Something's Gotta Give

Chapter Ten—Roadside

"Did you just threaten to tie to me to a bed?" He hadn't realized he said anything aloud. By the sound of Bella's incredulous voice, Edward realized he was treading a thin line. One he seemed to straddle since they met.

After putting the truck in park and turning it off, he turned to glare at her. "Considering I kept my promise of not surfacing for days, you bet your ass I did."

She sat back against the door and the tears that almost started to fall earlier were gone. Now, she looked pissed, but angry was a hundred times better than crying. He couldn't handle that from her, but what surprised him was the look of smug satisfaction on her lips, as one eyebrow rose in challenge.

"I believe your words were that you'd throw me over your shoulder, and then we wouldn't surface for days," she stated.

Edward knew she loved pushing his buttons, especially when they argued. It was a damn shame she couldn't do it when it really mattered. If she'd had the outburst at the cabin, they would've hashed it out there and saved them some confusion.

It was time to have it out.

Bella watched as Edward grasped the steering wheel tight enough for it to creak under his white-knuckled hold after she teased him. She knew he'd been holding back something since they received the messages from Alec and Jasper. She hadn't a clue as to what that was until he said he'd take her home as they ate.

Apparently, now that she was safe, it was over between them in his eyes. If that was the case, why hadn't he come out and said it? He'd made it clear that he couldn't offer her more than sex since they started this rollercoaster ride between them, so why leave her hanging now? He offered no clarification at all, other than stating he'd take her home. Then after breakfast, he asked her to dance after being quiet and closed off on their last night together. It messed with her head, enough for her to blow up on the ride home. She hated that she couldn't hold back as well as he could.

A round of slightly unhinged and rough laughter emitted from him. "For someone who seems to know what I'm thinking ninety percent of the time, you sure picked the wrong time to stop."

She didn't know what to make of that. "I never made such a claim. I just know how to read you when you're horny or pissed." She matched Edward's scowl and narrowing eyes. "Which happens to be most of the time."

"That's only because it's you." He tilted his head back, looking at the ceiling of his truck, staring and not saying a word. Tired and confused with the whole situation, Bella reached for the door handle with the intention of getting some fresh air. "I wouldn't run if I were you."

Oh, the man knew better to issue that kind of warning when she was upset.

"What are you going to do, huh?" His eyes narrowed in on her hand. She should have backed off, but nice and easy didn't work on Edward. If she wanted answers, she had to push sometimes.

"Exactly what I damn promised you," he stated. What did he mean by that—a few more days of fucking? She didn't know if she should feel insulted or aroused. The way he said it didn't help, either. It meant that things could end in one of two ways; either getting naked or walking away angry at each other.

She couldn't think when his scent of wood, pine, and soap assaulted her senses, so she laughed off his words and opened the door. By the time she hopped off and slammed it closed, he was rounding the hood of his truck. Before he could reach her, she backed away. "If you don't mind, I'd like to go home now."

"Sure didn't seem like it an hour ago," he taunted, pushing right back. After taking another step toward her, she was against the bed of his truck. "I could see it your eyes. How it hurt that I said I'd take you home."

"Don't," she whispered, remembering how she shut down after he said it. She could only imagine what he'd seen in her eyes, even though she tried to keep the emotions within her.

Edward groaned in frustration and started to pace like the caged lion she always thought he reminded her of, his hands tugging on his hair. Everything in her heart wanted to reach out and comfort him. He stopped in front of her, hands extending out to her, but stopping. "Don't what, Bella? Tell you I could see how much I hurt you. Don't you fucking get it?"

"What am I supposed to get, Edward?"

When he said nothing, she pushed past him and walked a few steps away, but before she put some distance between them, he made good on the promise. The brute tossed her over his shoulder so quickly that she had to shake her head to clear away the dizziness. She screamed and pounded his back, as he put the tailgate down and sat her down, stepping between her thighs, securing her against him. Breathless and angry, she kept her hands to herself, afraid to touch him.

The anger on his face was evident in his scowl, but his eyes not only held that emotion, but fear, too. She hadn't seen that since the night he awoke from his nightmare. That fear was gone before she could question him. His gaze, however, remained soft, like when they danced earlier. She couldn't take that look, seeing what he clearly refused to face. In a move that made her want to cry and sigh at the same time, he pressed his forehead to hers, both of them breathing shallow and fast.

"I don't like when you walk away." His voice was whisper. "Only someone that truly cares would recognize the pain I put you through last night."

"I know you care, but that's not enough anymore," she replied. He shook his head, his hands reaching for the back of her neck, his palm sliding into her hair. As gently as possible, he made her look at him.

"I thought it would be best if you had a day or two away from me before you decide on what life you want."

Confused, she sat back to get a good look at him. "What do you mean?"

"Riley and his men are dead," he stated and shrugged. "You can go back and be Marie Isabella Swan, the famous photographer, or you can stay here, or go anywhere else in the world. You didn't need me around to influence your decision. I don't want you resenting me for asking you to stay."

She understood then; maybe he did feel something for her, too. By the belt loop of his jeans, she pulled him closer. "Do you want me to stay?"

"Don't ask me to answer that, Bella." The plea in his voice answered her question in a way.

"I made the choice the day I returned after I testified," she said softly, pursing her lips for a moment. "We faked Marie Isabella's death. There's no going back to that life."

"But if Riley and his men are dead, I don't see why not. I read through the transcripts, you never testified against Liam's organization or any of his associates."

Liam MacKenna and his crew was the mob organization that Riley Biers had ties to, and authorities believed he worked for, and had been after him for decades.

"You're right, I didn't. That's because I lied to the DA, and eventually, on the witness stand, as well. Before Marcus was murdered, he said it was for the best at the time, because they'd want to prosecute Liam, and in the end, Alec agreed, too. The Feds would've railroaded me and forced me to testify against MacKenna. Riley said his name loud and clear during his monologue before he killed James, more than once. Think about it, Riley didn't have the means to get the information on the safe house locations, meaning Liam's connections helped. I never had any intention of returning to that life or start another that would put me in a spotlight again."

Edward shook his head, looking thoroughly confused. "But you can still do whatever you want with your life. Why stay here?"

"I told you. I chose this place because of the reclusive artist I heard about, I checked it out and fell in love with the town and its people. I found a cute, money-pit of a house, and I stayed because I wanted a change of scenery. I've been a city girl for years and I grew tired of it. I could've gone anywhere after testifying, but I chose to return here. Not only for you and your parents, but because it was the one place that finally felt like home." She held his hand to her chest. "Do you know how long it's been since I felt that? Since before my father died, Edward. Do you really think I'd let that go that easily."

"I sure didn't give you a reason to come back." He had disappeared for a month before she'd left to testify.

"No, not really." They laughed a little. "I think you were part of the reason, even if I didn't know what would happen between us then," she said, cupping one side of his face, loving the way he leaned into her palm. "Answer my question, Edward." Even though the answer was in his eyes, she needed the words this one time.

His eyes closed as he wrapped his arms around her and settled his forehead on her shoulder. "Yes, I want you to stay."

Bella felt her whole body relax, even her heart. Not an easy feat, considering she was in his arms again.

After a couple of minutes, he broke the silence around them. "Damn, I missed having you this close." She felt the same way, even if it had only been a night. His lips swept along her shoulder, before pressing against the corner of her mouth. "I'm sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I promise you, Bella." He pulled back to meet her eyes. "I was already having second thoughts and had every intention of giving you only a day at most before I came back for you."

"Does that mean you would have groveled?" she asked playfully, batting her lashes.

"I don't grovel," he said firmly, nipping her ear and pressing his lips along her cheek. She laughed and reminded him of that one time in his kitchen when she caught him washing dishes. There was something hot about watching Edward at the sink in nothing but his boxers. "Fuck, don't remind me of that. I'm trying to be more and I can't do that if I'm thinking of you on your knees with my—" The rest of what he had to say was lost in a hiss the moment she bit his bottom lip. He deepened the kiss before taking his next breath, his hands lost in the softness of her hair.

"Be more what?" she asked minutes later. Her arms draped over his shoulders, his mouth busy exploring her neck.

"Romantic."

"You really don't need that much work on that, you know." She pulled back to stop him from going further, despite how much she wanted him to.

Edward rolled his eyes; a first. "I'm hardly romantic."

She shrugged. "Not in the typical hearts and flowers kind of way. You're making me a new piece, thanks again for that." She'd seen the new art project when he showed her his workshop, and asked about it. He didn't say anything but ducked his head a little more. "But you bought three of my pieces hours after meeting me." Edward's eyes widened a bit as he looked up at her. "You think I didn't ask when you bought them? You literally left the hospital after the accident and called Gianna to buy them. Admit it, you liked me even then."

"Not until you admit you did, too."

She sighed, not even bothering to lie. "It was lust at first sight." Edward chuckled against her shoulder, pulling her closer, so that she'd feel how much he wanted her. "You don't fight fair. That was barely a fight."

"We could start over." His hands slowly swept up her sides, his thumbs under her breasts.

"It wouldn't help, since I need to learn to hold a grudge," she said, frowning. "I should be mad at you for trying to send me away."

"As I should be angry at you for giving up so easily," he said, pressing his thumb to her bottom lip.

"I did do that, didn't I?" He nodded. "I think I grew accustomed to people pushing me away, that I let it happen without a fight. You're right, though. You shouldn't be the only one to fight for this. If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure I would've seduced you when we got back to my place."

"I would've succumbed with one look," he said. They kissed again, losing themselves to it. A touch breathless, Edward broke away. "I think last night, when I realized I hurt you, I figured out you'd never leave because of my health and mental issues. You'd only leave if I asked you to." He brushed his lips over hers. "I don't think I will, though."

She hummed happily. "See, you can be romantic." Her hands lifted from his shoulders, settling in his hair. Edward let her touch his scars a few days prior, but he showed signs of distress whenever she was too close to the ones on his head. It would take time. She didn't think that vanity kept them hidden. As expected, he stilled slightly, pulling back to watch her face.

"They really don't matter to you, do they?" The fear returned to his eyes.

"Of course they do, Edward," she whispered, eliciting a small shiver to move through him. Lightly tracing the scar with the tips of her fingers, tears formed in her eyes. "Just not in the way you think. They're a part of you, and are a reminder of what you've been through, but they also tell me that you're here and alive. You survived, even if you sometimes wish you hadn't." She held him tighter. "You've been through so much and I know the road ahead isn't going to be all pleasant, but I'm here for the long haul, okay?"

"Fuck, to think I would've just dropped you off and drove away, even if it was only for a night. I'm an idiot." He fully wrapped his arms around her. "I probably would've never made it out of the driveway." She hummed and held him close, and after a few more blissful moments in his arms, she snuck her hand between them. "Fuck, I feel like a ticking time bomb right now, babe. Keep doing that and I'll fuck you right here, right now, in broad daylight."

She pulled back to allow him to see her face. "Do you see me complaining?" He groaned and swept her into a claiming kiss that drove her hips to undulate against him. Their fingers reached for barriers that kept the other from touching skin freely. His shirt opened for her touch and the hem of her dress lifted to around her waist, his hand slipped between her thighs. "Fuck, Edward."

He groaned and pressed his mouth to hers again, thrusting his tongue inside her in the same rhythm as his fingers. She scrambled to reach for his jeans, wanting to feel his cock in her palm and in her mouth, if he let her.

A loud wail of a siren came from behind and startled them to cover up, their eyes on Emmett in his police cruiser as he drove up. The car jeep came to a stop shortly before reaching them. "I can overlook a few things, Edward, but this kind of roadside service is not one of them."

"Asshole," Edward hissed as he flipped him off over his shoulder, righting Bella's dress around her knees and doing his best to keep her from view. She giggled softly, stroking him once more over his jeans. He dropped his mouth to her ear. "Christ, you're going to pay for that."

The cruiser pulled up beside the tail of Edward's truck, Emmett chuckled. "I'd say get a room, but I was asked to escort you to Bella's house." Emmett's dimples came into play, meaning he wouldn't leave them alone until he completed his mission. The ache between her legs would have to wait until they could be alone once they reached the house.

Edward helped her off the truck and she asked, "Why would we need an escort?" Edward walked behind her, holding her close enough to hide the bulge in his jeans. She'd turn right around and take advantage of his state if they didn't have an audience.

"Esme asked me to join you."

That's cryptic, Bella thought, watching as Emmett drove a few yards away, giving them a little privacy.

Edward seemed confused as he helped her climb into the truck, once again ensuring her dress kept her covered. "Why would he need to escort us?"

Bella shook her head. "Maybe it has to do with the surprise your mother mentioned."

"I hate surprises."

"Aw," she said. "But I was a surprise."

"You're right, and I definitely don't hate you." She smiled as he closed the door and kissed her through the window. "Let's go before we get worked up again." She laughed, when it obvious he had to make an adjustment.

They drove behind Emmett in silence, both preoccupied with what awaited them at her house. Bella also wondered what it all meant for their relationship, too. After spending almost a week with Edward, she didn't think she could stand a night without him, despite the fact that he didn't always stay in bed with her. It would have to wait until they had a moment alone again, determined not to make more needless mistakes. Miscommunication would only stop if they were honest with each other.

Emmett was out of his cruiser before Edward managed to pull in behind a familiar truck. Bella's eyes widened and she scrambled to get out. She didn't know what to expect, but the person nervously waiting on the porch was not even in her realm of possibilities.

"Give him a chance to explain," Emmett stated, walking backward and putting himself between Edward and their visitor. That was not a good idea.

"What are you doing there?" Edward asked, ignoring Emmett. His words and the glare were clear indication of how upset he was at the moment. Bella was curious, too, but she didn't look as murderous as Edward did as he made his way to the man on the porch. She wasn't sure if he was that angry because of what Jacob had done or because he cock-blocked them—probably both.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't beat you until you're an inch from death," Edward said, his voice low and menacing. She had never heard him talk in such a way, even when he threatened her after Carlisle's accident. It sent a shiver of fear down her spine.

Jacob winced and held up his hands in a defensive move, backing away and almost tripping on a loose board on her porch. "I can explain everything, I swear." He looked from Edward to Bella, surprise drawing his brows high. "Um, okay, I realized a week into the project that the money was missing, which matches up when my ex-girlfriend, Vanessa, left me."

"She took the money," Bella guessed, running a hand through her hair. "If that was the case, you could've talked to me instead of taking off like a damn thief."

"I know I should've, but I wasn't thinking rationally at the time. All I could think was that I had to get it back. She has a gambling addiction and she'd already been gone a couple of days."

"And what did you think you could do? Come back now and make amends?" Edward asked, taking another step toward Jacob. Emmett once again stood between Edward and his quarry, despite the fact that some of his anger had diminished. It was subtle, but she saw how the tick in his jack had slackened. "Where's the damn money?"

"I have most of it, and I'll work for free to cover the rest." Jacob turned his attention to Bella. "I'm truly sorry that this happened, after I caught up with Vanessa, I managed to take the five thousand she hadn't lost and doubled it before coming back. I'll find a way to cover any other materials, if needed."

"You will not get another dime from me," Bella said, passing Edward to reach Jacob. "A lot of work has been done since you've been gone." Jacob's dark eyebrows nearly reached his hairline as his eyes bounced between her and Edward. "He felt obligated to take over since you were his former employee."

"Bella, I can finish the work by myself," Edward said, still glaring at Jacob.

Hoping to ease some of his anger, Bella put her hand on his arm. He relaxed a little more under her touch. "Between the two of you, you can get the rest done much faster."

Edward looked at her, and after a few seconds, nodded. He pointed a finger to Jacob, whom swallowed hard. "I am in charge and your labor is free. You will work from sun up to sun down until all the work is done, you hear me?"

Jacob nodded and looked once more to Bella. "I can do that, and I'm sorry. Emmett is working to charge Vanessa and have her arrested for stealing your money. I have a check—"

"Cash only," Bella cut in, shaking her head. "I can't trust that she won't find a way to stop a check. Or can I?"

Jacob shrugged. "She somehow convinced someone at the bank to hand over the money in my account."

Emmett spoke up again, staring at Edward to ensure he remained in a relative safe distance from Jacob. "I'm looking into the teller at the bank, since Vanessa's name is not on the account, she shouldn't have been able to withdraw anything."

"Fine, you can all leave now," Edward growled and advanced toward the front door. Emmett and Jacob protested, but one look from him and they said their goodbyes. Jacob promised he'd arrive the next day around seven.

Once they were alone, Bella glared at Edward, placing her hands on her hips. "A bit high handed out there, Edward. This is my place and they were my guests. Who gave you the right to send them away?"

"Fuck, I hadn't meant to take over like that, but I'm pissed and barely kept from exploding. Jacob wasn't helping with how he looked at you and then at me, as if he couldn't believe we'd be together. It was pissing me off."

"Ah, you're jealous." Bella hadn't given any indication she was interested in Jacob. She learned her lesson that it's unwise to mix business with pleasure.

"I don't get jealous," he hissed and prowled toward her. "But now that you're allowing him to finish the job he started, I have to put up with his sorry ass."

"Jealous," she repeated, grabbing his hand to pull him close. He let her. "Besides he probably couldn't believe it because I'm a chatterbox and you're the silent type."

His hands settled on her hips, his fingers curling halfway over her ass. "You do talk too much."

She slapped his chest, only partially annoyed. It was true, anyway; once she started in on a subject, she'd talk for hours. It only happened with those she was comfortable with, which was why Jacob's sudden disappearance, along with her money, had been such a surprise.

"You love when I'm mouthy," she said, about to continue, until he kissed her until she was panting. His lips were soft against her skin, ghosting along her neck.

"I do love when you have your mouth on me," he said softly, pushing her against the front door. She imagined him doing this to her while he worked for her that first month. His arousal was thick and hot between them, as the embers that flickered to life after their fight ignited again. "But I also love when you say my name." His teeth scraped gently where her shoulder met with her neck, his tongue soothing the bite.

"Edward," she moaned, melting further into his arms. She was positive he was holding her upright. Her knees shook, barely able to hold any weight as desire heated her blood.

"Love the way your mouth forms the words to your favorite song as you sing." His hand slipped between her thighs, encountering her underwear already wet from her mounting lust. Some of his words lost coherency, or maybe that was her thoughts. "Love when you whisper my name in your sleep, as if you're dreaming of me."

"I do," she groaned, her thighs tightening around his hand for a moment. For that single second as his fingers first thrust inside her, she held on as hard as she could. She relaxed and moved her hips at the pace he set, needing more of him.

"Fuck," he said deeply, losing himself in another kiss. "Let's christen the kitchen."

She leaned back to look into his eyes, pulling herself up by placing her arms around his shoulders. "I imagined us right here, we might as well start here." He hissed as she licked his bottom lip, grabbing a hold of her ass with both hands. "I know we have a lot to talk about, but right now…"

Edward heartily agreed with another kiss, and within a few minutes, he had her naked between him and the door. Any words he had to say were lost as he looked at her from the top of her head to her toes. He captured the image in his mind that he would forever think of whenever he stepped through her door. Her thighs rubbing together, hands tight in fists, her long hair draped partially over her shoulder and back. Her skin not quite tanned, appeared flushed with desire, and contrasted against the dark stain of the wood behind her. She almost looked like a dream. One he wouldn't want to wake from, ever.

Nimble fingers worked the buttons of his jeans, allowing them to pool at his feet. She stroked him in her soft as silk hands, a thumb circling the tip until he couldn't take anymore. If she continued, he'd come with her touch alone. Too worked up for gentle and slow, he warned her as he had beside the road.

Her arms circled around neck, her body tight against his, fingers weaving through his hair, reminding him of everything she'd given him already, and yet it wasn't enough. "I'm yours." How she knew exactly what he needed to hear, he would never really understand. "I'm yours." As she cried out his name the moment he thrust inside her, he knew her words to be true.

She was his, as much as he was hers.

Within a few minutes, his pace was relentless, his bad leg protested, forcing him to turn and slide down the door to the floor. She groaned, her legs wrapping around his hips instinctively. He held her ass in his hands, his grip tight as he helped move her over him. She rocked at every other turn, her eyes rolling closed as he managed to thrust up at her down stroke. His lips closed over a sensitive nipple, her voice bouncing off the walls, driving him insane. Her nails bit in his shoulder as she pulled his chin up to suck his tongue into her awaiting mouth.

"Fuck," he hissed against her lips. Curses continued to slip from his mouth, punctuating each roll of her hips. His fingertips undoubtedly would leave imprints, and the thought of that thrilled him beyond reason. She pulled away to breathe in deeply, throwing her head back. The tickle of her hair against his hand on her back made him want to see more of her. He pulled up his knees slightly, sliding his ass father away from the door. She seemed to know exactly what he wanted and rested her lower back against his thighs. All spread out before him, her flushed skin and her hands on her breasts, she was a damn wet dream come true. He swept his thumb between her thighs, working his hips along with hers in a fast rhythm. "Come on, Bella. Give it to me." One of her hands joined his, making him stroke harder.

Suddenly, she sat up, her eyes half-hooded as her body tightened all around him. She called out his name, riding him hard through her orgasm. His arm wrapped around her tightly, his free hand holding her as he came with her name on his lips, his mouth on her shoulder. His heart was pounding, and he swore he felt hers beat against his chest.

Edward hadn't even bothered to catch his breath, as he whispered to her, "I'm yours."

AN: Almost done, only a long epi left to go. What a ride ;)