting on mine.

"Ya sure ya can ride Ms. Bella?" he teased.

I got on my bicycle and shot out of the garage. "Watch me."

"Ms. Bella! Wait!" I could hear him behind me.

When I turned to look he was pedalling fast to catch up and I stuck my tongue out at him. He laughed and his features looked panicked.

"Ms. Bella, Look where ya going!" He yelled, "Ms. Bella!"

I turned to see the bicycle falling in a big ditch and I was thrown into the air. I started to panic; my heart took residence in my mouth. I should have seen it coming. My clumsy ass should have never got on that bicycle.

"Bella!" My velvet sounded distressed.

I soared, gaining altitude and it felt like I was flying. I could see some of the animals on the farm, the barn and the house. The view was great but then I started to fall. I closed my eyes and I steeled myself, waiting to hit the ground but it never came.

I felt two sets hands holding on to me. When I opened my eyes I saw the other two members of Edward's crew grinning at me.

"Oh thank you God," I held my heart and tried to steady my breathing.

"No ma'am. My name is Eric and that's Ben." They chuckled at me and I blushed.

"You can put me down now." They did as I requested.

Seth reached me then. "Ms. Bella Ya okay?"

"Yea, I am."

"Oh, fuck! The boss is gonna kill me."

"I'll take care it Seth." I turned to them "Thank you, Ben and Eric, I can't…"

"Bella!" I turned to see my Velvet running towards me. "Are you okay? What the fuck were you doing on a riding bicycle?"

"I'm fine, Cullen!"

He grabbed me and pulled me to him. I felt the love flow from him to me. I held on tightly and I didn't wanna let go.

"Don't do that again." He whispered and I heard the relief in his voice.

He put his lips on mine and I felt the tension surrounding us dissipate.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I love you Edward. My heart fist pumped the air.

"I'm fine, Edward." I whispered back. He looked reluctant to but he let me go and again I felt the loss.

"And you," He turned to Seth. "What the fuck were you thinking?" He slapped Seth's head hard. "I should…"

Criminal! Criminal! Criminal! My brain shook its head.

"Hey!" I yelled getting in between him and Seth. "Don't touch him! I wanted to ride the bicycle."

"It's okay Ms. Bella." Seth mumbled staring at the ground.

"No, it's not!" I grabbed Seth arm and headed for the house.

"That's right Bella! I'm always fucking wrong!" Edward shouted from behind me.

Asshole.

A/N: Tell me what ya think ... All types of criticism welcome in the form of reviews.

To my reviewers ... Oh man! Y'all make me wanna write for life. :)

To the subscribers ... Nuff nuff love and respect. :)

To the other visitors ... One love. :)

Thank you all for reading.

I'm still beta-less but I have a feeling that's gonna change soon. )

It's time for B&E to stop with the fighting, don't ya think?

I think so too.

Chapter 7 coming straight at you.