Hi everyone!!! Here is the next installment and chapter 8 is already in the works.
A huge favor to ask of those who love this and A Stable Romance. If you would like to, they are accepting nominations for the Eddies and Bellies fan fic awards until December 10th. My stories only qualify for the Bellies. This one isn't complete, and ASR is too long. I would love you to nominate me for whatever you think my stories deserve...if anything.
http://www DOT thecatt DOT net/tw/default DOT aspx
School has me completely screwed for free time, so review responses for this and Ch 33 of ASR haven't happened. But I read every single review and they make my day!!!!
OH and if you read The Lazy Yet Discerning Ficster....there was an interview with me posted this week......pretty cool!!!
As usual....I own nothing, Stephenie Meyer does. (plot here and my use of the characters is my intellectual property, and should not be reproduced without my permission)
I have seen New Moon 6 times now though......WOOT. Edward walking slo motion through the parking lot owns me.
Shamwow advisory.....oh 4 at least.
Chapter 7
EPOV
I got out of work as soon as I could. There were a few errands I had to do before Bella got back to my place. When I got home I started with setting up dinner. Nothing fancy, just roast chicken. My cooking skills were somewhat limited, but I was good at the simple stuff.
Bella texted me that she was on her way back from Redmond. There were a few butterflies in my stomach realizing I was going to see her knowing now that I loved her. Hopefully I wouldn't start acting like a total idiot. I channel surfed through what felt like a million shows, not able to really focus on anything. When I heard my doorknob turn I took a deep breath and faced the entry. Bella walked in, almost peeking around the door. When her eyes met mine she gave me an enormous smile. I felt all the butterflies disappear, and realized that knowing I loved Bella didn't change a thing.
"Hey baby. How was your day?" I got up and walked over to where Bella was taking off her shoes.
"Not bad. Little slow. You?"
"Enlightening. A good day. I have something for you." I took her coat and hung it up.
"Really? What is that?" Bella took my hand and I led her into the kitchen. "Wow is it the something that smells good."
"That is chicken. But that wasn't what I was referring to. Close your eyes." Bella gave me a little bit of an exasperated look. "Humor me?" She sighed and closed her eyes.
I opened the fridge and pulled out her surprise, setting it on the counter. I moved to stand behind Bella and steered her so she was standing facing it. "Okay open your eyes."
I couldn't see her face, but I heard Bella gasp when she saw the roses in front of her.
"Well I wasn't going to stand for having the rose I gave you ruined. So I decided you needed more." I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist. She reached out and fingered the petals on one pink rose before she turned to face me.
"More than one color too I see?" Bella slid her hands slowly up my chest and around my neck.
Shrugging I grinned. "I couldn't decide on one."
"Thank you Edward. That was very thoughtful of you." Bella stroked her fingers over the back of my neck.
"You are welcome. Do I get a kiss for being thoughtful?" I turned Bella and backed her up to the wall.'
"A kiss. Well at least that, maybe more if you play your cards right." Bella giggled when I pressed her into the wall.
"I like the sound of that." Leaning down I brushed my lips over hers. Bella gripped at my neck and crushed her lips to mine. I groaned and threaded my hand up into her hair, pulling her up to me. Bella flicked the end of her tongue against mine.
"Fuck I'm going to buy you an entire tree next time." Bella snickered. The oven buzzer went off. "That's the bell, time out for dinner."
After dinner we were flaked out on the couch. I was enjoying having Bella pressed up against me. "Can I ask you something Bella? Something that is coming from left field?" Bella leaned back and stared at me.
"I suppose."
"Have you ever experimented with toys?" I watched as Bella thought for a second and then the light of understanding showed in her eyes. Promptly she turned red. "You're blushing, so I'm guessing no?"
Bella shook her head. "Nope, never have."
"Would you be opposed to experimenting sometime?" I rubbed the back of her neck.
"No, I wouldn't." Bella whispered. She leaned back again and I kissed the tip of her nose.
"Okay." I knew what I wanted to buy on the way home tomorrow, and the thought made me grin. Bella saw the smile and raised an eyebrow knowingly at me, before she lay back down against me. After an hour of cheesy television later, Bella stretched and sat up.
"Where are you going baby?" I grabbed Bella's hips.
"I need a bath. My shoulders and back are killing me from too much time bent over framing today. Want to join me?"
"Hmm, let's see. You, naked, in hot water. Is there an answer besides yes to that question?" Bella pulled me up off the couch.
"Not that I know of." She walked ahead of me stripping off her sweater as she went.
I pulled my clothes off in the bedroom and found Bella filling the bathtub in her underwear. Her purple satin underwear with black lace stood out against her creamy white skin.
"Jesus. Do you wake up every morning and intentionally pick the sexiest underwear you can find Bella?"
Bella looked at me over her shoulder. "No I just picked the first pair I came too. You've seen what I wear when I plan, remember?"
Oh yes, I remembered. That little red and black number. "Yes, I do. How could I forget that?"
"Didn't think you had. Think I may have to plan another little something for you here sometime soon." Bella winked and stripped out of her bra and panties. I was still standing naked in the doorway staring at her like a pervert. Bella climbed into the tub with a sigh. "What are you waiting for, get in here."
I got in at the other end facing Bella. I took her feet in my hands under the water and started rubbing them. Bella leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She had her hair up in a loose bun on her head, with a few tendrils hanging down around her face. I slowly kneaded her feet, working my fingers up her calves and back down again. Bella had a little smile on her face. She opened her eyes to find me staring at her.
"What are you thinking about Edward?"
I looked down for a moment before I answered. "How beautiful you are." Our eyes met and Bella tilted her head at me.
"You were not." She splashed a little water my way.
"I sure as hell fucking was Bella. Don't you believe I could be thinking that?"
Bella thought for a moment. "Well, I guess I just didn't think it was something you would be thinking about now."
"Why is that?" I scooted a little closer and started massaging her lower thighs.
"I don't know. I figured most of your thoughts didn't cover me, let alone whether or not I was beautiful." Bella looked down at the bathwater.
How did Bella not get this? Even after all we talked about last night. She still didn't realize how important she was to me. I still wasn't ready to confess to Bella that I loved her, but I had to find a way to show her the depth of my feelings.
"Bella." I moved even closer so that we were inches apart. I pulled her forward so that I could wrap my legs around her. She still wasn't looking at me. "Bella please look up at me."
Bella turned her head up so that she was meeting my gaze. "How can I put this in a way that won't startle you, but that will convince you?" I reached out and stroked her cheek with one wet finger. "I don't want to freak you out."
"You're not going to freak me out Edward." Bella whispered.
I paused, trying to find the best words. "It's pretty simple I guess. You are my life now Bella. That's all there is to it."
Bella's eyes grew big. Fuck I had said too much. I started to shake my head and really wanted to leave. Bella's hands reached out and found mine under the water. "I am?" Bella's voice was a little shaky.
I looked back up at Bella to find her giving me a little smile. "You are."
"Come here." Bella beckoned me closer. When I moved she told me to turn around. Once my back was to her she wrapped her arms around me and pulled me back against her chest. I slid down and laid my head back against Bella's shoulder.
"Isn't this the reverse of how it's supposed to be Bella?" I felt her lips press against the side of my neck.
"Who fucking cares?" She kissed the corner of my jaw.
"I don't. Just wondering. You know, you are in my thoughts most of the time Bella."
Bella was stroking her wet fingers up and down my chest. "You are in mine most of the time too Edward."
"So why are do you find it difficult to accept that you are in mine?" I turned my head so that I could see her face better.
Bella just shrugged.
"Bella, you are. I think about how beautiful you are, how intelligent, how damn sexy. I almost ran a red light the other day because I was remembering our dinner when you handed me your panties across the table."
Bella blushed, but when her eyes met mine I could tell she was finally hearing me.
"If you tracked my thoughts baby, I think you would be shocked how often they are on you." I leaned up and kissed her jaw line.
Bella was quiet for several seconds. "What are you thinking Bella?"
"I'm just thinking how lucky I am to have you. And I'm thinking how my world changed for the better the night I met you." Bella tightened her arms around my waist.
"Ditto." I grinned back at her. We lay there quietly for a while. Bella kept stroking my chest and kissing my neck. When the water was getting too cool we finally got out.
Bella crashed in her pajamas in bed, yawning and looking all sorts of cute. I pounced on her, bouncing the mattress and making her laugh. Grabbing her I tucked her back into me. "Night baby."
"Night Edward."
I kissed the back of her neck and thought to myself. By the way, I love you.
When I got home the next night there was a large envelope mixed with my mail at my door. I brought it in and tossed it on the table. I took the item I had bought for Bella and stashed it in the bedroom. Grabbing a beer I leaned against the counter drinking it. Bella came walking in the door a few minutes later.
"Hey baby."
Bella looked up from taking her shoes off and grinned at me. "Hey yourself." Bella wandered over and wrapped her arms around me. Nodding at the beer she said. "Tough day?"
"Nah. Just sounded good. Want one?"
"Can I just have a sip of yours?" Bella tilted her head at me. "Please?"
I put the bottle up to her lips and tipped it. Bella wrapped her hand over mind and took a big swallow. Pulling the bottle away she smiled and licked her lips.
"You did that on purpose." I smiled back at her. Bella ran her fingers up and down the neck of the bottle.
"Did what?" I took the bottle and set it on the counter.
"You know what."
Bella moved over to where I had set the bottle on the counter. Picking it up she winked at me. "You mean this?" Bella took her lips and slid them slowly all the way down the neck of the bottle, watching me the whole time. Then she tipped her head back and took a couple big swallows. Bella brought the bottle down and slid it out of her mouth with a popping sound. I was jealous of a God damn beer bottle.
"Fuck me." I whispered as Bella smirked at me.
"Okay." Bella leaned back against the kitchen counter. I stalked over to her. Bella watched me get closer with a widening smile. I grabbed her under her arms and lifted her so she was sitting up on the counter. Once we were eye to eye I moved to stand between her legs. Bella wrapped her arms and legs around me.
I cupped the back of her head and crushed my lips to hers. Bella moaned and tightened her hold on me. Our tongues slid together and I groaned when Bella inserted her fingers under my waist band. Unbuttoning my fly she gripped me through the cotton fabric of my boxers.
Bella broke the kiss. "Did I do that?" She rubbed her hand over my erection.
"You damn well know you did." I ran my lips down her jaw. I nipped under her ear and Bella pressed her neck into my mouth. I slid my hands up under her shirt, grasping both her breasts. Instantly I felt her nipples harden under my palms.
Bella moved her hand inside my boxers and stroked me slowly. She brought her lips to my neck and began kissing and licking the area under my ear. When her teeth grazed my skin I moaned and thrust into her hand. I pulled back and Bella frowned at me. Reaching out I took her shirt off. Bella looked down at my open fly and back up into my eyes. She hopped off the counter, walked around me towards the living room, and beckoned over her shoulder for me to follow.
Bella turned and pointed towards the couch. I raised an eyebrow at her but sat down. Bella kneeled between my legs, an evil look in her eyes. Shit. I was in trouble…..very delicious trouble. Impatiently she tugged on my jeans until I lifted up so she could pull them off. I sat there watching her, gazing at her black lace bra with silver accents. I caressed the swell of the top of her breasts, admiring the silky skin under my finger tips.
Standing up Bella shed her pants. Grinning at me when I tried to touch her black thong. "All in good time. Now, an important question Edward. Where do you want to be when I suck you until you come hard in my mouth?" Bella picked up a rubber band from the coffee table and put her hair up in a ponytail. "Sitting here? Up against the wall? Your choice." Bella knelt back down on the ground and sat back, watching me.
Meanwhile I was still hearing Bella's words suck you and come hard in my mouth echoing in my head. "Here is fine." I rasped.
"Alright then." Bella crawled up and leaned over me. With one finger she traced down the underside of my cock, around my balls, and back up again. I twitched at her touch and Bella licked her lips again. Her tongue snuck out and flicked the slit at the tip before she used it to circle the head. I groaned and clenched my fists.
Bella wrapped her lips just around the tip, licking and sucking there only. Our eyes met and she winked at me. Then slowly Bella lowered her mouth down my shaft. I watched her take me in deeper and deeper.
"Baby…….." I wanted to tell her she didn't have to set some record. Then I brushed against the back of her throat. "Oh shit." It took all my restraint no to thrust upward as her mouth tightened around me. Bella came back up and ran her hand through her saliva on me until I was completely coated. Then she was back on me. Licking and sucking her way down. Reaching up Bella grabbed my hand and placed it on the back of her head over her ponytail. I knew how much trust she was showing me by giving me more control.
I twined my fingers in her ponytail and Bella moaned around me. I started exerting a little pressure, speeding her up a little. Bella responded instantly. Fuck she was good at doing exactly what I liked, too good. Every few strokes she would take me as deep as she could and I would grip her hair tighter.
Bella sucked hard on me, her other hand stroking my balls. I could feel the everything start to tighten. "Bella……" Our eyes met again and Bella's chocolate depths glinted at me as I panted above her. She dropped down my shaft, lightly scraping her teeth on me. When I grazed the back of her throat again I lost it.
"Oh sweet Jesus." I arched up a little as I came, pulsing into Bella's mouth. I felt her press down as she swallowed against me. The pleasure that shot through me was intense. Bella moaned when my grasp on her ponytail automatically tightened. The vibration around me was heavenly, and I was sure Bella was an angel.
Bella cleaned me off with her tongue before she sat back. She looked very pleased with herself, and rightfully so. Running her hands up and down my thighs she asked. "Well?"
I reached down and pulled her up to me. "I think you have magical powers. Maybe you are an angel?"
Bella giggled against me. "Really?"
"Yes. I don't think I can move."
Snuggling into me Bella replied. "Mmmm, good."
"Give me a few minutes and it's your turn." I tilted Bella's face to mine and kissed her softly. "And trust me, you won't be able to walk when we are done. I have a little surprise I bought for you today." Bella gave me a look and I chuckled.
After I recovered the ability to move I pulled Bella back to the bedroom. I reached under the bed and pulled out the small box I had brought home. Bella was watching me with curiosity written all over her face.
I opened the box and handed it to Bella. She looked down and then back at me. "What is it?"
"It's called a bullet."
Bella picked it up and eyed it, noting the remote. "And it…..?"
"Vibrates." I grinned as Bella's eyes widened and a faint blush came over her cheeks
"Where does it go?"
I took the toy from her hand. "Where ever we want to put it?" I raised an eyebrow at her
"Oh." Bella started to smile a little. "Sounds…."
"Oh trust me. You'll make sounds, loud ones."
Bella swung at me and smacked my shoulder. I just grinned. "Pretty sure of yourself there Cullen." Bella put her hands on her hips and stared me down. The seductive combination of adorable and sultry that Bella was displaying sent a rush of heat through me.
"I'm so sure I'll bet that I can make you come hard, more than twice." I tossed the bullet on the bed.
Bella smirked. "Okay then, prove it."
Oh this was going to be fun. I walked closer and circled around behind her. I ran my hands up Bella's sides and slid them around to cup her breasts. Lightly I kissed the back of her neck. "Bella." I whispered against her skin. Bella shivered. I licked the nape of her neck and blew on it. Bella shivered again, her nipples hardening and goose bumps springing up.
Slowly I placed kisses down her spine. On my knees I brought my hands down to her hips, hooking my thumbs in her panties. I slid each side down separately, kissing one exposed hip and then the other. After that I just let her panties drop to the ground. I caressed my hands over Bella's ass and up her back. I unfastened Bella's bra. Bella pulled it off and dropped it.
I gripped Bella's hips again and kissed her right at the top of the crack in her ass. I heard her sharp intake of breath when I started licking there. I drug my tongue back up her spine. When I reached her neck I sucked her earlobe into my mouth. Bella leaned her head back against me with a moan.
"Mmm. I love tasting you all over baby." I kissed under her ear. "Especially here." I nipped at the back of her neck. "And here." Bella ground back into me. I let go of her and turned her around. "Absolutely here." I leaned down and sucked one nipple into my mouth. Bella's hands ran through my hair, a small whimper coming from her. I kneeled down and licked over the ridge of her pelvic bones. I heard a muttered Shit above me and I smiled. "Here is excellent." I licked right above her hairline.
I spread Bella's legs, knowing exactly what I was going to find. "But my favorite…." I took two fingers and slid them in her easily. Bella gripped my shoulder with one hand when her knees buckled a little. I pulled my fingers out and stood so we were eye to eye again. I placed one finger in my mouth and sucked it off. Bella's eyes were almost black as she watched me. Her lips were open and I took my other finger and offered it to her. Bella took it in her mouth and wrapped her tongue around it, licking it off. I groaned watching her.
This was all about Bella. But everything she did was an instant turn on for me. I pointed over her shoulder. "Bed." Bella released my finger and crawled up, lying in the center on her back. I stared at her for a moment, drinking in her naked glory. "You are gorgeous. I could look at you like this for hours." I crawled to hover over her and kissed her gently, sucking on her lower lip. Bella pressed her hips up into my thigh.
I ran my hands over her thighs before I parted them. Sitting down between them I looked up at her. Bella was still breathing through parted lips, her eyes fixed on mine. I kept my gaze on her as I leaned in and ran my tongue up her slit. Bella's eyes closed with a moan and her head fell back.
I focused mostly on her clit. Within minutes Bella was twisting beneath me and grasping at the arm I had laid over her. Her movements became more frantic when I would slow the speed of my licks, dragging my tongue slowly over her.
"Edward." I felt her nails dig into my arm. I wrapped my lips around her clit and sucked hard. "Shit!" Bella's hips shot up against my arm as she came. I watched with a smile on my face.
Bella's eyes found mine. "And that was just the warm up." I slid two fingers into her and Bella pressed down against my hand. "You always get so wet baby." Bella released my arm and her hands moved to grip her pillow on either side of her head. I slid my fingers in and out of her a few times. Bella's muscles were still quivering from her release. I curled my fingers up and Bella gripped the pillows tighter.
"God! Edward."
I grabbed the bullet. When I turned it on low the buzzing made Bella's eyes open wide. I brought it up and brushed it over her nipples. Bella whimpered and arched towards it.
"Feels good doesn't it?" Bella nodded as I kept teasing her nipples with it. I moved my fingers upward again in her and Bella brought her hands down onto the mattress with a loud smack.
"Oh Christ!"
She had no idea what was ahead for her. I ran the bullet down her torso. Pausing I waited until Bella looked down to see what I was doing. My fingers were still thrusting slow and deep into her. I pulled some moisture out and coated her clit with it. While I pushed my fingers back in, I touched the bullet to her clit. Bella gasped.
I touched her repeatedly, each time lingering a little longer. When I pressed the bullet into her clit and curled my fingers, Bella yelled out. "Edward, what the……….Fuck!" I lightly restrained her, touching her clit with the bullet and sliding my fingers back into her again. The sexiest guttural scream came from Bella as she clamped down around my fingers.
"Edward! Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!"
Bella was digging her nails into the comforter, pulling at it. I thrust my fingers into her once more as I turned the bullet off. She was going to be hypersensitive now. I moved up her body and found her lips with mine. Bella was still grinding up into me, panting into my mouth. I sucked my way down her neck as I withdrew my fingers.
"Holy…….shit." Bella whispered and I chuckled.
"Let me know when you are ready for number three." I caressed up and down the center of her body with my hand.
Bella swallowed and turned her head towards me. "That might kill me."
"Nah. You just won't be able to move for the rest of the night." I started moving my lips over her neck again. "Fuck I love your neck."
Bella shifted closer to me. "Damn I'm thirsty." I knew she would be so I grabbed the glass of water on the nightstand and offered it to her. "Thanks." Bella drank half the glass before she handed it back.
"Now….." I nipped at her collarbone. "This next time I'm giving you the bullet."
Bella's mouth fell open. "What?"
"Baby, you are going to be extra-sensitive. That's why I'm putting that part of things in your control, I might do too much. Oh and I only used the lowest setting, just so you know."
"That thing goes higher?" The look on Bella's face was priceless.
I nodded as I ran my hand over her breast.
"Wow." was all Bella said. I snickered and reached up, cupping her cheek in my hand.
"You deserve wow Bella." I brushed my lips over hers. Bella sighed and pulled me closer to her. I felt her hand stroke down my chest and wrap around my erection.
"Look who else is ready for more."
I bit her lower lip and then released it. "With you, always."
I rolled Bella onto her side with her back to my chest. Reaching over her I handed her the bullet. I showed her how to run it. Then I kissed her cheek. "Have fun!" Bella giggled.
I lifted her left leg and pulled it up and back over my hip. When Bella felt me rub between her legs she pressed back into me. "Greedy girl." I murmured in her ear.
"You are making me greedy."
"Good." I slid into her slowly. I reached around her and turned the bullet on before I wrapped my arm around her waist. Bella slid the bullet down and pressed it into her clit. Immediately she arched against me with a small cry. I started thrusting into her. I could feel a little bit of the vibration as well. Thank God I had come once already, or I would've been done for.
Bella was experimenting with how hard and how long she used the bullet. She brought her free hand up and held onto the arm I had around her waist. "Edward…." She whispered.
"How does it feel?" I bit her earlobe before I sucked on it.
"Fuck. Amazing."
"I know. I can feel it too."
Bella understood my meaning because she kept the vibration on herself longer. Then she slid it back so it was closer to me. I tightened my grip around her waist. "Bella." My voice came out like a growl. My hips moved faster as Bella arched back into me.
Bella was basically using the toy on both of us now. "Harder please." She groaned. I thrust harder, grunting in Bella's ear with each push. "Yes, I love hearing the sounds you make Edward."
"Fuck Bella." I could feel her walls tightening and I knew she was close. Bella moaned again as she brought the vibration back to her clit again. I felt the spasm clamp down on me as Bella cried out my name. I thrust hard into her and my orgasm hit me like a train.
"Holy fucking shit." Bella let out another low moan as I drove into her a final time, grinding into her.
Bella shut the toy off. We lay there gasping while I held onto her. We were both sweaty and shaky. I nuzzled into her neck. Bella snuggled back into me in response. Finally she spoke in a hoarse voice. "I think I saw Heaven."
"Me too. Must be because there's an angel next to me." I kissed Bella's neck.
"Well I'm pretty sure there's a devil next to me." Bella giggled and I chuckled.
"Quite possibly. So does that mean I've tainted the angel?" Bella rolled so she could look at me, giving me a brilliant smile.
"In all the best ways, absolutely." Bella scooted back into me and we fell asleep wrapped up in each other.
BPOV
When I woke up in the morning I still felt like my body was made of marshmallow fluff. I was flat on my stomach. Edward had one leg and arm thrown over me. I stretched, feeling the delightful I've been fucked by Edward ache in my muscles. Rolling on my side I faced Edward and watched him sleep. He looked so innocent. I knew better, especially after last night. Everything that Edward made me feel on a physical and emotional level just blew me away.
It was almost time to get up. This is why I lived for the weekends. We could stay in bed as late as we wanted. Our weekend mornings were always lazy. Edward pouted a little as he slept, and pulled me closer to him. He was going to wake up any moment. Edward always brought me in tighter to him right before he woke up.
I ran my fingertips over his Celtic tattoo, tracing the design. I had recently had an idea for a tattoo for myself. But I was sure it would freak Edward out. Eventually I would tell him. Especially since I wanted him to design it.
I placed a kiss in the center of Edward's chest and heard a grumble above me. "No. Don't wanna."
"Sorry. Time to get up cuteness." I kissed his chest again.
Edward's eyes popped open and regarded me sleepily. "Cuteness?"
"What's wrong with that?" I grinned at him.
"Well it's just….not…." Edward struggled to find the words he wanted.
"It makes you sound like you have no penis?"
Edward laughed. "Exactly."
"Hmm. Well then I need to think of something I can call you that is still masculine."
Edward played with one of the strands of my hair. "I'm sure you will come up with something. I don't want a nickname that makes my dick shrivel when I hear it." I broke into giggles as Edward pulled me on top of him.
Edward gave me a kiss, growling at me when I tried to wiggle away because of morning breath. "Oh just let me kiss you silly girl." After a proper good morning kiss, and a stubble tickle for good measure, we got up.
I was out in the kitchen grabbing coffee a little while later. Edward wandered in with just a pair of jeans on, toweling his hair. I wolf whistled and he winked at me.
"You know you have a big envelope on the table honey bunny." Edward made a gagging motion as I snickered.
"Oh yeah, that showed up yesterday. Then I got….distracted." He raised an eyebrow at me and smiled. He grabbed the big manila envelope and tore it open. I saw him pull out what appeared to be photos.
"Mother fucker!" Edward dropped the contents on the table like they were on fire. He slammed his fist into the table.
"What?" I ran around the counter
Edward turned and stopped me from seeing what had been in the envelope. His eyes were absolutely enraged and he was shaking. "No, Bella you don't want to see this."
I felt my stomach sink down into my toes. "Jake?"
Edward nodded, trying to back me up from the table.
I pressed my hands into his chest. "Edward, I need to see. I need to know what is going on."
Edward shook his head. "What is going on is I will be driving you to and from work starting today. No arguments."
I braced my feet and pulled out of Edward's grasp. "Okay Cullen. You better show me what the fuck was in that envelope that has you going uber protective. I deserve to know why I have to turn my world upside down."
Edward sighed, some of the anger in his eyes fading. "It's going to upset you."
"I'm a big girl." We stared at each other for several moments. Finally Edward nodded and led me back to the table.
"You better sit." I sat down and Edward squatted down next to me. He slid the scattered contents of the envelope over to me.
I took a deep breath and flipped the photos over. There was Edward hugging me outside the back of my studio, while the cops checked out my car. The next was Edward and I walking near his condo, holding hands. When I hit the last one, my fingers gripped it so hard I almost tore it. There was a familiar hand pawing through my lingerie. Jake's hand. Then I read the note that was enclosed.
She was mine first, I will get her again, for a least a little while. I'm going to ruin her. For you, for her, for good.
A sob caught in my throat. I dropped everything and turned to Edward, launching into his arms. He fell back onto the floor, pulling me into him as he sat back up. I was definitely hyperventilating now. Edward held onto me tightly. His voice was pained as he stroked my hair. "That's why I didn't want to show you baby."
"No….I …..needed…..to……see." I was trying to regulate my breathing as tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm gonna….." I started to try to get up but Edward just grabbed the little trash can nearby. He held my hair up as I threw up. I leaned over the can, holding the edges, retching and sobbing. Edward reached up to the table and grabbed a few paper napkins. I wiped my mouth and nose. "Thanks. Sorry about that. My reaction to him appears to be vomiting."
"Don't worry about it baby. Better?" I nodded. Edward slid the can away and held me to his chest again. "We're calling the cops and I'm driving you to and from work."
I nodded again. I was still trying to slow my breathing. I could feel Edward's heart pounding under my ear. His pulse was still up too. "Bella I'm going to get you some pepper spray or something to carry. It's not much, but if for some reason you encounter him, it'll slow him down."
"Okay." I stroked one hand absentmindedly over Edward's chest.
"Do you know any self defense?" Edward peered down at me.
I rolled my eyes up at him. "Oh sure. I'm a black belt in all forms of ass kicking. Of course I don't."
Edward fought a smile when I snapped at him. "Do you have any appointments at your studio today?"
"No I was just going to be framing."
"You are coming to work with me. I have someone who can help you." Edward pulled his cell out and dialed. "Emmett. Hey fucker I need your help. You taught that women's self defense course at the YMCA right? Can you show Bella a few tips? Yes because of the fucker that was in the shop. Today? Okay perfect. We'll see you at the shop in a bit. Thanks Em."
I stared at him waiting. "Emmett is going to teach me some self defense?"
Edward laughed at the look on my face. "Trust me Bella."
We dealt with the police, again. This time both Bellevue and Redmond officers. It was such a pain in the ass. I also put a call into Alice. She had a key to my apartment. We hadn't changed the locks yet. Alice promised to take someone with her and go toss all my lingerie for me. I didn't even want to see it. Alice was shocked about all that had happened in the last week.
"Bella, be careful please."
"I will Alice. Edward is taking good care of me."
Edward's building was secure entrance only. But he went down and talked to the manager, just to let them know what was happening. I sat on the couch waiting for him, nervously bouncing one leg. Edward strolled in, giving me a big smile. "Okay we are ready to roll. He noticed my fidgeting. "Bella it's going to be okay. I promise."
I stood and walked over, burying my head into Edward's chest. Edward leaned down and kissed the top of my head, rubbing my upper arms. I took a deep breath and wrapped my arms around him. "I know. Thank you."
When we arrived at the shop we could see Emmett back talking with Rose. I whispered to Edward. "Has he asked her out yet?"
Edward shook his head and snickered. "We keep telling him to, but he hasn't gotten the guts yet." Emmett spotted us and ran over. He picked me up and gave me a giant hug. Setting me down he clapped Edward on the shoulder.
"So you need some lessons on how to give a beat down Bella? Edward I didn't know you were so kinky?"
Edward growled and punched Emmett in the arm.
"Kidding. Okay Bella let's go over here. Edward make yourself scarce." Edward reluctantly headed to the office after he gave me a kiss.
I followed Emmett over to a clear spot on the floor. "Okay Bella. I am assuming that jackass I decked is causing you grief?" I nodded. "Well I'm going to give you some simple things you can do if he ever hassles you."
Emmett pulled his keys out of his pocket. "When you going to your car, how do you carry your keys?"
I took the keys and just held them loose in my hand like I normally carried mine. Emmett rearranged them in my hand so one key was sticking out between each finger. Then he closed my hand in a fist. "Now you have a weapon. Always carry your keys like this. It gives you something that you can poke an attacker with."
That made a lot of sense to me. I wondered why it had never occurred to me before.
"Also always watch where you park. Make sure you are under a light. If there is a van parked by your driver's side when you return, get in on the passenger side. Don't sit in your car messing with stuff when you get back in. Predators can use all of those as opportunities."
Most of this I had heard before, but it never hurt to be reminded of it.
Emmett lightly tapped my forehead. "Bottom line. Listen to that little voice in your head. If something doesn't feel right, pay attention to that. Sermon over. Ready to learn some moves?"
I laughed. "I'll try. I've never been the most coordinated person Emmett."
"This is all straightforward stuff. And I'm well padded." Emmett thumped on his chest, and then his groin. I heard a rapping sound. "You can hit me or kick me anywhere."
I started giggling. "Okay." I noticed Rose watching our interaction with a little smile on her face.
We started with Emmett just approaching me straight on. He showed me ways to kick if my arms were being held. When I first brought my knee to his groin, Emmett laughed. "Bella, pretend I'm that asshole. Kick me! Hard!"
I swallowed and did what he told me to. Emmett coughed and swallowed, shaking his head. "Better. Now you understand what I mean by hard."
"Sorry Emmett."
"Don't be sorry, I told you to. Besides, I'm a tough guy." Emmett grinned at me. I hadn't really realized how big he was before. The man was enormous, and all muscle.
"Did you ever play football Emmett? You are big enough to have."
Emmett laughed. "Other than martial arts I'm not a big sports person. Not that my high school coaches didn't try to convince me. I am pretty much the opposite of what most people expect when they first see me."
"How so?" Now I was intrigued.
"Well my job for one. Not what people expect a big brute like me to be doing." Emmett flexed his biceps and I laughed.
"What do you do?"
"I'm a nurse, at Seattle Children's hospital." My jaw dropped and Emmett pointed at me. "See?"
"That's fabulous though Emmett. I think you would be a great nurse. You must really like kids."
Emmett almost blushed. "Thanks Bella. I really do enjoy it."
After giving me some other small ways to distract an attacker, Emmett changed the routine. "Let's go over what to do if someone grabs you from behind." Emmett had me turn and wrapped his tree trunk size arms around me.
"Yeah right Emmett. Like I could break this."
Emmett sighed behind me. "Bella, you know the story of David and Goliath?"
"Yes." I rolled my eyes.
"I'm going to teach you to be David." Emmett demonstrated that if I stomped hard on his foot, he would automatically bend over. Then my elbows would be free to hit him in the stomach.
"Let's pretend you've stomped my foot, aim for my gut with your elbow. Hard."
I looked up and saw Edward trying to watch us from the office surreptitiously. I imagined my elbow hitting Jake in the face. I hauled off and jabbed Emmett as hard as I could in the gut. He dropped my arms and gasped.
"Nice Bella." Behind me I could hear Edward laughing in the office. Emmett yelled at Edward. "Shut it fucker or I'll let you be the practice dummy."
Rosalie was laughing quietly to herself and I caught Emmett looking at her. I dropped my voice. "Emmett, when are you going to ask her out?" I folded my arms and stared at him.
"Ah jeez Bella. Now you're bothering me too about this." Emmett looked down at his shoes.
"Emmett, life is short. Seize the day. Or in this case, seize the girl."
Emmett looked at me, his brown eyes sparkling with humor. "I'll consider it."
"You'd better. Or I'll kick you in the nads again."
Emmett had me practice on him for a while. I was actually becoming pretty good at getting out of his holds.
"Lastly Bella, you have to make a commotion, attract attention. No is probably the easiest thing to remember to scream under duress. I'm going to grab you once more. I want you to yell as you fight me off. Remember, foot, gut, groin and after that whatever you can hit.
"Can I bite?" I winked at Emmett and his laughter echoed through the shop.
"Actually that is a good way to free yourself. But no biting me. Okay let's go and don't hold back."
Emmett suddenly grabbed me from behind, tighter that he had before. I did have a moment of panic because his arms felt like an iron prison. Then I gathered my wits about me. Raising my foot I jammed it down on his toes hard. "No!" I elbowed him causing him to grunt. "No!" I turned and kneed him in the groin and Emmett doubled over. "NO!"
A round of applause broke out around me. Emmett was gasping but smiling at me. I blushed when realized how much attention I had gathered.
"Excellent Bella." Emmett straightened up and patted me on the shoulder, and then mussed up my hair.
I smacked his hand. "No!" Emmett chuckled. Edward wandered over to us and shook Emmett's hand.
"Thanks man."
"No problem. She's a quick learner."
"That I knew." Edward slid his arm around his waist and kissed my cheek. "Remind me never to piss you off baby."
I poked Edward in the ribs. "Where's the fun in that." I turned back to Emmett. "Seriously Emmitt, thank you for everything. Especially for letting me kick you repeatedly. I think I owe you at least a couple beers."
Emmett high fived me. "Excellent."
Edward went to gather a few things from his office. Rose wandered over to me. "That was quite the sight. I knew Emmett taught self defense, but I've never seen him in action."
"Well I'm very grateful to him for giving me some pointers."
Rose smiled and nodded. "I just wish he'd get off his ass and ask me out."
I gaped at Rose. "Why are you torturing him like that? Why don't you ask him out?"
"I may have to. But I'm an old fashioned girl at heart." Rose shrugged. "I want him to ask me."
I shook my head. God they were both stubborn people. "Well I threatened to kick him in the balls if he didn't get around to it soon."
Rose put her arm around me. "Sounds good."
Edward walked up. "You two look like you are plotting. That can't be good." Rose and I just snickered.
The bell on the door rang and we turned to see Alice come skipping in with a big bag. Jasper visibly startled when Alice winked at him as she passed where he was working. Alice skidded to a stop in front of me and gave me a big hug. "Hi Bella."
"Alice. What are you doing here?" Edward put his hand on the small of my back, rubbing circles with his thumb under my shirt edge. Tingles ran up my spine and I shivered a little. I heard Edward chuckle under his breath.
"Well I have a present for you. The job you gave me is done. Since you lost some great stuff….."
I covered my face with my hands for a moment. "You didn't."
"I absofuckinglutely did. Brand new different stuff. Take and enjoy. Because I love you and I'm the lingerie fairy."
I gave Alice another hug. "I love you too Alice. Thank you."
Edward was smiling behind me. "Yes, thank you. I think I owe Alice some beers Bella."
Alice giggled. "Happy to be of assistance. Enjoy!"
Edward and I headed for the door. Alice was lagging behind. I looked back. "You coming Alice?"
Alice blushed. "I'll talk to you later Bella. I have another errand here."
I nodded and motioned for her to call me. She winked. Once Edward and I were outside he asked "What was that all about?"
"Alice is putting the moves on Jasper as we speak."
Edward stopped immediately. "Oh damn. We're missing that?" He made to turn around but I grabbed his arm.
"Come on, let's leave them be and go to your place." Edward reached down and spanked my butt.
"Well I'm not going to say no to that."
The next few days Edward and I set up a routine that worked for him transporting me to and from my photo studio again. He always came in with me just to make sure everything was okay before he left me. This morning Edward was rubbing my shoulders as I looked at my appointment book.
"What time do you think you'll be done?"
I counted the appointments I had. "My last client is at 4:00, so probably 5:30." Edward's hands kept stroking up and down my neck as he leaned his chin on my shoulder.
"Alright. I'll see you then. Call me if it's going to be earlier." His lips were against my neck and I was having trouble concentrating. Edward knew what that did to me.
"Will do pookie." Edward turned me to face him and shook his head.
"Darling?" I giggled when Edward rolled his eyes.
"No. Keep working on it. I'll see you later." He was still laughing as he went out the back door.
It was a lovely morning really. I had two sisters having their portraits done together for their mother. Then there was session with toddler twins boys. A complete challenge trying to keep their attention focused simultaneously. Their mother was immensely helpful. I was able to take some really cute photos of them.
I was waiting for my last appointment of the day. Some man who wanted to surprise his fiancé with photos of himself. I was doodling on a paper some ideas for the tattoo I wanted. At about 4:15 a smiling young man came walking through the door.
"John?" He nodded. I came out from around the counter and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too. I'm sorry I'm late. Traffic is so awful. So I hope you have ideas because I have none."
I laughed. "Not a problem on the late or the ideas."
I showed him where to change so he could change into the more dressy clothes he wanted to wear. I busied myself setting up the backgrounds I wanted to use. John was taking a little while, but he looked a little nervous. My guess was he wanted to look perfect for the pictures.
Footsteps behind me made me turn. "Okay are you…." What I saw made me drop the film I had in my hands. "Jake." My voice was strangled sounding. No no no no. This wasn't happening.
"Bella." Jake stood in the doorway, leaning against it with an evil smile on his face. I felt the bile rise in my throat. I swallowed because I didn't have time to throw up now. Might be a good distraction though.
"What happened to John?" My voice was surprisingly even given that my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest.
"Oh he's just an acquaintance of mine. I paid him a hundred bucks to help me get in the door." Jake took a few steps closer and I sidled away. I could feel my cell phone in my sweater pocket. I was never happier to have my buttons memorized. I opened it and sent a one word text to Edward. WOLF.
Don't hate me......I know I'm awful to cut it there......but like I said 8 is already in progress. I should have it to you next weekend, maybe sooner. (Hides behind fort made of Shamwows, typing madly)
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Love YA
