Chapter 24

~Whiplash~

"Edward . . ." she murmurs.

Soft lips press kisses in the hollow of my throat and along the side of my neck. The hand resting on my chest slides down, down, down, until she is massaging the hardness straining against my sweatpants.

"No, no, no," I whisper. "Please."

Am I begging her to stop? To keep going? I don't honestly know.

I'm fucking lost.

Bella's questing fingers slip inside my sweats. "Shh . . ." She presses her pouty lips against mine, her tongue teasing against my bottom lip. When I moan, she takes advantage of the moment, deepening the kiss and wrapping her hand around my cock. My hips rock forward, and I have the urge to bury myself inside her.

With great difficulty, I force my body to remain still and turn my face to the side. "I want you to stop." My words sound weak even to my own ears.

"Your body says otherwise." She squeezes tighter, pumping up and down my length.

I grasp her wrist, stilling her movements. "I'm not dead, Bella, but I don't want this!" Okay, I do want her, but not like this.

Bella jumps away from me, curling into a ball at the end of the couch. "I'm sorry. I-I thought you wanted me." Her tone is sulky.

"It's not about whether I want you or not—you're beautiful. It's about morals, what's right."

"I get it. You don't want a damaged, former whore."

This angers me. I sit up, leaning over to turn on the lamp. On its lowest setting, it offers soft light so we can see each other. Exasperated, I jam my fingers into my hair and raise my voice. "Please stop referring to yourself as a whore! I don't expect anything . . . sexual from you. I'm helping you because Jimmy's a close friend, I care for you, and it's the right fucking thing to do!"

"Okay." Bella lays her head on her knees, watching me with confusion.

Maybe it's because she only has experience with men who dominate her, make decisions that affect her life, and expect complete submission. That might explain the night I went to the farmhouse and saw Bella on her knees sucking Jimmy off. He seemed uncomfortable at first—maybe because he knew I was on my way there. I noticed when I was around them, Bella followed his cues like a trained dog. At this point, maybe she craves direction, having someone tell her what to do.

I glance at my watch. "There's no sense going back to sleep now. I'm going for a run. Why don't you freshen up, and we can head over to the shop when I get back."

"Sounds good." Bella's eyes light up, and she moves with purpose.

I grab a pair of sneakers and pull on a T-shirt, rushing outside. When I run, the world and all its stresses fade into the background, and it's just me, my breath, the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. I push myself hard until I'm drenched in sweat, and then I push harder.

On my way back through Toga Park, someone calls my name. I slow down, glancing toward the sound. Rose has one foot on a bench, leaning into a stretch.

"Oh, hey." I wave, jogging in place.

"You were a million miles away. What's up?" Sweat glistens on her skin, trickling between her boobs. She has that red sports bra on again, and I know I should find it hot. She's a beautiful woman; I simply have no interest.

"Just getting a run in before the start of a busy day. Did you hear about the fire at The Vault?"

She nods. "Em told me. He also said the cops were questioning you about it. What bullshit!"

"Yeah, but Alice was my alibi, and she happened to be there when they showed up at my place. You should have heard her!"

"Well, I'm glad there's no question. I wouldn't put it past that fucker to set fire to his own shop and try to frame you." Rose takes a long drink from her water bottle. "Where the hell has Jimmy been?" she asks, changing the subject.

I shrug. "He's on a business trip. I've talked to him a few times, but I'm not sure when he'll be back."

"Until then, you are saddled with his hot, little girlfriend. Poor you." There's a cruel twist to her lips. She's with Emmett now, so it shouldn't matter.

"Bella's okay. She does a good job working out front with Seth."

"She does. What's she like outside of work?"

I shoot her a look. "I need to get back so I'm not late to the shop. See you." With a sharp salute, I take off.

When I get back, Bella is out on the deck, freshly showered, drinking a cup of coffee. I take a quick shower, pushing fantasies of her out of my mind every time they start to creep in. I get dressed, brew some coffee into my travel mug, and grab my keys on the way out the door.

Bella seems pensive on the short drive to Inkspiration, but she comes to life once we're at the shop. She jokes around with Emmett and Jasper, and she's great with the customers. I watch her on the camera system in between clients. Mostly I like to watch her when she thinks nobody is around—when she thinks I'm not around. She has a habit of tucking her hair behind her left ear and fiddling with her earlobe. She keeps herself busy in between customers, but when someone comes in, they have her full attention. Certain sounds seem to frighten her, and her body stiffens in anticipation of something—censure, violence?

I feel protective of Bella. I want her. I know it's wrong to covet Jimmy's girlfriend. I know it's wrong. Where the fuck is Jimmy?

oOo

After a long day at the shop, I look forward to letting loose at Denali's. Bella readily agrees to join us. She's beginning to fit in with my friends, developing her own place in everyone's life. The only questionable relationship is hers to me; there's attraction on both sides, but the reasons behind it are suspect. Bella has been through a lot of abuse. I don't know the dynamics that affect her relationship with Jimmy, but as attracted as I am to her, I'm not comfortable with her coming on to me. I don't know much about psychology, but it almost seems as if she thinks sex is expected of her. Then again, I remind myself where she came from.

From my end, I have no clue what's going on. I have never gone after someone else's girl. I'd like to say I'm not going to start now, but I'm honestly not sure. My feelings for Bella started the day Jimmy introduced her to me, inexplicable but persistent. I've been trying so hard to deny them, but I'm sinking deeper and deeper into the emotional quagmire. Watching out for her and having her involved in my day-to-day life isn't helping.

I have a late client, so I insist that Bella go with the rest of the group instead of waiting for me. She's hesitant, but Rose locks arms with her and nudges her along. Rose glances over her shoulder on their way out, and I mouth "Thank you." She nods in return. I think Rose might sense something; I just hope she doesn't ask about it.

When I'm finished with Joe's session, I close up the shop and head to Denali's. The evening is cool and quiet, and not many people are on the street. Boisterous voices and loud music flood out when I open the door to the tavern, and that atmosphere instantly lifts my mood.

Tanya spots me from behind the bar and smiles, pointing toward the other side of the room. I wave and nod, weaving around people and tables to get to my friends. Even Alice is here tonight. My sister spots me, gesturing at the empty seat beside her. Jasper and Emmett are playing darts with some of the regulars, and I notice Rose shooting pool with some guys I don't recognize. Jacob and Paul from the rez are sitting near Alice; Paul is talking animatedly to my sister, and Jacob is staring into his beer.

"Any magic answers in your brew, Jake?" I ask, patting him on the shoulder on my way by.

"Nah. How are you, man?"

"I'm good. Hey, Paul." I pass them and slide into the seat beside Alice, leaning over to hug her. "Hey, sis."

"It's about time you showed up! You look like you could use a drink or five." Alice grins at me. "Paul here has been working in the ER as a tech, but he finally finished nursing school, so now he's leaving us to work on one of the floors."

I grab someone's empty beer bottle and raise it. "That's awesome, man! Congrats."

"Hey, thanks! Just want to make sure I still have access to my mentor after I leave. I swear, I'd never have made it through nursing school without her."

Alice blushes and smacks Paul's arm. "Oh, you! Stop embarrassing me. You got through school using dedication and brains."

Paul and Jacob get into a conversation, leaving me with Alice. She turns her astute gaze on me. "How are you doing?"

From anyone else, it would be a simple question but not when it's Alice asking. I sigh. "I'm okay. Haven't heard boo from Jimmy, but I'm managing—with the help of my awesome sister."

"I'm glad you're managing although I have some choice words for Jimmy when he gets back!"

A waitress comes over and places a beer in front of me. "Compliments of the lady at the pool table."

I glance over, expecting to see Rose, but Bella is poised next to the pool table, getting ready to take a shot. She catches my eye, and lifts her hand as if toasting me. After she takes her shot, there's a squeal from Rose, and they high-five. One of the guys snarks at her. "Lucky shot!"

I raise my eyebrows, taking a long sip of my beer. "I was about to ask where Bella was, but I wasn't expecting her to be shooting pool with Rose."

Alice grins. "Those two seem to be bonding. I think it's good that Bella is forging some friendships." She puts a hand on my arm. "Edward, I know there's a lot more to her story. This isn't the venue to discuss it, but knowing what she's been through will aid me in treating her. I asked the social worker not to come around right away as a favor, but she will need some answers. Bella needs to be in therapy."

Alice sure knows how to take the wind out of my sails. So much for enjoying the evening. "I don't know if she'll do it or if Jimmy will want her to." I immediately wish I could stuff the last half of the sentence back in my mouth.

Alice is outraged, her eyes snapping with anger. "It doesn't matter what Jimmy wants!" She lowers her voice to a harsh whisper. "Bella has been abused. I'm not saying Jimmy did it, but he sure as hell isn't going to stand in her way of healing from it. Don't you shield him, Edward! I don't care what he's done for you."

"Okay, okay. Calm down, Florence Nightingale."

Alice gives me a sharp, stinging flick to the back of the head. She hates when I call her that.

Jasper and Emmett return to the table. Jasper stands behind my sister, massaging her rigid shoulders. He leans down and whispers something in her ear, and she glances up at him with a soft smile. He's so good for her.

Emmett smacks me on the shoulder. "Rosie and Bella are kicking ass over there. Wanna go watch with me?"

"Yeah!" I grab my beer and follow Emmett. I am curious about their game, but I also want to escape the keen insight of my sister.

We wander into the billiard room. All the tables are in use, and there are people milling around with drinks in their hands, some chatting and others watching the games. The largest group is gathered around the table where Rose and Bella are playing. Suddenly, it's so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Bella crouches down, eyeing the trajectory her shot will take. She points her stick to the far right end. "Corner pocket."

One of the players, a ruddy-faced guy with black buzz-cut hair, snorts.

Bella eyes it again, and then leans down and taps the cue ball, which gently rolls into the seven at an angle, depositing it into the corner pocket. The spectators send up a loud cheer. Bella is down to the eight ball. She chalks her cue while walking slowly around the table. She taps on the right corner pocket.

"You sure about that, sweetheart?" Ruddy face mocks her.

Bella glances at him steadily. "Says the man with three balls still on the table."

A collective "Ooh!" rises from the crowd. Rose smirks. I lean against the wall and watch.

Bella's shot needs to go to the opposite side of the table, bank off the cushion, and come three-quarters of the way back to hit the eight ball in precisely the right spot to send it into the corner pocket.

She takes a deep breath, letting it out as she takes the shot. The cue ball hits the cushion and comes back, tapping the eight, which rolls smoothly into the corner pocket. For a moment everyone gasps when it looks like she's going to scratch, but the cue ball hovers on the edge, remaining on the table.

A cheer goes up from the crowd. The guys come over to shake hands with Rose and Bella. The ruddy guy is pissed, but his partner, a tall, thin, fair-haired man, slides some folded up bills into Bella's hand.

"Great playing!" the fair-haired guy says genuinely.

"You never said you were a shark! You said you haven't played in a long time." The ruddy guy looks to his partner. "Doesn't she get disqualified for lying?"

Bella shakes her head sharply. "No, I said I haven't played in a long time, not that I wasn't good at it."

The fair-haired guy nods. "That's the truth, and you won fair and square. It was a pleasure." He aims a warning look at his partner.

Bella smiles. "Thank you for playing, boys! Your next round is on me."

I watch as she chats easily with her competitors and a few people from the crowd who come up to congratulate her and Rose. It doesn't surprise me when Rose makes easy conversation, but for some reason, it strikes me as odd that Bella is able to after all she's been through.

Emmett nudges me with his elbow. "That was awesome, wasn't it? Let's go congratulate them."

I push away from the wall, following Emmett. He grabs Rose and swings her around. "Great job, ladies!"

Bella, who is chatting with one of the spectators, looks Emmett's way. "Thank you!" As she turns back, she spots me. "Edward!" She seems flustered and excuses herself from the group, coming over to me.

"Congrats. Those were some great plays you made." I tip my beer in her direction. "And thanks for the brew."

Bella gazes down, her posture folding inward. "I'm sorry," she whispers.

I tilt my head, confused. "What are you sorry for?"

"For showing off." She's still looking down as if she needs to be subservient to me.

"Hey." I put a finger under her chin and gently tip her head back until our eyes meet. "There's nothing wrong with showing off. Why would you think it's a problem?"

"I-I don't know. Excuse me." Bella pulls away, hurrying for the ladies' room.

"Bella, wait!" I start to go after her, but Alice appears next to me, grabbing my arm.

"No. I'll talk to her." Alice follows Bella with purpose.

I look at Emmett and Rose, but they seem just as confused as I am. What the hell is going on?

~oOo~

A/N: Florence Nightingale was a social reformer who often challenged the status quo. She is also considered the founder of modern nursing.

Bella is all over the place because she's been groomed and traumatized. She's most comfortable when she has a master to give her direction, but she also has an independent, stubborn streak. Bella has many layers. Tell me what you're thinking now, peeps!

I post teasers and links to updates on my blog and on Facebook in the No Rules Twilight Fan Fiction and It All Started With Twilight groups.

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