Thank you everyone for still reading and reviewing. I always love reading your thoughts on my writing.
This chapter is dedicated to my 1000th reviewer - Lisalouise.
I know all of you are ready to learn more about Siobhan and here we're going to have a taste of who she is. We'll explore her more in the next 2 outtakes.
"Please, stop squirming," Edward begged.
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one almost naked under your coat," Bella mumbled.
"Bella, try to make an effort and stop worrying." Jasper's voice coming from the backseat, startled her.
Edward met Jasper's eyes in the rearview mirror, before he reached over to touch Bella's hand. "Remember, you wanted to come to this party."
"I had no idea I wouldn't have more clothing option," she retorted.
Edward sighed, pulling up in the large mansion's circular driveway. There were many cars parked there, with only some of their owners around them. Most of the party-goers were most-likely already inside the warmth the house provided.
"Go," Edward told Jasper. "We'll be there in a minute."
Jasper stepped out, before rounding the car and opening Alice's door. "Come." She took his hand, sliding out of the car. She appeared to be tense, probably worried about Bella.
Edward was worried about Bella, too.
"Okay, you have one minute to bail out. I promise not be mad," he said softly.
Bella turned to face him. "What? I thought you wanted this!"
Edward clenched his jaw. "How long have we been doing this?"
"Almost four years?"
Edward squeezed his eyes shut. Trust Bella to have an answer for everything. "If this wasn't Aro's party, I wouldn't have been so worried about it. But you have to be on your best behavior, Bella."
She gulped thickly. "I'm not bailing out."
"The correct answer would have been: Of course, Sir," he said, slightly amused.
"Look, I'll try to be a good girl," Bella whispered. "The last thing I want to do is embarrass you, Edward."
"Sir," he repeated, through gritted teeth.
They had been trying to get in the correct mindset for the past week, and she'd been exceptionally well-behaved. It seemed that as soon as they had left the hotel room in San Francisco, headed to Aaron Volturi's mansion on the outskirts of the city, Bella was back to her rebellious self.
"Sir," Bella murmured, dropping her head.
Edward sighed, knowing there was no turning back, and all he could hope was that Bella would understand her behavior was out of line, as soon as she stepped into the house and saw how other Subs acted.
Edward got out of the car, hurrying to the passenger door, in time to catch the door as it started opening. He narrowed his eyes at Bella, and her eyes widened. He took her hand, helping her out.
"You don't do anything on your own." He stared into her eyes, contemplating his decision to bring her into his real world.
Edward hadn't attended a party in so many years, he felt rusty himself. The others already viewed them differently, there was no need for the whispers to get out of hand when everyone saw the disobedient Sub at his side.
Hand in hand, they walked to the entrance. Edward nodded in greeting to several people he recognized, along the way.
Bella seemed to have remembered her place, as she kept her head down.
In the foyer, they were greeted by one of Aro's many so-called wives. She helped them out of their coats, after checking their names on the guest list.
Edward guided Bella toward the living room, which was turned into a spacious gathering area with all the furniture pushed against the walls. Edward rubbed his thumb over Bella's spine, from where he kept his hand on the small of her back.
The white eyelet two-piece Bella was wearing, earned her lingering looks, which made Edward's blood boil. Instead of being proud of his Sub being admired for her beauty, he wanted to punch everyone for checking her out.
They stopped at Jasper's side, who was sampling the whiskey selection. Jasper smiled encouragingly, which eased some of Edward's nerves, relaxing him enough to forget about his murderous thoughts.
"I think you were right," Jasper said. "It's his farewell party. I don't think I've seen half of these people before."
"Well, Aro's known all over the country. I guess, he's made many friends," Edward shrugged. "Thirsty?" he asked Bella.
"No, thank you."
Jasper beamed, looking as proud as Edward, in regards to her behavior. Even Alice's shoulders sagged, from her spot by Jasper's side.
Then Jasper stiffened, looking somewhere over Edward's shoulder. "Here he comes," he whispered.
Edward looped an arm around Bella's waist, turning in time to face Aro stopping close to them.
"Ah, I'm so pleased you've made it!" Aro smiled widely, his teeth shining in the bright room. "Jasper, my old friend!" He reached to shake Jasper's hand, before focusing on Alice. Aro petted her head, and to her credit, Alice didn't even wince. Then, Aro turned to Edward. "Always a pleasure to see you, Edward!"
"Likewise, Sir," Edward nodded, accepting the handshake.
"And your lovely Bella." Aro's attention moved to Bella, who seemed to have stopped breathing. Her eyes were on the hardwood floor, but her posture was rigid. "If you do a scene later, please let me know."
"Of course, Sir." The words tasted of poison in his mouth.
Edward clenched his fingers, so he wouldn't do anything harsh, like snap Aro's hand off, when he dared to touch Bella. Aro trailed a finger over Bella's collarbone, dipping it between her breasts, and tugging at the string holding the corset together. Then he left, without sparing them another look.
Bella leaned into Edward, and he bent over her. He guided her head up with a finger under her chin. Her brown eyes were wide and wet.
"Shhh. I won't allow him to touch you again," Edward promised, stroking her cheek.
Jasper cleared his throat loudly from behind them, but Edward refused to give him the satisfaction of rethinking his promise. Edward would do anything in his power to make sure Bella felt safe, and if that included denying Aro access to her, he'd face Aro's fury in private.
"Let's mingle." Edward guided Bella with a hand on her back.
He stopped by some old friends, but never lingered anywhere more than a few minutes, enough to catch up and for the others to praise his Bella. To her credit, Bella was acting impeccably, reminding Edward of how well she'd taken to obeying him from the beginning.
There were still times when she made mistakes, or simply tested his patience on purpose, but Edward doubted he'd have her any other way. She was different, yet she was perfect.
"Sir," Bella whispered, tilting her head to him, but not looking up.
"Yes?"
Her cheeks pinked, as she glanced at him with the corner of her eye. "I need to use the bathroom."
"Of course." He walked her to one of the downstairs bathrooms, stopping at the door. "Think you can manage on your own?"
"Yes, Sir."
"I'll be right here," he promised, as she opened the door, heading inside. Edward felt anxious the moment she left his side.
Rationally, he knew nothing could happen in there, but if Bella managed to stumble over a Dominatrix, unbeknownst to her, she might get in trouble. Edward knew the kind of women Aro associated with, and none of them were forgiving when it came to their power. They all expected to be treated as they were the most important persons in the world.
As Edward waited, he noticed another man waiting, just like him. But, from his posture, it was clear, the young man was a Sub.
"Fuck," Edward spat under his breath, glaring at the bathroom door. Bella wouldn't know what the other woman in there was.
He waited anxiously for Bella to step out of the restroom, as safe as she'd gone inside.
What felt like an eternity later, the door opened, and Bella appeared in the doorway. Her cheeks were bright red and there was a frown between her brows. When their eyes met, she smiled brightly, hurrying to his side.
"Everything okay?" Edward asked, worried.
"Yeah." She glanced at the young man leaning against the wall, then looked at her feet.
Edward steered her towards the stairs. "Did anything happen?" he insisted, still confused and worried. "Bella." He pulled Bella into a nook on the upper landing. "Tell me."
"It was nothing, really," she whispered.
"Did that boy's mistress say something to you?" He had to know, because no one was allowed to talk his Bella down.
Bella's panicked eyes met his. "I didn't even look her way."
"But? Please, tell me."
"I was washing my hands, and she was at the other sink, scrubbing at a stain on her leather skirt. It looked like cum," she giggled, but the sound didn't hold any humor. "Then she gave me an once-over, looking as disgusted as Carmen had been at Alice and Jasper's wedding."
"I hope you know better than to care how others look at you. I don't care what they think of you. You're perfect to me, Bella." Edward brushed her cheek tenderly.
"She commented on my ink, and what an ignorant Dom I might have, but then she said something else…I must not belong to anyone, because I wasn't collared. What was that?"
Edward groaned, crushing Bella to his chest. "I think you noticed the gold chain on Alice's neck. She never wears it outside these parties. That's her collar."
"Why don't I have one?" Bella chewed on her lip, watching him warily.
"Because you have this." Edward picked her left hand, kissing her ring. "And this should show the whole world who you belong to." Edward traced a finger over the tattoo on her wrist.
She'd added his name as a chain dangling from the locket, since he'd written her name on the key's body inked on his right arm.
"I don't think that woman looked close enough to notice that detail," Bella mumbled.
"Point her out to me, if we cross paths again tonight." He kissed her brow, still holding her tightly with his other arm around her waist. "Let me introduce you to the fun rooms."
"Yellow," she blurted out, pulling away.
Edward hadn't expected that. He met her eyes, watching her curiously.
"Uh, I'm not ready to do anything in here tonight, Sir."
"We won't. I'm just going to show you what happens in here. Please, keep in mind, some scenes might make you uncomfortable."
Bella nodded, gulping loudly.
"Come on." Edward took her hand, pulling her down the long hallway. Some doors were shut, which meant the scenes were private, while other doors were wide open. Some of them had a piece of furniture blocking the entrance, which meant no one was welcomed to join, and that the scene was meant only for watching.
Bella stared with wide eyes inside some rooms, even stopping him to watch some scene that caught her eye. She cringed away from a girl being paddled over a bench, her fingers clenching around his.
"It's not a punishment," Edward explained into her ear. "Look at her face."
Bella frowned, watching amazed how the Sub girl's face morphed into unadulterated pleasure with each stroke of the paddle over her thighs.
Edward smiled knowingly, when Bella squirmed, aware she was aroused by what she was seeing. He tugged her away from that doorway.
"Oh!" Bella gasped when she spotted the scene developing in the next room.
A young boy was sprawled in a swing, while his master was opening him up. Edward checked if Bella's reaction was from surprise or disgust. He was amused to see that she was into what was happening in that room. Especially, when a woman joined the two men, stroking the Sub's face, before lifting her skirt and sitting on his face.
"I want to watch this, Sir. Please," Bella whispered, when Edward tried steering her along.
He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "Is this something you'd like to try?"
Her wide, dilated pupils met his. "We do have that swing."
Edward chuckled. "It can be arranged." He kissed her neck, skimming the tips of his fingers over her bare stomach. Bella squirmed, her breath hitching. "Keep your eyes on them. Try not to move."
"Oh, please!"
Edward doubted she even knew what she wanted. He dipped a hand into her panties, not surprised to find them drenched. Bella pressed her shoulders against his chest, arching her back and pushing against his hand, seeking more friction. Edward stroked her folds slowly, and when the Dom entered his Sub, Edward pushed two fingers into Bella.
She cried out loudly, her hands clamping down on his thighs for support.
"You're gorgeous," he whispered into her ear.
"Oh, God!" Her eyes fluttered shut.
"Keep watching, or I'll stop. You wanted to watch them."
Bella refocused on the scene unfolding in front of them, as Edward brought her closer and closer to release. She came undone a few moment before the Sub boy started begging for his own release. Bella shuddered violently, moaning loudly.
Edward hadn't meant to have their own scene in the hallway. Thankfully, Bella was blissfully unaware of the attention.
Edward guided Bella down the hallway. They bumped into Alice and Jasper, leaving one of the rooms. Alice's skin looked flushed and she was sporting a large smile.
"Looks like we weren't the only ones having some fun," Jasper joked, eyeing Bella, amused.
Edward shrugged. "We're just looking."
"Mind if we join?"
"Sure."
"I heard Aro plans a big scene in the dungeon later," Jasper commented. "I believe we're all expected there."
Bella stiffened, but Edward squeezed her hand. "If it's too crowded, we won't be missed."
Bella tugged Edward's hand to stop him, her head turned to one of the rooms. She was watching in horror inside the room.
"What is it?" He noticed the young man he'd seen outside the downstairs bathroom. He was chained to a cross.
"That's her, Sir," Bella whispered, leaning into Edward's side. "You, uh, said…to point her out if…"
Edward had stopped paying attention to Bella's explanation. His eyes were on the man's mistress. He felt his world tilting down, spiraling out of control. Edward stumbled back, colliding with Jasper, before leaning against the wall.
He could tell that he was attracting attention, but he couldn't move or think clearly.
He'd thought he'd seen the last of Siobhan when he'd ended up in the hospital in Hanover. She didn't look much different, if not a little older, which was a given. She'd been in her early thirties when they'd first hooked up.
"Oh, fuck," Edward gasped.
All he wanted was to make a run for it and forget this ever happened. But he had to face three anxious faces watching him closely, and even more worried partygoers.
The first one to figure out what was going on, without Edward saying a thing, was Bella. Of course, it had to be her. Edward didn't regret opening up to her about his time with Siobhan.
"Come," she said urgently, wheeling him away from that open door and Siobhan's violet eyes watching him in shock. "Come on, Edward!" Bella demanded, pulling on his hand.
He finally made his feet work, following her, without a look back. He could hear Jasper and Alice close behind.
Bella took him into an empty room, shutting the door after Alice stumbled inside, looking dazed.
"What's going on?" Jasper demanded. "Did something happened?"
Bella clenched her fists, glaring at Jasper. "That vile woman in there…that is the bitch who fucked Edward up!" She growled under her breath, as she started pacing. "If I'd known who she was earlier, in the bathroom…"
"No!" Edward shouted. "It's for the best, you had no clue who she was." At Jasper's confused and worried look, Edward explained to him that Siobhan had been unnecessarily mean to Bella when they had found themselves alone in the bathroom.
"Stay here. I'm going to find Aro and explain we're leaving early," Jasper said softly. He reached out to touch Edward's arm, but Edward jerked away.
The last thing he wanted at the moment was his friend's compassion.
"Alice, wait here." Jasper was gone, before Alice could reply.
"Bella, please stop pacing," Edward groaned, going to sit on the edge of the bed.
"I can't. If stop moving, I'm going over there and I bet I'll find something in that room to hurt her!" Bella shouted.
"Shhh," he hissed, narrowing his eyes.
She spun around to face him, her eyes blazing with so much hate, he reeled back. "You're in shock. It's understandable. But I'm thinking rationally. After everything you've told me, I want to whip her down until she's a bloody mess!"
"Did anyone ever tell you how scary you are when you're angry?" Alice whispered from the chair by the door.
Bella let out a sound from deep in her throat – it was something between a scream and a laugh.
"Come here." Edward opened his arms, and relaxed when Bella wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head against her breasts.
"I won't let her hurt you again. Never again," she whispered, sounding choked up.
Edward hugged her tightly, keeping his eyes shut. All he could see behind his closed lids was the look on Siobhan's face when she'd spotted him in the hallway.
Edward hated how he startled when Bella carded her fingers through his hair. He hadn't expected that, and any unseen touch would probably make him jump, after the recent events.
There was a knock on the door, which wasn't uncommon. Some people left the doors shut even after finishing a scene, but it was common sense to knock if the door was shut.
Edward knew he should be the one answering, so he pulled away from Bella, clearing his throat. "It's occupied," he called out.
Bella stroked his cheek, bending her head to kiss his forehead.
To everyone's surprise, the door opened.
"Better not be…" Bella muttered under her breath.
But it was exactly who Bella feared.
Edward held Bella closer, more in order to keep her from attacking Siobhan. He met Alice's wide eyes. "Wait outside for Jasper, Alice."
She looked ready to protest, but one of the two subs in room knew their place. She left the room, closing the door in her wake.
Bella struggled in Edward's arms, somehow breaking free and turning to face his former mistress.
Edward took a deep breath, grabbing Bella's wrist, clenching his fingers around it. He had to face his fears.
He'd once told Jasper all the things he planned on telling Siobhan if their paths ever crossed.
"This is a breach of policy," Edward said in his most stern voice. "The door was shut for a reason. I said we were busy."
Bella was seething by his side, her hands curled into fists, once again. Her jaw was clenched, which proved how hard she was trying to listen to Edward's order.
Siobhan's eyes twinkled as she watched them. "Of course, she's yours. I don't know why I'm so surprised."
"What are you doing here?" Edward asked, biting on his tongue not to add the word that would have followed naturally many years ago.
"Aro's an old friend of mine."
"I mean here – in this room!"
Siobhan smiled wickedly, making Edward's skin crawl. "Oh, when I saw you in the hallway…" Her eyes slid to Bella, and Edward restrained himself from lunging across the room to gauge her eyes out. "Of course, you're a Dom. You had no submissive bone in your body."
Bella's wrist twitched in his grip, and Edward pulled her by his side. "No," he demanded. She turned to meet his eyes, incredulously. He narrowed his eyes at her, before focusing on Siobhan, who was watching them perplexed.
Edward met her violet eyes, remembering all the times he'd looked into them, trusting her to help him, to save him from himself. If nineteen year old Edward had known what a deep emotional impact Siobhan was going to leave on him, he wouldn't have gone back for more. At least, he liked to think that he'd have been smart enough not to do it.
"There are many things I want to tell you, but I'm sure you already know how I feel."
"Of course. You blame me for reaching the breaking point that day," Siobhan said in the same soft voice she had used numerous times in the past.
"How dare you?" Bella snarled, struggling to free her wrist from Edward's vice grip.
Siobhan turned to stare at her. The humor in her eyes was gone, and when she looked at Edward again, he could see that familiar glint that used to get him in the biggest trouble.
"I expected a better behaved Sub from you, sweetie."
Edward gritted his teeth at her nerve of using her nickname for him. He decided it was time to put his demons to rest, and face Siobhan. Alone.
"Wait outside with Alice," he told Bella, without breaking eye-contact with his former mistress.
"Are you out of your mind? I'm not leaving you alone with that monster!"
Edward towed Bella to the door, wrenching it open. "For once in your life, do as I say, Isabella!"
"Edward, don't—" He shut the door in her face, before she could finish talking. Not thinking clearly, he engaged the lock. Bella rattled the knob, kicking at the door and screaming at him to open it.
Siobhan whistled. "Quite a handful, she must be."
"Why did you come in here after me?" Edward asked, leaning against the door.
"Judging by the fact that you have a young Sub, I can take a wild guess that she's not your first," Siobhan started in a soothing voice. "Which, makes me believe you understand how I felt when I realized how badly I'd hurt you during that session."
During one of his therapy conversations with Jasper, Edward had remembered exactly what had happened to land him in the hospital. Sometimes, he wished, he hadn't remembered.
"I had no idea you could feel remorse," Edward said bitterly. "And no, all my previous Subs left on amicable terms."
Thankfully, Bella had stopped pounding on the door and shouting. But, not hearing her voice, made Edward feel agitated.
Why had he thought a confrontation with Siobhan was a good idea?
She took a step closer, and he recoiled into the door, momentarily forgetting he was actually stronger than her. She stopped a foot in front of him.
Nothing had changed about the way she dressed – Siobhan still liked to show off her voluptuous forms in a tight corset and a short skirt. Edward felt overdressed in his dress pants and white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows.
"I see she's more than your Sub," Siobhan said, catching Edward's right wrist in her strong grip. She traced the tattoo with a black painted nail. "Do you love her?"
Edward wrenched his arm free, clenching his fingers. "I think you lost the right to touch me without asking me first when you landed me in the hospital, Siobhan!"
She met his eyes, startled. It was the first time he'd ever addressed her by her name, but they were equals now. Though, Edward liked to believe, he was somewhat superior than her in the way he behaved toward his Subs.
"I've always told you that what you asked of me was impossible, if you remember," she said softly. "But I tried, sweetie. I tried to give you what you wanted."
"Maybe, you should have sat me down and told me I was just a spoiled brat who had no idea how to deal with the baggage that came with his family's name. But, you agreed to help some other way – the way I thought I needed it."
"You know how much I cared for you. I was afraid I'd lose you if we ever opened that can of worms." She sounded sorrowful.
Edward folded his arms across his chest, breathing harshly through his nose. He wasn't sure if it was anger or a panic attack ready to strike at the first wrong move from the woman in front of him.
"When you blacked out during that scene…I knew I'd gone too far. I visited you in the hospital, but I never got the chance to talk to you. Your family was always there, and I knew you weren't ready to explain who I was."
"Should your act of compassion redeem you in my eyes?" he hissed. "My brain had kept the reality of that evening locked away for so long, that when I remembered a while ago…exactly what happened for me to end up in the hospital…" He shuddered. "You should be so glad you were many miles away from me, because I was ready to track you down and give you a taste of your medicine. My therapist and friend talked me out of it."
Siobhan gasped, her violet eyes widening. Her ginger hair was flowing like a mane over her shoulders. Edward had always associated her hair with fire – an open flame. And she'd burned him in the worst ways possible, but that was what happened when you played with fire.
"When you didn't return…when you never showed up at the club or my house…I waited for the next rational step. I was sure you'd turn me to the cops."
Edward snorted. "Yeah, like I even thought about that." Rosalie had, though. His sister had begged Edward to talk to the police about whatever had happened to him, but he had declined. "Let's say, I found my true self after leaving the hospital."
"I can see that," she whispered.
"You should have never pushed me harder than I could chew. You knew my limits better than I ever did. I doubt I'd have been mad if you refused to zap me full charge." Edward swallowed hard, feeling his heart ready to take off from him ribcage.
It was the moment he'd dreaded since he'd made the decision to confront Siobhan.
"You've always asked me for more, sweetie. Your favorite word was 'more', and I foolishly chose to give you what you wanted. Believe me, if I had any clue about what could happen, I wouldn't have done it."
Edward rolled his eyes, disgusted by the anguish in her voice. "Like, you didn't enjoy it, too! You got off on my pain!" he snapped.
Her silence was the only answer he needed.
"If you ever see me again, don't come to me." He turned to unlock the door, but her hand caught his elbow. All his hard work on reacting positively to any unsuspecting touch was gone in that moment.
His body froze. His sole focus was on her vice grip on his elbow. His legs shook, and Edward fought against the old habit to fall to his knees at her feet.
He pictured himself shaking free from her grasp a hundred times in his head, but he couldn't move in that moment.
"I'm sorry, Edward."
Those words sent his anger spiraling out of control, and he regained his senses. Edward spun around, throwing Siobhan toward the bed when he jerked free from her grasp.
"Do you honestly think these two little words can erase the damage you've done to me?" he roared.
She stared at him in shock, leaning against the edge of the bed for support.
"I despite you, Siobhan! I hate everything about you, everything you've done to me!" Edward stalked to her side, and he was pleased to see her scared. "You fucked up my life!"
Somehow, Edward lost the upper hand when her eyes flashed dangerously, as she straightened up. She was about his height with the added inches of her heels. "Do you think now that you're a Dom, you have the right to talk like that to me?"
Her words cut through his skin worse than any whip lash.
"Don't you ever forget who introduced you to this lifestyle, Edward! There will always be a connection between us, even if you choose not to acknowledge it!"
"You're right, Mistress," he whispered, bowing his head. Edward felt nineteen and vulnerable, all over again. He tried reminding himself that he was a mature man, who knew better than to play Siobhan's mind games.
"There you are. I've wondered how long it will take for you to address me properly." Her voice held authority. "I would like to depart on amicable terms with you, sweetie."
"If you're thinking we could swap stories over a coffee, you have a vivid imagination," Edward muttered, still not looking at her.
"I'd just like to know that you won't act so volatile next time we meet again." Her hand reached up, and Edward braced himself, wincing as it got closer to his face. But, all she did was cup his cheek. "I liked you more than any of my Subs. Well, until Liam," she added, softly. "He makes me happy."
Edward nodded, waiting for the moment she'd drop her hand. It felt like hot iron was touching his cheek. But instead of giving him space, Siobhan wrapped her other arm around him, hugging him.
"You already said you don't care for my apologies," she said quietly, into his ear, "but I'm very sorry for hurting you, sweetie." She carded her fingers through his hair.
The door was kicked in, causing them to jump apart. It was everything Edward needed to regain control over his body. A part of him had absolved Siobhan of the pain she'd caused him. The memories would never go away, but her honest words were the best medicine to soothe the ache.
"What have you done to him?" Bella cried out, running at Siobhan.
Edward caught her around the waist before she could reach his former mistress. "We had a chat. I'm alright," he promised.
Bella shot him an incredulous look. Her eyes were red-rimmed, like she'd cried. Edward could only imagine the way he looked, probably much worse than he felt. After the conversation with Siobhan, Edward felt free from his past, for the first time.
Edward hugged Bella to his chest, and she sobbed into his neck, as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. Edward caught Siobhan watching them with wonder, then he noticed an ashen face Jasper in the doorway, with Alice by his side.
"Goodbye, Edward." Siobhan reached to touch him again, but Bella slapped her hand away, furious.
"If you lay another finger on him, you'll regret the day you were born!"
Edward watched, pleased, as Siobhan stumbled back, probably too shocked at being slapped and talked like that by a Sub, then, after meeting Edward's eyes once again, she left the room.
"Oh, my God! What has she done? Did she hurt you?" Bella asked, fervently, turning into his arms again.
"I'm alright, love," Edward insisted. "Actually, I've never felt better."
Jasper and Alice stepped into the room, closing the door, which had miraculously survived the kick. Edward did startle when Jasper placed a hand on his shoulder, but he relaxed instantly.
"Let's get out of here," he said in a grave voice.
"Have you talked to Aro?" Edward asked, unsure if it was a good idea to take off during a party.
"Yes. He understands. He even apologized for creating a conflict. He had no idea that you and Siobhan have history."
Edward rolled his eyes. "Like it would have mattered to him."
Jasper shook his head somberly. "You know that Aro cares for you. He'd have never hurt you like this if he knew. Come on."
Their group walked out of the house, ignoring the murmurs around them. Jasper requested the car's keys from Edward when they stepped outside, and Edward complied, grateful.
Alice curled into the passenger seat. Bella leaned between the front seats to talk to Alice, reminding her they were all okay and that it was over.
"Jasper," Edward warned, noticing how Alice was shaking. She needed her Master, not her best friend.
Of course, Alice had been affected, too, by what had happened. She was their friend and she knew enough about Edward's past to be worried about him. Edward wasn't sure if he wanted to know whether or not Alice had seen another outcome from his confrontation with Siobhan.
Edward pulled Bella back into his side. "Let Jasper help her," he whispered into her ear.
Bella gasped, staring with wide eyes as Jasper spoke in soothing words to Alice, his voice too low for them to catch what he was saying. By the time, he'd worked his magic, Alice was still curled in the seat, but much more relaxed. Jasper petted her hair, kissing her temple, before starting the engine.
Bella snuggled closer to Edward, pressing her face into his chest. He rubbed a hand over her back, not yet ready to talk about what had happened.
.
.
.
Jasper and Alice followed them inside their hotel room.
"I need a shower," Edward said, trying to escape the talk for a while longer.
The hot water did nothing to calm Edward's nerves. He'd have preferred if they didn't talk about his run-in with Siobhan, but if his sessions with Jasper had taught him anything, Edward knew that talking about his problems helped.
When Edward stepped out of the bathroom, he could hear the others whispering. Bella's head turned to him when he rounded the corner. She was curled up in a chair by the window. Jasper and Alice were sitting on the foot of the bed.
"It was more the shock of seeing her," Edward said, leaning against the table next to the chair Bella was in.
"Did she say anything to you?" Jasper asked.
Edward crossed his arms across his chest. "She apologized."
Bella snorted, but refrained from commenting. Jasper must have warned her about saying anything. It looked like Jasper was in his most professional mode, usually kept for his office.
"For that last scene?" Jasper inquired.
"For everything." Siobhan didn't have to say it in so many words, but Edward had understood what her last apology meant. "We had this conversation, Jasper," he added impatiently. "We were both wrong, her more than me. I was just some stupid, arrogant teenager."
"She touched you," Jasper commented, watching Edward's reaction carefully.
Edward noticed Bella's fingers curling into fists, but she remained silent. Edward knew exactly what Jasper wanted, but he wasn't ready. Especially, not with an audience.
"If you want a free ride in my mind, let's schedule a meeting for when we return home. I'm done talking about this tonight." His eyes slid to Bella's face. "I mean it."
"Okay," she whispered.
Jasper stood up. "When you want to talk about this, I'll be there to help you."
"Thanks."
Edward actually planned on seeing Jasper regrading this, because therapy wasn't as scary as he'd once seen it. Jasper had helped him more that Edward had imagined possible. When they were in Jasper's office, there was no friendship between them. They were counselor and patient.
When he was alone with Bella in their room, Edward made his intention about turning in clear, by getting in bed and shutting his nightstand light.
"I only have one question," Bella said in barely a whisper.
Edward turned his head to where she was still curled on the chair. He noticed she was still wearing the trench coat over her outfit.
He had failed her. He hadn't even thought about how the whole thing might have affected her.
"Yes?" He kept his voice low, and eyes on her shape in the darkness.
"Do you forgive her?"
"Yes," he answered in the same voice.
Instead of questioning him why or how he could forgive Siobhan, Bella drew in a shaky breath. "I don't," she said bitterly.
Edward sat up and walked to her. "I don't even expect you to forgive her, Bella. The only reason I accepted her apology is that I know she meant it. It helped me seal that chapter of my past." He crouched at her feet.
Her small hands found his fingers, squeezing tightly.
"You're freezing, baby." Edward picked her up, carrying her to the bed. After pulling the coat off her, he wrapped her in the comforter, hugging her tightly.
"I love you, Edward. I won't ever allow her or anyone else to hurt you." Her cold fingers brushed his cheek.
He caught her hand in his, kissing her fingers. "I love you, Bella."
Edward had never thought he'd find comfort in his girlfriend promising to protect him. But Bella wasn't just anyone, and she wasn't merely his girlfriend anymore. She was his fiancée. They were equals in their romantic relationship, and many times in the past, Bella had proved to him what a strong woman she was. She'd been there when Edward was sure she'd bail on him for discovering his weaknesses. She'd become his rock – his saving grace.
*biting my nails and anxiously waiting for your opinions*