Unlock Your Heart

By Momma2Fan

Chapter 14:

Tanya paced the holding cell, waiting for her attorney to show up. She couldn’t figure out how everything had gone so wrong. Things were not supposed to have turned out like this.

“Tanya Denali?”

Tanya stopped her pacing and walked to the bars, looking at the officer standing there. She watched as he took out his keys and unlocked the cell door.

“Your attorney is here.”

She exhaled a sigh of relief and followed the cop to a private meeting room where she sat down across from the man she had hoped never to see. His stare was cold blue steel.

“Jasper.”

“Miss Denali.” Jasper Whitlock looked at the woman seated across from him. He shuffled some papers and then took in her appearance. “Have you said anything?”

Tanya shook her head in the negative. “I invoked my right to remain silent.”

Jasper nodded again. He didn’t want to be here. He hated it when his brother-in-law called him in for this kind of bullshit. Tanya was a whore and a drug addict, and as far as he was concerned, she needed to be in jail. Edward really needed to cut the strings on this one.

“Are my kids okay?”

“Mr. Cullen has your children. He and Miss Swan are making sure they are taken care of.”

“Bella?”

Jasper only nodded, waiting to see what she would have to say about Bella watching her children.

“I don’t want them there. You need to get them out of there, Jasper. I don’t want Bella around my kids.”

“I don’t think you are in any position to decide that right now, Miss Denali,” Jasper sneered.

“Jasper!” Jasper cringed and Tanya jolted. Both turned their eyes to the door. Edward made an imposing picture standing in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. “Tanya, it was either your kids stay with Bella and me, or they go into foster care.”

“Edward, her father…”

Edward held up a hand, stopping her from saying anymore. “I know perfectly well that her father ‘supposedly’ sired one of those brats, but I also don’t believe for a second Charlie Swan would ever cheat on his wife. DNA will tell us for sure.”

Tanya gasped. “You can’t.”

“I can, I will, and I am. Now, why don’t you tell us what you were doing with Jacob Black?”

Tanya sighed. She had been extorting money out of Charlie Swan for five years. Somehow Jacob had found out, and was threatening to tell Charlie the truth. “I was meeting with him to try to get him to give me whatever information he had that proved I was lying about Brady’s paternity. I didn’t mean to kill him, Edward. He told me the only way to keep him quiet was to have sex with him. I wasn’t gonna do that.” Tanya brought her eyes up to Edward’s. “Even whores can be selective, right?”

“Just stick to the facts, Miss Denali.” Jasper barely looked up from his legal pad.

“Sorry. When I didn’t fall on the couch with my legs open, he decided to try to just take what he wanted. I fought him off and grabbed my gun. He backed out of my apartment, and I followed him just to make sure he really left. Once he was back outside I turned to go, but he was on me again in a second. He tried to take the gun, we struggled, and it went off. It was an accident. I called the ambulance, didn’t I?”

Edward nodded, having heard the story. He stood and looked at Jasper. “Take care of it.”

Jasper nodded. Tanya may not be going away for murder, but Charlie would probably press charges for extortion. Either that, or sick his wife on the stupid woman.

**UYH**

Edward walked into his office and shut the door. He sat behind his desk, and picked up the phone.

“Alice, is everything ready?” he asked without a greeting.

“Hello to you, too, Edward. Yes, everything is ready. The institute manager is expecting you at seven. You will dine on a scrumptious feast surrounded by Bella’s favorite photos. I have your black suit laid out on your bed, and Bella’s dress is hanging on her door. I have left strict instructions on how to do her hair and make-up. Anything else?”

Edward smiled. “No, Alice, thanks for all your help. Go buy yourself something pretty before you return my credit card.”

Alice’s giggles filled his ear. “You already bought me several nice things.”

“Well then, you’re welcome.” Edward smiled as he hung up. He left his office and went to his room to shower and get ready for the evening with his love.

Half an hour later, he was tying his tie when he heard the front door slam. He chuckled when he heard her footsteps on the stairs. She wasn’t just walking, she was stomping heavily, and he heard her grumbling under her breath.

“Edward, where the fuck are you?” Bella seethed.

Edward walked to his doorway and leaned on the frame. “What’s wrong, Sweetheart?”

“Those fucking kids need to find someplace else to stay, Edward. They broke a crystal vase, spilled soda all over the living room rug, and ripped your mother’s flowers up in the back yard. I can’t take it!” Edward laughed, which caused her to glare at him. “It’s not funny!”

Edward sobered quickly and moved to wrap his arms around her waist. “Sorry, Baby. Why don’t you go take a shower and put on the dress that’s hanging on your door? I have a special evening planned.”

“Oh, Edward, really? I am so tired, Babe. Can we do it another night?” Bella whined while she played with his tie.

“No, we really can’t. Come on, Baby. I worked really hard to make it special. Humor me.”

Bella looked up in to his green eyes and saw them pleading with her. “Alright. When do we need to leave?”

“You have forty-five minutes.” He kissed her quickly before pushing her toward her door.

Bella ran to her room, stripping her clothes off as she went. She turned on the spray, set it to the perfect temperature, and then stepped under the water. Once she was washed, shaved, and buffed, she stepped out and wrapped her body in a fluffy towel. Only then did she notice the dress hanging on the back of the bathroom door.

It was a red jersey sheath dress that would leave one shoulder bare. Hanging in front of it was a pair of red lace boy shorts and a matching strapless bra, along with a note.

Bella,

You are to wear all of this—no arguments. Leave your hair down in waves (Edward loves it that way). I know you know how to make your eyes sultry, but keep the rest light. Do not argue with me about the shoes. Trust me, they complete the look. Have fun.

Alice

“Damn her,” Bella muttered as she slipped into the proffered undergarments. She combed out her hair and flipped her head over to apply some mousse. She then carefully applied her make-up. When she was satisfied, she applied some scented lotion and deodorant. She then pulled the dress off the hanger and onto her body. It fit like a glove.

Satisfied with her appearance, she walked out into the bedroom and saw the Jimmy Choo red patent Luna heels. She sat on her bed and slipped into the three inch death traps. She stood and took a few shaky steps around the room, before finally feeling confident she wouldn’t break her neck. She picked up the wrap that had been laid at the end of her bed, and then headed to the door just as a knock sounded.

“Bella?”

“Coming,” she answered as she opened the door.

Edward felt his jaw drop at the sight of the goddess before him. He had seen Bella in various states of dress and undress, but seeing her like this just about stopped his heart.

Bella giggled and reached out, touching the tip of her finger to his chin and gently closing his mouth. “I take it you like?”

“You are stunning.” He watched as she blushed and felt his dick twitch in his pants. He held his arm out to her in offering. “Shall we?”

Bella placed her hand in the cook of his elbow and let him lead her down the stairs. Alistair held the door for the couple as they walked out to the waiting vehicle.

“We’re taking the Vanquish? Edward you never drive this car.” Bella stared at the sleek, black Aston Martin sitting in the drive.

“Tonight’s a special occasion,” he commented as he opened her door for her.

Bella smiled softly as she slid in before he shut the door. As he walked around to the driver’s side he nodded surreptitiously in Felix’s direction. He knew that the large man would follow them.

He slid in to his seat and turned to smile at Bella. “Ready?” At her nod, he drove off.

**UYH**

Edward pulled up to the Art Institute of Chicago a half hour later. He had arranged to have the entire photography section reserved for their date, and he was having dinner catered by the Rosebud Restaurant. He had it all arranged, including a candlelit dance.

He exited the car and then walked around, helping Bella out as well. He led her up the stairs and into the building. They were met at the door by the manager.

“Good evening, Mr. Cullen. We have everything prepared as requested. Your meal will be served in thirty minutes. If you’ll follow me, I will show you to our photography exhibit.”

Bella gasped and looked at Edward. He smiled down at her, and together, they followed the gentleman through the closed museum. He led them through a corridor and into the photography exhibit.

“Enjoy.”

Edward thanked him and then turned and to watched Bella stroll around the room, taking in all the pictures. She saw him watching her and smiled.

“I can’t believe you did this, Edward. It’s perfect.”

“I wanted to do something I knew you would enjoy. So, tell me what we’re looking at.” Edward stepped behind her, placing his hands on her hips.

Bella smiled and began talking about all of the photos that were on display. Edward was impressed; she really knew her stuff. The couple stopped in front of a particularly interesting picture.

“I don’t get it,” Edward commented.

Bella giggled. “It’s driftwood, Edward, what’s to get?”

Edward smiled at her. “I just don’t understand how someone would think that was art.”

Bella shook her head in amusement. “Some do, and some don’t. Art is all about perception and interpretation. You don’t have to understand each piece in order to enjoy it.”

Edward smiled but didn’t say anything. He turned at a sound behind him, and saw their dinner had arrived. He led Bella to a small round table dressed with a white linen tablecloth and a single candle lit in the center. He held out her chair for her, and then pushed it in once she was seated before moving to sit opposite her.

They dined on an appetizer of citrus and soy scallops. The main course was broiled double cut lamb chops with sautéed mushrooms. Just as they finished their meal, music was piped in overhead.

“Dance with me?” Edward asked, holding out his hand to her.

Bella smiled at him and place her hand in his. She stood and let him lead her to the center of the room, where Edward wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body flush with his. His right arm rested on her tiny waist, while he held her hand in his left, curling them together over his heart.

Bella let out a sigh and lay her head on his chest, listening to the beat of his heart. No one had ever romanced her the way Edward was. She felt his lips in her hair as Blake Shelton played overhead.

God gave me you for the ups and downs

God gave me you for the days of doubt 

And for when I think I lost my way 

There are no words here left to say, it’s true

God gave me you

“I love you, Bella,” Edward whispered.

Bella lifted her head. Her breath caught at the emotion written on his face. “I love you, too.”

Edward lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers. What was meant to be a chaste kiss quickly became passionate as he swept his tongue out across her bottom lip. Bella moaned and opened to allow his tongue to dance with hers while their bodies continued to sway.

On my own I’m only

Half of what I could be

I can’t do without you

We are stitched together

And what love has tethered

I pray we never undo

When oxygen became an issue, they broke apart. Edward leaned his forehead against Bella’s. “Let’s go home. I need you.”

“Yes,” she breathed.

Hand-in-hand, they left the museum to begin the next phase of their evening.

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