She shook her head. “No. Cape Falls is my home. If Edward wants to leave, I’ll go with him.” It had been a couple of weeks since he had taken her back to the trailer park where she had grown up.
Isabel didn’t know exactly what had happened. All she knew was she felt different, stronger. Once all of the glasses were on the shelf, she picked up the box, and headed toward the back.
“You really do love him?”
“Of course. He’s amazing.” She tucked some hair behind her ear as she grabbed another case of beer, and carried it through to the main bar. Placing it on the floor, she was aware of Peter watching her. “Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. It just seemed to take a long time for the two of you to get together.”
“Edward is a gentleman.” She couldn’t help but smile as she recalled the past couple of months they were together at his home. Well, not together, together, just friends. He was her best friend.
Peter snorted. “Believe me when I say that Edward is anything but a gentleman.”
“I think you’re wrong. I love him, and he makes me better.”
“You make him better as well,” William said, coming behind the bar. “Are you just watching the women now?”
Isabel looked at William, who was glaring at Peter.
“Yep, sorry. I’ll go ahead.”
He left them alone. “He wasn’t bothering you, was he?” William asked.
“No, he was fine. We were just talking. I’m sorry if that was inappropriate?”
“It wasn’t. Peter can be a pain in the ass at times. I don’t want him to worry you. The only person Peter loves is his wife, and he loves her so much. You’re good for Edward, and he cares a lot for you.”
“I’m not going to leave Edward. He’s been amazing to me. I’m not weak.” Isabel took a deep breath, feeling more empowered. “I love your friend, William. I’m not going to hurt him.”
William stared at her for a few seconds. “You know I advised him to leave you.”
The smile stayed frozen on her face. “Excuse me?”
“I’ve known Edward a long time. He never stays around if it’s hard work. I underestimated his love for you. You are good for him, and I see now what Edward said about you.”
“What did he say?” she asked.
“He said that you made him better. Pretty much told me that I didn’t know him if I hadn’t seen the change inside him. I think you’ve come a long way, Isabel. I didn’t know you before, but no matter what, you’re good for him. You’re good to him, and you have my utmost respect and loyalty.”
“Thank you.”
“If there is anything you need, anything at all, I promise you, all you need to do is ask, and I will make sure you get it.”
She rounded the bar, and moved toward him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave him a hug. “Thank you. Really, thank you.”
“Hey, what are you doing hugging my girl? You know that is forbidden, right?”
“Yeah, I know,” William said, patting her back. “I just can’t resist teasing you.” He pulled away. “See what I mean? He’s very possessive of you, sweetheart.”
“I’m a little possessive of him as well.” She moved back toward Edward, and snuggled against his side. “I love him.”
“I’m going to leave you two alone.”
William left, and she moved back to behind the bar. This was the main nightclub that she was working in. Back in the BDSM bar alcohol was not served. Drinks were accepted, but it was more the tea, coffee, and soda variety.
“Do I want to know what you and he were talking about?” Edward asked.
She shrugged. “I think he was just giving me the congratulatory acceptance of him, and maybe the club.” She held her arms out.