Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 6
Close Encounters
BY SUNDAY MORNING, Bella and Rosalie were speeding toward the business district of Port Angeles in Rosalie's car. She was accompanying Bella to help pick out a nice dress to ware on her dinner date with Anthony, when Rosalie asked Bella, "Why didn't you tell me about him?"
Swallowing, Bella made a face, "Who?"
"You know whom, Anthony Masen," Rosalie paused and glanced over at her before returning her gaze back to the front, "Up until two days ago I had no idea that you knew him."
"I…we-"
"Please tell me he wasn't the reason you left to go back to Phoenix a few weeks ago?"
"Well, I," Bella hedged not really wanting to give her an answer.
"Bella, its true isn't it. He was the reason you left?"
Staring out her window, Bella hesitated again before whispering, "Yes."
"He didn't take advantage of you, did he?" Rosalie asked.
Bella gave her friend an odd look and thought why she would even ask her that after admitting she'd spent time with him at her home. "Take advantage of me, Anthony?" she echoed just the thought of Anthony started her fantasizing about being with him and it wasn't in a friendly way.
"Yes, I mean has he done anything unusual?"
Eyes widening then narrowed on Rosalie at the implication, Bella shook away her distraction and turned to her friend, "What are you implying?" If she didn't know better she'd assume, Rosalie knew something about Anthony and wasn't telling her.
"Shit! Bella I didn't mean that the way it sounded," she paused than grimaced at the disbelieving look Bella threw at her, "Okay…I guess I did that and other, more dangerous things."
Yes Bella thought he had taken advantage of her a few days ago…though she couldn't lie and say that secretly she'd wished he had not, "Why are you so interested in my relationship with Anthony?"
"Don't be so difficult, Bella."
Her eyes flashed to the window, "Why would you think he'd try and take advantage of me? And what do you mean by dangerous?" she demanded. Reminded of the way he was prone to flashing a bit of his temper when he didn't get his way.
Rosalie crinkled her nose, "I just think you could do better."
"Why would you even say that being you don't even know him?" Bella asked incredulous. Surely Rosalie couldn't know anything about his mood swings, she had made sure not to let it be known how the evening ended two nights ago.
"I just heard rumors is all," she paused and glanced at her out of the corner of her eye before directing her attention back to the road. "Like I said you could do better."
"He's not like that! He's been nothing but understanding and gentlemanly towards me," Bella said overwhelmed with a sudden need to defend him.
"All right calm down."
Glancing over at her, Bella became uncomfortable that Rosalie seemed so interested in her personal business. She tried to bring a quick end to their discussion. "So he's different. I don't mind, okay?"
"I just have this feeling about him."
Bella was becoming exasperated, "Rosalie!"
"Why are you being so defensive over a man you barely know?" Rosalie shot back. When Bella didn't answer her right away she continued, "So is he? "
"Is he what?"
"Is he a nice or unusual sort of guy?"
"He's okay."
Rosalie gave a snort, and a slight shake of her head.
Bella frowned, as her eyes narrowed on her friend, "What, was that for?" when Rosalie gave her that 'I don't buy it smirk' she relented, "Fine he has his moments, okay."
"Oh my God, you're dating him?"
Bella felt her face grow hot with embarrassment, and tried to turn her gaze away from Rosalie to look out the window. "We're not dating…exactly. I mean we are attracted to each other," Bella said, wondering what Rosalie would think if she admitted that she was obsessed with a virtual stranger, especially after sleeping with him. "But with work and all…"
"You haven't had time to develop a relationship," Rosalie finished for her. "So tell me about him."
Okay now they were in dangerous territory. No way would she admit that Anthony alternately spooked her and turned her on all at the same time. She swallowed and said, "His name is Anthony Masen, he's from Port Angeles, and is a prominent business man."
"Owner or employee?"
"He's the CEO and owner of E&C Corporation," Bella reluctantly admitted, knowing Rosalie didn't take kindly to business men especially after her ex fiancé had been one.
"So is he handsome?"
Now there was something that she could be honest about, "Yes he's drop dead gorgeous."
If Rosalie was feeling any negative vibes coming off of Bella she hid it well behind an expressionless mask, "So he's a nice man and not mean in any way?"
"Yes, he's nice, and considerate, handsome, and sweet, and he…he has this way of making me feel comfortable-."
"You're in love with him!" she cried as she caught the dreamy eyed look in her eyes and the breathy way she described him. "You are aren't you?" she asked.
Bella folded her arms stubbornly across her chest and pouted, "So what if I am?"
"You barely know him, Bella."
"Don't you think I know that? Why do you think that I told him I wanted to be just friends? We were moving a little to quickly for my-"
"Did you just say you were moving to quickly? Just how quickly was it?" Rosalie asked glancing over at her.
Bella's cheeks deepened an even darker shade of red, "I-I, we…I mean…"
"You had sex with him, didn't you?" she asked her eyebrows rose, as she looked at her expectantly. "Did you use protection?"
Bella groaned as she hid her burning face in the palms of her hands, what the hell was this an inquisition? "Yes," she whispered, knowing that Rosalie would never let it go if she didn't answer her.
"Is that in answer to you had sex with him and used protection?" thinking that's all Bella needed to be carrying the next heir to the Cullen Crime family, unknowingly.
Bella blushed to the roots of her hair, "We-we didn't use a condom, but I have been on the pill for a while now," She mumbled out.
"When you never told me you started on them," Rosalie demanded.
"Rose! It was after I started dating Jacob…okay, we came close a couple times and I wanted to be safe, just in case." Bella shouted beyond mortified.
Rosalie huffed, "So is it because you had sex with him that sent you fleeing back to Phoenix? Did he hurt you? Use you?"
Bella raised her head from out of her palms and stared at Rosalie with bewilderment, "No! That's-that's not what happened at all!" she cried.
"Really?" Rosalie asked, thinking that if Edward Cullen had hurt her best friend in any way she'd have his balls served to him on a silver platter.
"He was nothing but good to me, gentle, loving…I didn't even know what hit me…he literally swept me off my feet." She paused to collect herself, "I let him seduce me…let him take me out on a date, and back to his place…I still can't believe that I let my guard down and willingly threw all my deep seated morals about never having sex before marriage out the window. All I could think about was that I was committing one of the seven deadly sins, by giving into him, by letting my hair down and…and becoming that bad girl I thought I was. But God help me I could not stop wanting to do so," Bella rushed to say.
"You do realize that a lot of people sleep around all the time now a days, don't you?"
Bella gave a quick nod of her head
"Then why are you beating yourself up over something I assume you both were consensual about? And besides you're not a teenager anymore so what's the problem?"
"Because I, that is…we, Its just that I never did anything like that before…I mean yes I fooled around with Jacob Black a few times…but I always made sure to not let it get out of hand. I wanted to be the good little virgin…to give that gift to my husband one day and look what I did," Bella said frustrated.
"I see where you're coming from, Bella, but a lot of people don't think like that anymore and will not look at you with disgust for having sex before marriage…its nice to try and save yourself for marriage, but sometimes it doesn't work out like that. Besides just because you had sex with a man does not make you into a bad girl for doing so."
"God you must think I am so pathetic to even think that way? But it wasn't that I was a bad girl per say…. it was more of the idea of letting myself lose control, and not think about the consequences of my actions for the first time in my life."
Rosalie gave a soft chuckle, "So was it that bad?"
"What do you mean?" Bella asked frowning.
"Why, letting yourself lose control? Was it thrilling, exciting, and exhilarating?"
"It was that and more," Bella breathed out. "Did you know he owns the Nightclub and Restaurant Calypso?" At Rosalie's silence she continued, "So why did you think automatically that he hurt me?"
Rosalie frowned, gripping the steering wheel tighter and contemplated on whether she should tell Bella that her boyfriend Emmett was Edward's best friend and one of his so called bodyguards, she thought.
"Rose?" Bella said. "Seriously what is with you lately? Ever since I got back from gram's house you have been acting strange. Is it something I did? Something I said?"
"No-no, it's nothing like that," Rosalie hurried to explain deciding that she'd tell her a little of the truth, "My boyfriend Emmett works for Ed-Anthony as one of his body guards." She kept her eyes glued on the road ahead of her, "He told me that Anthony has trouble controlling his temper, and I was just concerned that he might have lost it around you is all."
"Well that's just certainly enough startling information to condemn the man?" Bella said snidely.
"Quit being so sarcastic, would you? Besides Emmett, I was talking to a friend of mine a Tonya Denali about him after we had our conversation yesterday. The mere mention of his name seemed to upset her."
"Why?"
"She was certain she'd heard his name before in some negative context, though she wasn't sure."
"I don't understand why you're being so troubled about this," Bella said.
"Because you're my best friend and I care about you."
Bella took a deep breath, "Well thank you for that."
The exasperation faded away and she was reminded of why she liked the beautiful blonde so much. She was one of the warmest and caring people she'd ever met…that was as long as you didn't get on her bad side. Then she turned into a spiteful, cold-hearted bitch. "So Your Emmett works for, Anthony?"
"Yes he does, you might have even seen him, and he's always with Anthony." Rosalie said.
"No, he's not introduced me as of yet," Bella, answered than pondered as to why he hadn't. It had not gone unnoticed by her that Anthony kept his guards at arms length, not once introducing her to them.
"You might want to ask him to do so, Bella."
Voicing her thoughts, "Rosalie…you don't think it strange that Anthony has so many body guards do you? It seems no matter where he is there are about five to seven men with him at all times. I wonder why he needs so many."
Rosalie's grip on her steering wheel tightened even more, shit! She knew this was going to happen that Bella would become curious as to why Edward had all those bodyguards. How was she supposed to keep what he was a secret from her best friend? It was as if she were betraying her by not telling the truth. But she knew better…that Edward's threats should not be taken lightly. She just hoped that if Bella ever found out the truth that she would not become furious for keeping that information from her.
"I don't know, maybe it's because he's a very wealthy businessman. You know how they are sometimes…thinking that they need protection around the clock even when living in a small town environment." Rosalie answered.
"Yeah…you're probably right," Bella said with a pensive expression on her face, "But it just seems strange is all." I wonder if he'll have a bunch of his guards with him tonight during dinner. She thought.
"Look we are here," Rosalie said excitedly as she pulled into a parking spot in front of a small shop.
When Bella noticed the name over the door that read, Brandon's Boutique's she let out a groan, "No Rosalie why did you have to bring me here? You know I can't afford a dress in a store like this?" she whined.
"Anthony told you to ware something dressy," Rosalie said and extended her hand out toward the small Boutique, "And this is as dressy as they come around here."
"Rosalie!" Bella whined again.
""Bella, don't worry I've got you covered." Rosalie said while opening her door and stepping out of the car.
"But I don't want you to spend that kind of money on me," Bella whined again as she also got out of the car. She was pouting and had her arms crossed over her chest stubbornly.
"Okay…so tell me what are you going to ware to diner then? I mean you weren't thinking of wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater were you?" at Bella's blush and the way she embarrassingly looked down at the sidewalk, Rosalie knew then, "You were! Oh Bella what am I going to do with you?" she asked shaking her head in frustration.
Bella left out another groan, and pouted even more.
"That's it," Rosalie said throwing her arms up into the air, "You Bella Marie Swan are going to come into this store with me, and you will…I repeat WILL try on dress after dress until we have found something nice for you to ware. So quit being so stubborn and get your ass in the store."
Bella stood there with her mouth agape staring at her best friend in mild shock. She couldn't believe that Rosalie had just talked to her as if she were a child, "I'm not a child," she muttered under her breath.
"Then stop acting like one, you asked me what's gotten into me. But really Bella what's gotten into you? It seems ever since this "Anthony Masen"," Rosalie said making quotation marks with her hands, "Came into your life, you've been acting different as well."
"I have not."
"Oh yes you have."
"Have not," Bella said knowing that right now they sounded like young children.
"Yes you-" Rosalie began than took a huge breath, "Oh just forget it, Bella," she said as she moved forward and took a hold of her arm and pulled her toward the entrance of the store.
"Well why do you even care, Rosalie? It wasn't even five minutes ago you were warning me off of him." Bella said.
"I care because, you apparently care…and because of that no matter what I think I still want you to look good and have a good time."
Bella shook her head, "Gees Rosalie sometimes I just don't know about you-"
Rosalie opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by an excited woman's voice, "Hello! Welcome to Brandon's Boutique is there anything I can assist you with?"
"Yes. NO!" Both Bella and Rosalie answered at the same time. Rosalie jabbed Bella in the side to keep quiet.
"We…I mean yes, my friend has a big date tonight and she needs to find something dressy to ware."
"I see," The pixie like woman, with short spiky black hair, and beautiful face said as she stood in front of them clapping her hands and squealing excitedly. "I think I might have the perfect dress for you to ware…Bella."
Bella stiffened for a moment beside Rosalie, "Wait how do you know my name-"
The pixie like woman didn't give her a chance to finish her question before she grabbed Bella's hand and started to pull her quickly across the Boutique store, "I have the perfect dress for you, I think the color would look excellent on you, and then we could do your hair, and makeup."
Bella followed behind her becoming bewildered, there was something familiar about this woman, and she reminded her of someone though she couldn't put a finger on it right now. "I-I, don't need all this-"
"Oh that would be excellent," Rosalie spoke up from behind both of them, cutting Bella off in mid-sentence.
Bella rolled her eyes and groaned, "I hate you Rosalie."
"You'll be thanking me later," Rosalie sung to her as she followed them around the store.
AT SEVEN O' CLOCK Sunday evening Edward stood on the front porch of Bella's house. He tugged nervously at the color of his white dress shirt and the bottom of his suit jacket. Absently he ran his hand through his disheveled red bronzed hair and raised his hand up to ring Bella's doorbell, his hand stopped in midair, and returned to run through his hair once again. This is ridiculous to be feeling this nervous about seeing Bella once again. It had only been two days ago that he'd made a visit to his uncle's restaurant to see her… he couldn't help not wanting to be with her, to be close to her, to hear her voice. She was like a drug to him and the longer he did without, he felt like he'd go mad. It didn't surprise his men anymore when he'd start biting there heads off, brooding and, climbing the walls; this obsession he had with her was starting to interfere with his work, and that's something he couldn't afford to let happen.
So here he stood on her doorstep acting like a schoolboy with his first crush, intending to take her to dinner to meet his sister Alice. He took a deep breath to try and control his raging emotions and nerves, and finally rang her doorbell. Man if his enemies' could see him now, they'd be thrilled to see the head of the Cullen crime family brought to his knees by a female, that for the first time in his life he had a weakness when it came to, Bella. He thought.
Bella answered almost immediately, and when the door opened and his hungry eyes took in the sight of her she literally took his breath away. She was dressed in a blue silk and chiffon gown that fitted perfectly to all the right contours of her body. Her dark brown hair was elaborately styled into curls, and cascading down over her shoulders, her breasts raised seductively under the off the shoulders silk fabric. The color of the dress brought out the fresh, healthy glow of her face and her pale skin. But it was her eyes that caught and held his attention…and in that moment he could not look away.
They both stood there in her doorway staring at one another, Bella with an appraisingly half smile playing about her lips. It was almost too much for him after not seeing her for the past two days; he swallowed the need to reach out and…
"You are so beautiful," he said in a breathy whisper, repressing his desires to follow through with his lustful thoughts, "That color of blue suits you."
He watched mesmerized as a flush of pleasure colored her cheeks.
"Thank-thank you," she murmured shyly, sounding almost as nervous as he felt.
He snapped out of the dream like state he was in and motioned toward his Volvo, "Are you ready to go to dinner?"
She nodded her head, "Yes."
Edward took a step back so he could give her room to join him on the porch and close and lock the door behind her. Being a gentleman he offered her his arm as he helped her down the steps and toward his waiting Volvo.
"So at what point were you going to tell me where you're taking me tonight?" she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
He threw a mocking smile in her direction, "I'm taking you to an elegant
Restaurant. I hope you like pasta and chicken?"
Her smile was disarming, "Yes I like both."
He opened her door and tried to hold back a grown when he was assaulted by Bella's unique scent, strawberries and freesias. Shit! What this woman did to him could be a crime in its self. If it wasn't her scent it was that smile she was giving him driving him crazy…and he'd take her anywhere as long as she continued to smile like that, he thought. When he had her settled, he got in the driver's seat and headed back out of her drive way.
"Anthony are you alright?" Bella asked picking up on his sudden mood.
He threw her that drop dead cooked smirk and met her gaze, "I'm fine."
He watched as Bella's eyes widened and she realized what his hot, penetrating gaze was saying to her, "I'd be even better if I was closer to you," he looked down and noted her hands trembled where they rested in her lap. God! How he wanted her!
Bella sat in the passenger's seat and watched Anthony out of the corner of her eye. Why was this man able to exude sexiness like that by just sitting in a car…there shouldn't be anything sexy about that, she told herself, but there was? Maybe this feeling she was having been because it was Anthony, and everything about him seemed erotic to her. Or it could be the fact that he was wearing a black suit that contrasted against his pale skin, causing his handsomeness to be almost surreal.
Unexpectedly she felt this tightening in her chest, as love for him spread through out her body. It felt so right and so good in that instant she even considered dropping the 'lets be friends act' and going on instinct. But then she remembered that he didn't feel the same for her and that frightened her more than anything. To have something so good, so right hurt so badly because it wasn't the same feeling he had for her…it wouldn't last. Deep down in her heart of hearts she wanted to love and be loved in return. She stared quietly at Anthony and wondered if he would be able to return her love? Or would her hopes and dreams go unfulfilled?
In spite of her misgivings, Bella was determined to enjoy his company tonight…whether it is friend or lover, and as for tomorrow…. She'd have to wait to see what it would bring…
"Did I mention that you look very beautiful?"
"Yes," She grinned, "Though if my best friend ever drags me into a dress shop again to play Barbie Bella with the store owner I will never agree to dress up again." She griped.
Edward laughed, "It couldn't have been that bad."
"You have no idea," she muttered. Rosalie and the storeowner had made her a helpless victim trying dress after dress on, and then playing hairdresser and cosmetician. Then they put the most ridiculous deep blue dress on her that she thought was more suitable for a run way model than herself…
"Well I think that they did a good job."
"Are you sure that your sister Alice wants to meet me?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered as he moved one of his hands from the steering wheel and took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze, before letting go and returning his hand back to the wheel.
She stared at those hands with the long, strong fingers, and imagined what they could do and feel like when caressing over her skin. She shook her head trying to dispel the direction her thoughts had taken.
When they arrived at the restaurant; Anthony got out and walked around to open her door, and held out his hand. She took it and got out, then hesitatingly looked around, and took notice as to what restaurant he brought her to Twilight…then was distracted by the two black SUV's that pulled up and parked along side of them. I wonder why he feels the need to have all his bodyguards around. Could he actually be that afraid someone might attack him being rich and all? She found herself thinking again.
Edward noticed that her attention was on his guards and sighed, "Bella, there's nothing to be afraid of. I won't leave your side, I promise."
She thought about that and suddenly felt much better. He could see it in her face.
"See now it won't be so bad," he said gently, "Besides Alice is beside herself with excitement to meet you," he whispered in her ear as he leaned down and wrapped one arm around her waist, as they moved slowly toward the entrance of the restaurant, Anthony's bodyguards following closely behind.
"So you brought me to Twilight…for dinner?" she asked.
He gave her another heart-dropping smile, "Yes, I own this one as well."
Bella gave him a surprised look, "Just how many businesses do you own, Anthony?"
"Four more and three mansions," he answered her nonchalantly. He'd not told her about all the other haunts that had to do with his crime side.
Bella's eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she stared up at him with an astonished look upon her face, "Four-four more and three-three mansions?"
Edward looked down at her and chuckled, he couldn't help but to laugh for she had the cutest expression on her face, "Come on, Bella lets go inside before we are late, and my sister has my head."
"Just how rich are you Anthony?" she asked sounding bewildered.
He chuckled again, "Very."
She gasped and shook her head her eyes fell on one of his henchmen, "No wonder you need all this protection."
"Yes," he said then frowned. If she only knew the real reason why he needed his henchmen around, he thought as he tightened his arm around her.
Once inside Edward escorted Bella toward a large round table in the back. A man and a woman were already seated at the table along with a few others. When they drew near the table Bella gasped when the smaller woman looked up with a genuine smile plastered on her beautiful face. Why it's the woman from the boutique store. She thought surprised.
"Bella I would like you to meet my sister, Alice Cu-Masen," Anthony said nodding in his sister's direction.
The woman, Alice laughed at Bella's befuddled expression, and extended her hand out toward her, "Hi, Bella!" Alice said as she bounced with excitement in her chair.
Anthony moved forward to pull her chair out and found her seated between Alice and Anthony, before she realized what was happening, Alice leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Bella was sure that her eyes registered shock, but at the same time she was pleased that Alice seemed to be taking to her so well. She was startled to see Anthony stiffen in his chair, and threw him a quick glance, but his expression was unreadable.
"I believe we have already met, brother," she commented.
Anthony stared at Alice eyebrow raised, "Have you?"
"Yes Bella and her friend came into the Boutique earlier to pick out her outfit."
"Ah… I see."
Alice took note as to the expression on Bella's face and tried to break the small silence that formed, "Bella let me introduce you to my fiancé' Jasper Hale." Alice said her hand moving to point out Jasper sitting beside her.
Bella's eyes widened when she glanced in the direction of Jasper, her mouth fell open in mild surprise as she recognized him.
"Hello, Bella," Jasper said with a knowing smile and wink, "I believe we are already acquainted?"
Again she felt Anthony stiffen beside her and she wondered what was wrong with him. "Hello, Jasper," She smiled at him then turned her gaze back to Alice, "Jasper is my best friend Rosalie's twin brother." Though even as kids growing up he'd been the one to keep his distance from her. She thought.
"Just how well are the two of you acquainted?" Anthony muttered glaring darkly at Jasper; he looked and sounded almost jealous.
Bella watched as Jasper's face paled slightly and he sat up straighter in his chair, while Alice threw her brother a worried look, "I've known Jasper all my life…his sister and I grew up together," she hurried to explain as she noted Anthony was still glaring at Jasper, "He's like a brother to me…nothing more."
Edward continued to glower furiously at Jasper; to think that the man had the balls to imply that he was close to Bella had set his blood boiling. MINE! His mind screamed. It didn't matter that Jasper was Alice's fiancé, it didn't matter that he was one of his closest friends and loyal mobster's working for him. He was a man and any man that was close or thinking to get close to his Bella was a threat, and he didn't take kindly to threats.
"Let's hope it stays that way," he said in a hard warning tone.
Alice clapped her hands together and started to giggle, it had its desired effect easing the sudden tension around the table, "Bella! I must say that dress looks absolutely stunning on you…doesn't it Anthony?"
"Stunning…" Edward agreed. He reluctantly moved his eyes away from Jasper to look adoringly down at Bella, his eyes darkening with desire.
Bella felt her face heat, as she felt his gaze fall on her. "Thank you," she said shyly her eyes downcast, once again wondering if Rosalie's words about Anthony's temper rang true.
Alice sat forward, "So Bella tell me a little about you?" she asked with genuine curiosity.
"Well there's not much to tell.'' Bella said embarrassed.
Alice smiled, "I'm just curious about you."
Bella's hands twisted together on the table top, "I'm really not that interesting, I am not one to seek adventure and danger, and as a matter of fact I try to avoid it as much as possible, even though my family has accused me of being a danger magnet."
She gave her a peculiar stare, "A danger magnet? Why would you say that?"
Bella laughed, "Because I am a danger magnet…clumsy to be exact. I have been in and out of the hospital many times in my life for just that reason."
"I see?" She said gently. "So do you have any family living in Washington?"
"Yes I do."
"So then do they live in the same town as you do?" she asked eagerly.
"Yes, just my father, mother and I live in Forks; my grandmother is still living in Phoenix."
"I see," Alice said.
Edward chuckled beside her, "Alice don't look to discouraged…she was like this the first day I met her. It was like pulling teeth to get any information out of her," he joked. Before they were all interrupted by the waiter making an appearance at their table.
After the first hour the tension at the table melted away, once the food was ordered and served. Bella was happy that she was getting along with everyone. And found that Alice Cullen was an easy woman to get along with and she liked her immediately. She was surprised that Alice was such a fresh ball of energy, and found she was laughing along with a lot of her jokes and comments she'd fling toward Jasper or her brother. Watching her and Anthony together she could see that they were very close and that Alice adored her older brother immensely. She felt a slight twinge of jealousy…because she'd always wanted a brother or sister but her parents were only able to have one child…
"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself to you earlier at the Boutique," Alice said, apologizing.
Bella placed her glass back down on the table and smiled shyly, "It's okay…though I wondered how you knew my name when Rosalie and I first came into your store?"
Alice laughed, "Well, Bella everyone knows who you are…being the daughter of the police chief and all."
"Then you know my father?" Bella asked. "That's strange because even Anthony didn't know who I was at first."
"Why would he?" Alice said glancing over at her brother who was in conversation with their Cousin Marcus, "He keeps himself holed up in that office of his too much…I was surprised when he told me about you."
Bella swallowed, "Me?"
Alice giggled and patted her arm, "Yes silly, it's not everyday that my brother is…so enthusiastic when talking about a woman."
"I don't even know why he'd tell you about me…I am nothing special."
"Oh…I wouldn't say that," Alice said slyly.
"But I'm not, besides we are just friends."
"Humph…." Alice said with a knowing wink and smile, as her eyes darted back and forth between Anthony and Bella.
Bella could feel her cheeks heat up with another blush when Anthony chose that moment to look up and there eyes connected, he gave her that heart-dropping smile that had her hands sweating and wetness forming between her thighs. Damn! Was it that obvious to everyone how she felt about him? She thought.
She was brought out of her thoughts when Anthony's cell phone rang.
"This better be important," Anthony snapped.
Bella watched as the different emotions flashed across his handsome face, and wondered what could cause him to go from the smiling handsome man of a few moments ago to the hard, emotionless mask he now wore.
EDWARD WAS NOT happy to have hiss dinner with Bella and his sister interrupted by the phone call, but he knew that he had to take it, and was glad that he had.
"This better be important?" he snapped.
"Watch that tone of voice you use with me, boy," His grandfather Alistair warned.
Edward immediately stiffened and the smile left his face, he knew that when his grandfather called that it concerned the crime side of the business.
"What do you want?" he asked in a nicer tone.
"Your presence is needed at E&C Corp."
"I am in the middle of something important-"
"You have one hour to meet your father and I here, do you understand?"
"Yes, I can do that."
"Bring the men with you, this concerns all of you." The line went silent.
Edward sighed and closed his phone putting it back in his suit pocket, and then glanced in the direction of Bella, he hated to but he was going to have to call this night short. It had been going so well and Bella and Alice had hit it off immediately, which he was happy for. But there were pressing matters that concerned him that he needed to take care of, and his grandfather was not one to be defied.
"*Dio mi dà forza," Edward muttered under his breath. Sometimes his grandfather forgot that he'd stepped down, and gave the reigns over to him. His grandfather was the only one that he let get away with giving him commands.
"What is it?" Bella asked when she heard him sigh.
Edward looked from his sister to Bella, "I'm sorry but I am going to have to cut our dinner short tonight ladies," Edward said.
"Oh," Bella said disappointment sounded in her voice.
Edward captured Bella's eyes with his, "It's not that I want to, Bella but I have to."
"Is everything alright, Ed-Anthony?" Alice asked.
"Sure…it's just something that has to do with work, last minute meeting that I must be present for," he answered, never breaking eye contact with Bella.
He leaned toward her so that he was close to her, "Forgive me," he whispered, his expression serious.
"Forgive you?"
"Yes, *amore mio."
The pad of his thumb lightly traced the outline of her bottom lip. Bella's lashes fluttered closed as her heartbeat quickened and the room seemed to shift slightly. Once again she could feel herself become lightheaded as if she'd had too much to drink…intoxicated by his nearness. She swayed toward him of her own free will, and for a moment thought that Anthony would take her into his arms and reacquaint her with his embrace. Her body quickened. Her breasts tightened, and a flush crept through her, this time not from embarrassment. He agonizingly moved his hand slowly, surely, tracing the line of her jaw, the length of her throat, the curve of her shoulder. Her breath grew shallow, she opened her eyes to be met with the glittering, hypnotic, smoldering emeralds of his.
"Your heart is beating so quickly," He murmured, his face serious as his gaze continued to bore into hers.
"I-I can't help it." Mesmerized, she wondered if she should fight the feeling that enveloped her thoughts being that she'd told him she wanted to only be friends.
He didn't say anything else, merely gazed at her with a look so intense her pulse rushed in response. She was awash with heat the dampness between her legs wetting her panties, and her knees were shaking.
And then as if remembering there were others around that they were not the only two in the restaurant, Anthony deliberately broke the connection, removing his hand. Moving away from her to stand up, and push his chair back under the table. The soft caring expression wiped from his face leaving a steely cold mask in its wake.
"So how long have you two been close?" Alice asked surreptitiously.
Suddenly feeling foolish at her overblown reaction, Bella backed away mentally, and turned her head to look at Alice, "What what do you mean?" she stuttered.
"Alice!" Edward warned.
"What? It's pretty obvious that the two of you are together…the way you were looking at one another just now-"
"Alice!" "We are not a couple!" Both Edward and Bella cried out at the same time.
"Really, then what are you?"
"Anthony and I are just very good friends, we've only just met and are trying to get know one another," Bella said embarrassed.
"Yes friends," Edward said between clenched teeth, as he reached for his jacket that he'd draped on the back of his chair and began to put it on.
"Friends you say? Could have fooled me," Alice muttered under her breath.
Edward ignored his sister's last comment, and turned his hard gaze onto Jasper, "Jasper," he said, "I will need you to accompany me, make sure the rest know as well." He turned to look back at Alice and Bella. "Alice do you have a ride?"
Alice shook her head, "No I came here with Jasper."
"Than you both will take a taxi home," he said as he motioned for both Bella and Alice to follow him toward the entrance of the restaurant. He opened the door for them in true gentlemanly fashion, "Flag one down now Jasper," he commanded of Alice's boyfriend.
Bella bit back a sarcastic reply about being able to take care of her…but in truth she wasn't so certain that she could always take care of herself, being a danger magnet and all- at least not where he was concerned. She was beginning to see that Anthony was a very compelling, more mesmerizing man than she'd ever met. Compared with Jacob Black, Anthony Masen was far from immature and amateur. She thought, with Anthony's hand on her arm, guiding her down the concrete sidewalk, those old feelings she'd had for Jacob Black seemed less important to her now than they once had. She wasn't sure what it was; maybe she just felt more at ease around him, felt safe.
She shook her head, which was saying something… because ever since she and Rosalie had been attacked she'd not liked being outside when it was dark, and had trouble-trusting men. She'd always felt as if someone was watching her…keeping track of her every move. Those feelings bothered her, and lately those feelings had become stronger, she felt like she was always being watched. She found she would be looking over her shoulder a lot more than usual, and to her relief there would be no one following her or watching her. Shrugging off her uneasiness, something that Anthony didn't seem to pick up on, she continued to walk silently beside him.
She didn't have long to think about the situation of those feelings however, for they'd reached Napier Street, and Jasper stepped into the street to hail a taxi for them. The driver pulled over to the curb with a screech of brakes.
Anthony gave a little nudge toward the vehicle, "Your taxi, ladies." he stated without emotion.
Alice turned to give Jasper a quick hug and kiss before jumping into the backseat of the taxi, Jasper turned and walked toward a black SUV to give Edward and Bella some privacy. Bella hesitated and tried starring into his eyes that had held her prisoner less than fifteen minutes ago.
"Thank you for dinner tonight, I had a nice time."
She realized that she couldn't see his eyes in the darkness from the street but imagined from the tone of his voice he was back to being cold, and unemotional. It felt as if he was trying to close himself off from her again, just like the first night that they'd met.
"Anthony, what's wrong?"
"Its late the both of you must be going, I have pressing matters to attend to."
She narrowed her eyes; he was using that voice on her, the annoying one that got other people to do his bidding. What has gotten into him all the sudden, she thought as a flash of irritation kept her from being equally inveigled, she ignored the taxi and his light nudges to get into it.
"I will not get in until you tell me why your acting so cold toward me all the sudden."
"Bella," he sighed in exasperation, "I have business to take care of…as I told you, get in the taxi."
"I-I know that, why are you avoiding my question?" she tried to argue, noting two men dressed like street thugs making there way toward them, "Your acting as if we met for the first time or something."
Anthony's lips were pressed tightly together, and his jaw was clenched. His expression and stance made him appear tough and mean, totally unlike the man she was getting to know.
Suddenly Rosalie's words rang in her mind, "Anthony has a temper at least that's what Emmett told me, I want you to be careful."
Did she need to be careful around him? Was Rosalie's concern about him true? Before she could get an explanation from him, one of the thugs walked around Anthony and tried to grab for Bella's purse, knocking her into the rear passenger door of the taxi, while the other man came to stand close to Anthony.
"Give me your purse bitch and the -" the thug commanded in a dark voice.
Before she could react, Anthony shot out a hand and stopped him from completing his sentence. His fingers were latched on to the stranger's arm and spun him away from Bella and the taxi. The commotion caused Alice and the taxi driver to look around to see what was going on.
Edward had grabbed the man's hand when he saw he'd pulled a gun and aimed it at Bella, a rage like none other he'd ever felt spread through his body, and the need to protect what was his knocked every other coherent thought from his mind. How dare he touch her, how dare he think to even approach him, this bastard was going to pay with his life.
"Get the fuck away from her," he snarled in the face of the man who still had the gun in his hand.
The man angered by Edward's sudden outburst laughed, "Why don't you fucking make me, asshole," he sneered pushing Edward's hand away from him and aiming the gun toward him. "Now give me your God damn money or your lady friend gets it."
"Take your fucking hands off her right now!" Edward commanded in a deathly, quiet voice as his hand reached for his own gun. Before Edward could pull it from his holster the other thug moved forward and put a gun to his back.
"I wouldn't do that."
Bella's scared whimper caught Edward's attention, and found that the man who'd pushed her had now taken Bella in a death hold and was using her as a human shield in front of him. He was pointing the gun toward him and then back to Bella.
Edward stood there seething in rage, and frustration… these bastards didn't know who they were dealing with, he thought as he tried to think of a way to get Bella free from the man who now held her. He didn't show it but his heart was thundering in his chest knowing that his Bella was in danger and could possibly be killed. He had to protect her at all coasts…even if it meant being hurt or possibly killed himself. Even with the gun digging in his back he tried to take another step forward.
The thug pointed the gun against Bella's temple, "Don't come any closer or she's dead," he yelled, as his eyes dodged between Edward and someone else.
Edward turned his head to see Jasper and his other men quickly advancing toward them, all had their guns drawn.
"Do you know who I am?" Edward asked quickly trying to keep his attention on him and off of his men and Bella. "I have a lot of money-"
"Fucking shut up!" the one holding Bella screamed, pushing the barrel of the gun closer to her temple.
"An-Anthony," she gasped out through chocking sobs, terrified.
Edward took another step forward, trying to get to Bella; his heart was breaking at the sound of fear in her voice and the tears in her eyes. His hand reached for his gun but was restrained by the man pushing him back. He heard the distinct sound of a click as the man holding Bella finger flexed on the trigger.
"Stay back!" Edward snarled to his henchmen, the man holding Bella was beginning to panic and not thinking rationally…he was so close to pulling the trigger. "I'll give you what you want, just let the woman go," Edward pleaded trying to keep himself under control and level headed. Losing it right now could cost Bella her life, and he couldn't live with that possibility. Out of the corner of his eye he saw one of his men advancing up behind the taxi on the right side gun in hand…if he could keep these two distracted long enough it would be enough time for Marcus to make his move.
"Oh I don't think so, seems to me she might just be useful," the thug said moving his hand up Bella's stomach to grope her breast, causing Bella to jerk and cry out, and her eyes pleaded for him to help her. "Now give me your fucking money…rich boy."
Edward's anger blazed out of control, as a red haze formed in front of his eyes. This man didn't know it right than but he'd just signed his death warrant by touching his girl like that. A growl fell from his lips as his body stiffened in wrath, he could feel the monster in him awaken, and stir wanting this mans blood on his hands. "This is your last chance to let her go," he said menacingly. Lei merita peggio che la morte."
The man laughed again, "What you going to do bout it pretty boy? It seems to me that I have the upper hand here, not you."
Marcus had moved closer to them and was in a position to shoot the man holding onto Edward, with a quick nod he gave Marcus the single to make his move, with in the blink of an eye the man beside Edward was shot and killed instantly, leaving Edward to lunge forward and grab the mans hand that held the gun. From the force of his attack and the mans momentary distraction from the unexpected gun shot his grip on Bella loosened enough for Edward to push her out of the way. Both Edward and the thug tumbled backwards into the side of the taxi both wrestling for control of the gun.
The henchmen rushed forward and took the man down pulling Edward to the ground with them. He had a death grip on the man's gun hand, and all he wanted to do in that moment was use it to kill this bastard.
"Boss, Boss! We got him, you need to let go."
Still in a red haze of rage, he barely heard someone calling to him the bloodlust raging inside of him was threatening to take over his body, making him lose control.
"Boss! You need to let go."
Edward felt someone pulling on him, prying his fingers from the mans gun hand, forcing him to back away from the man and toward the taxi that sat parked next to the curve. He could feel himself breathing heavily as his anger continued to rage through him…killing this man was the only thing on his mind in that moment. "He must die," he said loudly trying to fight the death grip on him.
"We got him boss, Alice and Bella are okay."
Bella, the mention of her name got his attention and brought him out of the red haze of anger he was under to stare wild eyed into Jasper's eyes, "Bella?" he whispered out.
"Yes, she needs you."
His Bella needed him? Bella, He thought trying to get his thoughts in order.
Jasper whispered to him, giving him a slight shake, "Get a grip on yourself, Edward or you'll scare her more than she already is."
Edward closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the hell down. His Bella needed him, needed him, and needed him, he chanted silently to himself. Opening his eyes he slowlylooked around to search for her and panicked when he didn't spot her right away.
"Where is she?" he asked breathing heavily.
"Edward she's okay. Alice and Bella are in the taxi, there in the taxi," Jasper said trying to reassure his boss and best friend that she was okay. He knew that Edward was about to lose it, and go all sadistic on them, and once he was in that mood there was no stopping him.
Edward's head turned in the direction of the taxi that was still parked by the curb, to see Bella and Alice inside crying and holding each other, shaking and frightened. His heart jerked painfully in his chest at the sight of his, Bella scared and frightened. She was too good, to innocent to have to be put into this situation, renewed anger filled him. He turned back to the two men now being held down on the ground in front of him. His need to comfort his girl warred with his need for vengeance against the man who dared to touch his Bella, for daring to hold him one of the most powerful crime lord's in Washington at gun point. Shakily he ran his hands through his bronzed, disheveled hair, and took another deep breath, the need to go to Bella and comfort her finally won out over the other need for vengeance, he slowly relaxed his muscles and took a step away from Jasper.
"I want them interrogated," he snapped. "Take them in and pressure them for information…do what ever it takes to find out who put them up to this," he commanded trying to straighten out his suit as he spoke.
"When we get the information, do you want them released?" Jasper asked.
"NO!" Edward growled, "Fucking kill them…" Then he walked off in the direction of the taxi and toward his Bella.
"Edward! What about Alistair?" Jasper called after him.
"My grandfather will have to fucking wait for me to get there or cancel the damned meeting," Edward snarled over his shoulder as he continued forward.
He knew that his grandfather would be livid that he chose in that moment to take care of Bella when there were other pressing matters that needed to be attended to; Bella took president over anything that even related to his crime life. He just hoped that his grandfather and father understood that, Bella meant more to him, than his crime world ever would.
BELLA SAT IN the back of the taxi with Alice, shaking in fright at the horrific scene that had just happened in front of her. She had been standing on the sidewalk with Anthony, feeling happy and safe in his presence, when out of nowhere two men attack them grabbing her and demanding money. Luckily Alice had already gotten into the taxi, but as luck would have it she was grabbed and held at gunpoint. All she could think about was two years ago when Rosalie's fiancé Royce had attacked Rose and her, and couldn't help the panic that wracked her body making her shake and start to cry. Please, please not again! Was all that screamed in her mind as she watched Anthony try to plead for them not to hurt her. Fear wrapped around her and squeezed the air out of her lungs.
She was unaware of how long they stood there, their lives in danger, when seemingly in slow motion she lifted her gaze up to the cold, determined eyes of a man who was staring at Anthony with complete, unadulterated hatred. How could anyone look at someone like that? She'd thought in that moment right before he pressed the barrel of the gun harder into her temple. The loud report from a weapon echoed around Bella.
Before she could drag the much needed air back into her lungs to scream, a body, slammed into the man holding her at gun point, she was forcefully pushed away and to the ground. Her heart pounded so hard she could hardly catch her breath, her blood roared in her ears. She glanced over at the two men struggling on the concrete sidewalk and prayed that Anthony wouldn't get hurt. She felt something grab a hold of her arm and she looked up and screamed.
" Bella!" Alice cried as she tried to pull her into the backseat of the taxi, and out of the way of danger.
Bella grabbed onto her as if she were a life preserver, "Alice!" Bella cried. As they both clung onto each other while the chaos continued around them. They watched as a few more of Anthony's bodyguards bounded out of the black SUV's and moved in on the men now rolling around on the pavement.
She didn't know how long they wrestled, but it seemed like hours before she heard Alice whispering, "Its okay…we're okay now," in her ear.
Bella released a long, shaky breath. We're okay, she told herself as she continued to hold onto Alice for dear life. What the hell had just happened? That was way to close for comfort. Her father Charlie would have a cow when he heard about this.
"You know, I guess you were right about being a danger magnet," Alice spoke softly in her ear.
Bella made a strangled laugh through her tears, "I tried to warn you."
"You did, didn't you? You know what else?"
"What? " Bella sniffled.
"I-I think after this…we are going to be the best of friends."
Bella didn't say anymore as she concentrated on trying to calm herself down. Reaching for any remaining inner strength she could find. But the last few weeks had taken its toll on her ability to control her emotions. She just hoped that she wouldn't lose it all together.
"Bella," A velvety, deep voice called.
Bella raised her head off of Alice's shoulder to look up into the concerned and frantic eyes of the man she loved, and knew with out a doubt that she could no longer act as if she didn't feel anything for this man, that she wanted to be more than friends, and to hell if he didn't want her or not.
She made a strangled cry and threw herself at him as he wrapped his strong arms around her.
"Shush, shush its okay love…I've got you," He whispered soothingly into her ear as his hand caressed her hair, "I've got you."
"Anthony," she whispered though her tears.
"Are you hurt? Are the both of you okay?" she heard him ask. Then he pulled her away from him so he could look her over for any wounds. He left out a shaky breath when he seemed satisfied that she was unharmed.
"No, just shaken is all," Alice answered for both of them. "What's-what's going to happen to them?" Alice asked her brother, her voice still shaky.
Bella could feel Anthony stiffen, "There going to be taken care of." He paused, "They will pay for what they have done to you," he whispered under his breath.
"I thought they were going to kill us, Anthony," Bella cried into his warm muscular chest.
His arms tightened around her, "No, Bella…that would never happen. I would never let something like that happen to you."
"I-I understand now why you have all those bodyguards. People must threaten you every day being rich and all especially in today's economy," Bella said.
There was a long drawn out sigh coming from him, "Yes." A small silence fell between them, "I'm going to have to have one of my guards, Emmett to take you and Alice home." Bella gave a muffled cry, "Don't worry *amore mio you will be safe with him," Edward hurried to reassure her. "Will you be okay with this?"
"Emmett?" Bella asked. "Isn't he dating my best friend Rosalie?"
"Yes…have you met him?"
Bella shook her head, "No, you never have introduced me to anyone…other than Alice and Jasper."
With another sigh Edward said, "Then it's about time that I start," He pulled away from her to look behind him, "Emmett! Come here."
Bella watched as the burly, tall, muscular man, with dark, short hair turned to look in there direction, and Bella's eyes widened at the mans persona…he looked big and intimidating as he made his way toward them, making her whimper and cling harder to Anthony.
"You need me for something?" he asked in a big booming voice that made Bella jump.
"Emmett this is Bella, Bella Swan and you already know my sister Alice. I need you to escort them back to there home."
"Bella!" Emmett boomed happily, "It's nice to meet you; Rosie told me a lot about you."
"I-I" Bella stuttered, not sure how to take this man.
Edward gave a small chuckle at Bella's hesitance as she took in the force that was Emmett the Bear McCarty. Wouldn't she be surprised to find that underneath all that muscle and brawn was a big teddy bear?
"You think you can handle getting them back safely?" Edward asked him.
"Sure, sure no problem," Emmett answered.
"Then get in the front with the driver, and make sure nothing else happens to them tonight," Edward commanded.
With a smile and nod, Emmett headed to the front of the car and got inside giving the very disturbed taxi driver an intimidating smile.
Edward turned back to Bella and felt his heart break when she pled with him, "Please don't leave me?"
"Bella, I have to…I don't want to but I must."
"Please," She whimpered.
Edward closed his eyes trying to fight against the urge to go with them, to protect her. But he knew he had to attend that meeting or his grandfather would have his head. Bella was going to be okay and he was thankful that Alice and Emmett would be with her on their journey to her home. He stiffened as a thought struck him, if those thugs that attacked them tonight had anything to do with Black or Lucas there was going to be hell to pay. He was fed up…too much was happening lately to be just a coincidence. Now that Bella and his sister's life was at steak he made the decision starting tomorrow to have three personal guard's watch over them…he didn't want to take the chance of something like this happening again when no one was there to protect them, whether they both liked it or not.
"*Io non posso il mio caro," he whispered brokenly, lowering his head to place a light kiss on the top of her head. With difficulty he pulled away from her and got out of the taxi.
"No, Anthony, please!" she continued to beg.
"Please be safe?" he whispered before closing the door and stepping back onto the curb, fighting against his instincts to pull her back into his arms and never let her go. He watched as the taxi pulled away from him and made its way down the street, taking his love with it.
"Edward will Bella and Alice be okay?" Jasper asked from behind him.
Edward turned around, "Yes…there both a little shaken but will be fine. I sent Emmett to keep watch over them."
"Demetri and Felix have taken the man back to headquarters. The others will dispose of the dead ones body."
"Good," Edward snarled. "We need to meet with my grandfather, something is going down and he has information that will be useful to me."
"I just hope he does not get to angry that we are late-"
"I don't give a fuck what my grandfather thinks," Edward snarled in Jasper's face, "Bella and my sister mean the world to me, they will take president over everyone…and that includes my grandfather." he slung over his shoulder as he headed toward his Volvo, Jasper following quickly behind him.
…...
A/N: Oh how I am enjoying all of your reviews! I think its great to hear all your comments of trying to figure out what's going to happen next…I can tell you it will be a lot, and very surprising where I am going to take you on this journey. But for now I guess I could give you a slight hint…nah! Who am I kidding I can't tell you a thing because I'd ruin this story and keep you guys from sitting on the edge of your seats and biting your finger nails. Though I hope I cleared up the most frequent question being asked of me about Bella and Edward using protection. LOL!
I am sorry for the slow updates, but I am trying to shell out a good story with a good plot…If I hurry too much, I can guarantee that the chapters will not be as good or as long, and from the reviews I think your all enjoying both aspects…Also I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be in the process of moving into a new home, that will take up a lot of my time. I will try but cannot guarantee that I will be able to update during the remainder of the month of July. Hopefully by the ending of August I will be settled in and able to start plugging away at this story again. Don't worry I have every intension of finishing it…even if it is taking forever.
Please be patient and keep reading…Looking forward to your reviews!
Thanks again
Gokdeneyes123*Italian word meanings
Lei merita peggio che la morte. = You deserve worse than death.
Io non posso il mio caro = I can not my dear, or I am not able my darling.
Dio mi dà forza = God gives me strength.
amore mio = my love