CHAPTER 4

Once we had driven for another few hours and Edward had made a countless amount of phone calls to motels and hotels we finally settled in one. Unexpectedly he chose an adorable looking place called Copperstone Inn.

If we had been under better circumstances I would of laughed at Edward. He had chosen a hotel that reminded me much of a farm. When I had known Edward as a little girl I would always tell him about the 2 weeks I would spent with Mamie Marie in France before going to Italy. I would tell him how I loved feeding the geese, birthing the cows, watching the piglets (as I had called them as a kid) and running around in fields and bright blue open skies.

He would always tell me that someday he would take me to see all the farms in the world if it made me smile. I had gone to visit Mamie Marie before the ballet tour in Russia and had not been able to see my dear grandmother since. At the moment I missed her and my family immensely and wondered when or if I would ever get to see them again. I quickly diverted my attention back to the suite however. Thinking such things only made me sad and sorrowful and now was not the time for either.

Edward had trusted Michael a little more once he told us how the feds and other company's had black mailed him. We still didn't trust him until he got a call from some one called '' Uley'' and he informed him that he was in Florida looking to find one of Edward's close friend and top businessman Riley Biers. He then informed him that he might have a trail as he found an offer on Cullen's desktop for Black & Clearwater Company for a new office building. He then proceeded to tell this '' Uley'' guy that he was then headed off to Singapore as he had heard that it was one of my top destinations.

While Singapore was very beautiful it was the one place I had visited only twice in my life. The first time I had boarded the wrong plane with Tanya unknowingly and the second time I only stayed for a week.

After that phone call Edward felt he could be trusted enough. He took me aside and told me he would book two different room. One for us and one for Michael. That way if Newton wanted to stay he could and if he wanted to leave he could do so without interrupting his sorry tired ass the hell alone. I worried at first if Michael betrayed us and told others where we were until Edward told me that either way If Michael stayed or left he wouldn't have a chance to speak because as of two hours ago he had bought the entire inn for two days and added new staff members as well as the one's the inn offered. When I questioned his authority to buy an entire inn he simply shrugged and kept driving.

I had nearly died of laughter when he called the inn and asked for the Queen's Retreat and Wine Cellar rooms. That was until I saw the room and decided I liked it. As I closed all the curtains I wondered if Edward had ever thought of me after that summer in Italy 12 years ago?

'' Bella?'' I turned around to see Edward holding a cupcake at me questioningly.

He had changed into some gray sweatpants and no shirt.

I had seen enough men's bare chest to think I wouldn't stare at him, but I was wrong.

Edward was toned, he was muscular but not that bulky or over bearing type of muscle. He was a lot different than how I had remembered him. As a teenager he was rather tall and that mysterious brooding kind. Now as an adult Edward seemed saddened and he looked like hell. He had circles under his eyes, his emerald green eyes seemed miles away, and his whole body just screamed tired from the way he talked to the way he walked. More like dragged his way to the room. After the shower he looked a bit more refreshed.

'' Bella?'' Edward sat on the bed patting to the side next to him.

'' hmmm?'' I answered him climbing on to the high bed and snuggling into his side.

The warmth was radiating off of him, only aiding to comfort me further and close my eyes.

'' Don't go to sleep yet. Talk to me a little bit.'' his voice sounded vulnerable.

I reluctantly pulled away from him and sat Indian style in front of him, holding his hand and tracing patterns into it.

'' You want me to tell you about ….you know…well…. Edward..I..'' I struggled for words, trying to not hurt his feelings or make him uncomfortable.

'' You want to know about what I heard.'' I tried again.

'' No.'' he held onto my hand and pulled until I was sitting in between his legs. My back to his chest. Once again I could feel how warm he was. I sighed at the feeling and leaned my head back to look up at him.

'' Not tonight, Bella. Just talk to me.''

'' Yeah what do you want to know?''

'' Your what 20 now?'' he teased me.

''21 you old man..'' he laughed circling his arms around my waist as I felt him slide down lower and lean his head on mine.

I lost myself in the feeling and couldn't contain my laugh as I held onto his arms around my waist.

We talked for hours about everything. I told him how I lived in France until that summer when I was nine. We moved to Turkey for four years then to Greece for five years and once I turned 18 I became somewhat of a traveler. I was often in plays, and ballets. I would sometimes stay with Mamie Marie in France or stay in Greece in the apartment my friend Angela and I owned, or even in Turkey with Charlie's parents. I told him about the day I turned 10 and demanded I be put in a ballet, jazz, belly, tap and salsa class. I had struggled most in tap but in the end decided I could never stop learning and expanding my range of dances. Mamie Marie was the one to introduce me to ballet at four years old, at nine my grandmother from Charlie's side took me to a party where everyone knew how to belly dance and it was all a huge celebration. The girls had wide smiles across their faces and moved so fluidly and cheerfully. Since that day on; grandma Makenna's friend Senna had taught me how to dance until I decided to also take lessons.

We sat comfortably enjoying each others company and getting to know one another after so many years.

'' Bella? Did you ever go back to Italy?'' Edward asked.

'' I couldn't.''

He took both my hands in his and squeezed gently.

'' You couldn't or you didn't want to?''

At the mere sound of his hurt and frustrated voice I cringed. This beautiful man surely couldn't think I was mad at him?

'' Oh Edward.'' I tilted my head back, leaning on his chest and looked at his eyes.

Surely enough I could tell he believed I was angry with him.

'' I never blamed you about that year Edward. I loved being with you, Tesoro (sweetie). I never quite new why my parents were so troubled but after that incident I was forbidden to return to Italy. I wanted to see you Edward. Please, believe me. Please. I just couldn't. If I saw you then I would of wanted to stay with you and it would of only hurt us more as children to be separated.''

I felt the muscles in his chest tighten, and loosen as he heaved a long sigh. His eyes were closed, his jaw clenched, and his hair in a disarray.

'' I know you're just trying to ease my guilt, Isabella. Stop pitying me. I'm not some charity case that you can claim to fix. Don't play with me like that.''

He nearly growled the words at me. His eyes dark and set. If I didn't know him any better I'd be scared. I do admit that I am a bit afraid at the moment. He looked nearly as furious as when Michael insulted me or he thought I was working for the feds but sweet Jesus and Mary you would of thought by now Edward would of learned to control his anger issues.

'' I beg your pardon! You insolent prick! How could you Edward!''

I stood from where I sat in his arms, raged .

'' Why would you ever think of yourself as a charity case? I would never be angry with you for something that happened out of your control.'' I pointed my finger at him.

'' Per favore, Isabella. Come se tu non mi risentirsi'' ( Please. As If you do not resent me.)

'' Non potrei mai'' (I could never) his features softened as I spoke and I came to realize that Edward felt guilty and blamed himself. It was evident in his expression that he was mad that I was not angry or felt resent towards him.

I sighed deeply and climbed back onto his lap, this time facing him. I grabbed both of his hands and held them in mine for a brief moments, admiring his vivid but sorrowful emerald eyes. I released both his hands only to place them on his face, gently brushing away his hair. His eyes burned into mine searching for something. Whatever it was Edward was looking for he found it. He gave me a small smile and slowly closed his eyes.

'' It was not your choice to make Edward. For whatever reason we did not see each other does not mean I never thought of you. I will always remember you. No matter what. You were my first friend, the only person who I told all my secrets, all my dreams, and the only to this day.''

I spoke the words softly, never breaking eye contact, and constantly running my fingers though his hair.

He buried his hands in my hair at the back of my neck, nestling his face into my side while I stroked his hair. He kissed my neck a few times before finally leaning his forehead to mine, his sweet breath fanning all around us, as I inhaled it.

'' I'm sorry for not protecting you.'' his words a mere whisper.

'' You have nothing to be sorry for. In the end it all turned out well.'' I reassured him.

'' I doubt it, amore'' (love) His smile was wide, his eyes gleaming, practically dancing in their joy.

'' I think I turned out ok. Don't you think, cherie? J'étais sous l'impression que tu étais heureux de me voir'' (Darling. I was under the impression that you were happy to see me)

I teased.

He laughed loudly. '' Bella, Tesoro (sweetie) I only speak Italian and English, unlike some little know it all translator in the room.''

I pouted in a fake insult and smothered his face into a pillow. Soon we were rolling around the bed trying to attack each other. I smacked Edward several times with the pillows and every time he tried to hit me I would duck. I was running to the other side of the room when he swirled me around me by the waist, threw me over his shoulder, and threw me into the bed. He quickly climbed over me, holding both my hands by the wrist with only one of his. I struggled, wiggling around trying to get free. I heard him laugh and huffed.

''You think your so tough, huh, Cullen?''

He looked at me underneath him and smirked. '' Yeah I do actually.''

I laughed, finally my right leg free from his weight. I pushed at him with my leg, trying still to win but he seemed more amused than anything. He raised an eyebrow and laughed louder.

I pushed with all my strength against him. I gasped as I realized my mistake.

I felt Edward's arousal.

He was clearly hard. There was no mistaking it. I may have been a virgin but I could feel his erection perfectly through his thin t-shirt. I had never been close enough to feel anyone but there was no mistake. It was no help that after my shower the new shirt he had given be became a little bit damp making it thinner than normally. I suddenly became a bit self conscious and moved around trying to get away. As I moved Edward groaned, my eyes quickly flickered to his.

His green eyes were wild, his expression pained.

'' Edward…I'm…'' he interrupted me by shoving his face into my neck and leaving open mouthed kisses. I threw my head back, suddenly I had an urge to move my hips against his and let him do as he pleased.

I thrust my hips up into him, feeling his length. His kisses at my neck never seized, he began to suck as he moved his mouth, lingering, soft, and so gentle. I moaned and struggled to get my wrist free.

'' Edward…'' I begged.

He stopped his assault on my neck, kissing it one more time, before I heard him sigh and drop his weight all on me.

We stayed like that for a few moments. Him laying on top of me, his head in the crook of my neck, my hands above my head intertwined with one of his, as his other rested on my waist. I breathed heavily, attempting to process what just happened, my heart pounding, my whole body felt rushed, heated, and aware of everything. I had been aroused as well. I could feel the wetness between my legs and felt the blood rush to my face, as I realized I was so turned on. I didn't want Edward to stop. In fact it was the complete opposite.

I never wanted him to stop. It felt so good, so, so, so good.

I wish I could of gotten closer to him, I wanted to run my finger through his hair, to his broad shoulders, and feel the muscles in his back flex. God, was it wrong that I wanted to continue, or that I felt pleasure? It was such a sweet torture. Surely something so good couldn't be wrong. I was a grown woman. What 21 year old had not had sex? Only me that was who. I had never experienced such an euphoric feeling and basked in the wonderful memory of it.

Edward's breathing calmed down as well. He flipped over, lying on his back, staring intently at the ceiling. I stayed still, too afraid to say anything. I closed my eyes, hoping he wouldn't see how much I wanted this. How much I wanted him. It was not a thought that had ever crossed my mind before. Until now. I felt the bed shift at my side, I closed my eyes shut tighter.

The bed shifted again, closer to me this time. I felt myself being carried but kept my eyes shut. I felt the soft bed beneath me, and the headboard against my back as he sat me straight. I opened my eyes to see Edward's hands on my thighs. He pushed at them until I opened them. He kneeled down in front of me, touching his cheek to mine, before laying down, with his head on one of my things. I smiled from relieve, wrapping my legs around his waist.

'' Edward I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened, in fact I promise it'll never happen again.'' I spoke sincerely.

'' It was my fault. Really I started it.'' he shrugged.

I had flashbacks of when we were little and Edward refused to give me cookie before dinner. He had piano lessons that afternoon and while he was gone I had decided that since I couldn't reach that cabinet, and Edward had warned all the staff not to give any sweets to me I would just have to make my own. When Edward came home later on in the day he found a five year old little girl with flour in her hair, chocolate chips all over the kitchen, a bowl of milk and butter, something on the ceiling of the kitchen and a white fluffy mess all over the place that he soon realized was whipped cream.

At first he had been amused at the sweet little girls thoughts, but then remembered that she had disobeyed him. If she couldn't have what she wanted she would just take a different path and get it anyway. Edward shouted at her for making such a mess and possibly being injured with, blades in the kitchen. The banter of '' He started it!'' and ''She started it!'' continued until their parents came home and cleared up the disagreement. The only thing they could ever agree on was to disagree.

I always seemed to look at the sentimental perspective of situations, but honestly what could you expect? I had a heart. Not that Edward didn't. it was the simple fact that not only was he older and more experienced but it was also the way he was raised. My parents tried to keep me away from all the Mafia business but Edward was not as lucky. His father being a doctor was often called on emergencies and so Edward in return saw real life and was forced to grow up much faster than he should have had. Otherwise the guilt and pain he saw from other people would tear him apart, and so he became less empathetic, more ruthless and defiant.

Leaving me as the sentimental point of view and Edward the voice of reason and sometimes impulsive actions.

'' You did not start anything. If you want to argue than fine. I wanted it just as bad as you did.'' I blushed at my confession.

He stared at me for a long time measuring the sincerity of my words. His gaze softened and he smiled.

'' Edward?''

'' What, caro?'' (dear)

'' I need to tell you about Irina.'' I pleaded with him. Although he may not want to hear it I knew it was better if he did know.

He blew his cheeks up, before I laughed and poked the sides, making him release the air.

He smiled sweetly at me, as I played with his hair. When I ran my fingers through his hair, his smile seemed to get wider and he sunk deeper into my embrace.

'' Cherie? (darling) I was performing for a ballet in Russia when my performance had ended and I was thrown into a room. At first I had a bag over my head and couldn't see anything but a few men in the room insisted it be taken off. I heard a woman's voice and it seemed familiar she was persistent and disagreed with them, until I heard another voice. The man demanded to see me and asked me to give him a private dance. I refused every time they asked.''

Edward lay still, staring at the ceiling, his breathing became erratic, his brows furrowed.

I could feel his hands ball into fist. I ran my hands though his hair more softly, trying to ease his anger.

'' The man who requested a dance was Tyler Crowley, Billy Black was the only man in the room who tried to take it easy on me. He didn't let any of the men touch me and ignored me most of the time unless someone made a crude comment or wanted something. Some people I didn't recognize kept talking about how they couldn't get anyone to cover up. They mentioned your grandfather Edward. I knew he had been dead for six moths, but I didn't go to the funeral. Irina then quickly disagreed and seemed extremely proud when she said she had gotten someone to cover the story. Tyler and Irina laughed as they reminisced on what a perfect plan it was.''

My hands were shaking a bit as I kept fiddling with his silky locks.

'' She mentioned what a perfect idea it was from the beginning. The unwanted child of a family who gave him away and adopted an orphan only two years later. At that moment I knew who she was talking about. How it was so easy to frame you because you felt useless and unwanted by your own blood and since you thought they all hated you, you decided to go after the biggest threat. The owner of the company, so the inheritance you would of run into a year from your grandfathers death would be yours.''

'' Some people argued that you wouldn't be kept quite for a long time. That if you had already escaped from them, then no one would be able to find you. Irina then mentioned how it was all the greatest set up. If you ran then of course the feds would be extremely suspicious that you were indeed the killer of your grandfather. They had it all planned out, Edward. Right, from the start.''

I sat so still, that I was afraid to breathe to loudly until I needed to exhale.

'' Edward…?'' I soothingly ran my hand to his cheek.

'' Edward, per favore, caro. say something.'' (please, dear)

He shook his head, moving away from me for a second to lean forward and wrap me up in his arms. He kissed my neck, once, twice, before moving to my lips and kissing them lightly.

He looked at my eyes, but all I saw was tranquility. I smiled at him, remembering how as children we had always kissed on the lips. It was never anything physical, it was just an affectionate gesture. A way to reassure each other how much we cared.

I put my hand on his cheek once more, touching his lips gently to mine.

'' Buonanotte, il mio leone selvaggio.'' I whispered

(Goodnight my wild lion)

'' buonanotte, agnellino.''

( Goodnight little lamb)

I snuggled into his chest, breathing in his scent, enjoying the sense of security I felt with him. I could feel his smile against my collarbone and I smiled too knowing he felt just as safe and happy with me.

I am extremely sorry if this took longer than usual to update. I was a lot busier than I had anticipated and did not got to writing until a couple days ago. I tried to make this chapter longer, to make up for my lack of writing but I'm not sure if I did it right? Another thing, I know how some people review about hating how authors don't check their own stories.

I'm one of those '' authors.'' I don't check my stories because when I do, I ALWAYS second guess my choices and as a single individual I DON'T know what is best for me and would rather not doubt myself so I sincerely apologize for any mistakes.

Again please review. I like to hear what people think so far. J thank you for reading.