Hi, readers!
Here is the new chapter. This time – BPOV.
MadMooey18 – Those were just sounds. This way, Bella and Edward can hear that someone is in the building. You will find out what is going on with Luca in this chapter. Thank you for the review. :)
Chapter 7
BPOV
When I opened my eyes in the morning, I felt the gentle touch of the sunlight in the room. I realized that I didn't remember when we got back yesterday, having lost some time between our last glance in the car and the moment I woke up. Gradually, memories of our visit yesterday floated into my head, but they only reached our shared gaze with Edward.
The day was long enough, not only because of all the information we managed to gather in just one day but also due to the tangle of emotions that overwhelmed me, even just by looking at him. The question of why he didn't wake me up if I had fallen asleep in the car on the way home bothered me. Our shared kiss wasn't just a part of the façade, it was something more. Something secret that I hadn't even intended to reveal. I sighed and pulled back the blanket I had been wrapped in. According to my phone, I had a little more time for personal thoughts before a new day began.
As I lay there, contemplating the events of the yesterday, a realization dawned on me. The mission was not just about uncovering the organization's secrets, it was also about navigating the intricate dynamics that were developing between me and Edward. The lines between our professional roles and personal connection were beginning to blur, and I knew that treading this delicate balance would be crucial in the days to come. And this certainly confused me – simultaneously exciting and irritating. Until now, I had never allowed myself to so abruptly blur the boundaries between the two lives I lead, but I felt the desire to test how far I could go. The game of danger and the unknown created an excitement in me that I couldn't ignore.
A loud thud from the lower floor quickly snapped me out of my thoughts, and with a swift motion, I grabbed the gun in my hands without knowing who or what was downstairs. In that moment, everything became a razor's edge of tension. My heart was beating rapidly as the wave of adrenaline enveloped me. I wasn't sure what to expect, but my reaction was pure instinct.
"Shit" I heard Edward mutter, but quietly, as if trying not to wake me up. This made me laugh, and I put the gun back on the nightstand. Apparently, he was already awake and going about his tasks. Yesterday, he made an exceptionally good impression on me – besides looking good on the inside, he was also an attentive partner with an eye for detail. I can boldly say that I believe this will be my best mission so far in tandem with someone.
I slowly stood up, stretched my arms, and pulled back the curtains. They promised warmth and freshness that would surely contribute to the start of the day. I entered the bathroom, preparing for a quick shower. Yesterday, I had skipped this ritual as I was visibly exhausted.
As I moved my hair to brush it before turning on the water, I caught a scent that was more masculine and natural – Edward's scent. It was so enticing that I took a few deliberate breaths, savoring it. However, after a moment, I realized and felt like some kind of detective, investigating the traces of my counterpart and it just seemed strange. I shook my head at my own amusement and decisively entered the underworld of warm water.
The shower was pleasantly warm, invigorating, and refreshing. After it, I dressed in the first thing I grabbed from the wardrobe and headed downstairs, where the continuous but gentle hum from the kitchen guided me. The aroma wafting in the air was like a sweetly prepared promising melody that convinced my senses he had risen before me once again.
"Good morning!" I said, unable to suppress my smile. Edward had leaned toward the coffee machine, watching the coffee drip into the cup, which seemed rather odd. My voice startled him, he sharply lifted his head, hitting it against the upper cabinets. A moment later, words that indicated how much it hurt him could be heard. I rushed to him and placed my hand above his.
"Did you hit yourself hard? I can get ice from the fridge if you need."
"No, thanks. Good morning to you too." he said, still rubbing the spot to avoid turning into a baboon.
"You sit down, I'll fix the coffee." I said, pushing him toward the chairs. When he sat down, he turned to me, still rubbing the spot and squinting, undoubtedly from the pain he was experiencing.
„This machine is just a crap. It didn't work for me."
"I went to yesterday's bakery, got some pastries and ground coffee to make it here so we can grab something on the way. However, the coffee machine is too different from the one I'm used to, and I don't understand where the problem is," he explained more, pointing to the large bag of croissants that turned out to be a very easy way to my heart. The coffee machine was making strange sounds, so I unplugged it and opened the compartment on top. I quickly noticed the problem – Edward hadn't put in the filter, so the coffee probably just got stuck. I went under the sink with it, rinsed the compartment, dried it, and then took out a filter from the cabinet, added coffee, and started the machine again. Seconds later, the coffee started flowing without any issues.
"Voila!" I turned triumphantly toward him, seeing that he was watching my actions with surprise.
"How did you know what to do?" he asked, still observing the stream pouring into the cup.
"My parents had one like this years ago, I just remember." I explained and hurried to take the croissants out of the package and leave them on the table.
"Does it still hurt?" I changed the subject. Conversations about my parents, even years later, are a painful topic that I avoid whenever possible.
"No, don't worry. What are the plans for today, Bella?" he let go of the hand rubbing the spot and pulled one of the plates toward him.
"Since it's still early, I suggest we go through the photos from yesterday and check for anything we might have missed. Then maybe we should change our approach and go to the harbor first?" While I was bathing, I thought it might be a good idea to look for Luca and try to extract more information from him. The meeting scheduled in three days hinted at something larger than what we witnessed yesterday.
"Okay, I don't mind. Last night, I was also thinking whether we should call the office and request materials – maybe surveillance devices? If we can't get into the docks while they're there, we probably need to find another way." he suggested, and I simply nodded because it was a good idea. However, it would take the office a few days to prepare what we needed, and we didn't know if we might miss something important.
In a moment of contemplation, my mind entertained a multitude of potential scenarios as I meticulously disassembled a delectable croissant, seeking to relish each distinct layer. Succumbing to the overwhelming allure of its exquisite taste, I involuntarily released a faint, protracted moan—a testament to the sheer gastronomic delight that enveloped my senses, asserting itself as perhaps the pinnacle of culinary pleasure in my personal gastronomic history.
Lost in the immersive ecstasy of this culinary encounter, my attention was so deeply ensconced in the flavors dancing upon my palate that I scarcely registered Edward's discernible discomfort manifesting through subtle shifts in his chair. Gradually becoming cognizant of the ambient unease, I halted my indulgence, delicately returning the partially consumed croissant to its designated plate, a gesture signaling both a pause in my private gastronomic reverie and an acknowledgment of the social setting around me.
"I apologize" I proffered with a modest smile. His response was a tacit nod, yet his attention seemed to be ensnared by the patterns of the kitchen floor, meticulously observing the remarkably uniform and monotonous tiles. A discernible shift in the atmosphere hinted at an unspoken undercurrent, and a speculative notion began to crystallize in my mind. I probably had an idea of what was going on... The realization, tinged with a touch of embarrassment, ignited a crimson blaze across my cheeks, causing my initial smile to broaden.
As he maintained his gaze fixated on the floor, the tacit acknowledgment of our unspoken understanding lingered. Recognizing the need to diffuse the palpable tension, I decided to divert his attention. Rising from my seat, I abandoned my partially consumed repast in the sink, symbolically aligning my commitment with his. When he didn't return his gaze, it became clear that it would be better if I distracted him, so I stood up and left my plate in the sink, then pledged my allegiance to his.
"Are you going to have more?" he raised his head, shook it slightly, and then quietly answered, "No." So, I took his plate as well, rinsed both, and left them to dry.
"I'll grab my laptop, and I suggest we go out to the table in the yard to check the photos," I suggested.
"No! I'll get them." In a burst of spontaneous exuberance, he emitted a semi-shout, and before affording me the opportunity to respond, he swiftly propelled himself toward the stairs, a kinetic blur in his eagerness. Amused by his impulsive enthusiasm, I found mirth bubbling within, but I chose to let the moment linger without verbal commentary. Instead, I gathered the cups containing the remnants of our coffee, and with a quiet smile, I carried them out to the yard.
The panoramic vista unfolded before me, its focal point directed majestically toward the summit of Monte Pellegrino, presenting a spectacle of breathtaking grandeur. Despite our close proximity to the azure embrace of the waterfront, this particular vantage point imparted an almost surreal sense of detachment from the typical seaside ambiance. It was as if the landscape conspired to transport me to an entirely distinct realm, one far removed from the usual trappings of a coastal town.
Edward, with a purposeful stride, arrived carrying both the laptop and the camera, settling in the vicinity of my seated position. Eager to share the visual fruits of our shared escapade, I expediently initiated the transfer of the captured moments onto the laptop. A symphony of soft clicks accompanied the swift exchange as the photos made their digital pilgrimage.
As the images unfolded on the screen, the narrative of our day materialized before us. The initial frames showcased the shots of Luca, frozen in time, followed by the sprawling beauty of the landscape that served as our photographic canvas. A subtle sense of trepidation gripped me as I witnessed fleeting glimpses of Edward captured in spontaneous frames. A silent plea reverberated within me, hoping he wouldn't vocalize a request for their deletion. Mercifully, he remained reticent, allowing the unspoken understanding to linger. The unfolding visual chronicle reached its zenith with a panoramic pictures of the buildings on the port.
"Pause here for a moment. Maybe we should look for some direction in them." he said, looking thoughtfully at the laptop screen. So, I began searching for any clues. At first, they all looked the same – dark green, almost camouflaged, with the first ones showing some with different colors in the distance. What could be the difference between them?
The next set of pictures followed our movements to the next one, which marked the beginning of the series where I photographed Enzo's people. Unfortunately, the numbers on the cars they departed in were not visible. Still, when I zoomed in on some of them, the faces were clearly recognizable, so I made separate ones with closer shots. It would be good to have clarity on how many people were behind their local "business." Some of the pictures also showed Enzo himself, who didn't look different from those given to us by the Seattle office. Throughout, Edward remained silent but focused.
As far as I could tell, there was no one else in the photos giving off the same vibe as the local mob boss, which meant there was no one else as high-ranking as him there. So, what would he be doing alone with his people in that place?
The next set of pictures didn't reveal more than what we already knew. The last hangars were again in different colors, but they were locked – something we confirmed yesterday.
"I don't think we'll find anything more if we keep looking at the screen." I said, reaching to close the laptop screen when Edward's hand stopped me, and I pulled back. He didn't say anything but gestured for me to wait while he continued to look at the same picture – the one showing the object we entered and those after it. He calmly reached for his abandoned coffee cup and sipped it calmly, without shifting his gaze or uttering a word. What was he even doing? Before I could get angrier, I grabbed my cup and took it to the kitchen when I heard Edward calling me back.
"Do you notice the change in colors?" he asked, returning his gaze to the screen. What colors are we talking about? Those of the buildings, the sunset, the sea?
"Edward, what exactly do you mean? I don't understand."
"Bela, look – the one where we saw Enzo yesterday looks too fresh and well-maintained compared to the others, even though they are all painted." he said. Now, when someone explained it to me in this way, I could see two more that looked more updated than the rest. I nodded in agreement, and he continued, "I think we should call the office and ask for help." Edward said, quickly closing the laptop and entering the house. From there, he shouted, "I'll make the call, you get ready, we're leaving in 20 minutes."
From this, I could gather a few things:
1) he assumes more than he reveals;
2) when he knows what he's doing, he thinks he can handle it himself, and
3) Edward is bossy, which I admit looked very appealing. I tried to swallow the familiar feeling in my stomach every time I sat close to him and went upstairs to get dressed.
But firstly, I had to put on light makeup and fix my hair, which seemed to have a mind of its own today. The weather leaned toward more summery clothes, so I grabbed comfortable shorts, put on one of the short-sleeved blouses, tucked my gun underneath, grabbed my jacket, and went back downstairs. Edward wasn't on the horizon, so I used the time to check if the doors and windows were closed. He came down, grabbed my hand, locked the house, and without saying anything, settled me in the car seat, then sat in the driver's seat and drove.
"Edward, what's going on? Did they say anything from the office?" He exited onto the main road, then turned slightly toward me and nodded.
"I talked to Liam. He thinks we should check the other buildings, and in yesterday's, we should plant bugs. Liam will find a way to send cameras to us and we have to set up video surveillance around them. Now, we're heading to the harbor to look for Luca." he explained.
Contemplating the potential enhancements to our observation methods, the notion of installing cameras emerged as a practical solution, promising a more streamlined and less intrusive approach. Such a setup would obviate the need for our physical presence every day, allowing us to direct our focus towards scrutinizing establishments and other relevant aspects of interest. It was a strategic shift that would afford us the opportunity to operate with a degree of distance while maintaining a vigilant watch.
Guided by the unfolding strategy, Edward expertly maneuvered the vehicle to a location near the spot where we had halted the previous day. Exiting the car, a shared determination permeated our movements. Linked by clasped hands, a silent acknowledgment of our unity in purpose, I couldn't help but anticipate a sense of longing for this intimate gesture once the clandestine stage of our mission reached its inevitable conclusion.
Approaching the area where the fishing boats harbored, our anticipation heightened. From a distance, we discerned a persistent activity around the vessels, with the hopeful prospect that Luca might be among those present. The time of day revealed its influence as certain dark green structures stood agape, welcoming a steady flow of individuals traversing in and out. The stage was set for our discreet observation to commence, with the promise of uncovering valuable insights into the mysteries concealed within the ebb and flow of the maritime activities before us.
Edward looked towards the sea, then turned to me and whispered in my ear, "I don't see him in the sea, let's look by the docks." We entered the first and second one sequentially, but there was no sign of him. During the day, the buildings had turned into a small market for fresh fish and a great abundance.
In the third one, however, we were lucky – Luca was sitting in the right corner, and in front of him were two smaller boys who looked enough like him and were probably his sons. Both of us approached his stand, and with a smile, I started, " Luca, sono così felice di vederti. Sono Bianca; ci siamo conosciuti ieri!"(Luca, I'm so glad to see you. I'm Bianca; we met yesterday!)
" Ciao, Bianca. Anch'io sono felice di vederti. Sei riuscito a seguire le mie indicazioni ieri?" (Hello, Bianca. I'm glad to see you too. Did you manage to follow my directions yesterday?)
"Sì, certo, non abbiamo avuto problemi. Oggi siamo venuti a fare una passeggiata vicino al porto per esplorare e vedere cosa offre il mercato locale." (Yes, of course, we had no problems. Today, we came for a walk near the harbor to explore and see what the local market offers.)
" Mi fa piacere sentirlo, allora. Questo davanti a noi è il mio stand, la fregatura è di oggi. Dimmi se ti piace qualcosa." he said, stepping back slightly to give us a chance to look. (I'm glad to hear that, then. This in front of us is my stand, the catch is from today. Tell me if you like something.)
I whispered to Edward what he had told me, so in the end, besides the unsuccessful conversation, we would also go home with a kilogram of fish. I pointed out what we chose, and after Luca weighed it, he handed it to me.
" Grazie! Luca, Emanuele ed io volevamo conoscerti di più, soprattutto dopo l'aiuto di ieri. Entrambi siamo relativamente nuovi qui e non conosciamo molte persone. Sarebbe possibile incontrarci dopo il lavoro?" (Thank you! Luca, Emanuele and I wanted to get to know you more, especially after yesterday's help. Both of us are relatively new here, and we don't know many people. Would it be possible for us to meet you after work?)
" Dopo il lavoro non sarà possibile, ma se volete potete venire dietro lo stand. Oggi non è una giornata impegnativa." he suggested. (After work won't be possible, but if you want, you can come behind the stand. Today is not a busy day.)
After explaining it to Edward, and him nodding, we moved on to the others.
" Raccontaci qualcosa in più di te e della tua famiglia." (Tell us a bit more about yourself and your family.)
" Cosa posso dirti esattamente? Ho conosciuto mia moglie più di 20 anni fa qui al porto; stava aiutando suo padre e anche allora mi ha impressionato. Piano piano abbiamo iniziato a parlare, poi l'ho invitata al nostro primo appuntamento e da lì le cose si sono sviluppate. Abbiamo un totale di cinque figli insieme. Ho fatto il pescatore per tutta la vita e lei è rimasta per aiutare con la casa e i bambini." (What exactly can I tell you? I met my wife over 20 years ago here at the harbor; she was helping her father, and even then, she made an impression on me. We gradually started talking, then I invited her on our first date, and things developed from there. We have a total of five children together. I've been a fisherman my whole life, and she stayed to help with the household and the children.)
" Riesci a vivere una vita normale e pacifica?" I asked, watching carefully for his answer. He slightly lowered his eyes, as if experiencing pain, but quickly composed himself. (Do you manage to live a normal and peaceful life?)
" Ci riusciamo, sì, anche se è difficile." he answered, and I nodded. (We manage, yes, although it's difficult.)
" Hai sempre pescato intorno a questi moli? Oppure stai provando un posto nuovo?" (Have you always fished around these docks? Or is this a new place you're trying?)
„Fino a qualche anno fa vagavo con la barca verso luoghi più lontani; a volte lì si trovano catture più interessanti, ma da quando i bambini hanno iniziato a venire con me l'estate scorsa, ho deciso di non andare lontano." (Until a few years ago, I roamed with the boat to more distant places; sometimes, you find more interesting catch there, but since the kids started coming with me last summer, I decided not to go far.)
" Quindi, hai familiarità con la zona, se ho capito bene?" I asked, and he nodded in agreement. (So, you're familiar with the area, if I understand correctly?)
" Ieri, io e Emanuele, passeggiando per il molo al tramonto, abbiamo notato come le strutture siano di colore diverso. Sai perché?" (Yesterday, Emanuele and I walked around the docks at sunset and noticed how differently colored the structures are. Do you know why?)
" Sì, certamente. Quelli che vedi in verde sono offerti in affitto dal comune, e i pescatori pagano una piccola tassa per usarli come deposito per gli attrezzi da pesca o per vendere i loro beni. Gli altri di colori diversi li ha comprati qualcuno, e li usa come meglio crede." (Yes, I do. Those you see in green are offered for rent by the municipality, and fishermen pay a small tax to use them as storage for fishing gear or to sell their goods. The others in different colors were bought by someone, and they use them as they see fit.)
And here was the moment when I just nodded and signaled that I would explain what he had told me to Edward. After quickly conveying the information, I saw that he understood what this might mean – each of them could belong to the mafia family.
" Hmm, quando siamo passati ieri, non ho notato barche o yacht più grandi ormeggiati nelle vicinanze. Per cosa qualcuno potrebbe tenere una struttura del genere se non può usarla nelle vicinanze?" I asked, noticing that his sons were approaching a couple who were looking at the fish. (Hmm, when we passed by yesterday, I didn't notice any larger boats or yachts docked nearby. What could someone possibly keep such a structure for if they can't use it in the vicinity?)
" Vedi, Bianca, non posso risponderti, ma posso darti un consiglio: non andarci la sera tardi; hai già vagato abbastanza. La maggior parte di essi rimane vuota durante tutto l'anno; non troverai nulla di interessante." he said, then stood up and turned his attention to the customers sitting at the stand. (See, Bianca, I can't answer that for you, but I can give you a piece of advice – don't go there late in the evening; you've already wandered enough. Most of them stay empty throughout the year; you won't find anything interesting.)
I took the opportunity to translate the rest to Edward, and he shook my hand in understanding. When I turned to Luca, I saw more people approaching, so we both stood up and said our goodbyes to him and his children.
" È stato bello vederti, Bianca, Emanuele. Ti auguro un piacevole soggiorno nella nostra città, ma fai attenzione. Non tutto sembra andare bene nella nostra città." he told us. (It was nice to see you, Bianca, Emanuele. I wish you a pleasant time in our city, but be careful. Not everything looks great in our city.)
The two of us said our goodbyes once again, Edward grabbed my hand, and we exited the structure. I relayed his final words to Edward, and he squeezed my hand in understanding. As we turned to Luca, I saw more people approaching, so we both stood up and said our goodbyes to him and his children.
"He's involved intentionally, not willingly. They're pressuring him with something to keep him with them, or he's just looking for better pay. However, I don't think he knows too much." he said once we had distanced ourselves enough.
"Yes, I interpret his words the same way, but it struck me that he knows exactly which docks we should stay away from."
"When the equipment arrives from the FBI office, I suggest we install a few around the better-painted ones. I have a feeling they'll prove important."
The two of us returned to the car and moved it to the central part of the city, then followed the familiar route to the establishments. Our tour continued for a long time because we passed the same street twice, but there was nothing around the marked objects to suggest that Enzo or another important figure would be there.
When we sat down in one of the restaurants for lunch, Edward spoke at length with one of the waitresses. Despite praising the establishment and expressing our desire to talk to the manager, she shared that he rarely visited and there was no way for us to meet him. This might have been a dead end, but we weren't ready to give up so early.
That evening, the two of us returned earlier than the previous day and prepared the fish Luca had given us. I set the table in the yard because the weather was nice, and the evening was cool. Dinner went smoothly, and the wine Edward brought from our yesterday's purchases probably played a role in that.
"Bella, why did you choose this profession?" he asked me with blurry eyes. Well... time for the backup version.
"Because when it came time to choose in high school, I was looking for something that would give me an adrenaline rush every time I worked." I spoke. He raised an eyebrow, then smiled.
"Okay, but now I'd like to hear the real version."
I sighed heavily because I rarely had to explain such events, almost never, but I didn't want to continue lying to Edward, so I decided to offer him the short version of the events.
"My father, as an FBI agent, was investigating the Volturi case, but apparently, he became too inconvenient for them, and they decided to get rid of him. To erase the traces more effectively, they chose to try to kill his whole family. Twelve years ago, on an unfortunate day, Charlie Swan's car was accidentally damaged, with no direct evidence of external interference, and thus my parents' lives ended in a pit after an unsuccessful turn near Forks. I was the only survivor. Since then, this incident has been the reason for me to learn Italian, pursue my goal, and try in every way to reach them." I told him and swallowed heavily to avoid tears gathering in my eyes, trying to calm myself.
"Bella, I didn't know. I'm really sorry." I just nodded because there was nothing else to say.
"And what was your motivation to join the FBI?"
"Since I was little, I believed that the bad guys should be punished for the problems they cause. Gradually, this ideology of mine grew into a firm belief. So, after finishing high school, I started studying law, but I dropped out shortly before completing it and directly went to the FBI. I don't have another backstory like yours."
"And what do your close ones think about your choice and leaving, moving to Seattle?" It was a question I had asked myself several times before because until now, I hadn't heard Edward mention anything about his parents or other close people.
"My mother died during childbirth, and I know only what my grandmother told me about her. I had only surface-level understanding with my father. When I first told him about my plans, they rejected them, so I continued towards my goal alone. That's the end of the story." - short, precise, clear. It was evident that these events weighed on him, and I wanted to show him that it shouldn't be that way. So, I slightly moved to the bench next to him and placed my hand on his leg.
"Edward, they shouldn't have treated you that way, but I'm glad you followed your dreams and didn't give up." he nodded slightly and looked ahead.
"What do your close ones think? Your boyfriend?" he asked.
"The Cullens adopted me immediately after the accident since my new father was also my treating doctor at the hospital. From the very beginning, they were supportive and loving towards me, treating me no differently than their biological daughter. I'm grateful for everything they did for me. And until now, I communicate and see them, and they support me in my decisions. As for a boyfriend..." I said, laughing, then took a sip of my wine, "I don't have one."
Edward turned sharply towards me and looked greatly surprised.
"And then what was it?... did I see you holding hands with Agent Black?" - this puzzled me. When did he see me? It certainly couldn't have been me. With Jacob, we only had a collegial understanding, nothing more. Edward saw the confusion on my face and decided to explain.
"The first day when Liam introduced us. When we left the office, he grabbed your hand." -ahhh, yes, now I remembered.
"Oh, that's nothing. He's been trying to ask me out quite persistently, but it's not working. I see Jacob only as a colleague, not even a truly friend, really." - his face showed clear relief.
"And there has never been anything more between you two?" - he asked, after finishing the remainder of his wine in the glass and pouring more for both of us.
"No, never. And there won't be. I'm sure of that. There's just no chemistry for anything more. And your girlfriend?" - I decided to see how much he would be willing to share with me.
"I had a girlfriend - Tanya, but we broke up almost a year before I came to Seattle. We had too many differences in our views on life, and it was getting in the way too much." - he added laconically. "And the chemistry you mentioned was also missing in the last months before the breakup." He looked directly into my eyes, and I got lost in the large green orbs that radiated so much... feelings, emotions - pain, misunderstanding, confusion, sympathy - just too much. I leaned slightly towards him, slightly drowsy from the alcohol and the cooler weather now.
In a moment suspended in the realm of intimacy, Edward tenderly lifted his hand, the touch of his fingertips tracing a delicate path along the contours of my cheek and jawline. Driven by an inexplicable desire, I yielded to the temptation to experience the sensation, a gesture devoid of any pretense. In this private cocoon, insulated from the gaze of the world, authenticity prevailed.
Drawing closer, the boundary between us dissolved as he approached, his lips making a gentle contact with mine. The indescribable sensation that ensued transcended any prior encounters, an overwhelming crescendo of emotions cascading through every fiber of my being. My fingers instinctively found solace in the silken texture of his hair, weaving through the short strands and resting at the nape of his neck.
The kiss deepened, his tongue tracing a languid path around my lips, and I willingly surrendered to the heightened connection. It was an experience marked by its distinctiveness, an overwhelming surge that eclipsed any prior encounters. Only when the rhythmic exchange of breath became a shared cadence did we reluctantly disentangle ourselves from the immersive embrace.
As we eased away, my hands retraced their journey down his neck, settling momentarily before returning to their original position. One hand lingered in his, a tangible link between us. In the aftermath, his gaze, filled with an unabated hunger, met mine, both of us still caught in the delicious aftermath of shared breaths and the unspoken language of a kiss that spoke volumes.
"Bella, I..." - he began, but I stopped him. There was no need for explanations. We both wanted it, we did it. There was no need to dwell on it now. Maybe tomorrow, but not now.
"It's late, let's go upstairs." - I said, and Edward raised his eyebrows suddenly, surprised by my words, probably interpreting it as a hint. Not that I would offer any resistance, but it wouldn't be tonight, if ever... I shook my head to give him an answer, and he stood up, still holding my hand. Both of us went upstairs, and at the door of my room, he stayed for a longer time, running his finger over my hand when he leaned over and kissed me again, but this time very gently, without deepening. Then he stepped back, whispered softly, "Sweet dreams" and entered his room.
I stayed for another minute in front of my door, wondering how we would continue from here, because I certainly wouldn't be able to look at Edward with the same eyes anymore. Sleep quickly enveloped me due to the alcohol and the slightly love-drunk feeling I had this evening.
The next morning, I was quickly awakened by Edward, who told me that my alarm had gone off, and we needed to hurry. Breakfast went on in the usual order, and his behavior was no different from the previous days. As if nothing had happened, and maybe it would be best that way.
We had information from Liam that our equipment would arrive tomorrow, so today was the only opportunity for us to check the usual places and inquire in those that remained after yesterday's conversation between Edward and the waitress. The day passed faster than the previous ones, without gaining new information. In the evening, we passed by the harbor again to check if any of the docks would be unlocked, or if we would have to break into them tomorrow to see which ones would be most suitable for placing bugs or cameras. The evening also passed normally without a continuation of yesterday's brief romance, strengthened by alcohol.
One thing, however, I could not deny when I lay down in bed tonight, allowing myself for a moment to let my thoughts roam freely - my attraction to him was growing with each passing day, with each of his smiles or actions. If it continued like this, I would probably sink irreversibly into the mystery named Edward.
The next day, after breakfast, we went to pick up the package from the office and study all the equipment provided to us. We had to assess which places would be the most accurate for observation. We accepted several packages from the delivery company and settled in the living room, taking everything out of the packaging. We were provided with enough cameras and listening devices, as well as the tools for their installation and a few instructions. In addition to this, there was a small note that read "Be careful" and underneath a postscript from Liam.
"Our only task for today will be their installation, tomorrow we can divide the monitoring through the laptop." - I said.
"Alright, let's get to work, Agent Swan." - Edward replied, and flashed his very attractive smirk.
Both of us worked in tandem, quickly understanding how much exactly it would take us to install the devices. On leaving the house, we planned to first stop by a store to get a few types of pliers in case we needed to cut any of the padlocks on the doors of the buildings.
Upon reaching the harbor, Edward and I decided to divide our efforts, hoping to expedite the search for unlocked entry points. The notion of installing cameras outside would be deferred until the cover of evening, minimizing the risk of drawing unwanted attention during daylight hours.
Navigating through the docks, I made my way from the farthest end towards the familiar vicinity where we had encountered Luca days earlier, peddling his catch. Our focus honed in on the more meticulously painted structures, and my footsteps guided me toward a building adorned in a distinctive dark red hue, a conspicuous standout amidst its surroundings.
To my satisfaction, the door lacked the deterrent presence of a padlock, suggesting a potential ingress point. In this secluded stretch of the harbor, devoid of casual passersby, a semblance of tranquility enveloped the scene, affording me a modicum of peace as I undertook my investigative foray. Anticipating the need for caution, I readied my concealed firearm, and with deliberate care, I gradually swung the door ajar.
Mindful of the possibility of encountering someone alive within and the looming threat of surveillance cameras, I had taken precautions to obscure my identity. My hair, usually cascading freely, was now neatly tucked beneath a hat with a wide brim, and my attire, typically form-fitting, was exchanged for a more concealing guise. This meticulous transformation aimed to obfuscate my recognizable features.
Upon stepping into the dimly lit interior, my initial survey yielded unexpected results. The space housed a few expansive desks, their surfaces adorned with the remnants of disassembled laptops and scattered components. Swiftly, I captured images with the tourist-friendly camera dangling inconspicuously around my neck. My attention then shifted to systematically arranged shelves of varying sizes lining the walls, their open doors revealing emptiness rather than the anticipated cache of information. This unforeseen discovery hinted at a layer of complexity, leaving me with more questions than answers about the true nature of the place I had infiltrated.
I prepared two of the bugs and placed them under the desks, ensuring they weren't directly visible if someone were to search for them. I also surveyed where it would be most suitable to place a camera. Since my height didn't allow me to do it alone, I planned to show Edward where to do it after we left. I returned to the desks, took two hard drives, from which we could extract information, and headed towards the exit.
Outside, there was still no one around, so I continued on my way. In the distance, I saw Mason walking towards a faster pace than mine. When he caught up with me, he grabbed my elbow and pulled me behind the buildings, apparently needing to hide.
"What's happening?" I asked.
"In three of the buildings, there are people, probably Enzo's lackeys, as there are cars with tinted windows parked nearby. They all seem to be dressed similarly and are watching carefully. One of them, I think, heard me and started following, so I pulled you here. If we hear someone approaching, we need to look not like he expects to encounter a curious face. Do you have anything interesting with you?"
"I placed two devices, took hard drives that we need to send back to Liam. Tonight, we need to install cameras there. Overall, empty shelves, two desks, and two disassembled laptops - quite different from what I expected."
As the approaching footsteps heralded potential exposure, urgency seized the moment, compelling a swift and improvised response. Without hesitation, I lowered myself to the ground, clasping one ankle with both hands in a convincing display of pain. Edward, ever the adept collaborator, crouched beside me, his hands running reassuringly over my shoulders and legs, assuming a posture of consoling concern. My face, hidden in his embrace, became a canvas for simulated sobs, accompanied by the faint shimmer of teary eyes, lending an air of authenticity to our impromptu performance.
The man Edward had previously described emerged behind us, an initial anger etching his features. However, upon witnessing our seemingly distressing tableau, his demeanor shifted, and he demanded an explanation. Seizing the opportunity to play our parts, I spoke through choked sobs, fabricating a tale of a sudden ankle injury during our stroll, the pain rendering me incapable of standing. A solitary tear traced a path down my face, an embellishment to heighten the illusion.
His reaction was a mixture of surprise and impatience as he reluctantly listened to our fabricated predicament. "There's no such center nearby. Go to the hospital." he curtly directed, before pivoting away without a backward glance. The relief was palpable as both Edward and I breathed a collective sigh, the tension dissipating. With his unspoken gratitude whispered, we mutually acknowledged the need to retreat momentarily. The unplanned encounter had disrupted our covert operation, and a strategic withdrawal was in order. Slowly and carefully, I helped myself to stand, aided by Edward's supportive presence. Our orchestrated drama had served its purpose, diverting attention and allowing us a reprieve from the precarious situation.
As we stood, our breaths still heavy from the intensity of the act, I exchanged a glance with Edward. His eyes conveyed gratitude and understanding, a silent acknowledgment of our shared success in navigating an unforeseen challenge. The encounter may have forced us to temporarily abandon our exploration, but it also provided a valuable lesson in adaptability and the unpredictable nature of our undercover mission.
A quiet thank you passed between us, the unspoken assurance that we would regroup and revisit our investigative efforts when the timing was more favorable. With the knowledge gained from this encounter, we now had a clearer understanding of the buildings to focus on and the areas where our pursuit of information might bear fruit.
We retreated cautiously, making our way back along the docks with a newfound sense of purpose. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the harbor remained undisturbed by our brief interlude, concealing the covert nature of our mission as we strategized our next move.
Returning to the house marked a pivotal juncture in our covert operation. The task at hand involved preparing and dispatching the two hard drives laden with the gathered intelligence, a crucial step in maintaining our cover while ensuring the preservation of sensitive information.
As the night veiled the harbor in obscurity, we underwent a subtle transformation, donning dark attire to facilitate our stealthy maneuvers under the cover of darkness. The moonlit shadows cast an air of secrecy over our movements as we ventured back to the building I had identified earlier, its locked door yielding to the expertise of pliers wielded with finesse.
Once inside, the clandestine atmosphere mirrored the daytime scene, prompting us to initiate the installation of surveillance cameras. Edward strategically positioned one above the door, discreetly nestled against a metal beam, while another found its place at the opposite end, near the shelves—subtle sentinels poised to capture the secrets concealed within the dimly lit interior.
Our nocturnal odyssey continued to the docks, the same locations where Enzo's men had been sighted earlier. Methodically, we replicated our earlier maneuvers, overcoming chains and padlocks to infiltrate these potentially vital hubs. While the initial interior scans yielded little of immediate interest, I meticulously documented everything through photographs, anticipating that these visual records might unveil valuable insights upon further analysis.
As external cameras found their discreet perch around ambient lights, we retraced our steps to the waiting car. The mission, unfolding with meticulous precision, now demanded a strategic discernment to ascertain the precise connection between these locations and the overarching objective—a substantial shipment bound for America.
About five minutes into our return journey, a perceptible shift in Edward's demeanor caught my attention. Gripping the steering wheel tighter and casting more frequent glances in the rearview mirror, his posture suggested an unease that hadn't been present before. The aura of tension prompted me to investigate, and with a shared commitment to vigilance, I leaned in to discern the cause of his disquiet.
"Edward, are you okay?"
"Bela, I think someone is following us, probably one of the people who saw me today. The car is the same," he said, pressing the gas pedal.
I would be happy with any feedback you have about the story! Thanks for reading! ;)