The Necklace

Author's Note: I would like to apologize for the update time…but over the weekend my story file got corrupted, and I lost everything I was writing, which included chapter ten AND part of eleven. Needless to say I'm fairly pissed…even Microsoft couldn't help me recover it. Despite all of this, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Warning: This chapter is for mature readers. Thanks!

Portrayals: I recently became bored so I decided to make a portrayal list of actors and actresses for my characters. Pm or review for the full list if you really want it, but I'll give you my main three characters here.

Bella: Nina Dobrev

Jacob: Steven Strait

Edward: Eddie Redmayne

Chapter Ten: The Shattered Glass

He pauses then, as if rolling something over in his mind. "You said…you said lover."

I'm laying beneath him, running my fingers through his tangled hair. "Ay."

Jacob smiles then, soft and slow. He swallows a lump in his throat, preparing to ask me something. His hands shake a little. "Do…do you? Do you love me?"

I stare into his eyes, which are ablaze with desire and anticipation. I'm still wearing Edward's ring on my finger, but luckily he doesn't notice. Would it be fair to lie to him, saying I don't love him when I really do feel something quite strong for this stableboy of mine? Or would I provide the false hope that we could really be happy together when the truth is that I'm bound to another man?

I sigh and stare up at the ceiling, seeing shadows dance around in the candlelight. It is so quiet, the blare of the music having had been faded out. All we can hear is our own voices and our own breathing. "And what if I said I did love you?" I ask him quietly, running my hands over his sweaty biceps. "What would you do?"

"Hmm," he ponders with a smile, tightening his grip on me. "I would kiss you and make love to you slow and sweet, proving to you how much I loved you back."

I give a laugh and he pushes us back onto the bed with a playful growl. His hands find the apex of my thighs, finding sweet wetness there. His fingers slip through my folds, touching me in places I'd never even explored. Pleasure begins to build up in my groin, and that pleasure only intensifies when he slips a finger inside of me. Said finger presses down on a foreign spot, and I can't help the loud moan I give. "God above!"

"This is how I will make you feel. I will give you pleasure that makes you fade in and out of reality." He inserts another finger and crooks them upwards, rubbing that same spot inside of me. I'm thrashing and moaning. He speeds up his pace, faster and faster, until I'm thrashing on the bed in sheer ecstasy. I'm falling and falling and falling off of some proverbial cliff, wetness coating my thighs and his hands. I'd never felt anything so…so…amazing.

When I finally reopen my eyes, I can see him lingering over me like an Andaporian god, heavy cock in his hand. Bronzed skin rippled with taut muscle, bulking thighs and biceps, sweaty black hair slicked back against his head, lustful brown eyes, strong jaw and cheekbones, sweet groans over lax, sensual lips. I open my arms to him, and he comes to me, like he always does.

"You are so ready for me," he groans, rubbing his hot member against my throbbing, wet womanhood. He turns his head and captures my lips in a passionate, dizzying kiss. He rubs himself against me again, testing my patience. He seems to enjoy watching me toss and buck against him.

It seems like he is more experience in the art of lovemaking then I'd originally imagined. Maybe customs were different in Andapor, I don't know…all I know is that the way he makes me feel is like no other feeling I've ever felt before. "Please," I beg him. It's not my place to beg, but I don't know how much longer I can stand this sweet torture. "Please, Jacob. Don't deny me this…"

He places hot, open mouthed kisses alongside my jaw, positioning himself before my virginal entrance. "I would never deny the needs or wishes of my lady," he tells me. He positions himself at my entrance and slowly rolls his hips forward, pushing into me inch by inch.

I gasp, feeling him slowly fill me, breaking my virginal barrier. I whimper in pain, and he halts to see if I am okay. But I firmly grasp his backside and shove him all the way up into me, resulting in both of our intermingled moans. He looks down at me in shock and amusement. "Don't stop." I tell him firmly. The feeling of being so full, so close to him, is better than I could ever imagine.

He growls lustfully and kisses me again, beginning to thrust his hips into my body. Slow and steady at first, until slow and steady wasn't what satisfied me anymore. I spur him onwards with my loud and breathy moaning, lifting my pelvis to meet his throes.

Jacob's thrusting into me, lips locked to mine, hands exploring my body greedily. Each stroke drags liquid fire through my veins, pleasure building up in my groin. I feel this cliff beginning to approach again.

All of the sudden, he grabs a hold of me and flips us both over so that I'm now straddling him from above. I'm shocked and unsure of what to do, but he guides me by placing his big hands on my hips. "You do things differently in Andapor," I whisper in shock. I rotate myself on his cock, finding different ways to work him inside of my body.

He gives a powerful thrust up into me and I fall over from the force of it, bracing myself by putting my hands on his pecs. He looks me in the eyes, a mischievous look on his beautiful face. "Very differently." I grin back at him, and move myself on him faster and faster.

Now I can see how his eyes grow cloudy when I do something that feels good to him, hear the little moans that he gives. I'm drawing closer and closer to that edge again. I push myself up off of him and roll my hips down on his, meeting his thrusts. My head tilts back in pleasure and I shut my eyes. His hands roam from my hips up to my perky breasts, squeezing them lightly.

Just then, pleasure bursts forth from my loins just as he lets go of his own release, white hot ribbons of semen shooting up into my body. I've never felt something so foreign, so good…!

…

It takes us both a minute to compose ourselves, collapsing beside each other in trying to catch our breaths. I'm staring up at the ceiling in disbelief. Yes, I just consummated my love with a stableboy. No, I'm not dreaming. No, I'm not ashamed.

I turn my head and look at him, biting my lip. He's looking right back at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "You are so beautiful," he tells me quietly. "Your beauty would surely make the heavens turn cheek in envy."

"Oh, surely not." I laugh, turning away from him as a blush begins to kiss my cheeks. But he hooks a finger under my chin and forces me to look him in the eyes.

"I wish…" he licks his lips, which have now become dry. "I wish we could stay here forever. Just you and me, happy."

I place a hand on his hot cheek. "I would give anything for that."

"Would you?" he asks, almost as if he were surprised by this answer.

"Yes." I tell him. "Yes, and I wish I could. But…I am to be a married woman in a matter of numbered days. The season is too short."

His face falls immediately at my mention of marriage. "You don't have to marry him." He collapses back against the bed, letting go of me. His fingers run through his hair and he closes his eyes, a sigh falling from his lips.

"I do." I tell him quietly, looking at the sapphire promise ring on my finger. I twist it round my finger, watching it sparkle in the candlelight.

"If you don't love him, you should just turn him down. You should marry someone that you love, Bella…" he cups my cheek in his hand, staring into my eyes. I stare back at him, feeling sorrow.

"You know that it's not that easy. I cannot just say no, Jacob. I have to marry him; it is my father's will." He says nothing, and I say nothing. I feel sad knowing there is nothing I can do in the name of love. I have no right to refuse. He should know that, he should know that…

I get out of bed and find my dress in a heap on the floor. I quickly slip it on and lace the back up quickly. Jacob helps me, but doesn't say anything. We redress in silence. I come to stand in the mirror, seeing how my lips are swollen and my hair is tangled. I'm sweaty and I look a mess. I try to fix my hair as best as I can before slipping on my Echo mask. Out of the corner of the mirror I can see Jacob come to stand behind me. He places a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to look up at him. I don't know how he's done it, but he looks even more ravishing now than he did before, unlike me.

He still seems a little down despite it all, and I can't say I blame him. "Do you regret it?" he asks me.

"I beg your pardon?" I ask again, trying to see if I had truly heard him correctly.

"I said…do you regret it? Do you regret making love to me?" he repeats.

I turn towards him and shake my head, my hands coming up to frame his face. "No…God, no. I could never regret it. I'm happy it was you. I wouldn't have wanted anything less, anyone less than you, tonight." I stare into his eyes, assuring him that what I felt for him was anything but regret. "You…you made me so happy tonight. Thank you for coming."

My words spark a small smile from him, and I can see the happiness flood back into his eyes.

"Of course. I would do anything for you," he tells me. "But you already know that."

I stare up into his masked face, seeking his eyes. I lick my lips, clutching at the sides of my dress. "Per…perhaps I could talk to papa…about the marriage."

His mouth falls slightly agape. "You would do that?" he asks me in disbelief.

"If you would do anything for me…" I whisper. "It would only be fair if I did the same for you. Besides…I want to."

Jacob doesn't know what to say. He's simply lost for words. We're both jolted out of our skins when voices come dangerously close to the bedroom door. I've almost forgotten that there's a grand masquerade ball going on downstairs, and that I have a fiancé waiting for me. "You go first," he tells me. "I'll follow shortly after so there will be no suspicion."

I nod my head. "I will see you downstairs, then."

0o0o0o0o

Edward takes one look at me before wrinkling his nose. "Did you go outside?" he asks me, referring to my messy hair.

"For a little, yes," I lie to him. "It was rather windy." I laugh to myself because I only Jacob and I know the true cause of my messy hair. "Shall I go and fix it better?"

"No," Edward says, flapping his hand in slight annoyance. "There's no time. Just come with me…I have a surprise, and I've been waiting all evening for it."

I allow him to tug me through the crowds of dancing people towards the stairs, where the royals sit elevated on a balcony. In front are King Aro and Sulpicia, and then Aro's brothers Marcus and Caius with their wives, and Aro's children, twins Alexander and Jane.

Edward tugs me up the spiraling staircase with vigor, and I can't help but feel extremely intimidated by all of the royals. Marcus and Caius aren't exactly the friendliest of men, especially Caius. When we finally reach the top of the stairs, I'm instantly left alone by Edward to be scrutinized by the others while he converses with the king. He and his wife Athenodora are a sight to see—whitish color hair with pale blue eyes. Both extremely beautiful, and extremely pompous.

Marcus, however, looks like Aro with plain brown hair and eyes. He looks somber and completely uninterested in the ball going on around him. Unlike Marcus, his wife Didyme is laughing and telling jokes to her husband, occasionally getting a laugh out of him. Jane and Alexander are twins, but look nothing like each other. In fact, they don't even look related. Jane has her uncle Caius's blondish hair color with green eyes whilst Alexander has dark brown, like his father, and brown eyes.

"Isabella!" Edward calls me, snapping me out of my trance. I quickly make my way over to the king to stand at Edward's side. "My King, this is my fiancée, the Lady Isabella Marie—" The king waves him off to cease him speaking.

"Oh hush, I know who she is." Aro says. I curtsey politely to the king, smiling sweetly. He gives a small chuckle. "Look at you! I remember when you were just a little sprout, coming to visit the castle with your father. But you very probably do not remember that."

"Oh no, my king! I think not. How could one ever forget the splendor of this magnificent palace?" I tell him as properly as possible.

King Aro lets out a loud laugh—it brings back memories of when mother and father took me to court and I first met the king. His laugh his loud and odd, in the like of a bird's mating call. "Listen to her! Such a lovely young thing." He pats Edward on the back. "You've got a wonderful woman here, my boy. I give my blessing!"

I smile, but the smile quickly fades. Wait…blessing for what? All of the sudden, Aro signals the musicians and music and dancing to come to a halt almost immediately. People direct their attention to the royal balcony, chatter ceasing. Edward looks to the king and Aro gives him a nod of approval as he sits back down in his throne next to Sulpicia.

As I look over the edge of the balcony I can see throngs of people coming closer to see the commotion from up above. I can see mother and father standing next to Edward's sisters and three cousins. Mother is smiling very wide with her hands clasped together in excitement. I look back to Edward in shock. I know what he is about to do, and my heart drops.

I quickly throw another glance out into the crowds. This time, I catch a glimpse of him. Jacob is leaning against one of the castle's great marble pillars with a wine glass in his hand. He looks confused, taking a sip of his wine. My hands begin to shake. He makes eye contact with me, then. My eyes are widened in panic and all I want in the world is to escape from the eyes of the people and flee the castle with him. Edward clears his throat.

"My good people of Volterra," he announces, his voice booming in the echoing dance hall. "If you do not already know, my name is Lord Edward Cullen. Standing next to me is the beautiful Lady Isabella Marie Swan. We are all gathered here tonight to celebrate the coming of summer with this masquerade ball, held so graciously by the magnificent King and Queen." The people clap and cheer.

I take this moment to look at Edward in confusion. "What are you doing?" I whisper to him. "Please, just wait—"

He completely ignores me and turns back towards the people. "Tonight, I will ask Lady Swan a very important question. I would ask you all to raise a glass to her!"

Looking over the balcony, I can see Jacob standing up straight and leaning forward slightly. He has a grim look in his eyes, like he's preparing himself for what Edward's going to say. "Edward…" I whisper, I beg him to stop. I feel like I am about to retch. Then he turns to me, reaching into his pocket. I draw a long breath into my lungs and don't let go of it.

"My Lady Isabella…will you accept my offer of marriage and agree to be my wife?" Edward asks, pulling a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring from his very pocket. The crowd below us gasps and people start to whisper in happiness. I can even see the grim royal, Marcus, give a smile.

I want to say no. I want to rush from this platform and into the night, become invisible…but I cannot. What can I do? I have no say in anything. I nod my head shortly. "Yes, my lord, I accept."

Edward slowly slips the ring onto my finger, next to the promise ring. Then he gives a shout of triumph, raising my hand towards the sky to show the ring to the crowd of people looking up at us. "She accepts!"

The throng goes up in a blaze of cheering and toasting. To them, this is like seeing two royals become formally engaged since our titles are so prominent. The music starts up again, louder and happier tunes spewing from the instruments. People resume dancing almost immediately, celebrating. What could be better than this warm night, a magnificent ball, and an engagement? Edward turns my head towards his and kisses my lips forcefully. I wince; he is a sloppy kisser, unlike my Jacob.

My Jacob. Oh God.

I break away from Edward, my face reddened. To the balcony's edge I go, trying to spy my Narcissus among the hordes of people. I look to the same pillar where he once stood, and to my great dismay, I only find a shattered glass in his wake, the blood red wine spilled all over the marble floors. A sickened feeling comes to my stomach. I feel like screaming, crying, curling up in a little ball and disappearing.

I told him I'd talk to my father. I gave my heart to him, presented a glimmer of hope, and then snatched it all away from him like something of a cruel joke. I had no choice. I had no choice. Edward grabs my hand and tugs me away from the balcony, and I can only go with him, refusing to take my eyes away from that pillar, that haunting glass.

We had to have known, somewhere in the darkest corners of our minds, that this little rendezvous wouldn't have lasted for long. This is the real world, no longer a dream. Oh, and I knew that this love would be impossible. But impossible loves…they can become an addiction.

0o0o0o0o

Up Next: Countryside: Bella embarks to her new home at Edward's manor, and convinces Edward to make Jacob his new stableboy. Conflict arises.

Of course, over my break, I will get some more out to you all and definitely try to catch up on my writing! Please review and tell me what you thought. Thank you to all who reviewed last time! Hope you all had and continue to have a happy holiday :)

Courtney xx