So, none of this is mine. I wrote the first chapter for a contest and now, I'm expanding it. What I own … a condo and too many books. What I don't … Twilight and all its characters.
Now, what do you think should happen about Rosalie? Can she be redeemed? Should Emmett trust her (and by trust, pretend to be married to her)? Or should he go through with the divorce? Leave me your thoughts.
Up next will be the continuation of this lime/lemon, Christmas and some more discussions.
Chapter Nine
BPOV
"Are you upset with me because I haven't said that I loved you back?"
"That was a tangent jump," Edward chuckled.
"No, you say that you loved me and I haven't really responded," I said, jumping up on the counter so I could look into his eyes. He arched a brow, but his eyes were questioning. "I talked about this with Jake today. This," I pointed to my chest, "is ready. It trusts you and knows that you'd never intentionally hurt me. But this," I gestured to my head, "is not quite on board yet. I feel something, something strong for you. I wouldn't have said yes to your beautiful proposal if I hadn't. But, my brain and my heart need to meet somewhere in the middle. Does that make sense?"
"You sound like me," he said thoughtfully. "And I get it. I can sense a disconnect between all of this." He gestured to my whole body. "I can see how much you desire me and on a subconscious level, you've admitted your love for me."
"I have?"
"I heard it the first time when I came back from the business I had to attend to after the ball. I never thought I'd be in love, Bella. I always perceived it as a weakness," he explained. "Now? My love for you, I feel is a strength. And by the time we're both on the same page, it will be so powerful. I love you, Bella. I don't see this engagement, marriage or relationship as a means to an end anymore. I see us having a future. I want to make love to you, see you grow round with our children and see those children grow up, happy, healthy and loved. I don't want a year, or ten years or … I want forever." He shrugged, looking shy and unsure. "If you don't want that, then I'll still abide by our deal. I'll pay for your schooling and provide you with protection …"
I pressed my hand to his lips, pulling him to me and kissing him tenderly, sweetly. "Edward, I see that, too." His responding grin was so beautiful. "I just need some more time to wrap my head around all of this."
"Okay, dolce," he said. "I can respect that."
"But, about that sauce/kitchen/feasting thing?" I quipped, grinning seductively.
Edward's response was a searing kiss to my lips. His tongue plunged into my mouth and his hands dragged me closer to his body. Slowly, his palms moved up my sides, sliding underneath my sweater. Pulling his mouth away from mine, he tugged off my sweater and tossed it haphazardly behind him. He looked at me, his eyes nearly black with desire. "So fucking beautiful," he growled, crashing his mouth against mine.
"Edward," I breathed against his lips. He smiled, cupping his hands on my breasts, teasing and twisting my nipples through my lacy bra. With a grunt, my bra was torn from my body and he wrapped his mouth around my tit, licking it fervently. "Fuck …"
He blinked up, looking at me through his eyelashes, flicking my nipple with his tongue. With his palm, he leaned me back on the kitchen counter. His other hand was cupping my other breast. I watched him devour my body and I could feel my panties become drenched. "Lay back, cara," he said, his voice filled with sex and all things dirty. I did and he unbuttoned my dark gray corduroy pants. He slid them down my legs, along with my panties. He growled as he gently pushed me back, spreading my legs apart. "I'm going to have fun with this, Bella. Your naked body is a perfect canvas for me to create my masterpiece." He removed his sweater, picking up the whipped cream. "Keep your legs apart, baby. I like being able to see your pussy."
"Are you going to lick it?" I said, arching a brow.
"Oh, definitely, love," he growled, using his fingers to put the whipped cream on my belly. It was cold and I yelped. Edward just smirked, using my naked body as his canvas. He swirled his fingers over my breasts, creating a whipped cream bra. He dabbled some of the whipped cream just above my mound and turned to the berry sauce. He dribbled it along my hips. I felt it move down the crease of my legs and into my sex. I whimpered as Edward created what he wanted on me. "Do you trust me, Bella?"
"Yes," I whispered.
"I want to remember this." He took out his cell phone and arched a brow.
"No one will see this?" I asked.
"Just you and me, Bella," he promised, standing between my legs. "Keep them spread." I blushed and nodded. I closed my eyes and felt his fingers on my thigh. There was a soft click and he had taken his picture. "I'll show you how gorgeous you are, all spread for me. But after I finish what I've started. I have a pussy to devour." He crawled onto the counter, kissing me forcefully. His mouth didn't stay on mine for long because he licked off the whipped cream and berry sauce off my breasts.
"Yes," I gasped as bit down on my nipple. "Like that, baby."
He growled lowly, kissing down my belly and spreading my legs further. He sucked off all the whipped cream and sauce before staring at my now leaking pussy. He gave me a carnal grin, lifting me off the edge of the counter and dragging his tongue along my slit. I moaned, slapping my hands down onto the Carrera marble. He kept his eyes on me, closing his mouth around my clit. He sucked on it, flicking it with his tongue. His fingers moved along my back, holding my ass. I bit my lip, lost in the feelings of his mouth on me. Gently, he eased me back onto the counter and crouched down. I sat up, still watching him. "You are a little voyeur, dolce," he purred, placing open mouthed kisses along my thighs.
"I love your mouth on me," I whispered. "I want to watch you as you eat my pussy."
"What more do you want?" he asked, his lips moist with my juices and the remnants of the berry sauce. "Do you want my fingers? My cock?" His fingers grazed along my folds and I gasped. He smirked, easing two fingers inside me. "You are soaked, Bella. I can just imagine filling you with my cock and making you come with it."
"Hmmm," I purred, snaking my hand to my clit and rolling it with my fingers. Edward growled, his eyes moving to where both of us where touching. I could feel my wetness, spreading it over my clit and rocking with Edward's hand. "Your fingers inside me … so fucking good."
"I love you dirty mouth, Bella," he growled. "I never thought I'd meet a woman … someone who enjoyed …" He curled his fingers in me.
"Someone who could talk dirty and appreciated it?" I asked, removing my hand from my clit. I slid my fingers into my mouth, coating them with my saliva. I put my hand back between my legs, rubbing my nub furiously.
"Fuck me," he breathed, moving my hand out of the way and sucking my clit into his mouth. His pinky grazed my ass and I gasped, holding my knee to my chest, spreading my legs further for him. He growled deeply, biting down on my sex. I whimpered, feeling my orgasm build within me. I pinched my breasts, rocking against his face and watching his fingers disappear in me. He watched me, sucking on my pussy and bringing me closer and closer to my release. "Let go, love," he hissed against my skin. He rubbed his hand on my folds, holding it up. It was soaked. I grabbed at his hand, sucking his fingers into my mouth. He growled, sliding his tongue into my pussy.
"So, good … More," I begged around his fingers. I pushed his hand back between my legs and he slammed three fingers inside, pounding them into me. The sound of my juices sloshing around his hand was the only sound in the kitchen, save for my keening whimpers. My body clenched and my orgasm exploded. Edward kept his mouth on me as waves of pleasure crashed over me. I collapsed on the counter, panting and boneless.
Edward stood up, grinning like a cat who got the cream. I sat up, reaching for his buckle, but he shook his head. "Baby," I frowned. "You … I want to."
"Delayed gratification, love," he said, picking me up and carrying me out of the kitchen. The counter was covered in whipped cream, the berry sauce and remnants of my orgasm. The tang of sex filled the air. "I may have licked most of the goodness from your body, you're still sticky." He glided through the condo into our bathroom. He turned on the shower. "Clean up, dolce."
"Will you join me?" I asked, arching a brow.
"After I clean up the kitchen, but I will join you and this will be continued," he said, brushing his lips against mine.
"And no leaving on the boxer briefs?" I snickered. "You had your taste. I want mine." He gave me a crooked smirk, kissing me again before helping me into the shower. He darted out of the bathroom and I slid under the shower, letting the water wash away the stickiness from my body. I was rinsing the shampoo from my hair when I felt Edward's body against me. I turned around, looking up at his verdant eyes. I ran my fingers down his muscled torso. "Everything's clean?"
"In more ways than one," he said, kissing me again. Our mouths moved feverishly against each other. My hand slid down his belly until I felt his hardness, unhindered by boxer briefs. He smirked and I pulled back. I was anxious to finally get my taste. I slid to my knees, looking at his cock.
He. Was. Huge.
Licking my lips and locking my eyes on him, I ran my tongue along the length of his shaft. He leaned against the tiles and watched me, his mouth hanging open. I cupped his hardness, plunging my mouth around him and sucking deeply. He ran his finger along my cheek, but I could tell he wanted more. I released him, pumping him. "I know what you want. I'm not made of glass."
"I don't want you to think …" he said, his eyes swirling with emotion. "As good as it feels, I don't want you to think that I want to fuck your mouth."
"No, fuck my mouth," I said, arching a brow. He looked torn. I took him back in my mouth, bobbing and tasting his soft, but rock hardness. I closed my eyes, rolling his balls with my fingers and he gathered my wet hair into a ponytail. I looked up at him and nodding. He moved his hips, sliding inside of my mouth. I relaxed my jaw, allowing him easier access. I gripped his hips, feeling him move between my lips. If only it was my other set of lips … I bobbed in concert with his movements. He grunted when he hit the back of my throat. Thank goodness, I didn't have much of a gag reflex.
"Bella," he panted. "Fuck, seeing you with my cock in your mouth." I hummed, moving my hand from his hips to the base of his shaft. He growled when my wrist twisted, adding another sensation to the blowjob I was giving him. Fondling his balls, I swallowed around him and he stopped thrusting. I swirled my tongue around the sensitive head and nibbled on the underside of his shaft. "Baby, your mouth feels so fucking good. I'm going to come."
"Good," I purred, plunging my mouth around him and sucking him with renewed fervor. His head fell back with his fingers tangled in my hair. He babbled, panting heavily and I felt his cock swell inside my mouth. I pumped my hand and hummed as his release coated inside my mouth. I swallowed, tasting his sweet, but salty cum. I kept my mouth on him, cleaning him and releasing him with a pop. I stood up, wiping my lips demurely. Edward caged me, glaring at me and kissing me, his tongue sweeping in my mouth. I moaned, massaging his back and melting against him. We made out for a few moments before he broke apart from me. "Did you enjoy that, baby?"
"You have no idea, dolce," he said, cupping my neck and staring into my eyes. He kissed my mouth sweetly. "You are a minx."
"And you taste better than the berry sauce," I giggled. He smirked, quickly going through his shower routine. I massaged his back and stared at his mighty fine behind. It was so tight, you could bounce quarters off it.
"You staring at my ass?" he quipped, making the muscles bounce.
"Ooooh, do that again," I giggled, placing my hands on his butt cheeks. He did, snickering. "If the whole mafia don thing doesn't work out. You could become a male stripper. Magic Mike ain't got nothing on you, Edward."
"You're hysterical, Bella," Edward deadpanned, turning off the shower. He handed me a towel, wrapping another one around his waist. He helped blow dry my hair and he pressed soft kisses to my neck, shoulders and every inch of available skin. When my hair was dry and shiny, Edward tugged me toward our bedroom. "Thank you for tonight."
"For dinner or the BJ?" I quipped.
"Hmmm, both," he said. I smacked his chest and he tugged off my towel. I arched a brow. "I can't get enough of your soft skin, Bella." I got into bed and he slid on a pair of boxer briefs. I made a face, pointing to his Calvins. "If I stayed naked, I'd want to make love to you. I desperately want to, but are you ready?"
"Not quite, but, you deny me your ass," I pouted. He laughed, getting into the bed and holding me tightly.
"In all seriousness, I do appreciate what you did today. I can't remember having that much fun. Even with all of the stress of our lives, I was able to smile, relax and be with my family," he said, his voice reverent. "It further goes to show that you're meant to be with me. To share my life with me." He kissed me, caressing my cheek. "I love you, Bella. Thank you for giving joy and lightness to my dark life."
Tears gathered in my eyes and I kissed him, tenderly, three times on the mouth. I slid my arms around his neck, sighing contentedly. "Thank you for just being you, baby." I love you, too.
EPOV
"Is there anything else?" I asked, looking at the stuffed back of the SUV. We had so many Christmas presents for our family. It was the most I'd ever seen. I bought my family a few gifts, but never this much. But, this was mainly Bella's doing. Hell, I knew that she was going to be spoiled by my family since it was her first Christmas with us as a family.
"Did you get the food from the fridge?" Bella asked, looking at the rear of the SUV. She shot me a scowl, seeing that the antipasto tray and buckets of cookies were not in the car.
"I'll get it," Jacob said. "You armed, Boss?"
"Always, Jake," I said, patting my holster that was hidden underneath my overcoat. Bella was fussing over the presents and our overnight bags. "Dolce, baby, you're making me nervous. Why don't you go into the car and relax?"
"I want to make sure that everything's perfect," she whispered, biting her lip. I tugged on her hand, pulling her into my arms. I blinked around the garage before brushing my lips over hers. She sighed, her fingers massaging my chest. "You can't distract me with those lips, Cullen."
"Is it working?" I snickered, guiding her to the backseat and helping inside. She made a face, but she smiled beautifully at me when I trailed my fingers down her cheek and kissed her hand. "Everything will be perfect, Bella."
"Okay," she said, tightening her burgundy coat and adjusting the cream scarf around her neck. "It's been so long since I enjoyed a holiday."
"And this will be an unforgettable, special and beautiful holiday, Bella," I said. I kissed her lips before closing the door. Jake was coming back with the trays and plastic containers stuffed with homemade cookies. We put them in the back, closing the hatchback. I clambered into the back, sending a text to my parents.
"I've never been to midnight mass," Bella said, her eyes wistful. "We were considered 'holiday' church-goers. And that was rare, if we did go."
"Where?" I asked.
"When we did go, we went to St. Michael's," Bella replied. "My dad was far more religious than either me or Uncle Jimmy. I believe in God, but I didn't need to go to church in order to follow it." She blinked over to me. "Do you hate me, yet?"
"Never," I snickered. "I'm like you. My father is very religious, despite his occupation and we were raised in the church. I was even an altar boy." Bella giggled. "I hated it. I would fall asleep during the service and start snoring. Emmett would have to elbow me to keep me awake."
We shared funny church stories and I told her about the midnight mass experience. She was excited about going, even if it meant that we'd possibly come face-to-face with Uncle Stephan, Marcus Volturi and possibly, Royce King. It had been a few years since we'd seen him, but in the past, he had attended mass at Pompeii since his wife – and I use this term loosely – is a parishioner.
Pulling up to my parents' home, Jasper helped Jacob unload the back of the SUV. Bella was swept into my mother's arms, with more conversation about our wedding. She shot me a look, pleading for saving, but I just waved at her. She flipped me off as Mom tugged her into the kitchen.
I went back out, moving all of the presents to the massive tree in the living room. I took a peek, seeing that most of the gifts were for Bella and shockingly, Uncle Jimmy. I smiled softly, seeing a gift to my parents from Bella and me. I'd never been a part of a unit. It was weird, but it made me proud to be one half of 'Bella and Edward.' I heard a rustle and I saw Emmett come in, carrying a basket of presents. "Hey, little bro," I said. "How are you doing?"
"I'm here," he snorted, giving me a look. "Have you seen Dad?"
"Nah, just got here," I answered. "Is Rosalie with you?" Emmett's face hardened and he nodded. "What is it?"
"Rose was being extra bitchy. She refused to get Bella any Christmas presents," he said, rolling his eyes. "I went out and got her presents and she had a shit fit, thinking that I was cheating on her with Bella. She called her some awful names, Edward."
"What did you say?" I asked, arching a brow.
"I told her that she was out of line and that Bella was your fiancée and that she needed to respect her. I also went into how good Bella was, her sweet heart, her loving ways and how she grounds you," Emmett said. "Rose just scoffed and said that I was fucking her. I almost lost it, Ed. I almost said that it would be justifiable since she fucked Royce. I would never do that to you, though."
"I know, Emmett," I sighed, scrubbing my face. "Let me drop off my bag in my room and then we can discuss plans with Dad. She's getting worse."
"She won't say anything to you. I told her that if she said anything today, I'd have the locks changed and her shit thrown into the lake, regardless of what you all say," Emmett snorted.
"I don't blame you, Emmett," I said, picking up the overnight bag and darting upstairs. I shrugged out of my overcoat and smoothed my maroon sweater. I checked my holster around my ankle, removing my hidden gun and went back downstairs. I could hear Mom prattle on in the kitchen with Bella, Alice and Rosalie. I went into the kitchen, kissing my mom's cheek and hugging Alice. Rosalie was coldly polite, giving me a stiff hug. However, she was ignoring Bella, with her back toward my fiancée. "I'm going to talk to my father. Are you okay, dolce?"
"I'm fine," she smiled, kissing me sweetly. "Good luck."
"Thanks, baby," I smiled. "Love you." She hummed, kissing me again and smiling as I went into my father's office. Inside, I saw Emmett, Carlisle, Seth and Jenks, the attorney, was teleconferenced in on the computer. "Long time, no see, Seth!"
"I know, Boss," he chuckled. "With you not working, I've been hanging out in the Fortress with Jacob."
"You going to see your family?" I asked.
"After this meeting. With Felix, Jasper and Jacob here, I can spend the holidays with my mom and sister," he said, grinning widely. "Even though Leah doesn't really understand time, she enjoys the lights on the trees and opening presents. I got her a stuffed cat for Christmas. She likes the feel of the fur."
"The sooner we finish this meeting, the quicker you can give Leah her present," Carlisle said, gesturing to the leather sofas in his office. "Now, I know that you are stuck between a rock and a hard place, Emmett. We're asking you to do so much with your relationship with Rose."
"Damn straight. I've called the PIs that Jenks had trailing her, but they won't talk to me," Emmett grumbled.
"That's because I ordered them not to, Emmett," Jenks chimed in from his spot on the computer. "I was working on compiling my findings for you and for everyone. Carlisle, you have the file."
My father handed me and Emmett a thick file. I read the report, which had nothing of note recently because Rosalie was probably scooting under the radar, but what shocked me was information from the moment Emmett and Rose got married. "You never trusted her?" I asked.
"Not in the slightest," Carlisle said, his voice eerily calm.
Emmett was looking at the pictures, showing his wife with over twenty different men doing all sorts of lewd, atrocious and sexual things. The most shocking was a picture of her with three men, filling her completely. Two of the men were known to us – Royce King and his lieutenant, Leo. The third guy was hidden, only his cock in view, in Rosalie's mouth. It looked like a porno, but it wasn't. It was my sister-in-law, fucking her way to the top.
Emmett slammed the file folder, standing up and stomping over to the window, his body tense and coiled like a spring. My heart broke for my brother. Sliding my eyes to back to my father, I arched a brow. "So, where do we go from here?"
"One of two ways," Carlisle said. "Emmett could divorce her and send her packing, hoping that Royce would pick up the dregs."
"Whore," Emmett sneered. "That's my vote."
"What's the second option?" Jasper asked.
"Emmett stays with her, truly with her, and pumps her for information," Carlisle said, his face indicating that was his vote. Emmett obviously didn't like that and he roared, punching his hand through the window. We all jumped up. I ran to him, catching him before he did more damage. His hand was torn to shreds, bleeding and covered with shards of glass. Seth came with a towel, wrapping Emmett's hand in it and trying to stop the bleeding.
"Get your wife," I snapped to Jasper. He darted out of the office, returning with Alice and her ever-present black doctor bag. Alice saw the pictures on the table, growling slightly. She walked over to us. She removed the towel, grumbling. "What?"
"This may require more than just a patch job," she said. Emmett was stoic, staring out the broken window. "We'll have to go down to the clinic. Emmett, can you come with me?" He didn't make a move to leave. I slid my arm around his shoulder and guided him out of the office. Alice was behind us. We went downstairs to a fully functioning clinic, complete with an x-ray machine and surgical suite. Alice pointed to the surgical suite and I helped Emmett onto the table. Alice changed into a pair of scrubs, her hair pulled back and a tray of necessary supplies. "Do you want Edward to stay, Em?"
He nodded, looking at me. His eyes were broken. His soul was shattered. The woman he loved betrayed him and my father wanted him to stay with that whore. Alice moved me out the way, removing the bloody towel. She grumbled, removing the larger shards of glass.
"You could end it, Emmett," I whispered. "You don't have to take Dad's suggestion."
"I can't stand to look at her," he choked out. "And seeing those photos? It's sickening. None of those guys were using condoms, Ed."
Alice growled again. "I can test you," she barked. "No, I will test you, Emmett."
"What if she …?" Emmett whispered.
"Another reason to end it," I said, my eyes narrowed.
"Let me first address the hand injury. I hope you didn't do any nerve damage," Alice said. "Then, I'll run a full panel. You will need to leave for that, Edward. I'm certain you don't want to see a cotton swab shoved up your brother's dick."
"Fuck me," we both whimpered. I cupped my family jewels and Emmett shifted uncomfortably. I stayed in the clinic with Emmett until his hand was stitched up and wrapped with gauze. Alice said she'd have one of her colleagues check him out to assess for nerve damage once the stitches were removed.
When Alice commanded Emmet to drop his pants, I went back upstairs. Jasper was gone and my father was speaking with Seth. I noticed the window was covered with a piece of plywood and the broken glass was swept up. "Where's Jasper?" I asked.
"He's going over to Jenks' office," Carlisle answered. "He's picking up Emmett's divorce papers."
"You're not going to force him to stay with that slut?" I asked. He shook his head. "Good. It's going to be hard for me to look at her and not want to punch her in her face."
"I'm going over to Emmett's condo and working with Felix, we're going to clear out Rosalie's belongings," Seth said, an evil grin spreading over his face.
"And where are you going to put those belongings?" I snorted.
"In Royce's front yard," Carlisle smirked. "I'm sorry about keeping you from your family."
"It's something I wanted to do when I first saw Rosalie in that dingy motel with Royce," Seth growled.
"When are you going to present her with the paperwork?" I asked.
"That's up to Emmett, but she won't be going home with him after Christmas. He'll have to play the role tonight, tomorrow, but tomorrow evening, we'll be rid of the baggage," Carlisle said, waggling his brows. "Do you want to handle that?"
Emmett returned, his face pale, but determined. "I'm handling it. She's my responsibility. I'm just going to drop off in the middle of nowhere."
"What's the plan?" I asked.
"I'm going to say that I arranged for us to go away until the new year. So, we could reconnect," Emmett said. "Then, about halfway to Rockford, I'm going to 'fill up the gas tank' and leave her in some Podunk town. While Alice was stitching up my hand, I canceled her credit cards. I also changed my credit cards, as well, so she can't reopen them in her name." He looked sad and sick. I hugged my brother and he gingerly patted my back. "I'm okay, Edward. I'll be okay once I'm done with her."
"But, you have to keep her in the dark until after Christmas. Esme would have my ass if we ruined Bella's first Christmas with us," Carlisle said, his eyes wide.
"I would have your ass if you ruined Bella's first real Christmas since her father's death," I snarled. "Now, let's enjoy the holiday. It wouldn't be a holiday without family drama."
"Ain't that the truth," Emmett deadpanned. He blinked over to Seth. "Cut that bitch out of my life, Seth."
"With pleasure, Em," Seth smirked, leaving the house with a spring in his step.
BPOV
Dinner was served late and the air was tense, filled with a very phony sense of family. I also noticed Emmett's right hand was bandaged and he was sitting uncomfortably next to Rose. She was flirty with him, touching his arm and kissing his cheek. With each caress, he grew more and more upset. I looked at Edward, but he shook his head.
After dinner, the plates were cleared and done by some workers that Esme hired. However, shortly after dinner, we had to head to Pompeii Shrine near the University of Illinois-Chicago campus. We took separate cars, but I noticed that Emmett and Rose were going to ride with Carlisle and Esme. Edward drove us, but Alice and Jasper were behind us. In the car, I arched a brow. "Something happened, Edward. Dinner was …"
"Miserable, I know," he frowned.
"I wouldn't say miserable," I snorted.
"It was like a car wreck. You just couldn't turn away," he sighed, running his hand through his hair. He shuddered, wrinkling his nose.
"Do I want to know?" I asked.
"I'll tell you after church, Bella," he said. "I feel … it's wrong for you to have those pictures in your head before we go praise God. Besides, we need to be on our guard. We'll probably see my uncle and several other frenemies at the service." He blinked over to me. "You have your weapon?"
"In my purse," I answered. "You'd fire a gun in a church?" He gave me a wry look, clearly telling me that I was full of shit. I just shrugged. "I don't know. It's weird to know that I have a gun in my purse. That you have one under your coat."
"And around my ankle," he said. "I have to protect my family." He reached across the console, twining our fingers together. "I have to protect you, dolce. I love you and … I want to keep you." We stopped at a stoplight. He looked over at me and there was fear, determination and love swirling in his evergreen eyes. My heart jumped, seeing the depth of his emotion in that one single look. He picked up my hand, kissing my knuckles and giving me a soft, but beautiful crooked grin. I returned his smile, wanting to tell him that I loved him, too.
It was unconscious or subconscious or whatever. It was by choice. I was all in and I wasn't going to let my fears dictate how I felt. I knew that Edward was going to be a mob leader, but I could see he had integrity, sincerity and loved fiercely. He would do anything to protect his family, shelter them from pain. He was doing that with Emmett, it would seem, too.
Edward parked the car in the lot near the church. Jasper was at my door, helping me out of the car and gave me a warm smile. Edward walked to me, looping my arm through his and Jasper did the same with Alice. Emmett was hovering near Rosalie, but he wasn't acting like Jasper, Edward or even Carlisle, who were hovering and concerned about their significant others. Rosalie was clearly pissed, pushing her arm through Emmett's and giving him a glare. He removed his arm, going to stand next to his mother. Rosalie went to open her mouth, but Edward moved as fast as a viper.
"Don't. Even," he snarled, quiet and deadly. "We're in public. We're a respected family in this community. Don't make a scene. Would you be that selfish?" She paled and shook her head. He guided her, his hand on the small of her back. We went into the sanctuary and sat near the front of the church. I was in between Edward and Esme. Rosalie was next to Edward and Emmett was on her other side, clearly disgruntled. Jasper and Alice were behind us, with Jacob and Billy next to them.
Edward stiffened, his eyes narrowing as a tall, dark-haired man walked up the center aisle. He was graceful and handsome, looking a little bit like Carlisle, but with a darker complexion. He was handsome, clearly and he strode into the church like he owned the place. Carlisle stood up, shaking the man's hand before kissing his cheeks. He blinked at me and in his eyes, I didn't see any emotion. He smiled at me, but it didn't reach his entire face. "And who is this?" he asked.
"Stephan, may I introduce Edward's fiancée, Isabella," Carlisle said. I stood up and shook his hand. If Esme hadn't been next to me, he looked like he was going to hug me, or drag me away.
"Fiancée?" Stephan asked, arching a brow. "You decided to stop fucking around, boy?"
"Language," Esme hissed. "We're in a house of God, on Christmas EVE."
"My apologies, Esme," Stephan said snidely. He blinked to me. "You may want to get tested after you fuck him, little one. He needs a muzzle."
"It would seem that you do," I said sharply. I turned and sat down, feeling my cheeks flame. Edward slid his arm around me.
"Do you know who I am?" Stephan snapped.
"She does and she doesn't think highly of you, Uncle," Edward said in a snarky tone. "Merry Christmas."
I didn't see Stephan move, but from the corner of my eye, I saw Carlisle sit down and he reached across his wife, squeezing my hand. I gave him a tiny smile. Edward kissed my temple, whispering how proud he was of me. Rosalie was complaining to Emmett about the double standard, how my insolence was tolerated and welcomed, but hers was punished. Emmett just told Rosalie to shut up and we waited for the service to begin.
Shortly before midnight, a chorus began singing and I listened to the beautiful music, remembering the familiar tunes. Edward sang along quietly, in a resonant baritone. He looked at me, a smile gracing his handsome features, but it was stressed. I twined my fingers with his and leaned against his shoulder.
The music changed and we stood up as the processional began. The congregation sang along with the choir and the mass began in earnest. Edward was anxious, looking around and narrowing his eyes on a few people. "What?" I asked.
"Royce King and his wife are here, along with Marcus and Didyme," he whispered to me. "We'll have to meet with them. And you'll probably have to be introduced to Uncle Stephan's wife, Maria."
"I'll still be introduced even though I mouthed off to him?" I hissed. Edward nodded. "What do I call him? Uncle Stephan? Mr. Cullen?"
"He's not a Cullen. It's a part of the shame of being born as a bastard," he explained. "His last name is Romani, the same as his mother. She tried to put my grandfather's name on the birth certificate, but he denied any paternity."
"Shhhhh!" Carlisle chastised.
We both blushed and Edward twined our fingers together. We paid attention to the service, lost in the magic of midnight mass. It had been a long time since I'd been to church and a few things had changed, but I went along. Before I stopped going to church, I was a practicing Catholic, so I knew the basics of the mass. When it was done, we stood up and waited for the church to empty before we left.
Uncle Stephan approached us with a middle-aged, but beautiful woman. She was introduced as Maria. Esme hugged her, giving her a warm smile. Stephan kissed her cheek and he turned to Emmett and Rosalie. He looked at Rosalie, arching a brow. "You pregnant yet? You look pale."
"She's getting over the flu," Emmett lied. "But, we're trying." He slid his arm around her waist, but I could tell that it sickened Emmett.
"And you're not marrying Edward because he's going to be The Boss, are you, little one?" Stephan asked me derisively.
I jutted out my chin and glowering at him. "I'm marrying Edward because I love him." Edward gasped and I could his hand tighten around mine. I looked at him and his smile was beautiful. "He's everything I ever wanted in a man and I'm proud to be his fiancée, and soon, his wife."
"Have you decided on a date?" Esme asked, practically vibrating in her skin.
Edward and I shared a smile and I nodded. "We have. We're leaning toward the end of August, beginning of September of this year. It's just before school starts back for me."
"You're a student?" Stephan scoffed.
"Graduate student," I snapped. "Psychology."
"I was hoping for a spring wedding," Esme pouted, but she brightened. "But, the color schemes in the fall are beautiful, too."
"We also figured that out, too," Edward chuckled. "Burgundy, gold and a touch of navy."
"Very elegant," Carlisle said.
"What's elegant?" asked a blonde man with a woman who was easily half his age. She wasn't dressed appropriately for church, wearing a short dress and sky-high heels.
"My oldest son is getting married and they're telling us about the date," Carlisle answered, giving a tight smile to the man. "Royce King, this is my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Isabella Swan."
Royce approached me, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles. His lips were slimy and he reminded me of a snake. "You are beautiful, Isabella. It's a shame you're marrying Edward. He's so old." I removed my hand from his and snuggled closer to him. "You need to know your place, girl."
"Now is not the time to teach manners, Royce," Edward said, his voice icy. "And you're older than me, plus you were being creepy. Hands off my fiancée." Royce gave him an evil smile, looking more like a grimace. "I'm the lucky one, though. She's the light in my life." He cupped my chin and caressed my cheek. He kissed me tenderly, holding me flush to his body.
"Isabella, you will have to let me help you plan your wedding," Maria said, a genuine smile on her face. I blushed, nodding noncommittally. "Edward, I'm so happy for you." Maria kissed his cheek. Stephan growled and her smile fell, moving back next to him with her head bowed.
"We should get going. We're having some of Bella's family over for Christmas and they're arriving early," Carlisle said.
"Yes, how is your Uncle Jimmy?" Royce asked, a malicious grin spreading over his too-tanned face. "Work steady at the Swan Dive?"
I gulped, glaring at Royce. Arching a brow and smirking, "Never better. You should go in. Tell him that Bella sent you and he'll give you the special," I said. My heart was stammering against my ribs. How did he know about Uncle Jimmy?
"Come, cara," Edward said lowly. "Merry Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your families."
"We should join you," Stephan said, pursing his lips. "But, I didn't get an invite from my beloved little brother."
"You would have if you had picked up your phone," Carlisle said curtly. "Now, it's late and the crowd is gone. Merry Christmas, brother."
He took Esme's hand, leading her down the center aisle. Edward followed him and we made our way out of the church, stopping briefly to thank the priest and give the church a personal gift to him from the family. We walked quickly to our cars. I noticed that Jacob and Billy were already in our car. Edward helped me into the backseat, barely growling out, "Get us the fuck out of here."
"Yes, Boss," he snapped.
EPOV
That was bad. That was very, very bad.
But, very good, too.
They laid down their cards and revealed a lot in that conversation, but in the process terrified Bella. They knew about Uncle Jimmy. My fiancée was rigid next to me and tears were streaming down her face.
"You're safe, dolce," I said soothingly.
"Jimmy," she stuttered.
"Felix and Demetri are watching him tonight, sweetie," Billy said quietly from the front seat. Bella looked up and sniffled. "You think I'm just an old man in a wheel chair?"
"He's the head of our security," I said. "He makes sure that all of us are protected. He has an army of highly trained soldiers that will protect us, Bella. Protect you. Protect Jimmy."
"I'm sorry I mouthed off," she muttered, toying with the scarf around my neck.
"Don't be. You were perfect. You didn't show weakness," I said. "If you had, they would have pounced on you and really fucked with your head." I cupped her chin and stared into her eyes. They were still filled fear, but she trusted me. She loved me. I wanted to discuss that, but not with Jacob and Billy in the front seat. I traced her cheek and smiled softly at her. "I'm proud of you. So, proud." I leaned forward, kissing her tenderly and cradling her in my arms.
We arrived at the house and I helped Bella out of the car. Jacob was standing, his gun at the ready while I escorted her inside, leading us directly up to our bedroom. Bella was in a daze, her eyes wide. I helped her out of her coat and guided her to the couch. "Bella, look at me, dolce," I commanded gently. She blinked up at me. The fear was still there, swirling with something else. "Are you okay?"
"This is bigger than we anticipated, isn't it?" she asked.
"I would assume so," I frowned. "Stephan was in rare form tonight, openly defying my father. And Royce approaching us? That was not good either."
"It seems like his wife doesn't know about the beef," Bella said, her nose wrinkled. I was confused. "Maria. She seemed nice and genuine. But, Stephan snuffed out her light with one growl."
"I noticed that, too," I frowned. "My Aunt Maria is a gentle soul, kind and loving. She and Esme are good friends, but it would appear that friendship is over if my uncle had his say."
"That's so sad," Bella whispered. She moved until she was in my lap, curled up in my arms. Only then did the tension leave her body. "What's the holidays without a little family drama?"
"A little?" I quipped, kissing her forehead. "I said that earlier to my brother."
"He looked green when he had to touch Rosalie," Bella said. "What did she do?"
"Was fucked in every possible way by Royce, his lieutenant and some other guy. All. At. Once. I saw parts of my soon-to-be EX-sister-in-law that I never wanted to see. She's not a natural blonde. Just saying," I snorted.
"Ewwwww," Bella groaned. "Poor Emmett."
"I feel for him. But, he's getting his vengeance," I said.
"He's not going to kill her, is he?"
"No. He's leaving her in some random town in the middle of a cornfield, with no credit cards, cell phone or money," I answered. "She'll be left with nothing. Her shit is being dumped into Lake Michigan as we speak and the locks are being changed by Seth and his team." I tightened my hold around her body. Inhaling her sweet scent, I sighed. "Did you mean it?"
"What?" she asked.
"That you loved me?" I questioned. "I know I sound like an insecure pussy …"
She sat up, pressing her lips to mine and kissing me so tenderly. I moaned. Her tongue slid between my lips, dancing with mine. Pulling back, she stared at me. "I love you, Edward. I wanted to tell you tonight, before we made love for the first time." She frowned slightly. "I feel badly even thinking of that with all that happened, but …"
"I love you so much, Bella," I said. "And you're right. Right now, isn't appropriate. But, tonight, in our home, I want to make love to you, showing you what you mean to me. Will let me do that? Will you let me love you?"
"Only if you let me do the same," she breathed, smiling gently. "Because, I wasted precious time waiting for my head to catch up with my heart."
"Always, cara," I replied, pressing my forehead to hers. "And good things come to those who wait."
A/N: Up next will be the rest of Christmas, with Jimmy, Jacob, and Billy. We'll also find out if Emmett is going to go through with his plans for Rose. And who's ready for some lemonade? It might be cold and wintery in this story, but it's gonna get hot between the sheets for Edward and Bella.
Pictures of Pompeii Shrine are on my blog, along with pictures of Stephan, Carlisle, Royce, Maria and Royce's wife. You can find a link for that on my blog. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and twitter, too: tufano79. Leave me some loving! Thank you for reading!
