Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Plot is my own.
Chapter 19
...
..
.
"Where have you been?" Edward's voice carried from the bathroom as I waltzed into the master bedroom.
I let out a breath, trying to make my exhale sound more like a chuckle. "Talking to my brother for a bit."
Edward stepped out, towel-drying his hair. His body on full display before me. "And Jacob?"
Fuck all if I knew.
I sighed, tugging off my sweatshirt. "Who cares?"
He let out a low chuckle, tossing the towel onto a chair. "Fair enough."
I flopped onto the bed, stretching out with a groan. The day of travel was catching up with me, settling like a weight in my bones. Thinking back to Seth's input about Jacob. And I was thinking about how to avoid that by any means necessary. Edward crossed the room, his eyes on me in that way that made it clear he was thinking about something different. Something I knew was still lingering from earlier.
"Tired?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with something deeper.
"Exhausted."
His hand brushed against mine, fingers tracing idle patterns over my knuckles. The tension between us was still there—but different now. Quieter. More deliberate.
"Then stop thinking so much."
I huffed a laugh, turning to face him. The look in his eyes told me everything. "You make it sound easy."
A smirk tugged at his lips, his gaze darkening with restrained hunger. "It is. When you're with me."
The promise from earlier hung between us, unspoken but undeniable. Tonight, he'd said. And though the pull between us had simmered all day, neither of us rushed.
His hands slid beneath my tank top, his touch warm against my bare skin. I hadn't bothered with a bra after our walk on the beach earlier, and the way his fingers explored me now sent a shiver down my spine.
"You're warm," I whispered, eyes fluttering shut as his palm brushed up my side.
He kissed just below my ribs, the rough edge of his stubble making me shiver. "You feel like sunshine."
I laughed softly. "You're so cheesy."
He grinned against my skin. "You like it."
Before I could answer, he peeled away my shorts and underwear in one smooth motion, settling between my thighs like he belonged there—which he did. His hand slid confidently between my legs, his thumb circling my clit with a slow, maddening precision. Cupping my skin, soothing the intense feelings I felt.
"I've been waiting for this all day," he murmured, trailing kisses lower until his mouth brushed against the inside of my thigh.
My body arched toward him instinctively.
"Yeah?" I managed to say, breath hitching.
"You think I didn't notice how you looked at me today?" His voice was a low tease, thick with hunger. "That walk on the beach wasn't exactly subtle."
"I didn't say anything," I replied, voice airy and amused.
"You didn't have to, you tease." His tongue dipped close to where I craved his touch, and I gasped, grabbing for the sheets.
I was melting. Anchored only by his mouth, his fingers, the way he touched me like I was something precious and breakable and his all at once.
He pulled back just slightly, stroking himself with one hand, his green eyes dark as they met mine.
His mouth moved up my thigh, each kiss searing like a brand. I arched into him, my breath hitching as his teeth grazed the sensitive skin near my hip. He lingered there, sucking lightly, and I knew he was marking me, claiming me.
"You gonna let me do what I want with you?"
I nodded, breathless, my hands slipping beneath the soft cotton of my tank to toy lazily with my breasts. "I thought that was the deal."
A low groan rumbled from his throat as he leaned in again, pressing a kiss to the inside of my knee. "Then let's make good on it."
Then he slowed, his hands sliding under my thighs with deliberate care, spreading me open like something precious. His breath ghosted over me—warm, teasing—before his mouth found me in one achingly slow stroke.
"Edward—" My back arched as his tongue circled, languid and thorough, savoring every shudder he drew from me. He hummed in approval, his grip tightening just enough to hold me in place while he worked me with unhurried devotion.
He paused, his breath hot against my bare skin. "Leah," he murmured, voice rough with need. "Tell me what you want."
I swallowed hard, my pulse wild. His thumb brushed over my clit in slow circles, and I jerked against him, my thighs trembling.
"I want you inside me," I gasped. "Fuck me until I forget my own name."
Edward's lips curved against my inner thigh—a smirk. "So impatient," he chided, dragging his teeth lightly over the sensitive skin. His fingers replaced his hot mouth, teasing me with slow, shallow strokes, grazing my most sensitive spot—just enough to make me whimper, never enough to give me what I craved. "You'll take what I give you, sweetheart. And I'm not done tasting you yet."
He dipped his head again, his tongue flicking once, twice, over my clit before pulling back, watching me writhe. "Look at you," he growled, voice thick with lust. "So fucking pretty when you're desperate."
I fisted my hands in his hair, tugging. "Edward, please—"
"Please what?" Another torturous lick. "Use your words."
I arched beneath him, breath hitching. "You said you weren't into torture."
His laugh was dark, sinful. Then his mouth was on me again—devouring—tongue circling in relentless, wet strokes that stole my voice, my thoughts, anything but the molten pleasure coiling low in my belly.
And then he was gone.
I whimpered at the loss, but Edward didn't let me suffer long. In one fluid motion, he surged up, crushing his mouth to mine. The kiss was brutal, possessive, his tongue sliding against mine in a filthy mimicry of what I needed most.
"Fuck, Leah," he groaned, his hands rough as they gripped my hips. I clawed at his shoulders, nails biting into skin, desperate to feel all of him. His cock strained between us, hot and heavy against my thigh, and the sight alone sent a fresh wave of heat pooling between my legs.
He didn't make me wait.
With a single, powerful thrust, he filled me completely, stretching me in the best kind of ache. A broken moan tore from my throat as he buried himself to the hilt, his hips flush against mine.
"God, you're tight," he gritted out, fingers digging into my flesh. "Fucking perfect."
Then he moved—deep, punishing strokes that left no space for thought, only sensation. Each snap of his hips sent sparks behind my eyelids, my body tightening around him as pleasure spiraled higher.
"Yes—just like that," I panted, legs locking around his waist, pulling him deeper. "Please—"
Edward's breath came in ragged bursts, his forehead pressed to mine. "You feel too good," he growled. "I'm not gonna last."
I reached between us, circling my clit in frantic, desperate strokes. The pressure built, coiled—
Then shattered.
The world exploded in a rush of white-hot pleasure, my back arching as I cried out his name. Edward followed with a groan, his thrusts turning erratic before he stilled, pulsing inside me.
We collapsed together, limbs tangled, sweat-slicked skin pressed close. His heartbeat pounded against mine, a wild echo of what we'd just shared. Slowly, his lips brushed my temple—a silent promise, a lingering claim.
...
..
The next day, we'd gone out for breakfast with Seth, Jacob opted to stay behind with Kujo. Gave Edward and Seth more time to bond. Which was kind of nice. Seth loved the fact that Edward has traveled outside of the US.
Once we'd gotten back, Edward pulled me aside, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"How about joining me for dinner at my mom's house tonight?" he asked.
I nodded, already feeling a little buzz of excitement from the thought of spending time with him in a more intimate setting. "Sure, sounds great."
I went upstairs to check on the boys, wondering if they'd be interested in joining us or not.
Both Seth and Jacob were side by side, hunched forward with controllers in hand. Empty soda cans and a half-eaten bag of chips cluttered the nightstand, the air thick with the kind of unspoken tension that came from hours of gaming. Seth was laughing, eyes glued to the screen, while Jacob—true to form—looked like someone had personally insulted him just by breathing near him.
Still, he was there. Present. Engaged. Distracted. And—if I looked hard enough—maybe even a little content.
"Hey," I sighed, leaning in the doorway, explained about dinner tonight. Asking, "you guys wanna come with?"
"Meet Dracula's mommy? Hard pass," Jacob scoffed, barely lifting his eyes from the screen.
I pressed my lips into a flat line, giving him a second to change his mind. "You sure?"
"Yeah." He finally glanced up, his expression as blank as his tone. "I'll stay behind with your brother."
I turned to Seth, raising an eyebrow. "You don't wanna come?"
He shrugged, the lopsided grin still in place. "Not my in-law."
"Alright, alright," I chuckled. "Just... stay out of trouble if you guys go out."
"Trouble's my middle name, sis," Seth quipped, shooting finger guns my way.
I shot him a look over my shoulder that made it clear I wasn't kidding, then turned to leave.
The rest of the afternoon unfolded in a pleasant haze as Edward and I spent time together. The guys went out for a bit. Then the beach beckoned us once again, and soon, we found ourselves walking along the shoreline. The air was warm, and the gentle breeze was perfect for a topless, carefree stroll. My skin tingled under the sun's caress, the salty air tangling in my hair as we moved in sync, our bare feet sinking into the damp sand.
Edward's gaze lingered on me, darkening with hunger as the wind teased my exposed skin. "You're fucking breathtaking like this," he murmured, fingers skimming my hip. I shivered, though not from the cold.
Before long, our stroll led us to a secluded spot, hidden between towering dunes and the whispering sea grass. The world narrowed to just us—the crash of waves, the heat of the sun, the way Edward's breath hitched when I stepped closer.
"No one can see us here," I said, biting my lip as his hands settled on my waist.
"Good." His voice was rough, possessive. In one fluid motion, he pulled me against him, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that left me dizzy. I melted into him, my fingers threading through his hair as his hands roamed—down my spine, over my ass, gripping hard enough to draw a moan from my throat.
The sand was warm beneath us as he lowered me down after undressing, his body a delicious weight pressing me into the earth. His lips trailed fire along my neck, my collarbone, lower—
"Edward," I gasped when his tongue flicked over a peaked nipple, teasing until I arched against him.
He didn't rush. Every touch was deliberate, worshipful. His mouth moved south, tracing the dip of my navel, the curve of my hip, and then—
"Fuck—" My hands fisted in his hair as he buried himself between my thighs, his tongue laving slow, torturous circles. The waves pounded in time with my pulse, each lick dragging me closer to the edge.
When he finally looked up, his lips glistening, his eyes were wild with need. "I want to hear you," he growled, sliding two fingers inside me while his thumb pressed just there. "Let go, Leah."
I shattered with a cry, my back bowing as pleasure ripped through me. Before I could catch my breath, he was on me again, kissing me deep, letting me taste myself on his tongue.
"My turn," I whispered, pushing him onto his back.
The sun painted his skin in gold as I straddled him, sinking down with a moan that drowned in the sound of the sea.
We moved together, slow at first, then frantic—skin slick with sweat and salt, the air thick with the sounds of our pleasure. His fingers had toyed with the necklace he'd given me, pulling it slightly, causing me to lean toward him more. There was only this: his hands on my hips, my nails scraping his chest, the relentless drag of him inside me until we both came undone, the ocean roaring in our ears.
Afterward, we lay tangled in the sand, in no rush to get up and get dressed, his heartbeat steady under my palm.
Later, we returned to the beach house for lunch and a shower. The boys were still inside, doing their thing, while Edward and I tangled ourselves up in the sheets, content and lazy, watching Money Talks in the master bedroom as we finished our food. His arms around me, our legs intertwined, I could be like this forever. I couldn't help but smile as the movie played—its old-school charm taking us back to a simpler time as we relaxed.
Eventually, we had to get ready for dinner with Esme. I chose a simple outfit—a white shirt that clung to my body just enough, paired with jeans and sandals. I left my hair down, the ocean's salty breeze giving it that effortless, bouncy texture. I looked in the mirror and felt the subtle glow of happiness radiating off me.
Before leaving, I checked on the guys, making sure they were still doing alright. Jacob barely glanced up when I walked into the upstairs living room.
"Hey," I called out. "Behave, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah," Jacob mumbled without looking up, clearly absorbed in whatever game was on the screen. "Just don't come back pregnant or anything."
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide the small grin that tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Real mature," I said, turning toward the stairs.
I headed downstairs, making my way to the front door where Edward was waiting for me in the car, ready to head out. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and I could already feel my heart beat a little faster.
The drive was quiet but comfortable, the sound of the tires humming on the road blending with the soft music playing on the radio. Edward's hand rested casually on the gearshift, but every once in a while, I caught him glancing over at me with a smile that made my stomach flutter. The anticipation was there, but it was subtle—like a promise of something to come.
We didn't need words to fill the space. Just the hum of the engine and the occasional passing of a sign or another car. The closer we got to Esme's house, the more I felt like I was stepping into a new world—one that felt just a little bit more polished, but still welcoming.
Esme's beach house looked like something straight out of a coastal magazine—airy, warm, with big windows that caught the golden evening light. The scent of grilled chicken and squash drifted through the open patio doors, mingling with the salty ocean breeze. It felt effortless, the kind of place that made you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while.
She moved through the kitchen with an easy grace, her long, silver-streaked hair pinned loosely at the nape of her neck. Bare feet padded across the tile as she plated the food, her boyfriend—whose name I still hadn't committed to memory—pouring wine at the table with a relaxed smile. Their golden retriever, a big, floppy-eared sweetheart, sprawled lazily in the doorway, his tail thumping against the floor every now and then.
I was so nervous until she started talking.
"Here we go," Esme announced cheerfully, setting down a serving dish in the center of the table. "Grilled chicken, quinoa, fresh salad, and squash from the farmer's market. And yes, before you ask—everything is organic, free-range, and made by yours truly." She winked, her warm smile lighting up the room.
I smiled back. "Looks amazing."
Edward sat beside me, his expression neutral but carrying an undeniable edge of discomfort. It wasn't that he was rude—he was on his best behavior, as usual—but there was a stiffness to him, the kind that came with watching a parent move on. I didn't blame him for it. It was weird, seeing someone who had once been a part of a unit suddenly become their own person again. I could see it in the way he was swallowing his wine a little faster than usual, though he wasn't quite looking at Esme's boyfriend.
James, as I'd finally pieced together, seemed like a nice enough guy—relaxed, attentive, and easygoing. He chatted effortlessly, laughing along with Esme, and I could tell he was genuinely enjoying the evening. But the coldness coming from Edward didn't go unnoticed. I'd chalked it up to him being a bit of a mama's boy and not liking the idea of his mom moving on.
Esme, for her part, didn't pry. She didn't ask about my past or poke at the usual wounds people seemed to think were fair game. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of it, but later, when Edward murmured, "I told her a lot about you already," something warm settled in my chest.
"You okay?" he asked softly, his voice just for me, as though we were sharing some private moment in the middle of everything else.
I swallowed against the unexpected lump in my throat, nodding. "Yeah." I reached under the table and squeezed his knee, hoping the small gesture might help him feel a little lighter.
The dinner carried on with easy conversation. Esme's laughter filled the air, her boyfriend chiming in with the occasional comment. And as the evening wore on, I found myself relaxing. Maybe it was the fresh ocean air, or maybe it was just Esme herself—hippie-ish but driven, warm but not overbearing. Whatever it was, I felt my shoulders loosen. For the first time in a while, I wasn't thinking about everything else, just enjoying the moment.
It was… nice.
After dinner, Esme and I shared a quiet moment in the kitchen while Edward lingered outside, trying to pull himself together. Her eyes were soft, warm, as she wrapped me in one of her trademark, full-body hugs, the kind that made you feel like you'd been enveloped in warmth and love. It was the kind of hug that almost made me want to cry, the kind that seemed to tell me everything would be okay, even if I didn't quite believe it myself.
"He seems so happy," she commented, her voice quieter than usual, like she was letting the sentiment sink in.
I smiled softly, feeling a tug in my chest. "Not sure if I have anything to do with that."
"Oh, I think you do," she replied, her fingers briefly squeezing my back before pulling away. Her smile was warm, kind, and a little knowing. She looked down at the ring on the chain that Edward had given me some time ago, her gaze drifting between the glint of it and me. "This ring is very special," she added gently. "Edward's never brought anyone around before. It means a lot to him... and to us, seeing you here."
It was the kind of thing that made me feel like maybe I was doing okay, even if everything else still pressed heavily on me.
Soon after, we said our goodbyes. Esme gave Edward a tight hug before he mumbled something incoherent, his usual charisma a bit off with the alcohol buzzing through his veins. Esme's boyfriend, James, waved us off with a grin, and she promised, "Come back soon," her tone light, but there was a trace of hope in her eyes.
I nodded, managing a smile. "We will."
The drive back to the beach house was quiet. Edward was drunk. Not slurring, falling-over drunk, but definitely too much red wine drunk. He leaned against me as I drove, his movements slower, heavier than usual.
By the time we pulled into the driveway, Jacob was standing at the entrance, Kujo happily at his feet, giving us an unimpressed look.
"Lightweight," Jacob muttered, shaking his head as I helped Edward out of the car.
"You should talk," Edward slurred, his voice a little too loud. "Coming from the guy who was shit-faced on the first night?" His tone had no real bite to it—more like a lazy jab.
Jacob chuckled, pulling out his phone. "I gotta get a picture of this."
I waved him off, laughing despite myself. "Just get inside before I make you sleep on the porch."
Jacob grinned, teasing me back. "Sure, sure, I'm going."
Inside, I guided Edward to the bedroom, helping him onto the bed with a soft push. He groaned, pressing his palms to his face. "Ugh. Too much wine."
"No kidding," I replied, kneeling beside him and working his shoes off. I pulled the blankets up over him, tucking him in. "Drink some water before you pass out."
He exhaled, fingers rubbing at his temple, as if trying to massage away the headache already starting to form. "It's just weird, seeing her like that," he admitted, his voice hoarse, almost too vulnerable for a moment. "With someone else."
I sat down beside him, brushing my fingers through his hair. "I get it. But as long as she's happy, isn't that what matters?"
Edward let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah… yeah. I guess." He went quiet for a long moment, staring up at the ceiling. When he turned his head toward me, his eyes were heavy, half-closed but still searching. "My dad's a piece of shit, you know."
I blinked, caught off guard. "You don't talk about him much…"
Edward huffed, his jaw tightening. "He was a doctor. Respected. Successful. But he was sleeping with half the staff. Got caught. Didn't lose his license, but no hospital wanted him after that." His jaw clenched again. "He was also a little crazy when he drank," he said. "Now he's a pharmacist. Still making good money. Guess that's what happens when you fuck over everyone who trusts you."
A memory stirred, pulling me back. The pharmacist who'd filled Seth's prescription not long ago—tall, handsome. The comment he'd made, him staring at my necklace. The pieces clicked into place.
"I think I met him," I murmured, the realization sinking in.
Edward let out a short, humorless laugh. "Lucky you."
My eyes flickered to him, surprised. "I'm serious."
"Me too," he said, his voice laced with a bitterness that surprised me.
I didn't know what to say, so I just ran my fingers through his hair again, slow and soothing. "You're not him," I whispered, hoping my words might cut through some of that tension.
His eyes met mine, something unreadable in them. After a long beat, he exhaled, his body sinking further into the bed as though the weight of everything was finally catching up with him. "Stay?" His voice was a soft plea, almost childlike.
I nodded, slipping under the covers beside him. "Yeah. I'll stay."
..
...
The next morning was technically our last full day here, and I was determined to make the most of it. Feeling restless, I woke up early, eager to start the day with something productive. So, I decided to make breakfast.
Not long after I'd started frying bacon, I heard the heavy thud of Kujo's paws coming down the stairs. His big, floppy ears caught my attention as he padded into the kitchen and plopped himself down near the trash can, giving me that hopeful, patient look. I figured his owner would be hurrying down any minute, but as the minutes ticked by without a sign of Jacob, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Grabbing a can of dog food, I pried it open and scooped out a portion for the lovable oaf. It wasn't his fault his owner was such a miser.
I left Kujo to eat while I turned my attention back to breakfast. Pancakes, fried eggs, biscuits, and even some sausage gravy—because if I was going to go all in, I might as well go big. The bacon sizzled in the pan, the smell of it mixing with the savory sausage gravy, making the kitchen feel warm and homey.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the guys emerged from their hidey holes. Seth was the first to wander down, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He smirked, then yawned. "I love when you do this," he sighed, looking like he had just woken up in the best way possible.
That little comment tugged at my heart. Seth was still my little brother. For a long time, it felt like he didn't really care about the things I tried to do for him, but moments like these reminded me that, in his own way, he appreciated it.
I finished setting everything up, arranging the plates and dishes buffet-style across the table, trying to make the most of the space. Just as I was getting out utensils, Jacob came down the stairs, eyes narrowing as he observed what I was doing.
"Did you feed Kujo?" he asked, his voice low and casual.
I sighed, rolling my eyes as I nodded. "Yeah, I fed him."
"Cool. Thanks," he muttered, looking at the spread of food. "You cooked all this?"
I smirked, shrugging. "Nah, Black, I just shat this all out," I joked, teasing him.
Jacob gave me a dry look but didn't respond, instead heading to the table to grab his plate. A moment later, the guys had their plates and headed out to the patio to eat, enjoying the sunshine as they dug into the meal.
Not long after, Edward appeared from the hallway that led to the master bedroom. He looked a little rumpled, his shirt slightly askew, and there was a softness to his expression as he caught sight of the spread.
"Hey, you," I said quietly, a small smile curling on my lips.
Edward burped a little—loud enough to make me smirk. "You are an angel," he said softly, his gaze taking in the food with evident relief.
"Hungry?" I asked, teasing him slightly.
"Starving," he said with sincerity. "I'm sorry for last night."
I tilted my head, slightly confused. "Why?"
"I just feel like I was acting ridiculous. Plus, I got shitfaced," he admitted, his voice a little more vulnerable than I expected. He ran a hand through his hair, as if still trying to shake off the remnants of the night before.
I waved off his apology with a soft smile. "You're fine. It happens."
I was about to say something else, but before I could get the words out, the sound of footsteps and barking interrupted the moment.
Jacob came in through the sliding glass door across the living room, Kujo trotting beside him. Seth followed shortly after, wiping his mouth as he entered, still finishing his bite.
Just as Edward leaned toward me, his eyes warm, lips parted as if he were about to kiss me, Jacob's voice rang out from behind us.
"Hey, wouldn't want anyone walking in on something crazy, get a room, you two," he said, his tone slick with amusement. "Save it for later, huh?"
I groaned, turning to give Jacob an exaggerated glare, but it was no use—he was already grinning, clearly pleased with himself.
Edward and I shared a brief, awkward chuckle, the moment slipping away as I stepped back.
"Thanks for the food," Jacob said as he grabbed a second helping, still looking at us with that mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You're welcome," I replied, trying not to roll my eyes too much. "Now, go eat before I take your plate back."
Edward's jaw was tense as he watched Jacob walk off, but then my hand brushed his face, and his attention snapped back to me. The tense look on his face completely melting when his eyes met mine. I smiled softly, my fingers lingering on his jaw for just a moment.
Leaning in, I pressed a wet kiss to his lips, feeling the spark between us.
"I'm gonna go shower," I said, my voice low. I held his chin for a second longer, wanting another taste of him, but I let go, stepping back toward the short hall to the bedroom.
This was our last night here, and I wanted to make it count. I was planning to wear that white dress I'd been saving, the one that hugged my curves in all the right places, and give Edward the night of his life. Maybe we could slip away, just the two of us, and leave the boys behind to drool in front of the TV.
I stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading over my body in an instant, soothing my tense muscles. The steam filled the air, clouding everything in a mist of warmth and calm. I let my head tip back under the stream, the water running over my hair, washing away the worries of the day. The scent of soap lingered in the air, and I took my time, running my fingers through my wet hair, feeling the droplets slide down my skin. The sound of the water was a soft, steady rush, almost drowning out everything else.
I eventually stepped out, wrapping myself in a towel, and drying off before gathering my underwear and a simple sun dress.
As I was pulling a brush through my damp hair, I heard it—muffled voices carrying from somewhere outside the master bedroom. The water had stopped, the house too quiet for it to be anything casual.
At first, I couldn't make out the words, just tones—low, clipped, irritated.
I tugged on the sun dress and padded barefoot toward the bedroom door, cracking it open just enough. The kitchen was just beyond the hallway, and from the angle, I could see part of the counter. I immediately recognized Edward's voice—calm, almost unnervingly so.
"You wanna say that again?" he asked, his tone measured but with a sharp edge.
Then Jacob, a little more irritated. "I said, I don't trust guys like you."
I froze, my heart skipping. Something was off, the tension in their voices too thick for comfort.
"Rich, bored, and always needing to own something. You don't actually love her—you're obsessed. There's a difference."
My heart jumped into my throat. I could feel the blood drain from my face. I'd obviously missed a significant portion of the conversation while I was bathing myself. When did love get brought into this? I'd figured Jacob couldn't hold his vicious tongue, and said something inappropriate to Edward.
Edward's reply came fast, sharp. "You don't know a damn thing about how I feel about her."
"No," Jacob said, his voice steady, almost smug. "But I know how you look at her. Like she's a fucking prize. Something you think you earned."
"Okay—okay, chill," Seth cut in. "Can we not do this? It's like a goddamn novella."
Jacob gave a short, bitter laugh. "I know what Leah looks like when she's scared. I've seen it. And if you ever put that look on her face, I'll fucking kill you."
"Now you're threatening me?" Edward asked, but even the calmness in his voice sent a chill up my spine.
The silence was thick. Suffocating.
Edward's voice dropped. "I'd never hurt her—"
"But you could," Jacob cut in with his dramatic way of doing so. "You've got that look in your eyes. The kind of man who breaks things he loves when he's had too much to drink."
"Shut the fuck up," Edward said, voice shaking now, something dark threading through it. "You don't know shit."
I clenched my jaw, pulse kicking up. I moved closer, down the hall just enough to peek around the corner.
A barstool scraped across the floor—Edward had moved. His voice came again, right at the edge. "I'm not going to sit here and be psychoanalyzed by some moody shit with a savior complex."
"Then walk off." Jacob sat slouched on the couch in the living room, legs spread, wearing his usual 'come at me' scowl. Seth, perched on the arm of the couch, looked between them with wide, panicked eyes.
"You don't get to decide that," Edward snapped.
Seth sighed, shrugging, his hands moving between them. "Maybe you're being a little dramatic, Jake. And maybe you're being a little intense. It's not a big deal, we can move on with this already, before Leah gets out of the shower."
Edward didn't move. They glared at each other for a beat. Still even as Edward asked Jacob, "what the fuck are you looking at?"
Jacob gave Seth a side glance. "You hear the way he talks to me?" He said calmly, and if things weren't so heated I'd almost want to laugh.
Seth groaned. "Dude, you've been poking the bear since before we got here."
Edward's voice sharpened again. "Again, I'm not going to be lectured by someone who's been clinging to the thought of her like a crutch since grade school."
Jacob's posture stiffened. "I've known her longer than you've even known her name."
Edward tilted his head. "And yet, somehow, I'm the one who actually had the balls to approach her and do something about the way I felt."
This is now becoming another pissing contest between the two. But, clearly if Jacob were trying to hide his little crush, he was doing an awful job.
Jacob shifted on the couch. "At least I wouldn't treat her like some broken project that makes me feel good about myself."
Edward's laugh was cold. "Right. You'd rather keep her drowning—so she needs you."
Seth stood abruptly. "Okay, okay—holy shit. Seriously, guys. Just shut up. You're both being assholes."
Jacob ignored him. "The only reason she even looks at you is 'cause she's too messed up to know better."
My throat got tight. I felt like I'd been sucker punched. Well Black, tell us how you really feel.
"Jake," Seth warned. "That's my fuckin' sister you're talking about."
And that's when Edward cracked, ignoring Seth's interjection, probably not even hearing him.
"Fuck you. At least I show up. Where the fuck were you, huh?"
Jacob's hands were moving erratically as he shifted like he were about to stand up. "With her brother!"
The air went still.
"You wanna talk about who's good for her?" Edward spat. Jacob now stood. "You wouldn't know cause your a selfish prick."
Jacob's jaw tightened.
Then Edward added, softer but sharp: "Contrary to what you may think, she's not your burden, Jacob. She's mine."
That's when I moved.
I stepped into the kitchen, hair still damp, fists clenched at my sides.
They both turned like they'd been caught doing something shameful.
"You're what?" I asked, my voice trembling but loud enough to cut through the room. Did they forget I was home or something? "I was only in the shower. What the fuck is with you two?"
Edward's face shifted. "Leah—"
I raised a hand. "Don't. Just don't."
"Are you kidding me?" I said, staring between them.
Edward looked at me with his lips pressed together. Jacob didn't even flinch. Of course he didn't. He stayed quiet, arms crossed like a goddamn brick wall with a mouth.
Edward glanced away, jaw clenched. "We're just having a conversation."
"Sure," I scoffed. "You know what? I heard enough."
I turned, heading straight for the stairs to grab my sandals and purse. I needed to leave before I lost it. But I knew—I knew—this wasn't over. Not even close.
Seth opened his mouth, "Leah—"
"Don't, Seth," I snapped. "Don't cover for them."
His mouth clamped shut, and he sat back down like a kicked puppy.
Jacob muttered something under his breath, and I spun on him.
"Fuck you, Jacob, fucking weirdo. Think I'm just some messed-up bitch, huh?" I shot at him, my face flushing. "You don't get to have an opinion on anyone's shit except his," I pointed to Seth.
Then… I couldn't stop staring at Edward.
"Your burden?" I repeated, a bitter laugh catching in my throat. "That what I am to you?"
His face crumpled. "No. No, no, I didn't mean it like that—"
"You said it," I snapped. "You meant it."
Seth looked frozen in place, torn between us like he wanted to disappear.
I blinked hard, trying to clear the sting behind my eyes. "I'm not some fucking charity case. You don't get to act like I'm yours to carry."
"I didn't mean—"
"I don't care what you meant," I whispered, already turning.
I didn't hear whatever came next. I stormed out the front door, heart pounding, lungs burning, rage and hurt tangled so tightly I couldn't separate one from the other.
I didn't even know where I was going—just that I needed away.
The streets were unfamiliar, every turn as meaningless as the last. But I didn't stop. I just kept walking, somewhere between furious and on the verge of crying.
We were leaving tomorrow morning. Thank God.
I heard Edward behind me before I saw him. His footsteps. His breath. His voice.
"I was trying to defend you in there, Leah," he said, catching up. "You are not a burden to me. You know that. You know what you mean to me."
I kept walking.
His hand touched my shoulder, warm, gentle—and I ripped away from it.
"You think I wanted that to get heated?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. "Jacob started it."
"He's like family, Edward," I said tightly, not slowing down.
"Don't do that," he shot back, his voice sharpening, a little edge curling into it.
I turned my head slightly. "Do what?"
"Defend him like he walks on water. Where does that leave me, huh?" His voice cracked, the frustration unmistakable. "Where do I rank in this equation?"
I scoffed and looked away, his words landing somewhere deep in my chest, a place I wasn't ready to acknowledge.
"So he gets to sulk and snap at us both, and we're just supposed to swallow it? Why? Because he's good for your brother?"
That stopped me cold.
I spun around, my feet moving before my thoughts could catch up. I stepped in too close—so close I could feel the heat radiating from his skin, the raw frustration flickering in his eyes.
"He's the only one who's gotten my brother to speak in full sentences since our mom died," I snapped. "So you can fuck off with your judgment. You don't know what any of this is like."
I didn't wait for his reply. Didn't want to see his face soften, because I didn't trust myself not to break if it did.
I turned, walking again, blinking hard against the tears that threatened to spill.
"I didn't call you a burden," he called after me. "He was being an asshole, acting like that's what you are to me. But you're not!" His voice was a little softer now, but still urgent. "I meant it when I said you're mine."
I kept walking, but I could hear him behind me, his words sinking in. We probably looked crazy—two people on a street, at the edge of something volatile.
Then he said it.
"I love you, Leah."
I stopped like I'd hit a wall.
The words echoed between us, unexpected and raw. I thought for a moment that maybe I had imagined them, but when I turned, he was standing there, hands at his sides, eyes locked on mine.
No games. No posturing. Just there. Vulnerable.
The air felt thick.
I couldn't move. I didn't know how to breathe. For a moment, I didn't know if I even wanted to.
He took a step closer, his voice quieter now, more raw. "I love you."
I swallowed hard, but the words wouldn't come. I wanted to say something, anything—but the weight of it all, of him, of me, felt suffocating.
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, and finally whispered, "holy shit, Edward."
His eyes dropped, his shoulders slumping. "I know," he said softly. "But I need you to hear me."
I shook my head, my emotions bubbling over, tears threatening to fall. "I'm not a burden to you?"
He shook his head firmly. "No."
"Say it."
He exhaled, a long breath before he said the words that I needed to hear. "You, Leah Clearwater, are not a burden to me. Not at all. You never have been."
I took a step toward him, my hands fumbling to reach for him, pulling him closer. And then our lips collided, raw and desperate. He loves me.
Jacob was cockblocking. And a jealous asshole.
No more. No less.
As far as I was concerned. When we got back to the house I think it's high time to have a little discussion with Jacob.
.
..
