Chapter 7: Unveiling Hidden Dangers

The success of the diamond shipment had elevated him and Emmett within the Swans' organization. They were trusted now, brought into meetings that only a select few attended, and sent to locations where even the smallest misstep could cost them everything. Their roles demanded more involvement, which meant more time spent wearing a mic and camera beneath his jacket, recording everything. Every meeting, every conversation—it all fed into the FBI's case. But it also brought him closer to the Swans' inner circle. Too close.

There were moments Edward couldn't ignore, moments that left him shaken long after the day was done. Like the way Caius could laugh about blood on his hands, or how Marcus could deliver orders with the calm precision of a surgeon.

But nothing unsettled Edward more than Isabella Swan.

The first time he found himself in the same room as her, it had been a chance occurrence. A meeting at the Swan estate had run longer than expected, and Bella had walked in, her heels clicking softly on the polished marble floor. He had been sitting at the far end of the room, flipping through files to avoid drawing attention, but the moment she entered, his focus faltered.

She was easily five-foot-seven but Edward's six-foot-two frame gave him an advantage when they stood in the same space. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her light brown eyes seemed to hold a warmth that didn't belong in a room filled with people who thrived on power and fear.

She wasn't just beautiful; she was striking. She was the kind of woman who turned heads effortlessly, not just because of her looks but because of the way she carried herself. Her fitted blouse and tailored slacks accentuated her hourglass figure, but it was her presence, poised and magnetic, that made her impossible to ignore.

As she crossed the room, Edward noticed how conversations seemed to shift subtly toward her. People smiled more easily, and laughed a little louder. Even Marcus, who rarely showed much emotion, seemed softer in her presence.

"You're staring," Emmett whispered, nudging him under the table.

Edward snapped his gaze back to his file, but it was too late. James, sitting across from him, smirked. "Careful, Masen," he said quietly, just loud enough for Edward to hear. "That one's untouchable. Charlie would kill you before you even blinked."

Edward forced a tight smile, focusing on the task at hand.

It wasn't just in meetings. Bella's presence seemed to shadow him now, unintentional but ever-present. Edward had been tasked with retrieving documents from Marcus's office one afternoon when he passed by the garden. Bella was sitting with a group of friends, her light brown eyes sparkling with laughter as she gestured animatedly.

Her dress, a pale blue sundress that hugged her waist and flared at her knees, swayed as she leaned forward to make a point. The sunlight caught the soft waves of her hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

Edward paused, watching her from a distance. He couldn't help but notice the way her friends seemed drawn to her, hanging on her every word.

"Focus," Emmett muttered, brushing past him and snapping him out of his thoughts.

Edward cleared his throat and followed his brother, but the image of Bella's beautiful smile stayed with him.

The dinner invitation came out of nowhere.

Edward had been delivering an envelope to Simon when the older man stopped him with a sly grin. "Charlie wants you at Tre Famiglia tonight. Seven sharp. Don't be late."

"Why?" Edward asked, his tone even, though his pulse quickened.

"Did I stutter?" Simon snapped. "Just be there. Alone."

Tre Famiglia was one of the Swans' favorite restaurants, a place where deals were made, and disputes were settled. Edward arrived early; his stomach tight with unease. He wasn't sure what to expect; a test, a reprimand, or something worse. When he walked in, the hostess recognized him immediately and motioned him to the back. Charlie was already seated, a glass of red wine in front of him and a plate of linguine untouched.

"Masen," Charlie said, looking up with a faint smile. "Sit."

Edward obeyed, his mind racing. The waitress appeared almost instantly, placing a drink in front of him before disappearing again.

"Relax," Charlie said, swirling his wine. "If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't have made it through the door."

Edward gave a short nod, forcing himself to take a sip of his drink. The conversation started simply; questions about the shipment, and updates on Caius's latest plans. But as the dinner progressed, Edward realized this wasn't about business.

"You've proven yourself," Charlie said, his voice steady. "You and your brother. Marcus speaks highly of you, and Caius doesn't hate you, which is saying something."

"Thank you, sir," Edward said carefully.

Charlie leaned back, studying him. "Bella has an art exposition coming up. Big event. A lot of eyes. I need someone I trust to keep her safe."

Edward's heart skipped. "You want me to...?"

"Serve as her security guard," Charlie said firmly. "Keep close, make sure nothing happens. You'll report directly to me."

Edward hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Of course, sir. I won't let you down." Charlie's eyes lingered on him, sharp and calculating. Then he nodded, picking up his fork and returning to his linguine. His way of telling him to leave the table which he did.

Later that day, Edward climbed into the car, his pulse still racing.

"How'd it go?" Emmett asked, raising an eyebrow.

Edward hesitated. "He wants me to be a security guard for Bella."

Emmett snorted. "You've gotta be kidding me. You? Around her?"

Edward shot him a glare, but Emmett only laughed, starting the car. "You'd better keep your head on straight, little bro. The last thing we need is Charlie getting ideas."

As the city blurred past the windows, Edward stared out into the night, his thoughts tangled. Charlie seemed to trust him. That much was clear. But being near Bella felt like walking into a storm he wasn't sure he'd survive.

Two chapters in one day :) I have been inspired and wanted to post it. The next chapter will be when they will officially meet. Any guess on how it will be played out?