EPOV

I think Bella is still processing that statement, but she hasn't come after my privates with a scalpel, so I guess that's something.

Thinking back on her little tirade earlier, I can't help but smile a little. When Bella is angry, she's like an angry kitten.

I'll admit, though, I'm not unhappy that I'll be the one guarding her. If nothing else, I'm hoping she won't be afraid of me anymore.

I just hope she feels the same. Judging by the look in her face now, I'm not so sure.

BPOV

"He's gonna be my...what?? Why do I need a personal guard? Why can't you just continue keeping an officer outside my home until you figure this thing out?"

Agent McCarty spoke up, "Because these people are dangerous Bella. Now that we have more information, we need to step up our game on your protection. Special Agent Cullen is more than capable and he knows how they think. He'll be able to keep you safe."

"How is this going to work? My schedule varies a lot and I may not know until the last minute when I'll be home. How will he ever know when to come to my house and when he'll be able to leave to get rest?

Edward... or agent Cullen as I should probably call him looks more confident than he should as he says "I won't be coming and going, Bella. I'm going to be living with you full time while we work through this case."

"You can't just come live with me."

"Why not?"

"Because... because I barely know you. And because our last interaction didn't go well. And because I can't just have a random man living in my house!"

"Bella, I understand it'll take some adjusting but I'm only there to protect you. If something happens, wouldn't you prefer I was there to help?"

Truthfully, yes and no. I couldn't tell him this, of course but I would certainly feel much safer at home if I had someone with the ability to physically protect me. But, I also have nightmares every single night. Ones that I would rather he never discover.

Maybe a quick shot before bedtime will keep the nightmares away. It seems as if it's either that or I'll be facing a major threat on my own.

"Okay. I'll do it under one condition."

The three men in the room look at each other hesitantly before asking "what is it?"

I take a deep breath and look straight at agent Cullen before saying "No more surprises. I want you all to be honest with me about what is happening. I can't handle another situation like we had before."

Agent Cullen looks at me with those intense green eyes and says "I promise. I'll tell you the truth about what's happening and I will keep you safe."

I just nod my head and stay silent.

The three of them begin talking through plans and next steps, but I stay silent. Agent Cullen keeps glancing over at me with concerns on his face but I try to ignore it.

The truth is, I don't know how I feel about essentially living with the man that I was absolutely terrified of not more than an hour ago. I haven't quite wrapped my mind around the idea that I don't have to be afraid of him, and I worry that my sub conscience may take a while to play catch up.

After a while, I can't take it anymore. I need to get out of this room, so I stand and tell them that I'm going to my office to wrap up some paperwork and that they have my contact information when they need me.

Agent Cullen apparently has different ideas. He stands as well. "I'll come with you. It'll be good for me to see which areas of the hospital you will be in most often."

With a tight smile and a nod, I lead the way out the door and down the hall toward my office with my new plus one in tow.