Chapter Eleven

"Bella. Oh God. You're killing me."

His fingers intertwined in my hair. He rubbed his fingers, massaging my head, but he pulled me in so I would take him in deeper. His moans aroused something in me that wouldn't stop me from taking him in. My teeth rubbed against him and he almost pulled himself out. I stopped him, controlling his every move. He was at his weakest moment, and I wanted to take advantage of it.

"No, Bella. I don't want to come inside your mouth."

With each defying syllable he spoke, I bit harder. He finally found the strength to lift me off and flipped me onto my backside on the sofa. He pinned me down and glared hard at me.

"Are you purposely tormenting me?"

I lifted my head and pulled him down to my lips. I wasn't showing any tenderness in my kiss. I was infuriated, upset, envious, jealous, whatever emotion that was boiling in me, came out in our lovemaking. If that's what we were doing? I needed to fuck him good to rid myself of this juvenile emotion. I've never felt this way before, and I didn't know how to deal with it.

"So are you going to fuck me or not?" I was being bold in my question.

He held my face in his hand. He rubbed my chin with his thumb and nodded his head. He was so calm.

"Bella. I will fuck you, but not without love and passion. Do you know why I love claiming your body? Because I get high off your soft cries begging me. I love seeing your body surrendering itself to me. It means I've done a damn good job at pleasing you, and that is why I cherish every moment of taking you."

I closed my eyes, embarrassed at my reaction to meeting his past life rendezvous. I lowered my head down and rested myself back on the sofa. How on earth did I think fucking the shit out of him was going to shadow his past? Would I be doing this every time I would meet one of his ex-partners?

"Hey, what is it?"

"I'm embarrassed, that's all. I thought I could make you forget."

"Forget what? Forget Leah?"

I nodded my head. My eyes couldn't even make their way into facing his own.

"Bella, I have long forgotten about her. You're the only one I ever think of. Day and night, I'm haunted by your eyes, your face, and your body. The urges inside me can't control themselves when the mere thought of you conjures up in my head. By you allowing me to be here, to make love to your body, Bella, I could die here today, right now, and be completely satisfied with my life."

"You're very convincing, Edward."

I pulled him onto me and we continued with our lovemaking until he carried me upstairs in my bedroom. I then realized that I had no fear in what we have. I had trusted him, and he was going to receive all my trust.

I finished packing my luggage and looked at my watch. I still had a few more minutes before Edward was going to arrive. I decided to make a quick phone call to Jacob since I hadn't seen him in a few days.

"Well, looks like someone finally remembered I existed."

"Jake, stop it. I've missed you too."

"Listen, I promise, dinner at my house when I return. We'll do a double date with you and Renesmee."

He fell silent and didn't respond fast enough.

"Jake, what is it?"

"Nothing, Bells. Renesmee and I are no longer together."

"What? Jake, why didn't you tell me? How?"

"Bells, I'm holding her back from what she really needs to pursue. I can't do that to her. She's young and gorgeous. She doesn't need to be tied down to a worthless guy in a wheelchair. It's complicated."

"Jake. You're only temporary in your wheelchair. You've been making astonishing progress. You're so competitive that I know you'll be walking in a few weeks, not months."

"I couldn't do that to her, make her wait. She deserves more."

"Wait, how is she holding up?"

"Well, she was pissed about it. I don't think I'll be seeing her anytime soon."

The doorbell rang and I went to open the door for Edward. He bent down for a kiss, but realized I was on the phone. I signaled for him to come inside for a moment.

"Jake, what will you be doing until I get back?"

"I'll be fine, Bells. I need to catch up on my Game of Thrones anyway, so it'll be a marathon of sitting on my sofa."

Edward sat on the sofa waiting for me and something clicked. "Jake, you're not going to be alone. I'm going to have Edward come stay with you."

"I'm not a baby, Bells, and I surely don't need Edward here to watch over me."

"He wouldn't be watching over you, it would be like the boys hanging out."

I saw the hesitation in Edward's eyes, but I mouthed the word 'please' to him. He then nodded his head in agreement.

"Boys hanging out? What are you in high school?"

"Oh hush, Jake. He'll be over once he drops me off at the airport."

"Fine."

"I love you, Jacob Black."

"Love you, Bells."

I ran up to Edward and gave him the hardest squeeze I could. "You, Mr. Cullen, are the most wonderful boyfriend. However do I repay you?"

"Oh trust me; I'm already thinking of many ways you can repay me."

"Well, it's going to have to wait until my return."

I squeezed myself out of his hold and headed for the front door.

"You're really going to damn me for the next few days, aren't you?"

I didn't bother answering him and instead smiled at him. I wasn't too fond being away from him for the next few days while I would be with Jasper in New York, but I was ready to get these next few days out of the way. Hopefully, Edward and Jacob weren't going to kill each other.

-Edward's POV-

I don't know how I managed to let Bella convince me to watch over Jacob. I wasn't against him; it was the simple fact that Jacob was a grown man who was perfect of taking care of himself. The last thing Jacob needed was the sympathy from the boyfriend of his best friend. But Bella always had a good heart, and in all honesty, I had to learn from her.

I convinced Jacob to stay over at my place since I had a few projects that required working from my home office. He didn't object since it would be a change of scenery. He wasn't completely unable to maneuver himself around. He had made great strides in his therapy. He was able to use crutches and didn't fear pushing himself in getting better.

Two nights was going to seem long, but I realized it was also a good time to get to know Jacob better. Evidently he had a special place in Bella's life, so I was interested in the man who captivated her heart as well.

"Jacob, there's a master suite on the first floor down the hallway after the kitchen. I'll grill us some steaks tonight. The NFL draft starts tonight if you're interested in watching."

"Yeah, I'm down with that. Anything I can do?"

"Nothing too hard I can't handle with the grill. I'll be outside setting up. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks, man."

I headed out to the patio and fired up the grill to warm it up. I received a text from Bella.

Bella: Thank you for your private jet. It's beyond what I've expected. I love you.

Me: You're welcome. Thank you for accepting it and not making a fuss about it. I love you and already miss you.

Bella: I'm very easy to love. How's Jacob?

Me: He's good. Settling in fine. Grilling steak for us and watching the draft.

Bella: The draft. FYI. I use to watch the draft with Jake. I'm jealous.

Me: You set me up with him. Don't be.

Bella: Time to shut off my phone. I'll call you when I land. Xoxo

Me: I want more than xoxo

Bella: In due time, Mr. Cullen. In due time. Bye.

Me: Bye.

Seeing her texts brought a smile to my face. I couldn't believe I was being smitten over this petite person that changed my perception about love. She may have even gifted me the ability to start trusting in others again. I glanced up through the glass window, and Jacob was at the table holding onto something I recognized too well. I studied his reaction to seeing it and hoped he wasn't too inquisitive about it.

Without doubting it, I continued finishing the steaks and brought them inside.

Jacob was still holding onto that particular item. He looked at me with a half crooked smile. "Edward. I know what this is. You have got to take me."

I was in disbelief at what he was saying. "Jacob, aren't you with Renesmee?"

He closed his eyes and threw his head back. His mood suddenly changed and I felt he was going to go into this perilous stage of depression. "I'm no good for her, and I can't believe Bella told you."

"Bella and I have a very open relationship, but she cares about you, deeply. Which also means she would never allow for something like this to happen, especially, with me at the forefront."

I grabbed it from his hands and threw it onto the kitchen island.

"Then why do you still have that invitation?"

I placed the steak in front of him, "Eat. The only reason I have it is because it recently came in the mail. I didn't even know it was with the remainder of my mail. Why are you prying through my personal mail anyways?"

"I wasn't prying. I glanced at the table and noticed the fancy thick envelope. It was similar to the one Bella brought home that night she left you. Technically, I saved your relationship that night, so I think you owe me a small favor."

He was truly insistent on this. "Jacob, you're too good for these. You don't need it. But I do owe you a thank you for saving my relationship with Bella."

"This one time only, Edward. I'm asking you. I will never bother you again about it."

"Jacob, you can't just walk in there with this envelope and assume they are going to let you in. There are protocols and paperwork that has to be established first."

Jacob had the utmost stern expression now. Both his hands were on the table as if he was about to proclaim his closing argument. "Edward. I know you have a lot of power and control. I'm telling you my life is about to spiral down into God knows what with these broken legs. Grant this guy his one wish to be thrown into a world of promiscuous endeavors so I can release myself of sorrow over Renesmee."

I released the most sarcastic laugh that I didn't realize I had. "That's your argument? Having sex to get over Renesmee?"

"Alright, that may have sounded ingenuous, but I don't know how else to rid her out of my thoughts. I've tried everything yet her nonexistence around the house taunts me still."

"Then why did you let her go?"

"It's complicated. She's so . . . intelligent. She had so much going for her, and she was wasting it on me. I don't want to be the reason that she missed out on opportunities. Did you know she declined her acceptance into med school at the University of Rochester because she didn't want to leave me? She was going into Neurosurgery for crying out loud! You don't turn away opportunities like that."

I couldn't believe it. I almost felt sorry for Jacob. He was doing the right thing for Renesmee, yet he was also going to wreck his life by involving himself with this invitation. I got up from my chair and grabbed the envelope from the kitchen island. I could see Jacob straightening his shoulders. He couldn't believe what he was seeing me do.

I knew exactly who the envelope was from, but I opened it anyway. I briefly looked at it and placed it back onto the island.

Jacob waited for my response, but I was hesitating. "Well, what does it say?"

I took in a deep breath and pinched the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes. Please forgive me was all I could tell myself. "It's tomorrow evening."

"Can you get me in?"

"I'll have to make a call."

I sat back down at the table to finish my steak. The rest of the evening was quiet. I didn't know why I was going to move forward with this, but Jacob needed an outlet for a moment.

"Edward. You can't tell Bella."

"Jacob. She needs to know especially if I'm going to be taking you."

"You don't need to be there. Drop me off at the front door, that's it."

"This is a very different kind of party, Jacob. It's not like the ones I have hosted in the past."

I didn't want to go into too much detail until I was sure Jacob was allowed to attend. I turned on the TV and we ended our conversation on the start of the NFL draft.

The ringing on the other side gave me a little hope that maybe I wouldn't have to continue this risky ordeal, but my hope collapsed when she answered the phone.

"Edward. What a nice surprise!"

Leah had a sultry voice that could have been birthed from the Sirens. I used to never text her but call her only to listen to her talk. Even her breathing had me twisted in knots. It's astounding how life has taken a turn because I didn't feel that urge like I use to anymore. Instead, I eagerly waited to hear the laughter from Bella now.

"Leah."

"Mmmm. To what pleasure do I owe for you to call me. Must be important."

"It's a favor actually."

"This is interesting. I've never figured you for one to ask favors, especially from me. Does it have anything to do with that little girlfriend of yours?"

"It has nothing to do with her."

"I'm listening."

I stared over to Jacob thinking of all the things he wanted, why this? I only hope and pray that he would change his mind by tomorrow.

"Leah, I received your invitation." I could hear her sucking in her breath. She was anticipating reconciliation. I put out her fire before she would even consider any plausibility between us. "I have a friend who would like to attend."

"Well, you know the protocol, Edward. He's more than welcome to come to next month's event."

"That would be a negative. We're scraped for time. It would have to be tomorrow night since it's the only evening I would be able to escort him to the event."

"There are contracts and tests that need to be completed. You know the safety of our clients is of utmost importance. I can't risk it."

I couldn't believe I was going to put the effort into convincing her for the sake of Jacob.

"He's good, Leah. Trust me. I wouldn't put your name on the line unless I was confident. Email me the paperwork and I'll have him complete them and send it over immediately."

She was silent for a moment. I understood her precaution. "You'll be attending as well?"

"Of course."

"Fine, but if anything happens, I'm holding you liable."

"You don't have to worry about me. By the way, Leah, he's in a wheelchair at this moment. That shouldn't be an issue though."

"You're really testing with me, aren't you, Edward?"

"I never said I was easy."

"No, you never were. I'll be looking for you tomorrow." I could see the grin across her face. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting evening. I hung up the phone and decided I needed a strong drink. That was the easy part, the hard part was telling Bella.

"Edward, you're a savior!" Jacob couldn't stop beaming. I explained to him the paperwork and all the precautions he needed to be aware of. I hate the fact he was masking his grief with this illicit party, but he was still young. I remember the first time I was going to attend. I was nervous, but I was on an emotion overload because it was what I once thought was an opportunity of a lifetime.

"Jacob, I'll have to tell Bella. I don't want this to be something to be hidden between us."

"Are you sure? You don't have to. It's not like you're going for sex. You're there literally to drop me off and sit at the corner and wait for me."

"You don't understand. The woman hosting the event was my first encounter and partner."

"Wait, your ex-girlfriend?"

"She's a married woman. I wouldn't call her a girlfriend."

"Holy shit. You guys really don't give a damn about labels, do you."

"It was a different time in my life, Jacob. Plus, Bella knows of her and has met her."

"What? Then you definitely shouldn't tell her. Do you really think Bella is going to be fine letting you take me there? She's going to go ballistic and I'll never hear the end of it. At least with you, she'll just break up with you while I'll still see her around and at work."

"That's exactly why I need to tell her because I don't want to cause any friction between us. I care too much for her to lose her over this."

"Fine. But you're still taking me even if she says no."

I left the room so I could be in private to talk with Bella. I knew she wasn't going to take this news well. She was already sensitive when it came to meeting Leah. Her phone rang, but she didn't pick up. "Bella, call me when you get this message. I love you."

That night she didn't return my call. She landed late into the evening and probably didn't want to bother me. I would call her back in the morning if she wouldn't return my call.

The morning weather was a gloomy one with the overcast and rain. It didn't stop me from my morning run around the neighborhood. When I returned back home, Jacob made himself sufficient and cooked a hearty breakfast.

"How did you manage, Jacob?" I was surprised but he seemed like someone who hated relying and being waited on.

"You learn a lot when you're home alone. Eat up. It's the least I can do for you."

I showered and came back downstairs for breakfast. Jacob kept staring at me, eagerly waiting for my response. "She hasn't called me yet, Jacob."

The rest of day passed by and still no response yet from Bella. I decided to leave her a detailed message.

"Hey. It's me. Either you're truly busy or ignoring me. I hope it's not the latter. I wish I was talking to you instead of your voicemail, but in case I don't hear from you I just wanted to be open and honest. I received an invitation from Leah. Jacob found it on my kitchen table, and he's pleading to go. I want you to know I tried convincing him against it, but the guy seems depressed so I agreed to take him. It's not for me. Listen. Call me. If you don't then I understand but don't think anything of this. I'll see you later tonight. I love you, Bella."

The evening finally arrived and here I was wheeling Jacob into the entryway of Leah's house. It was a massive mansion on Mercer Island and completely isolated and surrounded with the evergreen trees and the view of Lake Washington in the background. I pushed him towards the front doors and noticed the guard. I pulled out the invitation out of my coat pocket but it was empty. I almost panicked, but decided to raise my mask up, "Sam. It's me."

"Mr. Cullen, you're good. Mrs. Clearwater asked us to look out for you and your guest."

"Thank you, Sam."

Sam opened the doors for us as we entered into Leah's house. Once inside, Jacob whispered to me cautiously, "Wait. You were with Mrs. Clearwater as in Clearwater Incorporation, the international solar energy company?"

"That would be the only one. Let's not worry about that now. It seems no one has ever seen a man in a wheelchair before. You can play this to your advantage, you know."

Jacob's mouth was in awe at what was presented in front of him. He couldn't believe the women standing all around him and they all had their attention on him alone. It was rare to have someone in a wheelchair, but what was intriguing was the fact that he would be a challenge, and these women were vicious about competiveness.

But I knew Jacob was more traumatized at the way the women were dress or more so undressed. Unlike the events I held, evening gowns were the statement pieces that women wore. Leah was ever the daredevil and wanted women to come in their most seductress undergarments.

It didn't take me long to recognize Leah. She made her way towards us but tagged along two women by her side. Masks were still required, so I wasn't sure who the other two women were. Leah paid no attention to Jacob, but he was fully aware of her bare body with little covering between her thighs and two glitter covered pasties over her nipples.

"Edward. I've been waiting for you."

"That won't be necessary. I'll be waiting here for Jacob."

Leah nodded her head to the two ladies, and they pulled Jacob's wheelchair and headed towards a private room. Their smiles were calculated; their hands were playful with his arms and rubbed through his hair. I couldn't see his face, so I didn't know if he was ready or eager.

I scouted the room and Leah still stood there with her hand on her waist.

"You have a full house, Leah. Your events have always been the most lucrative." A waiter brought over champagne and Leah grabbed herself a glass but I declined.

"Shall we head over to the bar for your drink? Whiskey on the rocks, is it?" She remembered, but it didn't impress me.

"I told you, Leah, I'm letting Jacob have his moment and we'll be out of here in no time."

"You're so sensitive now. You use to be fun. Well, at least let us go into the parlor. I promise I won't do anything to you . . . unless you ask."

"I promise there won't be any asking from me." We both walked towards the parlor. It gave me view of the front door in case Jacob would escape out. I'm sure he was enjoying himself. He couldn't stop talking about this evening during our entire drive here.

She sat right in front of me blocking my view, but I looked at my watch. I'm sure Jacob wouldn't need more than an hour.

"Don't be a bore, Edward. You act as if you're babysitting the poor fool."

"He's not a fool and definitely not poor. He's an ER doctor that had a horrible accident due to my vehicle malfunctioning, so I owe him a lot."

"Oh Edward, you've always been so good. I think that's why I was so intrigued by you." She rubbed her hands up my arms, but I flinched back. "Don't fight back. Remember, whatever happens here won't ever be repeated outside of here. No judgements."

"Leah, I don't understand how many times I have to tell you that I'm not here for me." I stood up from my chair and gazed at the woman that I once use to lust after, but something around the corner caught my attention.

A familiar petite body in a light ivory skin tone with barely anything on but a lacey bra and underwear. Her black heels were scandalously high, but she walked away with the only person I recognized. Emmett. His arms wrapped around her waist, and she flinched at his touch but kept moving with him. Her attention wasn't on him, but surveying the room. Not only did I recognize her body in the nude, but her profile confirmed it all. Bella. What the hell was she doing here and why would she allow Emmett to take her?

I stepped forward to her, but Leah blocked me. She wrapped her arms around me and locked her lips on mine. My eyes widened and stared down at her. I tried peeling her body off me, but she wrapped her leg around me so tight. I looked up to not lose sight of Bella, but she had found me already. She walked away and started screaming.

"Jacob! Jacob!"

I pulled Leah down and pushed her down to the sofa. She released a devilish laugh and rose back up.

I went down the hallway to try and find Bella but she was nowhere to be found. I saw a door wide open and could hear her scream. "Jacob! What did they do to you!"

I barged in and Jacob was hanging and tied up to the bed posts. He was without his shirt and looked exhausted, but then I realized he wasn't exhausted. He was crying. The women who were with him looked terrified while one was holding a crop.

"What the hell did you do to him?" I went up to Jacob and untied him down. I could hear Bella crying while Jacob kept on moaning and what seemed like weeping sounds.

The women were petrified, but one of them finally answered. "We did nothing! He asked for us to whip him and he kept talking about how sorry he was, then he repeated 'Renesmee' over and over."

Bella had his wheelchair ready as I placed him in. She then wrapped his jacket around him. It didn't take me long to remove my jacket and cover her body. She pushed him out of the room and headed straight for the front doors. The valet brought out her vehicle and we placed Jacob in the car. She went around the front to the driver's side, but I wanted to drive.

"Let me drive, Bella."

"No! I'm not letting you do anything!"

"Bella, please let me explain."

She finally calmed herself, and for whatever reason, I was never more afraid. "Edward, there's nothing to explain." She looked up to me, her eyes were so wide, her face pale. She directed her view behind me. "I don't belong with you, and we don't belong in your world." She turned her head to look at Jacob, then sat in the car and closed the door, then drove off.

I felt powerless. Numb. I knew the consequences but didn't realize she would be so enraged about this. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder.

"It was better this way, Edward. She's right."

"Get your hands off me, Leah. I didn't come here for this."

"You'll always come back just like you did tonight. The thrill, the chase, the secrets. Normalcy is too boring for you. Don't fool yourself. Your true cravings are these intense games, Edward."

A/N: I decided to change it to Edward's POV for this chapter to have a better way to lead into Leah's party. I do hope you're enjoying this story. Again, your comments are funny and fulfilling. Thank you for taking the time to write a few words for me! Much appreciated! Love

-KL