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Hello there! Most of you know, I am not one that is quick to update. But you should know, that I am absolutely invested in this story. It has been hard for me to get any free time, and when I have had it, I have been much more content with reading fanfiction than writing it. (I can recommend many amazing stories, and authors for that matter. Please, just ask!)

But as of late, I think I am ready to get back in the saddle and continue riding. I mean writing. :) Please review as I am eager for your input! I tried to give you an extra long chapter, an apology of sorts. I apologize for any mistakes in spelling or grammar, as I have done my best to weed them out, but alas, I am my own beta and it tends to all blend together.

*Disclaimer* Twilight is, of course, from the beautiful mind of Stephanie Meyer, and unfortunately, not my own.

Without any further adieu, ride on!

Moonshine
Chapter 9
-The Ball Game-

I could hear voices, but they all blended together. I couldn't tell any of them apart, and they echoed like the announcers at baseball games.

"Her vitals are stable, and we are going to keep her on watch for the next few days. She's recovering quite well though, I wouldn't worry too much Edward."

I lapsed in and out, not quite sure of where I was.

"Look at you honey, you haven't slept in days. You need to go home and get some rest."

"What if she wakes up?"

"You know that won't be for awhile. The doctor said that when the body undergoes such traumatic events, it shuts down completely. She is going to be okay, she just needs her rest. And so do you, unless you want to end up in the bed next to her."

I slowly drifted back to sleep, and the next time I woke I could clearly hear the different voices. I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't. There didn't seem to be any feeling, anywhere.

"She is looking a lot better."

Jasper, I think.

"She really is. I think the blush is coming back into her cheeks. Poor doll."

Alice, maybe.

"I was hoping she would be awake by now. She talks in her sleep sometimes, and I make a fool out of myself trying to talk back to her."

Edward, definitely. My heart beat a little faster.

"Don't lose hope Edward."

A new voice.

Warm Up

The room was warm, but not stifling hot. I opened my eyes and squinted in retaliation to the bright light that was shining in through the window. I curled my fingers and winced as a sharp pain ran up my right arm. My head throbbed slightly and I lifted my arm up to tenderly feel for the pain, but all I felt was the thick, scratchy feeling of tape and gauze. I attempted to move my legs, but only one really responded, as the other one was held down by more gauze and tape wrapped around my knee.

There was pressure on my good thigh, which shifted but did not lift as I flexed my leg. I did my best to sit up and look at myself.

I was in the familiar setting of a hospital. When I was younger, I had been so clumsy that my trips to the doctor became a routine. Dozens of flowers sat on the table next to me, along with a couple balloons tied to a chair. There was a couch along the far wall, and a blanket was thrown haphazardly over the pillows.

The pressure on my knee increased, and I finally looked down at myself. Edward was sitting in a chair pulled up close, and hunched over so his shoulders were lying on the bed. His head was lying down close to my hip, and his hand was clinging to my knee like a lifeline.

I smiled, but couldn't bring myself to wake him up. His eyes were sunken into his face and I traced along the outside of them. He looked so, unbelievably, tired.

"Oh dear, you're awake." A tall woman with honey brown hair walked into the room. Her eyes were a warm honey brown, much like Alice's, and she was dressed just as well. She was slender, and beyond beautiful; I felt more insecure next to her then I did next to Rosalie.

She moved to the opposite side of the bed Edward was on and put a hand lightly on my shoulder, "We've been waiting for you doll." She smiled.

I attempted to speak, but my mouth was dry and clammy. My voice was low and crackly, and I knew she wouldn't be able to understand anything I said.

She held up her hand to me as a signal to hold on, quickly walked over to the table across the room, and poured me a glass of water from the pitcher sitting there. She turned around smiling and brought it back to me, "You probably need this."

I took it gratefully and took a couple gulps in relief.

"Thank you." My voice sounded meek and brittle.

She shook her head, "Of course. Let me know if I can get you anything else. Are you comfortable honey?" She puffed up my pillow a bit and I looked at her in wonder. She was older, but graceful and fluid in her movements.

I shook my head, "Thank you, but no. You've been too kind already."

She laughed, and her voice twinkled, much like Emmett, "Applesauce!"

I still had no idea who she was, but Edward stirred at the moment. He put his hand from my knee to my upper thigh and mumbled something in his sleep. I moved to run my fingers through his hair and he visibly relaxed, falling back into a deep sleep.

"You two are soul mates."

I looked up in surprise; the woman had taken a seat next to me, and was watching us adoringly.

"My husband and I looked exactly like the two of you when we were younger. So much love at such a young age."

I stared at her, but she didn't even bat an eye. She moved to fix my sheets and refill my glass while I thought about what she said; love? I had strong feelings for Edward, there was no doubt in my mind, but the thought that I might love him had not occurred to me.

Not until now.

"I brought some food for Edward, and luckily I packed a lot because I had no idea you would be awake. Hungry doll?"

I shook my head no and she nodded, "Well, I will just leave it right here." She placed a brown paper bag on the table next to me and moved to get up.

I found my voice the moment she had her hand on the door, "Who are you?"

She turned around quickly, and the notion that she had not even introduced herself to me seemed to register in her mind, "Oh dear, how rude of me."

She walked back towards me and offered her hand, "I'm Esme. Edward's mother."

First Inning

I walked around the room, running my thumb along my old vanity and tinkering with an old ballerina music box.

It took us all of about ten seconds to decide that ma and pa were the only people that we would be able to take Bella to. Edward was just a mess when she was hurt, we all were. Looking back, I don't think any of us knew what we were getting into.

"How much did you put in the trunk?" Emmett walked around Edward's bar and opened a cabinet. He pulled out a case and walked over to a plant pot to retrieve the key and unlock it. Inside were three Tommy guns, and he threw them to both Edward and Jasper.

"I put in how much he asked for. Five thousand clams." Edward turned the gun in his hand.

Rose scoffed, "You're not going to give him five thousand clams."

He turned to stare at her, "I will if I have to."

She stood- Rose could never ignore confrontation. "Do you even realize how much is riding on this! This could just be some bunk theory."

He barked back at her, "I don't want to hear one more word about this Rose!" He closed in eyes in frustration, and his demeanor changed, "I will get Bella back. With or without your help." His voice was low and chilling in a way that left all of us silent for a moment.

Edward was only defensive when his feelings for someone were solid. He was willing to risk everything for Bella, and if he was, I was as well.

Jasper was the first to speak, "It's not going to come to that." He walked around the counter and put the gun down, addressing everyone "No money is going anywhere, and we are coming back with Bella."

"We need a plan." Emmett took off his suit jacket and put his hands on the counter.

"I don't think you understand that I have a time restriction here. You want James to clam up?" He tucked the gun into the trunk full of money and took off towards the door.

I glided towards him and put a hand on his shoulder, " Edward. We are only trying to help you. This is a big caper; you don't want to go into this blind. That won't do Bella any good."

He paused, "Fine. Five minutes, no more."

It ended up taking about ten minutes to figure things out, but we did.

Bella in the hospital was a scary sight. The poor doll had been messed up far beyond anything we could do to help, and the only thought we had was to take her to Carlisle. He wouldn't approve, but he would understand.

"Alice doll? Are you alright?" I looked up into the vanity mirror and saw Esme standing at the door. She had and apron tied around her waist, smudged with some kind of red sauce, and a worried look on her face.

I smiled, but it didn't cover my face, "Copacetic."

Her brow furrowed, " No need to lie to me now Alice, but it will be alright. Your father is confident, so we should be too."

I nodded in acceptance and she broke into a grin, "Now come on, you can help me in the kitchen." She turned to walk out the door.

I trailed behind her, "I guess I could try my hand in the kitchen. Jazz would love to razz me about that."

We walked out into the hall of the vast house towards the stairs at the end of the hall. The house was exactly the same, save for a couple more photos added to the wall and the exchange of carnations for marigolds in the vase on the formal dining room table. The kitchen was full of wonderful smells, better than the aroma in the restaurant. Edward had gotten all his recipes from what he remembered of ma's cooking, but the actual thing was unreal.

"Stir this." She handed me a wooden spoon and pushed me towards a pot of homemade marinara.

While I stirred, she turned to dice an onion, "Carlisle says that Isabella should be coming around soon. Much to your brother's relief."

I took a deep breath and nodded, "I hope so. I don't think he can take it much longer."

She smiled warmly, "He really cares about her." She put the knife down and lightly drizzled olive oil in a pan on the stove, "I'm glad I lived to see the day."

I rolled my eyes, "Bushwa ma. Edward has always been a ladies man."

She used the knife to help scoop the onions and drop them into the pan. "That may be true, but he was never one to settle down. He has always been erratic in his life choices."

She wasn't lying; Edward had always been on the fast track. Bella had definitely slowed him down.

Ground beef went into the pan with the onions, and I was pushed from stirring the marinara to a pot of spaghetti.

"Bella's the real thing ma. She means everything to him."

She paused for a moment, but nodded in acceptance soon after. After calling everyone to the dinner table, and having a nice quiet meal, ma announced she was going to pack some food and bring it down to the hospital for Edward. He was still at Bella's side.

Fly Ball

The woman, Esme, had brought spaghetti with homemade bread and sauce for Edward, though she insisted I eat some to. It was strange to meet his mother in the horrible state I was in, but she was wonderfully pleasant. I wanted to go back to sleep, but the fact that Edward was so close kept me awake.

My fingers danced lightly up the side of his face, through his hair, and then back again. He pressed his face into my fingers and slightly smiled in his sleep. I couldn't take my eyes off of him; he had dark circles around his eyes, and his hair was more messy than usual. On my fourth time around, his eyes opened. He blinked rapidly, most likely trying to shake the sleep out of his eyes. He turned his head the other way, and my fingers ended up tangled in his hair. I tugged slightly, and laughed as he set his wide eyes on me in recognition. He jolted up, and in two seconds his large frame was hovering over me.

"Bella?" His voice was heavy with sleep, but it was still the molten velvet that I remembered.

I smiled as well as I could, "In the flesh."

He had smiled and leaned down to kiss me before I could even bat an eye. The kiss was soft, slow, and sweet. He touched me like I was an antique china doll, capable of breaking.

We broke away far too soon, "How long have you been awake?" He checked over every inch of me, running his hand over the bandages but not quite touching me.

"Awhile." I caught his hand and tugged at it, motioning for him to sit down.

"How long have you been here Edward? You look exhausted."

He heaved a large sigh, "Awhile." I placed my hand on his face and he held it there tightly, "I've been waiting for you doll. For awhile, I wasn't sure if you were going to wake up." He pressed my hand tighter to his face and squeezed his eyes shut.

"I'm sorry I worried you." His green eyes flashed at me as he quickly shook his head. I wanted to argue, but I felt that could wait until later.

"You need to eat Edward."

He shook his head, "You just got up. I can wait."

I laughed, "You don't have to leave Edward, Esme brought food. She figured you would be hungry."

His eyes turned to their darkest green and his body tensed, "Esme was here?"

I frowned, "She was worried that you would wake up hungry. She was right." His hold on my hand tightened, but he didn't say anything. I took the liberty to speak, "She's beautiful Edward, a real live wire. And her spaghetti smells positively swell, I can see how your cooking has come to be so amazing."

He squeezed his eyes shut and his hand flew up to pinch his nose, dropping my own in the process, "Stop."

I was only more confused, "Stop what Edward?"

He stood and turned his back to me, walking to look out the window, "She shouldn't have been here."

I was watching him warily, "She was worried about you."

He chuckled, though no humor was in his voice, "Nice time to start."

"Now Edward…" I moved my arm to grab at his hand again, but a sharp pain flew up my arm and I hissed in discomfort. Desperation flashed through his eyes and he stood quickly to help me, though all he could do was place his hand on my arm.

"Are you alright Bella? I can get the nurse to come in." He leaned in closer to me.

I shook my head quickly, "No Edward. I'm fine."

He sat down again, hesitantly, with my hand held tightly in his own.

We fell into a comfortable silence for a while. I traced patterns on his hand and he ran his fingers through my hair. I wondered why he had such strong objections about his mother, but didn't push anything. He hand fed me some of the food she had left and not too long after, the nurse came in to give me medicine I had apparently been taking since I had been admitted to the hospital.

His hand found presence in my hair, and my mind began to wander, to one thing specifically.

James.

"Edward?"

He hummed in response, his hand still slowly stroking my hair.

"What happened? Is it over?"

His hand stopped, but he kept his hold on my head, "Yes."

I turned my head, and his hand fell down to the bed. He was staring at me, but his eyes seemed dark and far away.

"Will you tell me what happened?" He stared for another moment before standing up and turning away from me.

He paced the floor for a few seconds before turning to the door, "Its getting late Bella. I should probably call the nurse."

I frowned, "I'm not beyond blotto Edward, I want to know what happened."

"You've been in this hospital for weeks Bella, you need sleep."

Weeks? I realized he was trying to distract me, and it partially worked. I had been in the hospital for more than a few days before, but weeks?

What had James done to me?

"Edward, I don't want to fight you. I have a right to know." I stared at him, unwavering. He wandered back to me, and his hand found purchase in my hair once again. He stared back at me, his eyes traveling my face. He leaned down and kissed me once, twice, three times; soft and sweet and pure.

"I almost lost you."

His hand rubbed back and forth on my scalp, and I was losing my resolve.

"Go to sleep Bella, I will tell you tomorrow."

Up To Bat

A slight rap at the door tore my attention away from Bella's relaxed face. She had fallen asleep with my hand entangled in her hair, and I couldn't bring myself to move.

"Come in."

Alice fluttered in like a butterfly, dancing up to the side of the bed. Her eyes twinkled with excitement. Rose followed in behind her; I narrowed my eyes at her but she thoroughly ignored my icy gaze.

Alice reached out and placed her hand on top of Bella's, "Ma said she woke up."

I sighed, "For awhile yeah. Look Alice, don't you razz her. She's barely got any energy."

I gave her a pointed look, at which she rolled her eyes, "We aren't going to do any harm Edward, we are just glad she's peachy." She waved her hand at me, "Now shoo. Emmett and Jazz are out there, they wanna talk to you."

I groaned and rubbed my eyes with the hand not tangled in Bella's hair. Alice came around to my side of the bed and hauled me up by my arm with surprising strength. "I mean it Edward, at some point you've got to see the outside of this room. Now scram."

She pushed me lightly towards the door, and I turned to glare at her before taking leave. The boys were sitting in the waiting room, reading the front page of the newspaper. I sat down across from them, and Emmett slid a pack of cigs across the table.

"Copacetic. I've been itching for one of these."

Emmett just nodded and pushed a lighter towards me. I lit the cig quickly and took a long drag, sighing as the warmth filled my throat and lungs. Bella didn't approve of me smoking much, and the memory of her wrinkling her nose at the smell made me smile.

Jasper brought me out of my thoughts, "You're looking better man. Got a little color back in your face. Had us worried for awhile, you were looking more pale than a ghost." He smiled wryly.

"Nifty." I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the crooked grin that broke out on my face, "Bella's going to be alright."

They both nodded, and I assumed Alice couldn't keep her kisser shut. There was nothing that could be kept a surprise anymore.

Damn Alice.

Emmett leaned forward, a serious look crossing his face, "I'm glad you're finally relaxing Edward, but we thought you should see this." He threw the newspaper across the table, the front page landing neatly in front of me.

The headline practically screamed at me; MAYOR SWAN SUSPECTS GANGS INVOLVED IN FIRE AT THE OLD GIN MILL

I dragged my fingers through my hair with a groan. Ever since the showdown with James, the bulls had been sniffing around town, trying to uncover some kind of lead. It was unnerving, to say the least, to have the cops so close to the club.

But it was even more unnerving to think of letting Bella go. I knew I should have done the right thing when I first got to know her. I should have taken her straight back to the station, so she could make it back to her father. I never should have gotten so stuck.

But here I was, absolutely infatuated. I knew how it felt to lose her once and- quite selfishly- I didn't want to go through that again. If the cops raided the club, I would be rendered powerless. It would be a quick trip to jail for me, for my family, and I would never lay my eyes on Bella again. I clenched my eyes shut and shook my head at the thought.

"Jazz and I have been talking, and we both agree it would be best to lie low for awhile." Emmett leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees.

I nodded in agreement, "This is getting out of hand. I guess we could find a place to stay, out in the country somewhere."

They both shared a look, obviously holding back from talking. I peered through squinted eyes at both of them; they were never the ones to remain silent, "Well? Don't you fools clam up on me."

Emmett cleared his throat before he spoke, "Ma and Pa's place is looking pretty empty now-a-days."

"No."

"Now, Edward-"

"I really don't want to hear this."

"Well you should! Look, we need to go somewhere. Ma says there is more than enough room for all of us at the house. It's not going to be long Edward." Emmett clench his jaw and took a deep breath through his nose.

Jasper spoke up, his smooth, southern drawl more apparent at the moment, "What better place for Bella to heal than right under a doctor's nose."

I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. Both of them grinned at the sight of my resolve slipping.

"Don't be a wet blanket Eddie, you know you love ma's cooking."

Jasper perked up, "And how! I have yet to try her ever famous apple pie."

My mouth watered at the thought, "I'm only doing this for Bella."

They both nodded, "We know."

Bronx Cheer

I licked my finger and flipped to the next page of the newspaper, glancing up every once in awhile over the page to sneak a peek at Alice. She was sitting on the side of Bella's bed, stroking her hand and seemingly staring at a picture on the wall.

Bella mumbled something in her sleep, and Alice's eyes flew to her, scanning her body in excitement for any sign of movement.

I rolled my eyes and turned back to the paper.

"You two are a lot alike ya know." Alice murmured.

I looked at her steadily, the paper still covering half of my face, "Whatever do you mean?"

"You and Bella. You two resemble each other."

I couldn't resist rolling my eyes again. It was not that I did not like Isabella. She was a sweet girl at most, with good intentions. She did not belong with us.

"I hardly think we are alike Alice."

I had been surprised at first on how quickly Edward had taken to Bella. His previous company had been women like Tanya; bold and crass and easy. In a gangster's world, these women were perfect, seeing as they never seemed to stick around long. But I could see the way Edward looked at Bella- it was the same look that Emmett gave me. He was positively goofy over her. But she was weak, not suited to live a city life. She belonged behind white picket fences and fresh cookies out of an oven, not behind a shabby bar distributing bootleg liquor.

"You're wrong." Alice jumped lightly off the bed and glided over to me, "You just won't open your eyes Rose."

I sighed, letting my hands fall and crumbling the newspaper in my lap, "Explain."

"If you would just get off your high horse you wouldn't be in such a damn, grummy mood all the time." She jotted out her hip in defiance.

I balked, "My high horse! Alice, lay off the booze."

"Listen to me Rosalie; you are one of the strongest people I know. Sitting around waiting for Emmett all day is hard, and I know how much you are just wishing that it all could be over, and you and Emmett could begin a normal marriage, with kids and pets and it all. You are giving up a lot."

My eyes that were trained so hard on her face softened.

"But Bella is too. She says how much she loves living like a gangster, but we all know how much she misses her father, and her old life. I don't think she even expected to stick around so long, but then her and Edward started feeling something more. Despite the long nights, catty girls like Tanya, your hot and cold attitude, and being put in the hospital, she still wants to stand by Edward. She knows what it's like to sacrifice too."

She lowered her voice and relaxed her posture, as if her speech had literally taken the energy out of her, " If you would just talk to her. She is not any plain Jane."

I couldn't meet my eyes with hers, "What brings this on Alice?"

She smiled, "Well… you've been such a killjoy lately. I had to say something."

I scoffed, but couldn't help the small smile that broke out on my face. She nodded and danced back over to Bella's bed, taking her previous place and picking up her hand again. I picked up my newspaper, but my mind didn't register any of the words on the page.

I managed to stay silent for about five minutes.

"I will talk to her."

It was soft and under my breath, but I knew Alice heard.

Seventh Inning Stretch

The voices were back.

"The lot of us hovering around ought to scare her. Maybe some of us should leave?"

Jasper's voice.

"Says you! I think we should just stay put. I'm not missing her waking up again."

Then Alice.

"Maybe we should leave. Alice's mug this close to Bella's pretty face is bound to give Alice a heart attack."

The snickers and resounding smack on the back of the head made me sure Emmett was there as well.

"I think she would want us all here." The voice was soft, but sounded like a string quartet- definitely Rosalie.

By then my head was starting to clear, and I could practically feel myself becoming lighter. I shifted slightly, and the slight chatter I hard around me promptly stopped. Edward was holding my hand; I couldn't ever mistake his long fingers and hard, but not rough, hands.

The moment was almost peaceful, beside the fact I could feel someone hovering over my face.

What was meant to be a whisper but ended up much louder broke me out of my quiet thoughts, "Is she awake?"

I smiled, and slowly opened my eyes to hers, "How could I sleep with all you chatty Kathy's?"

"Doll! I knew you were going to wake up soon." Alice leaned over and kissed me lightly on the cheek, and I couldn't help but smile.

"I knew you were going to wake up soon too Bella." Emmett's boisterous voice filled the room, and I cringed slightly, but the giant grin showing off his dimples was all too familiar.

"I bet you did Emmett." I sat up more, whimpering under my breath as I moved my ankle and a slight twinge of discomfort ran through my leg. Edward squeezed my hand and I shot him my best smile. I could tell he didn't buy it, but he didn't say anything.

"Looks like the whole gang is here. What time is it?"

Jasper's voice was calm and soothing, the stark opposite of Emmett's, "A quarter past one."

My eyes bugged out, "A quarter past one? You all should be in bed…"

Edward snorted, " I tried telling them that…"

Alice rolled her eyes and moved to sit on a small chair in the corner of the room closest to my bed, "Oh please, we are all used to staying up way later than this. Besides bunny, we wanted to see you."

Jasper gravitated towards her, nodding in agreement. I took a moment to look around the room, and it was not long before I locked eyes with Rosalie. She was staring at me diligently, and a strange expression graced her usually impassive face. I tilted my head, and she seemed to snap out of it, quickly turning her attention back to the newspaper on her lap.

Before I could ponder any longer, Edward tugged on my hand to get my attention.

"Would you like me to kick them out?"

I scoffed, "Edward- that's rather rude."

He rolled his eyes, "Ah, applesauce. They know they'll see you tomorrow."

I sighed, eager for alone time with Edward. I loved them all, but a moment to ourselves seemed like the bee's knees. He grinned, knowing I had already given in.

"Alright, get a wiggle on, all of you."

A collective groan came from Alice and Emmett, and I smiled in appreciation.

"All of five minutes and they're already kicking us out." Alice mumbled under her breath, picking up her purse and a pack of cigarettes, "Come on Jazz, we'd better see if ma's breezer is still in the parking lot."

Jasper trailed after her, stopping at my bed to nod goodbye before stepping out the door.

Emmett smacked a kiss on my cheek and razzed Edward's hair before ducking out, Rose was already gone.

Edward sighed, running his thumb swiftly over the back of my hand.

"How ya feeling Bella?"

"Copacetic."

He glared at me warily.

"Well, I've been better."

He sighed and nodded his head, but didn't make a move to do anything. I yawned and stretched the limbs that I could, careful to both not hurt myself, and allow my hand to remain in his grip. We settled into silence once again, but my mind was racing.

"Edward, I want to know what happened. Where is James?"

He sighed and pinched his nose, a sign of his frustration, "It doesn't matter anymore Bella."

I shook my head, "I want to know."

His resolve was slipping. He sighed and moved to face me directly, "What do you remember?"

"I remember seeing you… hearing what you said to Tanya." I cringed and he gripped my hand a little tighter.

"Bella, I need you to know that was all a misunderstanding. I didn't mean what I was saying- if you had stuck around a little longer…"

"Edward-"

"No Bella." He gave me a look that halted me in my tracks; "I want you to hear me out doll."

I didn't know if I wanted to hear it. I knew Edward and Tanya had shared a past- hell, Tanya had told me herself- but I didn't want to believe Edward was still in it with her. It hurt to much to think that he owned all of my heart, and I was only partially given his.

A slight tug at my hand pulled me from my brooding. I looked up at Edward, unprepared for the look of dejection so clearly on his face.

"What happened at the party, it was all a mistake. Tanya is a liar, and a manipulator to the highest degree. She knows just how to get me to screw myself over tenfold."

My brow furrowed, confusion clearly written on my face. He sighed and brought his hand up to pinch his nose, squinting at me. On impulse I reached out to smooth his face, and he relaxed into my touch.

"Listen to me Bella. I love you."

I sighed, my heart being tugged at the strings. "How can that be possible with Tanya around? I heard what you said Edward, and I know I'm a fool to love you back but I just can't help it."

He stood quickly, startling me, before stalking away to stand before a mirror hanging on a far wall.

"Bella, you're impossible! I have never cared for a girl like I do for you. I would do anything for you, and to know that I have failed at so much already…" He turned around to face me again, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw the pained look on his face, "How can I make you understand that Tanya ain't nothing to me doll? I will admit, she had me wrapped around her finger for a long time, but you…. You have my entire being."

He walked closer, but not close enough.

"You make me happy Bella. Truly happy. If I hadn't found you in time…"

He closed the distance, and dropped to his knees next to my bed. I could only see the top of his unruly, copper hair. It looked almost red in the fluorescent lights, but I knew its true color.

"I'm not sure I would want to live without you."

I blinked, thoroughly shocked by all he had to say. While I still had a hard time believing he preferred Tanya over me, I could not doubt the sincerity in his voice.

Edward Cullen loved me.

Edward Cullen, gangster of the most successful speakeasy in town, wanted me.

Edward Cullen was mine.

A small laugh escaped from my lips at the thought of the concept. It was just so much to take in, so unbelievable that it really had been an understanding. The entire James mess could have been avoided if I hadn't run away. The small laugh soon turned to giggles, and before I knew it, I was in a laughing bout.

Edward looked up at me, eyes shocked and his mouth opening and closing like a fish, no words coming from his mouth. I kept on as he regained his composure, "Are you mad?"

I shook my head quickly, the laughing gone but a soft smile still remained, "Oh Edward, I love you too."

Despite my strange outburst he grinned, and brought himself to my lips faster than I could blink. The kiss was definitely not like the one before, as he seemed to forget himself entirely. I had to pull back, breathless.

Edward smirked cockily, "You sure you're okay ducky? You took quite a hit to the head. Maybe I should go call a doctor…"

As he turned away I caught his wrist, and he made no move to walk away any further.

"I'm just so happy right now. Absolutely copacetic."

"Me too. Honest."

"Though it is heart wrenching to think the entire James situation could have been avoided if I just stayed put."

He shook his head, and we returned to our previous positions, with my hand held tightly in his own.

"James was hell bent on getting five thousand clams out of me. He was working with some guys out in Detroit, wanted to start up a new speakeasy. He knew that I had the dough to back the operation and all I needed was a push. Somehow he knew about our relationship- you were bait Bella. I know he worked for me, but I never took you around my goons. He had to have some kind of inside source… someone who knew both you and me." He shook his head, a fierce glint in his eye.

Someone who knew both him and me….

"Oh!" I remembered. "Victoria!"

"Victoria?"

I nodded, "She was there, when I was taken. In fact, she was the one that lured me to him." I frowned as the memories came flooding back to me. I would never forget her hair, curly, unkempt, and as bright and orange as fire. "She was working as one of the flappers, though she hadn't been around very long.

I watched as the recognition on his face turned to pure anger, "One of the girls double-crossed me. In my own club." He growled, "How could I have been so stupid?"

I patted his hand, willing for him to calm down, " She fooled us all Edward. Though I must say, one I got a better look I recognized her. She had been wanted for a long time, known for being involved in a string of robberies, and even murder." I mumbled the last part, not wanting to fuel him more. There were always poster of her posted on my dads bulletin board at the station."

He fumed silently.

"She was not at the warehouse?" I question softly.

He heaved a sigh, "No. We did not see her."

I nodded.

"But we will find her."

"Edward-"

"No Bella." The look on his face meant business.

I reluctantly nodded again.

"You think it possible James has set out to find her as well?"

He looked at me stoically, "That is not possible."

I gazed at him, "Please Edward. Tell me." I pulled at his hand.

"James did not make it out of the warehouse. Emmett, Jasper and him were engaged while Alice and I tended for you. He was shot in both legs, and was lying on the floor when we escaped from the warehouse and the impending fire."

I gasped, "Impending fire? You set the warehouse on fire?"

"Not me, though I wish it was. It seemed James did not know how to properly put out a cigar." Edward looked at my shocked face, and reached out so he held both of my hands, "He brought his own demise Bella."

"He's dead?" I could not wrap my mind around it.

I moved my leg carelessly in my shock at the news, and a sharp pain shot through my entire body, making me gasp in pain. Edward quickly stood up and took my face in his hands, kissing me briskly along my entire face as I waited for the wave of pain to pass.

"Shh.. that's it doll. It's alright. Attagirl." He murmured in my ear.

I leeched on to him, but he didn't seem to mind.

"Before you know it, we will be out of this hospital and in a real bed, getting you better."

"We're going home?"

He pulled back so I could just see his face and shook his head no. "To my parents house. Though I hate that we are going to be staying there, it really is the cat's meow."

I smiled, "I'm going to see you childhood home? Swell."

He rolled his eyes, "Don't be so jazzed, bunny."

He remained close throughout the night, and I would occasionally experience pain that seemed like it would tear me apart from the inside out. With Edward's soft encouragement I always made it through, and I found myself thanking god for him.

It was strange to think that James was gone. I knew he had to be engaged in many downright evil ways, as he didn't even bat his eyes at his treatment of me. Memories of the encounter flooded back to me. I was so scared, and even though he was gone I felt like I was still in danger… still vulnerable.

Edward shifted, and I was reminded of the protection he had offered me. I cherished it. He could have been hurt, or even be met with a much worse fate. And it was then that I had made up my mind.

May James rot in hell.

Homerun