A Single Step Update

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A Single Step Chapter 17 on FFn

A Single Step Chapter 17 on AO3

A Single Step Chapter 17 on Stars

A Single Step Chapter 17 on Wattpad

Jake, with a broken hand because of his damned temper, Seth, Bella and Edward sat at a nearby park. The same park that Jake had lost his damned temper.

Talk about irony …

It was almost time for Riley to come and they were all incredibly anxious that he wouldn’t show up. It wouldn’t shock Bella, but she prayed for her boys that her douche of an ex-husband would be less douchey. Jake and Seth hid their anxiety by kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Bella was obsessively checking her phone for the time while Edward maintained a cool façade, but underneath, he was brimming with anger for the boys.

Bella’s phone vibrated and she looked down at it. “He’s here.”

A sleek BMW pulled into the parking lot. “Did he always drive that?” Edward asked.

“No. He bought that after our divorce,” Bella whispered. “I got that monstrosity with specialized controls for someone who couldn’t use her feet and he got a sleek, blue Beemer.”

“Well, you don’t drive that monstrosity anymore. Instead, you have a sleek Honda Pilot,” Edward quipped as he watched Riley, a tall, slender man walk out of the car. He had dark hair and pale skin, wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a polo. He obviously took care of himself, but there was something about him that Edward didn’t trust.

Jake stopped kicking the ball, holding it to his hip while Seth turned around. He ran to Edward, sitting next to him. Jake stood behind his mother and her boyfriend. Riley sat down, looking at his boys. “You’ve both grown so much. You look so much like your mom.”

“It was almost like you weren’t involved, Riley,” Jake said coldly.

“Jacob William,” Bella snapped.

“Sorry,” Jake said.

“No, you’re not,” Riley said, looking at his older son. “But, I deserve it.”

A Single Step Teaser

Jake, with a broken hand because of his damned temper, Seth, Bella and Edward sat at a nearby park. The same park that Jake had lost his damned temper.

Talk about irony …

It was almost time for Riley to come and they were all incredibly anxious that he wouldn’t show up. It wouldn’t shock Bella, but she prayed for her boys that her douche of an ex-husband would be less douchey. Jake and Seth hid their anxiety by kicking a soccer ball back and forth. Bella was obsessively checking her phone for the time while Edward maintained a cool façade, but underneath, he was brimming with anger for the boys.

Bella’s phone vibrated and she looked down at it. “He’s here.”

A sleek BMW pulled into the parking lot. “Did he always drive that?” Edward asked.

“No. He bought that after our divorce,” Bella whispered. “I got that monstrosity with specialized controls for someone who couldn’t use her feet and he got a sleek, blue Beemer.”

“Well, you don’t drive that monstrosity anymore. Instead, you have a sleek Honda Pilot,” Edward quipped as he watched Riley, a tall, slender man walk out of the car. He had dark hair and pale skin, wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a polo. He obviously took care of himself, but there was something about him that Edward didn’t trust.

Jake stopped kicking the ball, holding it to his hip while Seth turned around. He ran to Edward, sitting next to him. Jake stood behind his mother and her boyfriend. Riley sat down, looking at his boys. “You’ve both grown so much. You look so much like your mom.”

“It was almost like you weren’t involved, Riley,” Jake said coldly.

“Jacob William,” Bella snapped.

“Sorry,” Jake said.

“No, you’re not,” Riley said, looking at his older son. “But, I deserve it.”

The douche's car

Jake

Riley, the Douche

A Single Step Update

A Single Step Chapter 16 on FFn

A Single Step Chapter 16 on AO3

A Single Step Chapter 16 on Wattpad

A Single Step Chapter 16 on Stars

A Single Step Chapter 16 on FicPad

The move that Riley made had thrown Edward for a loop. Riley just took the boys’ decision away from them. That night, after he’d dropped that bombshell on Bella, as Seth was sleeping, he found Riley’s phone number and he programmed it into his own phone. The next day, he called it and was shocked when Riley picked up.

“Riley Biers,” he said curtly.

“Um, hello,” Edward mumbled.

“Who is this?”

“My name is Edward Cullen and I’ve been dating Bella for about a year now,” Edward answered.

“She told you about what I did,” Riley sighed.

“Yes, she did and it boggles my mind that you would give up so easily,” Edward muttered. “Bella was a mess after you told her and she was so upset for the boys. Do you think that they want me as their father?”

“You’re more of a father than me, Edward,” Riley answered. “I’ve seen you with them. My sons smile and they play.”

“I think you should see them,” Edward blurted. “You need to tell them. They need to understand why you’re walking away from them. Right now, they feel discarded. Seth is terrified that I’m going to leave him. A few months ago, Bella transferred therapists because I wasn’t pushing her far enough. Seth thought that I’d walk away from them, like you. They blame themselves.”

“It’s not their fault, Edward,” Riley said.

“They need to hear that from you,” Edward snapped. “You may be willing to give them up, but they need to know your decision and to hear from you. Not from me and certainly not from Bella. You need to be a man and explain to them why you’re doing this. You’re a coward to not want to see them.” Riley was quiet, obviously processing what Edward had said. “Give them a chance to say goodbye to you, if they accept what you have to say.”

“Does Bella know you’re calling me?” Riley asked

“No, and she would probably kick my ass,” Edward snorted.

“I still love her, Edward. I hate what I did to her,” Riley muttered. “What I did to my family.”

“Why did you?”

“I wasn’t strong enough to handle a woman in a wheelchair,” Riley replied. “I thought I could do it, but seeing her struggle for each movement … I just couldn’t watch her wither away.”

“As you saw yesterday, she did not wither,” Edward growled, barely able to control his temper. “She still struggles with low self-esteem and fear of rejection because your little stunt, Riley. I don’t let her dwell and I show her how much I adore her every moment of every day. She is the strongest woman I know. She refused to give up, even when her doctors and her husband did.”

“You’re a smart man, Mr. Cullen,” Riley chuckled humorlessly. “Are you going to tell Bella about this phone call?”

“As soon as I get off the phone, Riley.”

A Single Step Teaser

The move that Riley made had thrown Edward for a loop. Riley just took the boys’ decision away from them. That night, after he’d dropped that bombshell on Bella, as Seth was sleeping, he found Riley’s phone number and he programmed it into his own phone. The next day, he called it and was shocked when Riley picked up.

“Riley Biers,” he said curtly.

“Um, hello,” Edward mumbled.

“Who is this?”

“My name is Edward Cullen and I’ve been dating Bella for about a year now,” Edward answered.

“She told you about what I did,” Riley sighed.

“Yes, she did and it boggles my mind that you would give up so easily,” Edward muttered. “Bella was a mess after you told her and she was so upset for the boys. Do you think that they want me as their father?”

“You’re more of a father than me, Edward,” Riley answered. “I’ve seen you with them. My sons smile and they play.”

“I think you should see them,” Edward blurted. “You need to tell them. They need to understand why you’re walking away from them. Right now, they feel discarded. Seth is terrified that I’m going to leave him. A few months ago, Bella transferred therapists because I wasn’t pushing her far enough. Seth thought that I’d walk away from them, like you. They blame themselves.”

“It’s not their fault, Edward,” Riley said.

“They need to hear that from you,” Edward snapped. “You may be willing to give them up, but they need to know your decision and to hear from you. Not from me and certainly not from Bella. You need to be a man and explain to them why you’re doing this. You’re a coward to not want to see them.” Riley was quiet, obviously processing what Edward had said. “Give them a chance to say goodbye to you, if they accept what you have to say.”

“Does Bella know you’re calling me?” Riley asked

“No, and she would probably kick my ass,” Edward snorted.

“I still love her, Edward. I hate what I did to her,” Riley muttered. “What I did to my family.”

“Why did you?”

“I wasn’t strong enough to handle a woman in a wheelchair,” Riley replied. “I thought I could do it, but seeing her struggle for each movement … I just couldn’t watch her wither away.”

“As you saw yesterday, she did not wither,” Edward growled, barely able to control his temper. “She still struggles with low self-esteem and fear of rejection because your little stunt, Riley. I don’t let her dwell and I show her how much I adore her every moment of every day. She is the strongest woman I know. She refused to give up, even when her doctors and her husband did.”

“You’re a smart man, Mr. Cullen,” Riley chuckled humorlessly. “Are you going to tell Bella about this phone call?”

“As soon as I get off the phone, Riley.”

A Single Step Teaser

“And these are the bars where you’re going to, hopefully, take your first steps,” Edward said, following Bella in chair.  She’d been distant and barely paid attention throughout her appointment. She also seemed unbearably sad. “Bella?”

“First steps, right,” she said, her voice flat and her gaze looking out the window.

He stopped her, crouching in front of her. “What’s going on, Bella? You’ve been distracted and so sad.”

Bella’s eyes swirled in tears and she buried her face in her hands. Edward maneuvered behind her and rolled her back to the room where he’d worked on her leg muscles. Closing the door, he picked her up and held her in his lap. Her tears soaked his polo shirt as he cradled her to his chest. He wasn’t sure how long he held her, but her tears slowed and she pulled back. “I’m sorry, Edward. I should have just canceled my appointment today. I’m worthless, to be honest.”

“I disagree, Bella,” Edward said, wiping an errant tear away beneath her eye.

“Today, I mean,” she said, looking around and seeing that she wasn’t in her chair. “Did you … how did I … I’m in your lap?”

“Hugging you in the wheelchair hurts the knees,” Edward said. “And with your tears, I think you need more than just a simple hug.” He looked at her, he gave her a tender smile. “What happened? You can talk to me, Bella.”

“I had a court date yesterday,” Bella sighed, idly tracing the symbols on Edward’s forearm. “My ex-husband had been missing visitations with my son, Seth. He, apparently, was playing daddy to his girlfriend’s son, who also happened to be in Seth’s class. The boy showed Seth photos of Riley with him and those photos shattered Seth’s heart. James and Riley snuggling and playing soccer together. Riley promised Seth that he’d sign him up for soccer, but obviously that didn’t happen. My son got into a fight and suspended for five days. I called my ex.”

“What did he say?” Edward asked, anger coursing through his veins.

“I honestly don’t remember, but suffice it to say that I told him that his time with his kids was done,” Bella sneered. Her hands were in fists, but Edward relaxed her, threading his fingers with hers. Bella calmed down and tried not to enjoy Edward holding her hand too much. Blowing out a breath, she continued. “We had our court date and Riley lost all visitation rights. He still needs to pay child support and alimony, including extra money for therapy appointments because of his level of assholery.”

“Assholery? I like it,” Edward snorted. “Did he fight it?”

“He tried, but the judge got in his face regarding his actions toward his children,” Bella said. “Suffice it to say, I got some bonus money because the judge hated my ex and his choices. I’m angry at Riley, but my heart is shattered for my sons.”

Married to the Mob Update

Married to the Mob Chapter 26 on FicPad

Married to the Mob Chapter 26 on Stars

Married to the Mob Chapter 26 on AO3

Married to the Mob Chapter 26 on FFn

Married to the Mob Chapter 26 on Wattpad

I was being shaken hard. My head was pounding from my killer hangover from drinking too many margaritas yesterday and I just wanted to sleep. “Fuck off,” I grumbled, curling around Edward’s pillow.

“Bella, wake up,” Alice hissed. “Something’s happened.”

I opened my eyes and saw her terrified face. “What do you mean?” I asked, rubbing my face. “I’m … I’m still drunk, I think.”

“Go brush your teeth, wash your face and meet us downstairs, Bells,” Alice commanded. She looked at me, her eyes swirling with fear. “And get dressed.” She hopped out of the bed and I looked at the clock. It was just after two in the morning. I was supposed to be up in five hours to be beautified by the glam squad for my wedding. I padded to the bathroom and did as Alice asked, tossing my curled hair up into a ponytail. When I was done with that, I pulled on a pair of yoga pants and one of Edward’s dress shirts. I yawned, carrying a pair of sneakers downstairs. I was shocked.

There was a full house. None of them from the party the night before, save for Alice and Esme. Jasper and Emmett were speaking with Carlisle, who was pacing frantically. “What’s going on?”

“Bella,” Esme cried, getting up and hugging me tightly. “My sweet girl.”

I awkwardly accepted her hug, but pulled back. “What the fuck is going on here? Where’s Edward?”

“Bambina, I need you to listen to everything before you fly off the handle,” Emmett said slowly. I crossed my arms, anger seeping out of me. “While at his bachelor party, Edward was taken.”

“WHAT?!” I screamed. I flew to Emmett and started pounding on him. “You’re his brother!  You were supposed to protect him! WHERE THE FUCK IS MY FIANCE?!”

“We don’t know, but we’re working on it,” Emmett said, holding me in his arms, pulling me close and his voice cracking.

“Tell me what happened,” I hissed, shoving away from him.

“Dad had just left with Anthony, to go back to their place in the city. He’d just shared some rather disturbing information about … well, it doesn’t really matter now … and Edward said he had to go to the bathroom. Anyway, the bathrooms on the VIP level were under construction or closed for whatever reason. That’s what the waitress said. Edward went down to the main level to go to the bathroom. I noticed that he was gone for a long time. Too long, if you asked me. Even if he was taking a shit.”

“Emmett,” Carlisle growled, narrowing his eyes at his son.

“What?” Emmett retorted.

“KEEP. GOING,” I commanded, slugging his arm.

“Sorry,” he said. “I ran into the waitress who told Edward about the issue with the bathroom and I went downstairs with Jasper. We got into the bathroom and there was evidence of a struggle. The mirror was broken and we found a couple of things on the ground.”

“What?” I whispered.

Emmett reached into his pocket and pulled out a plastic bag. Inside, there was a hypodermic needle and one of Edward’s cufflinks. “We think that Edward was drugged and taken away. We’re working on his location, but the tech who installed the GPS tracking device in Edward’s ring hadn’t calibrated it correctly.”

My stomach fell to my feet and I felt sick. “Do you know who?” I cried, my finger running over the oval of his cufflink.

“Everyone was accounted for but one person,” Jasper growled. “Garrett was gone.”

The One That Got Away Teaser

“I can’t believe you have to go back to school so early, Bella,” Liam grumbled. “Can’t you hang out with us some more?”

“I’d love to, Liam, but I’ve got to get ready for my classes to start. I’m lucky that I’ve got some free time. My schedule is pretty flexible and you guys are my favorite dates,” Bella said, driving them to Target. She had to pick up some office supplies and a new flash drive for her new curriculum. “After we get my stuff from Target, we’ll get some lunch and then we’ll hang out at the beach. Your dad is meeting us there.”

“Can we go to that the taco place on the beach?” Lucy asked.

“It’s a plan, pretty girl,” Bella beamed, parking her car. “Come on, kiddos. Let’s get these errands done.” They went into store, getting the office supplies and some snacks for the beach.

As they were wandering in the store, a blonde woman was following them. She was taking pictures with her cell phone, her over made up face pinched and fuming with anger. She watched Bella as she laughed with the little girl, Lucy, buying her some books and colored pencils. She scowled as Bella helped the boy, Liam, grab some beach toys, brushing her fingers in the boy’s red hair. Lucy bounced on her toes, asking to get some sunblock and aloe for the trip to the beach. Bella nodded. She turned and ran to the opposite end of the store. The woman followed her. The girl ran into her legs. “Ooops, sorry,” Lucy chirped.

“No big deal,” the woman replied. “You’re very pretty.”

“Thank you, but I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” Lucy said, taking a step back. She narrowed her eyes at the lady. “I’ve seen you before. You look like …” Lucy trailed off, shaking her head. “Leave me alone.” She turned, bolting down the aisle and forgetting the stuff she’d picked up. The woman frowned, following the little girl and watching as Bella paid for all their stuff, leaving the store.

“Who’s ready to go to the beach?” Bella asked, backing up and driving to the taco place. “Lucy? Are you okay? You seem a little quiet.”

“I’m fine, Bella,” Lucy said, trying to forget the creepy lady with too much makeup on.

“You can talk to me, pretty girl,” Bella whispered. Lucy shrugged. Parking in a public lot, they went to the taco place and settled down for some lunch. Liam went to the bathroom and Bella idly played with Lucy’s hair. “There’s something wrong, Luce. What’s wrong?”

“Some lady was following me in the store. I think it was the same lady from Red Robin,” Lucy whispered. “She looks like I should know her.”

“What does she look like, Lucy?” Bella asked, her heart stammering.

“Tall with the same colored hair as me,” Lucy said. “She has on way too much makeup and she was dressed like Miss Lauren. Her dress was too short.”

“Shit,” Bella spat out.

“You said a bad word,” Lucy chided.

“I’m sorry, pretty girl,” Bella apologized. “I know who is following you.”