Hi Ladies,

I am so excited to share this chapter. We are making some serious progress, and the next couple of chapters will be very exciting. Thanks for continuing to support and love this Edward and Bella. They have become very special to me.

Don't forget to drop me a line. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Chapter 18

Bella-

I was frozen to the couch long after Edward left the apartment. What the hell had just happened? Lost in thought my fingers coasted along my bottom lip, the tingle caused by his kiss vibrating through me.

Our marriage was supposed to be a ruse, yet it felt like it would be very easy to confuse the situation. Edward Cullen was dangerous—in a way I'd never thought to associate with danger— I would do well to remind myself exactly what role I played in his life. To the outside world, he was my husband, but behind the closed doors of this apartment, we were simply Edward and Bella. Shaking the long-lasting effects of his touch away, I glanced back at the TV.

Don't ask me what the hell I was watching, Gilmore Girls or some shit. Whatever the show was had just been a diversion from a million troubling thoughts—like Carlisle Cullen.

What the hell was I supposed to do about that? He had been one of Irene's regular clients and a very easy target. On numerous occasions, I'd stolen his cash without detection, but on that particular night, he'd looked at me with glazed eyes. Had he seen me or was he so enslaved by lust at that point to process his surroundings? If he'd recognized me, wouldn't he have stated outright that he knew who I was?

Playing with a fold in the blanket, I tried to figure out what to do with this information. Should I tell Edward? If I did, would he believe me? Carlisle had a family. Why would he jeopardize his relationships for a few moments of pleasure? Even as I asked myself that question, John came to mind. Shuttering, I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. Trying to figure out why people did what they do was exhausting. That wasn't my area of expertise, and honestly, I didn't give a shit.

I was sick to death of people hurting the innocent people in their lives for a few moments of pleasure. I pressed a kiss on Hope's head as I climbed up from the sofa. I smiled as I carried Hope to the box Edward had made for her yesterday. It consisted of a pillow and a little glass bowl of water, but watching this big bad mafia lord making a cozy crate for a kitten had a way of melting layers I'd spent years building. The ice around my heart was cracking and if I wasn't careful, it would become a tsunami of emotion.

Either Edward would be the best or the worst thing to have ever happened to me. Placing Hope on her pillow, I stood up and studied my surroundings. I was stuck in the middle of reality and some fantasy my imagination was incapable of creating on its own.

I went from the streets to a lavish condo. Two weeks ago, my stomach felt as though it would devour itself, but now, I had more than I could possibly need. Pushing my hair back, I looked around the room. Edward said he'd left me his credit cards—who the hell did something like that for someone he barely knew—did he really?

My curiosity got the better of me, and I wandered to the kitchen. There sitting on the salt and pepper granite were three plastic, rectangular cards with his name printed on the front. One even had his alias: Adam—which brought an instant smile to my face.

It was weird how similar we were in all actuality, yet with a unique twist to our identities. We both spent our lives scamming people and pretending to be someone we weren't. Neither of us was willing to be manipulated or to let someone else dictate our lives. The difference was, that I had grown up on the poor spectrum while Edward had been catered to in every possible way.

I fingered the cool plastic before turning to the fridge. Looking through the drawers, I found a pound of honey-roasted turkey meat and a block of Colby Jack. I tore off a corner of the deli cheese and popped it on my tongue, my stomach awakening with a vengeance. Grabbing the jar of mayo and a tomato from the shelf, I located the bread and spent the next half hour stuffing my face. Once the monster in my gut ceased its rumbling, I put everything away and was about to head in to take a quick shower when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

When Alice's name appeared at the top of the screen, I smiled. If there was anyone capable of brightening my day it was my number one chick. "Hey, chica, I was just getting ready to grab a quick shower and call you."

"Hey, babe, I haven't seen you in a week. I think I'm going through withdrawals. Tell me you're gonna give me a fix soon."

Hearing Alice's voice was enough to calm my nerves. I laughed as she compared me to a drug she couldn't live without. It was nice to know someone loved me that much. "Why don't you meet me uptown in an hour? I have to do some shopping and I don't even know where to begin."

"Where the hell did you get money to shop uptown? Don't tell me you still have the Kingpin's money."

I gritted my teeth as an excited thrill shot through me at her comment. Alice was a sister to me, and if there was one person in this world I could trust it was her. She'd seen me at my lowest point and taken me in, never looking down her nose at my predicament once. Even so, I was careful and true to my agreement with Edward. Despite the chances of Alice repeating a word to anyone important, I said, "Well, actually, the most bizarre thing happened. After he found me, we kinda hit it off, and the weirdest thing happened."

I headed to my room with the phone tucked close to my ear, Alice's skepticism echoing through the speaker. "What did you do, Bella?"

I chewed the tip of my tongue as I sorted through the bag I had yet to unpack. I was so used to having nowhere real to go, that settling in was a tricky situation for me. I half expected someone to leap out of my closet and yell gotcha, and take it out from under me. Nibbling my lip I shrugged, "We sorta fell in love. I got married."

"Ouch! Fuck! I just fell off the front step, Bella. That shits not funny. You did not marry Edward Cullen."

"I did. Why wouldn't I? He's gorgeous, sweet in a surprising kinda way, and loaded—not that it really matters, but it sure doesn't hurt, right?" A nervous chuckle slipped off my tongue as I scowled at the clothes in my bag. What the fuck was I supposed to wear? "He left me some money to go do some shopping. Do you want to go with me?"

"Bella," Alice groaned with a warning. "I hope you know what you're doing. You have never even let a guy touch you, and now you're married to Edward? How is that ever going to work?"

I pulled a ragged pair of jeans from my bag and held them up. Scrunching my nose at the light denim, I adjusted the phone beneath my ear. "For your information, I have let him kiss me a few times and it wasn't disgusting." That was all I was willing to admit on that front. There was no way I would tell her about the cluster fuck of emotion that prevented me from enjoying the physical benefits of a real relationship. Clearing my throat, I continued, "We are working it out, Alice. Do you want to come shopping with me or what?"

"Sure. Who the hell am I to refuse a free shopping spree? I do have to work around four though. Do you think we'll be done by then?"

"Just call off," I mumbled, picking a tank from the bag. There were no extra panties or bras, so I guess I would just have to go commando—not what I would prefer—cursing under my breath.

"I would love to but unfortunately we all don't have a billionaire husband. Sorry, that sounded a lot snarkier than I intended it to. You know I don't begrudge you any happiness you might find."

I headed into the bathroom and started the shower, watching the stream coil toward the ceiling. "I know you didn't mean anything by it. I have something to help you cover next month's rent. We just need to go to my secret stash to get it. You'll have it in your hands by the end of the week if that makes you feel any better."

"Wonderful! I appreciate it more than you know. Where are we meeting? Michigan Avenue?"

Putting the phone on speaker, I raised my voice as I shucked the sweats I wore. "Is there anywhere better to shop in Chicago? I don't think so." I opened the linen closet and picked out a burgundy towel from the stack of neatly folded towels. "Hey, I'm gonna hop in the shower. I will call you before I leave, okay?"

"Kisses, babe. Talk to you in a few."

A half-hour later, I hurriedly dressed, only feeling mildly refreshed. I didn't have any razors and my pit hair was making an unwelcome appearance, and don't get me started on the overgrown stubble on my legs. Grimacing, I shoved the normally smooth skin into my jeans. They were so worn that rips were in the knees, and I prayed no one noticed the hair.

Perhaps Edward had a point, I decided as I stared into the mirror five minutes later. I had no hair product to use and just brushing out the lush strands didn't do it justice. "I need a Walgreens pharmacy or something," I grumbled watching a wayward curl frizz out next to my ear. Aggravated, I turned away from my haggard reflection, suddenly eager to embrace this new life.

I immediately went to Hope and was kissing her goodbye when a thought occurred to me. How was I supposed to lock the door? "Shit."

I nestled the kitten back in her bed before searching the countertop for a key. When I came up empty-handed, I had no choice but to text Edward and hope he responded.

Me: Do you have an extra key? I don't want to leave the front door unlocked.

An instant short message pinged back, taking me by surprise. Warmth spread through me. When I read his text, I wondered about the excitement filling me at hearing from him. What was happening to me?

Edward: There is a spare key in the kitchen drawer next to the sink, princess. Should have a black shark's tooth on it.

The spare key was exactly where he'd said. Tucking the shark tooth the size of my hand inside my pocket, I cringed at the thought of having something so deadly after me. Warmed by Edward's openness, I found myself sending another message, and meaning every word.

Me: Have a good day. Be careful and see you soon.

Edward: You too, babe. I'll be home in time for supper.

The condo definitely felt devoid of life without him, and loneliness gripped me hard. Closing my eyes, I pushed the thought away as I headed to the door. The second I pulled it open and came face to face with Jasper, I inwardly cringed, startled by his presence. "Shit. I forgot you were out here. Give me a heart attack …"

"I wouldn't dream of it, Mrs. Cullen," he replied, placing a hand over his heart. He looked genuinely upset by the notion of frightening me, but his charm only sparked my apprehension.

Feeling the snark come alive within me, I glared up at him. "Come along, puppy. We need to meet my friend at the Sears Tower."

He clicked his tongue in response. "You do know they renamed the Sears Tower to the Willis Tower in 2009, right?" When I merely clenched my teeth at his remark, his blond eyebrow lifted and he leaned in closer as we wandered down the hallway toward the elevator. "And I'm not a puppy."

I hit the button for the garage, the corner of my mouth lifting with a smirk. "You take orders, right? Edward tells you to jump—actually, I do—and the puppy jumps?" When his brow wrinkled, I smiled sweetly stepping into the cubicle. "Don't take offense, pup. Perhaps if you listen, I will get you a treat later."

When he merely glowered back at me, I laughed, making kissing noises as the sliding doors opened into the parking garage, slapping my leg. "Come on, boy. That's a good boy," I added with an extra laugh as he stepped over the threshold.

His lips twitched as if he was trying to withhold a smile, yet the sparkle in his gray eyes spoke volumes. I really had to restrain the urge to ruffle his hair.

His eyes were mere slits as he regarded me. "Keep calling me a puppy, and I might piss on your leg. It won't be so funny then, will it?"

The laughter in his eyes told me he was adding to the joke, but the mention of seeing his cock had me going rigid. My lips thinned as I followed him to his car, my hand lingering on my waistband. "If I see your dick, I will cut it off." My temper heated slightly, and I felt obligated to add, "Not to mention what Edward would do."

We stopped next to a brand new black Lincoln Town car where Jasper pulled the back door open to reveal the tan interior, gesturing for me to get inside. His head bowed low and he avoided my gaze, saying, "I apologize, ma'am. I overstepped …"

Guilt manifested for his obvious torment, and I found myself uncharacteristically reaching out, wanting to alleviate his distress. I lightly tapped his fingers still holding the door with a twist of my lips—hoping it resembled something of a smile. "Puppy, everything's cool as long as no body parts make an appearance."

His gray eyes twinkled and he dipped his head. "Agreed."

We slipped into a comfortable silence as we settled in the car and Jasper navigated the ten-minute trip to what would be forever known as the Sears Tower, and I didn't give a shit what they chose to rename it. Spotting Alice standing next to the tinted glass of the double doors, I barely waited for Jasper to brake before hopping out onto the sidewalk.

Returning her hug, I squeezed her until she huffed for breath with a squeal. "Damn, girl, I missed you too."

"Sorry," I apologized, relinquishing my grip but refusing to let her go. Studying her, I noticed her normal flared pixie was angled to frame her face. "Did you change your hair?"

Her pert nose scrunched as she attempted to repress her smile. "It is. I kinda like it better this way." Her excited gaze bounced over my new hair, her brows arching, splaying even white teeth in her brilliant smile. "Looks like I'm not the only one rocking a new hairdo."

Sheepishly, I smoothed the long locks over my shoulder. "Yeah, it was sort of a wedding present." The comment almost closed up my throat. I hated lying to Alice but the truth would be telling her too much about my actual position. Yet the second I mentioned marriage, she grabbed my hand searching for a ring. When she encountered my bare ring finger, her questioning gaze sought mine. "It was so fast we didn't have a chance to get a ring. A minor oversight and hardly important."

"I beg to differ …" She started, her voice trailing away when she glanced behind me. When her lips pursed and her head tilted at a stubborn angle I knew she'd spotted my shadow. "Who is this?"

"He's my new puppy," I began watching Jasper's lips twitch as I baited him. "Watch, Alice," I told her, clapping my hands together before ordering Jasper to sit. "Sit."

His nostrils flared and he gave me the stink eye. "I'm not sitting, Mrs. Cullen."

"He's loyal, but his obedience," I heckled, chuckling as I turned my friend toward the busy streets. "Just ignore him. He's getting paid to escort me around town."

"Ah," she answered, throwing a glance over her shoulder at Jasper. "So, a babysitter in the form of a security guard."

He hovered several feet behind us, I noticed, catching his reflection in the glass windows to my right. With the steady hum of traffic, I knew the likelihood of him overhearing me was slim. Leaning close to Alice, I said, "I might need you to distract him after a bit. I need to get to my secret stash."

She squeezed my fingers tightly wound through hers as she passed me a confirming wink. "Just tell me when."

Over the next hour, Alice and I shopped in various stores spending more money on clothes than I'd ever thought possible. Upon leaving, Jasper helped have the packages sent to Edward's apartment. We were at our last stop looking at handbags when the clerk stared down her pointed nose at me, eyeing my ripped jeans with obvious disdain. When I indicated I would like to see a fifteen hundred dollar bag, she snubbed me, her squinty eyes narrowing. "I hardly think you could remotely afford anything here …"

Her attitude and whole demeanor ruined this whole experience within a matter of minutes. Glancing at her name tag, I snarled as I took in her perfectly done makeup, wanting to pop her in her snooty mouth. "You must think you're something to look down at me for what I'm wearing. I would love to shove your uppity attitude straight down your throat."

She simply flipped her long, wavy blond hair over her shoulder, intending to turn away, her blue eyes widening. "I don't have time to deal with some cheap tramp that wandered in off the street."

My fingers balled into fists at her callous statement, ready to give her a go when Alice's hand curved around my bicep, preventing me from physically cramming her remark down her throat along with her teeth. "Babe, this skank isn't worth assault charges. Let's go find another boutique to look through."

I glared at the woman as Alice pulled me out the door and onto a semi-crowded sidewalk. "That wench is so lucky. I've never wanted to hit another person so bad in my life."

I swore under my breath when Jasper laughed, saying, "Let's go, Tyson."

He was turning us toward the car when a group of teenagers rushed forward and spotting my chance to lose my detail, I gave Alice a meaningful look. "I'm heading to Girder bridge near Millennium Park … Right now."

Promptly, Alice pivoted on her heel rushing headlong into Jasper. When her unsuspecting weight slammed into his chest, his eyes went to her petite form as he sought to keep them both from falling. Seeing my opportunity, I jetted into the crowd, and just as I heard someone shout "Hey" I slipped into an alleyway. Running as fast as I could, I came to the connecting street and into a store where I waited to see Jasper stumble onto the sidewalk. He looked from side to side before choosing a direction. Once he was out of eyesight, I took a deep breath and forced my stiff limbs into action. Sweat prickled my armpits and dotted my brow as I cautiously headed for the exit.

When I didn't see Jasper, I beelined it in the opposite direction and didn't stop running until I'd put as much space between him and me as my legs could physically stand. I kept hidden among the crowds until I came to the junction of Randolph and Michigan, The Bean's silver curves reflecting through the branches of a low-hanging maple. Navigating the path I'd taken on numerous occasions, it didn't take me long to slip under the BP bridge, quickly locating the loose brick in the wall. I pried it free from its tight hole and reached inside breathing a sigh of relief when my fingertips encountered the box. After months of storing cufflinks I'd stolen from clients, the wooden box was kind of heavy as I pulled it free.

Holding tight to my prize, I barely managed to wedge the brick back in place when I heard, "Hey, Bella."

The sound of his voice was like a bucket of ice-cold water being dumped over my head. With fear skating down my spine and burrowing in my heart, I turned to find Charlie standing five feet away. My response was automatic and filled with a mixture of anger and fear. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

He edged forward, his mouth set in a firm line. My father wasn't a large man, but his strength would counter mine if he chose to challenge me. His fingers coasted over his mustache "After seeing you with Edward Cullen the other day, I haven't been able to get you off my mind. What the hell are you doing with him?"

With every step closer he took, I waltzed backward, only stopping when my shoulders encountered the cool wall behind me, effectively pinning me between the wall and his larger form. Disbelief consumed me, every fiber of my being turning frigid. Charlie had a lot of audacity to pretend he'd been concerned about my wellbeing. "After two years of not speaking to me—seeing me—that's what you want to know?"

His gaze roamed my figure, causing a creepy feeling to slide over my skin. Visibly I shuddered, my stomach whirling with nausea. "Bella, you could've always come home. I didn't want you spewing stories you would later regret …"

"You and your brother are two sick pricks," I seethed, glancing around for a chance to escape. Holding tight to my treasure with one hand, the other snuck behind my back and closed over the hilt of my knife. "Edward Cullen is a hundred times the man you would ever hope to be."

An expression of disbelief darkened Charlie's face as he studied me, taking another tentative step forward. "He's a notorious crime lord, Bella. Every second you spend with him keeps you in a danger you can't even fathom."

"You have a lot of nerve," I shouted, not caring that several heads turned in our direction. Hissing between clenched teeth, I glared at the man who'd sired me. "You were more worried about protecting your brother's worthless hide than me. He snuck into my room almost every night …"

"What did I say about spinning tall tales, Bella? I see that distance hasn't given you any type of perspective. John would never do anything to hurt you, Bella…"

Tears pricked the back of my eyes, anger welled in my chest, and all I wanted to do was disappear into the wall preventing my retreat. "You are delusional. There was a reason he was always hovering—manipulative and so sickly sweet … How can you be so ignorant?"

His hand drew back as if he intended to slap me, and yet another voice cut into the silence. "Touch a hair on her head and I will cut your damn hand off."

Spying Jasper ten feet away with an apologetic Alice hovering close by, I shoved away from the wall, placing Jasper between my father and me. "I hate you. I hope you and your brother …"

Before I could continue, Jasper whipped around to face me and he glared at me with a silent warning. "Ma'am, I believe it's time to go back to the condo now."

I let Jasper usher me down the sidewalk, but not without one last parting shot toward Charlie. "Stay the fuck away from me. I don't ever want to see you or your sick fuck of a brother again. Fucking asshole …"

Please review;)