Perdition, Chapter 12 Teaser

Then

“Bella, honey, come have a seat. I'll get to that later.” I heard my mom calling for me from the back yard. She'd made up a beautiful afternoon tea for us on the patio overlooking the lake. She even used her floral tray and broke out her best china tea set. She had little petit fours from the bakery down the beach; she never could bake worth a damn.

“I'm coming, I'm coming!” I headed out the open patio doors. Her backyard was small, mostly because the sand crept in, but she had a garden planted along the house. I watched the lazy bobbing of the flower heads, identifying snapdragons and nasturtium among others in the haphazard order my mother had perfected. I made my way to the little round table with the umbrella that she had set to one side of the yard and kissed her cheek before sitting next to her.

“You're always so busy these days,” she complained with an indulgent smile. “It makes me happy, but I miss you.”

Ex Delicto Chapter 31

Final chapters are always bittersweet.

---

I had yet to return to work, and found that I didn't miss the daily grind or the people. I'd begged off for another month, but I knew I needed to make a decision one way or the other. I felt like something was coming, experiencing an anticipatory edginess that I couldn't quite place.

Edward and I were engaged. It felt fabulous to say that, and I repeated it often. I had no firm thoughts on when to set the date, although I believed Edward was looking to get married immediately. Like we should just step in front of a judge and say the words, and really, what was wrong with that? I just knew that our families would be unhappy if that was our choice, and the least I could do was put on a fancy dress for a few hours. It had worked out quite well for the gala, after all.

Edward had been incredibly loving and demonstrative since I'd healed and we'd started being intimate again. It almost felt like he was making up for all the years he was abstinent before meeting me. And there was no complaint out of me, whatsoever.

Today, though, I was supposed to meet him at an address he'd texted me. He claimed it was a restaurant, but it was in a residential neighborhood when I looked up the directions. When I pulled into the development, there was nothing but dirt and trees with a few signs stuck in the ground. I couldn't figure out what in the hell we were doing there, but I spotted Edward standing on the road, his hand shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. He watched me pull closer and come to a stop, then jogged over and opened my door.

"How did you get here? Why are you here?"

He kissed my cheek, pulling me with him to where he'd been standing. Excitement was vibrating off of him in waves. "All of this," he gestured with open arms, "is ours."

"Ours." I didn't comprehend. He was waving at an awful lot of dirt.

"Yeah, ours. Isn't it awesome?" I swear he bounced on the balls of his feet.

"Sweetheart, why don't you back up and start from the beginning?" I took his closest hand and rested it on my cheek, urging him to focus on me.

Edward blew out a breath. "Okay. You know how I didn't give all the money away, like we agreed?"

"Yes. I wondered about it, but I didn't want to ask." I bit my lower lip. "Did you do something crazy? Because you totally should do something at least a little nuts."

"I did a lot of things. I gave Mom that money, and she split the first portion with Dad since it's only fair. The rest she's spending on herself. And I set up the scholarships."

Not only had Edward paid his mother for the money she'd spent on attorneys, he'd given her another five hundred thousand dollars to do with as she wished. She was looking at taking classes to update her skills on computer software, and then opening her own advertising firm. She was finally happy, and I think it had been an incredibly long time since she'd felt that way.

I let the budgeting aspect of Edward's restitution money go; we'd discussed it, but he'd apparently changed his mind. I decided it wasn't my business, and I wasn't going to ask. He declined a paid position at the IP, requesting that Lara use the salary for someone else on staff. It was no coincidence that both Liam and Leah received anonymous scholarships in an amount equal to tuition for their remaining years at law school.

He seemed like he was fidgeting, nervous and building up to something big. "Honey, I know these things. What don't I know?"

A full blown smile bloomed over his face. "I bought us land to build a house. Any kind of house you want. And I put money into a trust fund for our babies, you know, when they grow up."

"You're already planning for babies?" I breathed. I wrapped my arms around him, taking in his warmth.

"Yes. You want children, don't you?" he asked tentatively.

"I do. I really do."

He pulled away again, looking into my face. "Then that's what it's for. You can volunteer full time, and not have to go back to work. I know you've struggled with it, and I want you to have that choice. We can have the wedding of your dreams, the house of your dreams."

"And what about your dreams?"

Edward smiled, and it was a beautiful sight. "I have everything I've ever dreamed of, love. I have my volunteer work at IPNW, I have a wonderful mother, who I was able to reimburse for all of the expenditures she made on my behalf, and enable her to start her own company, and I'm making friends." Edward leaned down and kissed me, stealing my breath. "Most importantly, I have you. You are all I've ever dreamed of."

"I love you so much," I replied, hugging him tighter to me.

~E~D~

Six months later my nightmares had dwindled to less than once a month. Our wedding was two weeks away and we were almost all set to move into the house of our dreams. But I hadn't been feeling well, lately.

At first, I thought I had food poisoning from the sushi I'd eaten a few days ago, but it was lingering longer than it should… enough that I made an appointment with my doctor. At the last minute, I had Edward join me. Call it intuition.

By the time we were waiting for my lab results, I knew what they would say. I watched Edward's face as the doctor announced with a hearty congratulations that we were pregnant. His eyebrows went up, then he frowned, and then his entire body lit up as his brain caught up to the words spoken. Edwrad turned to me, his beautiful face beaming, his expression open and ecstatic. I was incredibly happy that I'd brought him along. He deserved to have this moment, the joy and awe and excitement.

Before I knew it, he threw his arms around me and held me so tight I almost couldn't breathe. I laughed, hugging him back, before he pulled away. His long fingers stroked my cheeks, and I smiled hugely in reaction to his grin.

"We're having a baby!" he shouted.

I nodded. "We are!"

It took time and commotion to get out of the office, and then he insisted on feeding me. Edward would always take care of me, now us, and I would return the favor. Everything had turned around for us, everything was moving smoothly now. If not for the lessons learned, it was almost as though our troubles had never happened. Yes, the consequences of this crime, or in legal terms the ex delicto, had been far reaching, but we had worked through them and would continue to do so if necessary.

There was no family of Newton's alive that wasn't incarcerated, nobody to pay restitution for his crimes. Instead, I'd settled with the city over what I'd considered gross negligence as more corruption came to light with the investigation into how Michael Newton had spent ten years assaulting women and covering it up. Too much of it happened on company time, and though he'd been reprimanded for misconduct when he would disappear on duty and he'd been suspended more than once, none of his superiors had taken action to report him higher up the chain. He'd greased Randall's palms, convincing him to turn a blind eye when reports of assault came across his desk before having him volunteer to be on my guard detail, but mostly he committed the acts on company time while partners ignored his absence.

I couldn't stomach letting that go, to just agreeing that nobody had to take responsibility for their lack of action. Though my father didn't like it, he understood and respected my need to bring attention to the problem. He'd implemented new rules, and the mayor offered a settlement rather than allowing me to take it to court. It was never about the money, so I donated mine to the city's pro bono therapy associates. I'd heard that Lauren Mallory had settled a suit with the state, and that made my heart feel balanced, just like the scales I wore on my wrist. She was going to be okay.

I left the wedding planning to Esme and Renée, focusing on the case I'd been working on for the past six months, a woman convicted of murdering her ex-husband. I found the proof I needed to exonerate her, and she'd been released last week.

Yes, everything was turning out just fine for us. Now I had a nursery to decorate, and a future filled with possibilities with Edward by my side.

My partner in crime.

The end.

---

In fiction world, we could pretend they never had to work for pay again, strictly volunteering their time. In reality, let's say he held on to enough money and invested it wisely so that it will be years before they have to worry about working for money.

Thank you to all of my loyal readers for following me and Lawyerella and Prsionward. You are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to BeLynda for being an excellent beta and friend to bounce ideas off of; she truly helps elevate my stories.

Thank you to coppertopj, aka Denise, for all of the collages and the pre-reader work, and to my pre-readers starsmina and rebadams7. You ladies rock!

I have so many things in the works, I don't know where to start. Perdition will get my sole attention for a few weeks, or until the itch to post something new wins out. I'm writing a supernatural/AU that I'm in love with, and I'm expanding my mobward contest entry, so look for those soon. Not to mention, there's a contest or two out there that I'm working on! And of course, you can always find me on facebook.

XOXO

Lara

Ex Delicto, Teaser Chapter 31

“Sweetheart, why don't you back up and start from the beginning?” I took his closest hand and rested it on my cheek, urging him to focus on me.

Edward blew out a breath. “Okay. You know how I didn't give all the money away, like we agreed?”

“Yes. I wondered about it, but I didn't want to ask.” I bit my lower lip. “Did you do something crazy? Because you totally should do something at least a little nuts.”

“I did a lot of things. I gave Mom that money, and she split the first portion with Dad since it's only fair. The rest she's spending on herself. And I set up the scholarships.”

Not only had Edward paid his mother for the money she'd spent on attorneys, he'd given her another five hundred thousand dollars to do with as she wished. She was looking at taking classes to update her skills on computer software, and then opening her own advertising firm. She was finally happy, and I think it had been an incredibly long time since she'd felt that way.

He declined a paid position at the IP, requesting that Lara use the salary for someone else on staff. It was no coincidence that both Liam and Leah received anonymous scholarships in an amount equal to tuition for their remaining years at law school.

Perdition, Teaser Chapter 11

Then

“Make love to me,” I implored. I needed him to comfort me more than ever.

His brows disappeared into the shaggy hair hanging in his face. “You don't want to talk?”

“I don't want to talk,” I assured him as I scooted closer, winding my arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. I needed a balm for the ache, a distraction from the storm brewing at my house. I wanted to forget.

His hands moved to my shirt as we kissed frantically, unfastening the small pearl buttons before running his fingers over the exposed skin. Frissons ran along my skin and raced up and down my spine; this was known, familiar and welcomed. Edward was my home, and I needed that solidity now more than ever. I pushed his hair out of his face and then grabbed it.

Ex Delicto Chapter 30

I've been told this chapter needs a tissue warning.

---

I was strong. I was smart. I was capable. And now I was freaking out over covering my scars for the much anticipated IPNW fundraising gala. I didn't want to be vain, but I didn't want to be self-conscious all night, either. I'd picked a silver lace and satin gown to give me confidence and strength, and Alice had done my eye makeup for me. With red lipstick in place, I examined the finished product, hoping that I looked gorgeous.

"All I see is a hideous reflection of a Frankenstein type creature. You can dress me up, but I'm still a monster."

"Don't cry, Bella, you'll fuck up your eye makeup!" Alice pleaded.

I stared at Alice in the mirror as Rose spoke up. "I think what Alice meant to say, is that you're a survivor. That's what we see, and you know Edward doesn't notice any of that."

Since we'd christened my entire apartment recently, including the kitchen counter, I could attest to the truth of what she said. "Still, I hate feeling this way. I shouldn't care what anybody thinks, but I do."

"Here, you haven't let me try," Rose said in her quiet voice. She grabbed pots and bottles and powders, tilting my head in all directions as she worked on me.

"Have you spoken to a plastic surgeon, sweetie?" Alice asked more timidly than she normally spoke.

I sighed and tried not to fidget. "Yes, I just had a consultation. Something about healing times and tissue depth. I don't fucking know why, I just know he said it's too soon and to come back in six months. Meanwhile, I don't like leaving the house unless I'm just going to the IPNW offices or Mom and Dad's house." I scowled at my reflection, and Rose huffed.

"I'm almost done, if you'd be still another minute."

"Yes, ma'am."

I saw her mouth lift at the corners as she tried not to smile. "That's better."

Truly, she was a magician in disguise. She'd managed to cover the worst of them, and all I saw was flawless makeup and a few lines here and there where the scars were particularly thick. I tried hard not to tear up, but I had to brush my fingers under my eyes to catch a few drops.

"Thank you so much, Rose," I said quietly and sincerely. She smiled and nodded at me in the mirror.

"Thank God I used waterproof mascara," Alice piped up. "You look amazing, now let's get you out there to Edward and your brothers."

I took note of their dresses as we went out; Alice was in siren red, long hair curled into a half updo. Rose was wearing a beautiful bright teal lace dress, long and fluttering as she walked. She'd pulled her hair up, with Alice's help. When I spotted Emmett, he was standing off to the side of my living room, not looking very comfortable. He visibly relaxed when he spotted his wife, and then I saw Jasper pull Alice into an embrace that spoke volumes about how much he enjoyed her look. Edward wasn't in the room, and I felt a little shaky without him. I was trying to make a grand entrance, and it failed.

Then, he came around the corner from the kitchen, and it was he that made an entrance. His tuxedo fit him like a dream, his hair a little shorter since he'd finally needed a trim. He beamed at me as he came toward me, a box in his hand.

"Oh, Bella, you look amazing." He carefully kissed my cheek, holding one of my hands in his own. "Here, this is for you," he said as he offered the box to me.

I opened the flat black square and gasped a little at the bracelet resting on red velvet. It was braided silver, with a heart-shaped clasp and a round charm depicting the scales of justice, surrounded by diamonds. It was perfect for me, and I loved it. "Edward! It's beautiful."

He beamed at me, and I smiled in return. My eyes watered, and I sniffled.

"No crying!" Alice hollered.

~E~D~

The gala was everything I wanted it to be. The tables were covered in white linens, candles, and scattered with short vases filled with white flowers. With it being black tie, all the men were cleaned up and showing off their tuxedos. Women were in ball gowns and fancy dresses, dripping in jewels. I'd never felt the need for much jewelry, but I was pleased to have my new bracelet.

Edward was the keynote speaker, of course, but he hadn't let me see his speech. I was anxious to hear it, because I knew he was nervous and I wanted to put his mind at ease.

We mingled for a little while, greeting people we'd met through the Innocence Project, until I spotted my parents. My mother had almost moved in with me after the hospital, but I'd convinced her it would be crowded with Edward there. She saw me before Dad did and nearly dragged him across the floor.

"Bella! You look amazing! That dress compliments your hair." I patted her on the back as she hugged me, and she held onto my shoulders as she stepped back. "You look radiant. Happiness suits you."

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, blushing hard.

"Renée is right," Edward chimed in. "You look happy."

I accepted his peck to my lips, then we found our seats in time for the dinner. We took up an entire table, the Swan family and Edward and Esme. Carlisle had declined his son's invitation, which didn't surprise me. I had a really good time, chatting with my brothers and Alice and Rose. We'd found a rhythm, all of us. Esme and Renée were close friends now, and Esme had a standing place at the family table. It was a good life we were building.

Edward kissed me on the cheek, whispering that it was time for his speech. Esme handed me a travel pack of tissues.

"You've seen his index cards!" I accused.

"I helped him write it," she admitted with a grin.

I had to turn my attention to the stage area as Edward cleared his throat.

"Twelve years ago, I was in college. I was a typical nerd who only studied. I wasn't in school to party, or make friends. I was there to learn. Midway through my sophomore year, I was convinced, against my better judgement, to go to a frat party. Little did I know, it would turn out to be the worst decision of my life.

"What started out as having a drink and dancing with a pretty girl, ended up a nightmare for both of us. You see, sometime during the night she was raped, and I was accused of it." He paused to take a sip from the bottle of water on the podium. I had to dab a tissue at the corner of my eye.

"Because that was the last thing either of us remembered, that we had danced together. I was woken the next morning by the police questioning me about what happened the night before. The next thing I knew, I was being charged with rape and taken to jail.

"My parents hired the best attorney in the city, and I went to trial. I was convicted and sentenced to twenty years in prison, and although I appealed my sentence many times, none of those appeals resulted in my sentence being overturned, or my freedom.

"About a year ago, ten years into my prison sentence for a crime I wasn't sure if I had committed, it was announced that I had a visitor. Now, my father had never visited me in prison, and my mother only came once a month since the drive was so long, so I had no idea who it could be.

"When I got to the visitors' room I was shocked when I saw what appeared to be a child sitting there, saying she was with the Innocence Project Northwest and she was going to take my case." Edward smiled briefly in my direction.

"To say I was bitter would be an understatement. To say I looked at this girl as anything but an incompetent dreamer would be a lie.

"But she slowly convinced me that she and the IPNW could make a difference for me. She taught me how to hope again, something I'd lost after ten years in that place.

"Then we got a horrible new warden at OCC and all my hope violently and ruthlessly died all over again.

"But my lawyer, the incomparable Isabella Swan, prevailed, and I was released when the real rapist was found by her and the other volunteers who helped her."

I had to catch my tears with another tissue as I watched Edward wiping a few tears of his own. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, and as I looked around, I caught sight of Liam and Leah sitting together at another table.

"She taught me how to live again. She gave me a voice, and I choose to use it for those who don't have that opportunity. She gave me purpose in my new life as a free man, and beautiful words to say as well.

"I only stand before you today, exonerated, because of the tireless efforts of the employees and volunteers of the Innocence Project Northwest. So it is my great honor and privilege to donate two million dollars of my restitution from the state to the wonderful group of staff and volunteers here at the Innocence Project."

There was loud, resounding applause as he finished his speech, but I was confused. That was less than the amount we'd discussed.

Edward held up a hand as two large cardboard checks were carried out. "I also want to announce that another two million is being donated to the victims of sexual assault through the RAINN group, in the name of the Swan family." There's more clapping of course, and I stand, thrilled that he is the strong man he is today due to the help of this organization, and that he was able to help them in return, so tremendously and selflessly.

"If I can just have one more moment of your time," Edward said to the crowd, leaning over to the microphone. Curious, I looked at Esme, but she seemed surprised as well. "It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bare your soul to, and who will accept you for who you are. I've been waiting what seems like a very long time to get beyond what I thought I was. I've struggled with who I'm not, who I could have been, and who I am. It took a strong woman to help me, to not give up on me, even when I gave up on myself. She helped me overcome all of my doubts and insecurities. Isabella Swan," he gestured to me, and I made my way to where he was, baffled. I stood next to him, looking up into the proud expression on his face.

My heart fluttered in my throat as he knelt in front of me. He held up a ring, and my vision blurred as I lost focus.

"Bella, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life not only being the man I am now, but growing into a better person by your side. What do you say? Marry me?"

If I thought the applause was deafening before, it was nothing compared to the hooting and hollering and clapping I heard behind me now. I pulled Edward to his feet, nodding and crying. "Yes! Of course I'll marry you, you amazing man!"

He engulfed me in his hug, holding me tightly to his chest and whispering I love you over and over in my ear. When he kissed me, the world dropped away, and it was only us.

---

I want you all to know, I had no idea Edward was going to propose until the words were being written. And credit goes to Melissa Rosenberg for the portion of her words I utilized.

Perdition Chapter 10

Then

"Who is that boy over there playing with Benny?" I asked my best friend Angela.

She looked over her shoulder, then back to me. We were mostly just gossiping on the swing set. "That's Edward Cullen. You know his sister Alice, don't you?"

I nodded, still watching him and Benny as they raced each other across the monkey bars. "She's younger than us, so I only see her at the playground or sometimes at lunch."

Angela looked at me more carefully and giggled. "Bella, he's in 8th grade. Stop staring."

My eyes widened on hers as I finally tore my gaze from him. "So? That's only a year older. He's so tall already, Ange," I murmured.

"More like gangly. He won't sprout up until high school, you know. Besides, I think Benjamin is so much cuter."

My eyebrow shot up. "Since when does he go by 'Benjamin'? He's always gone by Benny, since we were in kindergarten."

"Since he turned thirteen, Isabella," she emphasized my full name for effect.

I shuddered. "Don't call me that, ever. Only my dad calls me Isabella," I said quietly.

"Sorry. Bella."

I swung back and forth gently a few times. "So have you asked him out yet?"

Angela laughed, a nasal giggling sound. "No. I'm waiting for him to notice me."

It was said so wistfully, and I realized something then and there. "Well, I'm not waiting for some boy to notice me."

I stood from the swing, full of twelve year old confidence, and marched over to the monkey bars. I crossed my arms and tapped my foot in the mulch, waiting for the boys to reach the end and drop down. I watched Edward, his long skinny arms working furiously, long thin legs dangling. He reached the end first, crowing loudly and holding his arms above his head in victory.

"Cullen."

He turned to me, seeing me standing there like I owned the playground. "Yeah?"

"Winner takes me for ice cream," I stated, rather imperiously.

He looked a little confused, but he perused me up and down, his green eyes sparkling in the sun. "Okay."

"Okay." I suddenly didn't know what to do.

"Are your parents here?" he asked.

"Um, no. I'm allowed to stay in the square alone."

"Cool. Let's walk over to Miller's Confectionery." He held his arm out like a gentleman, and I shot a look to Angela before accepting, bending my elbow and linking it with his.

"You are going to wash up when we get there, aren't you?" I asked, worrying my lower lip in my teeth as I looked down at his dirty hands.

He laughed, and I still think that's the moment I fell head over heels.

Now

I hear the bell chiming on the diner door, much like the bell in my memory at the ice cream shop. Edward and his daughter come in, and I see the recognition as his gaze lands on my face. I give him a smile but don't make any effort to move. I don't want to intrude on their time, I just want to watch them interact. There was a time when I knew that I would be the mother of his children, and everything about the girl's adoption has me curious, especially since Angela won't tell me a thing. Sue comes from the back, surprising me by stopping at my table and cupping my cheek with a warm, calloused hand.

"I'm glad that you came back, Bella."

Her earnest eyes take me by surprise, and I blink several times before answering. "Thanks, Sue. How are the kids?"

She chuckles. "Not kids anymore, sweetheart. They're both fine."

She seems to want to avoid the subject, and I remember that I've seen Seth with the gang from the reservation. "That's good to hear. I'm happy to see you're still running the diner."

"Nobody can run me off, dear. The Forks Diner is my baby, and I love cooking for all of you folks." She looks up as someone calls her name, and I watch as she goes to Edward and his daughter. The next thing I know, they're traipsing down the walkway and Sue and Mallie disappear into the ladies room.

"She likes it when Sue takes her," I hear from next to me, and my head swivels to face him.

"Is it awkward to take her yourself?" I inquire, genuinely curious about a single dad taking his daughter to the bathroom.

"I'm used to it by now, but I normally check the women's to make sure it's empty, then escort her inside." He chuckles lightly.

I smile in return, and watch him as he keeps his eyes trained to the bathroom door. "It's amazing, that you've taken on a child by yourself."

It's apparently the wrong thing to say, judging by the storm clouds that cover his face as he looks sharply at me. "I didn't have a choice," he snarls, eyes narrowed on my face. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, saved by Sue coming back with Mallie.

"You ready, love?" he asks her, completely transformed into a loving and patient father.

"Yes, Daddy!" she chirps, and I marvel at her springy pigtails and pink socks, and lovely pink lace shirt and skirt combo.

"Let's go then," he says, sparing me one more glance before heading out. I sigh, thinking we're moving backward more than forward.

"He'll come around," Sue declares from where she stands near my elbow.

"Will he? And for that matter, should he? I really am to blame for his attitude, Sue." I rub my temples with my fingertips, trying to ease the headache forming.

"I think he still loves you, or there wouldn't be so much hurt to work through. If he hated you, he'd wash his hands of you, but he hasn't done that."

"How do you know so much?"

"Years of watching and listening to folks." She pats my head in a motherly fashion before disappearing into the back again.

I head out the front after paying for my meal, deciding to walk back to my apartment and figure out what to do with myself for the rest of the day. I feel uneasy, like I'm being watched. I discreetly glance around, but I don't see anybody unusual. I wouldn't be surprised to discover Black is having me followed so he can keep an eye on his asset. The morning clouds have given way to late afternoon sun, and it's actually pleasant to walk down Main Street and glance in the shop windows and admire the wares. I let myself into my home, only to stop moving and lean heavily against the door.

My belongings are scattered, my bedding on the floor and the mattress cut up. Drawers and cabinets are hanging open, even my mother's favorite clock is on the floor in pieces. My reaction is swift and visceral, my knees buckle and I slide down the door, letting the tears fall and collect on my chin. It takes me several minutes as I try not to think of the heirlooms that are ruined, but I heave myself up and into the bathroom to wash my face, where writing on the mirror stops me cold.

Where's The Money?

It looks like permanent marker, large letters underlined with a bold stroke. My hands shaking, I swipe at the mirror with my palms, but it doesn't budge. I stumble out of the bathroom, moving back to my purse and pulling out my phone. I stare at my broken things as the call is answered.

"I need help."

Ex Delicto Chapter 29

I doubt you care what I say up here, so...

---

I lunged for Edward as his eyes widened. Fisting his shirt front in my hands, I brought him down closer to my level and attacked his throat. His hands stroked my back, moving my hair to nibble on my ear.

"Oh, fuck, Bella, are you sure?" he growled.

I nodded against him, shoving my hands in his hair and going for his mouth. My body was writhing against his without conscious effort, and he groaned against my mouth. I couldn't get enough of him, couldn't get close enough. I was practically climbing him like a jungle gym in my effort to get more.

"I need you, God, Edward," I panted against his skin.

"If you're absolutely sure this is what you want, then I'm going to fuck you so hard, Bella."

My panties flooded with my arousal, and I'm pretty sure a whimper escaped. We were a tangle of teeth and tongues, hands grasping and groping and yanking off clothes. A few of my buttons went flying, and I think I ripped his shirt. When we were mostly undressed, I pulled his hands to my breasts to encourage him. He tugged my nipples, and I gasped loudly in the relative silence. Edward took control, turning me around and placing my hands on the handrail, pulling my hips back and running his fingertips over my ass.

When he lined up behind me, I met his eyes in the mirrored panel of the elevator and saw his face the moment he pushed inside me. It was glorious, a carnal reconnecting and letting go of the past.

"Fucking gorgeous, you're so fucking gorgeous," he ground out. His hands molded to my tits as they bounced, and I wasn't conscious of one moment from the next as my orgasm came barreling into me. I felt like I was weightless, only held to reality by the man pounding into me. It was surreal, and sweaty, and perfect.

"Bella." He sounded urgent as his movements sped erratically.

"I know, baby. Let go. Let it go."

With a roar, he stilled with his hips so tight to my body, his grip almost brutal. My head fell forward and we lost our shared gaze. Edward stepped away from me and staggered back to the other side of the elevator. I giggled at the thought of his ass print on the shiny metal.

"We have to get out of here," I laughed. I felt euphoric. Cleansed.

He smirked, grabbing his clothing and tossing mine at me. We tried to fix our attire, but it was hopeless. Edward kissed me, little pecks on my smiling mouth. When he hit the button to start the elevator, I snorted at the idea that there was little to no security to help out if there'd been a real problem, and no security cameras.

We walked back to the parking garage, since I'd ditched the idea of paperwork for now. I was buoyant as we swung our hands between us. "You're my lobster," I commented.

Edward looked at me with his brows raised. "Your what? Are you saying you're hungry?"

I laughed again, thinking that he'd missed out on that particular pop culture reference while being a studious nerd. "It's a reference to the myth that lobsters mate for life. I am hungry, though, so I say Chinese takeout so we can binge watch Friends."

"Whose friends are we watching?"

"Oh, hell no." I checked his face, and the corners of his mouth twitched. "I knew it!"

"I've seen a few episodes, and I know which one you're referring to. There are plenty of animals that mate for life, by the way. Wolves, owls, penguins, for example. And swans."

"Good to know," I grinned.

When we settled ourselves in my car, I turned to look at him. "I just want to say something that's been on my mind since my last therapy session." He raised his eyebrows and waited patiently. I took a deep breath. "When I was… spiraling. I should've thought of your pain, all the time you spent locked up for a crazy man's ego. You had it worse than I did, and I broke all over you as though your suffering was less than mine."

"That's not how I saw it. Everyone goes through hard times. I would never tell my mother that her issues with my father are less important because I spent ten years in prison. Your kidnapping doesn't need to be compared to my imprisonment."

"I love you."

"I know." He smirked.

I laughed, realizing what an extraordinary thing it was that we'd found each other. Fate was funny that way.

I received a letter in the mail a few days later informing me that my client had been awarded a sum of money from the state, and when I flipped to the second page, the copy of Edward's check had me sitting heavily on my couch. I had my phone in my hand in the next moment, calling Edward at the IP to ask if he'd had his mail forwarded somewhere.

"Yeah, to your place. Why?"

I shook my head, knowing he couldn't see me. "Our place. Because I got a letter regarding my client today, and I wondered where your copy was."

"Oh? What's it about?"

I could hear that he was distracted, working on whomever was lucky enough to have Edward and his quick mind on their case. "Um, you know, just a copy of your check for ten million dollars."

"That's nice… Wait, what the hell did you say?" His voice rose an octave as what I'd said sunk in.

"Yeah. I'm assuming yours will come with an armed guard and require a signature," I joked.

"Holy fuck," he whispered. "Do you know what this means, Bella?"

I did know. We'd discussed it thoroughly, and I knew what he wanted to do with any money he received from the state.

"I sure do, love. It's going to be awesome."

"I have to tell Lara. She's going to be so surprised when I tell her she gets half. After I pay back Mom and Dad for all they spent on lawyers, I can give the rest to that sexual assault victims charity, RAINN." He was quiet for a minute, and I let him think. "We have to have a dinner to remind people what a worthy cause the Innocence Project is. If I can turn over that much money, others can surely donate their time."

"I think that's a wonderful idea. Maybe you should wait to tell her until the dinner, then. You can make a speech about the work that we all do, and then hand over the money."

"It would make for a great excuse to get you dressed up. Although I don't know about speaking in front of a room full of people." He sounded nervous, the sweet man.

"You can do it, I have faith in you." I smiled at the whole idea.

"I know you do, but ugh. I guess I better start writing it. I bet Mom would love to help plan the event." He sounded more and more excited as he spoke. It was just like him to think of others first, to not want to accept anything for himself.

"We can talk about it when you get home. It hasn't even come yet, baby." His excitement was contagious, though, and I found myself thinking about that event and what it could look like.

I'd picked another case to throw myself into, and I felt rejuvenated with the work I was doing. It felt more important to work with them full time, and I was considering quitting my job to devote my time to those in positions like Edward had been. I knew we needed to invite past cases to the dinner to celebrate their lives, too. It felt like everything was falling into place.

---

It was Isao84 that reminded me of Friends and the lobster quote. Thanks, sweetie!

I want to give you a heads up that there are only 2 more chapters before this baby is marked complete.

This is the last day to vote in the We Love Mobward Contest! There were such amazing stories that deserve our love. Please vote if you haven't already!

Ex Delicto, Teaser Chapter 29

I was buoyant as we swung our hands between us. “You're my lobster,” I commented.

Edward looked at me with his brows raised. “Your what? Are you saying you're hungry?”

I laughed, thinking that he'd missed out on that particular pop culture reference while being a studious nerd. “It's a reference to the myth that lobsters mate for life. I am hungry, though, so I say Chinese takeout so we can binge watch Friends.”

“Whose friends are we watching?”

“Oh, hell no.” I checked his face, and the corners of his mouth twitched. “I knew it!”

“I've seen a few episodes, and I know which one you're referring to. There are plenty of animals that mate for life, by the way. Wolves, owls, penguins, for example. And swans.”

“Good to know,” I grinned.

Perdition Chapter 9

There is a certain softness that overlays the hardness of his muscles, enticing the tips of my fingers as they smooth over every inch of his flesh I can reach. I want to hear him, want the moans and naughty words he usually whispers in my ear, but he's uncharacteristically silent as I reach further. I wish he would touch me, encouraging the tingle between my thighs and easing the ache. I sigh, and open my eyes softly, expecting luminous green to meet deep brown. I blink several times in confusion before reality makes itself known. There's nothing there but a blank wall. I should be used to waking up alone, but the universe is bent on playing a cruel trick on me. I don't know which part of my body feels him there instead of the emptiness; my heart, my soul, or my brain.

Edward isn't here now, but he was. He helped me off the floor the previous night and asked me gruffly what I'd gotten myself into.

"I can't tell you," I'd mumbled, like a song you hated played on repeat. I needed to fire my inner station manager.

"Of course not," he scoffed, turning from me as I adjusted my clothing and rubbed at the bruises forming. I took the opportunity to stare at his profile, with his sharp jaw clenched tightly in his anger. His brow was furrowed, tempting me to smooth the wrinkles over them.

"Did you really call the sheriff?" I questioned, hoping to bring my thoughts back to the present.

"No, I was bluffing, but I would have if I'd needed to." He finally turned the furnace of his gaze on me, and I stifled a gasp.

"I do want to tell you some things, and I'd like to think you can put the rest together after what you just witnessed." I motioned to the only chair in the room, which was usually pushed under my bistro table, but had been knocked over in the earlier scuffle. When he sat in the chair he righted, I took the edge of the bed. He looked on me with an inscrutable expression, and I fidgeted before beginning.

"I want to start by saying I was happy. My mom and I, we were happy." Something ugly flickered in his eyes, but I plowed on. "It took some work, I admit, and I always… I always missed us, you know? What we had, and the possibilities we dreamed about but that never came to fruition."

His long fingers scrubbed over his face and through his hair, but he said nothing.

"I hope you were, too," I said softly. "I hope you found happiness here without me, because that's all I wanted. I know I screwed everything up, and I know you hate me." I dropped my gaze to the comforter. "I thought it was because you found out I testified against Emmett."

"You did testify against him, Bella. Regardless of anything Ben or anyone else swears isn't true, that one huge fact is true. That fact will always be against you, sitting in the 'cons' column." His breathing became heavier, his fists clenching and unclenching in his lap. "You left total fucking chaos in your wake when you ditched town, and you want me to know you were happy?" he spit in indignation.

"I know. I know I did, and I want you to understand I had no choice. I can't tell you-"

"You can't tell me why, yeah, I got it." Edward stood, looking down on me.

"Please, Edward, I haven't finished!" I shouted in a panic, standing in front of him. "I want to make it right, tell you what I can. Maybe it can help your brother."

We stood there, staring each other down, my chest heaving and his eyes blazing. Finally his shoulders sagged and he sat back down. I tried to even out my breathing as I sank back to the bed. "I was coerced to testify." His head jerked in my direction and his eyes bored into mine. "I was threatened, and your life was threatened. I had no choice, Edward," I whispered.

He was silent for an interminable time as my mother's heirloom clock ticked loudly from my bedside table. Finally, he spoke. "And if you admit you lied, what would happen?"

"It would mean my life," I answered so quietly that it was an exhaled breath.

"Can I have his case appealed? He told me not to, you know. He said he would do the time and for me not to worry. Our parents have begged him, but he doesn't… he doesn't want us to waste our time on him." The anguish on his face was hard to deal with, especially now that I was trying to make it right.

"I don't know. I didn't see him that night, but I wouldn't be able to recant. You can't have my testimony thrown out." I trembled at the thought of Jacob finding out I'd gone against him with Edward's help. It couldn't possibly end well for either of us.

"At the funeral, when I spotted you. Charlie told me you were moving back because you were getting married."

Ah, it looked like that one stung. I narrowed my eyes. "My father is a pathological liar." I sighed heavily, shifting on my bed. "There was an… offer. I ignored it, and it was made again. The second time I ignored it, my mother was murdered to gain my compliance." My words fell heavily from my lips, the reality still brutal in my heart.

He gasped. "Renée was murdered? Charlie has told everyone it was a blood clot."

I closed my eyes against the compassion I saw in eyes so familiar they haunted my dreams. "I found her in the back yard. She was planting daisies." I swallowed, but the lump remained. "She had a rather large inheritance, which I believe was the sole reason Charlie married her. Only he didn't realize it was put into a trust by my grandfather- to be passed to her children- so Charlie eventually started beating her for failing him. After I paid for her final expenses, I put everything back in a trust, except what I'll need until her house sells. I don't want him, or anyone else, getting their hands on that money through me." I sensed movement, and I opened my eyes to find him standing in front of me, hand outstretched. I sat, frozen, as I watched him move incrementally closer, the fingertips of his right hand twitching just before making contact. The nerve endings in my cheek caught fire, skin tingling, body yearning. Hearts hoped, recognizing mates, pounding furiously. All at a simple stroke of warm fingers.

And then he was gone, striding out my door and slamming it behind him. I refuted the finality of that sound, racing behind him only to lose my courage and stop on my side of the barrier, flipping the locks and standing with my cheek pressed to the coolness, hoping to quell the burn. He'd listened, though I could tell him a thousand more things about my life and never grow tired.

"I have a daughter." I startled at the sound of his voice through the door. He hadn't left yet. Was he pressed to the other side, reflecting my pose?

"I- I know. Angela told me." I held my breath, waiting for him to make another sound, anything to indicate he was going to stick around.

"So you know… she's mine, but she's not… mine." His voice was muffled but clear, and I realized I could feel his presence.

I smiled, though of course he couldn't see. "She is yours, and she's beautiful." I bit my lip, trying not to cry.

"I have to go," his disembodied voice said before I heard footsteps retreating.

I thought maybe there was hope again, and when my heart settled its crazy throbbing, I smiled until my cheeks hurt.

---

Perdition, Teaser Chapter 9

“At the funeral, when I spotted you. Charlie told me you were moving back because you were getting married.”

Ah, it looked like that one stung. I narrowed my eyes. “My father is a pathological liar.” I sighed heavily. “There was an… offer. I ignored it, and it was made again. The second time I ignored it, my mother was murdered to gain my compliance.” My words fell heavily from my lips, the reality still brutal in my heart.

He gasped. “Renée was murdered? Charlie has told everyone it was a blood clot.”

I closed my eyes against the compassion I now saw in eyes so familiar they haunted my dreams. “I found her in the back yard. She was planting daisies.” I swallowed, but the lump remained. “She had a rather large inheritance, which I believe was the sole reason Charlie married her. Only he didn't realize it was put into a trust by my grandfather-- to be passed to her children-- so Charlie eventually started beating her for failing him. After I paid for her final expenses, I put everything back in a trust, except what I'll need until her house sells. I don't want him, or anyone else, getting their hands on that money through me.”

Ex Delicto Chapter 28

Therapy seemed to be the prescription for all of us as of late. It was definitely helping me to move past my panic attacks and nightmares, and to overcome the sense of smelling fertilizer when I was stressed or overtired. Edward was still meeting with his therapist to work through his feelings of guilt, anger, and betrayal through the justice system.

For me, a huge weight had lifted from both of our shoulders when we worked to come to terms with the long list of conspirators working with Michael Newton; he clearly had been nothing but a psychopath with too many connections. I felt calmer and more secure after my sessions, and I no longer pushed Edward away when my emotions got to be too hard to handle. We'd discussed and agreed on separate civil suits against any remaining relatives of Newton's, though we weren't positive how many were left.

Now Carlisle was involved in therapy with Edward and Esme. Edward was still on the fence when it came to forgiveness, and it seemed that he struggled harder with that than he did with the ten years he spent in prison.

We'd had many conversations over the months about how hard he worked to be what he considered 'normal' day in and day out. He never wanted to erupt in my presence, and he kept his anger locked down in a ruthless manner.

Through all of this counseling, I learned that Edward was a steady sort, but with a temper like the wrath of God if his family was messed with. He worked hard to contain it and diffuse the worst triggers. He'd been tested thoroughly lately and was doing very well with not letting it get the best of him. I hated that my PTSD was partly the reason he was having anger issues, but our therapist assured me it's not my fault.

That was something I constantly struggled with, guilt and fault and blame. I was learning to let it go, but I was worried over what that would do for his health in the long run, in much the same way as I worried over him withholding forgiveness from his father.

The one instance I was invited to their family therapy session, we were all crying by the end. It was difficult to see Edward with tears running down his face, the look of betrayal and heartbreak evident. Knowing how much he used to look up to his father and knowing how he felt now, it was incredibly disheartening.

I knew Carlisle was remorseful for his actions, but he stood by them nonetheless. He believed that he had been right in his opinion, just wrong in his actions of avoidance and denial since the reversal. He didn't see that what he did for the ten years of trials and appeals had been hurtful to Esme and Edward both, only that his stubborn opinion on Edward's guilt was supported by all of the times he'd been denied an appeal.

Edward came to a passable agreement with the therapist that he and Carlisle would tolerate each other, but they would never have the close, loving relationship they'd once had. Edward was reluctantly working on his forgiveness of his father. The unresolved issue was Esme and Carlisle and the state of their marriage. Esme had moved out of the home she and Carlisle had shared for more than three decades, finding herself a small furnished apartment near mine. She wasn't ready to file for divorce, but she wasn't willing to live in Carlisle's presence anymore, either. She'd also gone back to work as a print artist in the advertising business, something she'd given up when Edward was born, and had just started dabbling in again when he was arrested.

She'd devoted Edward's entire life to molding him into an outstanding person, compassionate and well rounded. I firmly believed she had done her job well. Esme was a strong, stunning force of nature; a woman I was proud to be friends with. I constantly saw in her the traits of strength, intelligence, and patience that Edward had inherited.

I spent plenty of time talking to Esme about her therapy sessions. Her perspective was that she'd lost her faith and trust in her husband because she felt that he abandoned their son in his time of need. She couldn't understand, or accept, that Carlisle could even consider Edward guilty of the crime. That she worked tirelessly to help Edward, and Carlisle distanced himself from the both of them, was just unacceptable.

Carlisle's feelings were that there was clear evidence, and he didn't think he deserved such wrath and disappointment from his wife and son. Carlisle's opinion was that nothing is black and white, and while Esme's faith in their son could not be shaken, it was understandable after all the times Edward's conviction was upheld, that Carlisle should feel like he was in the right.

The therapist didn't agree, telling him that based on the black/white theory, he should have known that giving Edward the benefit of the doubt was a necessity. He knew his son's character, and allowed others to sway him otherwise. Esme admitted that she doesn't feel that he is the man she married, and if he could so easily abandon their son, then what else was he capable of doing? He countered that none of it had anything to do with their marriage, which only offended Esme and had the counselor bringing the session to an end.

Esme told me that her opinion is that love is not the only ingredient in the recipe for a successful marriage. You also need trust, faith, and respect, and in abandoning Edward, Carlisle failed in all three of those categories. He failed her.

I couldn't decide how I felt about Carlisle anymore, not from Esme's point of view, or Edward's, or my own. I understood everybody's point of view, including Carlisle's, I just didn't think that I could expect them to forgive him. In the long run, I forgave him in order to clear my head for better things, to not dwell on the past that I couldn't change. I could be there for Edward and his mother, but I had no need to hold a grudge against a man I wasn't likely to see again.

After about two months of doing nothing more than shuffling back and forth to therapy, I needed to do something for myself again. I was on an extended leave of absence from the firm, which I feared would ruin my chances at ever being promoted to partner.

I really needed another case through the IPNW. I asked Edward to accompany me to their office so I could look through the files and take on the next person in line. We were quiet on the way there; I was thinking about the implications of the place where it had all started between us, and I imagined he was, too.

When we got there, the office was deserted; a bulletin tacked on the cork board near the elevator announced employee training and a day off for volunteers. When the elevator doors whooshed open, I could only stare at the mirrored walls and remember when I first brought him here. I'd wanted nothing more than to plunder his mouth and watch it unfold in the reflection.

I bit my lip as we stepped inside. We'd abstained for such a long time now, since our first night. I knew what I wanted, needed in that moment. The doors closed, and I hit the emergency stop button with the side of my fist.

I'm not even sorry for that cliffie.