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Chapter 14

The Blow Up

It was late in the evening when Edward arrived back at his penthouse and just sat on his sofa with a drink in hand going over the day's events with Bella. He sighed thinking how beautiful and selfless she was and did not even realize it. She still perplexed him and at times was completely naive and even overly passionate, when expressing her feelings.

Feelings he had no right to he thought as a rush of guilt flooded through him; unable to give her what she needed, because he was confused as to what he truly wanted; and irritated with himself for continually feeding her lie after lie since day one.

He shook his head a disgusted grunt escaping him.

For fucks sakes, he was a mob boss, killing people was what he did for a living, and running illegal nightclubs on top of many other things and never felt guilty before, but because of Bella, he was wishing he could be brutally honest with someone for the first time in his life and he blew it again. What was wrong with him? What was it going to take to have enough courage and come clean? Hell she had already shown him her good qualities, and proved to him that she was unlike any other woman that had previously been in his life. Naive, nurturing, shy, strong, and sometimes just too damn trusting for her own good but that was just some of the many traits he liked about her. She was not like all his previous women who expected expensive gifts for their favors, and that was what had attracted him to her to begin with.

Running his hand agitatedly through his unruly red-bronzed hair, he looked down at the dark contents swirling around in his glass. Fuck, he was so pathetic constantly saying that, but damn it; it was the truth. Bella kept him grounded, kept the demons away, it was only when he was not around her that the darkness and demons came back. Moreover, the idea of possibly losing the very thing that kept him grounded made him more determined no one got in the way of keeping Bella close. After all, he was a very possessive man whom always got what he wanted in the end.

The next few days went like clockwork; Edward took Bella out on a few more dinner dates. When he was not spending time with her he was spending it with Tanya trying to work out better ways to piss off his grandfather and her father. Moreover, it seemed to be working; for just the other day Alistair had left the room in a huff after the discussion of childbearing became heated between his mother, Tanya and himself. He knew that it got on Alistair's nerves because he was obsessed with Edward bringing a Cullen heir into the world. It was small things that Alistair did that warned his grandfather was not happy with his authority not followed. It was the reaction he was looking for and would only be a matter of time when it all came to a head.

One thing he discovered in all of this was the more time he spent with Tanya he realized there was more to like about the woman than hate, and could not help to think that she could be a good friend. Something he did not have many of do to his way of life, and when this was over he would actually miss her.

His work life was even going well, even after the fiasco at the warehouses Emmett and Jasper were able to track the perpetrators down who started the fires and kill them as he had requested. He made sure that they sent the fuckers back to Lucas in a body bag and their heads and arms detached from their bodies. However, not before finally getting one of them to talk. He was right in his suspicions that it was Lucas behind the whole incident, and that there was something else going to go down but that information never escaped from them. It was driving him insane not knowing what it was, and why he was the primary target in Lucas's advances. No other mafia boss was having as much trouble with him as he seemed to be, and he was still trying to find the underlying cause of that.

Not to mention that every time Lucas's name came up in meetings, his father seemed to become quiet, withdrawn and tense, and wondered as to why he was acting strange. When he would confront him about his behavior, his father would shrug it off and say he was just having a rough time at work, and that he had nothing to worry about; Edward though could not shake the feeling his father was not telling him everything. Though why James Lucas would cause his father to act like that was, a mystery to him for the man had been there archenemy for a long time now.

Unfortunately, on those certain days he could not be with Bella, he made sure she had round the clock supervision though she was not aware of it most of the time. He was tired of her not taking his warnings seriously about being careful and irritated tremendously as to trying to ditch her guards. Therefore, he assigned Alec and Jane to her. They were good keeping out of sight. He made sure; they called him every hour to give a progress report.

What could he say he was an overprotective bastard but he needed to make sure she was all right and the only way he could do that was to have someone watching her when he was unable to do so? Speaking of protecting in a few months the mobster's ball would be upon them, he was still contemplating asking Bella to go with him. Though if his grandfather did not cancel his engagement plans with Tanya there would be no way in hell he would invite Bella to bear witness to that announcement and have an embarrassing confrontation between them. Moreover he did not think if it finally came to choosing Tanya over Bella he could let Bella go, it was asking too much of him. He knew that eventually he would because Bella was not the type of girl to settle being a mistress, and he did not think he could live with himself asking her to be. Then again, if Alistair ended his engagement with Tanya in the near future, and he was able to bring Bella to the ball how would he keep the fact of it being a mobster's ball from her? Never missing a beat, he knew that she was slowly becoming suspicious concerning his actions over the past month, questioning him as to why he would have to abruptly leave in the middle of dinner or call and cancel plans if he needed to take care of business needs. He understood her concerns, and why she would be worried, but he chose not to tell her the truth and being the pathetic ass that he was he would continue to do so….

…

It was a cool Wednesday afternoon at La Bella Italia, and Bella was busily waiting tables all morning, it was nearing her break when Rosalie walked through the door drawing every male eye to her. Bella could not help but shake her head in disgust as she watched her drop dead beautiful could be a model best friend walk toward her eating up the attention as she went. Sometimes she wondered how the two of them were ever friends being complete opposites.

"Bella," Rose greeted a saucy smile playing across her face.

"Hello Rose. What brings you in this afternoon?"

"Oh I was on my break from the bookstore and decided to stop in and see if you were about to take yours, being we haven't had a chance to catch up lately." She said as she twirled a piece of her long blonde hair around her finger.

Bella could swear almost every single man in the restaurant sighed, including not so single ones. She rolled her eyes before looking back at her friend.

"I was about to take one."

"Good, then I'm just going to take a seat at our usual booth." She said with a smile on her face, as she turned toward the booth in question she winked at a younger man as she walked by.

Bella shook her head in disbelief, for the girl had a boyfriend and still had the audacity to flirt with every man in the room, she thought as she made her way toward the kitchen to let Aro know she was going on break. Once seated at the booth across from her best friend, she rolled her eyes once again as she caught Rose winking at another man across the restaurant.

"Rose will you cut it out," she whined, at her in warning.

"What," Rosalie asked innocently.

"You know what; seriously, what would your boyfriend think of you acting like that?"

"God Bella quit being such a prude. Besides Emmett would not care because he knows how into him I am."

"Well I know that would not stop Anthony from trying to harm everyone in the room if it were I getting all of this attention."

"Emmett is not Anthony."

"I know that what I meant was-"

"I know what you were about to say Bella Swan, and believe me you do not have to go there." Rosalie said cutting her off. "Not everyone is a good girl like you."

Bella sat looking at her friend wondering how to continue; she did not mean to make Rosalie mad at her, and that last comment stung; she did not understand why everyone always said that about her. It was as if they put her on this pedestal, and it was too hard to live up to because she was not always a good girl.

"Rose, I'm sorry."

"So are you and Anthony still getting along?" Rosalie asked her from where she sat across the table trying to change the topic of conversation. She looked around the small restaurant, "Where is he anyway? I'm surprised he has left you by yourself for this long."

Bella gave her a small smile knowing what she was doing, as she thought about how to answer her friend's question.

Over the last few days, she was content to think that everything between her and Anthony was going well, that they had made progress on the surprise trip to the meadow, where Anthony started to open up to her. However, there was still something bothering her about his strange behavior; it was as if he was trying to tell her something without really saying it, as well as his sudden departures of late when they were in the middle of their dates. If she did not know any better she would assume that he was seeing someone else…and that was crazy, he would not do something like that to her. It was not as if she did not know what she was getting herself into; being that he had repeatedly told her where he stood with his feelings toward her. Still she was completely puzzled over the fact he kept referring to himself, as a fiend, and that she should fear him…

"Earth to Bella," Rosalie's voice called to her drawing her out of her thoughts.

Blinking she gazed at her best friend, "He's been working a lot lately."

"Really, so are you two fighting?"

Bella felt herself blush, "No…I-everything is fine." She finally answered.

"Fine, then why do you sound confused?"

"I'm not confused."

"Oh yes you are, I think something's bothering you, so… spill."

Bella glared at her giving a slight shake of her head, "Nothing is bothering me Rose." She tried to deny.

"Oh really, then why are you acting so different lately." Rosalie asked a worried look crossed her features as she leaned in closer to her, "He hasn't tried to hurt you has he?"

Bella raised her head to glare directly into her friend's eyes, "What, no it's nothing like that…"

Why Rosalie was so quick to assume something bad happened to her when it came to Anthony still puzzled her. Surely, his and now her warnings were not true. No, he could not be that bad of a person that thought was just inconceivable to her.

"Then what is so wrong that it's got you completely down."

Bella contemplated how to bring this subject up to Rose, and wondered if talking to Alice would be easier than trying to explain this to her. However, she knew Rose would never let this drop so she finally decided to come right out with it.

"I'm not sure Anthony is fully invested in us." She whispered.

"What do you mean?" Rose asked.

"Well-that is-I mean, he's been trying to change my mind."

"Oh…so how has he been doing that?"

Bella thought back to their recent conversation while in the meadow.

"My line of work…it can be quite risky," he said suddenly.

"Risky in what way?" she asked.

He gently cupped her chin in the palm of his hand and tilted her to face toward him. He looked as if he were silently battling with himself over something, as she watched a multitude of emotions cross his handsome face.

"Bella?" he prompted, leaning toward her. "I am afraid that you will hate me, that you will fear me for some of my past shortcomings. There are things about me, things I have done, have been forced to do because of my business that I am not proud of."

"You have told me this once before, and do you remember what I said."

Anthony nodded his head, "That it doesn't matter," he whispered.

"That's right it doesn't matter, because I still love you."

His smile turned mocking, and he shook his head in disgust, "I'm one of the world's worst fiends, and still everything about me attracts you. When you should hate me, fear me."

"No you are! Wrong I could never hate you, fear you. Why would you even think that?"

Bella shook her head to clear her thoughts and said, "He's been tiring to convince me that he is no good for me, that I could do so much better," she snorted, "As if I cannot make that decision on my own."

"What has he said?" Rosalie asked her face looking a little paler. Bella could not help thinking what had suddenly gotten into her friend to cause such a reaction.

"That he was one of the world's worst fiends, and that I should fear him if I knew what was good for me. Then in the next breath he says he does not want to lose me or what this thing is we have between us."

"He said that?" Rose asked unbelieving.

"Yes."

"Maybe he was referring to his demeanor; you know how he gets sometimes when he's had a bad day."

"No-no, I mean he's always been good to me…well maybe not good all the time especially when he loses his temper. But who is perfect when they get like that." Bella tried to defend when she saw the skeptical look cross her friends face.

"Are you defending his actions for when he loses his temper? Bella seriously if he has tried to hurt you-"

"No," Bella quickly interrupted her, "He has not tried to hurt me. Anthony has always had my best interests at heart; I think that is why he is so protective of me."

"But he's afraid he might. I do not care if he and Emmett are best friends the man sounds like a piece of work." Rosalie said before grabbing for Bella's hand and squeezing it, a determined look in her blue eyes. "Look Bella I know you like him, but I think you still need to tread lightly and not be so trusting when it comes to Anthony Masen."

"What-what are you saying?"

"I do not want to see you get hurt if this does not work out for the two of you. Masen is a very mysterious man, and I just want you to be careful."

"That's crazy Rose, Anthony is under a lot of stress being a CEO for his company, and having a lot of money makes him a target," she said disgusted. "He does not come off as being mysterious to me; just a little peculiar."

"Peculiar," Rose said laughing. "If that's what you want to call it. But denial can be such a bitch at times."

Bella's lips thinned as her jaw tightened in annoyance, she was tired of Rosalie judging him, and thought that talking to Alice about this would have been a better choice after all. "I am not in denial."

"Humph," Rosalie murmured.

Bella felt her ire rise, "Listen Rose I love him and nothing you say will change the way I feel about him," she snapped.

"I understand, Bella," Rose said in a quiet voice, then sighed. "I just hope you will never have to eat those words."

"Rose," Bella said in a warning tone.

"Okay, just please be careful." Rose stressed, reaching out and squeezing her hand in assurance.

"I will Rose." Bella said.Thinking that yes, Anthony was somewhat peculiar and edgy and could at times be downright possessive and bossy but those things endeared Anthony to her. He acted that way because he was worried about her safety and wellbeing. No, she could not phantom that he could be dangerous to be around; she knew dangerous men…like Jacob Black and her Anthony was no Jacob. "I just do not see him that way."

"Well you cannot say that I did not warn you, after all that's what friends are for."

Bella just smirked, and shook her head knowing to argue with Rosalie was a losing battle it was best to just agree, and leave it at that.

They continued chatting while eating there lunch and before both knew it was time for them to get back to work.

"Well I best be getting back to the store," Rose said as she stood, slinging her purse over her shoulder.

"It's time already," Bella asked looking at her watch.

"All ways goes by quick where you're having fun."

"Well I guess I'll talk to you later than," Bella said with a sigh.

"That's fine, but I will be out late with Emmett tonight; we will have to catch up at later date."

"Okay."

"See you, Bella," Rose said as she leaned forward to give her friend a hug, before turning and walking toward the entrance of the restaurant where she paid before leaving the store.

Over the last few days, Bella found, that she was regretting her words, about being tolerant about Anthony's protectiveness towards her. It was starting to become a little stifling, Anthony had someone available to take her to and from work as well when she wanted to go shopping, the only time she was actually alone anymore was when she was safely in her parents' home, at work, or with one of her friends. She hoped that he did not have someone keeping watch over her on those days as well because she was tired of ditching her guards. Yes, she had said she would not do so any more but she also needed her space. She was unused to having people around her all the time. Before she met Anthony she was somewhat of a loner, being shy, she had not had many friends Rose and at one time, Jacob being the only ones. So having all this extra attention bestowed on her was a little daunting at times. She put up with it because she knew Anthony was just worried about her, and being a powerful, rich, CEO he was just looking out for her, protecting her.

They had gone on numerous more dates and seemed to be getting closer and closer with each one; he would surprise her at work by sending her a dozen roses, causing her to blush from the reactions of the female staff. He would lavish her with gifts all the time even though she had repeatedly told him she did not like him spending his money on her like that. However, he did it anyway saying that he was a very rich man and wanted to do it. He had taken her back to the meadow on occasion and surprised her by carving their names into a tree, and even took the scorn of her father towards him with a grain of salt though she still could not understand why her father did not like Anthony. For he was the first man to show her any sign of respect. It led to some very heated discussions between them about how Anthony was not good for her and that there was just something about that boy he did not like. It was on those nights she would call up Anthony and beg him to take her out just so she did not have to deal with Charlie.

Though it was the first time on Thursday afternoon when she called him that he actually refused her saying that he would be in business meetings late into the evening. She did not believe it at first, having grown used to him being there for her in her time of need and could not help but feel the pain of rejection that flooded through her, and that small needle of doubt that there could possibly be someone else he was seeing. Sometimes she felt so pathetic to be madly in love with a man who put her first most of the time, though it seemed more of late that his business life was more important to him and even over shadowed her. He had made it clear to her where he stood with his feelings, and she was the fool for not being able to do anything about it because she loved him so much. She just wished with all her heart that he could love her just the same…

"That's it I can't take it anymore," Tanya hissed at him as she stormed toward his desk and threw herself in one of the chairs facing him.

"Can't take what?" Edward asked not looking up from his computer screen.

"You're grandfather and my father is driving me insane. I swear I am going to scream in their faces if they bring up our impending marriage one more time," she said throwing up her hands in agitation.

Edward leaned forward and rested his arms on top of his desk. "Tanya we are so close…we cannot back out of this now." He stressed.

"I know that Edward, Ugh! I just wish it was over."

"Well it's not." Edward muttered, and then glanced at his watch. "In about twenty minutes we have a meeting with all of them."

"I know, I guess I need to up the ante, piss a lot of people off." She mused. "I mean more so than I already have."

Edward nodded his head, "Yes that would be beneficial to both of us. I think they may be close to cracking."

"The sooner the better," Tanya muttered.

Edward hummed in agreement, thinking of the way his mother kept throwing disgusted looks toward Tanya every time she was in the same room with her. Even his grandfather was not immune to the small quips she made about not wanting any children. They were so close he could almost taste there victory…they just needed to hang in there. All they needed was a little more time.

Time… that they were slowly running out of, for it was only a few short months before the Mobster's Ball and his grandfather still seemed dead set on making sure that he and Tanya were engaged than married. It was slowly creeping away from him having to deal with the family business, and the local gangs in the area stirring up more trouble. Lucas was becoming a bigger thorn in his side every day, and since he had returned home from Seattle to clean up the fucking mess he had left him; it seemed that word was getting around that the Cullen's were not as ruthless as they seemed. People were getting more confident in going up against them. He would die before he let any of them get the upper hand, or anywhere close to his family. He had to make sure there was no mistaking him as being weak. He was fucking Edward Cullen a ruthless mob boss he had no weaknesses…well except one, and he would go to great lengths to make sure that she would be protected.

Bella, he sighed. He had thoroughly messed up the day he took her to the meadow for not telling her the complete truth about him, about everything. He'd left out the major details concerning his life, only getting to the small half-truths that he was being forced to do something's because of his business that he did not agree with. He just could not do it seeing how happy and carefree she had been her eyes shining up at him with love…he had not had the heart to ruin their perfect day together.

"More like you being you're overbearing selfish, self; because you didn't want to chance losing her." His inner voice snarled at him.

He was even more upset because he had to turn her down this afternoon, because he had to take Tanya to the family lunch meeting. It tore at him to hear her upset and pleading with him to take her out, because her father and she had gotten in to another fight concerning him. If the man were not her father, he would have ended him for causing Bella any kind of grief. However, he could not, and so with deep regret he had to tell Bella that he would be in business meetings until late into the evening. He just wished this business with the Denali's were over he did not know how much more he could take being away from Bella even if it was for a day…

"Edward, did you hear what I just asked you?" Tanya asked breaking into his thoughts.

He snapped out of his musings and glared at her, "No what did you say?"

"I asked you whether I should really lay it on thick this evening at the meeting."

Edward shrugged, "I don't see why not."

Tanya stared at him quietly for a moment as he ran a hand through his hair and pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," Edward answered with a dark chuckle.

"Are you sure …you seem preoccupied lately?"

"I said I'm fine," he snapped, not wanting to go into detail of the last few weeks' events.

"But you-"

"I said I'm fine!" Edward snarled, cutting her off in mid-sentence. "Just fucking concentrate on our task at hand." He drew in a deep breath to try to gain some control over his temper, but nothing seemed to help him when he was not with Bella. It seemed every little thing was setting him off. He knew he should not be snapping at Tanya, but he could not help it.

"Alright if you're sure," Tanya said hesitantly.

"Oh I am more than sure," Edward, said darkly before pushing back his chair, he stood up and walked around the desk to stand beside Tanya, motioning toward the door.

Tanya swallowed nervously, and hoped she could do this, she knew standing up to Alistair Cullen might be her death wish but she had no other choice, she just hoped that Edward would protect her. She took a deep breath, raised her chin in a defiant manner and became the heartless, materialistic bitch in little over a second…yes she thought ruefully she had truly missed her calling.

"Let's get this fucking show on the road," Edward growled, before trying to relax his features into the besotted fool he was supposed to be, when in her presence, though his foul mood was not helping.

Tanya nodded, "Yes, here goes nothing." She countered as they walked out of his office and headed in the direction of the gardens, for she was determined to play her role until the end.

Edward and Tanya met up with his mother and sister, in the entranceway that led out into the gardens. He nodded his head in greeting, no words spoken between them but the hateful looks they threw in Tanya's direction spoke volumes. Edward had to suppress the amusement he felt at the blatant display as they fell in step beside them.

"Do we have to sit through this?" Tanya hissed at him, playing her part beautifully.

Edward frowned at her. "Yes darling, I have explained this to you time and time again that my family meets every Thursday afternoon for business lunch meetings."

"Why do I have to be a part of them, I have so much more pleasurable things to be doing than wasting my time for this stupid meeting."

"When you marry into this family darling this will be expected of you, do not worry they will love you." Edward purred, and smiled as he watched his mother's back stiffen as they continued to walk.

Tanya rolled her eyes, comfortably adopting the air of the conceited bitch as they followed his family members toward the gardens where the meeting was taking place.

…..

Esme found herself distinctly irked by Tanya's lack of graciousness, particularly towards her son and herself. Her single-mindedness needed tempered by an appreciation of where people were coming from. It was a matter of respect for different values, different circumstances. The more she got to know this girl the more she didn't like her, Oh, for god's sakes it would not hurt her to compromise a bit about wanting to have children and her wedding

It had been two weeks ago that she had met Bella, and instantly liked her, though somewhat shy, and a little hell bent on making her work for the information she sought. Bella seemed like a nice girl, one that would fit into the life style of being a mafia wife. The only thing going against her was her father, Charlie Swan or more the matter chief of police. She knew that was the main reason Alistair was not giving the girl a chance, he did not want Edward to get involved with the opposite side of the law. Besides the man had made it his life to bring the Cullen crime family down after the murder of his double crossing brother and innocent son. She felt bad for him, but at the same time, his brother had it coming to him. It was terrible that Bella's little brother had to die…children were sacred in the Cullen family; the circumstances were unfair that took such an innocent life. What made Bella stand out to her was her selflessness, and money seemed to be the last thing on her mind. Hell, she even liked children, which was a huge plus in Esme's eyes, and she was just the type of woman her son needed. Not the hungry gold digging, ones he seemed to be attracted too.

The gardens were set up in their usual patterns, with beautiful spring flowers blooming everywhere. The sweet smell of honeysuckle came to them on the light breeze as they headed toward the round table seating eight. They no sooner entered it than Tanya parked herself at one of the chairs furthest away from all of them, right next to the exit, her unwillingness to be an interested participant in their family all too obvious. Esme could see that Alistair seemed annoyed by her behavior, as he watched Edward accompany her to the seating of her choice and sat down beside her, and they all waited patiently for the others to join them. It bothered her that Edward overlooked her bad behavior letting her get away with it. Her eyes scanned around the table to the girls' parents, and she internally scoffed at them for raising such a disagreeable daughter.

The other members of the family greeted them as they seated themselves around the table, hugs and kisses given to each other. It was the one thing Esme cherished the fact they remained a close-knit family whether they were involved with the mafia or not. By afternoon a sumptuous brunch was served, it would have all been perfect if not for the somewhat sour presence of Tanya Denali and her parents. Even so, Esme's inner excitement could not be dampened. It did not matter that Tanya had more or less removed herself from making even a friendly comment. Perhaps she had wanted Edward to herself this afternoon and resented having to be at this meeting with his family. Edward, catching her watching his actions, grinned then turned his gaze away from her as if he were embarrassed, or was not interested in what she was thinking.

Esme reached for another piece of the home-baked pie with the delicious strawberry topping that kept tempting her. "Would anyone like some more?"

She did not give Alice or Edward a chance to resist, already moving a serving towards their plates.

"No thank you, it's terribly rich," Tanya remarked critically.

"I think an indulgence in rich food now and then is one of the pleasures of life," Esme declared irritated.

"If you want to pay the price and become fat," Tanya mocked, her gaze flickering over Esme's well-rounded arms.

"Well my dear, some people burn off the calories easily enough," Esme drawled.

"Whatever."

"Besides its Sunday, a day for relaxing," Esme said with a smile.

"That my dear is the Italian tradition," Carlisle approved.

"Speaking of tradition," Tanya's mother Charlotte spoke up. "Are you and Edward going to have an extravagant wedding? Or will you keep it small?"

"What do you think mother? After all I will be marrying one of the wealthiest men in Washington."

"What do you mean by that?" Esme snapped at her, disgust in her voice.

"Come on its not like he cannot afford it," Tanya said haughtily. "I will be the envy of everyone." Tanya leaned into Edward batting her long lashes. "Isn't that right, my Eddie?"

Edward hid his self-satisfied smirk at her antics especially after seeing the look of disapproval cross his mother's face. He leaned down and kissed the side of Tanya's cheek, making a show that he approved of what Tanya was saying.

"Worrying about people being envious of you should be the least of your worries." Esme said with loathing in her voice.

"Well I don't agree."

"It doesn't matter as long as they give me a grandson," Alistair muttered.

Tanya made a choking sound; her hand pressed over her heart and screeched, "A grandson! Dio, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't want children, you *vecchio uomo stupido." (stupid old man) She turned to look at Edward and screamed, "Eddie, I told you I don't want children."

"But baby, you know that was part of the deal." He said soothingly playing his part.

"I will not ruin this figure… to be pregnant with your brats," Tanya spat nastily, her face screwed into venomous fury.

There was a collective gasp around the table, for no one outside of family ever talked to Alistair like that or for that matter Edward. Edward tried with difficulty to hide his satisfaction from their reactions. Tanya was playing the conceited bitch perfectly and was really starting to piss many people off at the table, including his grandfather.

"Tanya, watch what you say in front of Mr. Cullen." Peter scolded, embarrassed by his daughter's behavior in front of the two most powerful men in the mafia world.

Tanya flung her long strawberry blond hair over one shoulder, her long lean body bending forward. "No father I will not, my future father-in-law needs to understand that I will not be having any children, not now not ever."

"You don't mean that." Mrs. Denali gasped dropping her fork down onto her plate in shock of her daughter's words.

"I most certainly do."

"But you see that is exactly what you will do…once you and Edward are married," Alistair said in a cold detached voice.

"I will not and you can't make me." Tanya hissed.

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Alistair snarled.

"You're delusional if you think I will just bow down and do as you say old man." Tanya cried. "Edward enlighten him please on the fact that he is being delusional."

"I'll try baby, but you know what grandfather wants he usually gets."

"Not this time," Tanya spat.

"Basta!" (Enough!) Alistair roared enraged, for the first time his eyes were opening, and he was seeing this woman through his daughter-in-laws eyes. Esme had been right, the woman was indeed acting like a complete and utter hypocrite and that kind of behavior just would not do. He was a Don and he would not tolerate someone talking to him like that.

"Edward, falla tacere," (Edward shut her up.) Alistair stated, his voice hard with command, the power of the man literally shimmering from him in such strong waves, Esme instinctively held her breath. They all knew that when Alistair resorted to Italian that he was incensed.

"I will not be silenced!" Tanya screeched, her body snapping upright, her gaze slicing daggers at Alistair. Frustrated, she bared her teeth at him. Inside she was shaking with fear.

" *Cosa vuoi che io faccia?" (What do you want me to do, kill her?") Edward asked amused. "After all she is the woman you want me to marry; I do not think it wise to do so."

"Kill me I'd like to see you try," Tanya said her rage unabated. "Edward would never do that, he would protect me."

Before anyone could utter another word, Alistair surged from his chair knocking it over to come around the table, arm out swinging. In that second Esme realized that, he was going to strike Tanya. Esme might not like the girl but she did not wish her any harm either, before she could do anything to stop it. Edward was the one who caught Alistair's arm, halting it in midair, his fingers closing around his wrist with a warning force and lowering it to his side.

"Grandfather; I suggest that you stop, before I will be forced to stop you." Edward said in a warning tone.

"She is an insolent brat, and must be taught a lesson," Alistair snarled his eyes hard, cold with fury.

"There has been no harm done here," Edward stated in a hard tone.

Alistair pulled his wrist from Edward's grasp and glared angrily down at Tanya, then her parents. "This is my *casa (home) and I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting me." He pointed his finger at Tanya who had the decency to look scared, and then her father, "The engagement between my grandson and your daughter will not happen."

"But-but Mr. Cullen," Mr. Denali stammered.

"I want all of you gone…OUT OF MY SIGHT within the hour." He continued as if Mr. Denali had not said anything. "If I find you still here you will suffer unspeakable consequences." He snarled straightening the lapels of his dress shirt before sauntering away angrily.

"Please Mr. Cullen, you don't mean that. I'm sure this can be rectified." Mr. Denali said trying to change his mind as he chased after him.

"Esca dalla mia vista, Lei mi disgusta. (Get out of my sight you disgust me.) You have one hour Mr. Denali, I suggest you make the best of it," Alistair replied without giving him a second glance. The silence at the table was deafening, no one wanting to speak in fear of what might happen.

Edward was shocked that his grandfather had reacted in such a way. He had never seen his grandfather prone to violence toward a woman before; yes, he threatened to bring harm to them, but he never thought he was serious. He could see now that he was wrong in his thinking, and had every right to take his threats toward Bella seriously. He could not believe that if he had not stopped him he would have physically hurt Tanya. She did not deserve his wrath, when what she was doing was part of their elaborate plan to end the engagement. He gave the girl credit she was good, almost too good. He was even more stunned to realize that his grandfather had just ended the engagement in a fit of rage, and he knew better than anyone did, once the old man made up his mind there would be no changing it.

Mr. Denali walked woodenly back to the table a murderous scrawl on his face, "*Stupido, ragazza! (Stupid, girl) I hope you're happy now," he spat at Tanya, before backhanding her across the face.

Tanya sat stunned, her hand covering her cheek where her father had struck her.

Edward lunged across the table and punched Mr. Denali on the nose causing the man to fall back words onto the ground. "You better do as my grandfather suggested. Moreover, do not think for a minute just because you are a guest in my home that I will not hesitate to finish what my grandfather started. Do not lay another hand on your daughter or I will kill you, capisci.(you understand)"He spat in anger.

Without another word, Edward turned and moved to the other side of the table where Tanya sat. He reached out his hand, which Tanya took gladly, and he helped her up from her chair. The silence at the table was deafening as everyone watched Edward escort Tanya away from them and back toward the mansion.

"Oh my God," Tanya cried as they continued walking. "It actually worked."

"I know."

"Edward we are free he …he just ended are engagement." She said disbelief clearly in her voice.

"Yeah he did."

"I am flabbergasted right now."

"Just hang in there will be in my office in a few."

He kept steering her across the lawn through the entranceway they had met his mother and sister in earlier, and then through the doorway, leading back to his office, once inside, he guided her over to one of the chairs scattered throughout his office. Tanya gladly sat down wiped away the tears from her face her hands shaking.

"My father is so angry with me…" Tanya whispered as her hand touched the side of her face, where the angry red welt was forming.

"Do not worry about your father, I'll deal with him." Edward replied anger clearly in his voice, feeling protective of Tanya. Like he said, she would make a good friend and he always took care of those he cared for.

"I know…it's just he will disown me now. In the mafia world I just made my death bed."

"I thought that was what you wanted?"

"It is I didn't think it would hurt so much knowing papa would not want me."

"This may sound cruel, but better to know now than at a later date. I cannot believe that just because you're gay he would disown you." He scoffed.

"I was raised in a catholic family, with high religious beliefs. They do not believe in same sex relationships or marriages. Oh God what am I going to do? He will try to hunt my lover and me down when he realizes how much dishonor I will bring to the family."

"No he will not," Edward said trying to sooth her.

"Yes he will, you do not know him like I do."

"He will not, because I will offer you my protection."

"What," Tanya said shocked.

Edward nodded his head, " But you will repay me by rendering me your services."

"But I-I'm gay…" Tanya cried flabbergasted.

Edward scrawled, "Fuck not those kind of services, I need help with a certain situation, and your expertise in the matter would be greatly appreciated."

"Such as," Tanya asked curious.

"I need to get my smuggled goods out to new clients; I know that you were in charge of this within your family. It would be good if you would be willing to talk those clients into buying from the Cullen crime family. It is what my grandfather was aiming for with a union between us."

"You mean you want me to help you ruin my father and his mafia world."

"No not ruin, just hit him below the belt so to speak…after all he has it coming to him, and he needs to learn his place. The Cullen's do not like to share the power, because we are the power."

"And if I do this you will provide my lover and I protection, and me an income?" Tanya asked.

Edward nodded and smiled, "Yes."

"You know Mr. Cullen you're not so bad for an arrogant, powerful, ruthless mob boss."

Edward chuckled, "Do not let this good deed fool you Tanya, if you ever try to double cross me you'll see just how ruthless I can be."

Tanya giggled, "Then what can I say, I'll do it, I'll help you."

"Good, I need you to begin as soon as possible."

"Just give me a few days to find my woman and bring her back and I'll start as soon as you want me to."

Edward nodded once again, "I'll send four of my best men with you for protection," Edward said as he picked up his phone and dialed a number. "I need you in my office now." He said then quickly hung up the phone.

Two minutes later a tall man entered his office, "You needed to see me boss?" he asked.

"Felix," Edward said motioning him into the room. "I would like you to meet Miss Denali, Miss Denali this is Felix."

Felix nodded at Tanya, while she said, "Hello, Felix."

"I will be assigning you to guard her, and I need you to round up three others to help you do so. You will accompany her on a trip to pick someone up and I need them both returned to my Penthouse at Eclipse where Miss Denali will begin to take over my business dealings in that area. You and the three others will help her with whatever she needs and that includes her protection. Do I make myself clear?"

Felix looked from Edward to Tanya, and then nodded his head in understanding before answering with a, "Yes sir."

"Good then see her to her room to gather whatever she will need for her trip and make haste."

Felix made a motion for Tanya to go before him, Tanya rose from her seat and just before she stepped out into the long narrow hallway, she turned back, a smile on her beautiful face.

"Thank you…for this." She said before disappearing out the door followed closely behind by Felix.

Edward stood gazing out his window a huge smile on his face, and felt as if a million pounds lifted from his shoulders. He was free, and being free he could pursue Bella the proper way by introducing her to the rest of his family. He did not care if his grandfather would approve or not. It was time to stop hiding her and let every motherfucker out there know that Bella Swan was his woman.

However, he also would have to warn his people to continue to keep his secret, and once warned they would face dire consequences if she were to find out about him, before he was ready to let her know. When it was time he would be the one to tell her and not before.

He could not wait to start his new beginning with her….

…

AN/ Sorry this took so long to get out to you, my life as well as work life has been very busy. As I said before I will not give up on this story until it is finished, it will just take a while to do so. I hope this chapter was good I did have a little bit of writer's block getting in the way again but once again I pushed through it. This chapter may not be my best, but I hope you all still enjoyed it.