"You are calm and reposed, let your beauty unfold.

Pale white like the skin stretched over your bones.

Spring keeps you ever close, you are second hand smoke.

You are so fragile and thin, standing trial for your sins.

Holding on to yourself the best you can.

You are the smell before rain, you are the blood in my veins."

Bella

I fixed my eyes on Edward's tense form where he stood staring out the window, a final slam of the front door marking the bitch's departure.

Tiny Voice pranced about the room, tossing about confetti and merrily belting out "Ding, dong, the witch is dead!"

He turned to me then, his amber eyes silently pleading. "Bella, I'm so sor-"

"No! Don't you dare apologize for anything! I don't want to hear it, you have nothing to be sorry for." I then placed my hands over my ears and started humming to myself, not caring one bit that I was acting like such a child.

"Bella!" he scolded as he reached for my hands.

I somehow managed to avoid his grasp as I spun to the side and ran around my room, singing the first song that came to mind at the top of my lungs.

"It's been getting so hard, living with the things you do to me. My dreams are getting so strange, I'd like to tell you everything I see…"I leapt to my bed and bounced in place, trying to anticipate his next move. "I see a man at the back, as a matter of fact his eyes are as red as the sun!"

His gorgeous lips were tense as they formed words silent to me, trying desperately to control the smile that threatened to overtake his otherwise stern façade.

"And the girl in the corner, let no one ignore her, cause she thinks she's the passionate one!" I danced in place tauntingly, swaying my hips and sticking out my chest. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! And the man in the back said everyone attack and it turned into a ballroom blitz!"

I was suddenly wrapped up in his cage-like arms, his cool lips pressed to my own as my hands twisted in his hair.

He pulled back swiftly and grinned. "I'm sorry."

I huffed in irritation. I was too easily distracted.

Especially by beautiful men and their dazzling kissing abilities.

Edward resumed his position at the window. The muted sun set his bronzed hair alight and danced across his defined features.

I laughed quietly as I dipped a large round brush into the white paint, feeling suddenly very inspired by the beautiful man at my side.

Seeing this, Edward said,You must be behind on your work. I'll let you get back to your painting."

"No, don't be silly!" I spun around to him and accidentally poked the brush into his shirt.

"Oh damnit! I'm so sorry, Edward!" I fumbled, truly embarrassed at my carelessness.

He simply shook his head and smiled at me deviously. My heart fluttered in my chest and my eyes grew wide as he once again removed his shirt. Edward Cullen is a nefarious tease.

"I should take care of this before a stain sets, right?" He stared down at me, his voice a mockery of concern.

I managed a short, "Mmm-hm," as he balled the shirt up and tossed it over his shoulder.

"So are you just looking for excuses to get half-naked around me now?"

"I'm sorry, Bella, but you're the one that mistook my shirt for a canvas."

I briefly considered tackling him to my bed and attacking his bare flesh with my mouth… but surely that plan would be foiled as soon as I tried to take him down. Like lunging at a brick wall- I'd certainly splinter a few bones in the process.

But I so wanted, no - needed to have my mouth against him, to lavish his icy chest with my tongue and do evil, wicked things to him until he begged for forgiveness.

Edward growled in response to my mental image. Next thing I knew, I was laying on my bed pinned beneath him, my neck being attacked by cool, open-mouthed kisses. He licked along the hollow of my throat, up my jaw, and took my earlobe gently between his lips before firmly turning my face away from him. His cold breath raised the hair along my neck as he whispered, "You have no idea what you do to me, Bella. How hard it is to resist the call of your blood and body simultaneously…"

"Then why… how do you?" I asked, genuinely curious.

His eyes grew wide and angry. I worried about why I had just upset him, but he placed calming hand on my cheek and willed his expression to soften. "You mean more to me than you know, Bella. I don't want to be a monster, to hurt you, to be so unworthy of you…" He closed his mouth abruptly, as if he had said too much.

"Without you the world would hold no meaning, my dear. I could never deprive the world, or myself, of you. I'm really very selfish, you see…" he smiled. "I came so close to losing you… and every fiber of my being abhors the very notion of 'no more Bella'… to such an extent that the baser parts of my consciousness have recognized how essential you are to my very existence… That's all."

"Oh, that's all?" I mocked, swatting his arm playfully. Fucking OUCH! Don't wince!

I pushed against his chest, and to my surprise, he fell to the side willingly.

I straddled him and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Stay," I commanded firmly before leaping from him and dashing across the room.

I returned, brush in one hand, palate in the other, only to be greeted by a totally perplexed looking Edward.

"Can I, um," I gnawed my lip. "I know it's kind of weird, but… could I paint on you?"

His smile was totally fucking radiant as he nodded "yes", and I was all sorts of bursting with glee as I dove back to the bed.

"Hold still, okay?"

His body turned to stone beneath my hand. If not for the soft breathing I would have sworn the thing beneath me was a statue.

In slow, teasing strokes I applied the paint to his hips, just above the line of his low-slung belt. I began with white, dabbing accents of black here and there against his already pale body. A pattern of vines and swirls soon emerged, extending to his shoulder, exploding into an interwoven sunburst at his chest. I spent a ridiculous amount of time painting him, worshiping every patch of skin beneath my hands, drinking him in with my eyes…

I stopped and looked down at him.

"You have no idea how good that feels, Bella."

"Then show me, Edward," I teased.

His eyes snapped open, his lusty gaze burning into me. In an instant I was pinned under him again, his legs planted firmly to either side of my own.

I slid my shirt very slowly up my torso, taking time to ensure his control. When the shirt finally reached my shoulders he lifted me partially off the bed and swiftly tore it from my body.

He began with black paint, working in quick little strokes around my navel. I closed my eyes and focused intently on the sensation.

He moved straight up, where the gentle stokes flicked across my chest and up my neck. Over and over the brush made its little movements across my body - flick, flick, flick - withhis cold fingers randomly slipping down the brush and skimming across my skin.

I moved my hand to steady his, and opened my eyes.

I looked down, and breathed, "beautiful."

"Yes, you are," he smiled.

Our lips met and danced together for a small, but blissful portion of time before he pulled back and flashed me that fucking gorgeous crooked smile. Careful to hold his full weight from me he leaned down and pressed against me. Our bodies joined as he continued the kiss; our torsos slick with paint, smeared with color, and sticking to one another.

I pushed against his chest and he complied, rolling onto his back and flipping me with him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled my head into his chest, trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

"Sleep, my love. I'll be here in the morning," he whispered, planting a kiss on the top of my head.

And so I did, falling swiftly into a peaceful, dreamless sleep against him.

I awoke early next morning, intensely comfortable despite whatever cold granite slab I had passed out on. The light poured through the window and pierced my sleepy eyes; I groaned and rolled away from it- burring my face in my hair. I felt a gentle shaking and shot up in alarm. Edward.

"Sorry, love. I didn't mean to wake you."

Sleep still heavily clouding my mind; I could only shake my head in response.

"You just looked so peaceful sleeping," he chuckled softly. "You'd crush yourself to me and growl anytime I tried to move."

He pulled me against him and kissed me softly, but when he ran his tongue against my lower lip I quickly sat up, barely noticing the way our painted skin peeled apart.

"I need a human minute," I called over my shoulder as I made my way to the bathroom.

After thoroughly brushing my teeth twice I padded back into the room, where Edward was still laying on my bed, a peaceful smile stretched across his lips.

I dove onto him and lavished his face with kisses.

By mid-afternoon we made our way downstairs. I lazed about on the countertop as Edward made breakfast.

Despite not eating for a century he possessed some remarkable culinary skills.

I watched him intently as he turbo-cleaned the kitchen, and halted mid-chew as he bent over to grab something from under the sink. Tiny Voice stood at my side, making lewd squeezy-hand gestures towards him.

I don't know what it is about him that turns me into some lust-ridden –

"Eat your waffles, Bella," he commanded, a hint of laughter in his tone.

Cue the furious blushing.

I did my best to keep my eyes on the plate as I ate, but my eyes continually wandered… always falling on Edward's muscular form. I was practically drooling at the way his tight t-shirt shifted over his shoulders as he worked, wondering how he could unknowingly seduce me while performing even the most mundane of tasks.

My gaze must have lingered on his ass for a second too long as he turned abruptly, a feigned look of annoyance on his face.

"You know I can't hear you, but I can see everything in your mind, right? So why do you insist on subjecting me to all the ass-shots?"

I grumbled softly to myself, rather embarrassed at having been caught ogling.

He smiled sweetly at me and forked the last bit of waffle on my plate. "Here," he said softly as he lifted the fork to my lips.

I wanted to slap the fork across the room. Waffles be damned! I'd rather have Edward slathered in syrup any day-

Edward dropped the fork as a low growl rumbled deep in his chest. He walked slowly around the counter with predatory With predatory

comma

movements as his darkened eyes burned into mine. He effortlessly lifted me from my seat and sat me on the counter, coming to stand between my legs and pulling my body flush against his. I wove my fingers through his bronze mop of sex-hair and ran my nails across his scalp, eliciting a strange purring sound from him. I wound my legs around his waist, desperately trying to have him closer, silently begging him to never break this wonderful contact.

"Dearest Bella! Where are you?" Alice chimed, as if we were in a game of hide and seek.

Edward mumbled something that sounded almost like 'cock-blocking pixy' as Alice bounced into view. I lowered my legs from his waist but moved my hands to his back, refusing to let him go.

"I've got great news!" she chimed.

Edward scoffed and rolled his eyes. Alice gained a more aggravated posture, her hands on her hips in response.

"For the benefit of those in the room who do not hold such an invasive ability as you do, dear brother, perhaps you will allow me to continue?"

He lowered his head to the crook of my neck and sighed heavily, mumbling a soft 'whatever you'd like' into my flesh. I didn't know to whom his words were directed… But that soft vibration in the back of his throat had started again; leaving me barely able to stifle the whimpers and moans that threatened to erupt as he held me tight against his body.

"Bella, Emmett and Rosalie are to be coming for a visit! They're finally returning from their little romp through Europe, and they'll be meeting up here for awhile before we all take a trip to Forks."

I eyed her warily before opening my mouth to speak, but was quickly silenced by the sensation of Edward's icy tongue dragging across my jugular vein.

"Oh come on now! Bella and I need girl time!" She actually stomped her tiny foot to punctuate the sentence.

I looked to Edward, becoming hypnotized by the movements of his strong jaw as he spoke.

Could I lick his face mid-sentence? That would be considered rude, right?

DAMNIT, focus!

"…She's utterly breathtaking as it is, so you're just gilding the lily, dear sister."

Alice's face grew serious as she spoke, "They're going to be here in a matter of minutes, so we need to get started."

"Sorry, Alice. Not this time. You'd have to pry her from my cold, dead hands."

I looked to Edward, and then to Alice, unable to control the soft laughter that spilled from my lips.

"Forks?" I questioned in a squeaky voice.

Alice's eyes softened as her gaze met my own. "Yes, we're going to see Carlisle and Esme. It's been a few months, and it's not like we can go to the French Riviera this time of year, with all the sun and what-not. Excellent shopping, though…"

I shook my head slightly, fighting the immense distraction that Edward was imposing.

"How long have they lived there? I spent the last two of my high school years there with my father, Charlie. Why didn't I meet you then?"

Alice smiled sweetly at me, "Carlisle and Esme moved there three years ago, probably just after you left. The siblings and I had already moved to Seattle to attend college."

I felt suddenly solemn as I counted the many months back since I had last seen my father and a handful of childhood friends.

Edward's cool hand began to rub soothing circles against my back. I looked up to him to find a look of concern etched deep into his features.

I quickly brought a random image to mind, a sunflower, and focused intently on the warm, bright colors.

Edward's voice was soft as he asked, "Why don't you come, Bella? You could stay with us. I would love for Esme and Carlisle to meet you."

I began a quick tally of the funds in my meager savings account, silently praying that it would cover the airfare.

Alice's delighted squeal broke my concentration as she leapt the few feet between us and wrapped her tiny arms around Edward and I.

"I don't know that I-"

"Nonsense! I've already taken care of it! And we'll need to hit up some shops downtown before the trip, we're all in desperate need of warmer clothes! But you need to leave now, if you don't want to be late for class."

A quick glance at the clock caused a wave of panic to overtake my senses, and I shot off of the counter and up the stairs with more speed than I knew I possessed.

I was out the front door and down the steps, slinging my backpack on as I ran. I stopped suddenly when I realized I hadn't said goodbye to Edward or Alice. Spinning on my heel, my eyes met Alice's tiny form perched on the balcony. "Bye Alice, I'll see you in a few-"

Strong, cold arms snaked around my waist and lifted me off of the ground as my vision of the world suddenly blurred and the wind whipped against my face. Just as abruptly as it began, all was still, and I was sitting in the cool interior of Edward's car.

"You could have asked for a ride." By the tone in his rich voice, I knew that he was smirking.

I sighed heavily, feeling suddenly quite dizzy. Edward started the engine just as a massive, mud-covered Jeep roared up the drive blasting Gwar's Wharghoul, and I instantly wondered where in the hell someone would find all of that mud in Seattle.

A gigantic bear of a man was behind the wheel, yelling along with the last few words of the songas he cut the engine. The hulking beast I assumed to be Emmett slid out of the Jeep with more grace than someone of his size should be capable, and walked to the hood of the Volvo.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward quickly shake his head 'no' as he put the car in reverse.

Emmett smirked and stooped over the hood, hooking one massive hand under the car just as Edward pressed on the gas. The tires squealed briefly in an act of futility before Edward slammed the car back in park.

"Come on, bro! I only just got here, and you're leaving?!" the giant bellowed.

Edward slammed his fist on the window button, hissing "Can you at least act human? We do have neighbors. And Bella is late for class, you beast."

Emmett quirked his head slightly to the side before his gaze fell on me. His eyes widened and his jaw slackened before abruptly bursting into a fit of deep, rumbling laughter.

Taking advantage of his distraction, Edward threw the car into reverse and sped down the drive, nearly missing the annoyed looking, statuesque blond and her sleek red convertible rocketing towards the house.

After parking swiftly in front of the art building Edward turned to me, a smile playing on his soft lips. He leaned over me, his body looming inches from my own, his face so close I could feel his cool breath fan across my face... I heard a soft click as he opened my door and whispered, "enjoy your class."

As he began to move away I snaked my hand into his hair and pressed his lips firmly against my own. I slid the tip of my tongue across his lower lip and smirked. "Now I will," I breathed, and quickly climbed out of the car.

Edward

I sighed contentedly as I pulled into our driveway, taking one last long fiery breath of the Bella-soaked air in the car before making my way into the house.

The thoughts of my family raged into my consciousness, punctuated by the occasional accusation courtesy of Rosalie. I took another deep unnecessary breath before crossing the threshold. My eyes caught instantly on my siblings, who were all seated in the living room. Their various states of aggravation clearly displayed by stiffened postures or, in Rose's case, the look of death casted towards me.

I felt like I was walking into an intervention. Edward, we're all here because we love you, and we need to take care of your Bella-addiction.

Emmett was the first to stand, clapping a massive paw on my shoulder in greeting.

"Hey, Em. How was the trip?" I asked lightly, ignoring the venomous tirade of Rosalie's thoughts.

"Freekin' awesome, man! We just got into LAX yesterday, Rose and I decided to rent separate cars and race up to Seattle."

He beamed affectionately at his mate, softening her disposition slightly.

"I won," he mock-whispered.

She stiffened immediately, hissing "Well I didn't agree on any off-road tracks, Emmett! You totally cheated."

He smiled sheepishly at her before turning to me. "So, With predatory

comma

when are we heading up to Forks?"

"Our school break is in a little less than a week, so we'll be heading up then," the pixie chimed. "And Bella will be coming with us."

"Oh, really?" Rose huffed.

"Yes," I said firmly.

Her eyes narrowed and her hands clenched. "I can't believe you two. Living with a human? Have you told her about us?"

"She knows," Alice said matter-of-factly.

Rosalie stood suddenly and seethed, "do you have any idea what you've done? How could you behave so recklessly? What if she tells someone? What if something were to happen? Jasper's self-control isn't exactly award-worthy!" Rosalie seethed.

"Would you kindly stop bashing my self-control? I've been around her for months now, and I haven't even come close to 'falling off the wagon'. I've stashed myself in my room like some sort of mad-man to avoid even the slightest chance. So get off of my back, all of you." He waved a hand dismissively.

Rose sighed loudly and took her seat on the couch, crossing her legs and staring intently at her nails.

Alice grabbed Jasper's hand and squeezed gently. "She handled it very well, Rose. She is truly an exceptional creature. I would have seen any …complications." A vision then flickered through her mind. I caught only a glimpse before she could control it, but it was enough. Bella stood before a massive, lavish work of art. Her pale skin was speckled with paint and he sighed contentedly before turning towards me, happiness dancing in her massive, golden eyes.

My eyes widened in fury as Alice looked to me.

"How long, Alice?" I nearly growled.

"Edward, you know as well as I do that-"

"How long?"

Three pairs of golden eyes flickered between us, silently questioning our exchange.

Alice sighed heavily, her expression one of exasperation. "Three years."

My mouth opened, but silence remained for several long seconds.

"I saw that before I ever met her, Edward. I knew nothing more the first time we met, only that she was something special and that one day, she would love you."

"I can't… I can't condemn her to this, Alice..."

"There is always a choice, Edward. But this one may not be your choice to make."