Hi Ladies,

I'm sorry about the delay in this chapter. I was on vacation and I didn't bring my laptop. I do hope you enjoy the chapter. Thanks so much for reading.

Chapter 17

Edward-

I rested my palms on the heated tile wall of the shower, letting the hot water penetrate the stress binding my muscles tight as I replayed the last two hours. I'd never witnessed such anger emanating from my father.

With the exception of the last few weeks when he'd started making unreasonable demands, I'd seen the man every day of my life, and he'd never made me question his motives until his latest visit. The twist of his features when he regarded Bella kept coming to mind, and the anger I'd witnessed during his visit returned with a vengeance.

When the hell had Carlisle gone from a devoted, supportive father to this manipulative, demanding prick? I thought back to when he'd requested Emmett marry the Italian pawn to strengthen our position by bringing in a whole new power. Had Carlisle been enraged when Emmett suddenly met and married Rose?

As if it happened yesterday, the images flipped through my mind like a movie. Carlisle had clapped Emmett on the shoulder, wishing him a long and fruitful life. Mom had helped Rose plan a wedding and they'd held a big fucking reception half of Chicago had attended. There has been a huge ball, everyone laughing and having a merry time, drinking and dancing until the early morning hours. Hell, the event stood out because I'd fucked two of the bridesmaids in a room above The Ritz-Carlton. How the fuck could I forget the night I'd actually been slightly satisfied?

Shaking the memory free, I rolled my head beneath the hot spray, my mind roaming back to the meeting with Carlisle. Things could've gone a lot better. Who the fuck was Mateo? And what control did he hold over my father to make him act like a damn dictator instead of my father? Could it all be for money? For power?

It was possible. If there was one thing I'd learned early on anyone could be bought for the right price. Was my father selling out? Would he betray the Divantes for an extra cushion in his wallet? It just didn't make any sense. We had more money than several generations could spend in a lifetime.

Aggravated, I scrubbed my fatigued muscles with a loofah, the fragrant musk of my body wash filling the confines of the steamy shower. The one bright spot of the whole meeting was Bella's composure. She'd withstood her nerves like a champ. Spotting her wearing my fucking shirt had my balls going tight, and I'd been rooted to the chair beneath me.

When was the last time a woman had left me speechless? Several times since I'd met Bella my tongue had been rendered useless. Her long legs under that shirt, however, topped the fucking charts. When I had left her in my secret room I'd had serious doubts whether or not she was up for the challenge to pull off our ruse. When she'd appeared wearing my fucking shirt … positively genius.

She'd been so convincing when she'd slid into my lap. A shudder ran through me as the memory of her weight settling against my chest played through my mind, the taste of her kiss lingering on my lips. My tongue darted out to sample the sweetness there in the privacy of my shower. My cock reacted to the sweet tang left from her tongue dancing on my tastebuds, growing in hardness and length, a tingle shooting down my spine to settle in my balls. I was tempted to relieve the stress of the situation with a few hard pulls, yet I hesitated.

The last thing I needed to do was confuse the relationship between Bella and me. She was living under my roof for one reason and one reason only. Fucking my hand to her image would complicate the fragile trust I'd managed to forge with my beautiful wife.

Frustration coiled like a spring in my gut, and before I could change my mind, I shut the water off and climbed from the shower to grab a towel. That was enough fantasizing for one day, I decided, ignoring my erection as I toweled off.

I had several pressing issues to see to, and I didn't have time for a rebellious cock. Tucking the towel around my waist, I headed to my closet and chose a pinstripe suit coupled with a dark gray button-up. Once I finished dressing and checked my appearance, I grabbed my cell and found Jasper's contact. Hitting the call button, I held the cell between my shoulder and ear as I straightened my tie while I waited for my top guard to answer.

"Hey, boss, what do you have for me?"

I'd hired Jasper years ago when I started working for the family and he'd proven to be loyal and trustworthy. If there was anyone I trusted besides Emmett with Bella's safety, Jas would be that person. "I have a job for you. Meet me at my place as soon as possible and I will explain the details of your assignment when you get here."

"On my way, man."

I waited for the line to go dead before speed dialing Emmett. The second my brother answered, I spritzed a squirt of cologne on my coat before heading to the door. With my phone pressed to my ear, I left my room behind, pacing into the living room to find Bella parked in front of the TV with some teeny drama playing across the screen. She was curled at the end of the sofa with a throw blanket covering her feet, her chin propped on her palm as she stared at the show, seeming to be totally enthralled.

Pride welled in my chest at the sight, and I suddenly felt like this could work. It was the first real time she appeared as if she might be feeling comfortable in her new surroundings.

I didn't get long to relish the image because Emmett picked up, and I turned away from Bella to focus on my call, striding into the kitchen for privacy.

"Hey, bro, I haven't heard from you in a few days. What's going on with you? Did you decide what to do with that chick?"

I scrubbed my hand down my face, considering his question. "So much has happened in the last few days I can't even begin to explain over the phone." I cleared my throat, wandering to the counter as I dug my wallet from my breast pocket. Opening the smooth leather, I tossed three credit cards on the smooth surface of the countertop. "Are you in town? I need to talk to you and I was hoping you could head to Mom's with me. I might need some restraint when it comes to Carlisle."

"Carlisle? This must be serious if you are using Dad's first name. What did he do this time?"

"That's part of what we need to discuss, among a handful of other things. Where are you, anyway?" I heard the clink of silverware and jostling of dishes in the background. If I had one guess, I would imagine my brother had stopped in to visit with his gorgeous wife. Voicing my assumption, I asked, "Crème Center?"

"How did you guess?"

I could hear the smile claiming Emmett's lips in the tone of his voice. One day I hoped to find that type of peace, although I was starting to become skeptical. Clearing the anxiety from my throat, I shifted, catching a glimpse of Bella. She was whispering to the kitten in her lap, and I shook my head trying to break this spell that seemed to be weaving around me, taking over my self-control. "Alright. I will be there in about twenty minutes."

Ending the call, I tucked the cell into my pocket, making my way toward the couch. Bella looked so comfortable that I was tempted to forget all about my responsibilities in favor of spending more time with her. That wasn't part of our deal, however, and so I shoved the thought away. Yet standing there watching her, what I'd meant to say fled my brain. I needed to get the hell out of here before my thoughts became even more muddled than they already were when it came to my wife.

Bella tipped her head in my direction, her brow furrowed as she studied me. "You look like you're confused or something. Is everything ok?"

"Yep," I stated, not at all surprised she'd picked up on my indecision. I changed the subject in hopes of distracting her. "I'm actually getting ready to head out for the afternoon. I have some pressing matters that won't wait. I have my man heading here now in case there's anything you want to go do."

"I don't need a caretaker, Edward." Her shoulders went tense as she shoved her hair out of her face. "Believe it or not, I took care of myself long before you came into the picture."

"I have little doubt you can take care of yourself, woman." I didn't expect her to become so offended about the prospect of having Jasper at her beck and call. Giving her a pointed look, I continued, "I thought you could use a driver to go shopping. I left several credit cards on the counter in the kitchen. I don't have the time today to take you, but I figured having an escort would be much better than walking."

"I wouldn't even know where to begin with shopping, Edward. I seriously don't need much," she started shaking her head. She seemed to consider it for a long moment, biting her nails. "What would I buy?"

I shrugged. I had no idea what women bought. I glanced at the sweatsuit she'd donned in place of my shirt. The bulky material hid her figure entirely and I had to wonder if it was a conscious decision or if she was indeed hiding. "As sexy as that sweater is, I'm partial to my button-up." Her green eyes widened in surprise and she shifted nervously. Cursing my wayward tongue, I backpedaled quickly. "I'm just kidding, princess. You will need plenty. Dresses, blouses, slacks, jeans, bras, and panties, right? Plus some personal necessities like shampoo, conditioner, and whatever else you can think of. Sandals …"

She laughed, holding her hand out for me to stop. "I get the gist, Edward. You're right. I need a few things to fit into this new world."

Her gaze coasted over the condo before returning to me, sliding down the suit I wore. "I still don't think I need someone shadowing me. I'm sure they have more important things to do than …"

"Bella, Jasper is coming to act as your driver. Considering my position in this city, I would feel more at ease if you would allow him to assist you," I clarified just as a light knock sounded on the door. "No one would believe I'd let my wife walk down the street without protection or a driver. It's all about appearances."

Once I finished my explanation, I turned away, not giving her the opportunity to argue. I headed to the front door, pulling it open to find Jasper standing at attention on the other side. His dark blond hair was causally parted down the middle, recently ruffled from running his fingers through it, a light grey suit neatly tailored to his slender build. "Hey, Jas, come on in. I have someone I want you to meet."

His normally stern features softened slightly and he dipped his head in acknowledgment as he crossed the threshold. Instantly, Jasper's light grey eyes wandered to the sofa where Bella sat, his brow lifting as his gaze swung back to me. "Who do we have here?"

My hair rose on the nape of my neck as the words slid off my tongue. "This is my wife, Bella. I need you to make sure she goes wherever she wants. Unless she says otherwise just drive her around, and keep an eye out for anything odd." I clapped him on the shoulder, staring at him intently, and I knew he understood the unspoken demand.

I barely finished speaking before Bella bounced off the couch, her lashes dropping as her green eyes jogged between Jasper and me. Her lips thinned, and her nostrils flared with a spark of temper. "Edward, I don't need a babysitter."

Jasper lifted a blond brow with an amused smirk playing across his lips. Shooting him a warning glance, he wisely bent his head focusing on the floor at his feet. With one of my best gunmen preoccupied with counting the wood planks, my attention swung back to Bella. I closed the distance separating us, reaching forward to take hold of her upper arms, urging her to look at me. Lowering my voice so Jasper wouldn't overhear our conversation, I whispered, "Bella, I know you are more than competent to take care of yourself. If I let you roam the streets unprotected, my men, and eventually, my family will question the legitimacy of this marriage. No, Cullen in the city goes without protection."

She shifted uneasily, clenching her teeth and she appeared to be weighing my explanation. Her arms were stiff where I held on to her, and I couldn't refrain from trying to ease the tension, sliding my fingers over her biceps. "I wouldn't have agreed to this if I'd known I would be a prisoner. I wanted to see Alice today, and I don't want some troll following me around."

An amused chuckle slipped from Jasper's throat, yet I ignored it, staring intently into my wife's eyes. She looked as if she were ready to chew nails, and while I wanted to make her as comfortable as possible, the idea of her heading out to see Alice on her own filled me with apprehension. Trying to soothe the situation before it escalated any further, I brushed a stray strand of burgundy hair from her eyes. "Princess, you aren't going on that side of town without an escort, and I would prefer it if you wait for me."

Part of me wondered if she was being difficult because of the prospect of having a man, any man on her heels. "Bella, I trust Jasper with my life. I wouldn't leave you with him if I had any doubts about his loyalty." Rubbing her arms with reassurance, I dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "He would never do anything to hurt you."

Her chin tipped with a familiar stubbornness. "I know he won't." I knew she was referring to the knife she had tucked close at hand, and I shook my head.

Ignoring her threat, I nodded, staring at her intently. "Have you eaten today?"

Surprise colored her cheeks at the sudden change of topics. I watched her throat move as she swallowed hard. "No. It's strange rummaging through your cabinets."

Pulling her closer until her weight rested against my chest, I placed my mouth next to her ear. "Baby, it's our cabinets, and you can eat anything in the kitchen."

Warmth flooded my chest when she glanced up at me, her scent teasing my senses. The mixture of my cologne and her natural scent mingled together tempting me to move closer. She sniffed with a pretty pout, I doubted she was even aware of, and she tapped her toe with impatience. "Fine. If you call off your dog, I will eat a sandwich."

The woman was impossible. Chuckling, I squeezed her arms before releasing her. "I'm not calling off the dog, and his name is Jasper. Try not to give him too hard of a time while I'm busy."

Bella merely glared back at me before retracing her steps to the sofa and plopping down on the cushions. Picking up the kitten, she cradled the animal to her chest, petting the fur between Hope's eyes. "Whatever, but he can't be in here while you are gone." Cautiously, she looked at Jasper. "You will wait in the hall or your car until I call you."

"No problem, ma'am," Jasper nodded, turning toward the entrance. "I'll be right outside if you need me for anything."

I waited until Jasper closed the front door behind him before striding toward the couch. A quizzical light entered her eye as she watched me move closer, her head tilting back. Her eyebrows drew together when I dipped lower until my face was level with hers, my mouth lingering a centimeter away.

"What are you doing?" She whispered, her gaze dropping to my mouth, her lips parting on a gasp.

I don't know what possessed me to do it, and I would undoubtedly question my actions for the duration of the day, but I let my mouth skim hers. Her heady scent captivated my senses, urging me to steal another. "Practicing, princess."

"Oh," Bella whispered, her lashes fluttering and her cheeks blooming with the most adorable shade of pink as I brushed my lips against hers once more.

Her hot breath puffed against my lips, and I expected her to jerk out of reach. When she remained seated with her tempting mouth a centimeter from mine, I sampled the smooth skin near the corner, savoring the salt I tasted. "Am I scaring you, princess?"

"No," she whispered, her fingers winding tight in the blanket resting in her lap, her skin flushing.

I gripped the sofa next to her head while the other hand rested on the arm next to her elbow, bracing my weight as I hovered over her. Her gaze clouded with a heady daze, and she stared at my lips. The fear I anticipated never came. Instead, she seemed curious, intrigued, and if I wasn't mistaken a bit of longing darkened her irises.

Encouraged by the rapid rise and fall of her chest, I took her mouth in a searing kiss, my tongue skimming her full bottom lip. When her lips trembled and parted in response, my fingers dug into the cushions with a groan, resisting the urge to touch her. Impulsively, my tongue dipped into her warmth, the desire to explore and conquer growing with every hasty breath she took. Nipping at her swelling lips, I was surprised and encouraged when her tongue circled mine. Heat thickened my blood, and the familiar weight of lust threatened my self-control.

Every hair on my body stood on end as energy hummed through my veins. With a ragged breath, I pulled away with a growl, needle pricks of anticipation dancing over my skin. My cock twitched, enticed by the flavor of her kiss, my control starting to wane.

Inhaling deeply, I took a few steps away, unable to break the magnetic pull locking our gazes. "Fuck, princess, you are getting good at that."

She looked bewildered. Her expression matched the turbulent emotions swirling within me. Clenching my jaw, I backed away, my gaze never wavering from hers. Clearing the husk from my throat, I finally turned on my heel and headed for the table in the entryway, needing to put some space between us before I started confusing our relationship with something it wasn't. Entering the foyer, I scooped my keys up into my palm. Before I stepped out into the hall, I pivoted on my heel to face Bella one last time. "Have fun shopping, eat something, and try to be nice to Jasper."

I hurried out into the hall, giving my man a pointed look. "Take care of my wife. If anything happens to her while she's in your care, there better be a damn good explanation." When he started to nod his understanding, his expression was all business, I leaned in close. "Don't touch a hair on her head unless it's an absolute emergency."

"I'll look after her as if she were my sister." He rubbed his chin and his gaze darted to the door of my condo. "Boss, what if she doesn't want me around?"

"Keep her in your sights, and let me know where she goes."

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