All songs can be found on my blog: drotuno. blogspot. com (without the spaces) and as always...SM owns everything.
CHAPTER 11
EDWARD
I stared down at the most beautiful and perfect creature that God ever put on this earth. I couldn't stop staring at her as she slept with a slight smile on her face. There were no nightmares tonight – just my name on her lips.
There were no words for how I felt. When I first met my Bella, we had discussed the topic of sex between us as an improbability. Looking at her now and thinking about the night before, it was all more than I could have imagined...and a million times better.
There was no question now... I could never be without her. She had made me hers forever by giving me the most precious gift anyone gave in the history of the planet. Not that she wasn't everything to me before, but this was a whole new level – almost overwhelming. I didn't know how it would happen, and it didn't seem that she was in a hurry, but I would give her what she wanted. I wanted it, too. I wanted to spend a thousand lifetimes making her cry out my name in passion, loving her every day of our existence.
She'd been so angry with my thoughtless statement about her age. Bella had been completely terrified of getting older before I'd left her, and I'd made the mistake of assuming that she had moved on. I knew it was more than that; she was terrified that I would leave her again. I just couldn't express to her just how impossible that was, and after last night, nothing could tear me away from her.
My family had come home early this morning and could tell something was different. I was pretty sure Alice had seen this coming and kept them away. They left us in peace, which was good because I wasn't leaving Bella's side for a single moment.
There was blood, but it was inconsequential. While Bella slept, I changed the sheet and tucked her back into bed. She never even stirred. It hadn't been an issue. I was so wrapped up in my love for her that I'd never even thought about it. I was terrified that I had hurt her more with my strength, but she seemed fine. It had all worked better than I could have ever imagined...like it was meant to be.
Bella stirred, rolling onto her stomach, and I traced light, lazy circles across her bare back. Alice had been patient up to a point, but she was starting to get restless. She wanted to talk to Bella. I couldn't see what she wanted, but I continued to ignore her until she knocked on my door.
My angel heard her, and I was upset that she'd been awakened. I had to chuckle, though, when Bella mumbled into the pillow, "Doesn't Alice have a snooze button?"
"Apparently not, sweet girl," I said, smiling down at her, still touching her back. "However, if you'd like, I could find one." I heard Alice snort outside the door. "She's begging to talk to you."
"Thirty minutes, Alice, please," she mumbled again, not moving from her spot. "What does she want?"
"I have no idea," I said, still chuckling. "All I hear in her head is her translating the Emancipation Proclamation into Korean."
Bella sighed. "Yes, Alice, the answer is yes. Now go away!" she yelled into the pillow.
I heard Alice squeak and run off down the hall. "How did you know the question, love?" I asked, shocked.
She didn't say anything, but I saw the blush crawl across her beautiful features at the same time I heard Alice tell Rose what had occurred the previous night.
"Oh," I said, laughing as Rose went into shock.
Bella rolled back over and buried her face in my chest, and I circled my arms around her. "Alice has been bugging me almost every morning I've stayed here. It's the same thing every time. 'Spill it,' she says," Bella mumbled against my skin, wrapping her arms around me. "I don't have to read minds to know what she's thinking this morning," she said sarcastically.
I was still smiling when I said, "Oh, okay. You know, love...she's told Rose, and they're telling Jasper, who in turn will tell—"
Just then, there was a booming, "Holy fucking shit! Are you kidding me?"
"Emmett," we said together. She groaned, burying herself closer to me.
There was a loud slap, and then Rose said, "Shut the hell up, Em!"
She laughed and then groaned in pain.
"Are you all right, Bella? I didn't hurt you, did I?" I asked, completely terrified that I had harmed her with my strength more than anything.
She looked up at me with those gorgeous brown pools and replied, "No, just sore." She smiled up at me. It seemed I wasn't the only one that couldn't keep a grin off of my face.
"You'd probably feel better after a bath," I said, pushing the hair from her face and kissing her forehead.
"Yeah, you're probably right," she said, "but I don't feel like getting up just yet." She was still facing me, but she pushed me onto my back so she could lay her head on my chest.
"You don't have to get up at all if you don't want to," I said, running my hand through her soft hair.
Bella rested her chin on her hand so that she could look at me, a slight smile playing on her lips. "And just how long do think it would be before Alice loses her mind?"
I shrugged and smiled. "I don't know... Want to test her limits?"
I laughed when Alice's mind flooded mine with, Don't you dare! I will take the door down, I swear!
"She's threatening to bust down the door, though." I chuckled as Bella rolled her eyes.
I couldn't resist her anymore. I pulled her on top of me, dragging her lips to mine. I ran my hands down her back to her bottom, squeezing softly, and she moaned into my mouth. Sweet God, I loved the sounds she made.
Our tongues met in a long, deep kiss, deepening the longer we touched. Her warm body aligned with mine perfectly, enveloping me in her soft skin. I moaned at the feel of her straddling me.
Her hand gripped my hair, causing me to buck against her. She gasped, breaking from my mouth, but continued to leave a hot, wet trail of kisses down my jaw to my neck. I could feel her wet heat on my arousal, grinding against me.
"Bella, I need you." I gasped when she licked my chest, taking my nipple between her teeth. "Please," I begged. My breath sounded ragged.
She lifted up, smiling at me, and reached over to the drawer by my bed. When she handed me the condom, I ripped it open and slid it down my length, and then I took her hips in my hands and guided her over me. She slid down over me. As her tight warmth closed around me, she felt so good. My head pushed back into the pillow.
"God, so tight...so wet," I gasped.
I watched as my beautiful angel's head fell back and her hips adjusted to me. I didn't move, knowing she was trying to get used to the feel of me inside her. I glided my hands up to her breasts, her nipples hardening to my touch.
"Edward," she gasped, and my arousal twitched at the sound of my name.
She began to rock her hips, and we soon found our rhythm. We got lost in the feel of one another. She was a vision over me, her hips in sync with mine.
The feel of her in this position was amazing, but I couldn't kiss her. I sat up so we were face to face, weaving my hands into her hair and pulling her in to touch my lips to hers. I dragged my tongue across her lips, wanting to taste her.
Bella whimpered against my lips when my hand went between us to rub the sensitive nerves at her apex. I could feel her muscles tightening, and I broke away from her mouth.
"God, Bella, you're so beautiful. I love you so much," I whispered against the skin just below her ear, placing a long, open-mouthed kiss, slightly sucking and marking her as mine.
She gasped my name again as her orgasm took her, and I followed right behind her. I kept her close, wiping her damp hair from her face. She touched her forehead to mine and whispered, "I love you." Her voice was husky, sexy, shaky.
~oOo~
BELLA
I was standing in Edward's bathroom, waiting for the tub to fill up with warm water. My body was craving it. I was staring in the mirror, making assessments. The bruises that I had were all starting to fade. Thankfully, the one on my face was just about gone. I removed my arm brace, just about the last of Jake's marks. However, this morning, there were new marks to add to my collection.
Edward had asked me if he'd hurt me, and I'd said no. I'd told the truth; my body was sore, but that's usually the case. Angela and I had talked after her first time with Ben, and she said it felt like a day after working out. There were muscles that were sore that she never knew she had. I felt this way, aching and sore, but alive – really alive.
He did, however, leave his own marks. There was one over my heart and another behind my ear. I smiled to myself, shaking my head and thinking how different things were going to be from now on. If I couldn't resist touching him before, it would be impossible now.
I soaked in the tub until I was wrinkled and the water had cooled slightly. I dressed and then walked out into Edward's room to find both Alice and Rose sitting on his bed. There were wry smiles on their faces. I rolled my eyes at the both of them.
"Details!" they both squealed as I sat across from them on the sofa.
I just shook my head, smiling at their excitement. I loved them both, but I decided that having no privacy in this family was going to take getting used to. I was too used to Charlie's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
"Come on, Bella, make up sex has to be the best ever. Out with it," Rose said, trying to keep Alice from bouncing off the bed. "Alice, Christ! Sit still."
The words "make up sex" brought the argument back from last night. I frowned and said, "I forgot about the fight... Sorry you guys heard that."
Rose looked at me for a moment, studying my face, and said, "You know, I didn't say anything last night, but I did want to talk to you about that."
Alice got very still, clasping her hands in her lap.
"I wanted to tell you that even though it wouldn't be my choice, I understand where you're coming from. When I found Emmett, I knew immediately I needed him...that he was the one for me. I didn't give Edward enough credit when he found you. I was wrapped up in my own mind at that time." I started to say something, but she stopped me. "No, I was selfish, Bells, and I look at the two of you, and I see it. I see what you need in each other."
I smiled up at her, relieved. "Thanks, Rose," I said, turning to Alice, who started bouncing again.
"What, Alice?" I asked, fighting the smile that was creeping across my face. "You ask your questions; we'll see what I answer."
"Well," she started, pausing for effect, "how was it?"
I couldn't help the blush. It wasn't even a normal blush... It was crimson.
"Holy shit," Rose said, laughing. "I guess that answers that question."
"What do you guys want to know this stuff for?" I sniped. "He's your 'brother.'" I used the air quotes to make sure I was understood.
"Yeah, our once cranky, morose, loner, virgin brother," Alice said, giggling insanely. "We just want to know why he can't wipe the damn smile off his face downstairs."
We all started laughing. They tortured me for a few more minutes, but I didn't give up many details. As much as I wanted to shout it to the world, there was a part of me that wanted to keep it all to myself...my own private moment not to be tarnished by someone else's opinion. It was all mine.
"Okay, Bells, there's something else," Alice said. "You got an invitation, or you will when you read your emails, to Angela and Ben's pre-wedding party in Seattle tonight. They're inviting a whole bunch of people from high school and college to a club."
"Okay, so?" I raised my eyebrow at her.
"So," she said, "in the email, she says to invite us!" She started bouncing up and down again. "So, everyone wants to go."
"That's fine by me. I don't care," I said, smiling at her excitement. It would be nice to see Angela and Ben, especially before they got married. I hadn't seen them since the summer before they left for UW.
I picked up my laptop and carried it downstairs to the kitchen. Esme was making me breakfast again. "You know, Esme, I can make my own food," I said, snickering.
She eyed me for a moment and smiled. "Lord, the two of you can't keep the smiles off your faces. Edward looks the same way this morning. Well, that is, until the boys dragged him off."
I blushed and made myself busy opening my laptop.
She came up and wrapped her arms around me. "I'm so happy for the two of you and so proud of Edward, I could just bust," she whispered. "You both deserve happiness. Don't ever forget it." She handed me a cup of coffee and a bagel, and I nodded.
"Thanks, Esme," I said, blushing. The blush was going to kill me. I hoped it wasn't permanent.
I opened my email, and Alice was right. There was a message from Angela, begging me to come tonight and to bring Edward and all the rest of the Cullens. I started a quick message back, saying we would be there, and then hit send.
Esme left me alone, and I took the opportunity to continue with the last bit of homework I had to do. It was nice just to be quiet for a few minutes.
I checked my cell phone, which I had totally forgotten about, and had a message from Charlie. I called him back, and he let me know that he had spoken with Seth, who had backed up my stories. He also let me know that Jacob hadn't been home, according to Billy.
"And you were right, Bells," Charlie said, sighing. "He did try to paint you in a bad light. He called you a tease, and that was the nicer of the names. Biggest fight we ever got into." He paused. "I think that he knows where Jake is and isn't telling."
"Oh, you're probably right, Dad," I said, feeling terrible about my dad fighting with his best friend. I stood up from the table and started pacing.
"I'm worried about you. Is it just you and Alice alone there?" he asked.
"No, her parents are here, too," I answered, feeling a pair of strong arms snake around me. I tried to keep my voice even, but I heard the shakiness of it when I said, "I'm safe here, Dad, I promise." I felt Edward shake with laughter at the effect he had on me, but I leaned into him, feeling his lips press into my hair.
"Well, good. Let me ask you something... Would you want to stay there a little longer? Sue's had a death in the family and needs me to take her to Portland. I would feel better with you there than alone at home," Charlie said, waiting for me to answer.
"No, I'm sure it's fine, but you can call Esme later if you want," I said, liking the sound of not having to go home for a few more days.
"Okay, Bells, be careful, and I'll see you in a few days. We'll be leaving early tomorrow," he said.
I was happy that Charlie had found Sue. She was a really nice lady, and he always looked so content when he came home from seeing her.
I told my dad to be careful and to check in once he got there, but I would be fine. More than fine, I thought. I ended the call and turned around to face Edward.
"Hi," I said, looking up at his beautiful face. Now I knew what everyone was talking about. His face was always perfect, but today, it was carefree, happy. The worry that usually surrounded his golden eyes was gone.
"Hey, beautiful," his velvet voice said. "So, I get to keep you the whole week?" He pulled me closer, his hands at my hips. His face lit up, but he tried to hide the smile.
"Mmmhmm," I said, smiling and nodding. "You'll be ready to get rid of me by the time Charlie gets back."
His eyes darkened just a bit, and he bent to my ear and whispered, "Oh, I don't think so. In fact, I don't want to give you back at all." He trailed his tongue behind my ear, placing a long kiss to the mark he had left there.
My heart rate jumped, and he smiled against my skin. He pulled back and looked at me, asking, "We're going dancing tonight?" He had the most adorable look of confusion on his face.
I couldn't help but laugh and kiss him.
"Apparently," I said. "Angela and Ben invited all of us to a club in Seattle for some pre-wedding thing. Alice wanted to go. There's no saying no to her, did you know that?" I asked.
"Painfully aware of it. Just ask poor Jasper," he said, chuckling and wrapping his arm around me.
We walked out of the kitchen and into the living room, where Jasper and Emmett were involved in a heated video game battle.
Emmett paused the game and jumped up, sweeping me up in his arms. When he set me back down again, he pretended to wipe a fake tear, saying, "I'm so proud." He threw in a few fake sniffles and continued, "So, tell me, what's it like being with a hundred-year-old virgin?" He tried to make his face serious but was failing miserably.
I almost laughed hysterically at Edward's face. I couldn't tell if he was mad or mortified. I bit the inside of my lip to keep from laughing.
"Well, Emmett," I said, "I can honestly tell you..." I paused, looking at Edward, whose mouth fell open in shock. Emmett looked like he was getting an early Christmas present. "...that you are the absolute last person on Earth I would discuss this with," I finished, raising my eyebrow. "I truly mean that, Emmett."
I walked around him, patting his arm and sitting down next to Jasper, who was laughing hysterically. Edward looked relieved and smug.
"Aw, come on, Bells," Emmett whined. "You gotta give me something, anything. Mr. Cranky Pants wouldn't dish!"
Well, thank God for small favors, I thought, looking at Edward, and he winked at me.
"Keep it up, Em, and I'll get Rose," I said, pointing my finger at him.
Just then, Rose's voice floated down from upstairs. "Emmett McCarty Cullen! Get your ass up here, now!"
"Oooh, you're in trouble!" Jasper said, trying to catch his breath, not that he needed it. "She used all three of your names!"
Emmett looked emotionally wounded and walked upstairs with his head hung low. When he got upstairs, Rose tore into him. "Emmett, what the hell did I tell you about harassing those two?"
I barely hear Emmett mumble, "I just wanted to know..."
She cut him off, but Jasper, Edward, and I collapsed in hysterics. Edward sat beside me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close.
"It doesn't matter if you would tell the whole world what you do. They don't! We all know that you would run around here naked all day if you had the chance. I'm warning you, Em."
All we heard was a defeated, "Okay, Rosie."
We tried to stop laughing when Emmett came back down. He looked like a beaten dog. He didn't even look at me when he spoke. "I'm supposed to apologize to you, Bells. It's none of my business."
I could only nod because Edward and Jasper couldn't stop laughing. I could barely get out, "No worries, Em."
Not to be held down for long, Emmett broke into a big smile and said, "So, dancing tonight, huh?"
I loved Emmett. There was never middle ground with him. Everything was always cool.
~oOo~
EDWARD
Bella and I stayed in the living room with my brothers for most of the morning. Picking on Emmett had become my love's new hobby. He sets himself up for it most of the time, but she gets a wicked gleam in her eye just before she tears him down. It's like they were real siblings. He secretly loves it.
Jasper and Emmett were yelling at each other when Alice came down to get Bella.
"Aw, Alice, you two kill me with this four-hour prep stuff," she whined, leaning back against me.
I instinctively wrapped my arms around her, but I knew Alice would win.
"I know, we barely have enough time. You've played with the boys long enough," Alice said, winking at Jasper.
Bella groaned as Alice plucked her from me, only allowing me a quick kiss and an "I love you" before dragging her upstairs.
Jasper's mind hit me like a brick wall, nothing but joy. Dude, I'm totally happy for you. It's coming off you in waves...both of you.
I nodded slightly to let him know I'd heard him. He was smiling at me.
If we're going out tonight, I need to hunt. We have time.
"I'll go see if Carlisle wants to go," I said, standing up and heading to his office.
Come in, Edward, he thought to me.
I walked into his office, and he was sitting in his usual place behind his desk. There were a few medical journals out in front of him. He looked at me for a moment and thought, I guess you two worked things out last night. It was a sarcastic tone, and he was smirking at me.
I nodded, smiling. "Jasper needs to hunt before we go out tonight," I said, knowing that we would be carrying on two conversations. "Do you want to go with us?"
Edward, I couldn't be happier for you, honestly. Did you discuss the future with her? he thought to me and then said, "No, actually, I have to go into the hospital for a few hours to cover someone's shift."
I nodded again and asked, "Any news from the wolves?"
You plan on changing her, don't you? he thought and then said aloud, "No, not yet. I'm hoping soon. They said they would let me know about both Victoria and Jacob."
I nodded at his silent question and said, "Charlie will be out of town for a few days. Bella will be staying with us. He didn't want her alone at the house. I just wanted to let you know."
"Yes, Esme got a call from Charlie earlier. He wanted us aware of the Jacob situation. Apparently, his father is saying he's missing, but Esme said that Billy may be hiding him," he said, sighing. Then, he thought, She can stay as long as she needs, and I'm sure you won't complain. He chuckled, and I joined him, shaking my head. I want to talk to you some more about this situation. How was your control? Did you hurt her? And the bloodlust?
I decided to answer him aloud. "All fine, really." I couldn't help but smile again.
"Excellent, son," he said. "I knew it would be." Carlisle stood up, closing one of the books. And when you're ready to talk about changing Bella, come talk at my office at the hospital. Okay?
I nodded and said, "Thanks. I guess I better get going. Em and Jasper will wonder where I went."
"You guys have fun tonight," he said, walking down the stairs with me.
~oOo~
BELLA
It was an all-out assault on me in Alice's bedroom. It was torture being poked, plucked, and prodded, but we laughed through all of it, even though four hours of "getting ready" was still insane to me.
Alice put the music on, and they danced fluidly around the room, trying to figure out what to dress me in. I gave up on giving them my opinion and just resigned myself to go with the flow.
Alice was amazing at picking out clothes for me. She set out a royal blue, form-fitting, button up shirt with a tank underneath and a simple short black skirt. She didn't try to break my legs with four-inch heels, either. The shoes were cute, but comfortable.
Rose laughed when it came time to do my hair, saying, "Okay, Bells, down it is. Nice hickey, by the way," she whispered.
I blushed, laughing.
"That's not the only one she's got," Alice prompted, giggling. "Dressing you was a challenge today, let me just tell you."
"Okay, Bella, where is it?" Rose asked with a gleam in her eye.
I pulled down the front of my shirt just slightly, and there it was.
"Wow, there's more to Edward than we knew," she said, laughing.
I blushed, fiddling with the straps on my arm brace. "I wish I didn't have to wear this thing," I said, holding it up and trying to change the subject.
Alice thought for a moment. "Hmm, take it off and see how it feels. Carlisle will probably kill me, but go ahead."
I took it off and moved it around, wiggling my fingers a bit. It felt fine, but weak. I looked up as her door opened, and Edward popped in with a stretchy, flesh-toned wrap for it. I almost moaned at the sight of him. He was in black dress pants that were low on his hips and a white button down shirt that he hadn't buttoned yet. I could see the center of his chest all the way down his abs to the top of his pants. Walking into the room, the shirt billowed out behind him, showing his upper body even more. His hair was wet and darker, and he smelled divinely like soap and Edward. He looked sinful, and I think I broke out in a sweat.
"Out!" Rose ordered with a smile on her face, catching my reaction out of the corner of her eye.
He chuckled, tossing the wrap to Alice. "Sorry, ladies, just trying to help," he said and winked at me on the way out, shutting the door behind him.
Alice came over, dropping the wrap into my hands, and said, "Oh girl, it's going to be a long night," she said, fanning my face with her hands.
All I could do was nod, thinking she was totally right.
Rose was shaking with laughter, "You should have seen your face!"
I just shook my head, trying to clear the image, but it was impossible.
It turned out that the wrap that Edward had brought in wasn't a wrap, but a sleeve that just slipped over my hand like a glove. It was better than the brace, allowing the freedom of my thumb and fingers, and not as clumsy looking.
Soon, we were all piling into two cars. Edward and I were in the Volvo, and everyone else was in Emmett's Jeep. The two of them had way too much fun racing all the way there. It was almost no time before we were pulling in next to each other – Edward first, of course.
The music was thumping all the way out into the parking lot. I was just slightly nervous going in. I knew that Angela had kept in contact with Lauren and Jessica, and I wasn't looking forward to dealing with the jealousy and meanness that those two sent my way. Seeing Angela and Ben was the only thing that kept me heading in through the door.
Edward felt my hesitation and turned to me and asked, "What's wrong?"
I just shook my head at him, and we followed the other four inside.
Just before we were inside the doorway, he pulled me to him and whispered in my ear, "Did I tell you that you look irresistible tonight?"
"No, but thank you," I said, blushing and kissing him.
Emmett and Jasper pulled two tables together by the dance floor and not far from the bar. No matter where we would have put ourselves, the Cullens demanded attention. Men's jaws dropped, and women's heads turned. It would have been funny if it didn't add a little to my nerves.
Jasper ordered drinks, but I knew they would sit untouched for the rest of the night. Emmett headed over to the DJ and chatted with him for a few minutes.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Angela there, beaming. "Bella! You look fantastic. I'm so glad you guys could come." She wrapped me in a hug. She looked amazingly happy, and I was really glad for her. "Hey, Edward," she said, smiling up at him.
Edward smiled and said, "Hello, Angela. Congratulations."
She beamed, looking around, and said, "Ben's around here somewhere. I'll send him over when I see him. Oh, and just so you know, Lauren, Jess, and Mike are here. I think that's all you're going to know from school. The rest are from UW."
Just then, Pink's "U + UR Hand" started to play, and Rose and Alice squealed at the same time, "Pink!" They turned around, grabbed my hand, and dragged me out onto the dance floor, leaving a chuckling Edward behind me.
Rose, Alice, and I danced in a circle, laughing. They were trying to teach me new moves, when I saw Mike Newton saunter over in the most pathetic attempt to cut in.
Alice leaned over and asked, "How appropriate is this song for this situation?"
I just about fell over laughing.
We were laughing hysterically when he finally made it to me. "Hey, Bella," he said, dancing just a little too close, causing me to back up. "You look amazing! So, hot!" he said with a cheesy smile on his face.
I think I gagged a little, but I smiled back and said, "Thanks, Mike. So, how have you been?"
"Good. Better now that you're here," he said, stepping closer, but I stepped away again.
The song ended, and Alice took pity on me and dragged me away from a frowning Mike. I told Alice that I was running to the restroom and that I would meet her back at the table.
I walked into one of the stalls, and just before I was ready to walk back out, I heard the familiar whine of Lauren's voice.
"Oh my God, did you see Bella? I see she's back with Edward Cullen again. Wonder what she said to get him back? It has to be a pity date."
Jessica chimed in then. "And my God, he looks amazing," she said. "I don't know what he sees in her."
I waited until I heard them leave and exited the restroom. I made my way back over to the table.
Edward welcomed me back with open arms. He was sitting on one of the stools, and I leaned into him. "I thought I was going to have to peel Newton off of you."
I looked up at his face. "Some things never change," I said, kissing his cheek. "Mike is harmless."
He snorted, not believing a word of it.
Alice's face was livid. She turned to me and said, "You shouldn't let them talk about you like that."
Edward asked, "Who?" His face was serious when he read Alice's mind.
"Lauren and Jessica," Alice spat the names. "It's ridiculous."
"It's fine, Alice, really." I watched them across the club, flirting with two guys. "The night's still young," I mumbled, and Alice smiled at me.
The dance floor filled again, and the girls dragged me back out. NeYo's "Closer" started to play, and I felt two familiar arms wrap around my waist from behind me.
Edward's silky voice was at my ear, murmuring, "I couldn't resist you any longer."
I felt his body align with mine, and his hands were on my hip and stomach, pulling me even closer. I raised my arms and wrapped them behind me around his neck, letting the music take us over. I let him completely take over my body. He felt so good. Our hips ground together, and we moved in perfect sync.
When the second verse came up, his hand traced lazily up my side and arm and back down again, kissing the inside of my arm. He turned me around, putting one of his thighs between mine, and our hips continued to grind. One of his hands was in my hair at the base of my neck, and the other was at my hip, keeping me close.
I kept my hands on his hips, which moved sensually and fluidly against mine. I had forgotten where we were, losing myself in the feel of him. When the song was over, reality snapped back to the both of us.
I looked up at him, and he was fighting a smile. "Hmm, didn't need to stand on my toes for that one, did you?" he asked, chuckling. I laughed, and he pulled me in to kiss my forehead.
When we got back to the table, Alice was on Jasper's lap, and they were laughing, fanning themselves.
Jasper leaned over and said, "Look at all the lust you two just kicked up."
I turned to the dance floor, and the sexual energy had, indeed, picked up. I turned to Jasper. "Are you doing that?" I watched as Emmett and Rose were in the center, wrapped around one another, causing stares from all around them.
He laughed, shaking his head, and said, "I only pushed out what you two threw at me."
We all laughed.
Alice dragged me off to the bathroom after I downed a Coke that Edward had ordered for me. "You need makeup, Bella," she said, staring at the little bit of the bruise left on my cheek.
We ran into the restroom, and she fixed my makeup. When we came out, I could see Edward across the club, but he was listening to two people Alice and I were coming up behind. I put my finger to my lips for him not to say anything, and I walked up and listened to their conversation. He turned his attention to Jasper and Emmett, and I knew that they were all listening.
"What's Bella doing here if she's only going to hang out with the Cullens?" Lauren's verbal venom spewed.
I looked over at Alice, and she was smiling, I think she'd just figured out what I was about to do.
Jessica was whining, too. "And did you see that dance? Edward's so hot...ugh!" she groaned, rolling her eyes. "I just want to snatch Bella out of the way and show him how to really dance. He's so doable. Can you imagine what he tastes like? I could so handle him better than she can."
I looked over at Alice, and she was in silent hysterics. I decided to put a stop to it. I plastered a smile on my face and said, "Jessica! Lauren, how are you guys?"
They jumped about three feet in the air. "B-Bella! Oh my God, you look great! How have you been?" Jessica squealed.
Alice lost it and ran off. Coward, I thought at her, making myself smile.
"Good, really good," I said, smiling and looking at Lauren's pale face. I could tell she was wondering just how much I had heard. "How's UW?" I asked, looking at Lauren.
"Fine," she mumbled, not looking me in the eye, but I saw her mood change. "So you and Edward are back together, I see. How'd that happen?" she asked, looking like she wanted a scoop.
"Oh, we ran into each other and got to talking," I said, waving it off. I looked over at him, and he was smiling at me. "Well, it was nice seeing you guys. I better get back over there," I said, pointing at our table.
"O-Ok, Bella," Jessica said, trying not to stare at a beautifully-smiling Edward.
"Oh, and Lauren?" I stopped, looking at her. "Who else would I hang out with? You? I don't think so." I laughed humorlessly, rolling my eyes.
Lauren went pale, sneering at me.
I looked back at Jessica, who was staring blatantly at Edward. I bent down to her ear and whispered, "You so couldn't handle that..."
Jessica gasped.
"And Jess, the taste is better than you could possibly imagine," I said, smiling at her pale face.
I heard my table explode in laughter. Their hearing was incredible.
I left them behind me and walked over to a shocked Edward. "What?" I asked, smiling.
"I can't believe you just said that," he said, spinning me away from the table, still in shock. He planted a kiss on me that made my knees weak.
Rose came up laughing and patted my back, saying, "Jesus, Bells, that was inspiring."
"They deserve it and then some," I said, laughing and shaking my head to clear it. "It's sad that they're no different than they were back then."
Edward, still holding on to me, took money out of his pocket and laid it on the table. It was snatched up by Jasper. My mouth fell open in shock, "You bet on me?" I asked, spinning around to the table. "What was the bet?"
Edward just chuckled.
Emmett explained, "Well, I thought you were gonna deck them." His smile was huge. "Eddie over there thought you would walk away, but Jasper was the only one that thought you would say something to them. I still think he cheated..." Emmett shot him a dirty look.
Jasper shook his head. "No, I didn't cheat. That was all Bella...and thank you!" he said, holding up his winnings and chuckling.
I just snorted, shaking my head.
Edward grabbed my hand and said, "Come here, love."
He walked us over to a darker area of the club, pulled me into the shadows, and then pushed me up against the wall, leaning his hands on both sides of my head. His eyes were black but playful. "So, you like how I taste?" he asked, crashing his lips into mine.
Our tongues collided, melting against each other. I moaned when his body pressed into mine. He slowed the kiss down, ending with three quick, sweet kisses to my mouth. He pressed his forehead to mine and said, "I've wanted to do that all night."
"Me, too," I breathed. "Sorry you lost your bet."
"Oh, don't be," he said, smiling and taking my hand. "I'd pay to see that again."
Alice and Jasper were dancing out on the floor, and Emmett was playing up at the DJ table again when Edward and I found Angela and Ben. We sat and talked for some time, catching up and talking about the upcoming wedding. Ben was so proud that he was getting married, he almost glowed.
Angela asked me to go to the restroom with her, and I followed her in. She checked the stalls, and when she found them empty, she turned around to ask, "Did you really say that to Jessica?" She was laughing, and when I nodded, she just about fell over. "Oh my God, Bella," she gasped. "It's about time you gave them something back."
Once she settled down, she looked at me and said, "I haven't seen you this happy, ever."
"I am, Ang. I really am," I said, smiling.
"What happened with Jake?" she asked as we walked back out.
"It's a long, ugly story and not for tonight, okay?" I said, looking at her.
"Yeah, too good of a night, huh?" she asked, her eyes watching Edward walk toward me.
"Exactly," I said, smiling at him.
Edward took my hand, saying, "Angela, Emmett's taken over for your DJ, and he's taking requests. May I steal Bella from you for a moment?"
I could tell that Angela wasn't used to his sweet voice and demeanor. "Y-Yeah, sure. Have fun," she said, smiling at me.
"What are you up to?" I asked, walking with him toward the dance floor.
He was looking up at Emmett, who just nodded to him. The music slowed down, and the lights darkened. "I just wanted another dance with you," he said, giving me my favorite smile.
"No Ordinary Love" by Sade started to play, and I recognized it instantly. "This is from your playlist," I said, stepping into his embrace.
Edward nodded and smiled, kissing my hand. He pulled me close, placing one hand on my hip and his thigh between mine. I took his other hand, sliding my other up to his neck. Our bodies melted together as we began to sway. The music took over again, and no one else mattered.
I looked up at Edward, and his eyes were steadily growing darker. I got lost in them, feeling his hand open against mine. He lightly rubbed our palms, eventually entwining our fingers together. He pressed his lips to my forehead, skimming them down to press them to mine, resting them back on my temple.
I could tell that he wanted more but was aware of our surroundings. The hand that was on my hip kept squeezing and slowly got lower. I could feel his arousal against me, and our breathing was getting heavier. I caressed his neck with my fingers, wanting to bury them in his hair and pull him closer to me. I took my hand from his and slid up the other side of his neck, and his hand went to my other hip. He squeezed slightly, grinding into me, and we both moaned. Our lips met again with a little bit more fervor.
The song ended, but I didn't want to let him go. It felt so good to be in his arms. We slowly walked back to our table, noticing that it was empty.
Edward sat down and pulled me onto his lap, whispering, "I love you," in my ear.
We watched the others dance for a while and got a good laugh when Emmett led "The Electric Slide." The man was shamelessly addicted to the eighties. Alice got mad when "Low" by T-Pain came on and we all called her Shorty.
While I was sitting on Edward's lap, he told me what people were thinking in the club. It was one of the funniest moments I had ever spent with him. He pointed out two guys at the bar who were staring at Rose, but they were just as scared of her as they were attracted to her. There was a woman coming out of the restroom, completely mortified that her skirt was tucked into her pantyhose, as her friend quickly pointed out before she got too far. The best was a woman that was blatantly ogling Jasper, and I about fell out of Edward's lap when he told me that she wasn't a woman at all.
The next time everyone came back to the table, we told them that we were heading home. They told us goodbye, and we waved at Angela and Ben on the way out. I hadn't seen Lauren or Jessica the rest of the night.
When we got home, no one was there. Walking into his room, I said, "I need a shower and a human moment." I grabbed some pajamas and headed into the bathroom.
I was standing under the water, rinsing out the shampoo and letting the heat soothe me. Suddenly, I knew I wasn't alone. I jumped and gasped when I opened my eyes and saw him there. He was beautiful and naked.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he said, catching me around the waist and pulling me closer.
My body reacted instantly to the feel of his skin against mine. I turned him so that he was under the water, darkening his hair. His smell permeated the bathroom, and I leaned into him, reaching up and pulling his lips to mine. His tongue immediately smashed into mine, and we moaned at the feel of our wet skin. Hot and cold blended together.
He broke away from my mouth and licked the water from my neck, causing me to shudder. "Bella," he said between open-mouthed kisses, "I have a problem." His tongue played against my earlobe, and he continued, "Now that I've had you...tasted you..." He dragged his tongue across my neck to my other ear. "I can't get enough of you."
I groaned in understanding, gripping his shoulders.
His hands were everywhere, skimming my wet body. When he cupped my breast, pinching my nipple, my hands shot to his hair and pulled his mouth back to mine. He licked my bottom lip, carefully taking it in his mouth. I broke away from his lips and moved to his chest, licking the water beads away.
"Bella," he moaned, his head falling back. The water started to cool, and he shut it off, opening the door.
He dried me off, causing a number of amazing sensations everywhere. Taking the towel, I dried him off, as well. He tossed it into the laundry basket and came back toward me. Cupping my face, he pulled my lips to his, grinding his hips against me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and his hands moved to cup my bottom, lifting me up so that I could wrap my legs around his waist.
He carried me back into his room, laying me down on the bed. "I want you so much, Bella," he said, his lips trailing down my chest to my stomach. "I need to be inside you."
"Please, Edward," I said, my hips bucking involuntarily. "I've wanted you all night."
He reached over, grabbed a condom, and ripped it open. Taking it from him, I slowly, reverently slid it down over his length. He hovered back over me, settling between my legs, and then paused at my entrance. "You are so beautiful," he said, sliding into me. We both moaned at the feeling.
I wrapped my legs around him, raking my nails down his back and grasping his ass. I could feel every muscle harden with every thrust. He reached down and brought my leg up between us, and I gasped at how much he filled me. With this new position, I could feel the coil in my stomach start to build. "Edward, I'm..." I gasped.
"Oh God, Bella," he groaned. "I need to hear you say it."
"Gonna...come," I said, gasping as the feeling overtook me.
"Bella..." he managed to get out before he came right after me.
We were lying in the darkness. Edward was humming, and I was tracing lazy circles on his chest. I looked at his beautiful face and asked, "So, you really think this is a problem, Edward?"
He just chuckled, kissing my forehead.
I fell asleep to the sound of my lullaby coming from his sweet lips.