Innocent Until Proven Guilty Chapter 37

The next day had been relatively quiet. Edward was constantly in and out of sleep but more coherent when he was awake. He still cracked a joke here and there but nothing like the night before. The color in his face has returned and he looked a lot better than what he did earlier. Emmett and Rose had visited and stayed with me for a few hours whilst I changed and ate something.

Emmett informed me he took care of the car as well as the guns inside it. I had completely forgotten about it all until he mentioned it. He also told me that because Edward's injury was a gunshot, the hospital is required to inform the police. Due to the shooting starting at the Casino, we were using that as our cover story with the doctors here as well as the police if they come knocking. They were still busy figuring out what went down that night but I was positive they will see Edward and I running after Hunter whilst everyone else tried to run away.

Emmett reassured me that Carlisle has a handle on it. Peter knows people that can bury any leads about us at the bottom of the pile. They have a room full of gamblers to question what went down that night. We will be far from Vegas by the time they get to us…if they get to us.

I physically had to pinch myself to make sure none of this was a dream. Considering the career path my father had chosen for me, it should go against every part of my being to be glad our involvement in the shooting is getting buried.

Edward wanted to be informed about everything that was going on which didn't improve his mood being stuck in the hospital.

He, of course, complained about the hospital food, the hospital bed, and even the private room he was in. He complained about the smell, the constant beeping of the machine, and the hourly interruptions from the nurses whenever he tried to cop a feel of my ass. It was like they could sense it every time he'd reach out for me.

The nurses were a whole different story altogether. Every time a nurse came in, it would be a different one. They were all weirdly done up, smelling nice, their hair immaculate and their bedside manner sickly sweet and attentive. If one more fucking nurse laid her hand on my husband and if I had to hear one more girly laugh when he didn't even say anything funny, I was going to shoot all of them and spring him out of here myself.

It was like they were in heat.

I had just stepped out to take a quick call from Siobhan and one of the nurses with big boobs sneaked in behind me whilst Edward was asleep. When I came back into the room, she had her slimy hands all over him, molesting him in his sleep and claiming he needed a sponge bath. It was only when my voice started rising that Edward woke up from his beauty sleep and watched us like a tennis match. Once the doctor made an appearance and asked what the fuck was going on –well not in such colorful words- did I proceed to tell him that his nurses were incompetent and I was going to file a sexual harassment suit if they carried on putting their hands on Edward whilst he was asleep or otherwise.

I was pretty sure steam was coming out of my ears and when the good doctor didn't look like he believed me, I snatched the chart out of the nurse's hand and pointed out the number of different nurses that had come in in the space of a couple of hours for nothing more than to gawk at my husband.

He reassured me he will speak to the nurses and walked out of the room with his tail between his legs and Nurse Big Boobs following after him.

Edward then proceeded to tell me how turned on he is from watching me handle the nurse and his tented bed sheet confirmed it. He was more than happy seeing his dick was still working and claimed Carlisle was a "fucking liar".

When his parents came in to visit, Edward was once again asleep. I envied him in those moments, I'd give anything to be able to peacefully shut my eyes for just a few hours. My nightmares were out of this world whenever I succumbed to sleep. They ranged from Edward being shot and bleeding out on me in the desert to me being shot and Hunter getting away. Each one was more painful than the last.

It was only when Dr. Maddison came in to see us did he ask me if I had wanted something to help me sleep. I had politely declined and gave Edward the stink eye when he tried to speak for me.

I wanted to be alert and not dosed up on drugs in case something was to happen to him. I didn't trust anyone else to look after him. I had made my vows and I was going to stick to them come hell or high water. I was more than happy to put his needs before mine. I will sleep when we get back home.

He was finally being released today and he is extremely lucky I haven't killed him. Esme was right to say he is a terrible patient. That's actually an understatement.

The whining turned to scowls and then grunts. He was sneering at everyone who told him he was doing great and will be out of here sooner than planned.

Well apparently, it isn't soon enough for my husband.

I was also being snappy with everyone due to my lack of sleep. I very nearly told the doctor I will shove the sleeping tablets up his own ass if he didn't stop trying to make me take them. Once the doctor left, Edward and I had our own screaming match. I had called Esme in front of him and asked her to come and look after her son because I needed a breather. It took her less than 10 minutes to get here and as soon as she stepped into the room, I was out that door without a second glance.

Not even when he called my name out.

Due to us being on the top floor, the fire escape had stairs leading to the helipad they had on the roof. No one followed me up there so I sneaked out. The sun was high up and it was quiet. I just wanted to step out and take in some fresh air. The hospital smell was starting to give me a headache.

I walked over to the edge of the building and rested my elbows on the railing, hanging my head down as I tried to calm my breathing. It was only when a sob wrecked through my body did I crumble down to the ground. I brought my knees up to my chest and cried.

In my head, I knew he was fine, and that he was on the mend, but the guilt I felt…that guilt was eating me up. Over and over I kept trying to imagine the different ways we could have approached this. The different ways this could have ended if I didn't try and pretend like I knew what the fuck I was doing. I tried to pretend that I was like him, that I could also do the things he does. I thought I felt indifference for Hunter's death but truth be told, I think it's eating me up.

But would I do it again to save Edward? Without a second thought. And this is where I can't get a handle of what I feel or what I'm supposed to feel.

"The first time Esme shot a man, she wouldn't even let me touch her. I'd find her in a steaming shower, scrubbing her skin raw trying to wash it away from her. To this day I don't think she's ever fully gotten over it. She hides it well, but the nightmares…they're not as regular as they used to be but they're still pretty bad to witness. The night we left you and Edward at the hospital, they came back in full force." Carlisle was dressed in a suit as he sat down beside me, wrapping his arm around me.

"You saved his life Isa, there can never be anything wrong with that. Hell, the amount of jobs I wish I could go back and change the way I handled them is a mile long. You can't beat yourself about what's already happened. I know my son can be frustrating and he doesn't always know the best way to voice the storm that is inside his head, but…talk to him Isa. Don't hold this shit in," he said and kissed the side of my head.

"You're too beautiful to cry, sweetheart. You two will get back home and things will be different. I'm not saying he will retire his gun collection, or lessen the security around you but he will be able to relax more knowing that the main threat is gone. Don't give up on him," he continued on to say.

"I could never give up on him. He's a part of me now. I'm just so scared dad. What if I had been too late to get him here? What if Hunter's bullet had caused more damage? What if we'd never met?" just uttering those words pierced my heart. I really couldn't imagine not knowing Edward.

"Oh sweetheart, please don't ever think that. You're the best thing that's ever happened to my son and he loves you more than his own life. Esme and I see such a huge change in him since he's met you. You're the other piece of him, he wouldn't be whole without you, please tell me you know that?" Carlisle's arm tightened around me and I cried more at the sincerity in his voice.

"All I want is to get him home," I said and laid my head on his shoulder. It was comforting to have him here with me. He seemed to know what I was going through and yet again, there was no hint of judging from him. He hasn't blamed me for what has happened the other night.

"Can I ask you something?" I said, not sure why I didn't ask this earlier.

"Anything," he said.

"How did you and Esme get here so quickly?" They arrived shortly after Em and Rose did, we hardly sat in the waiting room for more than half-hour before they turned up and I called Emmett as soon as I spoke to Carlisle.

"We were already in Vegas when you called. Jasper had called us, told us he wanted to see us before they go on their honeymoon. He said something doesn't feel right and so we met up with them at the airport. We were with Emmett and Rosalie when they met with Peter and Charlotte. They told us the two of you looked like you wanted to spend some time alone so we left you guys to it." Was his simple response. I nodded in acknowledgment and we continued to sit there for a while longer before his phone buzzed.

I read over the text he received from Esme saying that the doctor was here to discharge Edward.

He stood up and held out his hand for me and helped me to my feet. He reached up and wiped my tears away and kissed my forehead before leading me back towards the rooftop door.

"How did Esme deal with it?" I suddenly asked.

"She had Edward," was his reply and I noticed the way his lips curved into a smile at my sudden intake of breath.

"We're not-" I tried to say.

"I know. You'll both know when the time is right. Right now you've got a bigger baby on your hands," he laughed as he held the door open for me back on the private suite floor.

I walked straight in and found Dr. Maddison, Nurse Big Boobs, and Esme standing by the foot of Edward's bed. I watched as his shoulders sagged in relief when he saw me walk in and I timidly walked over to him and grabbed his outstretched hand. He linked our fingers together and brought my hand up to his lips.

"Angel?" he asked.

"I'm okay baby. Let see what the doctor has to say," I leaned down to kiss him and released a long breath once we pulled apart. Just being near him seemed to have calmed me.

"Well Edward, it looks like you're good to go. You're healing well and I must express how important it is you do not do any extraneous activities so you do not rip your stitches out. Please limit your physical activity and I must advise avoiding alcohol due to the medication you are currently on. I have a prescription for you that you can collect on your way out so please stick to the advised instructions. Please don't hesitate to give me a call if you come across any complications. Have you got any questions for me?" the Doc looked from Edward to me.

"Is he ok to fly?"

"When can we have sex again?"

We both spoke at the same time.

There was a moment of silence before Carlisle burst out laughing and Esme's tinkling laughter followed. Dr. Maddison was lost for words and Nurse Big Boobs couldn't lift her jaw off from the floor quick enough.

"Yes, he's ok to fly. Sex only after your stitches come out," there was a slight smirk on Dr. Maddison's face as he looked at us.

"Newlyweds?" he then asked.

"Yeah," I said with a smile, cursing the blush that covered my face. I don't know what has happened to me. I'm not the type of person to blush easily and I hardly ever get embarrassed but something within me has changed.

"If there aren't any more questions, I don't see why you can't spring him out of here. Please just take it easy, Edward, okay?" Dr. Maddison said sincerely, gave us another nod, and then left us to it.

Carlisle helped me get Edward out of bed and I couldn't help but worry when he winced slightly once he stood straight.

"You ok?" I asked as I rubbed my hand up and down his back.

"Yeah, the stitches are just pulling slightly. I'm fine angel I promise," he said and leaned in to kiss my temple.

"I really need to piss," he then said and stepped away from Carlisle, walking towards the bathroom. I stayed by his side and helped him, not wanting to let go.

"You plan to hold it for me too baby?" he teased. I laughed and swatted him on the ass before closing the door behind us.

"In sickness and in health Mr. Cullen," I quietly said and moved around the small bathroom collecting some of the toiletries Esme and Rose brought me whilst he took care of business. He slowly walked over to the basin and washed his hands, splashing some water on his face and hanging his head as his hands rested on the counter.

The small room was charged with tension as we didn't say anything to one another. My body was humming from his closeness and I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around him and let our bodies do the talking.

According to Dr. Maddison, that won't be happening for another 10 days.

"Ready?" I asked and his head quickly whipped to look at me, like he'd forgotten I was in the room with him.

His eyes turned black as he looked me over, I watched as his tongue peeked out and wet his lips, my need to claim him growing stronger.

I held his gaze for as long as I could, his intensity growing with each second. I felt my breath catch as he took a step towards me but there was a knock on the door.

"You better not be making non-existent babies in there!" said Carlisle followed by an "ouch" when I assumed Esme hit him.

"Don't stop them if they're making babies Carl!" Came Esme's voice.

I stifled a giggle whilst Edward just groaned, but the smoldering gaze never wavered.

"No one's making babies Ma!" Edward shouted back and then we heard another "ouch" from Carlisle.

"Look what you did!" she said followed by more mumbling but it was harder to make out.

"They're unbelievable," he said, slightly exasperated but with a smile on his face.

"I don't know what I would have done without them, they're the best second parents a girl could wish for," I said and watched mesmerized as his eyes changed into liquid pools of green.

"Isabella,"

"Don't. You know what hearing you say my name like that does to me," I whispered so that his parents wouldn't hear us. My emotions were running on overdrive and my self-control was already wearing thin.

"The day these stitches come out, I don't fucking care where we'll be. I'm claiming back what's mine then and there," he almost snarled.

"Is that a promise?" I fired back.

"You bet your sweet fucking ass it is," he growled back.

His arm shot out and he grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me closer to him. Our lips smashed together, our teeth knocking but we didn't care. I wanted to cry out at finally kissing him the way I've been dreaming for the past few days. I moaned as his tongue plunged into my mouth, claiming me. I didn't want to come up for air, I didn't want for this to end.

The hotel had informed us our stay was free of charge due to the shooting that had taken place. Edward and I couldn't care less, we were just glad to get back on the private jet and fly home.

We fought on an hourly basis about him taking his pain meds to the point where I threw the damn bottle at his head, the only reason he didn't catch it in time was because he was too surprised I'd actually done it.

No one dared to interfere but those fuckers didn't hold their laughter in either.

It had been one hell of a stressful flight home and don't even get me started on the flight attendant that was assigned to us. There was absolutely no reason for her to come over and ask if the men needed any assistance. If we needed her fucking help, we'd fucking ask for it. I will not sit there and watch as she shoved her tits into Carlisle's face and her ass into Edward's. I couldn't understand how nonchalant Esme was about it all. I was spitting feathers and Rose was no better either. But that little bitch was scared of the preggo lady so she mostly left Emmett alone.

Just as I was starting to calm down, she traipsed back in offering blankets and to fluff the damn cushions. My eyes quickly shot to Rose who just smirked at me and winked, quickly telling me she's got my back.

She didn't even dare look at me as she approached Edward and I. Her main focus was, of course, my husband. What pleased me to no end was the fact that he was smart enough not to entertain her, knowing full well I would shove my high heel so far up his ass, he could lick the sole.

"Mr. Cullen, is there anything I can get for you? Would you be more comfortable in the cabin bedroom?" chicks like her were the reason I didn't trust women.

"Come round here one more time and I swear I will throw you off this private plane faster than you can say peanuts," I growled out.

"No, Mr. Cullen doesn't need a drink. No, Mr. Cullen doesn't want any inflight snacks. No, Mr. Cullen doesn't want a blanket. No, Mr. Cullen doesn't need to have your ass shoved in his face! Have some fucking respect and stop behaving like a slut. All these men here are spoken for so do yourself and us a favor and back the fuck away. If we need your help, we'll fucking ask for it!" I seethed. I was pretty sure the fine leather under my fingertips was ripping at the seams with the way I was gripping the armrest.

"I'm sorry Miss-" she tried to say.

"Mrs. Cullen. As I said, they're all spoken for." I said through gritted teeth.

With a quick nod, she scurried away from us and closed the curtain that separated our cabin from her area.

I downed the last bit of scotch I had in my glass and slammed it down on the tray table. No one had said a word for some time before I watched Edward unbuckle his seatbelt and stand up. He held his hand out for me to take and I did so without a second thought. He led me to the back of the plane where the private bedroom was and closed the door behind us. There was little to no room to move about in so I got on the bed and scooted up towards the headboard.

I laid down and stared up at the ceiling, my breathing still coming out in quick pants. I momentarily closed my eyes and felt the bed dip beside me. I felt kisses all over my face and I hummed when they traveled down to my neck.

I didn't speak. I just let myself enjoy having his lips on me. He was the only person that could calm me down from throwing the flight attendant off the plane and make my heart race with excitement at the same time.

"Do you know how incredibly hot it is to watch you handle her like that? She doesn't hold a candle to you angel, everything about her is fake and her perfume was making my nose itch. But to watch your eyes burn with anger…it gives me a rush. You claiming me in front of everyone makes me want to do imaginable things to you," he whispers as his hand begins to travel down my body. Through the valley between my breast, down to my stomach, and finally between my legs.

I once again hum in appreciation and my hips buck up to his hand so I could get more pressure against my throbbing clit.

"Edward," I moan.

"Shh Mrs. Cullen, you don't want them to hear you," he says against my lips before he runs his tongue along my bottom lip and his hand slides under my dress.

I was positive he could feel how wet my panties were as I felt him groan against me when his fingers slipped inside and through my wet folds. I bent my legs and spread them wider, the dress riding up in the process. His fingers easily slipped inside me and I bit down on his lip to stop me from crying out in pleasure.

He proceeded to leisurely work me into a frenzy and all I could do was writhe against his hand and muffle my moans into his mouth. I could feel his erection trapped between us and I wanted more than anything to reach out and grab it. Every time I moved towards him he'd pull away though, making me yearn for him.

His fingers pumped in and out of me, edging me closer and closer to my release. It felt like it had been too long since I've had his hands on me, my body was desperate for the release they would bring.

"God I've missed that pussy. Missed the way it squeezes me as you near your release," he continued to whisper against me.

The hand that wasn't trapped between us fisted the sheets after one more pump from his fingers and one more swipe of his thumb against my clit, I came apart, biting his shoulder in a silent cry. My breath was rushing out of me in quick pants as I tried to settle my beating heart but it was no use as he didn't relent his ministrations. He merely slowed down and helped me ride out my orgasm but didn't stop. It seems like we were going for seconds.

"I just need one more baby…one more," he quietly groaned out, resting his forehead on my chest whilst his movements sped up. It, of course, didn't take long for me to come again, it never does and he knows it. He knows just what I like and how I like it.

Without me having to say anything, he knew what I needed. He took care of my needs even though we both knew he needed his release too. His desire to bring me pleasure made me love him more.

After coming down from my high the second time, we continued to lay there on the bed. Edward was on his side turned towards me whilst I laid on my back. Our fingers were intertwined as they rested on my stomach. I felt so relaxed, I could have easily drifted off to sleep just lying here with him.

"I'm scared, Edward," I whispered.

"What are you scare of?" he asked and propped his head on his hand as he looked down at me.

"I'm scared what I did will change me, that it has changed me. I'm scared it will change us. I'm scared you will eventually look at me differently. I'm scared of the nightmares. I'm scared my need to do it again will never go away," I was ashamed to admit the last part.

I couldn't shake the desire to work alongside Edward. To learn everything there is to learn about what he does, the people he deals with, or what's in store for our future. I wanted the be part of this life till the day I die. I don't want to be some little housewife that sits at home waiting for her husband to return with dinner on the table. I don't want to be oblivious to what he does. I don't want to turn a blind eye and not ask questions.

"Isabella," he said and I was sure my eyes turned dark. "You wouldn't be human if it didn't change you in some way, but that change doesn't have to be a bad thing. It will change us, it has changed us. It has helped me see how strong you are, how capable you are. I will never forget what you have done for me. I will always remember the night we met and even with all that we've been through, I could never see you differently from when I did that night. I continue to see that fire within you, that drive. Nothing has changed that. The nightmares will pass, I promise, and that's experience talking. I will always be there to help you through them. There's nothing wrong with asking for help." He stopped there and I wondered whether he will say anything about my last statement.

I wanted to look away, suddenly ashamed of admitting what I'd said. But his eyes held me captive.

"I'm going to need you to explain the last part because from what I'm gathering, you want to do what I do…" he said softly.

"Yes."

"Angel-" he said and I could see he was going to try and talk me out of it.

"No, just hear me out, please. I want to learn Edward. I want to learn everything possible about what you do. No one ever tells you about the rush from firing a gun, from commanding it to do what you want it to do. No one ever tells you the pleasure of holding something like that, the feel of the cold and heavy metal in your palm, the way it molds in your hand, the respect you have to give it. I want that feeling, I crave it. I feel like I owe you. I messed up," I proclaimed. I wasn't sure what his reaction was going to be because he simply looked at me and I couldn't quite read the expression on his face.

"You don't owe me shit Bella! You did something I was too slow to do. You took care of our problem and you took care of me. I should be on my fucking knees kissing your feet and forever be in your debt. You didn't mess up angel. Maybe I should have gone about it differently, but that shit is done, it's behind us now. There's no longer a sword hanging over our heads. The only thing we'll have to deal with is the police because they will eventually come knocking. Surprisingly there are still clean and decent cops out there who can't be bought. We have a story we need to stick to and they won't be able to charge us with shit." He said, his tone softening at the end.

"What happens if someone finds the body?" I ask.

"It's been taken care of. He's going to rot in the dirt and no one will ever find him," he said confidently.

"As for you learning what I do…let me think about it. This isn't the life I wanted you to have. I wouldn't dare force you to do any of it. I'm scared you'll come to hate me," his voice was so quiet as he confessed his own worries.

"I could never and will never hate you, Edward, please tell you me you know that!" I rushed to say, cupping his face, hoping to wipe away the uncertainty in his eye.

"Think it over ok? I will do anything you ask of me. If you truly think this is a bad idea then I trust you," I softly said, accepting the fact I'm probably rushing into it all.

He slowly leaned down and gently kissed me, both of us humming in content as our lips touched. I would never get enough of his soft lips. As always, sweet and gentle turned rushed and needy as the kiss deepened. I lifted myself up and placed my hand on his shoulder and lightly pushed so he'd lay on his back without breaking our kiss. I wanted to throw my leg over and straddle him but I was too wary of his injury and where it was placed as my knee would be resting right on it. The last thing I wanted was to cause him any more pain.

Once he slowly settled himself on his back, my hands started to wander down his body as our tongues caressed. When my hand landed on the bulge he was supporting, I smiled at his quick intake of breath. He wrapped his fingers in my hair and brought my head closer, deepening the kiss even more.

I palmed his erection and as his hips continued to thrust into my hand, I couldn't hold in the need to free his cock and touch him properly any longer.

The sound of me lowering his zipper sounded loud and clear in our confined little space but that only seemed to have spurred us on more. Once his jeans were undone, I slipped my hand inside his boxer briefs and moaned at the feel of him. The soft and warm skin made my body tingle in the most amazing way. He felt nice and heavy in my hand and all I wanted now was to feel it inside my mouth.

I reluctantly pulled away from Edward's lips and saw as his hooded eyes watched me move down to his hips. I let go of his cock and sat up on my calves so that I could lower his jeans and underwear and get better access to his cock.

He let out a small hiss as my nails lightly dragged along his length before I took him into my hand again.

I leaned down and slowly ran my tongue along his shaft.

"Fuck, Bella," he moaned.

I shot him a wink and wrapped my lips around the head and took him further into my mouth, lapping at the soft and warm skin as I made my way down his shaft.

This flight was definitely improving.