Mafia Princess

Chapter One-Hundred Twenty-Four

Twilight...not mine (sigh).

Chapter 124

The drive to La Rustica was quiet. There was some music playing in the background, but Edward and I didn't talk. I was still trying to process his comment about the Volturi and their need to take either me or my father out. I didn't understand why. Why couldn't we all get along? I knew for a fact that Charlie didn't encroach on Aro's business ventures. Nor did Aro, up until the whole situation with Cacciatore. After that, everything went to shit.

I toyed with my bracelet from Edward, nervously fidgeting in the car. Edward took my hand, twining his fingers with mine and kissing my knuckles. "Everything will be fine, Little One," he vowed, looking at me briefly as he sped along the highway.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. My hand grasped his tightly until we pulled up La Rustica. Angie was standing outside, fussing with her hair. "You'll stay inside of the restaurant, right?" I asked.

"I'll hang out at the bar, Bella," he said, parking his car. He leaned across and kissed me softly. I huffed out a sigh, getting out of the car. Squaring my shoulders, I walked up to Angie. She awkwardly hugged me and gave Edward a wave. He responded with a head nod. We walked into the restaurant. Edward went into the bar while I got us a table, within visual contact of my boyfriend. We were seated near the window and ordered a bottle of wine.

"Thanks for calling, Bella," she said, sipping the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. I smiled, nibbling on a piece of bread. "I heard Edward got hurt recently?"

"Yeah. He was bum rushed by Felix and Demetri after we left Twilight one night," I answered. "He was stabbed in the leg and had several of ribs broken."

"What happened to Felix and Demetri?" Angie asked, her eyes wide.

"I think you know the answer to that question," I replied flatly. Angie blanched. We ordered our food, talking politely about our families and pointedly ignoring the elephant in the room, her behavior in Italy. Edward was chatting with the bartender, trying to avoid her obvious advances. Part of me what to tell Angie to fuck off and run into Edward's arms, taking him on the bar.

That sounded like a lot of fun. Oh, Edward?

"Bella? You're spacing out," Angie chuckled.

"Sorry. I was looking over at the bar and I want to attack the skank who is hitting on my boyfriend," I said, jutting my chin toward the bartender. She was trying to touch Edward and he was anxiously moving away from her.

"He's backing away from her like she has cooties," Angie giggled.

"In his mind, she probably does," I deadpanned. "I'll be back. I have some territory to claim." Angie snickered and watched with rapt attention as I stalked over to Edward's perch at the bar.

"Come on, sexy. Don't you want my number?" she purred, trying to touch Edward's arm.

"I've said it five times, Heidi. I'm not interested," Edward spat angrily. He shot up and ran right into me.

I kissed him before stomping toward the bar. "Skank," I barked.

"Fuck," she moaned.

"Do you value your job?" I hissed.

"I do. I've got bills to pay," she whined.

"Then, lay off my boyfriend and I won't tell your boss that you were trying to get into his pants when he told you numerous times 'no.' Are we clear?" I asked, arching a brow.

"Yeah," Heidi grumbled.

"I couldn't hear you," I snarled. "Are we clear?"

"Yes, bitch," Heidi sneered. "I'll back off your pussy of a boyfriend."

I saw red and launched myself over the bar, grabbing at her very fake hair extensions. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist, trying to force me back. A maniacal laugh erupted from Heidi. She honestly looked deranged. "Aro would be pleased to know that your protection is blinded by love for you," Heidi cackled, clawing at me. Her fingernails swiped my cheek and I punched her, causing her to sprawl out on the floor. Angie grabbed my arm as she spoke quickly and quietly on the phone. Edward picked Heidi up, tying her hands behind her back with a zip tie, glaring at her angrily.

"You've just signed your death sentence, bitch," he seethed in her face. Heidi blanched, staring up at Edward with fearful eyes. He looked deadly and pissed off as hell. Emmett and Seth arrived ten minutes later, taking Heidi from the bar. Fear was laced in her body language and her eyes. I couldn't bring it in myself to care. She fucked up when she called my boyfriend a pussy. Then, she signed her death warrant when she mentioned Aro Volturi.

"Bella, you okay?" asked Angie.

"Not really," I said flatly. "That was all sorts of fucked, Ang. Can we do this another time? I just need to..."

"I get it," she replied, giving me an understanding grin. "Besides, my dad wants me home. I've got a visitor."

"Oh, who?" I asked, arching a brow.

"Ben," she blushed. I replied with a smile and a hug. "Are we okay?"

"We will be, Angie. I still need some time, but things will hopefully get better," I sighed. "Have fun with Ben and I'll see you later?"

"Yeah. I miss my shopping partner," she smirked.

"Me, too," I giggled. "Call me and tell me how the makeup sex was."

"Phenomenal, I can tell you that right now," she snorted, skipping out of La Rustica. I turned and saw Edward talking to the head chef, explaining what had had happened. Any damages were going to be billed to my father. With a wave off, it was deemed unnecessary and we were sent on our way with a complete meal as an apology for Heidi's behavior. He always aligned himself with my father and didn't know that Heidi had allegiances to Aro.

"You ready to go, Little One?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, but I don't want to go home," I sighed. I looked at him. "Can we go to your apartment?"

"Bella, it's a dump," he said, his nose wrinkling.

"I don't care. Please?" I wheedled.

"Fine, but don't be hating on my mattress on the floor or my pitiful looking kitchen," he grumped, kissing my temple.

A/N: Getting closer to the drama...up next will be some smexy times in Edward's apartment. Leave me some lovin!!

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