Buying Love Teaser

Edward was out with Emmett, getting some driving lessons. I was working in my office, recovering from a mild case of bronchitis that I’d gotten while in Hawaii. With the injury to my lungs from being shot, I was more susceptible to upper respiratory infections that could morph into bronchitis or even worse, pneumonia. Our trip to Kauai caused me to catch a bug that turned into bronchitis. While Edward ran his errand upon our arrival, he was kind enough to call Dr. Banner. He prescribed an antibiotic and steroid nebulizer.

However, when Edward came back from his errand, he was quiet, almost jumpy. I asked him what was wrong, but he didn’t reply, deflecting or changing the subject. I figured he had to process it with his journal or talk to Marina. When he was ready, he’d approach me.

My reverie was interrupted. There was a quiet knock on my door. With my raspy, husky voice, I beckoned them to enter. My dad walked in. I bristled, still pissed about his recent asshole-like behavior. “You sound awful,” he said.  

“It is what it is,” I shrugged. “What do you want, Charlie?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Edward,” he sighed, sitting down across from me. His face was stern, almost pinched. “Did you know he came to see me?”

I blinked up, wanting to smack the self-satisfied smirk off his face. “I wouldn’t put it past him. He was pretty pissed about your little bombshell, Chuck,” I snapped. “If Edward Masen Sr. was such a good friend, why didn’t you know that he died? On top of that, why didn’t you treat Edward better when you met him? You said that Edward was almost the spitting image of your bestie! Yet, you treated him like shit. And let’s not talk about the way you acted while I was in the hospital? Completely reprehensible!”

“I know,” he growled. “I’m a shit father. I get that. I heard it from Edward and your reminders are just fucking salt in the wound.”

“So, Edward said that you were a bad dad. Good for him. You were,” I sneered. “Especially after Mom died. Yes, I had access to the best nannies, best education, best opportunities, but the one thing I needed was a parent, Dad. I needed to be loved and if it was Edward who pointed that out; he’s smarter than you.”

“I’m not going to win with either one of you,” he sighed, falling back against the chair.

“What do you expect, Charlie? Whatever Edward said was probably warranted and I’m still unbelievably pissed off at you. I don’t know if I’ll be able to forgive you or trust you. I know that Edward decided to invoke his partnership in Swan Hotels LLC.,” I said, arching a brow.

“He gave me the paperwork when you got back. You and Edward now own Swan Hotels, LLC.,” Charlie muttered. “I got everything I wanted … a chance to retire and live out my life without having to stress out about my hotels. But, at what cost? My daughter? My family?”

“It would appear so. Dad, you made your choices. In time, I might be able to get over this, but for now, I need time. A lot of time. Edward needs time and if you think this coming to tattle on him is going to make me choose you over him, it’s not going to happen,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “I will always love you, Dad. I just don’t think that what you did was forgivable. You abandoned me and you treated Edward like crap, a man who survived hell. Your behavior didn’t ingratiate you to him and I don’t blame him. Now, if you don’t mind. I have to run my company.” I turned to my computer, looking at the screen and scrutinizing the quarterly expense report. As I was checking different ways to further promote the hotels with a new advertising agency, my dad got up and left. 

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Staring out the window of the private jet, I watched as we approached the airport just outside of Seattle. Bella was sleeping next to me, her head cradled in my lap. She woke up sick the morning we left. It was a cold or a sinus infection, but she was miserable. Her loud snores filled the cabin, almost waking up but whimpering in her deep, husky voice, raspy from the sore throat.

“Mr. Masen, I’m sorry,” said the flight attendant. “We’re getting ready to land. If you could wake up Ms. Swan and have her put on her seat belt.”

“Thank you,” I replied, giving her a friendly smile. She moved back to the front of the cabin I shook Bella awake and she grumbled. Begrudgingly, she sat up and put on her seatbelt. However, she did put her cheek on my shoulder and continued to snore in my ear. No human should make those noises. Even a gorgeous human such as my bellissima. Ignoring her obnoxious snarling, I gazed back out the window. My mind was racing about how much my life has changed in almost a year.

I had found love.

I was free of Esme’s almost daily torture.

Esme was found guilty of her crimes and will be sentenced according to the law.

My mom, while my relationship with her was still strained, was getting stronger every day. She was almost back the woman I remembered from my childhood. But, I was still bitter about her retreating into her mind. I probably always will be.

I lived through hell to provide medical care for her and it was all in her head.

Well, and Esme’s deal with the doctors keeping my mom medicated.

On top of all that, Bella’s dad, who had been my dad’s best friend, dropped this bombshell that I’m a multi-gazillionaire. I owned half of Swan Hotels, LLC. Bella and I were business partners.

Once I sign the paperwork that Charlie gave to us prior to our departure to Kauai. If I want to sign the paperwork.

Who are you kidding? You’re signing the paperwork. 

Buying Love Teaser

“Please state your name for the record,” Liam said, arching a brow over his horn-rimmed glasses.

“My name is Edward Anthony Masen, Jr.,” I replied, sitting back in the seat and folding my hands in my lap.

“How do you know the defendant, Esme Platt?” Lim asked.

“I was introduced to Esme ten years ago after I was attacked on the streets. I sold my body because I was an uneducated teenager who lost his home, his father and care for his sick, ailing mother. I had to make ends meet and with my real job working in a supermarket, along with prostitution, I was able to do what I needed to do. However, I was beaten almost to death and a police officer breathing down my throat about arresting me. Instead, the police officer contacted Esme and she took over my bills, moved my mom out of my shithole apartment and I thought I was getting a new life,” I said coldly.

“But, you didn’t get a new life,” Liam said. “What happened after you moved in with Esme?”

“I was given time to heal since my injuries were quite extensive. My mom was moved to a private, exclusive nursing facility, one known for working with patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s. After I healed, Esme approached me and handed me a bill. I asked her what it was and she said that it was my debt, what I owed her. I had to work for her as an escort in order to pay the bill off,” I explained. “The bill was exorbitant, but I had no way to prove that it was falsified. I signed a contract and began working for her.”

“Your honor, here is a copy of the bill and the contract that Esme asked Mr. Masen to sign. This is people’s evidence numbers eighty-four and eighty-five,” Liam said, handing the copies to the jury. “How much was the bill, Mr. Masen?”

“Over two million dollars,” I answered. “I didn’t know any better. I was eighteen and naïve. When most people were eighteen they were making fools of themselves in college. I was trying to provide for my sick mother. I just didn’t know.”

“So, when you started as an escort, what did you do? Did Esme tell you to sleep with clients?”

“At first, no. The women I went on dates with were older and I was just glorified arm candy,” I said. “However, a few of the guys said that you get paid more for the sexual dates. After about six months, I asked Esme to up my client load. I wanted to move forward in my payments. And then, my mom got sick. The debt grew more with her hospitalization and move to the other nursing home. It was spiraling out of control and I knew that I’d never get out from Esme’s hold.”

“What happened after Mr. Whitlock was released from Esme’s employ?” Liam asked softly, looking at me.

“Esme made me her special pet. I was moved out of the shared apartment with a few of the other guys and into her condo,” I snarled. I clenched my hands, taking a few breaths. “That’s when Esme began raping me.”

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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.”

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“Kid, I love you and all, but my old legs are fucking killing me,” Carlisle said, rubbing my back. “You may be young and spry, but I’ve got a fake hip that needs to move.”

I pulled back, sitting on my ass and wiping my eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ll go …” I got up and Carlisle dragged me by the arm to the couch in his suite.

“You put your ass on that couch and talk to me about why you’re so upset,” Carlisle said, sitting down next to me. “I mean, I could figure it out that it has to do with Jared, but there’s more.”

“You’re right,” I snorted humorlessly. “I went to my mom first and I just couldn’t get past her abandoning me. I know that I’m working on that, but I’m still struggling. I still have a ton of resentment toward her. Carmen asked me how grieved for my father and I said that I didn’t.”

“Why didn’t you?” Carlisle asked.

“Because I had to take over where my dad left off,” I said, sitting forward and thrusting my hands into my hair. “Mom was useless and we had to make sure that …”

“You became the man of the house,” Carlisle murmured. I nodded, looking at him and trying not to cry again. You’re such a pussy, Edward. It’s no wonder why Charlie hates you. “Your wounds, both physical and emotional, are still so raw right now. It’s going to take a lot of time before you can truly forgive your mom, grieve for your dad, heal from your ordeal and move past all of this. If that’s even possible. There is no magical cure-all for that, Edward. I just know that your mom is probably beating herself up over what she did.”

“She is treating me like I’m still her little boy. Her sweet boy. I’m not that anymore. I’m not sweet,” I spat.

“Bella would disagree. She loved that Christmas picnic you planned for you two,” Carlisle said, his lips curving into a crooked smirk. “That was definitely very sweet.”

“I’m sweet to her because I adore her,” I shrugged. “But, I can’t be the same to my mom. Not after knowing that it was her coping mechanism to shut down and abandon me. I love her, yes, but I can’t go back to the way things were before my dad died. When he died, so did I, when I had to become the person who made decisions for both of us.” I took off my glasses, pinching my nose. “On top of all these feelings with my mom, I’m struggling with the death of Jared and the contents of that envelope.”

“What was it?” Carlisle asked. “Emmett was pretty secretive about the details. I knew that it was a revised will, but that was it …”

“He left me everything, Carlisle,” I breathed. “His house, his car, money in two bank accounts and a life insurance policy. It was all transferred to my name and signed by Marcus Volturi and another witness. He also left me instructions for his death, what he wanted to be done.”

“And what’s that?” Carlisle questioned, his face open and his eyes filled with concern.

 “He wanted to be cremated with a memorial,” I said. “I just don’t think that’s enough!”

Buying Love Teaser

“Kid, I love you and all, but my old legs are fucking killing me,” Carlisle said, rubbing my back. “You may be young and spry, but I’ve got a fake hip that needs to move.”

I pulled back, sitting on my ass and wiping my eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ll go …” I got up and Carlisle dragged me by the arm to the couch in his suite.

“You put your ass on that couch and talk to me about why you’re so upset,” Carlisle said, sitting down next to me. “I mean, I could figure it out that it has to do with Jared, but there’s more.”

“You’re right,” I snorted humorlessly. “I went to my mom first and I just couldn’t get past her abandoning me. I know that I’m working on that, but I’m still struggling. I still have a ton of resentment toward her. Carmen asked me how grieved for my father and I said that I didn’t.”

“Why didn’t you?” Carlisle asked.

“Because I had to take over where my dad left off,” I said, sitting forward and thrusting my hands into my hair. “Mom was useless and we had to make sure that …”

“You became the man of the house,” Carlisle murmured. I nodded, looking at him and trying not to cry again. You’re such a pussy, Edward. It’s no wonder why Charlie hates you. “Your wounds, both physical and emotional, are still so raw right now. It’s going to take a lot of time before you can truly forgive your mom, grieve for your dad, heal from your ordeal and move past all of this. If that’s even possible. There is no magical cure-all for that, Edward. I just know that your mom is probably beating herself up over what she did.”

“She is treating me like I’m still her little boy. Her sweet boy. I’m not that anymore. I’m not sweet,” I spat.

“Bella would disagree. She loved that Christmas picnic you planned for you two,” Carlisle said, his lips curving into a crooked smirk. “That was definitely very sweet.”

“I’m sweet to her because I adore her,” I shrugged. “But, I can’t be the same to my mom. Not after knowing that it was her coping mechanism to shut down and abandon me. I love her, yes, but I can’t go back to the way things were before my dad died. When he died, so did I, when I had to become the person who made decisions for both of us.” I took off my glasses, pinching my nose. “On top of all these feelings with my mom, I’m struggling with the death of Jared and the contents of that envelope.”

“What was it?” Carlisle asked. “Emmett was pretty secretive about the details. I knew that it was a revised will, but that was it …”

“He left me everything, Carlisle,” I breathed. “His house, his car, money in two bank accounts and a life insurance policy. It was all transferred to my name and signed by Marcus Volturi and another witness. He also left me instructions for his death, what he wanted to be done.”

“And what’s that?” Carlisle questioned, his face open and his eyes filled with concern.

 “He wanted to be cremated with a memorial,” I said. “I just don’t think that’s enough!”

Buying Love Teaser

I was chilled to the bone, thanks to my hasty exit to get to Edward after he ran out of the conference room in the Seattle courthouse. Despite taking a long, scalding hot shower, I could not stop shivering. I was wearing leggings, loose pajama pants, a long-sleeved t-shirt, hoodie and covered in a blanket. Edward was in the bathroom and I could hear him crying inside of the shower. The loss of Jared had hit him to the core.

“Here, Bells,” Rose said, handing me a large cup of tea. “Hold it for a few minutes. Maybe it’ll help warm your hands.”

“Thanks,” I replied, taking the tea and wrapping my fingers around the mug. I inhaled it, smiling at the spicy orange flavor she’d chosen. “Rose, I want you to do some digging about Jared. Find out if he has family.”

“Already on it,” Rose smirked. “Carlisle actually beat me to it, using Emmett and his contacts at the Seattle PD. The preliminary findings indicate that Jared was alone in the world. His wife left him when their son died. She disappeared, it seemed. My guess is that she went back to her maiden name and flew across country.”

“What about that family he worked for? The Volturis?” I asked. “Do we know why Jared stopped working for them?”

“Hold on,” Rose said, flipping through her notebook. “Ah, got it. Aro Volturi had to go to Italy to care for his dying father, Caius and his mother, Maria, who suffered a stroke. He’s been in Italy ever since late 2015. Marcus gave Jared the option to stay, but since Marcus preferred to drive himself, Jared left the company and began working for Esme shortly after.”

“Find out as much as you can, Rose. But, I want to help out and pay for the funeral, if no one claims the body,” I sighed, taking a sip of the orange spice tea.

“I’ll make the necessary arrangements,” Rose said. She kissed my cheek and got up. “I’ll leave you with Edward. I don’t want to intrude on whatever is going to happen. If you need anything, I’m just a call away. And take your medicine. I really don’t want you back in the hospital, Isabella Marie.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said. She kissed my forehead and left me in the living room, looking at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. I got up from my cocoon of blankets, taking the time to admire the elegant decorations, ornaments and details that Edward chose for our first holiday together. I reached for a crystal ornament of two angels, twined together with their foreheads touching. Half of the angel was a clear, faceted crystal and the other was smooth, but frosted.

“You are the one with the sparkle,” Edward said, his voice somber and gruff. “You always had this glow about you, pulling me in and giving me hope.”

“And the other?” I asked, turning to look at him.

“It’s me, but I’m no angel. My life was dim and lifeless before I met you,” he murmured. “I don’t know. I saw it on a website and fell in love with it. It was very expensive, but Rose ordered it for me for our tree. I need to pay her back.”

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

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After two weeks in the hospital in Port Angeles, I was transferred to a private rehabilitation hospital in Seattle. Every day I grew stronger, but it was a struggle. Every step of the way, though, Edward was with me. He supported me when I sobbed in pain from my muscles rebuilding in my legs. He was my cheerleader when I took my first unassisted steps. He caught me when I fell, which was quite often. He let me rage when I went off on my dad, who did take my advice and flew back Phuket.

He really did care more about his precious business than his own fucking daughter.

Asshole.

Uncle Peter stepped up, only after flying to Phuket to kick Charlie’s ass. He proudly said that he snapped my dad’s wrist.

To say my relationship with my father was damaged was an understatement. I never thought he’d be so cruel to me or to anyone I cared about. He was really so image-driven that me being injured and possibly paralyzed might negatively impact people coming to Swan Hotels and the bottom line. And don’t get me started on me being in love with an escort.

He was the one who pushed me toward getting an escort in the first place with his stupid reasoning that I needed a date for the opening of Swan Towers. If anything, he’s the one to blame, god damn it!

Buying Love Teaser

After two weeks in the hospital in Port Angeles, I was transferred to a private rehabilitation hospital in Seattle. Every day I grew stronger, but it was a struggle. Every step of the way, though, Edward was with me. He supported me when I sobbed in pain from my muscles rebuilding in my legs. He was my cheerleader when I took my first unassisted steps. He caught me when I fell, which was quite often. He let me rage when I went off on my dad, who did take my advice and flew back Phuket.

He really did care more about his precious business than his own fucking daughter.

Asshole.

Uncle Peter stepped up, only after flying to Phuket to kick Charlie’s ass. He proudly said that he snapped my dad’s wrist.

To say my relationship with my father was damaged was an understatement. I never thought he’d be so cruel to me or to anyone I cared about. He was really so image-driven that me being injured and possibly paralyzed might negatively impact people coming to Swan Hotels and the bottom line. And don’t get me started on me being in love with an escort.

He was the one who pushed me toward getting an escort in the first place with his stupid reasoning that I needed a date for the opening of Swan Towers. If anything, he’s the one to blame, god damn it!

Rehab Facility

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A week had passed since I woke up from my medically-induced coma. I was antsy, anxious to get out of this God-forsaken hospital. Dr. Monroe was amazing and the therapist that worked with me were awesome, but I was never alone.

Okay, let me rephrase.

I was never alone with Edward.

Whenever he was there, so was my dad. And the looks my father was giving to Edward were downright evil and malicious. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t know the story.

Ruminating on this thing with Edward and my dad helped me forget the pain I felt in my side and the fact that the connection from my brain to my feet was sluggish. I could feel everything, but if I tried to walk, move, anything, my body wouldn’t cooperate. Dr. Monroe explained that it was spinal shock. My condition had improved since I was I brought in on the helicopter. I didn’t have any response to stimuli.

Yes, it had improved, but would I be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of my life? 

Buying Love Update

First off, before I post the update, I wanted to apologize for the drop off in updates. This weekend marked the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. I wanted to spend the weekend remembering her and celebrating her life. I miss her more than words can express, but focusing my thoughts on her this weekend helped. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Now, with further ado ...

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I watched as Edward fell apart. He was curled up in a little ball as Peter screamed at Charlie. And when he slumped onto the ground, his eyes shut and his body trembling in abject fear. Turning to them, I screamed, “Will both of you shut the fuck up! We’re going to get kicked out by security and I need some help.”

Peter smacked Charlie’s head and crouched down to where Edward was in a heap. “I hope you’re happy, Charlie. You know what happened to him. Rose told you in explicit detail what this young man went through. Yet, you still got in his face. You still hurt him. If Bella was awake, she’d tear you a new asshole,” Peter sneered.

“It was because of him that she’s here!” Charlie snapped.

“No, Charlie. It’s not. She made the decision to go after Esme on her own,” I said calmly, placing Edward’s head in my lap. I tenderly ran my fingers through his hair. “If you can’t handle him being here, then you may need to back off, Charlie. She loves him.”

“But, my little girl,” Charlie sniffled. “She’s fighting for her life. I cannot walk away.”

“Neither can he,” I said. “He would do anything for her. He would die for her, but he’s already beating himself up about what went down. However, he faced the monster that tortured him for ten years, Charlie. He went in there so he could help his mom and help Bella. Both of them would have died if he hadn’t gone in there.”

“Take a walk, Chuck,” Peter said coolly. “When you can be in the same room as Edward without screaming at him, we’ll let you back in to see your daughter. For now, we have to preserve his mental health as much as possible. Come on. Let’s go.” Peter grabbed Charlie’s arm and dragged him out of the stairwell. “I’ll get a doctor or a nurse for Edward, Rose.”

“Thank you, Peter,” I said quietly. 

Buying Love Teaser

I watched as Edward fell apart. He was curled up in a little ball as Peter screamed at Charlie. And when he slumped onto the ground, his eyes shut and his body trembling in abject fear. Turning to them, I screamed, “Will both of you shut the fuck up! We’re going to get kicked out by security and I need some help.”

Peter smacked Charlie’s head and crouched down to where Edward was in a heap. “I hope you’re happy, Charlie. You know what happened to him. Rose told you in explicit detail what this young man went through. Yet, you still got in his face. You still hurt him. If Bella was awake, she’d tear you a new asshole,” Peter sneered.

“It was because of him that she’s here!” Charlie snapped.

“No, Charlie. It’s not. She made the decision to go after Esme on her own,” I said calmly, placing Edward’s head in my lap. I tenderly ran my fingers through his hair. “If you can’t handle him being here, then you may need to back off, Charlie. She loves him.”

“But, my little girl,” Charlie sniffled. “She’s fighting for her life. I cannot walk away.”

“Neither can he,” I said. “He would do anything for her. He would die for her, but he’s already beating himself up about what went down. However, he faced the monster that tortured him for ten years, Charlie. He went in there so he could help his mom and help Bella. Both of them would have died if he hadn’t gone in there.”

“Take a walk, Chuck,” Peter said coolly. “When you can be in the same room as Edward without screaming at him, we’ll let you back in to see your daughter. For now, we have to preserve his mental health as much as possible. Come on. Let’s go.” Peter grabbed Charlie’s arm and dragged him out of the stairwell. “I’ll get a doctor or a nurse for Edward, Rose.”

“Thank you, Peter,” I said quietly. The two of them left and I kept massaging Edward’s scalp. “I’m here, Edward. I know that I’m not Bella, but I’ll do my best to keep you safe.” Sheri and another nurse came into the stairwell. Edward was lifted onto a gurney and rolled out of the ICU. I followed him as they brought him down to the emergency department. They admitted him, giving him an IV and some medication in the IV. His distressed face smoothed out and he settled into the gurney. I told the doctor about his injuries and that he was under the care of Dr. Banner and Dr. Benson. 

Peter Swan

Charlie Swan

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I journaled until my eyes felt like sand paper and my head was throbbing from exhaustion. It wasn’t until Ellie took the journal from my hand and pushed me onto the couch with a pillow, a tiny blanket and an eye mask that I stopped. I slept hard until Carlisle shook me awake. It was dim in the waiting room, the sun just peaking over the horizon.

“Bella?” I asked, my voice scratchy and sore.

“The doctors are here. They want to speak to you and Rose,” Carlisle said.

“And my mom?”

“She’s speaking with Dr. Benson and Dr. Banner. They came up here after I called them. Agent Dean sent the helicopter for them,” Carlisle explained. “Your mom is being observed under their care. But, talk to the doctors about Bella.”

“Will you come?” I asked, gripping his arm. “If she’s …”

“She’s not,” Carlisle whispered, hugging me. “But, I’ll go with you, son. Come on.”

I stiffly got up, following him into a small conference room off the waiting area. Rose was in there, looking disheveled and exhausted. I sat down next to her. She took my hand, threading our fingers together. Ellie was also in the room, speaking quietly on the phone. Turning, she said, “The doctor is on her way.”

“Thank you,” Rose said.

Ellie left the room, leaving the door open. Slipping inside, the small doctor who had spoken to me in the hallway sat down. She looked weary. “My name is Dr. Monroe and I was one of the doctors working on Isabella.”

“Bella,” I piped in. “She prefers to be called Bella.”

“Bella,” Dr. Monroe repeated. “Right. Bella is out of surgery and in recovery. She’s in a medically induced coma at this point. The bullet caused severe trauma to her lung, ribs and ended up just to the right of her spinal column.”

“You mentioned something about her heart,” I said, tightening my hand around Rose’s.

“Her heart is fine. Strong,” Dr. Monroe said, smiling. “With the x-rays and CT scans, the location was suspect, but thankfully, it didn’t cause any damage to her heart or pericardium. We will monitor that, but she’s in the clear for that.”

Buying Love Update

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 66 Update on TWCS

We sat in the chilly waiting room. I was fidgety. Carlisle was uncomfortable. Rose was on the phone with someone from Swan Towers or something and my mom was just staring at me. Thankfully, Ellie was successful in finding me a hoodie. However, despite the hoodie I was shivering. My teeth were clattering and my stomach was churning. There was no word about Bella’s status. I was getting more and more anxious with each passing moment not knowing any news about Bella.

“Edward, come with me,” Mom said softly, standing in front of me. She was still wobbly, but standing on her own. “Let’s get some hot chocolate.”

“I need to be here if something changes,” I whispered, settling back onto one of the stiff chairs.

“Edward, take my cell phone,” Rose said, handing me her slick iPhone after ending her phone call. “We’ll call you if the doctors come out, okay? Take a few moments. Eat something. You haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday. Bella would kick my ass if something happens to you.”

“Okay,” I said, eyeing her dubiously. Reluctantly, I took the phone and offered my mom an arm. She latched on and we walked toward the cafeteria.