Chapter 15

~Underground~

When I got home from work, Angela was lounging on my bed, paging through a magazine. She glanced up at me and pushed the magazine aside. "What's wrong?"

I paced around the room, muttering and cursing. "That bitch! If she thinks she's getting anywhere near Tony, she's crazy. I'll rip out every one of her perfect curls!"

Angela rolled to a seated position and scooted to the edge of the bed. "Who's got you so twisted?"

"Tanya fucking Denali. I overheard her saying she has a date with Tony this weekend! Apparently, their fathers are considering a match."

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry. You know Tony only has eyes for you. He'd never be interested in that superficial wench. Have you talked to him about it?"

"No." I crossed my arms and pouted. I had no right to complain since I was potentially matched with Santo. What a royal mess this was.

"I have just the thing to cheer you up. Target practice, first thing tomorrow. You can pretend the bullseye is Tanya."

The next morning, I shot better than I ever had. I kept picturing Tanya's annoying visage, and my anger flared. Turns out jealousy is a great motivator.

oOo

That night Tony didn't call until I was tucked in bed, staring out my window at the night sky. Angela was working the late shift, and sleep was eluding me. The burner phone vibrated under my pillow.

"Hey," I whispered, propping myself up against the headboard.

"Did I wake you?" Tony's voice was soft and warm, a blanket around my heart.

"No. I've been having trouble sleeping."

"Something bothering you?"

I hesitated, embarrassed by my jealousy. "Well . . . I overheard Tanya Denali say she has a date with you this weekend." My voice shook, and I sounded sulky even to my own ears.

"It's just business, princess. My father asked me to take her out while they're in town."

"Tell her that. She seems to think your fathers have plans for the two of you. The funny thing is, Lorenzo Denali came here to have a meeting with Aro. His family is staying at our hotel."

"Hmm . . . Denali is playing both sides. I've only met the man once, so I don't have a feel for who he is. You can bet I'll be watching his moves closely now."

"I miss you," I whispered.

"I miss you too. I hate that we have to sneak around—that I have to take another woman out."

"A beautiful woman."

"Tanya can't hold a candle to you."

My heart picked up speed, but I had to ask. "Have you seen her?"

"I don't need to see her to know my heart forever belongs only to you. Her games haven't even started, and she's already lost."

Warmth flooded through me. Deep down, I knew Tony meant every word. I felt like the luckiest girl, at least until I remembered we had to continue pretending.

We talked about mundane things for a while: where we'd traveled, our favorite foods, holidays, and seasons. I shared that Angela was the only person besides Tony I trusted with my life and all my secrets. Tony shared that Jasper was that person for him with Emmett a close second. When I questioned that, he confided that if it came down to it, he wasn't sure if Emmett would choose him or the family.

I understood that. My own mother chose the Volturi family over her only child. I knew Aro loved me, but we never benefited from the bonding time most parents and children have. His gaze was always on the future; most of the time he was looking past me or focusing on a me that didn't exist yet. Things might have been different if I were his son, but as his daughter, my uses were few—mostly as a bargaining chip.

"I thought arranged marriage was a thing of the past," I muttered. The thought I could be pushed to marry for solidification of family ties rather than for love rankled.

"It's an archaic ritual that shouldn't exist, but I don't believe true love can be suppressed. In the end, the heart will not be denied."

"I should know. I tried to stay away from you."

There was an indrawn breath from Tony, followed by a long silence. "I have to tell you something, princess."

My stomach dropped, and my heart raced. "What is it?"

"I should have told you right away, but I thought you might not believe me. My father wants me to seduce you, to see if we can get you to turn against Aro."

"What the actual fuck?"

"I'm so sorry. You have to know, I was already in deep with you when he brought it up."

"I believe you," I said without hesitation. And I did. Deep down, I knew he was the one for me before I knew whose son he was.

He blew out a relieved breath. "Thank fuck. I was so afraid to tell you, but I don't want any lies between us. Trust and loyalty is vital—especially in our situation."

"I agree. No secrets—ever."

We talked a while longer, until I started yawning uncontrollably. I didn't want to let him go. Though I wouldn't admit it, I was mad with envy that he could take Tanya out on the town for all to see, and I had to be hidden away like a mistress.

oOo

As providence would have it, I was working the desk when Tony arrived to pick up Tanya on Saturday.

Tanya was dressed elegantly and perfectly coiffed, prancing past the desk. Jealousy burned like acid in my gut, and I wanted to jump the counter and pummel her.

Tanya draped herself on the edge of the desk, smiling sweetly. "Has my date come looking for me yet?"

I knew very well who she was talking about, but I think she was hoping I would ask. "I'm sorry, Ms. Denali, but no one has inquired after you. Can I call someone for you?"

She fixed me with a sour look, which morphed into her usual haughty one a few seconds later. "I'm sure Edward will be along shortly. I'll be in the lounge. Please let Mr. Masen know where I am when he arrives."

I smiled. "Of course. Have a magical evening." Filled with trolls and curses and eye of newt.

Once Tanya was gone, I hung my head. Not only did she get to go on a very public date with my man, but I had to be the one at the desk when he picked her up.

Kate walked up to the desk, taking in my misery before I could school my face into a professional expression. "Hey, Bella! Everything okay?" She looked concerned, and I was amazed by how completely opposite the Denali sisters were.

"I'm fine." I inclined my head toward the lounge. "Are you sure you two are related?"

We shared a laugh.

Kate seemed a little bummed herself. "It's not easy living in her humongous, ego-inflated shadow. I'm the oldest, but my father chose her to date one of the Masens—probably because he knows how ruthless and manipulative she is. I wonder sometimes if I'm adopted."

I laughed. "Well, you are very different."

"Good evening, ladies." We were interrupted by a very familiar masculine voice that sent a bolt of nervous desire through me, and I fought not to react.

Kate moved aside, and I found myself face to face with Tony. He was freshly showered and shaved, wearing a perfectly tailored designer suit. His patterned tie included a shade of green that matched his eyes and made them pop.

"Good evening, sir. How may I help you?"

"I'm here to meet Tanya Denali."

"Yes, of course. Ms. Denali is waiting for you in the lounge."

"Thank you" —Tony made a show of reading my name tag— "Isabella."

"My pleasure. Please let me know if you need anything."

He sauntered away with one hand in his trouser pocket, his movements casual but powerful.

Kate did a double take. "This is one time I wish I was the favored daughter. Holy hotness."

I shrugged a shoulder. "If you like virile, pretty boys."

Kate threw her head back and laughed. "Don't tell me you are immune to his charms! Not unless you favor women—or are dead!"

"Okay, he does look like he was just peeled off the cover of GQ."

Kate sighed, looking glum, which gave me an idea.

"Hey, I'm off in an hour. You want to go dancing?"

Kate nodded, bouncing on her toes like an excited teenager, and clapped her hands. "Yes, please! I'll go change."

I texted Angela.

Bitch, get ready for a night out. We're going dancing with Kate Denali. I refuse to sit around and wonder what Tanya is doing with Tony all night. ~B

Yes! Great idea! I'll pick you guys up in an hour. ~A

Also, Tanya will be doing nothing with Tony, just wishing she could. ~A

Bring me some party clothes. ~B

You got it! ~A

I smiled to myself. Angela always had my back and lifted my spirits. My mood improved considerably. At least I wouldn't be mooning around at home picturing Tony falling for that vacuous piece of ass.

I was busy with a guest when Tony and Tanya left the lounge. I was thankful because it was becoming harder to swallow the hot coal of loathing I felt for Tanya without showing any emotion.

Angela showed up in a short, black halter dress. She handed me a garment bag and winked. I went into the locker room and unzipped the bag, pulling out a low-cut, emerald, shimmery dress with strategic cutouts. It was sexy but not slutty. I slipped the dress on, and it fit perfectly. I did a slow turn in the mirror and loved what I saw.

Angela walked in and whistled. "I knew that would look hot on you!" She had a pair of strappy, black platform heels dangling from her fingers. "These will be the finishing touch. And we need to do your hair. Be right back."

She returned with a curling iron and plugged it in. While she was working on my hair, Kate joined us. She wore leather pants that hugged every curve, paired with a glittery off-the-shoulder top that dipped low, hinting at her ample cleavage.

When Angela was finished, she turned me to face the mirror. My hair was held back by rhinestone barrettes, and the rest fell in soft ringlets around my shoulders.

Kate grinned. "We look hot."

"Bet your ass!" Angela pulled us in for a group hug. She produced a joint. "Pre-party primer?"

"Yes, please!"

After passing the joint around, the three of us strutted outside the hotel and climbed into Angela's car.

Ricky rushed toward us, and Angela's bodyguard stepped in front of her car and leaned on the hood.

"Ang, we talked about this."

Kate leaned between the front seats, ogling Jake. "Who is that hunk of man?"

Angela snickered. "That's my muscle." She lowered the driver's side window. "You talked, Jake. That doesn't mean I listened. Now be a good boy, and get out of our way." She revved the engine.

"Where are you headed?"

"To Underground."

Ricky groaned. "That place is a security nightmare!"

Jake shook his head with a defeated smile. He knew there was no point arguing. "Get the car, Rick. We're going dancing." He patted the hood and leaned forward. "Don't make me call Marcus. Play nice."

"Don't I always?" Angela said sweetly.

I snorted.

As soon as Jake moved out of the way, we peeled out. I saw Rick pull up and take off after us before Jake was able to shut the door.

Kate giggled. "You guys have bodyguards? No, hot bodyguards."

"Yeah. Our dads insisted because there's some shit going on. It puts a damper on life." I side-eyed Angela. "Anything I should know about you and Jake?"

"No."

"No? He seems awfully familiar and flirty."

"I plead the fifth."

So there was a story there. I filed it away for future interrogation.

We entered the highway and whooped as the Mustang's engine roared. The mile markers flew past, and we reached the city in record time.

There was a huge line snaking around the block in front of Underground. Angela valeted her car and waited for the guys.

Kate said, "We'll never get in there!"

The Volturi and Moretti names opened doors. Ricky and Jake caught up, escorting us to the front of the line. It was amusing to watch our bodyguards stand toe to toe with the club bouncers. Jake was taller by a few inches with a broad chest and bulging muscles. He motioned the bouncer closer. "Volturi and Moretti." He nodded our way.

The bouncer waved us through the VIP entrance.

Ricky stayed with us while Jake scoped out the club. We settled in a curved booth across from the bar. I glanced up and noticed tables with a view of the dance floor lining the edges of the second level. A waitress came by and took our drink order, nodding when Jake said something in her ear. When she returned with our drinks, she popped a "Reserved" sign on the table.

"Let's dance, ladies!" Jake offered his hand to Kate, leading her onto the floor.

Ang and I followed them, and we found a pocket of space toward the middle. The music had a driving beat, and the air was dark and smoky. Light strobed over gyrating bodies, glinting off the glass and metal of the bar and the second level.

After a few songs, I made my way back to the table to take a drink. Ricky sat in the booth, tapping a finger on his glass. I sipped my wine spritzer and gave him a pointed look. "You're here to guard me, not sit around crying into your club soda." I held my hand out. "C'mon."

I led Ricky back to the rest of the group. Kate and Jake were grinding away, so Angela and I made a Ricky sandwich, thoroughly embarrassing my bodyguard. He was such an easy mark.

We were able to fully enjoy the evening because even the stupidest guys realized Ricky and Jake would wipe the floor with them. It made for a fun and freeing experience. I closed my eyes and really let go, feeling the music all the way to my bones. I forgot all my problems and became lost in the din. So much better than sulking in my room.

The group of us returned to the booth and enjoyed complimentary appetizers, ordering more drinks. We couldn't converse much, but talking was overrated. Ricky didn't fight me when we headed back to the floor; he even seemed to be enjoying himself and as a bonus was an above-average dancer.

We were dancing close when I felt a tingle up the back of my neck, a sense of being watched. I glanced around me, but everyone seemed to be in their own world. The feeling persisted. My attention was drawn to the second floor where a man leaned against the railing, looking down on the crowd. He held a drink and was chatting with someone. I moved to get a better look at the familiar silhouette.

My heart hammered when I realized it was Tony. Our gazes connected. Heat flared in his green eyes, and an answering fire blazed in my abdomen. He lifted his drink and inclined his head to the left, disappearing into the crowd.

~oOo~

It bothers Bella that Tony can take Tanya out on the town, while Bella is the best kept secret. Keep on sharing your thoughts and theories. I love reading them!

I post teasers and links to updates on my blog and on Facebook in the No Rules Twilight Fan Fiction and It All Started With Twilight groups.

Thanks and gratefulness as always to my awesome betas, SassySue (chayasara) and Wendy wmr1601. These ladies make my stuff much more presentable!

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