Shiver

Chapter 4

Tonight was the night of Marcus' party and to say I was nervous was an understatement.

Aro was so excited for me to go and experience it, that he let me out at lunchtime to go and get ready.

When I arrived at my condo, they told me I had a package waiting for me.

I signed for it and headed upstairs to start preparing.

I decided to do my own hair, a simple twist with some tendrils around my face, would be perfect for the dress I was wearing. I just hoped Marcus enjoyed it as well. He told me I'd be beautiful in nothing, even though he hasn't seen that part of me yet, I laughed and told him he might change his mind, to which he smiled, kissed my neck and whispered, "You Bella, you changed my mind and gave me hope." He'd smiled and kissed me passionately after.

I shook myself out of my daydream and finished my shower.

I took the extra time during the week to go have everything waxed and buffed and my nails done.

Remembering the package, I picked it up and looked to see who'd sent it. There was no name, so I slowly opened it, finding a long, gold velvet box. I opened it slowly and there was a handwritten note.

"Dearest Bella, please do me the honor of wearing this tonight.

I want to show you to everyone and let them know I've found love.

Love, Marcus"

I pulled out this beautiful necklace and squealed. This would be a perfect fit with my dress and simple earrings my Granda Ma Swan gave me for college graduation.

Exactly on time there was a knock on my door and I walked over to peek out and see Marcus in this fitted tux, it made my panties wet. I opened the door and he was actually fidgeting nervously. "Bella, you look breathtaking." He smiled and kissed my neck softly. "I'm glad you honored my request. I know you said you weren't the jewelry type, there are sometimes you just have to wear it." He kissed me again.

"Thank you so much. It's more than I'd ever imagined." I kissed him softly on the lips.

"Bella, I'd also like to thank you for agreeing to be with me tonight. This will be the first time in years I've had anyone on my arm, that wasn't family. Usually I'm one of the only single men here." He smiled as he took my hand and led me out the door.

We arrived at his home and I think the word mansion was lost on this home.

It was beyond huge, but he assured me it wasn't that big and he'd give me the tour some other time.

Marcus' staff greeted him and he introduced me and told them that I should be treated the same way they treated him and if anyone was rude to me, they were to leave. They nodded in agreement and left to finish up, just as the first guests arrived.

His butler was escorting everyone inside and letting them know where everything was.

Our backs were to the door and I had a shiver run through my body, the same one I'd had for weeks, hat someone's watching me. I brushed it off as a chill from Marcus ghosting his fingers over me and how great it made me feel.

Aro and his wife arrived and were chatting with us, when I heard a voice I hadn't heard in years.

"Marcus, and who is this beautiful creature." He smiled and kissed my hand, to which I pulled away.

"Edward." I said curtly and Marcus gave a strange look between us. He saw Edward's cocky smile, to my very pissed off face. "Would someone fill me in?" Marcus asked.

"Marcus, Edward here is my ex-boyfriend, from a few years ago." I replied.

Marcus' tightened his grip on my waist as he spoke to Edward. "I can appreciate your wonderful taste in Isabella, but I'll kindly ask you to stay away from her. She is with me now and we're extremely happy. Right dear?" Marcus asked, catching me off guard. "Y-yes, sorry. Do you mind if I get some champagne? My throat is dry." I asked. Marcus motioned for a waiter, not wanting to let me go.

"Marcus, we've been friends for how long? You think I'd take her back? You can have her." He smirked and walked away. "Bella, are you OK?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, I just haven't seen or spoke to him, since the day he just left. I've had to deal with Tanya since I've been back and that's very uncomfortable." I shrugged. "I'll speak to Aro and have you pulled off her assignment." He kissed my head. "No, it's fine. I'm not really doing much with her anymore. I kind of told her off last week." I smiled, making Marcus chuckle."

We mingled for a little longer before we were all called to dinner.

Marcus led me into this huge room, it looked like something out of a fairytale.

I sat to the left of Marcus and as luck would have it, Edward and Tanya were across from me.

Tanya's face was left gaping as she looked at me.

"Why are you here? Not just anyone gets invited to Marcus' gala's." she demanded.

"Oh, really? So how come you're here? Oh, wait! You're here because of your husband's name and wealth." I smiled politely. I heard Aro snickering from beside me and Marcus pat my knee.

"Tanya, if you can't be polite to my girlfriend, you are more than welcome to leave." Marcus replied.

"You're WHAT?!" she screeched.

"Edward, please control your wife." Marcus replied.

"Tanya, please, be quiet." Edward sighed.

She finally closed her mouth so we could enjoy dinner.

I constantly felt and caught Edward looking at me throughout dinner and dessert, he looked almost sad.

"Bella, I'm so sorry for Tanya acting the way she did. I won't invite her back." Marcus said as he kissed me goodnight at my door.

"No, please. Edward and you are friends, I can handle Tanya." I smiled and kissed him deeper, to which he groaned.

"I want to take you away for a romantic weekend. What do you say to Italy? I have a home there as well. Say in two weeks?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, that'd be wonderful." I kissed him again, before he turned to leave.

AN:

I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and you've met Eddie boy…

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