Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer
Chapter Twenty-Nine – Horrendous Holidays
Bella tensed beside me, sensing the change in my demeanor. "Before you go all 'Edward' on me, wait. Let me explain something," she started, looking up at me. She sat up, pulling away from me and rested her back and her head on the headboard.
"I have to do this for the same reason that I have to go and edit my novel."
"Bella, you'd be gone for fucking months and traveling while pregnant. What the hell are you thinking?" I seethed, clenching and slamming my fists against the mattress.
"First of all, this isn't something that was discussed and planned when I was in New York. This was planned months before you even came into my life. This is something that was planned before I even knew I was going to be a mother."
I watched her and could tell that this conversation was taking a toll on her. She was already exhausted from traveling for most of the day. Arguing now would not be healthy. Despite all that, this topic needed to be broached. The book tour, that would take her from me, needed to be figured out.
"Is there anything else you forgot to tell me?" I asked, snapping my jaw shut, trying to contain the verbal assault I wanted to give her.
"Um, I have to film a spot on Seattle's Local Spotlight on the ninth in January. Well not me, but my alter go I mean." She seemed rather nervous discussing this alter ego, but I had no idea why. I knew she had a pen name that she used, but I never did find out what it was.
"That's the day of your follow-up appointment," I reminded her, trying to clear my head. I needed to make sure that I thought about what I wanted to say. I had to be careful not to say something that I'd regret later.
"I know. I'll go to my appointment then I'll be filming after it," she said.
"We'll go to your appointment, together," I clarified, grappling with the aching pain that would no doubt overcome me when she left. She needed to understand that we were in this together. We had to make decisions together, as a unit. Her independent nature would not make it easy for either of us.
"You're angry," she whispered, averting her eyes.
I put my finger under her chin and moved it just enough to look into her eyes. "I am."
"Why?" she asked softly as she slid down and rested her head on her pillow. I mimicked her posture, pressing my forehead against hers.
"I don't like the idea of spending so much time away from you. It hurts too much," I whispered my confession.
She nodded and looked as if she wanted to continue, but she had to stifle a yawn instead.
"Edward–" she trailed off when I put my finger to her lips.
I sighed and shook my head. I didn't want to fight. She told me the truth and she knew it would upset me. I didn't want to cause her pain anymore, but this was something that would have to be discussed in detail, later. It wasn't the time or place. She was exhausted and she needed to rest.
"Just rest, baby. We'll talk about it later," I whispered, kissing her nose and cheeks. "Love you, always."
"You are always trying to–" she paused, yawning. "Distract me."
"Yes, but I have a good reason. You need to rest. You've been up since almost dawn."
Her eyes fluttered closed. "Love you," she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.
I watched her for a while, her breath became steady. She looked so peaceful and blissful when she slept. An hour passed before she started to talk in her sleep. "Don't go, Edward," she mumbled. I cringed, when I saw the pain was evident on her facial features, her hands clutching my waist, tightly.
"I'm not going anywhere, love," I murmured, running my hand down her back, hoping to soothe her.
"I don't want to go," she whimpered and nuzzled her cheek against my chest.
"I don't want you to go, either." I whispered, running my fingers through her hair.
I succumbed to sleep about an hour later. I ran countless different scenarios where I could get her to stay or a way for me to go with her. There had to be something that would allow her to at least cut her tour short.
Then I remembered something. Airline regulations didn't allow pregnant women to fly after a certain number of weeks into their pregnancies. I made a mental note to check out this information. Maybe if the publishing company were made aware of this, then she wouldn't have to go.
Yes, there had to be a way for us to stay together.
~oOo~
The next day we discussed her tour as well as many of the things that we needed to get out into the open. Though she was adamant that she had to tour this spring, I kept my flying information to myself. I needed to find out more of the facts before I brought it up to her.
The other big pink elephant in the room was, living together. Before all hell broke loose, she had already asked me to move in with her. I had to know if this was something she still wanted. I knew I didn't want to spend any time away from her. I needed her and wanted her, but it was ultimately up to Bella. I needed a way to bring it up in conversation.
"Edward, do you want to move in?" Bella asked after I voiced my concerns about going back to my place to get some clothes, again. I didn't even try to hide my annoyance.
"Well, that's what I was going to do…before," I said tentatively.
"I have to make more room for you. Now that I think about it there's no room for the baby."
I looked down the hallway and realized she was right. My place was no better as far as size, and I knew she wasn't comfortable there.
"We're going to have to look for a place," we both said in unison. We laughed and continued with our breakfast, eating heartily with her on my lap.
"I'll have to call a friend of mine who's a real estate agent. She'll be able to help us find something suitable," Bella said, taking a bite of buttered toast. She grabbed her PDA beside her and started to go over something.
I nodded, happy that she knew someone. I did too, but I wasn't interested in looking for a new place with someone I had fucked. Meeting other women that I had slept with, was something I was going to try to avoid. I didn't want Bella getting upset unnecessarily, coming face-to-face with a former conquest.
I felt a little uneasy, trying to accomplish such a task of protecting Bella from a pack of ravenous wolves. The harder I tried to prevent her unnecessary pain or stress, the more it happened. I was at the end of my rope discussing anything in her still fragile state.
On the outside Bella appeared to be able to hold on her own, I knew wasn't true though. Her nightmares and "the world" her mind created for her when it all became too much, was a testament that she wasn't as strong she seemed.
I hated that I had been the cause of so much pain. I reality, I knew that I was just a catalyst. The last episode was something that was long overdue. I still had a hard time believing that someone who had gone through everything that Bella had endured, was still able to watch the world with wonder and believed whole-heartedly in helping others in need.
I was lucky to have her.
We spent the day after Christmas playing with my new video camera and Bella modeling all her new clothes from my sister. She wouldn't model her lingerie. Too much temptation.
The next four days were spent either at her apartment or the mall. I had gone out on one of those days to pick something up, and when I returned, I found her getting sick again when I returned.
She tried to push me away, but I refused. I held up her hair and rubbed soothing circles on her arms or back until she felt better. Once she had, I carried her around. She hadn't liked that, but kept her mouth shut to appease me.
She needed to get used to being cared for. As long as I was in her life, she would never want for anything. I'd always make sure she'd received what she needs.
It was New Year's Eve, and Alice was going to help Bella get ready for the company party held in my parents' home. I didn't want to go, but it just wasn't something I could avoid. I was basically the spokesperson and face of the company.
I didn't want to be here when Alice arrived. I knew that I would be forced to make small talk with everyone to maintain the façade of a happy family at the party. I wasn't ready to forgive them. I was ready to give them my gratitude for watching Bella while I was away. I had no doubt that if things had turned out differently, they would still remain by her side. They loved her, too.
To say I was nervous about the company party would have been a gross understatement. Not only because my family would be there, but because a lot of women that I had slept with would also be in attendance.
I also didn't know what to label me and Bella. Did I introduce her as my fiancée? Or girlfriend? Or as an employee? Ugh, my head felt like it was going to explode with all the thoughts that swirled in my mind.
Bella and I still hadn't managed to talk about one of the thoughts that had consumed my mind since I reentered Bella's life. Were we engaged or not?
The first attempt at asking her to marry me or at the very least discussing it with Bella was thwarted by Ruby. The second time, I was drunk, tore off her necklace, causing her pain, and I demanded it. That was not exactly something a person could regale to kids and grandchildren.
No, even if she saw me as her fiancé, I needed to give her the proper proposal. The one I had in mind since the concert. To pull my idea off I needed…Alice.
I don't know why I had avoided the conversation for so long. She was still wore her engagement ring, but she wore it before all hell broke loose, too. I had no idea what it meant.
The discussion couldn't be avoided any longer. I made a mental note to remind myself that when we returned from the party, we would discuss either our engagement or hopefully wedding plans.
I wanted that spring wedding.
I finished getting ready, fiddling with my tie. I slipped into my tuxedo jacket and ran my hand through my hair. I actually managed to make it look nice. I quickly ran to a corner florist and grabbed a beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers. The scent reminded me so much of Bella's delicate floral scent when she was aroused.
I tamed my body's reaction to the familiar scent and parked my car in front of our building.
I greeted Derek, the doorman who smiled jovially. He had threatened me earlier with promises of dismemberment if I made Bella cry again. I laughed at the memory of how serious he was.
With the flower bouquet in hand, I knocked on her door even though it was my place, too. I just wanted the night to feel special. It would be the first time we made a public appearance since The Gala.
The door flung open and Bella stood there with her dress unzipped and her lovely face flushed. She smiled brightly and threw her arms around my neck, kissing me full on my lips. I groaned when I felt her strapless dress was slipping off.
"Bella," I gasped for breath while her lips started to kiss and suck behind my ear. "Baby… uh … dress," I managed, but fuck, I wanted her to keep going.
She stepped back, holding her dress up with one arm while she held the flowers in her other hand. "Sorry, I just missed you."
"I missed you, too. Why exactly are you holding your dress like that?" I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. The dress hugged her torso and hips wonderfully and flared out just before her knees.
"Oh, Alice had to leave after she finished my makeup and hair. I can't get to my zipper." She smiled then turned. I chuckled and closed the distance between us. Her hair was elegantly falling down her back in loose curls with the sides of her hair pinned up. I gently moved her hair and draped it over her shoulder. Kissing her neck, my hands followed the curves of her hips and waist until I found the zipper at the small of her back. I zipped it up slowly, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin against my fingers.
I continued to kiss her neck until I reached the light reddish scar across the back of her neck. "You're not wearing your hair up because of this." I kissed the scar gently a few times.
"Yes. Don't worry, Edward. I'll get it taken care of. It will have to wait until after the baby," she whispered as she moved her hair back to hide the physical evidence of the pain that I had caused her.
I wrapped my arms around her waist and pressed her back against my chest. "I love you," I murmured, kissing her temple.
"I know," she laughed, softly. "Ugh, look at these things. I'm just ten weeks along and I'll have to go up a bra size, soon."
I looked over her shoulder where she poked the ample swell of her breasts. I groaned deeply, dropping my forehead on her shoulder. I hadn't seen her completely naked for a while and even though I touched and nipped at her lovely skin, it was in the dark. And since she pointed out that her breasts were indeed fuller, I couldn't help but become excited.
"Can't we skip the party and go make out like teenagers again?" I begged, kissing her neck once more.
"You and I both know that we can't skip the party," she said firmly as she wiggled her ass against my arousal. I groaned, tightening my grip on her. "I will, however, promise to help with this," she moved against me again, "later."
"Tease," I growled playfully, gently biting her shoulder. Bella jumped slightly, moaning as I soothed the area with my tongue.
"Okay, I'm going to put these in water. Can you grab my shawl? It's on the bed."
Ten minutes later, we were on our way to my parents' home. Bella watched the world outside her window quietly for a few minutes as I drove. "Edward, how are you going to introduce me, tonight?"
I tensed because I had no idea. I was relieved that she brought it up but at the same time, I was intensely nervous. "I'm not sure. How would you like to be introduced?"
She sighed and looked down at her hand, touching her ring. "I think to business associates, I can be introduced as the Charitable Projects Manager, and to anyone that you feel necessary to tell, as your girlfriend." I sighed and didn't even attempt to hide my displeasure. She didn't see us as engaged.
"Edward, don't be angry. I want this part of our relationship to remain untouched by gossip and speculation. Please. Just for now."
"Gossip and speculation? What does that mean?" I questioned, unable to look at her.
"Edward if you introduce me to an associate as your CPM and your fiancée, what do you think will be the first thing that will come to their minds?"
"That you're absolutely beautiful and will be completely jealous of me," I answered honestly.
"Be serious, Edward. The first thing that will come to their minds is that I slept my way up to the top."
"Oh," I said plainly. She was right. The ruthless people of the business world would think that. "I can understand that you want to wait on telling people that we're getting married, but…"
"I know what you're thinking. Of course we're getting married," she replied. I let out a breath that I had no idea I held. "As soon as you ask me."
I groaned, shaking my head. "Third times a charm, baby." I laughed with her. I pulled up to my parents' home and gave the keys to the valet. I walked over to her side to help her out. I wrapped my arms around her. "Bella, I want to give you the world. And yes, I plan to give you one hell of a proposal."
"One that will leave me speechless and weak in the knees," she said and grinned playfully.
"Indeed," I whispered, taking her bottom lip and nibbling on it lightly.
She moaned softly but her hands pushed me away. "Behave," she chastised.
We entered Carlisle's remodel of a 1913 Timbered Tudor home that had been renovated over the last six years. It was the same house that became my home shortly after the first time I met Bella all those years ago. My adoptive parents' original Seattle home was only three bedrooms, and my uncle found it shortly after I joined his family.
I held on to Bella's hand as we walked into the foyer that led to the piano room on the left and the formal living room on the right. Just ahead of us was a beautiful set of stairs that went up to the first set of bedrooms and study.
Bella took in the sights all around us. The house was decorated in lovely simple Christmas decorations in the traditional colors. I could hear the soft, elegant notes of the piano from the left. It stopped when Bella and I stepped further into the Piano Room. Carlisle's shoulders tensed slightly but he regained his composure and continued to play. He smiled toward us, but I quickly looked away and around the room. There was a beautifully decorated tree beside the south bay window.
My aunt was chatting away with Mr. Peter Conner, a business associate. His wife, Charlotte would be my first obstacle. I fucked her during the last New Year's party, upstairs in my old room. She was married and all over me the year before. It hadn't help that I was completely drunk or else I would've never have allowed it to happen. Not necessarily because she was married, but because she was married to someone that I needed to keep happy in order to maintain a business relationship.
I was in hell. And she was already eyeing me. I chickened out and went straight for Carlisle. Bella looked at me curiously but didn't comment. "That was wonderful, Carlisle. It seems like you've been practicing," I said calmly.
My father figure rose from the piano bench and turned to face me and Bella. "Yes, Esme will never allow me to quit." He smiled at Bella and embraced her. "How are you, Bella?"
"I'm – I mean we're doing fine." Bella said softly touching her abdomen. Carlisle smiled, looking where her hand lay.
"I'm happy to hear it." He turned toward me and offered a smile and a nod. "Edward, how are you?"
I pulled Bella closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I'm doing very well now that Bella and I are moving in together."
Carlisle smile brightened. "I'm happy for you two. Which apartment are you moving into?"
"Well, right now mine," Bella said thoughtfully. "But we will be looking for a new place after the New Year, to accommodate for the baby."
"Well our family uses –"
"Bella already knows someone," I interrupted before he could mention Heidi. He nodded and didn't pursue the issue any further.
"Yes, I know someone. She and I went to school together. I'm sure she'll be able to help us," Bella said.
"Well then, why don't you two mingle? Edward, make sure you talk to Peter, Paul, and David tonight. We need their assistance on the City of Seattle Project," he said, turning to find my aunt.
I internally groaned. Avoiding Peter and his wife, Charlotte, were no longer possible. Bella smiled knowingly and shook her head.
"I'm stepping into a mine field, aren't I?" she said, cocking an eyebrow. I bit my lip, a habit I picked up from her, and nodded slowly.
She suddenly stood up taller and straightened her posture, holding her chin up high. She plastered her "I'm faking it" smile and winked at me. "Let's go have some fun," she said over-enthused.
I smiled brightly and leaned in to kiss her lips once. "I love you. Only you."
"I love you, too." She led me toward Esme, who was speaking with Charlotte.
Charlotte and Peter made up one of the top home décor designer companies on the west coast. Some of their rooms and homes had been in magazines and featured on the cable TV channel Fine Living. Their design firm had proven to be a valuable asset to our company since the beginning. Many of their clients came to us for renovations and new construction by way of their word of mouth. They were an intricate part of the networking web that Carlisle and Esme had built over the years.
I looked around the room and noticed Katherine Holden, Melissa Jacobs, Megan Riles, and Rachel Jameson. All of which were a part of that web that I put in jeopardy because I fucked each one of them.
Bella noticed my demeanor immediately. I stopped just in front of my aunt and leaned in, kissing her cheek. I knew I would never be able to stay angry with her. My mother and Esme looked so much alike, and she was essentially my mother since I she took me in.
Her lips lingered on my cheek, and I felt a tear slip down her cheek. "Hello, Edward, Bella," she said, pulling away from me slowly and embracing Bella delicately. "You look radiant, my dear."
Bella blushed slightly and smiled. "So do you, Esme."
Esme introduced Bella to Charlotte, who hadn't taken her eyes off me during the introduction. I felt like I was on display. I offered to shake her hand, but she thrust her hand to my lips. With my arm still around Bella, I felt her tense slightly.
"Edward, it's been a long time," Charlotte said, barely concealing the hint of huskiness to her voice. I shivered involuntarily. Bella giggled softly beside me.
Charlotte was a nice looking for an older woman. She was sophisticated and well kept. But what she had in her physical beauty, she lacked in subtly. Her long dark hair was smooth and straight and had an unnatural shine to it. Her pale grey eyes always held some kind of dark secret about someone with power. She was well-known for her manipulative and blackmailing ways.
It was what worried me. If I showed no interest in her obvious intentions, would my company suffer for it? I brushed my lips across a knuckle and dropped her hand. She let it linger mid-air for a moment, glaring. Her eyes shifted to Bella and they roamed over her figure.
I stiffened when she finally noticed my arm around Bella's waist. She looked back up at me and cocked an eyebrow in question. I had no intention of following her upstairs, so I had to make that clear.
I cleared my throat and said, "Charlotte, Bella is also my girlfriend." Bella tensed slightly beside me. She was aware that I only said girlfriend because we had agreed that I'd introduce her as my girlfriend to who I felt it was necessary to.
In other words, all the women I nailed or who had made attempts toward me. I was so fucking dead.
Thankfully, Peter rescued us from the claws of his wife. I tried to listen as he spoke with Bella about a mutual friend from California who loved the work he had done in her home, but Charlotte's attempts at gaining my attention were becoming less and less subtle. Her blatant disregard of the proximity of Bella and her husband was trying my patience and composure.
Charlotte was trailing her finger up and down the neckline of her dress and licking her lips. I completely ignored her attempts at seduction, but I was aware that she was closing in on my position. She stood right in front of me, her eyes locked on my package.
I thought for a moment, that she thought she was getting a rise out of me. No woman besides Bella had ever been able to accomplish that with just a mere look. I was disgusted with her aggressiveness. Before Bella entered my life, I would've viewed that kind of attention as nothing more than flattery and eagerness. Not anymore.
I never approached a woman that aggressively. There was never a need to, but it seemed that Peter's wife was going to pull out all the stops. She cupped my ass suddenly, causing me to jump away in surprise. Peter's eyes widened and so had Charlotte's.
Sensing what had happened, Bella started to laugh, "Sorry about that, honey. I guess I win first round." We all looked at her curiously. "Edward and I are playing a little game tonight. See, the one who can take the other by surprise the most by the end of the night wins. In this case, I pinched the side of his waist," Bella said, laughing again. "I just didn't expect him to jump so high."
Peter actually laughed out loud at that. "Then my dear, I think he earned a point, too."
Bella smiled brightly. "You're right. One to one. It keeps the magic flowing."
I was in complete awe of her. In what could've been a disastrous argument in front of everyone, she'd managed to keep her cool and come up with a way out of the tenuous situation.
Charlotte ignored me for the rest of the evening. I managed to talk with everyone I needed to and introduced Bella to an array of people, including those I tried to avoid. By the end of the night, I introduced her as my girlfriend to fifteen women. When I introduced her to Melissa, she had completely pulled away from me. She even refused to take my hand again.
She was whisked away by Phil Knight, who wanted to introduce her to other philanthropists in the area. I knew it was important for her and the company's future projects so I left her to mingle.
From across the room, I watched as Bella's eyes suddenly widened as Alec and Jane Winthrop walked into the room. They were a brother and sister team that held a lot of weight on development in the area. Jane's eyes narrowed in on Bella as she stomped her way toward her. I swear I never fucked her; I was positive about that. But something had happened between Bella and Jane that caused this animosity.
I looked at my aunt who was stood near them, and she just shrugged. I hadn't been aware that Bella knew anyone else in the area. I sensed a possible problem and made my way toward them. Once I reached Bella, I wrapped my arms around her, kissing her temple. "Sorry to be away from you so long, love."
Jane placed her hands on her hips. "Edward Cullen was the other potential subject besides my brother?"
I tensed and looked at Bella. "He knows all about that and he is no longer a subject, Jane. Drop it."
"Why did you choose him over my brother? He needs just as much help as Edward does," Jane said, leaning in, making sure no one could hear.
"Easy, your brother needs a different kind of help, Jane. My breaking his heart would've made things so much worse. He needs to talk to a doctor. Drop it, now." Bella said firmly, her jaw clenched.
"My brother is fucking my friends left and right. I don't have anymore friends left. Drop Cullen and I'll give you triple your fee." Jane said desperately, looking at her brother who was draped over Phil Knight's wife.
"I'm no longer taking subjects. Ever," Bella clarified.
"You fell in love with him," Jane said, stupefied.
I bristled and shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, I did," Bella said quietly. She led me away and left Jane in the center of the Piano Room, looking dumbfounded.
I pulled Bella into an empty hallway for privacy. "What does she mean her brother was a potential subject?"
Bella sighed and looked at me. "I was offered to do both of your cases. I would never take two at a time. I had to choose. I chose your case."
"Are you telling me that all this could've been different?" My question was asked in a firm, brisk tone that instantly made her square her shoulders.
Bella nodded and whispered, "In all likelihood, if I had chosen his case I would be on his arm and you'd be upstairs right now with Charlotte or Rachel, Katherine, Melissa or any one of the number of woman you introduced me too."
She walked back in the living room and disappeared among the throng of people. I went to take a seat and grabbed a drink at the bar Carlisle had set up in the corner of the room. I felt a heavy hand hit my shoulder. Emmett.
"Hey bro," he said quietly.
I hadn't bothered to look at him. "Why did you do it, Em?"
"Well, you were an asshole, Edward."
I looked at him then and cocked an eyebrow. "You were no better than me before Rosalie. Don't give me that bullshit. Every one of you had an ulterior motive."
He shrugged and smiled. "Tell me, before Rosalie what did you think of me?"
I furrowed my brows and thought back to when I first came to live with him and the rest of his family. "Honestly, I thought you were a little crude and rude."
"Exactly. Face it, I was an asshole. I had different girl coming in and out of my room. Hell, you even covered for me on one too many occasions. In fact, I was a terrible role model."
I sat there and thought about what he was saying. I shook my head as I pondered that yes, it was true that his previous treatment of women had been just as bad I used to be. "You're not responsible, Emmett."
"Maybe not. But that's how I felt. I wanted you to have what I have with Rosie. I wanted you to have what mom and dad have. I wanted you to have what yourparents had."
"I have that now. Bella said that you may have some news?" I looked over at Bella as she was talking with Phil Knight and Mayor Nickels.
"We're pregnant." He grinned.
I smiled and wrapped my arm around his shoulders. "Then allow me to buy you a drink."
"Hey, drinks are free, asshole."
I punched his arm. "It's the thought the counts."
We discussed due dates and morning sickness together for a few minutes before Rosalie joined us. I understood her reluctance toward me before. For the past couple of months, she talked with me like we had been friends for years. Her usual cold demeanor was gone. Her blue eyes shined with delight at the prospect of becoming a mother.
According to the early tests she had while hospitalized, Bella's due date was July twenty-fifth. Rosalie was due in early August, and Alice was due in the middle of August.
Alice and Jasper invited us to table in the corner of the room with enough seating for all of us. I looked around for Bella and noticed she was in deep conversation with my father and Phil. She turned and gave me a small smile for a moment.
My family stepped away for this or that, and I found myself alone. It allowed me time to contemplate our relationship and my thoughts lingered on if Bella and I really belonged together. I didn't want to cause her any more pain. The party had been painful. I knew that she felt out of place and uncomfortable speaking with so many of my former conquests as they sharpened their claws and glared at her.
Being with me seemed to only cause her pain. Would it get better? Were we really meant to be together?
My aunt took the chair beside me, bringing me out of my dire reflections. "Edward, are you all right?" she asked, placing a gentle hand on my own.
I turned my palm up and took her hand, not meeting her eyes. "How can I make sure that she never knows emotional pain again? How do I know if can spend the rest of my life with her and not cause her to walk away?"
"I think you were meant to be together," she said softly. "I knew exactly who she was the first night I met her at dinner."
"I know that you knew her mother Renee when you were just children."
She nodded and smiled. "She looks just like her. I knew she was Renee's daughter. Do you know that you would've met her long before you did?"
I looked at her, confused as she thankfully continued. "You were supposed to spend the summer with your uncle and me while your parents attended to a new clinic in Africa. I was going to surprise my sister by purchasing our childhood home in Forks. If I had and…" she trailed off, since we knew what had happened.
"If my parents hadn't died that winter, I would've met Bella that summer." I sighed deeply.
"Yes, after Elizabeth died, I didn't have the heart to buy the house. I didn't even keep in touch with Renee. I should have. She meant a lot to my sister. Elizabeth visited her every year since our family's move to Chicago."
"I have no idea what could've happened if I had met her then." I turned to look at Bella across the room. "But I'd like to believe that I would have been just as taken with her then as I am now."
Esme patted my hand a few times. "I'm sure you would've, too. Now go, help her out."
I turned to find that Bella was surrounded by a group of women. Charlotte stood in front of her with her arms crossed over her chest. I rose from my chair and walked toward them. Alice suddenly pulled me back.
"What are you doing?" I hissed.
"She needs to learn how to handle herself when she's faced with your past," she murmured, looking over at Bella.
I could overhear Charlotte as she whispered, "So you're the new flavor of the night," she sneered.
Bella smiled smugly. "I must be one hell of a flavor. He keeps coming back for seconds." I smiled and stifled a laugh. The rest of the women snickered.
"It won't last. It never does with Edward," Charlotte snapped back at Bella.
"So when did he get over Vanilla Charlotte?" Bella asked, still perfectly composed as if she were discussing politics.
Charlotte blushed deeply and looked like she was ready to fight. Bella leaned in toward her. "Maybe if you took the time that you spend fucking other men, you'd be aware that your husband is totally and completely devoted to you." She stepped back and looked at her nails. "Not that you deserve it."
Charlotte looked over to Peter, who without a doubt, looked at her with complete adoration. She sighed and walked toward the bar, leaving the other vultures to fend for themselves. They scampered away quickly, leaving a very smug Bella behind. She looked at me, winked and crooked her finger.
I went to her side and kissed her softly on the lips. "Let's get out of here, love," I suggested. I wanted nothing more than to throw her over my shoulder and wrap my arms around her all night long.
We made sure to say goodbye to my aunt and uncle before we left and promised to call them soon, making plans for us all to sit down and have dinner and talk. Bella said she was rather proud of me.
I told her that the way she handled herself tonight made me hot and horny. She slapped my arm and rolled her eyes at me. What? It's true. I am a man.
I slept quite nicely that night on my favorite pillows. Bella's breasts were incredibly soft and contoured perfectly under my cheek.
We spent the rest of the week, leading up to her film spot on Seattle's Local Spotlight and the doctor's appointment, by moving the rest of my things to her apartment. In the end, we decided to keep my Volvo, Bella claimed it was the safest for the baby. Our higher end cars were placed in a storage facility within Seattle.
Bella made arrangements to meet her real estate friend the following week. We also had plans to go to dinner at my parents' home on Wednesday with the rest of my family. Bella has Alice meet us at the studio to help Bella get ready for her spot on TV.
Bella didn't seem nervous at all at the idea of being in front of a camera. "No, the cameras don't bother me. I've done a few other spots here and there and several radio shows," she indicated as she packed a small duffel bag with hair products and makeup. "Ugh…I just hope I fit in the dress your sister insists I wear."
We left shortly after breakfast and I drove us over to her doctor's office downtown. The quaint little office was in an obscure building. It was decorated simply with soothing colors of blues and greens. Bella started to fill out paperwork while we waited. I watched a young woman pass her hand over her rounded stomach.
I smiled a little to myself. I couldn't wait to see Bella that way. Round and happy as I touched and sang to her stomach, to our child. I continued daydreaming, feeling the little familiar tug on my heart whenever I thought about our baby. Lately, I had let my mind wander to that daydream of us walking the trail with our little girl on my shoulders.
I hoped that she would have her mother's eyes. Those deep chocolate brown eyes would help get her anything she wanted. I had grown immune to the "puppy dog" look that Alice had always given me to get her way, but with Bella in my life, I quickly found that with one word "please" and her brown eyes, I was instantly hers. I'd give her the world if she asked for it.
I was positive that our child would be no different. She would want for nothing. I'd give her all her heart desires. Bella elbowed me, looking up at me. She passed me the clip board that she used to fill out her information.
She pointed to a section, asking me to fill it out. I looked down to where she pointed as she went through her purse looking for something.
In case of emergency contact:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Relationship to patient:
I filled out my information and when I came up to the last line I wrote, Fiancé. Her eyes glistened as she read over what I wrote. She placed a feather light kiss on my lips, whispering her love.
She had no idea how much it meant to me that she wanted me to be her emergency contact. It may not be a big deal to someone else, but it was to me. It meant that I was a part of her future. She was ready to move on from the uncertainty of the last few weeks.
Ten minutes later, Bella was called by the nurse. She took my hand and we walked behind the brown door that led down a non-descript hallway.
She bit her lip nervously as the nurse asked her to step on the scale. The nurse huffed loudly, "Since your hospital stay you've lost weight Ms. Swan, in fact nine pounds."
Bella nodded and flushed pink. "I've had morning sickness and loss of appetite." Of course she lost weight. The hospital stay alone must have taken a toll on her. The past couple of weeks had been stressful and I often found her barely nibbling on her food.
The nurse wrote something on a chart then had us follow her to a room. She gestured for Bella to sit on the exam table and for me to take a seat. She fussed over Bella, taking her blood pressure. She continued by poking her finger to get a sample of blood to get her iron levels.
The nurse stepped out and Bella sighed loudly. "I hate doctor offices."
"Why is that, love?" I stood up and stood beside her and leaned my upper body over her. She shrugged her shoulders and covered her face with both of her hands.
"I guess mainly because I have never gotten good news when I've been to the doctor."
"Baby, even if something is wrong now, we're in this together. Besides everything will be fine," I assured her and pressed my lips against her forehead, the only part not covered by her hands.
"I want to believe that everything will be good. But Jordan and I were born premature. I was in the hospital for weeks until I was able to go home. I was barely four pounds. I was so tiny. I want to make sure she or he is born healthy."
"You can't think that way," I said, shaking my head. "I don't understand. You tend to see the silver lining in every situation but your own, Bella. This baby, our baby is strong, so strong he or she survived a surgery near his or her environment. We'll be strong together."
I kissed her lips when she moved her hands. Her fingers found purchase in my hair, deepening the kiss. I happily obliged her entrance into my mouth with a small groan. After a few minutes, she pulled away to breathe and moan softly. Unable to rest, I continued to press my lips along her neck and slid my hands under her blouse. I touched the smooth expanse of her stomach, feeling her muscles clench under my touch. I lifted her shirt enough to kiss her tummy.
"I love you, sweetheart," I murmured just under her belly button. Bella's fingers played with my hair, humming her lullaby. I looked up to see the unfathomable love in her eyes. Love for me.
"I love you," I mouthed before returning my attention to her tummy. "Now, little one, you are not dating until you move out of the house. Unless you're my son, in which case I won't let you leave the house once you hit puberty."
Bella's abdomen reverberated from her soft laughter. I smiled at her and kissed her tummy again. "Now, I have to ask you to please take it easy on mommy's body. I'm quite fond of it."
Bella slapped the back of my head. "You ass, you can't tell our baby that."
I shrugged my shoulders. On Bella's abdomen, I tapped the start of a new melody that had been in my head since I came to terms with the fact that I would soon be a father. She hummed to the movement in perfect harmony.
A knock on the door brought us out of our melody. I straightened up and stood beside her, taking her hand in my own. Bella called out, "Come in."
A woman in her mid- to late-fifties came in. Her sandy blonde hair was pulled up in a bun that was pinned just to the base of her neck. She had a black pen tucked behind her ear as she held up Bella's chart and read through it.
"Hello, Bella. Your iron is much better, but it's still not at the level that we need it to be." She still hadn't looked up to greet us as she continued to study the chart. "Keep taking your iron pills."
Her pale sea green eyes looked concerned and genuine as she finally looked up at Bella. "Hmm, that's quite a bit of weight you lost. Is your morning sickness that bad for you?"
"No it's not bothering me too much, Gina," Bella smiled at the doctor brightly.
"Bella, how are you darling?" She smiled at Bella like she was greeting an old friend.
"I'm doing well except for the usual. I'm so happy that you decided to take me on as a patient."
"Of course I would dear. It's not every day I get to deliver a child into this world from one of the children I helped deliver."
"Yes, but back then you were just a nurse. Look at you now." Bella smiled and embraced the woman.
"Edward, this is Dr. Gina Banner. She was there when my brother and I were born. Gina, this is Edward Cullen."
I smiled and shook Gina's hand. "It's nice to meet you. I wish I could read your mind for just a moment. I would love to get a glimpse of baby Bella."
Gina nodded knowingly. There were no living relatives that could tell Bella or Jordan anything about their childhoods. Bella had to rely on faded pictures and scattered memories. I think that was one of the reasons why she was working so hard to make an album for our child. She wanted to preserve our memories for our child.
Childhood memories tend to fade over time. I knew this feeling. My memories faded over the years, not because I was getting older but because I let them. I made a mental note: Ask my aunt about my childhood days.
"Okay, now lay back. Bella. Since you had all the necessary tests at the hospital, there is no need for a pap. But I'd still like to feel your abdomen to see if there are any anomalies," Gina said calmly, noting the look of terror on Bella's face.
"Baby, it will be fine," I assured her, placing my hand on her back to ease her into position. She held onto my hand tightly, feeling the soft touch of her doctor lifting her blouse.
Gina asked questions every time she pressed against Bella. Thankfully she didn't show any discomfort, but I noticed her pulse quicken along her wrist. She was obviously frightened for the baby.
"Well everything feels fine. But to be on the safe side, let's do an ultrasound. It will also help determine how far along you are. When was the date of your last menstrual cycle?"
"Um…almost a year, the medication I was put on stopped me from having a normal period. I did spot for a couple of days around mid-October," Bella answered thoughtfully.
Gina looked over Bella's chart again and nodded. "The hospital showed eight weeks before your surgery with a July twenty-fifth due date. I think you're further along than twelve weeks but let's make sure." She asked Bella to pull down her jeans while she pulled a computer out of a tall wall cabinet on the west wall and rolled out some other equipment on a rolling cart.
Bella wiggled a little, unbuttoning her jeans that were considerably loose on her, just past the top of her hips.
"Will we be able to take a recording of the heartbeat?" Bella asked sweetly as she watched Gina set up the monitor.
"Yes, I can record the sounds. There won't be much to see yet, but I'll record the images as well if you'd like." Gina smiled and took a seat on the round stool beside the exam table. She removed a bottle from a holder on the side of the cart and warned Bella that it would be cold.
Dr. Banner squirted some grayish purple gel just under Bella's belly button. Using some kind of gray wand with a lighted bulbous tip, she spread the gel substance around her abdomen. The doctor pressed a little harder here and there and seemed to be searching for something.
Bella's hand tightened around mine, and my head snapped up to meet her gaze as I watched a tear slip from her eye and trail down her cheek. I understood then. It was taking too long. Sensing Bella's discomfort, Gina patted Bella's knee in a gesture meant to comfort her.
After a few agonizing moments, a fast thumping filtered through the speakers. Pa dum pa dum pa dum. Everyone in the room let out a collective sigh of relief. The grip of Bella's delicate fingers tightened around me again, but this time it was from sheer happiness. I watched as her face brightened with an incredible smile and tears flowed from her expressive warm eyes.
"That's our baby's heart beating," she whispered as she brought her free hand up to caress my wet cheek. I nodded, unable to say anything. Words stuck in my throat as we listened to the proof of the life growing in her belly.
"That indeed is your child's heart beating. Now let's make sure he or she is the only one in there." Gina chuckled as she moved a cursor across the screen.
"Oh, what are the chances?" Bella asked, watching her doctor.
"Well let's see, your mother was a twin and you yourself are a fraternal twin, so I'd say the chance for a multiple birth is a little over fifty percent."
Bella groaned. "Goodbye size two."
I chuckled at her, earning a glare. She returned her attention to the monitor. The doctor fiddled with a round mouse and moved the cursor across the screen, typing the baby's heart rate and various other things.
"Well they weren't too far from the mark. You're about thirteen weeks along and your due date is," Gina consulted a little chart with some sort of wheel, "July seventeenth."
"Just one little one?" I asked, curious that she hadn't touched on that subject again.
"Well, it's hard to tell right now. Bella has a lot of scar tissue from her surgery, which made it hard to find the heartbeat in the first place. Sometimes this early on, twins hide behind each other. If I remember correctly, Bella was a surprise to her mother."
Bella smiled at Gina and nodded. "Yeah, I'll say. She always called me her bundle of surprise."
"Your mother didn't know she was pregnant with twins?" I asked.
"No, even though she had one ultrasound, I wasn't visible. Well you've seen Jordan, he took all the room." She chuckled.
"So we won't know for sure until she's further along, doctor?"
"That's right. I'll do an ultrasound once a month to monitor any chances for fibroids to reappear. You'll also have to come in to have your iron checked until it returns to normal once a week. Chances are, it won't return to normal during the duration of your pregnancy but we'll do our best to get it as close as possible.
"Any questions?" the doctor asked, passing me a few tissues. I wiped Bella's tummy clean and helped button her jeans before helping her sit up. It was my chance to voice my concerns about Bella traveling long durations for her book tour.
"Doctor, Bella is planning to do a book tour for about three months beginning in March. Will it be safe for her to travel then?" Bella tensed beside me, her eyes widened and she glared at me. She was obviously angry that I chose to bring it up.
"Well most airlines restrict flying after thirty-six weeks but some don't allow it after twenty-eight weeks. So flying will be out of the question during the last month of your tour. I'd feel more comfortable if you stopped flying after twenty-four weeks. I'm just concerned about possible problems that may arise. As I said before, there is a lot of scar tissue which normally shouldn't cause problems, but can cause pain from time to time as the area stretches out to accommodate the baby. I'll know as you progress in your pregnancy if you can travel after the twenty-four weeks but Bella, you should prepare yourself to having to cut your tour short."
Bella nodded. "Can I go back to work now?"
"Yes, you are allowed to return to work. You're also allowed to have sexual relations, for now," Gina said with a little smirk and a wink.
My ears perked up at her statement. I shivered in anticipation. "Thank you, Gina." Bella started to stand up. Gina handed her a CD and a slip of paper for another prescription for iron pills and prenatal vitamins.
"Give this to the medical assistant up front to set up your next appointment in two weeks and what days you can come in to have your iron checked."
Bella stepped out of the exam room and handed some paperwork to the receptionist up front. About ten minutes later, we were sitting in my car. The silence was deafening. She shifted in her seat and she pulled out her PDA.
"You should have voiced your concerns with me, Edward. My agent and I had it all planned out. Three days at home, one day to travel, then three days making appearances. Now eighty-seven days of touring has to be condensed down to one month. Do you have any idea what you have done?"
"I was just worried about you traveling for long periods, baby. It would take a toll on you," I said calmly.
"Yes. I understand your apprehension. If you took the time to ask more questions, you would've known that the last half of my tour was all within driving distance."
"Driving for anything more than four hours would be too much for you during your pregnancy."
"I'm not a fucking delicate little flower, Edward! I know what I can and cannot handle. I don't need you to smother me." I grimaced. Is that what she felt what I was doing to her?
"I must admit that I should've discussed my leaving for the tour long before we got so involved, but you are trying to control me. I will not tolerate that."
I nodded in understanding. "Bella, I'm not trying to control you. I'm just looking out for you. You have a tendency to put others' needs before your own."
"I…ugh…I know I do. I'm not used to someone trying to take care of me. It's a little unnerving." Bella sighed and dialed a number on her phone. "Now it's time to break the news to Karen and Rachel. My agent and publicist. You'll meet Rachel soon enough." Bella smirked. It sounded like a warning.
Shit. I was in so much trouble.
"Hello Karen," Bella said. I listened in on Bella's side of the conversation. "Everything is fine. I can officially go back to work. "Yes, I'll send that revised outline to you tomorrow. "We have problem." Bella was silent for a moment. "My doctor recommends that I stop traveling around twenty-four weeks."
"What?" I heard her voice carry over from Bella's seat, even with the phone being held away from her ear. A slew of profanities escaped from Karen's obviously sharp tongue.
"Karen calm down. Remember your blood pressure," Bella said calmly. She remained quiet as she listened to her agent's voice. "No, Edward just brought up my tour at my appointment." More profanities could be heard from Karen's end. "He was concerned as he should be." She gave me a small smile, and I was relieved that she defended me if she was upset with me. "I know Karen. Yes, I know. I'll look into leaving right away now."
I tensed. What?
"I don't think that's necessary. Karen, no…I," Bella looked at me briefly. "Fine then." She handed me the phone. "She insists on talking to you."
I gulped and took her phone, thankful that I had found immediate parking near the studio. "Do you have any idea what you have done?" Karen asked firmly.
I was about to say something but she cut me off before I could get in a word in.
"I'll tell you what you did. After she already had to reschedule her tour because of her hospital stay, she'll seem like a flake to everyone when we call to reschedule again. Not only are you risking her reputation in her current genre, you're risking the reputation she was hoping to achieve when her new book comes out and she reveals her true name. She insisted on the tour setup she originally had. A few days every week with you, but now you'll be lucky to see her once during the forty-five days we will have to cut her tour down, too."
"Why can't she do this tour later? When she's not pregnant," I asked defensively.
Karen sighed. "Do you really think it would be plausible for someone like Bella to travel while her baby is at home?" Fuck. Of course she wouldn't want to leave the baby for long periods of time. "Put her back on the phone, jackass," she snapped.
I clenched my jaw shut at her harassing tone and handed the phone back to Bella.
Bella was silent while she listened to the nonsense that Karen was most likely telling her. "Fine, the first week of February to the middle of March. I'm sorry for this. If you'd like there's an extra percent in your bonus," Bella said as she gave me a little wink.
She hung up with Karen and was quiet once again. After a few minutes, she turned to face me with her hands placed carefully on her lap. "What were you hoping to accomplish with discussing my tour with my doctor?"
"Honestly?" I asked her as she quickly nodded and waited for my answer.
All right, I could do honest. She needed to know the truth. "I don't want you to go. I can't live damn day without you, let alone think about going for weeks. My main concern is the health of you and our baby. You've been under tremendous pressure and stress over the last few weeks you don't need to add a strenuous schedule to that. I'll worry constantly every moment that you're gone. I'll die just a little every hour I can't be with you. Did I mention that I'm worried about our baby?"
I slammed the palm of my hand against the steering wheel and averted my eyes. She remained quiet while we sat there beside the studio.
"I felt the exactly same way when I called Karen after my hospital stay. Karen, Rachel and I worked for days; they worked for weeks to accommodate my needs. We had no idea about the regulations for flying, should've known that. It was supposed to be three days home, three days touring and one day to travel. We had it all worked out. Now that you made Gina, nervous I have no choice but to comply with her wishes. The tour will be cut short and I'll be lucky if I see you at all. Not to mention that now I'll have to put therapy on hold until I finish. If something is bothering you –"
"Don't put this whole fucking situation on only me. Yes, you told me about the tour but you didn't mention the schedule. If I had known –"
"I wanted to give you details but it seemed like you didn't want to hear it," Bella murmured, turning away from me, hiding behind her dark curls.
I sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. "You probably did. But I may have subconsciously avoided it. It's my mind's way of avoiding painful subjects."
"I'll have to start my tour sooner."
I nodded taking her hand in my mind. "I know, and I'm sorry about that. I just wish you didn't have to go. Besides the health of you and the baby I'm essentially a selfish man. I need you too much."
"Can't need me too much, champ. It sounded like you enjoyed your shower this morning," she quipped.
I smiled, shaking my head and exiting my car. Alice was parked a few cars down from us with a garment bag draped over one arm and a large bag slung over the other. Remembering that she was indeed pregnant, I took the bag from her and reached in the backseat for Bella's bag.
A producer named Andy waited for us at the side entrance. We were shown to a room where a huge mirror and lights with a large counter was along one wall. Just to the right of the vanity area, a section was a screened off for changing. There was also an enormous TV screen that was showing the Morning Show live.
The host Mark Davidson would introduce Bella. She would be featured on the Local Celebrities Section of the mid-show broadcast of Local Spotlight. I turned to look at Bella and asked, "This is live?"
Bella nodded. "Of course it is, silly."
Andy the producer tapped my shoulder, seeking my attention. "I know that you're not interviewing with Isa today, but we need to make sure you look presentable since you and Mrs. Whitlock will be sitting in the audience. From time to time the camera will be pointed at you; for example, Isa will be asked if she is currently seeing anyone and she'll introduce you."
I nodded dumbly. I've done photo shoots for newspapers and on occasion have been asked a question or two during a news broadcast but never have I actually had to sit down and deal with the media before. Wait a minute, Isa?
"Andy, he looks fine," Bella called out from where she was perched, in a tall chair alongside the vanity. I looked at her, noticing that she was in a robe while Alice and another hairstylist fussed over her hair.
"Fine," Andy said quickly. "Okay Isa, I'll come and get you a few minutes before you're on. You two," he said toward Alice and me, "I'll come and get you before that, so you can take your seats. I nodded and sat down, keeping my eyes locked with Bella's in the mirror.
"I'm sorry, that must have been a little overwhelming," Bella murmured, grimacing slightly when Alice tugged a little too hard on her hair.
"Alice," I hissed, not bothering to hide my displeasure.
"Sorry, Bella," Alice quipped as she continued her current method of torture on my Bella.
Closing my eyes, I allowed my head to fall back against the couch. I permitted myself to go over what happened this morning. If I had known that she was planning on spending half the week with me and the other half on her book tour, I may not have brought up my concern to her doctor.
I was a fool to think that Bella would not have made plans to accommodate for our baby. Of course she would. She probably planned the time to be home just to appease me. I felt foolish. If I had just let things be, I would see her over the course of her tour every week. I was pleased that I informed them about airline regulations. However, I would be lucky if I was able to see her once over the course of her tour. And she may leave sooner than she originally planned. Fuck.
Just the thought of not seeing her warm eyes when I woke up every morning seemed painful. To not see her for days, or worse, weeks at a time would be absolutely unbearable.
Time seemed to pass quickly before Andy showed Alice and me to our seats. I wasn't able to see Bella since she was hiding in the dressing area of the room. We had great seats in the middle of the first row. I recognized Mark and Monica Alvarez sitting on the set, which was arranged to look like an average living room.
There was a large red couch for the guests and two brown chairs positioned side by side that the hosts were occupying.
Alice bounced up and down in her seat. "Finally, I get to find out just who her alter ego is." I laughed at her antics and enthusiasm just as the lights brightened slightly.
"Welcome back everyone. We have a special treat for you today. I'd like to introduce new again resident of Seattle, a New York Time's Best Seller and world famous sex-therapist to the stars, Isa Virgin."
"Oh my god!" Alice gasped, "She's…she's Isa V. Holy shit."
I gasped as the lights focused on a side entrance through a pair of double doors on the left of the stage. Bella walked out waving toward the audience.
Fuck. Oh fuck. Just who the hell was this woman?
There she stood, the embodiment of a goddess and sex all rolled up into one person. Her hair was impeccably straight but had the just the right amount of shine and bounce to it. Her hair normally reached just past the middle of her back, but it was much longer. I watched in complete awe of her as she walked seemingly on air in the sexist black dress I have ever seen.
The dress was simple but left little to the imagination. The sleeves were loose around her shoulders and arms but cinched slightly at the wrists. The neckline plunged down to her waist. The top portion of the dress was not fitted and the neckline allowed the sides of her breasts to peak out. The rest of it was loose and rested just past mid-thigh. The whole look was capped off with the sexiest pair of black stiletto boots.
I suddenly wondered how much longer this would take, how fast I could get her home, and what color panties was she wearing. Then again, she probably wasn't wearing any.
Bella strode across the stage and kissed Mark on each cheek. She did the same with Monica, exchanging greetings in Spanish with her. She sat prettily, crossing her legs carefully on the red couch. She looked like she belonged up there. Sexiness and confidence emanated from her very being.
She was Bella but uber-Bella. Shit I could barely handle the one I had.
"Welcome Miss Virgin," Mark said, smiling happily. Mark is in a relationship, I reminded myself.
"Thank you, Mark and Monica. Please call me Isa," Bella said as she took a sip of water from a cup that was placed nearby for guests.
"Now Isa, how about we start by you telling us what you write and how you got started," Monica asked, watching Bella adjust the hem of her dress.
"I take pride that I'm a self starter. I self published my first book. By the time I was ready to publish my second, a publishing company picked up the rest in the series.
"I mainly write how to books, ranging from how to survive your first date to how to seduce that hunky neighbor. My approach is different from your typical how to books. I tend to write out little scenarios using fictional characters, all the while pointing out how things would differ if you the reader would want to move faster or move slower. It all depends on what the reader would do, depending on who he or she is pursuing."
"You also give pointers on positions and first times with the readers' love interests," Mark stated, like a question.
"Yes I do. Sometimes the first time should be intimate, especially if the reader is interested in taking the relationship further from just them sleeping together. I also point out that sometimes being spontaneous is best, instead of planning everything out. As I said before, it all depends on who you, as the reader, are pursuing. I teach my readers how to read the signs. If they are exerting too much pressure or going too slow, then the other person may lose interest."
"Well, I know I'm a fan of your work. Having all three and currently waiting for number four, I do come to wonder about your name," Monica said curiously.
Bella laughed, putting her hand on her chest looking the whole time like a timeless actress. "Well while I was writing my first book, I knew that I didn't want to use my own name. Not that I'm ashamed of what I was writing. It was mostly to keep my life as private as possible.
"I needed something that would cause someone to do double take when they saw a book. I used the first three letters of my full name and came up with the title. I had many choices most of which cannot be said on TV." Bella winked toward a camera and smirked.
"Isa Virgin was more like a joke, who would buy a book from someone claiming to be a virgin? I thought it was an excellent marketing ploy. A gag gift, if you will. I started giving my books to friends for birthdays or bridal showers. Next thing I knew, one of those friends asked for more copies, then those she bought them for asked where they could get a copy. Soon after that, I sold about five hundred thousand copies worldwide offering it only online. Then the publishers came knocking on my door."
"Now while living in California you practiced as a Sex and Relationship therapist to some of the most influential people in Hollywood. Tell us what it was like working with them," Maria questioned.
"I am not allowed to divulge the nature of my patient's sessions with me. I am allowed to say that some have a hard time balancing their relationships with their loved ones and their fans. Both require attention but one more than the other. I simply help them find a middle ground."
Bella smiled brightly, taking another sip of water. Mark glanced at card in his hand before looking up at the teleprompter. "Now we're all curious, what is your real name? Before you give us that, we'll be taking a short break."
There was a collective groan as Mark continued, "We'll return with Miss Isa Virgin, where she'll reveal to us who she really is and a little about her very public relationship."
The lights in the studio dimmed slightly and I was once again struck dumb. I watched as Bella leaned toward Monica as she whispered something in her ear. She turned to look at me and Alice, giving us a wide smile and wave.
"She looks hot, huh? I had no idea she was Isa. I have her first two books. Now she can autograph them for me." Alice prattled on and on.
I wasn't being rude. It was just hard to concentrate on anything but Bella on stage. I'm not sure how much time passed, but the stage hands asked for quiet on the set as they returned on air.
"We're back with best-selling author and sex therapist, Isa Virgin. Now before we go into your more personal life Isa, I was wondering if you mind showing me something," Mark asked as he blushed slightly.
The audience laughed at his obvious discomfort. Bella just smiled and nodded."Which position?"
What the fuck?
"Um…my girlfriend asked about the Ballerina. I would love to know if it's achievable." Mark glanced down, his usual jovial demeanor placated.
"How tall is your girlfriend, Mark?"
"About five-five," Mark answered.
"You're about six-two," Bella said as she appraised him. I clenched my fists in the recognizable red haze that accompanied my jealously.
Mark nodded. "Then no, it's not achievable." Mark looked clearly disappointed.
"Unless she wears heels. If she's good on heels and lightweight enough, you should have no problem supporting her. If she is not confident in heels, then you will need to support her back against a wall or closed door."
Mark's eyes widened and he bit his lip nervously. Bella stood up and took his hand, tugging to get him to stand.
"It's a good thing I'm wearing shorts under this dress," Bella teased, placing her left hand on Mark's right shoulder. What the fuck was she doing?
She placed his right arm around her waist. She asked him to bend his left arm at his waist. She hitched up her leg into the crook of his arm. Mother fucking son of a – I was going to tear him apart.
"It's important that you don't alarm her when placing her leg in this position. You'll need to gauge her reactions to see if there is any discomfort. Now Mark, raise my leg and rest it against your shoulder."
Mark's eyes widened, and I could distinctly hear the audience and the hostess laughing. Mark watched Bella's face intently as he hitched her lovely leg against his shoulder. Her dress hitched up around her perfect ass.
Fuck. She's coming home with me. She's coming with me. She's coming home with me. She's the mother of my child. Fuck, I'm going to kill him for putting his hands on her. For agreeing to do this shit.
"Notice that this position offers a chance for a different angle and deeper penetration." Mark visibly blushed and gulped. Bella sensing what I hope was only his discomfort, asked for him to help bring her leg down again.
I sat there clenching and unclenching my jaw and fists. I noticed Mark's fingers splay across Bella's back, almost pushing her against his chest. I started to get up from my seat but a hand held me back.
"This is who Isa Virgin is. This is what she does. This is not your Bella. Calm down before you ruin her entire career," Alice hissed beside me through her teeth.
"Did she know that she was going to do this?" I asked, watching as Bella gave out a few pointers on achieving the ultimate orgasm. Fuck, she didn't blush at all or anything. It was like she was discussing dinner arrangements with a client or her personal assistant.
"No. Not that I know of. She was speaking to the producer earlier. Maybe they decided to add this to get more ratings."
"Or maybe to get a rise out the audience," I grumbled. Alice laughed softly. A camera moved into position just in front of me low to the ground so I could still watch Bella.
"Now tell us your real name and what you have planned," Monica said.
"My real name is Isabella Swan. I am currently working as Charitable Projects Manger for Cullen & Cullen. I'm also the founder of the charitable foundation New Beginnings. As Isa, I'm releasing a fourth book in two weeks called 'How to Seduce Your Brother's Best Friend.' I'm also working on my first full length novel called 'The War Within' with hopes to release in late next fall."
"Well you are certainly a busy woman. What do you do for fun?" Monica asked, leaning toward Bella.
Bella smiled wickedly and looked straight at the camera. "My gorgeous boyfriend, Edward Cullen."
Alice laughed out loud beside me along with the rest of the audience, and I just smiled at the camera when the camera man pointed at me. I rolled my eyes and winked, earning a few more giggles.
Monica and Mark laughed along with Bella, who was still smiling and looking at me. She mouthed to me, "I love you."
And I returned it on national TV.
~oOo~
I couldn't get her home fast enough. She was still dressed in her boots and dress when I ravished her in the elevator. "Fuck, you look good enough to lick," I crooned, sweeping my tongue over the length of her neck and pressing her against the door of our apartment the moment it closed.
"Oh god, Edward," Bella gasped as she removed my belt with snap, tossing it aside.
"What the hell were you thinking doing that on live TV?" I growled, biting the soft skin at the base of her neck.
"Do what?" she asked innocently. I bit her again, earning another plea to god.
"You know what you did. Don't fuck with me." I pushed the dress down easily over her shoulders, where it landed in a pool around her feet. Her panties are blue. Correction her panties were blue. I laughed to myself as I ripped them from her body.
"I…ugh…they asked me at the last minute," she explained, her fingers threading through my hair roughly.
"You know what we're going to do, baby?" I asked, my hands roughly cupping her breasts. Her nipples instantly puckered against my warm palms. Fuck they were gorgeous. And mine.
"We're going to do the Ballerina. I know I can support your tiny body, but I want fucking leverage. I'm going to fuck you against the door. Would you like that, baby?" I groaned, feeling her hand suddenly on my erection.
"Yes," she gasped as she tore the blue button down shirt I was wearing clear off, buttons clinked on the floor around us. I quickly discarded the rest of my clothing. I admit that when we left the doctor's office I had every intention of making sweet, passionate love to my Bella.
However, seeing her as Isa, in that fuckhot dress, in those tantalizing boots, doing those things that she should only do with me, I had to claim her. Remind her who she belongs to, me – only me.
She pushed me away slightly as her beautiful eyes roamed over my naked body. I did the same, noticing her little birthmark on her left breast, the gentle slope of her belly, and oh my fucking hell – her bare fucking pussy. Gah.
I knelt down and hitched her boot-covered foot on my shoulder. I kissed her clit, loving the sounds she was made of soft whimpers, long moans and quiet sighs. It was music to my ears, the kind that went straight to my cock and imbedded into my memory forever.
My hands explored the length of her long, silky legs. I pushed the flat of my tongue, taking a long sinuous wipe where she was hot and wet. Bella's hand steadied herself in my hair, tugging, silently asking for more.
With the tip of my tongue and two fingers, I explored with open mouthed kisses and deep thrusts. She moaned softly, grinding her hips against my tongue and fingers. She gasped when I gently scraped her skin with my teeth, nibbling gently along her lips and clit.
"Edward," she moaned over and over again and got louder as she reached the pinnacle of her orgasm. I gently bit down and sucked on her clit until her trembling body eased.
I continued, taking all her body had to offer after her release, already making her unsteady and needy. With a firm hand on her foot on my shoulder, I held onto to her hip and slowly stood up. I gauged her reactions to make sure I wasn't hurting her.
I wasn't. All I saw in her eyes was love and passion and they were lidded with lust.
Four weeks without sex was a new record for us. Though Bella helped me to my obvious enjoyment of her close proximity, I had spent a quite a few lonely showers taking care of the problem myself.
It was all her fault. She was too irresistible for her own good. It was likely not to last long. It wasn't going to be slow and loving. It was going to be fast, hard, and hot. I stood up straight, pushing my body as close I could to her. She was right, the angle would be fucking incredible. The mere thought had me twitching in anticipation.
"Edward, quit fucking with me," she whispered, thrusting her tongue in my mouth. Fuck. She tasted herself on my tongue and that shit made me lose all sense of control. With one hand on her leg and the other on her hip, I bent my knees slightly and thrust inside fast and hard.
Bella cried out and I groaned in her mouth. Fuck she always felt so good. I remained still, allowing us both time to revel in the feeling of our connection.
It was one of the most powerful ways to tell each other how we felt. There were times where we fumbled with words. But here like this, this connection we shared, there was no denying the love we had for one another.
I pulled out and slammed back in, earning another cry. I pulled away from her lips to make sure I wasn't hurting her, but all I saw was pleasure as she stared back at me.
The depth I was achieving seemed impossible but I was there hitting her hard and fast. Each thrust earning a sound from my Bella. Each sound was a note in a song in the claiming of Bella Swan aka Isa Virgin.
They were one in the same. They were both mine.
Bella's nails dug into my shoulders as she used my body as leverage to meet my every thrust.
She met my every need. She anticipated my every move. When she pulled away to breathe, she angled her neck so I could lick and suck her sweet skin. When I pulled away to breathe, her lips were there, kissing and biting along my jaw, causing my pleasure to peak with every nip.
"Come for me," I groaned deeply, playing with her already sensitive clit.
"Yes," she gasped. Her muscles clenched around me hard and tight and it was so fucking hot. With another thrust she cried out my name in ecstasy. Another three hard and fast thrusts and I buried my face in her hair and groaned, spilling inside her.
I helped put her leg down on the floor but remained inside and held her up, her legs unsteady. We lingered there, catching our breaths.
"Did I hurt you, love?" I whispered, kissing her neck softly.
"No," she said quietly.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Um…this isn't our apartment."