Mafia Princess

Chapter Thirty-Four

Twilight...not mine (sigh).

Chapter Thirty-Four

I didn't sleep at all. I stared at the ceiling, praying for answers. After Bella mumbled in Italian, she dipped further and her cheek was on my thigh. However, the movement woke her up and she apologized for draping herself over me. Quickly, she got out of the limo, muttering a cursory goodnight. I sat in the limo, trying to make heads or tails of what just happened.

So, like a zombie, I went into my room, jerked off in the shower and crawled into bed. Where I lay now. Staring at the ceiling.

Not all that interesting, let me tell you.

I sighed and desperately wanted to call Carlisle. I was in over my head with this job. I was developing feelings for Bella, not to mention gaining a deep respect for Charlie and Emmett. Not good for an undercover operative. I was getting too close and I should be pulled out.

Il mio protettore, mio tesoro, mio angelo...Those words reverberated in my mind. Bella trusted me. Well, her subconscious trusted me. In a way, I trusted her, too. I wouldn't have told her about my parents if I hadn't. Protector, treasure, angel...I will protect Bella. She's what makes this all worthwhile. I will treasure her, even if it's as friends. And if anyone is an angel, it's her.

Before I succumbed to exhaustion, I vowed to myself that I'd stay in this op. I'd stay for Bella. I'd stay for Charlie. I'd stay because Charlie isn't my target. Not anymore. I alluded to it in my conversation with Carlisle, but Aro is the bigger threat. He's sick, twisted, and sadistic. Yes, Charlie does illegal activities, but I never seen him actually do anything illegal. The closest I saw was at the drop with Cacciatore. He may arrange it but he purposefully refuses to put his hands into the mess. His minions do that.

The biggest reason to stay in this op was Bella. Out of everyone in the del Cigno Syndicate, she had the most to lose. She was working on being a better person: going to college, loving her family and being a loyal friend. She was never involved with the nefarious doings of her father. Yes, she was a brat, spoiled within an inch of her life, but she was also generous, loving and loyal. Her generosity knows no bounds. My closet and my hair are examples of that. She's loving and her relationship with her father is a testament to her loving nature. Her loyalty is apparent with her relationship with Emmett, Angie and the members of Charlie's crew. I also pray that she doesn't betray my confidence.

When I woke up the following morning (after an hour of sleep), I showered again and dressed in the black suit that Uncle Cenzo made for me. I was tying my tie when I heard a quiet knock on my door. "It's open," I called.

Charlie poked his head in and gave me a smile. "I see you're up and wearing one of Vincenzo's masterpieces."

"Damn fine suits, sir," I smirked as I finished tying my black and gray paisley tie.

"Look, Edward, I want to talk to you about Bella," Charlie began, his brows knitted together and his hands tented in front of him.

"Sir, I'm sorry..."

"First off, stop with this sir shit," he chuckled. I nodded. "Secondly, I want this for her. Edward, I'm getting to a point in my life that things aren't always going to be as they are. I have this weird feeling that something big is going to happen and I want to make sure that Bella's cared for. It's obvious she likes you a lot. I also get the feeling that you may feel the same way."

"I care for her a lot, Charlie, but if I'm supposed to protect her, it will be hard to maintain that professional distance if we're involved," I argued.

"You think too much, Edward. Very cerebral." He knocked my head with his knuckles. "I also know that if you love the person you're protecting, you'll fight harder to keep them safe. Now, despite your history, I can see that you are a good man. An honest man. A man who will do everything in his power to keep my baby girl safe. Am I wrong?"

"No, Charlie," I replied, quietly but self-assuredly.

"Then, you have my blessing," Charlie responded. "Now, just because I say you can date my daughter doesn't mean you have to flaunt it. I'm a lonely old widower. I do not need to know that my daughter is getting thoroughly sexed up by her bodyguard."

"Never, sir...I would never disrespect you like that in your home," I said, my eyes widening.

"Edward," he laughed, "I know my daughter is no angel. I know that she's had sex. I don't like it, but I know it. Besides, how else am I going to get grandchildren?" I blushed fire engine red. We hadn't even kissed. I'm still getting over the fact that I can hold her hand without going into full-on panic mode. Besides, is this something that I want? "I'm kidding, Edward. Relax. Just, treat her right. I know you will. Even after I'm gone."

"You're not going anywhere, Charlie," I vowed.

"I will be, Edward. I'm not going to be around forever. I could be hurt, killed or arrested at any time," he shrugged, getting up. "It's the life of a mob boss. I have to deal with that lingering danger every day. If my baby girl is cared for and loved, then, I'm not so worried anymore." He smiled softly and left my bedroom.

A/N: Charlie gave his blessing. How AWESOME is that? I would love to have a dad like Charlie, minus the illegal dealings. Anyhow, find me out Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: tufano79. Leave me some lovin!

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