Hey, hope everyone is well?

Grab a cuppa (and a sneaky biscuit). The lunch meeting is here.

Leave me something to read, it always makes me happy.

This is a 2 parter again... 2nd part should be up today if goes to plan.

Twilight is not mine.

The space between them is filled with awkward silence and Bella concentrates really hard on keeping her mouth shut to prevent more words from escaping. Her skirt has slipped up her legs and the bottom, lacy part of the stockings is peeking out from underneath. She tries to smooth it down but her attempts are in vain as it keeps riding back up the shiny material. She doesn't look at Edward, although she can hear him shifting around in his seat. His close proximity is nerve wracking and she busies herself by looking out of the window.

She can't deny that she's nervous about this meeting, because she is. It's the first time she's ever done anything like this. It's going to be very different from just attending a presentation and her job has always been primarily sorting through, updating and typing up paperwork.

She's spent the majority of her career hidden safely away in the office that she shares with Rose. This is something else altogether and it has her wanting to pull open the door to the car and running down the road. To say that she feels out of place is an understatement, she doesn't want to embarrass Edward but perhaps more importantly, she doesn't want to embarrass herself.

They soon arrive at Skyline and Edward seems to be out of the car before it stops, he yanks Bella's door open and offers her his hand which she accepts with a tight smile. The feel of his palm against hers is nice and she wishes that she could keep it there for comfort. He doesn't seem like the type to seek comfort from but his warm, smooth hand calms her minutely.

He appears to wait patiently while she shuffles her bottom forward and awkwardly exits the car, Bella bitterly thinks to herself that the skirt has a lot to answer for. His strength is obvious as he pulls her up towards him, as though she weighed nothing. She bumps into him slightly as she stands up but moves away quickly to brush her skirt down nervously.

As he walks her through the entrance she feels him place his hand on the small of her back. It's an uncharacteristic gesture and Bella can't help but wonder why. His warmth spreads across her skin and and, again, her nerves subside marginally. She peeks up at his face but he's staring straight ahead. It looks like he's in business mode and she can't wait to witness him at work. She's heard that it's both amazing and perhaps a little scary.

They approach the desk and are directed to a large table in a private room where four men are awaiting them. Mr Banner is the only one that Bella recognises, he's quite well known in the business world.

He's also currently ranked as number ten on the most eligible bachelor list, although if it was common knowledge that his business is struggling, he probably wouldn't have made the list. She'd laughed at how shallow the whole thing was, they even had their estimated net worth in with their statistics, like shoe size and height. Her and Rose had giggled their way through it one day after finding it in the staff room.

Number two on that list still has his hand planted firmly on her back, he was beaten to the top spot by Tyler McNeil. The fact that Tyler tends to have a lot of topless photos of himself in the press probably helped his cause, he definitely works out. He does also help to build orphanages and is very charitable, not that it was mentioned in that particular article.

They'd both been a little shocked that Edward was higher than Emmett, who was dawdling behind at number four. They'd come to the conclusion that the person who made the list hadn't ever met any of them. She can see the appeal of Edward now, he does have that air of mystery about him and that dominance. It's hard not to do as he asks, even though he says everything in such an awful way. There must be some charm about him to get away with it and still have women screaming over him.

Emmett came across this list and had laughed, he said that he was going to show Edward and Bella now wishes she could've seen his reaction. He doesn't seem to react to much in any other way than anger, it's almost like his default. She's seen some cracks, but it doesn't seem to be his usual way.

Due to her working for Emmett and the fact that Edward doesn't get involved in his brother's business affairs, she'd seen him from afar but had never actually met him. The sullen looking photo had made her breathing hitch at the time, until she was told about his seven-some with Russian models. Which in all honesty, could've been fabricated. It was Simon Caius who told them about it, Rose calls him Weasel, it's an accurate description. Everyone knows that although Simon tries to act like a hot shot, he'd definitely wither away in the prescience of Edward Cullen.

"Mr Cullen." The two big men shake hands and the place where Edward's hand was on her back now feels icy cold in its absence.

"Mr Banner, this is Miss Swan, my PA."

Bradley's eyes shift over to Bella and he smiles kindly. She extends her hand politely but he dips his head and kisses her very softly on the cheek.

"It's lovely to meet you Miss Swan."

Bella's cheeks flush with colour as she returns the sentiment. She can't wait to tell Rose, she'll be very jealous.

"Please call me Bradley."

Bella nods. He turns and points to the men behind him.

"This is Sam Mouley, my lawyer."

Sam disregards Edward and turns to Bella, he takes her hand in his as his eyes leisurely slide over her. Bella doesn't like the feel of his clammy hand against hers. He lingers and doesn't even have the decency to hide his leering. She glances beside her to see Edward narrowing his eyes in distaste.

Sam's glasses slide down his nose and a lock of his greasy, thinning hair flops over his face.

"Lovely to meet you Miss Swan, what a lovely outfit you have on." His eyes seem trained on her breasts, she resists a shudder and gently pulls her hand away. She needs her disinfectant hand gel, stat.

"Embry, my security man and Quil my PA." Bradley points out the other two men in the room.

Embry is a big hulk of a man and he smiles tightly at Bella and Edward. Quil is slight and lanky, his young face looks nervous and he wipes at his sweaty brow with a tissue.

They all shake hands and exchange pleasantries. Bella is pleased to see Edward's very firm and tight grasp on Sam the lawyers hand. He winces before pulling it away shakily, it takes a moment for the blood to return to his pale hand. She resists the urge to hug Edward in thanks, inside she's smiling and cheering.

Edward's hand is back on her as he steers her to the table, he pulls out her chair and seats himself on her left. His elbow brushes hers as he seats himself.

The other men settle at the table opposite them. Bradley is in front of her and Sam settles himself opposite Edward. Quil is on Bradley's other side and Embry seats himself at the end of the table.

"Edward, our father's have always been aquaintances, please let's keep this a little less formal." He picks up his glass of water and takes a sip.

"If that's what you'd like, of course. I think we both know that your options are limited though and our discussions on this have already been very extensive." Edward is the epitome of serenity and professionalism. He barely moves.

"This business has been in our family for generations, it was built from nothing. I still think you can do better." Bradley looks worn out, Bella notices how tired he looks as he watches for Edward's response. The desperation is clear in his eyes, like he's waiting for a vital life raft from Edward.

Edward opens his arms, his hands outstretched across the table. It's a rouse, he's trying to appear open and honest and it's effective. Bella looks down at his hand which is precariously close to her own.

"I'm giving you more than I'd usually offer Bradley. I even told you to go and see Emmett."

"I know that, I also know that you can do business like no other and that's the reason why I didn't. I'm just not happy with the current conditions. I have to admit that I was hoping, half heartedly, that you'd be prepared to help by investing in it. You know it's a winner, it was a good business."

Edward sighs.

"Yes, it was. That's not the case now though."

The food is ordered while Bradley runs through the contract with Edward, he doesn't seem happy at all and Bella can't help but feel sorry for him. He seems like a nice guy and Edward is very good at what he does. Everything that Bradley brings up, Edward has an answer waiting and it's always a good one too. It even has her thinking about how good the deal sounds.

Edward orders for them both and she doesn't mind at all because she hasn't had a chance to even glance at the menu. She's too busy dutifully takes notes. When the food arrives she eats what he ordered for her and it's sublime. She has to stop herself from licking her plate when she's finished.

Sam interjects quite a lot and Edward doesn't seem bothered by it but she notices his fists ball up a few times, making his veins protrude.

"That's not good enough Cullen. We all are fully aware of your intimidation and bad reputation for manipulating people and I won't allow that to happen here." Sam bangs his fist heatedly against the table. He then lifts his second glass of red wine up to his lips, the apples of his cheeks are red. He takes a long slug, seemingly pleased that all their eyes are now on him.

"Lets face it, you are a cut throat bastard in this world. You may think you're intimidating but I for one am not effected by it. It's utter fucking garbage." He waves his hand in the air.

"I mean, we've all heard the rumours about you." Sam laughs and sits back in his seat before patting his swollen stomach.

Bella's eyes widen at his audacity. She has to admit that Sam Mouley must have balls of steel to say something like that to Edward Cullen. Edward will probably ruin him for his, he won't ever have any business again and Edward could make sure of it. She chances a look at Edward, his eyes are dangerous but he doesn't retaliate, instead he ignores him entirely and speaks directly to Bradley.

"Bradley, I'm giving you what I can. This is the final offer that I can put on the table. I've tweaked what I can. It's just not worth what you think it is anymore."

Bella has a feeling that Edward is actually being lenient with Bradley, she's seen a lot of Edward's contracts this week and some of them are awful. This is a new side to him.

"I've no idea how you got to be so vile Edward. Your father was never like this. He must be ashamed" Sam has obviously had enough to drink and now he's becoming personal. Bradley leans over.

"Sam, we're here to do business. Please."

"Fine but he's lying to you. He's a snake and he just can't wait to rip apart all those years of work."

Bella is impressed by Edward and his steely resolve as he refuses to draw attention to the drunk at the table.

She jumps in shock as Bradley turns his attention to her.

"Miss Swan, are you new? I believe I originally dealt with Angela." It must be an attempt try and lighten the mood at the table, but Bella doesn't appreciate the spotlight being on her. She fidgets in her seat.

"It's Bella. Yes, Angela is now on maternity leave. I'm just filling in for her."

"Bella, what a beautiful name. Please extend my best wishes to Angela."

"I will, thank you sir."

Edward visibly stiffens in his seat and Bella realises that she's not helping the conversation. She ducks her head and doodles in her notebook.

The conversation resumes and Edward's arm brushes against hers a few times but she doesn't raise her eyes again and keeps note on the conversation. The desserts are finished and coffee is on the table when Bella decides she needs to use the rest room. They seem deeply invested in a particular point. She tries to decide how best to sneak off. She turns to Edward and gently touches his arm, his attention turns to her and thankfully the other men continue without him.

"Can I be excused?"

Edward can see that Bella is a bit nervous but his every nerve is on fire, mainly due to the prick at the table, Sam. But also because he's in his zone. He checks his watch and realises that they've been here for hours. He nods and watches as she stands and slips off. His eyes linger on the door for a while after she leaves.

Bradley clears his throat and Edward turns to see him watching him, he looks amused with a twinkle in his eye.

"She's beautiful Edward."

"I hadn't noticed." He wants to steer the conversation from Bella, although Bradley is harmless, he's not sure about the other men at the table.

"Can we come to an agreement with that clause?"

As they come to an end of their discussion, they all stand to leave. It's been an intense and fractured meeting and everyone looks tired. Bella feels it too as she stands on shaky legs, it carried on for another hour after she returned from the bathroom. She shakes Mr Banner's hand as he smiles and tells her to enjoy the remainder of her day. Which she doesn't think is likely, judging by Cullen's face. She nods her thanks but doesn't reply because she can feel Edward's eyes boring into her back.

Sam pushes his card into Bella's hand as he steps forward and winks at her. She looks down at it for a second, completely confused as to why he'd think she would want it. She has the foresight to check that the others are all still chatting before putting the card back into his hand. She can't believe his nerve.

"I've just had to sit and listen to you defame and vilify my boss. He might be able to not respond, but you haven't exactly proved your professionalism today. I have no use with a card from you because I'd never use it."

"You can't know him well then. Not many people would defend him like that, or are you sleeping with him?" He extends his hand and runs his hand down her arm. Bella flinches away from him, annoyed at his assumption and disgusted by him.

"Don't touch me. And no, I don't know him well. I don't have to because he's my boss and I respect him. I don't just judge someone on silly rumours." Bella turns away angrily and walks straight into Edward. His hands steady her and she realises that he must've heard her little exchange and she's just done what he didn't want her to. She's just embarrassed him.

"You'd better get on your way before you regret it." Edward's eyes are full of anger as he stares off behind her at Sam.

Edward finally looks down at Bella and his intense stare captures her. His face finally softens slightly and he let go of her arms.

"Are you ready to go? I think we're done here."