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Chapter 9
'I'm going to be a father,' Edward thought silently to himself in the darken room. He couldn't quite believe his ears at the doctor's conclusion and Bella's confirmation. His heart could burst with the happiness and pride it now held. For the hundredth time that night, his mind drifted off to Bella. She had fainted in his arms shortly after learning the news and he had no doubt it was from exhaustion.
The baby had constantly made her ill from what he learned through the servants who were eager to divulge any information to him. Apparently, Bella hadn't been anywhere since his absence for she was too sick to leave the house. Then, perhaps, he had been wrong that she was plotting something behind his back. He shouldn't have thought she was capable of such betrayal. Bella would soon give birth to his child and she deserved his trust.
He turned toward her sleeping form on the other side of his bed and gently placed a hand on her stomach. He had carried her to his bed chamber in order to better care for her. From his bedroom window, the moon softly surrounded Bella's face in a soft glow making her look enticingly angelic in her sleep. She appeared to be much younger than her nineteen years, and he wished this baby didn't arrive so soon. He wanted them to be in love before bringing children into their marriage, but this only meant he would have to work harder to obtain her heart.
Edward leaned into Bella's stomach and whispered softly, "You should be good in there and don't make your mother too tired, hmm? And you shouldn't be too picky with food either. Your mother has to eat so that you can grow faster and we can finally meet you. Good night, my child."
Under his palm, Bella stirred in her sleep and drowsily opened her eyes. She sighed softly and looked around his bed chamber. A place she wasn't familiar with. Bella began to sit up, but Edward pressed her back against the pillow.
"Shhh…Go back to sleep," He coaxed.
"Where am I?" Bella asked him drowsily.
He pulled the covers up, "Where you belong."
Comforted, she drifted off to sleep once again turning into his chest in her slumber. Edward held her as if he held the world in his arms and drifted off to sleep.
'This is heaven,' Edward thought gathering the warmth in his arms a little tighter. One of his legs was nestled between two very slender legs, and his fingers grazed fine, smooth hair. He inhaled the sweet scent that emanated from the warmth. One of his hands rested against a soft yet firm object, and he squeezed it drowsily wondering what it could be. There was another small, pert object in the middle that responded to his touch. It was rather odd, and Edward squeezed again feeling around for a hint.
Bella had never felt safer nestled against a hard, but lean warmth that seemed to be moving against her. She thought she was still dreaming when the touch came again and with more boldness. Her eyes flew open and the first thing she registered was a hand inside the top of her night shift fondling her left breast.
She let out a loud shriek that could wake the dead.
Edward jerked up in bed and looked over at Bella who was righting her night shift with a furious blush on her cheeks. She looked delectable.
"Are you alright?" He asked running a hand over his hair with a yawn.
She pointed a finger accusingly, "What do you think you're doing?"
He leaned away, "I was sleeping. Why are you blushing?"
Bella couldn't be more mortified, "You-"
She looked down at the top of her night shift and bit her bottom lip, then, whipped her attention back to him. Edward looked at his hand and mimicked the squeezing he had done while in slumber and looked toward her chest. Her blush intensified and she looked like she was about to cry.
Edward opened his mouth to speak but Bella shouted, "You were fondling me!"
"I was not!" Edward retorted guiltily.
"Then, what were you doing with your hand…"
"I didn't feel anything," He quickly lied.
Bella gasped, "You took advantage of me and now you insult me!"
It took a great strength for him not to burst out laughing when she thought he didn't enjoy the size of her breasts. He had, but he had meant to save them both from the embarrassment. Now, the situation was going to get much more embarrassing.
"I didn't take advantage of you, nor did I intend to insult you. I only meant to save both of us from embarrassment. Now, you've given me no choice. I was still half asleep when I felt them and I didn't know what they were, so, I gave them a few squeeze. It's no big deal," He finished with a dazzling grin.
Bella swung a pillow against his head, but he had the good sense to duck and snatch the pillow away.
"Why am I in your bed chamber, anyways?" Bella asked taking in the masculine furniture in the room.
"You fainted, and I thought if I moved you into my bed. I could better look after you in the middle of the night," He explained putting the pillow back.
She glared at him in anger. It was the most adorable thing he ever saw. Her hair was sticking up all over the place; she had a nice pink flush in her skin, her lips in a grim line with furrowed brows, and a gleam in her eyes. Suddenly, he felt the desire to taunt her.
"Besides, I'm your husband. I have a right to touch you if I wish to do so, right? You have denied me long enough. I wish to have you now," He said tugging on the hem of her night shift.
Bella scooted back, "You wouldn't dare!"
"I would," Edward said pulling her to him.
He expected her to retaliate and she did so by pounding her fists into his shoulder and chest. Edward let her, but held her in such a fashion that she wouldn't harm herself. He missed her right hand as he reached out to catch it, and his balance tipped him forward landing them both on the bed.
"Get off of me," She exclaimed pounding away beneath him.
"Bella, Bella…I was just teasing you," He called trying to calm her and when that didn't work he shackled her hands in a steel grip above her head.
They're gazes locked, and there was something so profound in the position they were in that both of them remained silent. Edward's desire burned as he took her in. Her hair fell in dark waves across the pillow, those lips she loved to bite on were now a kissable pink, and she was perfect in every way. He could feel her sweet curves and lush breasts pressed against the lines of his body. Holding her thusly, Edward lowered his head toward her slowly savoring the moment. His little lamb who was quick to defend herself earlier closed her eyes instead of fight. In that instant, he knew she had accepted him in her life and the moment grew sweeter.
Closing the distance fraction by fraction, Edward barely touched his lips against hers before the door to his bedchamber was thrown open.
"Milord, I heard some…Oh, my!" Mrs. Hailey exclaimed at the scene before her.
Bella squirmed beneath him, stirring his manhood in the process and Edward held her from view knowing how furiously she would blush. She was torturing him and he doubted that she even knew it. He shooed the housekeeper out silently using his hand.
With a soft click, the door closed behind the woman. Edward looked back at Bella who he had released from his grip after Mrs. Hailey left.
"It's your fault!" Bella hissed swatting him away and getting off the massive bed.
He only smiled in response and caught her blush when she eyed the rumpled up bed sheets and blanket. They made a good mess of it without doing much except sleep, but he bet it didn't look that way to Mrs. Hailey. Bella seemed to come to the same conclusion.
"What are you thinking about?" He asked curiously.
"How I'm going to face Mrs. Hailey again," Bella walked to the connecting door.
He frowned, "Where are you going?"
"To get dressed, of course," She replied.
"Of course," He agreed dully.
"Oh, and Edward," She called sweetly.
When he looked up at her, Bella pointed to the tent in his night pants. Shocked, he quickly grabbed a pillow to cover up his apparent erection. She threw him an innocent smile and padded out of his room.
Inside the safety of her bed chamber, Bella leaned against the door to catch her breath and calm the frantic beating of her heart. Being underneath him had brought back memories that she promised to lock away forever. Now that the circumstances had changed, they flooded back in vivid detail. His touch had seared her soul that night and lying underneath him had only further confirmed the power he held over her body. If his touch could make her lose herself, she wondered what his kisses would do to her. She was glad Mrs. Hailey walked in when she did; a moment longer, and who knows what could've happened.
Bella quickly shook the thoughts away. There was something she had to take care of before she could think of embracing Edward in such a way again. She would clear her conscience and become the wife that he deserved.
First, she would unpack her escape sack that she hid underneath the extra blankets. Bella locked both doors to her bed chamber, including the connecting door. With deft hands, she managed to put everything in its place. The emerald necklace gleamed inside its box once again as if mocking her. She recalled the story Edward told her when he first gave it to her. The gypsy's curse that bond the necklace she owned and the emerald ring Edward keeps that those in possession shall never part. Bella was beginning to believe that the moment he bestowed the necklace upon her that she was forever his. She never really had a choice, did she?
'That's quite alright,' Bella thought, 'This choice is a good one, too. The one I'm supposed to be with.' She only wished it hadn't taken her so long to realize it.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Who is it?" Bella called.
"It's Lindy, Milady," Lindy answered back.
Bella unlocked her door and smiled at the girl.
"Milord sent me to help you dress and assist you down the stairs for breakfast because of your delicate condition," Lindy glanced at her stomach.
"May I say congratulations, Milady? Milord has never been so happy. Not even when he sold his first property," Lindy said picking out a morning gown.
Bella smiled, "Thank you, Lindy. Was his lord very happy after selling his first property?"
Lindy turned around with a white morning gown in hand, "Oh, yes! Milord told everyone who would listen and that was everyone."
If that was the case, Edward would probably want to announce their good news in the papers which was very appropriate considering their status. She didn't want the news to be public just yet. She would rather wait to settle things with Jacob, then, tell their family before releasing the news to the public. Bella decided to persuade Edward to the idea at breakfast.
'What on earth is she doing taking so long?' Edward thought eagerly peering out into the dining hallway.
He wondered what kept Bella upstairs. Was she experiencing morning sickness again? If so, he felt like he should be there to hold her hair back or rub her back. He peered again at the empty doorway, and anxiously stood up ready to search for her.
With a soft laugh in the maid's direction, Bella swept into the dining room in a white morning gown. He stood rooted in place gaping at her like a school boy lusting after his first crush. It was ridiculous since he was a grown man, but seeing her dressed in a white morning gown made his knees weak. She looked like a virginal sacrifice and all he had to do was tie her down and have his way with her.
Suddenly, Bella was before him and ever so gently she cupped his chin between her thumb and forefinger. Then, she pushed his mouth closed.
"My lord, it is quite rude to stare," Bella chastised playfully quite pleased with herself.
She was amazed at his reaction from the modest gown she wore. Maybe she had a power over him that she hadn't quite known existed. He desired her; it was clear by his reaction and the passion that burned in his stunning green eyes.
"I thought my favorite color on you was blue but I am mistaken. By God, what modiste designed that gown?" He asked finally finding his voice.
"Madame Nicola," Bella replied.
"I shall have to ask her to design a grander ball gown in white draped with pearls for you to wear for me one night," He stated a matter-of-factly.
Bella frowned, "I am not a fresh debutante on the marriage mart to wear such a gown."
Edward took her hand and sat her next to him at their breakfast table.
"The Marchioness of Rochester could wear anything she pleases and it'll be the rave in London," He smiled.
Bella doubted that but the smell of fresh eggs prevented her from commenting further. Platters of food were laid out in front of them and Bella inhaled the savory scents.
"Hungry?" Edward asked.
"For once," Bella replied as he piled her plate with all kinds of eggs.
Obviously, he heard her preference for them by the servants. They ate in relative silence until both of them were finished. The platters were cleared as a plate of morning treats replaced them. There were tarts, sweet biscuits, and marmalade nestled into pastries.
"Edward," Bella called nibbling on a pastry.
"Yes, my pet?" He looked up from the morning paper.
"Can we not announce our happy news in the papers just yet?" Bella questioned not able to meet his eyes. She was doing this for her own selfish reasons.
Edward abandoned the paper and said, "May I ask why?"
"I think it best for us to tell the immediate family first. Shouldn't they be the first to know before the whole world receives the news?" Bella asked.
Edward nodded, "If you wish."
That was too easy.
"Anything else?" He prompted.
She needed to meet Jacob just one more time before she could truly begin her life with Edward. She owed Jacob an explanation and an apology. So, she needed Edward to permit them to attend one more ball.
"Um, the Season's almost over," Bella began, "Would it be okay with you if I chose one more event for us to attend?"
He frowned at this most likely considering her delicate condition as he put it this morning. Bella held her breath.
"I don't think I like the idea," Edward said, "The crush is always too crowded and I don't want to risk an elbow to the stomach or the like. It's too dangerous. I was actually thinking we would leave for Rochester before the Season's out."
"I'm not made of glass," Bella complained.
Edward took her hand in his and looked into her eyes, "To me, you are the world. If something were to happen to you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Especially now, do you understand?"
No, no, she didn't understand at all. How could he be so devoted when she deserved less?
"I'll promise to be extremely careful. Just one more event before I'm confined in the country," Bella argued.
"It's not a death sentence, Bella. Don't be so drastic, hmm?" Edward leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"Just one more ball, please?" Bella pleaded.
He sighed, "Is one more ball really going to make you happy?"
No.
"Yes," Bella lied knowing there was going to be nothing happy about it.
He inhaled and when he released it, his consent followed with a nod. Bella lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to his palm.
'This is the last time, I swear. And then, forever,' Bella promised.
Edward excused himself to spend the rest of the day in his study with his solicitor. Bella located the correspondence and began to sort through them. She needed to find an event that Jacob could also attend, or one that he would most likely be invited to. At the bottom of the pile was an invitation to Lord and Lady Sovay's ball. They were great friends with Jacob's father, and he would definitely be invited. Now, all she needed was to make sure Jacob would be in attendance.
"Please bring me a writing table in the sitting room," She ordered a maid in the hall.
Bella penned out three letters. She wrote to the Sovays' thanking them for the invitation and confirming her and Edward's attendance. Another she sent to her parent's home asking her maid, Sara, to pay her a visit on the morrow. The other she wrote to Jacob telling him to attend Sovay's ball because she wished to speak with him. She tucked that letter away, but sent out the first two off with a footman for delivery.
"There you are Milady," Mrs. Hailey said announcing her presence in the sitting room.
"You were looking for me?" Bella asked standing up.
Mrs. Hailey grinned at her with an expression filled with happiness, and it caused Bella to blush which didn't help her case at all as she can only guess what Mrs. Hailey thought she saw this morning.
"Mrs. Hailey, pray don't give me that look. It is not what you think," Bella said mildly.
"If you say so, Milady," Mrs. Hailey agreed but her expression remained the same. Bella decided to give up on convincing the woman otherwise.
"Milord says he wishes to have dinner with you tonight on the terrace," Mrs. Hailey beamed.
Bella nodded, "Shall we choose the menu, then?"
Mrs. Hailey eagerly escorted Bella to the kitchens.
By the evening, Bella had taken a bath and prepared herself to eat dinner with Edward out on the terrace. She wore a beautiful gown of red stain with one shoulder not covered by a sleeve but a strap tied together to make a bow. The ends of the bow fluttered against her arms as she moved. A simple strand of pearls adorned her neck with matching earrings. Lindy French braided her hair with a few loose strands framing her face by her request.
Edward unbuttoned the top of his black satin shirt due to the muggy air outside. He had abandoned his cravat and waistcoat because he knew they wouldn't be very comfortable. He was sure his incomplete ensemble made him look like a rake, and hoped Bella didn't mind his manner of dress.
"The Lady is here, Milord," Stevens announced as Bella took her hand off the butler's arm.
Edward stood and when his eyes rested on her, he nearly wanted to sweep her into his arms. She was angelic in white but a temptress in red, and she was tormenting him now. He lingered on the bow of one shoulder and wondered if he gave the string a tug; would it unravel and reveal treasures beyond his wildest dreams?
"You make me feel overdressed," She smiled softly her eyes lingering on the exposed area of his chest.
He finally found his voice, "Not at all. You look stunning. Please, sit."
The terrace was dimly lit creating an ambient atmosphere ideal for lovers. Bella knew they didn't need that added incentive as they stared at each other from across the table.
"Have you chosen the last event you wanted to attend?" Edward asked.
"Yes, Lord and Lady Sovay's ball," Bella answered.
Edward frowned, "I thought you would've chosen Lady Trenton's masquerade ball, instead."
"Lord and Lady Sovay's gathering should be less crowded. That should ease your mind," She teased.
"Marginally," He agreed.
The first of their meal arrived and they ate while making small talk. After dessert, Edward leaned back and smiled.
His lazy smile made her catch her breath. She was feeling rather odd tonight, thinking about how it would feel to kiss him and how he would feel if she kissed that area where his shirt was opened. She had never lusted after a man quite as boldly as she did him, not even Jacob. But the more she looked at Edward, the more she wanted to close the distance between them. Good God, what was happening to her? Maybe it was the atmosphere, or the candlelight dinner making her feel rather amorous.
"You shouldn't look at me that way," Edward's velvet voice seemed to caress her skin, "If you continue, I will not be responsible for my actions."
Blushing, Bella stood causing him to stand as well and she moved towards a nearby pillar looking up at the sky trying to clear her head.
Her attraction to him frightened her; it was so much more powerful than with Jacob. She still loved Jacob. She would always love him. But then, there's Edward who was a very attractive man and her husband. Her mind was saying no, but her body responded to him in all kinds of ways. The feelings were too new, too foreign to her and she didn't know what to do with them. Yet, when he fell short of kissing her this morning, she had yearned for him to continue.
Bella gasped when his arm wrapped around her from behind, holding her against his body in such an intimate embrace. Her heart began to race and her breath quickened. Why was she reacting this way? Jacob has held her many times before, but she had never responded nervously. So, why was she so skittish with Edward?
Behind her, Edward inhaled and exhaled with a soft sigh.
"You always smell so lovely. Like the fresh spring rain mixed with a thousand freesias," He whispered.
She couldn't help but laugh, "We can make a poet out of you."
Her laughter warmed his heart and it was the first time he truly saw her laugh since their wedding.
"Bella, promise me something," He said softly his breath tickling her ear sending tingled up her spine.
"Hmm?" "Promise me that we'll have more nights like this with you in my arms," He implored.
After a few seconds of silence, she gave a nod. Edward dipped down to the shell of her ear and kissed it ever so softly. She shivered in his arms, but didn't try to stop him. He continued pressing feather light kisses until he reached her earlobe. Edward flicked his tongue out and licked it ever so slowly. Her breath hitched and Edward continued to nibble until she gave a breathy sigh.
So quickly, he turned her in his arms and pressed her up against the pillar. Her eyes were mysteriously dark as she looked up at him waiting for his next move. Lifting his fingers, he brushed them across her bottom lip which slightly parted. Desire slammed into him but before he could act, Bella threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. He was completely stunned, and by the mere fact that his wife only planted a kiss on his lips. Then, she did something that made his loins tighten and his blood hot. Bella swept her tongue across his bottom lip simply asking for entry. He opened up for her only because she asked so nicely, but took over the reins by delving into her sweet mouth.
Their bodies were pressed against each other, he could feel her chest rising and falling against his as their kiss soared higher. Edward felt for the ribbon holding the end of her braid together and released it. He wanted to feel her luscious waves of brown velvet around him and to curl his fingers into them as he pulled her closer.
Bella broke away gasping for air, but he couldn't stop kissing her. He trailed kisses across her jaw, down to her neck and tasted the skin there. Edward licked, sucked, and kissed until she was arching her back into him. Her soft sighs up until now fueled his desire, but he wanted more, needed more.
Edward pulled on one end of the bow and it gladly gave way to one side of her gown. His kisses kept her so distracted that he cupped one breast in his hand before she could think to stop him. And by then, it was already too late as he fingers traced a light circle around her nipple. She tipped her head back and released a surprised moan. He couldn't imagine a more beautiful sound as she arch against him for more. His palm cupped her flesh and teased her passions until she writhed against him.
With deft hands, Edward pulled the material of the bodice down exposing one creamy breast to his view. She was firm, yet, soft and made for him.
"Edward," Bella panted, "No. What are-?"
The words were lost on her as his mouth closed around her exposed nipple. She released a cry of pleasure and clutched at his hair as his tongue lapped at her breast. The harder he licked and sucked at her erect nipple, the more she pressed her hips into his throbbing erection. His control slipped away with her moans, and he urgently bunched up her dress to her thighs. He wrapped her leg around his hip and pressed up hard against her so that she didn't mistake his intention.
Bella felt him, she felt him and she wanted to run away. This was crazy. She had never been so brazen like this before and it terrified her. He terrified her with those pools of green eyes blazing with untold passions. She could tell by the look in those eyes that he was giving her everything, but she knew she wasn't.
Jacob was still standing in the way somehow. She needed to sort that out first, before she could truly give herself to Edward in the same way he was giving himself to her. So when he cupped her chin in his fingers silently asking, Bella gently pushed him away by resting her hand on his chest. He eased off and Bella began to right her gown with a heavy heart. After a second, he silently helped her tie the bow back.
"Thank you," Bella whispered.
"You're welcome," He answered not meeting her eyes.
She took his hands and placed a kiss in his palm. He met her eyes then. There was no anger, resentment, or regret in his expression, just a longing that made her heart ache.
"I want you, I do," Bella insisted.
"Then, why stop me, Bella?" He asked fiercely.
'Because I need closure with Jacob', She thought.
"Because it's too much too soon," Bella lied.
He nodded, "I understand, but the next time, I won't stop."
'I won't let you', She replied silently.
"Good night, Bella," He pressed a kiss to her forehead and walked back into the house.
"Good night, Edward," Bella whispered softly to his receding figure.
To be continued…
What will happen at the Sovay's ball? Will Jacob be able to accept her decision?
Will Edward never find out her intent to betray him? And what about the fate of their baby? Stay tuned and find out!
For3ver Immortal
