Worth the Fight Update

 WTF Ch. 26 on FFn

WTF Ch. 26 on Stars

WTF Ch. 26 on AO3

WTF Ch. 26 on Wattpad

Bella took a quick shower, changing into a navy bikini and covering it with a pair of jean shorts and a navy floral tank top. She braided her hair, draping it over her shoulder. In the kitchen, she pulled out a few salmon filets. She placed them in a baking dish, dressing the fish and putting that back into the refrigerator to marinate. Puttering around the kitchen, she got the ingredients for mushroom risotto, sauteed spinach and a fresh salad. She was placing a bottle of white wine into the refrigerator when there was a quiet knock on the door.

Padding to the front door, she opened it. Edward was standing on the steps, holding a gorgeous fall bouquet of orange, teal, and coral flowers. He also had a bag from the deli they'd gone to prior to their afternoon before everything imploded. "For you, beautiful Bella," he said, holding out the flowers. "They're not roses."

"They're exquisite," she whispered, inhaling deeply. "Thank you, Edward."

"I didn't want to come to your place empty handed," he shrugged, shooting her a crooked grin. "I also picked up the brownie bites, remembering that you really liked them."

"When you have a cheat day, you go all out," she teased, opening the door further to let him inside.

"It's rare that I give myself the opportunity. Your dad said I need to gain more weight," Edward said, following her to the kitchen. "How's your calf?"

"Still tight. I used my detachable shower head to pulse some hot water on it. That felt good, but the hot tub will be undoubtedly better," she said. "Do you want some wine?"

"I'm taking tomorrow off. So, yes," he replied, sitting down at the counter on one of the stools. "I'm only going to go for a run in the afternoon. No strength training or sparring."

"Slacking off while my dad's out of town?" Bella chided, pouring him a healthy glass of wine.

"Per his instructions, whenever I train in the ring, I take the following day off," Edward answered. Bella shot him a look of confusion. "I sparred with Wilson and your dad in the morning. I beat both of them handily."

"Wait, when you came to run with me … you were done for the day?" Bella asked.

"No, I had to cool down and I usually either run on the treadmill or do some yoga," he shrugged. "Yoga I do at home, but I saw you running on the treadmill. I wanted to join you. You're quite … focused when you're running."

"You do yoga?" she questioned. "I'm impressed."

Worth the Fight Teaser

 Bella took a quick shower, changing into a navy bikini and covering it with a pair of jean shorts and a navy floral tank top. She braided her hair, draping it over her shoulder. In the kitchen, she pulled out a few salmon filets. She placed them in a baking dish, dressing the fish and putting that back into the refrigerator to marinate. Puttering around the kitchen, she got the ingredients for mushroom risotto, sauteed spinach and a fresh salad. She was placing a bottle of white wine into the refrigerator when there was a quiet knock on the door.

Padding to the front door, she opened it. Edward was standing on the steps, holding a gorgeous fall bouquet of orange, teal, and coral flowers. He also had a bag from the deli they’d gone to prior to their afternoon before everything imploded. “For you, beautiful Bella,” he said, holding out the flowers. “They’re not roses.”

“They’re exquisite,” she whispered, inhaling deeply. “Thank you, Edward.”

“I didn’t want to come to your place empty handed,” he shrugged, shooting her a crooked grin. “I also picked up the brownie bites, remembering that you really liked them.”

“When you have a cheat day, you go all out,” she teased, opening the door further to let him inside.

“It’s rare that I give myself the opportunity. Your dad said I need to gain more weight,” Edward said, following her to the kitchen. “How’s your calf?”

“Still tight. I used my detachable shower head to pulse some hot water on it. That felt good, but the hot tub will be undoubtedly better," she said. "Do you want some wine?"

"I'm taking tomorrow off. So, yes,” he replied, sitting down at the counter on one of the stools. “I’m only going to go for a run in the afternoon. No strength training or sparring.”

“Slacking off while my dad’s out of town?” Bella chided, pouring him a healthy glass of wine.

“Per his instructions, whenever I train in the ring, I take the following day off,” Edward answered. Bella shot him a look of confusion. “I sparred with Wilson and your dad in the morning. I beat both of them handily.”

“Wait, when you came to run with me … you were done for the day?” Bella asked.

“No, I had to cool down and I usually either run on the treadmill or do some yoga,” he shrugged. “Yoga I do at home, but I saw you running on the treadmill. I wanted to join you. You’re quite … focused when you’re running.”

“You do yoga?” she questioned. “I’m impressed.”

Worth the Fight Teaser

 Emmett’s fight in Las Vegas went well. He won his bout and afterward, he dragged Bella to the casino to break her from her funk. They spent the rest of the night playing blackjack. Emmett lost it all, while Bella tripled her initial bet. Bella also got completely shit-faced, blabbing to Emmett what she saw in Jacob’s room.

Despite Bella putting on a brave front, she was hurting inside, and it made Emmett very angry that his friend had been betrayed in such a manner.

It didn’t make matters any better that Jacob was sitting outside of Bella’s room upon their return from the casino, holding a bouquet of roses. Bella hated roses. They made her sneeze. He tried to apologize, but Bella took the flowers, hitting Jacob with them and disappearing into her suite.

Standing in the middle of a pile of flower petals, Jacob looked at Emmett. “I was trying to apologize,” he huffed.

“Dude, you’ve been fucking other women. Many, many women. You’ve been stealing from Charlie. You’ve been living the high life and you’re not there yet,” Emmett said. “This …” he gestured to the mess around Jacob, “… is you getting off easy. I’d be paranoid for when you see Charlie. Your balls will be detached from your body, swimming with the fishes. Good luck, Jacob.” He gave him a sarcastic little smile, hitting his shoulder as he went back down the hallway to his room.

Jacob was flummoxed, desperate to win back his girl, but realizing that it could possibly never happen.

Blockbuster Update

Blockbuster Ch. 26 on FFn

Blockbuster Ch. 26 on AO3

Blockbuster Ch. 26 on Stars

Blockbuster Ch. 26 on Wattpad

Bree 

“I’ve been such a huge fan, Ms. Swan,” said the woman in front of me. “Your first book grabbed me, and I’ve been addicted ever since.”

“What’s your name?” I asked, holding my pen.

“Bree,” she answered. “Long and Winding Road, it helped me get out of a bad situation.”

I blinked up at her. The breeze forced my hair across my face. This book convention was outside, which was perfect in the mid-February weather, which was balmy and warm, encouraging things to grow. The woman was young, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Eyes that held a story, a dark story. I reached out with my hand, taking hers. “I’m so sorry, Bree.”

“Don’t apologize. Reading your story, it made me realize that my life was a nightmare and my partner liked to take out her insecurities out on me,” Bree explained with a visible shudder. “Regardless, I got my ass out of there after I read how Charlotte and Peter managed to get out of the horrible situation with John. She found Liam … She got her happily ever after.”

“Did you?” I asked, trying not to cry. “Get your happily ever after?”

“I did,” Bree nodded with a bright, happy grin. She looked over her shoulder, gesturing wildly. A tall, blonde woman with tattoos and an eyebrow piercing came over to Bree. “Ms. Swan, this is my wife, Irina.”

“My girl just adores your writing, Ms. Swan,” Irina said with a deep, husky voice. Her expression was filled with love as she looked at Bree. Bree blushed, kissing her wife’s lips and I felt my heart gave a little jump. They were so happy. I’d helped them find their happiness.

“You are a beautiful couple,” I beamed.

“Can we get a picture with you?” Bree asked, holding her hands up under her chin.

I nodded and stood up, smiling widely. I moved between the two of them and several photos were taken. I sat back down, signing a copy of my book for both of them. As I gave Irina the book, she took my hand. “Your book, it was Bree’s talisman, Ms. Swan. I know it was a work of fiction, but it gave her strength to get out of a toxic, horrible relationship. For that, I’m eternally grateful. You helped me find my soul mate.”

“I wish you nothing but the best, love and happiness,” I breathed.

“I got my forever,” Irina murmured, blinking to her wife. “I hope you get the same.” She hugged me tightly, which surprised me, but I accepted it, nonetheless.

“I found my forever, too,” I whispered to her. “Enjoy the rest of the convention.” I sat back down, turning to the next person in the line. After an hour of signing copies of my novels, I was ushered to another part of the convention for presentation for several authors from my publishing company. It was a question-and-answer session, where most the questions were directed to me. My fellow authors were not happy, but I couldn’t help that my novels were getting a little more notoriety because of the upcoming movie.

After that presentation, Jasper and I went out to eat lunch at a nearby restaurant. “There’s been a change in the schedule, Swan,” Jasper said, sipping his beer. “The organizers want a presentation with just you. You’re quite the draw, Bells.”

“I don’t understand why,” I snickered. “I’m just a writer. A woman. Nothing special.”

“I beg to differ, Bella,” Jasper argued. “That couple? Bree and Irina? Your writing helped Bree to garner the strength to leave an abusive situation. Own that …”

“If they knew the truth,” I frowned. “There are days where I feel like I’m such a fraud.”

Emmett McCarty

First journal from Emmett and Rose

McCoffee Cafe

Bella's Apartment

Private Detective

Seth's Middle School

Flowers from Bella to Seth (with the bear)

Flowers from Edward 

Flower to Bella from Edward 

Blockbuster Update

Blockbuster Ch. 10 on FFn

Blockbuster Ch. 10 on AO3

Blockbuster Ch. 10 on fanfiction.online

Blockbuster Ch. 10 on Stars

Blockbuster Ch. 10 on Wattpad

Bella blushed, her gaze dropping to her hands. She was smiling, but it was shy. She shifted on the couch, clearly nervous. “I don’t want to disappoint you,” she murmured.

“Doubtful,” I said, turning to face her. I tucked one leg underneath the other. “I’ve been looking forward to this trip since you left, gorgeous.”

“I’ve been eager to see you, too, but I’m hesitant to …” she trailed off, her fingers finding the pendant I’d bought her. She anxiously moved the charm on the silver necklace. She blew out a breath. “Okay, I’m not going to dwell on what might be.”

“What do you mean?” I pressed.

“My friends would call me a pessimist,” Bella explained, shrugging. “I consider myself more of a realist or pragmatic. I’ve seen the darker side of life and my mind is constantly twisting at what could go wrong. But, I’m going to try and not do that.”

“What do you think will go wrong with us?” I asked.

“You’ll hurt me,” she answered after a pause.

“Bella, I would never hurt you,” I breathed. “I could never raise a hand to a woman.”

“Some scars are not physical,” she said, blinking up to look at me. “My scars are emotional. I also must think about Seth. I may want this, but he’s my priority.”

“As your son should be, Bella,” I smiled, reaching over to caress her cheek. There was a knock on the door. “That must be my dinner. Our dinner, really.”

“You ordered food, even though I might have been later?” Bella asked.

“Call me an opportunist,” I said, getting up and walking to the door. The server’s eyes widened when she saw me. I plastered on a fake smile, opening the door wider. “Can you please set up the meal on the dining room table?”

“Y-Y-Yes, Mr. Cullen,” she stammered, pushing the cart inside. “I’m a huge fan. Can I get an autograph?”

“You will. When I sign for my food,” I quipped, a touch of coldness in my tone. The server nodded with wide eyes. She carefully set up the plates, bottle of wine and dessert. With a shaky hand, she gave me the receipt in a small folder. I signed it, acknowledging the meal being charged to my room. I tucked some cash into the folder. “I pray you’ll use discretion.”

“I will. I’m sorry,” she blushed. “You’re the first celebrity I’ve ever met.”

“I’m just a guy who was in movies,” I said softly. “That doesn’t make me any more special anybody else. Thank you for delivering this.”

“Of course. When you’re done, just push the cart outside and another server will pick it up. Enjoy your stay,” she said, tucking the folder into her pocket. Blinking to Bella, she nodded. “Mrs. Cullen …”

Bella went to correct her, but the server hightailed it out of my suite. The door shut with a click and my girlfriend’s eyes were wide. “She thought I was your wife,” she gasped. “Have you ever been married?”

“I like the idea of having a wife, but no, I haven’t been married,” I said, striding over to her and offering her my hand. “Dinner, Mrs. Cullen?”

“Don’t even,” Bella chided, rolling her eyes as she took my hand.

Destination Date Update

Destination Date Ch. 3 on FFn

Destination Date Ch. 3 on AO3

Destination Date Ch. 3 on fanfiction.online

Destination Date Ch. 3 on Stars

Destination Date Ch. 3 on Wattpad

Bella fluffed her mahogany curls over her shoulders. Alice spent the afternoon helping Bella get ready for her second date with Edward. The previous day they bought a pretty wine-colored dress and a pair of pewter heels at a local boutique. She had a black leather jacket she was going to wear since it was still cold. 

For their date, they were going out to a new hotel called Sound to their Currant Bistro for dinner. Afterward, things were flexible. 

She was incredibly giddy, eager to go out with Edward. There was something that made her comfortable around him. He made her feel safe, happy. When the buzzer went off near the door, Bella jumped in anticipation. Walking to answer, she blushed. “Hello?”

“Hey, Bella. It’s Edward,” he said through the tinny speaker. “Can you buzz me in?”

“Sure,” Bella grinned. “Remember my apartment number?”

“Yep! I’ll be up in a few,” he answered. Bella pressed the entrance code, opening the door for him to come in when he’d arrived. Several moments later, there was a quiet knock on the door. Bella called for him to enter and Edward walked inside. His hair was a tousled mess, but looked incredibly sexy. He had on a pair of black dress pants, a black turtleneck, and a black leather jacket. He grinned crookedly at her, holding out a beautiful bouquet of peonies, succulents, and eucalyptus. “Wow … Bella, you look absolutely gorgeous.” He handed her the bouquet. “These pale in comparison to you.”

“Charmer,” Bella quipped, taking the flowers, and inhaling deeply. “Thank you for the flowers. As you can tell, I love green things.”

“I’m surprised that with how much you travel, that these plants are alive. I have a brown thumb, black thumb? I kill all living things,” he chuckled. 

“Doubtful about that, Edward. And, you’re right,” Bella laughed, putting the bouquet of flowers on the cocktail table in her living room. “I do travel too much and some of these are not real. The plants that are alive are cared for by my neighbor, Miss Alice Whitlock. She has a key to my place, as I have a key to hers.”

“The elderly woman you mentioned?” Edward asked. 

“Yeah. Miss Alice cares for the younger people in the building. Her family has forgotten about her, living their own lives,” Bella frowned. “We’re close, though.” She walked over to the mantle, picking up a photo of the two of them. “This was taken at my birthday party, prior to a trip I took to Costa Rica.”

Edward took the proffered frame, smiling softly. “Miss Alice adores you.”

“The feeling is quite mutual,” Bella replied. “Are we ready?”

Destination Date Teaser

 Bella fluffed her mahogany curls over her shoulders. Alice spent the afternoon helping Bella get ready for her second date with Edward. The previous day they bought a pretty wine-colored dress and a pair of pewter heels at a local boutique. She had a black leather jacket she was going to wear since it was still cold. 

For their date, they were going out to a new hotel called Sound to their Currant Bistro for dinner. Afterward, things were flexible. 

She was incredibly giddy, eager to go out with Edward. There was something that made her comfortable around him. He made her feel safe, happy. When the buzzer went off near the door, Bella jumped in anticipation. Walking to answer, she blushed. “Hello?”

“Hey, Bella. It’s Edward,” he said through the tinny speaker. “Can you buzz me in?”

“Sure,” Bella grinned. “Remember my apartment number?”

“Yep! I’ll be up in a few,” he answered. Bella pressed the entrance code, opening the door for him to come in when he’d arrived. Several moments later, there was a quiet knock on the door. Bella called for him to enter and Edward walked inside. His hair was a tousled mess, but looked incredibly sexy. He had on a pair of black dress pants, a black turtleneck, and a black leather jacket. He grinned crookedly at her, holding out a beautiful bouquet of peonies, succulents, and eucalyptus. “Wow … Bella, you look absolutely gorgeous.” He handed her the bouquet. “These pale in comparison to you.”

“Charmer,” Bella quipped, taking the flowers, and inhaling deeply. “Thank you for the flowers. As you can tell, I love green things.”

“I’m surprised that with how much you travel, that these plants are alive. I have a brown thumb, black thumb? I kill all living things,” he chuckled. 

“Doubtful about that, Edward. And, you’re right,” Bella laughed, putting the bouquet of flowers on the cocktail table in her living room. “I do travel too much and some of these are not real. The plants that are alive are cared for by my neighbor, Miss Alice Whitlock. She has a key to my place, as I have a key to hers.”

“The elderly woman you mentioned?” Edward asked. 

“Yeah. Miss Alice cares for the younger people in the building. Her family has forgotten about her, living their own lives,” Bella frowned. “We’re close, though.” She walked over to the mantle, picking up a photo of the two of them. “This was taken at my birthday party, prior to a trip I took to Costa Rica.”

Edward took the proffered frame, smiling softly. “Miss Alice adores you.”

“The feeling is quite mutual,” Bella replied. “Are we ready?”

Married to the Mob: Fighting For Freedom Update

FictionPad is being a persnickety bitch and is not letting me update. However, the chapter is live everywhere else ...

MOTM:FFF Chapter 22 on FFn

MOTM:FFF Chapter 22 on AO3

MOTM:FFF Chapter 22 on Wattpad

MOTM:FFF Chapter 22 on Stars

Esme

Sitting in the living room, I sipped some iced tea and trying to maintain my composure. My husband and younger son told me all that happened while they were out searching for Bella. My daughter was in the private medical suite in the Consortium building, recovering from horrific injuries. Injuries caused by her mother and that animal.

“We need to be there for Edward and Bella,” Carlisle said, taking my hand. He was just as tired as Edward, even more so. He was twenty-five years older than my oldest son and he’d been on the move for as long as Edward. His eyes were bleary, exhausted “It was bad, Es.”

“Renee was completely unhinged, Mom,” Emmett muttered. “It was her undoing, to be honest. Good riddance, in my honest opinion. She got what she deserved. I just wished she suffered more.” I grimaced at the malice in my younger son’s tone toward the woman who gave birth to Bella. However, he adored his sister-in-law and would have done anything to protect her or bring her back safely to Edward. With the team they assembled, they did.

Thank goodness.

“Jacob got her in the end,” Carlisle sighed, leaning back on the couch. “She was holding Bella like a shield. The poor girl was nearly naked and littered with bruises covering most of her body. Renee held a gun to her own daughter’s head.”

“Traitorous cow,” Emmett snapped. “All of this was because Renee wanted money; money that she had no right to have. Ricardo wanted vengeance for the death of his friend.”

“And to destroy Bella and Edward,” I sniffled. “My heart breaks for them.”

“They got nothing in return,” Carlisle sneered. “They both died because of their own arrogance and stupidity.”

“Bella?” I asked. “Will she be okay?”

“Dr. Moretti and Alice said that she’d make a full physical recovery,” Carlisle answered, walking to the kitchen to grab a bottle of beer for himself and for Emmett. “She’ll need physical therapy, but she wasn’t badly injured. Edward, however, was more concerned if she’d been sexually assaulted. One of her abductors was a convicted sex offender.”

I blanched, looking at my husband and tried to hold back tears. “Was she?”

“No. They didn’t have enough time. They were on the go from the moment they took her from the store,” Emmett answered. “The longest time they spent in one spot was in Joliet. From what we heard from the men under Ricardo’s leadership, he wanted his victim to fight back. The drug they used to lure Bella away from the store made her compliant. She would have gone along with whatever he’d said. She’d also have no memory of what happened. Ricardo wanted her to remember.”

“Monster,” I spat.

“He got his just desserts,” Carlisle replied, giving me an evil grin. “He was shot in the head by Renee. She was having a temper tantrum, trying to shoot us at the abandoned gas station. Personally, I would have liked to sodomize him with a rusty pipe, but he’s dead and gone.” He yawned and sipped his beer.

Edward and Bella's Condo

Carlisle

Emmett

Esme

Cullen Consortium

Dr. Manny Moretti

Nurse Ellen

Edward's Office

Conference Room

Rhonda, Edward's assistant

Flowers from Rhonda and the Consortium Employees

Smelly Goodness

Flowers from Felipe and Esteban