A/N: My apologies for the long wait for this chapter. The good news—you'll get two more chapters about a week apart. Thank you all for being so patient with me while I attempt to balance writing my novel and continuing my fanfics. Mwah!

Thanks to SydneyAlice for Lady A and Mel for the Clapton song. I wanted to choose a Whitney Houston song for this chapter, and I think I found the perfect one. Such a tragic loss to the world; may she rest in peace. Love you, Whitney.

Smoldering gazes from Edward to my prereaders, Keye and Sandy, for their valuable feedback. Heaps of gratitude to my lovely betas, wmr1601 and Katmom, for wielding those Sparkly Reds. Special thanks to the lovely miaokuancha for signing on as a beta (if you haven't read her lyrical prose yet, you're missing out) and for her tough-love, which made this chapter so much better than it was.


Chapter 9

~All that I Need~


Suggested Listening:

Wonderful Tonight ~ Eric Clapton

Dancing Away with my Heart ~ Lady Antebellum

All the Man that I Need ~ Whitney Houston


I used to cry myself to sleep at night
But that was all before he came
I thought love had to hurt to turn out right
But now he's here
It's not the same; it's not the same

He fills me up
He gives me love
More love than I've ever seen
He's all I've got,
He's all I've got in this world
But he's all the man that I need

And in the morning when I kiss his eyes
He takes me down and rocks me slow
And in the evening when the moon is high
He holds me close and won't let go
He won't let go

~RIP Whitney Houston~


~*Bella*~

The gradually increasing light filtering through my eyelids was what woke me in the morning. Before opening my eyes, I assessed my body. I felt sore—deliciously so. There was still a vague throbbing between my legs, and my hip muscles ached slightly. I felt stretched and changed and loved and giddy. I couldn't stop a smile from stretching across my face before my eyes were even open—and I could feel him watching me.

"I love you," I whispered.

"You're all right, Angel?" Anxiety laced Edward's tone as his cool fingers brushed over my cheekbone.

"I'm so perfectly happy. I'm so much better than all right, Edward. There is one thing that you did wrong, though."

"What?"

"You didn't say you love me back." I opened my eyes then, seeking him out.

He lay on his side with his head propped on his hand, looking down at me with a twinge of concern.

God, he's just so beautiful. It's still hard to believe he's all mine.

Edward kissed the tip of my nose. "I love you, Angel. More than I could ever express in words."

"You did pretty good telling me without words last night." I smiled shyly. Then I realized I was still naked under the covers, and a blush heated my cheeks. My thoughts turned to the way Edward made me feel when we made love, and my face burned hotter.

His lips curved into a slow, lopsided smile. "You're blushing, Bella. What are you thinking about?" His index finger traced the contours of my face. "Tell me."

"You. Us. Last night." I kissed his finger as it passed over my lips.

"That's all I've been thinking about for hours."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and my heart started beating faster. Edward leaned over me, stroking the hair back from my face. His touch was gentle, but fire smoldered in the depths of his amber eyes. He placed whisper soft kisses across my jaw and continued down the side of my neck. When he encountered the glass heart that rested against my breastbone, he kissed it before dipping lower to nuzzle his lips between my breasts. Despite the soreness between my legs, my body responded to his touch.

Slowly, he peeled back the sheet, uncovering my nakedness. My instinct was to pull the covers back up, to hide from his all-seeing eyes, but he sensed my intention before I lifted a finger and pressed his hand over mine.

"You're beautiful to me, Angel. Every single inch of you." His eyes remained locked with mine while his lips closed over one of my nipples. He swirled his tongue lazily which caused a strong twinge to connect from my nipple directly to the apex of my thighs.

A gasping breath left me, and suddenly my nakedness didn't seem to matter. Edward had trusted me with his deepest darkness, and I still thought he was beautiful and loved him. Why should I try to hide any part of myself from the vampire who had gone through so much just for me?

Edward seemed to realize how I felt because he broke the connection and glanced down at my body as he kissed a path over my skin. His lips traveled over my tender breast down to my ribs and over my stomach. His hands were loving, caressing me so gently. When he reached my hips, he drew in a breath.

"I left marks on you." He drew one finger over a shadow on my skin. "Does it hurt much, Bella?"

"No, not at all. I bruise very easily—please don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry," he murmured, lowering his lips to kiss over the marks, starting with my right hip before moving over to the left. Then he cupped his palm over my mound. "Are you sore here?"

"Y-Yes. A little bit." It was hard to concentrate with Edward's hand on my sex and his earnest gaze focused on mine. And seeing him so close sent a fresh wave of arousal jolting through me. I knew he could smell it, and my face flushed. "I… um..."

Edward smiled, crawling back up my body until his lips met mine in a chaste kiss. "Don't worry, Angel. I may want you, but I know it's far too soon. How about a soak in the tub?"

"That sounds... perfect." Relief flooded through me.

"I'll be right back." Edward pulled the sheet over me and headed into the bathroom.

My eyes roved over the defined muscles of his back right down to his adorably rounded butt. Oh, but his body is such sculpted perfection. Once again, I couldn't help but wonder what he saw in me. I was pretty enough, for a human, but I wasn't in Edward's league.

A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom and scooped me up off the bed, spinning us around until I was giggling and dizzy.

"There's that beautiful smile. I want to make you smile this way every day."

"I'd love that. I could do without the dizziness, though..."

The bathroom mirror was fogged, and steam curled up from the surface of the Jacuzzi. The air was warm and humid, leaving a sheen of moisture over my skin. He leaned down, placing me in the tub. The warmth enveloped me, and the gentle jet streams tickled my skin. I sank in up to my chin with my eyes closed, reveling in the feel of the bubbling water as it swirled and undulated around me.

"Oh, this is like heaven, Edward!" I opened my eyes. He was kneeling beside the Jacuzzi watching me with affection. "Aren't you going to join me?"

"I wasn't sure if you wanted me to. I thought you might like the bath to yourself."

My heart opened to him all over again, overcoming my shyness. "Please come in with me."

"When you ask like that, I can't say no."

Edward slid into the tub behind me, and I reclined against his chest. His skin warmed fairly quickly, although his cool temperature never bothered me. At first I was a bit nervous, but I soon found myself lulled by the warm, moist atmosphere. I allowed my body to go limp within the safe circle of his arms, and my eyes grew heavy.

He pushed my hair over one shoulder, and his wintry lips nibbled gently over my skin, sending delicious shivers through me despite the warmth of the water. He ran his tongue lightly up the back of my neck, swirling gentle patterns and drawing soft sounds from my throat.

"Do you like when I kiss you here, Angel?" he whispered, kissing again.

I nestled into his embrace. "Yes."

We sat in the tub for a long time. Edward kissed across my shoulder and over my neck, keeping his arms firmly wrapped around me. His hands never strayed, and I felt safe and loved, drifting into a state of near-sleep.

"Would you like to shower off with me?" he asked, startling me slightly.

"Oh, sorry. I was drifting off."

"That's all right. How about that shower?"

"Okay."

Edward left me in the tub and padded over to the shower to turn the taps on. Again, I watched his lean muscled body move and enjoyed the view of his backside. He turned his head and caught me staring.

I stuttered, my face flushing.

The corner of his lips twitched, and he shook his head slightly.

When he was satisfied with the temperature of the water, he lifted me from the tub and carried me into the shower. I'd be lying if I said I didn't rake my eyes down his happy trail to what lay beyond. I did a terrible job at hiding my ogling this time, and when I glanced up at him, he was smirking at me.

"Bella, I'm surprised at you." His eyes were alight with amusement.

"Y-You are?" My mouth gaped open, and then I realized what I was saying. "You are. Of course you are!" Was there no limit to how hot my face could get? I felt sure I was about to combust.

Edward pulled me against his body, which was still fairly warm from the bath. "You're adorable. I like that you notice me, but it's even more charming how easily embarrassed you are by it." He lifted my face to his.

"Oh, you like it, huh?"

"I do." Edward's eyes darkened the slightest bit, and he leaned down to capture my lips with his.

His kiss was slow and thorough, and his hands slid down my back to cup my bottom. I gasped against his mouth, and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue against mine, kissing me deeply. He turned us, so the warm spray cascaded over my back, warming my cooling body.

Grabbing a cloth and some body-wash, Edward washed me gently, paying attention to every inch. When he was finished with my body, he washed my hair, massaging my scalp lightly and leaving me weak in the knees.

After rinsing off, I grabbed the soap and turned to face him. "Your turn."

"You want to wash me?" He smiled almost shyly.

"Are you being shy, Edward Cullen?"

"No. Well, not exactly. Nobody's ever touched me that way." He looked down, and for a moment I was shocked, but then I remembered he was a virgin last night, too. It might be even weirder for him considering his advanced age.

"Nobody's ever touched me that way, either."

Lathering up my hands, I moved them along the contours of his body. My fingers massaged his shoulders, drew patterns over his pecs, pressed over his leanly toned six pack, and reached the soft, downy trail of hair below his belly button. Feeling color flood my face, I switched directions, sliding my arms around his body to caress his back muscles, which brought our fronts much closer together. My nipples awakened against his slick skin, sending a tingling shiver through me.

Edward drew in a breath, and I could feel him hard and twitching against my stomach. "I'm sorry, Angel. Being in here with you, the touch of your hands, and your... body…" The last part came out in a strangled whisper, and he grabbed me, pressing me to the shower wall. His eyes were onyx, but his touch was gentle enough not to hurt me.

"Edward..." I gasped, unsure what to say. My body was aroused by him, but the soreness between my legs persisted, and I knew he couldn't take me again so soon.

Suddenly, he was on his knees before me, hugging me tight with the side of his face pressed to my stomach. "I'm sorry, Angel."

My hands strayed to his damp hair. "What are you sorry for?"

He lifted his head to look up at me, placing his hands on my hips. "You must be sore from last night, and there's no way we could... I just want you, and my body isn't listening to reason."

A sudden giggle slipped out. "Edward, you just described the entire male population—at least the ones with a conscience."

He smiled. "I guess I did."

"I'm definitely too sore. Believe me, my body wants to, and I really, really wish I could."

"Hook your leg over my shoulder." He tapped the back of my right thigh.

The sudden request surprised me, but I did as he asked without thinking. Wrapping his arm around the back of my left thigh, he secured me against the wall.

"Edward, what..."

"Shh... we can't make love again yet, but I can still love you with my mouth," he whispered huskily.

"Oh..." A thrill flared in my chest.

And then there was no more talking. Edward nudged my legs open wider, adjusting my knee on his shoulder and nuzzled his face between my legs. He used his tongue to part my lips, circling slowly around my clit. I felt the vibration of his soft sounds deep inside me.

My fingers clenched, my breath catching as I watched him. Edward's eyes were closed as he concentrated on my body, and his expression was nothing short of ecstatic. I could tell how much he enjoyed bringing me pleasure.

His tongue went from circles to a gentle lapping, and the heat blooming in my belly grew. Lazily, he opened his eyes. The sight of him gazing up at me from between my legs sent me over the edge, and I gripped his hair tighter as I came without warning.

"Ungh... Edward." My head lolled on my shoulders, and my eyelids grew heavy as the orgasm rolled through me. My body felt boneless, and I was thankful he could easily hold me upright.

Carefully lowering my leg off his shoulder, Edward kissed and licked his way up my body. When his mouth touched against mine, I could taste myself on his lips. I'd been a bit shy about it before, but this time, the thrill burned hotter, prompting me to skim my hand down his body until I could wrap my fingers around him.

"Bella..." His hand covered mine, stilling it.

"I want to please you."

"My control is shaky right now. I think we should wait."

"Okay," I agreed reluctantly. I knew I had to trust his judgment.

Turning off the shower, Edward dried me with a fluffy towel and left in blur to change his clothes. He was back before I was halfway dressed. Show off.

~*BrWi*~

Over the next few days, we enjoyed each other immensely—and not just sexually. Edward brought me up to his room and played his piano for me. The song he wrote for me now had a much happier ending to it, and I kept asking him to play it over and over. He laughed and shook his head, warning that I was going to get tired of it. He was wrong, though; I could never tire of hearing the beautiful notes that rose into the air each time his fingers caressed the keys—especially knowing they were written for me.

We spent a lot of time in front of the fire in the Writing Room cuddled up together. Emmett's bearskin still covered the floor, holes and all, in a place of honor. When I remarked on it, Edward smirked and said he was never moving it. We did mess around on said bearskin once or twice, but there was no further damage to report.

Although most of the soreness was gone, we hadn't made love again. Edward was holding back, and I wasn't entirely sure why but decided to give him some space. We were closer than ever, he wasn't growing distant, and it wasn't all about the sex—it was about finding the other half our souls.

A few days later, there was a warmish, sunny day. Edward served me fresh fruit, waffles, and orange juice at the small wrought iron table on the front patio. The sight of the hilly path winding down to the dock and the water in the background nearly brought me to tears. Echoes of my early time here on the island came back to me.

Climbing the trail with Sonia that first day and feeling the prickle on the back of my neck as Edward watched from the woods.

Heading back down that same trail after I'd decided to leave the island and being brought up short by Edward's sudden appearance on the dock.

The day he carried me to the other side of the island and confessed everything. Kissing me in the soft rain—not ten feet from the very spot where I was sitting—that evening when we returned.

So many memories in such a short time, and already I could barely remember what my life was like before him.

"What are you thinking?" Edward's soft voice broke into my reverie.

I glanced up, and he was sitting at the table across from me, watching me intently. Again, I was struck by his otherworldly beauty.

"Just reminiscing... remembering. What strikes me the most, though, is I can't really remember what life was like—you know, before you." My brows scrunched together. "I mean, obviously I spent many years living without you. It's all faded into darkness. It's like you've always been mine."

"It's the same for me, Angel. It's as if all the years before you are eclipsed by what we have now. It's there, and if I choose to, I can remember it, but not without effort. I don't quite understand it myself, but I don't intend to dig too deeply, either."

After breakfast, we took a walk along the bluff to watch the waves roll in and crash against the rocks below. I sat between Edward's legs on top of a huge boulder. He rested his chin on my shoulder and kissed my cheek.

"There's something I wanted to discuss with you."

"Okay."

"I need to go hunt, and I have a bit of a surprise for you. Do you think you could do without me for a few hours?"

"I think I'll manage. What kind of surprise?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I gave it away, now would it? You'll know soon enough." Edward stood up, holding his hand out to me. "Let me walk you back to the house."

When we reached the front door, Edward cupped my face and kissed me softly. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Closing the front door, I rested my back against it. My stomach rippled with butterflies, and my heart was beating faster. I felt like a teenager being dropped off by her first boyfriend and kissed on the front porch.

When I went back to my room, I found an envelope propped up on my pillow.

Angel,

Please join me for dinner this evening. There's something for you to wear hanging in the back left corner of your closet. I'll pick you up at five.

All my love,

Edward

I smiled, bringing the thick, creamy slice of notepaper up to my nose to breathe in the sweet-musky-woodsy scent that was purely Edward, and I was transported back to those first notes he left in my room. At the time, the scent was familiar, but I'd had a hard time placing it.

Curious, I decided to check out my closet. In the rear left corner was a garment bag. When did he sneak the clothing and the note into my room? I laid the garment bag on my bed and unzipped it slowly.

"Oh, my..." I whispered.

Spreading it open, I slipped the hanger out so I could hang it on the French door. A floor-length sapphire blue dress billowed in the slight breeze coming in through the crack in the doors. It had an off-the-shoulder neckline, gathered waist adorned by glittering rhinestones, and the slightly flared skirt draped softly. The garment bag also held a pair of matching sapphire blue silk pumps encrusted with rhinestones around the edge, jeweled hair combs, a pair of thigh highs, and an embarrassingly skimpy blue ensemble with attached garters. My face flushed at the sight of it, and I wondered how I was supposed to get all trussed up by myself.

After showering, I used the curling iron in the vanity to coax the hair around my face into soft spirals. I pulled some of my hair back with the combs, allowing the rest to hang loosely down my back. Then I put on a touch of mascara, blush, and lip gloss.

I allowed myself an hour to get dressed. At four forty-five, I was pacing nervously around my room in stocking feet. Edward moved so silently, he might have been back in the house for hours for all I knew. Deciding not to put it off any longer, I slipped my feet into the heels. Despite the fact they looked dangerous, they seemed to caress my feet, and I was able to walk in them fairly well. I stood before the full-length mirror in the walk-in closet and barely recognized myself. I felt like a princess about to go to a royal ball and couldn't keep a smile from spreading across my face. "Thanks, Alice," I whispered, knowing only she could have pulled all this off.

At precisely five o'clock, there was a knock on my door. I stood nervously on the other side of it and hesitated, taking in a deep breath before opening it.

I forgot all about myself when my gaze landed on Edward. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black tux. I wouldn't have thought a tux would be all that impressive, but when it was my handsome vampire wearing it... oh, God.

"Good evening, Angel." Edward smiled shyly, reaching for my hand and placing a kiss on the back of it.

"Edward." My voice was a whisper. "You look amazing."

"Thank you." His eyes took me in slowly. "And you... put the beauty of the moon and the stars to shame."

"Edward!" I protested, blushing furiously.

"You're exquisite." He lifted his hand to touch one of the curls that rested on my cheek then his eyes roamed over my dress again. His eyes rested on my cleavage for just a beat too long on the way back up, and he growled softly. "Alice is trying to kill me."

He asked me to turn around for him, which I did. His only comment after that was a muttered, "We better get going or we won't make it to dinner at all."

Offering me his arm, he escorted me down the grand staircase to the Music Room. The double doors were propped open and a small table was set for dinner. I'd never really been in here before. There was a small dance floor, a piano, and comfortable groupings of furniture. It was obvious that the room was designed to hold large dinner parties or a mid-sized ball.

"Edward... this is beautiful." I walked in ahead of him and spun slowly, taking it all in. I enjoyed the feel of the silky dress as it brushed against the thigh highs. "I've never really been in here. You didn't tell me there was a piano here, too!"

"I was saving it for a special occasion. And seeing you in that dress definitely makes this a special occasion." Edward smiled at me, his cheeks still tinged a slight pink from his recent hunt.

God, I sure hope this night ends with my dress on the floor. My usual tell-tale blush rose to my cheeks.

He led me over to the table and held my chair for me. Once I was seated, he trailed his cool fingers over my bare back and leaned in to whisper, "I'll be right back, my love."

A pleasant shiver tingled down my spine. He was back in less than a minute with a tray. "Salad, Rosemary Chicken, and pasta. Would you like some wine?"

"How did you know this is my favorite? Oh, yeah—Alice." I laughed. "And I think just water please."

"As you wish."

Edward sat with me while I ate. By now, I was used to him watching me eat, and it no longer freaked me out.

"God, this is delicious, Edward! Did you make it?"

"No, Sonia did. I took the boat over to pick it up."

"What boat?"

"There's another boat on the other side of the bluff for emergencies—such as vampires who don't know how to cook for their beautiful companions."

"You went to a lot of trouble."

"Not at all. A lot of trouble was when I tried to stay away from you."

"Good point."

We lapsed into a comfortable silence while I ate the delicious food Sonia had prepared. I wondered what she thought about it—surely by now she suspected something romantic was going on between Edward and me. I didn't mind so much; Sonia seemed to be a very accepting and understanding person.

"Mm-mm... that was so good."

"Are you ready for dessert?"

"Honestly, I'm full. Maybe later?"

"Dance with me?" Edward stood, coming around to my side of the table.

"I'm a really bad dancer."

"That's okay."

"I'll step on your feet."

"I'm a vampire—I can take it."

With all excuses gone, I just gave in. Edward pointed a remote at the bookcase. Wonderful Tonight started playing, a song that always sent shivers down my spine. "Alice again," I whispered.

Leading me to the small dance floor, he took me in his arms, and we swayed together slowly. I shouldn't have been nervous about stepping on his feet. As he'd pointed out, he was a vampire, and he led me around the floor in such a way that I actually felt graceful for once.

The next song was Dance Away with my Heart. "Alice missed one?" While I liked the song, it wasn't one of my favorites.

Edward nuzzled his nose under my ear. "I chose this one. It reminds me of when I used to visit your room at night. Even though those memories are bittersweet, I'll always remember you that way—eighteen, beautiful, and nearly the death of me."

"That's so sweet." A tear rolled down my cheek, and he kissed it away.

When the song was over, he led me back to the table and went to get dessert. I fanned myself with my napkin—my face was burning hot. Edward was so romantic and sweet. It was hard to imagine this was the same unsure, struggling, snarling vampire who chased me down the hallway just a few weeks ago. It warmed my heart to see him grow more comfortable in his own skin and begin to trust in us. He'd promised never to leave me unless I asked him to, and that was never going to happen. Now all I had to do was make my final decision about being with him for eternity.

"Are you all right?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I found Edward kneeling beside me, looking at me with concern.

"I'm fine. Just lost in thought." I stroked my fingers down his cheek.

Edward looked back at me nervously. "You're everything I thought I could never have, Angel. I hope you understand how much I love you. That I would do anything for you... even if it means remaining by your side while you live out your human existence."

"I haven't made that decision yet. I—"

"I know you haven't. I just need you to know that no matter what you decide, I'll always be yours and always be here."

Edward kissed my hand, distracting me long enough to miss his other hand slipping into his pocket. My eyes widened when the velvet box appeared in his hand, and I realized he was down on one knee.

"Marry me."

"What?" was my intelligent response.

"Marry me, Angel." He glanced up at me shyly and opened the box. "It was my mother's ring."

"But—but I haven't even given you an answer yet!" I sputtered, unable to bring myself to even look at what I knew was in the box.

"That's why I'm asking you now. I want to marry you. You're it for me, Angel. It doesn't matter if you're human or vampire—whatever you decide is fine with me."

"Oh, God... you don't give a girl a chance, do you?"

"If, by that, you mean a chance to resist my proposal, then no." Edward smiled nervously. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"You almost seem surprised—should I change my answer?" I teased.

"No. Definitely not." He laughed, slipping the ring on my finger. "There."

I looked down at my finger. The diamonds were nestled in a platinum setting—elegant simplicity—perfect for me since I wasn't into flashy jewelry. The weight of it sat comfortably on my finger, and I had the overwhelming feeling that it belonged there. Forever.

Edward pulled me out of the chair to kiss me. He twirled us around until I was dizzy, and I didn't even care because it was worth it to see the joy in his eyes.

"Did you want dessert?"

"Not really."

"Good."

In a flash, he scooped me in his arms and rushed back to my room, placing me on my feet just inside the door. We were both breathing heavily, and his intense burnished gold gaze roamed over me. Pressing me against the wall, he skimmed his nose along my exposed collarbone. His tongue licked along the neckline of my dress, dipping lower to taste the swell of one breast.

"I want to make love to you tonight," he whispered against my skin.

"God, yes."

He nudged his nose against my ear, his hands firmly holding my waist. "I have to tell you something first that might change your mind."

"What is it?"

"I haven't used Vicks today."

"Are you all right? Did you run out?"

"I've been using less and less as I acclimated to your scent. I wanted to be able to fully submerge myself in your bouquet without it being distorted."

"This is good, right? It's something to celebrate."

"Yes, it is. I'm just not completely confident... about making love."

"Is that why you've been holding back?"

"Yes, Angel. And if you don't want to try this yet, we don't have to."

"Edward, take me to bed."

His smoldering gaze held mine for a moment, and then he pulled me into his arms, reaching around behind me to slide the zipper of my dress down. Slowly, he brushed his lips lightly over each shoulder before he pushed the dress off my arms and allowed it to pool on the floor. Reaching for my waist, he did a double take and groaned when he saw what I wore underneath.

Swallowing hard, he held my hands and helped me step out of the dress. He led me over to the bed and sat down facing me with his hands on my hips.

"Jesus, Angel." He slid his hand over the lingerie, traced a garter, and caressed the back of my knee. "You're stunning."

"You're overdressed, Edward," I answered, loosening his tie and sliding the jacket over his arms. I straddled his lap, slowly unbuttoning his shirt.

"My little vixen," he whispered huskily, using his lips and tongue to suckle on the skin over my chest and neck. His hands tightened on my hips, and I could feel how ready he was beneath me.

Moving to kneel on the floor, I unbuckled his belt, and he drew in a sharp breath.

"Bella..." His voice held a ragged growl, and he pushed me away gently and stood up to remove his pants. "We still need to be careful. I think maybe... you should be on top."

"Whatever makes this easier for you." I bit my lip.

A second later, Edward's back was against the mattress with me straddling his body. Leaning back, I slipped off my heels, allowing them to fall to the floor. I looked down into Edward's darkened irises and placed my hands on his chest.

"We'll take it slow, okay? Just tell me what you need."

"I need you, Bella." His voice held a desperate edge, and he ripped off the panties I was wearing, tossing the scrap of blue material into the air. Edward's hands pulled at my hips, positioning me over his erection. "You have to take it from here. I don't trust myself to be gentle enough." He swallowed thickly.

Balancing on my hands, I shifted my hips until I felt him pressing against my entrance and slowly lowered myself. Even though the soreness from our first time was gone, I had a hard time taking him inside me. I hesitated, biting my lip.

"Relax, Angel. Your body is so tense." Edward rubbed his hands slowly up and down my sides. "We have all the time in the world."

"How did you fit inside me the first time?" I gasped.

Edward smiled crookedly. "I'm not that big, Angel. You're clenching so tight. I promise you, we're a perfect fit."

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the sensations in my body. Sure enough, I was clamping down on him like a vise. Breathing slow and deep, I started to relax little by little and was able to take more of him in.

"That's my girl. Just go easy."

As my body relaxed around him, I rocked gently until he was completely buried inside me, and it started to feel good like the first time. I took short panting breaths as a rivulet of sweat trickled between my breasts, and I unclenched my fisted hands, sliding my fingers into his softer-than-down tousled hair.

"Are you okay, Edward?"

"God, yes. I can't even describe how good you feel around me, Angel. Are you?"

"I'm... I'm so much better than okay now."

I lifted off him and came back down, grinding our pelvises together. Without thinking about it, I circled my hips as I rose again, and sensations bloomed in my belly, zipping up every nerve ending. "Oh..."

With a strangled sound, Edward's hands left me, and my eyes flew open. His arms were raised above his head, his hands wedged under the thick wood of the ornate headboard. Obsidian irises burned into me, and his lip lifted in a near-snarl. His jaw appeared to be clenched tight enough to pulverize marble to powder, and the day he chased me down and gouged into the stone wall outside my room came to mind.

No fast moves. Remain calm and give him the time he needs.

"Edward."

He scrunched his eyes closed, and his body shook beneath me and inside me. The sound of the heavy wood of the headboard rending beneath his clawing fingers made my heart pound.

"Edward!"

"I'm okay," he whispered. "I need to keep my hands off you. I'm sorry."

"Should we stop? Is it too much for you?"

"No... please don't stop. We can do this if I keep my hands away. I want to touch you so badly, but I'm afraid of hurting you." Edward leaned up to kiss my lips softly before lying back down.

I moved over him slowly, careful to watch his face for signs of struggle. After a short time, I felt him twitch inside me, and then he started thrusting his hips up gently each time I came down. The undulating push and pull, give and take, drew me to the edge much faster than I expected. My fingers tightened in his hair, and a long, low moan escaped.

"Bella, my Bella..." he chanted.

"Edward, I'm going to..." I warned as my body spasmed around him. Ecstasy ripped through me, leaving me speechless—nonsensical cries and whimpers filling the room.

"Ungh..." Edward moaned, a growl rumbling in his chest. There was an audible crack when his fingers tightened on the headboard. He thrust up into me hard, arching as he came through gritted teeth.

We collapsed to the bed, both of us breathing hard, and soon his hands returned to caress my skin. He pulled me down against him, holding me tight, and our lips met in a searing kiss, his tongue sliding against mine.

"I'm sorry I couldn't touch you while we made love. I promise it won't always be that way."

"I know. It's okay, Edward."

"You're not just saying that?"

"Of course not. I love you so much. I've lived more in the past few weeks than I have my entire life." I smiled, snuggling against his chest.

"I feel the same way, Angel. I love you, and I can't wait to make you my wife."

His whispered words against my neck sent tingles shooting through me. Wife. I was going to be Edward's wife. He was willing to stand by me whether I decided to ask for immortality or not. In my heart I had already chosen to stay with Edward forever, but I wasn't quite ready to say the words yet.

The rest of the night was a blur. I remember falling asleep curled against Edward. There were no dreams—just the pure after-bliss of our beautiful evening together.

~*BrWi*~


A/N: The next chapter of this story is already written, and I'm working on the next. The chapters will post approximately a week apart. We are heading for some heavy stuff, my lovelies. Tissues at the ready... you've been warned.

Work continues on my novel, The Weight of Roses, which will be published sometime in 2012 with TWCSPH. I simply adore my readers. You guys keep me going with all your encouraging messages and support, not to mention patience, and I can't express how much it means to me. There are too many to name, and I'm sure to leave someone out, so I'll leave it at that.

A very Happy Birthday to Lindsey! Hope you enjoyed.

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