-The Twilight Mafia-
Chapter Ten
*Bella Swan*
A light from behind me woke me from a deep slumber. I opened my eyes and blinked to rid myself of the blurry vision I had, before sitting up. A new morning on another new day. I stretched my arms and let out a quiet yawn. I looked over at the alarm clock beside me, that I never seemed to have noticed before, and saw that it was around five-thirty in the morning. I wanted to wake up around this time, and looked over to see that Edward was still asleep on his side, the pillow still between us.
I rose from the bed, going over to the closet to change into a sports bra I had bought a couple days back, some yoga pants, socks and my new athletic sneakers. Once changed, I quietly left the room and walked downstairs.
Yesterday, after a disastrous day at his office, Edward and the boys took my sisters and I home, and said we could go off in the home and explore - except we had to have their permission to explore some areas. I had remembered on the shopping day that he mentioned to me that he had his own home gym somewhere here, and asked him to show it to me. He agreed and showed it to me, where it was in the basement - along with an indoor pool and a bar being down there as well.
He said that we could use it any time we want to - just as long as we clean and sanitize the equipment when we're done.
I made it down to the basement within a couple of minutes, feeling giddy at the sight of all of the expensive, state-of-the-art equipment before me. I remember back home that I had to go to a gym to stay in shape, with a not-so-cheap membership allowing me inside and that most of the equipment was filthy from the last person. There were little windows of the basement to the west side of the room, letting in some light from the outside. I had turned on the lights to the lowest, dim setting and went to the little closet here, seeing that there were towels rolled up into a little pyramid.
I took one and went off to the treadmill, stepping onto it and setting it to do a thirty-minute period; in no time at all, I began jogging on it. What would make this a lot better than anything is if I had my Ipod with me to listen to music. Unfortunately, that was one of many items left back home. So, I jogged in silence.
About ten minutes into my workout, I heard the door from the basement close - someone was coming down. I was breathing loudly by the time a certain bronze haired sex god asshole walked in. He paused to look at me, his emerald eyes appraising me. I too glanced at him, seeing how deliciously sexy he looked with just some dark sweat pants and old sneakers on, no shirt covering his sculpted chest. Was he trying to make me combust from the sexual frustration he was giving me?
Pushing those thoughts from my head, I focused back on my workout. He went to the closet, got a towel or two, and went over to the bench press. He began lifting weights, with only the sounds of our breathing, and the machines filling the tense silence.
Ever since we returned from yesterday at the office, I've had a lot of time to think. For one, something wouldn't get out of my head. It was the fact that Edward committed murder right in front of me. It's no surprise that wouldn't leave my mind. I couldn't believe it that he killed someone, called for someone to get rid of the body, and so calmly took me down to the first floor. Not a single trace of regret marred his face, nor did it seem like it was bothering him the rest of the day.
He told me who that guy came from, and inside, I was glad he killed that dude - better him than Edward I guess. If he hadn't killed that guy, I would probably be in the hands of Mr. Black from the Pack. Whoever the hell he was, I'm honestly saying that I'm glad to still be here with a guy who is still an ass, but isn't actually going to hurt me or do anything worse that what apparently Mr. Black does.
Edward had hinted at something when he told me how he was able to kill that guy so quickly, and it's gnawing at me. Could he be in some black ops group? A gang? Whatever it was, none of it seemed like it would fit Edward. So, I was still left with questions unanswered. But one day I'll be getting the answers. I would love to be sneaky still and see if I could figure it out on my own, but I think I'm done pushing his buttons.
As much as he irks me and makes me want to annoy the hell out of him, I don't want to get another lashing and suffer through one of his fucking punishments again; if that were to happen, I don't think I'll be staying around here any much longer. So, I might as well and try not to get into trouble anymore - for now.
Another thing that's been on my mind - was the kiss.
I'm not going to lie and say Edward doesn't get me hot and bothered. I'm not going to say he doesn't make me swoon and make my girly bits tingle. I'm not going to say he isn't a fucking hot man with a rocking body and sexy appearance. Because, if I did say any of that, I might as well be Pinocchio's sister.
That's probably why he has his bimbo twin secretaries pining over him. But then again, most of the women down there was panting for him when I visited. I could just tell that once we walked downstairs to the workers area, I had vaguely seen some women peek over their desks, as if expecting the sex god himself to be down there - only to sink down in disappointment. And on the shopping day, women were wishing to snag him and go off in a dark corner to show him some appreciation for venturing into their venues. Even that random Chelsea girl, whoever she may be, knew him and definitely wanted him.
Honestly, after that fucking kiss...
He seriously screwed me over now.
The kiss was fucking amazing. I couldn't believe that one minute, we were at each other's throats since I finally got to scream at him how I really felt about this situation, and after the annoyances I dealt with that day. I was happy that I got in a punch and spat at him, before he restrained me. Felt mighty lifted after it. But with him pressed up against me to keep me from fighting him, feeling those strong legs, and his hard body, while seeing how rumpled and messy he looked from our tumbling - most of my anger was dissolving into hot and heavy lust.
Then, in the next minute, we met each other, our lips locked in a frenzy. He tasted sweet and raw, with that tongue of his tangling with mine to fight for dominance. I couldn't not let my hands get into that sexy bronze hair, so I had reached out and grabbed it after knocking off his hat, raking my fingers through it and scratching it lightly. I loved the silky feel and knew I had to have more. I had felt him getting rid of my blouse and those strong, callused hands grazed my open flesh and the sides of my breast, making me crazier than before. I had gotten rid of his jacket and shirt, finally letting my fingers touch his alabaster sculpted torso. And man did that really put me in a tizzy. He had moaned when my hands made contact and pushed himself into me, with his raging dick poking me to show me how much he wanted me.
But then, it was like there had been a snap from reality sent our way and we pulled apart. Our breathing heavy with pants, and we leaned against each other heavily, asking out loud together what were we doing? It was a shock that we had succumbed to the passion and the lust, along with the anger between us only spurring it on. And when the elevator moved again, we laid against one another... almost in a content, intimate way.
My mind has been reeling from that moment, but I didn't want to bring it up - and neither did he. We had only talked about the tour of the home, and put on blank faces in front of the four others, who were no doubt curious when I had given him a smile yesterday. And it was a sheepish one.
I was too high from the kiss yesterday, but now I'm more than disgusted at myself for allowing the kiss to happen. Here I am, kidnapped by this man, with my sisters and two other dudes, held against our will. We're in some big dangerous situation since something in his life is so fucking big, secretive and lethal, that he and his friends had to take us - their "obsessions" - from our home and to live with them.
But then again, there were those other feelings…
What was troubling me is that what if this obsession phase of theirs lasts only to a certain point? What are they going to do with us?
A loud beeping noise cut my train of thoughts there, and I shook my head, looking down to see that my thirty-minute period of jogging had ended right there. I glanced over and saw that Edward has since moved from the bench press and was over by the leg press, his lean legs pushing large weight while his arms were curled under his head, with heavy breathing over at his end of the room. I walked off of the machine and went over to the mats to do my manual exercises.
That's how the early part of my morning went on - in silence with only breathing mingled in the air of sweat and heaviness. When I was finally done with my exercises and with my morning workout, I looked over at the mirrors and saw Edward on the treadmill now, ear buds in those large pale ears of his and his eyes focused on the buttons on the machine. I knew there was a bathroom down here with a shower, but I didn't bring any clothes down here to change from my workout clothes. It would be pointless to run up, get them and run back down here for a shower when one is nearby upstairs.
I left the basement, heading upstairs to the bedroom to take a shower. I did so, washing away the sweat, and cleaning up my sticky body, making sure I washed my tattoos carefully. I stepped out, pulling my hair back into a ponytail and dressing in the loose tank top that showed off the top of my back, along with some large grey sweat pants to hang on my narrow hips.
After returning downstairs to the kitchen, I saw Edward there. He looked freshly dressed with his bronze hair a dark brown - no doubt wet from a shower -, sipping some coffee while he talked quietly to Carmen. Once I entered, both looked over at me - in his case, only for a second before back down at his coffee.
"Oh, Bella! Good morning!" she chirped, scuttling over to me to give me a tight hug. I laughed a little and returned the hug warmly. The little time I've known Carmen, I knew we'd become close in no time.
"Good morning, Carmen." I merrily replied. With an awkward cough of the throat, I muttered, "And good morning, Edward."
"Morning, Bella." he replied back just as quietly, tipping his cup to me.
Carmen made a tusking noise in the back of her throat and went to the stove, where eggs and bacon were in a frying pan, cooking. "Why so terse and stiff you two?" she grumbled and I blushed, while Edward coughed.
"Errr, we aren't, Carmen."
"Please. I know that there's something wrong between you two; you're acting just like my husband and I when one of us has broken something and doesn't want to admit it to the other." she teased, and I shook my head.
"Carmen, really, everything is fine." I reassured her. Edward nodded his head in agreement and she threw her hands up, sighing.
"Fine. But, please - smile or something. I don't like stern faces in my kitchen." she scolded, hurrying off to the pantry. I got myself some coffee, adding some sugar, creamer and a splash of milk to it.
"Ick." I heard a disgruntled mutter of disgust. I looked over at him with an eyebrow raised.
"Excuse me? You have something to say?" I asked him. A quiet hum breezed onto his pursed lips.
"Who me?"
"Yes you. Got a problem with something?"
"I don't know how you can put all of that sugary crap in your coffee. It's disgusting if you ask me." he commented.
"And why is that? What, you drink yours plain?" I asked him. Now a snicker graced our bubble.
"It's bad for you to add all of that, and yes, I drink mine black." he informed me. I glared.
"Are you insinuating that I'll get fat from this stuff?"
"What? No!"
"Whatever. I'm out of here - I'm not taking anymore insults from you." I hissed and with my coffee in hand, I left the room.
"Bella, wait!" he hissed, his thunderous footfalls echoing behind my retreating figure. I whipped around, glaring.
"Why?"
"Look, I really wasn't implying that at all. I didn't mean for that to come off as an insult." he pleaded with me, and I took a sip of my coffee calmly.
"Really?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow.
"Really, I'm just not much of a sugary guy, and I'm being an ass."
I huffed and he now glared at me. "I'm apologizing, and instead I get a huff?"
I shook my head and turned away, heading off to the living room. I heard him following after me, where I scowled at my drink. Why is he shadowing me? Is he going to punish me now or something? I sat down on the couch while he took his armchair, and we sat there in silence.
"Why is it that you're angry at me this morning?" he grumbled and I sighed heavily.
"We've both been acting angry with one another this morning." I pointed out to him. His newest expression showed he was shocked at my observation.
"Face it, we've been angry with one another since we came home yesterday." I muttered as an added note, and sipped my drink. He looked down at his lap for a few minutes, as if trying to take in the fact of what I just said to him.
"That's true. Is it about...?" he asked quietly, and I blushed.
"Yes." I grumbled, hiding my cheeks angrily while I continued to drink my coffee. He raked a hand through that wild hair of his, looking off in a different direction, sipping his coffee as well.
"Look, just thinking about it or ignoring what happened is not really going to help anything. And I'm sure you don't want your sisters knowing." He muttered. I should keep count on how many times I have rolled my eyes at him while I've been held captive here.
"Obviously. But I thought that at this point, you would've been boasting to your friends about getting a kiss from the girl you think you're in love with." I hissed, glaring out the window.
Suddenly, I heard him stand, and then he was sitting next to me. Closely that is. I minutely gasped and glanced over at him.
"One, I don't think I'm in love with you; I know it."
"How the hell can you possibly know that? You don't even know me!" I hissed, whipping around to glare at him, balking shortly when I finally saw how close he was next to me. His face, only mere inches from mine, with him gazing hard at me with those emerald eyes. His eyes squinted.
"We have all the time in the world, for me to get to know who you are, Isabella."
Damn it! Why is it that everything about him is sexy?! I thought to myself briefly, as that deep, hushed voice of his had sent shivers down my spine – and it felt good to hear it. But, I tried to hide it, and glared at him. He smirked at my obvious flustering.
"And second, I won't be boasting about having the most beautiful girl being all mine and all of the things I do to her, until she has reached that point where she has fallen in love with me."
"As if I could ever love a man who kidnapped me from my life." I growled, barely fighting the urge to punch him in that handsome face of his. STOP IT! I snarled at my hormonal self, and watched his expression falter only in the slightest.
"You don't know if you will fall in love with me or not. All you need is time, and to get to know me."
"Problem – how can I if you won't tell me who the hell you really are?" I muttered and he shrugged.
"You'll know who I really am, once you've fallen in love with me."
"You cocky son of a-"
"No." he chided, pinching my lips with his forefinger and thumb.
"I can still punish you for cursing, or disrespecting me. You're lucky that I'm not up to spanking that cute ass of yours." He whispered, and I growled around those fingers, just wishing I could slap the fuck out of him. He was really getting under my skin with this calm, cocky demeanor of his… He let go of my lips and I stood up.
"I will never fall in love with you; nothing about you could ever possibly make me change my mind! You're nothing more than some sick twisted jerk that kidnapped me from my life, and you don't know how much I wish I could slap that smirk of yours off of your face. Now, this conversation is over – the kiss never happened, I hate you. Goodbye." I snarled, slamming my coffee down before stomping out of the room, fuming.
I didn't know where I was going, but I soon found myself outside, in what looked like the backyard. It was warm out this morning, with the sun beating down on me. I hurried over to what looked like a secluded canopy area with light wicker and bright lattice. Once there, I saw there was a lounge chair with fluffy white cushions in a light wicker structure. I raked a hand through my hair angrily, letting out a yell of frustration before plopping down on it.
I sat there, hanging my head while I thought of every single word that described that red-headed asshole. It wasn't until I felt someone sit next to me that I looked up.
"Someone doesn't seem too well this morning." Jasper noted out loud, leaning forward on his arms. I sniffed and looked away, muttering,
"Go away. I don't want to talk to or see anyone; especially not Edward, Emmett or you." I felt him shift, and he sighed.
"As much as I would like to respect one's wanting of being alone – I'm not going to let that happen." he told me.
"Fine. If you won't leave me alone, then I won't acknowledge you." I mumbled, standing to lean against one of the posts of the canopy. I heard him sigh from the lounge.
"That's fine."
Silence.
"But, if anything, just listen." He murmured. I shifted, looking over the calm water of the pool. "You might think that Ed, Emmett and I are nothing but creeps. That we're assholes for kidnapping you and your sisters from your life, and that all you want to do right now is wait for us to sleep so you can strangle us in our sleep for you three to escape." He started.
I shifted again. He isn't that far off…
"And really, you have every right to think so and want to do so." He told me truthfully. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing how he was looking out.
"Our way of wanting to get to know you ladies is unethical, and honestly, if we weren't in the life that we were in, we would've gotten to know you ladies in the right way." He told me, and I sighed.
"Maybe then, if it was that way, my sisters and I wouldn't be so hostile towards you guys." I murmured honestly, and he looked up at me.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I can see how bad my sisters have it for you and Emmett." I told him truthfully; Jasper smiled. That must've boosted his ego.
"Alice likes me?"
"I remember that one day when I was nearly attacked – I overheard her say that she was starting to take a shine to you. Said you were real nice to her."
He straightened himself up more, head held high.
"Isabella, if I may formally call you so," he paused his eyes asking me silently. I nodded, and it was starting to become increasingly hard not to outright burst into chuckles at how serious he looked.
"I do admire the spitfire that is Alice. She is a ball of energy, full of life and vibrancy. And she is damn straight adorable. Overall I admire her beauty and grace. I treat the women I know in my family with the best respect as I possibly can. While the past few days, or weeks ladies have been with us may say otherwise, I try to keep her safe and happy however possible way I can."
I had to finally let out my giggles the more he continued on and on about my sister. It was full of Southern old charm. As if a young man was asking his beloved's father for their permission to court the beauty before them. He deflated himself a little, looking confused at my laughing.
"Sorry. The problem is I couldn't take you seriously much long after you started your confessions."
"Ah. Well then." came his short reply and I snorted again.
"It may come across as horribly old fashioned, but it was how I was raised. And honestly it is how I feel about Alice. And in all seriousness, while it may seem that the boys and I act differently, come across as creepy kidnappers with our needs demanding obedience from you women - I can wholeheartedly say I'd never truly harm your sister Isabella." I nodded to his final confession, sighing.
"And suffice to say, I know Emmett would never harm Rosalie. Same goes for Edward."
This I had to scoff at once more.
"Honestly. He was raised maybe a tad bit differently than I was. But overall it was the same. His environment changed when he was growing up, multiple times even. It was hard for him to adjust during those times. He still is pent up about some of it and it's hard for hi -"
"Hard for him to really accept, hard for him to really show he cares about me blah blah blah." I cut him off rolling my eyes. Jasper frowned at me.
"You don't believe me I see."
"From the time I've been here, it speaks the opposite of who Edward may be to you Jasper." I grumbled, glaring at the distance.
"All I ask, is for patience. I'm in no shape or stance to tell you what to do Isabella. But, I care about Edward. A lot." I glanced over at him, seeing him holding his head in his hands.
"The three of us have been through much for a long time. We have helped each other out in our darkest times, when we needed love and care the most. And we look out for each other as well as if we are from the same brood. I appreciate the shit out of what Edward has done for me - he's given me a job, a place to stay, an income, and has given me security. When Edward cares for someone - it's obvious that he'll go to the ends of the earth for that person. To hell and back even. Edward will not stop at anything until he knows the people he loves are happy, safe and sound."
He paused again, heaving a deep breath.
"All it takes is patience, and time, to crack that initial hard shell of his. He's been hurt in the past by people he thought he could trust his life with. And has had people he loved more than anything, ripped away from him - and there was nothing he could do about it. It has killed him. And I'll be damned if I ever see him hurt again like..." he trailed off, stopping himself as he caught a balking breath in his throat.
"Like...?" I pressed.
He shook his head and I groaned. "I know, leaving you on the edge of your seat." Jasper chuckled when I huffed. "It's not my story to tell. You'll found out who he was, and is, when the time is right. When both of you are ready for it Isabella."
I growled, pressing myself against the beam heavily upon hearing this.
"Said patience is immediately erased he proves to be an ass. Excuse me for trying to be rational human. The fact he constantly wants to punish me for so much as breaking this insignificant 'rule' of his is beyond infuriating. I'm human, I have a brain and a personality. I know my rights, so why the fuck am I being oppressed for it?" I hissed, clenching my fists harshly at this observation.
Jasper continued to prove he was nothing but full of sighs.
"It's not like we enjoy pressing these rules and punishments onto you ladies. Beyond the fact we were raised to become this way... it's also the fact we want two things maintained: order, and control."
"Essentially it boils down to you guys being oppressive control freaks." I grumbled at him, finally turning around to face him. Furrowed brows and pursed lips was my response.
"I can tell you this much - I personally hate the idea of us basically being the masters to you ladies."
"As if. I can probably bet you three get your rocks off just punishing us." I growled, crashing into the chair after I sauntered back over to the lounge area.
"Honestly, I don't. I can't speak for Ed or Emmett though."
"I know Mister Copper does." I muttered, crossing my arms.
"Mister Copper?"
"Edward." I sneered to his confused question and he too snickered. As if he was amused by my horrible nickname for my oppressor.
"Seriously, it's like some fluffy BDSM shit here with the fact he wants to enforce so much bull onto me. And literally... every chance he gets it seems he just wants to spank me. Creepy if you ask me." I added.
He chuckled lightly at my comment.
"Well that's something you're going to want to talk to Ed about. I don't know what his fetishes may be and frankly I have no intentions of finding out." I laughed at his answer, knowing he had a point there at least.
We then slipped into a moment of silence again, listening to the water in the pool wade about. I looked up at the sky, still appreciating the fact that it was sunny today. But finally, I heaved in a deep breath when I realized what had just happened. I managed to actually have a decent conversation with one of these guys. After so much anger and annoyance at our situation, after so many arguments, yelling and fighting for our rights, one of them actually proved to me that he was decent. That he was an actual human being with an understanding of morals.
I glanced over at Jasper, seeing how he was still looking around. Between the pool, the sky, the trees off in the distance, he was avoiding direct eye contact with me. I could tell that he actually wanted to treat my sisters and I with respect. He tried to show common courtesy. He tried to have a conversation with me and treat me like I was a human being, not some captive slave here merely to wait for the right time to be married off to his friend. I could tell that from the very few words he spoke, he cares. He cares about Edward and will do anything to defend his friend. His childhood friend at that. It was actually endearing in a way to feel the bond these three men had for each other. It goes farther back than I realize. Deep rooted and all. They were like brothers who came from different bloodlines, but that didn't stop them from growing familial ties with one another.
I could also tell he really fucking cared about my little sister. She didn't sound like she was hurt by him, angry with him, or even being abused by him. She trusts him. Granted, it could be that she puts too much trust in people she hasn't known for long.
But, I know my little sister better than anyone else. And I knew, she wouldn't lie about her feelings.
It actually felt a little nice having a guy silently ask me for permission to basically court their sister.
I cleared my throat finally and his blue eyes snapped back to me.
"Alright, you have my permission." I told him with clarity. Apparently he forgot his entire spiel about his love for Alice, because it took a rather hard knowing look for him to make a noise of remembrance.
"Thanks, Bella." he murmured with appreciation and I nodded my head, a small smile gracing my lips.
"And as for you?" he asked; I knew he was implying the whole explanation regarding Edward.
I grunted and he rolled his eyes.
"Look you have to fucking swear this will not ever - and I repeat, never ever - leave this space. It must never be brought to Edward's knowledge unless I'm the one doing it. You promise to uphold this shit?" I hissed to him; leaning back with an eyebrow raised, he nodded with hesitation.
I ran a hand over my face, muttering curses to myself.
"I can honestly say... Edward's not the worst guy I've ever been around. I'm fucking feisty as shit but it's because I'm stubborn, bitchy, and like things to be run my way. I like my order and control too. But hell, I'm a fucking independent woman who hates being told what to do. It annoys the ever loving hell out of me. Plus after having to live with Rose and Ali for years, you kind of have to take charge for yourself. I had to stick up for myself a lot against those two when I want something done my way. They're little shits when they want to be, but we're family and I'll always love them. So, when I have to deal with Edward ordering me to do this and that, and actually punishing me... you do not know how quickly upset I get from that crap. It's the worst thing in the world." I paused once more to heave another breath.
"But...?"
"But... god I can't believe I'm saying this out loud - and I will personally strangle you if you ever tell him this," I pointed a harsh finger at him and he raised his hands defensively, silently swearing he will keep his promise. I huffed, lowering my gaze to stare at the ground.
"But... Ed is the most sexiest, hottest, finest piece of ass to look at. I've never felt more turned on in my life by a man. Sometimes his whole dominator complex adds fuel to this. It's the fucking best and worst thing to ever go through. I... I just wish he literally was a bit less controlling. When he wants to be sweet, caring and protective, that is more brownie points towards eventual romance. I... that's another thing: I don't ever really stay committed to relationships for long."
Jasper narrowed his eyes, as if questioning whether or not that meant I remain faithful. I waved a hand, shaking my head.
"I remain faithful to my partners don't pin me for that. I... I just doubt the love. I doubt myself, thinking my shitty parts about myself so much that it ruins the relationships. I've also had horrible luck with men - between getting nothing but weak ass men, douches who love themselves more than actually trying to focus on building anything with me, or even a seemingly all-too-perfect guy who literally fucked me over right at the end -, I've just given up on hope of actually finding anything worth sticking around for. I have a knack for getting an understanding of someone for who they really are. It helps save me heartache. And I don't try to put much effort into said relationship since my gut normally tells me off the bat whether they are worth my time.
"With Edward... fuck man. It's all the more irritating not being able to know who he really is. He's so bipolar..." I trailed off, resting a hand against my forehead.
"And with the fact you can't get a full reading on who he is, you can't even begin to feel an ounce of trust towards him." I nodded at his observant statement. He made a noise of realization, seemingly beginning to understand why the two of us are always at odds with one another.
"Jasper?! Are you out here?"
We looked over at the house, seeing a tiny bouncing ball of spiky-haired energy was looking around the backyard.
"Can't stray from her for far too long. She's like a lost puppy hating to be left alone."
We both chuckled at this, before we finally stood.
"Coming back inside now?"
"Yeah. I wouldn't mind spending some time with my sisters for the day - maybe we could swim later since it's sunny out here."
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea."
*~~~E&B~~~*
Apparently, that was the worst idea I could've ever come up with. I glowered at my reflection, noting how in the background Rose sat on the bed comfortably and Alice was dancing about, humming a tune with no true melody.
"You know your face will be stuck in that position if you continue drilling holes into our sister."
"Can it, Rose." I snarled, crossing my arms tightly over my mostly exposed chest.
After Jasper and I retreated back to the back door of the grand mansion, Alice looked between the two of us with a pout. She was wondering why we were both out here together, silently questioning if something was wrong. But we reassured her nothing was wrong, and that I had mentioned as an errant thought that there was a mild desire to test out the swimming pool.
That suggestion set her off and a dazzling white grin appeared.
"Splendid idea!" With that squeal, she dragged me into the house. We snatched Rosalie away, and she was off in a whirlwind of excitement.
In the next minute, we were already dressed for a dip in the pool - and it was none too pleasing for my comfort levels.
You see when it comes to Alice and Rosalie, they have no shame or insecurities to speak of. Hence why Rosalie was looking beautiful as ever in a one-piece suit with specifically placed angular cutouts to show off her flawless skin and curves. In her signature red nonetheless, she looked like an updated version of a Baywatch lifeguard. As for Alice, she looked adorable in a moderately cute one piece, halter ties with frills placed in the right spots. She looked more and more like a pixie with this ensemble.
But you know what Alice decided to stick me in?
A two piece.
Not just any normal two piece as well. A two piece where it held little to no reliability of keeping my privates covered. Now suffice to say, it wasn't just floss for my body; it wasn't a g-string thank the lord.
But basically, I could tell I had major side boob going on, and my ass was barely even hidden from these bottoms.
Needless to say, I was seething with irritation.
"You can bitch and gripe all you want, but for literal fucks sake Bells - you look fucking hot." Rosalie added in. My darkening cheeks only brought on giggles.
"Fuck you two, why do I have to be stuck in a two piece?!"
"Because for one, you can shut up about your non-existent problem areas - you don't have any to speak of. And two - you need more tan going on for your pasty ass." I growled once more at the spiky-haired demon's comment, boring more holes into the back of her head when she skipped to the door.
"And finally, I want to have some fun with you two. It'd be nice for a change to actually enjoy the swimming pool they have here."
Rosalie took my arm and dragged me out from the room I shared with Edward. (Upon us coming up here to change into some swimsuits, the two of them thought it would've been safe to change in this room rather than their shared rooms. Luckily Edward wasn't holed up in here when we entered.)
We were soon back by the pool and they took no time at all diving right in. They emerged back up on the surface, squeals and screams of delight escaping them. "Come on you prude, get in here!" Rosalie yelled to my hunched figure, cowering before the diving board.
"Fuck no, I refuse to swim in these pieces of fabric you call a swimsuit!"
"Don't be a baby Bella! Come and let loose for once!"
"Well maybe I changed my mind!"
"God, you're such an ass!" I pouted at that claim, and huffed.
"Please Bells?!"
"Ugggh... alright, alright!"
I walked slowly to the diving board, stepping onto it while I ignored their noise of victory. I took several deep breaths, preparing myself for a dive off this shaky thing. Just before I could actually lunge for it, two deep and low wolf whistles had me whipping my head around to look back at the doors. There, our three captors stood dawning swim trunks in dark hues - sans shirts however. Each of their sculpted chests made their appearance. I couldn't help but notice how my heart stopped short for a measly second when my eyes immediately fixed themselves on Edward's torso once more. I hated how beautiful it was; those even pecs, the washboard abs. And goddamn... that tell-tale "V" of his lower abdomen that peaked from how low his trunks were sitting.
Fuck me sideways.
"Are you done eye-fucking me, babydoll?" I shook myself to rid those hormonal fantasies going through my head, to glare at his cocky smirk. Jackass.
"I was about to actually dive in until your noisy cat-calling stopped me." I spat at the three of him, rolling my eyes in annoyance while they began walking down, heading towards the pool. Greaaaattt. Just what I needed. I thought to myself. A wet, nearly naked sex-god is going to be added into the equation of me basically being naked with him.
Fuck me sideways. Twice.
"I'm getting grays here Bella." Alice complained, bringing me back to the fact I have still yet to join them in the water. I muttered more curses to myself as I tried re-steeling myself for a jump. Ignoring their boring stares at my open backside, I started to jump and wobble up and down on the springboard. With arms raised, I pushed myself off, becoming airborne. It didn't take long for me to dive cleanly into the water.
The rush of the water assaulted my ears, whizzing past while my body propelled itself into the deep end of the pool.
I quickly swam back up, deciding - and knowing I failed miserably - to emerge with flipping my hair from front to back over me. I knew there'd be no way for me to even emulate that movie-star move. But whatever worth a shot.
I cleared my eyes with my fists, now hearing a sharp gasp. I opened my eyes and looked around. Alice looked like a deer caught in the headlight, staring over at me wide-eyed and mouth gaping. Rosalie had two hands over her mouth, eyes just as large.
"What?"
"Oh damn..."
"Umm..."
"Fuuuuucccck...!"
"What the hell is wrong?" I angrily cried out, turning around to stare at the men who gave their own input on whatever problem I was now facing.
Each of them held their own shocked expression. Jasper had turned his head, hand awkwardly rubbing his neck. Emmett had his arms crossed, propping one of them up on the crook of his elbow to have a fist in his mouth. Edward stood there, cheeks darkening and mouth agape. Jade eyes were transfixed on my chest.
I looked down-
"ALICE!"
I could hear her sinking herself under the water in fear, and looking back, I now saw my top floating over towards her.
"You. Better. Fucking. Run."
Rosalie's and Emmett's guffaws burst into the air soon after I dove after a now fleeing Alice, a scream of rage bursting past my lips.
Alice was lucky that Rosalie's laughter was short lived. Soon I had her long arms wrapped around my exposed chest - she was nice enough to opt for this way of restraint rather than holding my arms over my head.
"Alright alright you two. Calm the fuck down Bells." she chided me over my loud strings of curses and threats. Alice swam over to where my poor top was wading in the water, giggling to herself when she made her way over to me. The boys shook themselves from their shocked stupor after the initial surprise wore off. Emmet punched Edward in the arm since he took the longest to wake up, before he and Jasper dove into the water. I glanced over him with a glare, watching how he found his own corner, deciding to watch his friends. He avoided any and all eye contact with me, trying his best to ignore my burning glowers.
"Here you go sis." I snatched the top from Alice, and after Rose helped me tie it back on, I splashed her with water before I swam off to a corner on my own.
"Bella, I'm sorry! I didn't give you that top to have it fall off like that on purpose!"
"Leave her be, Ali. It's not a good thing to bother her when she's this angry."
"But... I really didn't know..."
"I know goober. C'mon, just let her breathe for a bit."
Their voices grew quiet when they swam further away from me, heading over to the boys. I waded gently in the water of the shallow end, noting my face was still hot with embarrassment. I lifted a hand to wipe away my angry and ashamed tears, hissing at myself.
I didn't even hear him swim over to me.
"You know it happens to all of us at least once in our lives."
"Is this your attempt at trying to make up for the fact you assaulted my body with your unrelenting eyes?"
His wince was audible, but he remained beside me in the shallow end. My skin still felt hot, and I still had tears flowing from my eyes. I heard him shift around in the water, leaning up against the pool wall.
"Are you going to make a comment about how your male hormones just couldn't help but stare at me? You could've looked away and been a gentleman, rather than-"
"I was six when I lost my trunks for the first time." Him cutting me off had me turning my head towards him.
"Pardon?"
"I was trying to show off for a local girl in my class, to prove to her I could do a backflip into the water. And the other boys in my swimming class had already tried to impress her. They all failed, so I felt like I had more of a chance to do it for her. I wasn't scared of jumping from the diving board. I've done it several times in the past with no mishaps. So I felt super confident in my chances of it working out well."
He paused to let out a puff of air that was a mix of a snicker and a laugh. His green eyes held a far-off gaze where he stared blankly at the water's soft waves.
"Turns out I hit the water harder than I thought. I resurfaced to hear the boys all laughing at me, the girls were looking away and the adults nearby held expressions of shock and amusement. My swim trunks were returned to me after the teenaged lifeguard came swimming towards me with them."
I snorted, being able to imagine Edward's embarrassing situation and he glanced over at me, a smile on those pale pink lips.
"If it happens Bella, then it happens. It's life, there's bound to be a mishap here or there. How you handle it is a different matter. Back then I was nothing but a damn tomato and refused to show my face for the next two sessions. But by the time I came back, I just gave up and laughed at myself. My own fault for not making sure the ties at my waist were tight enough anyways." Edward's statement of acceptance left me rolling my eyes however.
"Still doesn't help?"
"It would if it weren't for the fact a certain pixie-devil still fucked me over with this two piece. She knows I hate being put into something out of my comfort zone." I hissed, raising my hand to wipe at the tear tracks that remained on my cheeks.
He frowned when he realized I was still crying in frustration.
"When we first met, I got the opposite impression on your fashionable comfort zone."
"I'm bipolar too. Sometimes I really don't care if I'm practically naked to the wind, but most of the time I'd like my privates covered. It's not too much to ask is it?"
He shrugged his shoulders, signaling his nonchalant agreement.
"Oh fuck off, doesn't matter to you if I'm comfortable or not. You'd just love it if I was nearly naked all the time."
"And wrong again I see." I looked up at him dubiously, noting how a scowl was now marring that chiseled face of his. Piss off hormones, now isn't the time to ogle sex-god here. I cursed myself internally, hating how despite my upsetting event, my brain still was in the gutters.
"I am male, Isabella. There's no denying it," he began, waving his arms dismissively. "But as much as that is true, you've still yet to take into consideration that I've said time and time again I was still raised to be a gentleman."
De ja vu. I thought to myself once more, remembering Jasper's input on his character.
"I care about your comfort levels. I really do. Just, it doesn't help you and I haven't seen eye to eye at all since you three have arrived. It's impossible for us to act civil with one another to even think about having a rationally decent conversation. If we were decent human beings to one another, maybe you would've figured that out by now."
"And you're just realizing this, Captain Obvious?" I retorted with sarcasm heavily laced in my tone, clucking my tongue when he narrowed his eyes further.
"Should I even bother with any more attempts in trying to make you feel better after your little peepshow?"
I sighed, again now realizing I was just pushing it way too much. As always.
"No... I appreciate your attempts. Honestly surprised it was you who tried making me feel better." I muttered, bringing my knees up to my chest. I now could see that he hated seeing me embarrassed like I was. He went out of his way, risking himself to attempt to calm the beast that was Bella Swan. I was pretty close to wanting to murder Alice for her tricks. I was also tempted in just storming out of the pool to retreat back into the house. I wanted nothing more than to run away from my embarrassment, stow myself away and cry it out from how horrible my irritation was.
If it hadn't been for him swimming over to me, I would've gone through with it in under a minute.
"I'm grateful that you showed you cared." I whispered, smiling at the water.
I let my eyes drift over to Edward who was sitting there patiently for me now. He had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.
"I've served my purpose well then." I laughed at his happy comment, but nodded my head in agreement.
"OW! Jasper what the fuck?!"
Emmett's roaring boom left us turning our heads back over to the others. I spotted the giant rubbing at his eye, looking horribly unhappy whilst Jasper held a devious smirk on his face. My sisters hung on the walls not too far from them, laughing at his pain.
"That's what you get for trying to cheat in our contest you dipshit!"
"You didn't have to literally shoot water into my poor retinas though!
"Sounds like they're having... moderate fun." Edward offered to me quietly, earning another snort from me.
"If you call laughing at his pain 'fun', then you'd be correct."
He leaned away from the wall, standing up in the shallow end. The water came up to his knees and I couldn't help but sneak another stare at him. His hair was darkened by the water, a deep brown with tresses hanging hazardously on his head. Droplets of water fell from his long lashes, or were dripping off from his hard jaw. His perfect chest captured more water, the streams slowly flowing down from his collarbone to his stomach. I even felt my heart jump when I noticed his trunks sank a little more on his hips. The water's weight on the fabric left it hanging low, the "V" more prominent than before.
I know I've said it twice, but thrice is more sufficient in describing how I felt right now.
Fuck me sideways.
He turned back to look down at me; thankfully I caught myself in time to make sure he wouldn't see me hard-core eye-fucking his model body. The damned cheater, being too perfectly built. I hissed at myself internally, hating how he was still capable of doing things to me.
"Come on, we should attempt to socialize. From what I overheard, it was your idea after all to swim for the day and engage in something fun." Edward offered, extending a calloused hand of his down to my still curled up figure.
I bit my bottom lip, but knew he had a point.
"If Emmett so much as asks for a encore, you can't stop me from socking him." Edward's loud bark of laughter had me smirking to myself. With that, we rejoined the group.
~*~*~E&B~*~*~
It was later in the evening now, getting close to the time for some sleep. It was slowly becoming routine for us to do this each night for as long as we've been here. I would be lying in the bed already, watching the late-night talk shows. Edward would eventually come into the bedroom, head off to his closet and get dressed for bed. (Getting dressed in something that normally leaves him shirtless, mind you.) And then he'd be sitting in the bed beside me. Most nights he would be lying there reading something - a book cradled in between his fingers.
Tonight it was different. He had a sketch pad resting on his knees, and he was drawing something.
"I had no idea you had artistic talents." I mumbled to him, glancing away from the TV over to him. I tried leaning over to get a peek at whatever he was scribbling in there. He leaned away with it when I was almost close to catching a glimpse of it.
"We'll be having none of that."
"Oh come on! I just want to see what you got..."
He snickered at my weak argument, and wouldn't go back to his drawings until I returned to my original spot.
"Maybe someday I'll show them to you babydoll." I grumbled at his response, crossing my arms over my chest at that.
He refused to let an argument develop beyond that point. By the time it was lights out, he had kept that sketch pad of his firmly in his grasp, remaining quiet the whole time too. He then stowed it away in his nightstand before hunkering down in the sheets.
"Goodnight Bella."
I made a noise in response, lying on my back while the pillow made its usual reappearance between the two of us.
I lied there, for who knows how long. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep beside me, those snores of his being the only noise left in the room. I turned my head in the direction of Edward's body, noting his back was to me again. The muscles of his back were still sharp and defined like always, moving slightly with each breath that he took in his lulling slumber.
Here I was again, admiring his physical appearance. It was starting to become increasingly difficult to not admire him for the physical perfection his body was in. It wasn't fair. It was unfair in the sense I couldn't help but drool over that body of his. It was unfair that he didn't need to worry about any imperfections like I do. Why is it that in his case, up-keeping those muscles of his were effortless? He should have to struggle somewhere in doing it.
Wait... why was I going on about him again?
Ah, right.
I wanted to fuck his brains out.
But... why?
I should still be seething with annoyance and anger over the fact I was still under his captive hold. The fact he was still my kidnapper still should give me motivation to fight for my freedom, still should be enough to work on continual escape attempts or outbursts to show him I wasn't about to roll over and let him gain domination over my femininity. I am an independent woman who's never let a guy take control over my rights. I've never let anyone tell me what I can and can't do. Never had a guy punish me the way he does - especially never over something so miniscule and horribly insignificant. I'm a human, I deserve to have my voice heard not silenced. What is this for him, the '50s? I can't be an outspoken female who can give her vocal opinion to show I wasn't about to be bossed around like some outdated housewife.
Reminder - in no way shape or form am I even a housewife for this ass.
We aren't dating.
No romantic involvement.
Not even really a single ounce of civility and decency to attempt at a friendship.
Well... that would be more arguable than anything else. Slowly, I have noticed we do have moments of tolerance, and can hold a conversation with one another. Without feeling like we want to knock some sense into one another.
To an extent.
And most of the time, it's always short lived.
A harsh snore interrupted my scattered thoughts and I looked over at him again. He was shifting, turning over to his other side. He made quiet noises in his sleep while he was unconsciously trying to find a comfortable spot in his slumber.
I sighed to myself, figuring I shouldn't stay up much longer to ponder on my puzzled thoughts. It was still all too confusing to try to make sense of my emotions directed at this man. Mainly, it was obvious to me that I have felt the hormonal arousal by him and his physical appearance, to a boiling rage at how insufferably irritating he and this situation, was. But... there were fleeting moments where it felt like perhaps, he was a decent human being who I could see myself getting along with.
Maybe...
There were still too many obstacles hindering that from happening.
And I had tried promising myself before to try and not cause too much trouble anymore. It broke immediately since I knew today I had moments of pissing him off. Thankfully it didn't garner any punishments.
There was still Jasper's words rattling my thoughts.
If anything, I was starting to become more and more scared at the possibilities.
The question remained: where will I end up?
Another snore jolted me out of my fleeting thoughts and I rolled my eyes. Alright, guess I should attempt something that is sleep.
I rolled over onto my side, back facing Edward. I curled inwards, having the sheets and blankets cocoon around me. I closed my eyes and with the strings of thoughts I had throughout the course of the day finally drifting away, I welcomed slumber.
A/N: (Reasoning behind finally returning to these stories lies within Raising a Baby Bella's eighth chapter.)
Feedback would be greatly appreciated and welcomed. Yet it will not be begged for.
Hopefully between the bipolar emotions between the characters held some logic to uphold the plot of this chapter - rather than causing whiplash and losing focus.
Until the next chapter,
~LadyLily~