The Perfect Wife

Chapter 45

2010-01-26T01:12:00.000-08:00

a/n: I am sad to say that this is the last chapter that will be posted on this blog. I have moved my story over to The Writer's Coffee Shop's LIBRARY. www.twcslibrary.com

Here is the link to my story. http://twcslibrary.com/viewstory.php?sid=19&warning=3

Please sign up. Link my story to your favourites and then make sure you go to your account info and edit preferences making sure you get email updates for your favourites.

Sorry again for the move but The writer's coffee shop just offers more than what a blog can offer.

Thanks for understanding

Mic xxx

p.s. thanks always to Lillie cullen for this chapter..

Edward POV

I was on my hands and knees rubbing with everything I had in me and cussing like a sailor when my mother came in from Emmett’s. I jumped when I felt her hand on my shoulder.

“Edward,” she asked, laughing, “what are you doing?”

I threw the sponge on the floor and sat on the sofa in defeat.

“Bella and I left ice cream in here and it melted onto the carpet,” I grumbled. I raked my sticky fingers through my hair then stared at my hand in disgust. “How the fuck do you clean this shit up? Is there some kind of magical voodoo spell you women use? All I’ve done is make the stain bigger.”

She laughed and put her arm around me. “It’s called carpet cleaner. I’ve got some in the utility room. Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it,” she assured me. “So what was the occasion?”

I grinned at her. “I’m sure Bella will want to tell you herself in the morning.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry for the mess and I’ll have to buy you and Bella a new carton of ice cream.”

She looked at me thoughtfully. “You know about that, huh?”

“Yeah, I’ve actually known about the ice cream for quite a while.” I sighed and turned to look at her. “I’m trying, Mom. I love Bella and I only want to make her happy.”

“I’m so proud of you, Edward,” she said. She put her arm around my shoulders and hugged me. “You’ve come so far in such a short time. As long as you always remember your love for Bella, I’m sure you’ll both be happy. Just remember to think of her as a person with thoughts and feelings of her own. Remember they may not always coincide with yours, but there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll find your own way together to do what makes you both happy.” She hugged me again and stood. “Why don’t you go on up and I’ll take care of this. Your father should be home soon. I want to have this finished before he gets here.”

I stood and kissed her ‘good night’. “Thanks Mom. I didn’t want him to find the mess and blame you.”

I turned off the bathroom light and slipped quietly back into bed. My hair was still damp from my shower. I propped up on my elbow so I could watch Bella sleep. She was on her stomach, facing me, her hair in wild disarray around her head and shoulders. She was beautiful. I let my gaze wander over the smooth line of her bare back as it disappeared beneath the sheet resting against the small of her back. I brushed her hair back so I could see her face. Her lush lips were parted and I could hear the steady rhythm of her breathing.

I smiled remembering our evening. She said ‘yes’. I knew she would. We were destined to be together. I knew it the moment I saw her picture. Being with her only solidified my feelings. I really loved her now. I understand the difference in what I felt before; extreme lust, and what I feel now. But better than hearing Bella say ‘yes’ to my proposal, was hearing her say ‘I love you’ for the very first time. Nothing could compare to hearing those magical three words come from the mouth of my beautiful angel. I’ve been waiting months to hear them. It made tonight absolutely perfect. Then the way our evening ended…God, there aren’t words to describe how I feel about that. Making love with Bella was so much more than I ever imagined. I’ve had sex before, but I’ve never made love. I never knew there was a difference.

God, what a fool I’ve been, always so smug and confident in my own intellect, thinking I knew everything. I had my life planned out perfectly; medical school, become a doctor, marriage, and children. I would still have all of this, but it would be filled with love now; real love. I leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder then rubbed my thumb over the diamond ring on her left hand beside me. I closed my eyes and let myself drift back into sleep.

My dreams took me to visions of our future. There would be love and laughter in our home; not the somber atmosphere I had grown up with. I could envision Bella running around being carefree chasing after our sons. I smiled at the imagery. Then my dream shifted and into my vision came a little girl about five years old. She had soft brown pigtails and big brown eyes, a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her little nose. She was wearing a white sundress with watermelon slices for the collar and pockets. I knew her; she was my Bella. And the boys she was chasing were me and my brothers and James.

She was running after the boys, begging them to wait up for her. The boys were laughing at her, knowing she wouldn’t be able to catch up. She tripped over her shoelace and fell to her hands and knees on the ground. The youngest boy stopped and stomped back to her, angry. She was sitting on the ground crying.

“Look what you did, you little brat,” he growled. “You’re all dirty now. I told you to keep your butt at home.”

He yanked her up by her arm and slapped her. She started crying harder, rubbing her red cheek. I could see a smear of blood that must have come from her scraped hand.

“Jamie, please,” she cried, “don’t be mad. I’m sorry. I just want to play, too.”

She tried to hug him as the other boys came up to stand around them, but he shoved her away from him, causing her to fall again. He laughed at her on the ground.

“You’re such a crybaby. I’ll give you something to cry about.” He turned to the other boys and grinned. “Hey guys, watch this. This is the only fun part of having a little sister.”

He sat on the ground and pulled the little Bella over his legs. He yanked her dress up and pulled down her cotton panties. I noticed they had little pink and yellow flowers all over them.

“James, its fine,” the younger me said. “She can play.”

“No she can’t, she’s just a stupid girl,” Emmett was saying.

“Yeah, no girls allowed,” Jasper agreed.

James raised his hand to begin spanking her. She was crying and squirming around trying to get away, begging him not to spank her again. She looked up at me with those large brown eyes full of tears, begging me to save her.

“James, leave her alone. It’s her birthday,” I said as I grabbed his wrist, standing over him. I pulled her up from his lap and pushed her behind me as James scrambled to his feet to face me.

“She’s my sister and I can spank her anytime I want. Just ask my dad. He watched me spank her this morning too,” he said smugly. “You’re just jealous ‘cause you don’t get to spank her.” He eyed me speculatively. “You can if you want. I don’t care,” he shrugged.

I turned to look at her cowering behind me. She looked up at me in fear that I would take him up on his offer. Tears were streaming down her face and her bottom lip was quivering. I smiled reassuringly at her and put my arm over her shoulders. I turned back to James and shrugged in return.

“Nah, maybe later.” I turned to my brothers. “Y’all go on. I’m gonna take Isabella home to make sure she doesn’t follow us again.”

“Whatever dude. Come on James,” Emmett said, turning and walking away.

“Wuss.” Jasper just rolled his eyes at me and followed Emmett.

James glared at Bella again before stomping off. I stood there until they disappeared beyond the trees then turned back to look down at the little girl in front of me. She looked up at me, sniffing and rubbing her runny nose with the back of her hand, smearing dirt on her face. She was such a mess.

“Are you going to spank me?” she whispered.

“Nah, you’re okay,” I answered, grinning down at her. “But we do need to get you cleaned up though before you get in trouble.”

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to play. Jamie never lets me play.”

I squatted down in front of her. “Come on, hop on. I’ll give you a piggyback ride to the house.”

“Really?” she squealed. She ran behind me and climbed up on my back.

“Hang on tight,” I laughed as she wrapped her arms around my neck and I grabbed hold of her legs. “I’m a wild horse and I buck. I can’t be tamed.”

She laughed and screamed as I ran us back to the house. I would spin around and jump acting like a fool because it made her happy. We got back to the house and I took her in the bathroom, avoiding our parents so she wouldn’t get in trouble, and set her on the counter. I used a washcloth to clean up her face and then doctored the scrapes on her hands and knees. The antiseptic stung her cuts and I blew on them to ease the sting.

“Will you kiss it?” she asked. “Momma always kisses it to make it better.”

“Sure, okay,” I shrugged. I kissed both her knees and then the palms of her hands. I leaned in and kissed her cheek that James had slapped, too. “Better?” I asked.

She nodded her head and hugged me. I took her back outside and pushed her on her swing set. I listened to her talk about her princess birthday cake her mom bought for tonight and the cookies she helped her mom make. I heard our mothers call us in to dinner and helped her out of the swing. She took my hand and pulled me down to squat in front of her.

“Can I tell you a secret?” she asked. She cupped her hand to my ear and whispered, “I know what I’m gonna wish for when I blow out my candles. I’m gonna marry you when I grow up.” She then quickly hugged me and kissed my cheek before running away from me toward the house.

I watched her run to the house and slowly followed after. I rubbed my offended cheek from her sloppy kiss. I was surprised to see my father sitting on the patio steps talking to Isabella. She was standing between his knees showing him the scrapes on her hands and knees. He wasn’t even aware I was there. His full attention devoted to Isabella.

“Edward made them all better,” she was saying.

“He sure did, Princess,” my father said. “Can I give them some extra love to help them heal faster?”

I saw her nod and hold out her hands to him. I was stunned to see my father being so loving and gentle with her. He kissed each of her hands and then wrapped her in his arms in a hug. He was never like this with us.

“Now, what would you like more than anything for your birthday?” he asked. “Would you like Uncle Carlisle to get you a pony?”

She shook her head and leaned to whisper in his ear. He listened and I saw the grin spread on his face. He looked up to see me standing there then looked back at Bella. He kissed her forehead then winked at me.

“If you promise to always be my princess, I’ll make sure you get your wish,” he told her. “Now, give Uncle Carlisle a big kiss and let’s go blow out those candles.”

She gave my father a kiss on his cheek and I watched as my father swung her up in the air as he stood. He carried her into the house on his shoulders as she laughed.

I woke from my dream and lay there staring at the ceiling and smiled. Bella got her wish. Who would have thought a little girl’s birthday wish would come to fruition all these years later? I wonder if she even remembered that birthday. We never talked about her childhood before Phoenix. I didn’t think she had many happy memories from that time based on what I remembered about James’ treatment of her.

Then I thought about my father’s role in this. He knew Bella’s childish wish and here she was, my fiancé. I wonder if he remembered that birthday wish when he sent me her picture. Thinking about my father’s behavior in my dream, it seemed my father always had a soft spot for Bella? As I dug through my memories, nothing else really stood out in my mind. I certainly didn’t remember anything bad in the way he treated her. If anything, what interactions I did remember, he always called her princess and tried to spoil her when she was with us. I smiled and closed my eyes to drift back into sleep. Maybe I’ll remind him of this when we tell him tomorrow. She used to be his princess, but she was mine now.

Chapter 44

2010-01-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

a/n Would like to thank my wonderful friend and Beta, Lillie Cullen who worked her magic with this chapter!!

EPOV

I was thankful that there was no sign of Carlisle when we returned home. I didn't want anything to put a damper on our magical evening. We would have liked to have shared our news with Esme, but she had left a note for us that Rosalie wasn't feeling well and she'd gone to their house to see if she could help out.

I showed Bella the note, and a slow smile spread across her face as she realized we had the place to ourselves. No need to pretend, no need to be on edge. For tonight, it was just Edward and Bella. If just for one night, I wanted my fiancée to feel at home. It felt good to be able to call her that at long last. I hesitated for a moment, not sure I wanted to let her know I was in on this particular secret of hers and my mother's, but ultimately decided that it was worth it. I wanted her to know that I knew her secrets and I was okay with it. I only wanted her happiness.

I grinned wickedly and opened the freezer, digging for the tub of ice cream I knew would be hidden in the back. Bella's jaw dropped open, but I didn't give her a chance to ask as I grabbed two spoons, took her by the hand, and dragged her laughing into the living room.

We unceremoniously plopped onto the sofa, and I put some random movie on the TV, then pulled her shoes off and put her feet squarely on the coffee table. I followed suit, then threw a blanket over our laps before cracking open the ice cream. I scooped a big spoonful and held it up to Bella's mouth. She eyed it hesitantly and then looked back at me, checking to make sure I wasn't setting her up, I assume, before she closed her eyes and opened her mouth to accept my offering. Something about the expression on her face went straight to my cock. I delicately placed the spoon in her mouth. My breath caught in my throat when I watched her pretty, pink tongue curl under the spoon before her perfect lips enveloped the spoon. Bella moaned and I had to adjust myself beneath the blanket.

I watched enraptured as Bella savored the treat, her throat rippling erotically when she swallowed. When she opened her eyes, there was a fire there I wasn't sure I'd ever seen before. Bella took the ice cream and spoon from me, and then got up to straddle my legs before feeding me a bite of my own. I couldn't tell you if the moan that escaped from my chest was from the ice cream or from Bella's close proximity and intimate position. Bella shocked me when she bent her head down and licked a little ice cream that hadn't quite made it in my mouth.

I buried one hand in her hair and pulled her hips to me with the other, turning her teasing into a scorching kiss. It was so different than our kisses in the beginning, where it was all about me taking and her submitting against her will. Now I could feel her active participation, her passion. She was enjoying it, maybe even as much as I was. I could only hope.

I struggled with my self-control, my hands finding their way under her blouse to caress the creamy skin on the small of her back. Bella responded by grinding against me. There was absolutely no sign of 'Bella Barbie' anywhere to be found. This was Bella, my Bella, actually wanting me, and taking charge, showing me with her every movement that she desired me. I slid my hands under her bottom and squeezed her cheeks, pulling her closer, thrusting against her to show her I desired her just as much.

Bella gasped and stilled her movements. I pulled back from the kiss to look in her eyes, my hands flying to hold her face. Had I gone too far? Had I scared her? I breathed a sigh of relief when her hooded eyes told me I did not. She pushed my head into the back of the couch with the force of her kiss and I was lost. Bella's lips traveled along my jaw line, pausing to nibble on my ear before blazing a trail down my neck. Her soft tongue swirled around the hollow of my throat. I closed my eyes and moaned, running my fingers through her hair.

I quickly stood pulling Bella up with me. She wrapped her legs around my waist, burying her face in my neck. I could feel her playful nibbles on my neck as I climbed the stairs to our room; all thoughts of movies and ice cream long since forgotten. I kicked the door shut behind us and carried her into the bedroom.

I placed her on the bed laying on top of her as our lips fused together in another scorching kiss. We rolled until Bella was lying on top of me. I rubbed my hands down her waist to cup her firm bottom as I gently sucked against her collarbone with my lips.

She slid her body against mine as she kissed my neck and continued lower, sliding onto her knees between my legs, unbuttoning the top two buttons on my shirt and kissing and licking the newly exposed flesh. Soon she had unbuttoned my shirt completely, her fingers running up and down my chest, her nails skimming over my nipples, causing me to hiss with need.

When Bella began undoing my belt, it was my turn to panic. I stilled her hands. "Bella, no," I whispered, hoping it didn't sound like a command. She looked confused, maybe even hurt. "I don't want you to feel as though you have to do... that." The confusion melted away and was quickly replaced with what can only be described as a wicked grin.

"I know I don't have to, Edward. I want to." Bella swatted away my hands away. I lifted my hips to help her remove my slacks and boxers, then grabbed a couple of decorative pillows and held on to them for dear life. If she wanted to do this for me, then I would let her. I'm no fool after all, I know the pleasures Bella can bring me this way. But I was determined to be a passive participant. I would not hold her head, grab her hair or guide her strokes. And I most certainly would not thrust into her mouth, no matter how much I wanted to.

Those thoughts almost became a mantra, repeated over and over in my mind as Bella took me into her mouth and began working me. I thought I knew what this experience would feel like before. I had no idea the difference love would make. The way Bella lovingly caressed my balls; teased me by taking just the head between her lips and flicking her tongue around it, drove me absolutely mad. My neck muscles were so tight they felt like they would snap at any moment. "Bella! Oh God!" I grunted, turning my head to the side and snapping my eyes shut as she continued torturing me in the most exquisite way possible.

I felt her smile around my cock and I couldn't help but look down at her, only to find her looking up at me. She was smiling, obviously happy at the reactions she was getting. I was almost stunned to find she was truly enjoying this. Bella took that moment to thrust her head downwards, taking all of me in, until I felt my cock bounce against the back of her throat. I arched my back, struggling more than ever to keep still, and Bella hummed a chuckle which rippled over my sensitive flesh. "Sweet Jesus!" How had I ever been content with just having her service me against her will? Bella had shown me how much I was missing emotionally, and now she was showing me how much I had been missing physically, how much more wonderful physical pleasure could be between two people who loved one another and wanted to share their love this way.

Bella soon found a rhythm she was happy with, moving her hands in sequence with her mouth, flicking her tongue around the tip and scraping the underside lightly with her teeth. I felt myself swelling and knew I wasn't going to last much longer. I wasn't sure what to do. Do I stop her? Do I warn her? Would she want to continue, to swallow? I could no longer make such assumptions.

I opened my mouth to speak when Bella pulled away, a slight smirk on her face because she knew as well as I did how close I was to coming undone. She slithered back up my body, kissing me again.

"You like that," she said confidently before kissing me, licking my lip. I opened my mouth to her and she took control of the kiss, deepening it, tugging at my hair as she did.

"You are wearing entirely too much clothes. I want to see you. Touch you. Taste you. Will you let me?" Bella nodded and I slowly removed each article of clothing, worshipping every square inch of her body as I went. I guided Bella down so her head was resting on the pillows and positioned myself between her legs. I bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her soft, pink nether lips. Silently, I prayed to God for forgiveness for all the injustices Bella's body and soul had suffered and thanked the heavens that Bella still saw it fit to share herself with me in this way.

I took a deep breath, taking in the heady smell of her arousal. She smelled so good, it was intoxicating. I reached out and tasted her with my tongue, swirling it around her clit while I teased her entrance with my finger. I pleasured her slowly, dragging it out as she did me, pleased when she had no problems thrusting her hips towards my mouth, grabbing my hair and begging me for more, which I gladly provided.

It took a while for her to orgasm, but I was relentless and when she came, moaning my name, I lapped up every last bit of her juices, stretching out her pleasure for as long as possible until she tugged at my hair, urging me upwards. I kissed her thigh, then her soft stomach, and the sweet expanse between her breasts, before shifting to the side, prepared to take her in my arms and cuddle her until we fell asleep.

Bella had other ideas. She tugged at my arm, clearly wanting me on top of her, but I couldn't do that. If my cock, hard again and throbbing almost painfully, were to come anywhere near her sweet apex, my self-control would shatter like eggshells. I kissed the soft spot below her ear and squeezed her to me, but didn't budge.

"Bella," I whispered to her. "I can't. I won't be able to stop if we go any further."

Bella turned to me and kissed my lips. "I don't want you to," she whispered back. I pulled back to look in her eyes. She was biting her lip, trembling slightly, and her eyes were no longer fierce. It wasn't lust clouding them over, it was love. Pure, sweet love.

"Are you sure, Bella? We don't have to do this if you're not ready," I reminded her. It had to be her choice, her desire.

"I'm sure, Edward. I love you, and I know now that you love me, too. I want to share this with you. I'm ready now." The tears welled in her eyes, and mine as well, as I shifted and settled myself between her legs, kissing and caressing her gently for a long time before lining myself up at her entrance.

"This is going to hurt at first, my love, but I promise I'll make you feel good." Bella nodded and I entered her slowly, groaning from the feeling of her wet, velvety warmth surrounding me. When I reached her barrier, I paused, wrapping my arms around her tight. "I love you," I whispered in her ear before thrusting forward, breaking through her barrier and fully sheathing myself inside her. Bella couldn't hold back the 'Oh!' as the pain swept through her. I held still, caressing her hair, trying to soothe her, whispering over and over how much I loved her. When the trembles subsided, Bella kissed my cheek.

"I love you, too. I'm okay now."

"You're sure?" Bella nodded and moved her hips to show me she meant it.

Slow strokes.

Gentle strokes.

Loving strokes.

This was not sex. This was on an entirely different plane from sex. This was the sweetest, most spiritual moment of my entire life. Bella and I were truly one. We took our time, exploring this feeling, how the slightest of movements altered and heightened each sensation. The heat built slowly. After a while, Bella wrapped her legs around my waist, allowing me to hit that spot deep inside her that ignited our passions. Her muscles clamped around me, forming an even tighter hold and I couldn't hold back any longer.

The speed of my thrusts increased and I reached between us to massage her clit, hating the space between any portion of our bodies at that moment, but wanting, needing, Bella to come with me. We tumbled over the edge together, clinging to one another for dear life as our orgasms overtook us.

When we had caught our breath, I moved to my side, bringing her along with me. We stayed joined, not wanting to lose that connection. I pushed her sweat drenched hair back from her beautiful face and kissed her eyelids, her nose, and her chin before kissing her goodnight and telling her once more how much I loved and adored her. I had never slept so good as I did that night.

Chapter 43

2009-12-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Edward POV

I sat in the living room with Jasper waiting for Bella to come downstairs. She was in our room getting ready for dinner. Tonight was a special occasion, although she wasn’t aware of that fact, and Alice was helping her get ready.

“Thanks for keeping the car at your place. I’m sure we’ll be by in the morning,” I chuckled. “I can’t see Bella waiting long to drive it once I give it to her tonight.”

Jasper shook his head at me joining in my laughter. “Don’t worry; I’m sure Alice will be up waiting for her to come over. You know Alice is going to want to go for a ride with her.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll want to spend the day together after tonight,” I smirked.

“Why is that?” Jasper asked.

“I’m proposing tonight,” I smiled. “I’ve already mentioned to Carlisle that he needs to get started on voiding her adoption.”

Alice walked in the room at my comment. She clapped her hands together, squealing and started jumping up and down.

“Alice, baby,” Jasper laughed, rubbing his ear. “You nearly blew out my eardrum.”

“Who knew you could be so loud?” I laughed with him.

Alice put her hands on her hips and huffed at us. It was amazing to see the changes taking place in Alice; in all our women. They were growing in confidence and becoming more outspoken around us. I never thought it would be something I liked to see, but it was. The air of confidence actually made each of them sexier in our eyes. And believe me, Bella was very sexy now. She had a snarkiness to her I would have never seen. She loved to tease me and her laughter was music to my ears. She made me feel more lighthearted and I was learning to laugh with her.

“Very funny, you two,” she frowned. She turned toward me, “Are you really going to ask her to marry you tonight? Like…ask as in really ask?”

“What do mean?” I asked her, glancing to Jasper to see if he understood what she was getting at.

He just shrugged his shoulders, not knowing either. “Look,” I said, pulling the ring out of my pocket.

“I’ve got the ring right here.”

She took the little black box from me and stared at the ring for a moment before handing it back to me. “It’s really beautiful, Edward. I know she’ll love it.”

She smiled softly and brushed at the tears gathering in her eyes. Jasper pulled her into a gentle embrace and kissed the top of her head. He then stepped back and took her face between his hands, tilting it up to look in her eyes.

“Alice? What’s wrong, baby?” he asked gently.

“Nothing. I’m sorry, don’t mind me,” she said waiving her hand dismissively.

“Alice,” Jasper’s voice took on an authoritative tone. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

I stood watching their exchange and figured I should leave. “I’m just going to go get Bella for dinner.”

Alice turned toward me, tears still in her eyes.

“No, Edward, don’t go yet. You can hear this too,” she said softly. She turned back to Jasper and gave him a weak smile. “You know I love you, right?”

“Of course I do,” Jasper assured her. “I love you too. So very much.” He gave her a gentle kiss then said softly, “You’re my life, Alice.”

Alice stroked his cheek and smiled a little brighter at him. Her eyes were still glistening with tears, but were shining with so much love towards my brother that I felt like an intruder on their moment. Before I could slip out she turned toward me.

“I’m sorry for crying. It’s yours and Bella’s night and I’m very happy for you both. Really I am. It’s just hard not to be…” she paused. She took a deep breath closing her eyes before opening them again. There was so much sadness in her eyes I could almost feel her pain. “Envious.”

“Why would you be envious?” I asked, confused.

I was the one who was envious. Alice and Jasper loved each other. Jasper heard everyday the words I’ve yet to hear from my Bella. I was proposing tonight, but still didn’t know if she loved me yet. I was aching to hear those three little words from her. It would make everything perfect, but I knew I needed to give her more time. I knew she cared for me and we were getting closer all the time. She was coming out of her shell and beginning to glow. I loved the real Bella now that I knew her. How I could have ever thought what I felt before was love was beyond me. It paled in comparison to what I felt for her now. So why would Alice envy us? I don’t think either Jasper or I were ready for her answer.

“You’re asking her,” she answered softly.

Jasper took her shoulders and turned her back toward him. His face was full of confusion.

“Baby, what do you mean?” he asked.

She stepped away from Jasper. She turned and walked to the window, staring out for a moment before turning back to us. There was so much pain in her eyes as she looked at Jasper. I’d never seen that expression in her eyes before, not that I would have noticed before now. She stared at Jasper with her hands clenched.

“You never asked me,” she stressed. “You just showed up in my hospital room with a minister and we were married three days after I laid eyes on you for the very first time. Emmett never asked Rose. They were married the day after he picked her up. Bella is the only one who is actually going to hear a proposal. Do you know how many times growing up I dreamed of having the perfect guy, the perfect proposal?” her voice cracked, “The perfect wedding?” She swiped angrily at the tears sliding down her face. Her breathing was shaky as she tried to keep it together. “Please understand, Jasper, I love you with all my heart and I love being your wife. But you never asked,” she said softly.

“Alice, baby. I’m so sorry.”

Jasper walked over to hold her. I was shocked when she held her hand out to stop him, shaking her head. I think Jasper was also by the look on his face.

“No. I don’t want to hear an apology. It’s done now.” She turned toward me, some of the sadness gone from her face. She smiled at me. “Edward, I know this may not mean much to you, but I’m glad Bella is going to get to hear a real proposal from you. She deserves it. Please, give her a real wedding also. Let Rose and I live vicariously through her.”

Then she stepped into Jasper’s arms and let him embrace her. I met my brother’s eyes over the top of her head. There was so much pain in his eyes. I understood what he was feeling. He’s spent two years trying to give Alice everything and missed giving her the most important gift of all. A choice.

“Alice, I promise to give her a real wedding,” I answered. “I’m sure Bella would love for you and Rose to help her plan it. Our home should be finished by the first part of June so she’ll be a June bride. Isn’t that some sort of wedding cliché?” I laughed.

“Edward,” she asked hesitantly, “what if Bella says ‘no’? Not that she will,” she rushed to explain,

“but just, what if? What would you do then?”

I looked at her in surprise. “Bella won’t say ‘no’,” I said confidently. “I haven’t told you this before, but maybe Bella did. There was a situation in Phoenix when Bella had the opportunity to leave me. Bella and I have already had this talk. I gave her the chance to leave me and she chose to stay. She could have left and I would have let her. Bella made her choice; she wants to be with me. She knows we’re getting married. Tonight I’m just making it official. But,” I stressed, grinning, “if she did say ‘no’ then I’d ask her every day until she said ‘yes’.”

Alice was stopped from continuing by the sound of Bella’s footsteps on the stairs. I turned toward the door as her steps sounded on the hall tile outside the doorway announcing her entrance. She took my breath away. She was dressed in a black halter dress the stopped just above her knees and high heels. I smiled at seeing her wearing the diamond earrings I’d given her for Valentine’s Day along with the diamond pendant necklace I bought when I picked up her ring.

“Bella,” Alice gushed, “you look beautiful.”

I smiled as she came toward me. “Alice took the words right out of my mouth,” I whispered to her.

“You really are beautiful.”

She smiled and leaned into me. “Thank you,” she answered softly. Her cheeks stained a beautiful soft blush.

“Well, my love,” I said, as I held my arm out to her, “your chariot awaits.”

She and Alice hugged each other before she took my arm and I led her out of the house. I smiled as I put her in the car, feeling the weight of the keys and ring in my jacket pocket. Tonight she would officially become my fiancé and I couldn’t wait. I knew she would say ‘yes’. I felt just a twinge of guilt at the thought that I was hedging my bet with the gift of the car and house. They really weren’t mine to give. The changes she wrought in me taught me this. The car was her gift from her parents and it was her home. I was only giving back what was rightfully hers to begin with.

Chapter 42

2009-12-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

Bella’s POV

“I’ll have the Chicken Marsala and Caesar Salad,” I ordered.

“And to drink?” the waiter asked.

I opened my mouth to answer when Edward interrupted.

“We’ll have a bottle of your best wine,” he answered. He turned to me and smiled. “You don’t mind just for tonight, do you?”

I shook my head at him and smiled. He was always so thoughtful. So much has changed over the last month. My nightmares were becoming less frequent. When he first came back from the conference they were worse, due to the constant glares I received from Carlisle. After all this time though, I didn’t worry about Carlisle as much. Maybe he’d lost interest and wasn’t such a threat to me any longer. He didn’t stare at me with lust any longer, only anger.

I shuddered at the memory of that first family dinner on the day after their return from the conference. I never thought a person could really turn purple until then. I wish he just had a coronary on the spot and died. We could have all danced on his grave. He was so angry. We'd just put the meal on the table and were standing, waiting for the men to sit so we could serve them as per usual. I wasn't expecting Edward to cause a scene.

“Bella, be careful not to slip,” Esme warned quietly as the men came into the dining room.

I nodded my head in response. I reminded myself that this was a small thing in front of his father. I was, at least, still wearing my clothes. Edward's only comment when I got dressed this morning was he missed the access to my shoulders to kiss he had before. He was used to me showing more skin. Maybe we could find a middle ground on my clothing, things we both liked.

I gave Edward a weak smile as he came into the room. I hated pretending. I watched Carlisle sit, and then Emmett and Jasper gave Rose and Alice a kiss before sitting. I now understood the meaning behind their kiss. It was their silent reminder that they loved Alice and Rosalie. Edward came up to me and gave me a gentle kiss. When he stepped back he winked making me smile for real. He then shocked his entire family as he led me to the table and pulled my chair out for me to sit. I couldn't resist; I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

I laughed with joy that I would never pretend again. I knew he promised, but I honestly never thought he'd seat me at his father's table. I sat and beamed as Emmett and Jasper jumped up and seated Rose and Alice as well.

Carlisle glared at us. “I don't know what the hell has gotten into you boys, but it stops now. You women know your place. Now serve your men,” he demanded throwing his hand up in the air to indicate we should rise.

We each began to rise from our seats before Edward, Emmett and Jasper each put a hand on us to stop us.

“Rose, sit. You don't need to be on your feet and you've served me enough,” Emmett said.

“Same here,” Jasper told Alice as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Edward leaned over and kissed me. “You're a lady and I'm going to treat you like one.”

I opened my mouth to respond to him when Carlisle slammed his fist on the table. I realized

Esme was still standing looking at her family with pride shining in her eyes.

“Don't even think that's going to happen for you. You will serve me. Do you understand?” he demanded.

I saw the smile she had been wearing disappear.

“Of course, dear. I wouldn't have it any other way,” she whispered. She turned to get the pitcher of tea as she discreetly brushed away the tears that quickly gathered.

Edward stood and walked to her.

“Mother, sit down please,” he asked. “You're a lady too and deserve to be treated as such.”

He took the pitcher from her and set it on the table as he led her to her chair.

“I think you're quite capable of pouring your own damn glass of tea. Don't you?” he asked Carlisle.

Esme sat as Edward pushed in her chair for her. He turned back to Carlisle and shocked everyone further.

“That's how you treat a lady,” he said.

Carlisle threw his napkin on the table and stood. “I've lost my appetite. I'll be in my study.” He turned to Esme and pointed a finger at her. “I won't forget this.”

After he left there was a moment of awkward silence.

“Well, that just leaves more for me then.” Emmett announced. “Ow!”

Emmett was rubbing his side, pouting at Rose. We all laughed relieving the tension as we realized Rose had pinched Emmett’s side.

“You’re such a man sometimes, I swear it’s a wonder I love you so much,” Rose laughed.

We had a wonderful family dinner that night. Everyone laughed and joked around. It was a true family dinner without Carlisle there to dampen things. Now I received glares and calculated stares anytime I was in the room with him. Carlisle blamed me for the changes taking place in his family.

The men still ordered our food when we were out, but it was only after we told them what we wanted to eat. We no longer served them at family dinners. I never expected to be a catalyst for the entire family; I was only out to change Edward.

The only downside was Carlisle. Poor Esme was taking the brunt of his anger. Several mornings she didn’t look well and moved stiffly. She always smiled and assured us she was fine, but we knew better. He was punishing her for our behavior. We tried to go back to the way we acted before to save her. It’s the only time I’ve seen fire in Esme’s eyes.

“Esme, we’ve decided to go back to serving our husbands like before,” Alice was saying.

Rose was sitting on a barstool tossing the salad while I stacked the dishes to carry to the table.

“No, you won’t girls,” Esme shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Rose slammed the tongs down on the island. “You’re not fine! Look at you,” she insisted. “You can barely move in the mornings. You can’t tell us he’s not taking this out you.”

“Esme, I’m so sorry,” I murmured. “This is all my fault.”

“Don’t you dare apologize, Bella,” she admonished.

She put her arms around me and I felt her wince as I hugged her back. I quickly pulled back and looked at her. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes, but I caught it.

“Esme, what did he do to you?" I asked in shock.

Alice and Rosalie came around to stand with us.

“Esme?” they asked in unison.

She stepped away from us and turned back to the stove.

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” she replied.

Rose walked up behind her and touched her back. Esme winced again and turned back to us.

Her eyes were like fire as she glared at us.

“Yes, alright. Carlisle whips me in retaliation for the changes he’s seeing in his family. It’s not the

worst I’ve ever gotten from him. This is nothing by comparison. And you know what? It’s all worth it. Every single bruise is worth it to see my sons become men I can be proud of. I’ve waited years for this day.” She stopped to angrily wipe at her eyes. She took a deep breath and reached out to hold our hands. She gave us a watery smile before continuing. “Don’t you see? If you revert back to the way you were before then Carlisle wins again. He is doing this knowing you’ll break. Emmett, Jasper and Edward can’t protect me. They can only protect each of you. If you break because of me, then they will revert back as well.”

She put Rose’s hand over her baby along with hers. She felt the baby shift and smiled.

“Rose, you’re going to have a son. You can’t afford for Emmett to go back to the way he was before. You’re carrying the next generation of Cullens. This lifestyle has to stop with us. I want my grandchildren to be decent, caring individuals. So please, save my sons, save my grandchildren. That’s all I want.”

We continued to help her sons change, become more open. We were excited when Carlisle finally gave up hurting Esme to get to us. We thought we won. Little did we know we were living in the eye of the storm. We should have known Carlisle wouldn’t give up so easily. I should have known, but I’d grown complacent.

Our wine arrived and I waited while the waiter had Edward taste that the wine was to his liking. Edward assured him that the wine was acceptable. The waiter poured our glasses and left. I took a sip and smiled at Edward as I set my glass back down.

“The wine is very good,” I said.

Edward reached across the table for my hand which I placed in his.

“Thank you,” he said smiling. “I wanted tonight to be special and a coke just wouldn’t cut it. I have something for you.”

“You don’t have to give me anything. You’ve given me so much these past weeks,” I answered quietly. Edward treated me so sweet all the time now. He even started a new habit of bringing me a drink for the ride home from school in the afternoons. We laughed and talked more. We were learning more about each other everyday. Some subjects were still off limits for now, like college and our marriage, but I knew it was only a matter of time before I could broach those topics with him.

“I think you’ll disagree when you see what I have in my pocket.” He reached in and pulled out a key chain with two keys dangling from it. He held it up for me to see. “Do you know what this is?”

I stared at the keys for a moment before shrugging my shoulders. I didn’t understand what it was for.

“A key?” I asked.

He chuckled softly at me, “Yes, well actually, it’s two keys. Would you like to know what they go to?”

“Our house?” I asked, unsure where this was heading.

“Close, but not quite,” he answered. He held up the first one and I realized it went to a car as it had the lock buttons built into the base. “This goes to a certain maroon SUV parked in Jasper’s garage.”

My breath hitched and my hand flew to my mouth. I felt the tears immediately start welling in my eyes. He kept my car; it was here and he was giving it to me!

“Oh Edward, “ I began. He stopped me by holding up the other key.

“And this one,” he continued, “does go to a house. It goes to your house in Phoenix. I didn’t sell it.”

I sat there in stunned silence. I felt a drop of water on my hand and realized I was crying.. I swiftly wiped at my eyes as I reached to take the keys from him and stared down at them in wonder. I gently brushed my fingers over the house key as my mind flashed to a hundred happy memories of coming home from school or a friend’s house, to hearing my mom calling to me as I walked in. My mind then thought up new pictures of coming home to visit with Edward by my side or with Edward and our children by my side.

I was so lost in my dreams that I didn’t realize Edward was kneeling at my side. He was brushing my hair back gently from my face and smiling at my response to his gift. I looked at him through my tears. I clutched the keys to my chest, loving the feel of them digging into my palm.

“Edward,” I croaked, “You can’t know what this means to me. This is everything I could ever want. You’ve given me back a part of my parents to keep with me forever.” I cupped his cheek with my hand and leaned down to kiss him gently on the lips. “Thank you so much. I have something I want to tell you, too.”

I swallowed and beamed at him, “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you this. I wanted it to be special and what you’ve given me tonight couldn’t be any more perfect if I tried. I want you to know-“ I paused to take a breath. Edward seemed to be holding his as well.

“Edward, I love you,” I whispered, staring into his eyes. I let every ounce of love I felt for him shine through my eyes as I gazed at him.

He laughed and stood, pulling me up and into his arms. He kissed me deeply in front of everyone in the restaurant before letting go of me. He knelt back down in front of me and took my left hand in his.

“Well that makes this so much easier,” he laughed. He pulled a ring out of his pocket and slid it on my finger. He kissed the ring and then the back of my hand before gazing back up to me expectantly. “I love you, Bella. Will you marry me Bella and make me the happiest man alive?”

I smiled brightly at him and nodded my head. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you.” I knew we still had things to work on, but I was confident we’d fix them together.

He stood and turned to everyone who was watching us. All the patrons were smiling at us. “She said ‘Yes’! he announced proudly.

Chapter 41

2009-11-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Carlisle’s POV (One month later)

No one was in the house when I arrived; Esme wasn’t expecting me. I left my briefcase in my study and had to come back for it. I was all the way to the hos
pital before I realized, which really pissed me off. I was distracted by Bella again this morning. I was glad the weather was nice again; she wasn’t hidden from me in jeans and sweaters any longer. I never wanted to see her in jeans again. She should always be in dresses; the shorter the better as far as I was concerned. As soon as I made my plans known to her, I would rectify her clothing. I couldn’t believe the crap Edward was allowing her to wear lately. I wanted her back in the clothes she wore before. She was beautiful then; hints of her assets flirting with my imagination.

I took a moment to stand at the window in my study to look for Esme. Since she didn’t know I was here, it was an opportunity to verify she was where she was supposed to be; not that I worried about her any longer. She knew what would happen if she wasn’t. She was working in her garden, like always. I had to admit its size has grown over the years and yet she still managed to keep up with it. I never understood her dedication. They were just flowers; nothing special. I let her have the garden as a reward for her good behavior once I had her under complete control. I almost bulldozed it down as punishment when she helped Renee escape. Destroying her relationship with the boys, especially Edward, was much more effective. It also helped him finally grow up and start acting like a man instead of the momma’s boy he had become.

The entrance to my home is remotely monitored by my private security team. They don’t operate on the grounds because I refuse to risk someone befriending our women and deciding to help them escape. My father learned that the hard way years ago. He was madly in love with my mother, but she was nothing but a whore. She cheated on him with one of his guards when I was about six years old and they ran away together. My father went insane looking for her. It took my father almost a year to hunt them down and drag them back. My brother and I watched him pull the trigger, executing her lover in front of us all. After that he built a wall around our home and moved the security team outside. My mother never set foot outside that wall until the day she died. My father taught us how to hold a family together; you never gave her a way to leave.

I caught Esme several times in the beginning trying to run away after I started letting her out on her own. She never knew when she was being followed and certainly didn’t like the punishment she received if she was caught trying to escape. I smiled wickedly. It was so much fun keeping her off balance; I felt like a cat playing with my very own little mouse.

Then, of course, they needed to watch over Rosalie and Alice for the boys. Since they were both so well trained, they never tried to run. They were content to stay where they belonged and were treated well because they didn’t run.

Now they watched over Bella. Someone always watched the school during the day. It was the one place she could escape from and I wouldn’t allow that. She was worth too much for Edward to lose her. Edward was quick to agree with me after Bella’s one attempt at leaving the school. Now she knows she’s watched, so she keeps her ass inside the building until Edward arrives. I was pissed that Edward still refused to use the basement to punish her. Everything he needed was in there to do whatever he wanted with her; he knew this. It would also give me access to her that I’ve been denied thus far. I know he punished her that day because her eyes were still red and puffy when they came down to dinner, but I wanted more.

I was livid with Sam the day of the ice storm. He had a new guy watching her who left when it started sleeting. He was the reason for her illness. The idiot cared more about his precious car than his job. Needless to say, he no longer had that car; I had it destroyed. If he wanted to keep his job then my commands were priority over anything else.

I began to turn away from the window when I saw Esme look up and laugh at someone on the path. I followed where she was looking and saw them. I couldn’t hear their words, but he was listening intently while she gestured with her hands. My eyes narrowed as I saw him laugh at whatever she said. He picked her up and spun her around causing her to shriek. When he put her down she punched his arm.

I held my breath in anticipation for him to drag her back to the house to administer discipline. I would finally get to hear her screams again. I was angered that instead he reached to pluck a flower from the rosebush beside them and bowed before her extending the rose to her like an offering. She took the rose, smelling it as he straightened and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. I watched in disgust as he smiled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear before they continued down the path hand in hand.

I turned away and sat at my desk to brood. I knew Edward would want her. He was always drawn to her even as a child. It was the reason I gave Edward less than perfect candidates for his bride. I needed to drag out his selection process until I had Bella. I knew my son wouldn’t pick anything less than perfection, which was Bella. I just didn’t take into account how much he would want her. He was as obsessed with her as I was.

I closed my eyes and remembered back to when she first arrived. She was quiet and timid, as she should be. She didn’t cry or beg when I told her of my plans for her. Charlie was very good at stripping girls of the will to fight. They always did exactly what was expected, no complaint, no argument. They were perfect.

Well, I didn’t tell her everything. Edward wasn’t even aware of my plans yet. I shifted in my seat, my fists tightening as I remembered her bent over my desk and the feel of my fingers pumping her tight ass. I slammed my fist on my desk in frustration. Fuck, I needed to get in her. I can’t believe she’s been here all this time and I still haven’t been able to get her alone. Edward never left her alone; if he had things to do he took her with him. I told him repeatedly to leave her to no avail. Now she spends her afternoons at Emmett’s picking up the slack from Rosalie still needing to take it easy. At least Rosalie was finally earning her keep, giving me a grandson after the fiasco of her last two pregnancies.

That was another problem I needed to address; Emmett’s attitude. He had become even more outspoken and belligerent in his behavior. He always was a wild card and impossible to control completely. I’d need to give some consideration soon how to get him back under control.

But back to Bella; I knew that trip to Phoenix was a mistake. She was perfect before they left. Now she was starting to develop an air of confidence that Edward was encouraging. She was changing him. All of my sons were beginning to change. I had complete control over my family before. If I’d known she was going to cause so many problems, I would have found another way.

Don’t get me wrong, I care about Esme. She’s still a beautiful woman and once I had her under control she became exactly what I wanted her to be. She was quiet and didn’t give me any trouble, but she wasn’t Renee. I wanted to kill her when Charlie showed up at the house with her in handcuffs. Charlie caught her trying to sneak out of his house after Renee drove away. It was obvious she encouraged Renee to run away. Renee would have never run without encouragement. I kept Esme strung up in the basement for a week releasing my anger and frustrations on her body. She received one small bottle of water and a protein drink each day, nothing else. At night she was chained to the wall. A week in the basement was a bit excessive, but she deserved every minute of it. She didn’t know just how much she had taken away from me.

I was in love with Renee in high school. She was the most beautiful girl in town. She had moved here during the summer before our freshman year. Charlie and I saw her at the same time. If I’d gotten to the gym 10 minutes earlier that first day I could have claimed her as mine. Instead I waited for Charlie like the great friend I was and we walked in at the same time. She was already dressed for her gym class in her little red shorts that hugged her ass and a tight white t-shirt that did nothing to hide her glorious breasts. Charlie and I both wanted her so we did the only thing we could to decide who would get their chance at her. We flipped a coin and I lost.

It was torture watching her with Charlie and then to see her walk down the aisle to him; forever out of my reach. My hatred of Charlie grew through the years watching him with Renee. He was so careless with her. He had the best girl in town but still slept around. He spent so much time down in La Push cheating on Renee that he didn’t keep a firm hand on her as she needed. Renee needed structure and guidance. She was too outspoken and rebellious. If only she had been mine. She would have wanted for nothing, I would have laid the world at her feet and she would have had no reason to fight me. She would have loved me and done anything to please me. When you love someone, you want to do anything for them. Of course, Charlie lost too in the end. He was such a fool to let her go and an even bigger fool to let her take Bella.

I felt no guilt giving Sam and Jacob the go ahead to eliminate Charlie. He was good at what he did but he was sloppy when it came to James. He never kept that damn boy under control. I already paid for one mistake with Alice, but if they had been successful in breaking through Bella’s hymen I would have killed Charlie myself. Edward was going to be the one to have that privilege, and then I planned to share her. She was made for Edward and me alone.

I planned everything from the moment Charlie told me Renee was pregnant again, this time with a girl. He hated that she had so much trouble getting pregnant and didn’t see any use for a girl. He had Renee longer than I had Esme yet I already had three sons. He would always only have the one. She wasn’t even supposed to get pregnant again after James. She had complications with James and was warned not to have more children. Charlie didn’t care; he wanted another son even if it killed her. He never cherished Renee the way I would have. I would have paid for the best specialists so that she could continue to give me my sons. Charlie was cheap and risked her life.

I was overjoyed at the news. If I couldn’t have Renee, then I would at least have her daughter, I knew she would understand. She would become my crown jewel. I knew she would grow into a beauty like her mother. She was supposed to have the added benefit of being trained from childhood. I had planned to have Charlie sell Bella to me when she turned 13 for one of my sons and complete her training myself. I would have paid any price he asked for her. I fought hard not to laugh when he told me how much he wanted for her. He really had no idea her real value. I set aside $1 million the day she was born just for her purchase. There was still over $300,000 in the account.

I unlocked my desk drawer and pulled out the file I kept. I knew where Renee went within a couple of weeks of her leaving; it wasn’t hard to guess she’d go back where she was from; she still had friends in the area. I never told Charlie; he didn’t deserve them and Bella was mine. It contained all the reports I received over the last ten years and the background check I ran on Renee’s new husband. I had to be certain he wouldn’t be a threat to Renee and Bella. Even though I couldn’t have Renee for my own I still loved her enough to watch over her. I had their wills naming his brother as guardian and trustee for Bella. Their wills were never filed, they were sent to me instead. It’s amazing how easy it was to convince a young attorney just starting out and in need of a wife to do you little favors. His wife was a freebie since I knew I would need to keep him in my pocket until I got Bella back. I even had the evidence Renee kept against Charlie. That had earned him a very nice honeymoon with his new bride.

I pulled out the stack of photos and started looking them over again for the thousandth time. I really enjoyed getting these over the years, seeing my precious jewel as she grew from a shy, awkward little girl with freckles into the beautiful woman she is now. I paid Sam’s cousin, Embry to relocate to Phoenix and keep tabs on Bella over the years. I knew who all of her friends were.Along with photos I had a copy of every one of her report cards. He monitored their internet activities and had installed several hidden cameras within the security system of their home. It was easy to see that Bella was everything I knew she would be.

I made several trips to Phoenix over the years to see her. I’d even been to a few of her softball games. I didn’t approve of her playing sports; too many risks for injury. I knew Bella’s appendix ruptured when she was 15. I told her surgeon I was Bella’s father and Renee wouldn’t let me see her if she knew I was there. After all, if things had worked out differently in high school, she would have been my daughter. She should have been mine. He convinced Renee to go home and rest so that I could spend the night with Bella. Renee never knew I was there.

I spent the last two years planning what to do with Bella. The original plan was to take Bella after she moved to college. Embry would take her from the campus of whatever school she attended on the first day. Out of my love for Renee, I wanted her to see Bella graduate high school and enroll in college as this would be the last memory she would ever have of Bella. I wouldn’t take this time away from my love.

Embry’s report over the summer indicated a boy had taken an interest in her and from all indications Renee was going to finally allow Bella to date. I moved up my plans for Embry to take her from school the day after her birthday. I wouldn’t take her on her birthday; that would be unfair to Renee, but I wouldn’t allow some boy to get to her before Edward either. It was going to be a risky move but I had to take her before it was too late.

I almost lost it when the call came that there had been a car accident with fatalities until I knew Bella was safe. I was saddened to learn of Renee’s death but it stopped me from doing something desperate. Their attorney came in handy, blocking her stepfather’s family from fighting for custody. He handled everything according to my wishes. As her biological father, and with a new will in place, she was sent to Charlie and ultimately me.

All my plans changed with Renee’s death. I wouldn’t need to take Bella now. I just needed to manipulate Charlie to bring her to me. I knew Charlie couldn’t resist the chance to have Bella back in his home. He hadn’t had any new girls to work with since Alice and was excited about the idea of keeping Bella permanently for himself and James. He really was a sick mother fucker. However, I knew Charlie loved money above all else and would be too greedy not to sell her to me once I planted the idea in his head that Edward wasn’t thrilled with his selections.

When Charlie brought Bella to the hospital that day, it was like looking at Renee at seventeen again. I enjoyed giving her the exam I knew was unnecessary. I had all of her medical records and knew she was a virgin. She was constantly watched and it had been verified at every annual exam since she started her cycles and reported to me. It helped that her doctor was an old fraternity brother who was extremely happy with his very young wife. Charlie never knew two of the girls he trained would be living in the same city as Renee and Bella.

He never was very bright. I had to lead him anywhere I wanted him to go. Every idea, every decision came from me. Charlie was nothing but a puppet and I was his puppet master. Before he died, I took great relish in explaining just how long I’d been planning this and the fact that I’ve known all these years where his wife was. I still managed to exact my revenge on Charlie for taking Renee from me even if it wasn’t how I’d planned. I had wanted Charlie to see me with Bella; how I would make her mine. The blank stare that widened with shock as everything became clear to him was a decent consolation.

His comments about Bella’s abilities and submissiveness proved that even though she got away for those ten years, her subconscious remembered Charlie. It remembered the few lessons he was able to teach her in her first seven years.

I have to fix the problem she is creating now. Edward is giving her too much freedom. She will only expect more. As she is now, she will fight me and I can’t have that. I need her complete submission for my plans. I want to openly share her, not hide my desire for her any longer. I would even love to have a son by her after she gave Edward a couple of sons. My life would finally be on track where it should have been since high school.

I saw my computer screen blink that I had a message from my brother. I put everything back in the file and locked it away again. I opened his email and skimmed through. My nephew, Demetri was ready for a wife but without Charlie, Marcus needed some guidance on procuring and training. I smiled. I knew exactly what to do to solve all our problems.

I picked up the phone and called Marcus as I turned back to the window. I watched her as my plan formed in my mind.

“Hello?”

**

“Hello Marcus. How would you and Demetri like to come for a visit? We can discuss his problem. It’s been a while since you’ve been down.”

**

“Sure, we have some time. Demetri and I can be there in a few days. He’s been working out of the office in Hong Kong the last couple of years and just got back last week,” he said. “We’ve depended so heavily on Charlie’s skills over the years that it didn’t occur to me until we were talking that I would need to make other arrangements.”

***

“That’s what I want to discuss with you. Is Demetri planning on working in Hong Kong or Alaska after he marries?” Worst case Alaska wasn’t too far to see her. I knew Demetri wouldn’t have a problem with my plans with the right incentive. I wouldn’t allow him to take her all the way to Hong Kong though. I wanted her accessible when I needed her.

**

“His plans are to work here for the first couple of years or so,” he laughed. “You know, make sure the bugs are worked out. He hasn’t decided past that yet. Why do you ask?

**

I laughed with him. The first couple of years were always the hardest until they were completely broken in. “How do you think he would feel about settling in Alaska permanently if I let him take over all future training needs? I can teach both of you Charlie’s methods and we can find Demetri a girl from the center here. I financially support the center to keep the trustees complacent. They’re just overjoyed that all the girls Charlie took under his wing landed on their feet in good marriages. You may want to consider becoming a supporter after this if you continue to use them. They usually have a wide range of choices since it’s the only center for female runaways within 100 miles. I give all the girls their physicals when they arrive so I already have a file of prospects to choose from. Plus you won’t have the added headache of her knowing the area when you get back.”

I thought internally; if I ended up letting Demetri have Bella, she would never leave the walls of Marcus’ compound ever. That would be part of the agreement. I wanted her kept under constant guard so that she was always protected and kept safe for me. I’d even send Jacob or Embry to be her bodyguard so she’d never escape or be hurt. I knew they were dependable.

**

“That actually sounds like a great idea. I’ll have Demetri email you his preferences when he gets in tonight. I think I can speak for my son and say he would be honored to take over training for the family. Thank you for thinking of him.”

**

“Yes, well I had thought Edward would take the role, but he’s proving to be a disappointment in that area. I know Demetri won’t let the family down.” I had planned that if Edward got to handle all the training then he wouldn’t mind so much letting me have Bella on occasion. He’d be plenty happy.

**

“What’s up with Edward? He has always worked so hard to earn your respect. I’m surprised that would change. I always thought of your boys he was the most like you.”

**

“Yes, well we have a little problem with his selection that he doesn’t seem to be able to handle. That’s part of why I want Demetri to come. It’s been too long since Edward has had a challenge and I think this may be just the thing to get his head back in the game.”

**

He laughed, “So do I tell Demetri before we get there what the challenge is so he’s prepared?”

**

”No. This time I think it will be obvious when he sees her.”

**

“What if he decides he wants her? Are you going to let me buy her? You know I don’t want my son to be disappointed,” he warned.

**

“I want Edward to keep her, but he’s not to know that. He’s going to have to earn her now. I’ll pick an alternate for Demetri if things work out with Edward. If it doesn’t then we’ll negotiate something for her. I know once Demetri sees her he will want her so I’ll be sure the alternate selections are among the best so he isn’t disappointed,” I assured him. “But we’ll talk more when you arrive. Have Demetri email his behavioral checklist tonight and call me when you know your flight.”

**

“Alright, I’ll call you later tonight. Goodbye.”

I hung up the phone and finished formulating my plan. I heard a door slam somewhere in the house and two sets of footsteps running up the stairs.

“Bella, you’re going to pay for that!” Edward was yelling at her.

“No! Edward, please!” she shrieked. “I’m sorry! I swear!”

I smiled. It was about time. I stood and went quietly to the door to watch unobserved. I saw Bella get to the landing a few steps ahead of Edward on her way up to their room. She kept turning back to see how close he was to her. I saw the expression on her face and felt my blood pressure rise. Instead of the fear I expected to see at the punishment she obviously knew was coming, she was laughing as she turned up the next flight of stairs to the third floor.

I saw Edward; his hair and shirt were dripping water. He leaped across the landing at her and caught her, making her scream again. He threw her over his shoulder and continued on to their room.

“I got you now. There’s no escape for you. I’m going to tickle you until you can’t breathe and then I’m going to see how much you like a cold shower, you wicked girl,” he laughed.

“Uncle! Uncle! I give up!” she screamed, laughing. She was hitting his back, hanging upside down. “Please don’t, I need to pee.”

I watched in disgust as he set her down at the top of their landing, laughing at her. “Okay, no tickling. What about a kiss until you can’t breathe instead?”

She bit her bottom lip in that sexy way she does and tilted her face up to him as he leaned down. She shoved him back and took off again to their room. “You have to catch me first!”

Edward growled and took off after her. I heard their door slam twice and then her giggling before silence.

I picked up my briefcase and headed down to my car smiling. That type of juvenile behavior was about to end. I could feel control coming back within my grasp already. I whistled all the way to the hospital. It was going to be a great day.

Chapter 40

2009-11-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

C POV

I tossed aside the wilted and dying bundle of flowers as I laid my bouquet of red roses on the grave. I stared at the tombstone of the woman I’d loved for so many years. I hated the picture on the stone; her face filled with joy and love for a man that should have been me.

I didn’t bother to turn around as I heard footsteps crunch on the gravel path toward me.

“I still can’t believe she’s gone. If I’d only claimed her back in school, she’d still be here with me,” I told the person next to me. “Bella would have been my daughter. I would have spoiled them both rotten. Renee would have been my queen and Bella, I would have raised as a princess,” I said bitterly. He waited silently for me to continue. “How did it go?”

“Their trip went well. There was only one scare early on, but Edward caught her before I had to reveal myself,” he said.

“Damn it! I told that boy to keep a close eye on her. Did she see you?” I asked.

“No, she didn’t. I know how to blend into the background and she never has been that observant.” He smirked, “I could have been right behind her and she wouldn’t notice.” He shrugged, “and Edward has never met me.”

“What about at the house? I know that old lady next door is a world class busybody. Did she see you? You’re supposed to be in China after all,” I said, turning to Embry.

“I rented a dark sedan and fortunately they only went to the house a couple of times.” He chuckled. “They spent most of their time at the hotel or sightseeing around Phoenix. You’d be proud though, if you heard how Edward told off that old biddy when they met. She definitely had him pegged. She never did like me much. In ten years I couldn’t convince her.”

“You’ve done well. Head home. I have a flight to catch. I need to arrive at the conference before Edward gets there. He can’t know I made a stop along the way. I’m not ready to reveal everything to him yet.”

He shook my hand and followed me back to where the cars were waiting. I left for the airport, dreaming again of what could never be. I’d never have the woman I loved, but I would have her daughter to take her place.

B POV

I yelled ‘bye’ to my friends as I got into Emmett’s jeep. I was surprised to see Rose was with him.

“Hey Rose. I thought the doctor told you to stay off your feet a little longer,” I asked.

She found out while we were gone that her pregnancy was going well, but to be safe the doctor wanted her on bed rest for another few weeks. Emmett was beside himself when the sonogram showed they were having a boy.

“Don’t you start too. I can’t help it. The baby wants a chili dog and a chocolate milkshake,” Rose grumbled. She shuddered. “I hate hot dogs. They have chicken lips in them.”

Emmett reached over and rubbed her swollen belly. “I’m gonna have to have another talk with my son. He’s upsetting his mother again.” Emmett tried to console her. “But baby, I don’t think chickens have lips. They’re called beaks and I don’t think they really put them in hot dogs.”

Rose glared at him from her seat and slapped his hand away. “You. You don’t talk to me. You did this to me. Your son is just mean and wants to torture me with his disgusting food preferences.”

“Rosie, baby, please don’t be mad at me or our son. I’m taking you to eat your chili dog aren’t I? Did you want something else? Do you want ice cream? We can go anywhere you want. I’m sure Bella doesn’t mind not going home yet.” He glanced back at me. “Do you, Bella?”

“No I don’t mind. Edward won’t be home for another couple of hours. I’d love a chili dog.”

Rose started crying. “I knew it. You think I’m fat, don’t you?”

Emmett glanced back at me in the rearview mirror. I was trying so hard not to laugh at the exasperated expression on his face. Lately he just couldn’t win with Rose. No matter what he did or said he was wrong.

It was amazing the changes taking place in him. He was so sweet to her and did everything in his power to keep her comfortable and happy. Rosalie was still afraid of how Emmett would want to raise their son. Emmett was changing and becoming a better man, but four years of marriage and how they started had left their mark and she was still afraid.

“Rosalie Cullen,” he stated firmly, “you know I think you’re the most beautiful woman on earth. I could never think you’re fat. You’re carrying my son. If anything that makes you even more beautiful to me. You know I love you. You’ll feel a lot better once you get your milkshake and hot dog.”

Rose reached to pull his hand up to kiss, then turned in her seat to look at me. She smiled at me and sighed. “Isn’t he just wonderful?” she breathed.

I smiled and agreed with her. Emmett had certainly changed for the better. Seeing her eyes shining with love for Emmett reminded me how much I loved and missed Edward. I couldn’t wait to see him this evening.

Our room was lonely at night without him there. Esme and I took full advantage of this time without Carlisle in the house. We stayed up late eating ice cream in the family room and talking or watching sitcoms on TV. Just controlling the remote control was a luxury. We laughed, tossing the remote between us to switch channels.

Esme taught me how to make Edward’s favorite cookies, oatmeal raisin pecan. We even had them for dinner with large glasses of milk. We talked more about our life and expectations when I expressed my surprise that Carlisle would leave us alone to go to a conference.

“Esme,” I started hesitantly, “wouldn’t this be the perfect time for you to leave? While he’s out of town he can’t stop you?”

She shook her head at me. “Bella, you’re forgetting one important fact. The gate is guarded. He made sure I did my shopping early so there would be no reason for me to leave the grounds while he’s gone.”

“But wouldn’t Emmett or Jasper help you leave if you wanted?” I asked. I just wanted her to get away from Carlisle. She deserved to find some kind of peace in life.

“Bella sweetheart, you’re young and still so naïve. From the first moment I found out I was pregnant with Emmett, I knew I could never leave. Carlisle would never let me take my son and I would never leave without him. Now,” she stroked my head and smiled at me. “Now, I have another beautiful daughter; the daughter of my very best friend no less, and a grandson on the way. I like to think that my staying helped teach my sons how to love even if they all forgot for a while.”

“But you could be happy,” I stressed. “Alice has Jasper. Rose has Emmett and I even have my Edward now. Besides all of us, what do you have?”

She laughed softly to me and stood walking over to the family room window that overlooked her garden. It was night so there was only the soft illumination of the full moon; her reflection like a mirror in the window pane. I was surprised at the expression reflected back to me. Her gaze was full of love as she stared out into the darkness.

“Bella, I have my children and my garden. It may not seem possible to you, but I am happy. Would I be happier if Carlisle fell off the face of the earth or decided one day to let me go with no repercussions? Of course.”

She turned back to me, her expression fierce. “No one knows better than I the monster I married. You can’t begin to imagine the horrors that man has put me through, put my children through while teaching them how to be men.” She made air quotes with her fingers at the word ‘men’. “But I’ve made my peace with life. I’ve learned what it takes to survive and along the way I found a way to be happy.” Her voice cracked at the end.

“Esme, I’m sorry.” I ran to her wrapping my arms around her to comfort her. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I love you and I just wanted to help.”

I wanted to change the subject because it was obvious our current conversation was upsetting her. I realized again she brought up her garden. I had to ask.

“Esme, what’s the secret to your garden? You always say it makes you happy but there has to be more to it than just growing flowers.”

She shook her head at me. “Not now. You don’t need my secret. You have Edward now.” She smiled brightly at me. “And so do I. I have my baby back finally, thanks to you. Now why don’t we put some of these cookies in a container you can hide in your room as a surprise when he gets home tomorrow?”

I laughed and agreed with her, effectively ending our serious talk.

****

The only downside to my time apart from Edward was my nightmares were back. Last night had been so vivid it woke me up in the middle of the night. I hated nights that I dreamed of Carlisle. I hated that Edward wasn’t there to hold me through them. I felt silly, but I had to tuck his pillow against my back to fake myself out that he was curled against me in my sleep.

I’d spent the last couple of days arguing with everyone but Esme. The arguments fed my insecurities and brought back my nightmares. Jasper and Alice had told me I needed to go back to wearing my ‘normal’ clothes when Edward and Carlisle got back. They told me not to forget myself around him and that I would need to continue to pretend until Jasper, Emmett and Edward could talk about how to unite against him. I got angry and yelled at Jasper, shocking everyone into silence.

“I will not be Bella Barbie!” I yelled. “Drop it!”

Everyone stared at me in disbelief. I’d never raised my voice to Jasper or Emmett.

“Bella, we’re only trying to help,” Jasper assured me.

I shook my head at him and started crying. I couldn’t do it and I didn’t have to. They couldn’t make me. “You don’t understand,” I stressed. “Edward promised me. I don’t have to pretend anymore!” My voice got steadily louder again.

“Bella. That’s enough,” Emmett admonished. “No one is attacking you. All Jasper is saying is to wait until Edward and you have a moment alone to talk.”

“You’ll see. Edward doesn’t want me to act like that anymore. He said I could be myself.”

I prayed I was right. I guess time would tell.

***

I stood in the kitchen fixing dinner for Edward’s homecoming. He called from the airport and told me he’d be home soon. I wasn’t very hungry after eating my chili dog but I knew he would be. Edward didn’t like airline food. I wanted our reunion to be perfect. I also wanted to prove to everyone that he didn’t expect me to pretend any longer which is why I was in jeans, a t-shirt and barefoot. I trusted Edward to keep his promise.

I screamed as I felt arms slip around my waist. I spun around to my Edward’s laughing face.

“Did I scare you?” He laughed.

“You’re home!” I squealed.

I jumped into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. He quickly caught me and moved me away from the stove to sit me on the counter. Our lips connected instantly in a heated kiss born of longing and need. I raked my fingers through his hair and moaned into his mouth as he pulled me to the edge of the counter so I was pressed tight against his waist. Our lips finally broke apart so we could catch our breaths and I cupped his cheeks in my hands. I preceded to rain kisses all over his face much to Edward’s amusement.

“I…take…it you…missed…me,” he stated between kisses.

I giggled at him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, hugging him close.

“Of course I missed you, silly.” I responded lightly. I’ve spent the last few days thinking about how much I was falling in love with Edward. Knowing this and not being with him was hard. I just needed to be near him.

“What the hell is going on in here?” a harsh voice demanded.

I looked over Edward’s shoulder as he turned to see Carlisle and Esme standing in the doorway. I glanced at Esme to see a wistful smile on her face as she looked at Edward. Carlisle’s face was full of disgust. He pointed an accusing finger at me.

“You will clean this entire kitchen and disinfect it. Food is prepared in this room. Edward, take her to your room if you need a release. I don’t want to see that in here ever,” he sneered.

I was surprised when Edward shrugged his shoulders at Carlisle.

“As you wish,” he responded nonchalantly. He then scooped me up from the counter causing me to squeal again. He walked to the doorway carrying me to where Carlisle and Esme were standing and leaned to kiss her on the cheek. “Hello mother.” He then turned to Carlisle, “If you’ll excuse us. I’m taking you up on your advice. We’ll be in our room.”

Carlisle stepped aside stunned into silence as Edward carried me down the hall to the staircase. Edward carried me up the stairs and to our room.

“Care to do the honors?” he said as we got to our room.

I reached down and turned the knob, pushing the door open for him. He kicked the door shut behind him and carried me to our bedroom. He tossed me onto the bed and lay down on top of me.

“Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?” he breathed against my lips.

“Mmm, I don’t know. Why don’t you remind me,” I whispered back just has Edward brushed his lips with mine.

He was trying to be sweet, but I wasn’t having that. I missed him too much with my newfound knowledge of love. I raked my fingers through his hair and pulled his lips closer to mine. He moaned as our tongues collided, our kiss becoming more impassioned.

“God I missed you,” he groaned breaking our kiss.

“I missed you too,” I whispered in return. I saw the tiredness in his eyes and decided to do something about it.

“Let me up a minute,” I asked.

He stared down at me in worry. “What’s wrong?” he asked as he moved away from me.

I leaned over him and kissed his nose smiling.

“Nothing,” I grinned. “Roll over.”

“Why?” he asked suspiciously, quirking his eyebrow at me. I could see the smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

I put my fists on my hips and pouted. “Just do it,” I huffed.

He rolled over onto his stomach and pulled the pillow into his chest curling his arms around it. I hiked one leg over his waist so I was straddling him and sat down. I massaged his back in long soothing strokes. Edward groaned in appreciation so I increased the pressure of my strokes earning even deeper groans.

“God, Bella. You have no idea how good that feels,” he moaned.

I smiled knowing I was making him feel good and I wasn’t doing anything I didn’t want to. After a few moments I started feeling a little playful, so I started writing words on his back. I wrote “Bella loves Edward” before he caught onto what I was doing.

“Are you writing on me?” he demanded playfully. He rose up to look at me over his shoulder.

I put on my innocent face.

“Who me?” I grinned.

He caught me off guard by quickly rolling over, effectively pinning me beneath him. I screamed as he began to tickle my sides. He continued to tickle me as I screamed until I was breathless.

He relented long enough for me to catch my breath as I stared into his eyes. I held his gaze as my hands moved to stroke his face and the hair hanging in his eyes. For the first time I recognized the look in his eyes. It was the same look I’d been seeing in the mirror the last few days. Edward loved me. He wasn’t seeing Bella Barbie, he was seeing me. And he loved me! I was safe with him and always would be. I loved him and he loved me. I would tell him soon about his father. I didn’t want to break the mood right now. I was surrounded in love and I wanted to stay buried safe in my cocoon a little while longer.

He lowered his face to mine so our lips barely touched and whispered, “I love you, Bella.”

Before I could utter any type of response our lips fused in a heated kiss. After several moments his lips covered my eyelids and then the corner of my mouth before trailing my jaw down my neck to that sensitive spot that only he knew at the juncture of my throat and shoulder. He tugged the neck of my t-shirt to the side to give him more access but couldn’t get where he wanted to be. He rose up and looked at me, his silent question in his eyes.

I smiled gently and nodded. His lips crashed with mine again as I felt his hand at the hem of my shirt. He gently raised it, breaking our kiss only long enough to get it over my head before tossing my shirt on the floor. My bra quickly followed. Edward stared down at me his eyes darkening to a deep forest green at the sight of me. He slowly lowered his mouth to my aching flesh. I needed him so badly. I wanted everything but knew it would be a mistake this soon.

He gently suckled my breast while his fingers stroked and tweaked my other nipple. He rose up and blew on my wet nipple causing it to pebble even harder under his attention. My fingers left his hair to stroke along his shoulders. I waited what seemed an eternity while he continued to tease me. He would stroke my nipple with his tongue before blowing his breath on it to cause it to pucker before moving to the other to do the same. I was moaning and arching my back trying to show him I wanted more. He was driving me crazy until I couldn’t take it any longer. When he came down to my breast again I grabbed his head and held him there.

“Please,” I whispered.

I felt more than heard his chuckle against my breast.

“Do you want something?” he asked.

“Please don’t tease,” I begged.

His response was to suckle my breast deeply into his mouth, gently biting my nipple. He lathed attention to my breasts as I became more heated with need. I knew where everything was leading and struggled with myself. I was torn between want and need. I needed Edward. I needed him to make love to me. My body was crying out for his. I needed the security of knowing I was safe from Carlisle before I could give herself to him completely. I whimpered when I felt his hand undo the button of my jeans. I was so torn, because I knew it wouldn’t be pleasant denying him after I allowed him to get this worked up, but there was nothing for it. I had to stop him. I moved to stay his hand from my zipper with my own and felt him tense.

“Edward, stop. Please,” I whispered. I was afraid of his response.

I was shocked when his only response was to roll off of me and throw his arm over his face. I couldn’t see his eyes, but I heard his jagged breath. My eyes traveled down to the heavy rise and fall of his chest and smooth abdomen. My eyes traveled further unbidden and could see the bulge that spoke what our activity was doing to him.

I was so torn in that moment. I wasn’t ready to resume everything we had done before, but I wanted to give him something, anything to show him I loved him and appreciated how patient he was being with me. I just didn’t know what. What could I give him that would be something just for him but wouldn’t require me doing ‘that’. I smiled as I finally had my answer. Edward’s breathing was slowing down so I sat up on my knees.

The shift in the mattress alerted him to my movement. He moved his arm staring at me in confusion.

“What’s wrong Bella?” he asked.

“Nothing. Close your eyes,” I replied.

I pulled his shirt up and kissed his chest causing him to suck in his breath.

“Bella, don’t,” he whispered. “I can’t promise I’ll be able to stop.”

“Let me do this for you,” I asked.

It felt so different this time. I was asking because it was what I wanted to do. I wasn’t being manipulated or forced to pretend. I wanted to make him happy. I unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, his erection standing out proudly within his boxers. I slipped my hand inside his boxers and stroked his penis as I resumed kissing his neck and chest. I gently bit his nipples causing him to moan as I continued to stroke him, playing with the slit and using the precum on the tip to lube my hand.

“God, Baby that feels so good,” he groaned.

I smiled that I was doing this to him. I was making him feel good on my terms, which was making me happy in return. This was what my mother always tried to get me to understand when talking about sex and relationships. This is what had been lacking in our intimacy before. Love. True love is what was missing. The fact that I loved Edward is why this time was different. I realized this was on my terms whatever I chose to do in this moment. He wasn’t manipulating me or forcing me. In fact, one arm was fisted in the sheets and the hand stroking my back wasn’t pulling me down to him. He really was leaving all of this up to me.

I leaned up and kissed him deeply again. When our lips broke apart, he stared up at me with smoldering eyes and I smiled at him trying to show him the love I couldn’t yet say.

“Close your eyes and just feel,” I softly ordered.

He groaned but closed his eyes. I sat up and stared at his massive erection that I was stroking, precum leaking steadily from the tip. I clenched my teeth in determination. I was going to do this on my terms. I felt empowered as I lowered my lips to the tip of his penis. I engulfed the tip as I heard Edward’s sharp intake of breath.

“Bella, no, don’t,” he groaned. “You don’t have to do this. I know you don’t like it.”

I smirked as I took him deeper into my mouth. His mouth told me ‘no’, but the hand gently stroking my hair told me ‘yes’. I sucked him down as far as I could, relaxing my throat to take him deeper. As I came back up I kissed the tip and then kissed and sucked down the sides before taking him back into my mouth. I continued to bob up and down as I stroked his balls, gently squeezing and pulling on them. When I felt him begin to twitch in my mouth, I rose up and resumed pumping him with my fist until he came all over my hand and his stomach. Edward voiced his release by shouting my name.

He opened his eyes to me. They shone with love and gratitude. He’d liked the release I’d given him, even if I didn’t swallow his semen. I smiled shyly back at him. He pulled me gently to lay with him again.

“Bella, that was more than I ever expected. Thank you.” He tilted my chin to look up at him. “You do know you didn’t have to do that though right?”

I smiled at him and answered softly, “I know. It was my choice. I wanted to make you feel good.”

“Well,” he started, looking down at the mess on his stomach. “I guess I need a shower now,” he laughed.

I sat up with him and watched as he left the bed and headed toward the bathroom. I smiled at his gorgeous back and ass. I couldn’t resist as I climbed out of the bed.

“Want company?” I asked.

He laughed and held out a hand to me. “Always, if it’s you.”

***

After our shower we headed downstairs. I figured Esme and Carlisle would have already eaten as it was after his strict meal schedule.

“You do know your dinner is ruined now,” I reminded him as we walked into the kitchen. “I'll have to find us something else to eat.”

The kitchen was clean but when I looked in the oven there were two plates covered in foil. I smiled at Esme’s thoughtfulness.

“Never mind. It looks like Esme took care of us,” I told him.

“Remind me to thank her later,” he stated. “Why don’t you put the plates on the table and I’ll grab some glasses.”

I grabbed two mitts and pulled the plates out setting them on the table as Edward poured two glasses of tea. He held out my chair for me and I kissed his cheek in thanks.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome,” he answered.

I smiled as I looked down to place my napkin in my lap. He’d remembered. He treated me like a lady.

Chapter 39

2009-10-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

B POV

I awoke from my dream to a gentle shake of my shoulder and a soft kiss on the top of my head. I’ve had the same dream the last couple of nights. I opened my eyes to the man who was going to make it come true.

“Hi,” I smiled dreamily.

“Good dream?” Edward asked.

“Hmm, very good dream,” I replied softly.

“That’s good love but you need to wake up. You need to put your seatbelt back on. We’re about to land,” Edward told me softly. He tucked my hair back from my face as I straightened up from sleeping on his shoulder.

I yawned and arched my back to work out the kinks from sleeping sitting up. I heard Edward’s quiet laugh and turned to look at him. I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment as I realized my yawn was a little loud.

“I’m sorry you’re so tired. I wasn’t expecting to need to go to this conference with Carlisle and I have some things that I need to do before I leave,” he offered.

I smiled in appreciation. “It’s okay, I understand. I can’t wait to see Alice and Jasper at the airport.” I grasped his arm and hugged it. “It feels like forever since I’ve seen them.”

“I know you missed everyone, love. We’ll be home very soon. I’m only sorry I have to turn around and leave you so quickly.”

“I’ll miss you. How long will you be gone?” I asked.

It was odd how different I felt about Edward since this trip. Before this week I would have jumped for joy at the thought of being free of Edward even for only a few days. Now I was actually going to miss him. I really liked being with him now.

“Just a few days. Carlisle said the conference was four days and it started yesterday so I should be home by Tuesday when you get home from school. Emmett and Jasper are going to take you to and from school while I’m gone.

I crushed the feeling that tried to come to the surface at his reminder that I still couldn’t go anywhere alone. I was confident that would change when he got back and we could talk about it.

“Will you have time for us to have lunch together before you leave?” I asked.

“If we make it a late lunch, then yes.” He lifted my chin up to give me a chaste kiss before tapping the tip of my nose. “But I want you to sleep when we get home first, understand?”

I sighed at his telling me what to do again, but nodded my agreement; he was just showing concern since I was tired. I guess it was okay, sleep did sound pretty good. I understood what a red eye flight was now. I could feel my eyes burning. After spending the last couple of days of our vacation, that’s what I deemed it now, packing and flying out of Phoenix at 5 am, I was just about dead to the world. It wouldn’t take much for me to crash.

I was finally resolved that I’d never set foot in my home again. That part of my life was over now. I decided it wasn’t worth the fight to try and convince Edward to keep my home. I was learning with Edward the necessity of picking my battles. I’d already won so many battles on this trip that affected my life more than a house would. I would learn to get over it.

“Edward?” I said stretching his name out. I glanced up at him beneath my lashes and smiled wistfully.

He glanced down at me as he put away his book in his laptop case. He studied my face briefly before giving me my crooked grin. He leaned in and captured my lips with his in a slow soft kiss. I moaned into his mouth as he pulled back. I opened my eyes to see the laughter dancing in his eyes at me.

“Let me guess,” he stated. “Would a nice back rub help you sleep when we get home,” he chuckled.

I blushed at being caught without even having to ask. I guess the tone of my voice was enough to let him know I wanted something from him. I’d have to remember this and try it again sometime. I grinned and nodded.

“Please? I know it would help me sleep,” I assured him.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led my head to rest on his shoulder. “Of course love. You know I love giving you a back rub about as much as you love receiving one.”

I heard the sound of the landing gear being lowered and looked out the window to see the ground coming closer toward us. My heart sped up as I thought again about my dream. We were starting over in our relationship. Everything had changed for us. I couldn’t wait to begin my new life in Forks.

I closed my eyes briefly and remembered my dream again. I pictured the interior of our new home; the style and colors that I liked the most. I saw my home office where I wrote at night after coming home from work. I would teach high school English and write on the side. My college diploma would be hanging on the wall opposite my desk where I could see my accomplishment. Later we’d have a couple of children, a boy and a girl, after I was established. Edward and I in the kitchen cooking dinner together while the kids played or did their homework at the breakfast room table. We’d both be wearing “Kiss the Cook” aprons and stopping every once in while to do just that while our children laughed at us. After dinner, Edward would offer to clean the kitchen so I could write for a while until movie time. Then I’d hear small footsteps running down the stairs while calling to me to hurry. I’d go into the family room where my family was waiting for me with a big bowl of popcorn to watch a movie together. I’d snuggle into my loving husband’s arms with our children snuggled in on either side of us. Our home would be filled with love and laughter like my home growing up. It would be a perfect life now.

I didn’t realize I was smiling until Edward asked, “Care to share what’s made you so happy lately?”

I opened my eyes and grinned widely at him. I rose up and gave him a quick kiss. “Just remembering my dream.”

“What was it about?” he asked.

“Just us,” I answered vaguely.

The plane rolled to a stop and the captain came on over the speakers thanking us for flying. I squealed and clapped my hands. I probably looked so juvenile but I couldn’t help it. Alice was going to be waiting with Jasper and I couldn’t wait to tell her more about my trip. We’d talked for a little while the other day, but Edward was in the room so I didn’t go into detail.

We left the plane and saw Jasper standing next to a tall Alice. I laughed as the crowd parted and I could see Alice was standing on a chair looking over heads for us. I waived as she spotted me and screamed. She quickly jumped down and ran to me knocking the wind out of me in her rush. Edward walked over to shake hands with Jasper.

“Oh Bella, I’m so glad you’re home!” she squealed. She hugged me again tightly and grabbed my face with both hands. She pulled my face down to her level, her eyes darted back and forth looking for something in my expression. I clamped my hands over my ears as she screamed again piercing my ears with her sharp squeal.

“It’s happening! I knew it would. Jasper owes me $20. I told him I could feel things and I knew it would happen.” She kept chattering on.

“What happened?” I asked as she pulled me along with Jasper and Edward to get our bags from the carousal.

She didn’t answer me, just kept dancing and pulling me along. I finally planted my feet firmly on the ground. “Alice! What happened?” I asked more loudly.

She stopped and stared at me in astonishment. I didn’t know what she was carrying on about.

“You’re falling in love with him,” she explained. She spoke to me like it should be the most obvious thing in the world.

I continued walking blindly being pulled along by Alice behind Edward and Jasper. Everything around me blurred out of focus while I considered what her words meant. Did I love Edward? I knew I liked him now, but love?

I thought about our trip and all the things he had done for me. I thought back again to what I said to him in our hotel about why I stayed. I thought about how much he’s changed with me over the months since I met him. He no longer treated me like an object. I could express my feelings without fear now. Heck, I was walking through the airport with Alice in jeans and flip flops. I’d flown to Phoenix from this same airport just one week earlier in a scrap of a dress and heels shackled to Edward’s side by his arm around my waist. I’ve been dreaming of a married life with him so what did that mean? Ok, I was willing to admit to myself, I definitely liked him a lot, maybe I would even go so far as to say I really liked him a lot.

He was a monster when we met. Hell, we didn’t meet; he bought me off the internet really. His father emailed my picture to him and he said he wanted me. He abused me and treated me like some kind of personal toy for his pleasure all the while claiming to love me. How could I love a monster?

‘Because he isn’t a monster any longer. You changed him just like Esme said you would.’ I heard my conscience whisper.

But love? I shook my head at my internal question. No, I wasn’t ready to admit that feeling yet to anyone; not to Alice and certainly not to Edward. I wanted more time first. I wanted to be sure of myself and my feelings before I said them out loud. Once said there would be no taking them back. I still needed to learn to trust him completely so I could tell him about his father. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me again nor would he let anyone else hurt me, but Carlisle wasn’t just anyone. He was his father. I needed to trust him that he’d protect me against Carlisle. After that I would be ready to tell him that I loved him, not before.

I paused as I realized what I just said and turned to Alice in shock. I loved Edward. How did she know when I didn’t? My whole internal dialogue was a waste of time. I have been trying to talk myself out of admitting my feelings. It didn’t make sense to be in love with him already, but I knew in my heart of hearts I did love him. I loved the man he had become, the man he really was deep down. I was in love with Edward Cullen; my Edward Cullen.

She just gave me a smug smile and tapped her temple with her finger.

“I told you, I know things,” she shrugged.

I grabbed both her hands in mine and looked to be sure Edward wasn’t paying attention to us at the moment. He and Jasper were busy getting our bags off the carousal.

“Please Alice, don’t say anything. I’m not ready. I don’t want to tell him yet,” I begged.

Alice hugged me tightly and nodded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything until we were alone. I know you’re not ready to admit to those feelings just yet. I was just so excited I couldn’t hold it in. I won’t say a word to Edward and don’t worry, Jasper won’t say anything either.” She grinned and winked at me then. “But I’m right aren’t I?”

I looked over to Edward who was coming back toward us. He and Jasper were carrying our bags. I smiled at him before turning back to Alice, my smile being all the answer she needed. “Yeah, it’s crazy I know. But yes, I do love him,” I admitted softly. “I’m just not ready to tell him yet. We’re just beginning to find each other.”

***

E POV

I shut the bedroom door. Bella was definitely out. She was so tired between packing and our early flight. I still hadn’t told her about my plans for the house. I decided to save it for a surprise later. I wanted to tell her when I proposed. I thought that would be the perfect time. I was surprised she didn’t protest or say anything when we were still in Phoenix.

Esme was working at the far end of her garden when we got home. I was secretly glad. I wanted Bella asleep while I talked to her. I wanted to talk to her alone, just one-on-one. I felt she deserved it. I didn’t want any interruptions nor did I want to admit to Bella how much more of a monster I was then she already knew. I went down to the kitchen and checked the coffeepot. It was set up for a fresh pot so I turned it on. She always had the pot ready to go at a moment’s notice. I knew this was my father’s rule. She was to anticipate his every need and be ready to serve immediately.

I smiled, my mouth watering at the smell of something cooking in the oven. It reminded me of my childhood. It had been years since that smell filled the air; 8 years to be exact. I knew what it was and it reminded me what a horrible son I was again. I took two mugs out of the cabinet and the cream from the refrigerator and put them on the table. I smiled at the sight of her bouquet sitting in the center of the table. She could enjoy her flowers now that my father was out of town. I noticed the card attached and read the message I’d asked to be written. “I love your pot roast. Your son, Edward.” I shook my head in disgust at myself again. I heard the door to the mudroom open and grabbed the coffee pot as my mother walked in.

“Hello Edward,” she said hesitantly.

I could tell she was nervous. Hell, she was probably as nervous as I was. I’d hurt her so badly that day, she would never assume anything from me. I cleared my throat to dislodge the lump that had developed in my throat. I gestured to a chair for her to sit, unable to speak yet. She tentatively sat down staring at me wide eyed as I brought the coffee pot over and poured both of us a cup of coffee. I set the pot down as I sat in the chair next to her.

“Cream?” I asked.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking.

I poured cream in both cups and stirred her cup before sliding it over to her. My hand shook as I brought my cup to my lips. I saw her take a sip of her coffee from the corner of my eye. When I turned to her I saw the tears filling in her eyes. They began to spill over when she turned toward me.

“Thank you for the coffee Edward,” she said softly. She cleared her throat. “It was very sweet of you to do this.”

The tears continued to pour from her eyes. I knew no one in my family had ever taken the time to serve her. To do something as simple as pour her a cup of coffee was unheard of. Well maybe Jasper and Emmett did this now for her in secret, but I had never once offered the courtesy to her.

“The pot roast smells really good. Is it for lunch?” I asked hesitantly.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. I thought you might like it before you have to fly out this afternoon.” She answered. I could hear the trepidation in her answer.

I still wasn’t sure how to apologize to her so I was making small talk, skirting the main issue. I closed my eyes and pictured the day that destroyed my relationship with my mother; the pot roast being the catalyst that earned my father’s praise. It was the day he let her out of the basement. My brothers and I had told her we didn’t forgive her for destroying Charlie’s family.

“I don’t forgive you. You’re a horrible mother. You destroyed a family and I’m ashamed to call you my mother. You’ll never be my mother again. You’re just Esme from now on,” I said, staring down at my mother on her knees in front of me.

My father was standing to the side observing. Emmett and Jasper had already said these things to her and walked out of the room leaving me to state the things my father forced me to say to her.

I didn’t feel this way. I loved my mother. If she destroyed Charlie’s family then she must have had a good reason. I knew Charlie and his family. Charlie was just like my father. Renee was quiet and subdued just like my mother in their presence. James was a little punk that was always trying to act tough by picking on his little sister. When our families spent time together, James would show us how he bosses her around and punished her if she didn’t obey.

“Very good Edward,” my father said. “Now you need to get your homework done and don’t forget your challenge for the evening. Make me proud.”

“Esme you may start dinner now.” He told her as I left the room.

I hesitated on the stairs as I saw him yank her to her feet and shove her out of the living room. Her pained eyes looked up at me as she walked past in silence. I was shocked at just how truly fragile she looked in that moment.

“Edward, your room, now!” my father barked.

I turned and ran to my room staying there until it was time for dinner. I finished my homework and worked on my challenge. I was determined to win. I hated losing to my brothers. It was worse if I lost to Demetri. I always lost. My heart wasn’t in it. I didn’t like my father’s challenges, they always made me uncomfortable. They were wrong somehow. My mother always taught me to respect women and my father’s challenges didn’t seem to do that.

I tore up another piece of paper in frustration. Even I knew washing my underwear by hand wasn’t enough to win. That idea went on the floor along with every other lame-ass idea I’d come up with. I glanced at the clock and realized it was time for dinner. I got up and stomped downstairs to the dining room in frustration. Everyone else was already seated waiting on me. As I sat down, Jasper and Emmett started in.

“So what stupid shit idea did you come up with Edward? Spit-polish your shoes? Clean under your bed?” Jasper laughed.

“Nah, you know he’s not that creative. He probably put down clean out his sock drawer or organize his music,” Emmett chimed in.

“Now boys, give your little brother a chance,” my father said condescendingly. “I know Edward doesn’t give you much of a challenge, but I’m sure he’s come up with something better than that. Haven’t you Edward?” he turned to me.

“Yeah,” I mumbled. I knew I was going to lose and they were already rubbing it in.

“Uncle Marcus is emailing Demetri’s idea to me after dinner. We’ll have to see what he came up with. He’s always a tough one to beat,” he reminded me.

I felt my anger rise as my father and brothers continued to laugh at me. I would win this challenge even if it killed me.

My mother walked in carrying a serving platter which she laid on the table next to my father. It was pot roast with carrots and potatoes, my personal favorite. She also set out steamed green beans with pearl onions; Emmett’s favorite and fried corn with bacon; Jasper’s favorite. My mother smiled at me in silent communication. I knew she was saying she didn’t blame us for our words earlier.

My father carved the roast while Emmett and Jasper continued to make fun of me.

“Shut. Up,” I said slowly. I was trying to control my anger at the table. My mother always told me that anger had no place at the dinner table.

“What’s the matter?” Emmett snickered. “Little Eddie can’t take a joke? Do you need Esme to powder your ass?”

I noticed he didn’t have any trouble slipping into his new form of address for our mother. Everything was always so easy for him. It wasn’t fair.

I stared down at the roast on my plate and felt my anger boil over. How dare she be nice to me after what I said to her? It was her fault I couldn’t earn my father’s love. She was holding me back. Her ideals, her love are why my father thought I was a weakling, why I was a disappointment to him. She did this to me!

“Shut the hell up Emmett!” I yelled, standing so quickly I knocked over my chair. Everyone looked at me in shock except my father. He just sat back and observed; a smug smile of satisfaction on his face.

I grabbed my plate and marched around to my mother’s- No, Esme’s place at the table. I dumped my plate in her lap to her shock. Then I grabbed the serving platter and threw it on the floor along with the rest of our dinner.

“I hate your pot roast! You disgust me! Your food disgusts me! Your very presence disgusts me! I don’t ever want to see a pot roast on the table again as long as I live!” I snarled at her. “You’re nothing to me any longer!”

I couldn’t stop the word vomit that flowed out of me born of my anger and frustration at my father and brothers. She’d done nothing to warrant my attack, but I blamed her for all my sins. It was so much easier as a fourteen year-old to place blame on my innocent mother than to stand up against the monster my father was. I saw the real pain in my mother’s eyes as she stared up at me from her seat, my dinner covering her blouse and lap. Tears were flowing down her face at me and I saw her chin quivering, but I didn’t let it effect me. I pulled her by her arm out of the chair and shoved her to the floor same as my father had earlier.

“Clean this slop up and make me something decent to eat if you’re capable.”

I ground my foot into the roast and stormed out of the room and ran up the stairs. I ran to my bathroom and immediately vomited into the toilet. I flushed the toilet and brushed my teeth with shaky hands. I propped my hands against the counter and stared at the stranger’s face in the mirror. I was shaking so hard from the torrent of emotions I was feeling, shock being the biggest one. I couldn’t believe I just dumped our dinner on the floor and on my mother. I couldn’t believe my father let me do those things.

I turned off the light and entered my bedroom as my father came into the room. I guess I was going to get my ass handed to me now.

“Dad-“ I began. I didn’t know how to apologize to him for my behavior.

“Edward,” he interrupted. He sat at my desk and pulled out his wallet. “I honestly didn’t think you had it in you son. I’m proud of you. I must say I’m not happy about waiting on dinner for another hour, but you earned the reward tonight, hands down. I don’t even need to see what your brothers or cousin came up with. Nothing could top your demonstration in there tonight. I expect to see great things coming from you from now on.”

I stood there stunned that I wasn’t being punished. I was being rewarded for my temper tantrum. There were no other words to describe what I did. I threw a fit in anger and lashed out against the one person who had only ever shown me unconditional love.

I held out my hand to take his reward. I counted out $500. I looked in wonder at the money in my hand and then up to my father’s face. He was looking at me with pride. Pride I had never seen directed at me. I resolved in that moment to always make him proud of me, no matter what it took.

“Don’t you worry, Dad,” I assured him. “You’ll only see a son you can be proud of from here on out. I promise.”

He ruffled my hair affectionately. “I’m sure I will,” he said. “Dinner should be ready in an hour.”

He left my room and I yelled out. “Hey Dad? Tell Esme, I want spaghetti for dinner.”

I heard him laugh as he headed down the stairs.

I became my father’s monster that night and never looked back until Bella came into my life. I was going to have my mother back thanks to her. My love for Bella was turning me back into the man my mother could be proud of.

I opened my eyes to see my mother still silently crying. She was staring at her flowers in front of us.

“Thank-“ she croaked. She cleared her throat to start again. “Thank you for the beautiful flowers. I love them,” she paused then turned toward me. I saw love and acceptance in her eyes for me. “I love you, Edward.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Mom, I’m so very sorry for the way I’ve behaved.”

She opened her mouth to interrupt me. I held my hand up to stop her.

“Please Mom. I need to be able to say this to you.”

She whimpered, her breath caught at hearing me address her in a way I haven’t done in eight long years. She nodded and took a deep steadying breath.

“I don’t deserve your love for the way I’ve treated you. I’m sorry for dumping my food in your lap and on the floor. That was so very wrong of me. I never stopped to realize that the love I received from you was pure and the love I needed all these years. I let my insecurities about myself allow Carlisle to overrule everything you ever taught me. You taught me love and respect for myself and for others. I destroyed your trust and faith in me in one moment of weakness and have allowed it to rule my life ever since. I love Bella and I want to be a better man for her. I want her love and I want her to never fear me again. I’ve made promises to her while we were in Phoenix that I intend to uphold. I want to make a promise to you also.” I turned in my chair to hold her hands which were shaking. Her sobs becoming louder at my words. “I promise never to be less than a son you can be proud of. I promise never to take you for granted or make you question my love and respect for everything you’ve done for me over the years. I want to make your life easier in any way I can. I love you Mom.” I finished in a whisper. “I’ve missed having you in my life. Will you be my mom again?”

“Oh Edward,” she cried and pulled me into an embrace that would rival Emmett. “I’ve always loved you. I never stopped. A mother never gives up on her children or stops loving them. I’ve always been here for you and always will be. I love you so very much. Please know that I forgave you that very moment. I knew the frustrations you felt as a boy. I knew you craved your father’s attention and I understood what was going on. I know that wasn’t you. That was all him, it’s always been him inside of you, keeping you buried beneath the twisted truths he taught you. I knew you would come back to me when you found your own true love. Bella has the power to heal you and I’m so proud of you for allowing yourself to feel that love. That type of unconditional love is why I’ve survived all these years. Because I love my children unconditionally and I knew you would need me again one day.”

2009-09-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 38

BPOV

We drove back to the hotel quietly holding hands like any normal couple. Today was so monumental for me. I hoped and prayed I made the right decision by staying. I knew the chances that I would ever have such a clear opportunity to leave again were slim to none. But at that moment it just felt like the right decision. Now here I was, twenty minutes later, chewing my lip and second-guessing myself. What if I was wrong? What if it was the wrong choice? What if all of this was only a temporary reprieve? What if I just blew my only chance at survival? Oh God, what have I done?

I think I’d come to one absolute, rock solid, carved in granite, take it to the bank conclusion. I hated the words ‘what if’ and ‘maybe’ probably more than any other words in the English language. I suddenly felt very tired. I released a heavy sigh and leaned my head in my hand that was braced on the car door. I felt Edward release my other hand before feeling it slip under my hair to massage my neck. I closed my eyes. He was so good at that.

“Mmm.” I didn’t even bother to hold back the moan of appreciation.

“Are you alright?” he asked, slowly running his thumb up and down the side of my neck.

“Um-hum,” I mumbled, keeping my eyes closed. I wasn’t ready to talk just yet. I was too unsure of myself right now. I just needed to get a grip.

“Bella?” he prodded.

I squeezed my eyes closed tighter. “Not now, alright? I want to talk, but not until we’re in our room. Okay?” I requested.

I felt his hand still a moment before starting to massage my neck again. It took me all of half a second to realize what I’d done. I’d just turned him away without even a thought. I opened my eyes and turned to look at him. I stared at his profile for a moment but couldn’t see any of the usual signs of anger in his expression.

“Edward?” I asked softly.

He glanced at me and reached down taking my hand in my lap bringing it to his lips. He smiled and held my hand to his chest.

“We’ll talk in our room, just a few more minutes. I just have to get us through all this traffic.”

He kissed my hand again before releasing it back into my lap and returning to massaging my neck. This time when I closed my eyes, I felt the excess moisture that had welled up, not enough to fall but enough to wet my lashes. I took a deep breath releasing it. I’d made the right choice. I didn’t make a mistake. I reached up and gently pulled Edward’s hand from my neck. I kissed the back of his hand and held it against my cheek. I felt his thumb brush my jaw and smiled.

Nothing else was said in the car, and we arrived back at our hotel without further incident. Once in our room, Edward went to drop the bags in our bedroom and I got a couple of waters out of the mini-fridge as I kicked off my shoes and curled up on the sofa to wait for him.

Now that it was time to talk I had no clue how to begin. How did you negotiate your future with a fiancé you didn’t choose? Ours wasn’t a normal relationship by any stretch of the imagination. Now, however, everything was changing and we were going to find a way to be ‘normal.’ At least that was what I hoped Edward was agreeing to.

I’d made a split second decision to stay with him based really on two days’ behavior. What rational person did that? I’d either have to say I was the only one or I wasn’t rational; I was insane. I guess we’d see soon enough.

Edward came back in the room and sat on the sofa with me, taking the water I offered. I watched him as he took a long drink before setting the bottle down beside mine and turning to me. I had my legs curled up on the sofa, facing him, and smiled as he brought his arm up to rest on the back of the sofa. He seemed to be deep in thought, staring at his hand that was playing with a lock of my hair.

The silence was almost deafening as I tried to figure out what to say to begin this talk and Edward worked out whatever was on his mind. He finally looked up and our gazes locked together.

“Bella,” he started, breaking our silence. “Why didn’t you leave when you had the chance?”

I stared down at my hands, rubbing my palms back and forth on my thighs, while searching in vain for the words to explain what I was thinking and feeling at that moment in the mall. I struggled to put my thoughts together into a cohesive explanation that would make sense, but the more I tried, the more muddled my thoughts became. I finally gave up and decided to just let whatever words came fall out of my mouth, and hope they made sense.

I looked up at Edward, who was still waiting for my explanation, and took a deep breath. I sent up a quick silent prayer that I wasn’t going to sound stupid and juvenile to him. However smart my mom and Phil thought I was, I was still just seventeen and I was so afraid my reasons would prove just how naïve and immature I really was to him.

“I --” I hesitated.

“I --” I tried again to get the explanation to come forth.

“I --” I huffed. I drew my knees up to my chest dropping my head in my hands and gripped my hair in frustration.

“Ugh! I hate this!” I began mumbling to myself, forgetting Edward was even there. “I knew exactly what I wanted to say to you in the parking lot when you were holding me. It was crystal clear in my head.”

I jumped up from the sofa, unable to sit still in my frustration, and began pacing the room. I bemoaned my inability to put into words what was in my mind. And maybe in my heart?

“Why is this so freaking hard now?” I continued to ignore the fact that Edward was sitting and quietly observing my little monologue. My hands were flying all over the place as I tried to work out what I needed to say. I always thought better when I was moving. “I just want to tell you that you make me happy now. I’m not scared of you anymore. I feel like me again. I don’t even feel like a Barbie doll right now. You did this. You let me yell at you, and even when I gave you the belt, you didn’t hit me.

“You knew I needed to cry at the cemetery and you held me and comforted me. You laughed with me today. You’ve never really laughed with me before, not like normal couples do. I’ve never dated anyone, but I’ve seen Janie and Scott together. Today was just like them. I was having so much fun for the first time in forever that I forgot everything else. For the first time since entering this nightmare I was really happy. I could almost pretend that we were dating like normal people. It felt normal. I want normal. I freaking earned it and I’m not about to give it up. You’ve given me the best gift I could ever expect from you short of my freedom…”

I stopped short as it all fell into place. I looked over to Edward still sitting on the sofa, realizing that he’d just sat there silently through my rant. He had the strangest look on his face. He looked like he was in pain. I had to see the answer for myself. I walked over and kneeled onto the sofa with my legs straddling his lap. I held his face in my hands and searched for the confirmation of the truth in his eyes while he held my hips gently waiting for me to continue. I looked down into his eyes and felt those emotions bubbling up inside of me again. I felt the tears start to fall again as I stared into his eyes.

“You did that. You wouldn’t have stopped me today, would you?” I asked in wonder.

“No, I wouldn’t,” he admitted softly. He reached up to tuck my hair behind my ear giving me a gentle smile that melted my heart. “Today I would have let you go if that’s what you wanted.”

Somehow deep inside of me I’d known that. In that moment before walking away from him in the parking lot I’d known. Edward loved me enough that he would have let me go. Now I just had to learn to love him in return. A part of me knew I was already falling for my Edward. I knew now that it wouldn’t be hard to fall completely in love with him, the real Edward. Esme’s Edward. I smiled at the thought. My Edward and Esme’s Edward were the same man, only she knew and loved the boy. I was going to know and love the man. I had my answer for him now.

“I stayed because in that moment I wanted to be with you. I wanted to see what a future with you would be like. I stayed because I’ve given you my trust, not to hurt me and to love me for who I am. I stayed because I guess I really do care about you and I want to learn to love you as much as you say you love me.”

I leaned forward to curl up into his arms and gazed into his face with his dazzling crooked smile and his brilliant, emerald-green eyes that looked at me with so much love and emotion. Not a hint of Carlisle’s Edward to be found.

“I stayed because today you would have let me leave.” There was no other explanation needed than that. He would have let me go. I had seen it in his eyes. Today had really been my choice to stay. If I’d gotten into the car with the police officer and left, I would have been free.

One thing I’d learned in my time in Forks is that the Cullens were powerful and had the money to get away with anything. No one stopped them, the way we lived, and how I came to Edward proved this. If today had been any different and Edward hadn’t been willing to let me leave, I might have gotten away in that moment but one way or another I would have been back within 24 to 48 hours, tops.

I reached up and pulled his face to mine, kissing him with all the feeling inside of me. He returned my ardor with equal passion. I felt him slide his tongue between my parted lips and I welcomed him into the warm embrace of my mouth. I turned toward him more so that I could wrap my arms around him and felt Edward wrap his hand around my thighs, pulling me closer. I sucked and stroked his tongue with mine before slipping my tongue into his mouth. He groaned into my mouth and our tongues danced together between us.

I felt a hand quickly slide up under the back of my shirt and come around to cup my breast, pulling down the cup of my bra and pinch my nipple. He pulled me tighter into his hips grinding me into his pelvis.

I felt the evidence of what our kissing was doing to Edward and carefully began to pull back. My body responded to his every touch, but I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to just continue our physical relationship as if nothing had changed between us. I know it sounds silly. We were really moving backwards in our relationship. I’d been with Edward for months; we’d done just about everything physical you can short of actually having sex. I knew by choosing to stay with him today I was agreeing to ultimately marry him in the end, but now we were really just getting to know each other. It didn’t feel right to continue the rest until I was more secure in my feelings with Edward. I could only hope he understood and wouldn’t be too angry with me.

“Edward,” I urged softly breaking our kiss. “I need to stop. Please?”

He rested his forehead against mine, breathing deeply, still holding me tightly in his arms. His eyes were shut tight as he fought for control. His hand was still cupping my bare breast.

“Please? I’m so--” I began, afraid to move in case he was angry.

“Bella,” he halted me, “don’t. I promised whatever you were comfortable with now. I’m trying. I just need you so much. It’s hard for me to stop, but I will. Just give me a minute.” He continued to hold me as his breathing slowed back down. He pulled the cup of my bra up over my breast and slid his hand out from under my shirt, letting it rest on my thigh. He finally opened his eyes to me. I could still feel his arousal but his eyes were no longer as dark.

“I guess I should put away the stuff we bought. Will you teach me to play chess this afternoon?” I asked, trying to distract him from his problem.

“That sounds like a good idea,” he agreed. He stood, helping me to my feet as well. “I’ll get the board set up on the table while you’re doing that.”

“Alright.” I went back into the bedroom and pulled out the bag from the game store and took it to Edward to set up.

“Here you go,” I said, handing him the bag. I stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, love,” he responded. I could still see the lines of tension around his mouth.

I went back into the bedroom and started pulling everything out of the bags. I went to the closet and realized something. Hotels don’t give you a lot of hangers. I stared at the clothes laid out on the bed and my clothes hanging in the closet. I chewed my lip as I thought about what to do. I released my lower lip and shook my head as I laughed quietly to myself. ‘Things were certainly different today,’ I thought as I began pulling the clothes I hated off the hangers and dropping them into a pile on the floor.

I got to choose what I wanted to wear now so these would go. I left only the couple of shirts and a dress I actually liked then hung up my new clothes on the now empty hangers. I would need Edward to take me shopping when we got home also so I could replace those things as well. I didn’t know what to do with the stuff I didn’t want to wear ever again. I picked everything up off the floor and stuffed them into the empty shopping bags and headed back out to the sitting room. It was time to learn something that was my choice to learn.

***
E POV

I spent a couple of hours teaching Bella the basics of chess; the names of the pieces and the moves they could make. She caught on quickly and I loved seeing the excitement and joy in her eyes as we played. It was a quick game since she would need to learn strategy before she gave me any real challenge, but I knew we would have a lifetime for her to learn.

She chose me today. My worst nightmare was washed away. I understood what Jasper meant when he told me what it would mean to have Bella choose me on her own. I broke down like a baby in that parking lot. I was so overwhelmed with emotion when she called me her fiancé, the fact that she didn’t run away from me when she had the opportunity.

I owed my brother so much for everything. I fought his advice every step of the way, determined to be right in how I handled Bella. I was a fucking idiot. Every time I followed his advice I made Bella happy. Every time I did things my way I hurt her emotionally and physically. How did I forget everything my mother taught me as a child? I saw it now that I was willing to look inside myself through the eyes of an adult; my mother secretly teaching us how to treat a woman with respect, not to be afraid to show love when we found it.

Then to forget everything she taught me in one night, the night I earned my father’s highest praise for humiliating my mother. I was so proud of myself. I strutted around at my brothers because I won his fucking challenge. I was a fourteen year-old punk and should have had my ass kicked for what I did to her, not rewarded for it. I didn’t stop to think about how it hurt my mother. I only saw the pride in his eyes, pride he so rarely showed me.

I was never good enough for him. If I made an “A” in class, why wasn’t it an “A+”? When I played basketball, why didn’t I score more points for my team? It was never enough for him. He was the reason I got where I am in life as fast as I have. I craved his attention, his praise. He withheld it knowing it was the best way to manipulate me. He used it to mold me into an exact replica of himself. I became a monster for him.

Choosing Bella to become my wife was the best decision I’d ever made in my life. She slew the monster within me. I could feel the difference within and I reveled in it. I didn’t think anyone else would have been able to affect me the way Bella had. I wanted to make her happy and earn her love. I knew today that eventually she would love me. We would have the perfect marriage that I craved. It would be like George and Maddie Owens. Bella knew and accepted my faults. However, there were no faults to accept in Bella; she was perfect in every way.

I shook myself from my thoughts as the bedroom door opened to see my Bella walking out in one of her new outfits. She was dressed in a bright pink top and white eyelet swing skirt with ballet flats. She smiled shyly at me. This was new; never before had she thought about her appearance. Probably because I chose all her clothing before so knew I always liked how she looked.

“Do I look okay?” she asked timidly as she walked up to stand in front of me. She looked so cute peeking up at me through her lashes and chewing on her bottom lip.

I held my hand above her and made a motion for her to turn around for me. I didn’t really need her to do it, she looked beautiful as always, but I wanted to play with her a bit.

“Turn around and let me see you.” I grinned as she turned slowly for me, watching my face the whole time.

“Well? Is it?” she asked nervously.

I stepped back and tapped my finger against my lips, contemplating my answer. “Hmm, I don’t know,” I answered slowly. I saw the look of doubt in her eyes and realized it was too soon for her to recognize I was only teasing her. I quickly took her hand and pulled her into my arms, tilting her chin up to look at me. I gave her a quick kiss and smiled reassuringly at her. “Yes, Bella, you look beautiful. You are always beautiful to me.”

I was rewarded with her pink tinged cheeks and shy smile, the twinkle back in her eyes for me. “Thank you,” she answered. She ran her hand across my chest, brushing imaginary lint from my black button down shirt. “You’re pretty handsome yourself,” she grinned.

I could feel my stomach tighten and wished I could take her back into our bedroom. I was going to have a hard time controlling myself around her. This afternoon proved that point. When she pulled back and told me to stop, I wanted to pin her down on the sofa and show her who was boss. I needed to be able to touch her. My body physically craved her body. My heart craved all of her, her heart, her mind, and her body. The real prize was in winning all of her and I knew this meant fighting my physical cravings. I wanted the whole package that was Bella. Today I won a small part of her heart. She chose me on her own. Now I just needed to win the rest. I’d reminded myself of my promise again and stepped back from her touch.

I cleared my throat. “So where’s this steakhouse you were telling me about?” I asked as I led her to the door.

***
Bella gave me directions to the restaurant and shared more stories of her mom and stepfather. Her life before me sounded ideal, something out of a fairytale, at least in comparison to my own childhood. I could hear the love in her voice for them and could picture them laughing together as a family. I was envious of the relationship she had with them. She openly loved her mother, and from everything she said and the home movies I watched it was obvious, she loved her stepfather and he loved her as well.

I wanted Christmas mornings around a big tree. I wanted to play Santa for our children like Bella told me Phil did for her. I wanted to see her belly swollen with a child, with a couple of little munchkins running around at her feet. She’d be tired at the end of the day from taking care of our children and home. When I came home from the hospital at night, she’d be glad to see me, her eyes filled with love for me. I’d kiss her lips and her belly, telling her how much I loved her. Our children would run to me and I’d take them outside to toss a ball while Bella finished our dinner. I wanted to have picnics in our living room at night, everyone loving and laughing while Bella made popcorn for us to eat. I wanted this life with Bella.

This was love, not the watered down twisted thing my father had for my mother or even for us. Listening to her talk, I came to the realization that I never heard my father say he loved us. I’d never heard him say he loved my mother either. I wondered what led him to become the man I knew. I would love to know if he loved my mother at all, and if so, how he could possibly think everything he did to her was okay.

The hostess tried to flirt with me when she led us to our table, but I only had eyes for my beautiful Bella. There was no other woman in the world beside her. I vaguely heard her mention our waiter’s name as she walked away. I saw Bella open her menu and stopped my automatic response to take it from her. I shook my head in disgust at myself as I opened my own menu. So many things ingrained in me I would need to relearn.

“So what’s good here,” I asked. It felt strange asking her what I should eat instead of telling her what to eat.

“Everything is good. Phil always liked the T-bone, mom liked the filet mignon, and I like their peppered steak salad or fried catfish. I think I want the catfish tonight. I’m in the mood for their squashpuppies.”

I cocked my eyebrow at her. “Squashpuppies? What on earth are those?”

“They’re hushpuppies with yellow squash mixed into the batter.” She grinned mischievously at me. “If you let me get chocolate cake for dessert, I might let you try one.”

I took her hand on the table and brought it to my lips. I winked at her as I kissed her hand. “You got yourself a deal, my love.”

***
Bella’s eyes continued to twinkle the entire evening. She loved it when I bowed to her knowledge of fantastic cuisine. From now on, if Bella told me something was good, I didn’t care if she told me we were having mountain lion and fried grizzly paws for dinner. If Bella said it was good I would eat it. I was only sorry squashpuppies didn’t come with my steak.

Bella winked and told me the recipe was in a cookbook at her home. I told her to be sure that book came with us. I saw the twinkle dim at the mention of packing up her home. I worked to bring the twinkle back as quickly as possible. I didn’t want to see her sad.

***

“Checkmate,” I said.

“Ugh, this game is so hard,” Bella complained. “I swear I’ll never be able to win. I know the pieces and what they do. What am I doing wrong?”

“It just takes time to learn the strategy. You’ll get it,” I reassured her. She was so cute when she pouted. I just wanted to suck her bottom lip between mine and never let it go.

I saw her try unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. “I want to try aga-again,” she yawned eventually.

I chuckled at her. She was obviously tired and too stubborn to call it a night. I stood from the table and scooped her up into my arms. She squealed, and then quickly buried her face in my chest to hide another yawn.

“I don’t think so,” I whispered softly. I carried her to our bedroom and set her on the side of the bed.

I went to the dresser and pulled out her raspberry pajama set. I turned back to her in time to see her mouth stretch in a huge yawn.

“Excuse me,” she grinned sheepishly.

“That’s okay, love. I know you’re tired. Here, lift your arms,” I told her.

I helped her undress and put on her pajamas. I swallowed hard at seeing her bare breasts before me. I struggled but successfully managed to dress her without touching her the way I wanted.

She lay down and I sat beside her to rub her back. I wasn’t coming to bed yet and I wanted her asleep before I left the room. I had a call to make that I didn’t want her to overhear.

“Bella, go to sleep. I know you’re tired,” I said. “I’ll be to bed in a few minutes.”

She shouldn’t have any nightmares tonight but I knew I’d be in bed before she started sleep talking just in case. She finally dozed off and I covered her before leaning in to kiss her cheek and left the room.

***
B POV

Edward noticed my yawn and picked me up, carrying me to bed. He rolled me onto my stomach and lay down beside me rubbing my back. I closed my eyes and hummed in appreciation. It felt so good.

“Bella, go to sleep. I know you’re tired,” he said. “I’ll be to bed in a few minutes.”

This was one of those times I didn’t mind Edward’s highhandedness as I yawned again and nodded. He leaned down to kiss my cheek and pulled the blanket over me before leaving the room. I heard the door quietly click shut and was left in darkness. I thought about our day and what it would be like to have a lifetime of days like today, a lifetime of Edward’s laughter and kindness. To accept the intense love he would give me, as I would learn to love him in return. I would be safe from anyone ever hurting me again. Edward would never let anyone hurt me I knew that now. As I drifted off to sleep, I decided to rethink my decision to keep Carlisle’s threat a secret from Edward. I would let my trust in Edward grow and when I felt completely safe with him I would finally tell him.

***
EPOV

I quietly shut the bedroom door so Bella could sleep. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Jasper’s number as I grabbed a bottle of water. I sat on the sofa and propped my feet up while I waited for him to answer. I had so much to talk to him about.

It was hard to believe we’d only been in Phoenix a few days, but it felt like Forks was a lifetime ago. I could feel the shift inside of me; the shift from the man my father raised me to be to the man my mother raised me to be. I couldn’t wait to get home and talk to her. I owed my mother such a huge apology for the way I treated her over the years. I couldn’t wait to tell her I loved her. My mother would be my first priority when we got home. My apology was long overdue.

Second priority would be to offer whatever incentive the builder would need to finish our home as quickly as possible. I’d pay for a bigger crew if that was what he needed. I wanted to start our picture perfect life just as soon as we could.

I’d need to stop at Mr. McGee’s shop the week we get home so I can pick up Bella’s ring. It was time to make us official. I thought a summer wedding would be best. There was no way I could wait for a Christmas wedding now. I was going to spontaneously combust if I didn’t get to relieve my physical needs soon and I’d only gone without for two days.

I’d need to talk with Carlisle about the timing for voiding the adoption. I knew he made sure the attorney left in that loophole so I wouldn’t have any problems marrying Bella.

I was so busy making a mental list that I was startled when I heard someone yell in my ear.

“Edward! So help me, you better not have hurt her! Answer me, damn it!” I heard my brother yell into the phone.

“Jasper? What the hell are you yelling about?” I asked. I was confused and angry at his accusation. “Why is your first assumption always that I’ve hurt Bella?”

“Edward, what am I supposed to think? You call me, then don’t respond when I say ‘hello.’ I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past couple of minutes. What else was I supposed to think?” he justified.

“Well, I didn’t. I was just thinking and wasn’t paying attention to the fact you had answered. Alright?”

I heard him sigh in relief. “Alright. I’m sorry. You just scared me for a minute. So, what’s up?”

“I need your help with something. Bella’s parents bought her a car for her birthday before they died. She didn’t know. We found it in the garage at the house. I want to ship it home as a surprise for her. Can I store it in your garage until I give it to her?” I asked.

“You’re actually going to let her keep it? Wow. Who are you and what have you done with my brother?” he laughed.

“Well if that impresses you then you better be sitting for this one. I’m not selling the house,” I said smugly. There was silence on the other line for a split second before I heard a shrill screech in my ear. I should have known Alice would be nearby and listening. It amazed me that it didn’t annoy me like it would have in the past.

I heard noise as she evidently took the phone from Jasper. “Hello Alice,” I chuckled.

“Oh Edward, Bella must be so excited. What did she say when you told her?” she asked.

“I haven’t told her yet. I just decided tonight. I’ll tell her tomorrow when we go back to finish packing her pictures and things.”

“How is Bella doing?” she asked.

“Things are really good between us, Alice. Now I hate to cut you off because I can tell you have a million questions, but I really need to talk to Jasper for a bit, okay? I promise to have Bella call you tomorrow and you can talk to her yourself. Just don’t tell her about the house or the car. Those are a surprise, alright?”

I pulled the phone from my ear quickly as she squealed in excitement. “Here’s Jasper. Don’t forget, you promised I can talk to her tomorrow.”

“I won’t forget. Now can I talk to Jasper?”

I heard my brother laugh as he took the phone back from his wife. “Hey Pixie, would you mind making up some of the cookie dough and I’ll make coffee when I get off so we can cuddle by the fireplace tonight?”

I heard kissing noises on the phone before my brother remembered I was still on the line. I heard Alice’s feet skip - or so it sounded - away. I shook my head and thought of seeing Bella that happy. I smiled at the mental picture I’d created in my mind this afternoon of our home life.

“Sorry Edward. What did you need?” he asked.

“I just wanted to be sure she got the flowers I ordered,” I asked nervously.

Watching Bella at the cemetery had made me think of my own mother. I knew flowers didn’t make up for everything, but I didn’t want to wait to tell her I loved her. Sitting in a cemetery brought home how short life can be, how quickly something can snuff out a life. I didn’t want to wait one second to let my mother know I was thinking about her. I’d ordered the largest arrangement of spring flowers to be delivered to Jasper’s house for her. I didn’t want my father to know about them so he wouldn’t get suspicious or throw them out. They were for her.

“Yeah, she got them. She cried for half an hour over the card alone. She comes by the house several times a day to smell them and read the card again. She said if you called again to tell you they’re beautiful and she understands. She said she’ll see you when you come home.”

I finished my conversation making the necessary arrangements for Bella’s car and hung up the phone. As I crawled into bed and spooned into Bella’s back I smiled. I had made good decisions in my relationship with my mother and my Bella. And best of all I had made these decisions on my own. I was going to be able to do this after all. I would make my mother proud of me. And Bella was going to love me and we’d have a wonderful life and marriage.

Welcome to The Perfect Wife

2009-08-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Perfect Wife.

This is a DARK OOC AU AH story for ADULT EYES ONLY.

It is a dark fic dealing with abuse, change, redemption and the power of real love. If you want to read it, be forewarned chapters 1 – 10 are graphic and deal with abuse. I promise the story doesn’t stay this way. If you want to skip this part, start at chapter 12 & send me a pm and I’ll summarize what you need to know. I promise there will be a Happy Ending to this story and I know what it takes to get there.

If you don’t like it, then don’t read it. Move on to something else

rmcrms5.

The Perfect Wife

2009-08-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Wife is up and running.

I will send notices through twitter, facebook, twilighted forum & a/n on Bella's Nightmare & A Mother's Love on FF.

A huge heartfilled 'Thank You' to Mandy (TheSpoiltOne) for all her fantastic work setting up the blogs and making them so beautiful!

Thanks to my fantastic Beta's Lillie Cullen & Leon McFrenchington.

Thank y'all for sticking with me through all the FF drama and following the story to its new home.

Take care~

Mic (rmcmrs5)

A Mother's Love

2009-05-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

In My Daughters Eyes by Martina McBride

A MOTHER’S LOVE (RENEE’S POV)

I looked around the neighborhood we’ve lived in safely for almost ten years as I watered my flowerbeds. I learned all about plants from Esme. My life was ideal now; I would never need my flowers to be more than decoration in the yard. I thought of my best friend when working in the yard and wondered how large Esme’s garden was now. I hoped and prayed it never got any bigger than it was when I left. I knew its secret. She deserved so much more than her garden. I wish I knew if she was successful raising her sons as decent men or if Carlisle won in the end like Charlie had. I would never know since I wouldn’t risk of Charlie ever discovering where we were. I missed my friend.

It’s such a peaceful neighborhood. We know everyone on our street; all longtime neighbors. That had been important to me when Phil and I were searching for a house. Longevity meant safety; we weren’t a neighborhood of strangers. We had a neighborhood watch, block parties, progressive suppers, neighborhood movie nights in the summer and Christmas decorating contests in the winter. Everyone looked out for each other.

I thanked God everyday for bringing Phil into mine and Bella’s life. He is such a wonderful man; loving, kind, considerate, gentle. He’s my rock and Bella’s father. Even if he isn’t her biological father, he treats Bella as though she is. He never made me feel guilty for not being able to have any more children. He assured me Bella was the only child he needed.

I knew she wouldn’t stay in Arizona for college. She’s been maroon and white since she was eight years old. Phil had season tickets for A & M football and baseball games and we went to as many as we could between his and Bella’s schedules. When Bella experienced First Yell at midnight for the first time she was hooked. She insisted Phil teach her the fight song the next morning before the game. Phil was so excited and I was relieved. It was the first time she showed any sign of affection and acceptance toward him. We were so worried Bella would never be able to trust him after her experience with Charlie and James before we left Forks.

I shook my head laughing to myself. They were certainly two peas in a pod now. They did everything together. Bella spent almost as much time at the ballpark with Phil as she spent with her friends. Phil taught Bella to play baseball as a way to build a relationship with her when she was younger. Bella loved softball and Phil coached her Little League team each year. Now he helped her high school coach when his team schedule allowed. Phil taught her to skate, to swim, anything to build her confidence in herself. She learned to trust again because of him. She was a normal teenage girl now; her beginning wiped out with the love and security she had all around her.

I wish Phil could adopt Bella, but to do so would mean that Charlie would know where we are. It took a couple of years before I felt safe enough to sleep through the night. I used to sleep on the floor next to her bed at night just so I could assure myself she was safe. Even all these years later, I knew Charlie would try to take her from me given the chance. I wasn’t sure just how strong the evidence I had against him would still be all these years later, but it was kept safely with our attorney just in case. We have done everything we could to ensure Bella’s safety from Charlie. We had wills in place naming JJ and Teri legal guardians if anything should happen to me while Bella was still a minor, and enough life insurance and investments between the two of us that she would be independent. Our attorney was so helpful in explaining everything we needed to do and helping us put it all in place.

Sometimes Phil worried I was too protective, keeping Bella in a safety bubble from the world, but he understood my reasons. I would have to learn to start letting go now that she was a senior. Being a senior meant freedom to teenagers; they were driving, most had part-time jobs, preparing to leave home for the first time to learn to stand on their own two feet. Phil worried Bella wouldn’t be ready. She wasn’t tough enough. I was so determined to erase the first seven years of her life from her memory that for the last ten years Bella’s life as been as ideal as we could make it. I didn’t want her to live in fear. Fear crippled you, made you a victim. When you lived in fear you allowed people to hurt you. I loved Meme’s saying, ‘Fear is false evidence appearing real.’

It took almost a year for Bella to come out of her shell, to trust that Phil wouldn’t hurt her. She was so scared of getting in trouble and being punished by any man. Charlie encouraged every bad behavior in James if it was directed toward me, and then Bella when she came. He especially encouraged his behavior with Bella. Charlie used to let James spank her as part of his twisted idea of teaching James to be a man. I was helpless to stop him as he always locked me in the basement until he and James finished. Charlie said it taught both of them; James to know he had the power and Bella to know her job was to make a man happy. I tried so hard to secretly teach James right from wrong and for Bella to stand up for herself, the way Esme was teaching her sons, but it was no use. James was Charlie’s sponge and Bella was too afraid of them.

My biggest regret was that I couldn’t save my son from Charlie’s influence. He was his daddy’s son. Charlie never allowed me to discipline him. It hurt to know my son was probably as much a monster as Charlie by now. Sometimes I would cry for the loss of James. He may have been a monster but I gave birth to him and I would always love him. I wish I could have saved him also. The day I left nearly killed me to walk away without James, but his mind was already full of Charlie’s sickness. I had to get out with Bella before it was too late for her as well.

I was scared to death when I took Bella to a doctor after we arrived in Phoenix. I actually collapsed in the doctor’s arms and wept with joy when he assured me that there were no signs of trauma or abuse to her body. I got her out in time. I knew there wasn’t much time left before Charlie moved up to actually abusing Bella when I saw the way she was eating a popsicle that day. It was the way he taught me to pleasure him when we were still in high school, after the first time I tried and ended up gagging and throwing up in his car.

Why didn’t I see it then? If only schools taught girls the warning signs to look for when they taught sex education. I was all for teaching abstinence vs. safe sex, as long as they taught the dangers beyond STD’s or pregnancy. There were so many things that can go wrong for a young girl, the stupidity of youth. I only saw his popularity on the football team, his gorgeous brown eyes, and his big burly muscles, and how everyone looked at me with envy. Charlie Swan wanted me, and no one else. I strutted around that school, always sandwiched between Charlie and Carlisle, wearing his letterman jacket like I was someone important.

Marriage to Charlie taught me I was nobody; my only purpose in life was to make him happy. I wasn’t ever to question where he spent his time or why he came home smelling of women’s perfume. Punishments were brutal and I finally realized if some other woman kept him happy, then he was easier to deal with when he came home. Whoever she was I would have liked to thank her; she actually did me a favor. Charlie’s only real complaint after he found his play toy was that I couldn’t drop out a son every year for him. It wasn’t like there was any way to predict the trouble I would have getting pregnant and then the complications with James’ delivery just compounded the problem.

Everything with Charlie came down to keeping up with the Cullen’s. Like that could ever happen. We were doing alright on his salary from the police department and our home may have been small but it was ours. He hated that he lost his scholarship and had to drop out of college. He raged against the unfairness of his life constantly. He was always worse after spending time with Carlisle. The man had more money than anyone could spend in two lifetimes. To this day I didn’t understand the complexities of the Cullen family empire. Carlisle’s family had interests in so many different ventures and then he was a surgeon on top of that. Charlie would never come close; my mistake was trying to point out the obvious.

That was when he escalated to downright dishonesty on the police force. How he never got caught was beyond me. I would almost think Carlisle paid off anyone who got suspicious of Charlie just so he’d always have a friend on the force. He could drive like a bat out of hell, and I knew he never received a single speeding ticket. Then they began their horrific idea of Charlie abusing other men’s wives for money. Charlie and Carlisle were both so evil. Charlie was terrifying each time he came home from these trips all puffed up with testosterone and wanting to ‘demonstrate’ for me everything he put some other poor woman through. I couldn’t conceive the way sickness found sickness. I often wondered if there was a billboard on some highway lit up with neon signs; ‘Got woman problems? Call 1-800-SADISTS. We’ll fix her right up for you.’

I shook myself from my depressing thoughts. I was feeling extremely sentimental today; even more than past birthdays. There was a heaviness in my heart that I couldn’t shake. I felt like time was running out to teach Bella everything she would need to know to survive life. I was going to need to stock up on tissues if this continues her entire year. I’ll be a blubbering mess by graduation.

I smiled to myself, thinking what Bella’s reaction will be later tonight to her gift. I knew she would never guess we bought her a car. Phil and I knew she would love it; it was Aggie maroon and there was an A & M window sticker on the back window. It was ready to make the trip to Aggieland next year. I took a deep breath to keep from crying at the thought.

“Hey neighbor,” a voice called.

I jumped startled and swung around spraying our neighbor with the garden hose.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” I gushed in horror at what I’d done.

He started laughing. “Don’t worry about it. I was planning to take a shower anyway. I should have just brought a bar of soap with me.” He pulled his wet t-shirt away from clinging to his chest while looking down at his wet jeans.

“I’m really sorry about that,” I said, beginning to laugh. “So what happened? You lock yourself out again?”

He grinned sheepishly at me, “Yeah, you would think after 10 years I’d learn to quit doing that. Thank god for neighbors like you and Phil.”

I shook my head still laughing. “Well you know where your spare is kept in the garage.”

“Thanks again for this,” he said.

I watched him walk around the corner to the garage door before walking over to turn off the water. I shook my head, he was such a riot. He was young, only in his late twenties and of Native American descent, and a computer genius, yet so helpless at the same time. He was self-employed working from his home designing security systems and software or something like that. Phil and I never understood all the technical stuff he talked about, we were technology incompetent. Phil couldn’t even hook up the surround sound system without his help. He installed the security system in our home and for the whole neighborhood and fixed our computer when it got a horrible virus a few years back. Since then he checked our system twice a year to be sure our stuff was up to date and our computer was safe from viruses. His mind was always working coming up with some new design that he was absentminded about little things like locking himself out of his house all the time. He used to come over and call a locksmith so often that Phil finally offered to keep a spare key at our house for him. He’d been in the neighborhood almost as long as we have and has always been a good neighbor. He’d always helpful to everyone on the street.

“Got it!” he called as he headed back toward his house, his hand up in the air with his key. “I’ll bring it right back.”

I went in the house to fix a couple of glasses of tea for when he came back. I checked the clock I still had a little over an hour before I needed to pick up Bella and Phil for dinner. I heard the knock on the kitchen door that led to the garage.

“Come on in, you know it’s open,” I said loudly. I carried both glasses to the table and sat down as he came in.

He sat down and I noticed he had changed out of his wet clothes.

“Thanks again. I really don’t know how I’d survive without you and Phil for neighbors. I’d probably just end up giving half my salary to the locksmith,” he laughed.

I reached and patted his hand in sympathy. “Well that’s what neighbors are for. You know we don’t mind. You’ve been a good neighbor to us also.”

He took a drink of tea. “Thanks, that’s really good. Hey, I noticed the new SUV in the garage with the big bow on the hood. I’m guessing that’s Bella’s birthday present.”

“Yes it is. She’s going to be so surprised. Phil and I are giving her a gift certificate to the bookstore with a card while we’re at the restaurant tonight to throw her off.”

“Well, the SUV is quite a gift. I’m sure she’ll love it.” He finished the last of his tea and stood putting his glass in the sink for me. “Tell Bella I said ‘Happy Birthday’ and thanks again for the tea. I need to get back to work.”

“You’ve been working really hard lately. We hardly ever see you anymore.”

“Well the company I’m working for right now has me on a big project that has to be designed just right. There’s a lot of detail to work out before I leave tomorrow for Hong Kong.”

“I still can’t believe your moving all the way to Hong Kong. We’re going to miss you, but don’t worry about your house or anything while you’re gone. You know we’ll all keep an eye on it.”

“I know. I appreciate it. I’m sorry I’m going to miss her games this year and graduation, but I’ll mail her something from Hong Kong.”

“I can’t imagine the scope of your project that you’re going to be gone for two years.” I shook my head. “I’m still trying to figure out the new Windows program you just installed for us.”

“You’ll do fine,” he assured as I walked him out.

“Well, we’re going to miss you Embry Call. You’re a good neighbor.”

****

I knew something was wrong. The only sound was the roar in my head. It was so dark I couldn’t tell if my eyes were open or closed. I couldn’t feel anything; arms, legs, fingers or toes. Nothing, like they weren’t there. I knew they were, I just couldn’t feel or move them. ‘What happened? Oh, why won’t this roar in my head turn off? Where’s Bella? Where’s Phil? Dear God, please let them be ok.’

I tried to take a breath to re-group and focus. ‘Funny, I can’t even tell if I’m breathing. Ok, think. What’s the last thing I remember? This would be so much easier without the noise in my head. That’s right, today is Bella’s birthday. We were coming home…laughing with Bella…I couldn’t wait for her to see her gift…bright headlights…coming straight at us…Phil frantic…someone screaming…was it Bella…was it me…?’

I felt myself being shifted and lifted. I still couldn’t see or hear anything. I needed to know Bella was ok. Where was Phil? ‘Oh wait, I’m beginning to see something, if I could only focus.’ I could make out the shape of a man. He was waiting for me. I wanted to go to him, but I needed to know Phil and Bella were ok. I could see the man’s long robes but still couldn’t make out his face. There was a bright glow surrounding him that made his face impossible to see. He held out his hand to me and I could feel my hand reaching to place into his.

“Phil is here. It’s time to rest Renee,” he said. “Welcome home.”

The roar in my head suddenly stopped. There was silence unlike anything I have ever experienced before. It was peaceful silence. I felt at peace. I would miss Bella’s senior year and graduation. I would miss seeing her graduate college and live her life full of happiness and security. I felt the hurt, but knew she would be safe without us. We had taken the steps to ensure her security. I placed my hand in his and stepped through the light into peace. “Goodbye my precious child. Know always that you were loved.”

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 1

2009-04-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

Mad World by Gary Jules

This is an OOC AU AH story. This is for ADULT EYES ONLY. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Then you can’t be offended by the context.

After Renee and Phil die in a car accident on Bella’s 17th birthday. She is sent to live with her father, Charlie and brother, James in Forks WA after being separated for 10 years with no contact. Charlie dabbles in training and placement of the “perfect” wife for exclusive clientele. Bella quickly learns that she’s going that she’s going to get more than a high school education. She's going to be educated with a purpose.
I don’t own Twilight

The Perfect Wife – Chapter 1

Hi, I’m Bella Swan. This is my story. There are no heroes in life, only levels of villains. If you’re fortunate, you learn how to survive.

My parents divorced when I was seven and my brother James was ten. I went with my mom and James stayed with my dad, Charlie. Maybe if Renee had fought for both of us I could have had a normal life. But she met Phil, her other half, and the two of them raised me. She never mentioned my dad or brother to me, and would never say why I didn’t get to see them. I knew other kids whose parents were divorced and they always talked about their weekends or summer vacations going back and forth. I never did that, and James never came here either.

My life was wonderful and full of love. Renee remarried Phil, like I said, who played baseball. He was the best dad ever. He treated me like his own child even though I wasn’t biologically. He and Renee never had any other children. They joked that I was enough, that I was quite the handful. I couldn’t help it though, my mom instilled a drive, and a fire within me, a light of life she called it. She told me that identity and dignity were one of the most precious gifts given to all human’s.

Every person held their own torch, and it was their decision what to do with it. According to her, I was luminous; I was saucy, opinionated, and intelligent. It’s really such a shame my own candle would be blown out.

Phil took mom and I out to eat for my 17th birthday at my favorite restaurant, Carraba’s. Coming home we were hit by a drunk driver. I’m glad they didn’t suffer. I got banged up and a badly sprained wrist, but otherwise was fine. It was so surreal, just one minute they were there, being my parents, and then the next... they were just...gone. Forever. I never felt so alone.

Now I’m waiting at the airport in Seattle for my ‘real’ dad to pick me up. Since he and my brother whom I haven’t seen in ten years are my only relatives, I’m moving in with them. I’m nervous. I don’t remember my father very well. Just images mostly. Flickers of memories that seemed so far away, as if they existed in another world. I remember being pushed on a swing, back rubs, and tight hugs. All I remember of James is he liked to pick on me and bully me. I remember he used to scare me. I sincerely hope he’s grown out of that.

I saw a police car pull up in front of the airport. An older man and young man, maybe late teens, got out and started walking in. I knew it was them. I decided to use these few minutes before they saw me to get a glimpse of them to see if I could get any sense of what my life was going to be like. I wish I had a clue, or a sign, a warning to tell or show me the hell my life was going to become. I would have run as fast and as far as I could. To get away from them.

***********************************************************

Charlie was a big man. He looked as tall as Phil who had been 6’ 4”. But where Phil had been a lean muscular ball player, Charlie was like a bear. He was very broad across his shoulders and his arms were huge. I guess being Chief of Police you have to look intimidating since you spend all day dealing with criminals. He was attractive with sandy brown hair and mustache. I could see what my mom must have seen in him when she married him.

I looked over at my brother. He was like looking at a younger version of Charlie. He was 20 now and as tall as Charlie. He was almost as wide across the chest and his arms were just as muscular. He had dirty blonde hair that he wore longer pulled back in a ponytail. His face was different though. Where Charlie’s face was nothing but angles and strong lines, James’ had a little of Renee in him. It softened his face a little. Not much, but just enough that he was very attractive.

They walked in through the doors of the airport and stopped, looking around for me. James saw me first and nudged Charlie pointing my direction.

I didn’t think he would recognize me. After all, I’ve changed over the last 10 years. I was 5’ 4” and slender. I had a heart shaped face, long mahogany hair and big dark brown eyes. My body had filled out nicely as well. I wasn’t Gisele by any stretch, but not an ugly ducking, though. I was just… me. Normal.

I figured I was probably easy to spot wearing a brace on my wrist and having my life’s possessions in suitcases at my feet. I saw Charlie glance at James and look where he was pointing. He looked over and seemed to be studying me. I couldn’t tell if he was happy with what he saw or not. He saw me looking back at him and cleared the expression from his face and plastered on a smile as they walked up.

“Well, well, if it isn’t little Isabella. Give daddy a hug.” He pulled me up from the bench and lifted me off my feet. I got one of those tight hugs I remembered. His right hand was under my bottom and his left hand was in the small of my back holding me up. I was a little uncomfortable like this, especially in public.

“Hi Charlie, it’s just Bella now,” I said. “It’s nice to see you too.” I was trying to be polite and not let him know he was making me uncomfortable. I wanted to start on the right foot with him since I would be living with him now.

“None of that now,” he chided rubbing his nose against mine before planting a kiss on my cheek. “It’s daddy. That’s what you used to call me and I like it. Okay?”

“Ok Char-Dad.” I corrected and tried to smile back. He was still holding me.

“No, not dad, Isabella, ‘Daddy’. Can you remember that?” He was talking kindly, but there was an underlying tone that made my heart race a little.

“Sure…Daddy.” My smile was wavering, I was getting so nervous and I wasn’t sure why. He was my father for Gods sake.

He squeezed my bottom as he set me down. Whoa, I’m not seven years old anymore, I’m seventeen, and fully developed. Could I put that into nice words? How? “That’s better now isn’t it? You remember your brother James,” he said turning me to face James. “Can you tell him

‘hello’?”

I looked at James who seemed to have enjoyed observing my interaction with Charlie. He had a glint in his eyes that scared me. Another part of my fire, I was perceptive. I could read eyes and the emotions they conveyed so well, most people didn’t need to talk to me. Their eyes said it all. And James’ spoke nothing but creeping suspicion.

“Hi James.” I smiled timidly. I thought to myself, ‘please don’t let me make another mistake so soon.’

James laughed and pulled me up into a hug similar to the one Charlie had given me. But where Charlie’s hand had been above and below my bottom, James grabbed me putting his hands on both my cheeks to lift me up to him and squeezed.

I squealed in surprise and fright. I didn’t know what to do. He was facing Charlie and I had my back to Charlie so I knew he saw where James’ hands were on me. Surely he would stop him. He didn’t. He just laughed. What the hell? Red Light! He was my brother.

“James missed you, Bella.” He patted my back while James was holding me.

“Yes, I’ve missed my little sis, so much.” He started squeezing harder. I was hurting and I felt a tear slip out of the corner of my eye.

He kissed the tear and laughed. “Charlie, I think she missed me too. Look, she’s crying.”

“Alright kids, lets take this home shall we. We certainly don’t want Bella crying at the airport. Do we James?” He looked pointedly at James, glancing around us.

James seemed to take the hint and slowly let me down dragging my body down his as he did.

Ew, that’s nasty. I would obviously have to talk to him later. He leaned in to whisper in my ear, “No we don’t want to make her cry. Yet.”

I shivered as I tried to catch my balance. They both grabbed my bags and handed me my carry on. I wished, as I walked out of the airport, that I was back in Phoenix with mom and Phil being happy and safe or that I’d at least died with them in the accident. I missed them so much, my heart tightened in my chest.

Charlie told me to get in front as he opened the trunk and he and James put all my bags in. I got in and looked around. I’d never been in a police car before. There were so many buttons and gadgets. What scared me was the shotgun that was propped against the seat. I starred at it wide eyed.

I heard Charlie and James get in and he must have seen my expression at the shotgun. He started laughing and turned toward James in the back.

“Get a load of that, will you. She’s scared of the shotgun just sitting there.”

“Still scared Little-Bellaboo, huh?” James was laughing at me also.

“Sorry about that, it’s just that we didn’t have guns in the house back home. I’m not used to being around them. They’re much bigger, and more… real when they’re not on the television screen.” I was trying to keep Charlie from getting mad at me again. I just couldn’t figure my way with him.

Charlie put his hand on my upper thigh and squeezed. “It’s nothing to be scared of. I only shoot people who don’t listen to me.” I knew he was talking about criminals, but there seemed to be a message for me as well.

I tried to smile and put on a brave face as I looked at him. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m a great listener.”

“’It’s a good thing you’re a great listener, what?’” He raised his eyebrow at me.

I looked at him. My eyes got wide. My breath hitched. I was scared.

“Daddy,” I whispered to him.

He smiled as he squeezed and patted my thigh again before starting the car and pulling out.
James and Charlie just laughed like it was the biggest joke. I was never more scared in my life at what was to come. I wasn’t even to my new home yet. Not such a good start.

*****************************************************

We pulled up to a small 2-story white house on a quiet, quaint street. As I got out I noticed that it was on a large lot and there weren’t many houses around. There was also a forest that backed up to the privacy fence on the property and surrounded everything. It felt very isolated. I walked up the sidewalk with Charlie and James as they unlocked the door.

James held the door for me to walk in ahead of him then slapped my backside as I walked past. “Welcome home, baby sister.” He laughed as I jumped. This was so wrong, I wanted to tell him to stop, but at the moment I was just too damn scared. They both left me feeling so…shaken. And rattled.

I started looking around. There was a living room to the left with a TV and two recliners and a small sofa. There were plaques on the walls and a bookshelf with trophies. They looked like they were for marksmanship and different sports. To the right was a small dining room. It looked like it was used more as an office than to eat in. I could see the kitchen through the door at the other end. There were stairs in front of me and a hall that went beyond, next to the dining room.

Charlie and James had started up the stairs with my bags so I followed. There were several doors at the top. They turned to the left to the last door and walked in.

“Here you go. Home sweet home,” Charlie stated. He put my bags on the floor and looked around before looking at me. “You can fix it up if you like. I didn’t know what your taste would be so figured I’d leave it up to you.”

It was the first really nice thing he’s said to me all day. I felt hopeful that maybe I misunderstood everything earlier.

I smiled at him. A real smile to let him know I appreciated everything. “Thanks, Daddy. I like the room.” I was quick to remember, wanting him to be happy with me.

He grinned back at me. Pleased I’d remembered to call him ‘daddy’. “Well, we’ll let you get settled and see you back downstairs. By the way,” he said, pointing at my brace. “When does that come off?”

I looked down at my arm, “Two days. I need to find a doctor here.”

“We can get Dr. Cullen to deal with it at the hospital. He owes me a favor.”

James smirked, “Or two.”

Charlie frowned at him. “Quiet James.”

I looked between them, not really understanding what was going on.

“Right then,” Charlie clapped his hands together. “We’ll let you get unpacked. Come down when you’re done. We’re ordering pizza. Do you still like pepperoni?”

“Yeah, I love pepperoni, daddy.” I was touched that he remembered. That’s all I ever ate on pizza. I know, I’m boring. But I was thoroughly impressed he remembered a little detail. Too bad I didn’t know any of his little kinks.

His smile got even bigger. He really liked the whole ‘daddy’ thing. I guess if that’s all I had to do to make him happy and keep peace until I left for college, oh well. It was weird, but I could do that. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad after all.

He pushed James out of the room ahead of him as they left to let me unpack. I heard James as they went down the stairs. “She sure is a pleaser, isn’t she? That’s a good sign.”

I didn’t hear Charlie’s response. I took a deep breath and resolved to go at my new life with an open mind.

I took my first real look at the room. There was a full-size black iron 4-poster bed against one wall with a nightstand and lamp on either side. I saw the door to the closet with the dresser next to it. There was a desk and chair in the corner next to the window. All the furniture was black. The walls were white. I thought about my purple room back home. I could paint the walls soft lavender and use white bedding and curtains to brighten it up.

I smiled as I remembered how much fun my mom and I had picking out the stuff to decorate my room back home. I remembered painting my room with Phil and how at the end of the day we were just as purple as the walls. I felt the tears start to come and mentally shook myself. I had to stop. There was no going back. This was home now. I needed to accept it. I turned and started putting away my clothes.

I was walking downstairs as I heard a car pull in the drive. I heard noise coming from the kitchen so I went in. James was getting plates from the cabinets.

“Can I help?” I asked.

He looked over at me taking in my clothes. I’d changed into shorts and a baseball shirt with Phil’s number on it. He’d given it to me for Christmas when he joined the team in Phoenix. It was a little large and hid my shorts.

James got a lewd look on his face. “Oh yeah, you can help. I just don’t think you’re ready yet.” What was with him? He always had these snide remarks that made no sense, and made me feel so…in the dark about something.

Charlie walked in at that. “James, that’s enough. We’ve had this talk already.” Charlie turned to me pointing at a door at the other end of the kitchen. “Why don’t you get the napkins out of the pantry, Isabella?”

I walked into the pantry to find the napkins. I heard a smack.

“Damn, Charlie.”

“I told you to watch yourself. I have plans for her. You mess this up and I will forget you’re my son. We clear?”

“Yeah, we’re clear. I was just having fun.”

I stayed in the pantry as long as I could. I didn’t understand their conversation, but it made me so nervous.

I took a breath and walked out with the napkins. “Here you go, daddy,” I smiled.

James was rubbing the back of his head, glaring at me. Ugh! What was his deal? It hadn’t been a day, and I was already sick of him. Why was he even here? He’s twenty. He should be in college.

Charlie smiled at me. “Pizza’s in the living room. Let’s eat.” He put his arm around my shoulders and led the way.

I opened the lid to the pizza boxes and sat on the sofa as Charlie and James sat in both the recliners. They each handed me their plates since I was closest to the food. I put a couple of slices on both their plates and handed them back. They leaned their chairs back and started eating.

“Bella, be a dear and get a couple of beers from the refrigerator will you?” I hadn’t even gotten a bite of mine yet. Oh well, it’s the least I could do.

I brought two beers back and walked to Charlie to give them to him. “Give one to James, Bella.”

I took one of the beers over and handed it to James. I saw a coke for me sitting next to the box he must have bought with the pizza. I sat back down and picked up my plate to eat. They were watching a baseball game on TV. I thought again of Phil and my mom. I would not cry.

I ate in silence as the game continued. When I was done I asked Charlie where the bathroom was so I could take a shower. I was tired from the flight and everything I’d been through. I just wanted to sleep.

“Here, I’ll show you where everything is.” He got out of his chair and held out his hand to help me up from the sofa. I got up and stepped around the coffee table. He didn’t let go of my hand as he pulled me up the stairs.

At the top he stopped. He pointed out each door. “The one at the end is James’ room, the bathroom is next to his and this is mine next to yours. The towels and stuff are kept in the linen closet out here.”

He opened the door to the bathroom for me. It was the usual bathroom. Nothing special except it had a large shower stall with clear glass and a built-in bench. It looked like a recent upgrade. “I got you a couple different shampoos, not knowing what you liked. We’ll go shopping later and get whatever you need, okay?”

“Thank you daddy.” I was glad I kept remembering to say ‘daddy’ every time I spoke to him. It kept him happy with me. I was afraid I didn’t want to know what would happen if he was unhappy with me. I could guess it wouldn’t be pretty.

He left and headed downstairs while I went to get my pjs. I grabbed a couple of towels from the linen closet on my way back to the bathroom. I turned on the water to the shower and brushed my teeth as I waited for the water to heat up. I turned back to lock the door to get undressed. There was no lock on the door. I guess when it was just Charlie and James there wasn’t a need. I’d have to find a way to ask about putting a lock on the door without Charlie getting mad at me.
I knew Charlie and James both knew I was in here so it shouldn’t be a problem, but still. Even back home I locked the door. It just made me feel more secure being undressed.

I showered quickly and got out, happy to see my fears were unwarranted. No one had bothered me. I got dressed and headed to my room brushing out my hair. I crawled in my bed and laid down to get some much needed sleep.

Charlie called to me from downstairs. “Are you forgetting something, Isabella? Come give daddy a kiss goodnight.”

I heard James laughing.

I got out of bed and headed downstairs to the living room. They were both still sprawled out in their recliners. Charlie looked me over as I came in the room. I was wearing baggy flannel pants and a t-shirt.

“That’s a good girl. We like our goodnight rituals don’t we?”

I walked up beside his recliner and leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Goodnight daddy.” I said as I went to straighten back up.

He put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to his chair. “Tut, tut. That’s not how you give a goodnight kiss.” He pulled me into his lap and held my chin in his hand. “This is how you give a goodnight kiss.” He kissed me on my lips, pressing firmly before pulling away. “Now isn’t that better?”

I knew better than to deny it so I just answered, “Yes daddy. I’m sorry.” Oh my god, did he really just do that? This is so wrong, on so many levels.

“Don’t forget Isabella.” He looked at James. “Now give your big brother a kiss goodnight also.”

My eyes got wide. He couldn’t mean for me to kiss James the same way could he? I stared at Charlie. He nodded his head at me.

“Yes Isabella.”

He helped lift me up from his lap holding my hips before patting my bottom as I walked away from him on shaky legs.

James was grinning ear to ear. He patted his lap. “Come here baby sis and give big brother a night-night kiss.”

I took a shaky breath as I turned to sit down on his lap. He grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me down to his lips. “Now give us a smooch little sister.”

I kissed him the same way Charlie had kissed me. Making sure I put pressure on James’ lips before pulling away.

“Well James, how was it?” Charlie asked him.

James looked at me with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “I know she’ll do better. I can’t wait for training to start.”

He let me up and I quickly left the room to the sound of their laughter. I shut the door to my room and crawled under my covers crying. I cried for my mom and Phil. I cried for my safe secure life I no longer felt I had. And I cried for the fear of what that last comment had meant.

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 2

2009-04-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2

It was morning when I woke. I looked at the alarm clock on my bed. It was still early, only 6:00. I heard someone moving around in the hallway outside my room. My door opened and Charlie came in.

“I’m glad to see you’re up, Isabella. I was coming to wake you.” He was in his uniform pants and an undershirt. He sat on the bed next to me and began to stroke my head.

“Good morning daddy,” I whispered. I was scared after last night.

“Time to get up. I want to have breakfast with my favorite daughter before I leave for work.” He pulled back my covers and looked me over.

I sat up. “Ok, let me get dressed and I’ll be right down.” I tried to smile and pretend I wasn’t scared.

“That’s alright. I’ll wait. I’m not going to see you all day so I don’t want to miss a minute with you.” He gave me a stern look raising his eyebrow. “You don’t mind, do you Isabella?”

“No daddy.” I whispered. I got out of bed shaking.

I went to my dresser and pulled out some jeans and a t-shirt. I slipped on the jeans after quickly pulling down my pajama pants. I was glad my nightshirt was long so I didn’t feel as exposed. I reached for the hem of my shirt chewing my bottom lip. I knew I didn’t have a bra on underneath and would be exposed to Charlie. I turned my back to the bed and quickly pulled off my shirt. I was reaching for my bra when my heart fell to my feet.

“Turn around Isabella. I said I didn’t want to miss a minute with you.”

I felt the tears start welling in my eyes as I turned back around to Charlie. I couldn’t look up at him. I didn’t want to see him watch me. I hooked my bra in back as I heard him get off the bed and come toward me.

He picked up my shirt and held it away from me. He lifted my chin with his other hand as the tears poured down.

“There’s no reason to cry Bella. I’m your daddy and you’re my baby girl. I helped create you. There’s no reason for you to hide from me. From now on you will look at me while you get dressed, understand?” He handed me my shirt.

I took it from him without saying a word and pulled it over my head while looking at him like he directed.

He stroked my cheeks wiping away my tears with his thumbs. He leaned in to me, “What do you say Isabella?”

“Yes daddy.”

“Good girl.” He kissed my lips again like last night not pulling away until I pressed forward also. Then he straightened up and said brightly like nothing had happened. “Now, how ‘bout some breakfast? I bet you’re hungry.”

“Yes daddy, breakfast sounds great.” I tried to smile but my lips trembled.

He gestured for me to walk ahead of him out of the room. We went downstairs to the kitchen.
James was already there finishing at the stove. He turned as he heard us come in taking in my red eyes and Charlie’s grin. James grinned at me. “Just like old times, huh, Charlie?”

He laughed as he turned back to the stove grabbing the plate of bacon and eggs before coming to sit down at the table. Charlie sat at the other end. I pulled out the chair between them to sit down.

“Bella could you please get 2 cups of coffee and bring them over?” Charlie asked.

I stood back up and went to get the coffee as he asked. I brought the cups back placing one in front of Charlie and one in front of James. I started to sit down again.

“Bella, you didn’t ask if we wanted anything in our coffee,” Charlie said.
I quickly stood back up. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “Would you like anything in your coffee daddy?” I looked at Charlie.

“No, I like mine black. Now ask James.” He indicated my brother nodding his direction.
I turned to see James’ wicked grin on his face.

“Would you like anything in your coffee James?” I asked.

James slouched back against his chair and propped an arm over the back. He grinned at me.

“Yes, I like sugar in mine.”

I looked around for the sugar shaker.

Charlie indicated the cabinet. “It’s the bowl on the bottom shelf. Get a spoon and bring them back to the table.”

I grabbed a spoon and the sugar bowl from the cabinet as he directed then set it on the table in front of James. I looked at Charlie to see if there was anything else before I sat down.

“Now Isabella, sit on James’ lap and spoon the sugar into his cup until he tells you to stop. Then stir his cup before handing it to him. He’ll tell you when it’s right. Then you may sit in your seat and eat breakfast.”

My eyes got wide and I looked over at James. He was grinning again and moved his chair back to make room for me to sit on his lap at the table.

I sat down on his lap and he slid his arms around my waist pulling me tight against his chest. He propped his chin on my shoulder as I reached for the sugar bowl.

I started putting sugar in his coffee. My hand was shaking so bad that I spilled the first spoonful back into the sugar bowl. I got a grip on myself and finally started spooning sugar into his cup. After the third spoon he told me to stop. I stirred his coffee as I’d been directed and handed him the cup. I wanted off his lap so bad I was praying that he’s say it was ok.

“Not quite. Could you put a little more sugar in, Bella?” He was grinning wickedly, loving this game.

I added another spoonful and stirred handing it to him again to try. He took a sip and smacked his lips. “Perfect. Now let me give you a ‘thank you’ kiss baby sister.”

I leaned in and kissed him on his lips. He patted my bottom and squeezed before letting me get up to sit in my own seat.

“Very good Bella,” Charlie said as he reached to push my hair back from my face. “I’m glad to see you’re a quick study. We’ll be able to move things along quickly then.”

I ate my breakfast as quickly as possible. I didn’t want to think what that meant.
We all finished eating as Charlie shifted his chair back looking at me. “I’d like more coffee Isabella.”

I quickly got up and went to grab his cup. He grabbed my wrist. “No, I want you to bring the coffee pot to the table now.”

I got up and went to the coffee maker. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before turning and walking back to Charlie. I sat on his lap as I reached for his cup. He put his arms around my waist to hold me the same as James had done.

I poured his coffee being sure not to spill and handed him his cup. I thought he’d let me up now. I was wrong.

“Put down the coffee pot Isabella. We need to discuss some rules for today.” He was looking at James while his hands were stroking my stomach and hips.

“First, there will be no inappropriate touching James. Is that clear?” I looked up quickly. I hadn’t thought of what could happen being alone with James in the house. Thank goodness Charlie had at least a little decency in him.

“Second. Isabella, James is going to help you go through your clothes to see if they’re appropriate or if anything should be replaced. We don’t want you looking sloppy now, do we?”

“No daddy,” I said. I knew there was nothing wrong with my clothes, but what good would it do to argue.

“When I get home tonight we’ll watch a movie together. Tomorrow we’ll go shopping for any clothes you need and your room.

James started snickering. I didn’t know what was funny.

“I have some friends who’d like to help paint her room, Charlie.” James offered grinning.

“No James. Isabella isn’t ready to make friends.”

I didn’t want to know any of James’ friends. Not if they were like him, or Charlie for that matter.
Charlie patted my bottom finally allowing me to get up. “Now, I need to finish getting dressed kids. James, Bella can help you clean up the kitchen. Watch out for her arm. I don’t want any mishaps that could delay her healing, understand?”

“Sure, Charlie. Don’t sweat it,” James assured him. “You know you can trust me.”

Charlie chuckled as he left to go upstairs. I was standing looking at the table, not knowing what to do or where to move. Obviously there were expectations of my behavior.

James just sat looking at me speculatively. I glanced over at him.

“I’d actually like another cup of coffee Isabella.” He indicated his full cup. “This one is cold.”

I picked up his cup and walked over to the sink to pour it out. I rinsed it out and came back. I picked up the coffee pot from where I’d set it at Charlie’s place and walked over to sit on James’ lap.

He laughed as he put his arms around me again. He leaned in and whispered into my ear, “You do learn quickly. I can’t wait for you to learn everything we’re going to teach you.” He kissed my neck. “You’re going to make someone very happy by the time we’re done with you.”
I shivered in his arms. He thought that was funny and held me tighter. I put 4 spoonfuls of sugar in his cup like before and stirred before handing him the cup.

He looked at the cup in my hand and smiled. “I don’t drink coffee, but thanks.”

I could feel the tears starting again. He chuckled at me and squeezed me tight against him preventing me from leaving his lap.

“I guess we should start getting the dishes cleaned up,” he said lifting me with him as he stood up. He ran his hands over my bottom again as he let me step away. “Yes, we have so much to teach you baby sister.”

There wasn’t a response I could have made so I chose to ignore him and start clearing the table. That seemed safest.

I heard Charlie coming back down the stairs. He walked up to me dressed in his uniform strapping his gun around his waist.

“Come tell daddy goodbye now.”

I walked over and stood in front of him. I knew I was expected to kiss him again, but I was too short to reach his mouth. I looked up at him and waited for him to lean down.

“Lift your arms to me Bella and put them around my neck.”

I did as I was told and waited. I still couldn’t reach him even on my toes.

“Pull me down to you Bella. You want to tell daddy goodbye, don’t you?”

I wanted to cry is what I wanted. I tightened my hands around his neck and pulled my father down so I could kiss him goodbye. I wanted to vomit. This was worst than all the other kisses because I had to initiate it. I had to act like I wanted to kiss him.

He finally allowed me to pull his face down I could kiss him goodbye. He took longer with this kiss than he had done before. I saw him lick his lips as he finally pulled away.

“One step at a time my beautiful girl. One step at a time.”

I quickly stepped back from him. “Goodbye daddy, have a nice day.”

He smiled at me. “Tell me you’ll miss me and can’t wait til I come home to you tonight.”

I looked up at him willing the tears to stay away. “I’ll miss you daddy. I can’t wait until you come home to me tonight.”

“Bye James, take good care of our little treasure.” He laughed and patted my bottom squeezing one cheek.

James had been leaning against the counter drying out the coffee pot watching the whole display.

“Sure Charlie. I got this covered.”

I stood with my eyes closed wishing the ground would swallow me up. I heard Charlie leave thru the front door and his car pull out of the driveway.

********************************************************

James walked up behind me and stuck his hands in the back pockets of my jeans. “Let’s go see what kind of clothes you brought with you, shall we?”

I walked up the stairs in front of James. He never let go of my jeans keeping me as close to him as he could without making me trip on the stairs.

He followed me into my room and plopped down on his side propping his head in his hand at the foot of my bed. “Well, let’s see what you’ve got.”

I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to start. I looked at him. “What do you want to see first?” I asked.

He grinned at me. “Well now that’s a loaded question.” He tapped his chin like he was in thought. “What do I want to see first? I know, let’s start off easy and work our way from there.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding.

“Show me your panties and bras.”

I froze and took a chance. “Are you sure Charlie wanted you to go over my underwear? I thought he wanted you to look at my shirts and pants.”

James got up from the bed and stalked toward me. He grabbed my chin and forced me to look up at him. “You do not question. You only obey. Is that clear?” He squeezed my chin harder and forced me to nod my head in agreement. “Say ‘Yes James I understand’.”

I started crying. “Yes James I understand.”

“Now say you’re sorry for questioning the rules and ask me to forgive you.”

“I’m sorry James for questioning the rules. Please forgive me.” Tears were streaming down my face at this point.

“Now show me you want to be forgiven and give me a kiss Isabella.”

He released my chin so that I could follow his instruction. I wiped my cheeks with both my hands and looked up at him. I put my arms around his neck the same way I did with Charlie in the kitchen. I squeezed my eyes shut before opening them back up as I pulled my brother down to kiss him. I pressed my lips to his like I’d done before when I felt his tongue slip out to lick my lips. I quickly tried to pull away.

“A peck is not how you ask for forgiveness Isabella. You have to really show me you want to be forgiven or I won’t. Now open your mouth.”

I started crying again.

He pinched my side. “Stop crying and do what you’re told.”

I inhaled to stop the tears and opened my mouth as I pulled him down again. I squeezed my eyes shut as I felt his tongue come into my mouth.

He held the back of my head so I couldn’t pull away while he took his time kissing me. I stood there not knowing what I was supposed to do.

He finally released me. “Well that was very lacking on your part. We will definitely need to practice your kissing. Remind me to tell Charlie tonight.”

I could only look at him with dread. Did he mean I’d have to kiss Charlie like this also? Then I remembered Charlie’s look in the kitchen when he licked his lips. Yes, that’s exactly what he meant.

James walked back to the bed to lie down like before. “Proceed.”

I started to raise my hand to wipe off my mouth when I caught his look. I lowered my hand back to my side. He smiled. I walked over to my dresser and opened the top drawer. I pulled out my panties and bras and laid them at the foot of the bed for him to look over.

He raised his eyebrow at me and laughed. “You expect me to know how these look without seeing them on you.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I didn’t bother protesting. I didn’t want to ask for forgiveness again. Like Charlie had said, I’m a quick learner. And I was afraid of just how much I was going to be expected to learn.

I quickly pulled off my shirt and jeans standing in only my bra and panties in front of James. He reached out and handed me a pair of panties and a matching bra. “Let’s start with these shall we?”

I reached back to take off my bra and let it fall to the ground in front of me. I leaned forward to let my hair help shield me from his gaze as I pulled off my panties also.

“Too bad Charlie said no touching. I would love to touch all of you.”

I was so humiliated I could do nothing but stand there and cry. I took the bra and panties from his hand and put them on standing there waiting for his approval.

“That will never do. Too boring. Next.”

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 3

2009-04-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

Chapter 3

I was lying on my bed. I’d finally cried out every tear I think my body was ever going to produce. James had taken most of the day making me strip and dress in front of him until he had seen me in every piece of clothing I owned.

We had only taken a break when he got hungry for lunch. I made sandwiches for us to eat while he held me on his lap squeezing my bottom painfully until I completed both our sandwiches. He finally allowed me to sit at my seat to eat mine only after my next kissing lesson.

After cleaning up the kitchen together we went back upstairs to finish going through my clothes. Needless to say, nothing I owned measured up to whatever standard Charlie and James had for me.

James had finally left me in my room taking all my clothes with him other than a couple of things for the next day to wear. He reminded me that he and Charlie were taking me shopping to replace what wasn’t appropriate so I wouldn’t need them. He was kind enough to leave my shirt from Phil, after I was willing to show my appreciation with another kissing lesson. I even tried with this one knowing if he didn’t see progress he’d take the shirt with him.

I looked over at the clock and saw it was 5:00. James had instructed me that Charlie got home at 5:30 and would expect me to be at the door to welcome him home. He said he’d fix dinner since I couldn’t do much until my brace was off.

I got up and went to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were still red and there were streaks of dried tears on my face. My hair was a mess from pulling shirts on and off all day. I quickly brushed my teeth and washed my face. I worked at brushing all the tangles out of my hair before checking my appearance over. James had made me change into a snug v-neck white t-shirt and no bra and a pair of the shortest shorts I owned saying it would have to do until tomorrow.

I went to the kitchen to be sure I passed James’ inspection before I went to wait by the door for Charlie to come home. James was making spaghetti when I walked in.

“Do I look ok, James?”

He stopped and looked me over. He came up and tugged my shirt down in front then turned me around to tie a knot in the back of it to make it fit tighter across my bare breasts and show some skin above my shorts. He stooped to roll up the hem of my shorts so they ended just below my ass. Yeah in one day I’d gone from innocent 17-year-old who said ‘bottom’ to ‘ass’. Who knew what I’d be saying in the next year until I could leave.

He pinched my ass as he stood back up. “Yeah you’ll do.” He glanced at the clock on the stove. It was almost 5:30. “You better get to the door before he does or he won’t be happy with you.”
I practically ran out of the room. I hadn’t been punished yet (at least not in their minds) and I didn’t want to find out what that would entail. I made it to the door just as I heard Charlie come onto the porch. I opened the door for him and stood with my head down as James had instructed me.

“Welcome home Daddy. I missed you today. Can I show you what I learned?” I swallowed the bile in my throat at the last statement.

Charlie closed the door behind him and took off his gun belt putting it on the coat rack next to him. He didn’t say anything. I was nervous, but I couldn’t look up until Charlie spoke to me. James was very clear on that point.

I felt Charlie step closer to me as he reached to put his arm around my waist and pull me to him. “Hello my beautiful daughter. I can see someone has been paying attention to her lessons today. I’m guessing James helped with your clothing?” He lifted my chin to look at him. “Show daddy what you learned.”

I reached up to pull his face down to mine. I pressed my lips against his and ran my tongue over his mouth to ask for entrance like James had taught me. I fought back the tears. I refused to cry.
Charlie tightened his grip on me and opened his mouth to me. I put my tongue in his mouth focusing on not gagging. I moved my tongue around his teeth and wrapped my tongue around his to suck it into my mouth as James instructed. I could feel the pinprick of tears behind my eyes threatening to come forth. I fought them back knowing crying would only make Charlie mad.

He finally took over the kiss tired of my inexperience. I was grateful. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do to make it last longer. I wish he’d just let me go.

He finally raised his head and kissed my nose and forehead before letting me go. “Very good Bella. You just need more practice.”

He walked away patting my ass as he went upstairs to change. I stood there alone and let the tears spill. I knew I wouldn’t get another chance to cry until later tonight. I finally took a deep breath to calm down and went back to the kitchen to set the table for James.
He was putting the spaghetti on the table when I came in. “Well how did it go? Did you remember what I taught you?”

I walked up to him. “Yes I remembered and daddy was pleased.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Show me your appreciation, Bella.” He was grinning down at me hooking his fingers through the belt loops on my shorts.

I put my arms around his neck and kissed him with all the fake enthusiasm I could muster. I was kissing him when Charlie walked into the room. I knew better than to stop until James released me. He knew Charlie was watching and was getting added enjoyment from my discomfort.

James finally released me and allowed me to get the plates to set the table. He and Charlie sat down and started putting food on their plates. I’d already been through 3 meals with them and knew better than to sit down yet.

When they had their plates Charlie looked at me standing. He smiled his approval. “Would you bring the tea pitcher and fill our glasses please?”

I turned to the counter smirking. He asked so politely like there was nothing perverted in their behavior. It was just so natural to them like this was an everyday occurrence. Something flashed in my mind that it was too natural for them and I’d only been here two days.

I brought the pitcher over as Charlie moved his chair so I could sit in his lap to fill his glass. James had already put ice in them knowing I couldn’t crack the trays with my wrist.

“Would you like sugar in your tea daddy?” I asked waiting.

“Yes Isabella I would.”

Fortunately the sugar bowl was already on the table so I wouldn’t need to get up to get it. Each time I got up and had to sit back in their laps was just harder than if I stayed there. I put sugar in his glass until he told me to stop. I stirred it and handed him the glass to taste.

“Very good Isabella. You may get up.”

I walked over to James and waited for him to move his chair so I could sit on his lap as well. I went through the same motions until he allowed me to get up.

I sat down at my seat finally to eat. I poured my tea but didn’t add sugar. I don’t think I’d ever want anything sweetened again.

After dinner Charlie went to set up the DVD player for our movie night while I helped James clear up from dinner. He was smirking at me.

We walked into the living room and James sprawled out in his recliner. I stood waiting to see if I’d be made to fetch anything for them before I could sit. Charlie looked at me and smiled.

“You can sit. We won’t need anything to eat tonight.”

He started the movie as I sat on the sofa. James got up and turned on the fan in the room. The movie started. I didn’t know what to think. My brain was frozen. They were watching porn!
I took a chance. “Daddy do mind if I go to my room? I’m really tired.” I silently begged him to let me leave.

“No Bella, this is to help with your education. I want you to pay attention.”

“Yes daddy” I said quietly. I should have known he’d never let me leave the room.
He and James both kept an eye on me making sure I watched everything that was going on. When the movie ended I thought it was over. I was wrong. James got up and put in another one, worst than the first if that was possible.

I was starting to shiver. I was wearing hardly any clothes and the fan was blowing on me making me cold. Charlie noticed grinning at my nipples poking thru my tight shirt.

“Poor baby. Daddy didn’t realize you were getting cold. Come here and get in daddy’s lap. I’ll keep you warm.”

I got up silently and went to Charlie’s chair. I got in lying down against his body. I just wanted to die. He wrapped his arms around mine so I couldn’t move rubbing my arms with his hands. He would occasionally brush his thumbs over my nipples to keep them hard. I could feel him harden behind my back. I was so afraid of what was going to happen next.

“Shush my little baby girl. Daddy is just keeping you warm. You have nothing to be afraid of.” He was whispering in my ear.

When the second movie was over he finally said it was time for me to get ready for bed. He allowed me to get up and I quickly left the room.

I ran up the stairs and got my clothes before heading to the bathroom. I turned on the shower to hide the sounds of me vomiting.

I brushed my teeth and I stripped off my clothes. I got in the shower. I scrubbed my face and my body as hard as I could. I felt so creepy and disgusting. I was crying trying not to be loud. I didn’t want anyone to hear me. I stayed in the shower as long as I could. I knew I’d have to get out soon. I finally rinsed off and shut off the water.

I stepped out onto the rug and reached for the towel. I bent over to wrap one around my hair and stood back up. Charlie was standing in the doorway holding my other towel. I was naked and dripping wet.

I wasn’t sure what to do. I grabbed my hands in front trying to cover myself. Charlie raised his eyebrow at me. I was learning that look. It meant disapproval. I slowly lowered my hands back to my sides.

He didn’t say anything just stood there looking me over, appraising my body. He finally handed me the towel to dry off. He didn’t move to leave. I was mortified. I dried off as quickly as I could and tentatively reached for my clothes unsure if I was allowed.

He nodded his head giving me approval to get dressed. I made sure to look at him the entire time. When I was done he took my hand and led me to my room. James was sitting at my desk waiting. I was never more afraid in my life.

Charlie led me to James first. “Tell your brother goodnight.” James had me straddle his lap while I kissed him.

“Very good. I trust you learned something from the movies tonight about your technique?” Charlie asked.

I nodded my head looking down. “Yes daddy” I whispered.

James let me up. “Sweet dreams,” he laughed as he left the room.

“Well, practice makes perfect. It’s only been a couple of days.” Charlie said. “Bella you may get in bed. We’re going shopping tomorrow morning. Aren’t you excited?”

“Yes daddy. Thank you.”

“James got to see you model today. I feel a little deprived. Are you going to make it up to me tomorrow?” He was smiling waiting for me to make the offer like it would be my idea to please him.

I shuddered before saying, “Daddy would you please let me model my new clothes tomorrow?” It took everything in me not to gag.

He came and lay down beside me in bed. “Give daddy a kiss goodnight.”

I quickly leaned in to kiss him like instructed. He took my behavior as eager so was very pleased with me. I just wanted it to be over.

“Take off you shirt and pants. I’ll rub your back just like daddy used to.”

I did as instructed biting my lip to keep from crying. At least he hadn’t asked me to remove my panties.

He rubbed my bare back while kissing on my shoulders and down my spine to just above my panties. After 20 minutes he finally stopped. I was grateful; he gave me my clothes back and got up to leave the room.

I lay in the dark for a long time starring at the ceiling before I finally fell asleep.

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 4

2009-04-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4

The alarm went off beside me. I jumped out of bed hoping to get dressed before Charlie came in to watch. I had just pulled up my pants and had my bra on when he came in.

“Good morning. My, we’re eager to go shopping aren’t we?” He said. He sat in the chair by my desk and patted his leg for me to sit down.

I sat on his lap and kissed him pulling away only when he allowed me. “Good morning daddy.”
He let me finish getting ready while he watched. He followed me out of the room to get breakfast. It was the same repeat as the day before except this time I didn’t have to get James coffee only juice. He said he felt left out.

We cleaned up the kitchen and all walked out to Charlie’s truck parked next to the police car. Even though it was a double cab James made me sit in front between him and Charlie.

They discussed the kinds of clothing I needed as we headed to the mall. I knew my input was not wanted so I stayed quiet cringing at the things they were deciding. I knew my mom would have never allowed me to wear any of the things they planned for me.

The first store we went to was Victoria’s Secrets. Charlie waited outside while James directed me around the store. After all, what would people think of a teenage girl’s father helping pick out the most revealing clothes and underwear. They saw James and thought he was a horny boyfriend, not my brother.

I had already been warned not to argue with any purchase and to keep my mouth shut to avoid any unwanted questions. I was a very good listener. I never said a word. I just took the disgusting stuff he handed me and went to try them on. I knew I’d have to show them to him and Charlie at home. They were looking forward to tonight’s show.

When James was satisfied I had enough to start we left and met Charlie outside. He had a gleam in his eyes and licked his lips at the image of tonight’s festivities. James was laughing also since he hadn’t been able to see anything in the store either.

We continued in and out of several stores. I got jeans that were so tight I could hardly sit and rode so low on my hips I swear they started just above my ass. They handed me shirts to try that were “sluttish” as Renee had called them. Everything was designed to show off as much skin or cleavage as possible. I couldn’t believe we even went to a shoe store. Charlie insisted I needed to learn to wear heels with my new clothes. My sneakers weren’t going to convey the right image.

We took a break to eat lunch at the food court. I wasn’t required to wait on them there. ‘People wouldn’t understand the love in our family’ Charlie expressed. What a joke. What love? Love of humiliation and indecency. He was right; someone might realize there was something very wrong with the Forks Chief of Police and his son.

When we finished eating, James suggested I needed a haircut and makeup to complete my look. Charlie agreed. I had never liked wearing make up before. I couldn’t believe how my life was changing. I wondered if Renee had an idea what Charlie was like and that’s why she left him, to protect me.

James said he was going to another store to get some stuff and would meet up with us later. He and Charlie winked at each other before he left.

We got to the salon and the woman behind the counter looked up at us. “Charlie!” She squealed and ran around the counter to hug him. “I can’t believe you’re back so soon.” She looked to be in her mid-30’s and just as sleazy as Charlie. She had long curly red hair and wore a low cut top that you could see through and tight jeans.

“Hey Vicky.” He laughed as he lifted her up for a quick kiss. It wasn’t like the long ones he made me give him. “Yeah, who knew I’d get my baby girl back in my life so unexpectedly.”
She turned to look me over. “This is your daughter, this tiny little thing? Why Charlie she’s no bigger than a mouse.”

I was embarrassed even though I certainly didn’t value her opinion.

“Now Vicky, don’t be like that.” Charlie said, pinching her cheek a little hard. She winced. “That’s why we’re here to see you. I want you to work your magic.”

She gave Charlie a measured look. “Are you planning the usual? Your own daughter?”

“That’s quite enough Vicky. You’re just going to scare little Isabella.” He pulled me into a tight hug and rubbed his hand on my ass.

Vicky caught the gesture and smiled wickedly at him. “Oh bad, Charlie. Shame on you,” she said playfully.

Charlie led me to a chair to sit down. She motioned for another girl to come and shampoo my hair while she and Charlie discussed my cut. Again, I knew I’d have no say so I just waited.

Vicky finally came back to me and started on my hair. She turned to Charlie, “Do you want me to color it? The last one had black hair and I know you like to change things up.”

“No, leave it natural. It’s a great color with her eyes. The other one had short hair and hers is going to stay long. That will change it up enough.”

He left us to sit and read a magazine while she went to work on my hair. I had no idea what I was going to look like when she finished. She kept me turned away from the mirror at Charlie’s instruction.

After she cut, dried and styled my hair she pulled open another drawer filled with cosmetics. She started applying eyeliner and mascara to me, getting exasperated every time I jerked my head or blinked.

“Oh hold still, will you? It’s not going to bite. You’re going to have to learn how to do this for yourself very soon anyway. So you may as well get used to it.”

I saw Charlie raise that eyebrow at me so I focused on being as still as I could. She put lip-gloss on my lips and announced to Charlie she was finished. I was still turned away from the mirror so had no idea what he would see. He walked up and gave me a critical stare.

I saw James come in with a couple of bags in his hands. He whistled as he walked up. “Damn baby sister, you clean up good.”

Charlie finally smiled at me. “Very nice indeed. You’ll do very well. Nice job Vicky. I think she’s going to be the best yet.”

I let out the breath I’d been holding. I wasn’t sure what would happen if he hadn’t been pleased with the results.

Vicky looked very proud of herself. “Well can I show her the new look yet?” she asked Charlie for permission.

“Yes, I think she’ll be impressed as well.”

She turned the chair around so I faced the mirror. I didn’t recognize the girl starring back at me. I wasn’t all that different, but it was enough. The makeup made my eyes look darker and I had what I could only describe as ‘sex’ hair. It was layered and messy like someone had been running his hands through it. The pink lip-gloss finished the look giving me a pouty sexy look. I no longer looked 17. I looked at least 21.

I got up so we could leave. I thanked her quietly as expected while Charlie paid with his credit card. She handed him a bag with packages of the makeup products she’d used on me.

He handed me one of the bags James had brought in with him and told me to go to the restroom in back to change my clothes. He indicated for James to show me the way. As we walked away I noticed Charlie gave her a very large stack of cash tapping his finger to his lips as he handed her the money only saying “Remember, not a word to anyone Vicky.”

She tucked the money in her shirt nodding and smiling. “Of course not. It’s always a pleasure doing business with you Charlie.”

All the comments today were giving me a headache trying to make sense of them. I gave up; there was no way I’d ever figure anything out unless Charlie wanted me to know.

James pointed out the restroom, which was near a backdoor. He propped against the wall to wait for me. I went inside and closed the door. It actually had a lock and I smiled, using it. Who knew when I’d have an opportunity to lock James or Charlie out again.

James knocked on the door. “That’s a no-no Isabella. But I won’t tell Charlie this time. It’ll be our little secret and you can thank me later” he laughed.

I was never going to win against them. I sighed and started undressing. I pulled out whatever I was supposed to change into. I dreaded it. It was another pair of dark tight jeans and a pink lace and silk camisole that was too small. It pulled tightly across my breasts. He had put heeled boots in the bag for me to wear on my feet. I finished getting dressed and put my clothes and shoes in the bag.

I stepped out to face James. He looked me over and laughed. “Take off the bra stupid. God, do you have to be instructed on everything?”

He reached to take my bag from me so I could go back in and do as he said. “Just throw the bra in the trash when you’re done. It’s not one you get to keep anyway.”

I did as instructed. The mall was cold and you could clearly see my nipples sticking out through the thin material. He smiled nodding his approval when I came back out and guided me back to the front where Charlie was waiting for us at the door. He and Vicky both looked me over as we walked up to them.

Charlie seemed pleased with my look and Vicky just laughed. “Yes Charlie I do believe she will be the best yet.”

He gave her another kiss on the cheek and thanked her again as we left. We were headed back to the truck to go home. I walked between Charlie and James. I noticed that men were starring at me as I walked by. I glanced to Charlie and James afraid of their reaction. They were both grinning very pleased with the attention I was getting. Charlie put his arm around my shoulders and James hooked his thumb in the back pocket of my jeans. They were clearly marking me as theirs.

“I do believe this has been a productive day, James. Don’t you?” Charlie asked as we got to the truck.

James opened the door for me to get in front again. “Yes I do,” he replied rubbing my ass as I got in.

“I think Isabella deserves a reward for today. We’re going out to eat dinner. Show off our little hotty here.” He ran his hand up and down my thigh before pulling out of the parking lot. “We’ll even let you pick the restaurant.”

I looked down at my hands in my lap. “Whatever you want is fine daddy.”

Charlie bellowed with laughter. “Well isn’t that sweet James. She wants daddy to pick for her.”

He reached across my shoulders to pull me into a hug and kissed the top of my head. “I’m just so proud of my little girl, she learns so fast.”

I looked up at him in confusion. I didn’t understand.

“Bella, today you learned that it’s not about what you want. It’s only about what you can do to please,” he said stroking my thigh. “I was afraid we might have been too subtle and you would miss today’s lesson. But you just proved how smart you are with your answer.”

I should have known. It was a trick. I was only given the opportunity to learn another valuable lesson. The only thing that matters is what pleases Charlie or James.

We ended up at a nice Italian restaurant called ‘Bella Italia.’ We went in and were seated by a young waiter. He grinned looking me over. Charlie asked for a table in the center of the room. He wanted to show me off.

We sat down and the waiter handed me a menu. Charlie and James looked around the restaurant and were pleased with the number of men who were starting to look.

“Sit up straight Isabella. You have nothing to hide,” Charlie smiled. He brushed my hair behind my back so my breasts weren’t hidden from view.

The waiter came back and took our order. I ordered mushroom ravioli and a coke.
Charlie stopped the waiter. “She’ll have a glass of house wine instead of the coke.”

I looked at him with wide eyes. I’d never had wine.

“It’s time to grow up, Isabella. No more behaving as a child.”

I lowered my eyes. “Yes daddy.”

I ate my dinner quietly while Charlie and James discussed sports and other guy things. I asked to be excused when I was done. He nodded for James to follow me again. I was never allowed out of either of their sight. I’m sure they thought I’d make a run for it. If I had somewhere to go I would, but I had nowhere. I was trapped.

Charlie was already waiting for us in the truck when I came out. We left and headed home. I was dreading the evening and what events were to come. I remembered Charlie’s comment from the morning that I would be modeling my new clothes tonight for both of them.

I went upstairs with all my bags when we got to the house. Charlie and James followed me upstairs but split off to their own rooms. I was hoping they’d forgotten.

As I started putting away the shoes my door opened. They both walked in. They’d only gone to change into loose gym shorts and muscle shirts. They both sat on my bed propped against the headboard. Neither of them said anything to me. It was understood.

“What would you like to see first daddy?” I asked quietly.

“James and I have already seen you in the clothes you tried on in the stores Isabella. You know this. I shouldn’t have to tell you,” he admonished me.

“No daddy. I’m sorry.” I looked at him to see if I was going to have to ask for forgiveness the way I had James that morning.

“You can ask for forgiveness later Isabella. Show me your new undergarments and lingerie.”

I stood and took off my clothes and boots trying not to think about them watching me. I walked over to the three pink bags in only my panties. I stepped out of these as I began pulling out the things James had picked out to put on.

Two hours later I’d been through all three bags. All the lacy boy shorts, thongs, push up bras corsets and sleepwear. If you could call it sleepwear, they were basically scraps of lace that were see-through. There were a couple of tight cami’s with short shorts, one of James’ kinder moments.

Charlie and James had definitely enjoyed the show as the bulges in their shorts were showing. I was still standing in one of the corsets and thongs. Charlie patted the bed between him and James for me to come over.

I was so afraid I was going to be raped now by my father and brother I was shaking. I stood at the foot of the bed and realized I’d either have to climb over one of them to get between them or crawl up from the end toward them. Neither prospect was appealing.

I decided crawling up was the lesser of two evils and did just that. They seemed very pleased with the display of me crawling on my hands and knees in only a corset and thong. I stopped and sat back on my heels when I reached the space between them.

“Bella, I’m very pleased with the selection James picked out. Everything will look very attractive under your new clothes.” He was stroking my hair. “Would you like to show your appreciation to your brother now for his help?”

I felt a tear slip out of the corner of my eye, but nodded to him. I turned to see James lay back and grin at me. I moved my leg over to straddle his waist. I could feel his erection behind me twitching. I whispered ‘thank you’ to him as I leaned forward and opened my mouth to kiss him praying this night would end. James put his hands on my bare ass and squeezed taking over the kiss with zeal.

After a few minutes I couldn’t believe Charlie stopped him. “That’s enough James. You know the rules.” James groaned as he let me go. I was confused and I’m sure it showed on my face.

Charlie just told me that it was time to thank him as well for all the money he’s spent on me today. I quickly got off James and crawled over to straddle Charlie the same way. I said ‘thank you’ to Charlie before leaning in to kiss him as well. Again he gripped my bare ass and held me down so I could feel his erection against me. He also let me go after several minutes.

“That is definitely an improvement Isabella. You just need more confidence and practice and soon you’ll be a pro. I’m afraid someone’s going to quickly snatch you up. You are a prize.” He praised me.

James got up and said he was headed to a cold shower.

Charlie chuckled. “That boy needs to learn a little self control. Not to worry, you’ll be ready to help soon.”

With that cryptic comment he left my room turning back at the door. “Don’t forget to shower before going to bed.”

I laid there and let the tears flow freely now. I just didn’t understand. Everything was sexual with them, but I also had the feeling now that I wouldn’t be raped by either of them. It’s like it was a sick twisted game that only they knew the rules. I waited until I heard James leave the bathroom before getting up to shower. I knew what was coming and wasn’t looking forward to it.

I grabbed one of the cami sets and headed for the bathroom grabbing my towels as I went. I closed the door to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I brushed my teeth and stripped off the corset and thong. I got in and washed my hair and body lathering well to scrub off their touch. I shut off the water when I was done and stepped out. I put my hair up in the towel and like before Charlie was standing there.

I didn’t move as I waited for him to hand me the towel to dry off. He smiled at that. “Such a good girl. I can’t tell you how proud daddy is of his little girl. So many girls have to be reminded repeatedly. It’s very tiresome after a while.” He finally handed me my towel. “I knew you would be smart. You’re my daughter after all.”

I didn’t know what that meant. Again, it was another puzzle piece that went nowhere.
“I’ve taken tomorrow off so we can take you to Dr Cullen to get your brace removed. Aren’t you glad to be rid of it?” He asked.

“Yes, daddy. Thank you,” I replied. He stepped back so I could put on my clothes and followed me to my room again.

He lay down next to me propping his head on his hand. He was watching his other hand stroke my hair. He seemed far away.

“Renee was cruel taking you away from me. I loved my baby girl so much. She was jealous of our relationship. You were always such an eager beaver. Wanting to please daddy anyway you could.” He looked into my eyes. “So many years I didn’t have you here with me, Isabella. Now I have to be careful with the time I have.”

He took a breath shaking himself out of his memories and thoughts. “But enough of that.” He leaned in to kiss my nose. “If you’d been here you wouldn’t have been right for the things to come. I would have wasted your talent selfishly.”

He got up telling me ‘goodnight and sweet dreams’ as he left the room turning out the light. I felt like everything was a build up of things to come. I had no clue where they were going but I had a year until I could escape. He wished me sweet dreams the same as James. What a joke. I knew I’d only have nightmares.

The Perfect Wife - Chapter 5

2009-04-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Chapter 5

Morning came with the same routine. Charlie picked out my clothes today saying he wanted me to look especially nice. I sat in his and James’ laps to serve their drinks with breakfast. I helped James clean the kitchen and waited to be told we were leaving.

We headed to see Dr. Cullen. Charlie told me a little of his family like I should care. James just sat there grinning the whole time. It seemed that Dr Cullen was married and had 3 sons. They were Emmett, Jasper and Edward. Emmett and Jasper were married. James snickered for some reason. Charlie reached across and smacked the back of his head before continuing. Emmett owned a gym in Port Angeles and Jasper owned a nightclub. Edward was graduating medical school in a few months. Edward was supposedly extremely intelligent, having graduated early from high school and college. He had plans to join his father at the hospital after finishing his residency.

We pulled up to the hospital and I got out with James and we walked in. Charlie walked up to the lady at the desk and told him he was here for Dr Cullen. She saw me and smiled nicely to me.

“I’ll let him know you’re here Charlie.” She picked up the phone and paged him.

I sat between James and Charlie. I was uncomfortable in my new clothes. I was wearing a very short dress that barely extended past my ass and heels.

A very attractive man in a white coat walked up grinning at Charlie. He had blonde wavy hair and looked very athletic. “Charlie! It’s been awhile. What brings you by so soon?” He looked over at me standing next to James. His eyes had the same look I’d come to hate in Charlie and James.

“Carlisle, this is my baby girl if you can believe it.” Charlie motioned for me to come to him. I stood next to him as he put his arm around me pulling me close. “Bella say ‘hello’ to Dr Cullen. He’s one of my oldest and dearest friends.”

“Hello Dr Cullen, it’s nice to meet you,” I said sticking out my hand to shake his.

He glanced at my hand then at Charlie who nodded slightly. He grinned at me taking my hand.

He pulled me to him in an embrace, hugging me tightly patting my ass.

“Please call me Carlisle, Bella. After all we’re almost family,” he said. “Charlie and I go way back. We’ve known each other since we were in junior high.” He kissed my cheek before releasing me and turned back to Charlie.

“Shame Renee didn’t work out as well, Charlie. I tried. So what can I do for you today Charlie. Edward isn’t quite ready.” The three of them started laughing. I was completely clueless what his son had to do with anything.

“Well, Carlisle we’re here to get Bella’s brace off. She was in a car accident a month ago that killed Renee and that ball player she married.” He pulled me into another hug. “But look what I got for their trouble. I never thought I’d have my little Isabella back.”

I hated how he was so casual about their deaths. Like they did him some big favor by dying.

“Well then let’s step into an exam room for some privacy shall we?” He motioned for us to follow him down the hall. He took us to the last exam room and told me to have a seat. He said he’d be right back as he shut the door.

I heard Charlie and Dr Cullen’s voices discussing something in the hall but couldn’t make out any words. Dr Cullen came back in with Charlie and shut the door again as he looked me over. He had a digital camera with him.

“Smile Bella,” he told me as he took a few pictures of me. “It’s for your medical records.”

He reached in a drawer and pulled out a gown handing it to me. I looked at him in confusion. Since when did removing a brace require getting undressed?

Charlie was kind enough to clarify. “I want Carlisle to give you your annual. Just to be sure everything is in working order and intact. Knowing Renee you’ll be fine. She always was a prude.”

They stepped out allowing me to get undressed. I slipped on the gown and sat back down on the table to wait. Charlie and Dr Cullen both came back into the room. Charlie sat down in the chair against the wall facing me.

I wondered what Dr Cullen thought of my father staying in the room to watch. Maybe he’d ask him to leave before he started.

He removed the brace and checked out the flexibility of my wrist and fingers. “We want to be sure you’re perfect Bella. No second best allowed.” He said smiling. “Ok, now lie back and put your feet in the stirrups,” he said.

I looked over at Charlie who was making no move to leave. I looked down at Dr Cullen sitting on the stool between my legs waiting. I whispered, “Does he have to be here for this?”

Dr Cullen laughed and turned to Charlie. “I think your girl’s a little shy Charlie. You know that won’t do, don’t you. You’ll have to work on that with her.”

I stared down at him in disbelief. He knew what Charlie was like and was ok with it. I dreaded looking back up into Charlie’s face now. He was very angry.

“Believe me Carlisle that will be handled immediately.” he glared at me.

His look told me I was going to be sorry for embarrassing him in front of his friend.

I lay down and put my feet up knowing there was no other choice. The silent tears leaked out of my eyes while he performed my pelvic exam with my father watching. When he was finished he came to my side to pull my gown down to my waist to check my breasts. He noticed my tears and shook his head at me.

He leaned in to whisper; “Tears only get you in more trouble Isabella. No one wants a crybaby.

You’re going to need to learn to control that.” He kissed my temple as he stood and turned back to Charlie. “Well that’s it. I’ll let you know what I decide when her results come back, but I don’t foresee a problem.”

He told me I could get dressed while he and Charlie stood and talked. This time they didn’t bother with the pretense of leaving the room. They both watched me and I did as I’d been taught and looked at them both the entire time I put on my clothes, never looking away.
Carlisle seemed pleased by my display and Charlie was just a little less angry. Carlisle turned back to Charlie slapping him on the back. “Take care of our little girl here Charlie. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to her. I like her.”

Charlie smiled to Carlisle. “Don’t worry. James and I are keeping her under wraps for you. I thought she’d make a perfect gift.” He turned to smile at me. It was the first time I saw pure evil in my father.

Carlisle laughed, “Good to know. Just watch that boy of yours. We wouldn’t want any slipups like last time now would we?” He opened the door to usher us out to the hall where James was waiting. Carlisle ran his hand down my back and up under the hem of my dress and pinched my ass as I walked past him. I jumped startled. “Shyness, remember,” he said shaking his finger at me as he walked away.

***********************************************************************

We walked out of the hospital and headed back to the house. Charlie never spoke a word. James was grinning at me humming in anticipation of what he knew was coming. I was afraid of what was in store for me as punishment.

When we got home Charlie and James walked in behind me. Charlie stopped me from going to my room. “James, please get the bag. Isabella needs to be punished. James yelled, “All right, finally!” as he ran up the stairs, eager for whatever was coming.

Charlie turned to me snarling. “It’s time you understood, Isabella. Your bitch of a mother and her precious Phil isn’t here to save you this time. Carlisle is a very close personal friend. He expects perfection at all times. You embarrassed me today. You need to learn a valuable lesson. You will never question authority again. Is that clear?”

“Yes daddy,” I whispered. I was so afraid.

“Today was the second time. I know you questioned James the other day in your room.”

James was coming back down the stairs with a black bag grinning from ear to ear.
Charlie took my elbow and led me to the kitchen table pulling out a chair to the middle of the floor. He held me as James set the bag on the table opening it for Charlie. He then sat down in the chair to watch.

Charlie turned to me. “Take off your clothes Isabella. This is your punishment.”

I pulled my dress over my head, shaking. I stood there in just my bra and panties.

“All of it.” He said.

I felt the tears start, but remembered what Carlisle had said about tears made it worst. So I tried to stop. I removed the last of my clothes and waited.

He went to the bag. He took out three scarves, handing two of them to James, and a ball that had strings attached. He pushed me face down on the table and pulled my arms behind my back tying them while James spread my legs to tie my ankles to the table legs. I was shaking so hard.

I couldn’t stop the tears from coming.

I tried to beg. “I’m sorry daddy. I promise I won’t do it again. Please don’t do this. I’ll be good.”
He pulled my head back by my hair and shoved the ball in my mouth. He then tied the strings behind my head and pushed my head back to the table making sure to turn me so I looked at James sitting there. James handed a paddle to Charlie.

“I don’t like this anymore than you do Isabella, but you need to learn that disobedience has consequences. Do you think you can remember?” He asked.

I nodded my head as hard as I could since I couldn’t speak with the ball tied in my mouth. I was already crying so hard.

He ran his hand down my spine and caressed my bare ass. “Let’s begin.”

James started laughing. His eyes were gleaming like he was watching a fascinating ball game.

Charlie started using the paddle to spank me. I bit down as hard as I could at each hit. I was in so much pain. After a while I couldn’t stop the screams. I knew what the ball was for now. It muffled my screams. He wouldn’t have to worry about anyone hearing me from outside as he continued to spank me.

When he finally decided I’d had enough he allowed James to untie my legs and help me stand up straight. I was on fire. James knew I wouldn’t be able to stand on my own so kept his arms wrapped around me for support.

He told James to carry me to my room as he put the paddle back in the bag zipping it closed. He didn’t remove the gag or untie my hands. James threw me over his shoulder with my head hanging down his back while Charlie picked up the bag and scarves to follow us upstairs.

James put his hand on my ass as we climbed the stairs caressing and squeezing every couple of stairs, making me scream. I was in so much pain. He kicked open my door and stood me next to my bed to wait for Charlie’s next instruction.

Charlie went behind me to untie my hands as he pushed me down on the bed. “Move to the middle, Isabella.” I tried to scoot over but I couldn’t get my muscles to cooperate, I was shaking so hard. He finally had to help me.

He reached to hand one of the scarves to James who had moved to stand on the other side of my bed. He took both my hands and retied them pulling them up over my head. He tied them to the headboard and I felt James pull my leg to tie it to the bedpost. Charlie then tied my other leg to the other bedpost.

He and James sat down on the bed with me, both of them looking me over. James was caressing my stomach never touching my breasts or going any lower.

Charlie finally spoke pushing my wet hair away from my face. I was still crying from the pain and humiliation. “Bella sweetheart, I do not enjoy punishments. They are necessary, however. You’ve had too many years of leniency living with Renee. She wasn’t capable of learning. You would have learned years ago how to be a proper woman and wife.”

I knew my fears were true. Renee had left Charlie to protect me from him and even from James, although he had been little more than a child at that time as well. Obviously James had learned early and learned well. This must be why Renee left him with Charlie; it was too late for him.

“I want you to lay here and think on what I’ve said.”

They both stood and walked out of the room. Charlie left the light on and the door open. He wanted to be sure I knew humiliation to the fullest.

I heard the TV click onto a ballgame. Occasionally I heard one of them shout at the TV for an unfair call. They were watching TV while I lay here tied to my bed like it was any other night.
I lay there crying for so many reasons. The pain. My mom. Phil. I thought of all my friends in Phoenix I’d never see again. I pictured my house and imagined walking through all the rooms, remembering every detail I could to help shut out what was happening to me now.

Later I heard James and Charlie come upstairs. Charlie went to shower while James came in to sit on the bed with me. He watched me smiling as he played with my hair, using it to stroke my breasts chuckling at my body’s unwilling response. He got up when he heard Charlie shut off the water and leaned down to kiss the ball in my mouth.

“Good night baby sister. You may not have sweet dreams tonight, but I know I will.” He gave my hair one last flick across my nipples and blew on them causing them to tighten from the sensation and cold. “Yes, very sweet dreams.” He walked out as Charlie came in.

Charlie lay down next to me propping his head on his hand to look at me. I stared back at him. He let his gaze travel over my body noticing my hard nipples from James’ attention. He smiled and reached out to gently brush his knuckles across each of them, keeping them hard while he watched. I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Isabella, I’m going to think you need more punishment,” he said pinching my nipple between his knuckles. I opened my eyes back to him. “That’s better.” He continued his torture never touching more than my nipples while he looked from what he was doing back to my face occasionally to be sure my eyes were still open.

He finally yawned and reached down to kiss the ball in my mouth. He got up. “Goodnight Bella. I’ll see you in the morning.” He walked out of the room closing the door and finally turning off the light.

I was surprised this time no tears came. I turned my head to the side and closed my eyes. I finally fell asleep.