Without Wings Chapter One

Mentally running over the list of things she had to do that day, Bella rinsed toothpaste out of her mouth and put the brush back where it belonged. Movement in the mirror caught her eye, and she watched her naked husband come up behind her as she dried her hands.

"Why do you wear my shirt like this when we both have places to be?"

His voice was pained, his hands warm as he slid them under the hem of his white dress shirt to caress her ass. It was the closest thing at hand that morning, casually flung over the back of a chair the evening before. She'd left it mostly unbuttoned after shrugging it on, for which she was currently quite grateful.

Watching him stare at her bare breasts in the mirror, she felt the first hints of arousal gathering loosely in her limbs. "It's your punishment for not putting your laundry in the hamper."

"You call this punishment?"

A low moan escaped her mouth as Edward pressed his soft lips to her nape. Tendrils of hair had escaped her messy bun, ruffling with his exhaled breath. Heat fluttered in her belly, low and fast, when he slipped his palms over her taut nipples and began to tease her.

"We have businesses to run." If it was meant as a protest, it was half hearted at best. 

The only response was a hum that she felt rumbling in his chest moments before he enclosed her earlobe in his mouth. Bracing her hands on the counter, she pushed back into Edward’s body, the evidence of his erection insistent against her. 

"After all these years, the sight of you in something of mine still rouses my possessive beast."

Fucking anaconda was what he was sporting that morning. "How do you have the energy after coming to bed so late last night?"

Driving his hips against her ass, he murmured, "Consider it a compliment."

Oh, she did. She definitely did. 

His reflected gaze met and held hers in the mirror, and she swallowed pooling saliva when he ran his hands over her stomach. Deft fingers parted her thighs, playing briefly with her core before he replaced his fingers with his cock. 

Her gasp echoed throughout the bathroom when he filled her to the hilt. Blinking back odd tears, she worked with him to bring them both pleasure. Once in a while, he overwhelmed her senses with his unconditional love. When she was certain she had herself under control, she lifted her eyes to watch him. He was right; primal lust caught her, choking her, at the sight of him looming behind her. Strong, sexy, his body dominating hers. Holding his gaze proved difficult, but she made the effort. There was too much emotion on his face to miss it by closing her eyes now. Need, heat, love, each expression slamming into her and coalescing with their joined bodies. Forced onto her toes, Bella’s head fit perfectly under his chin, their synchronicity granting them what they both sought. 

“Oh god,” she moaned, gripping the sink for dear life. 

Edward’s hands shifted, using her hips for leverage as he drove deeper and harder. The sounds amplified throughout the tiled room, reverberating back to her until the only thing she could focus on was him. The sound of his moans, the whisper of his breath on her neck, his unique scent tickling her nose. Every bit of her love for him hit her in the chest, stealing her heartbeat and giving it to him over and over.

“Mo grá, fuck.” His hands were greedy, his grip bruising. Breasts, thighs, and finally stroking her clit until she exploded with a loud cry. Her muscles clamped down on him, and he stilled inside her. 

Kisses rained over her neck and shoulders, the shirt bunched until he could trace the curves of her body with his fingertips. She shivered, the aftermath sensitizing her nerves.

“I guess I have to shower now,” she mumbled, leaning back against him. A very large part of her wanted to do nothing more than simply crawl back into bed, fitting her soft curves against his hard planes and wasting away the day.

His low chuckle made her smile. “I’ll gladly join you.”

“It sure is a good thing we’re our own bosses.”

“Bosses can be late,” he agreed, stepping away and turning on the shower.

They’d had a slow life, a comfortable life, for years. Every sacrifice they'd made was worth it as they settled back into the bookstore and the roastery. One might even say their lives were boring, with the exception of a few shipping disasters calling Edward back to the warehouse late at night. She hadn't picked up a gun in four years, and her only form of working out was walking around the bookstore a hundred times a day. 

"Join me, aingeal fiáin."

Almost snorting, Bella followed him into the shower. She couldn't be considered wild anymore. Though she had yet to reach fifty, she’d gladly settled into the role of grandmother. Spending as much time with Aerinn as possible was easy, since Layla came over with her often. Bella’s granddaughter was a bundle of energy at four, so maybe she could include running around after her as part of her exercise program. 

“Here.” 

Edward handed her the bottle of her favorite body wash, but once she took it, she merely stared at him. Despite having recently celebrated his fifty-first birthday—a milestone he once thought he’d never reach—he reminded her of the man she met a million years ago. Time had softened his heart, but never his physique. Circumstances had urged him to put down his gun, to settle into the idea of a quiet life once more. But he’d never stopped working his body to the point of exhaustion.

Not that she could complain. While some of the other men had let themselves go a little, she still counted the lines of his abs when he ran soap over them. His tattoos glistened in the stream of water, and Bella swallowed. Hard to believe he’d just fucked her and she already wanted him a second time.

Apropos of nothing, she said, “We’re grandparents.”

Turning to face her, Edward lifted his brows. “Yeah.”

It was understandable he’d be confused. “I mean, most people I think of as grandparents are old.”

“Are you trying to tell me I’m getting old?”

“No.” Running her hands over all the soap bubbles he’d left behind, she traced various quivering muscles. “Just that I feel old, while you feel like the same twenty-something-year-old I knew in Forks.”

“Baby, I feel old all the time.”

“Really?” Catching her lip between her teeth, she concentrated on his firm ass.

“When Aerinn wants one more piggyback ride, or she’s still raring to go at nine and I just want to go to bed.”

“Mm.” Finding her rhythm, Bella snaked her hands around to his cock.

“Or when you’re clearly ready for a second round and I’ve got nothing.”

Stopping her movements, Bella looked into his eyes to gauge his seriousness. “I can’t help myself when you’re this fucking hot.”

“I don't want you to quit, love.”

“Just warning me it might not happen?”

Reaching behind him, Edward turned off the water. “How late are you willing to be?”

oOo

Hours had passed, but Bella still felt the throb between her thighs. She’d been so late getting to the bookstore that she’d had to make up for it by staying past the time she'd intended to leave, and Layla and Aerinn were coming for dinner. Kicking it into high gear, Bella checked over the inventory sheet and signed off on the delivery. Fresh new books sat in an open box, patiently waiting for someone to put them in their temporary homes. Charlotte was working the closing shift, so it would be up to her to organize the shelves. Guilt nagged at her, but Bella had to get home.

“Char?” she called as she exited the back room.

“Over here.”

It pleased Bella to see how Charlotte had blossomed in the last few years. Deciding she didn't need a man to make her happy, something Bella had told her often, she was happier and more confident than ever. It didn't hurt that Bella had promoted her, either.

“I really have to go.” Throwing her sweater and purse strap over her arm, Bella walked quickly toward the front with Charlotte in tow.

“I’ve got it, don’t worry.”

“You’ll call if there’s an issue?”

“No, I’ll handle it and leave you a note for the morning.”

Smiling, Bella stopped long enough to hug her employee. “Fair enough.”

It wasn't until she pulled into the garage that she felt the urgency leave her. No one had gotten there before her, thankfully. Entering the house through the kitchen, she grinned at Tyler’s back.

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“I try.” With a small shrug, he glanced over his shoulder. “Wine is breathing, first course is in the fridge, and dinner will be finished shortly.”

“Seriously, you’re never allowed to retire.”

He laughed a little, but she was dead serious. Opening the fridge, she pulled out the bowl of salad, stealing an olive off the top. Brine danced on her tongue as she pushed open the dining room door with her elbow. It wasn't that she needed to have a fancy dinner party for her daughter-in-law as much as wanting to ensure Layla had nothing to worry about for one night. No cooking, no cleaning, no dishes. Just enjoying the meal.

“Sorry I’m late,” she heard behind her.

God, his voice alone sent tingles up her spine. “I just got here myself.”

She'd barely set the salad bowl on the table before he grabbed her and kissed her. “Missed you today.”

Usually, Edward had the chance to stop by the bookstore, sometimes sticking around for most of the day. “You had plenty of me this morning.”

“Ew, guys, little ears.”

Laughing, Bella glanced past her husband to see that Layla had arrived. “Sorry, didn't realize you were here.”

“Gran!” Aerinn shouted, running over as though she hadn't seen her in a year. Exuberance was one of the best parts about grandchildren.

“And what about me?” Edward asked, crouching down.

“Of course I didn't forget about you, Grandad.” Just as fast as she’d run to Bella, she abandoned her to hug Edward. He picked her up, kissing her cheeks with a grin.

“Are you ready to eat, beagán?”

“I’m not little anymore, Grandad. Look!” Aerinn flexed her arms, skinny as spaghetti noodles.

“So you aren't,” he replied in all sincerity.

Tyler came into the room with the rest of dinner, and Layla took Aerinn to wash her hands.

“It doesn't feel right,” Edward said quietly.

Grasping his hand, Bella blinked and tried to answer. “No,” was all she could muster. Clearing her throat, she straightened her shoulders and put on a bright smile.

“I’m back!” Aerinn announced, and for a moment, all was right with their world again.

“Thanks for this,” Layla whispered to Bella.

“You deserve a break, sweetie.” 

It was easy to let her granddaughter dominate the conversation. To listen to her happy chatter and thank God children were so resilient. To eat good food and laugh at the antics of a small child. Glancing around the table, she wished at least Maeve and Cat could have joined them, but they were busy with their own lives. Because Edward and Bella had sacrificed so much to ensure it was a possibility in the first place, she wouldn't begrudge them their happiness. Even if it was farther away than she would have liked. Maeve had graduated college and gone on to work with her Aunt Angela at her psychology practice. Caitriona was about to graduate, but she wasn't yet sure what she would do in life. She’d always said she wanted to join her mother running the bookstore, but Bella wanted her to experience the world before she settled for working in the family company.

Layla stayed home with Aerinn, more out of necessity than anything else. She’d taken an interest in working with Jake in his auto body shop, but it had proven too hard on her to put Aerinn in daycare while she worked. Not that the entire family wouldn't have rallied around her and helped juggle childcare with her.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Bella asked Layla.

“Mom is off work, so I’m going to spend the day with her.”

“That sounds lovely.”

Edward shot a glance at Bella, but she shrugged it off. They’d talk later.

“Aerinn is excited, and that’s what counts.”

“What’s this?” Edward exclaimed, making Aerinn giggle. “You’re going to pass up a day with me to spend time with Gramma and Grampa?”

“But I love you all!” Bouncing in her seat, she accidentally knocked over her sippy cup.

Layla jumped up. “Aerinn!”

“The cup has a lid for a reason, Mama.” It was said mildly, but tears trailed down Layla’s face, regardless. Bella held back a sigh. “Really, it’s okay.”

Aerinn's lower lip wobbled.

“Come, beagán, let’s wash up.” 

Edward took Aerinn from the room, and Bella wrapped her arms around her daughter-in-law. “Don't cry, sweetie.”

“The stress is eating at me, Mom.”

Bella cherished hearing Layla call her Mom. “I know. How can I help?”

“You do.” Stepping back, Layla wiped her face. “You’ve done more than I can repay.”

“I don't want repayment. I want you and Aerinn happy.”

“Mostly, we are. Sometimes it piles up, that’s all.”

Bella's heart pounded hard in her throat. “I wish I could say I understand, but it’s completely different for me.”

“God, I’m so selfish to complain about it when you have to live with it, too.”

“We don't compare pain, Layla. It’s simply different.”

But her heart hurt, too, and she was the one always putting on a brave face.

Sniffing, Layla asked, “Can we stay tonight?”

“Of course.” 

“I think I need to use his old room.” Swallowing noticeably, Layla couldn't look Bella in the eyes. “If that’s okay.”

“Whatever you need.”

All the hours between dinner and bedtime dragged. It had become oppressive in the living room, and they all felt it. Aerinn was fussy, and finally Layla took her upstairs. Every cell in Bella’s body screamed at her to go to the basement and shoot the shit out of something, to take the rage and agony and let it out. Instead, she held out her hand to Edward and silently begged him to take her to their room. 

Without speaking, they undressed, turning off the lights and closing the blinds. Years of contentment and familiarity surrounded her as Bella slipped into bed. Edward enfolded her in his arms, tangling his legs with hers. Deep breaths moved through his chest, pushing against her back as he worked hard to calm himself.

“I need a drink.”

“No, you don't.” Squeezing his arms closer to her torso, Bella inhaled slowly as well. “You have me.”

“Whiskey and a cigar would go down smooth as fuck right now.”

“Will you leave me here alone to go indulge yourself?” Barely managing to keep the bitterness from her voice, Bella shifted her head to rest more easily on the pillow.

“No.” 

She felt the tiny shudder roll through him.

“No, I’d rather stay here with you, mo shíorghrá.”

Though her Irish would never be as smooth as his, she said, “Codladh go maith, mo ghrá.”

His kiss to the top of her head was the last thing she was aware of before falling into a dream-filled sleep.

---

mo grá~ my love

aingeal fiáin~ wild angel

beagán~ little bit

mo shíorghrá~ my eternal love

codladh go maith, mo ghrá~ sleep well, my love

The Literary Bean

Charlotte

Tyler

Layla

Aerinn