Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and Drinou is the author of Collisions. I'm just the translator...

Chapter 24: Fatal Negotiations

A shy, almost embarrassed smile appeared on his lips, followed by a short silence during which our eyes remained connected.

"Would you teach me your rules, Bella?"

Christ Almighty... Bella?

Did he really just call me Bella? The only time it had happened, it ended in carnage, but... Shit! My rules, really? Which rules exactly? Were they the ones that my extremely perverse and undeniably twisted mind led me to think of?

Fucking shit!

Panic blew wildly in my head.

"My rules?"

"Your rules," he confirmed, his stare anchored to mine.

"It's not that simple, Edward."

"Why?"

I could feel my anxiety skyrocket. And his intense gaze on me was far from helping me channeling my apprehension.

"Because I don't trust you in the slightest," I breathed.

"And what if you gave me a chance to earn your trust?" he offered without blinking, not even for a nanosecond.

As for me, I remained speechless. My trust, really?

"You want to earn my trust?" I asked to make sure I had not misunderstood him.

"I'd like it very much, yes," he said assertively.

I quit looking at his far too intense gaze and lost myself in the contemplation of my fingers, which were fiddling nervously the hem of my dress.

"You're asking a lot from me," I blurted out. "I don't think I want to... I've already tried and you have..."

Hurt me or wounded me seemed to perfectly characterize my feelings at the time. Yet I refused to let any weakness show.

"I have...?" he inquired.

I shot him a meaningful look.

"The arrogant asshole yet again?"

"In all his glory!" I cried out. "A real firecracker."

He winced.

"I told you, I don't know how to act otherwise. Though I'm trying. With you, I'm really trying."

His hand rested suddenly on mine, stopping abruptly the compulsive fidgeting of my fingers.

"So, will you teach me your rules?" he asked me again, his deep green eyes lost in mine.

"Give me one good reason to do so," I ventured, seeming all of a sudden much more self-confident than I actually was.

"For the challenge?"

I arched a brow.

"Each discussion with you is already a challenge in itself," I acknowledged.

"I thought, one must know how to live dangerously?" he pointed out.

"Not when it's doomed to failure," I muttered, like I was talking to myself.

"Give me a chance to try."

I sighed. Should I listen to the primitive part of my brain that was shouting at me to say "yes" without delay, or should I listen to the more sensible and thoughtful part of my brain, which had already put on its sneakers, ready to run at full speed away from this offer?

You say yes, that's all!

If only it was as simple as a little "yes" uttered here... If I knew one thing, it's precisely that nothing was ever simple with him.

I withdrew my hand from his grip. The touch of his warm, soft skin on mine was really not helping me to focus. Instead I seized my abandoned glass on the bar to give me a little countenance and flee his disturbing contact.

"And your girlfriend?"

"What?"

"The blonde girl. Ta... Ta-whatever-her-name-is."

"Tanya."

"Yes, Tanya. What's her part in this story?"

"I don't see what she's got to do with anything."

"Really? It seems pretty obvious to me."

"Jealous?" he asked with a smile.

"Of course..." I sighed. "You're asking me to trust you and at the first obstacle... You... What the heck are you doing?"

My eyes widened in surprise as I watched him take out his phone and dial a number.

"I'm making a phone call," he replied evenly.

"At four in the morning?"

"Businesses never sleep, Isabella. Moreover, the group is located in Italy."

His face hardened as soon as he had his interlocutor on the line.

"Mr. Denali, please... Mr. Cullen..."

He waited a second before he went on.

"Hello Bruno... Good, but let's cut this short. I'm breaking off all negotiations with you... Yes, that's right, all of them... The contract and the rest... I'm withdrawing from the deal."

Having said these last words, he hung up.

"It's done. Do you have another question?" he asked me, while putting his phone back in his pocket.

Uh...

What exactly had just happened? Who was this Mr. Denali? And why had Edward suddenly made a professional phone call in the middle of a private discussion about his minx of a pseudo girlfriend? He had totally lost me once again.

"Actually, I haven't grasped everything," I confessed. "How would breaking a contract answer my question?"

Edward gulped the rest of his whiskey before answering me.

"Bruno Denali is the CEO of a huge Italian real estate development company with whom I was going to sign a partnership for a large residential project."

"And?" I prompted him to continue, still completely at a loss.

"And Tanya is his daughter."

Oh!

"Okay. And so you're breaking those negotiations because...?"

"Because Tanya was just a foil. A fast and efficient way to approach her father and achieve my goals."

"All right," I whispered, stunned. "And it's supposed to get me to trust you?"

"No, but it's supposed to prove you my sincerity. I am what I am, Isabella. I use people to my purposes. That's what I've always done, and I will keep on doing it, if it's in my best interest. I want to learn your rules, for your sake. I don't want to change my Modus Operandi with regards to others."

"I see."

Actually no, I didn't really see. I was rather embedded in a complete blur.

"Tanya was an obstacle and now she's offside. It's what you wanted, right?"

"Uh, yes... I guess. I was expecting some crying and screaming rather than a breach of contract between two multinationals, but I reckon it works like that in your world."

"Generally speaking, yes."

I nervously tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

"Okay," I sighed. "It's a little too much to digest for tonight. I think I'll head home."

While getting off my stool, I realized that I had no means of transportation.

"Uh... and since you dismissed my driver..."

"She didn't inspire confidence in me," he said jokingly as he got up in turn. "Would you let me accompany you home?"

"Do I have a choice?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, it was just a rhetorical question."

"That's what I thought," I smiled.

-X-

A few minutes later, Edward guided me in the hallways of the Roosevelt Hotel basement. The headlights of a gorgeous red coupé flashed when he pressed his key.

Uh... Wow!

"Your Maserati didn't survive its encounter with a pole?" I asked as I admired the curves of the brand new Aston Martin.

"I've got the feeling that you're ruining most of my relationships with the Italians," he bantered while opening the passenger door for me.

"I find them a little too flashy," I ventured as I slid tentatively in the shining interior.

Everything, from each command to every seam, was oozing luxury in this car. Edward shut my door and walked around to join me.

"Very good point. That's why I chose a more... sophisticated model."

With the push of a button, he started the engine. He put the gear on reverse, and then, leaning slightly toward me with an expression that was both mysterious and mischievous, he went on. "It's so much more... surprising."

His stare couple to his voice, both warm and rough, electrified me.

"I would have never thought you were the kind of guy who appreciated 'surprises.'"

"Oh but I do like surprises, when they are good. Like this evening, for instance. Besides..."

Speeding up, he left the parking. I sank a little more in the ultra comfort of the bucket seat and focused on what was going on in front of me.

"Would you like to make it last a little longer?" he continued as he found a slot in the New York traffic.

"Uh... Now?"

He nodded, a slight smile on his lips.

"We could prolong the night somewhere else. At my place, for example."

Woah... Let's rewind a second so I can concentrate on... AT HIS PLACE?

I tensed instinctively on my seat, as stiff as a board.

"At your place?" I choked out.

"For example," he repeated, glancing in my direction.

Bad idea... Very bad idea!

"Well, bad example," I refused flatly.

Whereas his face still looked serene and relaxed, his knuckles, whitened by the pressure he exerted around the steering wheel, expressed just the opposite.

"All right, maybe at your place then?" he tried again, his voice more tense.

From the corner of his eyes he watched me biting back my astonishment as we were stopped at a red light.

"Just as bad as an example," I stressed.

"You're a tough negotiator," he commented with clenched jaw. "But I like negotiations; it's even been said that I shine in this field."

"Of that I have no doubt," I mumbled, "but right now I just want one thing: going home, alone," I felt compelled to specify, "and sleep all day long."

For a few seconds, silence floated in the car where only the roar of the powerful engine resounded. Then, as he was driving up Madison Avenue, Edward spoke again, a new strategy seemingly in mind.

"Let's leave on a good night's sleep, which brings us to tomorrow night. Will you let me invite you to my home?"

I sighed. Clearly, he wasn't going to drop it easily.

You've got the power, honey... Make him wait for a little while!

"No."

"So how about a dinner in one of the best restaurants in town?"

"No."

"You know that's not the way you'll get rid of me."

"And how can I hope to get rid of your acumen for negotiations?" I asked, dreading the answer beforehand.

"By agreeing to one of my proposals."

"Of course!" I grumbled.

The headlights of the other cars as well as the orange gleam of the streetlights allowed me to look at him more intently. Focused on his driving, his expression didn't show anything particular, yet I could sense the blood boiling in his veins. His annoyance was only revealed by an involuntary sigh.

"I'm not going to bite you, I'm just offering you a dinner."

Hmm ... what a great pity!

And one mental slap! Manifestly, any close contact with this man doomed me to a total mental drift. Pathetic!

"So what do you intend to do now that your internship is over?"

Edward's voice pulled me out of my musing. The radical change of topic confused me for a moment. I, who was ready to argue all the way home about these "negotiations", was borderline frustrated with his sudden reversal.

When I tell you that you love the arrogant asshole.

Yeah... Maybe not to that extent either.

"Hum... Focus on my studies, I guess," I replied. "It's the final stretch before graduating, so I can't leave anything to chance."

"And in what area would you like to work afterwards?"

I thought for a few seconds about the answer to give him.

"I don't know... Actually, I'm not completely decided yet. I enjoyed working at 5W a lot, so perhaps I will head toward that branch," I reckoned.

"And the real estate industry? We're always in need of good P.R. people."

I instantly shifted from my slumped posture to a straighter one.

"Are you offering me a job?" I winced, my claws ready to come out at the slightest sign of any attack.

"Don't show your teeth, tigress!" he smiled. "I'm just presenting you with an idea. The Cullen Corp. is not the only company in this industry. Though if I knew you were working for a competitor, I'd certainly be forced to crack down in our future negotiations," he pointed out, a smirk stretching his lips again.

He seemed to have regained his composure, or at least it appeared so.

"It's good to know... So you think there will be more negotiations in the future?"

"I do hope so."

The car stopped in its momentum and Edward turned off the ignition. Surprised, I turned my attention to the surroundings.

"This is your stop, Miss Swan."

For a second, I thought I was back to being employed by the Cullen Corp. He hadn't called me that since my express resignation.

"Well, thanks for the lift," I said as I reached for my bag at my feet.

"It was my pleasure."

I was about to open my door when he stopped me by placing is hand on my arm.

"Hold on a second, I'm not done with you."

Wh-What?

Leaning over the central console separating our two seats, he stared at me, smirking.

"How's that?"

"Seems to me that we're still negotiating."

"Oh..."

"And I don't make it a habit of letting a matter so close to my heart slip away."

"A matter?" I grumbled.

"Close to my heart," he stressed.

I couldn't help a small smile spread to my lips.

"How about having coffee with me, say, tomorrow night?"

His usual assertiveness had, within a few seconds, given way to a look a bit sheepish that destabilized me. I really wanted to leave him to stew... Not give him satisfaction right away... But I had to confess that, as usual, I had as much resistance as a mollusk.

Yet I got a grip on myself. Well... somewhat.

"It would have been with pleasure but I'm not free tomorrow night."

"Really?" he immediately scowled.

I nodded.

"Yes... A matter of negotiations and rules... I really don't know what I bargained for," I sighed.

I had to repress a smile, biting the inside of my cheeks at Edward's puzzled look.

"Isabella..." he began to scold me.

"I work," I admitted, laughing. "I have an afternoon shift at Starbucks tomorrow and I'm going to finish late. But the idea of a coffee is tempting."

Edward's face relaxed and, as he was going to speak, I grabbed the handle and opened the door.

"See you next time," I said.

I got out of the car and when I turned to close the door, I found myself facing a surprised Edward. He probably didn't expect me to act like this. Truth be told, I had surprised myself.

"Good night," I said before walking away.

I had barely taken a few steps when I heard the sound of is window being lowered.

"Isabella?"

I turned to look at him.

"Tomorrow evening, after your work, you and I will go for a coffee. And this is not negotiable."

He restarted his engine.

"See you tomorrow," he said before pulling away in turn.

Had I really thought I could overpower him? Well for now it was obviously not happening.

I took my pumps off my aching feet and walked the last few yards to my apartment building door barefoot.

This evening had really brought its share of surprises.

-X-

The next day, night had long since fallen on the streets of New York when my shift came to an end.

And during all that time, I found myself watching new customers, in the strange hope to see Edward appear in the doorway.

The previous night had left me wondering. I had rarely seen him as restrained, both relaxed and cautious, as if assessing the situation. He seemed to have changed or, at the very least, he was trying to change. And that was what made all the difference from the one I had known a few months earlier.

Yet it was better that I keep my reserves. How was I to know if that change would last? I had already had too much taste of the cold – even icy – shower of his moods.

But any resolution put aside, it didn't prevent this totally irrational part of me to hope. As a proof of that, I glanced sharply at the front door as soon as it opened for a customer.

And still no trace of Edward.

With a little twinge in my heart, I wrapped my mind around the thought that it definitely couldn't last and that the coffee wasn't meant to be.

I folded my apron and put it away in my locker in the back room before retrieving my stuff. I greeted my colleague responsible for closing and left, my cell phone in hand to listen to the message Alice had left me a little earlier. I had just turned it on when it started to vibrate, a small insert appearing on the screen. I stopped in my tracks as I read it.

[Have you forgotten our date?]

I looked up suddenly and peered around.

A new vibration in my hand caught my attention.

[Look behind you.]

I obeyed and turned. Edward was leaning against his Aston Martin, a smile playing on his lips and his BlackBerry in hand.

"Good evening," he greeted me when I was at his level. "You were hoping to sneak away?"

"May I know how you got my phone number?" I inquired.

"Same place as your address. In your file," he replied. "So, where were you going like this?"

"Uh... home. I thought you invited me in a haste and that it was no longer valid."

"Well, know that I never do anything in a haste, Isabella. Ready to have coffee with me?"

"I never say no to a good dose of caffeine."

"Good. In that case... hop in," he ordered me, opening the door of his car.

I did as I was told and waited for him to be seated in the vehicle to question him.

"Where are we going?"

"Not far, you'll see," he eluded, enigmatic.

Was Mister Mystery back? It looked like it anyway.

"Okay... Let's go for a riddle then. A clue? In what neighborhood is the coffee shop located? Tribeca? Soho?"

Edward just stared at the road ahead, ignoring me completely.

"All right, no clue then," I grumbled, as intrigued as I was curious.

"We'll be there within five minutes," he informed me.

I stopped questioning him, preferring to watch for any information on traffic signs along our ride. Whereas I thought he was going to head north, he went south, leaving the business district for the more touristic one of Battery Park, at the extreme south of Manhattan.

"There we are," Edward said as he parked near a boarding dock.

I looked around suspiciously.

"Uh... There's not a single café here. Edward, what are you up to?" I worried.

The smirk that appeared on his lips didn't help to reassure me.

Hum... hum... What have you got yourself in?

"I thought you liked adventure?"

That's what I got for driveling in a fit of panic!

He got out of the car first and came to my side to gallantly open my door. The cold air from the seaside immediately stung my cheeks.

"Are you going to tell me what we're doing here now?" I asked once out of the Aston Martin.

"We're going to have coffee."

"Where? In the middle of a snowy lawn?"

He chuckled.

"If you feel like it... But I have a better offer for you."

He pulled out a bag from the trunk of his car and then he came closer to me and pointed to a spot in front of us with is gloved finger.

"Look out there."

I followed the direction of his finger, flabbergasted. No! I must be wrong... Yet, after a brief glance to either side, I was left with no doubt. There was not a soul in the vicinity, except... there.

"How about we board to get warm?" He offered.

I stared at him, dumbfounded.

"You've chartered a yacht to have coffee with me?" I said, somewhat frightened.

"Not quite. Let's say I enlisted the crew for the occasion."

Mister Delusions of Grandeur in all his glory...

I couldn't believe it. It wasn't like we were living in a small hamlet devoid of shops. Manhattan abounded with cafés, ranging from the infamous sordid boozer to the most fashionable posh shops.

"You didn't find what you were looking for in town, right?"

"You've got it. Come on, it's freezing cold tonight," he urged me.

Edward led me to the private dock where the yacht was moored, and then he got in first, holding out his free hand to help me. Once past the narrow side alleyway, we entered a large and luxurious room furnished with light wood, large white benches, and traversed over its entire length by long windows overlooking the distant lights of Staten Island on one side, and the towering skyscrapers of lower Manhattan on the other.

An impressed "Wow!" escaped me.

"Welcome aboard, Isabella," Edward warbled, smiling and proud as a peacock. "How about a tour of the yacht?"

To be continued... hopefully.

This was the last chapter ever posted by Drinou. I don't know when or if she will ever update this story, but as long as she doesn't, there can't be another update in English.

Milk