Chapter 10
- Eat You Alive

Authors Note:
The Twilight Saga, and any related characters, do not belong to me.
Authors Note 2:
The references to Brighty and Misty- they're characters belonging to Marguerite Henry. I could see Alice enjoying them as a kid. The Misty series starts with Misty of Chincoteague, Edward's use of 'Brighty' refers to Brighty of Grand Canyon- at least that's what I think the name was. Anna Sewell is the author of 'Black Beauty.' I am a girl. Fuck it. Black Beauty rocked my world, once upon a time.

Playlist
http:/grooveshark(dot)com/#/playlist/The+Handcuff+Bracelet/28554942
(Grooveshark is the best site I've found for music. They let you make your own Playlists, save them, and I've been able to find every song I've wanted. I don't know how many of you actually use my suggested Playlist, but maybe grooveshark will make it easier for you, and your writing. =) I rec what I love, lol.)
Round and Round- Bodyrockers
Sister Psychic- Smash Mouth
Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy- Big & Rich
Eat You Alive- Limp Bizkit
Feuer Frei- Rammstein

Edward's Point of View

Alice's plans for the day involved a lot of feminine activities that usually wouldn't have interested me. Normally, I'd be curled up on my bed, reading, smoking with the possibility of a casual encounter as the evening approached. I had turned my phone off, to be sure. I didn't want Bella to see exactly how cluttered my inbox could be.

There were a few chicks within Forks that didn't mind a fuck-and-run. It was preferable to them, even, because of significant others, curfews, the reasons went on and on. They all had the same routine. We'd fuck two or three times before they'd try to engage me in meaningful conversation. When it was clear that they weren't making any headway, they'd grow cold and distant for a few weeks. So long as I timed things perfectly with them, I had at least one female willing, and wanting, to find some physical release at all times.

Yeah, it was a dick thing of me to do. Yes, they understood that I wasn't the boyfriend type- most of the time. No, I never intentionally broke any hearts. Nope, we would not be friends. And I was absolutely fine with all of the above.

Bella's phone rang. It was her father again. I heard the smile in her voice. They joked around a little bit, Bella would laugh, and then she'd hang up. She had a good home life in Forks, if not anywhere else. The fact that Charlie called as often as he did was proof enough. That Bella rolled her eyes at his questions was telling of her trust and comfort level.

"Dad," she groaned, her eyes flicking to me. What the hell had that been about? If I had a daughter- not likely- I probably wouldn't want her spending the night and another day with a guy like me, either. Actually, no. I'd prefer she stick with someone like me. She'd need someone to protect her when I couldn't anymore. The world was a fucked up place. I wouldn't over-protect her, but I wouldn't let her bleed and fall without helping her up. Fuck that shit. I'd make a good parent, I knew it. Bella and Alice would make good parents, too, though Bella seemed more like me. Family, kids, marriage; far from priorities.

"Yeah, we're watching 'Troy' now, you know. The movie's about, well, the fall of Troy. Brad Pitt, Eric Bana- …you asked," she laughed. "They're not poofers, as you so eloquently put it. They're men."

Alice had chosen 'Gladiator', 'Troy', and '300' as today's Saturday movies. It was a nice damn change, I had to admit. One more viewing of 'Titanic', 'Something About You', or 'the Mummy Series' and I don't know what I'd fucking do.

"My taste in men notwithstanding, I'll call you later. You're right, by the way. No worries, okay?"

I glanced at the screen. Brad Pitt with long blonde hair, wearing some sort of skirt thing. Eric Bana, good as the Hulk, not bad in this role so long as I ignored the jewelry in his hair. Orlando Bloom, I didn't even want to talk about Paris. Poofers, Charlie had it right.

Bella liked these… men, as she had put it? Maybe Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden, that was a fucking fantastic movie. Alice didn't like it and she really didn't like it when I watched it. She said I became different, more volatile. Well, yeah. 'Fight Club' showed a bunch of guys beating the shit out of one another, Marla Singer- enough the fuck said there, and the insomniac hallucinations were great to watch high. The book was even better. I liked it a lot, Alice didn't.

"Oh my god," Bella cringed. "We have to fast-forward."

"Why?" Alice paused with one hand of popcorn tilted toward her mouth.

"I can't watch this part. Paris skittering around on the ground, the whole thing. No thanks."

"I think its sweet."

"Sweet?" Bella raised her eyebrow, derision spread across her features. "He's on his knees, practically begging for his life. Taking none of the advice Hector gave him… he smuggled Helen on board with no fighting experience to keep her, and that's sweet to you?"

"He loved her," Alice said simply.

"Fine." She caught my gaze and nodded slightly after a few seconds. Bella understood without me having to risk turning my phone on to text her. "I'll give you that. He was pretty heroic, just not at this particular moment."

"I can see both of you," she giggled. "I don't care what either of you think. He's hot, get over it."

"Fine, Alice," Bella stole some of her popcorn. "If I ever meet a Paris, I'll tie him up and personally deliver him to your bedroom. He'll stay on his knees for as long as you tell him too."

"Shut up," Alice threw a handful of the popcorn in her direction. "Besides, everyone knows that handcuffs work better."

Bella laughed, wiping butter out of her hair. "I should've known you'd like them. Handcuffs are amazing."

"I'm gonna take a shower and smoke break." Time to excuse myself. I couldn't ignore the problem anymore.

"Mind if I join for the latter?" Bella asked.

"And if I do both at the same time?"

"I'll stand outside the door and wait for the contact high." She smiled, "Don't worry, I'll hold a towel for you."

She was good, I grinned. Very nicely handled, though I wish she had been more inclined to join me. I was beyond the cold shower trick. It didn't matter what temperature the water was. Cold would only lead to annoyance which would frustrate me on top of the mounting frustration I currently felt. No, warm was relaxing. Warm was soothing. Warm was better for my fantasizing process and the jerk-off session I was about to partake in.

Had it really gotten to this point?

I blamed Bella entirely. Waking up three times with an aching erection, only to have her make it worse… yea, I was well-rested. It was fucking exhausting. She had been practically on top of me the first time. Her leg thrown over mine, one of her arms around my chest, she was half on me, half on the mattress. It had taken some finesse to rearrange us so that we were both fucking comfortable, and my cock wasn't boring a hole through her back.

The second time; I stepped into the shower and allowed the water to do its work. Bella had been having some sort of dream. I can't say that she was sleep-talker, nor was she loud. Soft moans, a groan here or there, whimpers, fucking gasps. Jesus-motherfucking-christ.

Four harsh jerks and I was gripping the shower bar with all of my strength. Fuck that had felt so good.

She hadn't found orgasm, at least none that I was aware of. And if that, the restless succumbing to deeper sleep that she'd found, was because she came… we had a lot of work to do. Sex was something that I wasn't ashamed of. It was something that I did well, that I enjoyed, and like anyone with a talent- why wouldn't I be proud of that?

I knew Bella would be hell in bed. I could sense it. The energy around her had caused me to walk around perpetually hard for the past few days. Whether or not any guy had made her come the way I would, that was up for experimentation. I could do it. No, I would do it. When, in what position, and where were the only issues. If that pathetic, 'can't be called release' was the response called forth by her dream guy; well, I was about to rock her fucking world.

Time for round two.

Her wrists handcuffed to my bed, her ankles tied to my bedpost; I'd slowly work my way down her body until she was dripping and pleading with me to get her off. I could go down on her for hours, honestly. She smelled so goddamn good all of the fucking time. I had to know what she tasted like. I needed to find out really fucking soon. I wanted her thighs clenched around my head, her pulling at my hair, thrashing and screaming my name. I needed to see her red and raw, five orgasms later, mewling and whimpering for mercy. That's when I'd fuck her. I would untie her, bend her the fuck over, and take her like a fucking animal. With my teeth at her neck, she'd walk around with my mark for goddamn days. Her clawing the sheets, clenching around me, biting her lip as she-

Shit, fuck, mother of-

I nearly fell to my knees. Ramming my open fist onto the shower door, I growled as I came. Fuck Bella Swan. She was better in my head than some of my real-life experiences had been. And it rang false to categorize her in the fuck-and-run section. She'd broken too many rules as it was.

Most girls thought my bed was open territory. The comforter, my sheets, the headboard and footboard; I didn't spend much money on myself, but I went all out when it came to my bedroom furniture. She had slept in my bed without anything besides a kiss transpiring between us. Maybe it was because she'd asked if it were okay that she stay.

Damn her. Damn her perceptive, fucking fine ass. She hadn't asked to keep my hoodie.
Well, no, I reminded myself. You gave it to her. 'Keep it,' did you or did you not say those words?
Fine, what about the shirt?
Its gone.
Giving her my knife?
You hate dealing with hysterical women. Next?
Feeling so damn protective of her?
… you're fucked, buddy.

That was really… helpful. Usually internal conversations with myself end on a better note.

The smell in the room made my cock twitch. Again. Pot and fruit, how good would it smell after about six rounds of fantastic, out-of-control sex?

"I'll just, uh, wait outside. Call me when you're…"

I had to laugh. Seeing Bella nearly run out of the room; oh yeah. I was back in control. It wasn't as though I'd come out of the shower naked. I was wearing a towel. Not the biggest of towels, yet it managed to get the job done.

Frustration was still present, but it was on a much more manageable level. I felt pretty damn good, all things considered. Was she staying the night again? If so, I'd need to take another shower and possibly wrap an ice-pack around my balls. Though I hated it, I couldn't help enjoying it. Usually the intense need I felt for Bella was reserved for porn stars and one or two magazine models.

But she didn't stay.

Fuck me if I hadn't really wanted her to. The smell in my room was fading, I sprayed some air freshener and opened the window. Stale cigarette smoke, the lingering scent of pot; Bella's perfume, no, her body-spray was drowned out by the rest. Saturday night passed into an uneventful Sunday. I fell into a deep sleep and dreamed of her all night.

I was in a great mood Monday morning. Getting a little tired of hand-action, but the orgasms were worth it. I came hard every mother-fucking time. I wondered if she had gotten my present. Before she'd left I had replaced her cigarettes with some of my own. Special blend. I had also put two books under her jacket in addition to the three that she'd borrowed. Why? Impulsive urge.

"There's another family in town," Alice informed me on the way to school.

"Okay…" I pulled into a parking spot as she clicked her phone shut. I lit a cigarette, this could be a long conversation.

"Yeah, there's supposedly got an older brother. He's in our grade. Their family just moved here from the South. Jasper and Tanya Whitlock," she added. "Don't you think 'Jasper' is a great name? I can't wait to meet them. Even their last name. Whitlock. It sounds so distinguished and…"

"Alice, give them a chance to settle in before you bombard their house with pastries and invitations."

"I didn't give Bella any."

"No, you invited her over for dinner, breakfast, lunch, and drinking in between."

"Should I have given her family something? I mean, we know her father, its not like they're new to town. Think she'd be offended that I-"

"No," I put my arm around her shoulder. "I don't anything you'd do would offend Bella. You guys are all close and girl-friends or whatever now, right? I doubt you have to give her cookies to keep her friendship."

I was very happy with Alice's choosing Bella as her new best friend. Stanley, Mallory, and the rest of their dysfunctional little gang drove me insane. They would come over to the house, never for more than a few hours, and they'd spend the entire time trying to get an invitation into my room. Never mind that Alice was the one who has called the meeting, they treated her as a by-product sometimes and it pissed me off.

Bella didn't do that. When she and Alice spoke, I didn't exist. All of her attention was on their conversation. She was completely cool, very considerate- I snapped myself back to reality. Bella was dominating my thoughts, she was creeping across all the aspects of my life.

"I don't use welcome presents as bribes," Alice huffed. "It's just a gesture. Not everything has ulterior motives, you know."

"You don't," I agreed. "Just… give them a day, alright?"

"Uh, no," she grinned cheekily. "Get used to Jasper Whitlock, I have a feeling we're all gonna be friends."

"Jesus," I groaned. First Bella, now Jasper. Whomever he was, he'd better watch his fucking back when it came to Alice. I didn't care who he was, I'd destroy him if he tried to hurt her.

"Look, there they are!" I glanced to my left out of habit. Both of them had blue eyes, though Jasper had shoulder-length brown hair. Tanya, I believe that's what Alice called her, was wearing a short mini-skirt and some sort of tight sweater thing. Jasper was dressed down in a pair of faded blue jeans, cowboy boots- whoa, what the fuck? Cowboy boots? He wore a flannel shirt, red and black. Maybe Alice's welcome basket would be useful after all.

"Tanya, I really don't care," Jasper slammed the door to their pick-up truck angrily. "Get the hell out."

"You're such an ass," the blonde huffed. "I should have stayed with them."

"I agree." I saw Jasper reach for a hat. No motherfucking way.

"Oh my god," I heard Alice whisper. "He's got a cowboy hat! And an accent! Do you see his shirt? He looks so…"

"Out of place?" I suggested.

"… hot," Alice continued.

"Spillin' that shit all over my seats," Jasper fumed, "I told you to leave it home!"

"Well if you didn't drive like a maniac," I noticed the cause of the problem. An open bottle of red nail polish was in her hand. I made a mental note to keep her far the fuck away from my car. "It wouldn't have been a problem."

"Just… stay away from me. Really fuckin' far away." Jasper closed his eyes, searching for patience.

"Ditto," Tanya turned on her heel and walked toward the building. She had a nice ass. Nice legs, too. Not a bad chest, her face wasn't exactly pretty, but it wasn't awful. She had plump red lips, her eyes labeled her a bitch. That's fine, I'd dealt with snobs before.

Alice shifted, getting ready to take action. "I'm gonna-"

"Come with me," I wrapped my arm tighter around her. She was going to go talk to the cowboy. It looked like he needed a moment alone. He leaned against the truck, rubbed a hand across his face, and lit a cigarette. Good. Alice wasn't a huge fan of smoking. She put up with it around me, but only because she loved me. There were still times my cigarette packs would go missing, I knew it was her trying to get me to quit.

"But he's-"

"Recuperating," I opened the front door for her and chucked the cigarette butt to the side.

"Shut up, Edward," she slapped my arm. "He's looking at me."

"Why wouldn't he?"

Alice was wearing a black leather skirt that looked like something a ballerina would own. She had borrowed Bella's fishnet shirt and was wearing some sort of black vest over the top of it. They both had a style all their own. I looked back. Sure enough, Jasper was staring at Alice, his cigarette mid-way to his face. There was no doubt in my mind, his eyes were riveted to her.

"Leave him wanting more," I closed the door behind us.

"I can't believe you did that," she hissed, following me through the halls. "Did you see him? He was… and the… definitely bringing them cookies."

"Make sure he doesn't have a girlfriend… or anything else that'll linger…"

"You're disgusting," she smacked me again. "He doesn't. I know he doesn't."

"Absolutely," I agreed. "Just verify that with him, verbally, okay?"

"Get to class." She was pissed. I laughed and ruffled her hair, wait for it-

"Damnit, Edward!" Pulling her locker open, she examined the damage in her mirror. I had to step back as she sprayed a cloud of stuff in the air. Bottles clunked back into place as she used hair-gel, perfume, body spray, and lotion. All in the space of two minutes. I almost felt sorry for Jasper Whitlock.

"Don't touch my hair again," she pointed at me, lethally. "Go and let Bella find you. I plan to avoid you for the rest of the day."

"Have fun stalking Brighty."

Would she remember? There had been a series of horse books that I'd read Alice a long time ago.

"He's not an ass," she took a step towards me menacingly. Yeah, she remembered. Brighty had been about a donkey, Misty had been about a pony or something. There were a shit-load of horses, too, and I had read them all to her. Marguerite Henry and Anna Sewell had been my main literary focuses for a good two years. They were Alice's favorite authors, for children's books at least.

"Alright," I squeezed her shoulder. "Good luck."

"Won't need it," she posed prettily, forgiving me already. I really fucking loved her. If Jasper was the guy she'd chosen, I'd respect that. After a nice chat with Cowboy Casanova, of course. Why did I know that song? Alice. Alice and her country music marathon. I felt a slight chill run up my spine. How had she- I'd had this feeling before. Plenty of times. It was one of the reasons I rarely ever argued with her. I'd offer suggestions on how to be safer about them, but I never outright disagreed.

I winced, pausing at my locker, as Jasper entered our school. Nearly every female's head swiveled in his direction. Shit. Alice was going to have her fair share of competition, not that I had any doubts about who would be winning.

"New guy?" Bella had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Taken," I said shortly. She was looking at Jasper with interest written all across her face. What the fuck? Seriously? What was it about damn cowboys-? She'd admitted having a fondness for them. No fucking way. I backed her against the locker and made damn sure- why was I kissing her? Did it really matter? Mango, coffee- I groaned as she bit my lip. I regretted smoking that last cigarette without chewing my normal piece of gum. Her tongue moved across mine- pot and Newports. Good, maybe she wouldn't be bothered by the cigarette taste. And I knew she had gotten my present.

I heard the bell ring.

"See you at lunch," I closed my locker door and forced myself to walk away. That had been really uncalled for. I may as well have unzipped my jeans to take a piss- no, that imagery was way too... I really wished I had time for another cigarette. Nauseated, pissed off, and restless I headed to class. She'd better fucking show up at lunch-time.

Lunch came and went, Bella was nowhere to be seen. Shit, fuck. Had I pissed her off somehow? Or, even worse, had she gone to learn more about Jasper Whitlock? Pansy fucker.

"You could get in trouble for skipping classes, you know."

Wearing my fucking hoodie! Long legs encased in black denim, her small waist, a corset, cleavage- I couldn't see her face, but I'd know her anywhere. She opened my car door and let herself in.

"Nice ride," she opened the passenger window wider. "Thanks for the cigarettes."

Not the fucking- well, shit. I mean, sure, I had my boots up on the dashboard, but that didn't mean just anyone… fuck it. The damage was done. At least she wasn't digging her heels into the leather. Just the soles of her shoes rested where the air-bag would be.

"Sorry, do you mind?" She motioned to the way she was sitting. Mind-reading damn-!

"No," I managed to say. Remembering that I had a cigarette, I barely got my hand to the window in time. Ash all over my seats, that shit burned, I didn't want my car full of holes.

"Right, I forgot. You're not an afternoon person. So that's a school-week thing?" She pulled out a book, one of the books I had given her. Between 'Fight Club' and 'House of Leaves', she was reading Danielewski's novel.

"Sure" I replied.

"Smoke one of these," she took my cigarette trading it for hers. Right out of my fucking hand. People had gotten beaten for less. "Lighten up. Its alright, only three more classes to go."

"What do you think about it?" I tapped the spine of her, my, book.

I should have brought some with me, I had used all of my empty filters on her. Five hits later and I was wondering. Why had I been irritated? Why had I felt the insane urge to put my fist through something? What did my car really matter? It was only a machine. A very good, top of the line, 'has taken great care of me' machine. Still, Bella stretched her legs out so her ankles went across my shins; I was really enjoying the view.

"I don't know yet," she pursed her lips, thinking. "I haven't gotten far enough to form any formal opinions."

"Seriously?" Whoops, I hadn't meant to say that aloud. Bella Swan was killing me. She was so damn intellectual, so fucking formal sometimes it drove me crazy.

"Yeah," she looked confused. "I haven't gotten past the introduction. I like the format thus far, but aside from that? I haven't formed real emotional connections to any of the characters. I'm pretty sure I'll like it, I get a creepy, desperate feel just up to this point. …Don't jump me again."

"What?" I swore at myself. She had concocted the best fucking explanation I'd ever heard, and all I could do was form one worded answers?

"You, you're looking at me like you did this morning. I'm not interested in Jasper, if that makes you feel any better. I've already had a long conversation with Alice over lunch."

Of course, I rebuked myself. Normal people ate food at lunchtime, they didn't spend their time smoking the minutes away outside of the building.

"And now you look pissed," she sighed. "Your mood-swings are epic. Up and down, back and forth. Fuck whiplash, I feel like I'm dealing with a fucking hurricane the way you blow all over the place."

"I have… so many comments," I tried not to laugh. Her use of the word 'blow' sent several very graphic images straight to my cock.

"Exactly," she slapped my thigh. What was with chicks and hitting me today? Alice had gotten at least two good slaps in, now Bella. What the fuck? At least with Bella, I'd know if she were truly angry. She wouldn't smack, she'd crack me across the jaw and continue to kick my ass. I approved.

"First you're angry, then you glare at me. Next you're making casual conversation, you seemed pissed off again, briefly, and now it appears you're amused by something. What the fuck, man?"

Man? I had been placed in the buddy 'man' category? Was she going to guy-hug me and slap me on the back next?

"I thought we were back to being friends, or at least trying. This weekend went well enough. You talked, you laughed, you seemed… happier. Today? I don't know anymore. What the fuck do you want from me? You can't give me gifts, you cant kiss me like you did this morning and then pretend to hate me."

"You think I hate you?" Time to back this the fuck up. She was working herself into a fine rage, I didn't know what the problem was! What was she going off about? My moods? She thought I disliked her?

"Sometimes," she snapped. "What would you think of a person who gives you death stares and 'you've fucked with me' looks? You calmly walked away after nearly fucking me into the lockers... What game are you playing? I refuse to participate, I'm done, I tap out. You win, happy?"

"Its not a game," I tried to explain. "I… wasn't aware of, well, shit. I know that I have a tendency to glare at people. For you, its not what you think. You confuse me, you know that? You say I'm difficult? What about you?"

"What the fuck about me?"

Wherever Bella had come from, I definitely knew the accent wasn't fake. Only when she was pissed off did her way of speaking change. Her sentences became shorter, more direct. She cursed a lot more. I heard the street-slang dialect I'd been around most of my life. I liked it coming from her. It was true, real, she wasn't hiding anymore. All of that notwithstanding, she was trying to blame me for something that wasn't true. I didn't have fucking mood swings.

"You walk around like a fucking goth princess some days, a fucking school teacher the next. You're into cowboys, pirates, tattoo's, cartoons, random ass references all the fuck over the place; you all but offer to screw me, then you cold shoulder me-"

"I've done no such thing," Bella shook her head. "You, need I repeat myself, were the one to walk the fuck away from me. You made it really damn clear that you wanted me, after I woke up in bed with you... and then you disappeared. You let me take your books, you made cigarettes for me, but then what? I had to come find you. Twice."

"I told you to meet me at lunch."

"Fine, what-fucking-ever. You win that one, Alice wanted to talk to me about Jasper, the new guy. Excuse me for trying to be her friend, too," she glared at me. "Lunch is forty-five minutes long, did you know that? If it bothered you so damn much, why didn't you come find me? It doesn't take a genius to realize that, oh hey, if she's not here, she must be fucking there!"

"I don't chase after anyone. If you didn't want to meet up with me, that's fine. I wasn't going to fucking harass you."

"Bullshit," she sneered. "I know why you kissed me. You gave him the same look you gave me. It's pretty fucking obvious, but let me clear this up for you. I don't belong to Anyone. I'm not having this territorial bullshit happen again."

What the fuck did that have to do with anything? Why did she keep bringing it up? "You sure didn't seem to mind me having your back at the hospital."

Fuck, she went even paler. I could feel the anger and rage, it called to my darker side. If her hair started flying all over the place and her eyes glowed, I wouldn't have been fucking surprised. If she hit me again, all bets were off. I wouldn't hit her back, but...

"What the fuck do you mean again?" I went back through the last sentence she spoke, confused.

"You don't get to ask that," she snarled. "I know nothing about you. You have my gratitude for the pot and alcohol. I've already thanked you for the help you showed me at the hospital. But, I ask again, why go to all that trouble if you're going to ignore me in public?" Realization broke through her anger. "Oh, I know why."

"No, its not fucking like that," I saw understanding dawn. I knew what she was thinking. "I didn't do all of that just to fuck you. Goddamnit, if I wanted to do that, I'd have done it already."

"So we'll be, what? Secret friends? You gonna use that line on me?"

"I haven't used any lines on you," I retorted. "You want the world to know we're friends? Fine, buy the fucking shirt, I'll wear it. I… I actually fucking like you, alright? So... shut the fuck up and calm down."

"You have a damn strange way of showing it," she slumped against the seat and crossed her arms regally.

What did it fucking take? All the times she'd read my fucking mind, knew what I was thinking without needing to hear me clarify it aloud; she chose motherfucking now to go oblivious?

"So you like me, big deal. Try showing it, why don't you? I'll see you in Spanish class."

"Bella- damnit-"

"Actions over words, man. I've made my interest pretty fucking apparent."

There it was again! 'Man,' I snorted in disgust. Had I really argued in favor of being friends? Fuck friendship, I wanted more than watching movies and doing shots with her. "I did, this morning! Don't give me that 'friends' bullshit!"

"You don't want to be friends? You want to fuck and move on, right?"

"No," I caught up to her. "How many fucking times to do I have to say it? I don't know… around you… yea, I want to fuck you. Its not the only thing I want from you, though."

"Don't walk away from me next time," she seethed. "Don't pansy the fuck out and expect me to wait around for you to come back, to change your mind, to do whatever it is you're thinking of at the moment. You catch up or slow down for me. And don't make the mistake of thinking you influence what I do. If I fucking like someone, I'll talk to them, hang out with them. I'm not checking with you every time I want to speak with someone."

"And if I adapt the same attitude?"

Her back straightened, she looked as though I'd smacked her. "That'd be none of my business."

"Bella, I didn't mean I was going to fuck everything sight. Jesus, you're so in-fucking-furiating!"

"Great, well, think it over back in your car. I've got places to be. Notice I came to find you? Again?"

"You're ignoring everything I've said."

"I'm not," she said over her shoulder. "I'm waiting to see if you actually act on what you've said."

"I think I'll wait to see your reaction after you've processed everything."

"That's your prerogative," she shrugged, opened the door for me.

I took the door from her and stepped back. She would damn well walk in first. I had fucking manners. They'd been in over-drive around her, I noticed. She was a girl, I was a guy; I could be fucking courteous if I wanted to be. I was nice to Alice, too, what of it? Fuck it.

"See you in Spanish," I said tersely.

"Really looking forward to it," she sarced, walking away. Still in my hoodie! I restrained myself from punching one of the lockers. Disruption, they'd call it. That's all I fucking needed. Detention or school service- which was really their way of obtaining free labor on weekends- would send me over the edge.

She wasn't in Spanish class.

Fuck it then. This was going way too far. We had spent two class periods outside yelling at one another. What the fuck had that been about? A lot had been said, true enough, but that was reserved for girlfriend-status. I had known her a week, maybe less. Definitely time to take a step back. We'd regroup, when we both calmed down I'd approach her in a more rational state of mind.

"Hey?" I looked up abruptly. Standing near my car was the new girl Tanya. I glanced around, the parking lot was nearly empty.

"Hi," I replied. Sure, why not? I wanted her to watch the fucking paint, but provided she didn't lean on my car, I didn't mind talking to her.

"I've noticed you around, my name's Tanya."

"You need something?"

"My asshole half-brother left me stranded. I was wondering if you'd give me a ride."

I looked her over quickly. Very nice legs; her shoe heels were sharp, she wouldn't be putting them on the dashboard anytime soon. Her nails seemed dry. There was no smell of open nail-polish.

"Where do you live?" I asked. Some houses were nearly forty-five minutes away. It'd be quicker if she called a cab, and I wasn't about to spend three hours, round-trip, in car just because I was expected to be nice. But she didn't live far. I couldn't exactly leave her standing in the lot while I drove away. It didn't seem like her brother was showing up anytime soon. "Yeah, whatever. Get in."

She kept her feet on the floor. Damn straight she did. I started the engine and chose a Playlist for the ride. "That's so hot," she rubbed her fingers across one of my tattoo's. "You're really hot."

"Seat-belt," I moved my arm away from her.

Alice was catching a ride with Bella, from what I remembered her saying. I didn't see Bella's truck around anywhere and she would have found me this late in the day. My phone had no messages from her, I had deleted nearly thirteen text-messages when I'd turned it on Saturday night. I contemplated leaving it off, but Carlisle had been working late again. I wanted to be sure he could reach me if they needed help.

"Your car's so fast," Tanya purred, running her hand up and down my thigh.

"Thanks," I smirked. This wasn't my best effort, but judging from her behavior, I wouldn't have to try very hard. I wasn't even really turned on. She was touching my thigh, and all I wanted was a cigarette.

It didn't take me long to realize that she was wearing too much perfume. Opening the window, I was able to take a full breath of air. It was the first in a long time. I snuck a quick peek to remind myself why she was sitting in my passenger seat.

I'd have to get the car washed again, no doubt about it. While I was there, I reminded myself, pick up some strong air-freshener. Something tropical, maybe. I could get into the newly cleaned Volvo, close my eyes and picture myself on a tropical beach. A drink with one of those umbrellas next to me, a girl on top of me. What would be better? She would taste like mangoes and… fucking Bella Swan.

"Are you, like, okay?"

"Yeah," I pressed play on my I-pod, it hadn't started right away. Strange.

"Okay," she looked unsure. "You, like, growled or something."

I didn't know what to say. Explaining why wouldn't fucking help matters. In times of doubt, go for a cigarette. Good idea, I congratulated myself. No girl expected to hold a real conversation with someone driving, thinking, and smoking. Safety first?

"Um…" she trailed off pointedly, the minutes ticking away.

"Yes?" I hate when chicks do that. If there's a problem, speak up. Why waste time? You have my attention the moment you move; there's no need to pansy around.

"I don't like cigarettes. It, like, gets all in my hair and stuff." Compared to the generic flower scent that clings to anyone within two inches of you? I'll take the smoke. I made the mistake of glancing over at her again. She was sitting with her back partially against the door, her body tilted toward me. Her light brown hair was arranged too perfectly, too much hair gel or hairspray. She had a nice figure, curved in the right places. Her chest was decent, her legs long, she had a small waist… normally any chick who looked at me, like Tanya was right now, I'd be all over them in seconds. Nothing did it for me more than the 'bite their lip, flutter their lashes, slow smile' but I wasn't really feeling it anymore.

Fuck, I took one last drag of my cigarette before I allowed the wind to carry it away. Fucking waste, I should have just put it out.

"Thanks," she simpered. "You're, like, so nice and stuff."

What the fuck had I seen in her? A nice body did not make for proper fucking. At least not anymore. I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with her. She didn't know the difference between Shakespeare and Leonardo DiCaprio, Achilles and Brad Pitt. No, Mel Gibson- who the fuck cared? The point was fucking clear to me.

'I appreciate its artistic integrity.' Who said shit like that? And Bella had meant every word.

"Pull over here," she suggested, "my parents are home."

I was pulling over? Was this happening?

"I mean, you can come in, if you want. Like, they wouldn't mind or anything, meeting someone new? I'm sure they'd love, like, an intro."

Technically, I could have brought her to my house. I just didn't want to go through the 'meet the parents' routine. Giving a tour of the house, showing her to my room, engaging in pointless conversation- I hadn't changed my sheets. They had a good four days left; conserve water, right? When the fuck had I become so environmentally friendly?

I didn't want to meet her parents. I wanted some nice, uncomplicated fucking. No arguments, no friendship; easy, impersonal, and I wouldn't have to go at it alone later. Mentally shaking my head, no I probably would anyway. At least I'd have new images.

"You, uh, gonna sit there all day?"

For the first time in my life, I didn't feel like having sex.

I should have. There was no reason not to. Opportunities like this, well, let's be honest. They were pretty fucking frequent. It had never been like this, though. With the window once again shut, I was breathing through my mouth to get the maximum oxygen intake. She was just so… immaculate. Not one hair out of place, no wrinkles in her jeans.

"I was just giving you a ride home," I shrugged, hoping my aloof aura would be conveyed.

"What?"

Apparently not.

"You told me to pull over," I raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you, like, wanted to fuck and stuff?"

"Uh, no…" Did she know any other words besides 'like' and 'stuff'

"You totally did!"

"I don't know you," I stared her down, annoyed to realize that she was too much of a bubble-head to notice I was trying to convey annoyance. "I don't know where you're from. I do, however, know that you have a brother going to school with us. I'm not going to have my face bashed in because he's defending your honor or whatever the Code is in Texas."

"Jasper? Jasper doesn't care," she laughed. "And what else do you want to know about me? I'll, like, answer now."

Honestly, I didn't want to know anything about her. I could read her every thought, she was just as shallow inside as she appeared outside. She'd scream at the sight of blood, cry if she felt slighted. I knew her type well. She would pout if things didn't go her way instead of walking up to my car and confronting me. Yes, she had a slight southern accent, but she dressed like every other bimbo I knew.

"Well? I'm horny and you're one of the few good looking guys around."

That was one hell of an ego-booster, thanks. …but she wanted exactly what I wanted. I didn't know anymore. Bella Swan had me in knots. I was fighting myself, on unstable ground… I couldn't breathe because of Tanya's cheap fucking perfume, and I really, really wanted a cigarette. Frustration mounted, imploded, and I decided.

"Fuck it," I replied, "Let's go."

Authors Note:
Thanks for all the reviews and story favorite, etc adds! It always makes me happy to see, I'm glad everyone seems to be liking the story!

AnUnbrokenHorse aka RushtonElf, ParfaitCherie-
Thank you, thank you!
Tahughes-
Thanks for all the separate reviews! I love'em all! The gay question should be coming soon, I havent forgotten, haha.
AngelofRosesCullen-
Thanks for sticking with the fanfic! What were you apprehensive about, if you don't mind me asking? Was it the tattoo-pierced bad-boy thing? I know, it's a used stereotype, but I'm trying to work with it, to evolve them as characters so I, and readers, can see beyond the image. I hope you continue to be interested, thank you!