Let Love Lie
Chapter 10 – Delaying the Inevitable
BPOV
The next few weeks flew by with little incident. Before I knew it, it was March. The snow was pretty much all melted and it was starting to warm up a little. Not much, but a little.
Dad has been on the lookout along with his team for the past few weeks pretty much nonstop. Edward has also been swamped with work at the hospital. We've barely had time to hang out.
I've been staying at my house again now that my room is cleaned up and the locks are changed. Edward calls me every night to make sure everything is locked and that I'm okay. It's annoying but I humor him because he's worried.
"Are you sure everything is locked?" Edward asked.
"Would you like to come over and check?" I challenged.
"Baby, you know I would come over but I'm working the graveyard shift tonight," he sighed. I sighed and mumbled an okay. "I know my work schedule sucks lately but I can't change it. I would much rather be there with you but it's not possible right now."
"It just feels like you're so far away," I whispered. He sighed into the phone again. "Sorry, I, uh," I spluttered.
"Bells, don't apologize. I know what you mean. I've just been swamped. I hope I can get time soon."
"Me too," I said before biting my nail.
"Get some sleep," Edward suggested gently.
"Okay. Text me when you get home from the hospital."
"That won't be until around six in the morning," he sighed.
"Still," I insisted.
"Okay, sweet dreams."
"Have fun at work." I hung up my phone. I walked over to my window and sighed, looking out it, willing Edward's car to come driving down the street. How is it possible to miss someone this much? I give up my useless attempt at bringing Edward to my house and go brush my teeth. I crawl into bed and try and get some sleep.
XOXO
"So I'll pick you up after my shift. Be ready at five-thirty, alright?" Edward said through the phone. He called me in between patients. Esme invited us over for dinner tonight.
"Okay, I'll see you then," I smiled before hanging up the phone. I throw away the remains of my lunch and sit back down with Rose.
"Finally getting to see Edward?" she smiled knowingly.
"Thank God, yes," I moaned. She laughed loudly at my response and took a bite of her salad. "So the big day's in a week," I muse.
"Yeah," she said with a mouth full of food. She swallowed before continuing. "I'll be so glad when it get's here! Planning this wedding is so stressful, ya know? And I can't wait to be married to Emmett. He's being so patient with my craziness. I'm turning into fucking Bridezilla!"
"You're not Bridezilla," I giggled. "And once you two get married we'll actually be sisters," I added. She grinned and nodded.
The bell rang signaling the end of lunch.
"Have fun tonight," Rose called.
"Thanks," I smiled.
XOXO
What to wear? What to wear? A dress? No, it's too cold. A…no. Well maybe…no.
"Dammit," I whined. Edward bought me a whole wardrobe and I can't find a single thing to wear? That's probably impossible for everyone but me.
My phone chirped with an incoming text from Edward: On my way.
"Shit, shit, shit," I groaned. I pulled out the first thing I could from my closet. A pair of light blue boot cut jeans paired with a light gray long sleeved tee and a deep gray scarf. I pulled out my sneakers and a pair of socks before putting them on.
A knock at my door signaled Edward being here.
"Coming," I called. I bounded down the stairs and opened the door, smiling when I saw Edward standing there. I launched myself into his arms and he hugged me tight. I pulled my head back from his shoulder to kiss his lips chastely.
"Hi," he smiled when he pulled away.
"Hi," I returned a smile.
"I hope your hungry. Mom made a feast," he chuckled.
"Starved," I smiled. He dropped his arms and pulled me to his Volvo.
EPOV
"How'd you manage to get tonight off of work?" Bella teased a few minutes into the ride as she ran her fingers through my hair.
"I honestly have no clue," I chuckled. "Pure luck."
"Remind me to thank your boss," she giggled. I smiled hoping she couldn't see me swallowing nervously. If she found out who my boss actually was she wouldn't be thanking him. Or talking me for that fact. Fuck, I need to tell her. Soon. As in tonight.
I run my hand across my unshaved chin.
"You okay?" Bella asked, her fingers still in my hair. I glanced over at her and smiled my most convincing smile.
"Fine, just a long day at work," I lied smoothly. She seemed to have bought it because she nodded and dropped the subject. She pulled her hand out of my hair and rested it on my thigh.
I pulled into my parents' driveway and shut the car off. I got out before going over to Bella's side and opening her door for her. She got out and leaned up to place a soft kiss on my lips. I grabbed her hips and held her to me as her arms wrapped around my neck.
"You look gorgeous," I murmur against her lips.
"I have no make-up on and my hair is messy."
"I like it when you don't wear make-up; you're naturally beautiful. And your hair is perfect," I assured her. She pulled back and smiled up at me.
"Thank you," she said and placed one last kiss on my lips before pulling away. You won't be thanking me tonight, sweetheart, I thought, ashamed.
I held her hand as we walked into my parents' house.
"Ma, Dad?" I called.
"Living room, dear," Mom called back. Bella and I took our shoes off and walked into the living room where Alice, Jasper, Mom and Dad were sat.
"Where's Riley?" I asked.
"Playing in the other room," Alice lifted her chin to point down the hall.
"You can put your jackets in the closet, dears," Mom said, looking mainly at me. I took Bella's jacket and went down the hall to the closet. Once they were hung up I went to Riley's playroom and poked my head in.
"Punk, Bella's here," I said. His eyes lit up and he bounded over to the door but I wouldn't let him past.
"Hey," he whined.
"You're just going to run past me without the slightest hello?" I asked as I crouched down to his level. Riley smiled and hugged me. "That's more like it," I chuckled before tickling him. He let out a tiny giggle and sat on the floor, trying to push my hands away. I picked him up by his ankles before wrapping an arm around his waist so I was holding him upside down. He squealed with laughter as I carried him into the living room.
Bella was sat on the couch with Alice sideways in her lap. Alice's legs were in Jasper's lap.
"There's my Bub," Alice grinned. "What's Uncle Eddie doing to you?"
"Bella!" Riley squealed. "Help!" he reached his arms out for her.
"I can't move, Ri!" she laughed.
"Nana!" he laughed.
"Oh, I'll help my baby out," she laughed as she got up and came over to us. She swatted my head and took Riley from me. I chuckled and walked over to the couch. I sat on the arm next to Bella and she leaned into my side.
"Such a mean Uncle," she teased. I chuckled and nodded.
"Apparently. I mean, what else was I supposed to do though? He was going to walk right past me to come see you without even saying hi to me," I jutted my bottom lip out. Riley got away from Mom and came over to Bella.
"Momma, move," he whined.
"Riley," she warned.
"Please," he pleaded. She got up off Bella's lap and sat cuddled into Jasper's side. Riley climbed onto the couch and sat on Bella's lap.
"Hey, Rie," she giggled. He looked up at her and gave her a toothy grin.
The oven chimed in the kitchen.
"That's the pot pie," Mom said as she got up. She hurried into the kitchen to take the pie out of the oven. Bella wrapped her arms around Riley loosely, so her hands rested in his lap. Riley started playing with a ring she was wearing.
"Dinner's ready," Mom called from the kitchen. Bella stood up and held Riley on her hip. She took off her ring and gave it to him.
"Uncle Eddie," Riley called my attention.
"Yeah, Punk?" I asked as I walked beside Bella. He handed the ring to me. "What am I going to do with this?"
"Give it to Bella," he said. After a few seconds I realized what he meant and sighed. I wanted to be with her forever, which would mean we would get married sooner or later, but after tonight I doubt she would want to be anywhere near me ever again.
"Punk," I groaned.
"Uncle Eddie and I aren't talking about marriage right now, Sweetie," Bella said softly. He said a cheerful okay before she put him down. He walked into the kitchen and I grabbed Bella's hand and slipped the ring on her index finger.
"I'm so sorry," I apologized. This apology was for what Riley did, but also a pre-apology for what was to come later. She cupped my face in her hands and smiled at me.
"Stop apologizing about this. I don't mind," she insisted. I leaned down and kissed her softly. She smiled against my lips before moving her arms to wrap around my neck. When I pulled back she rested her forehead against mine. "He's not going to scare me away. I don't think anything can, either," she whispered. You're speaking too soon, Sweetheart.
"Lovebirds, dinner," Alice called out to us. I placed one last kiss on Bella's lips before pulling away. We walked into the kitchen and sat at the table.
XOXO
After dinner I took Bella home. I walked her into her house, my heart pounding.
"Why are you so tense?" Bella questioned. I swallowed thickly.
"I," I started but lost my train of thought when Bella's lips met my neck.
"You," she encouraged in a voice that dripped with sex.
"I need you," I chickened out. I mentally cursed myself when I felt her smiling against my neck. My cock stirred in my pants and I knew I was done for. This woman is too addicting.
I lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it aside. She clamped her hands around the bottom of my shirt and pulled it up. I helped her get it off before she dropped it on the floor.
I lifted her up and pressed her against the wall. I palmed her covered breasts as I kissed her. She moaned into my mouth before unhooking her bra and let it fall off her shoulders. I hoisted her up a little so I could take a breast into my mouth. I swirled my tongue around her nipple before moving onto the other one.
"Edward," she whimpered. I groaned before setting her down and unbuttoning her jeans. She kicked off her shoes as I trailed her jeans down her legs. She toed her way out of them once I got them down to her knees. She pulled me to her by my jeans and started unhooking my belt. I placed my hands on either side of her head and kissed her. She pushed my jeans down and they slid down my legs to the ground.
I picked Bella up and set her on the first surface I could find, which happened to be the kitchen table. She took in her surroundings and laughed.
"Close the drapes!" she giggled and covered her chest. I chuckled and pulled the drapes down. I went back over to her and she lifted her hips slightly so I could pull her panties down. I pulled my boxers down and positioned myself at her entrance. I slid myself into her slowly before pulling out and pushing back in.
Bella's hips met mine thrust for thrust. She started sliding backwards on the table so I grabbed her by the hips, holding her to me and guiding her pace. I grabbed one of her legs and pulled it over my shoulder, hitting her at a new angle. She moaned and thrashed underneath me.
I pulled her up off the table, her legs wrapping around my waist, and held her against the wall and continued thrusting into her.
"Oh, Edward," she moaned.
"Bella," I panted into her neck and nipping at it. I felt her coming close to her release. I moved a hand down to where we were connected and rubbed her clit vigorously with my thumb. She tilted her head back against the wall, her mouth agape and eyes clamped shut making her nose scrunch, as her orgasm hit her. She cried out my name and a string of profanities. My cock twitched inside her before I reached my release. I panted out her name and stilled my movements.
Yeah, I'm fucked royally. With each passing day—hell, each passing moment!—I was falling more and more in love with her. It was becoming harder to tell her and I knew I needed to do it soon. I just feared that once I told her she would cut me out of her life, no matter what she feels for me. A life without Bella scares me. I've fallen so far that I don't see me coming back up anytime in the near future, or ever. This love is permanent.
"I love you," she whispered. I lifted my head from her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. She looked scared, like I wouldn't return the feeling.
"I love you," I replied. Her eyes lit up and she kissed me hard. My heart swelled knowing that she loved me but ached knowing that this would be over quicker than I would like.
I can't do it tonight. Another night, but not tonight. Not after everything that just happened.
XOXO
The next morning I left Bella's house early to head home and change before heading to the station. When I walked up to the porch there was a note on the door.
Nice try protecting her, Cullen. She's mine now.
"Dammit!" I roared before running back to my Volvo. I barely had the door closed before I started the engine. I dialed Chief's number as I peeled out of the driveway.
"Chief Swan," he answered.
"Bella's house. Now," I barked before pressing the end button and throwing my phone into the cup holder.
BPOV
After Edward left I decided to get up and start getting some work done around the house. I started my iPod and started in Jasper's room, which is now just a spare bedroom. I remade the bed and started dusting when I felt someone grab me around my mouth and hold me to them. I thrashed against them, trying to free myself.
"Hold still, you little bitch," James spat as he jerked my head up. I lost all feeling except for tingling in my hands. I couldn't move, I couldn't scream, I could barely breath. When James let go of me I fell to the floor, wheezing for air. My eyes wouldn't focus on anything and my thoughts were scattered. He pulled my arms behind my back and put duct tape over my mouth. He hauled me up to my feet before hitting me, making me collapse again.
I was finally able to breath again and gathered my thoughts, trying to figure out what to do. I screamed against the tape but I doubt anyone could hear.
"Get up," he said as he pulled a gun out. My eyes went wide and I did what he said.
"Bella?" I heard Edward's voice from downstairs. What the hell is he doing here?
"Showtime," James cackled quietly as he grabbed hold of my neck and pointed the gun my head. I cried out under the duct tape before realizing that Edward would come find me after hearing that. When James heard footsteps on the stairs he took the gun away from my head and pointed it at the door.
EPOV
The drive to Bella's house seemed to take forever. The seconds felt like years. Once I finally pulled up to her house I skidded to a stop and ran up to the porch. Her door was ajar.
"Bella," I called as I walked inside, my heart beating wildly in my chest. Nothing. I checked all the rooms downstairs before heading upstairs. I heard muffled cries coming from the spare bedroom. I stood for a second trying to gather my thoughts on how best to go about this.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I pulled it out. It was a message from Chief: don't do anything stupid. You don't have anyone to back you up. I'm on my way.
Well, Chief, what I'm about to do is stupid, yes, but it's for the woman I love. I took a deep breath, shut my eyes for a second before bursting through the door. James was holding Bella by the neck with duct tape over her mouth and her arms tied behind her back. A gun was pointed at me and Bella's muffled shrieks became louder and more frantic. Her eyes were huge and filled with tears.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the bastard you're cheating on me with," James spat. "Have any last words, Mr. Cullen?" he asked. I suddenly had no clue what to do. I had no gun, no bulletproof vest. Hell, I was done for. Bella cried out again. "Shut up, bitch!" James spat before shoving her to the ground. "You cheated on me!" he spat as he aimed the gun at her.
I lunged the few feet at James, tackling him to the ground. I grabbed him by the wrist that was holding the gun and started smashing his hand into the ground before he let go of the gun. I kicked it away from him.
James reached up with one hand and grabbed my throat, squeezing hard. Not able to breath, I did my best to cause as much damage as I could. I punched him in the cheek before grabbing his hand that was around my neck, letting go of his other hand.
He turned us over so I was on my back and bashed my head against the ground with his arms still around my neck. Suddenly James was off of me and I was coughing and wheezing for air.
Bella had kicked him with both of her feet in the ribs and he was on the ground holding his side. He got up off the ground and went over to her, smacking her hard across the face.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on her," I spat and punched him along his cheek. I tackled him to the ground again and straddled his stomach. I began punching him in the face repeatedly.
"Edward, get off of him!" Chief's voice roared. He pulled me off James and I struggled against him. "I said enough!" he said in a no-nonsense tone. I gave up and let him move me away from James. I turned my attention immediately to Bella. I went over to her and gently removed the duct tape.
"Are you okay?" I asked as I untied her hands. She didn't answer me but wrapped her arms around my neck and cried into my shoulder, straddling my lap. I held her to me as I watched Chief handcuff James, reciting his rights. "I've got you," I assured Bella. "You're safe now, Love." I pulled back a little. "C'mere, look at me," I said and took her face in my hands when she pulled back.
I wiped away her tears but fresh ones quickly replaced them. I turned her head to the left a little and stroked where James hit her. A bruise was forming along her cheekbone.
"I was so scared I wouldn't get here in time," I whispered as a few tears fell down my cheeks.
"You shouldn't have come," she whispered. "You should have just let my dad come." Tell her, Cullen. Tell her why you didn't wait.
"I couldn't leave you for another minute with him," I sniffled.
"You're so stupid," she cried. "You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"I don't care. He could have killed me and I could have cared less because you would have been safe."
"Don't say that," she sniffled before sobbing softly.
"I love you," I whispered as I held her close again.
"I love you too," she cried into my shoulder.
I helped her stand up and lifted her up so her legs wrapped around my body. I carried her out of the room and downstairs. Chief was coming back into the house as we got to the end of the stairs.
"Bella," he sighed. I let her down and she ran over to Chief.
"Daddy," she cried.
"It's all over Bells, it's all over." He held her tight to him for a moment. "I'm going to take him down to jail," he said as he pulled away from her. He looked at me. "You take care of my baby girl," he said.
"Always," I nodded. Chief kissed her temple before leaving. I went over to her and held her again.
"Thank you," she mumbled into my shoulder. I kissed the top of her head but said nothing. After a while she pulled back and sighed.
"Are you okay?" I asked again.
"I will be," she nodded. "I'm just shaken up right now."
"What do you need? What can I get you?"
"I think I just need some sleep," she whispered. "I had a panic attack before you got here and I was just recovering when you got here," she looked down at her feet. "Could you hold me while I sleep?" she asked. I smiled and nodded.
"I'd love to." She grabbed my hand and led me up to her room. I kicked my shoes off and laid on her bed. She came and cuddled next to me, her head right above my heart. I stroked her arm and she closed her eyes.
XOXO
The next several days passed with little incident. Bella had a nightmare the first few nights but hasn't had any for about two nights. I haven't told her the truth yet. She needs me to be here and if I tell her the truth it will only hurt her more than she is now.
I was now getting dressed to attend Rose and Emmett's wedding. I buttoned up my light gray dress shirt and put on a black tie before slipping my shoes on. I ran some gel through my hair in a desperate attempt to at least tame my hair slightly.
I called Alice and let her know I was just about to leave to pick her and Riley up. Rose had invited Alice and Riley after inviting me. I grabbed the keys to my Volvo and walked out to it.
Once Alice, Riley and I were at the ceremony we sat in a pew and waited.
BPOV
"Bella, I need to tell you something and have you not completely freak out, okay?" Rose asked cautiously while we were getting our hair done.
"What is it?"
"My dad contacted me earlier this week."
"And I'm just hearing about it?" I ask bewildered.
"Don't freak out!" she pleaded. "You weren't in the right place this past week."
"Rose, I've been fine," I assured her.
"You were on the verge of freaking out all week and I could see it even though you tried to hide it."
"What did he say?" I changed the subject back to her.
"He asked to walk me down the aisle."
"And you said?"
"No! I said no!" she said sounding shocked. "But I did say I would come visit him some time. He's living in Seattle."
"That's a three hour drive, Rose," I reminded her.
"And he's my father, Bella," she said pointedly. "Drunk or not, he's still my dad." I didn't say anything. "Don't be mad, please," she pleaded.
"I'm not mad," I assured her. "I'm just shocked he'd try to contact you after all this time."
"He just wants to be a part of my life. He said he hated the way he was before."
"I don't trust him. I'm going with you," I said in a no-nonsense tone. "Does Emmett know?"
"Yeah, and he flipped out like his normal self. He doesn't want me to go."
"He'll let you go though," I said confidently.
"I know he will," she smiled.
XOXO
"Okay everyone, let's get this wedding started," Jennifer, the wedding planner, said. I hugged Rose before walking with Jasper to the doors. He offered his arm to me and I took it with a smile. The doors opened, the music played, and we walked down the aisle. At the end we broke apart and stood on either side of the altar. Emmett came in next with Mom and left her at her seat, giving her a kiss on the cheek before assuming his position in front of the altar. He clasped his hands in front of him as he waited for his bride.
The doors closed momentarily until the song switched to the traditional Wedding March. They opened and Rose stood there with Dad. Everyone stood as they made their way down the aisle. I felt tears come to my eyes when I looked back at Emmett. He had a few tears streaking his cheeks and swallowed thickly. I looked back at Rose and she was smiling through tears. When they made their way to the end of the aisle Dad placed Rose's hand in Emmett's, kissed her cheek and patted Emmett on the back before taking his place next to Mom.
XOXO
After the ceremony I met up with Edward in the lobby. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said as he held me at arms length to look at me.
"Thanks," I smiled. I looked over at Rose and saw her hugging Alice, who was bouncing with excitement.
"I love you," Edward kissed my temple and I looked up at him.
"I love you too," I grinned. I held his hand in mine and we walked over to Rose.
"Congratulations," Edward said as he hugged her. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks, Edward," she smiled when they pulled apart. Edward went over to Emmett and said congratulations before giving him a hug and patting his back. Edward, Emmett, and Jasper have been getting along really well the past month or so, just like Rose, Alice and I.
"Sisters," I smiled and hugged her. She smiled and hugged me back.
"You're going to make me cry again," she whined.
We all went over to Mom and Dad's house for the reception. While we were all eating I stood up and tapped my champagne glass. Everyone stopped talking and looked up at me.
"A toast, to the bride and groom. May you both have a long and happy marriage and give me nieces and nephews. Welcome to the family, officially, Rosalie," I raised my glass slightly and everyone raised their own glasses and muttered "to the bride and groom".
After dinner there was the first dance of the bride and groom. They danced to Bound To You by Christina Aguilera.
"Would you like to dance?" Edward asked as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. I turned my head to look at him and smiled, kissing him softly.
"I'd love to," I accepted. He let me go and grabbed my hand, leading me out to the dance floor. He wrapped his other arm around my waist and I rested my arm over his, holding onto his shoulder.
"How are you?" he asked.
"I'm great," I said, and honestly, I was. It felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders the day James was arrested. I was just dealing with the after thoughts, the "what if" thoughts. What if Edward didn't get there? What if Edward was hurt? What if James got away again? Those were mainly what fueled my nightmares. Scenarios based off of "what if".
"Great," he grinned.
"I love you," I smiled.
"And I love you," he replied before kissing me. He pulled away, smiling, and rested his forehead against mine.
EPOV
After dancing with me, Bella danced with Emmett, Jasper, Chief, and Riley.
Chief pulled me aside after dancing with Bella. We went out front to talk privately.
"How's Bella?" he asked.
"She's great from what I know of," I told him honestly.
"Good, good," he mumbled and rubbed his hand over his chin.
"What is going to happen to James?"
"He's going on trial and will probably be in jail for a long, long time."
"Good," I responded. "Sir, I really need to talk to you," I said nervously.
"What is it, Boy?" he asked with narrowed eyes, probably knowing what I was about to say.
"I can't keep this from her forever. She has a right to know. I have no reason to keep this from her anymore."
"No reason? Boy, you're protecting my daughter."
"She's twenty-five, not five, Sir. She doesn't need to be protected now that James is in jail."
"Your job's not done until I say it's done, Cullen," he said heatedly.
"I am in love with your daughter, Sir. Lying to her is killing me!" I said with as much heat.
"You weren't supposed to date her in the first place, so why the fuck is that my problem? I'm telling you now she's going to be hurt. Which is why you shouldn't have started dating her. Now, if you excuse me, I need to get back to my son's wedding." Chief dismissed himself and walked back to the party. I sighed and went to go back too.
"There you are," Bella smiled as she came around front. "What were you and Dad talking about?"
"He just wanted to thank me for helping with James," I said with a half smile. She placed a soft kiss on my lips before leaning to my ear. I could feel her smile against my cheek.
"Maybe I can thank you tonight," she whispered seductively. I groaned and pulled her close.
"I'd like that very much," I said huskily. Stupid you're only delaying the inevitable, I scolded myself. I'll tell her. When the timing's right, I'll tell her.
Hey everyone!
Thanks for reading! I hope you all had a great New Year! Thank you so much for reading! Okay, so I know this chapter is shorter than normal but I feel like I fit a lot of information into this one. I'll do my best to make the next one longer!
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki
P.S. if you spot an error I made (such as in Chap. 9 I said Bella was Emmett's brother) please tell me and I'll fix it pronto! Thanks again!