Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 8 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 8 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 8 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 8 on Wattpad

It was getting harder to maintain my distance from Bella. She just felt so right in my arms. Despite the shit hand of cards she was dealt, she was positive and happy for her sister. She gave Katie every opportunity, navigating single parenthood with grace.

However, I saw the despair in her eyes. It was well-hidden with smiles, hard work and devotion to her family. I saw it. I hated it. I wanted to make it better.

This was why I was elbow-deep in her car’s front-end. I’d removed her dead battery and easily replaced it. I was also installing a gift. Her car was newer, but did not have some of the safety measures I thought she needed. I got her a remote start and a car alarm. Bella was inside, starting to make dinner for her and Katie.

“Do you want some coffee?” Bella asked, walking into the garage. “I made decaf. I don’t know about you, but if I drink regular coffee after three, I’m up all night.” She held two mugs, giving me an uncertain smile.

I stood up, wiping my hands on a rag that Bella had given me. “That’s great,” I answered, taking the proffered cup. “I’m almost done. Do you have your key?” I sipped the coffee, humming at the warmth. “This is good. Perfect for a cold day like today.”

“You’re not wearing your jacket,” Bella chided.

I held up my greasy, disgusting hands. “I didn’t want to get it dirty. I’ll have to scrub them raw to get all of this off.”

“I’m sorry. I could have …” she trailed off.

“Bella, I offered. It’s all good. Doing stuff like this reminds me of how far I’ve come,” I sighed. I closed the hood of the car, grinning at her crookedly. “Start her up. Let’s see if the car still works.”

Bella nodded, opening the driver’s side and started the engine. It turned over, just as I expected it to. “It’s all good. I’ll have to reprogram the radio stations, but other than that, it’s perfect.” She turned off the engine. Closing the door, she looked at me. “Are you certain I can’t pay you? I feel like I’m abusing our friendship.”

“The only payment I require is a sink, hot water and soap,” I laughed.

“I have that,” she giggled. “And a home-cooked meal. You cooked for me. Now, it’s my turn.”

“Excellent,” I grinned. “Now, before we go in, I have something for you. Consider it another gift …”

“Edward,” she chided.

“It’s for your safety, angel,” I argued, inwardly grimacing. I really needed to stop doing that. But, she was an angel. I’d love for her to be my angel. I handed her a key fob, careful that I wouldn’t cover her with the grease from my ministrations in her car. “Chicago has some pretty nasty winters. I installed a remote start along with a car alarm.” She gave me a hard look. “This button arms the car alarm. You press it again; it will disarm it. The blue button? You hold that down and the car will start. Try it, Bella.”

She armed the alarm and then pressed the remote start. The car turned over. A fraction of a smile ghosted over her face. “This is pretty cool,” she murmured.

“There’s also an app for your phone. I can sync it up for you,” I said.

She added the fob to her car key, but she looked at me. Pressing her finger into my chest, she grumbled, “This is too much. I am capable of taking care of myself. I will pay you for the remote start thing, Edward. Don’t think I can’t navigate a computer, bub.” Her eyes were flashing with defiance and her cheeks were pink. With a smirk, she stepped back. “I have some towels and soap in the half bathroom. It’s just off the kitchen. I will have a check for you, Edward.”

“Understood, angel,” I nodded. She whirled around, picking up her coffee mug and leaving the garage. Punctuating her exit, she armed the car alarm. I snorted, picking up my jacket and coffee mug. I turned off the light and closed the garage, following Bella into her home. She gestured to the bathroom. I ducked inside, closing the door. I scoured my hands. The grease came off easier than when I was in high school.

Your hands are also softer than when you were a teenaged hoodlum.

I finished in the bathroom, walking into the kitchen. Bella was sitting at the island, sipping her coffee. Next to her, she had her laptop out and a check sat innocently on my jacket. “You better deposit it, Edward. I know where you work,” she quipped.

“Okay, okay,” I said, taking the check and putting it into my wallet.

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

 “Bella!” Alice called.

“Excuse me,” I said, reaching down to squeeze his hand. Edward’s hand was so big, slightly calloused and it completely enveloped mine. I wanted to feel his touch before I went to see my friends. I tightened my fingers around his. “Thank you for the ride. Katie and I appreciate it.”

I turned, leaving him near the entrance. Alice, who was dressed up as a saloon girl, hugged me. “Edward is staring at you,” she whispered. “Did you blow him in the car?”

“Alice!” I gasped. “One, he’s my boss. Two, Katie was with us. Three, he’s my boss!”

“Technically, I’m Jasper’s boss and I blew him in the bathroom,” Alice said. “And the car, office, conference room … Edward is definitely checking you out.”

“Too much information, Alice,” I grumbled. Plus, it was also a reminder that I hadn’t had sex in well over two years since I’d broken up with last boyfriend. It wasn’t great sex, but it was better than nothing. I also felt weird using a vibrator with my sister down the hall. Would she hear the buzzing?

Suffice it to say, I’m in the middle of the mother of all dry spells.

“My apologies,” Alice snickered. “Halloween is my favorite holiday. Dressing up as something, or someone completely different is very hot.” She smiled at me. “I like the costume. How’s the wig?”

“Hot,” I replied. “And trying to fit all of my hair underneath this thing was really hard.”

“Well, you look amazing. You should try going blonde,” Alice suggested. “You came in with Edward. Is there something going on?”

“I tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up,” I said. “My car battery died. I don’t like taking cabs and Uber is … I don’t trust it. So, I called you and Rosalie. I also texted Emmett and Jasper, no one replied. Edward picked up. Plus, he lives really close to me.”

Alice took out her cell phone from a satchel around her waist. “Shit, I’m sorry, Bella,” she said, looking at her missed calls. “I was … indisposed.”

“Blowing Jasper?” I deadpanned. Alice’s cheeks reddened as she grinned widely. I snorted, rolling my eyes. “It’s okay. I got here.”

“I’m still so sorry,” Alice breathed, her smile falling. “Rose didn’t pick up either?”

“No. Maybe, she was doing something with Emmett. Is she here, yet?”

“I haven’t seen her,” Alice said. “Come on! I want to introduce you to some other junior executives. They’re not as awesome as you, but this is the whole point of this event.” She looped her arm through mine, walking me to a cluster of people. They were all dressed up like characters from Stranger Things. “Hey, everyone. This is Bella. She’s working on my team and has been with us since August. Bella, this is Jared, Maggie, Embry and Sarah.”

"Nice to meet you all," I said, shaking their hands. 

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 6 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 6 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 6 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 6 on Wattpad

FFADS Chapter 6 on FicPad

With each step away from Bella’s brownstone, I felt like I needed to turn back around and stay there. Part of my soul was inside that building. Dramatic, much, Cullen? I felt comfortable there. Even though things were awkward between Bella and me, the warmth I experienced in her home seeped into my bones.

I wanted more of it.

I needed that warmth.

It didn’t make a single bit of sense.

You’re losing your damned mind, Edward.

And, when Bella started crying … I wanted to take her into my arms and make all her pain go away. I did hug her. It felt right, but so different than I expected. Different in a good way. She melted against me, like all the air had left her. I could feel her body tremble as she gripped my sweater, clinging to me like was a life raft.

It felt good, giving someone support and being their rock. She’d been shouldering all of this alone.

Bella Swan was simply amazing.

“What the fuck am I doing?” I grumbled. “I’m so confused.” Sam whimpered, his tail wagging. “Come on, bud. Do your business, please?” He barked, walking to a patch of grass.

Once Sam was done answering the call of nature, we made our way to my car. I had to park around the block from Bella’s home. She was right that there was no parking on her street. Unlocking my car, I helped Sam into the back of my Tesla and slid into the driver’s seat. I eased away from the curb, driving to my condo. Ironically enough, Bella lived about five minutes from me. Her place was in a good neighborhood, with a lot of families.

A perfect place for her and the little one.

After the short drive, I rode up to my home. But, it didn’t feel like home. More like a sterile, empty shell … like me. In my condo, I changed into a pair of loose sleep pants. I refilled Sam’s water bowl, leaning against the kitchen counter with another bottle of beer. “Did you feel it tonight, Sam?” I asked.

He looked back at me, water dribbling down his coat. His responding bark was low before going back to drinking some water.

“I’m losing my damned mind,” I grumbled. “Bella Swan is twisting me into knots. Everything in me is telling me to … walk away, but I can’t. I want to be closer.”

There was something about Bella that drew me in. She was kind, forgiving and so loving. She’d forgiven my horrific gaff that fateful day. I still felt awful for hurting her so cruelly; it’s why I went out of my way to help her. However, it was the way she cared for her sister. It was beautiful. Even when Katie was giving Bella sass, she was firm but kind. She wasn’t cruel or mean. Despite their situation, it was apparent that Bella and Katie loved each other very much.

Katie was adorable and very smart, with pale skin, dark blonde hair and cornflower blue eyes. She was filled with sass, energy and giggles. However, I saw the sadness in her eyes of a child who lost everything. She’d lost her parents too young. Katie, however, was lucky to have Bella in her a life. Katie would never know the harsh realities going into the system. She’d be spared the nightmare of having creepy foster fathers, abusive foster mothers and indifferent foster siblings. Katie had family that loved her, unconditionally. She had …

Bella …

Who was a saint.

At least, she was a saint in my eyes.

Married to the Mob: Fighting For Freedom Epilogue Update

MOTMFFF Epilogue on FFn

MOTMFFF Epilogue on AO3

MOTMFFF Epilogue on Stars

MOTMFFF Epilogue on Wattpad

“Mom! You promised we could go visit Dad,” Charlie said, his hands on his hips. It was the last day of Spring Break and my kids were all very antsy. He looked so much like my husband, with his unruly hair and piercing green eyes. However, he also looked like my father, as well. Every so often, he’d make a face that was so distinctly my father.

“We’re going,” I chuckled, packing up the diaper bag with bottles and extra diapers. “Go get your sister while I load up the baby.”

“Libby!” Charlie bellowed as he ran up the stairs.

“Your big brother has two volumes, little one. Loud and louder,” I whispered conspiratorially to our third baby, another boy. A baby boy who was named for a fallen friend, Demetri. I lifted him from his high chair and grimaced. Demetri, unfortunately, would be our last baby.

Elizabetta, or Libby, was an easy pregnancy. She was named for her paternal great grandmother. I experienced no issues with her and she practically slid out of my body. I bounced back and a couple years after her birth, I got pregnant with Demetri. His pregnancy was not easy. I was hospitalized several times for dehydration because I could not keep anything down. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, placed on bed rest for a majority of our pregnancy. Esme and Sue had moved into the house to help out with Charlie and Libby. It drove Edward crazy.

Demetri James Cullen, or D.J., was born via C-section and I had my tubes tied after his birth. Edward and I made that decision because he hated that I was so sick, shackled to our bed. He couldn’t bear to watch me wither away. He said that he’d get a vasectomy, but I said that I’d get my tubes tied.

My oldest son and my baby girl came downstairs. Libby had obviously dressed herself. Her bright red hair was a snarled mess and she wore the mismatched outfit, with a tutu over her shoulders like wings. “Oh, child. You are a mess,” I laughed. I balanced Demetri in my arms and turned Libby around.

“Mom,” Charlie whined.

“It’ll take ten minutes, bud,” I said, frog marching Libby up to her room. I put D.J. into his crib. He started wailing, but I ignored it. I changed Libby’s clothes, much to her protestations. “Mommy, I want to look like a princess. I’m Daddy’s princess.”

“I know, baby girl,” I said, putting her into a pretty purple dress. “But, princesses need to have their hair combed and the tutu is for dress up or when you have dance.” I sat down on her bed and guided her to sit in front of me. I quickly brushed her hair, tossing it up into a ponytail. She was squirming, making it difficult to fix her hair, but she looked much better. “Pick a pair of shoes, Libbybell.”

“Kay, Mommy,” Libby said, picking a pair of sparkly shoes.

After Libby was dressed, D.J. was changed and Charlie stopped having his temper tantrum, we loaded up into our Range Rover. I drove us to the Cullen Pier. Edward’s business venture with Alistair had blossomed. The Cullen Consortium was one of the foremost investment capital firms in the Pacific Northwest. I was so proud of him, of what he built with his partner.

“Mom, after we visit Dad, can we go to the Jimmy’s? I want to see Ganpa,” Charlie said, bouncing in his booster.

“Oooh, I wanna see Gandpa,” Libby squealed, clapping her hands.

“Sure thing, Charlie,” I smiled, parking the car. Grabbing the stroller and taking Libby’s hand, we walked to the entrance of the Consortium. Charlie’s hand was on the stroller. “Go open the door, Charlie and hold it open for me.” He scurried to the door and I walked through it, ruffling his hair.

“Mom!” he whined. “I worked hard on this hair.”

“No amount of work will help you, buddy,” Edward laughed. “I’ve got the same problem.”

I smiled at my husband, who even after seven years of marriage, made my heart gallop. His bronze hair had more grey and his face was lined with smile lines and crow’s feet. Regardless, he was so sexy, smart and amazing. “Hey, CEOWard. How are your millions?”

“Growing into billions,” he laughed, kissing me tenderly.

Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 2 on FFn

FFADS Chapter 2 on AO3

FFADS Chapter 2 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 2 on Wattpad

The woman sitting in front of me, with large brown doe eyes, thick mahogany hair, pale skin and red lips, was gaping at me like a fish. She was the same woman I’d briefly met the day before at the park with her daughter, or the girl who I believed to be her daughter. Seeing the little girl, something cracked in my armor and exposed my heart, but I had a business to run, regardless of what I felt the day before.

“I’m waiting, Miss Swan,” I snapped, narrowing my eyes at her. “I’ve read your hiring packet and I know that you’ve moved across the country after the death of your parents.”

Her eyes watered, but she jutted her chin out defiantly. “I graduated at the top of my class, like you,” she said. “I never half-ass anything. I’m a hard worker. I’m looking forward to …”

“You may have graduated at the top of your class, but your experience is sorely lacking, Miss Swan,” I interrupted.

“I was supposed to begin working after completing my MBA at a firm in Seattle. My parents’ death prevented me from taking that job, Mr. Cullen,” she hissed. “I’m sorry that my personal loss is coloring your opinion of me in such a poor light. I may not have a lot of experience, but I’m a quick study and I do not appreciate my work ethic or integrity to be questioned.”

I smirked at her fire. I liked her spark, but she was very close to being insubordinate. “Well, I look forward to see your work, Miss Swan,” I retorted snidely, glowering at her. “You came highly recommended from the company in Seattle, despite never working there.” Her face was pink and her eyes were welling with tears. I was obviously pushing her buttons. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Swan. You may go.”

She shot up and strode out of my office. The door clicked shut and I leaned forward, thrusting my hands into my hair. Seeing those tears had wracked me to the core. I knew her history and yet, I questioned her integrity.

Ten minutes later, my door flew open and the bane of my existence stomped into my office. “You are such an asshole, Edward,” snapped Rosalie. “Bella is one of the best people we hired since you’ve taken over as CEO. You should know. You fucking hired her without a fucking interview. You’ve read her resume, saw her portfolio and examined her educational transcripts. On top of that, you knew that she had experienced a significant personal loss with her parents’ death. Yet, you kept pushing and pushing. Do you really not have a heart?”

“You may be the head of human resources, but you are not …” I growled, shooting up and glaring at her.

“I’m not finished yet,” she sneered. “Ever since your divorce was finalized, you’ve become more and more of an asshole, more unbearable. I know that you were raked over the coals by that whore, but you’re fucking yourself over.”

“Rosalie … you are treading a fine line,” I snapped.

“No, I’m done tiptoeing around you, Edward. You’re fucking brilliant. The proof is in the product we create, the stellar teams that we have in this firm and our reputation of excellence. Your interpersonal skills, however, are sorely lacking. Isabella Swan lost her mother and stepfather six months ago. Her father had died before she could even remember. She became a single parent to her little sister, trying to be strong for a little girl who had her world upended. She’s navigating this all on her own, without support. Sound fucking familiar?”

“You will shut your goddamned mouth,” I yelled. “Get the hell out of my office or you will be out of a job.”

She snapped her mouth shut, scowling at me. “You will apologize to Bella. She doesn’t deserve your bullshit. I’ve sent her home for the rest of the day because she was so upset by your mercurial, asshole bullshit. And don’t think this is the last time I have something to say about this, Edward. You’ve really crossed the fucking line. You may be the boss, but you’re making this place hell to work at.” With a huff, she turned on her heel and left my office, slamming the door shut.

I counted to ten and asked Shelly to cancel the rest of my meetings. I packed up my computer and left the office, fleeing down the private elevator. I needed to calm down. The only one who calmed me down was my dog, Sam. He loved unconditionally, even me.

Broken as I am.

Falling for a Dark Soul Teaser

The woman sitting in front of me, with large brown doe eyes, thick mahogany hair, pale skin and red lips, was gaping at me like a fish. She was the same woman I’d briefly met the day before at the park with her daughter, or the girl who I believed to be her daughter. Seeing the little girl, something cracked in my armor and exposed my heart, but I had a business to run, regardless of what I felt the day before.

“I’m waiting, Miss Swan,” I snapped, narrowing my eyes at her. “I’ve read your hiring packet and I know that you’ve moved across the country after the death of your parents.”

Her eyes watered, but she jutted her chin out defiantly. “I graduated at the top of my class, like you,” she said. “I never half-ass anything. I’m a hard worker. I’m looking forward to …”

“You may have graduated at the top of your class, but your experience is sorely lacking, Miss Swan,” I interrupted.

“I was supposed to begin working after completing my MBA at a firm in Seattle. My parents’ death prevented me from taking that job, Mr. Cullen,” she hissed. “I’m sorry that my personal loss is coloring your opinion of me in such a poor light. I may not have a lot of experience, but I’m a quick study and I do not appreciate my work ethic or integrity to be questioned.”

I smirked at her fire. I liked her spark, but she was very close to being insubordinate. “Well, I look forward to see your work, Miss Swan,” I retorted snidely, glowering at her. “You came highly recommended from the company in Seattle, despite never working there.” Her face was pink and her eyes were welling with tears. I was obviously pushing her buttons. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Swan. You may go.”

She shot up and strode out of my office. The door clicked shut and I leaned forward, thrusting my hands into my hair. Seeing those tears had wracked me to the core. I knew her history and yet, I questioned her integrity.

Ten minutes later, my door flew open and the bane of my existence stomped into my office. “You are such an asshole, Edward,” snapped Rosalie. “Bella is one of the best people we hired since you’ve taken over as CEO. You should know. You fucking hired her without a fucking interview. You’ve read her resume, saw her portfolio and examined her educational transcripts. On top of that, you knew that she had experienced a significant personal loss with her parents’ death. Yet, you kept pushing and pushing. Do you really not have a heart?”

Falling for a Dark Soul Extended Summary

Isabella Swan moved away from the world she’s known, trying to move on from the loss of her parents and raising her baby sister, Katie. She’s always seen the best in the world, but she’s struggling in coping with all of the changes in her life. A new start was needed and she packed up, moving from the small town of Forks to Chicago to work as an advertising junior executive at Masen Advertising Corporation.

Edward Cullen, CEO of Masen Advertising Corporation, is a cold-hearted, uncaring, hateful asshole. An orphan and living in foster care until he turned fifteen, he was adopted by Carlisle and Esme Cullen. Edward struggled with forming relationships. All he wanted was a partner, a friend, a lover, a wife, a mother to his children. He lost his wife, Tanya, when she was found screwing his partner, Jacob Black, on his desk. She also shattered his heart, ending several pregnancies, even though Edward had pleaded to start a family.

What happens when Edward bumps into Bella in the hallways of Masen Advertising Corporation? Will she be the chink in his armor, shattering his carefully constructed walls? Or will he bring her into the darkness, shattering her optimistic view of the world? It’s uncertain, but she’s Falling for a Dark Soul.

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