EMPOV

I carried Rose all the way to her car, not wanting her to try to run off. When we got to there, I leaned her up against the door. She was snaking her hands up under my shirt, scratching her nails along my stomach. After a few minutes, I broke away.

"Either you give me your keys and we go back to my place, or we will be fucking in the backseat of your car."

"What makes you think I would mind that?" She purred.

"Let's just say I am a little too big to do what I want to do back there, so why don't you give me your keys." I held my hand out.

She dropped them into my palm, "You better be careful with her, she's all I have." She was quiet when she spoke and I nodded solemnly.

We were in the car and off quickly.

"Why can't we go to my place?" She was puzzled.

"We went there last time." I didn't want to tell her that I thought it would be easier for us to talk somewhere she wasn't as comfortable, it would be harder for her to block me out without all of her "accessories". She wouldn't be able to distract me with scarves or handcuffs. Not that I didn't like them, but for what I wanted to accomplish tonight, they wouldn't help.

"Oh, okay." She sounded a little vulnerable already and while I hated for her to be nervous, it would have to work.

I lived a little ways away, in a house farther out from the campus so it took us a while to get there. I wondered what she was thinking; her breathing was ragged and head was resting on the glass of the window.

My house wasn't big but it was larger than her apartment. My mom had helped me decorate, so it was pretty nice. She had done the place in what she called earth tones; I just thought it looked like a Pottery Barn catalog. Worn, brown leather couches took up most of my small living room, centered on the large flat screen TV.

I let her in and walked into the kitchen, setting her keys on the counter. She didn't need to drive right away but I didn't want her to feel like I was trapping here either. We walked into the living room and I fell back onto the couch. She sat near me, but seemed unsure of what to do.

"Rose, I want to talk to you before anything else happens between us. I have been thinking about you ever since that night."

She scooted closer, and purred. "Me too." She punctuated her remark by running one of her long red nails along the bulge in my jeans.

I picked her hand and up and held it in my own.

"I know that you want to believe that what we had was only sex, nothing more. But I just don't buy it." Fear stained my words, but I fought to push it away.

Looking down, she shook her head.

"Now, just hear me out. I am not saying I love you or asking you to marry me." I picked her chin up in my free hand. "I just want the chance to get to know you, to spend time with you, and know that you are willing to be open to seeing just me."

"You know, most romantic declarations begin with I do love you or I do want to marry you, not I don't." She was pouting now, and I brought her face closer to mine, brushing my lips lightly against hers.

"I don't want to get ahead of myself." I couldn't help but smile against her lips.

She responded by wrapping her arms around my neck and straddling my lap. Her lips moved against mine slowly, sucking my bottom lip into her mouth. I ground her hips down onto my erection, enjoying the pressure.

After a minute, she pulled away. "Are we done talking for now?"

I nodded and picked her up, carrying her back to my bedroom. I set her down gently in the middle of my bed admiring the view, before climbing up next to her.

She moved to unbutton my shirt, but I held them in my hands.

"Let me do this the way I want to, Rose."

She lay back against my pillows, and closed her eyes.

I took that as permission and began tracing her face with my hands. Her high cheekbones, her full lips, her straight nose, the arch of her eyebrow. My fingers were light, and I ran them into her thick hair, brushing the strands out into a fan on my pillow. Her breath caught, and I lowered my lips to hers.

Softly, I plucked kisses along the curve of her mouth, before covering her lips with my own. She opened up, her tongue sliding into my mouth. I rimmed her open mouth with my tongue before leaning back.

My hands moved to her shoulders, sliding down her arms, before resting on her tiny waist. I rubbed the sliver of creamy skin that her shirt revealed, before slipping under the hem.

Her skin was so soft, and when my hands reached her breasts, she moaned. I pulled at her top and she sat up, allowing me to remove it completely before laying back down obediently.

I pushed the straps of her bra down, my mouth capturing one tight nipple and my hand pulling at the other. The straps kept her arms pinned to her sides, but she didn't fight it. I switched to the other nipple, sucking it hard into my mouth, biting lightly. Her breath was coming fast now, and little sounds of pleasure were coming from her parted, swollen lips.

My mouth moved now, to the valley between her breasts and I kissed her there, inhaling the scent of her skin. She was arching her back now, and I chuckled before trailing kisses over her flat stomach. Swirling my tongue in her belly button, my hands went to the waist of her skirt. I unzipped it, sliding it down her legs.

My teeth nipped at the flesh above her panties and she bucked her hips, trying to bring me closer to her heat. I obliged her, covering her with my mouth, running my tongue up and down her lace covered lips. Her head was thrown back, rocking side to side. I rubbed my tongue flat against her clit through the fabric, before pulling back. She whined at the loss of pressure, but I slipped her panties down and dove back in.

I flicked her with the tip of my tongue, before sliding into her. Her legs fell open, and her hands gripped my head, pushing me into her. I kept up my tempo, flicking her clit, and slid one of my fingers into her dripping hole. She moved her hips in rhythm with me, and when I added another finger she started panting. I let her ride my tongue, pushing and pulling my fingers in and out. Her legs were trembling, and she was moaning my name now. I could tell she was close, and increased my pace and the pressure. My fingers were clenched inside of her as she rode out her climax. Her body relaxed afterwards, and she reached towards me, pulling me up by my shoulders.

I crawled back up her body to her mouth, where I swooped down for a deep kiss. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders, holding on tight. I knew she was having trouble giving up control but she just seemed desperate for more contact with my skin, as she pulled my shirt up over my head and reached for my buckle. I obliged, helping her push my jeans down my legs.

She laughed, noticing that I had forgone boxers again tonight, before gripping my hips and pulling them to her.

I reached down to adjust myself, placing the head of my cock at her dripping opening. She sighed happily, and I smiled at her before pushing in to her heat. It felt so good, she was slick and tight around me. I didn't want to rush it, but I wasn't sure how long I could hold back. She kept her hands at her sides, the sheets twisted in her fingers.

Looking at her, I noticed her eyes were closed and she was biting her bottom lip, breathing shallowly. When I started moving faster, her eyes opened. She was smiling and her face was open, enjoying this freely, no games, no fight for control. I groaned now, losing the battle to keep my slow pace. As I sped up, she curled her legs around my hips, giving me more leverage for my thrusts. It didn't take long for me feel the tension building to the point I knew I couldn't hold back. Her hips rocked with my thrusts and I was soon tensing over her, my body reeling in pleasure.

Once I had finished shaking, I laid down next to her.

"You are amazing." Her voice was soft as she spoke.

My laugh rumbled in my chest. "You're not too bad yourself."

She laughed with me, and I pulled her to my chest.

"Let's get some sleep, okay? We can talk more in the morning." I looked down at her. Her eyes were shut already and her breathing was steady. Wrapping my arms around her, I kissed her forehead. "Night, Rose."

-

I woke the next morning to find her still in my arms.

"I could get used to this." I said, to no one in particular.

Rose shifted in her sleep, rousing at the sound of my voice.

"Hmm? What?" She looked around the room, before turning to face me. "Oh."

"Oh? What does that mean?" I was afraid she was going to shift back to invulnerable Rose.

"It means, Oh. I don't normally stay the night with anyone and…"

"Let's not talk about the other guys right now? Ok?" I needed her to understand that I meant what I had said last night.

"Alright." Her eyes were wide, looking at me, almost fearful.

I held her face in my hands.

"Rose, I understand you have your own life. I am just hoping that you can make some room in it for me, and a little less for the "other guys". I don't expect that this will be easy for either of us; we both have a bit of a history. But I am willing to make the effort and I think it will be worth it in the end. I mean, a few more nights like last night will definitely make it worth my while." I smiled devilishly at her.

She hesitated, and I held my breath, waiting to hear what she would say.

"Well, you are right. I don't think it will be easy, but I am willing to try too. I mean, if a player like you can settle on one girl, then surely I can make do with just one guy." She looked up at me with a small smile on her lips. "I think you can make it worth my while, too."

I whooped with excitement, "You vixen! I know that you are used to lots of good hot sex and I am up to the challenge!" I saluted her sarcastically.

She slapped me on the shoulder, "What do you mean by LOTS? I am not some kind of slut. I am quite choosy. Quality, not quantity. You are lucky you made the cut, buddy!"

I hugged her to me, my face in her hair, "I know, Rose. I know I am."

JPOV

I am such an idiot. But it was all I could do. I couldn't lose this job. And Edward and Emmett were my friends, who wouldn't care too much for me fucking around with their sister, their much younger sister.

But were we just fucking around, really? She was right, we didn't ever really talk about it, I couldn't. If I thought about it I would always come to the same conclusion, it was wrong. But when she was with me, I couldn't think it was wrong, it just felt too right.

We were soul mates. I know, I am a highly educated, level headed, grown man, I am not supposed to put stock in that girly shit. But, and I would never admit it to the guys, I just knew that there was one person out there for me. History tells of great loves and I feel like it isn't a possibility that they were all coincidences, so, yes, I believe in soul mates and fate. Whatever.

Alice.

I was sitting on the edge of my bed, Alice hadn't been in class yesterday, I guess after what happened I didn't really expect her to be. I was happy at first, thought maybe if I didn't see her I could be steadfast in my decision, it was actually just the opposite. I hadn't gotten a moments sleep last night.

I picked up my phone and found her number. I hesitated for a moment, trying to decide what I could possibly say? I was an ass. I was wrong. I love you too. She has almost said it yesterday but I had to stop her, I knew as soon as the words came out of her mouth I wouldn't be able to tell her it was over.

But now, after less than twenty four hours without her, I knew all my excuses were pointless. I needed her. I don't care if I lost my job. I didn't care if Emmett and Edward decide to kick my ass, I deserved it.

Okay, Jasper…I push send. Straight to voice mail. Damn. It was early, maybe she was still asleep. Or was she avoiding me?

I heard Edward's door open to his room and shut, then the front door. Strange, he is rarely up this early, especially when he had come home so late last night. I was sure he hadn't been alone when he came home, but I didn't hear any of the normal sounds that one would expect from that sort of situation so I just figured he was drunk.

God, who cares? All I care about is talking to Alice. I would go to her house. I started to get up but quickly recognized the issues with that move. What if Dr. and Mrs. Cullen were home? I don't think that they would appreciate this anymore than Emmett and Edward.

Why did I care so much about what everyone else thought?

Because that's life.

Fuck! I needed to talk this out with someone, someone who could be rational. But who? Who did I know well enough to talk about something like this that wasn't related to her? Maybe Bella? She would listen and not judge, and we had become pretty good friends.

So that settled, I would go see Bella; I knew she was scheduled to work later this morning.

Sighing, I dressed and made my way out of my room, glad that I wouldn't have to face Edward this morning. I was working on making myself some coffee when I heard Edward's door open for the second time this morning. Guess he had brought someone home, she sure left in a hurry…

"Hey, morning, man," I tried to sound normal so he wouldn't ask questions. Ignoring my greeting he looked around the living room perplexed. I watched him walk toward the bathroom and realizing the door was open and the light off, he shook his head and sat at the bar, his head in his hands.

"Morning," he said, his tone resigned. I wondered what his problem was, it wasn't like it was a bad thing when you hook up with someone and she is gone before you have to deal with her. "Um, Jas…"

He hesitated and looked up at me questioning, I knew what he wanted to know. "Yeah, she left." He eyed me dubiously. He was acting strange. "It was a she right?"

"Fuck you, Jasper," he said as he reached over the counter and took the cup of coffee I had just made myself and walked to the living room. It was an honest question, he looked like he was upset, like he regretted something, you never know what could have happened after one drink too many…

Okay, back to Alice, her brother's problems were not my concern. I tried to call Alice again. Voicemail. She was avoiding my calls, I knew it, it was late enough now that she would be awake...

I walked into the living room where Edward was sitting his head lolling back and his eyes shut tight. Boy, we are quite the pair. I sat in the chair and sighed, alerting him to my presence. "What's up, Jasper?" he didn't really sound interested.

"Nothing, I am just a fucking moron is all."

He chuckled darkly at my statement. "That makes two of us."

I looked at him. "And what did you do that makes you a moron?"

He rolled his eyes, "Communication." It wasn't exactly an answer, but he said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

And it was.

If I would just communicate, half of my problem with Alice would be gone. If I would just suck it up and tell my best friend that I loved his sister.

Well, asshole, he is right here, get on with it.

"Edward?" I knew I just needed to blurt it out, but I didn't know if I was ready for the repercussions. He looked at me, telling me to continue. "So...umm…well…"

"Jasper?"

"I am in love with your sister." I said it so fast I thought maybe he didn't catch it. He stared at me for an endless amount of time, the look on his face unreadable. I didn't move, afraid that it would break this stalemate and I wasn't sure if I could outrun him and I really didn't want to fight back.

His teeth clinched he took a long deep breath, "Are you telling me you are in love with my eighteen year old sister? My little sister who happens to be one of your students?" His voice was menacing, but he didn't make any motions to move from his place on the couch. "Is that who…? Son of a bitch..." I knew it wasn't good when Edward started spitting out half sentences and curses.

"It wasn't something I planned." I wasn't sure how to explain it to him without sounding like a complete bastard. "It just happened, we are in love." I was trying to keep my voice calm; I knew the situation called for calm. I tried to radiate the composure to my friend.

He stood up abruptly, I stiffened, ready for an attack, but he only paced in front of the couch. "So, Jasper, let's forget for one second that she is my baby sister," his voice told me he was doing everything but forgetting that fact, "and let's just talk about the fact she is a student! What about that Jas, you could lose you job."

"I don't give a flying fuck about my job Edward, I love Alice. I will stop teaching if it means that I can be with her…" it was all true, I knew it now, I had no doubts, Bella would have to help me, "if she will take me back."

"Take you back?" his eyebrows shot up, "you have already screwed it up?" he scoffed.

"Yeah," I hung my head. "I was afraid of you…and of the job." I had no pride when it came to Alice. She was my love, my soul mate; there was no room for an ego.

A smug smirk was plastered on Edward's face, "it's not me you should worry about Jasper. Alice has a much bigger, more rash, older brother that you should worry about…" Shit – Emmett – he would hit first and not worry about questions.

"Are we going to be okay, Edward?" It didn't matter really, it wouldn't change the way I felt about my perfect little Alice. If she would take me back, I would spend the rest of my life making this up to her.

His expression gave nothing away. He sat back down and put his head into his hands. "Jasper, I don't know. I have other things going on right now and I can't think about this…I sure as hell don't like it…and I don't understand what you were thinking starting something with her in the first place…but why do I have a feeling you don't really care what I think?"

I didn't say anything. I didn't want to push him over the edge…his voice was still dangerous and I didn't underestimate him. His rage was building behind the calm exterior. If I continued to make him talk it might manifest itself – maybe if I left now, he would calm down, so I knew it was time for me to make my exit.

I didn't so much as say goodbye as I walked from the room and out the door. I needed to see Bella, get her opinion on how I might get Alice to forgive me and I needed to give Edward his space. I tried to call Alice again but again only got voicemail. I wasn't going to try to apologize over voicemail, it wasn't right. I wanted to see her,I needed to let her see me beg. You can't properly beg via voicemail.

I made my way into the library, making a beeline to Bella's desk. It seemed that I was just in time because she was putting away her stuff as I found her, getting ready to start her day.

"Bella?" I said before I was close enough for her to notice me, startling her. She flipped around so quickly she stumbled against me as I came up beside her. "Sorry," I muttered standing her upright.

"Nothing new," she sighed. I took in her appearance; she looked as if she had been up too late and worse for the wear. She must have had an interesting evening I thought but quickly shook off any thoughts on asking her about it. "What's up Jas?" she asked after I didn't say anything, "You aren't working today are you?"

I was still trying to decide how much I should tell her, I didn't know if I should admit to hooking up with a student. Bella seemed cool. "Um, I need to talk to you." She looked at me urging me to continue. "It is about a girl. And I need your advice, I need your help."

A smile formed on her face and she shook her head. "Jasper, Jasper…is this about Alice?" I could feel the shock that had to be very apparent on my face. How did she know about Alice? She raised her eyebrows at me, "What? Alice is my friend, remember?"

"I-I guess I didn't realize you were that friendly with her…or that she…" I couldn't believe this, Alice had told her?

"Don't worry about it Jas, I won't tell…" she was teasing me now. Her face suddenly became serious and she seemed to be thinking about something. "Well, actually, I heard you were an asshole to her…that wasn't cool."

I hung my head, Alice had told her about that. Great. Now even Bella knew what an ass I was. I was alienating my friends left and right today, now to just tell Emmett so he could not just hate me but rend me limb from limb me as well. Lovely.

"Yeah, I guess I am, that's what I came to talk to you about."

"Okay," she said cautiously.

"I don't know what Alice told you, but I messed up," I started. Alice must have told her enough because as I said this Bella snorted. "Bella, tell me how to get her back…"

Bella seemed to struggle to decide what to say but she finally sighed, "Jasper, I am going to tell you the same thing I told her; you need to go talk to her. You need to know what you want before you do it though and make sure you are committed to it."

"I can do that, I know what I want and I know what I am going to do, but she won't answer my calls," I was whining now, how pathetic.

She laughed, "Well, Jas, try harder." She rolled her eyes and sat down in front of her computer.

Wow. This is what I came here to hear? Try harder? I huffed and Bella looked up at me. "Jasper, you called her and she didn't pick up…now get off your ass and go get her, it isn't that complicated." She shooed me then. I didn't move.

"Okay, go get her…thanks for the pep talk coach. You gonna call me tiger now?" I laughed. Bella was so easy to talk to and apparently a straight shooter. Go get her, I wanted to snort at it, like I could just go to her house and carry her out caveman style and make her listen to me…

Well, I guess I could. Or I could possibly make some other grand gesture to get her to talk to me. Make a scene maybe…

AC: Did you see we got nominated for two awards on www. twilightawards. this-paradise. com

AN: Yeah, Best Romance and Best Human Edward. Not bad, huh?

AC: I am kind of impressed with us...

AN: Yeah, but I guess we already knew we were kinda awesome...

AC: Of course! You think anyone is still with us after BD?

AN: We probably should find out before we write the next chapter...

AC: I mean, we are giving them the smut they want, unlike BD, and we won't have any mythological creatures. So, hopefully they keep coming back!