Chapter 30
Hello everyone,
I wanted to say how grateful I am for everyone who has joined Micah. It has been a privilege entertaining all of you. This story will have 5 more chapters, and I have already written the last one. This tale has become very special to me, and I have loved writing every single word.
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Bella laid on the couch in the family room. Even though she'd been given painkillers, there was still a twinge in her ribs if she moved too fast, reminding her of the ordeal she'd just been through. Of course, if she were trying to forget, one of the ten people hovering a finger's distance away would help her recall. Her lips lifted as she glanced around the room, dancing from Charlie sitting in a recliner, Micah seated on the other end of the couch to Edward propped next to the sofa on pillows. Then, there were the Cullens; Carlisle, and Esme, resting on the loveseat a foot away.
When she'd first came to New York, she could've never imagined having so many people worried about her wellbeing, yet their concern faces were hard to ignore whenever they looked over at her.
Bella shifted on the couch, needing to roll to her side because, at this particular moment, her back was becoming sore. The second she moved her weight, Edward immediately turned in her direction, offering a hand to make the endeavor easier. Another splash of warmth coursed through her as his fingers tenderly wound through hers.
"Are you feeling all right?" He murmured as she settled back into the cushions, his fingers dancing over her cheek. "I need to make a few phone calls and see what I can find out about this incident. If you need anything, Mom and Dad are right here."
"I know," Bella whispered as her lashes drooped with exhaustion. "They haven't left the living room since I came home. So sweet."
She felt the press of Edward's lips on her forehead, yet the effects of her meds took her to a magical land of zero pain.
Edward grabbed his phone from the coffee table and hopped to his feet. For a long minute, he merely stood there rubbing the feeling back into his buttocks, staring down at one of the most significant people in his life. Her face nuzzled the pillow as she dozed off, and his lips curved as he took in the image she presented.
Her hair was a mess of tangle, cascading over her pillows with a bandage on her forehead, and the residue from the tape they'd used to hold the needles in place on her arms, but she was hands down the most beautiful creation he'd ever seen. Finally, he managed to remember why he'd gotten up in the first place when his phone vibrated in his hand.
Wandering into the kitchen, he answered the call from Anthony, "Hey, tell me you've found out something more."
"His name is Riley Pierce, and he does work for Tamara. They are trying to get access to her financial records and see if there is any link between Tamara's accounts and Riley's." There was a slight pause on the line before he proceeded, clearing his throat. "He says she's been paying him for a while now. They've been following Bella all over New York and sending photos and information to whoever wants to buy it."
"Did he say why she's doing this?" Edward wanted to know, his elbows coming down to rest on the countertop as he stared out the kitchen window. "Hell, is there even a reason?"
"Well, sir," Anthony hesitated as he sought the right explanation. "Excuse my language, but … he says, she wanted the bitch to go back where she came from, and the sooner, the better."
Edward pinched the bridge of his nose as his worst fears came to life. Obviously, this delusional woman had taken their physical relationship to mean more than it was, and he was ever aware of the fact as sickness swirled in his gut. Still, he needed to hear the words, and so he asked, "And why exactly is that?"
"He said, she wanted Bella out of the way, so … so …" Anthony cleared his throat for the third time during the call. "Honestly, 'so she could have you back' were her precise words, sir. Riley says she was responsible for the gossip surrounding an inappropriate relationship between Bella and me. I want you to personally know, Mr. Cullen, nothing untoward ever occurred. I would never jeopardize her reputation or my career in such a manner."
Edward already knew everything Anthony said was right, but hearing it from the horse's mouth, caused a feeling of relief to flood him. Nodding, Edward murmured, "Yeah … I gathered as much … not before making a complete ass of myself, but thanks for clarifying the situation."
"I'll call ya with more details when I get them, sir."
"When they come across the information, they need to press charges on Tamara. I want the fucking book thrown at her. She overstepped … hell, she hurdled past the line when she attempted to throw Bella into traffic." Edward listened as Anthony agreed before ending the call with the guard. Slipping the phone in his pocket, he lingered near the sink staring outside as the sun glared against the windowpane. His fist balled as his temper rose at the thought of what he could've lost.
Edward was still very lost in thought when he heard a noise behind him. Throwing a look over his shoulder, he spied Charlie entering the kitchen … Great fucking target for the simmering rage coming to life inside him. His jaw clenched as he whirled toward Bella's father, the muscle near his temple popping as he studied the man.
"Did they find out anything incriminating?" Charlie spent his life dealing with misfits, criminals, and outraged people during his career as an officer. There was no disputing the look of anger welling up in the young man before him, and it was certainly well placed, he determined, preparing himself for the onslaught that was no doubt forthcoming.
Edward's face took on a hue of red as his lips drew tight. "I want you to know that the only reason you are standing here in my house is because of that woman on the couch. If she hadn't requested you be here, I would've never again allowed you around her or my son."
"Edward," Charlie started, his gaze darting away from the rage burning in his golden gaze. "I … I … crossed a line with what I did. I can't explain what was going through my head at the time. I just wanted Bella to get ahold of you and make things right for Micah. He deserved more than a studio apartment and scraping by, and she was always so worried about telling you … I needed to find a way to make you listen …"
"You know, they created the fucking telephone for a reason," Edward growled, stomping forward. "Did it ever cross your mind to call? Or come to New York … or …"
Charlie laughed with no humor as his head shook. "Edward, have you ever tried to get in contact with a celebrity? How crazy would it have sounded for me to be trying to explain that you were my grandson's father? Logically, how possible would it have been to approach you and actually have you listen to reason? You have people in place to prevent those things from happening."
"That's true," Edward reasoned with a confirming nod, "but you could've always gotten hold of a lawyer … or tried to contact my parents. Anything other than scheming to kidnap your grandson and making his mother believe his life was in jeopardy. Can you even imagine what that must've been like for her?"
Charlie's gaze clouded with a sheen of tears, and he cleared the frog from his throat. He'd never wanted to cause Bella any pain. He'd only wanted what was best for Micah. "I am very aware of the asshole move I made, Mr. Cullen. I guess I'm not the only one who has a past to be sorry about … Do I? It appears yours is coming back to haunt you as well. Hell, could've cost my daughter her life."
"So, we are both worthless shits," Edward grunted as the truth of Charlie's statement penetrated the tough exterior Edward had in place. "I do want you to know from the bottom of my soul … if anything—anything ever happens to Bella or Micah, and you are the cause … there will be severe consequences. While Bella may have forgiven you, there will always—always be a set of eyes looking right at you. Watch your step, Mr. Swan."
Charlie tightly swallowed as Edward left the kitchen. He wanted to be mad or offended by Edward's declaration, yet a flare of respect bloomed inside him. No matter what happened in the future, Edward Cullen would be there to protect both his daughter and grandson. His fingers darted through his hair as his chest drew tight, and his mouth tipped at the corner as he said, "I wouldn't expect anything less."
XXX
Bella rested in the middle of her bed with Micah lingering on his belly next to her. Growing bored with her extended bed rest, she tickled the arch of Micah's foot as it bounced near her hand. He giggled as he jerked his foot out of reach before resuming the motion. She laughed with him as she drew a circle, and once again, he pulled away.
"Come here," Bella told him when he whipped around to look at her. "Mom needs a hug."
Micah didn't hesitate as he came to his knees at her side, his arms circling her neck tightly. "I love you so much, Mom. Do you feel better?"
Bella's eyes closed as he held his little body to her. Kissing his forehead, she whispered, "Think it might be a few weeks before I feel better, but I can't complain. How are you feeling?"
"Good," he murmured, his head resting on her shoulder. "Mom, can we watch a movie? I want to watch something scary."
"You are not allowed to watch horror movies," Bella explained, settling Micah next to her. "I think you have some homework you need to do. Grandma said you have math and English … and you should practice your Spanish."
"That does not sound fun." Micah threw a pinched look in her direction. "Grandpa is taking me to the hospital tomorrow. Said I can carry a pet bunny for the patients to pet."
Carlisle was always taking Micah to the hospital to show him the importance of caring for others, which was such an important concept to learn. Bella smiled softly at the thought. Micah was even talking about wanting to become a doctor, which caused a wealth of pride. "That's awesome, Micah, but you still need to get your homework out of the way."
"Fine," he grumbled, breaking free from her hold and slipping from the bed. He stopped next to the door and threw his dark eyes in her direction. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, Micah." Bella rested her head against the pillow.
The longer she stayed in this bed, the more restless she became. She was on the verge of going crazy. The inhouse nurse they'd hired should be here soon to help with her bath, yet the idea of a stranger seeing her naked while she was conscious didn't exactly sit well with her. Hell, having someone she knew didn't fly either. There was always Edward …
His name chanted in her mind, not allowing her to forget him for a second. Since coming home a week ago, while he'd been her diligent servant during her downtime, he hadn't dared touch her. Of course, she imagined the doctor's statement about witnessing young couples in love probably had him running for the hills. Hell, they'd rocked her.
Did she love Edward?
Their relationship had taken a turn since the incident. Edward was forever present, waiting on her hand and foot, a few stunning kisses here and there, yet no declarations of undying affection had been made from either party. Did she want to love him? Did she want him to love her?
Honestly, she couldn't imagine loving anyone better. He was a wonderful father, even if he had a lot to learn in that regard. He'd shown a devotion to her in the last week most people strived a lifetime to find. And the thought of living without him caused an ache near her heart. What if, after this, he decided she wasn't what he wanted? What if it was all too much for him to handle?
She was contemplating these worries, staring at a blank wall, when the devil appeared in her doorway. Growing slightly nervous, she shot him a soft smile. "Hey."
"Hey." Edward paced into the room, coming to stand at the foot of her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Bored, bored, and bored." Why in the world was he standing so far away? When he'd arrived at the hospital, she could've sworn things had progressed between them. This distance he now kept between them had her wondering if she'd imaged it. Even while the insecurity welled up, she forced her chin to lift as if she hadn't noticed. "What are you up to? Anything interesting happening downstairs?"
"Nah," Edward shook his head, the itch to close the distance between them clawing through his very being. Awareness skipped down his spine, and his fingers curled into fists to keep from reaching for her. "Most of everyone is getting ready for bed. Micah and Alice are in the kitchen doing homework. Your nurse should be here soon."
Bella grunted as her face turned red. "I don't need a nurse. I think I am capable of bathing myself."
"How exactly do you propose getting in and out of the tub without landing on your head?" The thought of Bella hurting herself because she had too much pride to accept help was out of the question. "It won't be much longer before you can do for yourself again. Just suck up the relaxation while you can, Bella. Soon you won't get any rest, and then you'll miss this reprieve."
Edward tried to keep his wandering eyes locked with hers, yet they coasted along her form. Images sprang to mind of tangled limbs and twisted sheets, and his hands shifted to rest over the effect the pictures had on him. He'd worked so hard to maintain some distance to give her a chance to heal. Currently, his tether was about to snap in two.
Bella noticed the shift in his expression as he glanced down her body. Ahhhh. He wasn't as unaffected as she'd first thought. Her breasts tingled, her nipples going hard when his gaze momentarily rested there before once again meeting her eyes. With this new knowledge came power, and her insecurities melted beneath the heat she saw. Licking dry lips, her gaze never wavering as she said, "You could always help me. As I said, I can bathe myself … just need help in and out of the tub."
His knuckles turned white as he fought the urge to touch her. Lashes dropping, he studied her through the thin veil. "I don't know if that is such a good idea, Bella."
Her chin lifted as she studied him. Every muscle in his body drew tight, and breath became hard to come by. Hunger burned through his limbs at the thought of looking upon her creamy wet skin. Edward began to salivate as their shared kisses played through his mind, his body going rock hard, lust becoming an unstoppable force. Fuck … he wanted to taste every inch of her delectable body. Raw need pounded through his blood, and his nostrils flared as he watched her breast press against the fabric of her T-shirt.
She wasn't wearing a bra. Her nipples were puckered and begging. Edward bit the tip of his tongue to keep from begging to taste the ripe buds. And the witch seemed to know the effect she was having on him too. Currently, her lips pulled into a pretty little pout, and … fuck … he was lost.
"Why?" Playing with a wisp of her hair, she stuck out her bottom lip. "Come on, Edward. I need help, and I don't want it from a stranger. What if they send a male nurse? I don't want some guy I don't know touching me."
That seemed to do the trick, Bella thought with a wicked grin. Instantly, a fire burned in his eyes, melting those gold irises. "You are evil, woman. That won't happen, not on my watch. I requested a female, just to ease your mind."
"Are you saying you won't help me?" Disappointment crashed through Bella in thick waves, causing frustration she'd never experienced to kick in her chest. Damn, what did she have to do to get his attention? She felt as if she were on the verge of tears when his next statement replaced the discontent with a frisson of hope.
"I didn't say that," he growled. The second he'd told Bella about the female nurse, displeasure twisted her beautiful face. At that precise moment, he'd walk across coals on his bare feet to see her smile, even if it killed him in the process. His death was a distinct possibility, too, considering; his body was so taut, he could feel the chords of his neck straining.
How the fuck was he supposed to control himself? All that sweet, pliant flesh, glossy with water ... Shit … He was a fucking goner. Promptly, Edward turned for the door, closing and locking it; he turned back to her. "I'll help you into the bath … even if I die doing it. Give me your phone, so I can cancel the damn nurse."
Grinning from ear to ear, Bella tossed him her phone, saying, "Yes, sir."
Please Review … Also want to give a special shoutout to DaniDarlingxx for creating the new banner to Micah. It turned out so beautifully.
