Hello all! So here is the next installment with our good friend Harleyward! Shamwow's ready?
I own nothing...S. Meyer does. (the ideas for plot and my use of her characters is my intellectual property and should not be reproduced without my permission.)
I do have 6 ticket stubs from my viewings of New Moon though. Yes I'm an addict.
For ASR fans, let me reassure you again. There will be a part two. A few people didn't read my author's note carefully enough and panicked a little.
Oh, and if you go to the lazy yet discerning ficster site, Peacelovetwilight interviewed me and it was posted today. Pretty darn cool
http:/www DOT discerningficster DOT blogspot DOT com/?zx=b514b952de45bf84
Chapter 6
BPOV
Edward of course insisted on staying with me and driving me to and from work while my car was getting fixed. Wednesday Tom called me to tell me it was finished and he would drop it off at my studio.
I hadn't met Tom yet, only talked to him on the phone. He was one of those genuinely nice guys. When I tried to pay him Tom told me not to worry about it. Apparently he owed Edward a favor. I wondered to myself if that actually meant Edward had paid him. That was something I would have to look into.
Edward knew I had my wheels back, so we were going to meet at his place. It was nice to be back in my own car. I had loved Edward driving me places, but having the freedom to do whatever I wanted returned to me was nice. Plus I had my new iPod. Even the prospect of rush hour traffic didn't bother me. Then I remembered the damage to my stereo that hadn't been fixed yet. Shit. Oh well. No iPod today. One more thing replaced fairly easily.
Tom told me he had vacuumed out all the broken glass so I wasn't left to do it. I was very appreciative of that and thanked him profusely. At the end of the day I climbed in, eager to get to Edward. It took me a second to realize what was different. There was a new stereo where my damaged one had been. Oh did Edward have some explaining to do. I was going to beat that man. It didn't look like a really fancy one, thank God, but still. I growled a little in frustration and then sighed. I knew it made Edward happy to do things like that, and not much I could say would change that.
I dug into my center console for my iPod cord. Something shiny caught my eye underneath it. I reached down and picked up the small black object to see what it was.
When I brought it out into the light, my stomach turned inside out and I almost threw up. It was a tiny, black, wooden wolf, polished and glossy. I felt my world spin as I realized the break in to my car had not been a random event. Jake had done it.
It was bad enough when I thought some stranger had been in my car. To realize it was Jake put a whole additional level of creepiness on it. The Jake that I had used to know, while rude and cold, was not this malevolent. I knew why he had done it. I just hoped whatever need for revenge he felt was satisfied now.
Every part of me wanted to scream and throw the wolf as far from me as I could. But a little voice in my head warned me to hang onto it, for now. It wasn't like it was clear cut evidence Jake had done it, but it was all I had. However I had no desire to have it where I would see it. Just feeling the shape burning into my palm made me cringe. Finally I put it in my trunk. Out of sight, but not really out of mind.
I knew I only had the drive to Edward's to get myself back under control again. I was not going to tell Edward about this, not yet. It wasn't like it would help. Knowing Edward, his reaction would bring about ugly consequences for everyone. It wasn't for Jake's protection. I didn't give a shit what happened to him. However I didn't want anything to happen to Edward. Edward could take care of himself. I just didn't want him to get in trouble, especially because of me.
I cranked some Kings of Leon and left for Edward's. Driving along slowly with the rush hour crowd allowed me the time I needed to get my nerves settled. By the time I got to Edward's, my thoughts were solely on seeing him. When I pulled in the garage I was surprised to see I had beaten him there. Then I saw a missed text message on my phone.
Baby, sorry I'm going to be a little late. Last minute meeting with client.
Be there as soon as I can, probably an hour.
I smiled and promptly texted back to him.
It's fine. Just got here. Will be waiting for you. ;)
Edward's reply was instant.
Guess it's a good thing I gave you a key. ;)
I was glad he had given me a key the other day so I could get into his apartment. It was a little weird getting a key so early in our relationship, but Edward insisted.
"Bella, it's just a key. I'm not expecting you to give me one to your place. I just want you to have one, just in case."
Of course he was right. Edward was one of the more practical people I had ever met. The additional time to make sure my emotions were truly settled was welcome. When I got inside Edward's place, I put my stuff down so I could go change into something more comfortable. By now I had a few clothing items I just left here. It was easier than hauling shit back and forth. Edward had a few items at my place too. I had to admit I kind of liked seeing his clothes with mine.
Once I was in my shorts and tank top, I flopped on the couch and turned the television on. You've Got Mail was just starting, one of my favorites. I curled up on my side and pulled the fleece blanket off the back of the couch. Cozy and finally relaxed, I immediately fell asleep.
My dreams were strange and confusing. All I kept seeing were pairs of unfamiliar eyes, watching me. Then it switched to being trapped by a pack of wolves, edging me up against a wall at the end of an alley. I could hear them panting, two of them licking their lips. The sound of breaking glass reverberated around me, but from where I couldn't tell. Suddenly a fog rolled in, surrounding me and hiding me from their sight.
Something touching my face broke into my dream. "Baby wake up…Bella?" Then I realized it wasn't my dream, it was really happening. I opened my eyes to see Edward squatted down next to the couch. "There she is. Did you have a nice nap?"
"Yes, sorry. Didn't mean to fall asleep." I stretched and smiled at him.
"No apologies needed. I hated to wake you, but I brought home some dinner. You are pretty fucking cute when you are asleep you know?"
"I didn't, but thank you for sharing." I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Edward cleared his throat and I looked up at him. He was staring at me rather intently. "What?"
Edward gestured at my chest with a smile. My tank top had shifted and one breast was hanging out. "Oh. Oops." I turned my shirt and covered back up.
"That kind of thing will cause me to skip dinner and got straight to dessert." Edward winked at me as he took my hand and pulled me up off the couch.
"Like I would stop you." I winked back at him. Edward reached down and grabbed my butt, pulling me into him. I heard him chuckle as I leaned into his chest and relaxed into him. Being in his arms was the best antidote for what I had figured out about my car today. I must've been hanging onto him a little harder than usual because Edward asked quietly. "You okay?" Shit. I hadn't realized Edward was able to read my body language so well already. I knew he could read my eyes, which is why I wasn't looking up at him.
"Yep. Just missed you today." My voice sounded believable to me, and it must've to Edward.
"Well let's go eat and then you can snuggle back up on me anyway you like." I felt Edward's lips press into the top of my head.
"Alright."
After dinner Edward showed me the finished art deco design he had drawn. The client had loved it and I could see why. Edward's level of talent and creativity was just astounding.
We were lounging on the couch when I remembered I had wanted to talk to Edward about Tom and the stereo. "Edward?" I was sitting between his legs, leaning back against him. "Why wouldn't Tom let me pay him today?" I looked back at him.
"He owed me a favor. I just used that as payment for your window."
"Hmm. And the stereo?" I narrowed my eyes at him and Edward looked a little sheepish.
"Um, that would've been my idea."
"Edward…I'm paying you back."
Edward shook his head. "No."
"Yes." I was emphatic.
"No Bella."
I glared at him and Edward just smiled. He pointed to himself, "Remember? Connections?"
"You know, it's beginning to sound like you are in the mob or something." I tilted my head back further to see him better.
"Well a Harley rider mob. Not an Italian dead horse head in the bed mob. Seriously Bella, the stereo didn't cost me anything at all. There is no monetary amount you can repay me." Edward's expression was a bit smug.
"You are obnoxious when you have the upper hand." I turned back around and folded my arms over my chest. Edward wrapped his arms around me and kissed the side of my neck. "But thank you for arranging for the stereo, it is wonderful."
"You are very welcome." Edward kissed my neck again. "And yes I am obnoxious, but you like me anyway."
"That I do." I sighed and snuggled back into him. At some point while Edward was channel hopping I fell asleep on him. When he carried me into bed I was barely aware of it. Once Edward was lying next to me, his chest against my back, I was out.
The same odd dreams that plagued me when I took my nap returned in the night. I was in that same alleyway. Eyes were on me wherever I looked, and even if I couldn't see them, I could feel them. Fog was surrounding me and I could see the silhouette of a wolf moving in the haze. When I'd turn away and try to go the other way, it would appear on the other side of me. Then there were more wolves. The circle of them seemed to be tightening in on me.
Suddenly I was at my apartment. The fog, the alley, the wolves all gone. There was no sense of being watched. I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. It must've been a dream. An explosion of breaking glass made me scream. I spun around and a giant wolf had jumped through my kitchen window, and was stalking towards me. I backed up, trying to find my front door behind me. As my hand hit the knob I could hear wolves on the other side of it, scratching and whining. I was trapped.
"Please…please just go away, leave me alone." The wolf almost seemed to smile and kept coming. "GO AWAY! LEAVE!" I screamed. As the wolf leapt for me I bolted awake, tears streaming down my face. I realized at once I was in Edward's bedroom and he was propped up looking down at me gasping next to him. One of his hands was on my arm, rubbing it.
"Bella?" Edward sounded a little shaken. "What is it?" I threw myself into Edward's chest, breathing hard and trembling. "Easy baby, it's okay." His hands rubbed up and down my back. "Nightmare?"
I nodded wordlessly into his chest. I could still see the wolf leaping for me before I awoke.
"A pretty bad one too. Your screaming scared the shit out of me." I was still almost hyperventilating. "Breathe Bella, slow, in and out, in and out." Edward stroked my back in the same rhythm he was trying to slow my breathing down to. "In and out baby." I focused on Edward's hand and did my best to follow the tempo of its movement and his words. Eventually I gained control and felt a slight edge of calm start to wash over me.
"That's better." Edward gently separated back from me a little. "Bella?" There was a worried furrow between Edward's eyebrows. "Do you even remember what it was about?"
"Just being chased by wolves, in an alley and then they got in my apartment. One leapt at me to kill me when I woke up." My voice was a little rough sounding.
"Well that would freak me out." Edward pulled me back into his chest. "Stay next to me, I'll keep you safe. I'll never let anything happen to you."
I wrapped myself up in Edward and he kept rubbing my back in a soothing motion. His presence so close to me reinforced the sense of protection I felt from him and I was able to fall back asleep.
In the morning I woke in a complete haze. My throat was dry and scratchy. I groaned as I rolled over underneath Edward's arm. The alarm hadn't gone off yet, but I knew it was going to all too soon. A shower was the only thing that was going to get this morning off to a better start. That and a giant latte. Edward's arm tightened around me and I allowed him to pull me back into him. I could tell by the change in his breathing that Edward was awake too.
"Morning." I could feel Edward's lips moving against the back of my neck as he spoke.
"Morning." I turned so I was facing him, pulling my hair out of my face.
Edward yawned and smiled. "Did you sleep okay the rest of the night?"
"Yes. No more nightmares."
"Good." He leaned in and kissed my forehead, then the tip of my nose, and then my lips.
"You're sweet you know that right?" I smiled at him. Edward put a finger over my lips.
"Shhh. Don't tell anyone. It will ruin my reputation."
I laughed. "Your secret is safe with me. I'll just say that you fuck me into oblivion, how's that?"
"Mmm, I like the sound of that." Edward threw one leg over me and tightened his hold on me. Just then the alarm went off. "Fucking cockblocking alarm." Edward grumbled as he slapped it off.
I giggled. "There is time tonight. And there will be no cockblocking if I can help it."
"Deal." Edward kissed me hard and then spanked me.
"Hey!" I reached around and spanked him back.
My day certainly improved all the way around. Alice came over to eat lunch with me so I could finally share the Jessica story with her. We sat on the floor across from each other, Alice eagerly awaiting the details.
I filled her in on arriving at the bar and spotting Jessica and Lauren. Alice about died laughing when I told her Edward called them bar flies.
"Then he started laying it on thick after I told Jessica I didn't care what her excuse was. He was rubbing my hip where they could see. Oh and then when I said something about how I'd had an amazing night in spite of them, Edward corrected me to say that we had an amazing night." Alice clapped her hands.
"Ooh. What did they do to that?"
"Not much, they looked a little ill. Then as we walked off Edward called them a pair of nasty barflies so that they could hear him. Plus he had his hand in my back pocket. I have to admit…..it was a sweet feeling of victory." I grinned and high fived Alice.
"Bella, I have to say, I like Edward the more you tell me about him. That was actually really sweet of him to help you nail it to those skanks."
I nodded, taking a bite of my sandwich.
"I have a question for you Bella, actually more of a favor." Alice looked up at me and then looked back at her salad.
"Sure, shoot."
"Could you maybe find out if Jasper is single?" Alice looked up at me again and blushed.
"Alice! You like Jasper?" My mouth fell open.
"Well let's just say the brief bit that I interacted with him I'm intrigued. Will you ask Edward please?"
"Absolutely. After that do you want me to pass a note to Jasper? If you like Alice check yes?" Alice growled a little at me and shoved at me. "I'm kidding. I'll find out for you."
"Thank you Bella."
After work I headed home since Edward was coming over to my place tonight. I got in the door and tossed my keys on the entryway table. First order of business was to get out of work clothes. I threw some jeans and a thermal hoodie on. I wandered into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Alice's request still had me giggling. I turned and what I saw caused me to drop it, water and shards of glass flying everywhere.
How had I missed that coming into the kitchen? I knew I wasn't really paying attention, but how had I fucking missed that? I started to step forward but realized that I was in bare feet with glass everywhere. I grabbed a towel and cleared a path for myself towards the table. Slowly I advanced, almost afraid that if I got close enough it would confirm what I was seeing was real.
The vase on the table no longer held the red rose that Edward had given me last week. Instead there was a black dyed rose in it. The red rose was shredded in pieces on the table. There was a little piece of paper sitting under the vase.
Every part of my body was on edge, but I knew. I knew as certainly as I knew my own shoe size who had done this. I didn't touch the note. I could read it from where I stood.
You will regret this you little fucking slut.
I wanted to scream. Instead I just turned and threw up into the garbage can. I fell to my knees as my stomach heaved. He'd been in my apartment, Jake had been in here. How the fuck did he get in? What else had he messed with? That thought made another wave of nausea pass through me. I leaned my forehead against the wall. There was no way I could hide this from Edward. At this point I didn't want to either. I tried to get up, but my legs just wouldn't work. So I sat there and tried not to look at the rose, like a dark omen looming over me.
Edward would be here any moment, and there was no way I would be in control by the time he arrived. I just sat and waited for him. Someone else had to tell me what to do right now, because I just felt completely empty. I didn't want to have to think about it long enough to decide what to do.
I heard my front door open and Edward's boots in the entry. "Baby?"
"In here." My voice didn't sound like my own at all. Edward appeared around the corner and his eyes flew open wide when he saw me on the floor.
"Bella! Are you sick?" He knelt down next to me and put a hand on my forehead.
"Not sick contagious, but sick to my stomach yes. Edward I discovered something Wednesday that I thought was nothing really, so I didn't tell you. Now I know it wasn't."
Edward looked confused. "You aren't making sense."
"Look on the table." I nodded towards the rose behind him.
Edward stood up and walked over. His shoulders tensed visibly when he realized what he was looking at, and the anger hit him. "I'll kill him." Edward's voice was low and tight with rage.
"Edward, don't do that."
Edward spun, his eyes blazing. "Are you kidding me Bella? That douche got into your apartment and did this. You're defending him?"
My tears returned. "No! Of course not. I wouldn't do that. I just don't want to lose you. I can't lose you. Please promise me you won't do anything stupid, please." My words were choking off as I started to cry in earnest. Edward's face softened instantly as he realized my meaning. He came back over and offered his hand to me to help me up.
"Come on." He wrapped his arms around me and we went into the living room. He sat down on the couch and pulled me into his lap. "I promise not to do anything stupid Bella." I buried my face against his shoulder. "I promise. But we do have to call the cops Bella. This guy is clearly not sane, and he's dangerous to you."
"I agree. I don't know what changed, because this is way beyond anything he ever did." I sniffled and shuddered.
"What did you mean about something you didn't tell me Bella?" Edward pushed me back from him so he could look in my eyes.
"When I got my car back yesterday, I found something in it." I took a deep breath. "There was a small wooden black wolf left in the center console."
Edward's eyes grew angry again. He closed them for a moment while he pinched the bridge of his nose. "What did you do with it?"
"I wanted to throw it away, but something told me not to. It's in the trunk of my car." My voice sounded very small. I couldn't tell at all what was going through his head.
Edward paused a moment and then his eyes met mine. The silence in the room seemed to be pressing in on me more each second. Edward clearly was thinking, so I tried to wait patiently for him to speak. His fingers drummed on the top of my thigh rapidly as his jaw clenched and unclenched. Finally I couldn't take it.
"Edward I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Please don't be angry with me. Say something please." When he was still quiet I looked down at my hands, a sickening feeling in my stomach.
Edward's voice was low when he started to speak. "Bella, I'm not angry at you. A little annoyed you didn't tell me, but not angry." I relaxed a little but I still couldn't bring myself to look at him. "I'm just trying to decide the best course of action that doesn't involve me finding Jake and beating the shit out of him with a baseball bat. Because that would definitely land me in jail, and I can't take care of you from there."
"You want to do that? Even after all this nonsense. You still want to be around me?" Somewhere I found the strength to meet his gaze. Edward rested both his hands on either side of my face.
"Of course I want to be around you. I'm not going anywhere. I want to take care of you, just like you take care of me."
"I do?" I wasn't quite sure how I had managed that. "How?"
"How do you take care of me? You give me multiple things to look forward to every day. You keep me on my toes, surprise me in many ways that make me smile. From something as simple as wearing your hair up to the way you cuddle up to me in bed." Edward shook his head and smiled to himself. "That's how you take care of me."
I smiled at him. I really couldn't think of anything to say, so I just laid my head on his shoulder. "What do we do now?"
"Well we call the police and have them come here to check things out. Tell them about our previous run in with Jake and what you found in your car. And until we know more about what this fucknut is up to, you are staying with me at my place."
"Okay." I wasn't going to argue with any of it. I was scared out of my mind.
"I would also like to drive you to and from work. Basically I don't think you should be alone"
I sat back. "That may be a bit much, don't you think?"
Edward raised an eyebrow at me. "Bella, I would hire a bodyguard for you if you'd let me. Which I'm sure you wouldn't."
"No I wouldn't." I shook my head. "I am scared Edward. But I don't want to give him that kind of power over my world. I won't have Jake totally mess up our lives. I will come to stay with you, but let's hold off on the Edward chauffer service for now, please?"
Edward sighed, not looking entirely too pleased about what I wanted. "Okay. But you have to stay in touch with me, by phone. And you need to tell Alice what is going on, please?"
"Okay."
Edward called the cops while I packed up additional clothes to take to his place. The visit with the police was short. There wasn't a whole lot they could do at this time. They noted everything, took pictures, and took the wolf from my car as evidence. My kitchen window showed signs that it was the way Jake gained entrance to my apartment.
Before the police left, they recommended I have my locks changed, just to be safe. Edward clarified that they had taken all the evidence from the kitchen as well. After the officers left I asked him why.
"Because I don't want you to have to deal with it. Bad enough seeing it once." I just nodded and a shiver went through me. Perfectly fine with me. "I also took your trash out Bella."
"Thanks." The memory of the helplessness and nausea I felt at that moment of discovery still made me cringe.
Edward grabbed my bag. "You sure you are okay to drive? We can get your car tomorrow if you want?"
"No I'm okay. Let's just get out of here." Edward took my hand and led me out to my car.
"I will be right behind you the whole way." He kissed me lightly.
"Okay."
I didn't listen to any music on the way to Edward's. My brain was still swimming with everything that had happened. I also was thinking over what Edward had told me about how I took care of him. Really I was wondering what he saw in me that made this all worth it. What he had told me made me smile, but at the same time, I didn't see it. Edward wasn't one to blow sunshine up your ass. What he said he meant. I kept trying to remind myself of that.
Once Edward shut his front door behind us he reached out and grasped my arm. Turning me he pulled me so hard back into him that I smacked into his chest. His arms surrounded me and I felt his lips in my hair. I relished the feeling of his strength around me and leaned against him. My knees trembled a little and Edward tightened his grip, holding me up. I let him.
I buried my face into him, inhaling and letting the scent that was Edward alone wash over me. It acted on me almost like a drug. We stood there, me clinging onto him, for several minutes. Edward was nuzzling the top of my head, kissing it occasionally. Finally he spoke. "Come on baby." Reluctantly I let go and Edward kept his hands on me making sure I was steady. I nodded at him to let him know I was okay. At least I was capable of standing up on my own. Emotionally and mentally, I definitely still was shaken.
Without another word Edward led me back to his bedroom. He took both our jackets and tossed them in the corner. "Clothes off baby." I raised an eyebrow at him. "It's not what you think you little vixen. At least, not this time." Edward started shedding his clothes down to his boxers and climbed into bed. I stripped down to my underwear. Edward patted the bed next to him and I climbed in.
"Come here." Edward motioned for me to move closer. Once I was within reach he pulled me up against him. He took one leg and wrapped it over both of mine. I felt tears start to prick at my eyes, like I was going to lose it again. I trembled with the effort of trying to hold it together. Edward stroked my back slowly.
"Baby, if you need to cry it's okay. Don't try to play it off like what happened today wasn't scary as hell." Edward's voice was low in my ear and I felt the dam holding everything back crumble.
Once the tears started flowing I couldn't stop them. Edward just stroked my back as I sobbed against him. Occasionally I heard him whisper things like "It will be okay."
In between sobs I struggled to try to tell him something. I was having trouble finding my voice. "I…need….you."
"I know. I need you too." Edward put a finger under my chin and forced me to look up at him. Once we had locked eyes he repeated it in a whisper. "I need you too Bella." He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. I saw something reflected in his eyes that I hadn't seen there before, vulnerability. Edward was as emotionally staggered about what had developed between us in such a short time.
I hiccupped and Edward smiled at me. "I'm not going anywhere Edward. I can't."
"Neither can I gorgeous."
I snorted. "Whatever. I'm sure I look just fucking marvelous right now."
Edward reached up and wiped the few remaining tears off my cheeks. "You do." I rolled my eyes at him. "Don't argue with me Bella. If I say you are gorgeous, you are. I don't care if your eyes are all red and puffy." He gave me his crooked smile. "Got it?"
"Got it." I couldn't continue to meet his gaze so I just snuggled into his chest. "Thank you."
"Anytime."
EPOV
Bella was pressed up to me, skin to skin. However the last thing on my mind at the moment was sex. That was a first for me. I just wanted to feel her next to me. My world had been turned upside down in the last few hours and I couldn't even begin to try to process it. It was easier to return to something tactile that I could connect to. That was Bella.
Every part of me wanted to hunt down Jacob Black and destroy him. The memory of Bella crumpled around the garbage can at her apartment made me clench my jaw for a moment. I was completely caught off guard by seeing her so broken and terrified. But I had promised her, and I wasn't going to break that promise.
The tension when we got into my front door that was radiating off her body was immense. Bella was barely holding it together and she didn't even realize it. I knew I needed to give her permission, to allow herself to let it out. I didn't want her trying to be tough for me. I certainly wasn't feeling very tough as Bella sobbed against my chest. I felt tears prick my own eyes as I held tightly onto her. What the fuck had happened to me?
It was when Bella told me as she cried she needed me, that it hit me. I mean it really hit me. I needed her too. When had that started? I had no clue. But Bella needed to know that her feelings weren't a one way street, that I felt it too. I had told her I wanted to take care of her, and I did. It went further than that though. The fear I had felt tonight at the thought of losing Bella, solidified for me the depth of my affection for her.
So I told her. It was all I could do at that point. "I need you too Bella." I looked in her eyes as I repeated it, trying to show her I meant it. I ran my hand down her cheek, feeling the tear tracks beneath it. Bella offered me an attempt at a real smile. I could see the realization in her eyes that I meant what I said.
That was when we both admitted that we literally couldn't leave the other. I felt like I was bound to her by forces I didn't really understand. It was something that in the past would've sent me running, but I embraced it.
Bella stared up at me as I wiped away the few tears still on her face. She still looked beautiful to me, even with red eyes. Of course she wouldn't believe me when I tried to tell her that. Someday I was going to get Bella to see herself more clearly.
I rolled and pulled Bella up against my side. She lay so she was still looking up at me. I kept tracing my fingers over her cheek, down her neck and back up again. Bella closed her eyes and sighed as I continued touching her gently. After several minutes she fell asleep, like I knew and hoped she would.
Staring at the ceiling I kept feeling Bella's skin under my fingertips, listening to her even breaths. How do I do this without fucking it up? I gazed back down at Bella's face, free of worry and fear. I would do anything to keep it that way, anything at all. She was my life now.
I must've dozed off as well. When I woke it was dark in my room. Bella was still snuggled up against me asleep. Glancing at the clock I saw it was almost ten. I was hungry, but really didn't want to disturb Bella by getting up. My shift in position to check the time woke her anyway. Bella rubbed her eyes and sat up a little.
"What time is it Edward?" Bella's face was visible in the glow of the red light from the clock display.
"Almost ten. Are you hungry?" I rolled on my side and propped myself up on my elbow.
Bella nodded. "Actually I am."
"Anything in particular sound good?" I climbed out of bed and stretched.
"I don't know. Sorry I know that isn't helpful."
I offered my hand to Bella and pulled her up out of bed. "Well come stare in the freezer with me. Maybe we will find something that looks good."
Bella laughed and followed me to the kitchen. I had almost forgotten she was only wearing her underwear, until we got out into the light. Earlier I had been more concerned with making her feel better to notice what she was wearing. Blue lace, light blue lace. I tried not to stare at her as she stood next to me by the fridge. I did fine until I opened the freezer. When I looked over to tell Bella what I had, my eyes were drawn to her breasts. Cold air equals hard nipples, body reactions 101.
Bella cleared her throat and I looked up. "Sorry. I was distracted."
She giggled. "So I noticed."
I turned my attention back to finding something for us to eat. Finally we decided just to make some sandwiches. Bella sat at the table, her chin on her arms, watching me over the kitchen counter. I served her and then sat across from her. As she ate Bella kept throwing me smiles. It was nice to see her feeling better and more relaxed.
"Oh Edward I forgot, I have a question for you from Alice." I looked across the table at Bella. She seemed to be amused by whatever she was thinking.
"What's that?" I had no idea what Alice could want to know from me.
"She wants to know if Jasper is single."
I chuckled. "That's funny."
"Why is that funny?" Bella started to give me a little bit of a dirty look. I think she thought I was insulting her friend.
"Not because of anything bad. It's just Jasper wanted me to find out if Alice was single."
Bella shook her head and laughed. "Well I guess we can safely tell both of them to call each other."
"Do you feel like you are in middle school right about now?"
Bella laughed at my observation. "You mean the whole you ask her friend if….type action we just went through?" I nodded at Bella. "Yes, absolutely. In fact I asked Alice if she wanted me to just pass Jasper a note."
I took our plates and put them in the sink. Bella wandered into the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. I came and stood against the door frame watching her at the sink in her bra and panties. Bella looked at me over her shoulder as she dried her face. "What are you looking at Cullen?"
"What do you think?"
"Hmm." Bella hung her towel up and strolled slowly towards me. "I have no idea. Unless it has something to do with the fact that I'm still only in my undies."
"It might." I raised an eyebrow at her as Bella paused in front of me. With a grin she scooted past me in the doorway, intentionally rubbing up against me as she passed. Well that brought my cock to life instantly.
"I thought when you told me to take my clothes off earlier it wasn't what I was thinking?" Bella turned and perched on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs.
"I said it wasn't that then. Things have changed." I followed her and stood right in front of her. Bella eyed my boxers, licking her lips before she smiled up at me.
"How have they changed?" Reaching out she ran one finger over my boxers, just barely touching my erection. "Are you talking about this change here?"
"That's part of it."
Bella peered up at me through her eyelashes. "I'd say it's a huge part of it."
"Flattery will get you everywhere Miss Swan." I was a typical man after all. Hearing her imply I was huge, well of course it made my ego do a happy dance.
"The question is will it get me anything I want?" Bella scooted back on the bed. Reaching down she pulled her panties off and tossed them at me.
"Well if the flattery doesn't, that sure will." I was enjoying where this was heading.
"So this would help too?" Bella pulled her bra off and threw it to me.
"Absolutely. I feel very partial to giving you whatever you want now. You just have to tell me what it is." Bella smiled and stretched out in front of me on the bed. My heart skipped a few beats when she took her hand and ran it down over her breast. It kept going down her body and I realized I was holding my breath as I watched. Was Bella going to….oh sweet Jesus she was.
Bella reached between her legs and stroked herself with a sigh. "Do you like watching me touch myself Edward?"
I almost couldn't speak. "Yes. But you still haven't told me what you want. And if you don't soon it's going to be dealer's choice."
Smiling at me Bella spread her legs further open. I pulled my boxers off because regardless of what happened in the next few minutes, at the end of it I was going to be in her. Circling her clit Bella closed her eyes and moaned quietly.
"Fuck Bella." I was hovering over her body in a second. "Tell me…..now." Slowly Bella opened her eyes and the desire I saw there almost took my breath away. I had originally thought tonight would be a night I would take my time. However it was clear Bella had other ideas.
"I'm very wet Edward." I groaned and closed my eyes.
"Bella, you have five seconds to tell me how you want me to take you." Bella's hand palm pressed into my cock and it twitched the moment she touched me. "Shit….."
Bella rolled out from under me. Slowly she moved onto her hands and knees in front of me. "You know that Nine Inch Nails song Edward?"
I growled and grabbed her around her waist from behind. Leaning forward I took her earlobe between my teeth. Bella moaned and arched back into me. I whispered in her ear. "You want me to fuck you like an animal Bella?"
"Please." Bella's voice was pleading. "Take me. Show me I'm yours."
I took two fingers and thrust them in her. "Fuck you are wet. You are mine. Mine and no one else's." Pulling my fingers out I drove my cock into her.
"Yes Edward." Bella's voice was low as she pushed back into me. Gripping her shoulders I pulled her back into me harder and groaned as her body clamped down around me. I slid one hand underneath her and grasped her breast firmly. Her nipple was hard and I pinched it between my fingers.
"Shit." Bella leaned forward onto her elbows. I ran my other hand over her back down over her ass.
"Mmm, I love your ass Bella." Bella turned to lock eyes with me over her shoulder. I stroked my hand in circles over it as I moved in her slowly. "Someday I want to spank it."
Bella's eyes darkened as she watched me behind her. "What are you waiting for?"
I raised an eyebrow at her. I pulled my hand back a few inches. Looking back at her I waited to make sure she was still okay with it. I wasn't going to spank her hard of course, I wasn't into that. This was new territory for us regardless, and I didn't tread into that without pause.
"Please." Bella was starting to breath harder as I started thrusting harder into her again.
I brought my palm down with a light smack against her cheek. Bella moaned loud and closed her eyes. I rubbed my hand over the area before I did it again.
"Fuck, Edward." Bella's head dropped down again with a groan.
"Did you like that Bella?"
Her voice was deeper than usual as she answered. "Yes."
"Are you mine?" I drove into her harder, feeling her tighten down more around me.
"Yes."
"Look at me and say that." Bella looked back at me again.
"I'm yours Edward."
I gripped her hips as I sped up the motion bringing our bodies together. "And I'm yours Bella. Fuck you feel good."
Bella just moaned and watched me, her eyes never leaving mine.
"You're close baby, I can feel it." I reached down and lifted Bella up so her back was pressed against my chest. Bella's head fell back against my shoulder, her hair falling down over my back. I kept one arm around her waist as my other hand drifted down between her legs. "Do you want to come Bella?"
"Please." Bella's voice was a breathless plea in my ear.
I found her clit and flicked it once, causing Bella to arch back into me with a low cry. I ran my finger around it before I pinched it lightly. Bella reached behind her with her hands and gripped my ass with her fingernails. One more rub of her clit and Bella was coming undone in my arms.
"Edward….oh fuck."
"Yes baby." I held her harder against me as Bella's body writhed back against mine. Her walls seized down around me and I lost it. "So fucking good…I'm coming…" I drove into her hard several times as her body seemed to rip my release from me. Bella's little cries of pleasure in my ear just added to the overwhelming sensations moving through me. As we returned to reality together I heard her whisper. "Yours Edward."
Keeping her held tightly to me I lay us down on our sides. I was panting against her shoulder. Leaning in I kissed it lightly. "You okay?"
"Mmmm. More than okay." Bella's was still trying to catch her breath. "You?"
I kissed her shoulder again and then the side of her neck. "Never better." Bella wiggled back closer to me. My fingers were tracing small patterns on the warm skin of her stomach. That was the last thing I remembered.
I woke up in the morning and Bella was not in the bed. I could hear the shower running though, so I assumed she was in there. Stretching I tried to wake my brain up. I still wasn't thrilled with letting Bella drive herself right now, but I couldn't argue with how she felt about it either.
I was still in bed when Bella exited the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Her wet hair was dripping down her back. I could see rivulets of water running down her neck and back. She was looking towards the closet, and didn't notice I was awake. "Hey sexy girl."
Bella gasped and spun. I chuckled to see her startle. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
Bella laughed. "It's okay. I guess I'm off in my own little world this morning."
"You aren't going to forget about telling Alice what is going on?"
"No Edward. I promise I won't forget." Bella rolled her eyes a little.
"I'm sorry. I am going to be an overprotective pain in your ass for awhile. You are just going to have to deal with it." I got out of bed and wandered over to her. "Can you blame me though? The thought of anything happening to you terrifies me Bella." It was one step closer to admitting how I felt to her.
"I know and I understand. I promise to be careful Edward." I took her in my arms and pulled her into my chest. Her wet hair was cold against me. Leaning down I kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you, for understanding." I murmured into her damp strands.
"You're welcome. Now I need to get dressed or I will be late." I let Bella go after a quick kiss.
I was still on edge when I got to the shop that morning. Bella texted me later that she was at her studio and everything was fine. Jasper noticed the tension I was exuding. Finally he couldn't keep quiet anymore.
"Would you care to tell me why you look so uptight Edward?" Jasper parked himself on the desk across from mine, swinging his feet.
"Remember Jake?"
Jasper rolled his eyes. "Mr. Nut Job? How could I forget?"
"It turns out he was the one who broke into Bella's car. Then yesterday when she got home, he had broken into her apartment and left her a threatening note." My anger was rising to the surface again as I talked about it. My hands tightened into fists against my thigh.
Jasper's eyes were wide. "Holy shit. I'm assuming you called the cops."
I nodded. "Yes. And she is staying with me until they figure out what the hell this idiot is up to, and it's safe again."
Jasper drummed his fingers on the desk. "Well if there is anything I can do to help man, let me know."
"I will, thanks. Oh, and Bella told me that her friend Alice asked if you were single."
"Really? She did?" Jasper's eyes lit up.
"No I'm kidding. Yes asshole she did. I'm assuming its okay for me to give Bella your cell number to give to Alice."
Jasper grinned. "Please."
I shook my head. "Just don't do anything stupid. She is Bella's best friend. You fuck this up and hurt Alice, I will hurt you. I don't want to have to start explaining your sorry ass to Bella." My voice came out with more irritation to it than I had intended.
Jasper's jaw dropped open and he just stared at me after my outburst.
"Sorry Jazz. That was uncalled for." I took a deep breath and placed my face in my hands.
"It's okay Edward. Is this all because of Jake? What's the deal?"
"Jazz, I'm feeling things I have never felt, never expected to feel. When I realized that I very easily could lose Bella to this psycho, it really freaked me out." I peered up at him from behind my hands. "I don't know what is going on."
Jasper nodded. "I do. You love her." I just gaped at him like he had suddenly grown another head. Jasper repeated it again. "Did you hear me Edward. You. Love. Her."
I blinked. "I love her?" I whispered.
Jasper just watched me as what he just told me sunk into my admittedly thick head, waiting.
"I love her." I whispered again. The truth of the words resonated within me. I looked up to see Jasper sitting there with a patient smile. "Jazz. I love Bella."
"Yes. You do."
I leaned back in my chair. "Whoa. I just….I mean….when the fuck did you get so smart?" I glared over at Jazz and he laughed.
"I've only known you forever Edward. You have never been like this ever about a woman. Bella has brought out a whole side of you that before now, you didn't know you had. I knew it was in there somewhere, and eventually it would come out. I've seen how you look at her. Hell how you look when you talk about her. It's obvious."
I sat there somewhat staggered and in shock. But now that it was out in the open, it was so plain for me to see. I didn't want to lose Bella, have anything happen to her, because I loved her. Holy shit. I was fucking in love.
Jasper got up to go back out to the shop. "I'm just going to go back to my painting. Clearly you have a lot to think about."
I called out to him as he went out the office door. "Jazz. Thanks."
"No problem." He grinned and left.
My cell phone off with a text from Bella.
Alice knows, & I gave her your cell phone number. She's going to text you hers for you to have, & also to give to Jasper.
I breathed a sigh of relief to read that. Quickly I texted her back.
Thanks Beautiful.
I sat there for quite awhile just staring into space, lost in my thoughts. This was all new territory for me. I should be feeling nervous, uncomfortable, uncertain. But I didn't. For once I felt calm and on track. This was where my life was supposed to be going, where I was meant to be. I couldn't tell Bella yet. Something told me that it was too soon. I could show her though.
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