Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty-two

Nerves quickly made themselves known with stinging nettles in Edward’s gut. It was now or never, and he wasn’t known for being a pussy. All their friends were there, the old and the new. Jake and Seth brought floral displays, which they played off as no big deal for a lovely celebration such as theirs. For a minute, it scared Edward to think Bella would catch on. But she’d made desserts galore, and Austin brought champagne. Throw in Alice’s decorating skills, and the venue they’d chosen was fully decked out.

Under the ruse of celebrating his recovery, Edward planned to propose to the love of his life.

He’d have everything he needed, just as soon as she said yes. That was all he’d ever wanted and thought he’d lost. Even though it had reignited in the most unusual way, their relationship was stronger than ever. Bella had found herself again, found the strength to be a better person and overcome her insecurities. 

Accepting her, flaws and all, was what he would offer, as long as she accepted the same in return.

So as they chatted with Jasper and Alice, as Rose and Emmett swayed together to the music playing through the speakers—though no one else danced—Edward thumbed the top of the velvet box in his pocket. Eric kept giving him a side-eye, but he wasn't ready yet. The moment had to be perfect, and it just wasn't time.

Everyone kept congratulating him, as though he’d performed a miracle. He was fully healed, no cast or boot. Nothing but himself, scarred but whole. Complete in a way he’d never known could exist for him.

Feeling misty-eyed and a bit silly, he wandered to the table where they’d laid out the food. Beside Bella’s cupcakes, there were a few crudites and other hors d'oeuvres. Soon, Bella came up behind him, massaging his nape.

“Everything okay, baby?”

Love washed over him, a tidal wave ready to drown him, choke him. Spinning, he crushed her body against his, needing the buoy she represented.

“Whoa. Is something wrong?”

Shaking his head, he stared down into her whiskey eyes until she blurred before him. “God, no. It’s utterly right.”

“Are you sure?” Touching his temple, Bella brushed away the slightly too-long hair.

“Baby, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

oOo

Bella’s heart stuttered in her chest as Edward lowered himself in front of her. Instantly, worry for his leg flashed through her mind, but she cut it off.

“The purpose of this gathering is two-fold.”

Blinking back the rush of tears, Bella watched Edward pull a box from his pocket. The overhead lights glinted off the filigree work of a breathtaking art déco ring with a single diamond nestled in the center.

“You’re all I’ve ever wanted. Just you. If you’ll have me, it’s us for the rest of our lives.”

“God, baby,” she murmured. Not simply because her knees wouldn't hold her, she dropped to the floor beside him. 

“Marry me, Bella.”

“Of course.” Wiping her fingers under her eyes, she suddenly became aware of everyone’s attention on them. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

He slipped the ring on her finger, and the ice of the metal warmed with the grip of his hand on hers. She leaned forward, kissing him through her tears. He clung, and she couldn't blame him. She felt the same need.

“Come on, you two, let’s open this champagne,” Austin called.

Laughing, Bella stood with Edward. His palm cupping her cheek, he dipped down for another kiss before they were dragged apart for congratulatory hugs.

oOo

They’d managed to make it happen. All the fuck-ups, all the shit they’d gone through to come back to each other, had been worth it. In the end, he had what he wanted. They would work hard to be happy, he knew that for certain. They’d learned not to take each other for granted.

Austin popped open the champagne and poured it into flutes for everyone. With his arm around Eric, he held his glass in the air. “To the best sugar baby I’ve ever had.”

Eric snickered but jabbed Austin in the gut all the same. “What he means to say is that we’re so proud of you two for figuring this shit out.”

“You’re gonna be so happy together,” Emmett said, clapping Edward on the back.

“Can't believe we’re both settling down,” Jasper added. “No more lifelong bachelors.”

“I don't want to be a bachelor.” Kissing Bella again, Edward realized he couldn't stop touching her.

“Ooh, does that mean we can go house shopping?” Alice asked.

Bella was the one to respond. “Not for a long time. We love the loft.”

“Darn.”

“Maybe one day,” Edward said. “When we need bedrooms.”

“Then at least let me help plan the wedding.”

“Oh, I’d love to help, too,” Rose interjected.

Trying to gauge her thoughts, Edward studied Bella’s face as she answered. He wanted to make sure they weren't pressuring her.

“That sounds great, really.” Maybe because she sensed him staring, Bella angled her head to look up at him. “I might get overwhelmed, otherwise. But I want it simple.”

“I can handle the floral arrangements,” Seth said, moving up to give Bella a kiss on the cheek. “I’d be honored to help you at wholesale.”

“Oh, Seth.” Blinking, Bella beamed at him. “You don’t have to do that. Your talent is invaluable.”

“I know.” With a wink, he glanced at Jake. “Consider it our gift.”

“God, you guys.” Finally, the tears she’d been holding back fell.

“We ended up with an eclectic family, didn't we?” Edward murmured in her ear.

oOo

She might need someone to pinch her. Somehow, all her dreams had come true. A booming bake shop, best friends, family, and the most amazing man she’d ever met. They were all hers.

“I don’t think this day could be any more perfect. I keep using that word,” Edward muttered. “But it’s the only one that fits.”

“It’s the right word.” Holding out her hand, Bella swept her leg behind her in a bit of a bow. “Dance with me?”

It was mostly an excuse to hold him tightly, to kiss him without shame and align her curves with his muscles. The music was slow, quiet in the background, but it didn't matter.

“I can’t explain how much I love you.” Frowning down at her, Edward raised his hand from her lower back to her jaw. Gripping it, he melded his mouth to hers. 

Sweeping her tongue along his, she felt an urgent need to show him. It didn't matter what the words were, whether they came out poetic or garbled. None of that mattered. He stole her breath, and she inhaled his taste, his soul, in exchange, locking it away deep inside her.

Ruefully, Bella pulled away. “There’s no way they won't know what we’re doing if we disappear.”

“Do you care?”

With his gaze so intense on her face, Bella thought maybe she didn't. “I do, sorry.”

“Same outcome if we rush out of here.” 

“They wouldn't blame us,” she mused. “But I can be patient.”

“We have forever, love.”

Heart thumping, she swallowed thickly. Sometimes, he actually did have the right words. “We sure do.”

So they took their time, enjoying their friends. Seeing the camaraderie warmed Bella through, knowing their collective family would only grow in time. Babies would come, more friendships would be made, and they would be there together through it all.

Finally—good God, finally—they headed home. Edward was driving, and he kept playing with the ring on her finger, spinning it and running his thumb over the top. As he pulled into the garage below the loft, she spotted Edward’s motorcycle. Jasper had fixed it, and it looked better than brand new.

Inspired as they got out of her car, Bella tugged Edward’s hand, leading him to the bike and pointing at the seat. He straddled it, gripping the handlebars. There was no denying how hot he looked.

“Will you ride it again?” she asked.

“Yes.”

The answer was simple, and though a spear of apprehension went through her, she would never tell him he couldn't. “I’ll worry about you.”

“I know.” Face toward hers, he said, “That’s your right as my fiancée.”

“Only because I don't want anything happening to your precious self.”

“All the years I’ve owned it, there’s only been the one accident, and it was intentional.”

Instead of responding, she moved in, framing his face in her hands. Kissing his forehead, his chin, and finally his mouth, she couldn't hold back what she felt. For several minutes, she ran her tongue along his jaw, thrilled to be taller than him for a brief time. Biting his throat, moaning when he cupped her ass, she took her fill of the man. He smelled glorious, his unique scent telling her she was home. Burying his face in her cleavage, he made use of the height change just as expertly as she did. Just as his touch became painful, his fingers bruising her thighs, her pulse skyrocketing and her pussy dripping, she stuttered out the words trying to choke her.

“Fuck me on your bike.”

oOo

Jesus fuck.

“Are you sure?”

Her response was to lift her skirt and climb on, facing him and showing him she went commando. He had to brace his feet to help steady the bike, and he briefly wondered if they’d topple the fucking thing.

That was a risk he was willing to take.

Bringing his hand between her legs, she bit her lip and pressed his fingers inside her. With a deep growl, Edward made excellent use of those fingers, playing with her cunt as she threw her head back.

“In all my life,” he said. But he couldn't complete his sentence when she looked so fucking gorgeous riding his hand. Her hips bucked in rhythm with his movements, and soon she came undone.

Freeing his cock and yanking her closer, he knew he’d been blessed beyond belief. As they shimmied and shifted, he had to steady the bike by bracing his hand on the garage’s support post. But then she took him inside her, rolling her hips and crying out, and all he knew was Bella.

“Goddamn, love.” Fearing he couldn't hold out, he shoved roughly at her dress to tweak her nipples, to urge her faster, to force her up and over again. It was a challenge, one he was more than happy to face, having to manage one-handed.

“Yes, yes,” she cried out, her body trembling and legs locked around his waist.

Finally spent, he emptied everything inside her. Panting, he brought her torso up against him and lowered his face to her throat. “You were made for me,” he whispered against her skin.

“I wanted a better memory attached to the motorcycle.”

“You succeeded.”

“It’s a perfect start to our new life.” Running her hands through his hair, she said, “That, and the fact that I think I’m pregnant.”

His head came up so fast he nearly head-butted her. “What?”

“See, I never let anyone near me without a condom except you. I was always terribly petrified I’d get pregnant accidentally, and double protection was at the forefront of my mind. But with you—”

“You’re carrying my baby?” Everything she said filtered in and out of his head, monumental but less important than her tentative announcement.

“I think so, yeah.”

“You trusted me that much?” Knowing how dire she used to think a child would be, he was stunned.

“Well, yeah. You’re going to be my husband. I trust you more than anyone in the world.”

“Oh, my God.” Gathering her up close, he kissed the side of her face repeatedly. “And I thought this day couldn't be any more perfect.”

Austin

Eric