A bit 'THANK YOU' to everyone who reads and leaves their thoughts on the story. I appreciate it a lot!
With the news of dinner at Alice's place, Bella told Felix to stop at a boutique store, where she found the perfect little black dress.
Felix was the devoted driver-slash-bodyguard, which meant he was scary, and even though Bella wanted to ask questions about Edward, she kept her mouth shut. She would have loved to hear his employee's thoughts about him, but she'd have to wait until that evening. She already knew Alice and her partner were going to tell her more about Edward.
During the ride back home, Bella kept analyzing her decision. She hadn't lied when she'd told Edward that+ she was willing to try, but he shouldn't expect her to obey completely. She still couldn't see herself kneeling in front of him, or anyone else, for that matter. It was degrading. And she'd have to know beforehand what he wanted to do, before she allowed him to give her pleasure.
At home, she made sure to take any remains of her make-up off her face. Her mind reeled at the memory of what she'd learned. Her best friend from high school was dead. Angela had been Edward's Sub. What a small world, she thought, shuddering.
When Edward had walked her to the elevator where Felix was waiting, she had seen Angela's brother coming from around the corner. Bella used to have the biggest crush on Ben, and Angela had always laughed at her. The joke was on her, apparently.
After the initial shock, they had greeted each other, and Bella hadn't missed the way Ben had looked at Edward, probably piecing everything together. Then, she had stepped into the elevator with Felix. Edward would tell her later if Ben had said anything.
After a late lunch, Bella took Harley for his walk, keeping to the side streets, since it was too hot for his paws on the asphalt or the sand.
When she returned, Bella realized their walk had taken longer than she'd anticipated. So, she grabbed another shower before getting ready for that evening. While she applied mascara for the second time that day, she decided it was time to invest in the waterproof version.
She was just finished with curling her hair when her phone rang from the kitchen where she'd left it earlier. Glad she hadn't put the pumps on, she ran to get it.
"Hi," she answered, breathlessly.
"I'm downstairs."
"Shit. I'm not ready yet. Uh…do you mind waiting?"
"Aren't you going to invite me upstairs?" Edward teased.
"I'll bet you're dressed nicely. There's dog hair everywhere," she protested.
"Let me be the judge of that."
"Apartment three," she mumbled. "Just let yourself in. Don't knock or ring the bell," she warned, knowing Harley would go berserk.
Bella was transferring the contents from her purse to a clutch when the door opened. Harley sprang up from the couch then rushed to Edward, jumping up.
"Down. Sit," he commanded, and by some miracle, Harley did as told.
Bella shivered, realizing that commanding voice was reserved for his lifestyle. He caught her staring and smiled. He wet his lips, making a shudder of pleasure course through her body. Her panties would be ruined by the end of the night.
"You look stunning."
She blushed furiously. "You…too."
He chuckled. "I want you do to something for me," he said quietly, walking closer.
"It depends on what…"
He smiled ruefully. "Nothing too outrageous. Since this was my birthday present, I want you to wear it." He pulled a long lace ribbon from his pocket. "It's up to you if you want it around your wrist, your neck, even in your hair, but I'd like you to wear it."
Another shiver rocked through her body.
Bella went to his side, extending her right hand. "Wrap it around my wrist."
He worked slowly, meticulously, testing if it was too tight, then he held her hand in his big one. He brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it.
"Now you're ready," he declared.
"Let me grab my shoes." She noticed they were no longer by the closet, and she turned to glare at Harley. "What did you do to my shoes?"
His ears plastered to the back of his head, his tongue lolling out.
Edward walked to Harley's blanket. "These shoes?"
"Fuck," Bella groaned, hoping they weren't chewed. "If they're ruined, lie to me."
"They're in great shape," he said softly.
"You're an amazing liar," Bella joked.
"No, seriously. He didn't chew them. Look for yourself." He brought them over.
Bella stared incredulously. So, he'd taken them there as a token, or maybe it was his way of telling her she was abandoning him too often lately.
Bella picked out one of the toy bones she'd gotten from the store. "Here, boy." She threw it to his blanket. "Have fun."
Slipping her pumps on and grabbing her clutch, she allowed Edward to lead her out of the studio. Harley abandoned his toy, coming to the door, but Edward kept him from escaping. Bella decided she had to learn that silent command, because she'd chased Harley down the road in only pajamas too many times to count.
When they stepped out of the building, Edward handed her the car keys. She understood that he'd rather not drive again, yet it showed he trusted her.
"You'll have to tell me the way."
"I will." He walked her to the driver's door, opening it for her.
"A girl can get used to this."
"Manners are back in fashion," he joked.
The ride to Edward's friends' house didn't take long. She tried not to show her slight worry when the road wound into wilderness, but Edward promised they would arrive shortly at their destination.
And whoa.
If Edward's house had left her amazed at the modern and sleek looks, his friends' house was just as amazing. It didn't have as much modern vibe, but the dark brown shades and the large windows gave it a more traditional look.
Edward wrapped an arm around her waist on the way to the front door. Before they could knock, the door opened to reveal Alice bouncing on the balls of her feet.
"You made it!" she squealed, throwing her arms around Bella like they were best friends. Then, she turned to hug Edward, whispering into his ear something Bella didn't catch.
Bella noticed Alice's partner waiting in the hallway. When their eyes met, she gasped. She thought she'd seen the last of Dr. Whitlock after the end of her month in therapy. The world was indeed a small place, especially in their small town. The chances of seeing him again were out there, but Bella hadn't thought of crossing paths with him.
"Well…if this isn't a surprise," Dr. Whitlock laughed, taking her in his arms.
"Just when I thought I was finally rid of you," she mocked, giggling.
"You can't escape what you fear," he joked.
"Whatever you say, doc." It was easy to fall back into the light banter they'd shared during their sessions. If he hadn't kept it light and knew exactly what to say, she'd have bailed out of the therapy at the end of the first session.
"You two know each other?" Edward's voice was low, deep, somehow upset.
Dr. Whitlock chuckled, facing his friend. "Isabella was my most challenging patient some years ago."
"Your therapy sessions were with Jasper?" Edward asked, startled.
"Well, I didn't know he was your friend. I don't think you mentioned his full name." Bella tapped her chin. "I should've guessed. How many people are named Jasper?"
"This was fate," Alice said seriously.
Bella was about to scoff, but then she thought back on the conversation she'd had with Edward in his office about Angela. Edward seemed to think the same thing, as a smile spread on his face.
"Come on. Act like you're going to enjoy what's coming." Dr. Whitlock…Jasper…waved them inside their house.
The spacious living room gave the vibe that it felt like home. There were personal effects everywhere. Unlike Edward's living room, which had felt cold and unwelcoming.
On the coffee table was a mountain of presents. There was a bucket with a bottle inside and four tall glasses beside it.
Edward groaned, hovering in the doorway. It looked like he wanted to make a run for it.
Bella took his hand, smiling encouragingly. "Come on. I'll bet Alice worked hard on your surprise."
Edward cringed, but he allowed her to pull him to the loveseat on the short side of the coffee table.
Jasper and Alice curled up on the couch, watching them curiously. It looked like they hadn't seen Edward act like that. Was it because of her? Bella doubted she had any power over him, considering his desire was to have power over her. He already had – too much.
"Show me what you've got," Edward said stiffly.
Jasper picked up a wrapped box, chucking it in Edward's direction. He caught it smoothly. "Come on, open it," Jasper urged him.
Edward untied the bow, slowly peeling off the wrapping paper. There was a white box with a lid, and he pried the lid off. His eyes widened when he saw the contents.
"Jasper," he moaned.
"What? You'll have experience after being there for Emmett," Jasper grinned.
"When?" Edward kept his eyes on his friends.
"In December, at the earliest," Alice quipped up. "Of course, Bella will be the bridesmaid!"
Bella startled at being addressed. She hadn't seen the contents of the box, but it was clear Jasper and Alice were getting married. She could have sworn Alice had addressed Jasper as her husband when they'd spoken the previous day.
"Won't you, Bella?" Alice begged.
"Uh…yeah?" Bella wasn't sure how things with Edward would work out, but she could see herself befriending Alice.
"Don't feel pressured by her pushiness," Edward whispered into her ear. "So, when were you going to tell me?" He turned his attention to Jasper.
"It was never a good time, all things considered…" Jasper glanced at Bella for a second before returning his eyes to Edward. "Alice said you'd agree if we surprised you with that picture frame."
Edward pursed his lips. "Of course, I'll be your Best Man, Jasper. So, when did you man up to ask her?"
Alice's eyes welled up, and she turned to press her face into Jasper's shoulder. Jasper kept an arm around her small frame. "A while ago."
Bella noticed the way Edward's jaw clenched. "How long is a while?"
"On Valentine's Day," Jasper whispered carefully.
Edward inhaled sharply, then he stood, leaving the room before Bella could wrap her head around what had happened. The picture in the box was of Jasper and Edward, with the words "Be my Best Man?" taped to the bottom corner.
Bella wanted to get up and follow Edward, not sure where he'd gone or what had upset him so greatly.
She became aware of Alice and Jasper whispering to each other, only for Alice to leave in a hurry the way Edward had disappeared.
"How have you been?" Jasper asked conversationally.
"What's going on here?" Bella was on the edge of her seat, ready to follow Alice.
"I don't know how much Edward told you…"
"He told me about Angela," she said quickly. "Wait…" Bella's eyes widened. "The accident happened in February…"
"Valentine's Day," Japer confirmed.
"Oh, crap." She twisted to look toward the hallway.
"Alice always knows what to say. He'll be okay. I shouldn't have told him the truth." Jasper shook his head.
Bella took a shaky breath. Edward's pain was still new and raw. He clearly wasn't ready for any type of relationship if he still grieved his lost love so badly.
"Tell me something," she whispered.
Jasper nodded, watching her warily.
"Do you think he's ready?"
"I've never seen him so interested before. Even before I knew who you were, which now that I know, it makes sense why he's so captivated…" Jasper smiled. "He asked my advice on how to make it right – how to blend it all for things to run smoothly."
"I thought he had that with Angela."
"Not even close. For some Subs, it's difficult to separate their Dom from their boyfriend. And the other way round. But look at Alice and me. We made it work because our connection runs deeper than some labels."
"So, you think…Edward and I…we'll make it work out, too?"
"I'm sure."
"Bella." Alice appeared in the doorway. "Come with me."
She sprung to her feet, rushing to Alice's side. "How is he?"
Alice led her to the back of the house and through the patio doors. "Go." She nodded to a hunched figure sitting on a sun lounger.
Bella took a shaky breath, walking slowly toward Edward. She had no idea how to be around him, what to say, because he was clearly not okay.
*gasp* A cliffie! Wednesday is not that far away ^_^