Chapter 281
| - EPOV - |
This time, I'm empty-handed. It's just me—I'm the prize in the Cracker Jack box. I park closer, emboldened by her invitation. I remind myself to take five deep cleansing breaths before pushing open the salon door.
Good thing I did, because there in front of me is a sight requiring as much non-toxic air as I can squeeze into my lungs. And then some.
Bella's leaning casually against the counter, talking and laughing with none other than Jake. It's a crash course in emotional regulation, the final exam of my life.
I am mindful of an intensely uncomfortable sensation.
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==8 BPOV 8==
"Edward, hey. You're early," I greet, trying to keep my voice casual while watching for signs of trouble.
Jake turns around and offers a hand. "Hey, man. Oh, I guess you can't shake. You're looking colorful."
Edward looks pained. "How's Seth?"
"Kid's all right. He healed fast, plus Bella here gave him a free haircut, on the house, so to speak."
Jake's milking it, but Edward doesn't seem affected. "I haven't had the chance to thank you, Jacob."
"Oh yeah? They break your phone along with your ribs?"
There's no reining this loose cannon back in.
Edward searches my face.
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| - EPOV - |
She's watching my every breath, looking for confirmation that I've really changed. "You got a point there, Jacob. I guess I just wasn't ready, so I'll say it now. Thank you for pulling me out of that dog pile before I got myself killed."
Bella raises an eyebrow, and I feel the warm rush of control flowing through my veins. The Hulk is at bay.
Then Jacob has the nerve to put his arm around Bella and pull her in close. "I couldn't let this beautiful girl watch her boyfriend get beaten to a pulp. Or should I say, 'EX-boyfriend'?"
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==8 BPOV 8==
"That's none of your business, Jacob," Edward answers evenly. No clenched fists, no gritted teeth, no red face. I've seen enough.
"Thanks for stopping by, Jake," I tell him.
"Sure thing, babe," he says, swooping in to kiss me on the cheek before I realize what's happening.
Edward turns his head away but doesn't comment.
"Later," Jake chuckles, wicked gleam in his eye.
Ass.
"Wanna get a bite to eat?" I ask Edward.
"Sure. Don't you want to wash up?"
I smile at his thinly disguised insinuation. "Yeah. Be right back?"
Edward's staring up at his photo when I return.
A/N: SM's Dr. Banner was apparently a nod to the Hulk's alter-ego, and here, he's most definitely been the antidote. I won't be able to respond today, but I'd sure love to hear your thoughts. XXX ~BOH