Three weeks later.
Jasper's POV
It had been three weeks since the evening I spent with Edward and Bella. Three long weeks where no matter what I tried to do, I couldn't get Bella out of my head. I had proposed the lesson out of desperation, an honest need to bring some relief to this delicate situation for Bella, Edward and myself. I had vowed to myself to remain detached; I was merely an instructor for them, pure and simple. But somewhere along the line it changed and had morphed into the single most erotic experience of my entire life – and I didn't even see her! Well, that's not entirely true. I saw her slim body writhing under the covers. I saw the blanket rise and fall as his fingers dove into her entrance, stroking myself to the same rhythm, imagining it was me inside her. I saw her face, her beautiful face, eyes closed tight as her first orgasm ever racked her body in ecstasy. That image was what threw me over the edge right along with her. Bella was always lovely, but in the throes of passion she was absolutely exquisite. I would give anything to be responsible for that look on her face one more time. I saw the outlines of her curves and snippets of her body as I held her hand and took her pain from her when Edward broke through her barrier. I would distort the memory of that night in my mind, put myself in Edward's place. When I closed my eyes I would hear Bella's voice "Please…Jasper. I need more." I couldn't block my thoughts from Edward, they consumed me. After the first week, he quit growling at me and resigned himself to just giving me dirty looks. Lately, he'd just been rolling his eyes.
For their part, ever since Edward finally realized that he could be with Bella, they had been doing practically nothing else. They put Emmett and Rosalie to shame. That all stopped a couple of days ago, however, when Bella had fallen asleep after a particularly long love making session and Edward had come downstairs to socialize for a little while. Bella started talking in her sleep and had called not only Edward's name but mine as well. I tried to hide my smile, but failed miserably. She was thinking of me, too! It was that moment that I was thinking of when Edward knocked on the door of my study.
"Can we talk for a minute?"
"Of course." Edward closed the door behind him and took the seat across from me.
"First of all, I want to thank you properly for what you did for Bella and me. You have given us the greatest gift I could have ever asked for, and I will never be able to repay you."
"You did it, Edward, not me. I was just there for moral support." Although I would have liked to have done more.
"Yes, well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. It seems that there was some kind of connection formed between you and Bella that night. You two have developed something of a mutual fascination with each other, I think. Alice has had a vision. She wouldn't show it to me, but she says it involves the two of you in a compromising position, if you will. She feels if she or I attempt to keep this from happening, it will tear both our relationships apart. So we've come to the conclusion that we will allow you to have one night together, to do whatever you need to do to get this out of your system so we can all move on and be happy."
"Wait a minute, are you giving me permission to sleep with Bella?"
"I'm not going to pretend to be happy about it. But I will do anything to make Bella happy, and it would appear for the moment, that would include you. Bella is at her house. She only knows that I am sending you over to talk. I will be nearby, close enough to listen in to your thoughts, to intercede if you lose control."
I nodded my head as I sat dumbfounded for a few minutes, soaking in everything Edward had just told me. One single thought disrupted me from my stupor - I've got to get to Bella!
Tonight, I was going to worship Bella the way she deserved to be worshipped and show her the true depth of my desire for her. As I climbed the tree outside her window, I paused for just a moment. She was standing in front of her dresser mirror brushing her hair, her cheeks flush, her lips a glorious shade of pink. She was wearing a pink silk tank top and matching silk shorts pajamas that complimented her porcelain skin and glided over her every curve. Even from the tree I could see her tiny, taut nipples, a slightly darker shade of pink, pushing through the delicate fabric. I thought back to the bra and panties she had tossed by my feet during our last encounter and smirked. I don't care what they all say about blue – pink is definitely her color.
Edward's POV
I couldn't believe what Alice was telling me. Sure, Jasper seemed to have a one-track mind about Bella lately, but with everything he had witnessed, I supposed it was to be expected. I tried as best as I could to not want to tear him apart for his thoughts about Bella. After all, he had shown me that I really could be one with Bella in the way we both so desperately desired, and the past few weeks had been the happiest of our lives. She wasn't even asking me to turn her into a vampire anymore!
Then came the night that Bella called Jasper's name in her sleep along with my own. We all heard it. No sooner had it happened then Alice went into a vision and blocked her mind to me. She asked me to go for a walk and that's when she told me. Jasper was going to sleep with Bella. She wouldn't show me the images of the actual act, but she did show me what would happen if we fought it. Alice was in a dark room, curled in a corner, shaking uncontrollably; I was in a hovel similar to the one I hid in when I had left Bella, feeding on rats and contemplating ways to kill myself. Then Alice showed me another image, the one the decision to allow this to run its course produced. The four of us were walking across campus at Dartmouth, my arm around Bella, human Bella, my mother's engagement ring on her finger. Alice and Jasper were right behind us, holding hands. We were all smiling and blissfully happy. The choice was easy after that. As much as I hated the thought, I would have to share Bella with Jasper for just a little while.
And so it was that I settled into a spot in the woods just behind Bella's house to listen and watch what the night held for Bella and Jasper, focusing on seeing the scene through Jasper's thoughts.
"Jasper!" Bella looked up at him with a sigh of relief. He just stood and stared at her for what seemed like forever before slowly walking towards her until they were only inches apart, her chocolate eyes staring deep into his. Slowly he reached up and cupped her cheeks in his hands. This may truly be the death of me, I thought.
"It'll be alright, darlin'. You'll see." He said as he pulled her to him in a tight embrace.
"How will it be alright? What is happening between us?" She looked as though she was about to cry. Jasper gently took her by the elbows and led her to the edge of the bed to sit next to him.
"I don't know exactly. I know that I can't stop thinking about you, that I desire you, and from what I am feeling from you, I think you feel the same."
Bella nodded. There was no going back now. This was the point of no return.
"Bella, I need to explain a few things to you." Bella nodded her head again in response. I could tell from Jasper's thoughts that confusion and guilt rippled from her. "Alice and Edward have chosen to give us one night together to give in to those desires. The physical aspect of our relationship cannot extend beyond tonight, although I am certain that from here on out we will be much closer friends than before."
"They know?" Bella was in an instant panic. She did not want anyone to be hurt in this.
"Yes. Alice had a vision about us together. Actually, they have given us their blessing, of sorts. As I said, they've given us one night. Edward will be nearby, on the off chance I should lose control."
"He agreed to this? And he'll be listening to it?" I could completely understand the emotions coming from Bella now – bewilderment, disbelief, confusion, embarrassment.
"Yes, but only if you want to, Bella. We don't have to do this," Jasper said. While his thoughts were chanting 'Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes,' my own thoughts were begging her to say no. I held onto to that image of us together at Dartmouth for dear life.
"I do want to," she whispered. I watched through his eyes as he slowly lowered my Bella onto the bed, gently laying her head on the pillow. Jasper laid next to her and began kissing and nibbling her earlobe while his fingers wrapped themselves in her soft tresses. His free hand began a slow journey from her cheek, down her neck, across her shoulder, down her arm, settling on her hip. I punched a nearby tree, putting a whole all the way through its trunk.
Bella turned on her side to face him and he began licking and nibbling her neck, tracing his lips along her jawbone. He softly ran his fingertips up and down her side. "Mmmmm…" Bella purred in response to his touch. That sound was sure to haunt my dreams for eternity. I grabbed a large rock from the ground and took my frustrations out on it, turning it to dust.
He grabbed her by the hip and slid her against him. She put her arm around him and slid her hand under the hem of his t-shirt, drawing circles on his back with her fingertips. I could almost feel the sensations through his thoughts. It was heavenly.
Jasper sat her up gently and lifted Bella's shirt from her body, then wrapped his arms around her waist loosely. He began kissing her neck again in earnest, licking and caressing her collarbone. Soft as a feather he dropped lower, and Bella leaned back in his arms, arching her back to give him greater access. Jasper began kissing one nipple gently, wrapping his lips carefully around his teeth before catching it between them. Amazing the way it hardens and tightens to my touch, he thought before repeating the movements on her other nipple. His fingers floated over her stomach, slowly making their way up to trace the curves of her breast. "Perfection," he mumbled against her before blowing a cool breeze over the now wet areas of her skin. Another soft moan emerged from Bella's lips. I dug my fingers into the soil in agony. Part of me wanted to kill him. Part of me wanted to be him. Part of me wanted to be there with him.
"Bella, would you mind if I took off my jeans? They are a little…uncomfortable at the moment." At least he was being a gentleman about it. If this were Emmett, it would be very different, and even more difficult to tolerate.
Bella giggled at him, "Of course not, Jasper." He removed his jeans and was back before Bella had the chance to blink. I watched as he caressed her lower lip with two fingers, tugging down slightly so she understood his meaning. Bella opened her mouth and allowed them entry. Indescribable. Her lips; the heat, the moisture, is pure bliss. She shocked me when of her own accord she took his hand and began moving his fingers in and out, flicking her tongue around them in the most erotic way imaginable. My erection pulsed in response, straining against my jeans. Jasper's head flopped back, he closed my eyes and a soft purr ruptured from his chest.
"You like that?" Bella asked with a surge of self-confidence.
"Oh yeah, darlin', more than you could imagine." What I wouldn't give to have those lips wrapped around my… I couldn't take it anymore. I decided to move from my place in the woods to the tree across from her window. Seeing it in person could not be any worse than seeing it through Jasper's thoughts.
From my new venue, I watched as he cupped her left breast in his hand and took her nipple between his wet fingers and began kneading it, gently at first but slowly building pressure, gauging Bella's reaction to know what type of pressure she liked best. He pinched it gently and she inhaled sharply. I could smell her arousal even from my hiding place outside her window. He squeezed a bit harder this time. "Tell me how that feels."
Bella moaned, "It feels so good, Jasper."
"Good." He bent down and began leaving soft moist kisses along the curve of her breast, across her abdomen, pausing to flick his tongue around her belly button, causing yet another soft moan from Bella. That is the most beautiful sound in the world, Jasper and I thought in unison. He placed his hands on her hips, putting his thumbs under the waistband of her pajamas as he traced patterns from one hipbone to the other with his tongue before blowing a cool breath over the trail. He's good, I thought. The thoughts of jealousy and anger were slowly being replaced with lust and desire. I watched with rapt attention to see what Jasper did next, taking mental notes of the things Bella enjoyed.
Jasper lifted her hips gently and began slowly removing her pajama shorts, splaying his fingers to caress as much of her legs as possible. When he reached her ankles, he guided them even closer to her buttocks before sliding his hands back up her calves to her knees, caressing them with his thumb before pushing them apart to spread her legs. The powerful scent of Bella's arousal hit me full force, and I stared with hunger at the moisture soaking through her pink lace underwear. He took his time lowering his hands from her knees to the top of her thighs, then took his forefingers and ran them inside the edge of her underwear upwards along the seam, then back down.
"Shall we remove these for you, darlin'?" When Bella moaned her approval I found myself moving closer to the window for a better look. Surely Jasper was aware of my presence by now, even if Bella was not. Her eyes were closed; she was entirely in the moment. Jasper surprised us both by shifting them so that she was straddled between his legs, her back against his chest, giving me an even better view. He then took both her hands and guided them down her stomach around the back of her hips to her panties and then they removed them together. "You have a magnificent body, Bella." Yes, she does. He lightly grabbed her behind as they pushed the fabric free of its purpose. Bella gasped in pleasure and laid her head back against his shoulder. Her neck was displayed for me in the most tantalizing way. I licked my lips as Jasper kissed her in her favorite spot. It scared me for a moment, but he had not had a single bloodthirsty thought.
Bella's breath hitched and her heart skipped a beat when Jasper moved his hand to her soft folds and began teasing the sensitive bundle of nerves there with his fingers. I was lost, utterly lost in the moment, watching the scene with awe. I have never in my life felt anything as wonderful, he thought, the moisture from her arousal swirling around his fingers as he massaged her clit. So warm. Bella's back arched against his chest and her hips lifted into his hands, desperate for more. Jasper's next thoughts shocked me. I know you're there, Edward. You can join us if you want. I positioned her this way on purpose. Could I really do that? How would Bella react?
"Faster, Jasper. Harder." Her voice came out husky, desperate. His fingers moved in tight, rapid circles around her clit. He pinched it ever so lightly with his thumb and forefinger and she bucked into his hand in response. I could tell she was close.
"Oh God! Please, more…" I felt my erection jerk and pulse and began stroking myself through my jeans.
Jasper gently applied pressure to her knee with his free hand, spreading her open even further. The image of Bella, naked and spread before me was exquisite. I had never seen her body from this vantage point before, and I committed every detail to memory. Jasper plunged two fingers deep inside her core. They moaned in unison as he began thrusting his fingers in and out at a frantic pace, the palm of his hand slapping against her clit with every turn. "That's it, darlin'. Come for me, Bella!" Bella screamed incoherently as her climax overtook her. As the spasms died down, He gently removed his fingers and laid his cool hand still on top of her swollen folds to sooth her as she floated down from her orgasm.
"Did that feel good?" Jasper whispered into her neck, placing gentle kisses on her earlobe as her heart rate returned to normal.
"Uh huh," was all she could say, her eyes still closed.
"I'm glad. But that's just the beginning, darlin'." Come on, Edward, now's your chance. My desire outweighed my common sense and I silently entered through the window and crossed the room. As the mattress shifted under my weight, Bella's eyes flashed open and she looked at me, her face a mixture of rapture and amazement. I smiled reassuringly to her before lowering my head to place a soft, chaste kiss on each thigh, while Jasper picked up where he left off, flicking his tongue around the base of her throat.
I could see the juices spread over her thighs and I greedily licked them clean before turning my full attention to her sex, glorious before me, her lower lips pink and throbbing, glistening with her arousal. I licked her folds upward, taking in the hot, sweet nectar pooling between them before finding her clit with my tongue while Jasper began caressing her breasts, taking them both in his hands, running his thumbs over her nipples. I flicked my tongue across her clit, then sucked on it just long enough to cause a new pool of juices flowing before thrusting my tongue inside her entrance, in and out with steadily increasing rhythm, teasing the tight ball of nerve endings with my finger while my other hand grabbed her hip to hold her steady. Jasper moved out from behind her and she leaned back against the headboard as he put one arm across her body to support himself as he began kissing her deeply, still massaging her breast with his free hand. Bella began bucking her hips into me, moaning into Jasper's mouth. Jasper pulled away from the kiss and lowered his head to take one nipple into his mouth, sucking and tasting her before moving to her other breast and repeating the process, this time biting it gently. Bella wrapped her fingers in his hair and moaned.
A wave of lust swept over us all like a wave. Jasper was projecting his emotions onto us, intensifying our own. The passion flowing back and forth between the three of us at this point was palpable. Bella began rocking her head back and forth with abandon and I knew she was close to orgasming again. I slid one, then two fingers inside her and began rubbing her clit with my thumb curling them inside her as I thrust, searching for her sensitive spot as I licked and nibbled on her clit. I added a third finger as I wrapped my free arm around her to grab and knead her behind. She removed her hands from Jasper's hair and propped herself up on her elbows, grabbing the sheets beneath her for support while he continued teasing her nipple with his fingers while he kissed and licked her upper body.
"Darlin', open your eyes. I want to see you when you come for us." She was still rocking her head back and forth, but didn't answer him. He recaptured her nipple in his mouth and bit it tenderly. With that, Bella exploded with passion, her eyes darting from Jasper to myself as her walls clenched and unclenched around my fingers, her clit throbbing as her head flew back and she screamed in ecstasy.
"Oh God! Yes, Yes!" As wave after wave of ecstasy from her climax hit her, Jasper threw her emotions back at her coupled with our own building desire and she instantly came again, harder, her whole body arching upwards, quivering for the longest moment before collapsing back onto the bed.
Jasper scooted up to lay on her left side and I laid on her right, both of us kissing her ear and neck lazily as we cuddled against her. Bella turned to Jasper and kissed him deeply for a moment before turning her body to face mine and doing the same with me. Jasper began placing gentle kisses along her spine, his hand resting low on her hip as our kiss gained intensity and she opened her mouth to allow me entrance. The taste of her juices was still fresh as it mingled with the taste of her mouth, creating the most delicious combination.
Bella reached down my back and began tugging at my t-shirt. I sat up a little and allowed her to remove it, savoring the sensation of her warm fingers running up my chest as she tugged the shirt off. Her hands returned to my chest and back, running them over every muscle, teasing my nipples to diamond-like points. Bella eyed my jeans skeptically and I jumped off the bed to remove them for her. She took the opportunity to return her attention to Jasper, kissing him deeply. He moaned when he faintly tasted her own arousal in her mouth. I must taste that directly from the source, he thought. When I returned, she pushed my chest to show me she wanted me to lie on my back and I willingly complied. Bella laid herself completely on top of me, her legs on either side of mine, her feet resting on my calves. I was engulfed in the heat radiating from her body and my arousal jumped yet another level. She was covered in a thin layer of sweat, which when combined with the hard surface of my body, allowed her to slip and slide over me with ease as she kissed and licked and nibbled my ear, my neck, my shoulders. I wrapped my arms around her and rested my hands on her butt as I reveled in the sensations she was creating.
I reached down and cupped her ass, holding her tight as I bucked my hips against her, forcing a very sexy moan to escape her gorgeous lips. I could feel her arousal soaking through my boxers and coating my engorged member, reducing the friction between us there as well. She seemed to realize this, too, and ground her hips against me in a circular motion.
"Bella," I groaned.
"Yes?" she asked with a giggle before lowering her head and returning to my neck. She methodically treated every inch of my chest to the joys of her lips. I watched her in awe as she nibbled playfully at one my nipples with a mischievous look in her eyes. The sensation was powerful, shooting all the way between my legs, causing me to jerk upwards against her stomach.
Bella trailed her fingers down my stomach slowly as she turned her attention to my other nipple, sliding her hand under the elastic of my boxers. I growled instinctively. Bella just smiled around my nipple as she bit a little harder and removed my boxers before wrapping her fingers around my cock.
"Bella!" My eyes snapped shut and I laid helpless before the temptress above me as she ran her fingers up and down my length, delicately at first, then firmer, twisting her palm back and forth as she stroked me from the base and worked her way up. When she slid her thumb across my tip, spreading the moisture she found around it, I nearly came undone.
Bella lowered her body between my legs on her hands and knees as she wordlessly took a hold of my erection and took the head into her mouth. She licked and sucked me, hard, stroking the remainder of my length with one hand, fondling my balls with the other. I purred in response, which turned into a low growl when Bella's eyes looked up to meet mine with me still firmly in her mouth. I realized then that Jasper had repositioned himself so his head with beneath Bella's torso, propping himself up on his elbows so he could lick her clit as he spread her lips with his thumb and placed two fingers inside her. So delicious. It was an amazingly erotic image, only made better when Bella growled, actually growled, sending vibrations up my body. She slid her mouth further down my shaft, flicking her tongue frantically. Her hot mouth, magical tongue, and luscious lips worked me into a frenzy like never before. I laid my head back and locked my fingers underneath it. I knew that this was something Bella needed to be in control of and if I reached out for her I wouldn't be able to stop myself from grabbing her head and setting the pace for her. Instead, I just closed my eyes and let the feelings overtake me as Bella began to become more comfortable, gaining speed and depth with every thrust of her head. Jasper didn't relent his ministrations as Bella's body rocked back and forth, slamming into his hand with every bob of her head.
"Bella, I'm not going to last much longer," I moaned.
"Umm Hmm," she hummed without releasing me, flicking her tongue around my cock before biting down gently. That was all it took to send me over the edge. "Oh God Bella!" She took every bit of my release and swallowed it down before laying her head in the hollow of my hip as Jasper brought her to her own release. Bella slid back up my body and snuggled her forehead into the crook of my neck. Jasper massaged her feet for her while I traced patterns up and down her spine. She sighed contentedly and then looked at Jasper with curiousity. I realized that Jasper had yet to have been given such a release, and began to feel a little guilty for it. I guessed Bella must have too because Jasper looked up at us and smiled softly.
"Don't worry. This has already been so much better than I ever dreamed it could be."
Bella looked at me and I knew what she was asking. I nodded my head in consent. She crawled down my body to where Jasper was sitting at the foot of the bed and removed his shirt, leaving a trail of kisses down his chest as she took first one, then the other nipple into her mouth and teased it with her tongue. Oh, God, he thought. I need her, Edward. I need to be inside her. Please… I sat up and took Bella's shoulders, pulling her back gently so she was laying on top of me. Jasper made eye contact with me for just a moment to make sure he had my permission before removing his boxers.
Bella realized what was happening and turned her head to me, swallowing hard. I kissed her softly, running my fingers up and down her sides. "Relax, love, it's okay," Jasper spread her legs open gently and crawled between them. I took her breasts in my hands, her nipples grazing against my palm caused shivers of pleasure up my spine. Bella was staring at me with such tenderness, not even blinking. I felt a powerful wave of lust and longing from Jasper as he placed himself on his knees between our legs and placed his hands on her hips. I kissed her forehead gently and caressed her cheek with the back of my hand. "Do you want this, Bella?"
"Yes," she whispered, her voice husky and full of need.
Jasper caressed her core again gently, running one circle, then two, around her folds with his fingers before spreading them gently and placing himself at her entrance. Slowly Jasper entered her, groaning in pleasure. Hot. Wet. Soft. Tight. Oh God. This feels so good. Bella inhaled sharply and her heart skipped a beat. He held still and I nibbled her ear and whispered soft words of reassurance to her until she exhaled. Jasper began slowly entering and exiting her, savoring each sensation. Her body rocked on top of me as her pelvic bone rubbed against my member, now hard again. I lowered one hand to her clit and began massaging her as he picked up speed. Bella did not move her hips, but began thrashing her head back and forth. Bella was fevered above me as the pressure inside her quickly built to new heights.
"I'm going to, again, Oh God!" I could feel Bella's clit begin to throb and I picked up the pace to match the rhythm Jasper set, as I pinched her nipple lightly with my other hand. Bella screamed as a powerful orgasm exploded within her. Jasper screamed her name a moment later as he was undone and rolled off of her next to us.
I turned Bella on her side and spooned myself behind her as Jasper turned to face her, his body flush with hers as he caressed her cheek and kissed her gently. We both memorized everything about that moment, her scent, the feel of her warm, beautiful body against us in all its naked glory, her heart pounding. We laid that way for some time, not wanting to move or even speak, until I felt her start to shiver. Jasper rolled over briefly to grab my shirt off the ground, pulling it over her head quickly before we resumed our former positions. I pulled the covers over us, but not between us.
I stroked her hair gently, removing the knots from our interlude with my fingers. Jasper continued to trace her cheekbones, her nose, her lips with his fingertips as she smiled into them contentedly, scooting into me to ensure there was no space anywhere between our bodies. Eventually, Bella's eyes drifted shut and her breathing became deep and regular as she fell asleep.
Thank you, Edward.
"You're welcome, although to be honest, I didn't do it for you. I did it for her. For all of us."
I know. But I thank you nonetheless.
"Do you think you'll be able to handle this, allow things to go back to the way they were?" The vision of us all happy together at Dartmouth flashed into my mind once more. It now held even more meaning for me after tonight.
Yes, I think so. If I start to have those feelings again, at least I will have the memory of tonight to sooth the cravings. Is this how Alice saw it?
"I don't know. I only know she said that I should let things happen and that we would all have our happily ever after if we did."
Bella began talking in her sleep, then, saying things like "better than my dream," and "Wow. Just Wow." We both chuckled at that. I couldn't have put it better myself. 'Wow' was a very good way to describe how our evening had gone. I kissed the top of her head and she fell back into a deeper sleep. Jasper and I laid there the rest of the night, both just admiring Bella and soaking in all that had happened.
Bella finally woke up shortly after 10am and took Jasper's face into her hands, kissing him gently before rolling over and doing the same to me.
"Good morning to you, too, love. Did you sleep well?"
"Mmmm…" was her only reply.
Jasper kissed the back of her shoulder blade and sat up. "As much as I hate to, I think it's time for me to leave." Bella looked deep into my eyes and I smiled at her. I would not deny them a goodbye.
Bella sat up and straddled his lap, taking his earlobe into her mouth, sucking and nibbling on it before blowing a breath over the moisture with a giggle when he visibly shivered. I chuckled too. Unfair, he thought.
"Oh, you think that's funny, do you?" Jasper laughed as he started tickling her sides. Bella laughed hysterically, holding onto his shoulders for support, bouncing up and down in his lap. The laughter stopped abruptly when she accidentally rammed her hips into his, causing an immediate reaction on his part that even I was aware of.
Jasper pulled her to his chest, hard, and wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her passionately for what seemed like forever. His fingers snaked into her hair and caressed her scalp until she was forced to pull away gasping for breath.
"If I don't leave now, darlin', I may never have the strength too." He was looking deep in her eyes, but his thoughts were directed at me. Don't worry. I know she's yours.
"What happens now?" Bella asked us with tears in her eyes as she reluctantly crawled off Jasper's lap and into my own, her back pressed against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek.
"Well, I think we've established that I can be around you now without being consumed with bloodlust." We all chuckled. "I would like to see us become close friends, like Edward and Alice are. Would you like that?" Jasper asked her, hope glistening in his eyes.
"Yes," she answered with a sniffle, bobbing her head up and down enthusiastically.
"That's good, I want that, too, very much. Beyond that, I think that we all need to try and lock this away in the back of our minds, focus on being there for each other as friends. We owe it to each other to concentrate on strengthening our relationships after this."
Bella didn't say anything for a moment, and I felt a silent tear roll off her cheek. Her emotions were so conflicted. I just hugged her tighter and let her cry it out for a moment. Then she calmed down and looked at me. "One last kiss?" I nodded.
As she closed her eyes in anticipation, Jasper leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her lips, and another one on her cheek. Before she could open her eyes, he was dressed and gone.
"I love you, Edward, more than you'll ever know," Bella turned to face me, her hands on my cheeks as she searched my eyes for signs of distress. Oddly enough, there weren't any. I had no lingering feelings of doubt, or jealousy, or resentment. Only love for my one and only.
"As I love you, my Bella." I kissed her softly and pulled her closer against me.
"Forever," she said as she wrapped her arms over my own and leaned her head back onto my shoulder.
"Forever."