Chapter 15
EPOV
I woke up to aching muscles, a growling stomach and Bella sprawled across my chest, but the best part was she was naked, we both were. I looked out the window of the cottage and realized it must be late afternoon, the sun had been rising when we finally fell asleep.
As I thought back to last night I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. After we had dinner I made love to Bella, twice, and each time true to my word I worshipped her body. By the time I entered her the second time I was pretty sure I knew her body better then she did, I could tell someone the story behind every scar she had and there were plenty to explain, she was very clumsy as a child. But it was the third time that literally blew my mind.
I felt a hand making its way down my chest and knew it was Bella, we must have dozed off. Before I could open my eyes I felt her hot tongue lick up my shaft and swirl around the head.
"Bellaaa, damn that feels good." I felt her hand wrap around me and slowly start stroking me. I moved her hair so I could watch her just as she slid her mouth over me.
"So good, "I moaned out and Bella hummed her agreement. She was fucking humming on my cock and I had never felt anything like it. She was deep throating me and lightly running her teeth over me on the upstroke, damn she gave good head. I felt my balls start to tighten, "I'm gonna cum baby" I said and I tried to pull her up.
"Ummm Hmmm" she moaned around me and picked up her pace. Fuck, she was a swallower, only two other women I had been with had ever swallowed. Then three things happened, she deep throated me, tugged on my balls and shit, she swallowed tightening around my cock even more.
"Holy hell...I'm cumming...babyyy" and I shot the largest load ever down her throat. When I was done she licked me clean then straddled me with her elbows on my chest with a grin that said she was very pleased with herself.
"God Bella, I've never cum that hard or long in my life. What they hell are you doing to me girl?"
"Nothing you won't like, I promise." She started running her hands up my side and licked my nipple.
I chuckled at her, "As good as that feels baby, I'm afraid I don't have the recovery time I did at 30." She continued licking and nipping at my chest.
"I bet you do but you have never had the proper motivation."
I sighed, I really hated to burst her bubble but I couldn't recover that fast anymore. "I really can't Bella but I want to taste you anyway." I said as I reached for her so I could roll her under me.
She slapped my hands away, "Oh no you don't, this is about you. The other times were about me and this time it is all you. You want to taste me?" I nodded. "Bend your knees and plant your feet so I can lean back against your legs." I did as she asked and couldn't help myself when she leaned back and started rubbing her clit with one hand while parting her folds with the other, I had to touch her. As soon as she felt my hands on her she stopped and sat up.
"Do I need to tie your hands Mr. Cullen?" I shook my head no. "Like I said this is about you, so keep your hands to yourself." I held my hands up to show her I was backing off and then put them behind my head. She assumed the same position as before and quickly buried two fingers in her pussy.
"So wet for you...just you...Edward." She started circling her clit with her other hand. "I want to...cum for you." She was panting now and really working herself. I was shocked when I felt my dick start to harden, she had me very turned on. "Your fingers...better" she was so close and trying to reach her sweet spot, she was dripping on my stomach. With no warning she rose up and impaled herself on my cock, cumming instantly. "Fuck yes...god I love you cock" she screamed before she fell against my chest, as she moved her fingers to my lips. "Have a taste, baby." That was it, my dick was hard as stone and the thin hold I had on my control snapped.
I pulled her off, turned her around and started fucking her hard from behind. There was nothing gentle about this, I was too far gone to be gentle this time.
"You are...so damn tight..."
"Yes...harder Edward faster...fuck me...yes. "I pulled her back onto me harder and could feel that I was hitting her cervix. "Sooo deep...sooo good...faster." I picked my pace up and could feel her starting to tighten around me, she was close again.
"Cum for me...love your pussy...fucking cum..." She clamped down on me and I could feel her juices running out of her onto my balls.
"Yes!" she shouted as I slapped her ass. I didn't let up on her at all I needed to cum. The sounds of us, skin slapping, wet sloppy sex and the smell, god the room smelled of her arousal and sex, it was driving me insane.
"Mine...you are...mine..." I gripped her hips harder and moved one hand to pinch her clit.
"Fuck yesssss...don't stop...fucking me..." She was cumming again and clamped down on me hard. I slapped her ass one more time and thrust as deep as I could as I came and roared "Mine". She collapsed on her stomach and I fell on top of her exhausted.
As I looked down her body I noticed the bruising on her hips and felt bad. She said I hadn't hurt her last night but I had never been that rough with any woman and to lose control like that with the only woman I have ever loved made me feel like an animal.
I felt her shift and looked down to see her studying me. I was just about to apologize for treating her like that when she spoke.
"Don't Edward, just don't. I told you last night I am not hurt and that is still true today. Do you have any idea what it felt like last night for me to know that you wanted me so much you lost control, that you felt the need to claim me and mark me as yours, nothing is a bigger turn on then that, it made me feel very...wanted, do not lessen that by feeling bad that I have a few bruises. I love them and how they got there."
"How do you always calm me? Sometimes I wonder if you can read my mind."
"I am no mind reader but with the way you were looking me over it was easy to tell what you were thinking." She propped herself up on her elbow and started running her fingers through my hair. "I enjoy making love with you and I enjoy animalistic sex also Edward. You made me feel wanted and alive, a combination I haven't felt in many years. I am not made of glass, you will not break me. Now, as much as I would love to tell to you to shut up and fuck me again, I have to admit I am sore, but doing an all nighter after six years of nothing will do that to a girl." She was chuckling when she got out of bed and pulled on her robe. She took one look at me with my morning wood and said, "Come on you sex fiend I will make us some breakfast." I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, I never would have been considered a sex fiend until her. I was amazed at how easily I could get hard around her.
We were eating breakfast discussing our return to Washington the next morning and the next few weeks. "So, we fly back tomorrow and then you go to San Diego on Friday morning. When do you plan on flying back?"
"I'll come back Saturday. The announcement will be in the late afternoon Friday, spend the night at the US Grant Hotel, back on Saturday. Then on Sunday we fly to Chicago so the firms can tour the Swan facility on Monday morning and meet with the project managers in the afternoon, then return to Seattle on Tuesday morning. How does that sound to you?"
"Firms? How many will be touring?"
"There will be two other firms aside from The Cullen Group touring at the same time and no I will not tell you who they are. You will recognize them when you see them."
I chuckled, "Should I be worried about them?"
"I don't know, they will be submitting a bid like you so maybe you should be. I do want to warn you though the entire manor has a closed circuit TV system in it. The only rooms without active cameras are my bedroom and the bathrooms and even those have cameras that can be activated. My bedroom is the only room that has an inside panic button that turns the cameras on, the rest can be turned on from the control room. I saw the list of who is coming with you and feel free to warn Emmett and Jasper but I wouldn't tell Mr. Damon yet, I am not sure you can trust him Edward."
"Why the extra security in Chicago?"
"Because it is where we lived most of the time and entertained other companies. My father and Edgar always wanted to know what was happening when they weren't in the room."
"So, do I get to sleep in the room without active cameras while in Chicago?" I asked as I wiggled my eyebrows at her.
She started running her hand up and down my thigh, "Well, I don't know Mr. Cullen, maybe I want to see what goes on at night when I am not around. Although, I have to admit I do like the idea of easy access to you whenever I want." She sighed and removed her hand, "I suppose I could let you sleep in my bedroom if it means that much to you."
I had no idea what to say to her, didn't she want to sleep with me? I noticed she was standing up and backing away from the table trying very hard not to laugh.
"You will pay for that Bella." I said as I chased after her.
"You have to catch me first old man." She shouted after me.
"Old Man! I'll show you old man." She was fast, thank god I still worked out and ran most mornings and that my legs were so much longer than hers. I tackled her in the heather in the garden and tickled her until she took it back.
"Ok, ok, so you're not an old man but you are my old man."
"That's fine as long as I can introduce you as my old lady?"
"I would love to be known as your old lady."
We spent the evening in the garden and Bella told about a dream she had of us in a field of heather. It gave me hope that my dream would come true also. I was still having the fireplace dream but Bella was my wife and very pregnant in it now, I wanted that dream.
We left Scotland on the Sinclair jet Thursday afternoon and slept most of the way to Seattle, with the exception of the time we took to join the Mile High Club somewhere over the Midwest. Bella dropped me off in Seattle and continued on to San Diego for the announcement, she would be back tomorrow.
I spent the drive to my house thinking over the last few days. Our time in Scotland seemed magical, we were pretty cut off from everything and I liked the cottage and how it forced you to live simply. It gave us the time we needed to connect to each other with outside distractions. The best was Bella now knew I loved her and I was convinced she loved me too. She may not have said it but her love was there to see in everything she did for me and how she touched me. I could wait for her to tell me.
Esme POV
Edward came back from Scotland on cloud nine. He and Bella must have worked everything out, I understood why she felt she needed to give him a choice and I am glad he chose his happiness over some misguided sense of responsibility to the company. He finally realized his job did not have to be his life.
I was secretly hoping that by having the Garden Party and putting everyone in their place Bella would reconsider about living in Seattle, but I wasn't getting my hopes up. If I had been treated the way she had, repeatedly, I wouldn't want to live here either. I wasn't worried about Edward's job, Carlisle would find a way to make it work. I was worried about how often we would see each other, I liked having my kids close to me.
The party was planned for the same Saturday that Bella was hosting the House of Hope/Sinclair Foundation Executive Party. I knew most people would see it as a snub to Bella and that is how I intended them to see it. I would explain to Bella before the parties what was really going to happen, she and Edward needed to be far removed from the Garden Party. I did not want them to be blamed for anything that happened that day.
I had grown up in Seattle and never been subjected to the level of scrutiny and pettiness Bella was experiencing. People needed a reminder that when you mess with one Cullen you mess with us all and that was never in anyone's best interest.
We had decided to have a poetry reading during the party and requested the help of several ladies loyal to me to do some readings also. I told them not to worry we would supply the poems. The poems - Alice, Rosalie and I were currently working on the poems, they may not be classics but I was sure they would be remembered.
BPOV
After dropping Edward off in Seattle the jet felt empty. I thought about laying down for the flight to San Diego but that brought my thoughts to what had happened earlier, I loved the Mile High Club. Nothing came close to being with Edward, he made me feel beautiful, worshipped and loved. No one had ever made me feel the way he did. I had loved Edgar but I knew that what I could have with Edward would be so much...more. Edward saw as his equal in ways the Edgar never had and it made me love him even more.
Once I arrived at the hotel the first order of business was a long soak in the garden tub. I was going through my e-mail and catching up on things when I noticed I had one from Jules, hopefully she was getting back to me on the Edward/Jacob thing. I read her brief note then opened the attachment and oh my god - no wonder Jacob resented Edward. Jacob came second to Edward many times, success at Yale and Columbia, Edward had won awards that Jacob had not. Jacob had dated several girls that while Edward may or may not have of dated them it was obvious they were after Edward. In the business community Edward climbed the corporate ladder faster than Jacob and until The Black Trust started cutting corners The Cullen Group consistently won jobs they both bid on. The starting point appeared to be right after Edward and Rachel broke up.
The only thing not explained was how Jacob came to get involved with Tanya and Aro. I would bet Tanya led to Aro but still, how did he first meet her? Did Aro put Tanya up to this? Was she the reason his marriage broke up? I did not have time to worry about this now, I needed to concentrate on tomorrow but first I forwarded the e-mail on to Edward and then picked up my cell phone to call him
"Hello beautiful. I take it you arrived safe and sound?"
"Yes, I did as you well know since you saw my entourage board in Seattle."
"Yes, I did and it made me feel good to know they are back with you. I must be getting used to them because I didn't notice their absence in Scotland."
"Well the cottage is so secluded and I only go there to relax so they give me more distance. There are several bunkers spread over the land that houses the security detail. But with most of it being so open plus the fact that it can't be reached easily motion sensors are used to alert them to any threats. Had anyone crossed on to Swan land I think you would have been surprised at how fast they could get to us."
"I'm glad we had the time alone Bella. The cottage will always have a special place in my heart."
"Mine too Edward. I have another reason for calling actually, I received the information that Jules was able to get about the connections between you and Jacob Black. It was very interesting reading."
"Are there things I should be worried about Bella?"
"Not worry about, no. But it does explain why he feels the way he does, even if most of it is misplaced. I have forwarded it to you. Look it over and then we can talk about it if you want."
"I will but I need to know - is there anything that changes anything between us?"
"No Edward, nothing I read changes how I feel about you or us. Just look it over and we can talk about it when I get back."
"Ok, I'll look it over and talk when you get back. I'm going to let you go so you can sleep. I love you Bella."
"I know and sweet dreams Edward."
I woke up with a sense of foreboding, something was going to happen at the press conference I was sure of it and I was sure it would involve Jacob Black, this would be too perfect of an opportunity for him to pass up.
The press conference was going well, I had announced that San Diego is where the Sinclair Foundation would be building a west coast regional office as well as a halfway house that would include an outpatient treatment center. I answered questions about the Foundation and what we hoped to accomplish in San Diego. When the questions turned to the rumors that the office and center would be using 'green' measures to impact the environment less and try to be self sustaining is when I introduced Emmett and the fact that Cullen Construction had won the bid to be the general contractor on the project. Emmett was explaining the features that would make the buildings 'green', some of which was state of the art technology and how local contractors would be used for the construction when questions started to shift.
I was asked about the Foundation not using a local general contractor and how this time we were varying from what we normally did. I explained about the contacts Cullen Construction had in San Diego and that they were more than capable of overseeing the operation, which is when it started.
"So, the fact that you are fucking Edward Cullen has nothing to do with them getting this contract?" I looked up into the very angry eyes of Jacob Black.
"Any relationship I may or may not have with Mr. Cullen had no bearing on this decision. This is what's best for The Sinclair Foundation and San Diego."
He laughed and it sounded very hollow. "Really? So fucking him is just a bonus for you then?" He was moving closer to the table and looked as if he had been drinking, heavily.
"Mr. Black you need to leave. I'm sorry we were not able to work with your firm but you are just embarrassing yourself here. Leave on your own or security will escort you out." I was trying to remain calm, telling him off would only make things worse.
William and Grey had moved to flank him and when he didn't start moving on his own they each grabbed an arm and started walking him out. "This isn't over Isabella. I will not allow Cullen to take what is mine. Do you understand? You are mine. You should not have crossed me!" Jacob yelled as he was being led out of the room. Of course once he was out of the room the questions started up about what he had said.
Are you dating Edward Cullen? If so, how long? Did he steal you from Jacob Black? Are you seeing both of them? Why did Cullen Construction get the contract? Why is Black threatening you? Is there a love triangle?
I raised my hand to quiet everyone down. "I will answer your questions as best I can. I have never dated Jacob Black, I have no interest in him outside of business. I have no idea what his problem is with me or Mr. Cullen. As far as Cullen Construction winning the contract, they are the firm that can best provide us with what we want in San Diego. I understand that in the past The Foundation has used someone local as the general contractor but with Mr. McCarty's contacts in San Diego we feel comfortable that he will be able to stay on top of things, even from Seattle. Now, Mr. Cullen and I have been out socially but that did not have anything to do with this contract. I want to thank you all for coming today and this press conference is over." I stood to leave with Anthony beside me.
"You didn't answer the question, are you dating Edward Cullen?"
"I have said all I am going to about Edward Cullen. If you want a different or better answer, I suggest you ask him." I ignored the questions still being shouted and left the room. Emmett looked as if he was going to laugh.
"You do realize that if they ask Edward he will run with it."
I looked at Emmett confused, "What do you mean 'run with it'?"
"Bella even though he has not said anything I have known Edward a long time. He is dying to tell the world that you two are dating and you just gave him carte blanche to do that. He is definitely taking advantage of the opportunity." The elevator arrived before I could answer him.
Emmett and I rode the elevator up to my suite. Emmett was flying out tonight but I was taking the jet back the next afternoon. We discussed a few points I wanted clarification on in case I was asked about them at the dinner tonight. After Emmett left I tried calling Edward to warn him about the question I had pushed off onto him but it went straight to voice mail. I was hoping to talk to him before I went to the dinner. The Chamber of Commerce was having a relatively small dinner welcoming The Sinclair Foundation. I had not found out about it until I arrived or I would have had other executives attend as well.
As Anthony and I made our way across the lobby he couldn't stop smiling and that not like him. "Is there something happening tonight that I should know about Anthony? You seem awfully happy."
"No Ma'am nothing out of the ordinary." He said as he opened the car door. I could see someone was already seated in the car and assumed it was either William or Grey. As I slid into my seat I turned and was looking at Edward.
"Edward!" I exclaimed as I stretched over to kiss him. "What are you doing here?"
He pulled me into his arms, "I came to escort my girl to her dinner. Is that ok?"
"That is great. Having you here is a nice surprise."
We arrived at the restaurant and were led into the private dining room. Most of the people were shocked to see me with Edward but things became less awkward quickly and we were able to enjoy ourselves. It was a good thing he surprised me because he was able to answer the questions I couldn't about the project while stressing he would be very hands off during the process, it was Emmett's baby and he was running with it. As we were leaving I noticed a couple of reporters standing outside and I had a good idea of what was going to happen. They perked up when they noticed Edward with me, Anthony and William moved up to escort us to the car.
"Mr. Cullen is it true? Are you dating Mrs. Sinclair?" Edward turned and looked at me and I couldn't keep a straight face.
"I think you should ask her that question?"
"We did and she said we should ask you?"
"She did?" We were at the car and Anthony was standing there with the door open so I slid in and tried to pull Edward in, he turned to me with an evil smirk on his face.
"Don't you dare Edward?" I warned him, he was going to stir the pot, I could tell by that look.
"I certainly hope we are dating, I love her who else would I date." Then he got in the car and we drove off.
"Edward how could you?" I said but I was having a hard time not smiling.
"I told them the truth. If you didn't want me to then you shouldn't have told them to ask me." He was laughing as he pulled me into his lap. "I do love you Bella, so much." I loved him too, I knew I did I just had to tell him.
When we returned to the hotel suite the travel from the last few days caught up to us, Edward and I were asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows. I loved sleeping next to Edward, he was quite the cuddler, but something was off this time, he was holding me almost too tight and mumbling in his sleep. I rolled over to look at his face and he pulled me in closer mumbling, "don't leave me...please stay Bella."
I brought my hands up and started running them through his hair. "I'm not leaving Edward." Why would he think I was leaving? I kept running my hands over his face and hair and telling him I wasn't leaving until he started to wake up. When he opened his eyes he looked so sad and I had no idea why.
"Edward, what is wrong? Please talk to me about what is bothering you."
"I'm worried about what you will think of me." I looked at him confused. "Ok, I'm worried you will think I am pathetic."
"I have thought you a lot of things Edward but pathetic has never been one of them. Tell me the problem."
"I read over the file that you sent from your reporter friend." I nodded at him to continue. "How can you read that and not think less of me. I mean his sister..."
I watched him to see if he would continue but he didn't. "Edward I read that file and saw nothing that reflects badly on you. His sister attempted suicide months after the breakup because of the way her family responded to things. They were counting on her relationship with you and playing up how nice it was she could land someone like you, which fueled Jacob's dislike of you. When you broke up the family's focus suddenly became how she had screwed up and had blown the best thing to happen not only to her but potentially her family as well. Her suicide attempt is not your burden to bear, her family is to blame for that, no matter what Jacob Black thinks."
"I understand what you are saying but I can't help but think that if I had handled it differently they wouldn't have treated her like that, maybe it wouldn't have happened."
"Edward, the two of you were coming into the relationship from totally different positions. It was the break up itself that she was blamed for and that would have happened regardless of the reason. This is not your fault Edward. I know that things with us have caused you to examine your past relationships and thoughts on women but you are not responsible for any of this. Things were out of your control before they ever started."
"How does all of this relate to what Jacob is doing today? Tell me this isn't all just because of a grudge he has against me."
"I think it started out that way but now with Tanya and Aro involved I think it is more than that. I haven't been able to find out how or why he became involved with them in the first place but his dealings with them and his business problems now, you are an easy scapegoat to blame because that is what he has done most of his life."
"He threatened you at the press conference because of me. I would never be able to live with myself if he hurt you because of me."
"Again, he is using you as the scapegoat. For whatever reason he feels I was his when I wasn't. The fact that I am with you feeds his anger but his obsession, it was there before you Edward."
"What do you see in me Bella, after the way I treated you, the way the you are treated in Seattle period and now this Jacob mess. Maybe I should be asking you if I'm worth it."
"You are worth it Edward. Jacob and the way I am treated would be the same even if you are not in my life. The first time I met you I saw a very hot, angry man that had been hurt in his life. Now I see, a man who is healing. He is still extremely handsome but he is also opening his heart and offering his trust. He is sensitive to all my needs, mentally, emotionally and physically, he is very protective of me without being controlling and in his arms I find the safe haven I have been missing. He accepts me as I am, he doesn't try to change me or feel threatened by my success and he treats me as his equal. I see a man who loves me, I feel his love in his touch, hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes every time he looks at me. What do I see in you Edward? I see the man I want to walk through life with me, I see the man I love."
"God I love you Bella. I never let myself imagine I could love someone this much, let me show you - please." He rolled me onto my back and we spent the morning letting our bodies say everything our words couldn't adequately express.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.
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