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 Update

Buying Love Chapter 51 Update on FicPad

Buying Love Chapter 51 Update on AO3

Buying Love Chapter 51 Update on FFn

Buying Love Chapter 51 Update on TWCS

“You’ve been amazing and so supportive, kind, and …” I whispered. “I want you to know what happened to me, Bella.”

“You’ve told me, Edward,” she said, threading our fingers together.

“Not all of it,” I grimaced. “I can’t move past all of this if I keep it bottled up. I want … I need to tell you. You have to know. I want you to know before I tell the police.” I looked at her, gazing into her espresso colored eyes. “I want you to know that I trust you and that I love you, too.” She smiled, tears welling in her eyes. She tenderly wrapped her arms around me and I felt like I was finally home.

Breaking apart, Bella gave me a tentative smile. “I don’t want to force you into doing something you don’t want, love,” she said quietly.

“The past eleven years have been nothing but forced servitude. I want you to know what happened to me. I have to show you if I want to get better,” I said. “I want you to be proud to be seen with me.”

“I already am,” she said.

“Bellisima, you and I both know that I’m a fucking mess,” I snorted.

“Right now? Yes, but I want to help you get better,” she chuckled anxiously. “It will be a work in progress, love.”

I nodded, agreeing with her. “I know that you had your suspicions about Esme, but what she is; it’s far worse than your most horrific nightmare,” I muttered. I blew out a breath and looked at her. “Esme forced me to do things to her.”

“Forced? As in …” she trailed off, her face turning an unnatural shade of puce. “She … she …”

“Yes,” I whispered. 

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?