Hello everyone,

So it appears everyone enjoyed the lemon. It was a scene that has me locked in from the beginning of this story and refused to let go, lol. I'm glad it went over well, lmao.

I love each and every comment everyone leaves. They are very precious, and let me know you are enjoying the story. Thanks so much for telling me about it.

Well, y'all had your treat, so now we are back to the confused Edward. Trust me; this story has so, so much left. I am glad you have stuck it out.

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Edward spent as much time as he could out of the house over the next couple of days. He didn't want to chance any run-ins with the she-wolf in his house. He no longer thought of her as his captive but more of an unwanted guest. That wasn't entirely correct either, however, because she was very much wanted.

Every waking moment was spent with this need building until he was on the brink of bursting. While this was the case, Edward was also experiencing an overwhelming amount of remorse in the same regard. If he were honest with himself, what he was feeling for Bella was so fucking different than what he'd experienced with Irene.

Irene had given him comfort to his life Edward never thought to enjoy again upon her death. She'd been hands down a great friend, and their physical relationship had been adequate. He would've never thought to step out of his marriage while Irene had been alive, and he had been completely dedicated to her. Hell, his devotion was apparent in the past five years; he'd put his entire life on hold and held his family at bay.

What he felt for Isabella went far beyond mere comfort. She was a bold little cat with fire and moxy. The woman met everything as if it were a challenge and didn't have a problem calling him on his bullshit. In just a couple of weeks of her living in his house, change had been abundant.

Edward pinched his brow as her face, twisted in rapture, gnawed at his soul. Reining his gelding back around to face the house in the distance, he pulled the animal to a halt, where he sat there staring at the mansion. All he wanted to do was spur the horseback to the barn and bury himself in the woman lingering in his thoughts. More than that, however, he wanted to hear her voice, smell her scent … the woman was driving him insane.

Of course, when Isabella sprang to mind, Winthrop and Charlie weren't far behind. He had a shipment coming soon, and the cash flowing in from the firearms were enough to replace the money Charlie owed him. Essentially, he didn't need the payment from Charlie, yet it was all a matter of principle.

Number one rule in mob life: A man always paid his debt. Edward adjusted the reins in his gloved hands as he considered the cardinal rule. The money was becoming less and less of a motivation, however. He had money in his life—more money than he would ever be able to spend.

What he also had was an empty bed, an empty life, and a family that resided in the same house but was also estranged. Hands down his fault to the damn core, and the knowledge was a bitter pill to swallow.

As he considered all of these aspects, the one that pinched his heart the most was Lily. Edward had spent so much time lost in the loss of his best friend, he'd alienated his beautiful daughter, and it was a damn shame it had taken a stranger to jumpstart a relationship between them. He deserved a hard kick to the nuts, he decided with a shake of his head.

Even with his harsh treatment, Lily flourished in spite of his deplorable behavior. Isabella had hit on a delicate subject, however, when she'd enlightened him to his estranged relationship with his daughter. By pushing her away, he'd created a void she looked to anyone to fill. Essentially, that could become very dangerous in the future, and could lead to disastrous repercussions.

As he contemplated the truth of the matter, his weary gaze roamed the landscape taking in luscious grass and deep forest. Tipping his head toward the house, he saw movement near the deck. Curiosity getting the better of him, Edward nudged the gelding into a canter as he made his way across the lawn.

The corner of his lips lifted when he spied Lily's blonde head bobbing as she walked next to his mother. Without even realizing he was doing so, Edward looked around the yard searching for Isabella. When he didn't find her, his attention went back to the little girl next to Esme.

When she spotted him riding up, her face brightened with excitement, yet he also noticed a bit of hesitation. Another sting to his armor, he determined, as he pulled up in front of them. "Hi, Daddy."

"Lily," he nodded, proud of his steady voice when he spoke to her. Edward ignored the warm smile Esme passed in his direction. Taking everyone in attendance by surprise, he adjusted his weight in the saddle. "Would you like to go for a ride on a real horse?"

"Really?" Lily bounced in place as the excitement became more than she could bear. "Sage is so little, but he's cute. Isn't he, Daddy?"

The way she smiled up at him had Edward's heart rate shooting straight for the clouds. He'd never felt this type of elation, and when Lily danced forward, Edward leaned down and scooped her up. "He really is. Perhaps it's time to start looking for a bigger pony for you."

"But I love Sage," Lily explained, settling back against her dad. "I don't want to get rid of him. He's my friend."

Edward avoided Esme's regard as he reined his horse in the opposite direction, his arm encircling Lily's small form and pulling her tight against him as the animal loped across the yard. "I won't get rid of Sage. Maybe we will find you a new friend."

"Daddy," Lily started, her fingers wrapping in the black mane. "Do you like Isabella? She is so fun. I love playing Barbies with her."

Edward didn't trust himself to answer Lily's question. Instead, he murmured, "All that matters is that you like her. What have you learned since she started teaching you?"

"I can sing my ABCs. Do you want to hear me?"

The gelding nickered in response as Lily sang. Pleasure Edward never thought to associate with his daughter, filled his chest, and his hold on her tightened. Hugging her to his chest, he adjusted his seat, his roaming gaze taking in their surroundings. Protectiveness and possession claimed him all to a sudden, and this was the precise moment Edward knew he'd take a bullet—hell, several for the little girl in his embrace.

For the next hour, Edward and Lily rode around the yard before he kicked the animal into a canter toward the barn. Easily, Edward handed Lily down to his mother as he dismounted and handed the gelding off to a stable hand. "I'm going to make a few calls and see about finding Lily a new pony. Maybe you would like to be there to help pick one out for her."

Esme took Lily's hand as they strode together toward the house. Esme had never been so proud of her son then she was at this moment. He'd taken such major strides in changing his demeanor when dealing with Lily. Not wanting to scare him with her enthusiasm, she nodded, "Yeah. I would like that."

Bella sat in the tub with her arms around her knees. As hard as she tried, she couldn't erase the memory of those intense eyes staring into hers as Edward instructed her in finding pleasure. Just the thought had a thrill darting through her body. Bella wiggled in the warm water surrounding her trying to ease the ache that started.

Her nipples swelled and her breath became shallow, and her blood hummed. Even better than the sensations coursing throughout her being, was the changes she'd noticed in Edward. Apparently, she wasn't the only one to become aware of Edward's shift in demeanor either.

Esme and Alice both had taken her under their wings, and adamantly stated they'd never seen Edward treat someone as he had her. While this might be the case, there was a change in their relationship since that night in his room.

When they had a chance encounter, she would feel the heat of his gaze, yet when she looked in his direction Edward quickly looked away. During the day, Bella rarely saw him, and she knew he was avoiding whatever was going on between them. Because something was definitely going on.

Bella was in a state of confusion, however. She should be scared. If she were intelligent, which she believed she was, she'd be looking for an escape. Yes—there was a spot of danger and risk when dealing with Edward Cullen. Let's face it, he was the monster of the Midwest. Instead of the danger driving her in the opposite direction, Bella sought him out.

She might be an assertive and determined individual, but she was by nature, a caregiver. This insistent need to soothe the anger and sadness from his eyes plagued her. Then, of course, that hunger was her undoing.

Pushing out of the tub, Bella wrapped a towel around herself as she headed into her bedroom, she went to the window overlooking the back end of the mansion. "Holy shit."

Bella couldn't believe her eyes. A ghost of a smile played over her lips as she watched in awe as Edward rode his horse, proudly holding Lily against him. The sight rocked her deep in her soul and a flash of warmth shot through her. Her heart tripped as Lily smiled up at Edward and he didn't seem quite as … scared.

A knock sounded on her door, and regrettably she turned away from the sight, holding the towel in place. "Yeah?"

"It's Alice, can I come in?"

She and Alice spent their days together, and even though Bella couldn't leave the house, she was rarely bored. Crossing the room, she opened the door and admitted Edward's sister. "Go look out the window. I think your glacial brother is melting."

"Oh, my God!" Alice grinned from ear to ear. "A sight I never thought to see. He has changed so much … it's remarkable."

Bella bit her bottom lip as she sorted through the clothing in her drawer. Grabbing underclothes and a pair of jeans, she attempted to keep Alice from seeing her secret.

Mission failed.

Alice honed in on the secretive look on Bella's face. "What have I missed? Did something happen between you and my brother?"

"I-I really don't know how to answer that." Bella gulped,trying to find an adequate reply. Bella thought over all the years she spent on her own, no family that gave a shit, and zero friends. The bond she was formulating with Edward's family was so enriching in the best possible ways. "He's so damn irritating but then … as fierce as he is … he just has a way about him."

Concern filled Alice as she watched the happiness blossom on Bella's face. What could've transpired to put that look in the girl's eyes? While she wanted to be happy for Bella and her brother, she didn't want Bella latching on to something so uncertain. Edward had a way of pushing people away, yet Alice couldn't dispute the difference in his personality since Bella had become an intricate part of their lives.

Sighing, Alice's lips pulled back in a knowing smirk as her brows lifted. "What happened?"

Ever mindful of Alice's presence, Bella slipped the panties on beneath the towel and slipped into the bathroom to finish dressing. Perhaps if she said it without Alice drilling a hole in her skull, she wouldn't feel this anxiety whirling in her gut. "I heard noises the other night, and when I followed them I stumbled into Edward … well, he was—was … he was .."

"He was what?" Alice inquired with impatience.

"He was jacking off …" Bella stated, with a flash of heat in her cheeks.

"Tell me he didn't touch you against your will. As much of an animal as my brother is … I would never believe him to force himself onto a woman."

Taken aback by her assumption, Bella hurriedly corrected the misunderstanding. "No … no … Edward didn't touch me. We … he … well."

Alice had never been one for personal boundaries, and as Bella stumbled over her explanation, she pushed into the bathroom. "Did you let him touch you? Or did you want him to?"

"Damn, Alice, this is so weird." How could she tell her friend they'd masturbated together? As comfortable as she was with Alice, some things were just private."Let's just say everything that happened was consensual."

"So, something did happen." Alice couldn't have been more surprised if someone smacked her in the face. Her nose wrinkled at the thought of her brother in an act of passion. "Was it any good?"

Bella blushed at the memory of that incredible release. "Yes, it was good. But now … I don't know how I am supposed to feel. Like I want to pursue him, but he's been rather avoidant."

"Bella, you have taken him by storm. He isn't used to anyone acting out against him. Irene, she was a sweet woman, but she was outmatched with Edward. He made the decisions and Irene smiled and nodded. Essentially, you've taken my brother by the balls."

They both laughed at that. Alice's hand fell on Bella's forearm in a comforting stroke. "If he pushes you away, push back. Don't let him hide."

"But he is still in love with his wife, Alice. How do I compete with a ghost?"

Alice licked her lips as she studied Bella. Shaking her head, she said, "Edward was never in love with Irene. Sure he grew to love her, but he was in comfort with her. There is a vast difference between the two."

"Okay. I get that, but there isn't anything I can do with the way Edward thinks he feels."

"Oh, yes, there is. Make Edward put her away. Before anything more happens between you."

"Just, what, tell him to get over her? I don't think it's that simple."

"Of course it's not that simple, but Bella you deserve a man that is dedicated to you not hung up in the past. He has listened to you thus far, about almost everything. Look at him down there with Lily sitting in front of him on that horse. He has never done that before."

Bella considered Alice's advice for the rest of the day. When supper time rolled around, Bella headed to the kitchen and collected two plates as she'd done for the last several days. With her stomach pitching forward, she hesitated at the door to Edward's study. Taking a deep breath she slowly blew it out as she pushed into the room.

Edward sensed her before she entered the room. A glance at the clock confirmed dinner time, and grabbing the papers spread across his desk, he stacked them in a pile and pushed them aside. His gaze lifted as the door cracked open and Isabella appeared in the opening.

The same intensity popped between them as their eyes connected. Her presence filled the space even before she ever stepped into the room. Edward's skin taut with awareness, and the air around them came alive. Edward stared at her as she set the plate on his desk, and took her own to the chair.

Silence stretched between them as they turned their attention toward the meal. Edward was just about to bite into a drumstick when Isabella chose to speak, and he went still as the sound of her voice slipped into his soul.

"Did anything interesting happen today?" Bella asked as she pushed green beans around her plate. There was a feeling of friction in the air, and she was eager to leap past this tension.

"Is that what we're going to do? Make small talk?" Edward took a healthy bite and chewed. Swallowing the food, he took a large drink of water before saying, "You aren't one for small talk."

Bella's chin tipped at an angle as she regarded him. "What do you want to talk about?"

That was a dangerous question, Edward acknowledged as he slowly chewed. There were a million things he wanted to talk about and his day wasn't one of them. There was one question in particular that had been plaguing him since the night in his room. As he contemplated asking however, he felt a twinge of anger burn to life. "Who took your virginity?"

Bella nearly spitthe water she was sipping across the room. Of all the things he could have asked that wasn't something she had anticipated. Fighting for composure, she stubbornly met his intense stare. "Why would I answer that?"

"Why wouldn't you?"

"I don't know, maybe because you look murderous right now," Bella shrugged, undeterred by his expression. She was not scared of Edward Cullen. Perhaps if she were someone else, she would be, but so far he'd never done anything to instill fear in her. Boldly, she met his gaze.

"Who took your virginity?"

"That's irrelevant …" The woman had a way of turning any conversation on its ear. Shaking his head, he ran his hand through his hair.

"Why is it irreverent for you and not for me?" Bella's fork clanked on the plate.

"Because mine isn't what's for sale," Edward stated, his nostrils flaring with disgust at the idea. As disgusting as it was, it was exactly what was on the table. Charlie was selling her virtue to the mayor. While the fact pissed him off, that wasn't the only reason he wanted to know. He had this desire to locate the man responsible for stealing her purity and put a bullet in his skull.

Bella blanched at the truth in his statement. "My private life is not your business."

"You are right. It's not my business." Edward sat back in his chair as he considered her long and hard. Folding his hands over his abdomen, he cleared his throat as he pushed all personal feelings aside. "Don't you realize you have all the power that you need to end this game your father is playing? If the mayor knew …"

"Then my father would no doubt kill me," Bella ripped her gaze from Edward's. No longer hungry, Bella set the plate on the table. Staring at the adjacent wall, she whispered, "I don't want to talk about it. Plus, if they knew, you wouldn't get the money they owe you."

Edward's gaze narrowed as the truth smacked him. "The money isn't important …"

"Since when?" Bella's gaze clashed with his. "Just a couple of days ago you were singing a different tune."

"Now that's what's irrelevant …"

"Oh no," Bella interrupted, very interested to know when this had changed. "Since when is the money unimportant?"

Since she had barged into his life and turned everything that was a mess into … into something he hadn't thought it could be. He silently thought over his relationship with Lily and admitted to himself that's when it had changed for him.

Did he want to lay Isabella Swan across his bed and ravish every sweet inch? Fuck, yes. Yet his connection to the blonde sitting too far away went far beyond this physical yearning. Not easy to contemplate that any further at the moment, he did what he always did when he was uncomfortable with the topic, he changed it.

"If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?" Edward asked, suddenly curious to see what she would say.

Bella didn't even hesitate. "My freedom. I don't like my life dictated to me by a bunch of men who could give shit less about me. I wanted to obtain my degree and move far away from the secrets in Kennett. Obviously, that's never going to happen."

When Edward didn't immediately respond, Bella decided to end a little of her own curiosity. Gesturing to the photo on his desk, she whispered, "Do you still love her?"

For the first time since entering his study this afternoon, Edward looked at the picture of Irene. Normally, he would become irate at the mention of Irene. "She is the mother of my daughter. I cared a great deal for her."

"You didn't answer my question," Bella murmured quietly. "Do you still love her?"

Edward's gaze darted away and fell to his desk. In a warning tone, he said, "Isabella …"

"How does it feel to have someone digging into your personal life?" Bella's brow lifted as she regarded him, daring him to deny her.

"Woman, you've been digging into my personal life since you showed up."

"Very true," Bella stated with amusement. There was this pleasure she took in flustering the big, bad Edward Cullen.

"Do you find it funny to dig into shit that doesn't involve you?"

"I just like pissing you off," Bella admitted, which was only half true. Getting under Edward's skin was a pleasure, but watching him change was remarkable. "I think you secretly enjoy it too."

Edward's chest vibrated with a hint of laughter. Isabella might be the most determined creature on the plant , but she had a way of getting to the root of an issue. "Perhaps." As he admitted the truth, a wave of heat assailed him. "It's not the only thing I enjoy however."

"What else do you enjoy?" Bella shifted in her seat, comprehending exactly where this conversation was headed. The air stuttered in her lungs as the memory of Edward stroking his cock filled her thoughts. Unable to help herself, her wandering eye trekked down his lean form, cursing the desk blocking her view.

Edward's cock leapt, and the animal in him awoke. Unabashed, he listed the things he enjoyed. "I enjoyed seeing your tits. I enjoyed instructing you to your pleasure. Did you enjoy it, Isabella?"

Bella exhaled, her breath stolen by this rush of heat. "I think you know the answer to that."

"Say I don't. Answer me. Did you enjoy it?" Edward climbed to his feet and rounded his desk. Shrugging out of the suit jacket he wore, he tossed it to the chair. With purpose in his gaze he crossed the room until he stood before her. Bending over her, his arms caged her in and his nose dropped to hers. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes." Bella fought to maintain a fraction of control in this situation. Edward's breath coasted over lips and she battled the desire to lift her chin. If she licked her lips, she would taste Edward Cullen, and the blood rushed in her ears as the knowledge hit her. "I did."

The clothes he wore were far too constricting and Edward wanted to rip them from his skin. Staring at her lips, a rumble erupted from his throat as he growled.

He might be a huge jackass, but he would never take advantage of a woman. Instead of forcing his intentions on her, he said, "I want to stick my tongue so far in your mouth right now. Can I kiss you, Isabella?"

As bad as Bella wanted to taste him, and as much as her body begged her to cave, she whimpered as her mouth went dry. Every nerve was screaming for satisfaction, yet Bella swallowed tightly as she surprised them both. "No."

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