BELLA MARTIN 15

Bella

My worst nightmare had become a reality. My heart had been shattered. Being a private investigator was nothing like it was portrayed in the movies. It was either boring or dreadful at times. This was the most terrifying part. The part where I lied and deceived the man who could turn out to be the love of my life because I was so distraught about losing him that I told him about the investigation and he broke up with me, and I then decided to follow him into the viper's nest because I did think I could save him because I was "the agent." Like an idiot. As it turns out, I was a lousy agent. I'd completely ruined everything. Martin still despised me. Only now was he in harm's way, I was in danger, his mother was in danger, my daughter was in danger, and my grandma was in danger. And this jerk had his finger in my mouth. "Arabella," he explained. And I turned to face him. "I recognize you," he said. Arabella was not me. He was aware of it. Bella was my name. His words were chilling, but his eyes were warm. And the truth was in his eyes. He adored and loved me. I nearly began sobbing right there, but then that would do nothing. An outlaw was putting his thumb in my mouth. I briefly considered biting it, but I knew that all it would do was to get me hit, and that he might hit hard. It's better for me to stay on my feet and keep my head from ringing like a bell. Then I noticed in Martin's eyes that he had a plan. His entire body tensed. He intended to make a move. The man in front of me was panting because his boss had his thumb in my mouth. I could tell he was excited. So I put on a performance. I sucked on Anthony Metzger's thumb like a good little slut, as they expected. I was glad my tee was low cut tee, and the man had pulled back my sweat jacket onto my arms, exposing my boobs. He probably thought it would make me more susceptible for some reason. Instead, he'd given me the trap's bait. My cleavage drew the attention of the guards. "The game is over, Arabella," Metzger grumbled. "What exactly do you want me to do? I'll do anything," I exclaimed, out of breath. Arabella. What they desired. That's what they expected. "Breathless" Arabella was at their mercy, awestruck by their mastery. Men were so simple. They were all staring at me. I pressed my tits against my t-shirt, and they couldn't take their gaze away from them, as I expected. They could never ignore it. They were so busy focusing on me that they missed Martin's move. Martin smacked one guy's nose with his elbow and decided to move on to the next, and before everyone could focus on anything other than their libidos, I'd flung the guard behind me over my leg, had him on the floor, and retrieved the gun he'd snatched from me and stashed in his waistband. Before any of them could do anything, I removed the safety and ready to fire the gun. "Freeze, pere Metzger," I said, aiming my gun squarely at his head. "This fat slut is armed," he swore, raising his hands. "Let's work something out." "Exactly what type deal do you think that we're going to strike, Dad?" “We? Why else are you teaming up with this woman? Is she one of us?" Metzger inquired. "You're my son," he says. "I do anything and everything I can for you. ” Martin gave a snort. "Dad, since when did you do that?" "Martin, there is still something that you should know," I said, the one thing I hadn't started telling him about. "I decided not to tell you because I was afraid you'd do something stupid." "It's a little late for that, huh? You'd better tell me right now," he said, glaring at his father. "When your father discovered your mother was looking into him for extramarital affairs, he put out a hit on her." "You scumbag! " Mr. Metzger snarled. "How the hell did you find out? That was..." He came to a halt and looked at Martin. "That's how you knew I was after your priceless foundation. You had been listening in. There are bugs everywhere. Is this how they actually catch me? Because I put my trust in my son, who then deceived me? ” Martin had been shocked and was gone still. "You didn't believe me, Dad. You thought I'd be the fucking idiot you could use, lie to, and swindle. What kind of dad do you think you are? What kind of person do you think you are? " He averted his gaze, his face stricken. "Are you all right, Martin?" I inquired. “No. No, not at all. Is it okay if I give him a punch again? ” I had to chuckle, but it was more of a sob than a good chuckle. I cleared my throat while keeping my gaze fixed on Metzger. He sniggered at me, venomous and angry. "I mean, I'm not going to stop you, but you should likely search him for a gun." Examine them all. Take the zip ties from my pocket as well. You can handcuff them with them." “Uh. Yeah. Whatever you say." "Are you sure I'm the investigator? We keep the ties just in particular instance things get really bad, which they are right now. I've never had to make a decision on my own. My boss has done so. It's best to secure them first, and then I'll call the agent to pick them up. This must be sufficient evidence at this point. It's got to be." Martin approached me, taking extra care not to interfere with the gun I continuously aim at his dad, and reached into the pocket of my sweat jacket. Thank God, all I desired was to keep them contained so I could call the feds and have them come get them. I knew how to pull the trigger and was a decent shot, but I'd never shot anyone before and didn't want to. I was hoping the threat would suffice. Metzger fixed his gaze on me. Martin pushed his father around a little, cuffing him. "This is extremely strange. I never imagined I'd be doing something like this." "Because you're just a doctor, Martin, you don't belong here. I apologize if I have pulled you into this kind of shit." Martin cuffed the men, two of whom remained unconscious. He wasn't the one I shot; he was fine, just frowning. Martin, on the other hand, had set up his guards. I had no idea he was so powerful. From where he was trying to settle the men, he looked up at me. "What do you apologise for, Bella? My father is the perpetrator and a criminal. He's always been the bad guy. You were abducted by him. It's my connection to you that has pulled you into this mess." "You're not getting out of it either. My men have taken over the entire warehouse. It's only a matter of time before they come in here and start taking you both down. Even brutally murdered. You're only going to get out of this if you strike a deal. I'm with you. Now.” A bang was heard and noises could be heard coming up the hall. There are loud noises. Yelling. "Oh," Metzger exclaimed. "It's too bad for you. My men have arrived. There's no more deal." The door slammed open, and men in body armor and FBI vests poured through. "Get rid of it! Let it go! Put down the gun!" Their guns were trained on us. I slowly lowered the gun to the floor. As the men overcrowded over Metzger and his soldiers, Martin and I decided to stand with our hands in the air. One of them came up in front of me and removed his helmet. "Agent De Guzman," he introduced himself. "Agent Del Fierro," I said, and a wave of relief washed over me. Thank you, God. Agent Del Fierro no longer appeared average or barely noticeable. He appeared to be dangerous. "Please, you have to believe me," I said. " Martin is not guilty. He had nothing to with the crimes that were committed by the Metzgers. His father has been attempting to entice him into it. He managed to hack his computers in order to frame him, but he's innocent." Metzger exclaimed from the floor, "She's lying. Martin devised the entire scheme." He returned to Metro Manila to deliver fake meds and profit from the Metzgers' good name." "What have I done?" Martin gaped at his father, who was being assisted from the floor by two armored officials. Metzger's eyes glowed with an unearthly gleam as he said, "Martin blackmailed me. If I didn't cooperate, he threatened to murder my wife, his mother." "You fucking moron!" Martin yelled, lunging at him. He was held back by two more agents. "You brought me back to Metro Manila all this time to be your scapegoat. I should've realized. I should have chosed to stay in Quezon Province and forget all about my origins." "No, he didn't! Agent Del Fierro, I've already provided you with proof. He gained access to Martin's work computer. Metzger did exactly that. You already know he did. You are aware that Martin is not guilty. I was unable to gather the information you required for Metzger. I was looking for evidence. That's why I tracked Martin down to his father." "As a field agent, you must be closely monitored. You're far too forthright. That's why I bugged you." "Did you bug me? When? ” "In your shoe, as well as the hem of your sweatshirt." "In the surveillance clothes I left at the office?" He hummed in agreement. "As well as your boss's car." "How did you know I'd do something like this? I guess it was just in case I switched sides? " He shook his head. "Did you keep an eye on me the whole time? When I worked for you the entire time? ” “Yes. You haven't received any training. We were just not going to throw you into an international case with no prior knowledge. We required your assistance. But we didn't trust you to do it on your own." Martin laughed angrily. "Doesn't it annoy you to be watched, Bella? Not being trusted by the people closed to you? ." “No.” I breathed a sigh of relief. They’d been backing me up the entire time. All that time, I had felt like I was failing and it was all part of their plan. I didn’t even mind being used to draw Metzger out. “Thank God. Are you watching my daughter? My grandmother? Are they okay?” He nodded. “They’re fine. There’s an agent who has been keeping an eye on them.” “Thank you. I’m sorry I couldn’t get you the information you needed to take Metzger down and I hope you have enough to go on. I’m a terrible field agent.” “Actually,” he started. “You did get us the information we needed.” “I did? When?” Mrs. Metzger entered the room, saying, "When you tried to warn me that my husband was trying to put a hit out on me. They said all the bad guys had been apprehended and I could come in now. I want to see my husband in handcuffs," she exclaimed as she spotted him. "Oh, sweetheart, there you are!" ” "Helena, you scumbag," Metzger snarled. "What are you doing here, Mom?" "I'm here to make certain that my jerk of a husband doesn't jeopardize us all because of his lust for power." "What exactly did you do?" Metzger tried to approach her, but the agents who were attempting to hold him wouldn't let him. "Oh, hardly anything, dear; I simply granted them access to just about everything. And when I mean I mean, EVERY SINGLE DAMN THING!" she paused dramatically. They're currently in our home. Passwords. Safes. Files. Everything you kept hidden from me and assumed I didn't actually know about, I was saving for when I filed for divorce and could use to prove your breach of contract and take all your money from you. I am, after all, a bitch," she said with a smile."But, as you mentioned, I'm always a well-dressed and put-together bitch. Do you like how I'm dressed tonight, hmm? This is my super spy outfit," she said as she spun around. She was dressed in a black pencil skirt, knee-high stiletto boots, and a tight black turtleneck. Thick black sunglasses were pushed up against her brow. She was a very fashionable super spy. She undoubtedly made me look bad. "You made your wife very, very unhappy, Mr. Metzger," Agent Del Fierro said, flashing another feral grin. “Mom.” She approached Martin. "I'm fond of this girl. I really like her. She stood up for you and proteected you with her life when no one else would." "She deceived me." “No. She shielded and protected you. She did what she needed to do. And she was the only one who started telling me what he was going to do to me, whether or not something ruined her investigation and got her fired." "This is excessive. It's all a bit much." Mrs. Metzger wrapped her arms around her son and tried to hug him. "It is indeed finished now. You're out of this . Do you hear what I'm saying? You will never be compelled to do something like this again. I'm collaborating with the FBI to bring him down. Did you, in fact, disband The Friendship That Lasts Forever Foundation? You were so pleased with the results? ” Martin gave a snort. “No. I lied to him. I did have a plan to dissolve it if necessary, but it tends to take more than one signal. But I wanted him to believe it was gone, beyond his grasp." She gave him some thought. "It's not in your nature to be devious." "After all, I am a Metzger," Martin said as he decided to stand to the side, having to watch them arrest his father and his men. "Agent De Guzman," Agent Del Fierro began once everything was completed. "I'd like to discuss your future with the FBI with you." My head shook. "There's no need. I'm a lousy agent. Even when everything went well, I know you can't employ me as an agent. I'm not the right person for this job. I'm not cut out for undercover operations or investigation. And I despise being a honeytrap." "It's true that you're not cut out for undercover operations, but you're mistaken about being a bad agent. I'd like to hire you as an intelligence operative specializing in translation." “Translation? ” “Yes. Your command of the language is outstanding. We would have come to you anyway to hire you, but when your relationship with Dr. Lawson became relevant, we drew you in ahead of time." HHe then handed me a business card. It wasn't the card he'd previously given me. "Please come to the office on Monday at 9:00 a.m. and we can go over the details with you." "Translation," I struggled to understand what he'd said. He gave a nod. "Take the weekend to think about it," he said as he walked away, looking over my shoulder. Martin approached me just as I was about to respond. I looked up at him and blinked. “Martin! Everything was so tense. I had no idea what he thought of me. I knew I have betrayed me, but it didn't feel like he'd given up on me. I didn't want him to abandon me. I was frozen in place as I started watching him intently, attempting to read him. I was terrified of hoping. "Hey," he called out, his voice deep, soft, and exhausted. "They said you were finished here and that I could take you home." "Will you take me home?" I was afraid to reach for him because I was afraid he wouldn't mean it. I'm frightened he didn't want me as much as I wanted him. "Take you home," he sighed, his voice heavy and sad. "With me," he said, his eyes midnight dark with longing. "Would you like to accompany me? I want... I want more than I can express right now, and I want the chance to resolve everything about us." "Do you? " When he nodded, I couldn't help but fall into his arms and press my face against his neck. He gave me a sense of security. "I'd like to gain your trust, Martin. I'd like to be completely honest with you from now on. I despised it. I despised lying to you. I tried not to fall in love with you. You're aware that I did. I tried to keep you at bay, but I couldn't. I really can not stay away from you because...because I love you so much." His heartbeat was strong, sure, and warm, but he said nothing. "Martin, please. Please allow me. Please give me another chance." With his nose, he nuzzled my hair. "Stay with me tonight," he said softly in my ear. I couldn't say anything. I gave a nod. Anything he desired. Anything. We didn't say anything in the car. He concentrated on driving, and I let the city lights wash over me as we sped past them, allowing the night's anxiety and fear wash away. He slid his hand over the console and took my hand, clutching it, halfway home. Basically holding it. With no words necessary, because perhaps we just needed silence, just to be there, in each other's company, accessing what had happened and all that it meant. We didn't speak when we arrived at his apartment, only connecting by our hands until the elevator door slid shut behind us. "I want to start over," he drew me in and wrapped his arms around me. He felt so at ease. I started pressing against his hard chest, my hands running over his broad shoulders and around his neck. I ran my fingers through his hair before looking into his beautiful green eyes, which were tinged with pain and sadness. "I'd like that as well, Martin. I'd like to start over with you, with no lies. I'd like to tell you everything about myself and show you who I truly am. I really want you." "It has to be truthful. This has to be completely honest between us. There are no more secrets. I When I did realize you were watching me? It ripped me apart. I assumed what we had was genuine. When I actually realized it was all a lie, it damn near killed me." "Martin, I'm sorry. That was the crux of the issue. That's my issue. I couldn't lie because I was intended to. I'm not going to lie anymore. I'm afraid not. I really can not lie to you, and I really can not keep my mouth shut. So I ruined my investigation because I was in love with you! ” “Wow. You put your entire career on the line for me? " He smiled and nudged me to smile. "I can't even believe they're still interested in hiring me as a translator." “A translator? I thought you were a private detective.” "That was the only job I could even get because I became pregnant before finishing my degree. I can communicate in Filipino, English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Farsi." "What are you doing now? I can barely communicate in French, but I have cousins in France. And what about Farsi? You're much more than a hot piece of ass, that's for sure. Why didn't you inform me? ” I shook my head. "I'm not sure. It was something I saved for later. "Spy stuff," I said, scrunched up my nose. "I'm so relieved I don't have to do that any longer." No more pretending to be the hot girl and enticing creepy men. That was dreadful, Martin." "You preferred pretending to be my girlfriend, didn't you? You decided to make your feelings for me a federal issue. I'm a little flattered." I smacked him on the shoulder and said, "I wasn't trying to pretend. Please don't make fun of me." "All right," he said as he swooped in and kissed me. The kiss was so tender. It was a fresh start. One with no secrets. It was soft and gentle. He drew back. "All I've desired for a month has been you, and everything seemed to be scheming against us." Martin laughed and wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing my body against his. And I enjoyed it. "That's amusing. Tonight, there was a genuine conspiracy." "There's a lot of conspiracy. Tons. Martin, your family is a shambles. Like. It's really rough." "Tell me all about it. I warned you. Why do you think I didn't want to return? ” "I understand now. "Wise choice." We just began giggling when we stared each other. And laughing. We couldn't stop ourselves. We collapsed against the wall, leaning against one another, barely able to catch our breaths until the hysterics subsided. He was petting my back, and I was inhaling his scent while pressing my nose against his collarbone. “It’s been such a long day,” I said into his skin. “Would you like to come to bed with me and forget all about it?” I took a deep breath in and then slowly exhaled it. "I would really, really like to. And I'd like to forget about work, both of ours." "As well as our families, yours and mine," he added. "Just for tonight," I couldn't help but laugh. "I'd already informed my grandmother that I'd be working all night. She was unimpressed that I wasn't going to accompany you." "Well, I don't want to let anyone down. Come on," he said, taking my hand in his and leading me to his bedroom, where the bedsheets were still rumpled from our earlier night's activities. I really can not believe it had happened on the same night. I felt like I'd lived several lifetimes in one day. His hands landed on my shoulders. "Hey, stop it right now. You're becoming tense once more. Right now, we're going to forget all of it. And we're going to lie down and relax." “Just be? Is that it? Nothing else? ” "It's just you and me." "Frankly," he smirked. “Naked. Touching. Simply be." "That definitely sounds really, really great," I said, catching his gaze and removing my sweatshirt. It landed with a soft thud on the floor. "Definitely a good idea," he said as he assisted me in pulling my t-shirt over my head, which followed the jacket onto the pile on the floor. Before he could start on my pants, I wound up going for his shirt, and before we could plan anything else, we'd both fallen into bed, shoes kicked across the room and my bra thrown a little too hard. We decided to settle into each other's arms, laughing softly, until it was just smooth skin, soft breaths, and gentle caresses. "That feels so good," I said, barely able to concentrate. "You sound nice," he said softly. Muttering. "Are you nodding off?" I inquired, not recognizing that my eyes were closed. I couldn't get them open. His eyes were also closed. I smiled. I liked how he had his eyes closed. I'd never seen him doze off before. It was intimate. It was true. “MMm-no. I'd like to make love to you." "Yes, you're dozing off," I said, a grin on my face. I stroked his hair with my fingers. It felt as smooth as silk. "However, I want to make love. To begin again...because I love you." "How about we just sleep together? Naked and truthful. Then we make love in the morning." "Are you staying here? ” “Mmhmm. All night in your arms. I absolutely love it here." "What a brilliant idea," he said, tucking me into his chest so I could hear his heartbeat and he could hold onto me. And that everything seemed to be in order in the world. "I love you," I said as I fell asleep. "I love you as well," he murmured. “Always.” That's precisely what happened the next morning. Martin nuzzled my neck, his fingers teasing me to a peak even before I fully opened my eyes, and then we made love in a daze of sunshine pouring through the window panes, soft cotton sheets, and his delectable skin, and the sounds of his moaning, and the feel of his mouth on mine. "Martin," I moaned because I couldn't think of anything else to say. He was everything to me. We solidified our love for each other between kisses and moans till we were limp in each other's arms as he tried to enter me and drove me higher. When we awoke, I found that penthouse showers are incredible, and they have room for two, which was exciting. Martin had the best coffee I'd ever had, as well as one of those fantastic professional-grade coffee machines. I also realized that when I stole one of his old t-shirts to wear with my jeans, it nearly drove him insane seeing me trying to wear his clothes, which was undoubtedly something I wanted to investigate further in the future, particularly since I loved wearing his shirt and being able to smell him on my skin. I didn't want to leave him, despite the fact that I knew I had to. He didn't seem to want me to leave either. As we sat in the kitchen, sipping his delicious coffee, he looked at me. "Do you mind if I drive you home?" ” The full of hope expression on his face made my heart swell three sizes. He assumed I didn't want him to drive me home. He was so used to me putting up barriers between us that asking him to drive me home does seem like a bigrequest. I took his hand in mine and drew it into my lap. "How about you coming up to meet my Abuela and driving me and Yzee back to my townhouse?" His surprised expression could be seen in his indrawn breath. "Would you like them to know we're together?" ” I kissed his knuckles with his hand to my lips. "I want everyone to know we're all in this together. There are no secrets. This is true." We walked the few blocks to Abuela's home after he nodded. It was nothing like Martin's penthouse. It was in an old, run-down walk-up apartment complex. Abuela had been there for fifty years, and it was obvious. When we tried to knock on Abuela's door, she invited us in. Martin, on the other hand, charmed the pants off of her. "Mija, didn't you say you were working last night?" Abuela drew me aside as Yzee, overjoyed by Martin's appearance, claimed him to explain the latest twists in her favorite TV show. "I had been at work. It was...a long and complex night, but I guess we're dating now." "Did you just guess?" I took a deep breath and bit my bottom lip. “No. We're in a relationship. You are correct. I've been afraid to give myself this." “And…” I took a deep breath again, and her brow furrowed halfway up her brow. "And we figured it out. And I'm giving myself permission to have him. He's such a nice guy, Abuela. He adores children. He's intellectually honest." Her eyes widened. "You're madly in love with him. I was aware of it. I already like him. Bring him around more frequently. I don't get enough attractive men trying to visit me." "You can't have him, Abuela. He's already taken," I joked. But that wasn't long before we loaded Yzee into Martin's car and drove out to our home. Yzee was overjoyed. I was overjoyed that he was there and that I was still seeing him. I would have told her not to get her hopes up, but I had my own. All the way up. Martin was the one. They'd all been correct. He was destined for me. He was the one and only true love of my life. My true love. And I was going to have him all to myself.