Boy, am I pleasantly surprised! I came home from vacation to find 70+ reviews waiting in my inbox for me to read. That just made my summer so much better. Thank you to all of you who reviewed encouraging me to write and complete this story. I will try my best. Once again,

thank you

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cảm ơn

감사합니다.

Note: Though this may be a regency era story, it is not historical in any sense.

WARNING! Some materials may be inappropriate for children under 17. You have been warned.

Happy reading, everyone!

Chapter 14

Edward gave chase after the speeding carriage, pushing the muscles in his legs to carry him faster. As much as the kidnapper was urging the horse forward, it wasn't moving any faster than a moment ago. Edward was close enough now to notice the wobbly wheels and the creaking of the carriage he pursued.

It looked like an old carriage painted over to resemble the Cullen carriage, and the disguise definitely was enough to trick Bella. When in fact, it looked like it could fall apart at any moment. He prayed to God that Bella wasn't harmed after being unceremoniously tossed into the back of the vehicle. His wrath would be provoked if there was even the tiniest bruise on her.

The man looked over his shoulder nervously as Edward closed in on the carriage. Edward first noticed his untidy and unwashed hair clumping around the base of his neck. From what he could see of the vermin's clothing, they looked like rags and when he gave a toothy grin. A flash of gold teeth told Edward exactly what he was, a pirate! And to think that this insect had the nerve to touch his wife when he wasn't even fit to kneel on the ground before her pricked Edward's ire. But what would a pirate want with his Bella? More importantly, what was a pirate doing inland?

He was catching up with the rear of the carriage and the bastard looked over his shoulder at him with determination. Edward couldn't see Bella, but he heard her pounding her fists on the window hoping to break it.

"Bella, don't worry. I'm right here!" He yelled so that she could hear him.

She was shouting for him now that she recognized his voice, and those shouts propelled him forward until he was close enough to leap for the driver's seat. The pirate was beginning to look worry, but he didn't have a chance to escape as Edward leapt for the driver's seat. He grabbed hold of an edge, nearly cutting his hand in the process before finding purchase for his feet. The pirate kicked at him hoping to dislodge him, but he only swerved on the road instead. Good God, this idiot could get them all killed.

Edward swung himself up into the pit, rearing his head back just in time to avoid a miscalculated blow. He swung one of his own with much better aim and it connected with a sharp crack. The reins slipped from the pirate's hands, and the carriage began careening to one side. It didn't have a chance to completely veer off because Edward caught it in his hands. He managed a small tug before a fist cuffed him.

The brass knuckles that scraped across his cheek drew blood as the force of the blow knocked him off his feet with the pirate standing poised above him. He received several kicks against his ribcage before he could react. Edward recoil his leg and slammed it straight into the pirate's kneecap. A bone snapped under the force he exerted and the man lost his balance. He fell backward and tumbled over the side of the carriage. A bone-chilling crack told Edward how he hit the pavement.

Grabbing the reins, Edward gently slowed the horse to a stop on the side of the road. He was numbly aware of the pain in his side as he took out a handkerchief to dab at the blood across his cheek. Edward jumped off of the carriage and unlocked the door as he frantically tried to locate Bella. She was huddled in the corner using her shoe as a weapon.

"Edward!" She cried in relief and leapt into his awaiting arms.

He held her tight, feeling his chest constrict with the pain of almost losing her. He never felt more frightened in his entire life. Someone was going to have to answer to him, even if he had to hunt that person down himself.

Sounds of horses were approaching and Edward finally realized they were standing in the middle of the street where anyone could attack them. Quickly, he pushed Bella behind him with her back to the carriage protectively shielding her from their impeding company.

"Edward?" Someone called.

Edward breathed a sigh of relief upon recognition of Emmett's voice. He simply couldn't deal with anymore threats on their lives tonight, especially Bella's.

"How did you know I was here?" Edward asked as Emmett rode forth.

"A servant called me when he saw what happened. Are you and Bella alright?" Emmett asked gravely.

Edward nodded as Bella removed herself from behind him.

Two male servants pulled up beside Emmett as he said, "Take a horse and escort Bella home. I need to speak with you about what happened."

"You're involved in what happened, brother?" Edward questioned furiously.

"Go home and secure the house. I have to get Rosalie and Bella's parents," Emmett evaded the question.

Edward glowered murderously at his older brother but gritted out, "You might as well take this carriage back. Our carriages are useless; broken axles both."

Emmett nodded once.

"Did you see the bod-?"

"I did. I will take care of it. Please, take Bella home," Emmett insisted.

A servant got off of his horse and gave the reins over to Edward who lifted Bella up with a grunt of pain in his ribs. He hoisted himself up behind her, and tucked her into his arms before racing off toward Rochester.

At home, he made Alfred wake up all the male servants in order to seal all the windows and doors as he bellowed that no one was to leave or enter the house without his permission. There was a fury of activity as the servants rushed to do his bidding or to stand guard as he commanded in the middle of the night.

"What is going on, Edward?" The Duke asked roused from his sleep.

"Bella was almost kidnapped," Edward answered one arm holding Bella and the other hand pushing a curtain aside as he waited for Emmett.

"What?" The Duke asked surprised.

"She was almost kidnapped!" Edward raised his voice.

"Who would have the nerve?" His father questioned taken aback.

"It was a pirate, and Emmett knows something. I'm waiting for him to give me an answer," Edward replied with a tight jaw.

"Why don't you get Bella to bed first? I'm sure she's had a trying night," The Duke suggested.

That was probably a good idea and Edward nodded, but he dreaded having her anywhere but beside him. He didn't want to let her out of his sight, not even for one second, but he knew she would be safe here.

"Emmett should return soon," He told his father before escorting Bella upstairs.

They past a maid and he told her to call Lindy to the master bedchamber immediately. Once they reached his chamber, Edward checked the room before ushering her inside. Two candles were already lit when Bella entered and the flickering flame casted shadows off of the walls.

"Are you alright? You're not injured?" He questioned probing for cuts and bruises.

"No, but you are," She said touching the cut across his cheekbone. Those proud, aristocratic cheekbones that was proof of his noble bloodline.

Edward flinched from the sting, "Its fine. Oh, Bella, I thought I was going to lose you tonight."

He hugged her tight and she welcomed the comfort of his embrace.

"And if you had?"

"I would comb the earth for you," He replied squeezing her tighter.

"I'm that important to you?" She wondered out loud.

"Of course you are. Bella, you're very important to me. How can you not know?" Edward asked.

Reaching on her tiptoes, Bella replied by tenderly captured his lips. Though a little surprised, Edward quickly gave in to her sweet mouth. The sensual duel of their tongues quickly became more passionate as Edward deepened the kiss and Bella responded to him without hesitation. He stroked the underside of her mouth eliciting a moan from her throat. He needed her tonight, but there was something else he needed more, answers.

They both heard a door slam shut downstairs and Edward forced himself to break away.

"About what happened tonight," Bella whispered.

"I'll explain it to you tomorrow," He promised, "Let Lindy help you get dressed for bed and I'll be back after I speak with Emmett."

She nodded, obeying.

"You're safe here," He insisted.

"I know."

"And Bella," Edward called.

"Yes?"

He looked at her as if he was making a very important decision. His brows were furrowed with indecision, but after a moment, he seemed to make up his mind.

"I don't have a mistress, Bella. I don't plan to have one either," Edward confessed.

Bella smiled, "Thank you, Edward. I'll be a good wife to you."

He kissed her lips once more, "I know."

The timid knock on the door announced them of Lindy's arrival. Edward stepped back to open the door. Lindy curtsied to them both.

"Watch over your lady," He ordered before leaving.

With Edward gone, a wide-eyed Lindy greeted Bella with concern over her lady's kidnapping attempt.

He turned toward the study where his father, Emmett, and Charlie were convened talking in hush tones. A decanter of brandy was open with a bucket of ice next to it. Edward could really use some of the ice right about now for his bruised ribs. He made a beeline for it, using a piece of cloth to drop the ice in.

"Are you alright, son?" The Duke asked upon seeing Edward unbutton his shirt to reveal his bruised side.

"Just a minor bruise," Edward replied as he began to ice his injuries.

"How is Bella?" Charlie asked gravely concerned.

"She's fine. She's sleeping," Edward answered hearing his father-in-law exhale with relief. He felt that same relief.

"You have kept her safe when I could not, thank you," Charlie said full of gratitude.

"I will always keep her safe," Edward promised.

He turned toward his guilty brother with a murderous glare, "Would you like to tell me why my wife was kidnapped and nearly taken by a pirate tonight?"

When Emmett didn't answer, Edward demanded, "Have you made enemies on the open water, brother?"

"Let your brother explain himself," The Duke insisted.

Emmett sighed, "If I did, it was because I had to. I was on my way to India when I encountered them. They attacked the 'Rosalie' knowing it was an English cargo ship, but the 'Rosalie' is fully equipped to fight. Because of the safety of my family, I had to open fire and bring them down before they could do any damage. When there was nothing left, we pulled up close to their ship, forcing the remaining pirates to jump ship. My men searched for valuables and then we torched it."

"Why are they still after you, then?" Edward questioned.

"Because I have their treasure," Emmett replied ruefully.

"So, give it back to them."

Emmett laughed, "Give the English crown jewels back to the pirates?"

"You jest!" Edward exclaimed.

"What are you talking about, son?" Carlisle demanded.

"The treasure chest we found on their ship belongs to the king," Emmett explained.

"How would they get their hands on that?" Charlie questioned in surprise.

"It's a known fact that King George's cargo ship coming back from the West Indies was under siege. It just wasn't known that the same ship also carried an array of valuables, along with the crown jewels. These pirates must have intimate knowledge of our cargo ships," Emmett said.

"How would they know?" Edward questioned.

Emmett frowned, "It's pretty obvious, isn't it? A nobleman is working along with them. Preferably, it's someone who needs to make money quickly and has inner knowledge of our ships."

"That's more than half of England's aristocrats," Edward mumbled rolling the ice on his ribs.

"We just need to lure him out," Emmett insisted.

"Where is this treasure chest now?" Carlisle asked.

Emmett peered at his brother, "In a vault."

"Here?" Edward exclaimed. "You're keeping the treasure in Rochester's vault?"

"It is the safest place," Emmett retorted with the slightest annoyance.

"And if the magistrate should learn of it?"

"No one knows anything about this. The crown jewels were stolen, but an exact replica has been made to replace it in order to silence the alarm," Emmett informed.

Edward frowned, "So, what do we do with it?"

"We use it to lure out the criminal," Emmett repeated.

"Why can't we just give it back to the King and be done with it?" Edward demanded.

Emmett paused and Edward pressed, "Why?"

"Because the King commissioned me to do the job," Emmett replied.

"Are you crazy? Have you even considered the consequences if you failed?" Edward asked pacing.

Emmett shook his head, "And the consequences if I refused his majesty? I didn't have a choice and I don't have a choice now. I have to see this through."

The tension in the room was growing thicker by the moment between the two brothers.

"What about the safety of our family? What about your wife and children? What about Bella?" Edward gritted out.

Emmett looked him, "That is why I need your help."

Edward sighed, continuing to pace the floor.

"Edward, he is your brother. And we don't abandon family," Carlisle said evenly after a long pause.

"I didn't say I wasn't going to help. I was just wondering how they knew our carriage in order to make a replica of it," Edward stated.

Emmett shrugged, "They're watching us."

"I just don't understand. If they were after you, then, why did they take Bella?" Edward thought out loud.

Charlie sighed, "Maybe the pirates weren't really aiming for a particular Cullen lady. They could use any of the ladies as leverage."

Edward's face darkened at that thought, but Emmett had an amused expression on his face.

"Care to share, brother?" Edward scowled.

"Or maybe they're instructions weren't clear. If the kidnapper was told to take the most beautiful Cullen woman, then, my Rosalie has a rival after all," Emmett mused.

Edward rolled his eyes, "This is not a contest of whose wife is more beautiful."

"It's still amusing nonetheless." Leave it to Emmett to find the situation amusing regardless of the danger.

"What do we do now?" Edward asked the one question on everybody's mind.

"We secure the house. We need guards," Emmett announced.

"I will send word for my guards from Volterra here. In the meantime, the male servants are on guard duty," Carlisle interjected.

"One more thing," Emmett said, "The women must be barred from leaving the house. If they're captured, they will be used as hostages. We can't risk that."

Edward scoffed in laughter, "Bar Alice and Bella? Tell me you're joking."

"I'm quite serious," Emmett insisted.

Edward groaned wondering how he was going to manage the impossible. Not only does Alice know no restraints from Esme's pampering, but she also liked to spend time riding her mare through the grounds of the estate. Bella was much worse. She liked to wander off, and with Rochester being so big...

"What would you do to make sure she's safe again?" Emmett asked breaking through his train of thought.

"Anything," His little brother answered fiercely.

"Good. Then, we're on the same team," Emmett concluded drinking all of his brandy in one gulp.

"It's late. I think we could all use some sleep," Carlisle declared ending the conversation for the night.

Their little group disbanded easy enough, and Edward made his way back to his bedchamber. His mind was still reeling on the apparent danger they were all in, and with every step he took; he thought about how he could've lost Bella. If he had lost her…Edward quickly abandoned the thought when a surge of violence grew in his chest. He needed to hold her, to know that she was safe in his arms.

Edward shook Lindy who was nodding off beside Bella's bed and told her to get some rest. A light from a candle on the dresser casted a glow on Bella's sleeping form. He gazed down at her as she slept undisturbed. She seemed smaller, more fragile lying there in a simple cotton shift with her curls splayed out on the pillows. A wave of possessiveness roared within him. She belonged to him and he be damned if he let anyone take her from his side.

After all this time and all the planning he had in his mind when he bedded her again. It was going to be tonight and without the wooing he had intended. There was no question about it, he simply needed her tonight. He would teach her the pleasures between a wife and husband, give her what they were both yearning for. He undressed and slipped into bed completely naked.

Bella was having the most blissful dream until something tugged on her lips almost urgently. She woke with a gasp to find Edward staring down at her, his lips glistening. He had been kissing her, Bella realized. A small smile formed on her lips and she rested a hand against his cheek. He welcomed the touch by leaning into it with his eyes closed, savoring.

"Is everything alright?" She asked softly.

Her voice was like a caress to his soul, soothing him. Edward nodded, taking her hand to kiss each fingertip slowly. Little tingles shot through her with every light kiss he gifted her with. When he brought his eyes back to hers, she didn't mistake the burning emeralds for anything other than his desire for her. Bella swallowed nervously staring up at him, fully awake and aware now. Edward leaned in for a kiss, a kiss that somehow forced her to meet him halfway and a signal to him that she understood his silent question. She did understand, and their lips met in a feather-light kiss. He pulled back to search her eyes and her face for any signs of distress. There were none, and that was a world of difference from when she constantly tried to fight him.

A finger brushed across the cut on his cheekbone, "Edward, you're hurt. Perhaps, we should wait-"

"I can't wait any longer, Bella. I've waited too long," He said gazing down at the nightdress she wore.

"You don't know how many nights I wish I was in this exact position imagining what it would be like to finally make love to you," Edward spoke softly as he brushed his hand across her shoulder.

Bella was aware that the motion caused a strap on her nightdress to fall against her arm, baring her shoulder for his view. There was no doubt in her mind what he wanted this very night because she could feel his need for her. The hardness and the heat pressed up against her thigh was more than sufficient evidence of Edward's desire for her. She knew he wanted her, but with little recollection of their first night together. Bella's stomach was in knots as if she was experiencing everything for the very first time.

With his forefinger, he lifted her chin and coaxed her to look at him.

"You're trembling. Are you afraid?" Edward asked softly.

She shook her head, "No…I-I'm nervous."

His smile was soft in understanding, "You shouldn't be nervous."

"I don't remember much of anything from that night. Just-" Bella paused and looked away.

"What do you remember?" Edward questioned.

"Your touch and the pain," She replied honestly.

"I'm sorry, but I promise there will be no pain now. Do you trust me?" He asked holding his breath for an answer.

What if the pain had been so great that Bella was terrified of ever letting him bed her again? What if she doesn't believe him? What would he do then?

His fears were for not when Bella said, "I want you, Edward."

He couldn't help the grin on his face. He would never tire of hearing those words from her.

Edward leaned down to kiss her lips once, "I want to make love to you. Will you let me show you what it means to make love?"

She reached up for him, tangling her fingers into his hair and pulled him down for a rough kiss that was her answer. Something ignited in him, a primal need to possess the object of his affections.

From ravishing her mouth until she was out of breath, Edward trailed hungry kisses from the base of her neck to the tip of her earlobe. He pulled her earlobe into his mouth to nibble on it, and she gave a moan of pleasure. His hands slowly crept up from her hip to her stomach and over one breast. He gave a small squeeze eliciting a gasp. Even through the cotton of her nightdress, he felt a pert nipple arching for his touch and he quickly obliged. Edward rolled the hard nipple between his thumb and forefinger and Bella moaned louder.

"Do you like that?" He asked continuing his torture on the other nipple.

"Yes," Came her breathy reply.

Edward felt her arch her back for him, wanting more. He pulled down the nightdress to reveal both breasts for his view. Instead of hiding herself, Bella bit her lip and waited for his next move. Keeping their eyes locked, Edward tugged one hard nipple into his mouth as he watched her eyes roll back in pleasure. He wasted no time in sucking and licking both nipples until she was panting and calling out his name. He simply couldn't help himself with Bella's rosy, soft nipples on display for his enjoyment. Her hands were running up and down his back, gripping him as the sensations rolled off of her.

He continued to distract her with his mouth and tongue as one hand sought for her patch of curls between her thighs. There was nothing beneath the nightdress stopping him from cupping her sex, and Bella stilled once she realized where his hand was resting.

"Relax, sweetheart," He whispered against one breast.

The air brushed across her nipple sending a delicious tremble in the pit of her stomach.

His fingers dipped into her folds, and he groaned from the sensation of feeling her desire for him. Bella obviously felt it too, because she strained against him urging for more. She was so hot and wet. His fingers were already dripping with her juices, and she was getting slicker with every tease. That was nothing compared to when he found her swollen center and gave it a few flicks with his thumb.

Bella nearly came off the bed as she cried his name and her body shook with the force of her climax. He let her ride out the waves of her pleasure before tugging the nightdress off her body. The action exposed his whole body to her view and Bella fell silent as she gazed upon the male body for the very first time.

She completely forgot her own nakedness in front of him as she took in the male appendage standing proudly close to his stomach. It was so engorged that it looked painful, but Edward's face revealed nothing but amusement. He seemed to be completely at ease as she studied him. In fact, his eyes were roaming her body, drinking her in and probably committing every tantalizing curve to his memory.

"You're beautiful," Bella whispered raining tiny kisses across span of his chest.

"Touch me?" Edward asked gruffly bringing Bella's attention back up to his face.

She blushed, "Won't I hurt you?"

"It'll definitely torture me, but your touch can't hurt me," Edward replied.

Bella hesitated.

"Touch me, Bella, please," He practically begged.

Tentatively, she reached out her hand and gently grasped his length. It jumped at her touch and pulsed in her palm when she applied pressure. Edward groaned a hissing sound and she immediately pulled away.

His eyes flew open, "Why did you stop?"

"I wasn't hurting you?" Bella asked mildly confused.

He shook his head and with a pleading look urged her to continue her exploration. Bella marveled at the hardness she held in her hand, yet, she never expected it to be soft. The skin was satin smooth under her touch, and when she ran her hand up and down. The tip gave way to a glistening wetness.

"I don't understand. How will you receive pleasure?" Bella questioned.

Edward wrapped his hand over hers and began to show her the motion that would let him reach his peak. Bella continued the same pumping motion when Edward let go, watching his face and the groans he was making. She gained more confidence and her hand gripped him tighter, the pumping motion faster, and sweat began to bead on Edward's forehead.

Suddenly, his hand shot out and grabbed hers.

"No more," He breathed roughly.

"What will happen if I continue?" She asked.

"Something I don't wish to happen until I'm inside you," Edward replied.

With that statement, he lowered her back onto the bed, positioning himself between her legs. Edward gazed down at her.

"You'll tell me if it gets too uncomfortable," He reminded.

Bella nodded before he reclaimed her lips, and aligned his tip at her entrance. Using some pressure, Edward eased the tip of his member inside of her hot haven. Already, he could feel the slight resistance of her passage. Carefully, he pushed himself in slowly until she squirmed. He was halfway and pulled out to enter her again, a little more each time. She was still so tight, good for him but uncomfortable for her. He only wanted to pleasure her, not to cause her even the slightest discomfort.

"Bella, I-"

"It doesn't hurt," Bella urged.

"But I can see that-"

"Edward, I need you. Please," She called to him.

Edward groaned when she rose to meet him as he thrust in to the hilt. The feeling was like nothing else. To be buried so deep within her was one thing, but to have her meet him there was a pleasant surprise. He remained motionless for only a second because Bella rolled her hips under his, instinctively telling him what she needed.

He began to slowly make love with her. The muscles of her walls learned to mold around him with every thrust until they were perfectly in sync. Her hips rose to meet him thrust for thrust without him ever having to say a word. It was as if their souls knew exactly what the other wanted. Their slow love-making became something frantic and out of his control with each of them reaching the precipice of pleasure at nearly the same time.

"Edward!" She called near the peak of climax.

"Come for me, love," He replied thrusting faster, harder.

The muscles of her walls tightened around him suddenly, and she cried out his name over and over. Those same muscles began to milk him for everything he's worth as he finally reached his climax a few seconds after her.

"Bella…Oh, my love," He gasped spilling his seed into her.

He helped her ride out the residual waves of pleasure and kissed her glistening skin. Bella's frantic breaths finally subsided, but Edward wasn't ready to pull away from her. He's never felt anything so heart pounding before or earth shattering and he didn't want to leave that haven just yet.

After a few silent moments, he began to withdraw from her. He only managed to pull out halfway, when suddenly; Bella locked her legs around his waist and forced his full length back inside her.

"You attempt to leave, husband, when I still feel your hardness within me," Bella accused boldly.

"I don't wish to tire you," Edward caressed her cheek adoringly.

She cocked her head to the side, "Are you sure you're not the one that's tired?"

"Don't provoke me," Edward warned only halfheartedly.

"Then, show me your strength. Continue," Bella smiled seductively.

Edward grinned, "Sometimes I wonder if you're really not my courtesan."

"I am your courtesan and your wife. I assure you I can be both," Bella placed little kisses across his cheek.

"So, you're going to be my prim and proper wife to the ton, but a temptress in our bed?" Edward asked still grinning.

"Could you ask for anything more than that?" Bella teased.

"I can only ask for you," He tenderly replied.

"You have me and you can have me over and over and over again," Bella said.

"Don't mind if I take you up on that," Edward chuckled nuzzling her neck.

A delightful giggle filled the room and then, sounds that were music to Edward's ears.

To be continued…

I don't know about all of you, but this little love scene has been long awaited. Frankly, it's a little overdue.

Hope you all enjoyed it!