Hi Ladies,

I am updating early this week, but it will be my only update to this story this week.

I have a few things I would like to say and ask so I hope you all will let me know what you think.

I have a habit of getting wrapped up in details. While these details may be interesting to me, they may not be interesting to all readers. I would like to ask how much detail you all would like to read? Like do you want to hear about Bella's journey of overcoming her issues or would you rather me skip those parts? To me they are important, but I don't want to deviate too far from the premise and as I said, I have a habit of getting very detailed. So, please drop me a line and let me know what you would like to know, lol.

Thanks for reading that mess, and please drop me a line to let me know.

Chapter 14

Bella-

Everything blurred together. I didn't see shit. Towering buildings, traffic, and people jogging, all ran into one colorless blob. Charlie's face kept returning to my mind, reminding me of every day from the moment he kicked me out to this one. I tried to push the image away, but his glaring brown eyes continued to haunt me.

Every girl dreamed of having their father present on their wedding day, but that had never been a dream of mine. When I walked off that porch two years ago, I'd hoped to never lay eyes on him again. While the whole wedding fiasco was a ruse, it still seemed shitty to have him there to witness it.

Instead of thinking about my fake husband and his odd confession of wanting to kiss me, Charlie plagued my thoughts, making my stomach churn. Where thoughts of Charlie lurked, John wasn't far behind. An unexpected wave of humiliation stole through me, making me nauseous and causing me to shiver.

It was the middle of June and almost eighty-five degrees, yet my bare arms were pimpled with goosebumps. Anxiety twisted in my chest and I rubbed the chill from my skin. Growing restless, I craved a moment to myself, just a chance to get my bearings.

I looked over at Edward. He was focused on the road, weaving in and out of traffic. He was tense, the muscles in his arms flexing as he adjusted the hold on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white when his grip tightened. His jaw was clenched and his temple jumped.

I was tempted to beg him to just go home, but the tension clinging to the air halted the words on my tongue. I'd been so wrapped up in my own misery, I hadn't stopped to think about what this was all like for him.

Edward Cullen, my husband, had been the most patient person I'd ever met. That lethal gleam shining in his eyes was for one person. Knowing he was that angry by the injustices of my father, eased some of my fear. I don't know how I knew, but Edward wouldn't hesitate to place himself in the middle of a war that wasn't his fight.

I rested my head against the headrest, still studying him. He hugged me. In the middle of the courthouse when flight or fight had soared within me like a vengeance. He'd snuffed out the need to flee with a simple hug. He had withdrawn before I could hug him back, but in his defense, I'd told him that was enough. To my surprise, his arms fell away, and I felt a momentary loss.

He was warm and strong. I could get used to having that strength, to leaning on someone. I might be able to actually trust someone. That scared me far more than being on my own.

Edward had set the terms for this arrangement, and he'd stated over and over it wasn't permanent. I would be a fool to become accustomed to his power because at the end of the year, he would be gone. He looked as preoccupied as I was, and he'd been my champion thus far. I didn't feel comfortable asking anything more of him.

As Charlie faded from my mind and the tension eased from my body, I watched pedestrians walking down the sidewalk when we came to a stop at a red light. It was only four-thirty, and the afternoon sun was blinding as it peaked between the buildings. "Where are we going?"

I heard him shift next to me. He leaned on the center console, his hand nudging my arm. I glanced at his fingers, watching his digits wiggle. I knew what that silent request was. Swallowing, I unfolded my arms from my chest and laced my fingers through his. "I have a surprise for you."

I stared at our fingers linked together, his thumb coasting over my knuckles in a comforting slide. The remaining anxiety started to ease, and curiously I followed the thick vein in his thumb up the length of his forearm. My stomach did a flip. Slowly I followed the trail of skin up to his bicep, continuing until I studied the stubble lining his jaw.

When he'd kissed me, I felt the prickle of hair on my skin, and honestly, the kiss itself hadn't been the problem. The unexpected rush of sensation created by the press of his lips was what sent me into a tailspin. I never anticipated feeling anything for anyone, and in just a few short hours this guy had managed to wiggle his way into my armor.

He shook my very foundation with a few well-spoken words. Of course, all of this hand-holding business wasn't helping anything. My biggest fear? One day, I would let my guard down with this man, and he'd be gone. Then what?

The muscle in his cheek twitched when I continued to stare. "What's up, princess?"

"Do you like holding hands?" The corner of his mouth lifted and he shrugged, drawing my attention to his broad shoulder.

"I don't know," he stated, turning onto a side street and parking in front of a building, yet I couldn't look away from him. He glanced over, meeting my gaze. "I've never held hands with anyone before."

His fingers involuntarily squeezed mine, and my pulse leapt. What the hell was that all about? I didn't get long to contemplate it because he released my fingers and shoved his door open. He gestured out the window toward my right, and I looked in the direction he indicated. "An animal shelter? What are we doing at the shelter?"

"My wife said she wanted a kitten," he answered, stepping up next to me as I climbed out of the car. Whenever Edward was trying to impress me a twinkle entered his navy gaze. Seeing that familiar light dancing in his dark irises made my stomach flutter in response. His even white teeth were on full display as he continued, "So, I'm on a mission to get her a kitten."

For the second time since I met Edward, emotion clobbered me. My throat drew tight upon the realization of how far Edward was willing to go to appease me. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop the sting in the back of my eyes. I wasn't about to cry in front of this man. I broke eye contact to keep from embarrassing myself, I choked out, "That's so unexpected, but thank you."

To show my gratitude, I spotted his hand dangling at his side, and with as much courage as I could muster, I reached for his fingers. That was my first time initiating physical contact with him.

Nervously, I shifted on the sidewalk, my gaze sliding over black slacks to the black button-up Edward wore. When I met his eyes there was a measure of pride shining back at me. Automatically, his fingers curled around mine and he gave a slight tug. "Let's go find your kitten, princess."

For the next thirty minutes, Edward and I wandered down every aisle looking at cats. It wasn't until we came to the third aisle I was stopped dead in my tracks by a little gray ball of fur. Her frantic cries tugged at my heart but when she turned her sweet face in my direction the breath stuck in my throat.

"She's missing an eye," I whispered, sticking my finger into the cage to rub her cheek. "Edward, look at her cute little face."

"I see it," he chuckled, leaning over my shoulder. He was standing so close that his chest nudged my back. A ripple of tingles coursed down my spine, and while my initial reaction would be to leap away, I held firm, refusing to allow my jitters to steal this moment.

"Are you sure you want one that's injured?" He asked, studying the kitten with a wrinkled brow. "There are tons of cats here that have two eyes."

If his tone hadn't been laced with humor, I might have been offended by the callous remark, but the chuckle at the end of his sentence had me scowling in return. "Why shouldn't she be loved just because she isn't perfect?"

His hand wandered down my side to linger on my hip, my skin burning where his fingertips rested. I trembled, his random touches starting to become second nature. What was surprising was that it didn't bother me quite as much as it had before.

His gaze connected with mine, looking at me long and hard, he dipped his head. "Maybe her imperfections are what makes her so special."

I didn't miss the double meaning in his words, and I had a feeling he was talking about more than just the kitten. A wave of euphoria took hold of me, and I tore my gaze from his, whispering, "Exactly."

When his thick finger squeezed through the opening in the cage to pet the kitten, my insides turned to mush. His mouth was so close to my ear when he asked, "Is she the one?"

His hot breath swirled in my ear making it difficult to concentrate on his question. Not only was his breath causing a distraction, but the warmth seeping into my back also did wicked things to me I didn't even have a description for. A part of me wanted to put space between us, yet another wanted to absorb the promise of safety his frame presented. Flustered beyond my wildest imagination, I pulled slightly away to look back at him. "Yeah, she's the one."

He stared at my lips and my skin tingled. I'd seen people kissing on several occasions, and honestly, the whole intimate contact never made much sense to me. Right then, returning Edward's intense look, understanding seemed to sink in, and I finally wondered what it would be like not to be so damaged I couldn't enjoy someone's touch. Suddenly, anger over being a victim began to replace some of my fear.

I didn't want to be a victim. I'd promised this man a service of pretending to be his wife, and I was doing a shitty job at fulfilling my end of the bargain. Before I could come to a conclusion over the turmoil warring in my brain, the caretaker entered the aisle.

"Have you found one that you like?" The caretaker couldn't be older than eighteen, his wiry form wandering closer and as a result, Edward pulled back, taking his security with him.

I glanced back at the gray fluff ball, nuzzling my fingertip with her mouth. "Yeah. I want this little gray one. Do you know what happened to her eye?"

His thin shoulders lifted in a shrug. "I couldn't tell ya. We just take them when people dump them off."

Edward's hand settled on my waist, and I leaned into his weight, accepting his support. His husky voice cut through the silence. "Will she be okay? I'm not going to buy this cat and take her home just to make my wife upset …"

"Dude, I just work here. I'm not a vet, but they wouldn't put it up for adoption if it wasn't healthy," the kid snapped back, growing impatient as he gestured to the cage. "Do you want her or not?"

I didn't appreciate the kid's tone, and his attitude when talking to Edward hit the wrong nerve. I only moved an inch when the pressure of Edward's fingers kept me in place, but I read his name tag before pointedly staring at him. "I don't appreciate the tone you are using with my husband. He was just asking a simple question and there's no need to get snarky." Huffing with a growing temper, I shot a look back at the cage and folded my arms over my chest with determination. "I want her."

The kid's face turned pale, and he fumbled with an apology I didn't hear. At that moment, I was more aware of Edward's response. "Wow, princess, I love the power in your voice. Get 'em, babe."

Pleasure at his appraisal flowed through me like a river, warming me in places I didn't even realize were cold. My chin lifted as a sense of pride overcame me, and my gaze narrowed on the rude kid. "Can I just get my kitten so we can go home?"

His head shook and his entire form trembled as if he were scared stupid. "T-there is paperwork and a waiting period."

"The fuck there is," Edward stated, starting to move around me. On impulse, my hand landed on his abdomen, holding him in place. Instead of pinning the kid to the wall, he flicked his fingers toward the door. "Go find me a supervisor. I'm not leaving without that cat."

Ten minutes later, I held the kitten against my chest, her nails latching onto the expensive silk dress I wore as Edward led us out the door. Her scared meows screeched loudly in the silent car, and I desperately whispered to her.

"It's okay, baby. We are taking you to a new home. You won't have to be in a cage anymore." I stroked the fur on her nose, one bright blue eye, blinking back at me as she continued to cry. "Shhh. You will be okay."

I was so preoccupied with the tiny creature in my hands, I didn't notice Edward drop into his seat beside me. When he reached over to slide his hand over the kitten screaming her protests, I couldn't take my eyes off his long fingers. As strong as Edward was, he touched her with a gentleness my mind had a hard time processing.

The last twenty-four hours took a toll on me, and my eyelids became heavy and difficult to keep open. For the first in my life, I felt safe and comfortable. The kitten finally weary of crying cuddled up against my chest and burrowed her head against my neck.

Vaguely, I was aware of Edward navigating through the streets of Chicago. By the time we pulled into the parking garage of what was to be my new home, I was completely exhausted and ready to collapse. I pried my eyes open just in time to see the car slide into a parking spot.

Edward's gruff voice cut into a lull threatening to pull me under. "Ready to see home, princess?"

It took the last of my energy to push upright in my seat, the kitten's tiny head popping up to look around. "Yes, but I'm so tired I could probably sleep right on the floor of this garage."

"There's a big comfortable bed upstairs with your name all over it." He pulled the key from the ignition, running his hand through his hair. "We've both had a rough couple of days. Let's go have some dinner and rest up a bit. Plus, we have to get this little one-eyed monster settled in."

Bone weary I followed Edward across the parking garage, having to walk quickly to keep up with his long stride. Besides the kitten's renewed cries, the elevator ride was silent, and I nervously chewed the inside of my cheek, unsure what awaited me.

I staggered backward in the heels pinching my feet when the sliding doors opened to reveal the foyer. Ivory tiles lined the entry with a mahogany side table sitting against one dark gray wall. Slowly, I stepped over the threshold, holding the baby tightly against my breasts, craning my neck to scan the high ceiling.

Edward chuckled next to me, working the buttons loose on his shirt. "Home sweet home, princess. Go on in and take a look around."

I edged my way further into the condo, my breath catching in my throat at the sight stretching out before me. "I've never seen anything so lavish in my life."

Stunned, I crept across a cherrywood floor like I would damage the gleaming wood. A black wrap-around sofa lined the far wall with windows reaching to the ceilings, casting the living room in an array of oranges as the sunset. At the end of the sofa was a double chaise lounge, I could envision camping on that sofa on many lazy afternoons. I rubbed the kitten's soft ear, doing a small circle until I came face to face with Edward.

In this lighting, and his shirt hanging loose, he appeared a lot more threatening than he had moments ago. With the danger and power, Edward exuded, my heart pounded frantically. "This is my home?" Swallowing hard, I tore my gaze away from the sliver of his chest he'd exposed to scan the condo. "This place is huge and so expensive. I'm scared to touch anything."

"Unless you plan on shredding it with the knife strapped to your thigh you don't need to be scared to touch anything," Edward stated, falling into a chair on the far side of the room. He pointed to a place behind me. "If you head down that hallway there are three doors. The one on the right is your room, and you can decorate it the way you like. My room is at the end of the hall if you ever need me for anything. My office is off the kitchen and is completely off-limits."

I stood helplessly in the middle of the living room at a complete loss. I wanted to go see this new room of mine, but my feet wouldn't move. Edward, on the other hand, kicked his feet out before him, digging his phone out of his pocket as he relaxed back into the chair. He scanned the screen before looking up at me. "Princess, you can sit down and take those shoes off. I know they were hurting your feet."

When his attention swung back to read a message on his phone, I wandered closer to the sofa. Kicking my heels off, I ran the bottom of my foot over the smooth surface of the wood, nervously sitting on the edge of a plush. Instantly, I sank into the chaise until my head rested against the arm.

Absorbing the silence in the condo was a whole new experience for me. I was used to the hustle and bustle of the city, and my gut churned restlessly. Quietly, I glanced around at my new surroundings, and awe filled me. Finally growing bored of staring at furniture, I looked toward my new husband.

Holy shit. I had a husband. A facade or not, the idea was mind-boggling. Who the fuck would've ever thought, Isabella Swan, a fake prostitute, would be married to one of the most powerful people in the city.

He was staring at his phone completely unaware of my inspection. His shirt hung open on his chest, wisps of light brown hair spattering sculpted pecs and toned abs. His thick thighs bulged against the material of his slacks and an odd warmth coursed through me.

I watched the rise and fall of his belly with each indrawn breath. My pulse leapt unexpectedly when his gruff tone cut through the quiet. "Are you alright, princess? You look about ready to pass out."

I blinked away from a perfectly lined stomach and cleared my throat. "I am," I admitted, adjusting the kitten's warm body in my hands. "It's been a very long couple of days." Just about that time my stomach rumbled loudly enough for Edward to hear it across the room. "I'm ready to kick back and relax for a few, that's for sure."

His dark gaze skipped down to look at my stomach, and the muscle there tightened, yet the sensation wasn't entirely unpleasant. Edward pushed up from the chair. "How about I grab you something comfortable to wear? You can take a shower and dinner will be here by the time you get out." He stopped next to where I sat, leaning down to pet the kitten's forehead. Unbidden, my attention slipped down over smooth skin and sprinkled hair as his shirt gaped open, yet his question had me jerking my eyes away. "Do you know what you will name her yet?"

I glanced around this new apartment, then to my new husband, and down at my new kitten. I shrugged simply, "I think Hope is fitting, don't you?"

He rubbed a short stubby ear between his forefinger and thumb with an easy smile as he met my gaze. "Sounds perfect to me." He straightened, scratching at the stubble on his jaw before proceeding toward the darkened hallway. "Is there anything specific you would like for dinner? Does steak and potatoes sound good or would you rather have something lighter?"

"Who in their right mind turns down steak and potatoes? I can't remember the last time I had a piece of real beef." When Edward paused on his way to his room, I grimaced.

I didn't try to make Edward feel bad over my predicament before we met, yet everything that spewed out of my mouth had a habit of reminding him of it. I made a mental note to stop referring to those turbulent years that had dictated my life for too long. Biting my lip, I pushed up from the sofa and followed him, not liking the idea of being left on my own in a new place.

I hovered in the doorway of his room, my gaze skipping over a king-size bed and a huge dresser. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to keep referring to my time on the streets. I hate making you feel bad." I shuffled nervously, leaning against the cherrywood frame of his door. "I need to focus on the future. I will try to do better about it."

Edward opened his bottom drawer and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and an old band shirt. He shoved the drawer closed as he turned toward me to hand me the sleeping outfit. His pupils were dilated as his gaze connected with mine. "I don't ever want you to forget where you came from because that's what makes you so different from everyone else." He dumped the clothes in my arms and reached for Hope.

Gingerly, I transferred her into his care, my stomach squeezing with the apprehension of trusting him with her. When she nuzzled into his neck my insides turned to mush. He flicked his fingers toward the bedroom adjacent to his. "Go take a shower and get comfortable. Tomorrow we'll get you some clothes and whatever else you will need. And don't worry about Hope, I will take care of her. Dinner should be here when you get out."

Thanks for reading. I will see you all next week