Chapter 12 - Super-massive Black Hole

-You're the queen of the superficial

How long before you tell the truth?


Friday, October 13, 2006

Gianna swore her brain was going to explode.

As she and Dominic walked hand-in-hand to "work" the next morning, they earned frequent smiles, winks, and nods from those they passed on the bustling morning streets. Dominic was grinning from ear to ear and Gianna was sure the pair had the appearance of two blissful young lovers.

The idea made Gianna feel radiant.

And even though Dominic was three years her junior, they were two young lovers.

Well, sort of.

Gianna wanted to be...definitely.

However, just as she allowed a coy smile to curve her lips, reality struck like a cruel hand across her face...it was just another fucking lie! He would never love her if he knew how much she had manipulated him. What she had planned to involve him in….

Frantically her mind tried to calculate a way to see this through and still protect Dominic, but at the same time, she also knew she had to dismiss these thoughts before they sank in too deeply – Aro could snatch them from her in a second with a touch.

Dominic squeezed her hand as they walked passed a bakery. "Hungry?"

"No."

He stopped abruptly, jerking her to a stop.

"You're so quiet and distant this morning. Last night...did I do something wrong?"

Gianna's smile was weary as she struggled to explain, "No. You did everything perfectly." That'stheproblem, she thought.

"Then why do you look so sad right now?"

"I'm sorry, Dominic. My thoughts are just preoccupied with…my sister. This will not be any easy trip. I wish you knew what you were getting yourself into. I'm scared."

He pulled her into his chest giving her a big bear hug until he felt the muscles of her shoulders and back relax just a bit. Then he kissed the top of her head.

"Don't worry, G. I told you, I'll be with you through it all. We'll do the best we can."

"I've never met anyone like you, Domenico."

"And lucky for you, I don't think you ever will again," Dominic laughed knowingly as he released her and they resumed their walk toward St. Marcus.

His secret was burning a hole in his empty stomach. His mother had often told him he wore his heart on his sleeve, and he wondered how long it would take before Gianna sensed he was hiding something from her.

He avoided her eyes as they parted ways in his workshop after a quick, distracted kiss.

Dominic stood and stared at his damaged stained glass trying to regroup and come up with a plan for continuing his work. Gianna went straight to her station.

Upon her desk sat a large envelope with only her name handwritten across it. She rounded her desk, sat down, and placed her purse in the bottom desk drawer, as was her usual custom.

Then she stared at the envelope.

When she began to worry her inaction, if observed, would betray her inner turmoil, she opened it.

Inside was proof her interactions with Dominic had been monitored yet again. There were two coach tickets to Manchester, New Hampshire, one in her name, one in Dominic's. The envelope also contained a passport for her, confirmation numbers for a rental car, reservations for a motel, a picture of Isabella and Edward, and a cell phone. When Gianna removed the phone, she found a post-it note stuck to the screen stating, "Await further instructions."

She felt like a double agent. A double-crossing double agent. She was lying to everyone now...well except herself. She couldn't deny it anymore – she was in love with Dominic. He was always on her mind, and her heart thrummed whenever she knew she would be seeing him, or touching him…

She knew this admission should have made her angry with herself for being so reckless as to fall in love with the person she had to exploit, but instead her mind ticked off all the reasons why she couldn't help but fall for Dominic's perfection. Of course, she knew his hunky, rugged farm boy appearance attracted her immediately, as she was sure he turned every hot-blooded woman's head, still his simple honesty and down-to-earth personality was what she gravitated to when they began to form a friendship.

He made her laugh. He made her feel safe. He made her feel like a real person worthy of his time and attention.

Gianna sorted through the papers again with her shaking hands. Their flight left in less than two days...

Working fourteen hours a day before their trip to the U.S. left Dominic tired and somewhat irritable. It probably had more to do with not being able to spend time with Gianna than with actual exhaustion from work.

Now that they were at the bustling airport, moving like a herd of cattle through security, his mood wasn't improving at all. He planned to sleep on the plane as much as possible hoping to make some improvements on his somewhat sour disposition.

However, for now, he was on heightened alert. Gianna had never traveled by plane, let alone out of the country, and he could see her nerves were a bit frayed. He held her hand constantly to try to reassure her. Silently he thanked Father Aro for supporting his desire to accompany Gianna on her trip, actually paying for his ticket. Dominic wondered if all Italian bosses were as understanding and supportive of their employees. Father Aro obviously cared for Gianna, and probably had knowledge of her past. If so, he would want someone to protect her on this long distance and very complicated trip.

Or maybe it was just his good Christian heart...

Once they found their seats, Dominic smiled at her. "The worst is over. Just try to relax."

She nodded and took a deep breath.

Unfortunately, she couldn't relax. Now that they were aboard the plane, Gianna let her mind kick into overdrive. She decided at this last minute to tell Dominic everything. That he had been tricked into coming to Volterra, she knew about his whole transformation, and they were on their way to kidnap Isabella Cullen, a woman she had only seen once...in passing. She considered leaving out the whole "vampire" part of the story since that part gets a bit fantastical. She feared he'd think she'd gone crazy. On the other hand, he was a wolf, maybe he'd believe in other fabled creatures...

She'd then tell him she really loved him. Gianna doubted he'd believe that and, of course, at that point, she'd also have to disclose their lives were basically forfeit, and they would have to be on the run for as long as they lived. But at least they could be together, and not be culpable for the painful death, resurrection, and subsequent brainwashing of Isabella.

Gianna began to wring her hands. Dominic rested one of his large hand on top of hers to quiet them. "I'm not going to have to take out the barf bag, am I?" he teased.

She smiled. She loved his way of calming her. A little humor and a lot of charm laden empathy went a long way.

They had been assigned to a row with three seats, and Dominic hoped the seat on the aisle would remain empty. Lord knows, he could use the extra room, however, just before the main cabin doors were closed, one last passenger boarded, and quickly made his way toward their row.

"Ciao, credo che questo sia il mio sedile." The man pointed to the empty seat.

While Dominic greeted the passenger with a reluctant smile, Gianna looked over and gasped before choking, and lapsing into a coughing fit. Dominic quickly moved to pat her on the back.

"Are you okay? Something go down the wrong pipe?"

Gianna clutched her throat as she tried to regain some composure.

"Can you get me a drink of water from the stewardess?" she croaked.

Dominic nodded and headed toward the back of the plane, even though he knew the flight attendant would most likely instruct him not-so-kindly to take his seat as they were about to begin their canned presentation on flight safety.

Once he was out of earshot, Gianna spat words at the man settling into the aisle seat, "What the hell are you doing here, Alonzo?"

"Following the masters' orders. They wanted me to make sure you made it to your destination without any problems or distractions."

"I've proven my loyalty!" Gianna hissed. "I don't need you tailing me like some backstabbing snitch."

"Why should you have all the fun?" Alonzo shrugged, unfazed by Gianna's displeasure. "Besides, I'm just as eager as you to prove my worth."

Dominic returned with a clear plastic cup of lukewarm water.

"Mi scusi," he muttered at Alonzo as he slid passed him to take his seat next to Gianna. Dominic handed the cup to Gianna, asking with genuine concern, "Are you doing any better?"

She sipped the water and nodded.

"You speak English?" Alonzo asked Dominic.

"Yes. I'm American," Dominic responded hesitantly.

"You and your wife heading home from a nice vacation in Italia?"

Gianna gazed out the window at the runway as she sipped her water while listening to the fake polite conversation Alonzo was making with Dominic. What game was Alonzo playing by engaging Dominic, acting the innocent, complete stranger? Gianna wrinkled her nose thinking about what a little weasel Alonzo was. She never cared much for him, the human caretaker who worked at the compound. She had caught him in numerous lies, obviously vying for Volturi favor. His conniving had earned him a top spot on her newborn guilt-free menu.

"Oh, Gianna is a native Italian. I was in Volterra on business. Is your final stop America or Munich?" Dominic responded.

"I'm going to America also."

"Business or pleasure?"

"A little of both I hope," Alonzo stated with a sly smile, one Gianna wanted to slap off his smug, slimy face.

Unable to endure the bullshit Alonzo was flinging, Gianna broke into the conversation. "Dominic, why don't you get some rest? I can tell you haven't been getting enough sleep lately."

"That's because I have been sleeping alone," Dominic whispered while leaning over to place a light, lingering kiss on her cheek.

Alonzo leaned forward and cocked an eyebrow. "Ah, yes, to be young and in love. You are certainly a fortunate man."

"Sì," Dominic replied without taking his eyes off Gianna's face.

Their comments made her cheeks blush, but inside she fumed. This was all a dangerous game of chess, and she was the pawn. And despite his air of superiority, ultimately Alonzo was just as expendable as she was. Whatanasshathewas.

Thankfully, at that point, the flight attendant began the usual preflight directions. None of them spoke as the plane taxied down the runway and soared into the gray sky hovering over Pisa.

The first leg of their flight was short, taking them from Pisa to Munich, and Dominic didn't plan on falling asleep until the longer segment of the journey from Munich to Newark, however, he drifted off once the plane reached its cruising altitude.

Gianna pulled out her itinerary. It would be 10:30pm by the time they traveled the fifteen hours to Manchester, New Hampshire. A very long trip, indeed.

Gianna attempted to sleep, or more often than not, feigned sleep to limit conversation between her and Dominic. She didn't wish to give Alonzo any more information than what he obviously already had.

Alonzo followed them through the connecting airports, and although he didn't sit in the same row as her and Dominic on the other flights as that would have been too obvious, he was always seated very close to them. It made Gianna wonder if Aro had caught a glimpse of her planned deception - maybe he picked up on some subconscious level of her mind. The planes felt claustrophobic to her, and she was glad when she felt their last flight making a final decent.

In Manchester, Dominic insisted Gianna have a seat and wait for him to retrieve their bags from the baggage claim. She thought he seemed much more relaxed now that he was on "home soil." As she sat alone, Alonzo slid onto the bench next to Gianna. She gritted her teeth, and refused to look at him, staring straight ahead of her.

"Fuck off, Alonzo. Or do you plan to sleep with us at the hotel too?"

He chuckled, relishing the chance to get under Gianna's skin. "No, you should expect a call from Logan. He's a tracker, and will have all the info you need to catch the little bird. He'll be calling on the cell phone you were given before you left. You do have it handy, don't you?"

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear - fuck off."

"Yes, well, enjoy your stay in America. With you warming his bed, I'm sure Dominic will..." He slithered off just before Dominic returned. Gianna watched him disappear into the crowd through narrowed eyes.

The two took a shuttle to the car rental area and then made the ninety minute drive to Lyme, New Hampshire, a small city just short distance from Orford. While checking into the hotel, Gianna's phone vibrated in her pocket. But it wasn't exactly her phone, it was the "other" one. She pulled it out to take a guarded look at the text.

I see you

The words sent a streaking shiver down her spine. Alarmed, she searched the faces of everyone in the lobby, looking for telltale crimson eyes. Finding none, she stuffed the phone back in her pocket before gripping Dominic's hand tightly. She knew she was being watched, maybe even heard. Gianna began to feel like a mouse cornered by a salivating cat.

"Who was that?" Dominic questioned as they reached the elevator doors. He noticed she was out of sorts.

"Uh, Father Aro wanted to know if we made it safely."

"Safe and sound. I'm looking forward to sleeping horizontally. But the best part will be having you next to me. I've missed you..."

Dominic pulled Gianna to him, wrapping his arms around her. Still unnerved, Gianna didn't respond as Dominic had hoped.

"Still worried?" he asked.

"I'm sorry."

"How about if I get you something from the bar once we get settled?"

"I'd like that. Maybe something uniquely American?"

"Long Island Ice Tea," he suggested as the doors opened on the second floor.

They dragged their luggage to their room. The king-sized bed had been turned down and mints placed on the pillows. HowniceofArotogetaroomwithonelargebed, Gianna thought.

Dominic set their luggage against the wall and went to bathroom to rinse off his face before running his damp fingers through his hair, slicking it back.

"I'll be back soon. Why don't you try a hot bath or shower to de-stress a bit?"

"I might," Gianna agreed, though she did not intend to do so.

Once Dominic left, Gianna launched into a frenzied pace. With a tracker on her heels, she had to keep to the mission. The phone buzzed.

"Hello?"

An even voice spoke in clipped sentences, "I've been studying them. She attends classes mostly during the day, which he drives her to and from. He attends a few night classes while she studies at the library waiting for him. There are times when they are separated, which I will be watching for. You will need to act as soon as I instruct you. Are we clear?"

"Yes, but how will I explain this to..."

"How you explain it is immaterial, just be sure you do it as soon as you are instructed. Once you have secured the target, go directly to the municipal airport. I will send the information for the rental's GPS. We will have a plane waiting."

The line went dead.

Logan was all business.

Gianna resumed her pacing. And her planning.

She knew Dominic was necessary to pull off the kidnapping, to keep the future seer from knowing what was about to happen...but after that, maybe they'd be willing to let him go, happy with their prize. After all, that's all they really wanted - Isabella.

Gianna rushed to her bag and dug through it until she uncovered the envelope with her name on it. She pulled out the picture of Isabella and Edward, probably taken by the tracker. They were smiling at each other, holding hands on a street full of people. Her dress was simple made of white linen with a thin dark belt around her waist.

If she succeeded, Gianna knew Isabella would never smile in that way ever again, and since she had come to understand real love, Gianna knew Edward probably wouldn't either.

(* ~ *)

The diluted haze of an autumnal sunrise gently nudged Bella out of her sleep. That and Edward snuggling up against her back as she lay on her side in their bed.

He was singing to her softly.

He had a beautiful singing voice, of course, but Edward had never sung to Bella until they moved to New Hampshire. As far as vampire perfection went, Edward believed his voice was substandard. Bella disagreed, and now that they lived on their own, away from others, human and vampire, she had convinced him to sing whenever moved to do so. Naturally, Edward granted her request.

On this morning, Edward actually hoped his favorite John Mayer song would influence Bella's agenda…

"You want love, we'll make it. Swimming in a deep sea of blankets. Take all your big plans, and break 'em – this is bound to be a while. Your body is a wonderland…"

Light, cool kisses on her neck quickly cleared the cobwebs of waking, and Bella could feel detail of Edward's "plan" firmly pressing into her backside. His hand trailed slowly from the nape of her neck to her thigh. She smiled. Her life was perfect.

"You know, I've got class in…" Bella peeled an eye open to look at the clock on the bed stand, "in an hour."

"Mmmm," he hummed into the skin of her bare shoulder, "skip it just this once?"

He pulled her against his body.

"It's our two month wedding anniversary," he offered as another means of convincing her to stay with him on this crisp perfect fall day.

Bella shook her head at his persuasive power. "Sixty days? Are we still under warranty?"

"I'm not sure. Better stay home. I'll double check, and then I'll show you how much my love has grown, my beautiful bride."

Bella giggled as she rolled on to her back to look at him – something she recognized as a mistake almost immediately. His dazzle was in full force, and it was almost impossible to resist.

"I love you so much," Bella whispered. His effect always muddled her ability to reason.

"Is that a yes?"

"Ugh!" Bella groaned, pulling a small throw pillow into her face. "Maybe I need to be a vampire now – not sleeping would give me more time for loving you and going to school. Now that sounds perfect, don't you think?" her somewhat frustrated, mostly muffled voice filled his ears.

"Bella, let's focus on now." He let his cool tongue journey over each vertebra in her neck beckoning her to show her face. "Not on what might be..."

Bella threw the pillow to the floor. "Might?"

Edward heard the icy challenge in her voice. This was not where he wanted the conversation to go. Actually, he would have preferred a little less conversation, and a little more action…

"Well…what do you want to do on our special day?" he deflected.

Bella was unwilling to be deterred.

"Edward, every time I mention my inevitable change, you avoid it somehow. I want to talk about it. We need to talk about it."

He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

"Edward, please..." Bella let a surge of adrenaline spur her on. "I was thinking…maybe the end of spring quarter."

Edward spoke with a sigh in his voice, "Bella, finish your undergrad first."

"Why? After my newborn year, I'll just finish at night and on-line like you are. I don't want to look like your mother for God's sake! I'll be twenty-two by the time I graduate." Bella's voice was escalating in volume and pitch. "Besides, graduation from college was never part of your conditions. You can't change the rules of the game just because they suit you!"

"I'm only thinking of what's best for you. Anyway, don't exaggerate – even Esme doesn't pass for my mother at twenty-six. You have plenty of time."

"But that's not what I want."

"What you want is constantly changing, Bella. This is a very big decision…trust me, I know what's involved."

"And you think I don't?"

"I'm not sure that you completely understand all the consequences."

Edward was shocked at the speed Bella suddenly exited their bed. She moved quickly to her closet and came out dressed in jeans and a jersey before marching out of their room. Edward followed closely on her heels.

"Where are you going?"

Bella stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. Her face was flushed with anger, but her lower lip quivered slightly.

"I thought I could marry you, go to school with you, and be treated like an equal or at least like an adult. It appears I was wrong. You still want to treat me like a naïve child."

She spun around and resumed her trek down the stairs and toward the front door, grabbing her wallet, cell phone, and a set of keys from the corner table.

"I'm outta here," she snapped, shaking her head.

Edward flashed to the door blocking Bella's hasty exit, but this time she didn't relent to his show of authority.

"Out of my way." Bella's tone was flat, but her eyes were full of fire.

"Don't drive angry. It's dangerous."

"Don't tell me what I can and cannot do. Can't you see that's the problem?"

They stared at each other for twenty seconds before he stepped aside. Bella didn't hesitate to storm out the front door.

Edward immediately regretted his decision to let her go when he heard the deep rumble of the Vanquish.

He ran out the door with all intentions of blocking her path, but the young paperboy rounding the corner foiled his plan. To preserve his cover, Edward was forced to dart out of the way of the screeching Vanquish as the spinning tires tried to grip the garage floor. He wasn't sure if Bella saw him or not, but either way, he actually doubted she had planned to stop.

Once the tires found purchase on the concrete driveway, they catapulted the car into the street, striking the curb on the other side of the street. Bella shifted into first gear and sped off. Edward and the paperboy watched her disappear down the street.

"Dude, you sure ticked her off," the young man stated frankly.

In no mood to explain, let alone share his obvious marital malfunction, Edward snatched his morning paper from the boy's hand and trudged to the door. His perfect morning was now just a memory.

"Hey, nice car, man," the boy called out as the door on the quaint century home slammed shut.


A/N: No, no! Bella don't leave! *throws a handful of popcorn in mouth* The suspense is killing me! Are you ready for what's coming next?

I'm blowing kisses to my prereaders/betas: Ashling92, RowanMoon, and Rosabella75. Believe me, they work hard to make this better!

Translations:

Ciao, credo che questo sia il mio sedile = Hello, I think this is my seat

Mi scusi = Excuse me

Song Edward was singing: Your Body is a Wonderland by John Mayer - find a link to this sexy song on my profile (friggin' ffnet won't let me hook you up with the link here)

A photo of Edward's fine Aston Martin V12 Vanquish can be found on the Future Imperfect blog at http:/twiliteaddict(dot)tumblr(dot)com

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