Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer
Chapter Twenty-Two – Eye of the Storm
Nathan and Ruby laughed as I pulled an unconscious Bella into my arms. I gently tapped her cheek, watching her eyes flutter open. Her cheeks flushed once she realized what had happened. Her smile was shy, eyes wide as she her lip between her teeth.
"You want me forever?" she asked. She had stopped breathing again, awaiting my answer.
I chuckled and nodded. "Breathe, Bella." Her cheeks reddened further as she inhaled sharply.
"Um, thanks for catching me." She steadied herself as I set her on her feet. Nervously she looked at Nathan and Ruby, blushing beautifully before returning her gaze to me. "Lucky number ten." Whatever she said, I could barely make it out.
"What was that?" I asked confused by her statement.
She sighed, shaking her head. "Nothing," she lied, quite well I might add. Nathan chuckled from across the kitchen and Ruby looked at me apologetically.
"We'll leave you two alone," Nathan said, leading Ruby downstairs.
Bella pulled away from me and turned her back to me. "Do you know what you're asking?"
"Yes, of course. Do you want to see the ring?"I asked excited.
"No!" She turned to face me, looking at horrified expression. "Damn it…yes?" Bella sighed and shook her head. "Edward, we shouldn't even have that conversation until I can be completely honest with you."
I had anticipated she'd say something like that. We can't move on without the truth that was held over our heads. I sighed still not ready to hear what she predicted would end our relationship. Then I remembered what she mumbled earlier.
"Wait, you still didn't answer my question. What did you mean but 'lucky number ten'?" Her eyes widened and she seemed reluctant to answer. "Bella."
"Shit, damn mouth. Ugh, fine, you're the tenth person to ask to marry me. Not that you really did but you put it out there."
"Fuck ten times?" I looked at her in disbelief. That would mean that all her ex's were serious about her. The all loved her that much. Bella was a lovable, smart, self-less, and drop dead gorgeous woman.
"Yup and you know what? Not one of them caught me by surprise as much as yours did. Not that you really asked me anything." There was something sweet and mischievous in her eyes.
I stepped closer, taking her hand in my own. My lips kissed her pinky, and then proceeded to kiss each finger and her cute thumb, before I took her ring finger in my mouth and sucked on the tip softly. The intimate and erotic gesture turned my lovely Bella into a pile of goo. Added to that image was the fact that her knees actually started to buckle again.
"I love you," I said as I kissed her temple, and continuing to her ear.
"I love you, Edward. So damn much," she said in a low seductive tone. Lips met and sighs were exchanged in a sweet kiss.
"Baby, I understand why you're upset. There is so much going on in our lives at the moment. I don't want to hurt you and I know you think I will." Her eyes softened further as tears started to form. "But if it will make you feel better, I don't mind waiting for an answer. Let's get through the holidays and we'll sit down and have the discussion. Then I'll want your answer."
"Answer to what?" Bella asked coyly. She wanted me to say it.
"You know what," I purred near her ear, causing her to shiver.
"You mean if I'd like to see the ring?" Bella whispered angling her neck to give me better access.
"Stop teasing. It's not my fault that Ruby ruined what I intended to ask," I growled, nipping at her lovely, tasty collarbone.
"How did she ruin showing me a ring?" I warned her with a growl of her name and a love bite. "I'm sorry, that was not a proposal. I know a proposal when I hear one."
I growled under my breath, pushing my hips against hers. "Damn it, Bella. When I ask you to marry me," I said, as her breath caught. "Very soon, I'm going to wow you so much that it will render you speechless."
She laughed, against my neck. "But isn't that going to be a problem if you need an answer?"
"Stop making fun of me woman!" I growled, spanking her ass hard. She moaned deeply, pressing her ass closer to my hand. Fuck that was hot.
"I'm sorry I just find what happened beyond hilarious," she said, smiling. "I fucking fainted. I don't faint! I haven't done that in years."
"That's going to be a great story to tell our kids," I said thoughtfully. "Who else has fainting spells and a psychic seamstress in their proposal?" It took me a few moments to notice that Bella had tensed in my arms. I pulled away to see what was wrong.
"You want kids?" she asked, looking up at me with something close to wonder in her eyes. She was so damn beautiful.
I nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. "I've even imagined us together. Our little girl had my hair color but your curls. Your big brown eyes and button nose, but I think my lips. In this same vision, you were pregnant with our second child, our son." Bella's expression was of astonishment.
"I had a similar dream. Our baby girl sat on your shoulder, not yet five and I my stomach was round and swollen, pregnant with our son."
I laughed, tightening my arms around her. "That's exactly what I pictured and we were walking hand in hand down a trail." The happiness in her eyes faded then. "Bella." I kissed her lips. "It will be fine."
After a light snack we cleaned up the kitchen an hour after Nathan and Ruby had left. I took Bella in my arms when she finished rinsing her hands. "I think we need to christen the couch since we never made it there the other night," she whispered.
I groaned and hoisted her up by her ass and walked her over to the couch.
Who said that we wouldn't beat our record? Not me.
Count them: Once in office, twice on the plane, five times in the shower, twice on the balcony, two counter top encounters, two car romps, once on the beach, five times in the living room and twice in bed. For a total of twenty-two, and the weekend was still not over. It was a very good thing that my girl healed really well after a nice soak in a bathtub.
~oOo~
Our plane was scheduled to leave at three in the afternoon on our last day in California. However, we set the alarm clock for early morning, Bella wanted to watch a sunrise. It was a little before dawn before I felt her shift beneath me. I groaned and refused to give up my favorite pillow, her chest.
"I want to take a walk and watch the sunrise, but you're welcome to stay in bed," she whispered, running her fingers through my hair.
I nodded, grumbling and turning to settle on my side. I heard her soft laughter before she swatted my ass. I moaned and wiggled my backside, hoping to convince her to stay in bed with me.
"Nice try, but I want to see the sun." The bed shifted and protested quietly as she climbed out of bed. A few minutes later, I heard the shower running. Morning suddenly looked downright awesome when I realized that behind a closed door was a wonderfully naked Bella…a wet naked Bella. My favorite.
I stretched my over worked muscles and groaned. Fuck, I my workouts with Bella were better workouts than at the gym. I climbed out of bed, noticing I needed some help with something. Another shower encounter sounded good to me. When I joined her, she agreed.
An hour later, I found Bella in the kitchen. She'd left me minutes earlier so that I could get ready. I watched as she moved about the kitchen, unaware of my presence. Orange juice filled the glass as pulled a pill box from her pocket.
"Bella," I said, alerting her.
"Oh hey," she said over her shoulder. "I'll start breakfast when we get back." Then I asked what she was taking. She tensed as if reluctant to answer, and then her shoulders slumped in defeat. "It's mostly vitamins, iron, birth control and other things."
Fear clogged in my throat, thickening my blood. Was something wrong with her? "Other things," I asked warily.
"It was bad when you left and I couldn't pull myself together. I didn't want to…take anti-depressants again. I needed something to help. So I started to take a natural supplement, St. John's Wort."
In a few strides I was beside her, pulling her close. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you to worry," she replied. "I decided to continue taking them after Daniel…"
I wasn't sure how long we stood there; it may have been minutes or hours. The poor woman in my arms has had so much pain in her life, and the fact that I caused some of it was cut me deeply. "I'll always be here for you, my love."
Together we walked the beach barefoot and hand-in-hand as the sky turned lighter. We watched the darkness of night brighten into an array of colors as the sun rose.
I wrapped my arms around Bella's waist, settling my chin on her shoulder. "What are you thinking?" I whispered.
She hummed a little before she answered, "I'm thinking that all this may come to an end and that if it did, I still wouldn't regret ever loving you."
"You won't have a chance to think any of that, Bella. I'm not going anywhere."
She nodded minutely and remained quiet for a while. "Edward," she whispered just audible for me to hear. "If you ask me to marry you, I'll say yes," she said in a voice so sweet and with so much conviction, that I could never doubt the sincerity of her words.
"You mean when I ask you," I corrected, placing another kiss on her temple. I took her hand and led her inside the house.
Once we cleaned up, packed up we made our way back to the master bedroom. There on one wall laid my most prized possession. It was a painting of a beautiful meadow, filled with long grass and wild flowers. The sun seemed to come from a top corner, illuminating the peaceful expanse of the meadow.
I told Bella that my mother had painted it a few months before she died and what it meant me. In a low voice I told her how I nearly tore down the house looking for the rolled up canvas. When I was old enough I had gone to a local framer and asked him to frame it for me, nothing fancy because I wanted the painting to be the highlight. He agreed. He asked why it was so important.
"I said to him, 'My mother painted it a few months before she passed. She'd say it was her favorite place to be, but that I never asked if it was something she imagined or if it was someplace real.'"
Bella's eyes were wide as they examined every inch of the painting. She pointed out how similar my mother's script was to my own. Carved initials, though illegible, were on one of the trees that Bella how thought may be the focal point of the painting. I had never taken the time to examine so thoroughly. It almost seemed that Bella herself had painted it.
I stood to the side of the large painting and allowed the frame to swing forward. Behind it, I opened the safe as Bella fidgeted nervously. I cocked an eyebrow to which she laughed.
"I put the most important things behind this painting." I pulled out a box full of photos of my birth parents and myself as a child. Handing it to Bella, she held like it was a treasure to behold. She laid the box beside her on a table.
There were a few babbles and necklaces that my mother treasured, passed down generation to generation. There were stories behind each piece, Bella listened to each one. We laughed through tears as I relived the memories of my childhood. The last box was a small black velvet box.
Soft, brown eyes widened, Bella held up her palm for me to place the box there. Her hands didn't tremble, her eyes didn't falter. She really wanted it. She opened it and smiled as she looked upon my mother's ring.
It had been in the family for over a hundred years. The band was silver and delicate with ornate swirls intertwining. There was a round one-point-five-seven karat diamond surrounded by small pearls.
"It's so beautiful, Edward," she said, looking up at me.
"Will you be willing to try it on?"
She nodded without hesitation, and I took the box from her to remove the ring. Taking her hand in my, I kissed her ring finger before I placed the ring on her finger. Her eyes were on the ring, she held out her hand, flexing her fingers. Her expression looked confused.
"What is it, love?"
"I don't know. It's strange, I feel like it was always meant to be there," she said in a whisper. "I can barely feel that it's there despite its size."
"Well my great, great grandfather was never known to be subtle." I chuckled. Bella laughed softly and wrapped her arms around my neck. I sighed, relishing the moment. She helped me return everything back in the safe and then she held out an envelope.
"What is it?"
"When I woke up early the other morning, I printed out some of the photos we took this weekend in your office."
I looked and smiled at each of the pictures, some silly others beautiful views of the surrounding beaches. That was until I came to the last photo. The one of the two of us on the beach near the tide pools. We were facing each other instead of the camera. In it, it held all beauty that was Bella. In her face, was a look of pure adoration and love. My own reflected the same. I placed in the safe. She smiled when she saw what I was doing and wrapped her arms around me again.
"We have to go, don't we?" Bella asked.
"Yes we do, love," I said, feeling a little desperate for the little slice of heaven not to end. She sighed, placing open mouth kisses along my jawline. I groaned as her lips wrapped around my earlobe, sucking on it. "Bella." Her name a hiss as I my jeans tightened.
"One last time before we go," she pleaded, her lips pressing harder against my skin. She didn't have to ask me twice. We barely made it to the airport on time.
Thankfully, Bree decided to stay a few extra days with friends. Though, I knew the truth of her sudden need to stay. Bella hadn't realized I listened in on her phone conversation the day before, offering Bree another flight home in two days after our scheduled date. All expenses paid.
Within minutes of takeoff, we were kissing and groping each other. I groaned as she straddled my lap. "Shit, I should be exhausted but fuck, but I want you," I gasped in between words, enjoying Bella's impromptu lap dance.
"My muscles are sore that I can barely walk, but I don't give a fuck," she said huskily in my ear. With that said I picked her up and made my way to the bedroom.
Our clothes were discarded within moments. Against the door, I pressed my body against Bella's. Our lips met harshly, I thrust my tongue in her mouth, desperate to taste her. Bella moaned then pushed me hard. What the fuck? I thought.
She grinned and side-stepped me, and slapped my ass hard. Fuck! I growled, making a grab for her. I knew what she was doing; she wanted a proper fuck. I was fucking game. Her hand slapped against my ass twice before I caught her around the waist.
"I got you now," I snarled in her ear. "Payback's a bitch, love." Her head fell against my shoulder as her body shuddered. I took one of her hands in mine, placing it on the door, doing the same with the other. "Keep them there and don't fucking move.
She nodded and spread her legs shoulder length apart. Fuck, I loved that she always anticipated my needs. I grasped her hips with both of my hands, and drove hard and fast inside her.
"Fuck!" she hissed.
I stilled for a moment and slapped her right cheek. "I didn't say you could talk." Mimicking the words she used on me before. She moaned and I slapped the other cheek. "Keep quiet, all I want to hear is my skin slapping against yours." I gave her an example as I slammed into her.
She whimpered softly, biting her lower lip in a desperate attempt to remain quiet. I kept up my assault not bothering to remain silent. I felt her starting to tremble.
"Not yet, Bella." I slammed into her, grunting with the depth I was achieving. With one hand on her hip, I placed the other beside hers on the door. "Fuck, Bella. Do you like when I take like this?" She remained silent. I curved my hand on her hip, sliding along smooth, slick skin, where I pinched her clit.
"Yes!"
"Now I want to hear you," I whispered, increasing my pace both on my thrusts on rubbing her little clit.
"Oh…so good," she gasped. She muttered incoherencies as I drove inside her.
"So fucking good," I groaned, feeling the string close to snapping. I bent my knees for more leverage and thrust into her hard and fast. She screamed as she tried to maintain her pose. Three more times I thrust inside her, close so fucking close. "Now."
She screamed and let go. Two more thrusts and I bit into her shoulder, groaning as I filled her. She trembled and clenched around me for a second time, her head bent, harsh breaths escaped her. Her arms suddenly, causing her to rest her forehead on the door. My arms wrapped my arms around her waist and led her to the bed. We both laid down, facing each other, catching our breath.
"I'm sore," Bella whispered.
"Same here," I said, draping my arm around her hip.
"I think I'll have to take a long soak when I get home."
"Mind if join you," I said and grinned wickedly. She rolled her eyes, laughing. "Does that mean yes?" Bella nodded and jumped out of bed. "Where are you going?"
"Just to get cleaned up, I'll be back in a minute." She grabbed my t-shirt and walked out of the bedroom. I laid on my back, looking at the ceiling. She still wore the ring.
Did it mean we were engaged or was she going to make me ask her directly? I didn't mind either way. However, I didn't want to see her take it off though. Within a few minutes, she returned, removed my t-shirt and joined me back in bed. But she laid her head beside my feet. I looked at her curiously. She grinned, took my foot, and started to massage it. I groaned. We both shifted to lie on our sides, facing each other.
"You have pretty feet for a guy," she said and pressed her thumbs hard into the arch of my foot.
"I do?" I took her dainty foot beside me into my hands and started doing the same to her.
"Yup and you have big feet." She giggled. I rolled my eyes. "You know what they say about big feet?"
I rolled my eyes and grinned. "No I don't. What?"
"Big feet," she said, trailing off almost shyly, "Big shoes."
"Makes sense," I said, laughing at her silliness. "Why are you still wearing the ring, Bella?" I asked seriously.
She sighed and shrugged. "I like where it is," she answered softly. I told her I did, too. "But –"
"You can't wear it right now," I finished her sentence. She shook her head. "I understand."
"Do you?" she asked looking at me her face in laced with pain.
"Yes. When the time is right the ring will go back on that finger and will remain there."
We remained quiet for several minutes, enjoying the last of our alone time together. The following weeks were busy for the both of us. Between Bella's practice and work, we'd be lucky to manage to get anymore than a couple hours together other than sleep. Then there were the holidays, the concert, and finally the gala.
I sighed as Bella's hands slid from my foot and ran up legs. I groaned, hardening in moments. She grinned wickedly and shifted to take me in her mouth. I hissed, fisting the sheets beneath me.
"Bella," I groaned. Her tongue swirled around my head, sucking at the tip. She hummed around me, causing me to groan again. My fingers curled around her thigh and I pulled it over my head. She was wet and I needed a fucking taste.
I licked her slit and she moaned, eliciting a shiver and gasp from me. I grunted and bucked my hips further in her mouth. I sucked on her clit, teasing her. Her thighs tightened around my head as I continued to tongue fuck my beautiful, hot ass girlfriend.
I pulled my head back to see and used her wetness to lubricate my finger. Bella used her teeth. I groaned, bucking my hips again. My free hand kneaded and pulled at her ass cheek so I could get a better view of all her. I slowly moved my finger down from her clit, gently massaging in small circles, and I moved down past her wet entrance. She moaned around me, knowing what I was about to do.
Gently I pressed my fingertip against her as I my mouth closed over her clit again. She bucked her hips and I pressed further. With my fingertip inside her, she groaned deeply and started to suck me harder. I grunted, bucking my hips a few times to encourage her. Her hips mimicked mine, so I slid my finger in further. Fuck, all the way in. She moaned and whimpered as I slid back out slowly and started a rhythm. Soon she was trembling, moaning, and whimpering around my cock.
Soon we were both covered in sweat and desperate for release. I increased my pace with my finger and with my tongue as she did the same with her mouth. With my other hand still firmly in place on her ass, I squeezed it hard just as she grabbed mine, her fingernails digging into my skin.
Fuck, it was always so good. I nibbled on her clit and she exploded. Her body and mouth stilled for a moment, and then she grabbed my ass to pull closer and deep throated me. "Fuck," I groaned, licking her still as she rode out her orgasm. I groaned and bucked my hips a few times before grunting with my blinding release.
We both lay back for a few minutes, catching our breath. I got up and kissed her lips. "Are you okay?" I was worried that I may have hurt her. Smiling as if thoroughly sated, she nodded. I smiled at her and grabbed my boxers. "I'm going to clean up. Be right back." I kissed her euphoric face and laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"You should see the 'just been fucked' look you're wearing." I chuckled. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "You're one to talk. You've been wearing that grin all weekend."
I rolled my eyes and didn't argue, because it was true.
~oOo~
We made it back to her place a little after eight in the evening with Chinese food and our bags from our trip. Derek greeted us at the door and had Rick help us with our belongings. He was holding up a large box, too.
"Ugh…it that from the publishing house?" Bella asked. Rick nodded his reply. She rolled her eyes, unlocking her door. "Thanks Rick," she said and took the box from him, since I had our bags. "Oomph, what the hell did she send me?"
Rick laughed and took the box from her and placed it beside the door. "At least it wasn't as big as the other delivery box when your chair came in," he said, chuckling.
"Hey, I wasn't expecting that chair, Rick!" she chastised him, causing color to rise in his cheeks. "Besides you're the one that recognized what it was, so ha."
"Yeah what can I say? It's my favorite piece of furniture."
"Ugh. TMI Rick," she said, shaking her head. "Tell Abby I said hi." Rick nodded as he left. I shook my head looking at her. "What?"
"Do you always make friends so easily?" Bella shrugged. "So what's in the box?" I asked curiously.
"I don't know. Some of it will be fan mail, the rest…" she trailed off, grabbing a letter opener from a nearby table. "Can you take it to the coffee table so I can look?"
I nodded and picked it up. It was heavy. She followed and opened the box before she sat down. I looked over her shoulder and she started to unpack packets upon packets of envelopes.
"What are these?" Grabbing a packet of letters and noticed a lot of them were from women. Though there was quite a few from men.
"The publishing house receives all my fan mail then sends it here once a month," Bella said pulling out a small box. "Sometimes I get toys too," she said, blushing. I laughed taking the box from her. It was a plain cardboard box that said 'A Ring for Him.' I cocked an eyebrow at her in question.
She laughed. "It's a cock ring. I have a dozen of those. I usually give them as gag gifts!" Bella giggled, clutching her side at my lack of knowledge in this area.
"A what?"
"I guess quantity doesn't make up for experience." I glared at her. "You put this around the base and it vibrates." Admittedly, I was a little intrigued. "It holds off your release." That might make to our bedside table.
She continued to take out packs of letters, more sex toys, including vibrators, DVDs, and lingerie. I was a little pissed that some sent her those types of items. She insisted that many were from companies not from someone personally. When she came to the last box and she held it up. It was pink and there was a model's lower body modeling black lace panties.
I shrugged I've seen black panties before. I preferred them on the fucking floor. She smiled pointing at the wording on the box.
Remote Controlled Vibrating Panty Set.
Range 100 ft. Batteries included.
My eyes widened. I took the box and grinned. It was going to be an interesting morning the following day.
She met me at my apartment the next morning, smiling. "Good morning, love." I kissed her softly, taking the cup of coffee she had for me. "I missed you." She murmured the same. "Are you wearing them?" She cocked an eyebrow that clearly stated 'what do you think?'
With her hand in mine, we took the elevator down to the garage. It was gloriously empty, oh how convenient. I placed my briefcase on the floor, placing my free hand in my pocket. Then I pressed the button in the small remote. Startled, Bella jumped beside me, her hand tightening around mine. I released the button and earned a sweet little whimper.
When I laughed, she slapped my arm. I pressed the button in the car on the way to the office, a few times in the elevator up to our offices, and once or twice times while we prepared for an important meeting in the conference room. By the time the meeting came back around, Bella was barely maintaining her composure.
I watched the rest of our team. My father sat at the head of the conference table. Emmett, who sat across from me, took care of the construction, including the electrical engineering. Jasper sat beside my brother, who handled the landscaping. Together we made up the three equal partners of Cullen & Cullen Inc.
The morning meeting was with officials for the City of Seattle. We were there to discuss any problems that arose with the current project we were bidding for against Black & Uley. For the last twenty minutes, I'd wickedly held off Bella's release. I watched her from time to time get close, but I'd stop the vibrator. She cursed every time, only audible to me.
From time to time, I noticed Carlisle look in our direction. He seemed to suspect something was up. I cocked an eyebrow and put both of my hands on the table to show him I was innocent. His eyes narrowed, zeroing on the remote in my hand.
He looked away quickly, and I had to wonder what he thought. A few minutes later we took a break, allowing everyone to mingle and grab some refreshments. From across the room, Bella cocked her head toward the exit. I nodded minutely. She excused herself seconds later. I waited several seconds before I pressed the button a few times, knowing she'd probably be pissed with I joined her. Fuck if I wasn't already hard thinking about it.
As I approached the exit, Carlisle stopped me. "Hand it over," he said, holding out his hand.
"Hand what over?"
"The remote," he said. I paled, gaped like an idiot, and I fucking blushed. "Don't be surprised, Edward. Alice bought a pair for Esme last year." He grinned, holding out his hand again.
I might have baby-barfed. Too much fucking information, that was so wrong. I sighed and handed the remote to him. "You can have it back after the meeting."
I shook off the shudder and made my way to the office. Once inside, I found my naughty temptress sitting on the counter, her lovely legs crossed. "Did you enjoy fucking with me?" she growled.
Oh yeah, straight to my cock. "Yes," I answered honestly, closing the distance between us. Her angry glare didn't waver. She hopped off the counter and motioned for me to sit where she just was. The moment she climbed on my lap, her lips met mine viciously. Teeth scraped over my bottom lip, I groaned and my hand immediately groped her ass.
Fumbling with buttons, I pushed off her jacket off her shoulders. She slid each side of jacket wide open, fingers nimbly plucking my buttons open. She stiffened for a second before continuing. Her lips left mine, choosing to tease along my neck. My own lips moved over her collarbone.
"Stop pressing the damn button," she whispered against my lips. Her hands wove in my hair, angling to thrust her tongue in my mouth, tugging hard. Fuck, I loved that shit.
"I'm not," I gasped. She stilled again.
"Stop it, Edward," she growled.
"I'm not doing nothing but grabbing your fantastic ass," I countered. She stilled again. What the fuck?
Carlisle
Ah to be young. Who was I kidding? To have a healthy sex life seemed more appropriate. I hadn't when I told Edward that Esme had a pair of similar panties. In fact, we used them from time to time. The last time was during dinner with the family, including Bella. Esme was a mess by the time we got home. That was an incredible night, and I was glad we decided to skip dessert.
I shook my head at the thought, placing the remote amongst my things on the conference table. I joined in a discussion with a few of our guests. When I wanted to introduce Emmett to someone from the Engineers' Guild, I looked to find him sitting at the head of the table.
Playing with the remote. Shit. He pressed it once, twice, and a third time. I winced and thought that he next time I'd see the happy couple, it would be awkward. In a few strides I was across the room.
"Emmett, drop the remote," I hissed when I was within whispering distance. He looked up at me confused, his finger was again pressed the button.
"What?"
Edward
I gripped Bella's hips, looking up at her.
"Edward, where's the remote?" Bella gasped as she threw her head back. What the fuck?
"Umm, Carlisle took it from me," I said sheepishly.
Bella's eyes widened and her jaw snapped shut. "Are you telling me Carlisle is pressing the button right now?" she whispered through her clenched teeth.
"I'm sure it's an accident," I tried, wondering the same thing. "It's probably in his pocket or something. I'm sorry."
Quickly, she climbed off me and pulled off her panties. "Now where were we?" she asked as she slipped right where she belonged.
I groaned placing my hands firmly on her ass again. "Do you still have the same blouse in my closet?" Distracted by question she only nodded. I tore her blue silk top open.
"Greedy," she said breathily, smirking. Cocky little shit.
"No, fucking horny," I said. Unwilling to be slow further, I took one of her nipples in my mouth, cloth and skin beneath my tongue. She moaned, tugging my shirt from my pants, tearing at it as I had hers. Sporty nails scraped over my chest, causing me to hiss in pleasure.
I pushed up her hips, undid my belt and pants to free myself. I bit out a hiss of her name as her tongue and teeth teased my nipple. Fabric bunched around my wrists as I hitched her skirt up around her hips. My cock ached, guiding her, thrusting up to meet her.
It was a fucking frenzy after that. With a flick of my fingers I had undone the front clasp of her sexy bra. It was when I hungrily took her nipple between my lips that she stared to bounce harder, faster above me. When my teeth I teased a raised peak, she whispered my name in a chant and pushed my head harder against her chest. Fuck, I love when she asked for what she wanted.
A swirl of her hips had me gasping for control. To stifle the guttural groan that rumbled in my chest, my mouth closed over skin. The action pushed Bella over the edge, clenching tightly around me. With a few more thrusts, I let go with her name on my lips.
Minutes later, we walked back to the conference room with big "just-been-fucked" grins. Graciously, like a true gentlemen, I pulled Bella's chair out for her, but discreetly palmed her ass. I never actually admitted I was a gentleman. After taking my seat, I cocked an eyebrow and gave him a lethal glare before the meeting restarted.
Carlisle's look of remorse prompted me to believe he knew exactly why I was upset. He shook his head and pointed to Emmett. Bella gasped, hiding her flushed face in her hands. I turned my glare toward Emmett.
He lifted his hands and shrugged with a look of confusion. He mouthed, "What did I do?"
Bella giggled beside me, it was obvious Emmett was oblivious. Thank God. There was no way he'd let us live that shit down.
~oOo~
A week had passed and no one had noticed the ring that Bella wore on a long chain every day. She said she wanted it as close to her as possible. It was extremely happy to know that a simple of my commitment to her was so close to her heart.
The atmosphere was filled with tension and adrenaline. It was concert day. "What do you mean you're going to be late, Chad?" Bella screamed into her cell phone. She moved throughout the bedroom, looking for something wear. "Damn it. You're not going to have time to rehearse." She paused to listen for a bit. "Fine, are you still using those three songs?"
There was a knock at the door, knowing it was Alice. I answered the door, and thankfully it was Alice bearing gifts in the form of clothes. Jasper chuckled behind her.
"Oh thank God," I said, pulling her inside. "She's going crazy in there."
"How much do you love me?" she asked, brushing past me.
"Well if you have a decent outfit that will not have thousands of assholes eye-fucking my girlfriend then I love you very much, dear sister. But if it's an outfit that I instantly want to take her and fuc—"
"Shut up," she snapped at me before sticking out her tongue. I followed Alice into the bedroom as Jasper went to hunt for a drink. Bella was pacing and throwing things left and right in a bra and boy shorts. Alice cleared her throat and instantly Bella enveloped Alice in her arm.
"Thank you, thank you, and thank you!"
The outfit was an altered Seattle Seahawks jersey and skinny jeans with a pair of boots. Bella grinned and shooed us out to change. I led Alice back to the living room and we spoke in whispers. I wanted to make sure my surprise was ready and there were no problems.
"Everything is ready and set," she said, smiling. "You're going on after One Republic since they're using the piano, too." Jasper looked at us in confusion. Alice must have not told him.
"Thank you," I said appreciatively. Alice turned and asked her husband to fetch her some water.
"I noticed the necklace Bella was wearing," Alice said warily. I stiffened. "I won't tell anyone if that's what you want."
"It's complicated, Alice."
"I know it is. Did she say yes?"
"She said that she would say yes when I ask her." I proceeded to tell what happened and how my plan to ask her was foiled by a psychic. I also told her that Bella didn't let me ask her because we first had to talk.
Alice sighed. "I know it will work out, but please remember, Edward, she loves you."
"I won't forget."
She wrapped her arms around me. "She's good for you. She's done nothing more than love you and bring out the best in you."
"She did, didn't she?" She nodded. I kissed the top her spiky head.
"Okay, enough of the mushy stuff," she whispered, wiping her eye. "Here is your jersey and a new pair of jeans."
I had finished changing when Bella about to step out of the bedroom. "Ready?" Bella asked. I nodded and held out my hand. She opened the bedroom door fully and I growled.
She looked hot. Her hair was tousled and looked as if she just got fucked and her clothes were tight and little left to the imagination. Fucking Alice. We made it to the rehearsal a little late because of that outfit and it made me feel a little better.
The rehearsal went off without a hitch. I couldn't believe the people that were here to give their support. Rob Thomas and his wife were there to greet the others as they arrived. Three was Bruce-fucking-Willis, who hugged Bella a little too long. The members of One-Republic all greeted Bella with hugs and kiss. Who in the fuck was my girl?
On stage, Rascal Flatts were practicing, "Bob That Head." Keith Urban and his wife Nicole also greeted Bella like an old friend. She explained that they worked together the previous year on a project that Nicole sponsored and had been friends ever since. There was also Brad Paisley and his lovely wife Kimberly who greeted us next, their cute little boy planted on Brad's shoulders.
Ne-Yo and Oh no! Here comes the squealing! "Donnie!" Bella screamed, jumping into his arms. The fucker caught her easily. Alice squealed beside me, jumping up and down beside Jasper. "I can't believe you're here!" She slipped into the arms of another member of the group. I rolled my eyes. It was going to be a long fucking day.
It was time for the concert to start, and my family and I sat in the front row. They only allowed five hundred fans to sit stage-side while the rest were in the stadium seating. Bella had offered us to use the top box with the mayo, but I wanted to be close for my surprise. Well that, and I wanted to make sure I could watch her closely.
Bella came on stage, looking a little nervous, but also beautiful. She gave me a wink and touched her necklace, causing my smile to widen. She smiled toward the camera directly in front of her. The stadium was filled with screams and flashes.
"Hey everybody. Do you know what time it is?" The crowds erupted with cheers. "Before we get to the show, I wanted to thank all of you for your contribution to make Seattle a better place for everyone, including the less fortunate." The people that filled the seats screamed their approval. "Thanks to all of you and the donations of some of the great artists here, we have reached our goal and surpassed it." The audience thundered. "We will be breaking ground in March for, not one shelter but two!"
The audience went nuts. "Not only have we managed to raise enough money for those projects, but we raised enough to maintain those two building for at least a few years and start a few new projects for New Beginnings and for Sidewalk Angels.
"Now give yourselves a round of applause! You deserve it!" Bella screamed, clapping her hands and hollering. "Now without further ado, I'd like to introduce the founder of Sidewalk Angels, Rob Thomas."
She walked off the stage and ran toward me. Just as Rob came up to the stage and sat on a stool, she wrapped her arms around me. "How did I do?"
"Fantastic, love." I grinned, returning her hug. We listened as Rob spoke a little about his foundation and thanked Bella for everything she'd done. While he sang "Little Wonders," Bella and I swayed to the music with her back to my chest. I tightened my arms her waist, letting the words flow through me and I sang along.
"…these twists and turns of fate, time falls away. These small hours, these small hours still remain."
After his song came to an end, he called Bella up on stage. She pulled a stool with a wireless microphone in her hand. Rob started to strum on his guitar and started out the song. They both did wonderfully and Bella looked so carefree on stage. They finished the song with a thunderous response from the audience. Then she introduced the next artist, Rhianna.
The next string of performing artists was introduced by some movie stars, so Bella was able to stay with me a bit longer. Kelsey Grammar introduced Brad Paisley who sang two songs before introducing Keith Urban where they performed their collaboration "Start a Band."
Keith finished off his performance with a couple of chart toppers, one of which reminded me about how much loved waking up to Bella every morning. His wife introduced One Republic and that was when I had become nervous.
I had never played to that large of an audience, it was fucking stadium seating! There were thousands of people there to watch and listen. However, that what wasn't what really bothered me. It was whether or not Bella would like the lullaby I composed for her.
When the group finished with their popular "Apologize," Alice nudged me. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.
I bent and whispered in Bella's ear, "Love, I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back." She pecked my lips, grinning. She looked so damn happy about how well it was all coming together. I was so fucking proud of what she'd accomplished with the concert.
I circled the stage so Bella wouldn't see me, and climbed on stage. A producer and Kimberly Williams waited for me on the right side of the stage.
"Edward, I'll introduce you. Did you want to talk also?" Kimberly asked. I nodded, clearing my throat and taking an offered bottle of water.
The producer handed me a microphone. "After you finish speaking, make sure you flick the switch off the mike or else we'll get feedback," he warned me. I nodded and waited back stage until the last notes were played.
Kimberly wished me luck and walked out to introduce me. I walked out toward the middle of the stage where the baby grand piano was set up. Kimberly handed me the microphone, placing a peck on my cheek before she'd left. I sat at the piano and chanced a glance at Bella who'd been pushed on stage by Alice. She had her fingertip in her mouth, biting her fingernail nervously. She had to be wondering what I was up to.
"I'm going to play a piece I composed that was inspired by the founder of New Beginnings, Bella Swan." I patted the bench, my eyes on her, and she sat down slowly. "That's right, guys, she's taken," I said quickly. Bella groaned and shook her head. I turned off the mike and placed it on my other side on the bench.
With one kiss upon her lips, I turned my attention to the piano. I started to play, the piece started out intense, which was how our relationship started. Then it started to flow into a more sensual piece before it became filled with sadness, just a whisper of it. The sadness was from when we were apart for the brief yet too long period of time. Then it flowed again to a more sensual and brighter piece, ending where I thought we were, happy.
The last notes faded before a roar of applause came from the audience. I turned toward Bella, taking her hand and kissing it. Her smile widened and she wiped her eyes. Leaning my forehead on hers, we both whispered our love to each other before I gave her a chaste kiss. We had to keep PG after all.
"Wasn't that wonderful everyone?" Alice said with a microphone in hand. Bella and I rose to our feet as a group of stage hands moved the piano aside to make room for the next performers.
"Now let's hear it for Ne-Yo and The New Kids on the Block performing, Single!" Alice squealed through the microphone. The three of us watched from the side of the stage. They danced to the music with squeals of delight. They were both singing and swaying. I rolled my eyes. Stupid New Kids. After another song by NKOTB, Bella started to worry. There were a few more performances but there was an act missing.
"Who's supposed to go after them?"
"Well it's supposed to be Nickelback, but they were having problems with their flights," Bella said, craning her neck to look around back stage. "After their last song, we're all supposed to go on stage and perform Rob's song 'Street corner Symphony' together."
"I'm sure it will be fine. They have about twelve minutes to get here," I said, trying to reassure her.
She smiled and started to clap. "They're here!" She smiled, wrapping her arms around me. "Oh, this day couldn't have gone any better. I love you." I smiled and kissed her thoroughly.
Bella greeted the group and made sure they were ready to perform. She went on stage, thanking the members of those class one a-holes, NKOTB. They all kissed and hugged her. Fuckers. Donnie and Jordan hugged a little too long and tightly for my tastes. She hadn't told me that she knew them. Why hadn't she told me? Because I was a jealous fucker.
My red-haze vision had started to clear, since the members of the Block were back stage and Bella was onstage, introducing Nickelback. After a few numbers by the group, the rest of the artists joined Bella and Rob onstage.
Rob started out the first few lines then Keith and his wife sang a few, before everyone joined in for the chorus. Bella sang her little heart out, clapping and swaying to the music between, unfortunately next to Jordan and Donnie. Assholes. It hadn't help that Bella looked like she was enjoying being there.
Okay, red-haze vision was closing back in. Fuck. Did he just touch her ass? Red-haze overload. I took a few deep calming breaths. She wouldn't act on any of their advances, I trust her. Oh right, now an "accidental" brush against her tit. I was going to kill someone.
When the song came to an end, the entire group held hands and bowed. It was sweet and fantastic how they came together for this cause, their own causes and for Bella. After a few more cleansing breaths, I felt better. It helped that Bella had came running back to me and wrapped herself around me.
It was her turn to kiss me thoroughly. The members of a certain group passed us and all I could think was, that's right fuckers, she's with me. I felt instantly better.
After the show everyone was piled into The Palisade, mingling while they waited for dinner. The owners of the restaurant closed it just to accommodate the after party. Alice was beside herself, wrapped around Joe McIntyre. Jasper just rolled his eyes and went the flow. Fucker, how can he be so calm? Oh yeah, they're married.
Bella decided to get a little tipsy, and I chose not to. Not because I wasn't enjoying myself, because I was. It was just easier to keep an eye Bella when I wasn't under the influence.
A few hours later, I managed to drag her off and get her in a cab ride home. Our doorman laughed at the state Bella was in, and I tried my best not to. Her skin seemed to take a pinkish glow. It suited her. I laughed when she attempted to remove her jacket in the elevator up to her apartment.
"Edward, my zipper won't zipper," she cried out.
"That's because your jacket has buttons, love," I gasped, laughing.
"Oh that makes sense," she whispered, before she started to unbutton her jacket. Once she was done with that, she started with the button of her jeans.
"Bella, love, what are you doing?"
"These stupid jeans are too tight," she complained, stepping out of them and her boots. I groaned when I'd seen that she'd gone commando.
I grabbed her and shielded her from the camera, picking up her clothes. "Edward," she purred in my ear. I hissed when she bit down on my earlobe. The elevator dinged at our arrival, I was very thankful that it never stopped anywhere. It was also very hard to unlock a door when you're half-naked girlfriend is blowing in your ear. The second I succeeded, Bella peeled off her jersey and walked to the bedroom.
"Edward, I think it's time to put our chair to use tonight." Fuck, that one sentence went straight to my cock. I hadn't wanted to take advantage of her while she was drunk. Then she started twirling and dancing in the hallway, dancing to her own music. Fuck it.
~oOo~
It was a week later when Bella and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our apartment. Our apartment? Well, I had spent a grand total of three hours at my place in the last few weeks.
When I told Bella that, she asked me to move in with her. I said yes, since I wanted to and my lease was up in February. Hopefully, by then we could make our engagement official.
Bella's remaining family wasn't able to join us. Jordan was visiting with Julie's family for Thanksgiving. His rehabilitation was going well. How well, he refused to tell us, but you can tell he was proud of himself whenever he called. Jacob and Nessie were spending the holidays in La Push with Billy and Sue.
So it was just me, Bella and my family. It took me a bit to realize that my family was complete. Soon, I gathered from conversations around the table, that there'd be some new members that would make our family perfect.
We were all eating happily and praising Bella's and my mother's cooking skills, when Emmett turned his attention to me.
"What's the best meal Bella makes?" Emmett asked from across the table, while he ladled gobs of gravy on his mashed potatoes.
Without thinking I answered. "Taco Bella."
Jasper snickered, Bella punched me and Alice was disgusted. Rosalie was trying not to laugh and Emmett looked like he was chocking. My aunt on the other hand looked distracted and so did Carlisle. My eyes landed on his fingers curled around a small remote. That shit was just wrong!
Bella left the following morning to shop with Alice and Rosalie for Black Friday. She returned with Rick, Derek, Adam and I think a neighbor from downstairs, all carrying bags. She looked exhausted as she sat on the couch.
"Are you all right, love?"
She shook her head. "I think I spent my book advance money today." I laughed because that sounded like Alice.
~oOo~
"Are you sure you have to go?" I asked as I trailed kisses down the throat.
"You know I do, Edward. I'll only be gone for fifty-two hours," she assured me.
"We've haven't been apart for that long."
"I didn't complain when you had to fly to Los Angeles for the Berkman Project."
"But I was only gone for eighteen hours and it was torture. I still don't see why you didn't just come with me."
"I was training my replacement and getting my office ready."
I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arms around her. She refused to let me drive her to the airport, stubborn as a mule, the woman. I palmed her ass and squeezed hard, hoping to convince her to stay. She loved when I did it.
"Edward," she moaned. She huffed, I sensed her resolve crumbling. "Fine, just come with me to the airport then."
"Public sex, "I said, grinning.
"If you insist but I'm on top."
"Do you always have to be in control?" I asked. She gave me a sexy smile and shrugged. Oh well, call me a fucking slave. I was willing to play along.
An hour later, I kissed her good-bye at her gate and tried to help her fix her hair. I may have messed up a little in the bathroom stall. It was her fault, since she knew better than to wear it up, I always took it down. I watched as she walked through security. For some reason, I felt a sense of loss.
Which was ridiculous? She was coming back to me.
I moped around the apartment the following day, thoroughly bored. Bella was on a plane back home, but it will be at least another four hours until she arrived. I missed her terribly.
Phone sex wasn't the same, neither was web cam sex, but it was still fucking hot.
I was sitting in her office, in our apartment, going over a project I needed to work on my work laptop. However, I couldn't focus. I went to Bella's music collection and picked out Debussy.
I turned her CD player on and put Debussy. I pressed play, but the player said that it was unable to play. I took it out and looked at it, it was scratch free.
Curious. I placed it in my laptop. Strange it said there were several files, it was a data disc. No wonder it hadn't played. There was a folder marked "Daily Log," a folder named "Scans and News Clippings," and a folder that read "Case File No. 10 Edward Cullen."
What the fuck? I clicked on the one with my name. There were several pages of Word documents and most of my personal information and history. What the fuck? Did she have me investigated? A page stood out more than the rest.
Subject No 10: Edward Anthony Cullen, AKA The Womanizer
Clients: Alice and Jasper Whitlock; Emmett and Rosalie McCarty
Revised: Carlisle and Esme Cullen now involved.
Referred by: Jacob Black
Revision: Case closed/ September 14, 2009
What. The. Fuck! I closed the documents and opened the one named "Scans and Newspaper Clippings." There were hundreds of photos of me with other woman, scans of some of the newspaper articles. There were several pictures from when I was named Bachelor of the Year in 2007. With every click of the mouse, my breathing hitched and my vision changed. I closed the folder and opened "Daily Log."
There were six videos. I clicked on the first video dated the day before I met Bella. She was sitting in front of her computer, adjusting the web camera.
"Subject No. 10: Edward Cullen. The man is well known throughout Seattle's socialites as a womanizer. Through research I found that most women that he'd been wither were not regrettable. At least not publicly. They all knew what they were getting into when he took them home.
"Jasper Whitlock may become a problem. He didn't recognize me, I'm thankful. That ass hasn't changed a bit. I have. Emmett McCarty, a name from my past, too bad the face and persona doesn't match."
She started to pace the room. "Edward Cullen. The man is Adonis in human form. Perfect. Too bad his attitude leaves much to be desired. He knows how everyone else perceives him and he uses it to his advantage. Upon further research, I found a website for all the women that have been with him, where they can exchange stories. The membership is three hundred twenty-three members strong and growing."
I shook my head and stopped the video. I didn't need to hear what she thought about me. I clicked on the next video dated the day I met her. She was wearing a sexy bra and panty set with her robe open. Her hair was piled on top of her head.
"Today was my first day of work. One thing I can say for sure about Edward Cullen, pictures don't do the man justice. I don't think there's a medium that would be able to capture the essence of his perfection. The forbidden fruit strategy seemed to work. I noticed his instant attraction to me. Once Emmett helped me with our little 'accident' outside of the employee lounge, it was hard for him to hide it."
She grinned and shook her head. "He did show some concern. It seemed genuine. From what I can tell, he only has one tell. His nose twitches. But I have to test him to see when he lies.
"James may be an issue with the way he approached me. If he seems harmless next time, I may be able to use him to make Edward jealous."
Bella started to stretch and seemed lost in thought. "Alice and Rosalie's help worked perfectly. He couldn't even hold himself together." She sighed and closed her eyes. "He did show some concern when I was vulnerable to the temperature of his office. Don't know if I should be thankful or disgusted that he looked. No, I'm thankful. I'm sure that pig of a client noticed. The whole time he was trying to ask me out for dinner, he kept looking at my chest.
"Then Edward had the nerve to tell me not to date clients or employees. Asshole. Maybe he should take his own fucking advice. The nerve of him. It actually felt like he was calling me a slut. If he only knew. I had to get out of there. I was so close to just dropping the case right then and there. But I'm not one to give up so easily."
I had seen enough. Sick to my stomach, an ache blossomed in my chest as my blood boiled. I clenched my fists and jumped out of the chair. I roared and sent my computer and everything off the desk as I flung it to its side. My chest ached so fucking much.
It was all a fucking joke. It was all fucking fake. On the ground was a photo of Bella and me from Thanksgiving. Her smile was beautiful, she looked happy, but she was pretending. The glass of the framed photo crumbled as it hit the wall across from me.
A memory of our trip to the coast played in my head. Something she had said. "Trust me, I'm a good actress."
Bella
I was home. God, I couldn't wait until I was in his arms again. I sprinted down the hall to the door of our apartment. Our apartment. I loved the sound of that. I missed him terribly.
I unlocked the door, realizing that it was after two in the morning. I hoped he hadn't fallen asleep. If so I was sure he wouldn't mind if I woke him up. I opened the door and placed my suitcase beside the front door.
It was dark. Darn. He must have fallen asleep. I felt an electrical surge cackle in the air. Something I only felt when he was near me. I noticed his figure sitting on the couch in the living room, sitting in the dark. I locked up quickly and turned on the lights.
"Edward," I whispered just in case he was asleep. He had said that he couldn't sleep while I was gone. The back of his head wasn't resting on the couch so he seemed awake. I noticed movement. His arm came up and he took a drink from a vodka bottle.
What the hell?
"Edward?" I walked over to him to find him staring blankly at the wall behind me. His face was covered in stubble and his eyes looked red and bloodshot. I noticed one of his hands looked swollen.
My breathing hitched. What the fuck happened? I said his name again but he just took another drink from the bottle. I didn't dare get closer, because something in his eyes told me not to.
I walked slowly toward the hallway so I can make a call to Alice. Maybe she could tell me if something happened. I passed my office and it was in total destruction. My immediate reaction someone tried to break in and Edward fought them. I went to him immediately. I needed to make sure he was okay.
"Edward, baby." No response. I kneeled in front of him and said his name again. Nothing.
Oh God, what the hell happened? I walked back to my office, and I noticed his laptop on the floor on the screen was me. I recognized the video immediately. No! Not like this. I closed the door and was about to walk back to face him. He was already there in the hallway, pushing me against the wall.
"Welcome home, love," he whispered, his fingers gripping my shoulders with a feather light touch. His body however, was pressing hard against my own.
"Edward," I whispered, looking into his eyes. My Edward wasn't there. He'd been replaced by someone else, by someone angry. God, did he have a right to be angry.
"I missed you," he whispered in my ear. One of hands circled my throat, the other fisted at my shirt. I stifled a sob, because the truth had finally been revealed. I would lose this man forever. I went to my happy place, to a time where I knew he loved me.
AN: It may look like something really bad is going to happen. I assure you that it's not the case. You'll see what happens in Bella's POV after the next chapter.