Chapter Ten

My feet couldn't carry me fast enough down the steps. Both the men that I had cared about and loved were each silent, waiting to see who I was going to first. With utter shame towards Jasper, I found myself in front of Edward. I grabbed his hands that were in a tight fist beside his side. He eased up and squeezed my hand.

"Edward." My voice was soft and barely audible.

"Bella, don't say it."

I shook my head. "You don't even know what I'm going to say."

I could see him taking a deep breath, his chest rising quickly at each word that escaped my mouth. I pulled his hand and walked him to the back door for privacy. Jasper's face seemed flushed, but I needed a moment with Edward.

I sat at the top of the steps and placed my hand on the spot beside me so he would seat himself down. Once he sat down, we both stared out at the view of Mt. Rainier that graced the sky. He took my hand, and then held it with his other. His warmth was so welcoming. I don't think I could ever get tired of the masculine hands that knew my body so well.

"Edward. What you saw between Jasper and me, it's not what you think."

I could hear the relief in his breathing, but neither of us looked at each other. My head faced down the steps in front of me, and with a small cry, I unfolded the story of Jasper's recent loss. He moved beside me, leaving no space between us, and wrapped his arms around me. His lips kissed the top of my head while he ran his hand through my hair.

"Bella, I am so sorry. I should have never insinuated anything."

I missed having him hold me. His soft spoken voice calmed the aching pain in my heart.

"No, Edward, I'm sorry. It was immature of me to be upset about you and the house last night. It's the fact that you're so perfect, and I don't know how to handle you with all my flaws."

"Hey, I'm not perfect by any means. To be honest, I don't know how to handle having a girlfriend. I assumed I was supposed to shower you with gifts. I guess the house was a bit much."

I brought my face up to him, and soon we were locked in an intimate kiss. I pulled myself away knowing Jasper was inside. I didn't want to part from Edward, but I had promised Jasper I would take him to the airport this morning.

"I have to go. I need to take Jasper to the airport."

"Sure. Would you care if I stayed behind and at least fix lunch for us?"

"I have nothing in my fridge. With work and the move, I haven't had the chance to grab anything."

"It's okay. I can do the grocery shopping while you take Jasper."

"You're so domesticated." I released a small laugh and a little relief.

We went back into the house and Jasper was already dressed. He could barely glance at me. It didn't help that Edward was holding onto my waist as we walked in.

"Jasper, are you ready?"

"I think I'll just call Uber."

I released myself from Edward's grasp and walked towards Jasper. I didn't want him to think he was forgotten, especially during this difficult time for him.

"No, Jasper. I'll take you. Give me a minute to grab my stuff."

The ride to the airport was quiet. Jasper didn't express himself too much. I know he didn't agree with where my relationship with Edward was leading, but he felt he needed to comment. "Bella, you should stay away from him."

Shock wasn't even what I was feeling. I felt numb to his statement. My inclination was his sense of jealousy was trying to win me back, and as much as I wanted to respond with resentment over his words, I stopped myself.

"Bella, do you hear me? There are things you don't know about him, and you shouldn't associate yourself with him."

I pulled the car off the shoulder and parked the car. "Jasper, stop. You're emotional right now, and I don't want to discuss this."

"Then why did you pull over? You're hesitating, aren't you?"

"I pulled over because you have no idea what it is that you're talking about."

He took both my hands into his and pressed them against his lips. "Please, Bella. He's trouble. Don't be fooled by his charm and money."

"What do you take me for?"

"No, I don't mean it that way."

"What do you mean then?"

His hands were shaking and his lips shivered. What caused him to fear speaking out? "He's a murderer, Bella. He killed Alice's husband. Even Alice says it's Edward, and she has proof."

My heart sank. I could feel my heart palpitating, my palms sweaty from this new revelation. I shook my head uncontrollably. What angle was Alice working?

"Why would you say that?"

"Alice said it was all planned out. That Edward was intent on killing Mr. Pierce because he was abusive to Alice. He was trying to protect her, so he killed him that night. Alice is trying to gather all the evidence, but she knows it was Edward."

"No, he didn't. He's innocent in all this." I closed my eyes shut. I didn't want to hear this. I had already dealt this with my dad and now Jasper was accusing Edward.

"Bella, you have to believe me."

"I don't believe you because I was with him the entire evening."

Jasper released my hands. He sat himself back and rested his head back. He placed his hands over his face, and let out a loud cry. I flinched at his response. This was the first time we ever spoke about that evening. I knew in his mind that I was with Edward, but I never said it out loud. It was something we both had agreed upon, thinking it would be better for our relationship back then.

"I'm sorry, Bella. It's my fault. Had I never taken you, we would still be together." Tears flowed out of his eyes and the guilt was overwhelming him. "And you would have never been with him that night."

It was hard to see Jasper in this emotional distress. He didn't deserve all this now. "Jasper, it's not your fault. There would have been something else that would have affected our relationship."

"No, Bella. I gave up on us. I gave up on you, and that bastard was there at the right time. I neglected you when I shouldn't have."

"Stop, Jasper. You need to focus on your father at this moment."

I drove off the shoulder and headed to the airport. As we arrived at the curb, Jasper had a hard time letting me go.

"Please let me know when the service will be. I would like to attend." I let him go and watched him enter through the sliding glass doors. With each further step he took, I knew that we needed the distance between us. He needed to heal, and I could only offer nothing more than my friendship.

The drive back home was solemn, but it was comforting to see my house over the horizon. Edward had text me to inform me my bed had arrived. I didn't think I could ever be this excited over a bed. When I entered through the doors, he was concentrating on the cast iron skillet. I could smell the aroma of rosemary filling the kitchen. Soon enough, we finished our grilled chicken with garlic sautéed asparagus.

"You stun me in the kitchen always." I grabbed my glass of wine and sipped the Rose that he also hand selected from the grocer.

"I learned my way around the kitchen from my mom."

"Unfortunately, I didn't learn the way around the kitchen from my mom. She was traveling so much with her then husband that she never had a stationed home. She lived on a tour bus and mostly hotels. It wasn't the greatest way to raise a kid."

As much as it wasn't the norm for a child, I did enjoy being home schooled and having my mom always there.

"Is that why you came to live with Charlie? For stability?"

"No. I wanted to live with my dad because he didn't have anyone. He was always the loner. No social life except his work. That's why I only learned how to cook sandwiches."

We both laughed at my last statement.

"But in truth, we were both pretty lonely. I had Jacob though. We went to school together, and though he was years younger, he was all I needed."

"Did you both ever?" His apprehensive question almost made me choke.

"Oh God, no! Jake is my little brother. Granted he's no longer little, but I do love him a lot like a brother."

Edward felt more at ease with my answer.

"Are we going to dive in to each other's personal history?" I didn't know how he was going to take my question. In a way, I was curious, but also cautious as I knew there may be truths that I didn't want to uncover about Edward.

"Bella, what are you wanting to know? And if you do find out, are you going to still take me for who I am?"

What was I trying to get from Edward? A part of me wanted to understand his particular lifestyle of the secret parties.

"When was the first time you attended one of these secret parties that you hold?"

Edward raised his eyebrow at my question. He took the bottle of wine and poured the remainder into my glass and then his. He never stopped staring at me with his blue-grayish eyes. There was seriousness to him that I've never seen before.

"I was a recent college grad at the time. I had only recently met, Leah, the wife of a prominent CEO. She enjoyed my company though she was never openly flirtatious with me in the presence of others. Then one day, she slipped me the invite. I didn't know what it was at first, thinking it was another formal party for the elite. However, I had heard of such parties and my friends were envious at my opportunity, so I went out of curiosity. The wife noticed me right away as I entered the party. She was quick to claim me, and I became her party favorite. Soon enough she was tired of me, and found herself other young men like myself. I was a bit shattered at first, but then I played the game and found other women to sleep with. I also realized how lucrative it was, so I started my own parties. However, I became tired of the promiscuous sex and pointless conversations, until I saw you."

"Bella, before you, I was never satisfied. I knew I wanted you that evening, but after you opened yourself to me, I didn't have the heart to use you in my selfish ways. When you left that night, I thought it was over between us."

I didn't realize he had already finished his glass of wine. I was deep in thought listening to his story. I got up from my chair and walked over to him. I sat myself on top of him, facing him in his chair. My arms rested on his chest, my fingers leaving a trail mark around his jawline and cheekbones. His hands rested on my lower back.

"Edward, that evening, I felt guilt. I was overwhelmed by my emotions for you. I couldn't bring myself to make love anymore unless it was with you. I was still able to feel your touch and kisses all over my body. I craved you then, and didn't know how to fight it. I didn't want to admit it, but I think I fell in love with you that night when you wrapped me with your blanket and kissed my lips."

Edward suddenly rose up from his seat and claimed my lips hard. He lifted me up and carried me to my bedroom. He laid me on the bed and lifted my shirt. He kissed my stomach then traced his tongue down the middle until he reached between my breasts. He pulled the cup of my bra down and exposed my hardened nipples. He placed his mouth over each nipple and sucked hard. It was excruciating pain that I craved. I arched them towards him so he could continue.

His hand trailed between my thighs. He rubbed me hard, and it bothered me that I was still fully dressed. I cried a whimper so he would undress me. He finally unbuttoned my pants and slipped them off. He didn't remove my panties and it frustrated me, and he made it worst and dived his nose between my thighs and inhaled me.

"Oh, Bella, I've missed you."

He slipped a small opening, only enough to place a gentle kiss between my thighs. I was burning and ran my fingers through his hair. I pulled his head closer between my thighs, but he held back.

"You're so selfish, Bella. Be patient."

"Please, Edward."

He finally slipped my panties off. He spread my legs wide so I was fully exposed for him. Then he lowered his head down and placed my legs over his shoulder. With no warning, his mouth devoured me and all my sensations exploded. It didn't take me long to release myself for him. I had missed his touches and kisses. His playfulness, his roughness. There was nothing left in me except deep moans that I couldn't control.

He finally stopped after I begged him. "I'll never stop, Bella."

"Please."

He came up to me and our tongues danced playfully. He removed my shirt and bra and again sucked hard on my breasts. I was finally able to take off his shirt and unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down with my hands. His naked body was so beautiful and perfect.

I waited impatiently for him to be ready. He climbed on top of me and spread my legs with his knees. We both stared at each other, hungry for one another. I felt him going deep in me and closed my eyes at the delicious sensations that only he was able to make me feel. I felt so alive with him, with each thrust. As he went in deeper each time, my cries became louder.

He covered my cries with his kiss, with his tongue diving down my throat. It intensified my feelings and I felt my uncontrollable sensation releasing itself all around him.

"You're so wet, Bella."

We both moved our hips in the same circular motion of thrusting each other. I've never felt more connected with him. He slowly tugged at my hair to expose my neck, and he bit hard, barely leaving a mark. Soon enough, he called my name and released himself inside of me. Our bodies exhausted from the raw emotions of our lovemaking.

I rolled myself on top of him. My hair caused a waterfall over his chest. I kissed his lips and his smile was contagious.

"Why the grin, Mr. Cullen?"

"Because my girl fell in love with me the moment I knew I wanted her forever."

I rested my head down as he wrapped his arms around me, and we both fell into a quiet sleep.

The buzzing of my phone woke me up. I lifted it up from my nightstand and noticed it was Jasper. Edward's arms were still wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me back closer against him.

"Shhhh. Don't answer it."

"It's Jasper." I chuckled at his demand.

"Jasper."

"Bella, I wanted to give you the details about the funeral arrangement. It's in two days. I know it's short notice, but I didn't want to remain here any longer. There's no one I know here anymore."

"Sure, I understand. I'll look up flights and be on my way. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, Bella. Love you, I mean. Sorry."

"It's okay."

I placed the phone down and gave my attention to Edward. His eyes were still closed, but I could see him cracking a small smile. I placed my finger on his face and traced along his lips.

"I have to fly out to New York for the funeral."

He didn't flinch. "Shhhh. Let's warm our bodies a little longer."

"I can't. I don't have a single piece of luggage, so I need to go buy one. Then I also have to look for flights."

"I have a lot of luggage. You can have them. And you can charter my private jet. Now, let's get back into each other's naked body."

I didn't know how to take him. I pushed him back. "You have a private jet? Have you always flown on it?"

"Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. It depends on where I'm flying to. Can we get back to bed?"

Maybe he was use to this lifestyle, but I wasn't.

"I still want my own luggage."

I hopped out of bed and headed for the shower. Soon enough, we were at downtown Seattle shopping for my luggage at Nieman Marcus. I would have settled for Target, but Edward insisted on something more durable. I couldn't believe the price difference. I argued with him that I wouldn't be traveling much so I didn't need a high end luggage.

"It's an investment."

"A luggage, an investment? Are we seriously going to have this conversation?"

"Bella, it's a luggage, don't make a big deal about it."

I finally found one that wasn't priced too high and was able to fit the little amount of clothing that I was going to be hauling to New York. We went to the register and Edward was adamant about paying for my luggage.

"Edward, it's a sweet gesture, but you're already covering my housing."

"Technically, I'm not. You're still paying for it."

It wasn't worth fighting with him anymore. I let him pay for the luggage and thanked him for it.

"Edward?"

We both heard someone calling his name, though I was unfamiliar with the voice. I finally turned to see the tall slim figure walking towards us. She was so polished and beautiful. She had a darker skin tone and dark black hair that was sleeked back on the sides but raised in the middle. Her lips were plump and a glossy bloody red. She wore an all-white suit that hugged her curves. But her heels were more threatening. They were black with spikes coming out of them from the side, and I could see the bright red soles. With each step, her hips swayed seductively.

She made her way directly to Edward and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Her hands were still on his arms, and she couldn't stop showing off her dazzling white teeth.

"Edward. I can't believe it's you. I've missed you, and where have you been?"

"I've always been here."

"You jest. I haven't seen you at any parties as of late."

I didn't want to turn myself around. My hair was tied in a messy bun and I had no make-up on. I was wearing my torn jeans from Express and a simple white tee.

"There's been no reason to attend anymore. I'm done with those."

"Please you must come back. It's not the same without you. The ladies miss you. I miss you, and I regret myself for letting you go."

"I've moved on, Leah."

Leah. Holy fuck. I started walking away, but Edward grabbed my hand. Please don't make me turn around.

"Leah, this is Bella, my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" She snickered at the idea, but I could tell she was curious to see me.

We finally locked eyes and I stared at her without blinking, without flinching.

"Does the girlfriend talk, Edward?"

Who the fuck did she think she was? I replied to her with the most outrage I had in me.

"Yes, the girlfriend talks. She also fucks a good fuck with Edward, so stay clear away from him as he doesn't need your slutty glorious body."

Leah's eyes widen and held her head back as if I had slapped her. I grabbed Edward's hands and my luggage and stormed out of the store.

"Bella, I don't think I've ever heard anyone insult and compliment someone all at the same time. To be honest, that turned me on."

"Good. Now let's go home so I can fuck you, so you can forget about that woman."

A/N: Thank you for the follows and favorites on this story! Please continue to comment as I love reading them because they do inspire me to continue. Much love 3

-kl