Well...we're safe here but without power. Still have 4G so thanks AT&T!
I hope everyone survived!
Stay Safe!
Chapter Eight
Reality Knocking
"These pancakes are fucking awesome," Edward mumbled, his mouth full of said pancakes. As he sat across from Bella in the dingy little diner just off campus, he could imagine doing the same thing for the rest of his life. He wondered if she thought about their future as well. Did she think about marrying him? Had she imagined what their children might look like?
Edward had.
He'd already pictured them living in a big house on a hill, children running around wild with Bella barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. He knew he was in it for the long run and wondered when he might be able to tell her without scaring her.
"You know what I wish?" Bella sighed happily as she swirled a piece of banana pancake through a puddle of syrup. Edward put his fork down and tilted his head, giving her his undivided attention.
"I wish I could have been around when people first started discovering what things you could eat. Like, who decided that you should put a spout in a tree and then boil down the liquid to get this awesome syrup?" For a moment Edward was unable to speak, worrying that he had fucked the smart out of her.
"Bella…" he started to say, but her laughter silenced him.
"I'm kidding! You should have seen your face!" she squealed, holding her belly as she giggled.
Edward sat back and smiled, realizing he would give anything to see her that happy everyday for the rest of their lives.
*()*()*
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Bella asked hesitantly, her eyes on the floor. After breakfast, Edward had all but dragged her to her dorm and helped her pack. Now, she was sitting in the middle of his bed, her overstuffed bag in front of her. Edward was cleaning out some of his drawers, making room for her things.
"Fuck yeah, I'm sure," he growled, stepping back so she could see the empty drawers. "I want you here. I want your shit here. Don't over-think things, Bella. I love you."
Hearing the tremor in his voice forced Bella to believe him. He was right, she was over thinking things. She just couldn't get over the fact that a gorgeous, intelligent man wanted her.
*()*()*
After all of her things were unpacked and snuggling next to his, Edward convinced Bella to go out to a club with him. She was underage, but he knew people who would overlook the number on her ID if there was a Benjamin behind it.
"You want a drink?" Edward asked, standing close behind her as she stopped at the bar. She shook her head and turned around, burying her face in his chest shyly. "What's wrong?"
"I've never had anything but wine. I wouldn't know what to order," she said, talking only loud enough to be heard over the booming music.
"I'll pick something for you," he whispered in her ear, sliding his hand up her arm and tipping her face to his. "You should know by now, I will always take care of you."
Bella felt silly as tears blurred her vision.
"Don't," he said, reaching up to brush away the tears that escaped her lashes before they could smudge her makeup. "Let me love you."
"I'll try. It's hard to believe that you love me sometimes," she admitted. Edward sighed good and hard as he pulled her firmly into his body, letting her feel his erection pressing against her thigh.
"You are the most spectacular woman I've ever met. I love you. I want you. You drive me insane," he hissed, knowing he'd convinced her when her eyes slipped closed right there in the middle of the club. "Now, I'm going to order us something to drink. And then…we're gonna dance."
Bella sipped at the bright red cocktail, enjoying the slight burn as she swallowed. Standing at a high, round table just on the edge of the dance floor, Bella swayed to the music as Edward pressed his body against her from behind, caging her in. His beer sat untouched on the table in front of her.
After her first drink was gone, Edward laced their fingers together and led Bella into the mass of writhing bodies. Hidden in the flashing lights and anonymous crowd, Bella let go of her inhibitions and allowed Edward to guide her with gentle hands on her hips. The glow from the lights made Bella's skin luminous. The delicate material of her silver sleeveless dress caressed her as she moved. They danced until sweat started to roll down Bella's spine.
They stood together at the table, Edward glaring menacingly at several guys who stared a little too long at Bella. She was oblivious to the attention. It wasn't long before the alcohol made its way through Bella's system, and she turned to Edward with a grimace.
"I have to pee," she said, pushing against him when he refused to move.
"Can I come with you?" he teased, but something dark was hiding in his eyes, contradicting the levity of his words. Bella put a gentle hand on his chest and eased him backwards, kissing him once before she vanished into the crowd.
Edward stood at the table, his eyes trained on the dimly lit hallway where Bella had disappeared. He had just made the decision to follow after her, when he saw the silver shimmer of her dress catch the light. He felt his body relax, until his view of her was obscured by some random guy.
Bella tried to move past the obviously drunk guy, but he reached out and grabbed her arm, pushing her into the wall. Looking up into his shadowed face, Bella could only hope Edward had been watching for her and would come to her rescue.
A low growl was the only warning Edward gave as he approached Bella and the stranger. He could see the fear in her face as he got closer, which only fueled his anger.
"I'm here with my boyfriend," Bella mumbled, her hands pushing at the man's chest as he moved closer.
"I don't see him around. How about I take you out back and show you a good time?" he hissed, grabbing her other arm, grazing her breast in the process as he turned toward the exit. Edward didn't hesitate when he finally made it to the pair. Drawing his arm back, he let his fist fly, catching the stranger right in the nose. From then on, Edward was a man possessed. Fear and anger were the driving force behind his punishing punches. He didn't stop when the man hit the ground. It wasn't until hands pulled him off, that Edward relented. Panting frantically, he pushed away from his restrainers and searched for Bella.
Standing a few feet away, her back propped up against the grimy wall, Bella struggled to catch her breath. Edward was covered in blood, his copper hair streaked with crimson as he ran his hands through it. His green eyes were nearly black as he approached her and she could see his fingers shaking.
She shouldn't have been aroused by the brutality she'd just witnessed, but she was.
"Bella," Edward whispered, reaching for her. He was petrified she would be frightened of him, but the moment he was close enough, she threw herself into his arms. Burying his face in her hair, he breathed deep and felt his body relax.
Even after she'd seen him at his worst, she was still there.
So...a glimpse. Those of you who read the original...yeah you know.
See you as soon as they get us some power.
