Hi Ladies,

I noticed several people wanted this in Edward's POV, and I thought about it, but this was what I came up with. I hope you all enjoy it, and some important information is stated at the end of this chapter. Thanks so much for all of your reviews. They are so much fun to read.

Drop me a line, and let me know what you think. Thanks:)

Chapter 16

Bella-

My lungs stung from lack of air. I rested against the wall, leaning on the structure several minutes after Edward left the secret room, collecting my strength. A series of tremors slipping down my spine threatened to anchor me to the floor beneath my feet, and I was having serious doubts about whether or not I could go through with this whole arrangement.

How the fuck was I supposed to fool a crime boss when I couldn't even manage to get a simple picture right? He would see through the charade and I would be up shit creek.

This wasn't my first rodeo. I had spent the last two years acting a part, and Edward was right, I needed to remember the strength I'd used to fool numerous people out on the streets.

Holy shit, Bella. You can do this. How many hoity-toity fuckers had I fooled over the years? At least a hundred, my mind whispered.

Swallowing the lump climbing in my throat, I shoved away from the wall, and gathering as much courage as I could, I slipped into Edward's walk-in.

The whole damn condo was immaculate, yet the organization of his closet left me stunned. Suits of different brands and colors hung neatly along the wall to my left, ties resting in personalized cubbies, and on the wall to my right was a huge jewelry box. If I had more time, I might have been tempted to sneak a peek at the merchandise within. Shoes lined the wall in perfect order, the leather shining beneath the fluorescent light. An array of colors ranging from black to light tan to match his endless selection of suits spaced evenly apart filled the shelves.

Edward's scent tickled my nose. I inhaled a deep breath, loving the manly aroma clinging to the air around me, and I felt his aura seep into my bones.

I caught a glimpse of my reflection through a mirror I passed to reach the doorway. I stopped dead in my tracks, my nose scrunching at my appearance. The baggy black sweatsuit I wore made me look drab, and the ash-gray wool socks weren't helping matters much.

If Edward and I were a happy couple, how would I dress the morning after spending the night with my husband? I sorted through every movie I had the fortune to see. Most of the women the morning after seemed to choose their man's shirt. Did women do that? What would Edward think if I walked out of his room wearing his shirt?

In my estimation, there was nothing more intimate than wearing another person's clothes—especially ones they'd previously worn. Edging into Edward's room, I stopped next to the chair where his shirt lay wrinkled across the back. Casting a quick look toward the open door, I heard the sounds of muffled conversation and sprang into action.

If I fucked this up, Edward would have every reason to throw me back on the streets, and honestly, while the last few days had seemed like a dream, I wasn't thrilled about the notion of scrounging for my next meal. If I had to make a fool out of myself then so be it.

My fingers tingled when I grabbed the black cotton from the chair and hurried back to the walk-in. Not wanting to be caught in the buff, I shucked my sweatsuit and donned the black shirt. For added effect, I wandered to the mirror and tousled my hair, leaving several burgundy strands dangling in my face, making me look like I'd just rolled out of bed.

Perfect.

Drawing in a deep tormented breath, I squared my shoulders and was about to leave the closet behind when the assortment of cologne on the shelf next to me caught my attention. What better way to say I'd been in my husband's bed than to walk out there smelling just like him. I smelled the bottles searching for the warm, sensual scent Edward wore. Once I found it, I squirted the fragrance on my neck, pausing to undo a few of the buttons, letting the fabric gape open between my breasts.

"Ok," I whispered to myself. "You got this."

As I stepped out of Edward's room a movie I once saw sprang to mind. Dead Man Walking's final scene with Sean Penn wandering down the corridor headed for lethal injection played through my mind. I might not be on the verge of losing my life, but I imagined the anticipation and dread were similar. While sitting in Edward's lap was enough to send me fleeing, that's not what caused the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

The last thing I wanted to do was let Edward down. The prospect of botching this meeting was not an option, I decided, forcing my head up high as I approached the men seated around the table, my gaze briefly scanning Edward's father before settling on him.

The look in his eyes kept my feet moving. Shock and disbelief filtered across his face before he managed to school his features. Determination and strength replaced his surprise at my appearance, and the spark in his blue eyes made my belly do a weird jig.

Even while the obvious heat in Edward's gaze scared me, it was like a magnet and I couldn't break the connection. Maintaining eye contact, I added a swing to my hips, I knew men appreciated, as I crossed to where he sat. He seemed to loan me a smidge of his unwavering confidence, my arms lifting of its own accord. Easily, I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, instinctively running my fingers along his nape.

As Edward's arm wound around my waist and urged me to his lap, I chanced a glance toward my new father-in-law. My insides turned to ice when my gaze connected with the man across from me, causing me to wiggle with unease.

If looks could kill, my throat would've been slit and I would've bled out all over the wood floor. Instantaneous distaste covered his face, his top lip curling with a sneer. When Edward's fingers rested on my thigh and turned to his father, the man's nostrils flared and he reminded me of a rabid wolf.

Warmth flooded my bottom when I settled on Edward's hard thigh, and every nerve in my body seemed to throb to life. The heat burnt my ass through the thin scrap of panties I wore, nearly provoking me to abandon this whole farce. Edward must've felt me tense in response to these wicked sensations racing through my veins, my blood turning thick, and I was fairly sure my flushed cheeks highlighted my surprise because his rough palm cupped my bare thigh, scorching the smooth skin beneath his fingers.

Edward's fingers clamped around my hip, his hold keeping me firmly in place when I would've shuffled nervously. "Dad, this is my wife Bella."

He adjusted me until I fit in the cradle of his chest. An inferno started in my lower belly and raced through my limbs. When I felt the press of something hard against my ass, only Edward's firm grip kept me seated where I was. My lips gaped open on a rush of breath, and Edward lounged beneath me like we were sitting on a tropical beach instead of his condo being scrutinized by a vivacious crime lord.

A battle of wills took place. Trying to appear as calm as I could, my fingernails dug into his neck. A slight hiss escaped his throat and his fingertips burrowed deeper into my thigh. Startled, my green gaze jolted to meet his, and a shiver I would contemplate later prickled my spine. When his attention scanned my lips before returning to my gaze, a silent question bounced between us. Edward emphasized his intentions with a squeeze of the muscle he held.

I couldn't speak if someone paid me, yet I answered his subtle demand with a quick nudge of my fingers against his nape. Before I could reconsider, his hand floated from my hip up my lower back to palm my nape, urging me down to meet his kiss. My pupils collided with his and my lashes fluttered down, hiding the panic, willing myself to follow his lead.

His hot breath scorched my lips, and they parted when I gasped in shock. Edward took full advantage of my weakened senses, his tongue darting inside, playfully flicking my own. I almost clamped down on the offending appendage, only Carlisle's growl of disdain rejuvenated my determination to withhold my end of our bargain. I pulled back when he sucked my bottom lip into his mouth, his sharp teeth nipping the plump flesh.

Staring at him intently, I blinked toward a glowering Carlisle. "Don't be rude, Edward. We have company."

My stomach somersaulted when he licked his lips. Ever so slowly, he pulled his gaze from mine and focused on his father, leaving me to wrestle with the conflicting turmoil gnawing in my gut. His hand retraced a path down my back before returning to its perch on my hip. Edward's thick brows lifted with a suggestion as he studied Carlisle. "This woman complements me. I couldn't have found a better wife if I'd met a thousand women."

His words may have been in benefited our ruse, but they added to the trance of his kiss. With a great amount of effort, I tore my attention from the man taking me by storm to focus on my father-in-law.

The man was pristine from his perfectly arched brows to the shiny black loafers he wore. Tracing the perfect bow of his lips, I studied him intently. He looked so familiar. Where did I know him from? Did I know him? My chest constricted as I sifted through possible scenarios, yet I came up blank. Shaking the troubling thoughts free, I came back to the present, feeling slightly intimidated by his mannerisms.

Carlisle grunted, anger darkening his gaze as his brow furrowed. Navy eyes turned nearly black when the coffee he was hauling to his lips slouched over the side of the mug and splattered on his recently dry-cleaned suit. The ceramic thumped hard on the table as his gaze bounced between me and Edward. A muscle near his temple throbbed as he attempted to control his rising temper. "I must've made a mistake, overheard you wrong." His tone turned venomous as his seeking gaze coasted over my face. "I could've sworn you just said you were married to this—this …"

I cocked my head, offended by Carlisle's attitude. Who just jumps to conclusions about someone without giving them a chance to make an impression? "That's exactly what he said. You didn't mistake anything."

"No one was speaking to you," he snapped back. "It's obvious my son is acting like a spoiled child. You are nothing more than another of his distractions."

Edward's hand smoothed down my thigh as if he were trying to calm the turbulent storm whirling within me at his father's comments. I felt the beast of rage rear its head, and it took all of my inner strength to harness the need to lash out. Lifting my chin, I smiled back as Carlisle glowered at me. "A distraction with his last name …" Stick that in your elegant pipe and choke on it, I silently added.

Carlisle's lips parted on a retort, and I was preparing for battle when Edward's fingers dug into my hip as he faced off with his father, his entire form grew tense around me, making me instantly defensive. "Watch your next words, old man."

Since intimidation wasn't working, Carlisle changed tactics. "Do you have any idea how hurt your mother will be when she finds out you got married without her even knowing?" Carlisle asked, "Does Emmett know about this nonsense?"

Edward growled in response, saying, "You forced me into this, Carlisle. Mom and be pissed at you for your stupid decisions. You should've never tried to force me into anything. What the fuck happened to free will? Huh? Or does that only apply to the general population?"

Watching Edward and Carlisle go head to head was like watching two wolves with their fangs bared, taking random digs at one another. Tension filled the air, popping and snapping all around me. Edward's entire body was a live wire ready to detonate at any given moment. Wanting to offer some solace, I soothed my hand through his hair. He seemed to lean into the slide of my fingers, and for the first time I felt like I was contributing to our agreement, warmth flooded my chest and I repeated the gesture.

Carlisle propped his elbows on the table as he studied Edward intently. "Free will be damned when you are forced to make decisions to protect your family, Edward."

"Don't give me that bullshit about it being for the family. This has to do with one man's greed for money and power." Edward stabbed a finger in his direction, leaving little doubt to whom he referred. Yet he put extra emphasis on his statement by spitting, "Yours."

I didn't trust anyone. I'd spent years learning the art of keeping people at arm's length. The man raging beneath me was the closest I'd ever come to relinquishing the right control I had over my life. With that being said, I didn't generally dislike anyone on an initial meeting, yet the longer I sat in Carlisle's company, my dislike went from zero to eighty in a matter of seconds.

The warning in Edward's statement was undeniable, and I could feel the growl rumbling from his chest, the vibration sinking into my back as I leaned against him. Edward's long finger pointed in the direction of Carlisle, his lashes falling dangerously low. "You wanted me married, and so I am. You don't get to choose who I fall in love with."

Carlisle's head tipped back, and a humorless chuckle filled the space around the table. "There's no way you fell in love and married this back alley stray." His head shook so adamantly I thought it might roll from his shoulders, his piercing eyes roaming first me and then Edward. He pointed at our hands, and I looked to where he'd indicated our bare fingers. "You aren't even wearing wedding bands. Quit playing games, Edward. Fuck her all you want, but in two weeks you will be marrying …"

I cringed at the implications of his statement, yet Edward's hand slamming on the table caused me to jump. The sound ricocheted around the dining room like a gun being fired, causing my heart to escalate. If Edward wasn't holding me against his thigh, I probably would've fallen on the floor. "Listen fucking carefully, Carlisle. Father. Whatever the fuck you want to be called. Bella is my wife and I would watch your mouth. I've cut out better tongues than yours." His teeth bared as he spoke, sending needle pricks of fear stabbing my skin. "I won't deny my foresight of buying a fucking ring, but the marriage certificate on my dresser states we are legally bound. You asked for this, and I delivered."

Carlisle's face turned beet red. I shivered beneath the animosity he directed at me. His shoulders squared, his snarl matching Edward's. "You have no idea what you've done. Your fate, our fate was sealed with a bright shiny bow. You threw away the money and the power that went with being connected to the Italians for this gutter rat. You have no idea what the hell you've done."

Edward hissed, spitting venom with every word he spoke. "You can take that bright shiny bow and shove it up your ass. I didn't ask for your fucking bow, and I don't want it."

Edward was apparently at the end of his patience. With a firm grip, he scooted me from his lap and put himself between his father and me. "One more disrespectful comment leaves your lips, and I will shove your fucking teeth down your throat." As if to make good on his promise, he strode across to the stand and retrieved the gun he deserted. He gripped the handle with tight fingers and I was only slightly relieved when he kept the barrel pointed toward the floor. His perfectly lined muscles in his torso rippled with his movement when he turned his attention back to Carlisle. "I didn't do shit. You made promises you weren't able to keep. I suggest you get on the phone with Mateo and cancel his visit before he comes to pay you back for your ridiculous proposal."

Carlisle was obviously at the end of his tether because he shoved away from the table so hard it jarred the heavy structure as he rose to his full height. I refused to allow his size and strength to intimidate me when he turned all his anger onto Edward. Within a few short strides, he was in Edward's face, and he pushed hard on the wall of Edward's chest. "Any time you think you're big enough to take me on, boy, I will be there to knock you off that fucking pedestal."

With all the courage I could muster, I lifted the hem of Edward's shirt and withdrew the knife strapped to my thigh. I crossed the space separating us with a quickness that surprised me. Sticking the point of the blade into his suit hard enough to prick his skin, I growled, "Touch him again, and I will cut your liver out."

All sound stopped. I couldn't even hear the inhale of breath as Carlisle went rigid beneath the blade. Yeah, Carlisle could knock me senseless, yet it would be very difficult considering our positions. He must've realized he didn't control this meeting any longer, and he yanked away, heading for the door.

I drew in a shaky breath when he turned to glance at us. "This isn't the end, Edward. This is just the beginning of a shit storm neither of us will be able to control." He sucked in a lungful of air as pulled the door open, saying over his shoulder, "Get rid of whatever you call that and call me. Sure you can get an annulment with minimal effort."

"Get the fuck out of my house," Edward growled, purpose in his steps as he started for the door.

I caught up with him on impulse before he could reach his father, grabbing his elbow. I tried to hold him back, yet he just pulled me along with him. My bare feet couldn't gain any traction on the wood floor and I slid behind him.

The second the door slammed closed behind Carlisle, the knife I had clattered to the floor at my feet. In the space of a week, I'd physically threatened three different mob members. The first had asked me to marry him. The second merely laughed at my frivolous attempts, but this one … I had a feeling this one was going to cost me.

Breathing heavily Edward and I stared at one another, letting the silence stand between us. When neither of us attempted to speak, I knelt and retrieved the knife. I was shaking like a leaf when I managed to stand up. I glanced up at Edward, caution making me weary. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have threatened him, but I couldn't just stand there and let him …"

In three long strides, Edward stood before me, his hand snaking around my waist and pulling me against his chest. I collided against bare skin, my lips pressing right on his breastbone when his mouth lingered near my temple. "You did good, Bella. With all of it."

My lips moved over his skin when I replied in a husky murmur, "I probably just put a target on my back. As if I needed to make any more enemies in this city."

Edward pushed the hair out of my eyes, and his free hand-knotted in the strands. "Don't worry about it. Carlisle is just pissed because he didn't get the best of me. Eventually, he will calm down, and admire the stand you took." He tugged playfully on the sleeve of his shirt, and the corner of his lips tipped. "You surprised me." His fingers skimmed the material covering my arm, "The shirt was a brilliant touch. I couldn't have asked for better."

Sheepishly, I broke eye contact, the heady rush of excitement causing my heart to pound more than I could comprehend. I pushed away from his chest, the warmth radiating from his skin made me feel like I had a fever brewing. Eager to escape, I gestured toward the hallways, "I better go find Hope. I put her in a basket in your secret room."

I felt Edward's eyes on me all the way down the hall. Fire licked from my ankle to my ass, and fear wiggled in, stealing the first real excitement I'd ever experienced with a man. Quickly I disappeared around the corner leaving Edward and his piercing eyes behind.

The second I was inside the secret passageway, recognition hit me like a grenade. I found my kitten and collapsed in a heap near the chair. Holding her tiny body against my heart, I exhaled, seeking a relaxation I didn't feel.

When I'd come face to face with Carlisle I'd never expected my past to slap me across the cheek. Back then when he was visiting Irene he'd just been another random John to steal from. Who would've ever guessed he would wind up being my father-in-law.

Without a doubt, it was Carlisle's gaze I'd met over Irene's head while he had her bent over a shitty motel bed. It was quite obvious by his reaction, that he either knew who I was or suspected.

Please let me know what you think about this latest development. Have a great holiday weekend.