Disclaimer: The characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, but the story is completely mine. Copying, whether partial or total, is PROHIBITED. Say NO to plagiarism. CONTAINS SEXUAL SCENES +18.

Chapter 3:

Caterva

I was breathless, his green eyes seemed to feed on me and an unbearable heat began to take over my body. I wanted to escape from his perverse analysis, but I was paralyzed contemplating his perfect tailored suit that fit him so well…I was shaking.

"Good morning," he said in a hoarse voice.

"Good morning," I responded without hesitation.

He kept looking at me in such a way that my cheeks turned red. Why the fuck was this happening to me in front of him? I couldn't show any sort of weakness! I was unable to let him see how much he affected me, but my traitorous body had other ideas.

"Interesting to see you here, isn't it?" He muttered, touching my desk. "Just as I imagined,"

He looked at my dress, stopping at my exposed neck. I smiled inwardly as I saw him struggle to keep his composure.

"I see that it didn't take long for you to take over my late father's office," he said, straightening his tie again. Was it a habit of him to fiddle with it, or is it because I affected him the same way he affected me. Did his body heat up the same way mine did? I also noticed that again he was wearing leather gloves. They must have been very expensive. Why did he always bring them? Was something wrong with his hands or was it just to look even more like an asshole?

"I belong here, I'm the new president of the company, whether you like it or not," I said, moving around the desk.

I felt his eyes on me, he was looking at me from head to toe, but I thought it might be my imagination. In my world, those looks were only given when there was attraction, and I know for a fact that he hates me. He hated when he did that, he'd undress me with his eyes, looking at me as if he wanted to devour me. Maybe it was what he wanted? No, that couldn't be true.

I heard him chuckle, it was the first time he broke his cold, righteous demeanor. Although it was more of a mocking laugh, as if he was underestimating me. Which I'm pretty sure he was, he thought I was beneath him.

"How long will it take you to discover that this world is not for you?" He asked, approaching.

I rounded the desk again, sat on the chair, and crossed one of my legs, resting my arms on the supports on either side. He continued contemplating the path of my exposed skin, stopping at the red-soled heels and finally returning to my eyes.

"The same time it will take for you to assume that control is now mine," I said

His menacing smile re-emerged and his eyes narrowed. As he approached, leaning on my desk, I could see his green eyes. I didn't want to end up adding another maddening characteristic to the long list I already had, but I feel like I could get lost in his eyes.

"Do you think you have control, Isabella?" He said, harshly, he was furious. "Do you really think you have it?"

"The testament…" I stuttered stupidly.

"I don't give a shit about that damn will!" He growled.

"I'm the one who has the power here! The one who manages everyone, and decides who stays and who goes. You have no power here Isabella, I don't care what my father said, or the plans you made with him."

"You will…" He set his jaw. "Not be president, you'll have to go over my dead body."

I got up from the chair and faced him.

"Get out of my office! I'm the one with the last word," I stated, causing him to see complete inner fury.

"We'll see now," he whispered, looking at my mouth.

I closed my legs, but held my composure, even though his chest was almost touching mine.

"Did no one tell you not to play games with me, little girl?" He insisted, moving closer towards me.

"I'm not afraid of you," I glared at him.

He smiled. God, those lips.

"You should fear me… Isabella,"

"I'm always in control of everyone and everything around me, and you will be no exception," he emphasized. He's so close to me, I could feel his breath.

"I'm sorry," I replied, "You'll soon find out that I'm uncontrollable."

Senator Cullen growled and walked away, storming out of my office.

"Bastard!" I uttered, trying to calm down.

Yes, he's a complete bastard. How dare he underestimate my power? I was going to show him that he should be careful with me, because I wasn't going to allow him to use his so-called power against me.

I staggered, thinking of the heat, of the agony I felt with his body, so close and yet so far. I shook my head and bit my bottom lip, kicking myself for feeling this way about the meanest human being I had ever seen in my life.

I sat down fiercely and began to review the information I had to handle, just as Carlisle had taught me before his illness consumed him so quickly. On several occasions, I felt so overwhelmed with my responsibilities that I ended up getting bad headaches.

Was I going to be able to take over this empire? Were they right to underestimate me?

"He's definitely a bastard!" I grumbled, remembering.

Why did Carlisle adore him so much? Why was he evidently his favorite when it came to talking about him?

"I was finishing cleaning the former president's office and throwing away the paper towels I used when he entered.

"Oh, did I scare you?" He asked me, leaving his briefcase near the desk.

"No, it's not your fault." I was engrossed in my thoughts and didn't hear you come in.

He took off his coat and I went about my business, finishing my work in the area. However, before I could continue sweeping, I had a very uncomfortable nauseous feeling that was also accompanied by dizziness.

"Is something wrong, Bella?" Carlisle asked me, taking me by the arm and sitting me on his chair.

I felt very uncomfortable to be sitting on the chair of the former president. .

"No, don't worry, I just think… something has upset my stomach," I lied.

She sighed and immediately called her assistant.

Victoria, please bring a cup of spearmint tea, thank you.

"No need, Mr. Cullen."

"Yes, it's necessary, you don't feel well, and I want you to rest a little. You'll have tea and then go home, okay?"

I smiled and nodded.

"You remind me of my children. They're all so stubborn!" He said with a wicked smile.

I raised my eyebrows. "You haven't met me. I'm as stubborn as a mule," I replied.

"Wow, that's saying a lot." He smiled, the wrinkles in his eyes crinkling. He was very amused by my response.

How many children do you have?"

"Three, Alice is the youngest, the misunderstood, she hates this whole political world. She is around your age, she reminds me a lot of you." He smiled fondly.

"Then there is Rosalie, who is very serious and composed, an intelligent girl, who is already over thirty and…" smiling even more.

"My dear Edward," He said proudly.

I tilted my head, intrigued.

"He is the new senator of the State."

I made an "o" with my lips. I didn't know.

"He is quite young, he has made history because of how he has swept the votes." She smiled.

"He is the smartest guy I have ever met in my life, I know he will achieve better things than me. He is a great man."

You can tell that he loves him a lot.

"More than my life," he assured. Apparently, I said that last comment aloud.

I had a hard time believing that Carlisle was talking about the same man. The bastard in front of me couldn't be the same man he talked to me about. He was a… despicable being.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Swan," Jessica said, entering with the cup of tea I'd asked for earlier.

"I asked you for it well in advance," I stated.

Excuse me, ma'am, but Mr. Cullen was here and asked that you weren't disturbed. I was only doing my job, I'm sorry" She apologized, but for some reason it didn't sound sincere. I clenched my jaw.

I was just a twenty-year-old girl trying to carry out everything Carlisle entrusted to me. I was still what the media always called me: the 'mistress'. The woman who took everything from the charismatic and loving, Esme. The one who kept the fortune and position of immense power over her favorite son. The truth is, I didn't understand why he picked me either. What did Carlisle see in me to ask me to sign that marriage contract, when ours was a relationship of complete respect, like that of a father with his daughter.

My workday was fatal. Being ignored was not something that affected me too much. I always used to endure the trials of fate and I considered myself a fighter, but this time the situation was more complex for me to address, in every sense of the word. Now I had the ultimate authority and no one seemed to respect me, or at least fear me. I needed to do something about that, I couldn't let them belittle me.

I grabbed my bag and stood up from the chair, looking around for a moment longer. Tomorrow they would come to redecorate my office, which would finally have my identity. The place was so dreary, so monochromatic… minimalist. It wasn't my style, I liked more lively things, something strong, which would elevate my soul. I needed to bring this place to light. To do what Carlisle asked me to in exchange for giving me everything I needed to find her. There was no more time to lose, I'd lost so much already.

"Are you leaving now, ma'am?" Jessica asked. I noticed she was drinking coffee with other executive assistants downstairs.

I assumed the bastard senator wasn't there; otherwise they would have their heads down, as they often did as a sign of submission to the power extruded by everyone here. But to show that same submission to me? Impossible, they were stolid when it came to complying. Did they not know I'm the one signing their paychecks now? Maybe I should withhold payment until they start respecting me. It was a tempting idea.

Like you care

"Yeah, Tomorrow I want you to have the files for…"

I fell silent when I noticed that they were still talking to each other, forgetting me in a second. I ground my teeth, wanting to ask them to go to hell at that moment, but I was tired and needed to clear my head.

I walked through the streets of Brooklyn and as soon as my driver arrived, I asked him to take a tour of the neighborhood that always brought back intense memories.

"Are you sure you want to go there? Miss, it's dangerous for you…"

"It's an order," I whispered.

He nodded and picked up speed, heading towards South Bronx, the neighborhood of my childhood. It was a poor area, destruction, and gangs abounded, which wasn't as seen in Brooklyn. I asked him to head towards the apartment areas, and I faced what was my home for the best six years of my life.

It was inevitable to remember running alongside dad, who used to chase me alley after alley. How did my time with him end so quickly? Now I didn't know where he was, suddenly I didn't see him again, and everything fell apart after that.

"Continue there," I asked him, looking with nostalgia at the poverty and ruin of the neighborhoods.

When I arrived at what was my home for the time I spent with my mother after she married Phil, a fanatic pastor who was fed thanks to believers. The level of mixed feelings was so great that I got out of the car.

"Miss, you can't…"

I stopped listening to him and looked, not wanting to get closer. There was my mother, the woman who asked me to leave at Phil's request.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," he exclaimed.

He looked directly to the Bible, asking God for an escape from everything that was happening.

"You were a good girl!" He insisted.

"You don't know me! You can not…!"

"Don't talk to Phil like that," my mother ordered, her voice raising as looked at her, incredulous.

"Do you agree with what he says?" Her face trembled and she did not respond.

"Mother…"

"Take your things and get out," Phil ordered.

"I don't want to be the pastor who has a promiscuous stepdaughter like you."

I felt like crying, but I stopped myself.

"This house belongs to my mother… I'm not going to leave. You don't even know what I fucking went through!"

"Don't talk to Phil like that," Renée scolded me, as I stood there stoically wiping away tears.

"I think he's right. People will say a lot of things and I... we can't feed one more mouth."

It was then that I couldn't contain myself and sobbed, returning to my room to take out my things and leave the house. I couldn't believe it, they were taking me… and my unborn child."

I will never forget that feeling of helplessness. My mother had preferred the prejudice imposed by a man who was not even my father, over the safety of his daughter. I was vulnerable and she didn't care.

I closed my eyes and put my hand on my belly.

"I wish everything had been different," I whispered.

I returned to the car, feeling the heaviness of the memories, and asked the driver to take me to the apartment. I needed to rest.

I listened to Serafin sing while he cooked, which made me smile. His joy, combined a lot with mine, always made me remember who I really was.

"Miss! You're here!" He exclaimed, leaving dinner aside.

He saw my expression and surely understood what was happening.

"Was it bad?"

"Fatal," I responded, putting my bag aside. "I am a nobody despite being president of that place. It's the largest stock company in the state, they underestimate me, it's…" I grunted.

"You'll have them eating out of your hand soon," I looked at him.

"So you think that? Because not even my assistant, who I didn't hire, by the way, didn't pay too much attention to me. He adjusted the dish towel on his shoulder and put his hands on his hips.

"You are the most intelligent woman I have ever met. Do you think I don't know your full potential?" He sounded just like Carlisle.

I smiled and gave him a hug.

"Thank you, Serafin, I don't know what would happen to me without you."

He hugged me lovingly and sighed.

"I'd say the same about you, miss."

I stayed for a second contemplating his grief, we missed Carlisle so much. His grief was equal to or worse than mine, and it was inevitable, I had to tell him what I had done after I left work.

"Miss..." he began to scold me.

"I know," I interrupted.

"It's a dangerous neighborhood, now that you're in this position, in the public eye, I don't want you to be in any danger…"

"I just wanted to remember, you know?"

"I can't forget my roots, everything I went through, the disappearance of my father, my mother disowning me…" I stayed silent for a few seconds. "I also remembered when…"

"Please, miss, remember that we are here for something very important and that is to find her.

I swallowed and hugged him again.

"I hope this makes it easier, Serafin."

"It will, I promise you."

I wanted to find her, I needed to. With each passing day, everything felt the same again, like when they took her from my arms. Where was she? Where did she end up? There were so many questions I had no answers to. Now, with all this money, power, and influence that I had been given, I was going to have her back with me, even if it was the last thing I did.

Serafin prepared ratatouille, and we sat together at the table. I felt like it was the same food full of warmth that he and Carlisle gave me while I felt alone, it was like having two parents at the same time. Now one was missing, and his absence was felt.

"I have news for you," he commented.

Oh no, what the hell happened now!

He put his lips in a straight line, got up from the table for a few seconds and then returned with a renowned newspaper, along with several magazines of great social prestige. He also brought those that were involved in gossip, not about just anyone, but about those who had more power in society.

"It's been the main topic for the last three days," he stated, spreading them out on the table.

My heart raced. I wasn't used to this, in fact, I never thought so many people would know me like this.

I picked up the newspaper and was surprised to see that they were calling me "The new face of American politics."

"There's no way I'm going to run for congress," I muttered.

"Whether you like it or not, Isabella, you're already linked to this world, and they will want to know you thoroughly. For them, you are both mysterious and interesting, they'll scrutinize every move you make, they'll tear you apart whenever they have the chance to," He continued.

I didn't answer, I didn't have anything to say, his words were true.

"You don't understand? Isabella, you're beautiful, young, sweet, and charismatic. I know you have to put up a facade when you're out there, but I think they should also see you like this.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from the press…"

"These qualities are not presumed in the press, this is what they see through the lens and you do not notice it. These photos capture the real you."

I blinked and continued looking. They dedicated several pages to me, but also to Senator Edward Cullen.

"The arrival of his father's widow did not sit well with the district senator, Edward Cullen."

"Wow, they noticed," I murmured.

"Neither of you were being subtle dear," he said with a coy smile.

I put the magazines aside when I noticed that one maliciously called me "the Black Widow."

"You know something? I noticed your kindness a long time ago, but today I realized that again."

"So I'm nice because you say so?" He took my hand lovingly and smiled.

"Even with all the hardships, those nicknames, your background, and the immense responsibility on your shoulders, Isabella, your eyes continue to look just like the first day: full of light, hope, and kindness. That part of you hasn't changed, and that leaves me extremely calm. I'm just... afraid that they will damage that pure heart of yours," He said solemnly.

I raised my eyebrows, "I am a strong woman, I will not let anyone step on me or laugh at me. I am going to control everything and no one will take me out, I promise you, Serafin," I vowed. His smile grew, full of pride, and then we began to eat, leaving the topic aside.

.

I crossed the main hallway as I exited the elevator, wearing my Gucci glasses while sporting my burgundy business dress. No one turned to greet her boss, and I wasn't up for their shit today.

"Good morning," I bellowed, looking at them all with a clenched jaw.

The tone of my voice seemed sufficient, because everyone on the floor turned to greet me, and my assistant approached with her damn cup of coffee.

"My agenda for today, quickly, to the office," I ordered.

I wasn't the boss I dreamed of being, I didn't like to order anyone around. I didn't want to offend, but I needed to be imposing, or soon the coyotes were going to eat me alive.

"I have to finish preparing a document for the senator. I will go to your office later, Mrs. Swan," she stated, turning to continue drinking her coffee.

"No, Jessica, you will go to my office NOW! Whatever you're doing for the senator can wait. I'm your primary concern right now," I snapped at her.

I gritted my teeth, clenched my hands and took a deep breath, ready to explode again if she dared to contradict me. However, the sound of the elevator announced the arrival of someone else on the floor. Everything was silent, the reason was obvious.

"Good morning, Mr. Cullen," Jessica hummed, approaching him, while she looked at me wearily. The withholding payment idea fluttered back to my mind.

"Mr. Cullen, it's great to see you here," said another of the workers on the management and executive floor.

The senator did not respond, even though different people continued talking to him. He looked at me and, as usual, analyzed every aspect of me. He stopped at the stilettos and then at my loose hair. I pretended that his green eyes weren't intimidating me in the wrong way, that it wasn't terror, but something very different.

"Can we have a conversation in the office?"

"Come to my office as soon as I'm done with Mr. Cullen, and not a second after Jessica, I'm not a patient woman, and you were very disrespectful yesterday, all of you were." I pointed out, they swallowed hard and looked at each other appalled.

I took a deep breath and turned around without responding. I felt his warmth so close and in a lower area of my body that I almost tripped on the neat tile. What the hell was happening to me?

I quickly entered my office and placed my bag on the desk, holding it for a few seconds to calm myself.

"I see that you have already put your mark on my father's office," he mentioned, looking at how they had painted the walls and brought more life to this gloomy and serious space.

I ignored it. I guess the painters had worked overnight instead of coming in today, the office looked amazing.

"What do you need?" I asked, sitting down in my new chair. It was red passion.

The senator was not careful in dropping the files. Asshole!

"I require the signature of the president to give access to the new plant acquisition in Amsterdam. Please sign, I don't have much time," he demanded dismissively.

I let out a laugh.

"Do you think I'm playing with you?" He said.

I crossed my arms and waited for him to answer. Didn't he realize that he should now treat me with a minimum of respect?

"You're no longer the boss here, Mr. Cullen." I tried being friendly. "Also, I need to read what you are asking to put my signature anywhere, I'm not stupid," I added.

He tensed and looked at the file for a few seconds, as if he were patiently waiting not to yell at me.

"Do you really think I'm going to accept that you are the president? I already told you, here I am still the one who has the last word. You're invisible to everyone." Oh, how he loved to point that out, asshole.

With his index finger, he pointed to the papers, "Sign them. Now."

Fucking bastard!

"I don't take orders from anyone; and more so from a child… How old did you say you were? Twenty years old? He laughed, looking at my lips for a couple of seconds. "I'm older than you by almost fifteen years, Isabella, don't try to break me with this scene that you surely created by deceiving my father. You already know what to do. Sign! I only have until six," he said.

He turned around, ready to leave without preamble, without even waiting for me to say "no" . He assumed that I would comply, because he thought he's the main character of this story. The alpha, who led all the wolves in the place. What a pity that the queen had arrived. Just like a snake, quiet, but poisonous if they attacked me. They called me a spider… a black widow, right? Well, then don't rattle my cage if you aren't prepared for the bite.

I took the files and went after him under the eyes of all the other workers.

"Mr. Cullen," I shouted.

He turned around, gesturing with his gorgeous eyebrows and his full, outlined lips. He adjusted his black tie, while with those green eyes he measured what was in me, as if he could see under my clothes.

I handed him the files, tapping his chest, which meant I had touched part of him. It was hard and strong.

"Don't raise your voice at me again. I am the president of this company and I demand respect. The next time you dare to order me or tell me what to do under this former power that you no longer have, by the way, I will have to assemble the council. When you can ask me properly, I will take those papers, read them and sign them if I deem it appropriate." To his surprise, we had something in common, I don't like being ordered around at work either.

"Excuse me," The last thing I saw was his nostrils flare, the veins in his neck bulge, and his brow furrow markedly at the way I had spoken to him.

Well, yes, Bastard, you are not going to order me, here I will be the one who will do it to you and everyone else in this damned company. They needed to learn to respect who's in charge, I'll make an example out of you senator. You don't have a clue of what's coming.

Everyone had heard our argument, every damn wolf. His faces were worthy of a photograph. Now they know they shouldn't play with me.

.

I was finishing being oriented on the company's vision and mission when I saw the time on my watch. I had to leave.

I took my blazer off the rack and then my bag. When I opened the door, I found not only the coyotes and wolves at work, but also a little boy, about three or four years old, sitting in one of the chairs in the lobby. He looked out the window, holding a violin in his hands.

I smiled.

Who was he? What was he doing here? He was so handsome, so... divine. My chest tightened, reminding me of her. God, it hurts, I need to find you darling.

I walked slowly towards him, afraid to disturb him, being a stranger. From up close, I saw his silky, coppery hair, which made me stop short of alerting him. When he looked at me, I saw huge green eyes, his eyes, but this time they were sweet, kind... innocent.

I couldn't believe what I was, but teeing, he is Edward Cullen's son.

Good afternoon, I bring you a new chapter of this story, hoping you liked it. What do you think will happen next? The new character that has appeared will change everything in both of their lives, let me know what you think! You know how I enjoy reading you

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Baisers Ardents