Hello! Hello! Another Week, Another Chapter. Thank you for all the love you've been showing this story so far. Things are moving along! Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Without any further ado!
Chapter 8: Moments Alone
For the following days, he has been part of her security detail. It was fairly an easy task compared to the other things he'd been doing for Charlie Swan. Him and his brother had been thinking, talking, lying convincingly, and acting like a crook for the past seven months. They were in constant danger all the time. Because while they were playing their part, there was always that thought that they could be recognized by someone at any moment and blew everything up.
So, yes! Being in "guard duty" was welcomed and being with Bella was definitely a bonus. He'd received information on where she was expected to be so they could be prepared and avoid as much as possible hiccups like what happened at her art exhibition. The boss wasn't happy to hear what occurred, but Edward genuinely felt bad for the young boys knowing they were probably right now floating on the Hudson River. It was difficult to keep a blind eye to all of this.
He received two instructions – Don't fuck up and Blend in – Isabella didn't like the extra attention and wanted to avoid making her business clients and her team uncomfortable. Him and the other guard, Luke, have kept their distances as much as possible.
He enjoyed accompanying her to different places and seeing what her days looked like. She was either at her studio, with her friends, her family, or meetings with clients.
Interestingly, he had learnt so much in a week about the life of the wealthy. Upscale restaurants closing just for them; how restaurants have secret backdoor rooms; secret hotel levels; separate menus; tables always available even if the restaurant was packed; …
His family was well off, him and his brother grew up very comfortable, but he'd never been exposed to that sort of wealth. It was another world.
Add to the fact that seeing her every day fed his attraction. He learnt new things about her. The way she liked her drinks, how she ate mostly Italian food, the fact she didn't wear a lot of jewellery besides her diamond earrings, how she bit her bottom lip whenever she was distracted, how she always was drawing on her iPad to pass time, how she moved like a regular person even though her last name held so much power, especially in this city, …
He couldn't afford Luke ratting him out to Simon or worse Charlie about him being distracted. Every day, he made the conscious decision to maintain his distance as much as possible and to keep his eyes from wandering. But she made it is so difficult. She was very friendly with the people around her. A contrast between her dad and her uncles. Considering the level of threat surrounding her family, a little bit too friendly for his taste, he couldn't imagine her being in danger. The saving grace was knowing that she kept a close circle, a very close circle made of two people.
Through his research, he learned about Angela Webber, a 27-year-old woman of indigenous descent. She had a tan skin tone, dark eyes, and dark long eyes. He found out that she was a Senior Editor for Time Magazine. She also made a lot of money in real estate. Her family still lived in the Pacific Northwest, and she recently separated from a long-term relationship. Then, there was Tanya Denali, a 26-year-old woman, her parents were Russian, but she was born in the US. She had short blond hair and piercing blue eyes. She was a successful photojournalist, having worked with media outlets such as CNN, FOX… She came from oil money and loved to travel.
They had been friends since high school; looking at pictures, it was clear as day how close and loyal they were to each other. At times, he would notice the two of them looking at him, or waving at him while Bella playfully hid her rosy face with a smile.
On a weekday morning, she decided to deviate from her routine and take a leisurely stroll in a nearby park; he made sure to dress the part. Compared to other days, he was her only guard.
As usual, he waited outside to pick her up. Minutes later, she stepped out of the elegant lobby; the warm sunlight cascaded over the polished marble floors in the lobby; she walked towards him with that blinding smile. He always made sure to reciprocate her kindness which was the right and respectful thing to do.
She wore a high-waisted blue yoga pants and a sports bra to match. She had no makeup on, and her hair cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, kissed by the morning sun. Edward couldn't help but admire how the sunlight danced upon her features. She should let her hair down and free more often. Jesus, what was happening to him? He felt pathetic.
Her condo was nestled in the heart of the upscale district, which itself exuded an air of exclusivity. Nothing but the best for Charlie Swan's only daughter. They started walking in silence towards the park not too far away.
The morning air was filled with a sweet scent and a gentle breeze; fashionable individuals adorned in designer attire hurried along the streets, sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground. He couldn't help but notice the bustling activity of the neighbourhood. Sounds of laughter and snippets of lively conversations filled the air, a testament to the vibrant social scene.
He would steal glances at her, but it seemed she was enjoying the sun and the silent walk. As they approached the nearby park, towering oak trees welcomed them, majestic branches forming a natural canopy overhead. The park exuded tranquillity, providing an oasis of green amidst the urban bustle. The distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves added a symphony of serenity to the air.
He maintained a respectful distance, taking in the sights around him and not wanting to invade her personal space. As they strolled through the park, Edward found himself gradually walking alongside her. Perhaps she had slowed down her pace? Yeah! He was definitely losing his mind.
"I always loved coming to this park; it's peaceful you know, people going about their business," Isabella said, out of nowhere, her voice breaking the silence. She gazed up at the towering trees as she spoke. "Also, it's great for clearing your mind."
Edward smiled; his gaze fixated on her. "I can imagine."
Her head turned towards him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "And what about you, Masen?" How do you clear your mind, especially with your job? "
Edward hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching hers. He felt compelled to answer truthfully.
''Woo I'm sorry! That was quite an intense question. I tend to do that at times. My sister used to say that I need to take it slow with people and not be so upfront,'' She rambled on a little. When she realized it, she murmured something and laughed at herself. She was cute!
He couldn't help but join in her laughter. "Don't worry, I really don't mind.'' he chuckled. "I would say… playing the piano. It's been a while since I last played, but when I was younger, there wasn't a day that went by without me playing. It used to clear my mind." Her face displayed shock at his response.
"Oh, I didn't know you played the piano. That sounds so cool! My brain never managed to figure it out."
Edward chuckled softly, walking in sync. "Well, it's been years since I played, so I don't know if I can still be as good as before." Which reminded him that he needed to get back into it. His mom would be happy to hear that.
"You know," Bella began, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "For a whole year, when I was in middle school, I attended flute classes. I remember at the end of the year; we had some sort of a concert; all I remember doing was faking my way through it. I made it seem like I was playing but did nothing. My parents were so proud, and to this day, my dad still doesn't know that I don't even know how to do DO-RE-Mi on a flute." Laughter erupted from both of them.
It felt good to know little things like that about her. He wanted to know more.
"Wow! You're truly something." Edward exclaimed; the clarity of her eyes had him captivated, like sparkling dewdrops on a summer morning.
"You don't even know the half of it. I'm sure I'm responsible for some of my dad's grey hair." She smirked, locking her gaze with his for a moment before continuing.
"I don't want to embarrass you, but I must say, I've never seen green eyes like yours. They're… come dovrei dire…"She paused, searching for the right words. "It's like forest green and the colour emerald had a baby together." He chuckled at her attempt to describe it, feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention she was giving her. (How should I say)
"Thank you?" he chuckled, running a hand through his hair, a hint of shyness creeping in. "My brother and I have our mom to thank for that," Edward said, passing a hand through his hair, feeling a hit of self-consciousness.
"Well, thank you to your mom! Did you know that only about 2 percent of the world has green eyes? So, you should consider yourself lucky. They are really …hmm... nice." She was looking up at him with that sweet smile. He couldn't help smiling at her forwardness.
"No, I didn't know. I'm sure my brother will feel even more special when he learns that."
Edward replied, both of them sharing a chuckle. "But it pales in comparison to yours, Bella. You have really, really… beautiful eyes." She blushed and started walking again with a smile on her face.
He didn't have the guts to tell her that he loved looking at her chocolate/amber eyes. That they were his favourite features of her apart from her lips, her long hair he always wanted to bury his hands in, and her curves he couldn't stop ogling. Yeah, that would sound creepy and unprofessional. "Beautiful eyes" would have to do.
Edward blurted: "I wanted to let you know that because of you, I bought a piece of painting for the first time in my life.'' She immediately halted in her tracks. "I would say that meeting you is bringing some art into my apartment, and let me tell you, my brother Will is shocked."
It was a blatant lie. He felt a small change happening between them, it might've been her being her friendly self, but it was enough to make him feel a tremor all over his body. So, his way out of it was to change the subject and apparently lie.
"I low-key feel some type of way that your first painting was not one of mine; you could've asked me, you know?'' His heart started racing. Damn it! The thought of asking Emmett to change places with him crossed his mind.
Edward told her softly, "Next time, I'll make sure to reach out to you. Yours looked way better than the crap I bought." Isabella smiled, her hand gently brushing against his.
"Make sure you do because I can't afford you to have ugly painting, I have a reputation to uphold. Let me know when you feel like adding more. I'll guide you through it."
That invitation made it worse for him. The idea of spending more time with her was incredibly appealing. He cleared his throat, his attention caught by the sound of a young child running and laughing nearby. He didn't know what to reply to her. It seems she sensed it too; she changed the subject quickly and started asking him about playing piano.
They continued talking about her works and how many art exhibitions she'd done so far. Some of the information she provided, he knew already, but he played along. She mentioned to him that her Lighthouse Collection has been sold and her team was helping with the shipping and apparently, it was a whole process in itself apparently.
Forty-five minutes later, Bella told him that she needed to head back. He knew he couldn't afford to spend more time with her without risking crossing a line. Besides, he needed to see Emmett and decompress.
"Thank you for accompanying me Masen. It was nice," Bella said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude as they neared her condo.
Edward smiled, "No need to thank me. You were very good company."
She took a small step closer to him, still at a proper distance, but that subtle movement caused his heart to skip a beat. He couldn't help but quickly glance at her lips; he hoped she hadn't noticed.
" Likewise!" She whispered softly. "Anyway, I gotta go and get ready. I guess I'll see you next time." She waved goodbye, and the doorman opened the door for her.
As she stepped into the elevator, she gave him one last look. After making sure she was safely in, he turned around and walked towards his car.
….
The dimly lit bar buzzed with lively energy as Edward and Emmett settled into a cozy booth. The wooden table exuded rustic charm, bathed in the warm glow of ambient lighting, as clinking glasses and soft melodies from the jukebox filled the air. Waiters bustled around, catering to the patrons' every need, adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie and revelry.
Edward's gaze flickered around the bar, his eyes catching on a group of friends celebrating a birthday. His heart sank as he thought of little Rosie's first birthday celebration, which they obviously missed.
"To little Rosie's first birthday," Emmett toasted with a mix of pride and regret in his voice. A wistful smile graced his face, revealing his love for his baby. Edward nodded, raising his glass in agreement, his mind drifting to the celebration they had missed. He can imagine her being surrounded by balloons, cake, and toys.
Knowing his brother, he will never forgive himself for not being there for his daughter's first year of life. The saving grace was knowing that their parents and Rosalie probably went all out for her. But they planned to make it up to Rosie when they returned, throwing her another first birthday bash, hopefully sooner rather than later. Usually, undercover operations could last years but hopefully not this one. Things were looking good so far!
They went on to talk about their day and random stuff, appreciating this time with each other and having fun. As they conversed, they were momentarily interrupted by a charming waitress who approached their booth. "Another round, gentlemen?" she asked with a friendly smile.
Emmett winked at her, offering his dimples and clearly charming her. "You bet! Keep 'em coming." Edward chuckled at the situation. They were definitely in a mood to get drunk.
Emmett playfully steered the conversation toward Isabella which Edward was trying to avoid as much as possible. Talking about her wouldn't be helping him at all. "So, Eddie boy, how was it with Miss Isabella?"
Edward couldn't help but blush, his hand nervously running through his hair. "Fine," he replied, trying to appear nonchalant.
Emmett raised an eyebrow, shooting a teasing grin his way. "Fine? I'd believe you if you didn't have that dumb smirk on your face. Come on, spill the beans!"
Edward finally gave in and began telling every detail of his interactions with Isabella earlier in the day. His brother listened attentively, interjecting with playful remarks. Growing up as close in age and working in the same profession, they'd always been able to share everything and anything openly.
They were in the midst of their conversation they were interrupted by a bold and flirtatious girl. "Hey there, handsome," she purred, leaning against the booth, batting her eyelashes at him. She was pretty, with her long red hair and skin-tight black dress.
Edward blushed even deeper, politely declining her advances. "Thank you, but I'm here with my brother tonight."
"Sorry, sweetheart, he's taken." Emmett chuckled, and he waved at the waitress for more beer, clearly amused by the situation.
The girl seemed undeterred, but a subtle shift in Edward's body language made it clear he wasn't interested. He gently touched his hair again, a nervous habit that betrayed his feelings.
Emmett couldn't resist teasing him, saying, "I don't know what's stopping you from getting some; she's pretty. At least I would be leaving through you since I don't know when I'll be getting some."
Edward glanced briefly at the girl's table, where she smiled back at him. Sure, he probably could, but he had absolutely no interest in getting with anyone. Bella's face appeared in his mind. He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to kiss her luscious lips. Yeah! Only in his dreams.
"You know she likes you, right?" Emmett smirked.
Edward's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Who?"
"What do you mean who? Beyonce! Who do you think?" Emmett retorted, taking a sip of his beer.
Edward pondered his brother's words, contemplating the interactions he had shared with her. How she would blush, or smile when she was looking at him, … There were moments when he couldn't help but feel a tinge of flirtation, but he also didn't want to misinterpret her friendliness.
"Sometimes, she gives me that vibe, but at the same time, I can't help but think that it's her being her friendly self, you know?" Edward confessed. He has been trying not to read too much into it.
"Well, usually I would tell you to man up, but this is an unusual situation; a lot of things are riding on this, " Emmett offered, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms. "Imagine if words get out that you're going out with the boss's daughter?" He raised an eyebrow suggestively. "But hey, I'm a firm believer in 'you only live once'" he shrugged, emphasizing his carefree attitude.
His mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. That was Emmett! where he tended to think twice, Emmett would jump first head at any experience, just for the sake of saying I've done it.
They continued their banter, enjoyed spending time and joking around. The drinks flowed, and the laughter grew louder as the night progressed. Yes, they needed that! Eventually, they stumbled home, intoxicated and barely making it to their respective bedrooms.
The next day, Edward and Emmet found themselves with some of the Swan associates, observing the dynamic around them and trying to mingle with the others as much as possible. The Swans didn't hire any scumbags or any available junkies from the streets; they were much more strategic about who they let in. One of their essential rules they had was if you were not involved in a job, then you knew nothing about it which made their job more difficult than anticipated.
Prior to being undercover, he learned the Swans were part of the "Five Families"; which was a moniker given to the five major Italian Mafia families in New York City: Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, Lucchese and Swantorini "Swan". These families and their inner workings were publicly revealed in 1963, when a Mafia soldier testified at a congressional hearing. From that testimony, the FBI had learned so much and had provided them with information they never had access to before. Consequently, the way that these families operate changed since then which included the strict no communication rule amongst many others.
They all have their respective territories, and from time to time, they would meet to discuss shared issues and mediate internecine conflicts. For generations, they had amassed an immense amount of power and wealth.
So, every time he was meeting the associates, him and his brother tried to gain insights, carefully navigating the interactions in the hope of gathering some intel. But nothing so far. These people don't talk.
They have resulted in installing surveillance equipment – cameras, microphones - at some locations in the hope of maximum coverage and crucial intelligence. There was always the worry that the recording devices could be exposed or go haywire. But now, only the handful of people aware of this operation had access to these information and recordings.
They hadn't been able to get close enough to meetings with Charlie, Caius and Marcus yet, but he would not jump the gun and ruin everything. He had to pace himself.
He was informed by Simon recently that he would be with Bella for two more days before her usual team would return. He needed to find out why they were absent, to begin with. Edward couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of not being around her as frequently.
Later, he and Emmett went to pick Bella up from a warehouse as she requested. Emmett sat behind the wheel while Edward stood outside with the car door open, ready to greet Bella as she emerged. Sporting sunglasses, her straight, flowing straight hair, her laptop, and Chanel bag in hand, her eyes landed on him, and a smile illuminated her face. She wore a tailored navy-blue blazer; underneath was a delicate ivory blouse paired with blue tight jeans. She looked beautiful!
Emmett couldn't help but tease Edward: "Look at you, smitten." Edward shot him a mock glare, unable to hide his own amusement.
She quickened her pace toward him, and their eyes met, giving him a blinding smile that he couldn't help but reciprocate. Climbing into the car, Edward settled into the passenger seat, and they began their drive and drove toward her condo. The hint of Bella's perfume permeated the air.
"Thank you, guys, for picking me up," Bella said graciously, her voice carrying a gentle lilt. She glanced at Emmett: "And it's good to see you again, Will."
"Same here, Miss Isabella; it's nice to see you again too." Replied Emmett enjoying the acknowledgement.
"No need for any Miss Isabella, just Bella!" she told him. She was about to say something else, but her phone rang, and apparently, it was Tanya on the phone.
Meanwhile, Emmett couldn't resist glancing at Edward and smirking, finding amusement in his brother's reaction. He was such a child. How did he make it in this profession?
As they arrived at Bella's home, Edward stepped out of the car to open her door. Bella gracefully exited, bidding farewell to Emmett. But before parting ways, she discreetly slipped him a small piece of paper accompanied by a soft smile. " If you ever need help finding new artwork for your apartment," she whispered, her voice laced with anticipation, "since we not going to see each other again."
Did she just…? Bella entered her building without casting a second glance, leaving him frozen in disbelief. He stood there, trying to process what had just happened.
Emmett couldn't help but laugh at the shocked expression on his brother's face. Edward discreetly pocketed the number thinking already of all the possibilities.
"I told you she liked you! You're in deep shit." he laughed and started driving.
There you go! What do you guys think of Bella?
Until next time. Next Chapter: Brushstrokes of Connection
