Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all; I just like to play around in her world.

As always, a shout out to the Fab Five (sherriola, Katmom, TwiloverSue, Sammi & NKubie) for their support and help - and beachcomberlc and Ocassye for all their beta and pre-reading power! In addition, Purradox for her expertise and keeping me in line. These women have supported me in ways I can't even explain – specifically - encouraging me to continue when I've doubted my writing skills and ability to tell a story!

*Please read* - I've had several guest comments over the past two weeks I wanted to address.

Usually, when you see the dreaded "guest" you cringe thinking someone has just decided to choose your story to pick on for that week. In this case, however, both guest comments had great suggestions for me. First, in the original posting of the last chapter, I'd made a contrast of Edward being circumcised versus Bella's rapists. A very wise reviewer pointed out that due to religious practices, most, if not all, men in the region where Bella was captured are circumcised. A second guest reviewer pointed out that, although most people believe all individuals from this area have dark skin, hair, and eyes, there really is great diversity in the people who live in the region.

I had in mind a very specific group of terrorists when I decided to continue the original one-shot, so please accept that as my intention when I described the men. I did change the circumcision piece, as I did more research into the group I was thinking about and found that while they are a mix of belief systems, they are primarily Islamic (PLEASE NOTE – HUGE DIFFERENCE IN BEING RAISED IN THE ISLAMIC RELIGION AND BEING A TERRORIST – DON'T EVEN GO THERE). I didn't change the physical characteristics, though, as I needed the difference for the story. Thank you to the guest reviewers brave enough to post those thoughts – but know, I am perfectly happy with people PMing me if I screw up. I'm always open to constructive criticism.

Also, just to keep us updated in the story – we are "sometime" in January, Bella and Edward met just before Christmas. So the football game described would be a play-off game (with a little creative licensing in the timeline). Just FYI, being from Atlanta, I have very little experience in routing for a team that goes to the play-offs (Go Falcons! Love ya, but really?), so I had to have a little fun with it. HA!

Lastly, thank you to the reader who nominated Honor as the best "Work in Progess" over at Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards(awards dot fanaticfanfics dot com). My beta for this story, beachcomberlc, has also been put up for a Beta Award in the competition. Voting starts April 11th, so please go over and give your favorite stories and people your vote! After almost seven years in this fandom, I'm as honored by the nominations I've received as the awards I've been given.

Lastly, lastly – a reader PM'd me regarding a recommendation for a contest page. She is interested in entering some, but didn't know where to go. I have to admit to being horrible about knowing the goings and comings in the fandom anymore. I usually only write for contests when someone emails me about them (sad, I know). Can anyone direct me to a good contest page in a review? I'll make sure to pass the info along.

And now, to our story . . .

~Honor~

"You're here!" Jude vibrated with happiness when he answered the door. Before Edward could move, the black-haired man grabbed him, popping a kiss to Edward's lips before he bowed elegantly to Bella. "Come on in! Everyone's been waiting to meet you."

"Edward!" a young voice shouted, and Bella saw a small dark-haired child running across the room as soon as they stepped into the entryway.

Edward snatched the toddler up, tossing him up into the air and catching him. The young boy squealed in delight as Edward did it again before settling the wriggling child on his hip.

"Bella, this is Greg. He's Susie's son."

Shy, the child tucked his face in the crook of Edward's neck. But the energy of a two year old was hard to contain, so shyness aside, Greg quickly began squirming to get down. "C'mon, Edward."

Greg grabbed Edward's hand attempting to pull him, but Edward threw a quick glance to Bella, raising an eyebrow. She nodded with a small smile, and it was only then that Edward gave her a wink and allowed Greg to tug him away into a group of people, all whom were already arguing over the pre-game show.

Jude grinned broadly, nudging his head toward an arched opening. "Henri said you were to join him in the kitchen when you arrived."

"Really?" Bella arched an eyebrow at Jude's statement. She was messing with him so she giggled at his blush.

"He's cooking for us and said he wanted your expertise."

She chuckled. "Remember, I've tasted his cooking. What exactly does he think I could help him with?"

A look of such terror crossed Jude's face that Bella was thrown for a moment. "I never question Henri when he's in the kitchen." His face filled with mischief after. "Just at every other time."

Laughing, Bella followed him through the expansive living room, but not before nodding toward Susie, who was sitting on one of the couches with a handsome man. Several other individuals caught her eye, giving her friendly nods or smiles, but she continued, even passing Edward, who sat in the floor cross-legged with Greg.

She was greeted by a rapid stream of French curses as she walked through the archway.

While the house Jude and Henri owned was an exquisite example of restoration, the kitchen had obviously received extra care and attention. It was a masterpiece of stainless steel industrial-grade appliances, an oversize gas stove, and Henri, who was giving another man directions.

"Make sure these go on the middle rack of the warmer. We don't want them to dry out."

The man lifted a tray of what appeared to be barbecue ribs and moved toward a large stainless steel cabinet set in the wall. When he opened the door, Bella's mouth dropped at what she saw inside— row upon row of various foods. She only caught a quick glance, but she thought she saw wings and potato wedges, as well. The smell in the kitchen made her mouth water, again making her question what Henri would want with her.

Jude coughed slightly, capturing his lover's gaze, and when Henri glanced over, he face transformed from harried to excited.

"Isabella." He said her name like a purr. Wiping his hands dry on a pristine white side towel, Henri waved his hands, telling her to approach; Jude, he shooed-off with a flick of his wrist. "Go entertain our guests," he ordered his lover, but spoiled the severity of his actions with a quick kiss.

"He is very yummy," Bella said as Jude walked out. They both ogled his ass.

"He is," Henri smirked. "Your man is as tasty, even if I'm savoring the flavor from afar."

"Geez, seriously." The man who Bella had watched when she walked in was leaning against one of the counters. He rolled his eyes at her and Henri. He had a broad smile and kind face. "I'm Trey, by the way."

The man who'd been stabbed. Bella remembered his name.

"It's nice to meet you," she said quickly.

"Same."

"Enough socializing," Henri barked, making Bella blush. "I need help with the vegetables." He slid a sharp knife and cutting block over to her, nodding toward a stack of zucchini squash, celery, cucumbers, and carrots. "Chop, chop," he said, after demonstrating the cut he wanted.

Bella settled onto the stool he'd provided her, sensing that there was more to be said, but for now, Henri wanted her to chop, so she did. It was only after he and Trey had created a masterpiece of guacamole and Henri had sent Trey out into the hungry, rowdy crowd with the platter that he looked through his eyelashes at her.

"Edward raved about the cookies you baked. He said they were better than mine." He sniffed, to which Bella laughed. "I'm a chef, so I'll admit I rely on Charles to create his masterpieces, although I can make do if required. However, if he knew Edward had spoken disparaging words about his products, all hell would break lose. Which brings me to why I wanted to speak with you. Charles has to go home for a couple of weeks for a family issue, which leaves me without a pâtissier. And while I'm sure Jude and I could manage for the day-to-day stuff, I have several large upcoming catered events. I wondered if you were interested in a short-term job."

Bella's eyebrows shot up. "Are you talking every day, or just the catering gigs?"

"Worst case, the catering jobs. Best case, other days at the restaurant if you're interested and feel you can. I'm aware you're attending therapy, so there are days you would have to leave early, but we can work around those. Charles is only part-time while he finishes culinary school, so I'm used to only having someone for a couple of hours."

Putting the knife down on the counter, Bella shifted on the stool. "Wow. I'm actually intrigued by the idea. I like making sweets, but I'm not sure I'm up to the caliber of your professional baker."

"Edward says you are," Henri said with a smile. "And I can get Charles to leave his recipes."

"You sure? I can only imagine that, as a professional, he wouldn't want his secrets leaked out to just anyone."

"He'll be fine, as long as you sign in blood."

Laughter burst from Bella as Edward walked in the door. He smirked upon seeing her.

Over the short time they'd been dating, Bella felt she'd become somewhat of an expert on reading Edward. Maybe it was because of their unique situation, the need to be constantly aware of one another's feelings and comfort levels, or perhaps it was because he was so open with his emotions, but she watched as the concern slid off his face. His overprotective nature was something that should have upset her, but instead, the sense of belonging burned brightly in her heart.

"Henri is propositioning me."

"Intriguing," he said, sliding his arm around her waist as he stood to her side.

It was the first time he'd done this, and she sighed into the embrace, fully aware that not a shiver of fear appeared at his touch. Relief flashed in his gaze.

"Exactly what is he propositioning you for?" His left eyebrow arched high.

"I was asking her to work for me." Henri crossed his arms across his chest while he leaned against the counter. "And quit teasing the girl. You are quite aware my only experience with women was when I was still in the closet."

"Dicks before chicks," Bella muttered at the two of them, causing Edward to burst out in laugher and Henri's jaw to drop.

"See, that right there is why I need you to work for me. If nothing else, you'll keep me on my toes."

Trey burst through the door, interrupting them. "The crowd is getting restless, and they're hungry. I'm not going back out there unless we feed them. Vicious little beasties." He shivered for effect.

~Honor~

A roar of disappointment filled the room when the Seahawks' star receiver dropped the ball in the end zone. They were down by six and needed a touchdown to stay alive. There was only two minutes left in the playoff game.

"Dear Lord, we'll have to avoid my parents' house for several years," Edward muttered.

Bella could only imagine, having been present to witness Esme's dedication to her team.

"I'm glad Emmett and Jasper are taking the brunt of this loss."

Bella shook her head at him. "They're just being responsible for the initial shock. You know she's going to want to talk about it with you, too."

Edward actually paled at the thought. When the clock ran out on the Seahawks, Edward groaned. "If it weren't for you, I'd ask the boss to give me some extra shifts, so I could make excuses."

Grinning, Bella goosed Edward in the ribs. Henri consoled Jude across from them, running his fingers through Jude's dark hair and telling him there was always the next season. Jude didn't appear to be buying it. Around the room, their friends sat in various states of shock or disgust. Regardless of the loss, she'd had a good time. They'd all welcomed her, particularly Greg, who was curled up in Edward's lap, his tiny head against Edward's chest. He was sound asleep. The toddler was an equal-opportunity attention-seeker, having spent the afternoon talking with each and every person, but naptime had found him with Edward and Bella, the sandman applying the right amount of magic dust during a very serious conversation about which of the Transformers was the "coolest."

Susie made her way through the mourners with David, her date, at her side. "Sorry, Edward. I know he weighs a ton."

Standing in a graceful move, Edward shook his head slowly. "It's fine. Do you want me to take him to your car?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I've got him. The minute his back hits the car seat, he's going to wake up anyway. I'm sweating bedtime."

It was clear from the woman's facial reactions that she didn't mind one bit that her son was such a bundle of energy. Warmth filled Bella's chest as she watched Edward gently place the sleeping boy in Susie's arms. Flashes of a small copper-haired, green-eyed boy filled her mind and for the first time, her biological clock ticked.

Was she ready? The question teased.

Yes. The answer was clear.

But first, she wanted to enjoy some baby-making. Grinning at the internal debate, Bella caught Edward's inquisitive glance. "The voices in my head are talking to me," she teased.

They stayed to help Henri and Jude clean. Trey and his partner, Nick, did the same.

"You've got a good guy," Trey told her quietly as she handed him plates to load in the dishwasher. Tired, and hip aching, she'd pulled the stool up to the sink to rinse the food off.

Nodding, Bella smiled softly. "I know."

"I was fully prepared to grill you. I know it's wrong, but I feel very protective of Edward after all he did to help Nick and me. Not many doctors take the time for patients after the work is done."

Bella watched the man shift uncomfortably. "So, did I pass inspection?"

"Yes, with flying colors." He chuckled as he closed the dishwasher door and hit the start button. He moved closer to her and reached for the scrubber. "Let me do the rest, and you can dry."

They settled into companionable chatter while they worked to clear the kitchen of all the pots that were used to prepare Henri's feast. Among other things, Bella found out that Trey worked as an architect and had helped Henri and Jude refurbish their home.

"Henri was an asshole about the kitchen, but in the end, you can see it was worth it." He waved his hand at the masterpiece before them.

"Hmph . . ." Henri grunted as he entered, having heard Trey. "Quit making nasty comments about the cook, or you won't get any leftovers to take home."

The threat had Trey moving his fingers in front of his lips, as if he was zipping them. Bella couldn't help but laugh at their antics. When Edward came to a stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and pulling her back against his stomach, she only had to fight a moment of panic. Putting her head back against his chest, she fit nicely against him. Jude and Nick pulled large plastic containers out of the pantry. Within moments, the group had the food divided into thirds, filling the containers to the brim.

"I'm not going to have to cook for several days." Bella laughed when she looked at the ribs they'd given her and Edward. He had several large tubs of other goodies he was placing in a box Jude had unearthed.

"Good, it'll give you time to relax and consider my offer," Henri said as he expertly sealed several bags of fresh veggies and spooned dipping sauce into small sealable bowls.

~Honor~

Bella yawned in exhaustion as Edward gently closed his car door. They'd said their goodbyes to the four men at the door. Her hip ached, taunting her with the knowledge that she'd refused to bring her chair, relying on her cane instead. She'd thought a day at Henri and Jude's home would've been an easy feat, but she felt like someone had taken a hammer to her hip.

"You're in pain," Edward said as soon as he slid into the driver's seat.

She nodded, but put on a brave smile. "Lots of good exercise. Jane will be so proud of me . . . you know, putting myself through torture and all."

"Well, I suggest you dig out that bottle of pills you have. That way, by the time we get home, you'll be more relaxed."

Bella hated taking the pain killers, but she knew the throbbing would only get worse if she didn't. Using the bottle of water Henri had insisted she take, she swallowed one down.

When Edward turned and raised an eyebrow at her, she shook out the second. Damn doctor. He'd known she'd only taken a half dose.

"Jane is actually going to be very proud of you. You walked more today than I've seen you do."

Bella grimaced as she shifted. "Let's hope I can walk at all tomorrow."

Edward was quiet for a few moments, then said, "I wish I could give you a massage. It would help with the soreness."

Heat flared across her skin, tightening her inner muscles. They both knew that him touching her legs in that manner was still something that could set her off, so it wasn't something to be taken on lightly.

"I think the best I can do is get you home so you can get in the shower and use those massage heads Mike had installed."

Bella groaned in anticipation thinking about it. The shower in her loft was something akin to a miracle. She could only assume Mike's muscles grew as fatigued as hers, because the extra row of directional nozzles could be perfectly aimed to pound her hip and thighs. But as good as the jets of water would feel, the thought of Edward's strong hands kneading her muscles sounded so much better. She actually craved his touch now.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" she asked. He would have to work four days in a row, and the thought of not seeing him much already filled her with a sense of loss.

"Of course, if you want me to." He hazarded a smiling glance over at her.

Turning so she could look at his profile, she took a deep breath. "I meant, will you sleep with me tonight?"

He almost missed their turn in shock. "You mean, in your bed?"

"Yes. I'm afraid I'm not going to be up for any hanky-panky." He chuckled at her funny. "But I still want to be able to touch you. The pain pills take some of the edge off my anxieties, as well." She watched him nibble at his bottom lip. "What?"

He cleared his throat. "How do you feel when you wake up after the meds? Some people are disoriented, and I'd hate to set us back by my presence confusing or shocking you."

"Nope, I'm good."

His thoughtfulness was another thing she loved about him. It was also incredibly sexy.

"Edward, I have a question, and I want you to be brutally honest in answering it. I don't want you to worry about how it will make me feel or if it will make me nervous. Okay?"

He pulled into the parking garage attached to their building, parked, and unlatched his seat belt so he could turn toward her before he answered. Scanning her face, he took a deep breath when whatever he saw seemed to settle him. "Okay."

"When you've been with other women, you're not the passive partner are you?"

A blush spread across cheekbones, but he answered quickly. "No."

"So you're a gentleman in public, and . . . a what in bed?"

He burst out laughing. "I'm not sure I've ever heard anyone label me." He wiped at his eyes, but sobered when he saw she waited for him to answer. "Bella, I'm truly not sure about any sort of label. The whole lady in public, whore in bed thing is a definite turn on for me, because I've always wanted to have someone I felt comfortable bringing home; someone who fit, like you do. But I enjoy sex. Like, really enjoy it. It's fun, it feels fucking good, and at times it can be all-consuming. So I've always wanted to find someone to share that with as well. I'm a demanding lover, if that is what you're asking. I want someone who can tell me what they like, someone who wants to experiment, someone who isn't afraid of letting me take charge–"

She gasped, growing nervous. She definitely hadn't been letting him be in control.

He captured her hand in his, squeezing tightly. "And lately, I've been learning just how big a turn on it is to let someone else be in control." He smoothed a piece of her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "But if you're asking if one day I'd like to be the aggressor with you – yes. I have a fantasy of taking you against a wall." Heat flared between them, and Bella's stomach clenched, imagining that exact thing. "I want to take you from behind, and hold you to me so you feel our bodies straining together." His pupils dilated. "I want to take you roughly, but I'm most afraid of that fantasy, because of what happened to you."

She remained speechless.

"But if we don't ever get there, I'll also be okay." He paused. "I'm not a therapist, we both know that, but I think, from all the progress we've made so far, that it won't be long until we are able to make love. I think once we've been together, you're subconsciously going to remember how it is with us, and I think that sex will be something that comes as naturally to us as breathing. Yes, we're going to have some hiccups – no doubt. We'll need to talk more about what they did that traumatized you; pulling your hair harshly and holding you down . . . and the other things that will come up. But we've got a good system using the safe words."

Bella had to force herself to take a breath. His words should've made her run, but instead, she felt a blast of lust. This talking thing was so odd. She'd just done the 'wham, bam, thank you ma'am' thing with the other men in her past. Talking, it would seem, turned her on about as much as a stroke of skin against skin.

Shaking her head to clear the cobwebs, she nodded, letting him know she understood. Agreed.

She kept thinking over his words while he helped her into the loft. He put the food in her refrigerator and left to go take a shower, while she did the same. The heat, massaging heads of the shower, and the medicine loosened every aching and knotted muscle in her body by the time she crawled into her bed and under the covers, but it was the slide of the loft door that caused her to sigh in relief.

Edward came through her bedroom door, pillow in hand, within a few seconds. Shirtless, he wore sleep shorts and nothing else but a smile. Scooting over, Bella patted the empty space beside her.

"Are you sure?" he asked. His husky voice was a caress. One that would've lit every nerve on fire, if she hadn't been drugged and massaged almost to the point of passing out.

"Yes. But there is a cost to occupying my space."

"Cost?"

"Yes." She giggled, feeling nothing but relaxed, sleepy, and playful. "Another question answered without you worrying about how I'll feel."

Edward laid his pillow down on the space she'd cleared as an indication he accepted the challenge and felt he would come through it victorious. "Take your best shot."

"You masturbated in the shower didn't you?"

He smiled so brightly that she blinked. "That is an easy one, Bella. Hell, yeah."

She sniffed. "You better have called out my name."

Edward tried to hold in the laughter, but lost. "Several times."

"What was I doing to you in your fantasy?"

"Oh, it wasn't what you were doing to me, but what I was doing to you. You had your legs clamped around my head and shrieked my name when you came. That was the image that sent me over the edge."

She was too relaxed to even move, but the thought definitely made everything tingle. She patted the bed, letting him know he'd earned the space. He settled beside her, lying on his back, but failed to stifle a groan when Bella crawled up against his side. He raised his arm, and they resettled so that she rested her head on a pillow over it and bent her leg so that it propped over his. The slight tinge of soreness in her hip eased with the angle.

"Mmm . . ." she mumbled.

Edward glanced down to see a freckle on her nose he'd previously missed and grinned as she sighed.

Asleep.

Just like that, Bella was gone.

Edward smiled up at the ceiling, enjoying the heat of her at his side, his sexual satisfaction with the needed shower moment, and the genuine pleasure at having spent quality time with his friends. This was how he'd already dreamed of being with someone, when the time was right. Now, if the night remained peaceful, and Bella woke without any fear, he would consider it the perfect day.

"Damn. She's hot, Edward," Jamie said of the woman giving him doe eyes.

Glancing up from his meal, Edward followed his baby brother's gaze to where a pretty blonde winked at him, her message clear. "Yeah, she's pretty," he mumbled, his mind on the rotation he was completing.

The woman continued to give Edward a look that he knew signaled she was free and willing if he wanted her. While she was physically attractive and he should be interested, the appeal just wasn't there. He was glad his brother had come for a visit before his next assignment, and truth be told, he'd rather spend his free time with Jamie than a one-night stand, which is all the woman could be right now.

"You know, I hope I'll be there to see the moment a woman brings you to your knees."

"Huh?" Edward said, his mind already on getting back to his apartment where he and Jamie could watch some basketball together. He had no idea what Jamie was talking about.

"The woman," James said, moving his hands in the air to outline a curvaceous figure. "Let me put it in your terms. Female member of the Homo sapien species. Typically physically attractive to most normal, healthy males." He snorted, letting Edward know that he was questioning his older brother's 'health.' "We wine and dine them, then hope they like us back."

At Edward's tired look, Jamie just shook his head in a sad way.

"Edward, Edward, Edward, what am I going to have to do? Find the right one for you and send her your way?"

Edward chuckled, finally. "Maybe. But for now, don't we have twenty bucks on the game? Let's go."

Brushing his fingertip down Bella's bare arm, Edward felt the tears pool in his eyes. He let them fall, the grief of losing his little brother catching up to him as it did at times.

"Thanks, Jamie."

He knew it was stupid to think Jamie would hear. His brother would be too busy . . . snuggling Victoria and their baby, as Edward was sure he was doing. But, it made Edward feel better to say it.

~Honor~

Thoughts?

Would love to know how you think the "morning after" is going to go? Snicker.