Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.
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Chapter 4
I nearly kissed Edward. What the fuck was I thinking?
Nothing, obviously,or I wouldn't have acted like a lovesick fool. Urgh!
Now matter how often Bella thought about the incident, the only explanation for her behavior seemed to be temporary insanity. The whole affair was already complicated enough without adding crazy hormones to the mix. She hadn't told anyone about her lunch date with Edward as She was much too ashamed to admit that she was attracted to Edward.
That's one way to describe that I want to do the naughty with him.
Luckily, she was too busy to think much about Edward. She had to pack her things for the move to the new house which would be next week and she had organize everything for her honeymoon. Angela and Ben would take care of Phoenix, and Lily would manage the editors while she was in Shanghai. At the moment Bella was packing her suitcase. As Edward had promised, everything had been prepared for them not only two days after they'd decided to fly. Whoever was responsible for their honeymoon deserved a huge bonus. The phone rang in the living-room and interrupted Bella while she checked her packing list. Yes, she'd written one. Just to be sure she wouldn't miss anything.
As she picked up the phone she saw that Lauren was calling her. Her mood sinking, she answered the call. "Lauren, what do you want? I'm busy." There was no reason to be nice to her. Not anymore. Bella had only ever been nice to her because she was married to her brother and she didn't want to argue with her family. Bella had always tried to be nice and friendly, yeah, and it had worked so well, but after everything that had happened these last weeks, it was hard even being neutral. Never again would Bella let her family treat her like she was unworthy or an embarrassment that needed her families approval or help. Nothing would ever change them.
"Watch it! Don't speak to me like that. I think I deserve some respect," Lauren sneered unfriendly.
"No, you don't. I repeat. What do you want?" Bella had no patience for Lauren. She liked Lauren as much as Lauren liked her. Which meant not one bit.
Lauren let out an undignified hiss, which made her sound like a wet cat, before she answered. "I just got an invitation and had to find out that Jane," Lauren said her friends name as if there was something wrong with her, "Is planning your bachelorette party. I thought it was agreed that I would do it."
Bella had to roll her eyes at Lauren's false hurt. "No, Lauren. You and Renée wanted you to plan it. Jane is my maid of honor and as such it is her task to plan my hen night. Sorry, if you don't like it but that's how it is. You don't have to come if you don't want to." Bella knew that there was no way her sister-in-law wouldn't come but one could hope. The reason why Lauren had only now received her invitation was because Jane didn't want to give them too much time. Everyone else had already received their invitation and accepted. Bella didn't knew what Jane planned for Saturday night but she knew it would be great.
"How dare you embarrass me like that! I planned a fantastic night. Jane will take us someplace inadequate. I'll tell Renée," Lauren threatened.
"Please do. If you'd asked me, you would have known. I know what you did behind my back. You told Esme and Alice all kind of lies about my wishes about the wedding. Enjoy your imagined superiority while you can because as soon as I say I do, you won't be able to do anything to me," Bella snarled and ended the call.
She'd never talked to any of her family like this and Bella couldn't deny that it felt pretty good. The dress shopping had been the last straw for her. She was done being nice. If they wanted war, they could have it, as far as Bella was concerned. After her talk with Jane, she'd recognized that she'd behaved like her 15-year-old self. Unwilling to give counter and start an argument. She'd allowed other people to have too much power over her life and it was going to stop now. Together with Jane and Angela she'd started making some changes in her life. Not that anyone would know it just yet.
Knowing her mother would most likely call in a few minutes, she disconnected her phone. To calm herself down, Bella opened her laptop and indulged her passion. Fan Fiction. Soon she found a great story and lost herself in it. A few hours later she was still reading and couldn't stop. This story was way better than most of the manuscripts she'd read in a long long time.
That's what I've been looking for. Mysterious, spellbinding, sexy.
After Bella was done with the story, she looked at the site of the author to see what kind of info she could get. An American girl in her twenties. Who wanted to publish a book one day. Perfect! Quickly, Bella called Angela and her some of her editors and told them to check the story and get back to her as soon as possible. She just knew that the others would love the story just as she did.
And they did. Tia, the editor who worked with the fantasy novels, nearly cried as she called Bella and begged her to contact the author, which she did minutes later.
The next two days were very busy. The author, Maggie Hughes, was surprised to say the least when Bella contacted her. At first she'd been suspicious, but Bella had been able to convince Maggie that she was dead serious, and as soon as Bella returned from Shanghai they would meet in Boston. Ben was already working on a first draw for the contract and Bella couldn't be more happy. She was sure that Maggie's book would be a great hit and bring Phoenix the big break-through.
MaoC
"Bella, you're looking sexy. Just the right outfit for your bachelorette party," Jane complimented Bella when she picked her friend up on Saturday night. The other guests would meet them at the restaurant where they would dine before the fun part of the night would start.
"Thanks, Jane. I'm really excited about the surprise. Can't you tell me what it is?" Bella asked and pouted but Jane didn't budge. Tonight Bella wore a shimmering black wraparound that ended just about her knees and made her boobs look absolutely fantastic. The black patent leather pumps rounded the outfit off.
Jane, it seemed, was a bit in a hurry and pushed Bella out of her apartment and into the waiting stretch limo where Angela was already sitting. On the drive to the location they enjoyed a glass champagne and gossiped. The selected restaurant was one of the best Italian in town and Bella loved their food. The guests were waiting for them in separate part of the room and greeted Bella with hugs and kisses as soon as she neared the table. Bella was happy to see them, well, most of them. The party was rather small with only twelve people. Sadly, Lauren and her bitchy friend Brittany, who Jane hadn't invited, were also there.
Jane saw Bella's less than pleased face and whispered, "Sorry, but you know I couldn't not invite the bitch. Don't worry though, we're going to have fun tonight and if they don't behave I'll threw them out. But I don't think they'll stay too long at the final location. It's going to be entertaining to watch their reactions. Trust me."
Bella snickered at that because Jane wouldn't plan a decent bachelorette party.
The time at the restaurant was great. Bella loved talking to Alice and Rosalie, even it Alice should really stay away from caffeine. Rosalie had a wicked sense of humor and Bella knew they would be good friends. Most of others were employees of Phoenix and and two friends from college, Emily and Claire. For the most part Bella ignored Lauren and Brittany but she knew they didn't enjoy their time and were most likely badmouthing everything. After they were well-fed, it was time to drive to the final destination. During the drive they drank a few more drinks and laughed about stupid stuff before the party arrived at Jane's big surprise.
The neighborhood was pretty calm at this time, so Bella knew they were not visiting a club. There were a few shops nearby but Jane walked towards a four story building with a three huge store windows were one could see some sexy underwear and other interesting items.
"Jane, where are we?" Bella asked although she had a pretty good guess by now and Jane's devilish smile just confirmed her suspicion.
"Come on, ladies. We're already awaited," Jane said and herded everyone inside where a tall and exotic looking woman was standing.
"Ladies, welcome to Eden, a place dedicated to pleasure. I'm Zafrina, the owner of the store," Zafrina introduced herself with a friendly smile.
Behind Bella she could hear Rosalie's excited whisper. "Oh my God! I always wanted to visit Eden. This is so awesome. I'm going to shop 'till my credit card is smoking."
The other guests didn't seem to know how they should react just now but Bella knew she would have a lot of fun here. Lauren and Brittany though were nearly purple in the face and couldn't seem to close their mouths, which was quiet funny to watch. Zafrina turned around and opened the heavy door to the store where a few of her staff were waiting for Bella and her guests.
Zafrina explained the divisions of the store and one of her girls handed everyone a blood red basket where they could put everything they wanted and another one handed them champagne. They could also get some snacks and if they needed anything, they should just ask one of the staff.
"Okay," Jane called and had immediately everyones attention. "As you know, I asked you not to buy Bella any gifts. The reason behind this request was that we're all going to choose something here for the lovely bride. Every woman needs a few stimulating items, but if you find something for yourself go ahead. We're meeting here again in two hours to present our gifts. Now, let's go on a erotic shopping spree."
By now everyone was excited to explore Eden, well with the exception of Lauren and Brittany, and as soon as Jane finished her little speech, the girls were catcalling and laughing before they hurried down the different aisles.
Bella couldn't believe that her oldest friend had chosen a sex shop for her bachelorette party. No, that wasn't true. She could believe it and loved the idea.
Eden! I'm at Eden. How cool is that, please. Jane is a kinky bitch but I love her!
"Thank you, thank you," Bella cried as she threw her arms around her crazy friend and hugged her. "This is absolutely awesome. You're the best maid of honor ever!"
Jane laughed and hugged Bella back. "I'm happy that you're enjoying yourself. Come on, let's buy some naughty things."
But before they could even walk one step, they were stopped by Lauren's appalled voice. "A sex shop. You brought us to a sex shop!" Lauren whisper-screamed and looked she was ready to snap. "I knew you wouldn't be able to organize a proper bachelorette party, but this! This is absolutely inappropriate. What are the families going think. I'm sure that Rosalie and Alice are going to tell everyone about this night. This is so humiliating. Our reput.."
"Shut up!" Bella snapped at her because she simply couldn't take anymore of her shit. "Alice and especially Rosalie seem more than happy to explore and I don't think anyone else cares. This night is supposed to be fun. Not that you would recognize fun, even if it were to bite you in the ass. I can understand, that a sex shop like this is the wrong place for you since you're a prude bitch. If you have any problems with the location you're free to leave. In fact, I would welcome it because you're no longer welcome. All night you've been a horrible guest. Fuck off, Lauren!" And then Bella whirled around and left her standing. Jane was laughing so hard, she had tears running down her face and even Angela, who normally was a sweet girl, looked mighty pleased.
"Fuck, Bella. That was amazing. I've never seen you act like this before. Rock on, baby!"
The shop was simply amazing. You could buy everything you could ever ask or wish for. The girls got Bella books, sexy underwear, a negligee, edible body paint ( I really don't know with whom I should use it), a candle that turned into oil, when burned ( Absolutely fucking awesome!), two sex toys and a riding crop from Jane. Bella laughed and blushed a lot but she had a great time. Her friends also got things for themselves, especially Jane and Rosalie. They bought stuff worth nearly a thousand dollars. Each.
I know whose going to have some very interesting encounters with their wives. And no I'm not jealous! Not at all!
I also want wild monkey sex! Dammit!
They spent hours at Eden and at the end everyone agreed that this was the best hen night. Ever!
MaoC
At another location Edward was celebrating his bachelor party. Emmett and Jasper had organized it just like Edward wanted. They watched hockey on a insanely huge screen, ate junk food and drank imported beer. Short, it was the perfect boys night. And it would have been perfect, if two persons had decided not to come. The first person was Edward's cousin James Hunter. He was an asshole and Edward couldn't stand him. Sadly, he was family and he had to work with him. The other person was Tyler Swan. It was nearly impossible to imagine that he and Bella came from the same gene pool. Her brother was a true snob. All he talked about was business, money and who he knew. It was incredible boring.
And he wasn't the only one who thought so. Emmett looked at Edward and rolled his eyes at one of Tyler's comments. "That guy is such a fucking idiot. I'm about ready to throw something at him."
"Don't, Emmett," Jasper said. "He's going to be family soon. All you can hope for is that Bella won't invite him too often. We all know you don't have too much patience. Wouldn't want you to do something stupid."
Emmett narrowed his eyes at Jasper and before one of could stop him, he threw a tomato slice at Jasper which landed right on his forehead. Jasper looked like he couldn't believe that Emmett had really done something that childish, well, I can!, before they all burst out laughing.
"Urgh! You're such a child sometimes, Emmett," Jasper said as he threw the tomato away.
Emmett threw himself in position and proclaimed, "I'm fucking awesome and you know it!"
"Sure, Emmett, sure," Edward said and shook his head at his brothers foolishness.
Out of the corner of his eye Edward could see that James and Tyler looked shocked at their behavior, but Edward didn't care. This was his party and he spent most of his time being the serious businessman. He deserved a little bit of fun.
Suddenly a cellphone rang and everyone looked around because it was a rule that the phones had to be silent during a night out, but Tyler hadn't gotten the memo it seemed. He answered his phone and looked a little surprised but this changed quickly. Moments later he looked angry and growled at caller. "What did you say! You were at a sex shop!"
Now he had everyones undivided attention (Hello? We're men), not that he was aware of that.
"Are you serious?...You should buy Isabella something from a sex shop? ( What was that? A sex shop. That sounds interesting)... That's absolutely unacceptable. You left immediately, I take it?..Hm...Yes, of course...Unbelievable...Yes, I'm going to speak with them. Bye."
After he'd put his phone away, Tyler noticed that everyone was watching him and blushed. Ah, there's a similarity. Probably the only one! Edward thought.
"I'm sorry for the interruption. That was Lauren. It seems that were was a little problem at Isabella's party," Tyler explained. Doesn't he know Bella hates to be called by that name or does he simply not care? Hm, probably the latter.
"What was that about a sex shop?" Emmett asked eagerly. Of course, that would be the first thing he would ask about. He had the sex drive of a rabbit.
Tyler seemed to be a little uncomfortable about the question but he answered anyway. "It seems Isabella is celebrating at sex shop where her guests shall buy her something." His disapproval was obvious, although Edward couldn't understand why. It was a bachelorette party. Of course, they would do something crazy.
What an idiot! I'm sure there is more excitement during Nana's bingo evenings then in his bedroom. Horrible!
"Rose, are you really at a sex shop?" Emmett had called his wife, while Tyler had still been talking, to get more information and Edward sat close enough so that he could hear Rose' answers.
"We're not only at a sex shop, we're at Eden! You know I've wanted to go there for quiet some time. It's even better than I'd imagined. There's so much I would like to buy."
Emmett looked like Christmas had come early this year. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Really? Did you buy something nice?"
"Yes, I was a good wive and bought something my husband will enjoy very much," Rose purred and Edward wanted to cringe at the tone. He did not want to hear his brother and his wive talking about sex. "I found some really sexy panties and a manual for bandage. Some very interesting candles and a toy. With a remote control."
Edward didn't need to look at his brother to know that Emmett was turned on by now. "When are you going to be home?" he whispered in a husky voice.
"In an hour."
"I'm going to be there."
Rose chuckled at that. "As if there had been any doubt about that. Oh, tell Jasper, Alice bought some hot underwear and a new friend. Bye."
Emmett wore an evil grin as he told Jasper the message. They all knew that Alice was head over heels for Jasper and that he was also very interested in her, but she was his best friends' sister and still in college. It didn't matter that both Edward and Emmett had told him that they were fine with it. No, Jasper wanted to wait. Stupid fucker!
Jasper blushed fiercely and nearly chocked on his bear.
"Okay, gentlemen," Emmett announced and stood up. "My wife is going to be home in an hour with her new purchases. Edward, I love you, but I love my wife more."
"No, problem, Em," Edward said understandingly. Every man would do the same thing.
"Don't you have a problem with the sex shop, Emmett?" Tyler asked with and uncomprehending look.
Emmett himself didn't seem to understand why Tyler was asking him such a dump question. "Why would I have a problem with my wife visiting a sex shop?"
"It's completely inappropriate to invite women of class to such an establishment. Someone could have seen them!" The thought alone seemed to be enough to give Tyler nearly a heart attack.
"What the fuck is your problem, dude?" Emmett asked, while he was laughing. "I'm going to have some great sex when I get home and enjoy the things my wife's bought. Why should I have a problem with that? For all I care people can talk as much as they want. They're just jealous and sexually frustrated. Maybe you should visit the shop yourself to find something relaxing as you seem a little tense. Well, I've gotta go. See ya!" With these words he turned around and left.
Tyler didn't seem to be satisfied with Emmett's words and looked at Edward. "You're okay with that? This kind of behavior could reflect badly on you. I mean you're the CEO of Cullen Corp. Isabella should realize, that this kind of behavior in unfitting for the future .."
What the fuck is he talking about?
"Woah! Now wait a minute, there. Bella didn't do anything wrong. I may be her husband by next Saturday, but she's her own person. People will always find something they can gossip about. As far as I'm aware Bella has never done anything scandalous. Not even close. She's smart and knows what she's doing. She went to a sex shop, for Gods sake. She didn't buy drugs or something like that and as you said, she's going to be my wife. Let me worry about that," Edward said and wondered what was wrong with Tyler Swan. All he seemed to care about what was other people thought about him.
I really hope I won't have much to do with him. Maybe he had something contagious.
MaoC
The week before the wedding was ….crazy. There was simply no other way to describe the insanity that took place. Edward thought his mother and sister were just seconds away from a mental breakdown and Bella's family was making him want to run away and never come back. Tyler tried to impress Edward, which only made him wary of his new brother-in-law and Renée and Lauren were always trying touch him. Which wasn't awkward at all, no, of course not. The way they talked, one would believe, it was their wedding and not Bella's and the more he saw of the preparations, the more he believed that no one had asked Bella. Everything was expensive, beautiful, over-the-top. The Bella Edward had gotten to know wouldn't want such a huge wedding. Edward himself hadn't been involved much but he had intervened at some points. The menu for example. The food would have put any first class restaurant to shame, no doubt, but Edward wanted something filling on his plate and not these small courses where you had to search your food and still felt hungry after you were done. Not to mention that Edward wouldn't put it past his brother to order some pizza, just so he wouldn't be hungry.
Edward sat in the tea room at his grandparents mansion two days before the great event and watched the preparations, while he hoped to God that everyone would leave him alone. He had done everything he'd needed to do. Jasper had the rings, the bouquets were ordered and his suit fitted. Oh, and the house was nearly done. His apartment was cleared out and his stuff moved to his new house. Just like his mom had promised, they would be able to move in as soon as they returned from Shanghai.
"Absolutely ridiculous," his Nana muttered as she watched Alice and Renée trying to find the right spot for a huge flower arrangement. "It's like we're hosting a royal wedding."
Edward tried to hide his smile behind his teacup. "Don't you know, Nana? We are like the royal family of America."
"Ridiculous, like I said," she snorted. "I'm starting to regret this arrangement. Isabella is the only sane and decent person of the whole family. Not that that is surprising. Helen and Geoffrey are snobs."
That caught Edward's interest. Not once had his Pop or someone else explained why they had chosen Bella and not someone else. "If you didn't like the Swan's, why did you arrange this marriage. There haven't been such arrangements for a very long time. At least in our family."
Elizabeth Cullen turned her sharp eyes to her grandson and studied him. "Wouldn't you like to know? I'm going to tell you. Soon, but not isn't the right time. Perhaps you'll find it out yourself before then."
"Nana!"
Elizabeth chuckled at Edward's groan. "You're right, neither Ed nor I like the Swans very much. We chose Isabella and not her family. They're sadly part of the package, but I don't think we'll be seeing much of them. You're bride doesn't seem to have a close bond to them."
Edward didn't understand what his Nana was talking about but he also knew that he couldn't make her talk if she didn't want to. "Okay, I'm going to be patient. I thought I would hate Bella but I enjoy her company. As much as I hate to admit it, Pop selected a great woman. I like Bella."
It could have been the light, but Edward thought he saw a smug smile on his grandmothers face. Before he could ask her though, he was interrupted by Alice' demand to come out and look at the tent.
"Edward, Edward! We're nearly done with the tent. What do you say?" Alice asked as she presented him her work.
"Perfect, Alice. A professional wouldn't have been able to do a better job," Edward complimented her and was rewarded with a radiant smile. He hadn't exaggerated though, the whole mansion and the garden looked amazing but the tent, where they would celebrate, was an absolute masterpiece. Everything was white, light green and soft pink. From ceiling hung several crystal chandeliers and one side of the tent was left open so that you could see the dance floor and the musicians who would be playing.
"Thanks, Edward. We've checked the weather forecast. It shouldn't rain and the sun is going to shine. We won't even need any heaters as it should be pretty warm. Everything is going like we planned it. You won't have to worry about anything."
Edward laughed at his sisters enthusiasm. Alice loved weddings and if she weren't certain that she would work for Cullen Furniture, she could work as a wedding planner.
"Edward! I haven't seen you there," Renée Swan said as the approached them. Only his good manners stopped Edward from grimacing. "I see Alice has shown you the tent. Everything is superb. The wedding will be worthy of a Cullen. It's the social event of the year. The media are anxious to see the new Mr and Mrs Cullen. You wouldn't believe how many people tried to contact us. Many of our friends are jealous that our Isabella will be your wife." It was clear that Renée loved the attention the wedding brought, while Edward hated it. He'd lost track of all the newspapers and magazines who'd wanted an interview with him and/or Bella. He'd declined every inquiry but that didn't mean they hadn't gotten some pictures of them and published their own stories. Not that Edward cared. His private life was just that, private and he didn't see the need to share it with the public anymore than he had to.
"Hm" was Edward's answer because he didn't know what else to say, but Renée wasn't deterred by his non-answer. She continued to talk to him, or rather at him, even though he showed little to no interest. Lauren soon joined them and used the opportunity to touch him whenever she could, which was too often in Edward's opinion. He didn't like Lauren one bit and couldn't understand why Renée seemed to favor Lauren more than her own daughter. Bella was, if one were to ask him, smarter, more beautiful and had definitely done more with her life than just being someone's wife. The Swans didn't seem to think that Bella's business was something to be proud of.
I'm going to marry a family of lunatics.
MaoC
"My son, you're looking so handsome," Esme said with a pride filled voice while she tried to suppress the tears.
Today was the great day. Today Edward would marry Isabella Marie Swan and he wasn't dreading it. In fact, he was pretty okay with it. She was a lovely woman and he knew they would make a great couple. And he couldn't wait for the honeymoon. He seriously needed a break. Tanya had been a real piece of work these last few days. She'd been calling him nearly every hour and wanted him to visit her or to talk to her. Never before had she been this exhausting. It had been Tanya, who'd made it clear from the very beginning that she didn't want to marry and have kids. He didn't know why she was being so clingy now. Tanya had known that he would eventually marry. God, this sucks!
The day was was only a few hours old and Edward was already stressed. Alice was running around like a chicken without a head while she was getting the last things done. Most of the guests were already there and just as Alice had predicted the weather was perfect. It was just a matter of minutes before Edward would have to go out there and wait for his bride at the end of the aisle.
"Thanks, mom," Edward mumbled. He felt a little uncomfortable at his mothers emotional display. Every time she saw him, she nearly cried.
One last check with mirror confirmed that he was ready. He wore a black morning coat with a light gray vest and ascot and dark gray stripped dress pants. Edward had to admit that he looked incredible good.
"Edward," Jasper called him and pointed at the clock. "It's time. Alice told me that everything is ready and Bella is also on time."
Fuck! It's time. I'm getting married. I'm not ready to become a husband. Why have I agreed to this nonsense. I think I'm going to be sick...Okay, deep breaths. In...and out. In...and out. No no
Before he could freak out anymore, he took a deep breath and looked at his parents, Jasper and Emmett. "Okay, let's go."
Together they made their way through the house before first his parents and then Edward with his groomsmen walked outside. Everyone turned to watch him but Edward blocked them out. Slowly, they strode down the aisle before they took places.
And waited for the bride and her entourage.
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Well? How did like?
Next chapter there will be the wedding! With a few surprises.
Thanks for all the great reviews and alerts. If I could, I would give you muffins.
Love, Nini
