Mail Order Bride
Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by Stephanie
Meyer. No copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for
enjoyment purposes only.
Disclaimer: This fic is rated "M" for language,
violence, and sexual situations. If you are under 18, SCRAM! It is not my job to
police you. If you don't like what you are reading, STOP!
#--------
Chapter 22
"What the fuck is going on here?" Edward roared.
James pulled back with a smirk on his face. Bella struggled in his arms.
Releasing her, she ran straight to Edward. He, however, pushed her aside, his
focus on James. Bella stood in the corner, watching them both.
"Well hello, Cullen. Beautiful night, isn't it?" James questioned
innocently.
Edward's eyes narrowed. "Don't play innocent with me, Hunterson. What
the fuck were you just doing with my wife?" he growled. James' eyes lit up. He
laughed loudly.
"Your wife? I have it on good authority that particular statement is
not true." He winked at Bella. Edward's gaze shifted to Bella.
"He accosted me, Edward. He tried to rape me," she cried. James tisked
loudly.
"Now, now my dear. You were starving for it. You know you wanted to taste
more. Hell, you never complained before."
Bella gasped loudly. "That's not true," she cried plaintively. Edward glared
at her. "He's lying, Edward. I've been faithful to you."
"Now dear. The gig is up. You shouldn't lie to your husband," James said,
baiting Edward.
"I'm not lying! He's lying!"
"ENOUGH!" Edward bellowed. "Bella, go inside."
"No, I want to stay here."
Edward rounded on her. "GO INSIDE!" Bella jumped and ran back inside.
She slammed into Kate.
"What is it? What happened?" Kate asked Bella, her face a mask of concern.
Bella pointed hysterically at the Patio.
"James….attacked…..Edward….found…." was all Bella could get out. Kate's eyes
widened. Surely he wouldn't…. Kate raced for the Patio Door. Outside, the
terrible sound of flesh meeting flesh could be heard.
Bella inched back toward the door, wanting to make sure Edward was alright.
Kate held her back.
Outside, Edward landed an uppercut to James' jaw. He reeled back, but came
back swinging. He caught Edward in the stomach, causing him to "oomph" loudly.
James took advantage of this and pulled Edward up by the hair, glancing a blow
off his right eye. Edward kicked out his foot, hitting James in the knee. James
buckled to the ground, howling loudly.
Edward stood over James, his foot braced against his crotch. He pushed hard,
and James cried out. "Stay the fuck away from my wife, Hunterson, or next
time you lose them," he spit out. James curled into a ball, cursing Edward.
Bella stood by the door. "Edward…" she started, but he cut her off.
"Don't! Let's go. We're done here," he said, grabbing her arm roughly. She
cried out, but he relentlessly pulled her forward. The crowd had stopped dancing
and were watching the two of them. Several people shook their heads sadly. The
butler rushed to get their coats. Edward tossed Bella hers and pulled her out
the door.
Once they were outside, he jerked her roughly against him. "How long?" he
growled. Bella shook her head.
"Please, Edward. I've been faithful to you. I haven't broken my vows. I
wouldn't do that. I…"
"Save it. Let's go," he said, pulling her roughly again. Bella sobbed. She
tried valiantly to keep up with Edward, but his stride was so much longer.
Several times she lost her balance. Edward finally picked her up and carried
her. He shook with barely contained rage.
Entering their home a while later, Edward set her down roughly. Bella
immediately raced for her room. She could hear Edward's pounding footsteps
behind her. She made it to her door, opening it and entering quickly. She was
throwing it closed, when Edward's hand blocked it. She backed up as Edward came
into the room. His face was bloody from where James hit him. His eyes were on
fire. He walked intently toward her.
"Edward, please! Please, don't do this…" Bella sobbed. Edward wasn't
listening. He was pulling off his coat. "Edward…I'm begging you…."
"Has he been here? In your bedroom?" Edward fumed. Bella shook her head
wildly.
"NO! NEVER! He's never been here. He was lying, Edward. I've never been with
him. I wouldn't do that to you. I love you!" Bella burst out. Edward scoffed.
"Love? Is that why you let James put his hands on you? Why his tongue was
down your throat? HUH?"
"He forced himself on me! I didn't let him. I couldn't stop
him. He was too strong!"
"I thought…."Edward started, but stopped. "Never mind what I thought. I want
you out of my sight. I can't look at you right now."
Bella curled into herself. "Where will I go?" she asked quietly. Edward
glared at her.
"Never mind. I'll leave. Don't be here in the morning. I never want to lay
eyes on you again." With those words, Edward stormed out of her room, slamming
the door loudly. Bella jumped at the sound. She began shaking violently. Bella
felt her stomach churn and quake. Downstairs, she heard the front door slam
loudly, the sound vibrating off the walls. Bella lurched to the bathroom, and
emptied her stomach.
#--------------
Edward furiously walked Main St. His rage was still swelled, causing several
people to give him a wide berth. Edward barely noticed. His mind was replaying
what he had seen. Could she be telling the truth? No! I know what I saw. I
saw her in his arms. I saw his lips on her. His hand caressing her breast. I
know what I saw, damn it!
Edward turned down a quiet side street. Toward the end of the street, a
medium size building stood out. Edward could faintly hear music from inside of
it. Intrigued, he walked toward the building. Approaching the door, he noticed
it was slightly ajar. Now that he was closer, he could also hear laughter, male
and female. He stepped in slightly, for a closer look.
Several men sat around a make shift bar, drinking whiskey. A few scantily
dressed women made their way around the men, laughing and caressing them.
This must be a speakeasy. Edward had heard of them, but had never
visited one. Why the hell not. He walked up to the bar. The bartender
eyed him, taking in the cut above his eye, which had since clotted. He nodded
once and said, "Name's Felix. What can I get ya?"
"Um, whiskey?" Edward asked, glancing around him. Felix nodded again, and
filled a glass. He passed it to Edward, who said, "Thanks," and knocked it back.
The liquid seared his throat, but he didn't care. He gestured for another.
For about an hour, Edward sat and drank. His mind still raced with what he
had witnessed. Maybe….maybe Bella was being truthful. She's never lied before.
Maybe he did try to force her. Maybe, I was wrong.
Edward stood up, ready to pay his tab, when wild red hair blocked his vision.
He turned his head.
"Hey there, sugar. Buy a gal a drink?" she said, her eyes undressing him.
Edward looked her up and down. Her hair was red as a flame, and flying in all
directions. She had on a corset and lacy pantaloons. Her breasts swelled over
the top of the corset, and Edward forgot what he had been going to do. He smiled
at her.
"Sure, doll. Hey, Felix," he called to the bartender. When Felix looked up,
he said, "A drink for my new friend here." The red head giggled, and draped
herself around Edward.
"So, sugar. What's your name?" she asked, playing with his shirt front. He
glanced down, and got an even better view of her cleavage.
"Edward. And you are…?"
The red head giggled again. "Name's Victoria, sugar. And I think you and me
are gonna have lots of fun tonight." She glanced toward the stairs. Edward
followed her eyes.
"Why the fuck not. Lead the way." Tossing back his drink, Victoria grabbed
his hand, and they headed upstairs.
#---------
Bella was curled up on her bed. She had been crying ever since Edward had
left. Where did he go? Was he alright? Those thoughts tormented Bella.
Other thoughts tormented her, as well.
She thought back to the confrontation with James. Could she have changed what
happened? Had she done something to entice him? Had her dress been too low cut?
Had he interpreted her words as flirting? No! She had made herself very clear.
He had misinterpreted the situation. If Edward hadn't shown up….
Thinking of that confrontation made Bella queasy again. She had never
seen Edward that angry. She had actually thought he meant to pick up where James
had left off. When he had yanked off his jacket, Bella had been sure that he
would rape her. She realized then that she really didn't know what her husband
was capable of. That thought alone made her question why she had agreed to all
of this.
For Nessie. It's always been for Nessie. Bella wondered what Edward
would tell Nessie, come morning, when she discovered Bella was no longer in
their home. Maybe I should write her a letter, telling her good-bye. As
quickly as she thought it though, Bella decided against it. Edward would
probably find it first and rip it up. She looked around the room. Thankfully,
she hadn't brought many personal items. She would be able to pack relatively
quickly.
#----------------
As they entered Victoria's room, Edward was already kissing her and fondling
her breasts. Victoria laughed and wrapped her legs around his hips. They fell
back on the bed, and Victoria immediately began unbuttoning Edward's shirt. He
growled, and grabbed her hands.
"This doesn't work well, unless all our clothes are off, darlin'." Victoria
said with a laugh. Edward stared down at her. Instead of seeing Victoria though,
he saw Bella. Edward shook his head, trying to dislodge the image. Victoria
looked up at him, confusion on her face. "Second thoughts, darlin'?"
"No. Just…never mind." Edward once again started fondling Victoria, as she
started letting out breathy moans. Edward started on her corset. He had it
partially undone when, once again, he was assaulted by an image of Bella. Edward
groaned, and sat up in the bed. Victoria followed him up.
"It's your wife, isn't it?" she asked him. His head swiveled in her
direction, shock on his face. Victoria laughed. "Had a fight?"
Edward nodded, the liquor he had drank starting to hit him. Victoria was
talking, but he couldn't understand her words. The world was fading into a
comforting black.
"Bella…" he said, before he lost consciousness.
#-----------------------
Bella finally gathered herself together. Edward wanted her gone, so that was
what she would do. She started packing her bag, fighting the tears that kept
threatening to fall. The clock in the hallway chimed midnight. Edward had been
gone for 4 hours. Bella wondered again where he had gone.
After her one bag was packed, Bella started on the second. The enormity of
her situation finally hit her full force. She collapsed onto the floor, and
curled into a ball. Emotionally and physically exhausted, Bella fell asleep
there, believing that Edward hated her.
#----------------------
The next morning, Edward opened bleary eyes. He looked around, seeing that he
was in an unfamiliar room. Sitting up, he groaned loudly. His head was pounding,
and his mouth tasted like cotton. Edward grabbed his head, trying to stop the
spinning. A woman giggled behind him. Edward turned swiftly, and felt his
stomach roll.
"Morning, sugar. I'll bet that's quite the hangover you have going there,"
the woman said. Edward vaguely remembered her saying her name was Victoria.
"What time is it? What am I….did we?" Edward stumbled over his words.
Victoria regarded him, a knowing look on her face.
"Little after 9. I could say "yes, we did," but, I won't lie to you. We
started too, but you kinda passed out on me before we got to the grand finale."
"I'm terribly sorry. I hope I didn't do anything stupid. I honestly don't
remember," Edward told her. Victoria chuckled.
"Nah. Compared to the other men that come up here, you were a real gentlemen.
Wish every guy was like that."
"I need to get home. I'm sorry," Edward said, lurching toward the door.
Victoria's next words stopped him cold.
"Your wife is lucky to have someone like you. Most married men don't even
give a shit. You must be one of those rare ones who honestly loves their wife."
"How'd you know I have a wife?" Edward asked her, suspicion on his face.
Victoria held up her hands.
"Relax, tiger. You told me you two had a fight. And, just before you passed
out, you said, "Bella." I'm assuming that is your wife?"
"Yes. She is."
"Well, I hope everything works out for the two of you. Come back anytime,
sugar. Even if it's just to visit."
Edward stared at her. He smiled slightly. "Thank you."
With that, he ran downstairs. Please let Bella still be there….
#-------------------------
Bella awoke with gritty and swollen eyes. She sat up, surprised to find
herself on the floor. How…? Then, the events from the night before
assaulted her mind. Looking out the window, Bella realized that the sun was
high.
"Oh, no!" she said to herself. Edward was probably back by now. He would be
furious if he found her still there. Quickly, she packed her other bag, tossing
things in haphazardly. Once that was done, she scrubbed her face fiercely.
Opening her door, she heard no sounds or movement. Swiftly, she descended the
stairs.
Halfway down, Bella heard the front door open. She froze, and saw Edward stop
as well. They stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, Bella descended
the rest of the way. She stepped in front of Edward, and set her bags down.
"I'm sorry. I meant to be gone by now. I'm leaving now, though. You'll never
have to see me again, just as you asked. I won't contest an annulment. Good bye,
Edward," Bella said, fighting tears. She reached for her bags, and was surprised
when Edward fell to his knees in front of her. He wrapped his arms around her
waist, and held tight. Bella stood there, utterly shocked.
"My Bella…don't go. I was an idiot last night. I didn't believe you, and I
should have. Please…stay with me. Don't leave us. Don't leave me," Edward
begged.
Bella wrapped her arms around his head. "I won't. I won't leave you."
Edward stood up, pulling Bella into him. "I thought for sure you would be
gone. I realized what an ass I was when I got drunk last night. You've never
lied to me before. I jumped to a very inaccurate conclusion, and I'm so sorry
for that. Can you forgive me?"
"I tried to tell you. You were so angry though. I can forgive you, but, I
need to know one thing?" Bella asked. Edward nodded, reading her mind.
"I wasn't unfaithful to you, either," Edward said, as he leaned in to kiss
her.
Bella sighed as his lips covered hers. He pulled her even closer, and she
felt the evidence of his desire for her. He chuckled, pulling back slightly.
"I'm so very sorry, my Bella. No words will ever make up for the hurt I
caused you last night."
Bella thought, "I know three words that would." Again, they silently
stared at each other, anticipation strong as tension in the air. Finally, Edward
grabbed her bags, and together they made their way back upstairs.
#---------
Disclaimer: Twilight is owned by Stephanie
Meyer. No copyright infringement is meant. I am using the characters for
enjoyment purposes only.
Disclaimer: This fic is rated "M" for language,
violence, and sexual situations. If you are under 18, SCRAM! It is not my job to
police you. If you don't like what you are reading, STOP!
#--------
Chapter 22
"What the fuck is going on here?" Edward roared.
James pulled back with a smirk on his face. Bella struggled in his arms.
Releasing her, she ran straight to Edward. He, however, pushed her aside, his
focus on James. Bella stood in the corner, watching them both.
"Well hello, Cullen. Beautiful night, isn't it?" James questioned
innocently.
Edward's eyes narrowed. "Don't play innocent with me, Hunterson. What
the fuck were you just doing with my wife?" he growled. James' eyes lit up. He
laughed loudly.
"Your wife? I have it on good authority that particular statement is
not true." He winked at Bella. Edward's gaze shifted to Bella.
"He accosted me, Edward. He tried to rape me," she cried. James tisked
loudly.
"Now, now my dear. You were starving for it. You know you wanted to taste
more. Hell, you never complained before."
Bella gasped loudly. "That's not true," she cried plaintively. Edward glared
at her. "He's lying, Edward. I've been faithful to you."
"Now dear. The gig is up. You shouldn't lie to your husband," James said,
baiting Edward.
"I'm not lying! He's lying!"
"ENOUGH!" Edward bellowed. "Bella, go inside."
"No, I want to stay here."
Edward rounded on her. "GO INSIDE!" Bella jumped and ran back inside.
She slammed into Kate.
"What is it? What happened?" Kate asked Bella, her face a mask of concern.
Bella pointed hysterically at the Patio.
"James….attacked…..Edward….found…." was all Bella could get out. Kate's eyes
widened. Surely he wouldn't…. Kate raced for the Patio Door. Outside, the
terrible sound of flesh meeting flesh could be heard.
Bella inched back toward the door, wanting to make sure Edward was alright.
Kate held her back.
Outside, Edward landed an uppercut to James' jaw. He reeled back, but came
back swinging. He caught Edward in the stomach, causing him to "oomph" loudly.
James took advantage of this and pulled Edward up by the hair, glancing a blow
off his right eye. Edward kicked out his foot, hitting James in the knee. James
buckled to the ground, howling loudly.
Edward stood over James, his foot braced against his crotch. He pushed hard,
and James cried out. "Stay the fuck away from my wife, Hunterson, or next
time you lose them," he spit out. James curled into a ball, cursing Edward.
Bella stood by the door. "Edward…" she started, but he cut her off.
"Don't! Let's go. We're done here," he said, grabbing her arm roughly. She
cried out, but he relentlessly pulled her forward. The crowd had stopped dancing
and were watching the two of them. Several people shook their heads sadly. The
butler rushed to get their coats. Edward tossed Bella hers and pulled her out
the door.
Once they were outside, he jerked her roughly against him. "How long?" he
growled. Bella shook her head.
"Please, Edward. I've been faithful to you. I haven't broken my vows. I
wouldn't do that. I…"
"Save it. Let's go," he said, pulling her roughly again. Bella sobbed. She
tried valiantly to keep up with Edward, but his stride was so much longer.
Several times she lost her balance. Edward finally picked her up and carried
her. He shook with barely contained rage.
Entering their home a while later, Edward set her down roughly. Bella
immediately raced for her room. She could hear Edward's pounding footsteps
behind her. She made it to her door, opening it and entering quickly. She was
throwing it closed, when Edward's hand blocked it. She backed up as Edward came
into the room. His face was bloody from where James hit him. His eyes were on
fire. He walked intently toward her.
"Edward, please! Please, don't do this…" Bella sobbed. Edward wasn't
listening. He was pulling off his coat. "Edward…I'm begging you…."
"Has he been here? In your bedroom?" Edward fumed. Bella shook her head
wildly.
"NO! NEVER! He's never been here. He was lying, Edward. I've never been with
him. I wouldn't do that to you. I love you!" Bella burst out. Edward scoffed.
"Love? Is that why you let James put his hands on you? Why his tongue was
down your throat? HUH?"
"He forced himself on me! I didn't let him. I couldn't stop
him. He was too strong!"
"I thought…."Edward started, but stopped. "Never mind what I thought. I want
you out of my sight. I can't look at you right now."
Bella curled into herself. "Where will I go?" she asked quietly. Edward
glared at her.
"Never mind. I'll leave. Don't be here in the morning. I never want to lay
eyes on you again." With those words, Edward stormed out of her room, slamming
the door loudly. Bella jumped at the sound. She began shaking violently. Bella
felt her stomach churn and quake. Downstairs, she heard the front door slam
loudly, the sound vibrating off the walls. Bella lurched to the bathroom, and
emptied her stomach.
#--------------
Edward furiously walked Main St. His rage was still swelled, causing several
people to give him a wide berth. Edward barely noticed. His mind was replaying
what he had seen. Could she be telling the truth? No! I know what I saw. I
saw her in his arms. I saw his lips on her. His hand caressing her breast. I
know what I saw, damn it!
Edward turned down a quiet side street. Toward the end of the street, a
medium size building stood out. Edward could faintly hear music from inside of
it. Intrigued, he walked toward the building. Approaching the door, he noticed
it was slightly ajar. Now that he was closer, he could also hear laughter, male
and female. He stepped in slightly, for a closer look.
Several men sat around a make shift bar, drinking whiskey. A few scantily
dressed women made their way around the men, laughing and caressing them.
This must be a speakeasy. Edward had heard of them, but had never
visited one. Why the hell not. He walked up to the bar. The bartender
eyed him, taking in the cut above his eye, which had since clotted. He nodded
once and said, "Name's Felix. What can I get ya?"
"Um, whiskey?" Edward asked, glancing around him. Felix nodded again, and
filled a glass. He passed it to Edward, who said, "Thanks," and knocked it back.
The liquid seared his throat, but he didn't care. He gestured for another.
For about an hour, Edward sat and drank. His mind still raced with what he
had witnessed. Maybe….maybe Bella was being truthful. She's never lied before.
Maybe he did try to force her. Maybe, I was wrong.
Edward stood up, ready to pay his tab, when wild red hair blocked his vision.
He turned his head.
"Hey there, sugar. Buy a gal a drink?" she said, her eyes undressing him.
Edward looked her up and down. Her hair was red as a flame, and flying in all
directions. She had on a corset and lacy pantaloons. Her breasts swelled over
the top of the corset, and Edward forgot what he had been going to do. He smiled
at her.
"Sure, doll. Hey, Felix," he called to the bartender. When Felix looked up,
he said, "A drink for my new friend here." The red head giggled, and draped
herself around Edward.
"So, sugar. What's your name?" she asked, playing with his shirt front. He
glanced down, and got an even better view of her cleavage.
"Edward. And you are…?"
The red head giggled again. "Name's Victoria, sugar. And I think you and me
are gonna have lots of fun tonight." She glanced toward the stairs. Edward
followed her eyes.
"Why the fuck not. Lead the way." Tossing back his drink, Victoria grabbed
his hand, and they headed upstairs.
#---------
Bella was curled up on her bed. She had been crying ever since Edward had
left. Where did he go? Was he alright? Those thoughts tormented Bella.
Other thoughts tormented her, as well.
She thought back to the confrontation with James. Could she have changed what
happened? Had she done something to entice him? Had her dress been too low cut?
Had he interpreted her words as flirting? No! She had made herself very clear.
He had misinterpreted the situation. If Edward hadn't shown up….
Thinking of that confrontation made Bella queasy again. She had never
seen Edward that angry. She had actually thought he meant to pick up where James
had left off. When he had yanked off his jacket, Bella had been sure that he
would rape her. She realized then that she really didn't know what her husband
was capable of. That thought alone made her question why she had agreed to all
of this.
For Nessie. It's always been for Nessie. Bella wondered what Edward
would tell Nessie, come morning, when she discovered Bella was no longer in
their home. Maybe I should write her a letter, telling her good-bye. As
quickly as she thought it though, Bella decided against it. Edward would
probably find it first and rip it up. She looked around the room. Thankfully,
she hadn't brought many personal items. She would be able to pack relatively
quickly.
#----------------
As they entered Victoria's room, Edward was already kissing her and fondling
her breasts. Victoria laughed and wrapped her legs around his hips. They fell
back on the bed, and Victoria immediately began unbuttoning Edward's shirt. He
growled, and grabbed her hands.
"This doesn't work well, unless all our clothes are off, darlin'." Victoria
said with a laugh. Edward stared down at her. Instead of seeing Victoria though,
he saw Bella. Edward shook his head, trying to dislodge the image. Victoria
looked up at him, confusion on her face. "Second thoughts, darlin'?"
"No. Just…never mind." Edward once again started fondling Victoria, as she
started letting out breathy moans. Edward started on her corset. He had it
partially undone when, once again, he was assaulted by an image of Bella. Edward
groaned, and sat up in the bed. Victoria followed him up.
"It's your wife, isn't it?" she asked him. His head swiveled in her
direction, shock on his face. Victoria laughed. "Had a fight?"
Edward nodded, the liquor he had drank starting to hit him. Victoria was
talking, but he couldn't understand her words. The world was fading into a
comforting black.
"Bella…" he said, before he lost consciousness.
#-----------------------
Bella finally gathered herself together. Edward wanted her gone, so that was
what she would do. She started packing her bag, fighting the tears that kept
threatening to fall. The clock in the hallway chimed midnight. Edward had been
gone for 4 hours. Bella wondered again where he had gone.
After her one bag was packed, Bella started on the second. The enormity of
her situation finally hit her full force. She collapsed onto the floor, and
curled into a ball. Emotionally and physically exhausted, Bella fell asleep
there, believing that Edward hated her.
#----------------------
The next morning, Edward opened bleary eyes. He looked around, seeing that he
was in an unfamiliar room. Sitting up, he groaned loudly. His head was pounding,
and his mouth tasted like cotton. Edward grabbed his head, trying to stop the
spinning. A woman giggled behind him. Edward turned swiftly, and felt his
stomach roll.
"Morning, sugar. I'll bet that's quite the hangover you have going there,"
the woman said. Edward vaguely remembered her saying her name was Victoria.
"What time is it? What am I….did we?" Edward stumbled over his words.
Victoria regarded him, a knowing look on her face.
"Little after 9. I could say "yes, we did," but, I won't lie to you. We
started too, but you kinda passed out on me before we got to the grand finale."
"I'm terribly sorry. I hope I didn't do anything stupid. I honestly don't
remember," Edward told her. Victoria chuckled.
"Nah. Compared to the other men that come up here, you were a real gentlemen.
Wish every guy was like that."
"I need to get home. I'm sorry," Edward said, lurching toward the door.
Victoria's next words stopped him cold.
"Your wife is lucky to have someone like you. Most married men don't even
give a shit. You must be one of those rare ones who honestly loves their wife."
"How'd you know I have a wife?" Edward asked her, suspicion on his face.
Victoria held up her hands.
"Relax, tiger. You told me you two had a fight. And, just before you passed
out, you said, "Bella." I'm assuming that is your wife?"
"Yes. She is."
"Well, I hope everything works out for the two of you. Come back anytime,
sugar. Even if it's just to visit."
Edward stared at her. He smiled slightly. "Thank you."
With that, he ran downstairs. Please let Bella still be there….
#-------------------------
Bella awoke with gritty and swollen eyes. She sat up, surprised to find
herself on the floor. How…? Then, the events from the night before
assaulted her mind. Looking out the window, Bella realized that the sun was
high.
"Oh, no!" she said to herself. Edward was probably back by now. He would be
furious if he found her still there. Quickly, she packed her other bag, tossing
things in haphazardly. Once that was done, she scrubbed her face fiercely.
Opening her door, she heard no sounds or movement. Swiftly, she descended the
stairs.
Halfway down, Bella heard the front door open. She froze, and saw Edward stop
as well. They stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, Bella descended
the rest of the way. She stepped in front of Edward, and set her bags down.
"I'm sorry. I meant to be gone by now. I'm leaving now, though. You'll never
have to see me again, just as you asked. I won't contest an annulment. Good bye,
Edward," Bella said, fighting tears. She reached for her bags, and was surprised
when Edward fell to his knees in front of her. He wrapped his arms around her
waist, and held tight. Bella stood there, utterly shocked.
"My Bella…don't go. I was an idiot last night. I didn't believe you, and I
should have. Please…stay with me. Don't leave us. Don't leave me," Edward
begged.
Bella wrapped her arms around his head. "I won't. I won't leave you."
Edward stood up, pulling Bella into him. "I thought for sure you would be
gone. I realized what an ass I was when I got drunk last night. You've never
lied to me before. I jumped to a very inaccurate conclusion, and I'm so sorry
for that. Can you forgive me?"
"I tried to tell you. You were so angry though. I can forgive you, but, I
need to know one thing?" Bella asked. Edward nodded, reading her mind.
"I wasn't unfaithful to you, either," Edward said, as he leaned in to kiss
her.
Bella sighed as his lips covered hers. He pulled her even closer, and she
felt the evidence of his desire for her. He chuckled, pulling back slightly.
"I'm so very sorry, my Bella. No words will ever make up for the hurt I
caused you last night."
Bella thought, "I know three words that would." Again, they silently
stared at each other, anticipation strong as tension in the air. Finally, Edward
grabbed her bags, and together they made their way back upstairs.
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