Lessons Learned

***This is not slash, but it is a threesome***

Disclaimer: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.

LL

When you work fifty hours a week and so does your wife, it can be damn near impossible to find time for sex. We are always too tired, too busy, and when we do have sex on the weekends it’s quick and lacking in excitement. We fall asleep on the couch in the evenings in front of the TV, waking each other in the early hours to move to the bed. It's a rut, and it's a terrible schedule to keep.

I'm bored with our sex life. I keep trying to think of some way to make things more interesting, like we used to do back in college. We've been together since our freshman year, and we would get wild at parties. Drinking too much and swapping partners was a regular occurrence when we were in our twenties. But now, in our thirties, we're stuck.

It's when Carlisle Cullen, CEO of Cullen Enterprises and my boss, is sitting in my office one day that I have an epiphany. “Hey, Carlisle, haven't you mentioned some club you go to on the weekends? Where there are girls for days.”

He stops writing on his legal pad and looks up at me, his glasses perched on the end of his nose. His hair is always perfectly styled, his suits perfectly tailored. Bella has mentioned more than once that she thinks he’s hot, but off limits.

He takes his glasses off and holds them in front of him as he answers me. “Yes. Are you telling me that you and your wife may be interested in that lifestyle? You gave me the impression that wasn't your thing.”

“Well, it isn't. Wasn't. But, you know, ten years is a long time to have missionary sex,” I grouse.

“That's basically how long we've known each other. Why haven't you spoken up sooner? The only way to get what you want is to ask for it,” he points out.

“There was a time I didn't even have to ask,” I sigh. “She used to be crazier than me.”

Carlisle frowns. “Bella, right?” I nod. “Why don't you bring her this Saturday night? I'll email you an invitation,” he offers.

“Yeah, that would be great. I'll ask her, and hopefully I can convince her.” I smile a little wistfully at the thought of what we could learn at a sex club.  

“That sounds great. Now, where are we with next quarter’s projections?” Carlisle slides his glasses back on and goes back to his paperwork.

When I get home, I'm nervous as hell. I'm pretty sure Bella will be interested in something more exciting than what we've been doing, but the club that Carlisle is a member at is… more than anything we've tried.

“Baby? I'm home!” I call from the front door.

“In here!” I hear her voice from a distance, toward our bedroom. I search until I find her in our walk in closet flipping through the hangers full of clothes.

“Whatcha doing?” I lean on the doorframe and watch her pick a dress and hang it back up.

“I have a meeting tomorrow, so I'm trying to pick out what I want to wear.” She turns to me with a smile, kissing my cheek before continuing with her hunt.

“Mmm. Baby, I wanted to talk to you about something,” I start.

“Okay.” She doesn't face me.

“I was wondering if you would like to try something new this weekend?” I hedge, shuffling my feet in nervousness.

“Is there some new Indian restaurant you haven't tried yet? Honestly, it makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.”

“No. Jesus, no, Bella. Would you look at me?” I reach out and tug on her arm so she'll stop what she's doing and face me.

“Now you have me worried, Edward Masen. Do you need a kidney?” She worries her lower lip between her teeth, and I press my thumb to it to make her stop.

“No. I was thinking about spicing up our sex life, you know, making it a little more adventurous. I was talking to Carlisle today, and he mentioned the club he goes to most weekends. He invited us, said he would email us an invitation if we were interested." There. I've said it.

Her pupils dilate. “Really? Because I've wanted to ask you about trying something different, but I was afraid of your reaction.”

“You were? Like what?” Is she about to make my fantasies a reality?

She wraps her arms around my neck. “A threesome,” she whispers. “With, uh, another guy.”

My eyes widen at that admission. “Wow. You want me and some random dick both pounding you at the same time?” My voice may or may not have risen an octave.

“No! There are things, positions, to keep you apart.”

I have to work not to groan. I asked for this, after all. “The place he goes is a BDSM club. I thought we could look at what goes on, maybe pick up some new positions, get a fresh perspective on ideas?”

She nods, leaning in to kiss me. “Okay. We'll go and see.” She kisses me again. “Now, I'm starving. Takeout?”

“Of course.”

That was Wednesday. I purposely stayed away from her the next two evenings, to build anticipation. Oh, who am I kidding? She fell asleep on the couch like she normally does. So here we are, Saturday night, and I'm in nice dark jeans and a dark grey button down with the sleeves rolled up. I've been nervously pacing the living room, waiting for Bella to finish dressing. I'm nervous as fuck. I know I'm going to have sex tonight, possibly in a public place, possibly with another man involved. My dick could touch another man's dick. Oh, God, what if the other guy is hung better? I'd be mortified.

Bella comes into the room then, causing me to stop my overthinking. My girl is wearing a black and blue long sleeved dress with snippets of lace and ties everywhere. Tall, thigh high black boots held up by more ties make her legs look miles long.

“Fuck, Bella. Every man in that place will be drooling over you.” My pants are getting tight at the thought of her being the center of attention in a sex club.

She grins at me. “Now you'll finally know how I feel when we go somewhere and every girl from thirteen to barely having a pulse makes it a point to stare and drool at you.” She laughs as she comes closer, spinning so I can see her dress is backless except for a few black ties.

“You're torturing me.”

She takes my hand and runs ours together down the front of her dress. We hitch up the hem, stroking her inner thighs. “I just want you to know I'll be wet for you all night. Whatever happens, I love you and I'm coming home to our life, with you.”

“I love you,” I groan.

“I love you, too. Now let's get the hell out of here.”

Driving through the dark, wet streets, I start feeling more confident than before. I can do this, I can make my wife happy and fulfilled, and I’ll get satisfaction in return. I find myself excited as I hand the keys to a valet and rest my hand on Bella's bare back as we approach the doorman with our invitation.

The tall, dark haired man looks over the piece of paper and waves us inside. I text Carlisle that we’re here, and head to the bar as we agreed. He comes over a few minutes later, and I catch my wife looking him over as he does.

“Edward, I'm pleased you came,” Carlisle greets me.

I've never seen him in a t-shirt and jeans, but he looks casual and comfortable in his own skin. “You remember Bella, don't you?” She smiles at him.

“Of course I do. Lovely as ever, Bella.” Carlisle leans in and kisses Bella on the cheek, and she places her hand in the middle of his chest. I raise an eyebrow as I realize that my wife is interested in my boss.

“It's nice to see you again as well, Mr. Cullen.”

He gives her a wolfish grin. “While I do so love to be called Mr. Cullen, you may call me Carlisle. Tell me, have you ever called your husband sir?”

My eyes glitter at the thought. “It's been a long time, but she used to.”

“Well, then. Let's try that for tonight, shall we?” he addresses Bella.

She smiles coyly, reaching over to run her hand over my arm. “Yes, sir.” She’s answering Carlisle but looking into my eyes. I find I enjoy it immensely. My girl is ready to play.

Carlisle grins. “Excellent. Perhaps a drink before visiting the play rooms?”

We all agree and order from the bar, opting to carry our drinks with us. I find myself studying my boss through the eyes of my wife to see what she finds attractive about him. He’s tall; perhaps a few inches taller than myself, with brownish blonde hair that is just long enough to style back on his head. Without his glasses, his blue eyes twinkle as he laughs at something Bella said near his ear. He’s broad shouldered, maybe even a little wider in the chest than I am. He exudes confidence, which I suppose helps him gain the eyes of the women in the room.

I catch him staring at Bella's ass, and he shrugs unapologetically, looking younger than his forty something years.

The first room we go to is a bondage display; the woman is tied in complicated knots with a black rope, her legs bent and her arms behind her. The rope winds around her torso and circles her breasts, up to and around her throat. Her leather-clad master is currently positioning her on her back on the padded table, spreading her bound legs and kneeling at the end. I place my hand on Bella's back as the man snakes out his tongue and uses it on his playmate. I stroke her bare skin in time with the woman's hips thrusting into the man's face.

Bella shifts her thighs, and I gaze down at her to find her staring at the scene in front of us. She parts her lips, and in the noise of the crowd, I can only speculate if she sighed or moaned. Carlisle leans to her ear as the sub on the stage cries out louder and louder.

“Is that something you're interested in, Bella?” I hear him say.

She bites her lip. “Not being trussed like a chicken, no. But the rest... “

“Do you see how she is completely at his mercy?” he asks as they watch together. “His only concern is her pleasure, and that is her only concern as well. For now, anyway.”

I think about what he said, and I realize I'm not against it. But if Bella isn't up for it, then we’ll find something else.

She shakes her head.

“Well, then, let's see what other presentations are on display this evening."

I have to admit, Carlisle is a smooth son of a bitch. He nods at almost all of the men we pass, and kisses the hand of many women. The style of dress on the other patrons ranges from nice dresses and casual suits down to leather that barely covers what would normally be appropriate. Many of the women, or submissives, wear collars, some of them attached to a chain that is held by their doms. Some of those chains form a Y, disappearing beneath their clothes. I presume they attach to nipple rings or clamps after that. I’m grateful that Carlisle is dressed similarly to me, and wonder if he ever ventures into leather.

The next room we enter has a man tied to a post by the hands, his body bent where his ass is currently being flogged to a deep shade of pink by a woman in very tall black heeled boots and a black mask. Her blonde hair is in a high ponytail, her skin tight dress a siren red. The naked man moans every time she strikes him, thanking her and asking for another. Even from where we stand I can see his engorged dick is leaking.

“Nope,” I say without being asked. Bella laughs long and hard as I pull her back out of the room with me.

Carlisle stops us near the bar. “Did the two of you have anything specific that you wanted to see or try? If BDSM is too much for you, do you have any alternative ideas? You are looking for something new, aren't you?”

I look at Bella and nod as her eyes meet mine. She speaks up. “Actually, Carlisle, I'm interested in a threesome.”

Carlisle smiles politely, and I do believe he looks disappointed. “Well, I can give you the names of several women that are clean, many of whom are most likely here tonight.” He starts to dig a piece of paper out of his wallet, but stills when Bella places her hand over his.

“With another man.” The look in his eyes changes at that admission. “You, perhaps?” she questions.

I see it then, his undeniable arousal for my wife. It’s hot, to see the man usually in charge of me covet what is mine. His eyes flick to me, and I nod in agreement.

“There are ground rules, of course. We all agree that whatever happens doesn't leave this club. I won't hit on your wife at the company Christmas party, and she won't call me when you're working late, looking for entertainment.”

“Of course,” we both agree.

“As part of the rules of the club, I get tested every three months and have very recently been given a clean bill of health. I will of course agree to the use of condoms if either of you request such.”

I hold up a hand. “Carlisle, stop being a CEO. We read the rules of the club before we agreed to come; we're both clean and Bella is on birth control. Relax.”

Bella laughs at the look on Carlisle's face. He relaxes, laughing too. “Sorry, I got amped up. I have a private room reserved, would you like to…?”

“Yes, of course.” Bella smiles gently at him and takes my hand as we follow him. I squeeze hers in reassurance that I can do this.

Carlisle leads us to a set of stairs that ascend to the balcony level. There are quite a few doors, and if I squint I can pretend it’s a nice hotel. With the sound of an orgy playing over the speakers, but still. He unlocks the door and lets us precede him into what looks like almost any bedroom. There’s a large bed, a long couch with an ottoman, and two armchairs. There’s a cabinet with a recessed lock, and a bathroom with a huge shower.

Now I feel nervous. Do we strip and stand around naked? Do I sit in the chair and watch Carlisle fuck my wife? Do I-

“Stop,” Bella whispers. “You're overthinking this, sir. I can see it.”

I give her a tight smile. “You're right,” I sigh. “What do you want to do first?”

Carlisle unlocks the cabinet and pulls out several items, putting them on the bed. Lube, condoms, wet wipes, and breath mints. I laugh out loud at the last one.

“You can never be too prepared,” he grins. “So, either of you have any questions or hard limits?”

I look to Bella, because really, this is her rodeo.

“Edward requests that you and he stay…” She gestures wide apart with her arms.

“That's understandable. How about we start off sitting on the couch with Bella in the middle,” Carlisle suggests.

“A Bella sandwich. I can handle that.” I sit on one end, and Bella sits in the middle. Carlisle comes and sits on the other end, passing out the mints. I chuckle again as we each take a few and pop them in our mouths. There's silence for several awkward minutes, and then Bella just takes charge with her hand on my lap. When I look over, I see she has her other hand in Carlisle's lap, sliding her hand up and down his thigh. I can see a clear outline of his impressive cock. No wonder he's so popular with women.

For a few minutes I close my eyes and just feel. I've been semi hard since I saw Bella's dress, and I've only gotten harder since entering the club. My hips rock against her hand as she strokes my length through my jeans. My eyes pop open as I hear Carlisle moan, but I don't look over. I've already told myself I'm not going to get jealous no matter what, but it's been an incredibly long time since we swapped partners, and we were always pretty drunk when we did it in the past.

When I hear a sexy sound coming from Bella's mouth, I look over at her to find that Carlisle's hand has disappeared under her dress. Bella is slouched, her knees open, and he's definitely fingering her. I tamp down hard on the surge of anger at him touching her, reminding myself we agreed to this, and it's going to get a whole lot more personal soon.

Deciding that I might as well take the reins, I shift toward Bella and start pulling on the ties of her dress. One by one I unknot them, exposing more flesh that I kiss and suck as I go. When I pull the top down and expose her creamy breasts, Carlisle shifts to face me and takes the one closest to him in his hand, kneading it. I dip my head and pull her nipple into my mouth, watching Carlisle do the same on the other side. His fingers are still working her and her chest is flushed, the pink creeping up her throat to color her cheeks. She's going to come soon, and I find myself not even bothered that it's him giving it to her. She's beautiful taking her pleasure, her head tilted back to expose her neck. I move to suck on her pulse as I pinch and roll her nipple, and her hand grabs for me as her body bows off the couch. She lets out a long and loud cry and bucks against Carlisle's hand.

When she comes down from her high, I grab her face and kiss her, thrusting my tongue into her mouth and caressing her, nipping her lips and igniting another inferno. When I back away to breathe, she turns her head to Carlisle and kisses him. I look down at her boots, thinking I want them to stay, so I work on pulling her dress up over her hips. She breaks from her kiss to let me yank it over her head and toss it into the corner. Her black lace thong is pushed aside from earlier.

“Oh, God, sir, I need to touch you,” she moans.

I stand, pulling my shirt off and working on my pants. Bella watches me eagerly, and so does Carlisle. When I'm standing naked in front of the both of them, my cock jutting in Bella's direction, she moves to the edge of the couch and takes my cock in her hands. She massages my balls for a second before taking the head between her lips.

“Yes,” Carlisle hisses, his hand in his pants stroking himself.

Bella pulls me closer with her hands on my hips, and I grab her hair to guide her mouth. A few more bobs of her head and I loudly groan several curse words as I come down her throat. Carlisle stands and grabs the wipes from the bed, tossing them at me before moving back to the cabinet. I wipe off my softened dick, wondering what the hell he has in mind. Bella stands next to me and wraps her arms around me. I kiss the top of her head as we watch Carlisle pull two black items from the cabinet and return to the couch.

He holds them up. “Do you trust me?” he asks.

I look down at Bella for confirmation. She looks up at me wide eyed, then looks to him and nods. He holds up a blindfold and what looks like a wide black strap. Approaching Bella, he takes her wrists and binds them together with the strap before kneeling and peeling her panties down over her boots.

When Carlisle stands back up, he starts to undress himself. He grabs the back of his shirt and pulls it over his head, dropping it on the floor. He kicks off his shoes while I look at the muscled chest that he hides under dress shirts every day. I know Bella is anticipating seeing his cock, and I hope she's not intending to compare his to mine. Because damn.

“How's your gag reflex, Bella?” he asks seductively. Gotta give him credit for being smooth.

She flushes but smiles. “As you might have noticed, I had no problem swallowing Edward's cock. Is that what you have in mind, sir?”

Carlisle's cock twitches as they discuss it. He leans forward. “Absolutely. But get a good look, because this blindfold is going over your eyes in a minute.”

Bella shifts, rubbing her thighs together. “I can't wait,” she taunts. He grins and moves back to us. I stand next to Bella as Carlisle ties the satin material behind her head, his dick rubbing against her stomach as he does.

“Are you comfortable?” he asks her.

“Yes,” she moans. His hands are kneading her ass as he talks to her.

“If that changes in the slightest, you tell us to stop. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she replies on a whimper.

“Edward?”

“Yeah, absolutely.”

Carlisle takes Bella by the shoulders, turning her slowly and gently pushing her onto her back on the ottoman. She shifts to adjust herself, and he pulls her bound hands above her head.

“Those stay there,” he orders.

I look at him, trying to figure out what he has in mind. He stays near her head and points me toward her legs, which are spread and bent at the knee to rest her high heels on the floor. We both kneel, and he grabs a throw pillow off the couch for each of us. I pick up my knees to put the pillow under them, and it makes a huge difference in my comfort and height.

Carlisle leans over Bella's head and kisses her upside down. I look down at my wife and decide there's no better place to start than with her pussy. With a long lick, I get her riled up again. Holding her ass in my hands, I work my tongue over her glistening folds, sucking her juices into my mouth. She cries out into Carlisle's mouth, and he moans in response. His hands roam, stroking the exposed underside of her arms as they hang above her head. With my head bent to my task I can look up her body and watch her writhe, her tits shifting and bouncing as she squirms. Carlisle continues to kiss her senseless and his hands move to fondle her hard nipples. She screams into his mouth as I nibble her clit in time to his pinches.

She comes, loudly. Carlisle backs away from her mouth so she can let loose, and I add my fingers just as she clamps down and shudders. She breathes heavily for a few minutes as Carlisle and I both run our fingertips over her skin. Carlisle stands and I do the same. I guess it's game on.  

He pulls her gently, letting her head drop over the edge of the ottoman and lining his cock up to her mouth. Understanding, I take her knees and push them up to her chest, lining up my cock with her sweet pussy. Meeting his eyes, I push my cock into Bella at the same time Carlisle slips his cock past her lips. She moans around him, spurring his moan in return. He grabs her boots and pulls her legs up, so I pound into her. He rocks his hips so that she takes more and more of his cock each time, and I watch her throat as it slips down further. She takes his balls in her bound hands and squeezes, making noises in her throat as we fuck her. I find it's easier if I bend my knees and rest one on the ottoman, the push and pull of moving in tandem with Carlisle working perfectly.

Carlisle throws his head back, and I'm thinking he's about to blow. I rub my thumb over Bella's clit, listening to the sounds of our skin slapping as I pound deeper into her body. I can see her full throat as he moves in and out of her mouth, and her hands are still fondling him. Carlisle lets her legs go to roll her nipples in his fingers, and she moans so loud around him that I think we're all going to come at the same time.

And that's exactly what happens. Her pussy tightens around my cock, and my hips falter in their movement before spurting inside her in the most intense orgasm I've ever had. I see Carlisle flex his hips in Bella's direction before stilling inside her. His hands are gripping her tits as he grunts, and she's making all kinds of sounds as she convulses. He pulls out of her and she gasps before screaming her pleasure at the pressure I'm still putting on her clit.

Carlisle kneels again and pulls the restraints from her wrists before removing the blindfold. I haven't quite been able to bring myself to pull out of Bella's heat, and as she lowers her legs she sits up to rest her cheek against my pounding heart. I finally pull out and kneel, holding her to me and telling her over and over how much I love her.

“That was easily the sexiest you've ever been, Bella. I love you so much.” I rub her wrists and arms to make sure she has feeling in them.

She smiles softly up at me. “That was exactly what I've always wanted. Thank you, my love.”

It isn't until Carlisle comes back from the bathroom fully dressed that I realize he left in the first place. He runs a hand through his hair as he looks down at us still on the ottoman.

“You two should stay the night, utilize the bed,” he smirks. “It's available until ten in the morning.” He looks over our heads for a second, and nobody speaks. It's Carlisle who breaks the silence. “If you ever want to get together again, you let me know. Otherwise, I'll see you Monday morning, Edward.”

“Good night, Carlisle, and thank you,” Bella says quietly.

I give him a salute and he laughs as he strides out the door.  

I turn to Bella. “You know, Carlisle has taught me so much at work, who knew he could teach us how to add so much spice to our sex lives?”

“I don’t know, sir, but consider it lessons learned. Sir.”

Ex Delicto Chapter 31

Final chapters are always bittersweet.

---

I had yet to return to work, and found that I didn't miss the daily grind or the people. I'd begged off for another month, but I knew I needed to make a decision one way or the other. I felt like something was coming, experiencing an anticipatory edginess that I couldn't quite place.

Edward and I were engaged. It felt fabulous to say that, and I repeated it often. I had no firm thoughts on when to set the date, although I believed Edward was looking to get married immediately. Like we should just step in front of a judge and say the words, and really, what was wrong with that? I just knew that our families would be unhappy if that was our choice, and the least I could do was put on a fancy dress for a few hours. It had worked out quite well for the gala, after all.

Edward had been incredibly loving and demonstrative since I'd healed and we'd started being intimate again. It almost felt like he was making up for all the years he was abstinent before meeting me. And there was no complaint out of me, whatsoever.

Today, though, I was supposed to meet him at an address he'd texted me. He claimed it was a restaurant, but it was in a residential neighborhood when I looked up the directions. When I pulled into the development, there was nothing but dirt and trees with a few signs stuck in the ground. I couldn't figure out what in the hell we were doing there, but I spotted Edward standing on the road, his hand shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. He watched me pull closer and come to a stop, then jogged over and opened my door.

"How did you get here? Why are you here?"

He kissed my cheek, pulling me with him to where he'd been standing. Excitement was vibrating off of him in waves. "All of this," he gestured with open arms, "is ours."

"Ours." I didn't comprehend. He was waving at an awful lot of dirt.

"Yeah, ours. Isn't it awesome?" I swear he bounced on the balls of his feet.

"Sweetheart, why don't you back up and start from the beginning?" I took his closest hand and rested it on my cheek, urging him to focus on me.

Edward blew out a breath. "Okay. You know how I didn't give all the money away, like we agreed?"

"Yes. I wondered about it, but I didn't want to ask." I bit my lower lip. "Did you do something crazy? Because you totally should do something at least a little nuts."

"I did a lot of things. I gave Mom that money, and she split the first portion with Dad since it's only fair. The rest she's spending on herself. And I set up the scholarships."

Not only had Edward paid his mother for the money she'd spent on attorneys, he'd given her another five hundred thousand dollars to do with as she wished. She was looking at taking classes to update her skills on computer software, and then opening her own advertising firm. She was finally happy, and I think it had been an incredibly long time since she'd felt that way.

I let the budgeting aspect of Edward's restitution money go; we'd discussed it, but he'd apparently changed his mind. I decided it wasn't my business, and I wasn't going to ask. He declined a paid position at the IP, requesting that Lara use the salary for someone else on staff. It was no coincidence that both Liam and Leah received anonymous scholarships in an amount equal to tuition for their remaining years at law school.

He seemed like he was fidgeting, nervous and building up to something big. "Honey, I know these things. What don't I know?"

A full blown smile bloomed over his face. "I bought us land to build a house. Any kind of house you want. And I put money into a trust fund for our babies, you know, when they grow up."

"You're already planning for babies?" I breathed. I wrapped my arms around him, taking in his warmth.

"Yes. You want children, don't you?" he asked tentatively.

"I do. I really do."

He pulled away again, looking into my face. "Then that's what it's for. You can volunteer full time, and not have to go back to work. I know you've struggled with it, and I want you to have that choice. We can have the wedding of your dreams, the house of your dreams."

"And what about your dreams?"

Edward smiled, and it was a beautiful sight. "I have everything I've ever dreamed of, love. I have my volunteer work at IPNW, I have a wonderful mother, who I was able to reimburse for all of the expenditures she made on my behalf, and enable her to start her own company, and I'm making friends." Edward leaned down and kissed me, stealing my breath. "Most importantly, I have you. You are all I've ever dreamed of."

"I love you so much," I replied, hugging him tighter to me.

~E~D~

Six months later my nightmares had dwindled to less than once a month. Our wedding was two weeks away and we were almost all set to move into the house of our dreams. But I hadn't been feeling well, lately.

At first, I thought I had food poisoning from the sushi I'd eaten a few days ago, but it was lingering longer than it should… enough that I made an appointment with my doctor. At the last minute, I had Edward join me. Call it intuition.

By the time we were waiting for my lab results, I knew what they would say. I watched Edward's face as the doctor announced with a hearty congratulations that we were pregnant. His eyebrows went up, then he frowned, and then his entire body lit up as his brain caught up to the words spoken. Edwrad turned to me, his beautiful face beaming, his expression open and ecstatic. I was incredibly happy that I'd brought him along. He deserved to have this moment, the joy and awe and excitement.

Before I knew it, he threw his arms around me and held me so tight I almost couldn't breathe. I laughed, hugging him back, before he pulled away. His long fingers stroked my cheeks, and I smiled hugely in reaction to his grin.

"We're having a baby!" he shouted.

I nodded. "We are!"

It took time and commotion to get out of the office, and then he insisted on feeding me. Edward would always take care of me, now us, and I would return the favor. Everything had turned around for us, everything was moving smoothly now. If not for the lessons learned, it was almost as though our troubles had never happened. Yes, the consequences of this crime, or in legal terms the ex delicto, had been far reaching, but we had worked through them and would continue to do so if necessary.

There was no family of Newton's alive that wasn't incarcerated, nobody to pay restitution for his crimes. Instead, I'd settled with the city over what I'd considered gross negligence as more corruption came to light with the investigation into how Michael Newton had spent ten years assaulting women and covering it up. Too much of it happened on company time, and though he'd been reprimanded for misconduct when he would disappear on duty and he'd been suspended more than once, none of his superiors had taken action to report him higher up the chain. He'd greased Randall's palms, convincing him to turn a blind eye when reports of assault came across his desk before having him volunteer to be on my guard detail, but mostly he committed the acts on company time while partners ignored his absence.

I couldn't stomach letting that go, to just agreeing that nobody had to take responsibility for their lack of action. Though my father didn't like it, he understood and respected my need to bring attention to the problem. He'd implemented new rules, and the mayor offered a settlement rather than allowing me to take it to court. It was never about the money, so I donated mine to the city's pro bono therapy associates. I'd heard that Lauren Mallory had settled a suit with the state, and that made my heart feel balanced, just like the scales I wore on my wrist. She was going to be okay.

I left the wedding planning to Esme and Renée, focusing on the case I'd been working on for the past six months, a woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband. I found the proof I needed to exonerate her, and she'd been released last week.

Yes, everything was turning out just fine for us. Now I had a nursery to decorate, and a future filled with possibilities with Edward by my side.

My partner in crime.

The end.

---

In fiction world, we could pretend they never had to work for pay again, strictly volunteering their time. In reality, let's say he held on to enough money and invested it wisely so that it will be years before they have to worry about working for money.

Thank you to all of my loyal readers for following me and Lawyerella and Prsionward. You are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to BeLynda for being an excellent beta and friend to bounce ideas off of; she truly helps elevate my stories.

Thank you to coppertopj, aka Denise, for all of the collages and the pre-reader work, and to my pre-readers starsmina and rebadams7. You ladies rock!

I have so many things in the works, I don't know where to start. Perdition will get my sole attention for a few weeks, or until the itch to post something new wins out. I'm writing a supernatural/AU that I'm in love with, and I'm expanding my mobward contest entry, so look for those soon. Not to mention, there's a contest or two out there that I'm working on! And of course, you can always find me on facebook.

XOXO

Lara

Ex Delicto, Teaser Chapter 31

“Sweetheart, why don't you back up and start from the beginning?” I took his closest hand and rested it on my cheek, urging him to focus on me.

Edward blew out a breath. “Okay. You know how I didn't give all the money away, like we agreed?”

“Yes. I wondered about it, but I didn't want to ask.” I bit my lower lip. “Did you do something crazy? Because you totally should do something at least a little nuts.”

“I did a lot of things. I gave Mom that money, and she split the first portion with Dad since it's only fair. The rest she's spending on herself. And I set up the scholarships.”

Not only had Edward paid his mother for the money she'd spent on attorneys, he'd given her another five hundred thousand dollars to do with as she wished. She was looking at taking classes to update her skills on computer software, and then opening her own advertising firm. She was finally happy, and I think it had been an incredibly long time since she'd felt that way.

He declined a paid position at the IP, requesting that Lara use the salary for someone else on staff. It was no coincidence that both Liam and Leah received anonymous scholarships in an amount equal to tuition for their remaining years at law school.

Ex Delicto Chapter 30

I've been told this chapter needs a tissue warning.

---

I was strong. I was smart. I was capable. And now I was freaking out over covering my scars for the much anticipated IPNW fundraising gala. I didn't want to be vain, but I didn't want to be self-conscious all night, either. I'd picked a silver lace and satin gown to give me confidence and strength, and Alice had done my eye makeup for me. With red lipstick in place, I examined the finished product, hoping that I looked gorgeous.

"All I see is a hideous reflection of a Frankenstein type creature. You can dress me up, but I'm still a monster."

"Don't cry, Bella, you'll fuck up your eye makeup!" Alice pleaded.

I stared at Alice in the mirror as Rose spoke up. "I think what Alice meant to say, is that you're a survivor. That's what we see, and you know Edward doesn't notice any of that."

Since we'd christened my entire apartment recently, including the kitchen counter, I could attest to the truth of what she said. "Still, I hate feeling this way. I shouldn't care what anybody thinks, but I do."

"Here, you haven't let me try," Rose said in her quiet voice. She grabbed pots and bottles and powders, tilting my head in all directions as she worked on me.

"Have you spoken to a plastic surgeon, sweetie?" Alice asked more timidly than she normally spoke.

I sighed and tried not to fidget. "Yes, I just had a consultation. Something about healing times and tissue depth. I don't fucking know why, I just know he said it's too soon and to come back in six months. Meanwhile, I don't like leaving the house unless I'm just going to the IPNW offices or Mom and Dad's house." I scowled at my reflection, and Rose huffed.

"I'm almost done, if you'd be still another minute."

"Yes, ma'am."

I saw her mouth lift at the corners as she tried not to smile. "That's better."

Truly, she was a magician in disguise. She'd managed to cover the worst of them, and all I saw was flawless makeup and a few lines here and there where the scars were particularly thick. I tried hard not to tear up, but I had to brush my fingers under my eyes to catch a few drops.

"Thank you so much, Rose," I said quietly and sincerely. She smiled and nodded at me in the mirror.

"Thank God I used waterproof mascara," Alice piped up. "You look amazing, now let's get you out there to Edward and your brothers."

I took note of their dresses as we went out; Alice was in siren red, long hair curled into a half updo. Rose was wearing a beautiful bright teal lace dress, long and fluttering as she walked. She'd pulled her hair up, with Alice's help. When I spotted Emmett, he was standing off to the side of my living room, not looking very comfortable. He visibly relaxed when he spotted his wife, and then I saw Jasper pull Alice into an embrace that spoke volumes about how much he enjoyed her look. Edward wasn't in the room, and I felt a little shaky without him. I was trying to make a grand entrance, and it failed.

Then, he came around the corner from the kitchen, and it was he that made an entrance. His tuxedo fit him like a dream, his hair a little shorter since he'd finally needed a trim. He beamed at me as he came toward me, a box in his hand.

"Oh, Bella, you look amazing." He carefully kissed my cheek, holding one of my hands in his own. "Here, this is for you," he said as he offered the box to me.

I opened the flat black square and gasped a little at the bracelet resting on red velvet. It was braided silver, with a heart-shaped clasp and a round charm depicting the scales of justice, surrounded by diamonds. It was perfect for me, and I loved it. "Edward! It's beautiful."

He beamed at me, and I smiled in return. My eyes watered, and I sniffled.

"No crying!" Alice hollered.

~E~D~

The gala was everything I wanted it to be. The tables were covered in white linens, candles, and scattered with short vases filled with white flowers. With it being black tie, all the men were cleaned up and showing off their tuxedos. Women were in ball gowns and fancy dresses, dripping in jewels. I'd never felt the need for much jewelry, but I was pleased to have my new bracelet.

Edward was the keynote speaker, of course, but he hadn't let me see his speech. I was anxious to hear it, because I knew he was nervous and I wanted to put his mind at ease.

We mingled for a little while, greeting people we'd met through the Innocence Project, until I spotted my parents. My mother had almost moved in with me after the hospital, but I'd convinced her it would be crowded with Edward there. She saw me before Dad did and nearly dragged him across the floor.

"Bella! You look amazing! That dress compliments your hair." I patted her on the back as she hugged me, and she held onto my shoulders as she stepped back. "You look radiant. Happiness suits you."

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, blushing hard.

"Renée is right," Edward chimed in. "You look happy."

I accepted his peck to my lips, then we found our seats in time for the dinner. We took up an entire table, the Swan family and Edward and Esme. Carlisle had declined his son's invitation, which didn't surprise me. I had a really good time, chatting with my brothers and Alice and Rose. We'd found a rhythm, all of us. Esme and Renée were close friends now, and Esme had a standing place at the family table. It was a good life we were building.

Edward kissed me on the cheek, whispering that it was time for his speech. Esme handed me a travel pack of tissues.

"You've seen his index cards!" I accused.

"I helped him write it," she admitted with a grin.

I had to turn my attention to the stage area as Edward cleared his throat.

"Twelve years ago, I was in college. I was a typical nerd who only studied. I wasn't in school to party, or make friends. I was there to learn. Midway through my sophomore year, I was convinced, against my better judgement, to go to a frat party. Little did I know, it would turn out to be the worst decision of my life.

"What started out as having a drink and dancing with a pretty girl, ended up a nightmare for both of us. You see, sometime during the night she was raped, and I was accused of it." He paused to take a sip from the bottle of water on the podium. I had to dab a tissue at the corner of my eye.

"Because that was the last thing either of us remembered, that we had danced together. I was woken the next morning by the police questioning me about what happened the night before. The next thing I knew, I was being charged with rape and taken to jail.

"My parents hired the best attorney in the city, and I went to trial. I was convicted and sentenced to twenty years in prison, and although I appealed my sentence many times, none of those appeals resulted in my sentence being overturned, or my freedom.

"About a year ago, ten years into my prison sentence for a crime I wasn't sure if I had committed, it was announced that I had a visitor. Now, my father had never visited me in prison, and my mother only came once a month since the drive was so long, so I had no idea who it could be.

"When I got to the visitors' room I was shocked when I saw what appeared to be a child sitting there, saying she was with the Innocence Project Northwest and she was going to take my case." Edward smiled briefly in my direction.

"To say I was bitter would be an understatement. To say I looked at this girl as anything but an incompetent dreamer would be a lie.

"But she slowly convinced me that she and the IPNW could make a difference for me. She taught me how to hope again, something I'd lost after ten years in that place.

"Then we got a horrible new warden at OCC and all my hope violently and ruthlessly died all over again.

"But my lawyer, the incomparable Isabella Swan, prevailed, and I was released when the real rapist was found by her and the other volunteers who helped her."

I had to catch my tears with another tissue as I watched Edward wiping a few tears of his own. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, and as I looked around, I caught sight of Liam and Leah sitting together at another table.

"She taught me how to live again. She gave me a voice, and I choose to use it for those who don't have that opportunity. She gave me purpose in my new life as a free man, and beautiful words to say as well.

"I only stand before you today, exonerated, because of the tireless efforts of the employees and volunteers of the Innocence Project Northwest. So it is my great honor and privilege to donate two million dollars of my restitution from the state to the wonderful group of staff and volunteers here at the Innocence Project."

There was loud, resounding applause as he finished his speech, but I was confused. That was less than the amount we'd discussed.

Edward held up a hand as two large cardboard checks were carried out. "I also want to announce that another two million is being donated to the victims of sexual assault through the RAINN group, in the name of the Swan family." There's more clapping of course, and I stand, thrilled that he is the strong man he is today due to the help of this organization, and that he was able to help them in return, so tremendously and selflessly.

"If I can just have one more moment of your time," Edward said to the crowd, leaning over to the microphone. Curious, I looked at Esme, but she seemed surprised as well. "It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who will accept you for who you are. I've been waiting what seems like a very long time to get beyond what I thought I was. I've struggled with who I'm not, who I could have been, and who I am. It took a strong woman to help me, to not give up on me, even when I gave up on myself. She helped me overcome all of my doubts and insecurities. Isabella Swan," he gestured to me, and I made my way to where he was, baffled. I stood next to him, looking up into the proud expression on his face.

My heart fluttered in my throat as he knelt in front of me. He held up a ring, and my vision blurred as I lost focus.

"Bella, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life not only being the man I am now, but growing into a better person by your side. What do you say? Marry me?"

If I thought the applause was deafening before, it was nothing compared to the hooting and hollering and clapping I heard behind me now. I pulled Edward to his feet, nodding and crying. "Yes! Of course I'll marry you, you amazing man!"

He engulfed me in his hug, holding me tightly to his chest and whispering I love you over and over in my ear. When he kissed me, the world dropped away, and it was only us.

---

I want you all to know, I had no idea Edward was going to propose until the words were being written. And credit goes to Melissa Rosenberg for the portion of her words I utilized.

Ex Delicto Chapter 29

I doubt you care what I say up here, so...

---

I lunged for Edward as his eyes widened. Fisting his shirt front in my hands, I brought him down closer to my level and attacked his throat. His hands stroked my back, moving my hair to nibble on my ear.

"Oh, fuck, Bella, are you sure?" he growled.

I nodded against him, shoving my hands in his hair and going for his mouth. My body was writhing against his without conscious effort, and he groaned against my mouth. I couldn't get enough of him, couldn't get close enough. I was practically climbing him like a jungle gym in my effort to get more.

"I need you, God, Edward," I panted against his skin.

"If you're absolutely sure this is what you want, then I'm going to fuck you so hard, Bella."

My panties flooded with my arousal, and I'm pretty sure a whimper escaped. We were a tangle of teeth and tongues, hands grasping and groping and yanking off clothes. A few of my buttons went flying, and I think I ripped his shirt. When we were mostly undressed, I pulled his hands to my breasts to encourage him. He tugged my nipples, and I gasped loudly in the relative silence. Edward took control, turning me around and placing my hands on the handrail, pulling my hips back and running his fingertips over my ass.

When he lined up behind me, I met his eyes in the mirrored panel of the elevator and saw his face the moment he pushed inside me. It was glorious, a carnal reconnecting and letting go of the past.

"Fucking gorgeous, you're so fucking gorgeous," he ground out. His hands molded to my tits as they bounced, and I wasn't conscious of one moment from the next as my orgasm came barreling into me. I felt like I was weightless, only held to reality by the man pounding into me. It was surreal, and sweaty, and perfect.

"Bella." He sounded urgent as his movements sped erratically.

"I know, baby. Let go. Let it go."

With a roar, he stilled with his hips so tight to my body, his grip almost brutal. My head fell forward and we lost our shared gaze. Edward stepped away from me and staggered back to the other side of the elevator. I giggled at the thought of his ass print on the shiny metal.

"We have to get out of here," I laughed. I felt euphoric. Cleansed.

He smirked, grabbing his clothing and tossing mine at me. We tried to fix our attire, but it was hopeless. Edward kissed me, little pecks on my smiling mouth. When he hit the button to start the elevator, I snorted at the idea that there was little to no security to help out if there'd been a real problem, and no security cameras.

We walked back to the parking garage, since I'd ditched the idea of paperwork for now. I was buoyant as we swung our hands between us. "You're my lobster," I commented.

Edward looked at me with his brows raised. "Your what? Are you saying you're hungry?"

I laughed again, thinking that he'd missed out on that particular pop culture reference while being a studious nerd. "It's a reference to the myth that lobsters mate for life. I am hungry, though, so I say Chinese takeout so we can binge watch Friends."

"Whose friends are we watching?"

"Oh, hell no." I checked his face, and the corners of his mouth twitched. "I knew it!"

"I've seen a few episodes, and I know which one you're referring to. There are plenty of animals that mate for life, by the way. Wolves, owls, penguins, for example. And swans."

"Good to know," I grinned.

When we settled ourselves in my car, I turned to look at him. "I just want to say something that's been on my mind since my last therapy session." He raised his eyebrows and waited patiently. I took a deep breath. "When I was… spiraling. I should've thought of your pain, all the time you spent locked up for a crazy man's ego. You had it worse than I did, and I broke all over you as though your suffering was less than mine."

"That's not how I saw it. Everyone goes through hard times. I would never tell my mother that her issues with my father are less important because I spent ten years in prison. Your kidnapping doesn't need to be compared to my imprisonment."

"I love you."

"I know." He smirked.

I laughed, realizing what an extraordinary thing it was that we'd found each other. Fate was funny that way.

I received a letter in the mail a few days later informing me that my client had been awarded a sum of money from the state, and when I flipped to the second page, the copy of Edward's check had me sitting heavily on my couch. I had my phone in my hand in the next moment, calling Edward at the IP to ask if he'd had his mail forwarded somewhere.

"Yeah, to your place. Why?"

I shook my head, knowing he couldn't see me. "Our place. Because I got a letter regarding my client today, and I wondered where your copy was."

"Oh? What's it about?"

I could hear that he was distracted, working on whomever was lucky enough to have Edward and his quick mind on their case. "Um, you know, just a copy of your check for ten million dollars."

"That's nice… Wait, what the hell did you say?" His voice rose an octave as what I'd said sunk in.

"Yeah. I'm assuming yours will come with an armed guard and require a signature," I joked.

"Holy fuck," he whispered. "Do you know what this means, Bella?"

I did know. We'd discussed it thoroughly, and I knew what he wanted to do with any money he received from the state.

"I sure do, love. It's going to be awesome."

"I have to tell Lara. She's going to be so surprised when I tell her she gets half. After I pay back Mom and Dad for all they spent on lawyers, I can give the rest to that sexual assault victims charity, RAINN." He was quiet for a minute, and I let him think. "We have to have a dinner to remind people what a worthy cause the Innocence Project is. If I can turn over that much money, others can surely donate their time."

"I think that's a wonderful idea. Maybe you should wait to tell her until the dinner, then. You can make a speech about the work that we all do, and then hand over the money."

"It would make for a great excuse to get you dressed up. Although I don't know about speaking in front of a room full of people." He sounded nervous, the sweet man.

"You can do it, I have faith in you." I smiled at the whole idea.

"I know you do, but ugh. I guess I better start writing it. I bet Mom would love to help plan the event." He sounded more and more excited as he spoke. It was just like him to think of others first, to not want to accept anything for himself.

"We can talk about it when you get home. It hasn't even come yet, baby." His excitement was contagious, though, and I found myself thinking about that event and what it could look like.

I'd picked another case to throw myself into, and I felt rejuvenated with the work I was doing. It felt more important to work with them full time, and I was considering quitting my job to devote my time to those in positions like Edward had been. I knew we needed to invite past cases to the dinner to celebrate their lives, too. It felt like everything was falling into place.

---

It was Isao84 that reminded me of Friends and the lobster quote. Thanks, sweetie!

I want to give you a heads up that there are only 2 more chapters before this baby is marked complete.

This is the last day to vote in the We Love Mobward Contest! There were such amazing stories that deserve our love. Please vote if you haven't already!

Ex Delicto, Teaser Chapter 29

I was buoyant as we swung our hands between us. “You're my lobster,” I commented.

Edward looked at me with his brows raised. “Your what? Are you saying you're hungry?”

I laughed, thinking that he'd missed out on that particular pop culture reference while being a studious nerd. “It's a reference to the myth that lobsters mate for life. I am hungry, though, so I say Chinese takeout so we can binge watch Friends.”

“Whose friends are we watching?”

“Oh, hell no.” I checked his face, and the corners of his mouth twitched. “I knew it!”

“I've seen a few episodes, and I know which one you're referring to. There are plenty of animals that mate for life, by the way. Wolves, owls, penguins, for example. And swans.”

“Good to know,” I grinned.

Ex Delicto Chapter 28

Therapy seemed to be the prescription for all of us as of late. It was definitely helping me to move past my panic attacks and nightmares, and to overcome the sense of smelling fertilizer when I was stressed or overtired. Edward was still meeting with his therapist to work through his feelings of guilt, anger, and betrayal through the justice system.

For me, a huge weight had lifted from both of our shoulders when we worked to come to terms with the long list of conspirators working with Michael Newton; he clearly had been nothing but a psychopath with too many connections. I felt calmer and more secure after my sessions, and I no longer pushed Edward away when my emotions got to be too hard to handle. We'd discussed and agreed on separate civil suits against any remaining relatives of Newton's, though we weren't positive how many were left.

Now Carlisle was involved in therapy with Edward and Esme. Edward was still on the fence when it came to forgiveness, and it seemed that he struggled harder with that than he did with the ten years he spent in prison.

We'd had many conversations over the months about how hard he worked to be what he considered 'normal' day in and day out. He never wanted to erupt in my presence, and he kept his anger locked down in a ruthless manner.

Through all of this counseling, I learned that Edward was a steady sort, but with a temper like the wrath of God if his family was messed with. He worked hard to contain it and diffuse the worst triggers. He'd been tested thoroughly lately and was doing very well with not letting it get the best of him. I hated that my PTSD was partly the reason he was having anger issues, but our therapist assured me it's not my fault.

That was something I constantly struggled with, guilt and fault and blame. I was learning to let it go, but I was worried over what that would do for his health in the long run, in much the same way as I worried over him withholding forgiveness from his father.

The one instance I was invited to their family therapy session, we were all crying by the end. It was difficult to see Edward with tears running down his face, the look of betrayal and heartbreak evident. Knowing how much he used to look up to his father and knowing how he felt now, it was incredibly disheartening.

I knew Carlisle was remorseful for his actions, but he stood by them nonetheless. He believed that he had been right in his opinion, just wrong in his actions of avoidance and denial since the reversal. He didn't see that what he did for the ten years of trials and appeals had been hurtful to Esme and Edward both, only that his stubborn opinion on Edward's guilt was supported by all of the times he'd been denied an appeal.

Edward came to a passable agreement with the therapist that he and Carlisle would tolerate each other, but they would never have the close, loving relationship they'd once had. Edward was reluctantly working on his forgiveness of his father. The unresolved issue was Esme and Carlisle and the state of their marriage. Esme had moved out of the home she and Carlisle had shared for more than three decades, finding herself a small furnished apartment near mine. She wasn't ready to file for divorce, but she wasn't willing to live in Carlisle's presence anymore, either. She'd also gone back to work as a print artist in the advertising business, something she'd given up when Edward was born, and had just started dabbling in again when he was arrested.

She'd devoted Edward's entire life to molding him into an outstanding person, compassionate and well rounded. I firmly believed she had done her job well. Esme was a strong, stunning force of nature; a woman I was proud to be friends with. I constantly saw in her the traits of strength, intelligence, and patience that Edward had inherited.

I spent plenty of time talking to Esme about her therapy sessions. Her perspective was that she'd lost her faith and trust in her husband because she felt that he abandoned their son in his time of need. She couldn't understand, or accept, that Carlisle could even consider Edward guilty of the crime. That she worked tirelessly to help Edward, and Carlisle distanced himself from the both of them, was just unacceptable.

Carlisle's feelings were that there was clear evidence, and he didn't think he deserved such wrath and disappointment from his wife and son. Carlisle's opinion was that nothing is black and white, and while Esme's faith in their son could not be shaken, it was understandable after all the times Edward's conviction was upheld, that Carlisle should feel like he was in the right.

The therapist didn't agree, telling him that based on the black/white theory, he should have known that giving Edward the benefit of the doubt was a necessity. He knew his son's character, and allowed others to sway him otherwise. Esme admitted that she doesn't feel that he is the man she married, and if he could so easily abandon their son, then what else was he capable of doing? He countered that none of it had anything to do with their marriage, which only offended Esme and had the counselor bringing the session to an end.

Esme told me that her opinion is that love is not the only ingredient in the recipe for a successful marriage. You also need trust, faith, and respect, and in abandoning Edward, Carlisle failed in all three of those categories. He failed her.

I couldn't decide how I felt about Carlisle anymore, not from Esme's point of view, or Edward's, or my own. I understood everybody's point of view, including Carlisle's, I just didn't think that I could expect them to forgive him. In the long run, I forgave him in order to clear my head for better things, to not dwell on the past that I couldn't change. I could be there for Edward and his mother, but I had no need to hold a grudge against a man I wasn't likely to see again.

After about two months of doing nothing more than shuffling back and forth to therapy, I needed to do something for myself again. I was on an extended leave of absence from the firm, which I feared would ruin my chances at ever being promoted to partner.

I really needed another case through the IPNW. I asked Edward to accompany me to their office so I could look through the files and take on the next person in line. We were quiet on the way there; I was thinking about the implications of the place where it had all started between us, and I imagined he was, too.

When we got there, the office was deserted; a bulletin tacked on the cork board near the elevator announced employee training and a day off for volunteers. When the elevator doors whooshed open, I could only stare at the mirrored walls and remember when I first brought him here. I'd wanted nothing more than to plunder his mouth and watch it unfold in the reflection.

I bit my lip as we stepped inside. We'd abstained for such a long time now, since our first night. I knew what I wanted, needed in that moment. The doors closed, and I hit the emergency stop button with the side of my fist.

I'm not even sorry for that cliffie.

Ex Delicto, Teaser Chapter 28

Edward came to a passable agreement with the therapist that he and Carlisle would tolerate each other, but they would never have the close, loving relationship they'd once had. Edward was reluctantly working on his forgiveness of his father. The unresolved issue was Esme and Carlisle and the state of their marriage. Esme had moved out of the home she and Carlisle had shared for more than three decades, finding herself a small furnished apartment near mine. She wasn't ready to file for divorce, but she wasn't willing to live in Carlisle’s presence anymore, either. She'd also gone back to work as a print artist in the advertising business, something she'd given up when Edward was born, and had just started dabbling in again when he was arrested.

She'd devoted Edward's entire life to molding him into an outstanding person, compassionate and well rounded. I firmly believed she had done her job well. Esme was a strong, stunning force of nature; a woman I was proud to be friends with. I constantly saw in her the traits of strength, intelligence, and patience that Edward had inherited.

Ex Delicto Chapter 27

A little bit of time has lapsed, as noted in the first sentence.

---

I made a stop at my father's office after one of my scheduled therapy appointments the next week. Ben was currently escorting me every time I left my apartment, mostly for my own peace of mind, and because I trusted him implicitly. He stopped outside the inner office door after Maggie walked us back.

I was surprised to see my brother there, he and our dad seated at the table with papers spread out in front of them. "Daddy, Emmett," I acknowledged them both politely.

They watched me as I sat, and I worked hard not to squirm at the thought of how my scars looked. Dad started speaking first. "We've discovered the identity of the mole," he announced without preamble.

My eyebrows shot up. "That's great news." My eyes flicked to Emmett, whose presence hulked despite being seated, and I noted the hard expression on his face.

"Randall," he sneered the name. My face surely conveyed my shock, as my head swiveled from one to the other.

"It's true," my father confirmed. "We have a prepaid cell phone that he was using to communicate with DeLuca and Newton. I was standing there with him, about to give him a goddamn commendation, when it rang in his hand. I recognized Aro's attorney's phone number, despite him trying to hide the phone. Needless to say, he was shocked when I wound up arresting him instead of awarding him."

I dropped my gaze to the table, trying to put a name to my feelings. "I was so careful not to say anything in front of any of the men on my detail. I mentioned Newton to Liam in the store, but I'm positive Randall was out of earshot."

"He confessed to bugging your apartment," Emmett said. My face heated at what that meant he'd heard. He took a huge breath and huffed it out. "I've been thinking over things that happened Bella, and I realized that I am really fucking pissed at you," he growled.

My head jerked up at his sudden change of subject, and I stared at him defiantly. "I know how you feel about-"

"No." His impassive interruption brought my oncoming tirade to a halt. "You are smarter than the woman who got herself kidnapped. I spent so much time keeping an eye on you, I even left my wife alone to oversee your safety."

"Goddammit, Emmett!" I cried, rising half out of my seat while my face flamed at the thought that he hadn't wanted to help me.

"I'm not finished!" His hands fisted on the table, knuckles white. I glanced at our father and noted that he was looking at his paperwork, trying to give us a minute. I sat back down and turned my attention to Emmett again as my eyes pricked with unshed tears. "I would gladly do it all again. I love you, Bella. Do you have any idea how it felt to hear that he had you? And then to realize that it was your fault that he did, because you abandoned all common sense?"

"I know! I know, okay? I struggle every day with my own stupidity. I made assumptions about Black because I despise him, instead of using my brain. I didn't fight on that sidewalk because I panicked, and I knew he wouldn't hesitate to kill innocent people."

"It just took me some time to realize that I'm not mad because you fell in love with Edward. I'm downright pissed because you abandoned who you are that day, and I don't understand why." His voice was frustrated, and I understood that sentiment all too well.

"I don't either," I whispered, clutching my hands in my lap. "It wasn't intentional, because I've explored that theory ad nauseum with my therapist. I was egotistical to think I didn't need Black because he's a useless piece of shit. I was arrogant to assume that he was brought in to this office without checking first." I inhaled deeply, recognizing and processing that I still smelled fertilizer. "However, what happened on the sidewalk was my fight or flight instinct cowering in the face of a man I'd studied endlessly. I knew what and who he was, and I fucking panicked."

Daddy placed a glass of water in front of me, and as I glanced up I realized that he'd gotten up and was standing at my side. "You don't have to do this. Emmett can get over his feelings faster than you'll get over your PTSD. And while we're at it, I apologize for letting Emmett go as far as he did in your hospital room. You know I generally don't get between the three of you when you have disagreements, but this time I should have. So, I'm sorry. I've spoken to Edward, and told him I don't agree with what was said. I believe that he forgives me, but we may have to see how he feels about your brother," he leveled a steely gaze at Emmett.

"Edward has been an enormous help," I pointed out, looking straight at Emmett as well. "He comes to most of my appointments, and he's gotten pretty good at defusing my panic attacks." I scrubbed my hand over my face. "There are still days where I'm terrified to leave the apartment."

"And I know you have the strength to work through this," Emmett assured me. "Rose gave me the 'come to Jesus' talk, and I realized how rude I've been. So I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted while I was trying to work through my feelings. It scared the shit out of me, B, to see you tied to that chair covered in blood." He paused, almost seeming to catch his breath, and I shivered. "And I've paid a personal visit to Officer Black, and let me just say he's adorable in the street uniform." He waggled his eyebrows, and I laughed. It felt good to be able to laugh with my brother again.

"Randall has been dealt with, and Aro has accepted a deal to give up everything he knows. His attorney was passing information, so he's been charged as well. Aro is down to a public defender, who has cooperated wonderfully with the DA. The pair of them will spend many years in prison."

My father's assurances eased my mind a great deal, but I knew it would be a topic of discussion at my next session nonetheless.

I felt lighter as Ben and I left, and I asked him how it was going with my paralegal. He and Angela had been dating for about a month, and they were enamored with each other. When I unlocked my apartment door, I told Ben to head off on his date, because I was going to be okay.

My heart was waiting for me inside, and I would be more than okay.

I found him in the kitchen, my apron tied around him as he moved from the stove to the fridge. There was soft classical music playing from the radio, and I just watched him being domestic for half a minute. The love inside me swelled up, and when he set his stirring spoon down, I moved forward and wrapped my arms around him. The scent of Edward, woodsy and clean, and the smell of chili coming from the pot replaced the olfactory memory that constantly plagued me.

"Hey, love, I'm so glad you're home," he said as he held me, the sound rumbling in his chest under my ear. "How was your visit with your dad?"

"Emmett was there. He's still a little mad at me, but he apologized. And they caught the last guy."

Edward pulled back enough to meet my eyes. "Really?"

I nodded. "It was Randall," I said bitterly. His left eyebrow rose. "He bugged the place, by the way. Dad is sending someone tomorrow to remove the devices, but they've turned off the receiver he was recording on. And then Ben will be relieved of his duty where it pertains to babysitting me."

"How do you feel about that?"

"Violated all over again." I buried my face in the apron, pleased that it already smelled of him. "I don't want to worry about it, though. I want to have a nice dinner that you made for us, and cuddle on the couch watching anything at all on TV."

"You're an angel, Bella," he crooned in my ear, squeezing me tighter.

"If I am, I have two broken wings."

"You're my angel, and that counts for something. The chili is ready, so why don't you change into your pajamas and I'll bring our dinner to the couch."

"That's sounds perfect."

---

I want to point out that although Bella has always accepted responsibility for the mistakes she made, they all know that Mike is ultimately responsible for what happened. So, it's a step in the right direction for them all.