Disclaimer:

This story is centered around the BellaxEdwardxJasper coupling.

There will be some mention of abuse, physically and emotionally, (not by Edward or Jasper ofc) so please tread carefully if you're easily triggered.

And plenty of lemons too.

Bella

The doorbell ringing at the front of the shop brought an instant smile to my face.

"Welcome in. I'll be right with you!" I called as I worked on adding the finishing touches to the bouquet I'd been requested to prepare this morning.

I've owned The Meadow ever since graduating from high school. It had been a gift and an inheritance left behind by my mother when she passed away seven years ago. My father, Charlie, hadn't wanted to take charge of the expenses or deal with heartache that followed every time he set foot in the shop, so I made the choice to take it off his hands. I couldn't blame him for not wanting a constant reminder of my mother when he already had one—me.

It wasn't all bad. My plans of going to college and getting a degree hadn't deterred me from living a life of my choosing. I had, after all, met my husband here in our small town and couldn't be happier.

I finished wrapping the white and red rose bouquet in a white and grey ribbon. Giving it a satisfied smile of approval, "Looking good ladies."

My husband Paul always makes fun of me for talking to the flowers or complimenting them, but I didn't care. It made me happy to know that my work made other people's day all because of my silly flowers.

I walked around the flourishing flowers and bouquets on the work table and quickly wiped my hands with the hem of my apron, "Sorry for the wait! What can I get—"

I stopped short the moment I saw who was currently standing in The Meadow and felt at a loss for words. A tall man with bronze hair stood with his back to me, facing the assortment of roses in the corner of the shop. He wore a navy blue suit, accentuating his long legs, lean muscles, and broad chest. Definitely not a man from around these parts.

In my shameless ogling, I barely had time to prepare myself when the man turned, and a look of surprise came across his face. When he spoke, his voice was pure silk, "Bella? Isabella Swan?"

"Yes?" I asked cautiously, slightly stunned and wary that this man knew my name when I clearly didn't know who he was. It wasn't until I gazed into his emerald eyes and he tilted his head to one side that something clicked and I gaped.

"Edward Cullen?"

He broke out into a crooked grin, pleased that I recognized him and I was undoubtedly blushing the same shade of red as the roses behind him.

Edward stepped up to me, "You really haven't changed a bit! You work here?"

I used to go to high school with Edward, but never truly spoke to him. He was much too beautiful and popular—against his own volition I assumed since he was quite the introvert—for me to run in his circle of friends. But I was highly aware of him every time we had a class together and often smiled whenever he complimented my work on a project in biology. It's been so long I completely forgot I also had the biggest crush on him...

Who didn't?

I tucked my hair behind my ears, feeling somewhat self-conscious in my purple flannel shirt, jeans, and linen apron while here he was dressed to the nine's and looking better than ever.

"I'm actually the owner, though it was my mother's at first."

Edward nodded appreciatively as he looked around my small shop, "Well, it's beautiful in here. You've done an amazing job fixing it up."

My smile faltered slightly.

He remembered what it looked like before? Wait, he'd been in here before today? It must have been when mom was still alive...

"So, what brings you to Forks? Last I heard you were in Seattle becoming the next big doctor like Dr. Cullen." I continued as I walked over to the counter, making sure I didn't have any other clients requesting big bouquets for today.

"My mother sure likes to spread that story around," He shook his head, clearly fond of Mrs. Cullen as he smiled. "I was actually coming in to look for some flowers for her. It's her birthday."

"Oh, wonderful! What sort of flowers did you have in mind?"

Edward looked around and his eyes widened as he took in every type of flower I had in the shop on the shelves and on the floor in buckets. When he looked back at me he gave me a sheepish grin, "Care to help a guy out?"

I released a chuckle, "Let me see. How about these ones for appreciation?" I glanced over my shoulder as I plucked the orange lisianthus flowers from a bucket. When Edward nodded I continued and went onto my tiptoes to retrieve the light pink roses and then the delphiniums. When I finished assembling the bouquet, I turned and smiled, "These for elegance and happiness. I'd say it represents Mrs. Cullen quite well, don't you?"

Edward took in the colorful yet tasteful assortment before looking back to me, a warm expression filling his green eyes, "It's very beautiful. Perfect actually."

I beamed, "I'm glad to hear it. Are you looking for anything else?"

"I think that'll be it for me."

"No one special to give flowers to at home?" A light blush tinted his cheeks and he cleared his throat nervously. I smiled, though wasn't too sure why I asked that question in the first place.

"I'm not sure my special someone is too fond of flowers. Jasper's tastes lie in whiskey, motorcycles, and too many books to fit into one house." I smiled wider, nodding in understanding and beyond happy that Edward had someone in his life who made him happy. I could see it on his face, the way his eyes lit up at the mention of Jasper.

"Well if you ever change your mind and want to surprise him, I'm your girl."

"I have no doubt about that, Miss Swan." He said softly as he watched me wrap his mother's bouquet.

I stilled momentarily at his words and looked up, "Lahote," I corrected and Edward quirked a brow. "I'm Mrs. Lahote now. Have been for six years."

Something seemed to dim in Edward's eyes, but it was gone before I could tell what the cause had been. A small smile graced his lips as he took the bouquet from my hands, "I suppose It's a bit late to congratulate you and your husband. But I'm happy for you, Bella. Maybe we'll see each other again sometime and we can meet each other's partners."

"That'd be nice, Edward. Thank you. Same to you, I-I'm happy for you too I mean." Edward chuckled at my awkwardness and I found myself blushing once again. I watched him head out of my shop from the window. A small part of me wished that his words of meeting again someday would actually come true.

If only I'd realized what the price of that wish would cost me.

"Duke! Here boy!" I called out for my Saint Bernard for the fifth time in the last minute since he ran off because I lost my footing while walking him around our secluded neighborhood. I'd toppled to the ground and by the time I looked up, my troublesome dog took the opportunity to rip himself away from his collar and charged towards the new neighbor's house across the street.

The neighborhood was quite lonesome seeing as most of the houses had plenty of land and were spaced out, separated by the forest surrounding us. With the exception of the two-story house I was currently heading towards in hopes of finding my dog, all was quaint—peaceful even.

I hadn't seen my new neighbors at all since they moved in last weekend so I was incredibly nervous and embarrassed to be introducing myself this way—desperately searching for my dog in my baggy Nirvana t-shirt, yoga pants, and converse.

My hip was crying out in protest as I continued calling out to Duke. Just as I contemplated walking towards the next house half a mile away, frantic upon realizing he still wasn't coming back, the sound of a surprised "Whoa there!" caught my attention.

Then a low bark reached my ears and I groaned.

Oh no.

I hurried to the side of my neighbor's impressive house with three floors, the walls all made of glass. I noticed the gate to the wooden fence to the side was wide open as I peered around.

And there was Duke, laying right on top of my neighbor, sprawled across his chest. The poor man was trying his best to push him off, but Duke had none of it, simply continued licking his face all over.

"Duke! Duke, get off him. Bad boy!" I called as I stepped into the garden and reached for his collar. I struggled to get him off at first, but the man helped out as he gently pushed Duke away with a low chuckle. I nearly blew out a breath of relief. Thank god he was chuckling and not threatening to call the police for getting attacked by my dog so that he could sue me for all I'm worth.

"Bad! Sit!" I said with a hard tone. Duke immediately straightened and looked up at me through sad droopy eyes as he listened and sat down by my feet. I blew out a breath, making a loose strand of my hair float to one side of my face. "I'm so sorry about that. Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

I reached out a hand to help him stand and found myself getting pulled closer, rather than doing the pulling. When his large hand engulfed mine and his arm bulged under the sleeve of his black Henley, I felt incredibly small. Especially when he towered over me.

I gazed up at him and found an amused grin playing on his lips, blue eyes shining brightly into mine before glancing down to Duke.

The man's wavy blonde hair was cut short right at his jawline and brought out the chiseled features of his face. He was...beautiful.

"Not at all. He was just looking for a friend, isn't that right bud?" The man asked as he patted Duke's head before looking at me, for what seemed like the first time. I swallowed thickly as his smile slipped up before appearing again. When he spoke in a husky drawl, I could tell he was southern and a warm wave swept over me, circling in my belly. "Though I can't imagine why when his owner is as lovely as you are."

I shook my head, feeling my face warm instantly.

"I can't believe this is how I meet my next-door neighbor. I hope you won't hold this encounter against me if we see each other around."

The man chuckled, "Don't worry about it. I was just thinking the garden needs some work and made my way out for some tools when this guy showed up."

I glanced over his shoulder and noticed that he was right, the garden could use a hand. There was nothing more than a couple of shrubs here and there, and a small tree on the far end with plenty of room to plant a few flower beds down the gravel pathway that led up to the back porch. There was also plenty of room to make a small greenhouse if he fancied that.

"If it's gardening you want to do, I have a few tools you could use to level out the soil over there. I've done my fair share of gardening too and it can be a bit of a struggle, especially with this weather. Speaking of soil, I have a tester too if you're interested..." I snapped my mouth shut when I realized I'd started rambling.

He grinned at me with raised brows.

"Looks like you know your stuff! I'm afraid I'm at a loss on how to get started. We used to live in an apartment in the city for the longest time. Honestly, I'm surprised I can be left alone to water the plants inside our house. But I figured I'd turn a new leaf here, no pun intended."

My interest sparked instantly, happy to talk about anything that has to do with gardening and the outdoors. It was my happy place. I chirped, "Well if you'd like some guidance, I'd be more than happy-"

"Bella?" I stopped midsentence at the sound of my name. I heard a door close and turned at the same time my neighbor did to find Edward walking down the porch. He wore a simple grey t-shirt and black jeans, both of which suited him perfectly. Was there anything the man wore that wouldn't look good on him? Probably not.

My heart jumped in surprise before a giddy feeling bloomed in my chest. "E-Edward! What are you doing here?"

Edward chuckled, "I live here. I see you've met Jasper!"

I openly gaped at both of them, stunned beyond belief. Jasper smiled at me, clearly amused by my reaction. What a small, small world.

Duke whined, pulling me along when he spotted Edward and practically dragged me, stumbling and all, towards him. Had it not been for Jasper's hand closing over mine and giving Duke a slight tug, I would have fallen straight into the bushes beside us. His hand was oddly warm against mine and sparks shot up my arm, making my heart beat a little faster. Strange.

I thanked him as I steadied myself, hoping he wouldn't realize I was as red as a cherry tomato.

"It's nice to meet you, Bella. My name's Jasper Whitlock." Jasper said once Edward explained who I was and how we knew each other from high school. But Jasper didn't seem the least bit bored or surprised. Almost as if he knew of me...

"We were just thinking about going over to introduce ourselves. Who would have thought you'd be our neighbor!" Edward beamed before stooping low and petting Duke's head. Finally giving him the attention he so desperately wanted.

The three of us got to talking, catching up on what they were up to and why on earth Edward would want to move back to Forks. Apparently, Edward worked as the new surgeon at the hospital, while Jasper also transferred into the psychiatry department. They'd grown tired of the big city over the years and came to the mutual decision to move where they'll be closer to family. Jasper was originally from Texas and moved to Seattle for med school, which was where the two met and eventually fell in love.

"My mother loved the bouquet by the way. Right, Jazz?"

"Yes, she was thrilled." Jasper nodded and I had the premonition that he was the more reserved one of the two men. He had a calming air about him that was likable. "Edward told me about your shop. Sounds like we'll have to stop by some time again."

Ah, that must be why he wasn't surprised that I knew Edward...

I patted Duke's side affectionately until he settled onto the grass, bored or tired of our conversation at this point. I was the complete opposite.

All of my friends from high school moved away for college and I've rarely spoken to them since, with the exception of Angela who lives in Tacoma with her husband and often comes by for the holidays. But still...it did get a little lonely not having anyone to talk to, other than Paul or Charlie. I never realized how much I craved friendship until I started talking to Edward and Jasper. It was nice.

They'd insisted on walking me to the front of the house once we exchanged pleasantries and stopped me from walking away when Edward said, "Bella. If you and your husband would like to join our little housewarming party tomorrow night, you're more than welcome to! The more the merrier. It's just going to be our family but it'd be nice to have a friend too."

When I glanced at Jasper and saw he was also waiting for my answer, clearly on board with the invitation too, I smiled brightly.

"I'll be sure to mention it to Paul."

Paul had come home late tonight, finding me on the couch reading my favorite book for the hundredth time before practically jumping me.

We started kissing passionately, whispering sweet words into each other's ears until I ended up straddling him. He was still in his police uniform sans the radio and belt and it only made me grind into him harder. My flimsy nightgown was quickly disposed of, leaving me in only my panties and bra.

We'd stumbled up the stairs, never once parting from our sloppy kiss until he slammed me against the bedroom door.

"Baby, I missed you so fucking much." He panted against my neck as I quickly unbuckled his belt. I needed to feel him inside me, against me. It had been so long since we'd had sex, I craved every bit of him I could get my hands on.

Becoming an officer had started taking it out of him, especially when he'd been put on the night shift. We rarely had any time together with me working during the day and him at night.

It was so good being together again.

I bit my lip as his large hands cupped my breasts and started tweaking my nipples. I moaned as his mouth latched onto one of them, nibbling and sucking greedily. My hands sunk into his short black hair and tugged, "Paul."

"I need you, Bella. So bad." He moaned as he began grinding into me, lifting me up in his arms before carrying me to bed.

I giggled as he tossed me onto the mattress, the thick comforter encasing my body as Paul got to work on undressing, "I need to see you naked, baby. Can you do that for me? Get naked."

I watched him through hooded lashes as I rose and unclasped my bra and tossed it by the ceiling-to-floor window. We hadn't closed the curtains, but in the heat of passion we shared, I didn't care.

Paul crawled onto the bed, nearly ripping my panties off my legs before I had a chance to get to them. "I need to fuck you."

And he did, barely giving me time to prepare myself before he flipped me over and thrust into me.

"Ah, Paul," I panted as he rammed into me, hard and fast. My pussy was already wet, however, I could have done with a little more stimulation. Not that I would have told him that now that he was working us up to a fast orgasm. I clutched the sheets beneath me as the headboard began smacking the wall rhythmically. His hand came down on my ass and I whimpered as pain and pleasure swept over me, clenching around his hard shaft and making him hiss.

"Are you going to cum for me?" Paul asked with a growl. I moaned louder as he sunk his teeth into my neck and sucked on my skin, driving me crazy with every thrust.

When he came, he turned me onto my back and I shivered in his arms that encased me. He panted, "You're so fucking sexy," he reached between us, rubbing my swollen clit slowly. I bit my lip in anticipation as he started bringing me to my own pleasure.

I was starting to feel my body arch into him and just as I prepared to feel the wonderful tingles of my orgasm hit me...he stopped moving.

"Paul?" I panted, feeling him grow heavier on top of me before I heard it.

He was snoring.

I stared up at the ceiling with disappointment, "Are you kidding me?" I gently pushed him off me and sighed as I stared at his tired face. He rolled onto his stomach and nestled further into the pillow, completely oblivious of his wife, who he'd left unsatisfied. In part.

Tears pricked at my eyes as I scooted off the bed and went downstairs to get my nightgown. I should have known he'd do this. It happened every time he came home late and tried to have sex with me, falling asleep instantly after coming inside me.

I used to love connecting with him this way and when we spent time together, whenever he was off work, I felt loved and cared for. But lately...I've been feeling lonely. Numb, almost.

After taking a quick shower and cleaning up, I headed downstairs to make sure the front door was locked and wandered into the kitchen for a drink. I poured myself a glass of whiskey and sat on the stool by the island. I sat there for a long time, restless with the need for an orgasm and not wanting to think about all the things that made me feel guilty for feeling so unfulfilled whenever it came to Paul. Does it make me a bad wife if I'm not...

I sighed.

Maybe it was the haze of the alcohol or the need to feel something other than this emptiness inside, but I closed my eyes and imagined what it would be like to be with a man who cherished me. Not only when he wanted to have sex but all the time.

I imagined him walking up to me, taking my glass from my hand before taking a large sip of what remained of my drink. His piercing eyes stared into mine with passion and lust lingering in his heated gaze.

I'd shiver while he raked his gaze over my body, down my thin nightgown. His hands would cup my face, pulling me in for a searing kiss, thrusting his tongue into my mouth, and battling for dominance. I'd moan into his mouth as his right hand slowly pulled the strap of my gown off my pale shoulder. He'd knead my breast, pinching my nipple until I bucked, parting my legs for his warm hand as he pushed the hem over my waist. His thick fingers would slip under my bare pussy that was already wet with the need for him. To connect.

I writhed and moaned as he drew slow circles around my bundle of nerves. His husky voice would whisper dirty, sweet things that made me cry out and beg him to take me up against the counter. I gripped the long silky strands of his hair as he ate me out, making me come again and again until–

"God!" A strained gasp left me. My orgasm rocked me out of my fantasy, nearly sending me off the stool and leaving me a panting mess. My eyes fluttered open, staring into the dimly lit kitchen before glancing down to my hand, still tucked between my legs.

My face felt warm and the realization of what I'd done made me flinch. Guilt filled my belly, replacing what should have been an amazing feeling left behind after an orgasm. I righted my nightgown, blew out a breath, and slowly stood on shaky legs to clean up once again.

Walking towards the small round table we used to eat breakfast on every morning, I gazed out into the night through the wide window.

When the tears came, I realized I'd started feeling unhappy with Paul and the way things were between us lately. I let myself cry and cry, muffling my sobs with my hand despite knowing he wouldn't come even if he did hear me.

When I noticed a light flicker on in the house across the street, my heart stumbled uneasily. Blinking away the tears, I could see Edward and Jasper's figures from here—tangled together on the large platform bed that faced the window. Jasper moved to straddle Edward and their languid movements made something inside of me stir. Longing? Hope that maybe Paul and I could have the same, slow, gentle love we once had just as Jasper and Edward seemed to have?

As they moved, I could have sworn Jasper looked over his shoulder and Edward followed suit. Looking in...my direction. But it was too quick to tell and they were back to each other once again. My cheeks flushed and I stepped back, feeling mortified for prying on their privacy like this. I gulped down the whiskey I'd left on the counter and hurried upstairs to go to bed. Feeling more than restless for one night.

It wasn't until the next morning, while I sat at the table and had my breakfast alone, that I noticed my neighbor's bedroom window facing our kitchen. And that they'd most likely seen me granting myself the release my husband failed to give me before they went to their bedroom.

Oh god, I really hope that's not true.

I fidgeted nervously with the bouquet of flowers I'd arranged and clutched the bottle of merlot close to my chest as I rang the doorbell. When Jasper opened the door and beamed at me, clearly pleased to see me. I forced myself to relax just a tiny bit.

Okay, so maybe they hadn't seen anything last night...I was safe. Not that it mattered anyway, since I'm sure they hadn't cared about seeing me masturbating at all in the first place. You're rambling again Bella.

"Bella! Come in, I'm glad you could make it! Here let me help you with those."

When Jasper noticed the small bouquet of flowers I'd arranged, he smiled wider this time, "For us?"

"Yeah," I nodded as he leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. Chuckling when I blushed another shade darker, clearly amused.

It wasn't a special arrangement but I had been proud of it when the idea came to me this morning at the shop. The soft hints of blue, ivory, and lavender colors had come to mind when I thought about Edward and Jasper together. Loving, refreshing and calming. It had only been when I finished adding the white roses and snapdragons, that the image of the two rolling around in bed came to me, startling me from my peaceful thoughts.

Okay, what the hell is wrong with me? Have I completely lost my mind?

"I-I wasn't sure what to bring, so I figured you can't go wrong with some wine and flowers to spruce up your new home," I explained, ignoring the blush tinting my face as Jasper escorted me into their large, beautiful farm-style home.

"Thank you, darlin'. I appreciate it. Edward's in the living room with his parents if you want to come meet them." He winked at me.

Edward took me by surprise when he hurried over to me and gave me a quick hug before introducing me to his parents, pleased to find out that we'd already met in this small town of ours. Esme and Carlisle Cullen were the kindest people I'd ever met. After my fair share of accidents at school, I'd become acquainted with Dr. Cullen over the years and Esme was a loyal customer of mine for as long as I could remember. Seeing them here had helped calm my nerves immensely.

When Edward and Jasper ushered us into the dining room for dinner, I was met with the question I'd been dreading answering out of fear of breaking down into tears.

"So, where's Paul? It's so strange not seeing the two of you together!" Esme asked, smiling kindly at me.

I took a tentative sip of my wine, taking time to gather myself while Jasper, Edward, and Carlisle waited for my answer. This whole family had a strange way of making others feel seen, noticed, and important. It was unnerving.

"He's been busy with work lately." I said simply, forcing a smile at them while my knee started to bounce under the table, "But he sends his best." Esme's green eyes seemed to warm at my words, but it was the wary look Edward and Jasper exchanged that made me focus on the delicious dinner they'd prepared for us. After dessert, Carlisle received a call from the hospital and he and Esme had no choice but to excuse themselves early for the night.

"We should really go out for some coffee soon, Bella! It's been wonderful seeing you again." Esme said as she pulled me into an inviting hug before slipping away. Leaving me all alone with the two men who haven't quite taken their eyes off me yet.

I licked my lips nervously as I turned to face them and said, "Should I help you guys clean up the dining room?"

Edward grinned, "No, no. Don't worry about that. Jazz and I got it."

"I see," I fidgeted with my fingers before looking over my shoulder, "Then I should really get going-"

"Bella, why don't you stay for some coffee?" Jasper asked, seeming somewhat shy for the first time since I'd met him.

I was at a loss for words and unable to deny them anything it seemed when I nodded and followed them into the living room. When they sat me down on the couch, I watched them disappear into the kitchen and return with mugs of coffee with small portions of sugar and some creamer.

We spent the rest of the evening chatting about nothing in particular and it was nice. Once I finished the last sip of coffee and complimented them on their incredible cooking, I sighed when I noticed from the window that Paul's cruiser still wasn't in the driveway across the street.

"Everything alright, darlin'?" Jasper asked.

"Of course! Why?" I said, looking away from the window to find the two were once again exchanging those unconvinced glances. I had to ask, "What is it?"

Edward ran a hand through his unruly hair, "Well, we couldn't help but notice you seem a bit sad tonight. And with Paul not being able to make it, we thought you might have had a disagreement."

"Oh, no. Nothing like that! We don't ever really fight," I chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. When Jasper and Edward still didn't say anything, merely looked at me with what I could tell was worry, I continued honestly, "We don't really...do much of anything, lately."

"Did you talk to him about this?"

"There's nothing to talk about. That's just how we've always been since high school. He's working a lot too so it must be stressful for him to have to accommodate me into his free time." I answered.

"Free time? Bella," Jasper sighed, scooting closer to me on the couch. I stiffened until he took my hand in his and made me look at him, "Paul shouldn't have to accommodate for anything. You're his partner. His wife. You share a life together."

"I know that. We've just hit a bit of a tough spot." I sighed, shutting my eyes when tears started to spring once more. God, I really didn't want to cry in front of them.

"Sorry, if we made you sad, Bella. We didn't mean to pry," Edward said casting Jasper a pointed glance before continuing, "We were just worried."

It was shortly after that night that I'd started becoming good friends with Jasper Whitlock and Edward Cullen. They always invited me over for dinner or to watch a movie. Always listened to me whenever I needed to vent or gush over an order I prepared at the shop for a client, proud of the arrangements and even showing them pictures. Not once did they get tired of me.

During the day, Esme would come into the shop and chat with me until a customer came in, or sometimes, Edward would text me and ask if I wanted to get a cup of coffee. The change had been nice and helped me take my mind off my problems with Paul. They'd given me advice on how to talk to Paul about how I was feeling and when I tried to do just that a month later, he immediately shut me down. Too tired, too stressed to talk about my issues. Always my issues, never our issues.

Having sex after that had become more of a chore for me than anything else. Not once was Paul gentle or loving. It was all fast, hard and rough. Sometimes it made me want to hide before he came home.

I didn't realize just how rough Paul had started becoming until...

"Hey," Jasper asked me one night while I helped the boys wash the dishes after I was over for dinner. The frown on his face told me something was wrong before I knew it myself. He'd motioned to the back of my neck, exposed when I tied my hair up in a bun. "Where's that bruise from?"

Bruise?

I flushed as Edward turned around after loading the dishwasher. Sporting the same concerned look as Jasper. I forced a smile, "Oh...I don't know. Probably bumped into something at work."

"Bella." Edward said with the 'cut the bullshit' tone which told me I wasn't getting out of this with a half-assed lie.

I sighed, looking down at my hands as they clutched the yellow dishtowel.

"Paul. He tried a new thing." I blushed profusely but Jasper and Edward waited patiently for me to continue. Needing me to explain. As I told them, bile rose to my throat and I felt...dirty. "He can be rough sometimes when we're...you know."

"Having sex." Jasper nearly growled.

Edward placed a hand over mine and I realized they were shaking. I still couldn't bring myself to look up. He was very careful, almost shocked when he asked, "He choked you?"

I cleared my throat but for some reason, the air wasn't coming in.

"Just for a second." I sounded crazy, like a brainwashed doll. What was wrong with me?

Jasper blew out a sharp breath and Edward shook his head, at him or me I wasn't sure but his voice was soft as he asked one more time, "Did you want him to do that?"

The truth was out before I thought of it, "No, not really."

"You tell him that then, Bella," Jasper said as he stood beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder while shooting daggers at the bruise on my neck. He was completely serious and for a moment I wondered if he would confront Paul if I ever showed up with another bruise, "You tell him not to touch you like that again if you don't want it. Do you understand? Never agree to something if you don't want it, darlin'."

"We don't want to pry in your relationship, Bella. Bruises during rough sex aren't super uncommon, we know that. But if he's hurting you...please, say something." Edward pleaded with me.

I looked into their eyes with tears in my own and forced myself to nod, "Okay..."

They wrapped their arms around me and let me cry for a long time, letting me feel safe and cared for. For the first time in what I felt was a really long time.

Thanks for reading! At first, I thought I'd make this a one-shot but then decided to explore the story a little farther and see where it goes.

This will be a BellaxJasperxEdward pairing for anyone wondering.