Subject: Edward Cullen, aka The Womanizer

by ericastwilight

Edward's family hire Bella Swan to break the heartbreaker's heart in hopes to have him see the error of his womanizing ways. But she falls hard, too, at the risk of breaking her own heart when the truth is revealed. EXB-AH-OOC

38. Homecoming

Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer

Chapter Thirty-Six – Homecoming

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Betaed by bookishqua/booksgalor

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Already I was nervous, even though the event wouldn't happen for another couple of weeks. I'd been practicing daily with Jasper since I returned from New York. I needed to make sure I wouldn't make a fool of myself.

It'd been a week since I left Bella in New York. It'd been a week since I held her close. Damn, I missed her. Work had kept me busy as it usually did during this time of year. And I was thankful for that. It was something to keep my mind off Bella, or so I thought. She was unforgettable, as she had claimed before. Cocky little brat that she was, hadput that as her rating in my cell phone directory all those months ago. Now she had even made the song by Cole Porter her ringtone.

Sometimes it seemed that it was just yesterday that I first laid eyes on her. There were days I wondered where all the time had gone, other days I prayed for the clock to move faster. The sooner she'd be back in my arms. I needed her. I thought of her constantly. She reminded me daily how much she missed me.

I know it was much harder for her, she had colleagues with her, not true friends to help her through the day. Whereas I had my family to help, and help they did. As before, when Bella had first left, they'd been a constant in my life since I had returned from New York.

Alice and Esme had been busy preparing our new but temporary home that I had just closed escrow four days ago. Alice and Esme knew about our preferred styles and could easily handle making the house our home. All except for the nursery, I had wanted Bella and I to be a part of that. However, I wanted to be the one to hang the curtains in our babies' bedroom. I also hoped Bella would want to paint a mural, though that may have to wait until after her pregnancy.

I need to do research on paint fumes and pregnancy. Since I found a lot of time to myself when I got home, I had been doing a lot of research on pregnancy. There was a lot of information on the subject, parenting and various other aspects of having a child on the Internet.

Bella was on the west coast, and I was tempted to meet in her Los Angeles. However, I knew I couldn't. Besides Bella's busy schedule, I had so many things I needed to do before her arrival. I logged off my office computer and got ready to leave when Carlisle knocked on my office door.

"I was hoping I'd catch you before you left."

I smiled and gestured for him to take a seat. "I just finished for the day. Bella should be finishing dinner in Los Angeles soon, and I wanted to be home when she called."

He smirked and I couldn't help but avert my eyes. He knew exactly why I wanted to be home for her call. "Please don't make a comment. I can barely stomach the memory of our discussion of vibrating panties." I shuddered, causing my uncle to chuckle.

"Let's just hope in twenty-five years you and Bella have just as strong and active relationship that your aunt and I do."

"I'm sure we will," I said. "However, I think you're emphasizing on active just to get me to cringe."

"There is that."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress my smile. "What can I do for you?"

Carlisle sighed and took a seat in the small sectional I had in one corner of my office. He looked thoughtful and just a little sad. "I would've preferred to do this in my home, but I knew getting you to come over would be a little hard."

I started to apologize, make some excuse of being too busy. "Save it. Jasper and Alice had informed us that you were going the extra mile for your proposal to Bella."

I nodded. "I am, but I'm starting to wonder if it's too much. It should be something that is shared by two people."

"And now you're sharing it with your family."

"In a way, yes." I said softly. "You and the family are the reason Bella came into my life when she had. I thought you should share the moment when I asked her to be mine forever." He had no clue how lost I'd been before Bella entered my life. In fact, I had no clue what was missing from my life until I had met her. Found the love that I had always craved but never knew I wanted.

"You don't believe that do you?" he asked. "You can't possibly think after every thing that has happened that you two weren't meant to be."

"I do think that if the situation had been different and we had met on our own, I would've pursued her. I sincerely believe that. However, you have to admit I was about to hit rock bottom before she came into my life. The timing was perfect and your interference was just in time."

"Why do you say that?"

I shook my head, wishing I had something good to say. "I was planning to leave here." He remained silent, but I had to finish what I had to say. "I was bored and I wanted to move on. I had been looking into a position in Beijing."

If he was surprised by my confession, he hadn't shown it. "And now, are you still not happy with your position here?"

"It was never the work," I said.

"You had no intention of becoming an architect. You had never aspired to be one as a child."

"No, I wanted to be a doctor, like my father," I responded. "But as you know after they were gone, I wanted nothing to do with them."

"You were angry and confused," he said. I nodded. "They loved you, Edward."

"I know that, too. But if I hadn't gone over to my friend's house that day, against their wishes after school, they would've never gone looking for me."

"You can't blame yourself for that." He paused for a moment and shook his head. "When you become a father I'm sure you'll understand that you'd do anything for your child. Even brave bad weather."

I nodded. "I do understand that now," I whispered. "I understand how much they loved me. So much so, that they got in their car and drove around to find me. I'd do that in a second for Bella and I know I'd do the same for my children."

"Are you happy here at the company?" he asked again.

"I am," I said. "I don't have any regrets about becoming an architect. And anyway, I found I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to blood. Well at least I had when Bella cut her finger."

He chuckled. "All right, now onto why I came in." He pulled out a small brown leather box. "I want you to have these. They were my mother's."

I opened the box to find a gorgeous pair of sapphire and diamond earrings. "Why me? Shouldn't you give these to Emmett? You adopted him first."

"Yes, I adopted him first. He got her wedding ring, Alice received a necklace but these are yours. You are my son in every way and that matters. I'd hoped that you've come to believe that, too."

I nodded and coughed to hide the sound that wanted to escape. I was getting a bit emotional, he had no idea what this meant to me. "I do believe that, too. I'll never forget all you've done after they passed and since then."

"Then take them and do with them as you wish," he said softly. He rose to his feet, clasped my shoulder, and said his goodbye. I heard the door close, but my eyes were on the earrings. I could already picture them on Bella, dangling along the curls of her hair. I knew which night I would give them to her.

However, there was a twinge of regret. She now associated getting jewelry with the time I had given her a pair of earrings at the gala. I had brought out a small jewelry box with two tiny silver rattles for her charm bracelet, while in New York. She had tried to hide the flinch she had made when she had seen the box in my hands, with a curious smile. There were still things we needed to work through, but no matter what, we'd do it together.

I placed the earrings in my briefcase, grabbing the music sheet I'd been looking over earlier. Closing the case, I made my way home.

~oOo~

By the time I reached our apartment I was running late. Bella was due to call me in a minute, and I wanted to make sure I was inside our apartment. However, as always, she was punctual.

As I entered the elevator to head up, my cell phone rang. "Hey, baby," I answered.

"Edward," she said softly. It was a small whisper and it was enough to tell me she was perhaps running late, too.

"What's going on?" I asked. Voices in the background made it hard to hear.

"My dinner interview is running longer than I had originally planned," she said. I was able to discern a bit of an edge to her voice. "And if one more person touches my stomach I'm going to hit something."

"Ah, I bet you look adorable all round," I teased. "Do we need to postpone this call?"

"I should be leaving in another hour," she said. "Do you mind waiting until then? It'll give you time to get ready since I know you're just getting in."

"I could grab something to eat and maybe tidy up a bit."

She sighed deeply. "Three more days, Edward."

Her voice was seductive as it rasped with the low husky whisper of my name. I groaned and cursed under my breath. Thank God I was alone in the elevator, my hardening length would likely offend some of the uptight people that lived in building.

"I can't wait to see you," she said softly.

"Me too," I replied. The elevator came to a stop and the doors swished open.

"Oh, I needed to tell you something. In the top drawer of our dresser is a key ring with two keys, they're to my trunk and filing cabinet in the closet.

"All right," I said. "I've never been in those."

"And I trust you not to go through my files, but you're welcome to explore the trunk," she said a bit too sweetly.

"What's in it?"

"My sex toy arsenal," she stated matter-of-factly.

I coughed and groaned. "Bella," I hissed. "You can't say shit like that and not expect me to react."

"Of course not," she purred softly. "I want you begging for it by the time I call back."

"Tease."

"Yes, yes I am," she cooed. "Ben is coming to pick up some of my class materials, for the new instructor. It's under the file Role Playing."

"All right," I said, entering the empty apartment. It was times like this, which reminded me how much I missed Bella. I had become accustomed to her perfume greeting me before her lips met mine. However, after a few weeks without her, our apartment didn't feel like ours. "When we he'll be by?"

"Either tomorrow afternoon or evening," she said. I could hear someone call out for her. She sighed and apologized. "I'll call you back in an hour. Three more days."

"I can't wait to see you again, baby," I said. I dropped my briefcase, loosening my tie as I made my way to our bedroom.

My eyes, as they always had, drifted over the smooth curves of our Tantra chair. I groaned and Bella laughed softly, as if she already knew the reason for my reaction.

"I take it you just entered our bedroom?"

"I'm hanging up now," I said firmly.

"Oh, you're no fun today," she said, laughing. "Love you."

"Love you, too. I'm going to jump in the shower, a cold one, thanks to you." She responded with a laugh and sexy reference to how much she wished she could join me. Tease.

~oOo~

After a quick chicken salad and shower, I decided to check out Bella's trunk in our walk-in closet. I took my phone, ensuring that it had enough battery power for our upcoming call. I also grabbed my Bluetooth so I'd be hands free – just in case.

As I looked through her drawer of underwear I was aching, which I was sure was Bella's intention when she asked me to retrieve the file. I wasn't a fucking perv that would touch her panties to get off. The line had to be drawn somewhere. Among the piles of silk and lace, there was a box of memorabilia of our time together, and I couldn't help but reminisce for a bit. There were movie tickets, a pack of St. John's Wart, a small bottle of sand from my parent's beach house, our leather cuffs from the evening where I watched her instruct a couple to orgasm and the damn earrings I had bought her.

I had known that she had kept them, but I had no clue that she wanted to remember that night. I mentally shuddered, remembering the look on her face after I had said those awful things. It was not only pained, but also relieved. As if she had expected my reaction. Things could've gone so differently if I had gotten my head out of my ass, and had allowed her to tell me everything instead of airing out our dirty laundry in front of everyone. Grabbing the keys, I closed the drawer with a sigh.

It didn't take long to find the folder she wanted in the small filing cabinet that sat in one corner of our closet. Trying not to read the titles, I pulled the one that she had asked for me to get and locked the cabinet.

In the file I had found lots of information based on the class I'd seen her instruct. Nothing too personal. Except I had found a NDA not only signed by Bella, but Angela and Ben Cheney, as well her last subject before me. It had to be to maintain their privacy as well as Bella's.

This was obviously something I shouldn't have been reading. I was about to close the file, until I found notes written by Bella, notes on her experience using a strap on with someone she hadn't named. Oh fuck, I had no idea. We had to talk a little more about her sexual past, even if I loathed the idea of hearing about her and other fucking men.

She had said she hadn't had anal sex, however, before the relationship with her last subject, she had been preparing for it. I wasn't angry, I know if she could've told me she would have. However, I had to believe that she wouldn't lie to me either.

I shuddered at the images and tried to dispel them. She was with me and not some other man. I had to find peace with that. She after all, had to deal with the fact I'd been with countless other women. Most in the Seattle area. Putting the file aside, I knelt in front of her trunk and unlocked it with the skeleton key.

Holy shit.There were many things that I'd seen in a porno, some that I'd used on with the women before Bella. It mortified me to admit, but I had no idea what the hell some of this stuff was. Within the trunk there was a box labeled photographs. My hands clenched into fists at the thoughts of pictures of her with someone else, but curiosity got the best of me. I opened it, swallowing the ball of dread caught in my throat.

From the first glance in the box, there seemed to be mostly pictures of a room – one filled with rather interesting items displayed on the walls. I'd seen a similar room at the party we had attended. From what I remembered, Bella had mentioned that it said the room was used for BDSM purposes.

My hand shook as I found one picture amongst the others, one with her in it. The background of the photo consisted of a wall made of stone, directly behind her was what appeared to be a simple cross. With her chained to it – naked.

I wanted to hate the picture. One, it wasn't me that took it. Two, it was obviously taken at a heightened state of arousal. Three, I really wanted to be the one taking the picture. However, I fucking loved the picture. She was completely irresistible like this.

She was gagged with something red and silky, panties maybe. Her hair was held up on the sides, away from her face, but the rest hung loosely over her shoulders. It was longer than what she had now, the tips just touching the raised peaks of her breasts.

Her eyes were covered by a dark fabric and I could see her head was slightly turned upward. Something she did when she was close to orgasm. Her arms were spread high as her hands were grasping something . Stomach taunt, her legs spread wide, invitingly so. Fucking beautiful.

I left the trunk unlocked. There would be no more secrets behind closed doors or locked trunks.

With the photo in my hand, I was determined to ask Bella about it when she called. In many ways I didn't want to know, but she wasn't with any of those before me. She was with me, and soon she'd officially be my wife. Though I loathed the idea of another man's hands on her, it was obvious that she wouldn't be as experienced as she was if it hadn't been for them.

But they're still assholes.

We both discussed that we wanted to explore things, for no other reason than to try things together. If I wanted to do a scene with her, I'd have to question her about past experiences and possibly what she learned from them. All of that information would only serve to enhance our own experiences.

I sent a quick text to her. I'm logging on to Skype.

She replied within a few minutes. Kinky. Should be done in 20. Are you ready? ;)

I laughed out loud at the teasing tone of her text. Always. See you soon.

Fuck, I was aching. The picture, the contents of the trunk left me with a serious case of blue balls. The past few weeks had been torture, only truly sated when I was in New York. Though the cyber and phone sex was damn near out of this world, it paled in comparison to when I could feel her touch and touch her in return.

I grabbed my laptop and figured our bed was best place to discuss her photo. I was one sick fuck because my only thought was centered on the picture. I thought about lots of revolting things to calm down, Emmett in a Speedo, Emmett in Bella's corset – that did it.

Finally able to concentrate, I logged on and waited for Bella. While checking my email, I saw Bella pop up a few minutes early. Smiling, I put on my headset and asked if she was ready. The next moment she called me.

She had a big smile as she came on screen. "Hi," she whispered, but her eyes narrowed instantly. "You have a very serious look on your face. What's wrong?"

I sighed and shrugged. "Did you make me look for that file on purpose?"

She blinked and smiled. "You've been curious to know more about my sexual past, but afraid to talk about it. I thought you needed encouragement."

I smirked and rolled my eyes. "Well it worked. I found your notes on an experience with a strap on. But you never mentioned a name."

"It was different and with Mike."

I coughed, swallowing and suppressing a shudder. The images instantly conjured up were way too much for me to handle. It didn't help that I knew Mike. With my hand held up, I gave her a look that had her instantly pursing her lips. "I don't want to know more," I said.

She looked worried. "You can ask me anything, Edward."

This was it. I could have her answer whatever I wanted know. I held up the picture and couldn't believe how composed she remained. There was no reaction to the picture, not even surprise. She waited for me to say something.

How do I ask about that picture without sounding like a whiny little bitch? I ran my hands through my hair roughly, nearly knocking off my headset. I rolled my eyes. "Did you have an idea what the picture would do to me?"

She smirked. "Maybe."

"You've never allowed me to tie you up," I said. It may have sounded like an accusation, if my tone was an indication. She raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"You never asked," she teased. "If you had, I would've let you."

"You look a little younger," I said, looking at the photograph then at her.

"I was about twenty-four when that was taken," she said. She fidgeted in her seat as her hand ran through her hair. "It was for a demonstrative scene and my first."

"Demonstrating what?"

"How the senses are affected when others are taken away."

I nodded, instantly remembering the time she had tied me up when we went the beach house in California. I remember everything I felt without my sense of sight, every touch more intense.

"Despite the reasons for the picture, you look fucking hot, baby."

She laughed and kissed her hand, touching it to the screen. "Damn, I miss you, Champ."

I wiggled my eyebrows. "Are those panties?" I asked, pointing to the gag in her mouth in the picture.

"Yes they are my panties," she whispered in this hot little voice that had me groaning out loud.

Bella grinned. "I have a feeling you only saw the pictures and closed the trunk."

"Maybe," I growled. "You're bound, gagged and naked in the picture. The rest of the trunk was filled with things. Things I might add, we can't explore until we're together."

"That might be true, but I was hoping you'd take a look at them." She tried to contain her laughter, but failed.

"Nope, sorry," I said playfully. "The thought of pictures of you were more important, and therefore was my first priority. Then when I saw the picture, it was like, 'what trunk?' I'd been leering at it since I've found it."

"So you didn't get a look at the handcuffs or the flogger?" she asked, smiling, attempting to hold back her laughter still.

I held up the picture and licked my lips. "Baby, I got this picture now. It's better than any porn. Who needs sex toys when I got this?" I made sure she could see that I had to adjust myself, causing her to sort of snort and moan at the same time. "This will forever be in my spank bank. In fact I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking of this picture first thing in the morning. "

I dropped the photo on the nightstand and grinned. The next moment, there was nothing but tits on my screen. I groaned while she giggled at my reaction. "Until then," I grunted. "You're so going to pay for that," I hissed, adjusting myself again. Her face came back on screen, all smug and cocky. Brat. "Show me your tummy."

Scowling, she complied by opening the robe she was wearing. Nothing but skin underneath, my mouthed watered. The thought of her carrying my children made her all the more alluring. I may have, at this point, palmed myself again, but ignored it otherwise. It was about time I made sure she was taken care of first. I wanted to concentrate on her and only her.

"You're fucking beautiful, babe." I licked my lips and admired her for a few silent moments as she blushed. "How about I talk you into relieving some of that stress?" I asked. Her beautiful lips visibly quivered as she gasped. Just a preview of what I'd enjoy watching for the next hour.

~oOo~

It'd been a busy twenty-nine hours and I hadn't spoken with Bella for well over a day. Which of course pissed me off, but I was relieved to know that in less than forty-eight hours she'd be home. I'd been irritable all day, snapping at everyone at the office.

Finally, it had been Alice that had told me to go home, because I was being an ass. I didn't really care, but I left anyway. When I finally reached my apartment, I was tired, hungry and desperate to hear Bella's voice.

However, I knew I couldn't talk to Bella for several hours. She was busy with the best of Hollywood entertainers at some party in Los Angeles as her alter ego. Luckily, we were in the same time zone.

I popped my neck as I started chopping some vegetables for a teriyaki stir-fry. I grumbled through the menial task, at one point sending carrot slices everywhere, rolling around on the kitchen floor. I was on fucking edge, chopping too aggressively. I started to clean up the mess I made when there was a knock on my door.

I was confused, since the security usually notified us that someone was coming up. The notification was a precaution we had insisted on since Daniel had tried to hurt Bella before he died.

I cautiously opened the door. What the fuck? "How the hell did you get in here?"

Bella

Even jetlag would not stop me from walking inside the building. I was two days early. I had some cramping earlier. Even though my doctor said that everything was fine, Rachel had insisted on ending my tour as a precaution. I was relieved.

I had sat for hours in a bad chair while I signed book after book, and it was murder for my back. And I could've killed Alice for insisting on the heels. My feet protested within an hour of wearing them. I was tired, and I yearned for the comfort of Edward's arms.

I could see Derek and Rick, the security guards, at the front desk. They both gave me a greeting, introducing me to Craig, a new member of their team. However, when the newcomer looked at me after hearing what apartment I lived in, he appeared shocked.

Since my only thought was Edward, I didn't care. However, I did manage to see him pulling out his cell phone as I stepped into the elevator. Whatever, he wasn't my concern.

I knew it wasn't fair for me notto call Edward that I was arriving early, but I thought he'd like the surprise all the same. I laid my hand over my stomach, tears forming in my eyes. I had to have an ultrasound as a precaution earlier in the day, and the twin sounds of our babies' heartbeats were on my music player. I found it soothing on the flight home. I had some rather good or bad news, depended on how he'd take it, for Edward.

Home. I hadn't felt as if I had a home in so long. It wasn't the house or the fancy apartment that made a house a home, but the people that lived in it. After I had witnessed Brianna's death, my childhood home lost all its appeal. After losing my parents, I couldn't even walk into the house.

Edward was my home and I thought that I was his. Soon, we'd be adding two members to our family.

I stepped out of the elevator and adjusted the strap on my shoulder. I had only my carry-on, since Rachel said she'd have a service deliver my bags in a couple of days. I managed to fish out my keys, since I knew that Edward usually showered at this time, especially after a long day at work. Stupid new ordinances had them scrambling in overtime to finish the revisions to half a dozen of their current projects.

I really hoped I could slip into the shower with him. Though, I knew I was too tired for much else, I wanted to feel his arms around me. I'd settle for nothing less.

I opened the door and gasped. On the couch sat Edward with Angela on his lap. His head was tilted back but his eyes were wide open. His hands were up beside his head and Angela's mouth hovering over his. I could see one of her hands trapped between their bodies and it only fueled my anger further.

And before I could drop my bag, Edward's jumped off the couch and Angela landed surprisingly well on her feet. That didn't surprise me, considering she'd been accused of adultery on many occasions. I took in her attire, lots of revealing skin, dressed to get the attention she always sought. In other words, dressed to fuck. She hadn't looked shocked to see me, only smug. That alone confirmed my initial assessment.

Edward's harsh gaze was on Angela, but when he saw that hers was elsewhere, he turned toward me. "Bella," Edward said, surprised. He hadn't heard me come in. His breath was harsh as I closed the distance between them and me. There was something in his eyes. Fear.

Edward

Fuck. I couldn't even make out what her calm expression meant. I hated that I had yet to decipher all her little nuances that would help me get a reading on what she was thinking.

Angry with myself, I looked at Angela and could not believe I hadn't seen what she was up to. She stood too close, leaning toward me, but her eyes were on Bella. I never should've allowed her into the apartment. How the fuck had I let that psycho-hose-beast get the best of me? I hadn't liked her from the moment I had met her at that party. I'd known women like her, the kind that were persistent and manipulative.

"Did you really think this would work?" Bella asked, remaining as composed as ever. "How could you do this?"

Inside, my stomach churned at the thought of what this would do to us. Would she believe me? Would she leave me over a misunderstanding? What the fuck else would she think it had been, considering the scene she just walked in on? The fucking bitch Angela, standing too close to me, may have just ruined my life. She may have just shoved me back into the pit I had dug for myself, the same pit I had worked so hard to crawl out of since I'd met Bella.

When I had answered the knock earlier, Angela had pushed me aside and had started calling out for Bella. I had told her a few times that Bella wasn't home and that she wouldn't return for a few more days. However, it was all a fucking ploy to get inside the apartment, with me, alone.

I had tried to get rid of her, but she continued to talk as if I hadn't said anything. She fucking dared to tell me that Bella would leave me due to a boring sex life. Making it sound that Bella would eventually get bored of remaining monogamous, and then I let her have it. She had no clue to my relationship with Bella, and it wasn't her damn business, either.

Angela bit back with just as much as venom as I had. Then suddenly, she received a text and fucking had the nerve to check it in the middle of my argument with her. I had been seething and ready to call security and as I reached for the phone, she tackled me. She caught me off balance, causing us to land on the couch behind us.

"Bella," I said in a desperate attempt for her to see that it wasn't what she thought. She had no reason to believe I wouldn't cheat on her. I had on several occasions, caused many women to cheat on boyfriends, fiancées or husbands. It wasn't something I was proud of, and now, once again, my past would bite me in the ass.

Her attention, her almost too peaceful gaze, was on Angela. Not on me. Angela stood beside me, laying her hand on my arm. I quickly moved away from her toward Bella.

She put her hand to stop me and shook her head. Fuck! I was afraid to get her angry in any way, she was in a fragile state as it was. Despite her composure, I could see how tired she was.

"Did you really think that I'd believe he would cheat on me?" Bella asked Angela.

Nearly snapping my own neck, I did a double take in Bella's direction. What?

"What did it look like? He's a really good kisser." Angela smirked and once again tried to touch me. I was a fucking statue. Bella didn't think I would cheat on her. Was that what the question she asked Angela meant?

"Yes, he's a very good kisser," Bella said in a husky voice. "When he's into it."

"Seemed to me he was very into it," Angela said almost sweetly. I stepped further away from Angela, shaking my head in disgust. There was no way I'd allow this woman to antagonize Bella. However, Bella seemed to know how to handle the vile woman, so I allowed her to continue.

But, I stepped closer to Bella, just in case.

"Not fucking likely," Bella said firmly. "You see, Angela, when Edward kisses me, his eyes are closed, not wide open in shock. Second, his hands aren't up defensively, but on me." Angela visibly tensed. I couldn't help the other step I took closer to Bella, putting myself in between them. I refused to take chances where Bella was concerned. She'd been through too much already.

Angela huffed and stalked father away from us both. Thank fuck. Bella looked at me and kissed my chin as she took my hand. "It's okay, baby. Let me handle this and we'll talk." I nodded but stood a half a step in front of her. Her fingers tightened around mine, but her thumb brushed against my knuckles. She was fine, it was her way of telling me not to worry. I snorted internally, as if I ever could stop worrying.

Bella returned her attention to Angela. "Attacking Edward was the last damn straw, Angie." She stepped toward Angela, causing the woman to step back from Bella's wrath.

"You need us," Angela said loudly, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "We madeyou when we all lived in Los Angeles."

"Your parties may have helped my books to sell, however, I never wanted that type of attention," Bella said, shaking her head. "I didn't mind doing a demonstrative scene, or teach a class here or there; but I was never interested in becoming a fucking attraction. That's you, not me."

Then Angela turned desperate and angry. "He would've fucked me if you hadn't have come in."

No. Just no. I snorted. "There was no way that would've happened," I said to her, loudly. Enough to get her to take another step back. "I was a second away from forcing you off me." Angela's nostrils flared and the immaculate bun in her hair started to fall apart as she shook her head.

Bella sighed. "I'm calling Ben and Judge Hanley. We will be putting a restraining order on you. You are to stay away from Edward and me. We don't need this shit."

"You can't just leave me – the students," Angela pleaded.

Bella gasped and this time I was able to read the look on her face. She was scared. "It was one scene Angie, one scene."

Angela looked defeated. "It was more to me."

"I'm sorry," Bella said. "Why don't we go out to the hallway?"

It was obvious Bella wanted Angela out of the apartment, but I grabbed Bella by the arm and pulled her in close. "There is no fucking way you're leaving my sight. Do you understand? Do not move farther than arm's length, got it?" Bella nodded and led Angela to the door, with me in close pursuit.

Once at the door, I left it wide open so that I could keep on eye on them. I pressed the button on the intercom, to reach security downstairs.

"Derek, Cullen here," I barked. "Get the hell up here. Someone came up to our apartment uninvited. I need someone to get her out of here, now."

Angela wrung a part of her top in her hands like a towel, as Bella continued to talk to her in a calm manner. Thankfully, she remained several feet away from the distraught woman.

Bella's head snapped to mine, closing the distance between us. "I know why you're upset, but if you keep on going that way, it'll only force her to lash out." Angela sighed deeply, sliding her back along the wall and onto the floor.

"The fact that she tried to seduce me and ruin our lives isn't enough for me to lose my goddamn temper?"

"She didn't try to seduce you, Edward. She attacked you," she said in that calm voice of hers. The one that she used when she wanted to appear strong but wasn't. Not really. Damn it, she was going to fall apart if I couldn't get a hold of myself.

"Damn right I'm angry," I hissed. "You've been through enough shit. You, no we, don't need this. I think you should call Detective Gomez right now."

Bella looked to where Angela sat on the floor. Angela looked up at us both, but turned to look at me and licked her lips, laughing silently. Bitch.

"Yes," Bella whispered. "I'll call Gomez, but I'm also calling her husband, so he can call her doctor." She took my face in her hands. "Watch her. I hope that she won't try anything else right now, but it's best to be safe than sorry."

I looked at her then. "Baby," I whispered, laying my forehead on hers. "You can't save everyone." We both looked at how Angela was ignoring us, at least pretending to.

"I know," she replied. "Normally, I would've just called Ben and tried to work things out discreetly."

"I know that this can't be easy, but it's out of your hands," I said. "The only way to help her now is for us to take the proper precautions. She has to understand that there are consequences to her actions."

She nodded and trembled in my arms. I could see that she was trying so hard to keep herself together. "I know, I have to let someone else to get through to her."

"Exactly," I said, pressing my lips to her temple. "It's for the best. For all of us." After a few moments, Bella disappeared into the apartment, picking up the phone immediately. Angela tried to get up and follow Bella, but I leveled a look that had her cowering against the wall again.

"Don't fucking move," I snapped.

Derek and Rick burst around the corner and skidded to a stop in front of us. Their eyes were wide and in shock. It was obvious that neither of them had allowed Angela to enter the building. I gestured toward Angela, who acted like they weren't there. She stared blankly at the wall in front of her.

"Mr. Cullen?"

"She got in. Uninvited. Made a scene. I want her gone. We're already calling the police. Take her picture, she's never to come into this building again."

Bella stepped out into the hallway while still on the phone. "Detective Gomez, said he can charge her for assault. It's up to you, Edward."

I nodded, not even hesitating. Angela would never learn if I allowed her to walk away.

"Then she needs to remain downstairs until he arrives," Bella said to Derek. "I'm going to finish my calls inside." She walked back into the apartment, but hadn't closed the door completely. No doubt listening.

When Angela started to hum something to herself, my attention returned to her.

"You want me, baby. You need me, because you love me. Only me." She started to pull something out of her purse that sat beside her. Both Rick and Derek grabbed their weapon of choice. A tazer and a baton. I watched as they cautiously approached her. She only started to sing louder. Bella's name amongst the twisted words.

Derek's eyes widened. This was obviously more than they'd ever had to handle. He said, "Um, she's -"

"Crazy," I snapped. Angela continued to sing, pulling out a nail file. This caught Bella's attention from inside our apartment.

"Fuck!" she cried out. "Stop her." Bella lunged at Angela, but I caught her around the waist. Angela dug the nail file along her arm, where several more scars were. Blood started to ooze from the thin, jagged cut.

"Angie," Bella said. "Please don't." Derek and Rick each grabbed Angela's arms, forcing her to drop the file on the floor.

I tightened my arms around Bella, trying to get her to calm down. Fuck, she'd seen enough blood. "Take her downstairs. Her husband and Detective Gomez should be here shortly."

"No!" Angela screamed. "No. She needs me. Let me go!" While she kicked and screamed, Bella cried. Angela ranted, "How could you do this to me, Bella?" She spat toward me, but she wasn't within reach. "It's all your fault. She would've been with me if you hadn't come along. Asshole!"

Her eyes widened and angry tears formed in her eyes. "Bella. You don't need him. Please, don't let them take me. I don't understand. Why do you hate me? Why does everybody hate me?"

I gestured toward the elevator, silently telling Derek and Rick to get her the fuck out of here.

Bella shook in my arms, refusing to look at screaming woman as they hauled her down the hall. I felt her arms go limp around me, and I knew it was too much for her. I quietly walked her inside our apartment, closing the door behind me.

She stumbled a bit as we approached the couch, so I bent to take her in my arms. Slowly, her arms rose to wrap around my neck as fresh tears continued to fall. I carefully laid her on the couch, pulling the throw blanket over her.

Tucking some hair behind her ear, I brushed some of her tears away. "I need to go downstairs but I need you to stay here." Her eyes widened and she bit her lip. She wanted to tell me no, but she was so tired that I knew she wouldn't. "I'll take care of this. The only thing you do now is to take care of yourself and our babies."

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "That wasn't the homecoming I'd hoped for."

Taking her face in my hands, I kissed her lips and brushed my nose along hers. "It wasn't the one I pictured, either." For a few moments, she let me hold her as her tears subsided.

"Edward," she murmured. "Are you okay?" I nodded, because I knew why she asked. What happened only minutes ago had been assault.

"I'm fine, baby," I whispered. She looked skeptical but nodded all the same. "How about we call the doc and see about a session this week?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking," she replied. "Oh and we're buying a new couch." I held back my smile and only nodded. "And we're burning your pants."

I laughed and kissed her once more before I left to make sure Angela would bother us no more.

~oOo~

It was well over an hour before I was able to return to Bella. Ben, Angela's husband, arrived just after Detective Gomez had. He had to witness his wife being hauled off in handcuffs. All the while, Angela only repeated one phrase, "Why not me?"

Though my anger toward her still lingered under the surface, it was obvious that Angela clearly needed help. Ben hadn't been surprised by what Angela had done, indicating that he'd known something was coming. He apologized and said that he regretted not picking the signs that her obsessive behavior had turned toward Bella.

Detective Gomez took my statement and would return tomorrow afternoon to take Bella's, after I had insisted on it. There was no way I'd have her rest disturbed after everything she'd been through. Once I spoke with our building's manager, Craig, the new security guard had been fired. He had been on watch, while Derek and Rick were on break, when Angela had arrived. Though there was no proof on the video footage, he had confessed that he let her up to our apartment.

I locked the door behind me, making sure all my movements were as quiet as possible. Bella needed her sleep, I only hoped that she had gotten to bed. The apartment smelled like the dinner I had started to prepare before I was rudely interrupted. On the coffee table in front of her was her plate. At least she had eaten.

Where I found her, was on the couch. Resting comfortably on her side, I noticed she had changed into something different and completely unexpected. And undeniably sexy. In nothing but one of my button down shirts and pair of tube socks, she slept. Her tummy was on full display and I had remembered how she preferred it this way when she was alone. Itchy skin. Poor baby.

Unable to control the pull, I strode toward her. I knelt beside her and brushed my fingertips over her face. Her soft, pink lips parted with a sigh of my name. "I'm taking you to bed," I murmured.

"Mmm, all right," she mumbled in a sleepy stupor. "Let me roll over first. From behind, babe." I held back at laugh because it was obvious that she was having a very nice dream. I kissed her once more and rose to my feet. In a well practiced move, I pulled her in my arms and hers instantly wrapped around my neck. After a moment, they fell limply to her lap and side as I walked toward our bedroom. "Don't forget the whip cream." She nuzzled against my neck and sighed, her eyes still closed in sleep.

"Never," I whispered. Morning would come soon and I was determined to give her a proper homecoming. After we talked about why she was home two days early.