When Dawn Breaks 59

“Why are we doing this again?”Rosalie asked. She had spent the day going through the contents of the house trying to get an overview of all the things Bella kept there.Rosalie had been proven right that Bella’s D.C. home was more than just a modest house when they pulled up to the wrought iron gates of a large plantation home.Bella had explained that instead of having slaves they had hired anyone who needed a job to run the estate.In a time where it was cheaper to buy a person than to pay someone they went the more humane way.The only slaves they ever owned were ones that they saved that were old, injured, or families that were going to be broken apart.When they came to stay with the Shurlongs they were treated with respect and those who could work did and those who couldn’t were giving a home to live in where their needs would be taken care of.The Shurlongs went against the norm and were vocal opponents against slavery in a time where they could have been ostracized but instead the family was credited with the slaves finally being freed in the north and the south.

“Because we need to befriend some of these people so that we can hopefully get invited to their homes so we can place surveillance equipment to hear what the bad guys are up to.”Bella reminded her.

“That’s a lot of cameras.Do we really want them taking our picture or should we find a different way to go in?”Rosalie didn’t want to be splashed all over the internet.It was ingrained in her to always hide for fear people would find out she was a vampire.

“We have already been exposed to the media so this is no big deal.I wouldn’t doubt that some of the people we are meeting tonight were the ones that called the press in the first place just to say they hung out with us.”Bella would bet on it actually.After the exposure Cynthia Billings got from her post and the numerous calls Bella got from the actress’ people to meet up again anyone who would be linked to Bella would instantly become famous.

“Maybe we should have brought more than just two body guards.”Rosalie knew that Bella and her could take care of themselves but it would be better if they let the humans deal with any issues.Initially Rosalie wanted to have a couple of the wolves come as body guards but Bella was worried that the smell would somehow alert those around them of who they were.Rosalie agreed and allowed Bella to hire some people from a very elite security company but she still didn’t trust them completely.

“Next time we will.”Bella agreed with Rosalie. If they are using humans they would need more than two to protect them.When the car stopped and Rosalie went to open the door Bella stopped her.”Let them do their jobs.”

Rosalie huffed not liking anyone opening the door for her or Bella.It was her job as Bella’s mate to do things like that.When one of the men opened the door Rosalie ignored his offered hand and got out.”Thank you.”

“Thank you sweetheart.”Bella said as she accepted Rosalie’s offered hand and exited the car.As soon as she was out her vision was overwhelmed with flashing lights.People were calling her name and Bella ignored all of them as she wrapped her arm around Rosalie and followed one the bodyguards to the front door of the club the other trailing behind as he gave the keys to the valet.

Before the doorman could do more than take down the rope to let them in a man rushed out of the door and held his hand out.”Ms.Shurlong welcome to my club.I’m Paul Deserver.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mr.Deserver.”Bella shook the man’s hand and gently pulled back when it went on a little to long.When the man just stood there smiling Bella spoke.”We were hoping we could check out the club with some of our friends.”

“Of course come in.I was told you were meeting some people when your assistant called so we took the liberty of reserving the whole VIP section for you.”Paul told them.

“That’s to kind.We don’t need the whole area.”Bella told him.

“It’s no problem.I don’t want you to get overwhelmed with people seeking your attention.”Paul said as he led them through the club, past the crowded dance floor and to a small staircase guarded by a very muscular man.”This is David he will be security for the area.Not that you will need it as you have brought your own but David will keep out those who shouldn’t be there.”

“Thank you David.”Bella said as she, Rosalie and their guards followed Paul upstairs where already some of the people she was meeting were.

“Well here you are.We have four different servers dedicated to you tonight so if you need anything ask one of them.If something isn’t to your liking tell David and he will contact me immediately.”Paul told them as he made his way back to the stairs.

“Here we go.”Rosalie whispered as she watched all of the two dozen humans turn their attention to them.

“Bella so glad you could make it.”Tamera said as she stood and made her way over to Bella and Rosalie. She didn’t seem to notice Rosalie’s growl when she grabbed Bella’s arm and pulled her towards the others.”Bella some of these guys you know some of them you don’t.Those you don’t will be polite enough to introduce themselves to you later.Everyone this is Bella Shurlong.”

Bella smiled politely at the calls of hello thrown her way.She pulled her arm away from Tamera and reached for Rosalie wrapping her arm around her body once again.”This is my girlfriend Rosalie.”

“So do you guys want something to drink?They do a great bottle service here.”Tamera told them.

“We don’t drink alcohol.”Rosalie said having to hold back an eye roll at the obvious attempt to get Bella to buy them drinks.

“Oh if it’s because you're underage this club doesn’t care.”Tamera said.

“It’s not because we are underage it just goes against our fitness regimen.Alcohol is terrible for the body.”Bella and Rosalie had worked out that as an excuse of not drinking because they knew they would be pressured as the night went on.

Tamera gave not only Bella but Rosalie a once over.”Well, whatever you do is worth it.Maybe you can help me.”

“We’ll have to set up a time for that.”Bella said.

“Cool, until then come sit down.”Tamera led them to one of the couches where instead of sitting next to her Rosalie sat leaning against the side of the couch’s arm with her feet on Bella’s lap.

Bella raised an eyebrow.”Comfortable?”

“Just claiming my territory sweetheart.”Not only would it make it obvious they were together but with Rosalie’s shoes hanging off the side of Bella it would keep others from sitting to close.

“I love you.”Bella told her as she leaned over to give Rosalie a kiss.

Not satisfied when Bella pulled away Rosalie grabbed the lapels of Bella’s shirt and gave her a more prolonged kiss.”I love you to.”

“You guys are so cute.”Rebecca one of the people from the charity event said.”Is it true that you are having a custom plane built for her?”

Bella nodded, pleased that some of the gossip got around already.”She looked at a few newer models but they didn’t meet her requirements so I have someone designing one for her.”

“That’s crazy.My boyfriend doesn’t even pay for dinner half the time.”From the look on Rebecca’s face that boy wouldn’t be her boyfriend that long.

“Rosalie always picks up the check for dinner.”Bella told her.

Rosalie smiled.“It’s the least I can do for you darling.”

“Wait you buy dinner for Bella?Not the other way around?” Rebecca asked.

“Why would Bella buy me dinner when I can more than afford to?”Rosalie knew Rebecca was insinuating that Rosalie was a gold digger and Rosalie was very insulted.

Rebecca was smart enough to know that she crossed a line.”I apologize I didn’t really think of your wealth.”

“Why would you?It’s mine.”Rosalie snarked.

“What is it that your father does?”Gerald who was ease dropping on the conversation asked.

Rosalie hated that she had to claim it was because of Carlisle she was wealthy.Not because of her own hard work.”My adopted father is a doctor.”

“I see.”Gerold was apparently unimpressed with Rosalie.

“What does your father do?”Rosalie asked him.

“He’s a senator.Actually he is planning on running for governor of New York.”Gerold was obviously really proud of his family.

Rosalie turned to Bella.”How many members of your family were governors?”

“Before the nation was built or after because if we consider before then 8.If after 6.”Bella told them.

“How were they governors before the nation was built?”A brown haired girl asked.

Bella looked around noticing that they had the attention of most of the group.”Two of my ancestors were sent from England to help set up the colonies.Each leader of a specific colony was called a governor.”

“That’s not really that impressive.”A boy wearing to much jewelry said.

“How is that not impressive?”Tamera asked.

“My ancestors came over on the mayflower.”he told them.

“Really mine as well.I actually have one of the original manifests.What was your ancestor’s name?”Bella asked excited by the prospect of meeting someone who’s family was connected to her own.

”Well uhm they probably weren’t on the manifest because they got on last minute.”The boy stammered out obviously lying.

Simon narrowed his eyes at the boy.”You fucking idiot.Why are you even here?”

“Yolonda invited me.”The boy told him.

“Who the hell is Yolonda?”Someone else asked.

“I’m Yolonda but I didn’t invite him.Bobby’s a friend of my brothers and I think he probably overheard me talking about this and followed me here.”A young woman with blond hair said.

“Why are you still here?”Tamera asked him.

“Uhm, I, it’s just. My father wanted me to.”Bobby once again stammered out.

“Who is your father?”Rosalie asked.She was highly amused by this whole situation.It almost made coming out worth it.Now she wanted to know what idiot sent his son to befriend Bella only to have him insult her.

When Bobby didn’t answer Yolonda did.”His father is Micheal Overman.He works at a the investment firm Taylor and Marks.”

“So your daddy is so pitiful he has to send his son to try and get him clients.”Matt another person from the charity event said.

“I can’t wait to tell my parents about this.”Tamera pulled out her phone and took a picture of Bobby.

“What are you doing?”Bobby asked as he was pulled from his stupor by the flash of Tamera’s phone.

“I’m telling the world that your dad sent you to manipulate an underage girl into giving him her money but instead of succeeding you insulted her.”Tamera told him not even looking up from her phone.”Oh look your dad has social media.I’m sure he is really going to appreciate being tagged and his employer is going to love all the free press this will get them.”

Bobby made a lunge for the phone.”You can’t do that.He will be ruined.”

“He probably should have thought of that before he had his son try and get into Bella’s social circle.What was the plan anyway were you going to try and get her to marry you?”Gerold joked but when Bobby didn’t laugh he went wide eyed.”Are you serious you were supposed to get Bella to marry you?”

“I didn’t want to marry her.”Bobby said defensively.

Everyone in the group was laughing except for Rosalie and Bella.Rosalie was holding herself back from killing the boy.She motioned for their body guards and when they came close she spoke.”Can you please have Mr.Deserver come here.”

“Oh course Ms.Hale.” The dark haired body guard said as he went to find the man.

It seemed that he was hanging out close to the VIP area because it didn't even take him a minute to appear.”What can I do for you Ms.Shurlong.”

“Rosalie sweetheart what is it you wanted Mr.Deserver for?”Bella asked.

Rosalie pointed at Bobby.”I would like it if you would please remove this man from my sight and not allow him into this club again.”

“I can do that.Is there a specific problem he caused?”Paul asked.

“He insulted Bella and myself and I don’t want to look at him anymore.”Rosalie in normal circumstances wouldn’t have done this but because she couldn’t kill Bobby or maim him like she wanted to humiliation would have to do.

“Grab him.”Paul told one of the bouncers that had come up with him.

“You can’t do this!!”Bobby yelled as he tried to break free of the big man.”Do you know who my family is?”

“Not anyone that was on the mayflower.”Yolonda called out causing everyone to laugh yet again.”Sorry about that guys. I should have known he wasn’t really invited.I just try to ignore him most of the time.”

“It’s no problem.”Rosalie assure her.”We can’t control the actions of others.”

Yolonda let out a sigh of relief as it seemed she thought she would be kicked out with Bobby.”Thank you Rosalie.”

“Well now that that unpleasantness is over why don’t we order a bottle or two and celebrate Bobby leaving.”Bella said trying to get the night back on track.She wasn’t going to buy anything other than her drinks initially but Bobby had ruined the good vibe the group had going and Bella didn’t want anyone to bail because they thought she wasn’t fun to hang out with.That was the whole point of the night.Make friends and get invites to people’s houses.Bella looked up when Rosalie reached for her hand.Bella knew that Rosalie was still upset about Bobby and probably about them buying some drinks but the look of understanding she was getting was the nod of approval she needed not to feel to bad about the thousands of dollars they were about to spend.It was for a good cause in the end and Bella just had to keep reminding herself that.