Hi Ladies,

For the most part, everyone seemed to enjoy the last chapter, but there are a few things I would like to say before beginning this one.

I would like to kindly remind everyone this is first and foremost a mafia fic. I write a lot of romance and it's easy to forget what this story is. The mafia can be a very unforgiving bunch and they practice many violent offenses.

Just for the benefit of saying so, I place trigger warnings for a reason. If you would rather not read violent content, you are free to skip that part. And no, I don't feel bad for what I wrote about John. For once a child predator is getting exactly what he deserves.

Also, I was asked by a reader to give a chapter in Charlie or John's POV. I would love to and I will see what I can do.

Anyway, now that I have gotten all that off my chest, we can get back to the story. We are turning a corner here, and there will be a whole lot of sweetness for those who made it this far.

Thanks for reading and letting me know what you all think. I have appreciated most of your feedback.

Chapter 23

Part 2

Bella-

Edward Cullen was dangerous. He was fearless. He took life by the balls and showed no mercy. He was scary and powerful, and after the last few hours, I'd seen exactly what he was capable of. If I had half a brain I would be searching for a way out of our arrangement.

My fingers hadn't stopped shaking since we'd stormed my father's house and dragged them to that train car. My heart was racing like a champion thoroughbred, and I couldn't suck in a deep breath to save my life. While a tinge of fear licked up my spine, I glanced out of the corner of my eye at the man who was my husband.

Edward Cullen might be one of the most terrifying people I'd ever met, but strangely instead of wanting to run and hide, this undeniable need to latch on to him and never let go took me by storm.

My gaze coasted over broad shoulders, traveling down the slope of his chest, and my fingertips began to tingle with the desire to explore the hard ridges. He gripped the steering wheel with blood-stained fingers, and a shudder rippled through me.

We'd left trailer forty in a hurry, and Edward had stopped only long enough to grab his shirt and jacket. Instead of shrugging into the garments, he had tossed them into the backseat, letting the rain wash over him. He'd simply shook the wet drops from his head before slipping into the driver's seat.

His forearms flexed as he turned the wheel, and I followed the veins protruding from his arms to his bicep. My gaze jumped to his jaw, tracing the sharp line to his perfectly bowed lips, and my pulse did a flip.

Energy I'd never experienced hummed in the air, making me feel restless. Fidgeting in my seat, I attempted to pull my attention away from the man next to me to focus on the darkened streets. It was nearly four in the morning and in another hour or two, the sun would make an appearance on the horizon.

Resting my head against the headrest, my roaming gaze returned to Edward.

How did he stay so calm after something so brutal? As I contemplated that question, I willed my fingers to stop trembling. When they refused to listen, I balled my hands into fists, yet the tremor shook my whole hand as I replayed the last few hours.

I'd never seen Charlie so scared in my life. I used to think of my dad as an immovable force, but Edward had shut him down with minimal effort. Charlie's apology had come far too late, and while I should feel some remorse at his situation, all I felt was relief. My thoughts swayed to John, and I inwardly grimaced. The look on his face when Big Willie walked into that train car was priceless. Within a matter of minutes, the devil who'd ruined my life was experiencing the same shame, humiliation, and dread I had for years.

Should I feel bad for the pain Big Willie was undoubtedly inflicting on him? A part of me did sympathize with him. Any normal human being would, yet a larger part felt vindicated. Why should I be sorry for John? I bet in all the years he victimized me, he'd never given two shits about how his actions had affected me.

"Are you okay, princess?"

Edward's voice was filled with concern as they cut into my troubled thoughts, and blinking rapidly I snapped back to the present. I must've zoned out because when I glanced around we were sitting in the parking garage, and Edward studied me intently.

Releasing a tense sigh, I gave a short nod. "I'm just mentally and physically exhausted," I answered.

That wasn't a lie. I felt like I could sleep for a week, maybe two. My limbs felt leaden, weighed down to the seat beneath me. Yet as tired as I was, a strange restlessness overwhelmed me, my skin feeling electrified. "As tired as I am, my mind is racing and refuses to turn off."

Edward reached over the center console and cupped my jaw, his blood-spattered thumb coasting over the soft skin there, almost like he was relishing the texture. I should've pulled back. I mean the guy had blood on his hands. Literally. I didn't, however. My body took on a will of its own until I was leaning into the comforting touch. A measure of fear tinged his eyes, and he gnawed at the inside of his cheek, his nostrils flaring. "I know that was a lot to take in. You should've let Jasper take you home."

Cleared my throat, and shook my head. "I can't explain it but it's something I needed to do for myself. Even if I had stood up in court and told a judge my case, chances are he would've walked away from the charges." Edward's hand dropped away from my cheek, and I instantly missed the tenderness. That's another thing I couldn't explain, this sudden need to burrow into the man next to me. Shaking the thought away, I swallowed hard. "For the first time in his life, John will be forced to endure everything I did."

My explanation seemed to satisfy Edward, and he pushed his door open. "Let's get you upstairs. I need to jump in the shower, and you need to get some rest."

With his hand on my waist, Edward guided me to the elevator. His sturdy, reassuring fingers never faltered as we stepped into the cubicle, nor when he ushered me into our condo. I stood in the entrance as he dropped a kiss on my forehead, saying he was headed for the shower before his hand fell away. I don't know how long I stood there, yet the second his fingers left my waist, loneliness I hadn't felt in years consumed me.

His footsteps faded as he moved through the condo, disappearing down the hall until I could no longer hear them at all. Hesitantly, I moved deeper into the living room, heading to Hope's box. I found her resting peacefully on the plush blanket and I almost felt bad about disrupting her sleep as I picked her up, and rested her against my chest.

She squeaked when I rubbed her forehead, her nose slamming into my chin as she nuzzled closer. Kissing her, I wandered into the direction of my room, sitting on the bed, I stared out into the hallway.

How did you tell someone you needed them, without telling them that you needed them? I'd never been in this position before. I'd made it my mission to not need anyone since I walked off my front porch two years ago.

The feeling grew, bleeding from my chest until I felt consumed by the force. Correction. I didn't need Edward Cullen. I wanted him.

I wanted to feel his strength. I wanted to bury my nose in his scent and breathe him in. For the first time in my life, I wanted to absorb a man's presence.

Absentmindedly, I stroked Hope's ear, scratching along her jaw as I nibbled my bottom lip. What did normal people do in this situation? I was at a total loss as to how to handle this particular situation.

The Bella I knew wouldn't sit here wondering about the next move to make. The Bella I'd become demanded that I act on my instincts, and oddly enough they were pointing me to my husband that was just two doors down.

Edward's chest played through my mind. Muscle, warmth, belonging. Those were all the things I had started to associate with Edward.

As if my legs developed a mind of their own, I was standing and crossing my room. I stopped in the hallway once I realized his door was wide open. Nerves skittered in my gut, a thousand butterflies bounced around threatening to send me rushing back to my room.

My traitorous feet had another plan, however, my breath burned in my lungs as I approached his open door. I was on the verge of turning and running in the opposite direction and reminding myself that I didn't need anyone. I forced my legs to listen to my brain instead of the tingle urging me to stay when Edward appeared wrapped in nothing but a towel.

Concern darkened his gaze, yet all I saw was the droplet of water coursing over the dragon's face etched across his chest in black ink. My throat went dry when his nipple puckered. His gruff question cut into the concentration I placed on that singular drop. "Everything alright, princess?"

My heart skipped a beat on his pet name for me. I know our marriage was based on a ploy to stop his father's ridiculous plan, yet every time he called me princess this rush of affection swept me straight off my feet. I felt elated. I felt like I was floating on a cloud, which was ludicrous because any day now it would burst, and leave me flat on my ass.

I should go back to my room and forget this insanity. I should remind myself exactly what this was. I should remember none of this was real. But when he called me princess my mind and my heart didn't want to acknowledge the ruse. Maybe that's why instead of doing the million things I should, I stumbled over my response. "I-I was going to go to bed, but …" I licked my lips nervously as I searched for the right words. "I … um…"

His abs rippled as my gaze traveled over the cords etched in solid muscle. With a Will of their own, my eyes dipped lower to the tan terry cloth wrapped around his waist. It wasn't until his finger rested beneath my chin, and urged me to look him in the eye I could tear my attention away from his trim hips. His voice was edged with a husk not normally present in his tone as he asked, "What do you need, princess?"

I honestly couldn't tell if that was a question or something deeper. I had a feeling Edward knew exactly what I needed. "I just … I'm feeling restless and …"

The corner of his lips twitched and his eyebrow lifted, his eyes darkening as he studied me intently. He shifted on his feet, resting his hip on the wood trim. "And?" He prompted.

All the air rushed from my lungs and for once I let vulnerability get the best of me. "I-I didn't want to be alone," I whispered, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment over my stupid confession.

I tucked Hope tight against my chest, wishing I could disappear. Any moment he was going to laugh at me, and probably shut the door in my face. After all, I was nothing to him besides a grand scheme to fool his father.

Anticipation crackled in the air as he reached for my hand, tugging on my fingers until I crossed the threshold. His lashes dropped and his gaze was so intense it sent sparks ricocheting in every direction. His statement came out in a low rumble, "So don't be alone."

Even with his guidance, my steps faltered as he led me into his room, my attention dropping to his ass before tracing the definition up his back to his broad shoulders. A sliver of fear blended with excitement screwing with my rational mind until I wasn't sure which feeling was more dominant.

I dug my heels into the hardwood, yet I just managed to slide across the smooth surface as he pulled me deeper into the room. "I-I didn't mean … you know … I just …"

How did I explain this clingy, weird desperation for comfort? Once again I was fumbling, sounding like an idiotic fool. I wasn't this woman. I wasn't a woman that depended on a man to fulfill my life. Every minute I spent with Edward had me becoming a person I didn't recognize.

Surprisingly, he led me to his bed and urged me to sit on the side. He braced his weight on his arms, effectively caging me in until his face hovered an inch from my own. "Stay, princess. You're safe and I don't expect anything to happen." My lashes fluttered as he saw through my insecurities, and his firm lips brushed over my forehead. "I'm going to go into my closet now to change into some sweats. When I come out, I hope you're tucked in this bed. If you aren't … I might have to come find you."

I was coiled tighter than a spring when Edward abruptly stood and headed into his closet. The door was slightly ajar and as hard as I tried I couldn't look away, wondering if I would catch a glimpse of Edward if he passed in by. When the space remained empty, I blew out a deep relaxing breath.

My nerves leapt and danced over my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. Nibbling my bottom lip, I threw one last glance in the direction of his closet before scooting towards the headboard. Resting against the stack of pillows behind me, I visibly explored the furnishings around the room until my attention darted to the ceiling over Edward's bed.

I blanched, staring at my reflection uncomfortably in the mirror placed directly overhead. I tilted my head at different angles, growing increasingly awkward with each passing glance.

I really should've taken a moment to fix my appearance before coming to his room. Running my fingers through my tangled hair, I blew a frustrated breath when a wayward curl refused to lay down. Hope chose that moment to stand up on my chest, her nails like needles as she kneaded my breasts before bumping her head against my chin in a demand for my attention. I couldn't help but smile at her bid for affection, forgetting all about my disheveled state to scratch her ear.

I was peppering kisses against her head as she continued to bump into my face when the closet door swung open, and Edward strode toward the bed.

With little effort he dominated the space around him, doing nothing at all, but demanding attention all the same. He'd dried his hair, brushing it out until it lay neatly against his head. Grey sweatpants hung low on his hips, and I couldn't help but stare at the streak of hair that disappeared below his waistband.

He tossed a wink in my direction, making my pulse race before he rounded the bed to slide up into his spot. He crossed his legs at his ankles, and the sweats he wore drew tight against his thighs. Unbidden my wandering eye traveled a few inches over to the bulge nestled in the apex of his legs. As soon as the material moved my gaze jerked away only to jump to the mirrors.

"You can't be comfortable in those jeans, princess. Didn't they deliver your packages yet?"

Until Edward mentioned it, I hadn't even realized I was still fully clothed. Fuck. I didn't have the nerve to come back a second time. If I went to my room now, I would force myself to stay put. "No, they said they should be sent this afternoon sometime. I should've grabbed a few things to bring home, but I had so much on my mind."

Edward didn't think twice, leaping to his feet, he padded across the floor to his dresser. He plucked a T-shirt from his drawer and a pair of basketball shorts from another. Coming to my side, he easily took Hope from my arms and dropped the clothes on my lap. "You can use my closet to change."

I scooped them up and hurried to his closet. Stripping away my jeans and T-shirt, I dressed in Edward's clothes, tying the drawstring tight to keep them from sliding down my hips. The whole time I changed, I chewed my lip until it stung from my sharp teeth. Wandering to the mirror, I combed my fingers through my hair, willing the mess to lay flat.

Finally, I was mildly satisfied. My heart threatened to pound out of my chest when I reached for the doorknob. All I could hear was the rushing of my blood as I stepped back into the room.

The windows that covered one whole wall were covered to block out the morning sun. Edward must've drawn the blinds while I was changing. Then I noticed the lighting in the room had been turned down low. My skin prickled with awareness as I tiptoed toward the bed suddenly cautious about sleeping next to him.

I'd never slept with a man before. Correction. I'd never purposely slept with a man. The two times I'd awakened to Edward at my side, had been life-changing.

He flipped the coverlet back, and I knew—I knew deep in my soul—this was going to be just as transformative. Once I slipped beneath those sheets, my life was going to take another pivotal turn.

With my heart racing and my stomach doing somersaults, I crawled into the bed next to him. When he reached toward me, I slipped into his arms, resting my head against his shoulder, and my arm around his waist. His chest stalled on an inhale as my fingers brushed his side, and I couldn't help but snuggle closer until my nose brushed his neck.

"Sleep tight, princess," he mumbled, kissing my forehead, his fingers knotting in my hair to hold me to him.

I was just about to drift off when I remembered the mirrors overhead. "Edward?"

"Hmm?" He groaned, his form turning toward me, his leg slinging across mine in a bid to get comfortable.

"Can I ask a question?" I stared at the pulse hammering in his throat.

"Uh-huh," he whispered, my hair moving as his breath coasted over the crown of my head.

The tips of my fingers feathered over his ribs, noticing the way his stomach fluttered. Perhaps it was just my imagination. To test my theory, I moved my finger along his side, feeling the muscles jump in reflex. "Why are there mirrors over your bed?"

Please review ...