Chapter 4

Before I knew it I was in the passenger seat of Edward's car going down the highway, in any direction away from Forks. My mind was racing, was this really happening? An hour ago I was happily in Edward's arms, now I was running away.

But this time Edward didn't make the mistake of leaving me. He was by my side now, and I doubt he'll relinquish his position until he knows im safe again. Im glad he's with me. Those few days I had to spend away from him in Arizona were torture; I wasn't prepared to go through that again.

After half an hour of solid driving I finally broke the silence "Where are we going?"

"I don't actually know" he replied with a quirky grin on his face, I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Sooo were just going to keep on driving until we end up in the sea?" I teased.

"Hopefully we'll find a destination before having to go under water, I don't think Alice will be too happy if I drown you"

"I don't think I'll be too happy about that either" I replied playfully, and he giggled with me. I'm glad his mood is light again.

We were quiet again for a little while and I gazed out at the landscape right in front of me, memorizing all the trees and fields and buildings and roads that would soon become memories as we sped past them. I knew Edward wouldn't get tired, so I questioned whether he really would drive constantly. He didn't need to sleep but I sure did, I wasn't fond of the idea of sleeping in the car for days and days -

"Are you hungry?" he said interrupting my thoughts. He always thinks of my human needs, even when I forget, one of the many reasons I love him.

"I am actually"

"There's a service station a few miles ahead," he announced "we'll stop there for a little while so you can fill your belly, then we'll figure out our next move" I wasn't about to argue, now I'd acknowledged my hunger it was more prominent than ever. I could eat a horse, maybe two. Gosh im so hungry!

After hours of driving we finally decided to stop and check into a hotel. Edward was satisfied that there was a safe amount of distance between us and Forks, so today's car journey was over. My legs were still stiff from sitting in the same position for so long, so I paced back and forth along the balcony to loosen them up, taking in the view at the same time.

I eventually stopped my pacing to rest against the railing, we were pretty high up – almost at the top – and the view was extraordinary. I could see for miles and miles, the tops of buildings, and the trees and fields that surrounded us. The sun was dancing on the horizon and I watched as it fell. It was beautiful.

I familiar pair of arms encased my body from behind, his nose was at the back of my neck. He took a deep breath, taking in my scent with it. "How are you enjoying the view my beautiful girl?"

"You can't throw that word around when looking at something of true beauty" I answered still watching the sun go down.

"I am"…

I turned around to face him; his fingers were now laced together at the small of my back. The smile on his face was sparkling, as the last rays of sunshine bounced against his diamond hard skin. I put my arms around his neck and stretched up on my tippy toes to reach his lips, his full, luscious lips. I placed a chaste kiss on them.

"Oh Bella, you amaze me. After all you've been through I'd expect you to be going crazy right now. I know you want to be at home, and I know inside your probably falling apart, I wouldn't expect you not to be. But how you still manage to act so strong is beyond me"

"I want to be strong… for you" I confessed.

"I know sweetheart" he smiled gently "but it's my job to be strong for you. You don't have to put on a front for me. If you need to cry, here's my shoulder." He gestured his head to the right, "If you need to scream and smash things, I'll clean up after you. If you need to fall apart, then I'll pick up the pieces of you and put you back together again." My eyes were beginning to sting with tears at his words. "Just don't push those feelings down and make yourself feel worse okay?"

I nodded; the lump in my throat was blocking my words. I looked down at the floor; I could feel the tears threatening to fall. How can his words have such an effect on me? Edward placed his hand under my chin ever so gently, and pulled my face back up so his eyes were looking into mine. A traitor tear fell from my right eye; he wiped it away with his thumb and placed both his hands on my cheeks. His cold skin cooling the flushed skin of my face.

"I love you" he said in the most sincere voice I'd heard from him, and with that he placed his lips against mine. There had never been a kiss like this. It was passionate, yet gentle. I could feel every bit of love he'd ever felt for me, every hope, every fear, every happiness, and every experience. All in that one kiss. I was overwhelmed.

The tears started coming thick and fast. I buried my head in the crook of his neck and he held me close. One arm around my back, the other at the back of my head, stroking my hair delicately. I could've stayed encased in his arms forever, I felt completely protected and completely at ease. I loved him so much right then. To know that I could show him any emotion I was feeling and he would accept it and ride it out with me, and not judge or use it against me. In that moment I truly trusted him. I had never felt more comfortable in some ones presence. And I wanted to be by his side always.

As my stream of tears began to lessen he kept one arm around my back and guided me back into the room, onto the couch. He sat with me, holding me for a little while longer, until the tears had finally stopped falling.

"How about I go run you a bath?" he said breaking the silence.

I took a deep breath and cleared my throat of unshed tears, "Just what I need" I replied faking a smile and failing.

He placed a kiss on my forehead then left me alone on the couch, and alone with my thoughts. What am I doing? I can't let him see me like this, what was I thinking? He'll think im crazy. My thoughts continued to torture me some more until Edward returned, chasing the bad feelings away. He took my hands in his and pulled me up off the couch, he then led me to a bathroom I wasn't expecting to find.

The dark room had been lit up by lots of little candles, their lights bounced off the tiles as they danced around the room. The smell of lavender and camomile pleasurably invaded my nose, and the stress that filled my mind began to dissipate. The whole scene screamed relaxing.

Edward pulled my jacket from my shoulders and down my arms, why was he doing this? Was he going to undress me? My heart began to race. Nope, no way, that's not going to happen. How dare he even think of it! He of all people should know I wouldn't want that. I should say something, I need to say something now!

But as he pulled the jacket free from my arms he folded it neatly and hung it across his forearm. It was just a chivalrous gesture, a product of his upbringing. Of course he would remove my jacket, he was just being polite. I felt guilty for ever doubting that his actions would be anything but respectful.

I smiled at him, a genuine smile. One that said thank you, one that showed my appreciation. He returned the expression before kissing my forehead once again, and leaving me to my bounty.

I undressed quickly, my muscles – still sore from the previous week's events – ached in protest. But as I lowered my body into the bubbles I instantly began to feel relief. The water was just the right temperature to ease my sore limbs. I lay in the water as still as I could, but the motion of my breathing still caused the water to make tiny waves, lapping against my body.

I closed my eyes and inhaled, pulling in more of the lavender scent. All I could hear was the sound of my own breathing. I had become so relaxed I was teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. This moment was perfect. I felt completely at ease, I never wanted to leave.


A/N - I enjoyed writing this chapter, Edward is slowly becoming Bella's rock.

I love writing Edward, he's like my perfect guy #TeamEdward ;)

Hope you liked it pleeeeease review, I'll love you foreverrrr!