Possessing Bella Ch. 09

"What do you want me to tell Bella?" Stephen knew she had to be told before they got there but at this point it was Rob's call.

"You were right she needs the truth, we can't protect her from everything," Rob sighed. "I want to tell her myself but you will have to tell her the basics on the way. Be as vague as you can be."

""See you in an hour or so," Stephen said and hung up his phone turning back to Bella. She looked so beautiful sitting there, awaiting his return, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her again but he knew from her reaction to the initial kiss, that it was still too soon. Tonight could be an even greater setback in her recovery and consequent ability to accept another Master into her life, but there was nothing to be done about it now.

"We have to go," Stephen rumbled as he approached the table.

"Is something wrong?" Bella looked up at him with worried eyes.

"I will explain in the car," he said softly. "Did you eat enough?" He asked as he pulled notes out of his wallet and threw them on the table.

"I'm so full I could burst," she let him take her hand and they exited quickly.

Bella fidgeted with the hem of her dress after he had helped her into the car and taken his seat. They were driving at speed toward the highway when she finally broke the silence. "Can you tell me why we need to rush back?"

"Dorothea is unwell," Stephens's deep voice rumbled into the darkness. "She's been unwell for some time."

Bella chewed her lip feeling a weight drop in the pit of her stomach. "Kurt had told me as much when I was a brat during my first week back at the company," she said with a catch in her voice. "It was why she only came back part time. She said she was just fine, that she wanted more time at home to do her own things."

"That was the truth then, but it's a bit more serious now, she is in the hospital and asking to see you," Stephen kept his voice a flat monotone. Bella's hand flew up to her mouth, and she turned her large panicked eyes on Stephen.

"I am sure she will be fine but as I said earlier we all do what Dorothea commands and so I am taking you to see her," he smiled trying to lighten the mood.

"Will we make it before visiting time ends?" Bella tried to read her watch and failing she looked at the dashboard for a clock.

"They will let us in whenever we arrive, it is a private room she is in," Stephen reassured her. They lapsed into silence. Once on the highway Stephen reached over and took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Things have a way of working out as they are meant to," worry lines creased his brow and gathered at the corners of his eyes.

"I haven't been in a hospital since..." her voice broke and she let a tear roll down her face. "She won't have tubes and machines and..." her voice has risen in pitch and she gulped.

"Bella, Dorothea is asking for you. That woman has done everything you ever asked of her now it's her turn to ask. I will be there, and Rob will be there, you can lean on us but you must be brave and face this. You are a strong woman. You prove it all the time," his voice had become stern and commanding again. "You will keep it together and go and see your friend because you love her as much as she loves you."

"Yes, Sir Stephen," Bella whispered.

"Good girl. There are tissues in the glove compartment fix your makeup and walk in there looking like the dazzling creature you are. You do not want to make her feel bad for distressing you," Stephen tried to cajole Bella into calming down.

Stephen continued to hold her hand and kept the conversation flowing. His voice remaining no-nonsense and commanding as he spoke about several topics demanding answers from her to make her think of something other than the worry over their impending destination.

They eventually pulled up in the parking garage across from the hospital and giving her no time to think or react Stephen hurried her from the car and into the hospital. In the elevator, her put his arm around her to still the quivering that seem to have overtaken her body.

"It will all be fine," he murmured bending low to her ear, "Just be there for your friend."

They entered the room, and Dorothea smiled wanly. She looked a little grey and had large circles discolouring the skin below her eyes, but she held out her hand to Bella.

"Don't you look gorgeous for a Monday night. That colour suits you," she enthused.

"That will be all gentlemen we will call you when we are ready," she patted the bed for Bella to sit down. "God, look them all standing around like lost puppies. Go shoo," she cackled, "You are like a rent-a-crowd in here."

Rob and Stephen turned to leave, but Kurt stayed steadfast considering the old woman. It was the first time Bella had seen anyone stand up to Dorothea, and she smiled. "I promise if she starts getting all bossy I will scream so loudly my parents will hear me down on the mountain," Bella giggled.

"I will be just outside," Kurt warned and stepped out of the room.

"So what have they told you?" Dorothea asked.

"Just that you're sick and have been for some time and that I am a brat for making you come back to work," she chewed her lip.

"Nonsense! Do you know how good it feels at my age to be needed," she smiled and lifted her arms pulling Bella into an embrace. "Mel was like a son to my husband and I. I don't think my heart ever quite recovered from his death, and it seems the doctors agree," she admitted. "You though my lovely girl have been the closest thing to a daughter I have ever had. I have watched you grow so quickly in the last year and weather everything that came your way. You are a force to be reckoned with my girl." She patted Bella's back releasing her from the strong embrace.

"Do you need a drink or something," Bella floundered noticing how short of breath the older woman was.

"No, I will be fine. A little bit of routine surgery in the morning to give me a pacemaker and I will be giving you a run for your money again," she cackled making Bella smile. "Now tell me how things really went with Hunter before old big ears comes back." She pointed toward the door.

"He has too many issues of his own to deal with before taking on a new girl," Bella smiled lopsidedly. "I think he is starting to deal with them though as I am with mine."

"I thought as much," she nodded. "When the right Master comes along you will know."

"I had the right Master," Bella said softly.

"Yes, you did at the time and while there will probably never be another like Mel you need to love again. You are too young and beautiful to be an old spinster like me. Trust me sharing a life with the one you are meant to love and serve is so fulfilling. I miss my husband every day but were I young enough I would jump at the chance to find that sort of love again," she said wistfully. Bella looked at her dubiously, and the old woman took her hands in her frail ones.

"Do you remember telling me about the first time Mel kissed you and how that kiss lingered more than any of the pain or pleasure he inflicted on you," she saw Bella's eyes look off as if in memory as she nodded. "That is how you will know. Just one kiss will linger and stay with you, make you tingle from your toes to the tip of your nose, and you will know love is possible again."

Bella did remember that feeling all too well but when she searched her memory for that vision it was Stephen she saw and the way he had kissed her earlier that night. Without realising it, she had sucked her lip between her teeth and was chewing on it steadily.

"Did hunter kiss you like that," Dorothea asked startling Bella.

"No, his kisses were deep and brutally possessive," Bella laughed.

"Then who were you thinking about just then, because it seemed like you were considering something else that stunned you," Dorothea looked at her critically.

"People are just so confusing sometimes that's all," Bella shook her head. "I knew Mel almost my whole life, as a kind and generous family friend. A little strict maybe but always gentle and encouraging, then I discover this whole other side to him, one he doesn't show in every facet of his life. When I first met Master Rob, he scared me, and now I love him more than I can say. I would have been his in an instant had he asked. I probably still would, but we have a different relationship now, more like family. Master Kurt has so many personalities in different situations he's like a chameleon, but his heart is bigger than the rest of him and his motives are always good. I am even finding Sir Stephen has a softer side," she sighed loudly. "How will I know if I meet the right person or if I am seeing all of him in just a week or two," she finally lamented.

"No one says you have to commit after one date," Dorothea laughed loudly causing her to cough breathlessly making Kurt return to the room. She waved him away once she caught her breath, "I was just getting to the juicy stuff, get away you." She turned her attention back to Bella.

"One more ruckus like that and I will be back for good," Kurt grumbled and stepped out again.

"That big heart of his," she rolled her eyes, "You have had another toe tingling kiss though haven't you?" Bella nodded but chewed her lip not giving away any further information. "It shocked you yes?" Bella nodded again, and Dorothea patted her hand. "Sometimes love comes from the most unexpected places. You must continue your journey though, but keep your heart and mind open at the same time to a man who curls your toes."

"Dorothea, what would I do without you. You make sense out of all my silliness and put me on the right path time and time again. I will stay and be here when you go for your surgery and when you come out," Bella promised fervently.

"My darling, I am an old woman. I can put myself to sleep and wake up again if I need to, without all this fussing. It is routine surgery but at my age there are always risks and I need you to promise me," Bella felt the sting of tears prickle at the back of her eyes and a large lump form in her throat, "Promise that you will not shut down again should anything happen. I have lived a long and full life, and I have no regrets at all and while I am sure I will be sitting here talking to you tomorrow night, I need your promise now, so I can be at peace when they wheel me down there tomorrow."

"I promise," Bella whispered barely keeping her emotions in check.

"Good," Dorothea seemed to relax a little back into her pillows at that point. "Now tell me who the toe curler is, and I will rest properly," she grinned.

Bella leaned forward and whispered in Dorothea's ear, "Sir Stephen."

"Wonderful that's the second unwinnable Master you will have landed, the girls at the club will be green with envy," she choked out the last words as she began to cough loudly again caused by her laughter and shortness of breath.

"That's it," Kurt Stormed into the room, "Bella you can come and see Dorothea again tomorrow after her surgery. Worry had made his voice hard and abrupt. Understanding how he felt Bella hugged the woman one last time and kissed her cheek.

"I will be here tomorrow; I will even bring you some of those little chocolate balls mum makes that you love so much, for when you're feeling better," Bella stood up from the bed and turned to look at Kurt. She impulsively went and hugged him. "Things will work out the way they are supposed to," she said quietly and turned walking straight into Rob's chest his big arms surrounding her.

"Everything all right?" he asked scrutinising her face.

"Yes, it's all going to be fine," she smiled. "Dorothea needs some rest I am afraid I made her laugh too much at my silliness, and wore her out." She glanced at the bed and took in the ashen face of Dorothea acknowledging how sick the woman was. "I'd like to go home now please, Master Rob," she said her voice finally failing her.

"I'll walk you out and give Stephen a chance to say goodbye properly," Rob kissed her forehead and murmured, "I'll be back in a bit," to Kurt, who nodded.

They walked slowly down toward the elevators and sat in the waiting room chair. "I will be okay. I promise. You and Kurt are barely holding it together; it would be strange if I didn't feel anxious or sad, I love her," Bella said softly. "I won't fall apart again; I promised Dorothea I wouldn't." She gave a half smile as he looked at her carefully.

"Such a brat," he shook his head and hugged her tightly. "When did you get so smart?"

"About the same time that I realised that so many people cared about me the way they all care about that woman in there," she said sadly. "Look after Kurt," she urged as Stephen approached them looking concerned. "Call me when she goes in please," Bella said as she stood. "I am sure you will both still be here." She hugged Rob and waited for the men to have a brief conversation before pressing the button to call the elevator to their floor.

They travelled down in the elevator and walked out to the car in silence. "It wasn't Mel who brought the club stakeholders together was it?" She asked into the darkness of the car as the pulled out onto the main road. "The core group I mean, the men who came to the weekend hunting party," she qualified what she meant.

"James was the catalyst I believe. It was Mel's hard work and determination, but James was a larger than life figure. He mentored many of the men at least in some way," Stephen spoke as if thinking through as he talked.

"And when he died they all gathered around to care for Dorothea much the same way, they have all shown their care and concern for me," she said rather than asked.

"Yes," Stephen nodded. "You however have a wider range of care-takers such was Mel's character and influence."

"You all seem to know and care for Flora as well, I noticed on the weekend," she mused.

"That is a different situation but yes. Is there a reason for this line of questioning?" Stephen asked.

"I just realised tonight that I am not so special after all," she laughed. "Oh dear, that sounded terrible even to me. I just realised that I am not the only girl to be watched over so completely. It's quite comforting really."

"That makes no sense at all," Stephens deep bass chuckle rumbled through his chest.

"I know," Bella continued to laugh for a few moments longer before finally saying, "Dorothea can always make sense of my silliness. I'll let you know tomorrow what it all meant after she deciphers it for me," she smiled up at him.

The short drive seemed quicker than normal as they pulled into the parking garage and unloaded her shopping from his car. Stephen gathered the bags for her and together went up to her apartment.

"I'll stay in the building tonight," Stephen said. "Call me if you need to. I am a light sleeper."

"Thank you. I appreciate everything you have done for me today. I am sure I will be okay tonight," she said softly and tilted her face up to him. Stephen bent and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep well, little one," he said gently and left her apartment.

Bella felt disappointment he didn't kiss her again. She touched her lips and remembered the tingles his kiss had given her. Perhaps she had read more into it than there was. He was a moody man recently, and that confused her more than anything else. Perhaps he regretted the kiss. Perhaps it was only that it was the first romantic kiss she had received without the expectation of sex, in a very long time.

The memory of that kiss lingered despite finally coming to the conclusion that it had been an impulsive gesture that held no meaning or intention for more than what it was at that moment. She would tell Dorothea how silly she had been tomorrow when she saw her, and they could laugh about it together.

*****

The following evening Bella sat once again on Dorothea's bed, regaling her with the story of how she had finally cleaned out the massive walk-in wardrobe and some of the strange things she had found in there hidden away in boxes. The procedure had been successful, and Dorothea already looked remarkable improved though they would be keeping her in the hospital for observation for a day or two to be sure.

"It's such a fuss about nothing," Dorothea confided. "I just want to go home."

"I understand that," Bella nodded. "Hospitals are... not for the living and you are going to live forever," she grinned.

"Times up, I need to examine the patient," Sera announced from the doorway. Bella turned to look at her an smiled at the nurses costume she wore and the small pretend medical bag she held. Bella had been warned that each of the girls would only be given a short time to see Dorothea this evening, and so she hugged the woman and kissed her cheek before moving from the bed.

"I'll come tomorrow, do you want me to bring anything?" Bella asked brightly.

"Look around you, there is no space for anything else," Dorothea waved her hands about. "So much fussing," she shook her head.

"We love you and this is the only time we get to fuss over you. I bet nurse Sera will agree that fussing is good medicine," Bella smiled as Sera chimed in her agreement. "I'll see you tomorrow, and we can talk about noses and toes-es," she winked and Dorothea laughed.

"Now that sounds like good medicine," The old woman watched Bella walk away.

Throughout the day Bella had continued to remind herself that it was just a spontaneous thing, a spur of the moment aberration that would never happen again. Despite her self-talk though the memory remained strong, and as it had with Mel, the kiss lingered on her lips.

The rest of the week had flown by as she spent the following day with Jake shopping, Nyx had arrived on Thursday morning with the promised books.Then had spent the better part of the day with Bella engaged in an alternative type of dance and movement study that made her somehow more aware of her femineity and body as she moved through her everyday life.

She saw Stephen most evenings as she ate in the club with Jake or Rob before visiting the Dorothea with one of the three men. The closeness she had felt to him on Monday seemed to have faded, and it became easier to remind herself that it was just one kiss and to dwell on it as she had been was silly. Only it wasn't just the kiss, it was the whole afternoon that kept playing over in her mind. His relaxed and easy manner at the castle, as she called it now and the way he had held her hand on the way to the hospital.

The man confused her in the way he was so stern and dominant the majority of the time letting only brief glimpses of his softer side come through when they were together. Dorothea had made a good recovery and had gone home Friday morning with a young nurse to monitor her despite her protests that it was not necessary. The girls had taken it upon themselves to arrange a get together at her house on the Saturday and have a little cleaning bee so ensure she didn't overdo it in the first weeks after the procedure.

The day had been an enormous amount of fun for Bella, and she had stayed late after the others girls had left keeping Dorothea company and talking about what she had planned for the following week at work. She was putting together a light meal for dinner when her phone buzzed startling her.

"Hello," she said tentatively.

"We expected you back for dinner, why haven't you called Lincoln to pick you yet?" Stephen demanded.

"I'm so sorry I hadn't realised, Sir Stephen. I was keeping Dorothea company for a little longer," she gulped nervously. "I didn't want her to have to eat alone after such a nice day with friends," she added knowing it was an excuse of sorts.

"Next time you change your plans you will call," Stephen commanded. "Lincoln will be there to pick you up in an hour, Dorothea still requires rest," his tone was authoritative.