Rescue Ink
Carlisle Cullen is a pillar of the community. He's a humane veterinarian/philanthropist who owns an animal hospital and shelter. He's a loving husband, a devout father, and his three sons follow in his footsteps as well as on his Harley. They're tattooed bad boys who right the wrong to protect and save. They have hearts that fall in love with the blink of an eye. Well, except for the middle one, Edward.
Disclaimer: I own nothing Twilight.
I am still blessed with my Beta, Fran, as we begin a new adventure with two pre-readers.
A/N: If anyone would like to join Fran's Facebook group (Pay It Forward), please let me know. She recs the best stories. Also, introduces new writers to fanfic readers.
I also like to share pics of this story in Fran's group.
Here's the site's address: : / groups / 896806390388220/ … just squish this back together.
A/N: New Author to follow. TwiAddictAnne and her sweet story, 'Bewitched' ID#11974171.
It's a period piece. Go check it out.
A/N: To all the coward, anonymous guest readers: I do appreciate your passion over Edward's poor decision. People make mistakes when they are afraid or unaware. I am grateful to the people who understood where I was going with Edward's behavior. Again, to the sanctimonious, pompous tushes with sticks up them… Get a grip… Did you not read the first chapter? Edward is a badass, but with a softness about to explode. He's a solitary person if you haven't figured that out as yet. His behavior in love is null and void. He will now become aware what real feelings are and be able to understand them. If you're still with me, give him a chance. If not, boy that felt good to say!
Chapter Ten: Coming Around
BPOV
I squeeze him tightly around the neck. "I'm so happy to see you." Then, I slap his arm. "But don't you ever do that to us again, you stupid, stupid man."
As Edward stands, he shivers.
I give him a no-nonsense firm order. "You're cold, wet ,and you stink. Let's get you into a hot shower."
He mumbles, "I don't have any clothes to change into."
"I'll wash your things, and you can wear a huge towel until they're ready."
While Edward showers, I heat a huge bowl of beef stew in the microwave, cut a few slices of homemade bread and fill a large mug with hot coffee. I place his food on the dining room table.
I search on my cabinets for aspirin and find a bottle of Advil. I pop two out and leave them by the coffee.
He walks out from the bathroom with the towel around his waist. I try not to scan his body, but it's hard not to stare at his bare chest, abs, and all of his tattoos. I take his clothes and run back into the bathroom where I have stackable units and throw his clothes into the washer.
"Edward, please sit at the table, I have food for you and two Advil. Take them." I quickly jog out from the back room.
He nods and walks to the dining room. I hastily run past him to my bedroom and retrieve an extra large shirt I wear when I paint. It's huge on me and should fit him.
He swallows the two pills and gulps down some coffee.
"Why don't you try this on? It will keep you warm."
I hand the shirt to Edward, and he places it over his head and rolls it down his washboard middle. I inwardly sigh. "Please, eat or it will get cold."
He grabs the spoon, dips it in the stew and takes a bite. The look of surprise is priceless. "Hmm, this is good." He grabs a piece of bread, soaks up some liquid and he stuffs it into his mouth. He hums happily. He washes the food down with another gulp of coffee. "The bread is great."
"Thank you."
"You baked it?"
I grin and nod.
He takes another hefty piece along with stew and fills his mouth as though he hasn't eaten in days.
"I barely ate anything in the last few days." He guffaws. "I drank plenty."
"So, did the liquor bring you to a conclusion?"
He confesses, "I tried to wipe you out of my mind. And I couldn't sleep. I thought hooking up with a one-nighter, a house mouse, would help, but I couldn't stand the thought of her hands on me or mine on her. Nothing happened. So, the only thing that almost worked was getting drunk. But despite the numbness, I could still see you, feel you and miss the hell out of you.
I take a short breath. "And now?"
"I need to know what you want."
I'm not nasty when I say this, but he needs to know, "Let me tell you what I don't want, okay?"
"That's fair enough." He puts down his spoon to listen
I cautiously explain, enunciating every word with distinction, "I don't want to sleep you, unless we've been together a while and we want raw physical pleasure. I don't care how hot we get, but unless we share feelings, we stay off one another. I'm not a virgin and I'm not a prude or a cock tease, but I won't sleep with you just for the orgasm. What I do want is more, Edward. My wants are simple. If this connection is something, then I want your love, loyalty and devotion, because you won't get less from me. I will support you, help you and share in everything that is important to you. I will make the time. I will make the effort. And most of all, I will allow my feelings to grow. I'm not afraid."
"I'll admit to you, Bella, I've never experienced love. All I know are one-night stands. So, I'm fucked with you. I can't promise you anything because I don't know how to give you what you want, but I fucking want to try. Since we met, I feel this pull. The night you made me dinner, I wanted to sink myself deep into you. The way you looked, moved and spoke. My desire to know you became more than my lust. I wanted to hear what you had to say. I wanted to soak you in like a sponge and still, I didn't get enough. I stupidly got scared. What if all this is just my imagination?"
"Then, we're both in a dream," I admit.
"I won't lie to you, I want the physical contact, but I am willing to wait for you to be comfortable," he explains.
"And what if it takes months for us to care about one another?"
He huffs. "I already do care. Why do you think I ran like a scared rabbit? I don't have a fucking clue, but I know you already own me, and I've lost my control. This is new territory for me."
"So, you aren't sure? Does that mean you are you going to go look for another house mouse or someone off the streets?" I quip.
He shakes his head. "I told you I couldn't do it."
"That was this time. Maybe next time you will."
"Bella, I'm not that kind of a guy. I spend a lot of time alone. My family has a hard time with me liking my solitude. But you … You do something to me. I've never felt like this before."
"Yeah, well, that's a ditto, but I wasn't out to screw some guy to forget about you."
He bows his head and sighs. "Did I fuck this up already?"
"Almost. But you leveled with me, and you admitted you cared."
"Bella, I'm afraid of losing control."
"Of what? Lose control, feel me, be with me. Stop being alone."
He has a glint in his eye.
"What?"
He looks up at me and stares at my lips. "I would like to kiss you if permitted?"
I shyly grin and roll my eyes. "It's permitted."
Edward reaches over and cups my face gently in his hand. "I'll be careful of your jaw."
I nod staring into his green eyes.
"Just know one thing, Edward; we are past a certain point. We're going to try this, but cheat on me once and there will be no more 'us'."
"It won't happen, Bella."
I quietly implore, "I hope not."
He slowly moves his face close to mine. "I just want a little taste."
His lips brush mine very quickly. He pulls back, sighs and looks for acceptance. With a little more force, but still gentle, our lips connect. Edward's other hand wraps around my neck and he brings me closer to him. I lean forward, and he lifts me onto his lap my legs to one side. The kiss deepens and his tongue meets mine. His breaths are heavy as he holds me close and I rest my head on his shoulder.
He whispers, "Please, let me hold you."
I wrap one arm around his shoulder and my other hand into his hair.
He holds me tightly, and I feel his breaths calm.
With my eyes closed, I sense every movement.
"Did you want more stew?"
"No, thank you, I'm fine."
"Are you tired?"
He grins. "Yeah, I could sleep."
"You can take the back bedroom. When your clothes are dry, I will leave them on the chair for you."
"Thank you."
I stand and take his hand leading him to the back. "Sleep, I don't work tomorrow. Do you have any appointments?"
"No, but I'll call Jazz tomorrow and everyone else."
"Please, allow me to call Esme so she'll know you are all right, nothing more. Okay?" I plead.
He nods, "Fine."
I stand on my tip toes and kiss his cheek, and, as I walk out of the room, I hear a faint, 'thank you'.
I grab my cell calling Esme.
"Bella, did you hear anything?"
"Yes, Esme, he's here with me."
"He's all right?"
"He's fine."
"Where was he? Why did he take off like that?" she cries.
"He was close by. He just needed some time," I answer.
"Well, is he … do you?" she stumbles.
"He's going to spend the night in my other bedroom."
"I'm glad, Sweetheart. If you need anything …"
"I know, I'll call you."
"Thank you, my precious girl." She hangs up.
I grab Edward's clothes out of the dryer and walk to the room. I peek around the doorway and see him fast asleep under the covers. The towel hangs over the chair.
I quietly place his folded clothes on the seat and walk closer to the bed. Edward is on his back with one arm over his head and the other across his waist. His chest expands and contracts in an easy rhythm. His few-day stubble covers his jaw and neck area. It's reddish blonde and full. He looks a little older with the facial hair. I'm not sure if I like it or not. But he's still a sight for sore eyes. I'm so glad he's safe and that he is with me.
Little meows come from outside the room, and Mignonne pads towards me with her tail straight up. I pick her up, and we head for my bedroom.
My phone chimes and I look at the screen. It's Emmett.
I sing, "Hello, Emmett."
"You want me to come get him?"
I giggle to myself. "No, he's fast asleep in my other bedroom."
"Thanks, B. He needs you."
"I know."
"You need him."
"Maybe," I smile.
"Aw, being a tough little nut, I see."
"It's hard to crack my surface, Em."
"My brother weeded his way under your skin." He laughs. "And into your…"
I interrupt him, "Okay, Em, good night."
I hang up.
My phone chimes again. "Hello?"
"I'm sorry to call you so late, but I know Edward's there."
"Hi, Jasper. No, it's okay."
"Is he really all right?"
"He's asleep, fed and I think he'll be all right," I reassure him.
"Thank you, Bella … for Edward and Alice."
"How are things going with the two of you?" I ask.
"She's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'd marry her tomorrow if she'd say 'yes'."
"Well, don't. You'll scare her away. Besides, I think we'll be great roommates and friends."
"Yeah, and Edward and I are only five minutes away," he excitedly adds.
"Jasper?"
"Yes."
"Just give her some time. Alice has been focused on school, and she needs to stretch her wings. You know?"
"I get it, Bella. And thank you."
"No, problem. And I think Edward needs tomorrow to rest, but he'll call you."
"I've got him covered."
"Great."
I quietly tiptoe to the bathroom, wash my face and brush my hair and teeth. Once back in my room, I change into pajama pants and a tank top. It feels so good to slide under the covers. Mignonne wraps herself into a ball close to my neck and sleep takes me.
*RI*
The next morning I slowly awake to the sun in my eyes and something very heavy around my chest with warm puffs of air on my shoulder. Something buries their face into my neck squeezing me tighter and cupping my breast.
*RI*
OOOOOOOOOOOOO… We all sing, "She's not alone under the sheets!"
*RI*
Time for recs: This list is authors with one of their stories.
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