Chapter 11
"So," I watched as he sat up eagerly in the long grass of the same meadow where, just yesterday, held the most amazing moment of my life, "You know about me, my family, my past. I desire so much to hear you speak about yourself for a change."
Dropping the wild flower I had been meddling with to my lap I gave the man before me a gentle smile, watching as his eyes almost flickered with interest. It made me laugh, to see him like this – and he had said I made him feel old! For the man I looked at now was far from the man I spoke with the day prior.
"Myself…" I mused the term, wondering just what I was supposed to tell him. Whether he would appreciate it if I told him of my youth – as it was much different from the cheerful childhood he had experienced.
I would hold back no secrets.
"I was born in the city. My mother had been a slave, and treated terribly from what I heard. She took terribly good care of me, despite our living status. We were extremely poor, needless to say, but she worked to the bone to provide for me."
"She sounds like a wonderful woman, Bella."
A sad smile found my lips, "You would think so…" ignoring the somewhat alarmed expression Edward was now giving me I continued, "She loved me, I'm sure. But, as I grew older the prices for child workers was increasing everyday. One morning I was passing a slave market with her, on our way to farmer's stalls for food. The next morning I was watching other little girls walk by while I stood on a stage in front of dozens of crude and wealthy men."
I was doing quite well while recalling all this, I thought to myself without much delight. I had almost expected myself to feel remorse as I remembered my childhood. Edward even looked much more forlorn by the account of my younger years.
"At seven, I was working in the fields. Fortunately, I remained there for the better part of my life – I have heard terrible tales of the children sent to work in the industries." It was true, I knew of much more fear-provoking tales than my own, "When I turned fifteen my master, Mr Whitelaw, passed away. Once again I found myself standing before dozens of greedy males, burning me with their stares, placing a price on my life. That was the day he found me."
Edward visibly tensed, and I almost felt proud – as a storyteller of sorts – to provoke such response from my listener. He was watching me intently, hoping to catch my gaze, but I did not look up from the wildflower now in my lap. If I met those emerald orbs I feared I would lose whatever impressive composure I held.
"For a few years I passed through that house invisibly. I did not cause trouble, disobeyed no orders – I was loyal to my master, if only for fear of returning to that market." The images of my own stories were returning to mind now, and I was extremely thankful that Edward could not read my thoughts as he wished to, "One day however, Mike had been called to see Mr Black. He returned to us covered in cuts and bruises. I can't explain the rage that ran through me when I saw what he had done to my dear friend."
"I think I can imagine…" He spoke in a contained tone, but I could see that his knuckles were white as his fist shook slightly at his side.
I gave a gentle incline of my head and continued, "I marched up to him. I burst into a fit of rage; attacking him as fiercely as I could. He was far stronger than me however, and he easily beat myself ten times harder for each hit he received from me. But… he would never just hit me…"
Gazing up now, at the clear sky that peered through the meadow, I couldn't help but smile, "Then you found me."
I met his gaze now, and my shock was evident as I noticed his expression. He looked as though he had been drowning… drowning in my unpleasant tale, and only now was he able to breathe again.
"Edward?" I did not dare approach him. This was one of those shaky moments where I feared that I could break the bronze-haired man before me.
He shook his head, dazed almost. I waited in the silence, for him to speak to me again. It was a lengthily wait, but then he raised his head, "You have a terrible past… and no one was there to protect you," his voice was filled with what sounded similar to guilt; "No one was there to help you, Bella."
I nodded. It was true, what could I say?
"How did someone with such a dark history manage to turn into the beauty that you are?"
"I was rescued from that dark past." It wasn't quite the answer he was looking for, but I knew no such response for his question. It was a mystery even to me.
His eyes did not lose that trace of guilt as he came closer to me, "Do you remember the night I met you?"
I nodded, though not meeting his stare, "You… called me beautiful." I smiled, "Right before I closed my eyes."
Edward's arm snaked around my waist, and he pulled me back with him as we both lay in the beautiful overgrowth of flowers. His hand gently fingered my hair and I could feel his smile now, "I've called you beautiful every night since, Bella. You simply were not awake to hear it."
His words sent a jolt through my heart. He had been in my room while I slept. Something about this stirred a mix of emotions, but none of them was the anticipated outrage that would seem normal in this kind of situation.
I was flattered.
"Come now," he whispered softly in my ear, scooping me up in his arms as he stood up, "Let's return to the house."
I nodded, but when I told him I was more than capable of walking he smiled and pulled me closer to his chest, "I know, but I want to hold on to you for as long as possible."
I heaved a sigh, but silently was elated by his words. Closing my eyes, I thought more about us.
I knew what he meant. I had managed to realise this the night before as I lay in bed, quietly contemplating what Edward had said to me. Edward and I had a deep sense of compassion towards one another, but our relationship was that of extreme difficulty.
No one had ever heard of a master falling for his maid. No one had ever heard of a maid finding the man of her deepest desires in her own master. It was unethical, unusual, and for these reasons… I had told no one. I was sure Edward was the same, though we did not speak of it.
However, it caused me great pain to admit it but, Edward and I could never be truly happy together, at least, not openly. Whatever we felt towards the other would forever have to be kept in the shadows, for Edward's image.
The man holding me gave me a gentle jerk as we neared the end of the woods, and I opened my eyes reluctantly.
"Already?" I mumbled, stretching just a little as he gazed down at me.
"I can carry you inside if you like."
I froze, "What?" His words had shot down my theories in an instant, and I was left stunned, "But... won't people see?"
Edward released a gentle sigh, but held he close to his chest as he spoke, "Bella, I don't want you to feel like I'm keeping you in the darkness. I want you anywhere, with me."
"Edward…" but before I could say anymore his finger was pressed lightly against my lips.
"There's… a ball. The Uleys are holding it as the new tenants of the Black Manor. My family was invited to go, and I'd like very much for you to attend it with me."
The thought of being by Edward's side, in front of so many people – upper-class people, frightened me beyond words. Swallowing hard I dared to meet those cautious emerald eyes of his, and all I could do was nod.
"I'd love to."
"That's good," he gave me a relieved smile, leaning in and brushing his lips over mine before allowing me to drop from his arms, "Because it's tonight."
"What?!" I spun round to face him, only to notice a small smile tugging at his reluctant lips.
He nodded to affirm what I had just heard.
Panic found its way to my system quickly. "I cannot go! I won't be prepared! There's no way – !" there's no way I could possibly attend such an event and not stand out horrendously.
"Shh," how could he be so composed after what he had just done to me? My heart was pounding against my ribcage, but his smile did not falter as he continued, "Alice has plenty of evening gowns that you could wear, and she will be sure to have you perfectly prepared by tonight."
"Edward…" I tried desperately to maintain an equal tone, but my frantic expression easily betrayed me, much to his amusement, "I don't know anything about these events – other than how to serve at them! Surely you cannot expect me to be able to attend this occasion tonight without making a complete show of not only myself, but you as well!"
Much to my own discouragement, he shrugged, "So be it." When he noted the unnerved expression I wore, he chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as he fixed his eyes on mine, "Bella. You seem to think that I would carelessly just throw you out of your depth without any assistance. I would never do such a thing, and I will be by your side at all times tonight. Trust me."
I knew I did trust him. Heaving a reluctant sigh, I finally nodded, "Very well."
Then together we walked back towards the house.
"Bella!" Miranda called to me breathlessly as I entered the kitchen, "How are you?"
At the sound of her voice, a wave of guilt descended over me, "I'm alright, thank you Miranda." I was just about to apologise for worrying her so much the other day, but before I could utter another word she had wrapped her arms around me and began squeezing the air from my lungs.
"Miranda!"
"Oh, Bella! I'm so glad you're okay!"
She laughed happily, releasing me now and taking a step back, "I was so worried about you. After you left Ben and I ran to the Black Manor, after telling Mr Cullen of course. We asked Mike and Angela, and when they had not seen you, we grew terribly frightened. We heard the news of Mr Black leaving the country and feared he may have taken you with him!" she began to stutter and stumble on her words after that, before grabbing me up into yet another embrace, "Oh, I'm so thankful you're safe!"
"I'm sorry, Miranda. I'm so sorry for worrying you."
She let me go again, a wide grin now set across her face, "Think nothing on the matter, Bella." She insisted, "But… may I ask – where have you been until now? I did not see you this morning and ..."
I felt myself tense at her question, "Oh, I… I – "
"There you are, Bella!" cried an angelic voice from the kitchen door. I wheeled around to see Alice standing in the doorway, "I've been searching everywhere for you. Not even my dear brother could tell me where you had run off to, much to my astonishment."
She entered the room, walking down to where myself and a slightly stunned Miranda stood. Much to my own astonishment, she reached out and took my wrist in a gentle but firm grasp, "We have a lot to prepare for this evening. Surely you did not expect to look perfect with mere last minute preparations!"
"Wha – ?" Miranda had begun, but an impatient Alice wasted no time in answering questions and simply took hold of the young woman's wrist as well before taking us both from the kitchen and towing us upstairs.
Once we had reached her room, Alice ushered us in with eagerness and told us to take a seat on her bed. Both Miranda and I obeyed, and I myself tried my best to avoid the suspicious stare my foreign friend was giving me.
"Now, Bella," Alice began, walking into a small room at the far wall of her own bedroom. I knew that to be her wardrobe. Alice was a grand collector of the latest fashions from across the country. It was one of her biggest passions.
The brown-haired Cullen appeared from the small room with numerous dresses hanging from her arms. Miranda seemed to understand then what this was all about.
"Oh my! Bella! You're attending tonight's ball?"
A blush frantically found my cheeks and I nodded bashfully. Her suspicious gaze turned to an expression of indefinable amusement as she let out a joyful laugh, "That's wonderful!"
She spent the next few minutes asking me about Edward. Whether I was happy or not. If I intended to stay with him. I did notice she never asked me if I did in fact love him.
"I must take my leave. There is a lot to do before tonight. I have offered to help with the ball preparations, and I need to finish my work here before I can go and assist Angela. I will see you tonight though, Bella. I know you'll look absolutely beautiful."
I watched as Miranda stood up, bowed to Alice, and quickly dashed from the room.
Alice beamed from beside me, her smile was dazzling as she went on to speak, "My brother does seem to have an interest in you, Bella. I wonder if I may have been right all along." I saw her wink slyly before disappearing back into her wardrobe.
"How did you know, Miss Alice?"
I looked up from my hands as the brunette peeked back at me, "What do you mean?" the question was asked in a voice that would suggest she had no idea what I was referring to.
"That morning… you told me that you saw Mr Cullen and I…" I trailed off, not sure how to voice what I wanted to say.
Alice understood however. She placed down another half-a-dozen gowns before gliding back to the bed where I sat, "Bella… the day Tanya was taken… that was the first time I didn't see something like that happen. My brothers have always understood me, as has Jasper. I have a tendency to know about things – before they actually occur."
My brow furrowed as I took in what Alice was telling me, "You can… see the future?" My voice came out much lower than I had intended.
She gave one quick nod, "Usually anyway. That day, when Tanya…" she bowed her head for a moment, her eyes closed, "I cannot control what I see. I never saw that. Miranda assured me it was not my fault. Even Edward tried to tell me the blame was not mine, but…"
I realised that this is what Alice would often speak to Miranda about. These visions.
"After that day however… the visions just stopped. Until recently anyway…"
I looked up at her, curiosity must have shown on my face because she went on, "You were the first vision I have had since that day. That night at the Black Manor, I did not picture you, but I could feel something was wrong. That is why I was upstairs in the first place."
She dropped gently onto the bed beside me, smiling at what I assumed to be a memory.
"When I found you, Bella; all I could see then was you… and my brother. In that vision, my brother wore a smile I have not seen in so long I had almost forgotten he could hold it. I still have not seen it since the vision… to be exact, but I can tell it's coming out slowly. With you around my brother seems to be returning to his old self – not the shell of a man he had become after Tanya's passing."
At that she began to get to her feet once more, "So I saw you and my brother, Bella. However, the future can be altered at any moment, just by a simple decision. I have seen you and my brother together, but – as I said – only if you see it."
"I… understand." My reply came after a moment or so of thought. Alice gave me a smile that was almost as dazzling as her brother's.
"Alright then. We have to get you looking perfect for tonight."
And with that said, Alice dutifully got down to work...
"Ouch!" I hissed.
"Oh relax, Bella!" Alice retorted, pulling once again on the ties of the corset that was now strangling me.
"I can't breathe, Alice!" I wheezed, trying to catch whatever breath I could.
"Take shallow breaths Bella; that helps."
Obeying her advice I soon found my face return from its bluish colour. Once I seemed capable of moving and inhaling at the same time, Alice picked up one of the gowns from her stack on the bed.
"This one should be perfect."
She helped me step into it and fastened the back before sitting me down and taking up a comb...
Two hours later, as the clock rounded on six o'clock, I made my way down the staircase.
"Oh come now, Bella! Just take a look at yourself!"
I shook my head furiously, "I can't."
"Why not?"
"Please… I just can't." I did not want to see myself looking so foolish. This was not me. I was not an angel like Alice. I was not important! How could I go on with this charade?!
Alice's face softened suddenly, and then her arms were around me, pulling me towards the long mirror. I wanted to fight her off, but I knew I wouldn't win.
"Open your eyes, Bella." Her voice was surprisingly forceful, and I knew I would obey a direct order from Alice.
Reluctantly, I squinted open my eyes, but that was enough – I gasped.
Standing before me was a girl, my age, and with similar features. But that couldn't be me, could it?
She was clad in a stunning blue gown that gathered a little at my hips and fell to my ankles. Her bust was much more pronounced than mine had ever been, but it looked well on her. And she wore these amazing jewels around her neck.
Her hair was tied up carefully, and she looked almost like… a princess.
"Alice!" I choked out, "T-thank you."
Gathered at the bottom were many many staring eyes. I fixed my gaze on my own two feet as I slowly and cautiously made my way downstairs. I knew however, that some were staring in amazement, others in awe, and some even in envy.
A strong arm suddenly found its way around my own. Edward was now by my side, and unlike me, he was not gazing at his feet. No…
His eyes were on me.
My prince.
"You look beautiful."
No matter how many times he said it, those words still managed to astound me, "Thank you."
The journey was not long, as we travelled in one of Edward's many carriages. Ahead of us, Alice and Jasper were the first carriage to leave, and behind us were Emmet and Rosalie.
Edward and I had our own carriage as well, and as we approached the Manor he gently wrapped his arms around my waist; pulling me across the seat and closer to him. I was engulfed in his spicy scent as we remained still for a moment, both silent.
"Are you alright about this?" his voice was just above a whisper when he spoke at last, and his breath against my ear sent shivers down my spine.
I nodded shakily, "Just… don't leave me alone tonight, please?"
I felt his grip on me tighten so slightly, for an instant, "I have no intention to ever leave you alone, Bella. Why should tonight be any different?"
That was enough for me, I sighed contently, nuzzling myself into Edward's toned chest. A pair of lips brushed against the top of my head and I felt my cheeks burn slightly.
"Edward?"
"Yes, Bella?"
I shook my head, "What if they don't approve?"
"Who?" his voice was a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty as he raised my face so he could meet my gaze.
"Everyone…"
Edward chuckled in response, "Oh, Bella. You should realise that the sooner you approve of yourself, others will follow."
I furrowed my brow as Edward continued to laugh lightly.
"If that's the case then… how do I have your approval?"
The laughter died down, and once again I was staring into those green pools as he watched me carefully. Then he leaned in, and as our faces were mere inches from each other he spoke, "It came with my heart."
I wanted to say something. It was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't quite get it out. So instead, my lips covered his gently as the carriage pulled into the Manor.
The house looked beautiful. I gazed around in wonder at the brightly coloured rooms. What a change from the hellhole I believed it to be when I left the place.
I swallowed nervously as we followed Alice and Jasper into the ballroom, not that I needed directions. We walked together into the ballroom, and I noted how Edward had begun to cast frequent glances at me, to make sure I was alright.
There were many people who knew Edward, and all of them seemed intent on speaking to him individually.
"Mr Cullen," began one man, whom I knew to be another doctor of the area, "How are you this evening?"
Edward made a slight bow, "Well thank you, Mr Manton. May I inquire as to the wellbeing of your wife?"
"Oh, she's doing very well now. That nasty cough has left her at last. She is in fact dancing with her brother-in-law at present." He rounded on me then, "Who may I ask is this handsome young woman, Mr Cullen?"
"This is Miss Isabella Swan." Edward gave me a soft smile before releasing my hand for Mr Manton to take as he bowed. I found myself blushing with embarrassment at being treated so importantly.
"Miss Swan, I hope I am not boring you by speaking to Mr Cullen like this." He gently kissed my hand before handing it back to me. Before it could return to my side however, Edward took it once again and wrapped it around his arm.
"No no," I assure, though still blushing no doubt, "I am more than happy to have Mr Cullen grace me with the company of his acquaintances. You are most kind to have thought of me though."
The man gave me a wide smile, "What a delightful young lady you have here. I will surely have to take her for a dance before the night is out, it would be a highlight of my evening."
Edward gave a kind smile, "Thank you, Mr Manton. When I meet your wife, I will surely do the same."
At that, yet another one of Edward's friends parted our company.
The evening continued much like that. No one really questioned my being there, they simply accepted it as it was. Edward introduced me to anyone who approached us, and would always wrap his arm around my waist while doing so. To me it felt as though he was silently voicing that I was his, but I did not want to get carried away with such thoughts.
After a while we were left alone, and Edward had a few moments to check up on me.
"Are you alright, Bella?"
I nodded, "This is lovely."
Edward made an unsatisfied face, "That was not my question."
At his seriousness I had to laugh, "I'm fine, Edward. Please do not trouble yourself."
"Alright." He replied, his expression relieved. He leaned down then and took my lips for a moment before pulling back and embracing me, "I'm happy to see you enjoying yourself."
My cheeks coloured once more as I buried myself against his chest, "Of course I'm enjoying myself." I replied, I'm with you.
"Mr Cullen!"
Edward turned round at the sound of his name, and I saw a cheerful old couple making their way over to us. The woman wore a stunning crème dress, and her sandy hair fell in ringlets to about her shoulders. The man at her side was a little taller than Edward, and held an openly friendly expression. His hair was darker than Edward's too, and his stunning blue eyes glanced from myself to Edward as he made a small bow.
"My boy, I have not seen you in far too long."
Edward seemed suddenly less relaxed, and gave a wary smile as the man and woman came to a stand in front of us. "Mr Denali, Mrs Denali. I cannot express how grateful I am to see you two looking so well."
Denali?!
My eyes widened tenfold. This could not be… Miss Tanya's parents?
Oh on such a night of possible hardships, why did my god have to choose this one?
The couple gave welcoming smiles in response. They made small talk for a few minutes while I remained still and silent, hoping to go unnoticed. Edward also made no move to attract attention to my presence – which I was in fact grateful for.
Much to my fears however, Mrs Denali then turned to me. Her brow furrowed for a moment, before a look of recognition dawned on her features, "Ah, I'm terribly sorry, Mrs Hale. How rude we must seem, I merely did not recognise you with such long hair. How have you been? Is your husband here with you this evening?"
"I – " What was I to say? I did not want to declare so openly that I was now the woman Edward was with, after the death of their daughter. The copper-haired man at my side had not lost an ounce of tension, and I could not feel his gaze anywhere near me. I decided to go along with being –
"This is not Alice, Mrs Denali." Edward corrected softly, but his eyes watched the surroundings cautiously.
The woman gave me another glance before once again she seemed to recognise something. She bowed and bashfully apologised, to which I assured her it was perfectly alright.
"I could only assume… with you being on Mr Cullen's arm like that, that you must be his sister. I did not realise…" she gave a small laugh.
I smiled, relieved by the way that this – the most difficult part the evening could possibly hold – was working out so reasonably.
"So you must be his cousin then, am I right? I'm sorry, but I do not remember seeing you at the engagement party those years ago."
I swallowed hard, and beside me Edward seemed to actually tense more.
Just tell them.
My thoughts caught me off guard.
Just tell them, they will understand.
Edward still had not moved and the couple were giving us unsure expressions. Would he appreciate my actions? Risking a glance at the man beside me I saw the worry etched on his face. He did not want to be the one to correct them like this.
"Miss?"
I turned back to Mrs Denali, my own countenance appeared to catch her off-guard as I spoke now. Beside me, Edward watched; startled.
"Mrs Denali, I am not a relation of the Cullen family…"
Her head tilted a little as her gaze softened. I could only guess she recognised my expression.
"You two are in love, then."
It wasn't a question, but I answered, and beside me Edward jerked a little. A reaction I knew to be out of shock.
"I do. I love him."
Mrs Denali smiled once again, and beside her Mr Denali went so far as to place a hand on Edward's shoulder, "I'm glad to see that my daughter's untimely death did not destroy two lives. When I saw you afterward Edward, I feared you looked almost as dead as my dear Tanya. I should have realised who this delightful woman was to you the moment I saw that smile back on your face."
Beside me, Edward was now having trouble finding words, and after a moment of stammering, he simply heaved a sigh and bowed again, "Thank you."
They continued to speak a while longer, in a lighter tone now much to my own relief. When we parted, Edward turned and simply began to look at me. He didn't even blink as he watched me.
"What?" I found myself asking after a long moment, uncertain about his strange gaze.
Edward's eyes softened and his voice was quiet, "You're amazing. I expected you would want to run away, I keep thinking you will, but every time I look around, you;re still at my side. You're simply amazing, Isabella."
I chuckled, amused by his words, "Of course I'm still here, Edward – you asked me to attend this ball with you."
Edward smiled faintly, but he still had something to ask, "D-did you mean… what you said to Mrs Denali?" his voice was shakier than usual and my breath hitched in my throat at this question.
"I – "
"Bella!"
It was my turn to spin around at my name. Behind us were Angela, Mike, Ben and Miranda. My other family – my closest friends.
They were all dressed up, not in uniforms, but gowns and suits. Angela was on Ben's arm, while Mike kept his arm around Miranda.
"Oh my goodness!" I gasped as they came over, "You all look so well!"
I received a chorus of laughter, and Angela was quick to ask me if I myself had looked in a mirror.
"You outshine everyone in this room, Bella – let alone us." Miranda agreed.
I could feel tears prickle my eyes at their kind words, "Thank you."
Mike grinned, looking over to Edward, "You're a lucky guy. I hope you know that."
Edward looked a little taken aback, but quickly nodded, "With Bella, I'm reminded every second."
Angela explained that the Uleys insisted they enjoy the ball as much as everyone else does. Thus, we were all out on the floor together.
Edward took my hand in his, holding it gently as his other arm wrapped around my waist. Around me Angela and Ben, and Mike and Miranda were doing the same.
"Edward…" I breathed nervously. This was just another thing I had completely overlooked when I agreed to attend the ball with the man before me, but it was a prominent problem now. "I … I can't dance."
I looked up at his eyes, but they held not hint of humour, or amusement. They were just kindly admiring me. Without a single word, he lifted me from the ground and placed me down on his own feet. The music began, and we started to move.
"Bella… I must say, you dance wonderfully." He was smiling now, in a way I had never seen on him before. I forced myself to look away from him and cast a quick glance around the room. There, Alice was glancing over; her eyes were watery as Jasper smiled at us.
This is it. This is Alice's vision.
Just then, Edward pulled me against his chest, and I was lost in the gentle three beats of the waltz that led us around the room.
"I had a wonderful evening, Edward. Thank you." We had returned to the Cullen Estate before everyone else. Edward and I were now making our way upstairs. The Ball itself had gone on much later than expected, and Edward must have noticed how my responses grew slower with tiredness.
"I enjoyed spending the evening with you, Bella." His smile was genuine, and I felt flattered to be on the receiving end.
I could see the faintest hint of a blush on Edward's cheeks, and it brought my own out tenfold. He took my hand in his as we walked down the hallway towards our rooms, our fingers intertwined.
"Bella…" he began, in a voice no more than a whisper, but one that caught my full attention, "Please tell me, what you said to Mrs Denali before… did you… was it true?"
I only thought I had been blushing before this. His hand squeezed mine a little tighter, encouraging me to answer him.
We stopped outside my room, and I knew it was only fair to tell him the truth. My throat was dry, and I couldn't quite find the strength to speak, so I simply nodded.
There was stillness after my silent confession, and I felt extremely vulnerable. What if Edward didn't feel the same way I did? What if he only thought he could love me? What if… –
"Bella…"
"Yes – ?" The words never really left my mouth. I felt Edward's hand quickly come up and knot itself in my hair as he leaned in to kiss me. His soft lips were rebelliously rough against my own as he immediately took dominance. The feeling was so much different from our first kiss; there was more want, more passion. I gave in, just moving myself against him as I succumbed to the elating relief that wanted to take me over.
Was this a yes?
We parted, gasping and panting as our faces remained inches from each other, but Edward was then at my throat. He nipped and sucked at the sensitive skin, and I felt as if my heart would explode from this sudden and unexpected overdose of ecstasy. But I needed to know.
"E-Edward!" I gasped again against his touch. His lips left my skin immediately and those emerald orbs drew me in.
"I want no one but you. I will never want anyone but you."
His voice was angelic, velvety, but so strong, so sure.
I took that as a yes.
Then his lips were on mine once more. I heard the weak squeaking of an opening door, and Edward led me back into my darkened room. The door clicked shut as he kicked it behind him. Gently, he lowered me back onto the bed, never breaking the kiss as he settled himself down on top of me.
The hand of his that was not tangled in my hair was wrapping itself around my waist possessively, as Edward pushed my head back, deepening the kiss. I groaned at this new experience and it seemed only to encourage him further.
His other hand came down behind my back. I tingled everywhere; my body's way of memorising wherever Edward had touched. My stomach almost flipped as I realised he was untying the dress I wore.
In response, I soon found my fingers at the buttons of his shirt, and I shakily worked my way down. The last lace of my dress seemed to refuse to come undone and Edward wasted no second thoughts on simply ripping the cloth from me. I pulled away from his lips, giving him a stunned expression before glancing at Alice's torn ball gown - now a heaped pile on the floor. His hazy emerald eyes gave me a long glance as he breathlessly chuckled.
"I'll replace it." He mumbled as his lips descended on my collarbone.
I undid the final button of his shirt, and the he helped me to remove the item of clothing from his body. I inhaled sharply at the sculpted masterpiece before me. He had the boldness to call me beautiful…
My hands were drawn to his chest as I traced the contours of his muscles. I froze when I felt his stomach twitch, and my cheeks grew more red as I noticed the at ease expression he wore, "That feels... amazing."
Edward looked back at me curiously, then a devilish grin found his lips.
He leaned in so I could feel his breath on my ear as he whispered, "I'm at a little bit of a disadvantage at present, Bella. You have me stripped bare but… I still haven't had this privilege." His gaze fell to my corset.
I bit my lip, blushing fiercely as I reached up to the clasps. My movements obviously were not fast enough for Edward however, as he quickly took over and undid the garment in an instant before pulling it from under me and tossing it across the room. He however, left me at the 'disadvantage', as he did not stop at my corset.
When the last of our clothing hit the soft carpet of the floor, we both paused, and Edward gazed down at me with a look that left me breathless.
"You're an angel, Isabella Swan."
He brought his lips down to mine, and his strong hands cupped my face. We were moving at a much gentler pace now, and I found myself actually catching my breath. Edward broke away from my lips to plant soft fluttering kisses down along my neck, to my chest, and lower…
"Edward!" I gasped. My hands were now roaming along his smooth back, holding him closer to me as he began to trace patterns on my stomach – with his tongue.
"Bella…" he breathed against my naval, and I found myself involuntarily rubbing my thighs together in response. Edward of course noticed this.
He parted my legs, settling himself between them slowly. I watched through half-lidded eyes as he returned his gaze up to mine questioningly. By the expression he wore, I knew, he was asking permission.
And with a quick nod, I allowed him.
I had expected my first time to hurt, but I believe myself to have been so caught up in the moment that I didn't really feel anything then… other than bliss. His breath was laboured against my lips, we were both covered in a thin sheet of sweat, and our moans were enough in the end to send the other over the edge.
We remained in that position for a while after, and I shivered as Edward rolled onto his side, removing himself from inside of me. His arm snaked around my waist as he pulled me up so my head could rest on his chest.
"Will you be here when I wake up tomorrow?" I was too tired to look up at him, but I could feel his eyes on me.
A soft chuckle left his lips, "Of course."
"And the next day?"
Those lips brushed against the top of my head again, "Nothing could keep me away."
A/N: Hey there readers, I wonder if you enjoyed my latest update? I don't think there was a long wait, and I even tried a little lemon. Unfortunately I'm not a very lemony person so it didn't go too far into the land of smut. Anyway, I sat down today - depressed cause the sun disappeared again - and I wrote how the story ends! I'm proud for preparing myself somewhat, and my brother - who stole the story ending - said it was 'okayish' (after eventually refraining from flushing it down the toilet) And for him I'm okay, just a little something in my eye.
That said, it was still a little new, so I was hoping you guys could let me know what you thought. I'm a little more dependent on reviews for this particular chapter due to such a foreign scene to be written by moi.
Hahahahaha, yeah... sure! So I really hope you enjoyed this update, and I hope you guys keep up with me throughout the rest of the story! Thanks!
Kami!