Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 87 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 87 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 87 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 87 Update on TWCS

Parking behind the garage, I got out of the car and went into Jared, now Edward’s, home. It was quiet, but I could see that Edward and Marina were there. Her bag was next to the door and Edward’s running shoes were just inside. I checked the fridge, noting that it was pretty empty. I logged into PeaPod and ordered some basics like milk, eggs, bacon and some other things. I scheduled the order to arrive in a couple of hours. I’d make dinner and hopefully talk to a calmer Edward.

Marina came downstairs, her long brown hair pulled up in a low ponytail. “He’s resting,” she said, putting down some gauze and tape. “I’m surprised that he exploded.”

“Really?” I asked, guiding her to the living room.

“Okay, let me rephrase. I expected him to explode a lot sooner,” she sighed. “He’s had a few setbacks, the first when you were injured. His progress should have had more jagged edges, I suppose.”

“What can I do?”

“Be there for him. He told me about his shame and how he hates the fact that the world will know it,” Marina replied, crossing her legs. “That was his trigger. He wanted to punish himself and it came out of nowhere.”

“I should have seen this coming,” I grumbled.

“You’re also battling your own demons, Bella. Granted, you’re almost back to normal …”

“Physically? Yes. But, I’m ashamed of my body. I used to be so proud of it. I’m littered with scars and I feel ugly,” I shrugged.

“Edward has his own scars. He loves you regardless,” Marina smiled.

“Does he really?” I asked. “Or does he feel like he has to love me because I saved him.”

“That was my initial fear, but he does adore you,” Marina nodded. “He said that you are the shining light in his life. You are the one thing that’s going well for him. Granted, right now he doesn’t feel like he’s worthy of you, but he loves you so much.”

“Will he be able to testify?”

“He will. I’ll be there in case he needs sedation,” Marina said, taking my hand. “But, after this, he will finally be able to move forward.” She pursed her lips, looking out the window. “He was trying to be strong for everyone else, but his body and mind just crumbled when he got the notification to testify.”

“That makes sense,” I frowned. “It was Rose who mentioned to me that Edward may freak out because of his past. I should have seen it.”

Buying Love Teaser

Parking behind the garage, I got out of the car and went into Jared, now Edward’s, home. It was quiet, but I could see that Edward and Marina were there. Her bag was next to the door and Edward’s running shoes were just inside. I checked the fridge, noting that it was pretty empty. I logged into PeaPod and ordered some basics like milk, eggs, bacon and some other things. I scheduled the order to arrive in a couple of hours. I’d make dinner and hopefully talk to a calmer Edward.

Marina came downstairs, her long brown hair pulled up in a low ponytail. “He’s resting,” she said, putting down some gauze and tape. “I’m surprised that he exploded.”

“Really?” I asked, guiding her to the living room.

“Okay, let me rephrase. I expected him to explode a lot sooner,” she sighed. “He’s had a few setbacks, the first when you were injured. His progress should have had more jagged edges, I suppose.”

“What can I do?”

“Be there for him. He told me about his shame and how he hates the fact that the world will know it,” Marina replied, crossing her legs. “That was his trigger. He wanted to punish himself and it came out of nowhere.”

“I should have seen this coming,” I grumbled.

“You’re also battling your own demons, Bella. Granted, you’re almost back to normal …”

“Physically? Yes. But, I’m ashamed of my body. I used to be so proud of it. I’m littered with scars and I feel ugly,” I shrugged.

“Edward has his own scars. He loves you regardless,” Marina smiled.

“Does he really?” I asked. “Or does he feel like he has to love me because I saved him.”

“That was my initial fear, but he does adore you,” Marina nodded. “He said that you are the shining light in his life. You are the one thing that’s going well for him. Granted, right now he doesn’t feel like he’s worthy of you, but he loves you so much.”

“Will he be able to testify?”

“He will. I’ll be there in case he needs sedation,” Marina said, taking my hand. “But, after this, he will finally be able to move forward.” She pursed her lips, looking out the window. “He was trying to be strong for everyone else, but his body and mind just crumbled when he got the notification to testify.”

“That makes sense,” I frowned. “It was Rose who mentioned to me that Edward may freak out because of his past. I should have seen it.”

I'm sorry that I've been a total failure on posting teasers for this. I promise to do better. Teasers on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS. At least, that's my hope! LOL! 

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 86 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 86 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 86 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 86 Update on TWCS

The trial was starting today. It made for a very somber Valentine’s Day. Edward was distracted and nervous. Hell, so was I. We tried to celebrate, enjoying a meal in a private dining room at an exclusive restaurant, but it didn’t pan out that way. We ended up talking about the trial and getting into a fight about the trial and what was going to happen after it was finished. So, we went home and slept in separate bedrooms.

It sucked.

We both apologized the next day, but Edward was so on edge because of this uncertainty. I didn’t blame him. Truly, I didn’t. Esme tortured the man for ten years of his life and he was moving forward with his life, but that was put on pause until the trial was over.

During the trial, Edward and I were not allowed in the courtroom. We were going to testify for the prosecution and were scheduled to be up at the end of the week. Almost everyone who had testified at the grand jury were going to be testifying at the trial, with the exception of a few people. Elianna had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. She was heavily medicated and unable to testify.

“I’m going to work out,” Edward said. He was wearing a tight shirt and a pair of shorts. “I just can’t sit here and …”

“Do you want company?” I asked.

“Probably not. The punching bag and I have a date,” he deadpanned. “Jasper may join me since he’s feeling the same way as I am, but it all depends on whether or not he can get a ride to the hotel after meeting with Dr. Benson.”

“I can send a car,” I suggested. Alice and Jasper moved into a furnished apartment after the first of the year. Their home was on the market down in Los Angeles and they were in the process of moving. However, they wanted to focus their attention on the trial and finding a job for both Alice. She put in for a transfer in her advertising firm, but was denied. She was looking around in the Seattle advertising market, but working remotely until she was hired full-time.

“It’s okay, Bella,” Edward said. Grabbing a water bottle, he gave me a tight smile and left our penthouse suite. I slumped back, crossing my arms over my chest. Edward was so morose and I understood his feelings. But, I didn’t like them. Slipping on some shoes, I went downstairs to do some work for the hotel. I was taking time off for the trial, but was still able to do my job. Someone had to do it. Uncle Peter had to deal with some issue with one of the hotels in New York and Charlie was still incommunicado.

That. Pissed. Me. Off.

Your daughter nearly fucking dies and you disappear? Smooth, Charlie. Really smooth.

Buying Love Teaser

Edward helped me into my red winter coat with matching Burberry scarf. He put on an overcoat, looking some sort of Mafia don. He was so sexy and lithe. Plus, he’d come such a long way in the few weeks that I’ve been home. Granted, almost daily appointments with Dr. Benson and his therapist, Michele, helped him tremendously.

There were still things that Edward freaked out about. He didn’t like to be touched by anyone but me. He also couldn’t wear a belt since it reminded him too much of the whips and chains that he was beaten with. Uncle Peter got him suspenders so his pants for his suits wouldn’t fall down. Edward still harbored a great deal of anger and resentment toward his mother. She was a victim in this, almost as much as he was, but she gave up when he was fourteen, when he needed her the most. Edward did have some huge anger issues. For the most part, he was easy-going, but if something made him pissed, he would stomp around like a bull and things would get broken. Michele is working with him on that, having him use various calming techniques.

Finally, there was the guilt and pain associated with anything sexual. Edward’s introduction to sex was violent and cruel. He knew how to pleasure a woman, but now, the mere thought of doing anything other than kissing, hugging or cuddling, made his stomach churn. Dr. Benson said that was a normal response for someone who underwent such long-term sexual abuse and rape. When the time was right, both Edward and I would go to couple’s therapy. I would do anything for him to ensure that he was happy, healthy and most importantly, safe.

Edward, looking like a mafia Don

Bella's Cane

Bella's SUV

Bella's Suit (with flats, not heels)

Bella's winter coat

Buying Love Teaser

I stayed with Edward until he drifted off to sleep. Even though he was medicated, the stress of all that had happened was apparent on his gaunt face. I kissed his forehead, leaving him in the bedroom as I walked into the living room. Dr. Banner and Dr. Benson were talking quietly, obviously concerned for Edward. Emmett had this look of absolute guilt on his face, knowing that his interview, getting Edward’s statement had prevented him from seeing his mother.

“We can’t definitively say that it was Esme,” Emmett said, his brows furrowed. “Her face is covered in the security footage.”

“You and I both know that this evil bitch is the one who took out Elizabeth from that nursing home, Emmett,” Rose argued. “Who else would do such a thing? I mean, really. She used Dr. Gerandy’s signature and he’s a corpse!”

“The question is, where do we go from here?” Carlisle asked. “I don’t know how much more Edward can take. The poor boy is a wreck as it is.”

“I agree,” Dr. Benson said. “I can’t go into too much of Edward’s case, but you will lose him if anything else happens. It would be in everyone’s best interest to find his mother and get her out of Esme’s control. There’s no knowing what she’ll do to a defenseless woman. You saw what she did to a healthy young man.”

“Esme is going to pay for her crimes,” I sneered. “She’s …” I threw up my arms, angry and upset over the whole thing. “Bitch is gonna die!”

“So you keep saying, Bells,” Rose quipped, giving me a dark grin.

“You can’t go off, half-cocked, Bella,” Emmett chided. “She’s wanted by the Seattle Police Department, the FBI and Interpol. She pulled the same shenanigans in Portugal or wherever she’s from.”

“I’m not going off half-cocked. She needs to pay for what she’s done to Edward, Jasper and all of the other people she screwed over,” I snarled. “I’m just determined for her to get her just desserts, if you know what I mean.”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 55 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 55 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 55 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 55 Update on TWCS

Dear Edward,

When Dr. Banner mentioned calling Dr. Benson, I knew she was going to suggest a journal. I figured I’d break the ice with the first entry. Well, with the help of Bella and Rose, the first few entries. We all have our own secrets, our own stories. Some of them are awful and shocking, while others are just minor drama.

My story revolves around my injury. I was one of the best detectives in Seattle PD. You put me on a case, I’d close it. Out of hundred some odd cases I handled, there is only one that I never closed and that was my own. I don’t know who shot me. Detective McCarty was partnered with me and we were chasing a perp. He turned to shoot, missing us completely. Emmett (Detective McCarty) went to shoot back, but I told him not to since we were in a neighborhood. Too many liabilities with families, children. He grumbled, shooting off in the same direction as the perp while I went the other way, trying to head him off at the pass. As I was running toward Emmett, I heard gunshots again. However, unlike last time, there was a searing, agonizing pain in my chest and another on my hip. I collapsed, shot twice. Emmett gave up his chase for the perp, calling in my injury. 

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 54 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 54 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 54 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 54 Update on TWCS

Watching Bella walk out that door was harder than I anticipated. I collapsed onto the couch, curling up in the fetal position as Carlisle sat in front of me on the overstuffed chair. “She’ll be back, son.”

“My … need for her is not normal, Carlisle,” I said. “I shouldn’t be this attached.”

“She showed you kindness. You latched on and you feel safe with her, like she’ll protect you. Knowing Bella, she will,” Carlisle chuckled.

“She shouldn’t have protect me. I should be protecting her,” I growled. Looking down at my frail, broken body, I wasn’t in any shape to protect anyone. “She’ll be okay with Detective McCarty, right?”

“Emmett is one of the best officers in the force, Edward. He’ll protect her. Plus, they’re going to the courthouse, which is protected beyond recognition, with metal detectors and armed guards all throughout the complex. If Esme tried to get through, she would be stopped,” Carlisle explained.

“Okay,” I whispered.

“Now, I spoke with Dr. Banner. He told me that Dr. Benson will be here in an hour or so. She’s well-known around the Pacific Northwest for her treatment of victims of abuse, sexual, emotional and physical abuse and assault victims. She specializes in it,” Carlisle said. “She used to work for the FBI as a profiler, but couldn’t do it anymore, wanting to focus on helping the survivors of these crimes.”

“What does she look like?” I asked.

“She’s tall, a little shorter than me, with dark hair and dark eyes. I’ve seen her on the witness stand for various cases,” Carlisle said. “Now, Bella got you some clothes since she assumed that you probably didn’t have anything. Some of it is her ex-husband’s and the rest she got herself.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to pay her back,” I frowned.

“You’re not. She’s doing this because she loves you,” Carlisle said, offering me a hand.

Dr. Marina Benson

Buying Love Teaser

Watching Bella walk out that door was harder than I anticipated. I collapsed onto the couch, curling up in the fetal position as Carlisle sat in front of me on the overstuffed chair. “She’ll be back, son.”

“My … need for her is not normal, Carlisle,” I said. “I shouldn’t be this attached.”

“She showed you kindness. You latched on and you feel safe with her, like she’ll protect you. Knowing Bella, she will,” Carlisle chuckled.

“She shouldn’t have protect me. I should be protecting her,” I growled. Looking down at my frail, broken body, I wasn’t in any shape to protect anyone. “She’ll be okay with Detective McCarty, right?”

“Emmett is one of the best officers in the force, Edward. He’ll protect her. Plus, they’re going to the courthouse, which is protected beyond recognition, with metal detectors and armed guards all throughout the complex. If Esme tried to get through, she would be stopped,” Carlisle explained.

“Okay,” I whispered.

“Now, I spoke with Dr. Banner. He told me that Dr. Benson will be here in an hour or so. She’s well-known around the Pacific Northwest for her treatment of victims of abuse, sexual, emotional and physical abuse and assault victims. She specializes in it,” Carlisle said. “She used to work for the FBI as a profiler, but couldn’t do it anymore, wanting to focus on helping the survivors of these crimes.”

“What does she look like?” I asked.

“She’s tall, a little shorter than me, with dark hair and dark eyes. I’ve seen her on the witness stand for various cases,” Carlisle said. “Now, Bella got you some clothes since she assumed that you probably didn’t have anything. Some of it is her ex-husband’s and the rest she got herself.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to pay her back,” I frowned.

“You’re not. She’s doing this because she loves you,” Carlisle said, offering me a hand. I took it and followed him into Bella’s room, into her closet. There were more clothes in there than I could imagine. Half of the closet was filled with men’s clothing ranging from jeans to suits. Tears sprang in my eyes and ran my fingers along the fabric. “I’ll give you a minute, Edward. When you’ve chosen something, I’ll help change your dressings on your back, feet and wrists.”

I nodded, grabbing a pair of dark jeans. They were obviously very expensive and were my size. Or rather, the size I was prior to my eight weeks in Esme’s torture chamber. I put them back, searching for something less expensive. However, my search was not fruitful. I decided to put on the first pair of jeans and a loose button-down shirt, with a t-shirt underneath. Carlisle helped change the dressing around my body and told me that I could try taking a bird bath the following day. Putting on my new clothes, we went back into the living room and waited for the phone call that Dr. Benson had arrived. 

Dr. Marina Benson