A/N: I don't usually like to do these at the beginning, but I wanted to warn you that the story of Angela's rape is included in this chapter. It's not overly graphic, but if you're sensitive to those kinds of things, I put it all in italics so you can skip it and continue with the rest of the chapter.
Chapter Thirteen – An Unexpected Encounter
EPOV
I'm finding it very hard to ignore the memory of Bella soaking wet, wrapped only in that sexy white towel. I'm also finding it hard to ignore the accompanying hard-on. The mere thought of her soft skin dripping with water, the only thing between me and her naked body being a piece of white terrycloth, is maddening. My imagination conjures up plenty of things to do with her involving showers and bathtubs and none of them are particularly appropriate. I spend the majority of our ride to Hoquiam trying to keep the onslaught of teenage boy level hormones at bay. It's not an easy task.
Luckily I'm sitting up front with Garrett, who's driving. Still, every now and then Bella will poke her head up front to say something and I'll catch a whiff of her shampoo and find myself back at square one. This woman is going to be the death of me.
"Earth to Edward!" Garrett shouts.
"What?"
"Get your head out of your ass, man. I've been sitting here calling your name for like five minutes now. What's got you so distracted?"
"Nothing," I say. Nothing more than the sexy woman sitting behind me. "What do you need?"
"How long before our next turn?"
I consult the map crumpled in my hands and squint, trying to make out the route Bella highlighted for us earlier this morning. "About five more minutes I'd say. We're making a left onto Purchase Road."
"Aye aye, captain," Garrett responds with a salute.
Bella pokes her head forward to add, "After that it's another mile or so before we turn on to Elm Street. The Webers live three houses down."
"Thanks," I mutter feeling the all too familiar rush of blood between my thighs. We manage the rest of the drive fairly easily and before I know it I'm too focused on the task at hand to let my head be clouded with thoughts of Bella. Although she's never too far from my mind.
The Weber home is a tiny yellow house with two floors and a gravel driveway. The windows are fitted with flower boxes containing an array of different colored blossoms and a small garden sits off to the side of the property. The yard is surrounded by green everything – trees, grass, you name it and it's green. I've never been to Washington before, but now I finally have a visual to accompany Bella's tales of tall green trees and forests. In a way, it's breathtaking. A far cry from the city life I've always known.
We make our way up to the door and I absentmindedly straighten my tie, nervous at the prospect of meeting Miss Weber's family. I feel a light hand on my arm, stilling my movements and look down to see Bella looking at me reassuringly, silently reminded me that we're prepared and everything will go smoothly. Garrett raps on the door a few times and we wait for it to open.
"Hello, you must be Angela's legal team. I'm Carol, Angela's mother," a small middle aged woman says as she looks us over.
"Yes, ma'am, we are. This is Rosalie Hale and Garrett Matthews. I'm Edward Masen and this is my personal assistant, Isabella Swan," I say gesturing to Bella last.
"Oh yes, Angela mentioned that Charlie's daughter worked for your firm. How are you, sweetheart?" Mrs. Weber asks sweetly.
"I'm doing well, thank you," Bella blushes with a small smile.
"I'm glad to hear that. Well it's wonderful to meet you all, please come inside," she motions, opening the door wider.
The inside of the Weber's home is like something out of a Hallmark television special. It's all painted in bright colors and a small, creaky staircase leads its way up to the second floor. The front hall is covered in family photos, most featuring Angela at various ages in school portraits. A small table set off to the side holds a bowl filled with various sets of keys and more pictures, these ones featuring the Weber's at what I assume was Angela's high school graduation. It's obvious that the Weber's adore their only child and the fire within me to bring her justice starts to burn just a bit brighter.
Mrs. Weber takes our coats and motions us into a small sitting room painted a pale yellow with light blue furniture. She leaves to make a pot of coffee and in her absence a small man with salt and pepper gray hair enters the room and takes us all in.
"Carol tells me that you're the lawyers from Cullen Howarth?" he says.
"Yes, sir," Garrett answers as he stands to shake the man's hand. We make our introductions once again and we each receive a greeting in return.
"I'm Andrew Weber, Angela's father. I can't thank you enough for helping our daughter."
"Just doing our job, sir. Angela's a lovely girl and she deserves the best," I say firmly.
"I assume that's you?" he chuckles.
"We like to think of ourselves as somewhat of a dream team," Garrett jokes back.
"How has Angela been, Mr. Weber?" Bella asks.
"She's getting there. I see more and more of my daughter every day now. I don't think she'll ever be entirely the same," he says with a frown. "But it's little things, like seeing the light actually reach her eyes when she smiles. Things like that give me hope that she'll pull through. Which reminds me, thank you for the restraining order on the paparazzi around the house, it's been a blessing."
Ah yes, the press.
Things have only gotten worse the closer we get to the trial. With about a month to go, things have gotten absolutely out of hand. Just last week, there was completely ludicrous story attempting to link myself and Rosalie romantically. We've resorted to entering the office from the back entrance because the photographers and reporters have been absolutely ruthless, and we're only the legal team. So it only made sense for us to set up an order of restraint covering a five mile radius from the Weber's house. Granted, the paparazzi can follow them anywhere else, but at least they can get some peace of mind at home.
"Of course, Mr. Weber. If there's anything else we can do to make the process easier on you and your family, just say the word," Rosalie smiles.
"Well, Miss Hale, just promise me you'll put the bastard that hurt my little girl behind bars," he grunts.
"We'll do everything we can," I promise.
After that we hear footsteps coming down the stairs as Angela and Ben make their way into the living room.
"Hello, Edward," Ben says stepping forward to shake my hand. He gives Bella and nod as well and I proceed to introduce Garrett and Rose to him and Angela. Mrs. Weber comes back in with the pot of coffee and we sit down and make small talk, giving the family a chance to warm up to us. Really it's Bella that does most of the talking. She makes easy conversation with Mr. Weber about his favorite fishing spots and the catches he's garnered over the years, some of them with her father. We all laugh as they launch into some story about Bella's dad and Mr. Weber getting caught on the river in a particularly bad storm and I'm amazed, once again, at the woman sitting near me.
She lights up the room without even trying. Mr. and Mrs. Weber are both more at ease and she's even managed to produce a few smiles from Angela. She's easily made everyone in the room feel comfortable around each other.
Unfortunately, we have to move on.
"We should probably get things started," Garrett announces.
"Right," Angela sighs. "What are doing today?"
"Well, Miss Weber, for today we were thinking we could just stick to hearing your side of the story. Would that be alright with you?" Rose asks sweetly.
"That makes sense."
"Would you be more comfortable if your family left the room for today?" I ask.
"We can go into the kitchen if you'd prefer, Sweetheart," Mrs. Weber offers, patting her daughter's knee.
"No, Mom. You and Dad are going to be there for the trial and I need to get used to talking about it in front of an audience. You guys can stay," Angela replies bravely. The Angela Weber I'm seeing today is a far cry from the one I was first introduced to a month or so ago. She's still timid around new people, I could see as much when we introduced her to Rose and Garrett. But she seems more… determined, I suppose. It's like she's finally realized that she deserves justice. It's an amazing sight to see.
"Where should I start?" she asks, looking to me for guidance.
"Wherever you feel comfortable. We're going to take this at your pace. Why don't you start with what had you at the school that night?" I suggest.
"Okay," she says nodding.
I watch as Angela takes a deep breath and begins.
"I joined my college's Theatre Association my first semester at the University. I can still remember the feeling I got opening night of my first production. We had done a modern day rewrite of Romeo & Julietand I was cast as Juliet's mother. That's where I first met… him… Royce. He played Romeo. We only spoke a few times that I can recall. I wasn't stupid, I knew all about his reputation and all the women he'd allegedly been with. I was with Ben anyway, so I really didn't want anything to do with him.
"Anyway, the play was a total hit, so I didn't even think twice about signing up for the spring show. We started rehearsals right after Christmas break, in January. I threw myself into it, having received a bigger role this time around. Royce was nowhere to be found. Word around campus was that he had taken up wrestling instead of returning to the CTA, but none of us really thought anything of it. Things were going along smoothly, we rehearsed twice a week at first and then upped it to three times as the show got closer. The night it happened, was in February, the show was slated to open in late March.
"That night, we ended up staying at the theatre after rehearsal to work on the set a bit. It was me, my friend Maggie, and a couple of other CTA members. It was late by the time we finished, just after ten o'clock. I was parked in the back lot, which is pretty far from the theatre. Maggie and her boyfriend, Liam, offered me a ride to my car, but I turned them down. It seemed ridiculous to me that they should have to drive me when I was perfectly capable of walking. They offered once more before I finally convinced them to just head home for the night.
"I remember it was really cold, the windy city was earning its name that night. Aside from the cold, I felt fine the entire walk, until I got closer to the lot. I was just overcome with this sense of, I don't really know, dread, I guess. I started walking a little faster, glancing over my shoulder every now and then. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something, or someone, watching me. It was like I could feel a set of eyes focused on me. I used to have nightmares about that feeling alone after the fact. I would wake up in a cold sweat, tears on face, breathing heavily. For the longest time I couldn't even fall asleep.
"I finally started to relax a little when I reached the car. I even remember feeling foolishly proud of myself for making it to my parking spot without being 'too much of a chicken.' If I'd known what was coming next, I may have felt a little differently. I had my keys in my hand, ready to hit the button to unlock my car when I felt someone slap my hand. They fell to the ground and it… it all happened so fast that while I was trying to get my head around what had just happened, he was able to slap me across the face. The next part isn't entirely clear. I can't remember everything in sequence, but I get vivid flashes of some parts more than others. My therapist says it could be a sign that my mind went into a defensive mode and blocked out some of the more painful parts of that night. If it gets worse than what I do remember, then I'm thankful that I've forgotten.
"He pushed me to the ground and I can still hear the crack my head made against the pavement. Surprisingly, I remember the first thought to enter my head was how cold and wet the ground was. It had been snowing really badly earlier that day. All I could think was that, whatever was happening – I was too cold. I can remember he twisted my arm behind my back and pushed his knee into my back to keep me face down on the ground. My next memory is just the – the feeling – of his breath on my neck. He kept calling me sweetheart. He told me that I should… that I should feel lucky because 'out of all the girls he'd considered,' he'd chosen me. He made it sound like I'd won some sick lottery or something.
"I didn't get any sort of look at him and I didn't recognize his voice, at first. For all I knew then, he could have been a complete stranger. He um, he started pulling my shirt and ended up ripping it straight down the back. He used the torn pieces to put over my eyes, so I couldn't have seen him even if I'd wanted to. When he tugged my jeans down, I just stopped thinking. On some level, I think my brain had registered what was going to happen and it just sort of shut down. I couldn't think of anything. I couldn't think of the words to scream, or the self defense to fight back – nothing. My mind was entirely blank. That's when he made his big mistake though.
"He called himself Romeo. The smug bastard was cocky enough to remind me that I did know who he was. He threw it my face even. He told me over and over how damned lucky I was to finally be his Juliet. It was sickening. I tried to struggle, to hit him, to just distract him long enough to wriggle out of his grasp. Nothing worked. All it did was make him angry. He hit me in the face a few times and I ended up with a broken nose and swollen jaw.
"Sometimes when I'm sleeping I have dreams, nightmares really. I can still feel him pushing against me. I can still smell his breath on my face and hear him grunting my ear or calling me Juliet. On a really bad night, I can even feel the pavement scratching my bare back. He told me that I wanted it, that he could tell I was just being difficult. I must have started crying too much or making too much noise, because when he finished he just kept shaking me and telling me to shut up. He shook me so hard that a few times my head hit the ground. I ended up with a severe concussion. I remember my doctor saying after the fact that it was a miracle the trauma to my head didn't kill me. I also remember thinking for just a minute that I wished it had.
"Everything else is just a blur. I don't remember him leaving, but he must have at some point, because when the University Police found me, I was alone. They rushed me to the hospital where I was treated for my injuries, shock, and the very mild beginning stages of Hypothermia. I somehow managed to communicate to them that they should call Ben and when he arrived he called my parents here in Washington. They weren't able to arrive until the next morning.
"They took a rape kit, got me all cleaned up, and it turned into a waiting game. Royce wasn't in the system, either because I was his first victim or because he'd done things differently before. I never actually saw his face and that fact that he'd used the name Romeo wasn't enough to get him. I dropped out of school because I couldn't face going back or even fathom looking the friends I'd made in the eye again. For the first few months I wouldn't let Ben anywhere near me, but he stayed true to my side until I could. My parents hired a therapist who prescribed me anti-depressants and an anti-anxiety medication on top seeing me two to three times a week. My life was completely destroyed. In one night, Royce managed to take absolutely everything from me and I couldn't do anything about it.
"Then a few months ago we got a call from the Chicago City Police Department. Another victim had been brought in. She had seen Royce and was able to identify him. He was forced to provide a DNA sample to the police department and it was a match. They ran my rape kit again soon after and sure enough; he was identified as my rapist.
"I didn't know what to do at first. I was terrified at the thought of going to trial and telling my story. I was a complete and total wreck when I flew back to Chicago for the first time to meet with Edward and Bella at the office. I was still at a point where I blamed myself for what had happened. I was convinced that if I had tried harder, fought back more, not refused Maggie's offer for a ride in the first place, that it never would have happened. I couldn't accept that there was no way to change the past. That regardless of turning Maggie down I had a right as a human being to be able to walk safely to my car without being attacked.
"I know better than that now. I'm healing and I truly believe that I'm getting better, but I'll never be the same. I haven't been able to drive since the attack. I still have nightmares and a terrifying fear of the dark. I'm forced to sleep with the light on like a child who's afraid of the monsters under their bed. The difference is, my monster is real. He's a living, breathing human being and as long as he's a free man, I'll never find the peace of mind I need to move on completely. I'll never be even remotely close to alright."
There's a moment or two of silence when Angela finishes her story. Mrs. Weber had to excuse herself halfway through, not being able to quite yet handle hearing the details come from her own daughter. Bella gave up on taking notes near the beginning, being too emotional to get much down and somewhere along the way I took one of her hands in mine to try and comfort her. Rose and Garrett seem at loss for words, having been their first time hearing it, but do see the determination to convict Royce King burning even brighter in Rose's eyes.
Angela excuses herself to the kitchen, needing to take a break and Ben gets up to follow her a minute or two later. With them gone, it's only us and Mr. Weber left in the room.
"How are you holding up, sir?" Garrett offers.
"It's never an easy thing to hear, but it's becoming – not easier, but more bearable with time. She's stronger than she realizes," he says looking with pride toward the kitchen.
"She really is, Mr. Weber. I'm in awe of her," Bella says quietly.
"I think we've heard enough for today," I say standing from the couch. "We'll leave you all for the night and pick this up tomorrow. Please let Angela know that she did wonderfully today. Tomorrow we'll move on to prepping her on the types of questions she may be asked if she's up for it."
"Regardless of whether or not she's ready, she will. I think she, more than anyone else, wants to get this over with." Mr. Weber sighs.
We thank Mr. Weber for having us before piling in the rental car for the drive back to Olympia.
We're quiet for the majority of the ride, each lost in our own thoughts.
Not surprisingly, mine are trained on Bella. If anyone were to ever hurt her the way Angela was hurt… well, I can safely say they wouldn't survive long enough to see a trial. I feel a strong sense of protectiveness for her. It could have something to do with my strong feelings for the woman in general. Likewise, she's fueled my already existing desire to see Angela's attacker put behind bars, where he can never hurt another woman again. Where he belongs.
In a matter of a few months, Bella has managed to barge right in and turn my world upside down. No, not upside down. She's managed to make my world feel right for the first time in a very long time. I no longer wake up, willing the day to be over. I wake up with hope, with excitement that the day has potential to be a great one.
It's all because of her. All of it.
We finally reach the hotel and hand off the car to the valet outside.
"I don't know about you, but I'm starving and in need of a strong drink after today," Rose says once we're in the lobby.
"Agreed," Garrett chuckles.
"How about we all head upstairs to change and then meet in the restaurant?" I offer.
"Sounds perfect," Rose says as she and Garrett head off to the elevators. I smile and shake my head, listening as they argue on the way of what they want for dinner. Sometimes working with Rosalie and Garrett is eerily similar to working with children. I'm about to head to my suite myself when I notice that Bella has been completely silent since we left the Weber's house. Even now she's standing her eyes trained on the floor, lost in thought.
"Hey, Bella, are you alright?" I ask softly.
She snaps her head up, as if only just now realizing she's not alone. "What?"
"You've been really quiet tonight. Is everything okay?" I ask again.
"Oh yeah, sorry. I'm just lost in my head I guess," she chuckles softly.
"Can I help you find your way by any chance?" I offer bumping her shoulder. My own smile grows when her lips pull up at the corners.
"I'm just thinking about Angela, about how strong she's had to be through all of this and how unfair it is that it had to happen to her or anyone really…" she trails off.
"Hey, we're going to get her the justice she deserves. I promise you, I will not rest until that son of a bitch is behind bars. And you heard her yourself, once that happens, .she'll be able to start healing for real," I respond. Somehow my hand ends up in Bella's again as she smiles up at me.
"You're a hero, you know that right? You, Rose, Garrett; all of you are."
"We're not heroes, Bella. We just make sure the good guys have the last laugh and the guilty end up behind bars."
"Sure sounds like a hero to me," she smiles.
Looking down at her, into her eyes, I let myself get lost in my own thoughts.
This beautiful, amazing woman thinks I'm a hero. I've never felt more pride in myself. Sure, I've heard from plenty of people that what I do is rewarding and just and all that, but it's never meant as much as hearing it from Bella. For some reason, her approval means everything to me.
Just like she does.
I'm about to foolishly tell her as much when I hear my name called from across the lobby.
"Edward!" Bella and I both snap our heads in the direction of the sound, dropping our hands.
"Dad?" I say in disbelief. I watch as Edward Masen Senior makes his way across the lobby to where Bella and I stand. He has a smug smile on his face, which worries me. "What are you doing here?"
"We've just opened a new branch of the restaurant a few blocks over. I'm out here to oversee the grand opening. I called Carlisle earlier to make sure everything was in place on the legal side of things when he mentioned that you were staying out here for that case of yours. I fly back to Chicago tomorrow, so I figured I'd stop by and see if you wanted to have dinner here at the hotel."
"Um, I mean, I guess so." I stutter.
"Are you going to introduce me to your friend here?" He asks.
I'm instantly unsettled by the way he looks at Bella.
"Oh of course. Dad, this is Isabella Swan, my new PA. Bella, this is my father, Edward Masen Senior," I say in way of an introduction.
"Lovely to meet you, Isabella," Dad says with a fake smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
"Please, call me Bella. It's wonderful to meet you too, Mr. Masen."
"You don't mind excusing my son for a bit, dear, do you?" Dad asks rudely.
"No, of course not," she mutters. "I'll let Garrett and Rose know, Edward. See you later?" she asks.
"Of course," I say trying to apologize with my eyes for whatever is suddenly wrong with my father.
"It was nice meeting you," Bella says as she makes her way to the elevator.
Dad whisks me away to the hotel restaurant. He orders us each a glass of bourbon and makes small talk about his latest business venture while we wait for our meals to arrive.
I can't help but think there's some sort of ulterior motive to his visit. I have no doubt he's telling the truth about the opening of the restaurant, but he never shows up for grand openings unless it's the first in a new chain or branch. And he always trusts Carlisle to take care of the legal matters without a hitch, so if he took the time to place a phone call, he was fishing for information. Aside from that, I've never seen him be as rude to a woman as he was to Bella earlier. Something's brought him here and I'm determined to find out what it is.
"So how are things with the case?" he asks casually when our steaks arrive.
"Things are going well so far. We met with the victim and her family today. I'm worried about how the defense team may try to spin things, but it's nothing we haven't encountered before."
"I have no doubt you can handle things," is his reply.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"You're working with Miss Hale and Garrett again, correct?"
"Yes, if I weren't up for the position of partner, I have no doubt it would be Rose. Carlisle knows we work well together."
"True, the two of you have quite the conviction rate," he muses taking a sip of his drink. "How are things working out with that new assistant of yours?"
I pause with my fork halfway to my mouth. I feel like he's about to make the big reveal; tell me why he's come all the way out to Washington. But what the hell could Bella have to do with anything?
"Things are going well. She's extremely qualified and a very bright young woman. She just graduated from Berkeley last year," I answer.
"I see," he says taking another drink. "I'm going to cut to the chase here, son. Are you sleeping with her?"
"Excuse me!?" I say as I choke on my dinner.
"Are you sleeping with her?" he repeats.
"Why in the hell would you think that?" I ask incredulously.
"Aside from the fact that I'm not blind, I could see the way you were looking at her when I arrived, holding her hand like that; your mother mentioned something in passing about a talk she had with you Thanksgiving. She's a pretty little thing; you're obviously having trouble with your wife, why wouldn't you be sleeping with her?"
Because I have a conscience?
How dare he walk in here and think he has everything figured out. And referring to Bella as a pretty little thing? She's more than that. When he talks about her that way he makes her sound, cheap and undervalued. Two things she's far from being.
"You're insane, there's nothing going on," I say shaking my head.
"For your sake, I hope not. I've supported every decision you've ever made, your mother and I both have. When you rejected the family business in favor of studying law, I accepted it despite my disappointment. When you chose to marry Tanya, we supported you. But that's just it, son, it was a choice. A choice you have to live with. If things are wrong with your wife, then man up and fix them. You're a Masen and we sure as hell don't run out on our marriages to have an affair with a piece on the side," he says matter-of-factly.
It's all I can do not to punch the smug look from his face.
"Dad you have no idea—"
"Furthermore," he interrupts. "The Denali's are very well respected family and it would be in your best interest not to anger them by being unfaithful to their daughter. You were raised better than that. You know that we don't just give up when things get hard. You made your bed, now lie in it and face the consequences."
I'm fucked. Either way I handle things I'm fucked.
If I defend Bella, it will only fuel my father's suspicions. But can I really lie? Can I look my father in the eye and tell him that she means nothing to me? Could I look anyone in the eye and say that?
And since when has my father become such a prick? All the bullshit he fed my about following my dreams and making myself happy and now he's here belittling me? The only true argument I've ever had with the man was the day I turned down his offer to take over Masen Industries. But we moved past that and haven't had a true argument since. For him to be here, talking to me this way, well, he's obviously passionate about what he's saying. He has always been about tradition and respect.
But to walk in here and call Bella all those things… I could kill him.
It's probably in my and Bella's best interest to just deny all feelings what-so-ever than to attempt to defend her. So that's the route I take.
"I promise you, there's nothing going on. She means nothing to me, absolutely nothing. She's just my assistant, Dad, nothing else," I say nonchalantly.
Regardless of how it tears me up inside to even utter those words.
He looks off over my shoulder, contemplating. I watch as his eyes flicker momentarily with surprise before settling on smug contentedness. "Well I'm glad to hear that."
We stay at the table for another hour or so, talking business. He asks if anything else interesting is going on at the firm and I half-heartedly listen as he drones on about Masen Industries.
Truth be told, I barely pay him any attention. I'm too focused on what he implied about Bella.
If my father was able to piece together in a few minutes my feelings for Bella does that mean other people are suspicious too? Or does it simply mean that my father is enough of an asshole to jump to that conclusion without any real reason?
Fuck.
What if Bella knows? What if she's caught on and knows how I really feel about her? What if she thinks I'm a creep or scum or… No. She can't possibly know. I mean sure, I've been careless a few times; New Year's Eve, our first night here, or just now for instance.
Shit.
When he's thoroughly satisfied that he's made me squirm enough, Dad excuses himself for the evening. I tell him to tell Mom that I love her and he says he'll see me when I'm back home in Chicago. Finally, he leaves enough money to cover the tab and then some before returning to his own hotel. I decide he's left enough extra for me to order a second bourbon for myself so that's exactly what I do. The slow burn in my throat is exactly what I need to erase this hellish night from my mind.
I finish off the glass and drop a tip of my own on the table before I head for the elevators and the sweet nothingness of a good night's sleep. I'm on my way to elevator when I spot a couple kissing fervently a few feet away. I shake my head and roll my eyes. The man has his woman… girlfriend… wife… whatever, pushed up against the wall. They aren't doing much to help me keep my dinner down.
The bell rings to signal the elevator. I throw one more glance at the disgusting couple and realize that the woman looks familiar.
"Hey! What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" I shout as I make my way over to them.
Bella is the woman in question, pushed up against the wall and looking anything but willing to have this jackass' hands all over her. "Please stop," she says.
"Get your fucking hands off her!" I shout, pushing him away.
"Why don't you mind your own business?" he shouts back.
"Edward, don't!" Bella pleads.
"You know him? Fuck. What do you have a boyfriend or something?" the man shouts angrily.
"Yeah, or something," I shout taking a step in front of Bella. "I believe she said stop. Get your sorry ass out of here!"
"Whatever, this is total bullshit," the man mutters walking away.
I take a deep breath and turn to Bella. I'm shocked to see anger written all over her face.
"I could have handled it! I didn't need your help!" she insists. I can smell alcohol on her breath and literally have to fight to keep from rolling my eyes.
"You really looked like you had a handle on things," I bite back.
"Regardless, you said it yourself; you're no hero, Edward Masen. So back off!"
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I demand.
There's clearly more than a drunken Bella going on here. She was absolutely fine when I left her earlier. We were fine. Is she pissed because my father was a douche? Get in line, sweetheart. But even if that were the case, why is she taking it out on me.
"Even if you were a hero," she continues ignoring my question. "Why would you want to save me, huh? I'm nothing, remember? Absolutely nothing."
For the love of Christ, she heard me. She fucking heard me.
My father's look of surprise makes perfect sense. He knew it. The son of a bitch knew she was listening. I pinch the bridge of my nose with my fingers and huff out a sigh. There's no way in hell I can reason with Bella while she's drunk, especially if she thinks I don't give a shit about her. So I do the only thing I can think of.
I throw her over my shoulder and step into the elevator.
"Put me down!" she cries.
There's an older couple in the elevator giving us looks of shock and alarm. The woman whispers something to her husband. Great, just what I fucking needed tonight.
"Sorry, my wife had a little too much to drink at the bar tonight," I say with a sweet smile.
"What the hell are you—" Bella begins.
"Quiet, dear, we're here," I say silently thanking God we've reached the twelfth floor. "Have a nice night," I say waving at the confused couple.
"Put me down, Edward!" she insists again.
"No, you're feet are not touching the ground until you're safely in your goddamn room. Christ, Bella are you fucking crazy or stupid?" I say becoming angrier.
We reach her room and she refuses to hand me her keycard so I just walk into my room and through our shared door. I toss her down on the bed and start pacing the room, becoming enraged the more I think about what could have happened to her had I not been there. What if that creep hadn't taken no for an answer? What if he'd gotten Bella to his room? If he'd forced her to – to do things. She could have ended up like… like…
I let out a frustrated growl.
"Seriously, Bella! You hear the testimony of a rape victim today and you think it's a good idea to run off and get shitfaced before leaving with some guy you barely know? Those victims I do such a good job of representing? You almost just made yourself one!"
"I guess I didn't think about that," she mutters embarrassed.
"More like you didn't think at all! It doesn't matter what you heard or what I, or anyone else for that matter, thinks of you. You were an idiot to put yourself in that position!"
"I get it okay! I fucked up."
"Correction: you fucked up big time, Isabella Swan!" I shout.
She's quiet for a minute, looking down at the ground and wringing her hands in her lap. I'm seething, my shoulder moving up and down rapidly with my breathing, but then I see that she's begun to cry and my anger slowly ebbs away until it's almost completely gone. I run my hands through my disheveled hair and sit down next to her, taking her in my arms.
"It's alright, Bella," I assure her.
"I'm sorry," she offers.
"I know you are, sweetheart. I know," I say with a sigh.
I can't believe what a mess I've made. Why should she care so much about what I think about her anyway? Unless she…
No. I can't let myself get carried away with what Bella may or may not feel. At least not right now. I'll have to talk to her tomorrow and set the record straight. I may not be able to tell her exactly what I'm feeling, but I can at least assure her that she means something. She has to know at least that much. I have to tell her as much as I can without giving myself away, without telling that I – that I what? Do I love her? Am in love with Isabella Swan? Can I be?
I think back on the past few months. From the moment she walked into my office, I knew she was beautiful, anyone with eyes could see that. It was as I got to know her that things changed, shifted even. Once I realized that the personality and heart inside rivaled her appearance in beauty. I've never known anyone as caring and compassionate as this woman. I can't think of another human being who's ever made me feel as hopeful and full as Bella does.
She's perfect.
I think of our lunches and the way she gets lost in the stories of her friends and family or the look of pride on her face when she comes up with some hilariously funny joke or jibe at me. I almost laugh at the way she's able to hold her own with Garrett, Rose, Emmett, or Sam. I think of the jealousy I felt when she started seeing that obnoxious Jacob Black and the relief I felt when she finally gave up on him. I clearly remember the feeling of waking up with her in my arms on Christmas morning, accidental or not. I can see the blush coloring her cheeks when I met her friend Alice for the first time. I get lost in the memory of kissing her hand, just her hand, on New Year's Eve and the pure joy that simple gesture brought me. I can feel the ghost of the lust that overcame me at seeing her in that little white towel.
I'm in love with her.
I'm in love with her…
I can't be sure what that means exactly or how the realization will change things and I don't really care. All I know at the moment is that Bella is safe and sound here in my arms.
And that I love her.
"I think I need to get some sleep," she says softly, pulling herself from my arms.
"Okay," I agree softly.
She makes her way to the bathroom and changes. I stay under the guise of wanting to make sure she gets in to bed okay, but in reality I just can't bring myself to leave yet. I need a few more moments with her, a few more minutes to assure myself that she's okay.
She comes out of the bathroom and I help her under the covers. Lastly, I head into the kitchen and get her a glass of water and few aspirin from her toiletries bag for the morning.
"Are you okay?" I ask her.
"As good as I'm going to get," she says softly. "Goodnight, Edward and thank you."
"Of course, Bella. Goodnight," I say flicking off the light.
I make my way to the door and pause for a minute, listening to Bella's breathing even out as sleep takes her over. I turn to leave when I hear her stir.
"It doesn't matter if I don't mean anything to you," she whispers thinking I've left. "You mean absolutely everything to me."
I can't fight the small smile that finds its way to my lips.
I love you.
About friggin' time right? haha. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I'm sorry it was late!
I wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who have been sending me reviews! I can't stress enough how much they all mean to me! Keep them coming! I'll see you in chapter fourteen!
Until next time!