25. Erotica and The Missing Patriarch

Skye

"I want you guys to be good for Colin. JR and EJ keep an eye on Etienne. He can be a handful. And for goodness sakes, don't let him burn anything." I laughed.

"We won't." EJ smiled.

"Are you and Dad really going on a date?" JR asked.

"Yes, we are."

"After what he's done?" EJ asked agitated.

I sighed.

"He made a mistake that I truly believe he regrets. Don't you think your father deserves a second chance?"

EJ sighed, crossed his arms and shrugged.

I went to him.

"Your Dad loves you, Edric. And the only reason you're hurting so bad is because you love him too and he's disappointed you." I lifted his face and he had tears threatening the rims.

"I don't want you to let what's going on with your father and I interfere with you and him. This is our problem and we'll handle it." I hugged him.

"It's not your job to protect me, baby. It's my job to protect you. And I intend on doing just that until I'm no longer breathing.

"I know that it's hard for you guys to understand right now, but believe me one day you will. Love makes you do crazy things. Things you may not have ever considered before. Now he has asked me for forgiveness, and I want to forgive him. But it's going to take time and a lot of work on both our parts. So that's what this date is all about. It's us trying to find our way back to one another."

I squeezed him tighter.

"I want you to try and forgive him as well. He's your father and it's killing him to know that he's hurt you too. I won't force it upon you. But I am asking that you try and find it in your hearts to forgive him." I looked at JR then back to EJ.

There was a silence.

"We'll try, Mama."

"That's all I'm asking, because I would like for all of us to work through this as a family, okay?"

They nodded and I hugged them both.

"I love you guys."

"We love you too, Mama. But you're wrong. It is our job to protect you, and we will, even from Dad. It's what he's always taught us to do."

I nodded. "I know."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~0

Edward

Colin and I made our way around the circle and stopped in front of the porch. As we walked up the stairs and to the massive door I thanked him again for watching the kids.

"You're welcome. And stop worrying. Everything will be cool."

I smiled. "I hope so."

"I meant with me and the kids, but I hope that things go well with Skye too."

"Me too." I said reaching for my keys.

The door opened before I could even reached the knob.

"Hi, Daddy!" Lisette leaped into my arms.

"Princess, how many times have I told you not to open the door until you've asked who it is?"

"But I knew it was you. I heard and smelled you."

I shook my head.

"Well next time confirm what you hear and smell with what you see. Look out the window or something. Besides it seems more human."

"Yes Daddy."

"Is your Mama ready?"

"I am," she said as she shimmed down the stairs in a white flowing strapless sundress and glowing dark gold hair.

I couldn't help but stare. She looked her name's sake tonight, truly angelic. I felt a little bad for wanting to defile her in the most sensuous of ways, but only a little.

She noticed my staring and blushed just a little before sitting on the stair.

"Just let me get my shoes on."

She put on these strappy, wedge shaped sandals that tied around her ankles and stood up. Then she walked to Colin and gave him a hug quickly.

He held his breath.

"Thank you for watching the kids."

"No prob."

She walked toward me and I held my hand out for her. "You ready?"

She nodded smiling slightly.

"Good, then let's go."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

I was sitting on the blanket with my back pressed into the tree while Skye lay in my lap with her hair fanned out across my leg in wild gold ringlets. She had her eyes closed and was breathing softly while humming the soft jazz tune.

"You like this song." I smiled.

"It's lovely don't you think?"

"Enchanting," I said running my finger down the midline of her face.

She smiled, opened her eyes and looked at me. "I was talking about the song."

"I know, but I wasn't." I smirked.

She rolled onto her belly, propped herself on her elbows and tossed her hair so that it lay across her back.

"What am I going to do with you?" She asked.

"Well I have a few great ideas I'd like to share with you." I raised my brow.

She laughed and blushed to her ample bosom, which was heaving out of her dress as she did. It was arousing to say the least.

I looked into her eyes and ran my finger along the side of her face then down her chest to finally land on said bosom. Her laughing died down but her breathing increased. I was pretty sure she would slap my hand away at any second but I couldn't resist touching her.

She sat up a little more and to my surprise, crawled into my lap to straddle me.

I swallowed hard but quickly gained my composure.

"I've missed your touch." She admitted as I ran my hands slowly up her torso to steady her.

"And I've missed touching you." I said, brushing both her nipples lightly with my thumbs causing them to pebble under the gauzy fabric of her dress.

She closed her eyes briefly then brought her lips slowly toward mine. When they finally touched I exhaled heavily and she smiled realizing that I'd been holding my breath in anticipation. As the kiss deepened I moved my hands to her rounded hips and pressed my fingertips in her soft flesh. She moaned a little, so I pulled her closer.

I took both cheeks in my hands, tested their weight and gave her bottom a squeeze. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her body to mine. As my hands ran up her back and toward the zipper, I was glad we'd chosen to listen to the bands away from the crowd gathered around the park's stage and camp out up the hill in the cover of the trees. From here we could see and hear perfectly and it gave us privacy.

I pulled at the sides of the dress and her breasts spilled out the front. I broke our kiss by urging her to straddle me on her knees. This lifted her breasts to my mouth. She looked down on me as I palmed their fullness and twisted her nipples gently. Oh how I'd missed these lovelies. And they'd been teasing me all night.

The look in her eyes and her hands tangling in my hair was the only permission I needed.

I teased one nipple with my tongue while I continued to gently squeeze the other breast in my hand. I'd missed the sweet taste of her and couldn't help myself when I pulled her roughly to me. She stumbled a little but I steadied her quickly.

"I've got you. I'd never let you fall." I told her.

She looked into my eyes and caressed my face.

"There was a time when I believed that." She said and my heart sank a little.

"I swear to you that it is as true now as was then."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

I sighed.

"What I wouldn't give to have you trust me like you use to. Please have a little faith in me, in us."

"I'm trying. I really am. It's hard though. I…I never thought you would hurt me like this. Not you. Not after knowing what Chevy did and how it affected me."

It made my chest tighten when she spoke her last sentence. She was right. I was no better than Chevy now, and to think that I had hated and persecuted him for his actions against her only to turn around and do practically the same thing. The only difference being I immediately regretted my decision and came begging on my knees for forgiveness. But in reality the crime had been the same and if he didn't deserve her why did I?

Because you love her that little voice in the back of my head said.

Well so does he, or so he claims.

That's not love. I argued with myself. It's infatuation. He just wants to possess her.

And you don't?

I sighed and shook my head at my internal dialogue.

"I have no explanations for my behavior, and I won't insult you by giving you excuses, because there aren't any that will make what I've done okay. I accept my responsibility in this entire situation. And as I've said before, I'll do anything to fix it, to fix us. And I know that you're trying too. And I know that this isn't easy for you. But I thank you for giving us this chance."

She looked away.

"I love you so much. I just wish…" she stopped.

"You wish what?"

Did she wish she didn't love me?

"That I was stronger." She said and I released an unnecessary breath.

"You're kidding me right? Angel, you are one of the strongest women that I've met in my lifetime."

"I'm not strong enough to deny you; it makes me feel weak and stupid."

She avoided my eyes.

"Baby, that's not weakness or stupidity. That's love. And loving me even after all I've done takes tremendous strength." I held her chin and made her look me in the eyes.

"I love you, Skye. And I will show you that loving me doesn't make you stupid or weak. I'll show you how good my love can be. And it will be better than before. So much better, that I promise you."

A single tear fell from her eye and I kissed it away.

"You are making a lot of promises."

"And I intend on keeping them, every last one of them."

"To all of us?"

I looked perplexed.

"The boys didn't think I should go out with you tonight. This is really taking its toll on them, Edward."

"I will talk with them. And yes, I will make this right with all of you. I want my family back."

"And we want you back, but you have to come correct."

"I'm working on it." I smiled as I pulled her to me.

Our lips met again, but the kiss this time was more intense and passionate. She pressed her body to mine and I felt her warm breasts crush into my chest. I pulled her dress down to her waist and rubbed the smooth skin on her back as her hair brushed the backs of my hand.

I pulled away just to look at her. Her skin was a buttery caramel color but looked darker next to her newly blonde locks, which seemed to glow in the moonlight. I looked in her eyes. A man could drown in those baby blues. They seem to know no depths. Then there were her lips, so plush and soft, and a little too full for her petite face, but I loved them anyway. I could kiss and suck on them for hours. I planted a quick kiss on the bottom one and she smiled exposing her dimples.

"Do you know how beautiful you are? I could look at you all day and be perfectly content."

She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious." I smiled as I caressed her bare breasts.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

"Is this okay?"

She nodded slightly.

I leaned in and planted kisses along her sternum. Her breasts brushed the sides of my face drawing my attention, so I gave them equal time.

Skye sighed and ran her hands through my hair as I loved her. She hissed and threw her head back as I took a cinnamon colored nipple in my mouth.

"Oh god Edward, that feels good."

I moaned in agreement and tightened my hold on her. I never wanted to let her go again.

As I began to work my hands up the bottom of her dress my phone rang. I ignored it until the ringing stopped but then it started up again. Whoever was calling wasn't giving up.

"Shit, I'm sorry." I apologized as I reached into my pocket.

"What!" I answered.

"Damn, what crawled up your ass?"

"Emmett, I swear you have the worst damn timing."

"Sorry, I was just wondering if you'd spoken with Dad lately."

"Seriously? That's why you're calling me?"

"Have you talked to him or not?"

"Yes, a couple of days ago. Why?"

"Mom says she hasn't heard from him since he left for Italy."

"Well that's not like him but I'm sure he's busy. He didn't go there for vacation."

"She's called several times and so have I, Edward. He isn't answering or returning calls."

"Have you talked to Alice?"

There was a silence.

"She can't see him, Edward. He's off her radar."

"Off her radar?" I sat up.

"Yeah, she can't seem to find him. It's like he's disappeared into thin air."

"Where are you?"

"In Connecticut, by Mom and Dads."

"Alice and Jazz?"

"On their way."

"I'll be there by morning."

"Alright," he sounded worried. "I'm sorry. I know you got shit down there you're dealing with but we…"

"I know and it's okay."

"Tell Skye I said sorry for interrupting your date," he said then hung up.

I shook my head. There were no secrets in this family.

"Is everything alright?" Skye asked rubbing my chest.

"I don't know," I said my mind racing, "Apparently Carlisle's missing."

"What?" She sat up her brows pulled together in confusion.

"He left for Italy two days ago. He said he had a lead on the Vamp labs case. Mom said she hasn't heard from him since and Em says he's fallen off Alice's radar."

"How is that possible?"

"I don't know. But I need to find out what the hell is going on." I looked at her. "I'm sorry, but I need to go." I stood us up and placed her on her feet gently.

"It's okay." She said as she straightened her dress.

She turned so I could zip it. "I will make this up to you." I kissed her shoulder. "I promise."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~0

When we reached the house the kids were asleep and Colin was lying on the couch reading one of Skye's romance novels. I pushed his legs off the couch and sat next to him.

"Any good?" I asked.

"It's my third one tonight if that tells you anything. You've got a wild side, huh? Some of this stuff is intense." He looked at Skye.

"I need something to get me through the nights while my husband is away."

I looked at her too now. What the hell was she reading? I snatched the book from Colin and read a few pages quickly. Colin was right. But intense wasn't the word I'd use.

"What kind of book is this?"

"It's erotica." She shrugged.

"It's porn on paper. I hope you keep these away from the kids." I shook the book at her teasingly.

"I do. And it's not porn." She smirked.

"Says you maybe."

"Whatever, call it what you like. I like it." She snatched the book from me.

"Women are strange creatures. Why not watch it like men do?"

"Don't you know that the book is always better than the movie? There's more details in words and the imagination is such a wonderful thing, don't you think? Besides you have bigger things to worry about than what I'm reading, do you not?"

"I do, but I reserve the right to continue this conversation at a later date."

She rolled her eyes smiling.

"I'm going to go check on the kids." She excused herself, book in hand.

I looked to Colin.

"We need to talk."

He gestured for me to continue.

"Carlisle's missing and I need to go to Connecticut tonight."

"Missing? What time are we leaving?" He sat up ready to go.

"We are not leaving. I need you to stay here with my family."

He looked disappointed.

"I want to go. I want to help."

"I know. But you are helping. I need someone here with them. Someone I can trust."

"Skye's family…"

"Are in Baton Rouge and I need to leave now. I will tell Skye to go up in the morning but I need someone with her at all times until I know what's going on."

"Then I'll fly out tomorrow."

"No, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"You on a commercial flight and by yourself with all those humans and their blood is not a good idea, Colin."

"I'll be fine."

"I can't risk it, C. You're still a newborn and no one will be there to talk you down. Please just stay with my family. This is where you're needed."

He finally nodded.

"Thank you."

"Sure." He groaned.

"Okay, I'm ready." Skye announced and we both turned to find her standing in the archway with a black sequined duffle bag.

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

Skye

Edward was on his feet and next to me before I could blink.

"You're not going."

"I am going."

"Skye, I'm not kidding. I don't know what the situation is and I won't risk you by walking into something blind."

"We can find out together. I can help. You know I can. Two mind readers are better than one and my abilities are growing stronger every day. And this is Dad, Edward."

"No." He said without even considering what I'd said. "Colin's going to make sure you get to Baton Rouge in the morning and he's going to stay with you until I come back."

"You're being unreasonable. And you can't make me stay here."

"Can't you just do as I ask you for once?" He shouted and I stepped back from him in shock. He'd never raised his voice to me.

He shut his eyes and took a deep breath before approaching me. He touched my shoulder gently but I just stared at him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. It's just…you don't listen. Not even when I'm trying to protect you and our children. You need to listen to me. I'm doing this for your own protection. Please, I won't be able to focus unless I know you and my children are safe."

I nodded in acquiescence because I knew he was right. He would worry. And that would make him vulnerable. "Fine, I'll stay."

I picked up my bag and started for the stairs. I was beyond mad. I would stay but that didn't mean I had to be happy about it.

He was in front of me before I made it to the first stair.

"I know you're strong and I would be honored to have you by my side, but if something happened they could lose us both. I can't have that. You understand?"

"Nothing's going to happen." I stroked his face.

"I hope not but it's a risk I'm not willing to take with you. You and the kids are everything to me. There is no me without you, without them." He said wrapping me in his arms. "Please, do as I say."

"I will. I'll stay."

He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath.

"But you have to promise me that you'll call me every night and every morning so I know where you are and how you're doing."

He smiled.

"I think I can do that." He said softly as he wrapped his hands in my hair and pulled me closer.

"Promise me," I whispered as he captured my lips.

The kiss was all passion and heat. Our tongues dueled for dominance. A game I always let him win but loved playing none the less.

"I promise." He said as he pulled away.

I pulled him back to me and pressed my body into his. I ran my hands through his hair because I loved the feel of the silky strands between my fingers. Edward moaned and laid his face against my neck. I smiled feeling his hardness pressed against my belly.

I also loved the response I got from him when I did.

"You will be the death of me, woman." He growled into my neck as he pressed me into the nearest wall.

I sighed loving the weight of him on me.

"I wish I could take you right here, right now, on these stairs." He said silently to me.

"Perhaps I'll let you when you come back home to me."

He pulled back a little.

"Home?" He arched his brow.

"Yes, home, here with me and the kids." I looked down then back at him. "I want to try, you know, if you want to."

He lifted me swiftly off the ground.

"Of course I want to. I've never wanted anything more." He said then smiled. "Well except for you of course."

I laughed.

"I love you, Edward."

"The sweetest words I've ever heard. How I've missed them." He kissed my bottom lip quickly.

I felt my face heat up.

"And I love you too."

We kissed one last time before he stood me on my feet.

"I need to get going. I'll call you in the morning."

I nodded.

Colin walked into the room and he and Edward did their handshake as he held me.

"Take care of them." He said to Colin as he caressed my hair.

"You know I will. I'll protect them with my life." Colin said seriously.

"Thank you."

Colin nodded.

"And you," he looked down at me, "you and I are going to finish where we left off at the park when I return, upstairs and in our bed."

"Okay." I closed my eyes and nodded. I would be counting the days until I would feel him on me, in me.

"Hmmm…you're making it very hard for me to leave." He groaned reading my thoughts.

"Good, but you have to go. You have to find your Dad if for no other reason than to give your Mom peace of mind."

He sighed and released me.

"I know. Let's just hope that that's all there is."

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

AN: So I know it's been a long time coming but here it is. Chap 25. More to come as I get settled into my new schedule. Work, School, and kids. It's a mess. But I'm going to finish this story damn it! LOL! As always...smooches and thx for the love.