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“You’re safe, Edward. I’m sorry,” I whispered in his ear. “I love you and I will always be by your side. I will do everything to make sure that Esme will pay for what she’s done to you. You’re okay.”

“Bella,” he choked out, his nose buried in my neck as he gripped Carlisle’s hand.

“Shhhhh,” I soothed, running my fingers through his damp hair and rocking him tenderly. Carlisle kissed Edward’s temple and gave us some privacy. Edward wrapped his arm around me and pulled me flush to his body. His grip was tight. I could feel every muscle tremble and his breathing panting against my shoulder. When Carlisle closed the door, I pressed a kiss to Edward’s forehead, guiding him to rest on my chest. “Listen to my heart, Edward. Take slow, deep breaths, love.”

He did that, finally calming down. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice ragged and haunted.

“Don’t apologize, baby,” I said, leaning my cheek against his sweaty hair. “Don’t ever apologize.”

“I’m a fucking mess,” he frowned. “I hate this. I hate feeling this way.”

“You may be a fucking mess, but we’ll get you help,” I whispered. “And don’t apologize ever again, Edward. This wasn’t your fault.”

“Isn’t it?” he asked, sitting up. His face was flushed and still so gaunt. He’d lost so much weight. In Napa, he was easily thirty pounds heavier of pure muscle. Now, he was skin and bones. “If I hadn’t trusted Esme so easily, none of this would have happened.”

“Esme is a predator, Edward,” I said quietly. “She sees a weakness and exploits it. Even Felix was one of her victims.”

Edward shot me a look of disbelief. “Unlikely. That man took too much pleasure in torturing me,” he spat. 

Buying Love Teaser

“You’re safe, Edward. I’m sorry,” I whispered in his ear. “I love you and I will always be by your side. I will do everything to make sure that Esme will pay for what she’s done to you. You’re okay.”

“Bella,” he choked out, his nose buried in my neck as he gripped Carlisle’s hand.

“Shhhhh,” I soothed, running my fingers through his damp hair and rocking him tenderly. Carlisle kissed Edward’s temple and gave us some privacy. Edward wrapped his arm around me and pulled me flush to his body. His grip was tight. I could feel every muscle tremble and his breathing panting against my shoulder. When Carlisle closed the door, I pressed a kiss to Edward’s forehead, guiding him to rest on my chest. “Listen to my heart, Edward. Take slow, deep breaths, love.”

He did that, finally calming down. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice ragged and haunted.

“Don’t apologize, baby,” I said, leaning my cheek against his sweaty hair. “Don’t ever apologize.”

“I’m a fucking mess,” he frowned. “I hate this. I hate feeling this way.”

“You may be a fucking mess, but we’ll get you help,” I whispered. “And don’t apologize ever again, Edward. This wasn’t your fault.”

“Isn’t it?” he asked, sitting up. His face was flushed and still so gaunt. He’d lost so much weight. In Napa, he was easily thirty pounds heavier of pure muscle. Now, he was skin and bones. “If I hadn’t trusted Esme so easily, none of this would have happened.”

“Esme is a predator, Edward,” I said quietly. “She sees a weakness and exploits it. Even Felix was one of her victims.”

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I watched as Edward eventually drifted off to sleep. He was exhausted, but I could tell that his sleep wasn’t restful. His face was drawn and his muscles were tense, almost ready to strike. I frowned, incredibly pissed off at what Esme did this to this sweet boy. No one should have been through this.

“Sleep well,” I whispered, brushing a hair away from his forehead. He flinched, but eventually snuggled into the bed. I got up from the bed and went into living room. Bella was curled up in on the couch and crying, a steady stream of tears falling down her pale cheeks. “Little One.”

“I’m fine, Carlisle,” she said, wiping her face. “I’m just …”

“Concerned? Worried?” I asked, sitting next to her and holding her tightly.

“Feeling guilty. I should have done more, Carlisle,” she hissed. “MORE. I let my stupid fucking pride get in the way and he was tortured almost two months in the clutches of Bitchme and her evil, disgusting minions. He’s broken and it’s my fault.”

“No, Bella. It’s not. It’s Esme’s fault. It’s her fault that Edward’s like this. Not yours,” I soothed, rubbing Bella’s back.

“What can I do for him? I’m terrified that he won’t trust me ever again,” Bella muttered, leaning her cheek against my shoulder. “Carlisle, will he come back from this?”

“Despite all he’s been through, Edward still sees the good in people,” I whispered. 

Buying Love Teaser

CarlislePOV

I watched as Edward eventually drifted off to sleep. He was exhausted, but I could tell that his sleep wasn’t restful. His face was drawn and his muscles were tense, almost ready to strike. I frowned, incredibly pissed off at what Esme did this to this sweet boy. No one should have been through this.

“Sleep well,” I whispered, brushing a hair away from his forehead. He flinched, but eventually snuggled into the bed. I got up from the bed and went into living room. Bella was curled up in on the couch and crying, a steady stream of tears falling down her pale cheeks. “Little One.”

“I’m fine, Carlisle,” she said, wiping her face. “I’m just …”

“Concerned? Worried?” I asked, sitting next to her and holding her tightly.

“Feeling guilty. I should have done more, Carlisle,” she hissed. “MORE. I let my stupid fucking pride get in the way and he was tortured almost two months in the clutches of Bitchme and her evil, disgusting minions. He’s broken and it’s my fault.”

“No, Bella. It’s not. It’s Esme’s fault. It’s her fault that Edward’s like this. Not yours,” I soothed, rubbing Bella’s back.

“What can I do for him? I’m terrified that he won’t trust me ever again,” Bella muttered, leaning her cheek against my shoulder. “Carlisle, will he come back from this?”

“Despite all he’s been through, Edward still sees the good in people,” I whispered. “He said that I would be great father.”

The Craziness that is my Life

It's getting close to that time of year again. That two weeks, or so, of theater fun where I live, practically, at work. This year, it's starting earlier than usual. So, updates will be suspended during that hectic time since I'll be home long enough to shower, sleep and then go back to work.

I love my job. I really do. I wouldn't be doing the musicals or the plays if I didn't.

However, it does make for craziness. You know?

Sooooooooooooo, the way I'm looking at it is that starting the week of March 7th until March 22nd, I will not be posting updates or teasers for any of my stories. Working over 80 hours a week, with no weekends off until I go on spring break, it doesn't provide any down time. I will poke my head in to my Facebook group, but don't expect anything fic-related until after the musical is done.

The plan for leading up to that week includes the following:

1. Update Buying Love, getting to the mid-fifties or so
2. Update SYTYCD and research dances (next update coming on Thursday!!)
3. Plan a new story (I've got it started, but I need to plan out the rest of it.)
4. Build a surplus for La Musica del Cuore and post an extended-summary on March 1st. 
5. Update Restoration ... this will be completed by mid-April

I'm busy, but I will be back. My hiatus from writing will be anything but calming. I'll be thinking of you guys and my updates as I'm driving home at eleven at night, only to get up at o'dark thirty the next morning. *Snorts*

I should change this to 'the end of the production.' LOL.

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I held Bella, sobbing like a freaking baby. I was such a fucking mess. It took Carlisle almost two hours to convince me to go to the hotel. I begged to stay with him. I didn’t want Bella to see me like this.

Broken.

Battered.

Ashamed.

Empty.

Lost.

Carlisle said that she would never forgive him if I didn’t at least see her. He was gentle and patient as I sat in the car in the parking garage, working up the courage to ride up to her penthouse suite. With each passing floor, I was growing more anxious but Carlisle held my hand and told me that I was strong and resilient.

My ass.

Seeing her was too much. She had not changed. If anything, she was far more beautiful than I remembered. Her hair was braided over her shoulder, her alabaster skin was free of all makeup and her eyes were filled with such concern.

Pity, you fool. She pities you.

I couldn’t stand the pity, so I tried to flee. Carlisle calmed me down, explaining that I could stay with Rose if I wanted, or with him, but I didn’t. I wanted to stay with Bella, but I didn’t want her fucking pity. Then, she walked closer to me and I could smell her sweet fragrance. She said that she missed me and she began apologizing. I took her hand, pressing it to my cheek. The warmth of her hand sent shivers down my spine and made my empty heart began beating again. When her other hand cupped my face and her espresso-colored eyes bore into mine as she told me she loved me, I lost it. The tears came down and she pulled me to her body. I collapsed under the weight of what had happened and held her to my chest, letting all of my walls down. 

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“Jenks, can’t you work some magic and get us on some judge’s docket?” I whined, pacing in my suite. He was on the phone with the third judge today, trying to get Elizabeth’s care placed with me and not with Esme. We’d provided a doctored marriage certificate, claiming me to be Edward’s wife and proof of abuse with the clerk, but no one was biting. Not yet, at least.

“Thank you,” Jenks sighed, ending his call. “Judge Donnelly has a full docket but suggested Judge Trask. He’s not taking any new cases since he’s this close to retirement.”

“And that helps us how?” I asked, arching a brow. “He’s not taking new cases.”

“This isn’t a case. It’s a removal. All he has to do is sign the order, removing Elizabeth from Esme’s legal guardianship and putting you in her place,” Jenks explained. He searched his phone, grinning when he found the number. “Now, you’re killing my mojo. Go call Rose. See how things are going with Edward.”

I grumbled, walking back to my bedroom and pulling out my cell phone. I dialed Rose, impatiently waiting for her to pick up. “We’re on our way back, Bells,” she said.

“Are you with Edward?” I asked.

“He’s with Carlisle. They’re taking a longer route,” Rose said, her voice unsure. “I think Edward is afraid that we are going to be followed, if you know what I mean.”

“There’s more, Rose,” I said, my stomach churning. “What did she do to him?”

Buying Love Teaser

“Jenks, can’t you work some magic and get us on some judge’s docket?” I whined, pacing in my suite. He was on the phone with the third judge today, trying to get Elizabeth’s care placed with me and not with Esme. We’d provided a doctored marriage certificate, claiming me to be Edward’s wife and proof of abuse with the clerk, but no one was biting. Not yet, at least.

“Thank you,” Jenks sighed, ending his call. “Judge Donnelly has a full docket but suggested Judge Trask. He’s not taking any new cases since he’s this close to retirement.”

“And that helps us how?” I asked, arching a brow. “He’s not taking new cases.”

“This isn’t a case. It’s a removal. All he has to do is sign the order, removing Elizabeth from Esme’s legal guardianship and putting you in her place,” Jenks explained. He searched his phone, grinning when he found the number. “Now, you’re killing my mojo. Go call Rose. See how things are going with Edward.”

I grumbled, walking back to my bedroom and pulling out my cell phone. I dialed Rose, impatiently waiting for her to pick up. “We’re on our way back, Bells,” she said.

“Are you with Edward?” I asked.

“He’s with Carlisle. They’re taking a longer route,” Rose said, her voice unsure. “I think Edward is afraid that we are going to be followed, if you know what I mean.”

“There’s more, Rose,” I said, my stomach churning. “What did she do to him?”

“He looks even worse than before, Bells. He’s even thinner and Carlisle mentioned something about stitches on his back. He wants you to have a doctor on hand. He can’t go to the hospital. Edward’s too skittish,” Rose explained. “I would suggest a man since Esme did a number on him.”

“Dr. Banner, my father’s physician, is the best. I’ll call him,” I sniffled. “And I know he’ll be discreet.”

“We should be back in a half hour. Edward will probably want to sleep. He was a little woozy when I came back into the hotel room. Carlisle said it was due to the pain meds he gave him.”

“Thank you, Rose,” I sighed. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

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Carlisle left a few hours later, after attending to some older wounds. When Esme asked for the bill, he waved it off. Esme offered him one of her girls, but he muttered that he was gay and in a committed relationship. He took his bag and left. Esme gave me a scowl, dragging me from my room and into the kitchen. “Carlisle said that you needed food since you lost so much blood.” She put a plate in front of me. It was a steak, veggies and a baked potato. “I know that we’ve been hard on you, Edward.”

Hard, I snorted mentally. I’ve been scarred and broken beyond all recognition. “Thank you for the meal, mistress,” I whispered, picking up the utensils.

“I’m only feeding you since you have a big date tomorrow, Edward,” she said, putting a glass of water in front of me. “Mistress Marie is so excited to have someone to submit, bending to her every whim. However, you may be hers for the next three days, but you’ll always, always be mine.”

“Yes, Mistress. I’m yours,” I repeated.

“Now, eat up and then you can go to sleep. I want you to be rested for your date,” she said, gliding away and shutting herself into her office. I ate what I could, focusing on the steak. The vegetables and potato didn’t look very appetizing. Plus, my stomach was unsettled from the lidocaine Carlisle gave me to stitch up my back and the pain killers, too.

Once I finished my meal, I did my dishes and stumbled back to my room. I found a bag in my room and a suit hanging on the door. It was my outfit for the next day. I reached under my bed and grabbed my cell phone, the money from my tips and the few nick knacks I had from my old life. I tossed them into the bag that was in my room.

I was never coming back to this hell. Finally, I would be free of Esme and be able to live my life. 

Motel

Tristan

Buying Love Teaser

Carlisle left a few hours later, after attending to some older wounds. When Esme asked for the bill, he waved it off. Esme offered him one of her girls, but he muttered that he was gay and in a committed relationship. He took his bag and left. Esme gave me a scowl, dragging me from my room and into the kitchen. “Carlisle said that you needed food since you lost so much blood.” She put a plate in front of me. It was a steak, veggies and a baked potato. “I know that we’ve been hard on you, Edward.”

Hard, I snorted mentally. I’ve been scarred and broken beyond all recognition. “Thank you for the meal, mistress,” I whispered, picking up the utensils.

“I’m only feeding you since you have a big date tomorrow, Edward,” she said, putting a glass of water in front of me. “Mistress Marie is so excited to have someone to submit, bending to her every whim. However, you may be hers for the next three days, but you’ll always, always be mine.”

“Yes, Mistress. I’m yours,” I repeated.

“Now, eat up and then you can go to sleep. I want you to be rested for your date,” she said, gliding away and shutting herself into her office. I ate what I could, focusing on the steak. The vegetables and potato didn’t look very appetizing. Plus, my stomach was unsettled from the lidocaine Carlisle gave me to stitch up my back and the pain killers, too.

Once I finished my meal, I did my dishes and stumbled back to my room. I found a bag in my room and a suit hanging on the door. It was my outfit for the next day. I reached under my bed and grabbed my cell phone, the money from my tips and the few nick knacks I had from my old life. I tossed them into the bag that was in my room. 

I was never coming back to this hell. Finally, I would be free of Esme and be able to live my life. 

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I dragged my exhausted, battered body up to Esme’s condo. I had just returned from a brutal date with one of her most sadistic clients, Victoria, and her husband, James. I never thought I’d consider Esme to be a lightweight, but after the four hours I’d spent with them, I yearned for Esme’s whips. I collapsed on my bed, laying on my stomach so my back, which was littered with torn and ripped skin, would not come in contact with the sheets.

Every day, I prayed for death.

I couldn’t keep doing this. I just couldn’t. The constant feeling of pain, no sleep, no food and the hanging threat of Felix’s promise of raping me – it was too much. I wanted to die.

“Hmmm, I may have to talk to Victoria and James about causing so much damage to my prize stallion,” Esme tutted, walking into my room.

“Please, mistress,” I cried. “I can’t.”

“I know, pet,” she said, taking out a fluffy towel and gently patting down my aching, scarred back. “I may be a sadist, but making you service me while you’re bleeding like this. That’s just cruel.” She washed my wounds, acting somewhat tender. “I got a phone call today, pet.”

“You did?” I whispered, waiting for the pain to come. Not that I could feel it. I was beyond numb.

“I did. A new client that specifically requested you,” she purred. “I told her that you were a specialty item that you only catered to clients with specific tastes. I asked for proof.”

Oh, God. What is she going to make me do now?

Buying Love Teaser

I dragged my exhausted, battered body up to Esme’s condo. I had just returned from a brutal date with one of her most sadistic clients, Victoria, and her husband, James. I never thought I’d consider Esme to be a lightweight, but after the four hours I’d spent with them, I yearned for Esme’s whips. I collapsed on my bed, laying on my stomach so my back, which was littered with torn and ripped skin, would not come in contact with the sheets.

Every day, I prayed for death.

I couldn’t keep doing this. I just couldn’t. The constant feeling of pain, no sleep, no food and the hanging threat of Felix’s promise of raping me – it was too much. I wanted to die.

“Hmmm, I may have to talk to Victoria and James about causing so much damage to my prize stallion,” Esme tutted, walking into my room.

“Please, mistress,” I cried. “I can’t.”

“I know, pet,” she said, taking out a fluffy towel and gently patting down my aching, scarred back. “I may be a sadist, but making you service me while you’re bleeding like this. That’s just cruel.” She washed my wounds, acting somewhat tender. “I got a phone call today, pet.”

“You did?” I whispered, waiting for the pain to come. Not that I could feel it. I was beyond numb.

“I did. A new client that specifically requested you,” she purred. “I told her that you were a specialty 

item that you only catered to clients with specific tastes. I asked for proof.”

Oh, God. What is she going to make me do now?

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I stayed with Mrs. Masen until she drifted off. Despite the medication she received, her face was not relaxed and her posture was rigid. I kissed her temple, leaving her room and trying to calm down. Esme Platt was one truly vindictive bitch. I understood why Edward couldn’t walk away from her. Esme could do anything to his mother since she was her legal guardian if Edward was unavailable.

And don’t even get me started on how she convinced him. Why would he agree to that? He knows what Esme is capable of.

Fuck. My. Life.

I waved at Carmen, going out to my car and driving away from the nursing home. I picked up my cell phone, dialing Edward’s burn cell, but per usual, it went straight to the non-existent voicemail. With a sigh, I tossed my phone into the passenger seat and drove back to the hotel. Using the valet to park my car, I checked on Jessica and Lauren before going up to my suite so I could make some dinner.

I was just sitting down with my Lean Cuisine and a glass of wine when there was a brusque knock at my door. Grumbling, I got up and opened it up. Rose and Emmett were standing on the other side. They were holding hands, looking freshly fucked.

“Your blouse is buttoned wrong,” I pointed out bitterly to Rose. 

Carmen

Detective Emmett McCarty

Rose 

Buying Love Teaser

I stayed with Mrs. Masen until she drifted off. Despite the medication she received, her face was not relaxed and her posture was rigid. I kissed her temple, leaving her room and trying to calm down. Esme Platt was one truly vindictive bitch. I understood why Edward couldn’t walk away from her. Esme could do anything to his mother since she was her legal guardian if Edward was unavailable.

And don’t even get me started on how she convinced him. Why would he agree to that? He knows what Esme is capable of.

Fuck. My. Life.

I waved at Carmen, going out to my car and driving away from the nursing home. I picked up my cell phone, dialing Edward’s burn cell, but per usual, it went straight to the non-existent voicemail. With a sigh, I tossed my phone into the passenger seat and drove back to the hotel. Using the valet to park my car, I checked on Jessica and Lauren before going up to my suite so I could make some dinner.

I was just sitting down with my Lean Cuisine and a glass of wine when there was a brusque knock at my door. Grumbling, I got up and opened it up. Rose and Emmett were standing on the other side. They were holding hands, looking freshly fucked.

“Your blouse is buttoned wrong,” I pointed out bitterly to Rose.

“Shit,” she spat, quickly fixing it. “Are you busy?” She walked in with Emmett on her heels.

“I was just sitting down to eat,” I answered, pointing to my pitiful meal.

“That’s not busy,” Rose scoffed, sitting down and wrinkling her nose at my beef enchilada. “Do you need to take a shit, Bells?”

“Rose, don’t be crass,” I scowled.

“What? There is more fiber in there than a jar full of Metamucil that my grandmother uses,” Rose snickered. I picked up my meal, tossing it into the refrigerator and sat down opposite that nauseating twins. Emmett was practically mauling Rose’s neck. She melted against his chest, practically unhinging her jaw to kiss him.

“Yo! Porn stars! I don’t want you to fuck on my sectional,” I spat, snapping at them. “Why are you interrupting my oh-so delectable meal?”

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“Heavens, no! In addition to his work for the government, my boss also works in the private sector, creating security programs for various corporations and businesses. Perhaps, you’re familiar with them? I worked for Aro Volturi and his son, Marcus,” Jared said. “They are the owners of Volterra Technologies.”

“We use Volterra’s programs in all of our hotels,” I said. “We used to use King Security Systems, but we had a major hack when I was in college. It turned out that one of the lower-level employee was cloning credit cards from all of the companies using King’s systems. We lost a lot of money and credibility. After that situation, we went with Volterra Technologies, paying the extra money for the higher level of protection for our clients.”

“I remember that,” Carlisle said. “You used to drive Aro and Marcus Volturi?”

“Aro, mostly. Marcus had his own driver or he preferred to drive himself,” Jared said, shifting uncomfortably. “Do you think I can get some water? My pain medication is wearing off.”

“Oh, my! Of course,” I breathed. “Do you need something to eat?”

Jared gave me a pained grin. I flew to my desk, asking for a fruit and cheese tray along with a carafe of coffee, water and a Diet Dr. Pepper for Carlisle. The man was addicted to that shit. About ten minutes later, our food arrived and Jared took his pain medication, sitting back against the couch as it took effect. “I’ll be happy when I don’t have this crushing feeling against my chest,” Jared said as his face relaxed. “Thank you for the food. My neighbors have been helping me in buying groceries, but my pantry is a bit barren.”

“When I drive you back, I’ll take you shopping, Jared,” Carlisle said. “I know what it’s like to be recuperating from an injury. Hell, I still am.”

“That’s because you refused to go to physical therapy, Carlisle,” I chided.

“That shit’s for pansies,” he scoffed. “I know what I need to do, thank you very much.”

“And do you do it?” I pressed.

“No. It hurts too much,” Carlisle shrugged.

“Exactly and that’s why you still have a limp, you idiot,” I snorted. Carlisle gave me the finger. 

Buying Love Teaser

“I’ll be happy when I don’t have this crushing feeling against my chest,” Jared said as his face relaxed. “Thank you for the food. My neighbors have been helping me in buying groceries, but my pantry is a bit barren.”

“When I drive you back, I’ll take you shopping, Jared,” Carlisle said. “I know what it’s like to be recuperating from an injury. Hell, I still am.”

“That’s because you refused to go to physical therapy, Carlisle,” I chided.

“That shit’s for pansies,” he scoffed. “I know what I need to do, thank you very much.”

“And do you do it?” I pressed.

“No. It hurts too much,” Carlisle shrugged.

“Exactly and that’s why you still have a limp, you idiot,” I snorted. Carlisle gave me the finger. “He used to work for the Seattle Police Department but was shot in the line of duty.”

“I had two choices after I was shot,” Carlisle explained. “Take a desk job in the district or retire. I chose to retire. I’m not cut out for sitting behind a desk. It’s too fucking boring.”

“Language!” I admonished.

“No worries,” Jared laughed. “Marcus had quite the potty mouth, in various different languages. His preferred tongue to curse in was Italian. With his temper, I learned how to berate someone in Italian, German, French and Mandarin Chinese.”

Aro Volturi

Marcus Volturi

Rant ... Kind of ...

*Narrows eyes* 

Um, yeah ... here's my starting author's note for Buying Love ...

"Okay, so we’re going to embark on a journey. A darker journey, one that will be around a different kind of Edward, a snarky, bossy Bella and a new Esme. It will be a drabble-ish type fic. The chapters will be between 1000 to 2000 words. Updates will come on Mondays and Fridays with teasers on Tuesdays and Saturdays on my blog. The link for the blog will be on my profile. The story is planned, but not pre-written."

The story is dark, angsty and not puppy dogs and rainbows. I don't understand why people are complaining about me dragging out Edward's confinement. I'm not describing it. Esme is an epic bitch who gets her rocks off from other people's pain. If I just had Esme be caught, the story would be over. You know? It's gonna get darker before things end, kids.

So, yeah ... I'm little irked at GRs and other reviewers giving me grief about how I'm writing the story. This is where my brain is right now. It's how I'm processing the pain of the loss of my mom. I"m taking it out on poor Edward. But, I will promise a HEA. If you don't like it, then don't read.

Period. End of statement. Moving on with life.

#JustSaying

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“Bella, there’s a phone call for you on line two,” said Jessica, standing by the entrance to my office. “It’s a man. Jared?”

“Thank you, Jess,” I said. “Can you please close the door?” She nodded and left me to take the phone call. I’d been searching for Jared since my ‘date’ with Edward that happened a week ago. I was concerned about him since Felix was now Edward’s driver. Blowing out a breath, I picked up the phone. “Jared?”

“Miss Bella,” he whispered. He sounded older, more haggard. “I’m sorry I haven’t called you back. I was, um, unavailable …”

“You lie for shit, Jared,” I said. “Where are you?”

“I’m at home,” he replied. “I had an accident.”

“I’m coming to you, Jared,” I murmured.

“Don’t! I’m afraid that I’m being watched, Miss Bella,” Jared said.

“Then, let me send a car for you,” I pushed. “I’m certain you’re calling for the same reason why I was trying to contact you.”

“Very well,” he sighed.

He gave me his address and I contacted Carlisle, asking him to pick up Jared. I worked, not really paying attention to what I was doing. An hour later, Carlisle came into my office with a bruised and battered Jared. I stood up, my eyes wide and scampered to him. “What happened to you?” I asked, helping him to the couch.

“Something happened to my limo. When the police investigated, it appeared that my brake lines were cut,” Jared said. “I was lucky. It could have been a lot worse.”

Jared