AN here's the next chapter, sorry it took a bit longer again.

hope you'll enjoy reading it!

Chapter 43

EPOV

It felt like I was in a dream.

Bella and I spent the entire day together in absolute bliss. The talk with Leah had gone well and I couldn't wait until the statement was published and I could finally show the world she was mine. We wouldn't have to sneak around anymore or be worried about the press. We could simply enjoy each other like we had done today.

We'd spent the day in the woods and had a great time, and although I wanted nothing more than to take her back to my place for a repeat of last night, I also wanted her to know I was in this for her, not just the sex. So instead of throwing her in the car and driving her to my place I suggested she take me home and then get some rest herself.

'Are you sure?' Bella asked as we got in the car.

I nodded with a smile, leaning over to quickly press a chaste kiss to her lips. 'Mike doesn't have any food at your place.' I told her looking back at Mike panting happily in the back.

Bella glanced back as well. 'oh right.' she sounded a bit dejected.

'I'll pick you up before dinner tomorrow.'

She smiled then. 'okay. that sounds good.'

I smiled at her and we set off. The drive was way too short, before I knew it we pulled up outside my building and I had to leave her. Suddenly I wasn't sure why I thought this had been a good idea. I didn't want her to leave at all.

'see you tomorrow.' I told her, leaning over and kissing her cheek softly, I didn't want to chance kissing her lips for fear of someone seeing it and taking a photo.

She surprised me, however, by grabbing hold of my jacket when I went to pull away and crashing her lips to mine. Fuck she was heaven. I groaned and my hands slid into her hair, holding her securely against me. our lips moved together before we both finally pulled back.

'Sorry.' Bella muttered breathlessly.

I chuckled. 'Love, don't ever apologise for that.' I told her, quickly capturing her lips again in a quick kiss. Her taste was addictive. I never wanted to stop kissing her.

'how are we going to last a week?' she groaned when I pulled back again.

'we've made it this far.' I told her with a wink.

'but then I didn't know how good we were together.' She whined, then she clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes going big and a blush spreading across her cheeks. I laughed. That was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. I kissed her again, pulling her hand away from her mouth.

'We'll be fine. I'm in training most of the day anyway.' I said when we pulled apart again.

she nodded. 'Right it's not like we saw each other a lot at the park anyway. And we'll see each other at Rose and Emmett's.'

I nodded. 'it'll be fine.' I assured her.

she smiled and nodded too.

'Get some rest, tonight.' I told her, tucking her hair behind her ear.

'you too.' She muttered.

'I'll see you tomorrow.' I told her as I reluctantly opened the door and got out.

I grabbed Mike and stepped onto the sidewalk with him. Together we watched as Bella pulled way with a quick wave. I heaved a sigh and headed inside.

I wasn't even through the door for a full minute before there was an abnoxious knock which I knew could only belong to one person. Emmett.

I debated pretending I wasn't home, but Mike gave a bark and I knew I was busted.

'Open up! I know you're home Eddie boy!' Emmett's voice filtered through the door.

I sighed. 'Thanks Mike.' I groused at him, but he just wagged his tail. I opened the door. 'what?' I asked Emmett slightly irritated.

Emmet just smiled and pushed his way inside, Rosalie was right behind him. 'we were worried when you didn't come home last night.'

I rolled my eyes. Really? this is what he wanted to do?

'I don't know what you're talking about.' I told him, crossing my arms over my chest. 'I was home.'

'I don't think you were home alone.' Emmett said then, a wicked glint in his eye.

I looked at Rosalie, who just shrugged.

'oh really?' I indulged him. He wandered into the kitchen and grabbed a beer, handing Rosalie one and me as well.

'I think you were either getting cosy in ms Swan's penthouse, or she was getting cosy with you in here.' He grinned.

Rosalie slapped Emmett's chest. 'I said you could tease him a bit, not drag it out like this.' She said with a roll of her eyes.

'how about we skip the teasing?' I suggested.

'you guys are no fun! Come on, Eddie. You've been pining after this girl for months, don't tell me nothing happened!'

'it's not really any of your business now is it? and don't call me that.' I muttered taking a swig of my beer, but I couldn't quite stop the grin that was forming on my face.

Emmett noticed of course. 'fuck that! It is definitely my business. If you're going to get all bummed out again, I need to know so I can bench you before the next game.'

I snorted. 'as if. You need me.' I sat back and grinned at him. 'plus do I look bummed out?'

He regarded me for a moment. 'No, I'd say you're pretty damn pleased with yourself.' He smirked. 'I'd say very pleased actually…'

Rosalie quickly jabbed her elbow into Emmett's side, making him shut up. 'so are you guys together now?' Rosalie asked, as she looked at me with a smile.

I smiled and nodded once. 'yeah. We are.'

Emmett let out a whoop and pumped his fist. 'fucking finally! Or rather… finally fucking, eh Eddie?'

I rolled my eyes. 'Seriously, Emmett. she's your boss you know.'

he shrugged. 'she's also your girlfriend, so I can tease you both how much I wish. That's what friends are for.'

I shook my head.

'you're not teasing Bella about this.' Rosalie snapped at him in warning. He quickly held up his hands.

'And you can't go around he club teasing me either.. at least nog yet.' I added.

he frowned. 'why?'

'Leah's drawing up a statement about our relationship for the press. Until they're publishing it, we can't really be seen together yet. It would make everything a mess. So don't let anyone else know yet.'

Emmett nodded. 'That's fine. I'll just stick to teasing you when no one's around.'

I shook my head knowing that was probably the best I was going to get.

'what kind of statement?' Rosalie asked curiously .

I shrugged. 'Just that we're together and that it's serious and that we only started dating this week. Leah wants to head off any rumors or insinuations of favouritsm.'

Rosalie nodded. 'that's a good idea.'

We talked some more about what would happen now and decided to order in some pizza. They were both glad we were together though and were happy things seemed to be looking good for us. I couldn't agree more. Just one more week of hiding and then it would all be over and we could start building a future together.

I couldn't wait.

When Monday morning rolled around I was excited to head into training. I dropped Mike off with Rose, she was working from home today so she offered to watch him. I headed to the stadium with a spring in my step.

Dinner with Bella and my parents had been amazing yesterday. She'd been hesitant at first but Carlisle and Esme had been ecstatic that we were finally dating and they'd welcomed her with open arms. We enjoyed dinner and Bella quickly got comfortable around them again, laughing and joking around. It felt amazing to see her so at home with my family.

Afterwards I'd dropped her off home. We'd both decided it wasn't a good idea for me to go up with her. That didn't stop us from having a lingering goodbye in the car. We'd agreed to meet tonight after practice again. I couldn't get enough of her it seemed.

I pulled into the club, and the paps surrounding the entrace didn't even bother me this morning. I was too damn happy. I didn't even hear what they were yelling at me as I parked the car and got out with a smile on my face. I headed inside and to the lockerroom.

As soon as the door opened the hustling and bustling of the guys pulled me from my day dreams of Bella and our time together. I knew I couldn't slip up and reveal anything yet. So I had to focus. I quickly pulled my face into a neutral expression. I didn't want to tip anyone off that something was different. I had to make sure this week I kept my head in the game. It only needed to last for this week, then I could tell everyone and show everyone that I was as happy as I could possibly be.

I quickly headed to my locker and started changing. Today we were going over the game and then Jared and Sam were going to start their specialty training. I was interested in hearing what they had to say.

We had won, though it wasn't by a landslide. It had been a close game. We needed to do better if we wanted to win the next game. Emmett came in when I was just pulling my shirt over my head. He called the room to order as Sam and Jared came in wheeling a large tv behind them. I sat down on the bench. Sam started the TV and didn't waste anytime getting into it.

He started the replay of our game pausing everytime we made a mistake, going over it in detail what went wrong and why. Jared added on whenever he could and Emmett stood off to the side nodding along.

Everyone was playing attention, though I noticed Tyler looking more at his phone than anything else.

Emmett noticed it too. 'Mr Crowley.'

Tyler started and his head snapped up towards Emmett.

'Are we boring you?' he asked.

'No.'

'Then are you having a family emergency?'

'no.' He said, growing slightly more uncomfortable it seemed.

'Then why the fuck are you on your phone?' Emmett roared.

Tyler at least looked embarrassed. But Laurent next to him started looking angry.

'He didn't even fucking play.' Laurent muttered.

'shut up, dude.' Tyler hissed at him.

Laurent just shrugged.

'what did you just say?' Emmett asked, as he stepped closed to the pair.

I had to give credit where it's due; Laurent didn't back down. 'I said, he didn't even fucking play. Neither did I. this is waste of my fucking time.'

'a waste of time?' Emmett echoed.

Laurent nodded.

'So you don't think it's a good idea to study your opponents moves that were better than ours? Or learn from your teammembers. To make sure we can be the best there is?'

'If you and that bitch would have let me play we would have won by a landslide.'

'what the fuck?' I yelled out before I could stop myself. Thankfully I wasn't the only one. That was just a ridiculous thing to say. My blood was boiling that he'd dare call Bella a bitch. It seemed he had struck a nerve with the others too. Half of us were on our feet. Emmett held out his hand, silencing everyone again.

'interesting.' He said slowly. 'because I seem to remember that last season you were the player that was scoring lowest across the board. Even the rookie stats were better than yours. If I were you, I'd listen very carefully to everything we're saying here today, because if anyone needs all the help they can get it's you. But seeing as you feel we've already wasted your time, I'll dismiss you. You can report to Ms Swan's office and tell her yourself that you've decided that you're the best player on her team even though you think she's a bitch.'

Laurent finally seemed to pale at his words.

'Get out.' Emmett spat when he made no moves to get up or move. 'don't you show your face here again before you've apologized to ms Swan.'

Laurent glared at Emmett and then grabbed his bag. 'I'm outta here.' He spat, shoving past Emmett and leaving the room.

'you think he's going to Ms swan?' Seth whispered to me.

I shrugged. 'I doubt it.'

'Now Tyler...' Emmett continued. 'do you wish to report to MS Swan as well and have a repeat game of watching from the sidelines?'

Tyler quickly shook his head.

'smart choice.' Emmett growled, then held out his hand. 'give me your phone. You'll get it back at the end of the day.'

Tyler swallowed but handed it over.

We continued and Tyler was enraptured for the rest of the meeting, even going as far as taking notes. When we'd gone over everything Sam and Jared called out some names for whom they'd come up with personal training schedules. The rest was to head to either pilates or the weight room for free training. Tomorrow we'd practice another full game with the tips and techniques Sam and Jared had gone over today.

I headed down to the weight room, deciding to lift for today.

As I headed around the corner hushed whispers filtered down the hall. I stopped in my tracks listenning for a moment. It didn't seem like regular gym talk. I crept closer silently.

The door to the gym was slightly open.

'We need to do it sooner.' A voice that sounded like Laurent hissed.

'I have a plan, you need to stick to it.' someone hissed back.

'you don't know what that fucker did to me, man. I need them all taken down, now. this is ridiculous.' Laurent snapped.

'i told you to wait.' Th other voice raised slightly and I recognized it.

Hunter.

I didn't hesitate. I quickly dialled Emmett. I crept back a few paces so I wouln't be overheard by the duo in the gym.

'sup?' Emmett asked when he answered.

'Get security.' I whispered down the line. 'hunter is in the weight room with Laurent.'

'fuck me. that can't be good at all.' Emmett hissed. 'I'm on it. stall them. We're getting that fucker banned once and for all.'

I snapped the phone closed and quickly entered the weight room, not announcing my presence beforehand.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside, both men's heads snapped towards me. Laurent looked angry and Hunter didn't look pleased either.

I regarded them for a moment. 'Thought you'd left.' I adressed Laurent.

he shrugged. 'I can be here if I want to.'

'but he can't.' I said indicating my head to Hunter.

James just sneered at me. 'what are you going to do about it?'

I shrugged.

'fuck him, James.' Laurent said. 'I'll call you later and we can continue this. You should go.'

James glared at Laurent for a moment then stepped closer to me.

'I'd be careful if I were you Cullen. You walk around like you own the place, but we both know who really owns this place… well at least for now.' he smirked at me.

'was that a threat, Hunter?' I asked, my hands balling into fists at my sides, as I tried to keep calm and convince myself that punching him wouldn't solve anything.

'I don't know. Is it a threat if I intend to follow through?' he said with a smirk. 'I'd watch my back if I were you, Cullen. Things are about to change.'

I glared at him and was about to wipe that smirk off his face when a hand came down on my shoulder.

'We've got it from here.' I recognized the voice of one of the security guards. I think his name was Arnold, 'Mr Hunter. This area is off limits to everyone except players.'

'He's here on invitation.' Laurent snapped, stepping up beside Hunter. 'Mine to be precise. Friends are allowed in here.'

'They have been in the past, yes. But if you'd paid attention to any of the briefings you've had, you'd know that that policy changed a month ago.' Emmett snapped stepping into the room as well. 'what the fuck are you even doing here still? I told you you go to Ms Swan's office.'

'Fuck you, I'm not going there.'

'well, it's good that I brought her here for you then.'

Bella stepped into the room then, and the way James leered at her immediately made me want to grab her and run far away from him. Emmett's hand came down onto my other shoulder, holding me in place.

'Arnold, please escort Mr Hunter out of the building and revoke his access pass. We've given him enough chances now. You'll be barred from the club for six months. Your paper will be notified.' She informed James.

he glared at her then. 'you can't do that.'

'as the owner, you'll find I can.' She said with a sweet smile. James snarled and cursed at her as Arnold escorted him from the room. Bella ignored it, though it made my blood boil and want to hurt him.

'Mr Dupont.' Bella said stepping in front of me. 'I see your stint on the bench hasn't taught you anything. Mr McCarthy informed me that you feel going over the game was a waste of your time and that you alone carry this team on your shoulders.'

Laurent crossed his arms over his chest. 'look, little lady, I know I'm good. So just say whatever it is you wanted to say, I'll pay the fine or watever and then I'll get back to practice.'

'I'm afraid it won't be that easy this time, Mr Dupont.' She crossed her arms too. 'I might have forgiven your disinterest if you truly were a good player. I might have forgiven your outburst of calling me a bitch if you'd been remorseful. I even might have forgiven it if you'd shown even the slightest inclination of wanting to do right by your teammates and this team. but it seems that you are not capable of that.'

'Now you wait a minute-' he bristled. But she didn't let him continue.

'No, this time Mr Dupont, I'm afraid a fine won't cut it. Benching you didn't do it either. So I'm afraid the only thing left for me to do is suspend you without pay.'

Laurent's mouth dropped open, as did mine.

'please leave the premises immediately. You'll be contacted in due time to go over your contractual obligations to see if there is a future for you in this team.'

'but…' he stammered. 'but I… I …. I am the best!'

I scoffed. Emmett's hand squeezed warningly again. Laurent's eyes flitted to mine.

'what the fuck are you smiling about Cullen?' he snarled stepping closer.

'you wish you were as good as me, Laurent.' I smirked at him. 'we'll be fine without you.'

'I agree with that sentiment.' Bella said, throwing a smile my way. I grinned back.

'fuck you!' Laurent yelled at us.

Then he launched himself at us. My eyes widened in shock as I realized what he was doing and who was in his way. Bella had stepped half in front of me and if she stayed there, he was going to knock her down. I shook Emmett off quickly and wrapped my arms around Bella's waist, quickly spinning us around and pushing her into Emmett's arms.

Laurent knocked into my back and I grunted as we both fell to the ground.

'Edward!' I heard Bella call out.

I grunted as I felt his body impact mine. Then his hand grabbed hold of my hair and he slammed my face into the floor. I had to admit it hurt. He did it again, before I finally got my bearings enough to throw my elbow back at him. I grunted in satisfaction and pain when I connected with hard bone.

I'd hit his nose. blood spurted out and coated my shirt as he fell back, freeing me up to turn around and get to my feet.

Laurent was holding his bleeding nose, looking murderously angry at me as he got to his feet as well.

'security!' Emmett yelled, struggling to keep Bella in his arms and away from us as Laurent lunged at me again.

'you'll pay for this.' He yelled as his fist soared towards me. I barely had time to doge, but manged it at the last second, as Laurent's momentum carried him further forward I snapped my arm out, punching him square in the stomach. his breath wooshed out and he coughed. His fist ploughed into my stomach then and I doubled over as well. But I knew I couldn't stay down. I striaghtneed up, trying to catch my breath and sent my own fist flying to his face. in winced as my fist connected with his cheekbone, that shit hurt.

'I'd like to see you try.' I grunted to him as I pulled back. He fell to the floor just as security came rushing in and grabbed hold of both of us.

Meanwhile Bella's panicked screams were still filling the room. 'Let me go! Emmett! Release me, now! Edward! Leave him alone!'

Security held my arms behind my back, Laurent was getting a similar treatment and they carted us both from the room.