Worth the Fight

Chapter Forty-One

So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story ... What's up next?

NOW, we're going to get some congratulatory citrus fruit ... starting with a massage from Bella.

What I own: More clothes than I know what to do with ... cleaning out my closets, ya know?

What I don't: Twilight

Chapter Forty-One

Early the next morning, Bella snuck out of the bedroom. Edward, despite being exhausted, tossed and turned. His body took a beating, and he was paying for it now. In the living space, she found Carlisle and Charlie. "Good morning." She kissed her father's cheek and smiled at Carlisle. "Can Edward get a massage this morning? He was in pain last night."

"Take it easy on him," Carlisle answered. "Avoid the bruises on his body, especially around his ribs. There are some small fractures in the bones."

"Can he also get some pain killers? He's not fighting for at least a month. One Vicodin won't kill him," Bella huffed.

"I have some, but I'm not going to drug him without his consent," Carlisle said, checking his watch. "I have a teleconference meeting in an hour. I hate talking over Zoom. I'll leave some Vicodin with your dad, but don't push it. Edward is very particular about what he puts in his body."

"I know," she nodded. Blinking to her dad, she smirked. "Don't you have some fighter to train? Or a meeting to go to?"

"Actually, I don't. I was hoping to spend the day with you and Edward," Charlie retorted with a shit-eating grin.

"Dad!" Bella huffed. "Really? I don't think so."

"He doesn't," Carlisle snickered. "He's actually checking out another fighter to possibly join the Bull Dog family. Your car will be here in ten minutes." He got up from his spot. "I'm going down to the business center and then I'm meeting Alice and Esme to go out for lunch and an afternoon of shopping."

"Oooh, have fun," Bella sang. "Better you than me."

"I'd rather have a hip replacement without being sedated," Carlisle grumbled, picking up his computer bag as he left.

"I don't envy him," Charlie snorted. "Though, I would like to spend some time with my daughter. I spent more time with your boyfriend than you. I won't take you away from him while we're here. When we get back, we're having a date, Isabella. I will not take no for an answer."

"We can go shopping, too, Daddy," she smirked.

"Yeah, no," Charlie deadpanned, grabbing his coat and his phone. "Like Carlisle, I'd rather get a root canal without the Novocain." He kissed her forehead. "Take care of your boy. As much as I tease, you and Edward are good together. He deserves some pampering."

"Thanks, Dad," Bella said. She pilfered a grape from the fruit spread. "Have fun with your new fighter and I'll see you later."

"Love you, Little Bells," Charlie grinned, leaving the suite.

Bella went back into the bedroom, finding Edward spread eagle on the bed. The wrapping around his torso was a stark contrast to his tanned body. It also reminded her that he was injured. Ducking into the bathroom, she got some lotion and began massaging his feet. Slowly, she moved up to his calf muscles. He moaned lowly, shifting on the bed. "Just relax, baby. Let me soothe your aches."

"Your hands feel like heaven and hell," he said in a deep rumbly baritone.

"I can stop," she whispered.