Without Wings Chapter Five

Once again, Bella’s gun was an extension of her hand. Her ribs ached with the repetitive training exercises, and yet she worried none of it would be enough. But, for now, the weapon in her hand gave her a sense of control. The center of the target now bore innumerable holes from where she’d shot it. Though sweat threatened to drip into her eyes, she forced herself not to focus on the inevitable, instead emptying her last clip at the body-shaped form printed on paper several hundred yards away from where she stood.

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.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty-One

The fucking little minx. He had to give her credit for that one. “Oh, I don't think so.”

“I do.” Backing up, Bella tried to duck around the chair as he advanced on her.

Though he wasn't 100% back to himself, he knew he could catch her easily. There was furniture to dodge, and the place wasn't that damn big.

Without Wings Chapter Four

Colorado was fucking hard. They’d all gone lax in the last few years, and it showed. Although Edward used the gym three to four times a week, the commander was kicking his ass. Bella seemed to struggle the most, having intentionally given up the regimen she’d practiced for years. At the end of each day, they barely had the energy to eat and drop into a deep sleep.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Twenty

Emmett was funny, and not exactly what Bella had expected. The little she’d gathered about him from what Edward said and the brief time they’d interacted in the hospital belied the gentle nature of the beast. He was large and hairy, beefy arms and muscles banding around his arms as though he was set to lift a truck off a stranded kitten, but he was also tender. All anyone had to do was watch him interact with his wife to witness the difference. Bella liked to think the word dichotomy suited Emmett McCarty. 

Without Wings Chapter Three

The hours while James was gone were some of the hardest Edward had ever lived through. A headache brewing, he skipped lunch before he and Bella went upstairs to wait in the living room. There was so much he wanted to say, but the words remained jumbled in his head and wouldn't fall out of his mouth. His wife was devastated, and he couldn't help feeling completely responsible. Quinn was an adult, he'd made an adult decision, and yet Edward would take full blame for what they now faced. 

Without Wings Chapter Two

Waking from a rough sleep, Bella lifted her head from the pillow and tried to make herself get out of bed. Dreams—nightmares—had plagued her throughout the night. Edward still slept on, his graying copper hair buried in his pillowcase, but she heard the telltale sound of small feet pounding down the hallway. Hurrying to dress, Bella made her way downstairs in time to nab Aerinn before she could plow into Tyler coming out of the kitchen. 

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?"

Without Wings Prologue

Pacing behind the man bound to the exposed pipe, Bella focused on her surroundings. Water dripped in the distance, the plop plop plop echoing throughout the vacant warehouse. Air whistled in and out of his lungs, laboring under the stress of his wounds. Her own heart roared in her ears, nearly drowning out all of the above. Darkness surrounded her, and if not for her infrared goggles, she'd be blind.

Malicious Compliance Chapter Nineteen

Garrett was gathering his things together when Bella came home from Luscious Bites. Behind him, she spotted Edward sitting on the foot of the bed.

“Everything okay?” she murmured to Garrett.

He nodded, shooting a glance over his shoulder. “Tough PT session today.”

Malicious Compliance Chapter Eighteen

The first few days after the accident were undoubtedly the toughest. Edward hated being stuck in a hospital bed, and there was only so much Bella could do to entertain him. She spent as much time with him as possible while also ensuring Tanya's sabotage wasn't successful. Both Tanya and Victoria remained guests of the state, held without bond because they posed considerable flight risks. As much as Bella tried to put them out of her thoughts, she couldn't comprehend what she'd done to deserve the petty behavior they aimed at her.