Mafia Princess

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Twilight...not mine (sigh).

Chapter Thirty-Eight

"Bella, didn't you say that James' girlfriend was in your classes?" I asked as I drove to the garage where I was meeting Rose.

"I did. She's usually in my business class and music appreciation," she replied, playing with her cell phone. "She wasn't there today. I wonder why?"

"I could hazard a guess," I said flatly. "But, it would be just a guess."

"Do you think she was following me?" Bella asked, her brown eyes wide with surprise.

"If James is her boyfriend and James is now working for Volturi, it doesn't shock me," I murmured. I gently took Bella's hand in mine. "They won't get you, Little One. I promise." She whimpered and unbuckled her seatbelt. She glided across the seat and hugged my arm. "Bella, buckle up."

"Hold me," she begged, tears filling her eyes.

I took a glance at her and wrapped my arm around her tiny body. She was shivering. It was only a few blocks until I reached the garage. It wouldn't kill us to sit like this. She melted against my side, putting her arm around my waist. Her warmth was pressed against my chest and I wanted more.

You're driving, idiot. Eyes on the road. Keep your prick under control.

Yeah, good idea.

But, having her draped across me should have put me into a sheer state of panic. Instead, I relished in her warmth and her need for me to protect her. I'd happily do it.

I pulled into the garage, parking next to the main entrance. Rose, wearing a pair of coveralls, walked out. She looked like a total grease monkey, but it was all a part of the ruse. Bella untangled herself and got out of the car. I smiled at Rose. "Hey, you Ro?" I asked, holding out my hand.

"That's me," she smirked, shaking my hand briefly. "Carl told me you'd be stopping by. Edward, right? What can I do for ya?"

"I was wondering if I could get my car repainted," I replied. "It's been through hell and back and..."

"It looks like shit," Bella said bluntly.

"Yeah, what she said," I snickered.

Rose chomped on some gum, staring at Bella. "So, what color, babe?"

"I was thinking blue?" I replied. "With some racing stripes. If it's not too expensive."

"I'll cut you a deal, Edward. I like you. You're pretty to look at," Rose snorted. I shot her a look. Bella growled, lacing her fingers with mine. "Sorry, sweetheart. I didn't know he was taken."

"Very much taken," Bella spat out.

"Little One, relax," I said, squeezing her hand. "I'm off the market."

Bella huffed a bit, releasing my fingers. "I'm going to have a cigarette. I'll be right outside. No funny business, Blondie."

Rose held up her hands defensively, nodding emphatically. "We're just going to choose the paint color. He's all yours." Bella turned on her heel and stomped out of the garage. Rose looked at me, grabbing my jacket sleeve. She pushed me into the office and pressed her forearm against my neck. "What the FUCK?! Edward, she's the enemy!"

"Rose, stop," I hissed, barely able to catch my breath. She growled, pressing harder against my neck. I captured her arm, spinning her and pressing her to the desk. "Will you fucking relax?"

"Let me up, asshole," she spat.

"You aren't going to try and kill me, are you?" I asked.

"I want to kill you. Edward, you're thinking with your dick," she hissed. "But, we need your lanky ass." I released her and she punched my stomach. "Idiot." Glaring at me, she crossed her arms. "Are your feelings for her real? Or are they a part of the deception?"

I plopped down and thrust my hands into my hair. "I don't know, Rose. You know how I have that touch thing?"

"Yeah, you can't handle touching you unless they beat the shit out of you," she huffed, smacking my head.

"Rose, stop! Just because you're a girl doesn't mean I will not hesitate to contact Carlisle about abuse," I said, looking up at her. She sat on the desk, glowering at me. "Bella is the first person that touched me that I didn't fall into a complete panic. If anything, touching her calms me and focuses my mind."

"I bet your mind is really focused when she's blowing you," Rose sneered.

"Fuck! ROSE! Enough!" I yelled, hopping up with my temper rearing its ugly head. "Yes, she's a job but the feelings I'm experiencing towards her are real. So fucking real. I'm terrified. I'm excited. I'm...worried. I don't want to lose this feeling of calm when I have to bust her dad."

"Carlisle should pull you," Rose said quietly.

"He should," I muttered, sitting back down.

"But, you wouldn't stay away," Rose whispered. I shook my head. "Do you love her?"

"I don't know, Rose. I've never been in a relationship. If anything, this is the closest I've felt to love," I replied, looking up at her. "I am hesitant to say it. I know I do like her a lot. She's a bit of a brat but she makes me feel...makes me feel normal. And to respond to what you said before, don't ever talk about Bella like that again. The extent of our physical relationship has been very 'G-rated.' Holding hands and cuddling."

"No fear? No panicky feeling?"

"No. Just calm, happy and secure," I breathed.

"You're still an idiot. Only you would fall in love on an op," she grumbled. She tossed a book into my lap. "Pick one."

"I don't care, Rose. Just blue," I shrugged flipping through the book. "And I didn't fall in love."

"You keep telling yourself that, Romeo," Rose deadpanned. "Come on. Juliet is glaring at me from the floor." I got up and followed Rose out of the office. "Drop off the car tomorrow and it'll be done by Friday. Royal blue with silver racing stripes."

"Thanks, Ro," I said, shaking her hand. "What time tomorrow?"

"Any time before ten," she replied.

"We can drop it off before my first class. That is if it's okay for me to follow you," Bella giggled, sidling up to me.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Ro," I said. She nodded and stomped back into the office. I just know that she was going to make a full report to Carlisle and I've some major explaining to do.

Was it worth it?

Bella squeezed my hand and gave me a radiant smile. My heart fluttered behind my ribs.

So worth it.

A/N: Pictures of Edward's revamped car and the garage are on my blog. Find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation or on twitter: Tufano79. Leave me some lovin!

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