Disclaimer - I don't own most of it.
Thank you to everyone. I haven't answered reviews the last couple of chapters, but I still read and love ever single one.
Beta'd by that badass mamacita MalloryKnoxx. :)
"The dream don't come no closer by itself. We gotta run after it now."
~~ Carlito, Carlito's Way
Previously...
Without another word I was out of there and on the way to my next stop. I slowed when I drove into a neighborhood I hadn't been to in a while. Some houses stood out in my mind and some were worse for wear or had been remodeled. I watched house numbers until I found the one I needed. I pulled up in front of the house and shut the car off.
I knew he would be watching me before I got to the door and I liked that idea. I wanted to make him nervous. He needed to be nervous. It was healthy for him, especially since he was going to be around my family. Even if I didn't want it.
My face was emotionless as I walked up the path and knocked on the door. A hard, steady knock so he would know I meant business. I stood still as a statue until he opened the door. He smirked at me and shook his head.
"Hello Edward." He pushed the door open wider.
"Anthony." I said before stepping into the house.
Edward's POV
"How are you?" He asked casually. It irked me how relaxed he always appeared. In another life, one where we weren't unofficial enemies, he would have made an excellent crew member.
"Not so well, actually." I began and studied him as he lifted his head quickly to look at me in surprise. "I need to talk to you about my girl actually."
"My sister or the baby?" He asked with a hint of a smirk.
"Both." I pulled out a cigarette. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all."
I lit the cigarette and continue to walk around slowly, observing every little detail of his small home.
"Isabella has been a little stressed lately. You don't help the situation. I think it would be better if you left her alone for a while. Let her get some rest and relaxation."
"You've got to be kidding me?" Anthony chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not going to stop talking to my sister because you want me to."
"Anthony, because you are her brother, I'm trying to be nice about this. But I don't have to be."
"Threatening me, Cullen?"
"If need be." I stared at him.
"Isabella and I are family. You can't change that."
"That's right, I can't. I can control how much access you have to my life though. Isabella is my family, my life. I won't allow you to continue to upset her and plant crazy shit in her head."
"What are you hiding, Edward?" Anthony eyed me.
I chose to ignore his questions and straightened my jacket.
"This will be my only visit." I said before turning to walk out.
I spent the afternoon with Aro finding out who was behind the note being delivered. I kicked myself over not thinking about Peter Whitlock. Emmett partied with him a lot in the last year. I still wasn't sure if he was behind the murder or if he was just somehow attached to it. I planned on investigating him a little, and once Aro's court hearing was over, I would act on it. I was planning to stay under the radar for the next few days.
I parted ways with Aro so he could spend the rest of the weekend with Esme, and I headed home to my girl. I had big plans in store for her, for us. And tonight I would be sitting her down and telling her all about it.
I pulled in the drive at my parents' house and loosened my tie. I knew my father and mother would be gone for dinner at the Leones' and my sister would be gone with Aro for the rest of the weekend. We had the house all to ourselves.
"Isabella?" I called out.
"...the kitchen."
I followed her voice down the hallway and found her sitting at the breakfast bar eating a bowl of jello. Charly was sleeping in a bouncing thing on the counter. I sat down with them and pulled my suit jacket off.
"How was your night?" Isabella asked between bites.
"Good." It was a vague response, but she didn't need to know how my night went.
"Want me to make you a bowl?" She pointed towards her food.
"Nah. I'll get some of Ma's leftovers in a little while. I want to talk to you first."
She raised her head and gave me a nervous look. I chose to ignore it for the moment and began speaking.
"Isabella, those things I said to you the other night about babies and family. I meant those. I want to marry you and have children, and I don't want to wait. I have the paperwork that says Charly is our daughter. Of course, your legal guardianship won't take affect until your birthday in a couple of weeks. That's a minor detail. That situation is as good as resolved."
"What does the paperwork say?" She asked.
"That she came from a relative in Italy." Isabella nodded and gazed at the baby.
"My father owns quite a bit of land in this neighborhood, and I've been given part of it. I would like to build a house for us to live in. It would be safer for you and Charly to be closer to the family, especially on nights when I'm working. For your birthday present, I want you to pick the floor plan."
I didn't think it was possible for a person to choke on jello.
"You okay?"
She coughed and sputtered out a yes.
"You want to build me a house for my birthday?" She whispered and held her hand over her chest. "You can't be serious. That's... that's too much."
"Isabella, nothing is too much when it comes to you or Charly. My purpose is to provide for you. I live a dangerous life already and after everything that has happened with our families, I want to make sure you two are as safe as possible."
"Do you know who ... killed your brother?" She whispered, lowering her head.
"Not quite, but I have an idea. I'm dealing with it." I answered curtly.
My glance moved from Isabella to the baby as she made little sucking noises.
"It's time for her bottle." She started to get up.
"No, let me. You eat." I told her. "Just tell me how to do it."
She slowly sat back down and began instructing me on how to prepare the bottle as Charly began to stir more. I sat back down with the fresh bottle and moved the baby's seat towards me. She frowned and rooted around when I tried to give her the bottle.
"I thought she was hungry?"
"She likes to be held while she eats."
I picked Charly up and held her close to me. It obviously solved the problem because she started sucking her bottle down.
We sat in silence for a few minutes while I fed the baby. I was working up to telling Isabella about her father. Obviously, I wasn't going to tell her the whole truth, but she needed to know her father was dead so she could grieve him. We would finally be able to move on with our lives.
"Isabella, I have other news."
"I've been waiting for the reason for the knot in my stomach."
"I've heard some things, I don't know all of the details I would like to, but it's about your father."
She gripped the edge of the breakfast bar, and her eyes glistened. I realized with my arms holding Charly, I had chosen a very bad time to tell her. I quickly sat the baby back in her bouncer thing and moved closer to Isabella.
"Isabella, I'm so sorry." Tears started leaking from her eyes. "Your father isn't alive." I finished solemnly.
Isabella fell into a fit of tears, and I wrapped my arms tightly around her and held her against my chest. I stroked her hair and rubbed her back. I watched Mallory watch us. So young and innocent, unable to understand what was going on. I felt a pang of guilt at the pain I had caused to the most important person to me.
"I swear to you, I will do whatever I can to make things right." I murmured into her ear. "How can I make it better, kid?"
She didn't answer me, only continued to bawl against my chest. I swore silently in that moment to make it up to her any way I could. Even if she would never know that I was the one who killed him. I would make sure her life was wonderful and that she and Charly and our children would never want or need for a single thing.
Esme's POV
"Wow." was all I could say about the sleek black bike sitting in front of me. When Aro said he had a surprise, a motorcycle wasn't what I anticipated. Not that I was complaining.
"You like it, Ma?" Aro swung his arm over my shoulder. "It's a Ducati."
"Ducati?"
"A fucking Ducati!" He said grinned big.
"Is that supposed to mean something to me?" I asked looking up at him.
"Probably not. It's the best of the best. Very expensive." He explained strapping a helmet on my head. "Now let's go. This weekend is for us to relax and enjoy each other before..."
Court...
Neither of us wanted to say the word out loud.
"I know. Te amo."
"Te amo." Aro gave me a peck on my lips before sitting on the bike. I climbed on behind him and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. He started the bike and revved it before we shot out of the driveway like a slingshot. I was squealing the entire time.
I snuggled against Aro's back and watched the world pass by in a blur of colors lulled into a relaxing state by his body heat and the vibrations of the motorcycle. Court and jail and family drama could wait for another day.
After we left the city, Aro fell into a steady ride and reached around to hold my thigh. I didn't know where we were going, and I didn't ask. I didn't care. I just wanted to be with the man I love. Even if our families knew we were married, I would probably still stay with my parents while he went away. I tried hard not to think about it, but the time was creeping up.
Once we'd rode through the countryside for about an hour we pulled off and took a little dirt road. Aro drove slowly, and I leaned back and looked around.
"Where are we going?" I shouted over the engine.
"To the rest of your surprise!" He gave me another huge grin.
A few minutes later we arrived at the end of the path. I laughed out loud when I noticed the little cabin slightly hidden behind some trees. It was small and cozy looking with a tiny front porch housing a swing.
"Please tell me there is electricity."
"Yea, yea. I know you couldn't survive at real outdoorsin'." Aro laughed helping me off the bike.
"How long are we staying?" I asked running my hands through my hair to tame it down.
"Tonight and tomorrow night. I have to head back Sunday night."
"We have no bags. How am I supposed to go two days without any clothes?"
"Exactly. You're going two days without any clothes." He gave me a wolf smile and walked ahead of me towards the small cabin. I giggled as I followed him. He was stripping off his clothes a piece at a time and leaving a trail starting a few feet from the steps and leading into the cabin.
"What the hell!" I said to myself as I shucked my jeans. I quickly jogged up the stairs and into the cabin to find Aro laid out on the queen size bed. I bit my lip and shed the rest of my clothes. I crawled across the bed and pressed my lips to Aro's in a slow, lazy kiss. I wanted him to know how much I appreciated his outfit of nothing but a smile and a hard cock.
Rosalie's POV
I dialed Jacob's number and laid back on the bed waiting for him to answer. After the fifth ring he picked up.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"What's up?"
"I'm just laying in bed. All of my friends are busy so I cleaned my closet out."
"At least you did something productive." He laughed.
"How was your day? After I left, I mean."
I heard him let out a deep breath.
"My dad kicked me out."
"What? Where are you going to stay?"
"I'm at my cousin Paul's tonight. I have a little money saved up. I'll get a place. I can't stay in the country all the time. Shit would drive me crazy."
"Too quiet?" I asked playing with the tip of a blond curl.
"Yea."
"Why did he do it? Kick you out?"
"He said if I was going to be a criminal, I could do so elsewhere."
"That's such bull shit. My family isn't stupid."
"He doesn't see it that way. Anyways, it's not important. I can take care of myself."
"If you need anything, let me know."
"Isn't that what I'm supposed to tell you?" he let out a chuckle.
"A friendship works both ways."
"That's true. How was your day?"
"Quiet. Gave me plenty of time to think and shit."
"And shit?" Jacob laughed again. "You know I'm here no matter what. I'll take care of you if you let me. Once I get settled into a place, you're always welcomed."
"I know. Thanks." I said quietly. Every time he showed me his sweet side, I felt feelings I shouldn't have for him grow even stronger. Jacob had a very serious, protective side that only I saw. I loved it, but it also made me feel guilty because of Emmett.
"Why aren't you sleeping? It's late." Jacob's deep voice interrupted my little guilt party.
"Just can't sleep." I replied looking over at my packed bag next to my bedroom door. "Am I keeping you up?"
"Never."
"Let's go out. I don't want to be home right now." I got up off the bed and starting looking for my shoes.
"What did you have in mind?"
"I don't care. I can't leave without Rico if I'm alone, pick me up?"
"Sure. See you in a few."
I slipped my heels on, grabbed my purse, and went downstairs to wait.
"Going out, Miss Leone?" Rico asked when I walked in the living room.
"Yes. Jacob is picking me up, so you can go do whatever you want."
"You and Jacob are close?" Rico asked eyeing me curiously.
"That's none of your fucking business."
"I didn't mean to offend you. I was just curious."
"Curiosity killed the cat. Remember that Rico." I turned on my heel and walked out the front door. The late summer breeze hit my face, and I soaked up the last bit of warmth for the year. Soon the weather would take a turn for cold and bleak, and it would be several months before I would see my sundresses and open toes for a while.
I watched the moonlight dance across the lawn until Jacob pulled up. He left the car running, but jogged around to open the door for me. Rico watched up 'til we pulled off.
"What's his deal?" Jake asked.
"No clue, but he was being nosey. Asking about us."
"Is there an us?" He looked over at me.
"You know what I mean."
"Actually, I don't. Care to explain it to me?"
"I care about you. You very important to me."
"I get it. I'm not rushing you. I'll be here when you're ready." He grabbed my hand.
"I'm just tired of everyone wanting to know every detail of my life. Everyone expects me to act a certain way about everything. I'm just- I'm done, like I need a break."
"That's what we're doing right now." he smiled at me.
If only he knew what I really meant. I had the packed bag sitting by my door because I was restless at home. I wanted to be somewhere far away. I wanted to get out of town. I wasn't even sure why I hadn't left yet.
"Yea." I smiled back. "So where are we going?"
"I really have no clue. We can go wherever the road takes us." he suggested.
"I like that. Let's go sit somewhere and watch the stars."
"I have just the place."
We drove for fifteen minutes until we were at a park on the edge of town. It wasn't the best neighborhood, but it wasn't the worst. It was a ghost town at one in the morning. Jacob parked in the little gravel lot and we sat on the hood. I leaned back against the windshield and looked up at the sky.
"I love watching the stars."
"It seems surprisingly simple for someone like you." Jacob leaned back, mirroring my position.
"What does that mean?" I looked over at him.
"You grew up very privileged and it seems like it would take a lot to entertain you or make you happy." He explained. "I know different though."
"Just don't tell anyone. They'll think I'm all easy to deal with."
"Your secret is safe with me. Always." He squeezed my hand.
"Thanks for getting me out of the house."
"Why are you always thanking me?" Jacob asked almost immediately after I spoke.
I laid there looking up for a few minutes before I answered him.
"Because you deserve it. You take care of me."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." he said placing a light kiss on the back of my hand.
Jacob's POV
We laid in the dark for a while watching the night sky. I kept myself alert to what was going on around us, but it was late enough the neighborhood was quiet. After an hour or so I looked over and realized Rosalie had fallen asleep.
"Rose?" I jiggled her arm. "Ro-oose?"
I laughed quietly and slid off the hood so I could put her in the car. I walked around and slipped my arms under her. I held her close to me for a moment longer than necessary. I felt like she was slipping away from me. As I sat her in the seat, she stirred a little.
"Don't take me home." She mumbled.
"Where am I supposed to take you?"
"With you." She replied softly.
I knew it wasn't a good idea to take her to my cousin's house, but I did any way. I was selfish and in love, and I wanted her with me. Just to hold her in my arms for the night. Paul wouldn't say anything. The Italians were the ones I would have to watch out for. In their eyes, I was lesser because I wasn't Italian. I knew that Rico was probably asking questions because his boss put him up to it. I would do whatever I had to to protect Rosalie, but I wouldn't give her up.
She slept for the almost thirty minute ride to Paul's house. I didn't even try to wake her. I just scooped her up and carried her in the house. I laid her down in the guest room where I was sleeping for the next couple of nights- or however long it took me to get a place. I had a good little chunk saved up, I would be okay.
I slipped Rosalie's shoes off when she started stirring. She sat up and pulled her dress over her head. I bite my tongue at seeing her in my bed in nothing but her white underthings. She knew she was tempting, but I don't think she had any idea to what extent. In this moment though, I believed she was just half asleep and trying to get comfortable.
"Want a shirt?" I asked. She nodded slightly with her eyes half closed. I looked around for my suitcase and remembered it was still in my trunk. I pulled my own t-shirt over my head and handed it to her. She slipped it on and rolled back over in the bed.
I locked the door and removed my jeans before I climbed into bed with her. She instinctively moved against me, and I inhaled the scent of her shampoo. It was always strawberries. I switched the lamp off and laid in the dark enjoying Rosalie being in my arms.
Every time I would be close to dozing off she would wiggle against me making me hard. I tried to shift away from her, and she would wiggle closer.
"You're killing me." I spoke more for my benefit than hers.
"I could help you with that." She murmured against my chest. I hadn't realized she was awake.
"I told you I wouldn't push you, and I wasn't going to just fuck you. I meant it."
Rosalie rolled over so she was straddling me. Just enough light from the moon fell through the window to highlight her face. Her eyes were hooded, and I could feel her heat against me.
"I want you, Jacob." She whispered.
I ran my hands down her sides until they came to rest on her hips.
"You're not rushing me into to anything." She ran her hands down my chest as she pulled up into a sitting position over me. Her movement made her heat brush against me, and I was harder than I thought possible. Even though I knew what sexy little things were underneath, seeing her in my shirt was a bigger turn on.
"I want you." I told her gripping her hips harder.
"Make love to me." She breathed out. That was all it took for my last bit of self-control to break. I sat up and crashed my lips to hers. I reveled in the feel of her squirming against me. I ran my hands over ever inch of her again and again.
She let out little noises that drove me crazy, and I flipped us over so I was on top of her. She gasped and gave me a naughty grin before sliding my shirt off. I groaned as I took in the sight of her splayed out under me. Without hesitation, I unhooked her bra and slung it to the floor. Her pert nipples begged for my mouth, and she spread her legs even further.
I brought my mouth down on one nipple and sucked gently as she tugged on my hair. After a couple of minutes I moved to the other. I ran my fingers tenuously up her thighs before teasingly rubbing my hand over her pussy. She bucked slightly against me as she cried out softly.
I looked up at her briefly before hooking my fingers in her panties and pulling them off. They joined her bra on the floor, and I took in the indescribable view that was Rosalie naked under me.
I gave her a wolf grin before diving between her legs. I groaned as the taste of her met my tongue for the first time. It was better than anything I had imagined. I worked my mouth over her clit and fingers inside of her until her hot, juicy walls tightened. My name fell from her lips.
I pulled up and looked at her. Rosalie was slightly flushed, and she looked satisfied. More than that, happy. She looked happy.
"Oh, Jacob..." She smiled at me with her eyes closed and her arm thrown over her head.
"You like that?" I asked huskily against her stomach.
"Oh God, yes. I want more. I want you inside of me." She tugged on me to come up to meet her. I lost myself in her kiss before pulling back.
"I don't have anything. I'm sorry." I looked down at her.
"I'm on birth control. It's okay." She quickly assured me.
I had never been with anyone unwrapped. I didn't want my dick to rot off, and I didn't want anyone calling me daddy. I stared down at Rosalie, my fucking dream girl, and debating on going at it bare. I trusted her, and I knew she was clean. I loved her, and we had made it to this point. She came on my face, and I wanted her to come on my dick.
"You sure?" I asked looking her in the eye.
She nodded and grinned at me. She rocked her hips against me, and I could feel how wet she was for me. I pulled back and grabbed my cock, guiding it to her entrance. She wiggled against me again, and I pushed in. She immediately tensed up, and I worried that I hurt her.
"You okay?"
"Yea, just give me a minute." She whispered.
I was as far in her as I could get, and she was bowed against my chest. I thank God for giving me a woman like her and patiently waited her for her to start moving against me. Once she did, I pulled out slowly and pushed back in again. She gave me little moans and cries .and I gave her deep, long strokes. I wasn't in a hurry,and I planned to make her come again and again. I told her what I would do, and I planned to keep my word.
Every time she came, gushing against me and calling my name I had to fight with everything in my not to join her. When I couldn't take it any more I brought her to the edge once more before pushing her over and falling with her. I laid over her, holding my weight off her while kissing down the column of her throat.
"That was amazing." She breathed out.
"No doubt." I grinned against her skin. "Lemme know when you're ready for another round."
"You're not done?" She asked me wide eyed.
"I just got you in bed, baby. Don't think I'll let you out this easy." I gave her my wolf grin and rolled over pulling her next to my side. "You can rest for a little while."
"Gee, thanks." She giggled and rolled her eyes.
"I told you I wanted to make love to you all night until you couldn't take it." I reminded her.
"I know. I plan to let you." She kissed underneath my ear.