Thanks to SusanQ, Nicffwhisperer, VampiresHaveLaws, Kikki7, Julie, KittyVuitton, Stephanie, Jaime, Nolebucgrl, and Sydney Alice for all of their help pre-reading/betaing/supporting me. I'm always tinkering until right before posting and any mistakes are mine.

Confessions

"Are you taking Jane out this weekend?"

It was Friday, and Alec and I were on our way to my last class of the day. I was wishing away the time, anticipating the start of weekend. Weekends were always the best.

I got more Edward time.

Alec shrugged. "We don't have any big plans or anything."

Although he was opening up a little about his relationship with Jane, it was coming at a snail's pace.

"You should buy her flowers."

He looked at me like I was crazy. "Why? It's not her birthday."

I rolled my eyes. "That's exactly why. Be spontaneous. Give her flowers for no specific reason, other than you're thinking about her. It's romantic."

"I'm plenty romantic. I've never heard any complaints."

"Oh yeah? What was the last romantic thing you did for her?" I stopped walking and waited for him to turn toward me.

He seemed to be having a hard time coming up with an answer. "I don't know." He rubbed the back of his neck and kept staring at his feet. "I let her pick out what to watch on TV last night."

He actually sounded proud of that, and I could only stare at him in return.

"TV? That's the opposite of romantic."

I was just about to go into all the things wrong with his romance barometer when Paul approached us, Leah standing behind him. My stomach churned with anxiety when Alec moved closer, putting his arm in front of me like a shield.

I wasn't sure why I was so nervous. They were my classmates. Sure, they had shunned me inexplicably, but they weren't dangerous. I reached out and put my hand on Alec's arm, telling him silently it was okay.

He didn't relax much.

Paul and I had never shared more than a few words, so I was unsure what to even say. He glanced over at Alec and raised his hands up with a smile.

"This isn't my thing." He turned his head toward me. "Leah wanted to talk to you, but she didn't want to come alone."

Huh?

My disbelief and curiosity must have been plastered over my face because Paul chuckled and shook his head. He grabbed Leah's elbow, ushering her forward until she was facing me. She stared at the ground for a minute, finally lifting her head up to meet my eyes, tears streaming down her face.

"Bella...I'm...so...sorry." Her words were halted around hiccups and shallow breaths.

I didn't have a clue what had her so upset. It made no sense for her to be that emotional about ignoring me.

"For what?"

Her eyes darted over to Alec and back to me, and she took down a big gulp of air. I almost wanted to hug her and let her know nothing could be as bad as she seemed to think.

"I...I did something." She wrung her hands, her eyes pleading with me through her tears.

"What did you do?" Alec asked, eyes narrowed.

He sounded suspicious and not the least bit patient, and it suddenly dawned on me where this might be headed.

"Right after we began classes this semester, I met a guy," she began, her voice shaky. "He was handsome and sweet, and I couldn't help crushing on him when he came on to me."

"Okay," I said slowly when she paused.

"You have to understand...he was so nice and charming. He took me out and bought me things. I...uh...didn't really question him much when he started asking about you. Well, I guess I did at first. I was jealous he was interested, but he told me he was an estranged cousin. That your families had a sort of falling out years ago, but he wanted to try and make amends with you. I was so relieved it wasn't a romantic interest, I didn't even think about him lying."

"I don't have any cousins, Leah. Why didn't you just ask me?"

She nodded, avoiding my eyes. "He said not to tell you anything. That he wanted to surprise you himself. He just wanted me to find out more about you, so he could figure out a way to bring your families back together."

"Is that why you always asked about my marriage all the time?"

"Yes," she said softly, meeting my eyes again. "I'm sorry. After a while, his interest in me seemed to fall off, and he only wanted to know where you were, what you were doing, who you were with. I knew something was wrong, but I was stupid. I liked him and thought if I kept giving him information, he would like me back."

"What's his name?" Alec asked.

"Jacob. Jacob Black."

We all fell silent, except Alec, who was muttering curses. I rubbed my stomach, trying to ease my nervousness, until Leah's eyes zoned in on my movement. That made me immediately stop. I didn't trust her at all and had no inclination to divulge I was pregnant.

"Why are you telling me this now?" I asked. "What happened to make you sorry enough to confess this to me today?"

"Well, Jacob's ignoring my calls and hasn't talked to me in a few weeks. It hurt when he ended all contact and didn't make any sense. Then you were...uh..." Her voice broke off as she peeked over at Alec. "You had him around you all the time. I guess I started to wonder if something bad happened. If you were in some kind of danger. I was scared to say anything, but I've been feeling guilty. I told Paul everything a couple days ago, and he convinced me I needed to tell you. I just hope nothing I've done caused you any trouble."

"Black was playing you," Alec said. "And your actions resulted in a lot of problems for many people."

I cringed a little from his unsympathetic tone, but he was right.

"I'm sorry," she cried.

Paul put his arm around her shoulders, and I sighed. It wasn't going to do any good to continue berating her. I frowned at Alec, and he rolled his eyes.

"There may be something you can do to make up for it though," Alec finally conceded.

Leah calmed down and nodded, wiping her eyes. "I will. I'll do anything if it will help."

"Well first you all are going to get to class, because you're already late. Then I want you to give Bella your contact information, so I can find you later this evening. I want to know everything you can remember about Mr. Black."

A small smile broke through her tears. "Okay. Yeah, I can do that."

We made it to class soon after, and I did feel better having some answers about how Jacob knew so much about me. I knew I'd never quite trust Leah again, and it was possible I'd always be hesitant about future friendships, but at least she'd come clean.

I couldn't wait to find out what plans Alec had up his sleeve for Jacob.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

Edward was in quite the mood later that evening. Not only had he been to his first therapy appointment earlier in the day, but he also learned about Leah and Jacob.

"People are fuckers, Bella. All of them."

I was sitting on the couch, Edward on the floor in front of me, with Max lying at his side, as we tried to relax and watch a movie after dinner. I massaged his tense shoulders and leaned down to kiss his cheek.

"Not everybody. She did something stupid, but she didn't realize he was lying to her. You know people do crazy things for love."

He snorted. "She didn't love him. He was fucking her to get to you. Then she sold you out to get him. How could she be that stupid?"

"He's a good manipulator. Right? We both know that."

He'd certainly fooled me and Edward. Neither of us had any room to judge Leah.

"Whatever. It just goes to show you can't trust anybody." He lifted my leg over his shoulder, kissing the side of my knee, his stubble tickling my skin. "Except you. You're the only one I trust."

I didn't know what to say, weary of Edward's jaded view of the world. I sighed and ran my fingers through his hair.

"How did your session go today?"

He groaned, throwing his head back in my lap and looking up at me. I traced his nose, cheeks, lips with my finger. Even with the pained expression, his face was more beautiful than anything I'd ever seen.

"You know I hate that psychobabble bullshit."

Yes, I knew. He hated it, and he was doing it entirely for me. It wasn't the best reason for him to seek therapy—he should have wanted to do it for himself—but I figured after enough time, perhaps the help would start to sink in.

"Well, what did you talk about?"

He smirked. "You mostly."

I rubbed his scalp and he closed his eyes with a soft moan.

"And what did you say about me?"

He grinned and opened his eyes again, his fingers trailing up and down my legs. "That you had the best set of legs in the world and there was no place I'd rather be than buried deep inside your warm, tight, little..."

I didn't even let him finish before smacking his head. "Edward! You did not!"

He burst out in laughter, pinning my legs down when I tried to kick. I grabbed his ear, twisting until he called a truce.

"Ow! Okay, okay. I didn't say that...exactly."

"What did you say?"

He turned around, getting on his knees and pulling me close. "I did talk about you. I told him you were the best thing that had ever happened to me." He slowly leaned in, his barely-there kisses warming my lips and making my heart race. "I told him you are beautiful, kind, smart, and you keep me in line like nobody else ever could. I told him you're the most important part of my life and there was nothing I wouldn't do for you."

And just like that, I was putty in his hands again.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

Edward had reserved a private dining area at Daniel, one of New York's finest restaurants, for our dinner with his parents. I didn't know how he swung that with such short notice on a Saturday night, but I assumed it probably cost him a large chunk of money.

My black Gucci dress also appeared to be a hit, since he couldn't keep his hands from roaming during the drive.

"Edward," I whined, pushing his hand away when his fingers slid too high up my thigh. "Be good."

He brushed my hair to the side, kissing my neck. "I'm only checking to make sure you're wearing panties this time."

I laughed, remembering the first meeting with his parents. "I am, so keep your mind out of the gutter tonight."

"Don't ask for the impossible." His teeth nibbled on my earlobe, and I clenched my fists to keep from touching him. "Do you know what I want to do to you when you wear these sexy dresses?"

I knew better than to ask him, but I couldn't resist. I must have some masochistic tendencies.

"What do you want to do to me?"

One of his hands slipped around my neck, keeping my head anchored to his, while the other moved back up my leg.

"Mmmm, first I'd lift this skirt up." His voice was low, raspy, sending shivers down my spine. "I'd take off your panties and spread your legs open, so I could kneel down here on the floor in front of you."

My skin flushed, and I closed my eyes as I imagined him doing exactly what he was saying.

"I'd touch you first. Only my fingers. All along your skin...right here." His fingers ghosted along the outside of my panties, teasing me. "I'd make sure you were wet, ready for me when I slid my finger inside you. You like my fingers, don't you?"

I bit my lip and tried to nod my head, but he kept me still, forcing me to use my voice.

"Yes."

"Two fingers? Three?"

I tried to remember to breathe. "Yes."

Although he never made a move to actually touch me like that, his words were almost as powerful.

"I wouldn't let you come. Not yet. But you'd be close." He sucked below my ear, blowing over the spot and making my skin tingle from his warm breath. "I'd have to taste you first."

Oh God, his tongue.

He knew exactly what he was doing to me as I fidgeted in my seat.

"You know how much I love to lick your pussy. Your taste, your smell...you were made for me. Fuck, I want my tongue inside you right now."

He was killing me. I took a couple gasping breaths, and swallowed hard.

"Do you want my tongue on you? In you? I can feel you trembling." His fingers pressed harder, finding my clit through the silky material.

That was when the car stopped.

Damn!

We were at the restaurant, and I was an aroused, whimpering mess. I almost burst into tears.

"Shh, it's okay." Edward picked up the phone for Felix. "Hey Felix, would you mind terribly running inside and checking to make sure our private room is ready?"

I didn't hear Felix's reply, but Edward put the phone down and returned his focus to me.

He wasted no time, his hand disappearing into my panties. His fingers hit all the right spots as he murmured more naughty words in my ear, making me come hard in what seemed like no time at all.

I sighed in blissful relief afterward, relaxing from my high, every bit of tension gone while he held me in his arms.

"Thank you."

He chuckled and kissed my flushed cheeks. "I'm sorry I got you so worked up without timing it better. I'm kind of afraid of what you and your hormones would have done if I hadn't sent Felix off."

I stared at him. "I probably would have jumped you on top of the dinner table."

"My parents would have gotten dinner and a show."

We were both laughing when Felix returned to let us know our table was ready and Mr. and Mrs. Cullen were already seated.

I straightened my dress and hair as much as possible, taking Edward's hand as we walked inside and were led to our table. Our car debauchery had almost made me forget the whole reason we were having this meeting at all.

But it was at the forefront of my mind the closer we got.

Baby Cullen was about to be announced.

Carlisle stood, distinguished as always, when we got there, waiting for me to be seated before sitting back down himself. Brief nods were exchanged between him and Edward, while Esme greeted us both warmly with smiles and hellos.

I wanted to blurt out the news as soon as we sat down, but I kept my excitement at bay until Edward was ready. It was possible Esme already had an inkling, considering her eyes kept darting between me and Edward, and she wore a knowing smile.

But I waited until the drinks were poured, our dinners ordered, and our server had left us to enjoy our appetizers.

Edward took my hand in his under the table, and I had to stop myself from bouncing in my seat when he started speaking.

"Bella and I wanted you to join us tonight because we have some news."

I watched their faces, loving the way Esme's lit up, yet disappointed at Carlisle's scrunched forehead and frown. Was he upset? Worried? Anticipating bad news? It didn't make much sense to me why he already appeared put off, but I waved it away almost immediately, feeling sure he would be excited when he heard Edward's next words.

"Bella's pregnant. Almost fourteen weeks along now. We're going to have a baby."

Esme squeaked and covered her mouth before jumping out of her chair and rushing over to hug me. Her response almost made up for Carlisle's blank stare.

"I'm so happy for you. Ooh, I can't wait," Esme said, hugging me tight. She pulled back, her eyes glistening with tears. "Fourteen weeks already?" She waited for my nod. "How are you feeling?"

I started to answer her, but was startled at Edward's harsh tone. Esme and I both turned to watch him and Carlisle staring at each other.

"What? Can you really not show one ounce of happiness that you have a grandchild on the way? Is that really too much to ask?"

I grabbed Edward's hand again, trying to calm him down.

"This is not the appropriate place for this conversation," Carlisle answered.

Esme huffed and went back to her seat. "Stop it right now, Carlisle. I swear to God this will not end pleasantly for you if you keep it up."

At least Esme seemed to be on our side. But I was so confused.

What was going on? Why was Carlisle being this way?

Edward's jaw was tense as silence fell over the table. Our server walked in, noticed the untouched food, and quickly retreated from the room when Esme told him we were fine.

It was unsettling for me, to say the least. Almost as if the news of our baby was a burden. And I hated that thought, after feeling similarly about myself most of my life. I rubbed my stomach, trying to comfort both of us at the same time.

I would never allow my child to feel unwanted.

Esme eventually sighed loudly, throwing her napkin on the table. "That's it. This ends tonight. I don't care anymore about the consequences."

Carlisle's head swerved in her direction, his mouth falling open. "No. Don't even think about it."

Edward's grip tightened on my hand, both of us watching his parents in a battle of wills. Neither of us had any idea what was going on across the table.

"Yes. It's time." Esme waved her hand toward us. "They are married, having a baby. It's done." She pointed her finger and jabbed him in the chest. "It's time for you to be a man and own up. It's time our son knew the truth, and we're not going anywhere until he does. I'm so tired of this. Tired of my baby believing lies. It ends tonight." She let out a sob. "If you love me at all, you'll tell him."

Carlisle's shoulders slumped as his face fell into his hands. The door to the room opened again, breaking the silence, and Edward stood and walked over to talk to the server. I wasn't sure what he said, but the server left and the door closed, leaving the room quiet.

"He won't be back in again until we're ready." Edward sat back down in his seat, seeking my hand immediately.

His touch alone made the uncertainty of what was coming more bearable.

"Carlisle, please," Esme pleaded one last time.

He raised his head and nodded at her, before turning toward me and Edward. His face seemed to have aged in the short time since our announcement. I knew he was in his sixties, but he never appeared that old until this moment.

"You really love her?" he asked Edward, making it sound more like a statement than a question.

"More than anything."

Carlisle let out a short laugh. "I'm happy for you both. I really am. Despite my behavior to this point, I'm not blind. I can see now what I've been trying to tell myself wasn't true." He rubbed his eyes, as if he were tired. "When you first introduced us to Bella, I thought it was just a fling. A phase. The connection was there from the start, but I didn't let myself admit it."

He took a large gulp of his wine, composing himself before he continued. Edward's thumb stroked the skin of my hand, and I wasn't sure if he was trying to calm me or himself.

Maybe both.

"I suppose I should start at the beginning. Your grandfather—my father—he made some really bad investments before he died. You were just a kid really, so I'm sure you had no idea how close we came to losing everything."

Edward shook his head, glancing between his mother and father.

"Well, I salvaged what I could out of his estate after he passed and did something I've regretted ever since."

My stomach twisted, and I sat there in rigid silence, waiting for the bomb to drop.

"At the time, I thought I was doing what was best for my family. I went to Eleazar, and he introduced me to some people, convinced me that the only way to get everything back was to engage in some less than ethical activities."

Edward frowned. "Spit it out. What exactly are you saying?"

"Bottom line is, I took advantage of quite a few illegal investment tips."

"Insider trading?" Edward asked.

Carlisle nodded. "Yes, for the most part. I built my family's fortune back up illegally. From that point on, Eleazar owned me. He kept me, and in part, you, under his thumb ever since."

Edward's face paled. "He's your best friend."

"It's mostly all a charade, Edward. He's wanted certain things over the years for his silence, but he's very sneaky and insidious about it. He acts as if he loves me, loves us, but all he cares about is coming out on top."

Edward looked down at his lap, squeezing my fingers. "You promised him that I would marry Kate."

My breath caught at Edward's realization, and I narrowed my eyes at Carlisle.

"Yes." Carlisle met my gaze for a moment. "Although apparently she didn't agree with her father's choice until recently."

At least he believed what I told him about Kate.

"You tried to push me toward medical school. Why?"

"I didn't want you anywhere near the business field. I moved us all out to Washington to try and get away from this for awhile. Get some distance. But you always had a mind of your own. You did what you wanted, no matter what I said."

Edward glared at him. "I've lived most of my life thinking you never approved of me. Wondering what it was I did to deserve your criticism. Trying to prove to you how successful I could be. You always made me feel unworthy. You did all that because of money?"

Carlisle leaned forward, his hands on the table. "Don't you get it, Edward? Do you not see what I'm trying to tell you?"

"What? What could possibly be worth what you live with and do for that bastard?"

"You could lose everything. You started your company with your trust fund. A trust fund I established. If Eleazar exposes me, it could ruin you."

The blood drained from Edward's face as the ramifications became clear.

Everything he'd worked for all his life was in jeopardy, and there was absolutely nothing I could say or do about it.

AN: Well...a few questions were answered, while a few others were raised. Not many people suspected Leah of being Jacob's mole. Were you surprised? Anybody want to beat the crap out of Carlisle right now? Anybody want to see an Edward/Eleazar showdown?

Thank you all so much for reading, reviewing, and letting me know your thoughts. I appreciate you all very much!

Find me on facebook at Twilover Seven-six – I try to put up pictures and a teaser for coming chapters in the NOP group.

Find me on twitter at twilover76

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First and Ten by Nolebucgrl…this is one of my favorite fics ever and you should read (or re-read like me) it just in time for the beginning of 2012 NFL season!