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Chapter 8
Tempt Me Not
(Two weeks later)
EDWARD TRIED OVER the last two weeks to avoid Bella, after his blow up with his grandfather but knew it was no use. He could no longer stand being absent from her, and was literally climbing the walls because he missed her so much. At the time he didn't want to admit it but he needed those days away from her to cool off, to think, and collect himself he was shocked that they'd gone behind his back and devised an arranged marriage with the Denali princess. Just thinking about it spurred his already boiling blood up another notch.
He'd paced back and forth in his office for hours after the meeting with his grandfather and father, trying to calm his raging temper, and think of ways to get himself out of the situation he found himself in. He also couldn't wipe the scene from his mind that had played out a few hours before of the almost mugging and the frightened look on Bella's face, her pleas for him not to leave her. It tore at his insides to send her away as he stood there watching the taxi disappear down the street, and could feel the rage in him intensify. He did not want to be out of control around her, to be the monster that he was…there was no telling what he might have done if he'd gone back to her home to seek her out that night, with memories of that bastard's hands on her, the gun pressed against her temple… the meeting had been the icing on the cake. No! His emotions were all over the place and he just couldn't risk being that out of control around her.
His grandfather may think by being the head Don he had complete rule over him, that he had no choice but answer only to him since his father Carlisle gave up and stepped down from his position to become a doctor. Edward was forced to step up and take his father's place, as the second in command he had complete control over the other Don's, drug runners, leaders, and gangs under the Cullen crest…the only exception Edward was still under his grandfather's rule in which he must obey or face the consequences. For the last nine years he'd done what was asked of him followed the rules and ran the Cullen crime family and business with an iron fist becoming one of the most powerful crime lord's in Washington, ruthless, feared…
But for the first time in his life concerning this one thing he would disobey him. He refused to marry anyone but of his choosing, and the old man would just have to strip him of his duties, or kill him before he gave into the idea of marrying Tonya Denali, and making Bella his mistress.
He chuckled darkly. He could picture it now, telling his sweet, innocent, Bella she wasn't good enough to be his wife but she could be his mistress. No that would not go over well with her, and probably earn him a slap across the face for suggesting such a thing. But what would happen if he really had to make that decision?
He was no fool and took his grandfather's threats to heart when it came to his Bella. He knew that Alistair meant every word; he'd stop at nothing to see that he got his way and Edward was not going to let that happen. For he also meant every word he'd spoken that night, and be damned if he'd let his grandfather lay a finger on his sweet innocent, Bella. For the men whom already done so have met there demise.
*Morte.
Yes death. If his grandfather actually followed through with his threats to harm her would he kill his grandfather to protect Bella? He didn't have to think long for the answer came quickly.
Yes he would kill him, and he'd never look back. He thought darkly as he sat in the back of his limo making its way down the business district of Port Angeles toward his company.
Edward sighed as he ran an agitated hand through his messy mop of hair staring out of the tinted window. What he wouldn't give to be just an ordinary man, leading an ordinary life right about now. All the pressure's of his crime life would be gone, he'd even be able to court Bella the way she deserved…with truth and honesty, and not these damned lies and half truths.
He knew if he continued to pursue anything with her that she would constantly be in danger, even though she was already. But this would be different…and he hoped he would be able to keep all the bad things away from her, including his grandfather and his threatening ways. He couldn't take the chance of his grandfather finding out just yet that he'd chose to disobey him and continue seeing Bella instead of preparing himself to marry the Denali Princess. He hated avoiding her questioning him to show her where he worked, wanting to meet the rest of his family, becoming more suspicious as to why he needed so many bodyguards in his supposedly line of work…
No! He thought with a shake of his head.
He had to keep this secret hidden, until he found the best opportunity to bring Bella out in the open and make it known to everyone especially his immediate family that Bella would be in his life for a very long time. Until then he'd just have to play his cards right and hoped nothing else went wrong.
After he'd made up his mind he decided that time away from Bella needed to end he was terribly missing her, the sound of her voice, the feel of her skin, just the mere presence of her. He needed to apologize for his rash behavior over the last two weeks, and hoped that she would not be cross with him for avoiding her. With out further ado he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and searched his contacts until he found Bella's home number and dialed.
"Hello!" answered a woman's voice on the third ring.
"May I speak to Bella Swan?" Edward asked, wondering whom the woman was.
"Whom may I ask is calling?''
"Ed- Anthony Masen," he quickly corrected.
"Please hold on a minute," the woman responded and he could hear her calling Bella's name.
"Bella honey you have a phone call!"
He waited patiently, heart pounding in anticipation of hearing her voice. Luckily he didn't have to wait long.
"Hello!" she answered breathily.
"Bella," he said, and hoped she was not mad at him for not seeking her out or calling to make sure she hadn't gone into shock after the almost mugging.
"Anthony?"
"Yes, err…I hope I didn't pull you away from anything." He asked his voice sounding uneasy even to him.
"No-no, I was just in my room reading."
"I see," he said stupidly, and wondered why he sometimes became a bumbling idiot when it came to this woman.
"Why did you call, Anthony?" she asked. And with a curse under his breath knew she wasn't going to make this easy for him, but then what did he expect?
"I-I wanted to call you," he said feeling tense all the sudden, "I needed to make sure you're okay…after what happened-"
"Oh my God are you serious?" Bella cried.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes at the tone of her voice; she was definitely upset with him. "Yes," he whispered.
"Really?" she asked. "Because I was under the impression that you were… that you didn't even care."
He winched, his hand running through his hair, and sighed, "Bella, that's not true," he tried to assert, "I care about you-"
"Humph! How can you say that when you have avoided me for the past two weeks…I mean no calls no texts from you to see if I was alright?" she asked, cutting him off in mid sentence.
He sighed loudly, his hand running through his tousled hair once again before answering her, "There was some issues that… arose at work…I didn't mean to avoid you."
"Well that's exactly what you did," she huffed. "I thought we were friends? And the last time I checked friends don't do that to each other," she scolded.
He sighed again feeling a pang of guilt tighten his chest; "Are you okay?" concern lacing his voice.
"I am now but thanks for asking," She answered sarcastically.
"Bella, I-I didn't…I'm glad that you're not hurt," he said softly.
He was met with silence on the opposite end of the line and thought that she'd hung up until he heard her deep breathing, "Bella?"
"Why did they try to attack us?" she whisper sobbed.
His heart jumped to his throat when he heard the unmistakable stress and fear in her voice, "I have a suspicion as to why, but that's not important to me right now…what is though is making sure you're okay, making sure your safe…."
"Safe?" she scoffed, "My dad is the chief of police after all, I think I am probably safer with him than I seem to be with you at any given moment."
"Bella, that doesn't mean that you're safe," he said gruffly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing…I just-"
"So did you even have that man arrested and file a police report?" she asked agitated, not giving him a chance to finish his sentence.
Shit! How was he supposed to answer that? He had forgotten about her father being the police chief…he would had eventually talked to his daughter about something like that especially being as protective of her as he was…that was if the incident had been reported. He had to think fast, come on Cullen get it together your better thinking on your feet with your enemies than you are this slip of a girl.
"I-I haven't had a chance to file a police report as of yet, as I have told you…work has been keeping me busy," and hoped that she believed him.
"Your still going to I take it, and that explains why Char-dad hasn't said anything to me about it."
"I'm sure he will, once I file the report," he said and felt a twinge of relief that she seemed to believe him…though unknowing to her was that he would not be filing any repot being that they'd murdered the other man and took the other in to be interrogated than killed.
"Humph…" was all she said.
Damn it! Maybe she didn't believe him as much as he thought, what did he expect, his heart ached for the pain, and stress he had caused her. "I want to see you," he implored.
"Why?" definitely still not making this easy on him.
"Because…I miss you." God! He sounded like a girl, but when it came to Bella he found he didn't care anymore.
"You…miss me," she asked doubtfully.
"Look I have an appointment at the office, but after I'd like to get with you. Could I take you out?" he asked tensely afraid of her rejection.
"I-I don't know Anthony, it seems every time we have dinner something happens that we both seem unable to completely deal with."
"Don't, Bella. It just seems that way…I can tell you that I have enjoyed our time together. Please let me take you out?" he begged, not willing to take no for an answer, his need to see her was to great
"Anthony, I-"
"Please, Bella?" he begged.
"Fine," she conceded.
He chuckled, as a triumphant grin stole across his handsome face, "Good I'll pick you up at seven."
"Anthony why don't I just meet you at your office, I've been wanting to see where you work…and you-you could show me around."
Edward's heart stopped then started up again as panic stole through his body, "NO!" he said a little to loudly. He couldn't take the chance of Bella showing up at his place of work knowing his grandfather would be there…he just couldn't chance the two of them running into each other right now, or risking her seeing the more possessive, sadistic side of him come through if his grandfather so much as looked in her direction.
"No?" Bella repeated disappointed.
"I-I mean it would be better if I met you at your home, rush hour traffic and all." he hurried to amend, lying through his teeth. Fuck! He hated to lie to her like this but he didn't have any other choice.
"Don't you want me to see where you work?" Bella asked sounding hurt.
"Yes, but not today. So do you like fair's?" he asked trying to change the subject.
"The fair? Yeah why?"
"Because there's one in Forks, I was thinking maybe you and I could go out to dinner than the fair…"
"I-I guess that would be okay," she said in a small, quiet voice, letting him get away with the change of subject.
"Then its settled, I'll be picking you up at seven," Edward said happily a smile still spread across his handsome face.
"Until then," she replied.
"Until then Bella," he purred before closing his phone, and deposited it back into his pocket.
He was thrilled that Bella had agreed to go to the fair with him, and as the hours strode by he waited in anticipation until he could see her again. Making arrangements to have bodyguards on lookout the whole time that they would be attending the fair.
By seven that evening Edward had pulled up in front of her house and was helping Bella inside, when she asked.
"So where have you decided to take me for dinner?" Bella asked as her eyes took in her surroundings.
"I have decided to just buy us something at the fair," he paused looking deeply into her eyes, "If that's alright with you?"
Bella nodded her head, "Yes, I'm fine with that."
"Good," Edward said as he continued to gaze into her eyes unable to look away. He couldn't describe the feelings that were running through his body right than at the sight of her, at being able to be with her again, having her scent invade his senses…. ah how he'd missed her.
"So, then?" she whispered softly.
"Yes," Edward asked as his eyes bored into hers. He was having trouble keeping his thoughts together when all he wanted to do was reach out and grab her, pull her close to him and never let her go. Fuck his grandfather and especially his father for daring to suggest asking her to be his mistress. He could not and would not do such a thing.
.
They sat there staring at one another as a small awkward silence fell between them, the only sounds that could be heard was their accelerated breathing, at their close proximity. Though Edward could detect the sadness and hurt in Bella's eyes, and understood that she still felt rejected by his behavior. He was still happy to see her and hoped nothing would go wrong tonight and spoil the elated mood he always found himself in when in her presence.
(The fair)
THE SEPTEMBER AIR was crisp and held a bit of a chill in it as Anthony led Bella through the swarming crowd. He stopped at every stall, buying home made funnel cakes, hot dogs, a cute little necklace with a cat on it. He even bribed a man working behind one of the many game booths for a teddy bear when he was unable to win it for her. Bella tried to tell him it wasn't that important, but he seemed determined to get it for her and eventually pulled out a hundred dollar bill and waved in the guys face. Naturally the man took it and handed the bear over to him. Finally after an hour of enjoying the games, and the food, Anthony drew her past the entrance of the fairgrounds where some of the farmers and their wives stood around chatting to one another in large groups while the roundabouts and merry-go-round echoed to the cries and laughter of children.
All the while Bella was not immune to the men who followed them at a protective distance. It put her on edge to always be watched and couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. She'd never met anyone before who was constantly surrounded by guards, and again found herself wondering why Anthony needed so many. Though if that night two weeks ago was anything to go by she could understand why he did…if they had not been there to help there's no telling what would have happened to them.
They came to the Ferris wheel, and Bella felt Anthony clasp her hand, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Why don't we go on the Ferris wheel?" he said.
Bella's eyes widened as she took in the sight and height of the Ferris wheel.
"Well?" He said softly. "Do you, or are you afraid of heights?"
Bella wanted to refuse. The thought of being fastened into those seats with Anthony, isolated high above the ground, was more daunting than any mere fear of heights. What if something happened? What if the seat broke and they plummeted to their death? It seemed like every time she was with him something bad happened. She couldn't get on that thing with him.
"Bella?"
The tone of his voice and the clasp of his hand was warm; the feel of his arm wound protectively around her waist made her feel precious and protected more than she had expected. And when she drew in a steadying breath and looked up into his face, the expression in his eyes made it impossible to say no.
They joined the line waiting for a seat and after a few minutes were strapped in side by side. As the wheel began its slow climb, Bella was silent but noticed how Anthony's guards had gotten in the seats behind them. She gave Anthony a side ways glance and was aware of his arm around her shoulders, his body pressing lightly but closely against hers. Her hair was brushing his check; if she turned her head her lips would be touching his face. She was also aware that they were rising ever higher and higher. Out of reach of the ground and safety, and out of sight of other people except for his guards below them, and that overwhelming fear of a few moments ago was back again.
"Bella, love you need to relax," Anthony said in her ear.
"I-I don't feel safe," she got out through a suddenly dry throat.
"Why? Its not like I can do much to you up here!"
Can't you? Bella thought frantically. Only make me feel totally helpless, turn me into a quivering mass of nerves…ugh why did she agree to come on this contraption with him or for that matter go out with him this evening? Because you love him a little voice inside her head answered back.
"I'll protect you," Anthony said his arm tightening around her shoulders, drawing her harder against him. She felt his heart beating strongly against her. The tingle that started on her skin had spread, into her palms, her stomach, the soles of her feet. She had a feeling that he was going to kiss her, and she knew even after the way he completely ignored her for the past two weeks that she would let him.
"Anthony-" she began desperately, and could find nothing else to say. She bit her lip and wished she could stop the trembling of her body.
Anthony lifted his other hand. He placed his fingers under her chin. Gently, firmly, he turned her head. He looked deep into her eyes.
"We've started out badly, Bella," he said quietly. "I'm not sure whose fault it is," he paused and then corrected himself after her eyes narrowed on him, "Okay maybe it's mine, maybe we both have hang-ups-"
"Hang-up's?" she questioned.
He nodded, "Yes hang-ups. But I think we could overcome them better… together than apart, don't you?"
Bella closed her eyes for a moment. She wanted nothing more than to let herself relax in his arms, rest against that broad, muscular chest. But the memory of all the problems that have arose since they first met; to him literally ignoring her for the last two weeks was beginning to take its toll…she didn't know if she could handle anymore emotional whiplash.
She shook her head blindly.
"I don't know, Anthony. I-"
"I'm sorry for the way I acted after the mugging. I wasn't myself and I'm sorry," he said humbly.
Bella opened her eyes and looked into a vivid urgency of emerald green pools. Her resolve was slowly crumbling.
"If you'd only trust me, Bella…or even trust yourself, your own feelings," His fingers shook against her cheek. "Bella this isn't the way I want us to act toward each other. I want it to go back to how it was when we first met, do you think we can recapture that?"
Her resolve already weakened by the carefree evening and Anthony's magnetic presence beside her, failed completely. She yearned for the love that they could share. The loneliness of the last two weeks without him was too bleak to contemplate and she didn't want to feel like that anymore. Didn't want to feel scared and alone, didn't want the feeling of abandonment that came when he chose to stay away from her. She couldn't fight this attraction she had for him anymore, God how she loved this man! Why couldn't he love her back?
Because you told him you only wanted to be friends, her conscience answered back.
"Anthony…" she whispered, and let her eyes answer his question.
The Ferris wheel stopped with their seat on the very top. Below them, the fair goers walked to and fro, as the sounds clashed with the screams and clanging of the rides. But Bella was unaware of it all except for Anthony's lips as they slowly moved closer and closer to hers; she was completely spellbound in that moment when his lips took possession of hers. The swell of emotions that overtook her were almost terrifying, as if they were both falling as if everything had disappeared, leaving nothing but the two of them, floating high above the earth in a world far removed from the bustle and noise of the fair. Love me! Why can't you love me? Her mind shouted silently at him.
Anthony's lips moved slowly, sensuously, over Bella's. Gently, tenderly, he shaped her mouth to his, and then shifted to plant tiny kisses at each corner of her lips, down the quivering column of her neck to her throat. With one hand he caressed her breast, his fingers moving the fabric of her jacket out of the way to caress her nipple through her blouse, and cup the fullness of her breast in one hand as he bent his face towards it.
Bella lay against him, barely aware of their situation. She felt the tremor as the Ferris wheel began to move again and knew a quick stab of anguish because they would have to stop this delicious torture, as soon as they reached the bottom again.
But availingly the wheel moved only for a heartbeat of a second before it stopped again, and Anthony's lips returned to hers. She responded with a matching hunger that startled them both, seeking his lips with a passion that brought his own rising to meet it. With a sudden desperation, they clung to each other tightly, straining for an even closer contact. The seat that had been their passport to heaven had now become a confinement, restricting them. Oh let us get down; let us find a quieter place to…Bella thought longingly. Though she knew that she should not be thinking those thoughts, for they had gotten her in the same predicament on her second date with him.
The wheel began to move again. Anthony released her and looked into her eyes. The question in his was unmistakable, and she nodded.
"The limo," He said huskily. "We can go back to the limo."
Bella watched, as the wheel descended, her hand in his, praying that it would not stop again until they reached the bottom. The silence grew between them but the sexual tension was there, she was afraid to look at him again until they were safely in the limo, afraid if she did she would pounce on him. They were almost at the bottom. The wheel stopped to release the couple before them. In a moment, it would be their turn, and the anticipation was killing her…
Then suddenly Anthony stiffened beside her, a slow hiss escaped him, drawing her to look upon him once again and noticed that his attention was focused on someone or something other than her. What could possibly cause Anthony to act like that? She wondered confused as her head whipped in the direction he was gazing.
And then Bella saw a lone figure. He was a man who stood out sharply from the rest of the crowd, as if he were in costume while everyone else blended in. Yes he was a very tall, statuesque man with long gray hair that shimmered in the light from the sun giving it a silver glow, as he stood in its silhouette. A man who had gone almost at once, like a passing shadow, but who had been there-who had most definitely been there.
Who was this man, and why did Anthony have that reaction to him?
…...
FUCK, FUCK AND fuck! Edward swore silently, as he recognized the man who stood out from the rest of the crowd.
Alistair!
He was gone as quickly as he appeared, vanishing into the crowd. Edward stared after him, rigid with shock. Then panic set in as he realized that he'd possibly been seen with Bella. He had to get her out of there quick; he couldn't take the risk now that his grandfather might have seen her with him. And just like that the sexual bubble, and good mood that had been surrounding him and Bella disintegrated. Anger was slowly seeping into his body turning his good mood dark, and his temper to flare.
It fucking never failed! Why did it seem that he and Bella could never enjoy each other's company with out something always interfering? He thought bitterly to himself.
As the wheel came full circle and stopped, he noticed that Bella had turned toward him, and was about to say something but the attendant came toward them and unlocked the bar to let them out. She had no choice but to get out.
"Anthony-" she caught at his arm and he turned, giving her a distracted, fierce look.
He had to get her out of here now, he thought. , his eyes landing on one of his henchmen.
"Felix!" he snarled, letting his agitation show through as he waited impatiently for his guard to appear at his side.
"Yeah boss," Felix answered.
"Take Miss Swan to my limo now, there is a matter that I need to attend to," he commanded. Wanting to go in search of the old man and demand to know why he was here at the fair.
"But, Anthony-" Bella started to protest, "I don't want to go with him-"
"I need you to go with Felix, Bella," he barked, as he turned his heated gaze upon her. He was slowly losing control and the last thing he needed was for her to see him in that light.
"No! Please don't leave me?" she cried softly, gripping onto his arm tightly, a hint of panic in her voice.
Edward stood there gazing into her scared eyes and it was like seeing de`ja`-vu all over again from a few weeks ago; begging him not to leave her, and he couldn't handle seeing her like that again. His already dark mood grew even darker from the memories of that night.
"Let's go hmm?" and he took her hand in his and drew her roughly after him; through the swarming people his guards pushed a few out of their way.
As they pressed through the crowd Edward looked back, half expecting to see Alistair again, but was met with the glowing lights from the Ferris wheel rising high into the sky. More people were arriving as he and his men quickly navigated through the crowd leading Bella away from the potential danger. He wanted to seek out his grandfather, but his need to protect and stay with Bella was stronger. He'd just have to wait until later…after he made sure that she was safe from prying eyes.
"WHERE ARE WE going?" still shaken, Bella asked hurrying along beside him, helpless to sort out her confusion, as to why that figure of a man would cause Anthony so much agitation. "Anthony where are you taking me?"
"My Penthouse, of course," his eyes scanning the area for some unknown reason.
"Penthouse?" Bella asked perplexed.
"Yes, Calypso…you do remember our second date don't you? We can be there in thirty minutes."
There was no mistaking his double meaning. After all it was the place where she'd lost her virginity, when the desire he felt for her had fuelled hers. But to go back to Calypso with him now when he was acting strange and out of character, so much he was scaring her. How could she even think about possibly making love to him there again? And who was the strange man?
"Anthony-wait." He looked down at her, and her courage failed her. "Who was that man-"
"No one," Anthony muttered under his breath, and continued to steer her in the direction of the limo, she could hear the anger clearly in his voice and wondered again why he was so upset.
"But-"
"Not here," he snapped at her. "We need to go."
Bella realized that he was uncomfortable, and didn't want to answer her questions here, where anyone could come along at any moment to hear them.
"But I don't think I should go to Calypso with you," she squeaked out.
He stopped and drew her swiftly into his protective embrace, "Damn it, Bella don't think for a minute that I'm letting you out of my sight," he murmured heatedly.
"Why? I don't understand."
"*Dio! Bella," he whispered. "I need to get you out of here, the sooner the better for both our sakes."
He was off again, pulling her with him to the road where the limo waited for them. Quickly his driver opened the door and Bella climbed in still shaken and confused as Anthony leaped in beside her and gave the driver orders to take them to Calypso.
They were both silent on the journey to Calypso, Anthony's gaze on the black tinted window in deep concentration a frown marring his brow. Bella held her hands in her lap, staring unseeingly through the window on her side, trying to come to terms with all that had happened this evening.
Why had he called her? Why had he sought her out when he avoided her like the plague after the mugging two weeks ago, as if he were determined to make peace with her for his actions? Why did he kiss her again knowing that she'd told him she only wanted to be friends? Was he tired of trying to please her? Or was he so sexually frustrated and determined that she should be the one to ease his feelings? Miserably, Bella acknowledged that this was probably the case- nothing deeper than a physical need, which she was expected to assuage. And at the same time she was forced to acknowledge that she had her own needs-needs that only one man could fulfill…
The thought that he might feel something deeper, something growing close to love… who was she kidding, there was no way he felt the same toward her as she felt for him…
So why now his change in attitude?
Bella shook her head, unable to find an answer. And turned her attention to another even more pressing question.
What was she going to do when they reached Calypso? Because she knew her response to Anthony's kisses had proved one fact, and it was that her body refused to be convinced by what her reason knew. She was very much in love with him, and if he were determined to make love to her, she was not at all sure that she would be able to refuse him. Suddenly his words from earlier played out in her head…
"If you'd only trust me, Bella…or even trust yourself, your own feelings,"
Trust him, could she do that? Could she let down her guard with him and really trust this man she'd only known for two months? Better yet could she let him make love to her knowing he wasn't fully invested in this relationship? She contemplated those questions not sure what to think and feel, she sensed there was something Anthony wasn't telling her, something hidden deep inside of him that was the catalyst behind his dark moods and sudden temper flares when around her. Oh he tried to hide it but she was no fool and that was brothering her more than anything.
What was he not telling her?
She was so lost in thought that by the time they arrived at Anthony's Penthouse. Bella found that the limo had come to a stop and the driver who waited patiently for them to get out was holding the door open.
Anthony was the first, barking out orders as soon as he was standing outside of the limo, "Do a sweep of the area I want to make sure its safe to take her inside," she heard him command in a cold voice.
The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine, she would never get used to this man and his plethora of mood swings. Once given the okay he took her by the arm and began to escort her through a back entrance leading to a large foyer and into the elevator. Anthony took a key out of his suit jacket and held it tightly in his other hand as they waited for the lift doors to open; as soon as they did two more guards who nodded at them as they passed met them. Then Anthony was unlocking his door and pulling her inside closing the door behind them.
She felt the anxiety form in her body as she looked around and her eyes fell on his bedroom door bringing a flood of memories with it from the last time she'd been in there. With a new found panic she pulled sharply away from him. She freed her hand and backed away across the living room.
He turned and faced her, his brows drew together in an unhappy frown, and she could fill the tension radiating off of him, "Bella? What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Wrong? Wrong?" she said huskily. "It seems lately with you every things wrong."
He came towards her with his hands held out, palms upwards, "Bella, what's gotten into you?"
"I could ask you the same thing?"
"I don't have to explain myself to you," he said darkly taking a threatening step toward her.
"Yes you do, just like you are asking me to do," Bella tried to argue.
"It's not the same thing."
"Yes it is, why are you acting like this Anthony its like your someone else all the sudden?"
"I'm still the same man you've known for the past two months nothing has changed."
"I-I don't understand why you're being this way-is it something I did something I said?"
He moved quickly, suddenly; before she could evade him, he was close to her, trapping her in his strong, muscular arms. Bella struggled, but his strength was too great. Panting, she stared up into his face and felt the same conflict begin in her again, the desire to melt into his embrace, versus the desire to stay away from him.
"What the hell is this, an inquisition?" he said slowly almost angrily, staring down at her with dark glowing emerald eyes. "Just what game are you playing at?"
"I-I don't know what you mean," she said trying to play coy. Which seemed to only anger him more.
"Really? Than explain to me why one minute you're on fire, giving me all the signals…and the next, you're playing hard to get?" He looked closely into her now burning face. "I'm tired of trying to be friends with you, and I'm damned sure you don't either."
Bella shook her head, "No-no Anthony, that's not-"
"Not what, Bella? Need you to want me as much as I want you?" he asked darkly.
"Stop-stop, Anthony!" she cried out.
He chuckled darkly, "Now you see, I don't think you really want me to stop at all. In fact, I'm damned sure you don't."
"Please don't do this, not when you're not yourself." Why was he acting like this as if he were angry with her?
"You see there you go again, I am fine," A spasm of emotion twisted his handsome face. "So what's it going to be?"
"This isn't what I had in mind-"
"Well its not what I had in mind either, I had hoped for a woman who doesn't mind showing me they want me, and acting on it. The sort of woman I thought you were- but then maybe I was wrong about that?"
"I'm not a whore!" she cried out taken aback from his harsh words.
Edward winched internally at his own words, he knew she wasn't a whore, that he was scaring her but the anger surging through his veins at seeing his grandfather at the fair, the arranged marriage, frustration for being away from her, for wanting her all warred inside of him, until he'd finally snapped; making him say and do things he would never do if he was thinking rationally. He needed an outlet for his frustrations and unfortunately Bella was it.
He knew it wasn't her fault for what was happening with his life, that she was innocent in all this but he was to far gone to really care at that moment. All that he knew was he needed her, wanted her, wanted to lose himself in this woman, to make all his problems go away, and that is exactly what he was going to do, consequences be damned. His eyes darkened to almost black as he advanced on her a dark, determined, predatory look on his handsome face.
Quivering with terror now, Bella shook her head. He hadn't been wrong; but at the same time she wasn't a whore and he knew that. Oh she longed to rest in his arms, to respond to his kisses like she did the second night they were together, to whisper words of love without restraint and fear of rejection. To for once feel completely secure…
And there it was the main reason for her hesitance, security. The one thing she could not be sure of between them, especially when he was acting like this, advancing toward her now and leering at her as if she were a piece of meat.
Anthony was now gripping her tightly his own body trembling from anger or some other emotion she didn't know. She could feel his muscles, hard against her, throbbing with a passion that drove all the breath from her body as he pulled her towards his bedroom door. He was breathing hard, and when she finally looked up into his face it was like looking at a complete and total stranger.
Why was she letting him do this? Why was she not fighting him? What was wrong with her? Stop him! Her mind shouted at her.
"I'm done with the friends and courting part of this relationship." he muttered, thrusting open his bedroom door. He flung her across the bed and glared down at her sprawling figure. "I have had enough of your naive games," he growled. "Look but don't touch, come close but keep your distance…don't you realize what that does to a man especially one who is a hot-blooded male such as I?" he snarled.
His eyes glowed, burned into hers as he determinedly began to remove his belt. Bella sucked in her breath and panicked thinking he meant to use it on her but relaxed slightly when he let it drop to the floor. His fingers deftly moved to the buttons on his dress shirt. She was completely speechless, and could not believe that she was slowly getting turned on right now; an angry Anthony was actually hot.
What the hell was wrong with her! Did she even want this? She was so befuddled right now she wasn't sure what she wanted.
"Than again, maybe you do enjoy this, knowing that you have that kind of power over me knowing you have reduced me to a tattered wreck." he spat out.
Bella's eyes widened at that last bit of information, did she make him actually feel like that?
"Does that excite you?" he asked when he saw the widening of her eyes, "Does that turn you on the thought of your own powers as a woman to drive a man to do-as you've driven me to do now…" he growled as he flung his shirt to the floor, followed quickly with his pants, and stood before her in all his sculpted, rippled, muscled, naked, glory.
Bella's eyes widened even more as her heart began to beat faster in her chest at the beautiful, magnificent sight of him, standing before her nude and definitely ready to take his pleasure. Could any human being be any more god like than Anthony Masen? She thought, as she felt wetness pool between her thighs, God she was so scared but turned on all at the same time.
Wait! What was she thinking? She needed to snap out of it and get out of there before it was too late. She scolded herself, but found she couldn't move.
He came close, menace darkening his face, and Bella shrank away from him, shivering with fear or something else she couldn't decipher, her limbs paralyzed. Staring up at him she could only move her head for her voice became frozen in her throat. Finally she got out, "No Anthony."
"No! No she says," he mocked. "More like yes, *cara?" Contempt sounded in his voice as he leaned down and started to unbutton her blouse.
No amount of protesting on her part would save her. It was clear that Anthony believed she had been deliberately leading him on from the get go. Teasing him, seducing him and then refusing him all in some scheme of hers to drive him crazy. How could he think that though knowing full well she'd been a virgin, and felt an overwhelming pang of hurt at his cruelty?
"Let's see shall we?"
No amount of denial would convince him otherwise, for he had reached a pitch of frustration that was beyond rational thought. She knew that any further refusal would just inflame his already furious passion, and Bella feared what might happen then. Taking a deep breath she just laid there and closed her eyes. She could feel Anthony's fingers on her clothes and body trembling as they dragged her blouse open and pulled away her jeans. Filled with embarrassment and shame, she tried to lift her hands to hide her face, but Anthony pulled them away and held them above her head, one strong hand fastened around both of her wrists. His other hand ran smoothly down her body, from neck to thigh, and she couldn't help the shudder that racked her body making her cry out.
With a growl his mouth was instantly on hers. The kiss was savage, his mouth harsh, forcing her lips apart; teeth tearing at the soft flesh of her lips, tongue thrusting for dominance against hers. His hands were ruthless, and she knew that there would be bruises on her pale skin tomorrow. Her sobs were forced back into her throat and her body seemed to wither beneath his weight. She had dreamed of the day they would be together again, but not like this…
Anthony lifted his lips from her skin. His hand was moving steadily over her body now, cupping and caressing her breasts, stroking her flat stomach, drifting down wards to the silkiness of her thighs.
Almost without her consent, Bella's hands began to drift over his body finally her fingers tangling in the thickness of his red-bronzed hair, and she lifted herself against him and moaned softly.
Without another word, Anthony finished undressing her. He stretched his naked body beside hers and held her close, aware of their tingling skin and thundering hearts. Nothing mattered in that moment but the two of them. Suddenly he stiffened above her
'"No!" he cried hoarsely and quickly moved away propelling himself up against the fall wall, looking down at her in horror.
His hands were in his hair gripping and pulling as he shook his head, "No- what am I doing."
Bella was completely stunned at this point and didn't know how to react. Should she just lie there? Or should she get up go to him and console him? Or make a run for it?
"*Io sono un mostro." he said hopelessly. "*Mostro, mostro, mostro!" he chanted.
"Ant-Anthony!" Bella stuttered at the shattered look on his handsome face.
"*Non una prostituta," he mumbled under his breath.
Is he calling me a whore? She asked herself as she continued to stare up at him unable to move at that moment surely he did not?
"Anthony," she gasped.
He raised his head to look upon her, and the torture in his eyes was enough to make Bella cry out, my god what was wrong with him?
With a muffled cry of his own he moved forward until he was kneeling on the floor beside the bed and took her hands in his, "Bella," he murmured as he pulled her to his chest and buried his face in the softness of her throat, "What are we doing to each other?"
"I-I don't know," she whispered, as tears began to slowly run down her cheeks.
He raised his head to stare down into her eyes and she could see the moonlight reflected deep in the dark, emerald, green of his. Slowly, he released her hands and his fingers touched her cheek softly, almost wonderingly.
"Bella," he chocked out, "I'm so sorry. I-I don't want to be a monster."
Bella returned his look. There was a moment between them of complete silence, before he bent his head and took possession of her mouth. This time he wasn't harsh, tenderly caressing hers, his lips soothing over the bruises his teeth had inflicted moments ago.
With exquisite care he laid back down beside her, his naked body once again stretched out along the length of hers, and held her close, and for a few moments they lay quite still, aware only of the tingling of their skin, the rapid beat of there hearts.
Without speaking Anthony slid his palms over her arms. Naturally her flesh responded, pebbling, even as his hands continued on, his arms eventually encircling her completely pulling her even closer to his hard body. His emerald eyes silted, and her breath caught in her throat at his sudden tenderness, gone was the angry, mad man and in his place was the man she'd fallen in love with. Then his mouth was covering hers.
"Anthony," she murmured.
Her fear of him was slowly melting away and as her longing for him deepened, her mind becomes thick and fuzzy with her building desire. She'd only ever felt like this once before and that was with him…and knew he was the only one who could help her assuage it.
Suddenly he ended the kiss, whipped his head away and shoved her from him, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her upper arms.
"Go."
She looked at him in confusion, "What?"
"You're free to go," he told her.
What was he saying? Why was he pushing her away? She didn't want to go. She thought.
"I don't want to go." She wanted to be with him, cocooned in his embrace, taking her to new and better heights of ecstasy she knew he could bring her.
"I-I don't want to hurt you…but I can't stay away from you anymore. I'm afraid I won't be able to stop."
She lost herself in his gaze, "Then don't." she said finally giving in to her own needs.
With a muffled moan his arms moved around her again, his mouth working magic. He kissed her lips, her nose, and her chin. He laved her throat, lingering there for a moment before moving lower. Her breasts strained toward him his teeth teased them until the nipples hardened into sensitive peaks. Pressing her to him his hand started to explore the silkiness of her creamy thighs just below her apex.
Anthony's hand on the inside of her thighs made Bella quake inside. He was slowly, caressing higher and higher until he nuzzled his finger at the opening of her clit. She moaned and pushed forward until he easily inserted a single finger into her heated center. Her knees weakened and she clung to him her back and neck arching, her long brown hair streaming behind her as her head raised off of the pillow, he moved his hand, plundering her with sensation.
His mouth connected with her throat. He worked his magic there and once again found her warmth, as she raised her leg, curling it around his thigh and knee so she would be more open to his pleasuring fingers. Rocking against his hand, she made soft, whimpering sounds as the pressure inside her built.
"Open your eyes," Anthony commanded in that velvety, hypnotic tone, "I want to see you come for me?"
Panting now, she forced her lids slowly open as he increased the tempo of his hand, "What-what about you?"
"It does not matter."
His words allowed her to give over to the demand he created. In no time she was crying out, the sound coming from somewhere deep inside of her.
With a triumphant growl, Anthony removed his fingers from her heated flesh and brought them up to his mouth to taste her on his fingers.
"You taste so good, love."
"Oh my God," Bella moaned as another wave of arousal hit her, making her want him all over again.
Climbing up her body, he inserted himself between her knees and caught her wrists with his hands. His fingers felt like iron shackles as he pulled her hands over her head. To her surprise she liked him pinning her hands above her head.
"Open for me," he commanded and she willingly spread her legs wider to give him easier access.
Without the use of his hands he impaled her so swiftly that her back arched and she pulled at him in response.
"You are so wet and tight for me."
Bella thought she would die from the sensation of him inside her, thrusting harder and harder. She lifted her hips to meet everyone of his deep, penetrating thrusts, wrapping her legs around his back. With each stroke her excitement rose, needing, wanting.
He suckled her breasts, increasing her excitement; with a nip that left her gasping he allowed his mouth to wonder higher, over the swell of her breasts, up the expense along her collarbone and around her jaw. He suckled the flesh directly below her right ear.
She throbbed all over. Inside and out. She arched her neck and cried out, "More, I want more!"
With another groan he complied, thrusting faster inside her, sucking harder on the sensitive flesh beneath her ear. Her heart was pumping a hundred miles an hour, her pulse sang in her ears. She was completely lost in the throes of passion, wanting, teetering on the brink, and climbing higher. Blood flowed through her at a quickening speed as she cried out. This time the pleasure was multiplied, and she was floating, reeling as her body convulsed around him, unable to speak….
"Mine!" Anthony roared as he followed her in ecstasy, and they both collapsed into each other arms completely spent.
Everything seemed so unreal, and wonderful at the same time. Her vision was blurred, and she was happy, content to just exist in that moment, as he tucked her body close to his.
"I hope I didn't hurt you, Bella," he murmured against her temple, a decidedly breathless quality to his tone. She smiled; she was breathless herself. "I tried to let you go…to hold back," he placed a kiss there. "But I wanted you to much…" He sighed, clearly unhappy with himself.
She turned in his arms, studying his concerned face for a time. She was suspecting that there was more than meets the eye when it came to Anthony Masen, that he was hiding something from her, and decided to ask the question that she knew had to be answered, that had been festering since the day they were attacked.
"There's something I have to ask you." His eyes narrowed as realization dawned in his eyes.
"Where did you learn to handle yourself so well under such dire circumstances, as the night of the mugging?" She had to know if her suspicions were correct.
He frowned, just a little. "I told you already," he whispered, then nipped her lips. "My job, being wealthy comes with the territory, you never take chances."
Dodging his wicked mouth, she asked, "So what you do in your line of business can cause you to be attacked? That doesn't make sense…"
He trailed a finger along her jaw line, then down her throat. "Yes," he answered her simply. "It's just the way of life." His finger circled her nipple slowly, so very slowly, his gaze trekking the journey with fierce intensity.
Bella shivered, anything else she would have said or thought flew out the window. His hand slipped lower between them; she caught her breath. Surely she wouldn't come again even before he got inside of her. But just watching him look at her, touch her, made her so hot she could barely stand it. Oh what you do to me Anthony Masen she thought, as his dark, sexy gaze locked on hers and she was lost once again.
His mouth descended slowly towards hers.
She wanted him so desperately. She reached for him just as their lips touched.
The telephone on the nightstand closest to him rang.
"You're not answering it?"
"No," he growled kissing her.
It rang again. "What if its important?" she asked worry creasing her brow.
He shook his head as the damned phone rang again, then with an exasperated sigh he grabbed for the phone and punched the talk button.
"This better be important?" he barked.
Ignoring propriety, Bella trailed her fingers down his chest and encircled his already fully aroused shaft. He made a sound, not quite a groan, and placed his hand over hers to still her erotic movements.
"No I didn't take Bella back to her place.
"What?" he said tightly. He got up and walked to the end of the bed to hurriedly gather his clothes. It didn't go unnoticed that he had an amazing ass, too. "When did this happen?" he asked then shot her a quelling look as he began to fasten his pants.
Bella's interest piqued as she listened to his one sided conversation and wondered why Anthony looked panicked all the sudden. She rested her head in her free hand and waited anxiously for him to end the call.
"You do that," he said pushing the off button, before placing the phone back into its base, and looked up.
"What?" Bella asked softly. For the look on Anthony's face was scaring her.
He sighed running his hands through his disheveled hair, "Something's come up…I have to leave you for a few hours. Please stay here and try to get some rest. I promise I will come back and then…will talk," He said as he turned to leave the room, leaving a gaping Bella in his wake….
What the hell? He just left, no words of love, thanks for the wonderful sex; nothing, he just simply got up got dressed and left her lying naked in his bed. It felt like he'd just used her for sex, as an outlet for his anger and she did not like how the thought of that caused her physical pain. Why had she been so stupid and let herself be seduced by him once again? Hadn't she learned her lesson from their first night together two months ago? Why did she keep falling for his seduction? She thought bitterly.
With a wounded cry she flung herself from his bed and began to search around frantically for her clothes he had hastily discarded earlier, and began to dress herself. Her pain was slowly being replaced with irritation at his behavior toward her. Now that she was thinking rationally she couldn't believe that she'd just let him treat her like a common whore. If this wasn't enough proof that he didn't feel the same about her as she did him than she was not only blind but stupid as well. It had taken her about fifteen minutes to locate all of her clothes and to get dressed, as she was shoving her arms into the sleeves of her jacket her eyes landed on the disheveled bed.
"Well Anthony Masen it won't happen again," she said out loud to the empty bedroom. "I may be naive but I can tell when I am being used," she huffed as she stormed toward his door, down the hallway, through the living room until she thrust his front door open to come up short.
In front of her stood two huge bodyguards blocking the entrance into the hallway. And wondered when they'd showed up because they had not been standing there when Anthony led her into his penthouse earlier. With a huff she tried to push her way past them.
"Where do you think you're going, Miss Swan?' the bigger one asked her, stopping her.
"I am leaving." She snapped.
The second man who she realized was Jasper, Rosalie's brother and Alice's boyfriend stepped forward and shook his head, "No, Mr. Masen wants us to keep you here."
"Well I don't care what Mr. Masen wants." Bella said and tried to step around him.
"Bella, I can't let you leave." Jasper said and grabbed her wrist stopping her.
"What-what are you doing, let me go!" she cried out as Jasper proceeded to
pull her gently back inside of Anthony's penthouse, ignoring her protests.
He led her over to Anthony's couch, "Now you sit here and wait for Mr. Masen to get back," Jasper ordered as he gently pushed her to sit down on the couch.
Bella was filled with anger, how dare this man try and tell her what to do, and how dare Anthony try to keep her here. She was a grown woman and could come and go as she pleased, " I am not staying here," she shouted at Jasper's retreating back. He was out the door and had it shut behind him before she was able to stand up and dash toward it. When Bella grasped the handle she found that it had been locked. She tried to wiggle it a few times but it wouldn't give somehow it had been locked from the outside.
"Damn it! Jasper, let me out of here," she shouted in anger. Her arm raised and she beat her fist against the door a few times. "Jasper did you hear me? I said let me out!" But he didn't open the door; with a frustrated huff she moved away and started pacing around the living room.
This was crazy! What was really going on with Anthony she had never met a man who could completely sweep her off her feet one minute and in the next drive her to anger. The man was completely becoming insane in her eyes or maybe she was the insane one.
Talk
He had said he wanted to talk, and that is exactly what they were going to do, she thought as she plopped down onto his couch and sat angrily waiting for him to return….
She sat there on his couch for a few hours, waiting for Anthony to return but he never did. Bella could feel the effects of the day's events slowing creeping into her limbs becoming relaxed and sleepy. She fought against it not wanting to fall asleep yet. Eventually she gave up to it and let her mind drift, suspecting that despite the anger, despite the talk she wanted to have with Anthony, she was having a difficult time keeping her eyes open…
…...
AFTER EDWARD LEFT Bella in his penthouse suite he got into his elevator and descended down to the basement level of the building where the crime activity took place. Emmett had been the one to call him, while he was in the throes of passion with Bella. To say he'd been angry was an understatement, but what Emmett told him next sent him into a slow frenzy.
Apparently Black had shown up at his uncle's restaurant demanding to speak with his Ex- girlfriend Bella. When his uncle told him Bella was unavailable he went crazy and in a drunken or drug induced rage attacked his uncle and a few of the other employees causing a lot of damage.
Bella.
Once again she was in danger, he thought as he walked into the room everyone stood up to greet him. He waved his hand and sat down in his chair at the end of the very long table.
"Emmett do tell me that Black has been found and taken care of?" he asked, leaning back in his chair, rubbing his chin.
"No it seems he was able to evade us as well as the police." Emmett answered.
"So the police have gotten involved? What have we done so far to catch the bastard?" Edward snarled. Damn it that just complicates matters with those pigs involved. And if Bella's father was there at the moment he would tie his name in with his uncle Aro, and he hoped like hell he didn't make the connection. He thought.
"Yeah, boss. But it seems like he is becoming bolder. Showing up like that at Aro's restaurant, attacking him trying to get to your girl…. His gang is becoming bigger, stronger." Emmett informed him.
He waved a hand in dismissal, "I'm not worried about Black's gang they're just all talk. What I'm worried about is my Bella. Black tried to get to her this evening; I want him found. Which leads me to my next issue how the hell are he and Lucas getting past our defenses? We have enough men in place that should not be happening."
"I-I'm not sure boss," Emmett stuttered out nervously.
"Did you fucking check the cameras? Did you rewind the tapes to see what could possibly be the problem?" he shouted.
All the men including Emmett winched, at Edward's harsh tone.
"I'll-I'll get the guys to work on that immediately," Emmett tried to comfort him.
Edward sat back, and took a huge breath to try and calm his raging temper then nodded once he had a semblance of control.
"Also, since Bella seems to be a danger magnet, I want her security doubled with at least ten guards watching over her and anyone that she is with. At no time do I want her left by herself. I trust that none of you will let anyone get near her," he warned harshly with eyebrow raised.
They all shook their heads, "That guy that attacked you and Bella two weeks ago was brought down to be interrogated. After some persuasion on our part he decided to spill, and says that he was sent to get Miss Swan along with that other guy."
"So what are you saying?" Edward asked already knowing the answer.
"It seems that someone has put out a hit on Miss Swan…someone who apparently has it out for you."
Edward clenched his fist, "Fuck!" he whispered harshly under his breath and wondered if it was his grandfather that had put them up to it? Then knew that couldn't be true because Alistair had been unaware of Bella until he stupidly brought her up at the meeting two weeks ago. If not him than who was it? Surely there wasn't another mole amongst them… Further more what the hell would Black want with her anyway?
"Bella is upstairs in my Penthouse as we speak hopefully sleeping, I want guards outside my door immediately."
"Yeah, boss, I'll get Marcus and Jasper on that immediately." Emmett said as his eyes turned on the two men sitting across the table before nodding his head to indicate to them to get moving. The two men stood up.
"She is not to leave under any circumstances unless I am with her, do I make myself clear?" Edward barked out.
"Yeah boss," They both answered, before disappearing out the door.
Edward rubbed his face with his hands in frustration. If it didn't rain it poured he thought as he sat there wondering what the hell he was going to do about this. It seemed of late no matter what he did he couldn't win.
"Don't worry, boss. We'll catch him and take care of everything."
Edward nodded his head, and took another deep calming breath, "I can't stand the thought of someone taking Bella from me…I need her to be safe."
Emmett nodded his head in understanding, as he replied. "That's how I feel about Rosie."
"Then you understand why I am being this way?"
"Yes."
"Good," Edward stood up and straightened his jacket, "Then make sure you don't disappoint me or there will be hell to pay," he threatened as he turned and walked over to the liquor cabinet suddenly needing a drink. Pouring himself a tumbler full he raised it to his lips and gulped it down in one huge swallow. Edward hissed as the scotch burned its way down his throat the pain was almost welcoming, soothing to him as he stood there in silence contemplating his existence. It amazed him in that moment with all the shit happening in his life he didn't just lose it and go over the fucking deep end. He thought as he poured another tumbler full. But he knew why…. it was because of Bella, she kept him grounded, kept him sane and made him feel something other than anger and hatred all the time…. and he had just treated her like she meant nothing to him less than an hour ago…
"Edward!" Emmett called bringing him out of his thoughts.
Edward turned back around to glare at Emmett one eyebrow raised in question.
"Did you hear what I was saying?"
His only response was to shake his head.
"I was needing to know where you wanted to go from here, what you want our next move to be?" Emmett asked him.
That's a good question, Edward thought darkly as he stared down into his half empty glass. Where to go from here? He had already come to the conclusion that it had not been his grandfather who tried to cause trouble with Bella…so all that remained was Lucas and Black. Apparently the hit he had put out on the both of them wasn't making a difference…he had to do something else, something more intimidating, and something to get the message across once and for all something like…
A sinister smile played on his lips as the idea popped into his head, "We need to hit them were it will hurts the most."
Emmett gave him a confused look. "Hit whom? Where?" He asked.
Edward chuckled darkly, "I believe Black and Lucas are behind all of this, and what better way to get my threat across to them than to hit them below the belt."
Emmett continued giving him that perplexed look, "I don't get it man."
Edward slammed his now empty glass down on the table as a plan formed in his head. "Since they seem to elude us at every turn then we need to go to them. What better way to do that than to ambush Lucas at what he does best," Edward paused and leaned toward Emmett, "He runs and operates the biggest entertainment around. An illegal gambling operation. Looks like we might have to pay Lucas a visit shake him up a little…you know what I'm getting at?"
Once Emmett caught on he belly laughed, "Yeah boss I get what yah mean, sounds like I need to go round up some of the boys and get them ready for some fun," He said clapping his hands and rubbing them together in glee.
"See that you do that. We strike in two days," Edward said before standing straight and walking out of the room with out another glance in Emmett's direction. He needed to get back to his Bella, to make sure that she was okay and not angry with him for leaving her like he did after they'd made love.
The penthouse suite was dark save for the glow cast by the lamplight from the hallway. Bella was sprawled out on his couch in a deep sleep and didn't hear when he'd entered. Edward watched from the doorway, contemplating whether he should wake her or not. He supposed he should just let her be. But he wasn't at all sure he could do that. He felt terrible for the way he took her a few hours ago as if she were a common whore. Fuck what was wrong with him? She never deserved to be treated like that and he was a monster for doing so. He'd always known from the beginning that something special clicked between them, and he'd wanted her more than he'd ever wanted any woman. But there lovemaking, whether rough or not had sealed his fate. He knew that if they'd shared his bed once more that he'd never be the same again. He shook his head a small smile on his lips and wondered how this small plain woman had been able to wheedle her way into his life, to get so deeply embedded under his skin that she was a part of him, making him only want to be with her. The great Edward Cullen, crime boss, ruthless businessman, brought to his knees by a woman. And some day that was going to be his undoing.
Edward closed his eyes and tried to push away the pain that accompanied that last thought. Their whole relationship was based on one big fat lie. He wasn't who she thought he was. And he had a bad feeling that she wasn't going to understand his reasons for keeping his real identity a secret. He swallowed that hard reality and opened his eyes. He'd made a mistake earlier…he should not have taken her to bed again with that deception still hanging over his head. He had the perfect opportunity to come clean on numerous occasions. But as usual he'd chose not to tell her the truth and taken the easy way out. Now he was in to deep and it was almost to late to fix the wrongs to right.
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck where the tension was making him stiff and considered the next eight hours. His suite had three bedrooms and wondered if he should take her to one or that she would want to still share his bed?
He didn't want to hurt Bella, in all the insanity that was his life. He wanted to protect her, keep her safe. Scratch that he wanted to make love to her again and again. His body stirred at the thought. More than anything, he wanted the chance for her to know him…the real him, and to forgive him form making love to her, when his lies still hung over their heads. He released a heavy breath he'd not known he was holding, too mentally exhausted to think.
No! For now he'd have to deal with the consequences of his actions, and decided the best thing to do right then was to take her home with her family where he knew she'd be safe…
A/N: All right there was chapter number eight hoped you all liked it. Anyway I just wanted to let you all know I enjoyed your reviews on the last chapter. I was elated to see how some of you are really getting involved in this story…makes me happy and wanting to please.
Anyway I also wanted to ask if any one out there reading this has noticed that my Italian is off or not making sense and would like to interpret what I am really trying to say? I need someone who has studied Italian, or speaks it fluently. Give me a PM or write it in the review if interested. I have a translation on the Internet but it does not seem to do as well as I had hoped. If you would like to help I will include your pen name/Fan fiction name in the authors notes for recognition and possibly let you help me with the next chapter in writing it, or reading it before the others have a chance. Once you make contact with me I'll message you back….
Looking forward to at least 60 more reviews before I start the next chapter! Happy reading!
Gokdeneyes123
Italian word meanings
Morte = Death
Cara = Dear
Io sono un mostro. = I am a monster
Mostro = n. monster, freak, fiend, miracle (v. show, display; manifest, show off; indicate, point out; demonstrate, prove
Non una prostituta = Not a whore, or not a prostitute (s. prostituta, (volg) puttana
v. andare a puttane; fare la prostituta, prostituirsi, (volg) puttaneggiare