Just Stay With Me

by cantobycomeoutandplay

AU/AH. Sometimes when we least expect it, the one thing we never knew we needed walks right in the door... JxB REPOSTED. No longer on hiatus.

14. Changes

A/N: All info located in chapter "Over" posting.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer, the creator of Twilight.

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Bella was gently startled awake when she heard the vibrating muffle of Jacob's voice underneath her ear.

She didn't open her eyes just yet, didn't really move but was slowly pulled from the peaceful world of sleep with each word muttered from Jacob's mouth located almost right above her ear.

"I understand that, Em. I do. But please, I'm begging you. Just give us a little more time."

Bella shut her eyes a little tighter. What the hell was he talking about?

"Jake, I would if I could, okay? But they're gonna be back here in less than ten and Ness is going nuts looking for you as it is. She's already called me three times!"

Emmett? Emmett was here? And what the hell did he mean Ness was looking for Jake?

The events of the morning came flooding back to her instantaneously and she almost groaned aloud from the force of it. Oh. That's what he meant.

"I don't give a shit."

She cringed at the venom in Jake's tone.

"Of course, you don't. God forbid you should think of Bella just fucking once!"

Oh shit, Emmett sounded really pissed. He was practically snarling. And he sounded a lot closer than before, too.

"I think of her all the fucking time. I put her before everything else. I always have."

She could tell Jake was gritting his teeth and he was definitely just as angry as Emmett but he spoke lower. His chin left the top of her head and his arms wrapped around her tighter. She felt him turn her a little away and then he leaned forward.

"Look, Emmett. We haven't worked everything out yet. And I'm sorry, I know I'm being selfish here, but I'm not letting her go until we do. I can't. If we don't and we go back now, I'll lose her. And I can't have that. I love her too much."

Even though she had been pissed at him before, hurling her anger at him along with her fists, something inside her responded to his words just now. She had the strongest desire to close her hands over his shirt and grip it tight, never letting him go.

He had hurt her. He really did. But...she loved him. And she knew he was right. They still had to work this out. She couldn't bear the thought of going back to the house, going back to him and never seeing Jacob again.

As he had said before, it was all up to her.

Their fate rested upon her shoulders.

He wasn't walking away. She was the one ready to sprint and then break into a run.

He was fighting for them and she was hiding in the corner, shaking, like the coward she was.

But...he had hurt her. He hurt her deeply.

As much as it hurt to find out about his 'past', it wasn't like he had done it to her. It had all happened before he met her. He assured her of that. And even when he had ample opportunities to resume his former lifestyle, he had turned them down. To be with her.

No, she could deal with that. She truly could.

Even seeing him last night with Victoria.

As much as that hurt, she had seen him turn her down.

No, it wasn't that.

And yes, it hurt that he had lied to her.

But he had explained his reasoning for doing that. Even though it didn't justify it in any way, she could understand it.

It wasn't that, either.

It was those words.

Those words.

Used on her just because they worked.

It wasn't right!

It would be one thing if when they had been strictly physical without any hope of a real relationship developing (well, for her, apparently) he had used them (which he did) to keep her around. That she could excuse.

It would be another thing if he had used them when they had gone through their little fight the other day at her house. She had been pushing him away, breaking it off in her anger and frustration with the whole pregnant Ness situation. So she could understand why he would use them then. And he had. He had been desperate. So she definitely could be understanding about that.

But to use them later that night? The night she had told him she loved him? The night he had given all of himself over to her? The night she became her rising to the surface to claim what was hers?

She winced. Her head was starting to hurt.

No, no. She was overthinking this. Her mother had always told her that she overanalyzed things to death and this was just another example.

No. She needed to stop thinking and listen to her gut. And her gut was telling her not to let Jacob Black go. Not yet at least.

And just like in a meeting that often took place at their spouses' workplace, the parts that made up Isabella Marie Swan Cullen unanimously decided as well.

Her mind raised its hand in the form of the memory of Jacob's smile. "Yes!"

Her body was next. She could feel a familiar heat suffuse throughout her body just at the closeness of him. His skin on hers, making her tingle all over in anticipation of another touch, another kiss from him. "Fuck yeah!"

Her soul jumped up and down, raising its hand obnoxiously high in the air. "Me! Me! Me! I need him! If you don't let him stay, I'll-I'll-I'll kill myself!" Bella could just feel the stubborn immature pout it was giving her, while crossing its arms, determined to get its way.

Her heart was the very last, sitting at the end of the table, quiet while all the rest had had their say. Once they were finished, it cleared its throat and stood up, demanding the attention and respect of the rest. It looked right at her and stated seriously. "Without a doubt." And then it sat back down, its declaration still echoing in Bella's ears.

They all stared at her, waiting for her to make the ultimate decision.

She contemplated it quickly.

He had hurt her.

He was sorry.

He begged her to forgive him.

He loved her.

What had she said to him last night?

Oh.

Right.

That was all she needed to know.

"We had a deal!"

Emmett was even closer now.

She felt Jake move her back even further as he leaned forward away from her.

That's when she knew.

Emmett was obviously getting too close for comfort and Jake was trying to move her out of the way, placing himself in front in case Em lost his temper.

But there was no need. Em would never ever do that. Not while she was in his arms.

"I know that. And I appreciate everything you've done. I do. But I have to work this out with her. She's my life, Em. I can't just be away from her without knowing that we're gonna be okay."

"Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me! Okay, loverboy, listen up! Edward will be back at the house in about five minutes. If he sees that Bella's not there and you're not, either, and that Ness is going crazy trying to find you, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put two and two together. And you may not give a shit about that, which I really can't say I blame you for, but think about Bella, man! Edward's gonna be fucking livid if he sees that she was anywhere near you! Don't do that to her, Jake! Don't fucking put her through that right now!"

She felt Jake pull her into him once again and hold her tightly to him.

"I'm not trying to put her through that right now, Em. I'm not. But I need to make this right with her. If we go back now, I'll never have my chance. She's already trying to end it and man, I cannot have that! I don't think you understand what this girl means to me. I need to be okay with her, Em!"

She heard Emmett sigh angrily and she felt Jake sigh against her. She felt him nuzzle her forehead affectionately and then kiss her hairline, lingering there for a moment, before turning and resting his cheek against it.

"Jake, I'm trying here. I really am. But I told you. Bella comes first. I understand where you're coming from, man. I do. But I have to take care of Bella. Edward's already on her case about you and if he sees the two of you anywhere near each other, he's only gonna give her a harder time. And I'm sorry, Jake, but I can't let that happen. She's already been through enough. You saw her last night, man. You know."

She felt Jake stiffen. "Wait, what do you mean he's 'already on her case' about me?"

Bella winced. Shit. She hadn't gotten to tell Jake about that yet. In light of everything, it had completely slipped her mind. Not hard to see why.

Emmett sighed once again.

"You know he's the one who told her everything last night. You and I both heard what she said. But, he's also mentioned to me his...concerns about how chummy you two have gotten. You guys fucked up the other night. Big time. And now he's on red alert. He told me he was going to ask her to stay away from you but he didn't tell me that he was...going to mention that as well."

She felt Jake's breathing pick up. She could sense he was getting angry. Damn, she should have told him.

"You knew that and you didn't tell me? Didn't tell her?"

Shit, he was definitely pissed. No, not pissed. Furious.

"Hey! I've done all I can for you two and I'm still doing it. I didn't think it was a big deal because it's not like it would work. What Bella wants, Bella gets, no help needed. And clearly what she wants, is you. So Edward warning her away wasn't going to make a difference, trust me. Bella's a strong person, Jake. Stronger than most people I know. Probably one of the strongest. When she makes a decision, she sticks to it. And she's decided to keep you around. Trust me."

She felt Jake hold her tighter and start to rock them both gently.

And then she heard him sigh, speaking quietly.

"Not yet she hasn't. I'm not sure she will, Em. I really fucked up this time."

She heard Emmett chuckle.

"Man, you claim to love her so much and that's she's your life and all that, but you really don't know the girl, do you?"

She felt Jake stiffen again. She even found herself grimacing.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Yeah, what's that supposed to mean?

The way he said it made it sound like it was something bad.

Emmett laughed. "Dude, the girl loves you! Even though she was pissed as hell at you, she still agreed to see you. She still talked to you and even then, still jumped into your lap. And don't even think that I didn't see any of those kisses from way over there. Come on! Not a hard one to figure out."

Nothing but silence.

And then she heard Emmett speak again.

"Something tells me things will be kosher again by dinner time." She could almost see the wink Emmett was giving Jake. And then she could almost feel the stinging in her hand from the slap she would deliver to Em's chest when she was 'awake'.

Jake sighed again.

"I don't know about that but it sure would be nice." She felt his arms grip her tighter.

Emmett sighed this time.

"Come on, man. Things'll get better. But right now, you gotta put your game face on and go back to the house. If Ness calls me one more time, I'm gonna let Rose think that she's making a play for me. And you don't want that."

Emmett laughed and she knew he was just trying to assure Jake so he could get her back to the house. Back to him.

"I don't care. Go for it."

Jake muttered it into her hair and she couldn't be sure if Emmett heard it or not.

And then she felt Jake take a deep breath.

"Alright, Em. I'll do it. But...can you just give me one more minute with her? Just one?"

Emmett didn't say anything for a minute.

"Okay, but Jake, just one. The clock's ticking, man. We gotta get her back."

She felt Jake nod above her and then nothing.

She knew Emmett was gone when she felt Jake kissing her forehead and her lids and her cheeks.

"Bells, wake up."

The kisses were fleeting all over her face in his mission to wake her.

"Wake up, honey. Come on, you gotta get up."

She opened her eyes slowly to find his staring back at her. He smiled.

"Hey, honey, how'd you sleep?"

She didn't say anything, just stared at him.

His smile faded a little. "H-How are you feeling?"

She still didn't say anything. His smile completely dropped.

"Bells?"

Again, she didn't make a sound. She just bore her eyes into his.

He sighed and lowered his eyes, dropping his head.

"You're still mad at me, aren't you?"

Then she heard it.

Without a doubt.

And then her actions weren't her own anymore. They were hers.

She grabbed his face quickly and forced his lips to hers.

She moved in a lightning fast movement to straddle him.

She had caught him off guard and for a minute, his eyes were wide open and he didn't respond.

But then he snapped into action and he closed his eyes, moving his lips with hers.

The need was at an all-time high, overwhelming her, overwhelming them both, consuming her.

He pulled his lips away. "Baby, we can't. We don't have a lot of time right now."

She frowned and looked down.

"Plus, Emmett's right around the corner."

Her eyes widened and she looked behind them. He was standing some distance away, his back to them. When had she forgotten about him?

Jake gently pulled her face back to him. "Bells, we still need to talk about this."

She sighed and looked down. She covered her face with both hands, moved them to rub her eyes and then dropped them to her lap. She looked right at him. "Jake, I'm sorry."

He looked at her puzzled. "For what, honey?"

She moved to get off him but he tightened his hold on her and his brows furrowed even further, waiting for her to speak.

She took a deep breath. Just like a band-aid.

"I'm sorry for everything I said. I'm sorry for yelling at you, hitting you, for telling you that I hate you, calling you all those names." She shook her head and looked down at the sand next to them. "The truth is I'm just..." She groaned and moved off of him, this time he let her. She didn't risk a glance at his face, she couldn't. She was just so damn confused about everything. She was confused about everything she was thinking, feeling, all of it.

She walked a little ways away from him, near to the water's edge. She heard him approach behind her but he didn't make a move to touch her.

Good, that would make this easier.

She crossed her arms and stared out over the water.

"I just don't know what to think. I don't even mean about everything from...last night. I mean it all. I love you, you know that. I love being with you. I just...I don't know. I mean, I got angry about what you said...before. But I..." She turned to look at him with narrowed eyes. His eyes were tight and he was looking down at the ground, his head bent a little. "I...don't want to keep going over this. I don't want to have to worry about if you're looking for a better deal or if you get bored with me." His eyes tightened further and then he closed them. She continued anyway. "I'm not gonna lie, it scares me. And I don't like feeling that insecure."

She saw him let out a breath and raise a hand up to his eyes.

She swallowed. "But honestly, Jake. I don't want this coming between us anymore. If you can give me what I need, some time, then I think we can do this."

His eyes snapped open and he stared at her, widening them.

She looked down at the ground. "I think that...I mean...I'm still hurt. And it's not like I didn't have a right to get mad at you for lying to me, not telling me what you should have, and then..." She took another deep breath, closing her eyes. "Saying the same things to me that you did to Victoria and Leah and all those others..." One more breath and she shut her eyes tighter. "That just kills me. Because this whole time, you've been telling me that I'm different, that I matter to you and now that you love me and always have." She opened her eyes and looked at him. He was staring intently at her but not saying a word.

She bit her lip and looked down again. "But, I believe you. I do. And I love you. I really do. I still want to be with you. And I do appreciate you telling me the truth. Everything. And that makes me love you even more." She looked back up at him and he gave her a small smile.

"And that's why I need to tell you this. No more secrets between us, right?"

Jake's smile dropped and he came closer, his brows furrowed once again. He nodded wordlessly.

She bit her lip harder. She was nervous. She didn't know how he'd handle it. He hadn't said anything before during her rants so she wasn't sure if he had heard her. And judging by his lack of a reaction, she was pretty sure he hadn't.

"Before I do, though, I just want to say that I do love you and I swear I didn't do it to hurt you. I just...wasn't thinking. Not that that's an excuse, 'cause it's not." She winced.

He was looking at her worriedly now.

"Bells?"

Shit. He sounded worried. Fuck.

Now she knew how he felt. And she wished she had been more understanding and kinder to him when he came clean with her. Fuck. Too late now.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out, opening her eyes.

Just like a Band-Aid.

"Jake, I slept with Edward."

And just like that, her whole world went to shit.

He stared at her, his lips slightly parted. He didn't say a word.

She gripped her arms with her hands tighter.

"Jake?"

He shook his head and turned away from her, facing the direction back to the house.

She took a step closer and stopped when she saw him move a little further away from her.

"Jake, I'm sorry. I didn't do it to hurt you. Please believe me."

He turned around to face her. He stared at her in disbelief.

She bit her lip nervously.

"Will you say something, please?"

He shook his head, opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out and he shut it instead.

He stared down at the ground, not moving, every once in a while shaking his head slightly.

She couldn't take it anymore. His silence was killing her.

She took another step forward, her arm outstretched to him and he jerked back suddenly as if he'd been burned and she was the flame.

Her hand froze and she dropped it. She could feel hot tears stinging her eyes.

"Jake, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, it just...happened."

He still didn't say anything, still wouldn't look at her.

She felt the lump in her throat return.

"Jake..."

But he didn't make a sound.

The tears were blurring her vision and she looked down at the ground.

"Okay, kids, ready to head back?"

Bella closed her eyes. Even with Emmett's strong presence, nothing could soothe the pain in her heart.

"Guys?"

Bella opened her eyes and found Emmett standing there, looking back and forth between her and Jake.

Jake still hadn't looked up.

"Guys, I don't mean to be a pain in the ass but seriously, we're running late as it is and now I'm gonna have my ass reamed by Rose for having to cover for all of us for so long. So, if you please..."

Jake looked up, glared at her, glared at Emmett and then turned around, walking away.

Emmett scowled at Jake's retreating back and turned to Bella.

"What the hell's his problem? Didn't you guys work it out?"

Bella lowered her eyes.

"No, we didn't."

"Oh."

Emmett's voice was softer now, kinder.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Bella. But...well..." He began to scratch his head, tilting his head sideways in thought. "Maybe it's for the best."

Bella glanced up at him, her eyes completely blurry. "No, Em. It's not for the best."

He stared at her with narrowed eyes, trying to figure out what he should say.

She turned to look at Jake. He was farther away than either of them expected him to be.

She sniffled, wiped her eyes and grabbed Emmett's hand. "Let's head back."

Emmett nodded and they began to walk back, in less of a hurry than Jake had been.

Bella was having trouble trying to control the tears. They kept threatening to spill out and overtake her.

Emmett threw his arm around her and pulled her close, kissing the side of her head.

"It'll be okay, Bella. He'll get over it. Trust me."

She sniffled, wiping at her eyes again.

"I don't know, Em. I'm not so sure he will."

He looked at her in confusion. "Yeah, he will. Don't worry. If he knows what's good for him." He gave her a wink which earned a very tiny smile, but a smile nonetheless.

They walked back to the house and ascended the steps up the deck and to the patio door. Jake was nowhere in sight. Bella's heart clenched.

Emmett opened the door and they stepped in. They could hear laughter coming from the living room.

Bella froze when she heard that laugh.

No, it couldn't be.

Emmett led her into the living room, making sure to shield her most of the way. She hadn't had a chance to clean up and it was more than obvious she'd been crying.

When they entered into the room, Bella's heart leapt into her throat.

Oh, it was her alright. And guess who was sitting there on the arm of the couch right next to her with the biggest smirk on his face?

Bella wanted to fucking kill him! Hadn't he been telling Emmett less than half an hour ago how he loved her and she was his life? Yeah. Right.

Emmett was tensed. He squeezed her hand in reassurance but it was obvious he had seen Jake sitting next to Victoria as well.

Emmett had blocked her so well that no one had noticed her come in yet. No one except for the one person she wanted to murder more than the red-headed bitch next to him. And he smirked even wider when he took in her expression.

That fucking prick!

Bella squeezed Emmett's hand harder and pulled away from him and walked back near the kitchen. But rather than go in there, she went down the hallway she hadn't been down since the other night instead. She opened doors left and right until she found the bathroom. She rushed into the room and shut the door quickly behind her. She leaned back against it, closing her eyes.

That was it! She was done! For real this time! Her feelings for him be damned!

What the fuck? She knew she had upset him, hurt hurt him even, but there was no call for that!

That was just fucking cruel in her book!

She could feel the tears running again and she wiped them away angrily.

No!

No longer would she shed tears for Jacob Black!

Fuck him!

Let his little red-headed whore shed them from now on!

Let him be her problem!

Fucking prick!

She made her way to the sink and glanced in the mirror.

Thank God Emmett had blocked her from view. She looked like a fucking train wreck.

She quickly splashed some cold water on her face and let her hair down.

She ran her fingers through it, not quite getting the somewhat groomed look she was going for but it was enough. For now, anyway.

She fixed her clothes, took a deep breath and walked out. She slowly made her way back to the kitchen.

And sure as fucking shit, she heard them talking again in low voices. Talk about fucking deja vu!

"Jake, really, why don't you just give it up for Christ's sake? We both know you hate Ness. So, stop putting up this front and just fuck me already!"

"I don't hate her, Victoria. She's still my wife."

"Oh please. Come on, I know you want it. Stop playing hard to get and just get your sweet ass over here."

Bella walked into the kitchen quickly and quietly, refusing to look over at the scene that was tearing her heart into pieces. She went to the refrigerator, opened the door, grabbed a water, closed the door and walked out towards the dining room. She took a seat at the table, her back to the wall. She just needed a minute to calm down before going into the living room.

Not a sound was made while she had been in there. She just hoped they hadn't seen her. Let them do whatever. Who cares anymore? She only had to wait a few hours in this godforsaken house until she could go home. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Just a few more hours.

Her eyes snapped open when she heard steps walk into the dining room and then she saw him approaching. She looked away, towards the window. And then she heard heels follow him.

"Jake!"

She shut her eyes.

Not. Happening.

Victoria was whisper screaming as she followed Jake into the room.

Bella didn't open her eyes. She didn't want to see.

And then she felt someone tug on the sleeve of her sweater, making her arm fall into her lap and then a warm hand covered her own, interlacing their fingers.

Her eyes opened slowly and she looked down. She had known it was his, she'd know that touch anywhere. But still, she was shocked. And what shocked her even more is that she didn't tear her hand away, even after what he had just pulled.

She slowly brought her eyes up to meet his except he wasn't looking at her. Instead he was sitting back in his chair, staring straight at Victoria.

"Victoria, I have to discuss Ness' surprise party with Mrs. Cullen here. Would you mind giving us a few minutes?"

She glared at both of them.

Bella and Jake's hands were hidden from sight, well under the table, but Victoria didn't need to see it.

Bella knew that she was more than aware of what was really going on just by Jake's polite dismissal of her.

Victoria offered a knowing leery smile. "Why, of course. Should you two need any help, I'll be right in there with Edward and everyone."

Bella narrowed her eyes at the woman. Oh, she got her meaning loud and clear.

And then she spoke, offering a wicked smile of her own. "Well, thanks Vicky but I think we'll be fine. Please tell James hello for me. It's been a while and I'd love to catch up with him sometime." And then for good measure, she licked her lips. "Again."

Victoria glared at her and opened her mouth to retort when Jake cut her off.

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get things settled quickly before Ness comes in here looking for me, and the surprise is ruined. So, if you please..."

He gestured with his free hand in a shooing motion. Victoria scowled at them both, turned on her heel and stomped out of the room.

Bella smiled in satisfaction. Served her right, the bitch.

But her smile soon faded when she looked at Jake. He still wasn't looking at her, his lips in a thin tight line, staring hard at the table.

She sighed and began to pull her hand away when he stopped her and tightened his grip.

"When?"

It was the first time he had spoken to her since she told him. So, it took her a minute to recover.

"When what?"

"You know."

"No. I don't."

Then he looked at her. He glared at her. "Are you really going to try to fucking play dumb with me right now?"

She began to get angry.

"And are you fucking serious? You think that after that little display before that you have any right to question me about anything?"

He got angry, too. "Don't even. I didn't do anything. I left you guys, came back here, got grabbed by Ness and thrown in there right next to her. I didn't set that up."

Bella snorted. "Bullshit. You saw me and you knew. You did it on purpose. Don't even try to act all fucking innocent."

He gripped her hand tighter when once again she tried to pull it back.

"Yeah, I saw you. There was nothing I could do. Unless you want me to walk up to you and take you by the hand and lead us upstairs in front of everyone. Because really I could fucking care less if I did. But you, that's a whole different story."

Bella scoffed. "Whatever. Sorry, I'm not as experienced as you in fucking around on my husband and I actually want to fly under the radar."

His eyes tightened and he looked away, back at the table.

"That's a fucking hypocritical statement if I ever heard one."

Bella snorted in disbelief. "Wrong, Jake. See, I didn't cheat on you. I'm not married to you. Get that through your fucking head."

He shook his head, never looking at her.

"And besides, it's not like it was some random guy. It was my husband, for fuck's sake!"

He turned and stared straight at her, his eyes still narrowed.

"How would you feel if I went and fucked Ness tonight when we went home?"

She felt a chill go up her spine. But she remained stubborn. "I wouldn't feel anything. It's your business. She's your wife. I can't tell you what to do there."

She tried to pull her hand back once more. He gripped it tightly and pulled it into his lap.

"Now that's bullshit. It bothers you. Don't look away. I already saw it so don't try to hide it. It bothers you." Bella turned to glare at him and he leaned in a little. "And you know why?

Bella gave him a sardonic smile. "No, but I'm sure you're gonna tell me."

"Because you love me." She went to deny it but realized she couldn't. Her head was fucking killing her. She just wanted to go home already! She turned her head away, looking out the window. He still spoke to her, anyway.

"And because you love me, it hurts to think that you would have to share me with anyone else. Even her. Wife or not. And because you love me, you would think that if I felt the same way, that I wouldn't willingly go and jump into bed with anyone else, including her."

Bella's head snapped around. "Willingly?"

Jake just stared at her. "What, are you trying to tell me he forced you into it? Drugged you? Overpowered you with his huge 6'1'' frame and all 170 pounds of him? Tricked you into it even? Blackmailed you? What? 'Cause if that's the case, tell me and I'll go take care of it right now. And I know Emmett would love to help once I tell him."

She scowled at him and looked down at the table.

"Exactly my point. Willingly." She winced. "So, when did this blessed event occur?"

She looked up at him. "Do you think you could stop with the fucking sarcasm?"

He shook his head. "No. I don't think I can. I'm pretty pissed right now. And I'm trying my hardest to not go in there right now and just beat the living shit out of him and make you a widow. So, get over it. Now, when did you decide to jump from me to him?"

She grimaced, glared at him and sighed. "I didn't jump from you to him. It wasn't like that! It just...happened."

His expression didn't change. "Yeah, you mentioned that. Fantastic. When did it happen?"

She glowered at him. "The other night."

He didn't say anything, just glared at her. Then he looked away, settling his gaze back on the table once more.

"The other night? As in the 'I fucked you in your car' other night?"

She sighed in angry frustration and tried to jerk her hand away but he held it fast.

"Yes."

He nodded. "Wow. That's incredible. So, who was first, me or him? I mean did I give you the rough and hard fuck, the nasty one you wanted, and then he gave you the ol' soft and slow, making sweet love to you? Or did you fuck him first and then I gave you the big finish he just can't ever seem to give you these days and that's why you agreed to meet me?"

She scoffed and finally wrenched her hand away, crossing her arms and sitting back.

"It wasn't like that. And you are fucking disgusting."

He smiled wryly at the table. "You fuck two guys in one night within hours of each other and I'm the disgusting one?"

Her jaw dropped. "Excuse me? Who are you to talk, Mr. 'I've-been-with-so-many-women-I'm-lucky-if-I-remem ber-their-faces'? Shall we pull up your fuck buddy list from this year alone? What was I? Number 2,059?"

He turned that sly smile on her.

"Nah. You were number 2,058. Victoria was number 2,059."

She shot up out of her chair, intent on walking as quickly as she could out of the room, and he grabbed her. "Relax. It was just a joke. Sit down. We're not done yet."

She struggled to pull away from him. "Yes, we are. We are definitely done!"

He rolled his eyes and chuckled mirthlessly, bringing her to sit down next to him again without moving once out of his chair.

"Here we go again. Jesus, Bells, maybe you should try some different. Change it up a little and maybe someday I'll believe you. But for right now, sit down, relax, and buckle in because this conversation is far from over. And keep trying to pull that shit and I'll lock your ass in that chair for real and yell for everyone to come and watch. Your Emmett won't be able to save you from that, I can assure you."

She glared at him. She hated him. She really did.

Once he was sure she wasn't going to bolt, he released her waist, grabbed her hand and held it in his lap. She didn't even bother trying to stop him. What was the point? It was obvious that he was gonna get what he wanted no matter what. So, why fight it?

"Now. I would like you to tell me, and it is not some sick macho perverse interest on my part. But I want to know who came first." He turned and gave her that sly smirk. "No pun intended."

She stared down at the table. "You did."

He snorted. "Yeah. Thought so."

He let go of her hand, leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, holding his clasped hands to his mouth, shaking his head.

"Wow. Okay. So basically, you fucked me, went home and then fucked him. Why? I thought you were satisfied afterwards. It sounded like you were. Or were you just faking it for my benefit?"

Bella narrowed her eyes. "You know something, Jacob. If you want to know, ask me. I'll tell you. No problem. But to sit here and making fucking wiseass remarks like this the whole time is not going to get you anywhere with me. So either man up and deal with it or fucking end it here and now and move on. Your choice."

He shook his head and scoffed. "Amazing. Here I stay up the whole fucking night worrying about you and if you're gonna give me another chance over shit that was done way before I ever fucking met you. Not to mention with Emmett's overprotective bullshit, threatening me that he's gonna beat me down if I hurt you any more or tried to see you in any way. I spend the whole fucking morning begging and bending over backwards just to get you not to leave me. To forgive me for something that wasn't even done to you. Something that doesn't affect us in the slightest in the here and now. And never once when you were crying or yelling at me did I say to you 'man up and deal with it'. That's some set of balls you have on you. Unfuckingbelievable set of balls. I should just fucking drop you already, divorce the other bitch and move the fuck on. Why the fuck am I wasting my time? Wow." He shook his head once more. And then he dropped his hands. "You know what? Fuck this. I've had it."

He stood up quickly and walked out of the room, never once looking at her. She only heard him utter one word. "Unfuckingbelievable."

She didn't make a sound. She just leaned forward, placed her elbows on the table and held her head up in her hands.

What had she done?

And then she heard him come back into the room, approaching the table fast. He plopped down next to her and she looked up at him. "No. You know what? You're gonna fucking tell me what I want to know. You at least fucking owe me that. I've let you hold my balls in a jar way too fucking long. I'm done playing nice. Now, tell me everything or I swear to God, I will go and tell Edward everything. And I'm not fucking bullshitting you. I really will this time. I've got nothing to lose now."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You wouldn't."

He glared right back at her. "Try me."

They stared at each other for a minute, neither willing to break first. Eventually, Bella gave in and sighed, looking back down at the table, her head still in her hands.

"Fine. What do you want to know?"

"Well, for starters, how the fuck could you go back home and fuck that scrawny little shit after you just fucked me?"

She winced but didn't say a word. She knew she should defend Edward but she didn't want to do anything to further piss him off. "That's not how it went. I didn't plan on it. I went home, he had been drinking, he made a move and I let him. End of story. There. Satisfied?"

Jake snorted. "Not by a fucking long shot. And obviously, neither were you if you let that fucking prick touch you after you were with me."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "If you say so. Anything else, Jake?"

"Were you safe or did you have your little obsession with him, too?"

Bella flinched but otherwise, remained motionless. "We used a condom. We always do. Any other questions about my sex life with my husband that you'd like to know?"

"Yeah, who was on top?"

She turned to look at him in disgusted horror. He didn't once turn away ashamed.

"None of your fucking business, that's who." Fuck that. She didn't care if he got pissed now and went and told Edward everything. Let him. Sick perverted little fucker.

He smirked.

"I see. So it was you then?"

Bella began to stand up. "I'm not going to dignify this any longer. Excuse me."

"Sit the fuck down."

"No. You want to tell Edward. Go ahead. Something tells me that you'll be in the crosshairs before I will."

"I don't give a FUCK about that piece of shit. Sit. The. Fuck. Down. Now."

"Pssh. Yeah, right. Goodbye, Jacob."

She turned around but he was too fast for her. He gripped her wrist and pulled her back into the chair hard. "I said, Sit. Down."

She yanked her wrist from his hand and slapped him.

He didn't even flinch.

"Shocker. I didn't see that one coming."

She huffed angrily and got up again. And he yanked her down again. She tried once more and he did the same thing.

"Now, Bella, we can do this all day or you can tell me what I fucking want to know. Your choice."

She gave him a wry smile. "Should I scream for Emmett?"

He returned it. "Go right ahead. I doubt he'll hear you seeing as he left."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "He's not gone. And neither is Edward or Rose. They wouldn't leave me here with you."

He laughed, sat back and crossed his arms. "Don't believe me? See for yourself."

She got up but he made no move to stop her. She backed away and then moved quickly out of the room. She made her way through the kitchen and into the living room.

Sure enough, it was empty.

Shit.

Why would they just leave her? That wasn't like any of them.

Jake's voice called out to her from behind. It made her jump.

"Told you."

He was leaning against the wall, his arms still crossed, smiling at her sardonically.

She glared at him.

"I really fucking hate you sometimes."

His eyes lit up.

"Feeling's mutual."

He then made his way towards her.

"Now..."

She watched him approach with her eyes in slits.

"Why don't we get this over with A.S.A.P.? That way you don't have to be near me any longer than you have to since you hate me so much."

Bella rolled her eyes angrily. "Fine." She then went and sat down on the long couch, making sure to practically hug her end. There was plenty of room on the other side for him to lounge across it if he wished.

But he looked at her, smirked, walked over and plopped right next to her, barely leaving any room for her to move. She was stuck between the couch arm and Jake. Fanfuckingtastic.

"So..."

He lifted his legs up onto the coffee table, crossing his ankles and laying his head back, his right arm strewn lazily behind him, his left hand grabbing her right one and never letting it go.

"Tell me. Why did you do it?"

She scoffed. "I told you why. There was no why. It just happened!"

"Uh uh, honey. Things always happen for a reason. People have some idea why, always have a motive. What was yours?"

She sighed and began to rub her eyes tiredly, leaning her head back into the couch. "Jake, why do we have to keep going over this? I'm sorry that you're pissed. I honestly didn't do it to hurt you. I was only trying to be honest with you, tell you everything so there were no more secrets. Like you said."

She dropped her hands and looked at him. He looked down at the coffee table and his jaw clenched and unclenched. "You want honesty, Bella?"

"Yes."

He turned to look at her. "It makes me fucking sick to my stomach to know that he even fucking touched you, never mind was inside you, condom or no condom. It gets me so fucking nuts that I've thought of at least a thousand ways how to put him on life support." She flinched but didn't turn away. As pissed as Jake was, she knew he would never really do that. "I am so disgusted that it's hard for me to even look at you and not see him on top of you, pumping in and out of you, making some sick disgusting noises and you liking it and telling him you love him! And you know what it reminds me of?"

She looked down. She just couldn't look at him right now.

"It reminds me of the first time I found out Ness was cheating on me. And every time after. I kept seeing some faceless bastard on top of her, too, making her scream nonstop. Something I couldn't do for her apparently, no matter what I tried. I feel that same sick feeling, that same hatred, when I look at you now."

She swallowed thickly. "But you still loved her."

"This is different."

Her head shot up and she looked at him. "You don't love me?"

He shook his head. "No."

Her mouth dropped and she turned to look at the coffee table again. She felt a tear slowly roll down her cheek.

"I love you much more than I ever loved her."

She closed her eyes and let another silent tear escape.

She felt his hand covers hers.

"And that's what makes this so much worse."

She heard his voice breaking. She opened her eyes to find him staring down at his lap.

She then lowered her eyes to his hand on hers.

"It was after she told you, wasn't it?"

She glanced up at him. He turned to look at her. His eyes were glassy.

She didn't say anything. She slowly nodded.

He turned and stared at the coffee table.

"And when you wouldn't take my call that night, when you wouldn't answer my messages..."

He closed his eyes and brought his free hand up to cover them.

He shook his head, snorted and then dropped his hand, looking down at the coffee table once again.

"Wow."

She winced and went to move her hand away but he clamped his down on hers, not letting her move an inch.

He didn't say anything, didn't move.

She didn't know what to say. She wiped her cheeks with her other hand, taking a deep breath.

Before she knew what was happening, he was on her, his hands grabbing her face and pushing her lips to his. In one quick movement, he had repositioned them and Bella was flat on her back with him on top, hovering over her. He forced her lips open with his and thrust his tongue inside to feel hers.

It all happened so fast, Bella was still in shock and for a minute remained unresponsive. But then she started kissing him back. She threaded her fingers into his hair and pulled him into her more, making him groan.

She could feel everything he was feeling because he put it into the kiss. He loved her, he was hurt, he was angry, and he was scared... She felt horrible. This prompted her to push him up away from her, never once breaking the kiss. He went where she led him. She pushed him until he was sitting up on the couch and then she climbed onto his lap, straddling him. Her kissing became more forceful, wilder, filled with need. How could she have ever thought she could be without this man?

She made sure his very prominent erection was aligned with her core and then began to roll her hips, grinding against him. It wasn't easy in these jeans but she more than made up for it in her movements. He moaned into her mouth and she greedily swallowed it up. She did it again. And again. And again. With each movement, his fingers gripped the skin of her back tighter and tighter through her sweater.

Their breathing was harsh through their noses. She moved harder and faster. He held her tighter, trying to help her get them both where they needed to be. She tore her mouth away but rested her forehead against his, her eyes still closed.

"I love you. I love you so much. I'm so sorry, baby."

She had whispered it to him. He didn't respond. She was pretty sure he couldn't at the moment; his breathing was out of control as she moved even faster. She could tell he was close.

She opened her eyes to find his screwed shut, his lips parted, breathing faster and faster. She pushed her forehead into him even more and watched him as she moved a little harder.

"Baby, I want you. Just you. No one else. I don't want anyone else touching me. Just you."

His eyes clenched and his hands moved to her ass, gripping it tightly and helping her to move more frantically against him. His breathing picked up another notch and so did hers. She heard him groan and she moved faster.

She moaned once. Feeling his hard thick length against her felt so good. He belonged there. No question about it. And she was even wetter at the thought.

"Just you. No one else."

He gripped her harder and pushed his forehead even more forcefully against hers. She moved faster and he began to buck his hips up towards her, making her gasp. Her eyes drifted shut.

"No one else. Not even Edward."

Suddenly, she was sitting back on the couch and he was away from her, standing up and pacing a few feet away, gripping his hair in frustration.

Bella was shocked and breathless. "Wh-What? W-What's wrong?"

He turned and stared at her in disbelief, dropping his hands. She could see his chest heaving in and out. "Are you fucking kidding me, Bells?"

Her face twisted up in confusion. What was he talking about? They had both just been about to...and then he-Oh. It hit her, what she had said. Ah shit.

She swallowed, still gasping for breath. "I-I'm sorry. I'm s-sorry."

He sighed loudly and brought his hands up to his eyes, shaking his head.

He dropped his hands and moved back to the couch. He plopped back down, this time farther away from her, much farther.

She sat up and went to reach for his hand when he pulled it away. "I'm sorry, Jake. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry. I-" He held up a hand to stop her. She closed her mouth.

He lowered his hand and she saw his head drop, staring at his lap.

He snorted and shook his head.

"How the fuck did we come to this? I mean...Us? How the fuck did that happen? Shit."

She swallowed again and looked down.

She heard him sigh again and then she saw his hand extending towards hers, reaching it and covering it with his own. She looked up to meet his dark eyes that were piercing into her very soul.

"You have to tell me the truth. Did it happen more than once? With...him?"

She furrowed her brows and shook her head.

He took a deep breath. "I meant, since we've been together. You and me. How many times have you slept with him since then?"

She grimaced and looked down. "It only happened that one time. We don't...really have...sex anymore." She winced and she didn't need to look up at him to know he was doing the same. "it just...doesn't..." She trailed off unable to meet his eyes.

But he forced her to, anyway. He lifted her chin gently with his other hand and brought her gaze up to his. "Please don't tell me that you only started to see me because he wasn't giving you what you needed. Please."

She stared at him in horror. She jerked her chin out of his hand and snatched her hand back from his. "No! How can you even think that? God! You really don't fucking get it, do you?" She scoffed and stood up, ready to run upstairs, slam the door and not see him until they all left. Was he fucking kidding? After everything, everything that she had said, had felt, had shown him and he had the nerve to ask that? No. To insinuate that? To assume?

He grabbed her hand and stopped her from leaving. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry. Will you please just sit down so we can talk? Please?"

She took a deep breath and turned to face him. She saw his eyes. He was pleading with her, asking.

"Jake,"

She shook her head and sat down, still holding his hand, looking right at him.

"I don't ever want you to think that. I promise that's not why. Yes, it's true; he and I were having difficulties long before I ever met you." She saw him breathe a bit easier when she didn't mention Edward's name. "But sex isn't something I needed, that I couldn't live without. With him or anyone else."

He nodded, biting his lip and looking down.

She smiled a little. "I never needed anyone the way I need you."

She squeezed his hand and he looked up, a small smile forming about his lips. He squeezed her hand back.

He let go of her hand and reached for her. She saved him the trip and jumped all too eagerly into his arms. They hugged each other tight. She felt him take a deep breath. He whispered into her ear. "I love you, Isabella. I really do." And then he kissed the side of her head softly.

He hugged her tighter and then pushed her back a little so he could look at her. "Bells, I don't want to make the same mistakes. I still want us to be together. Do you still want that?"

He looked at her hopefully but there was no need. She nodded fervently.

He let out a breath. "Okay. Then I think we should...start over. From scratch. Rebuild. We've been through hell this weekend and we've survived it but I just think it would be best if we closed the last chapter and started a new one. What do you think?"

She bit her lip and nodded.

He pulled her in close and laid her head on his shoulder and sat them both back into the couch. She stared up at him.

He rubbed his eyes with his free hand. "I think...your changes are a good idea." He dropped his hand and turned to look at her. "I think we should hold off on anything sexual for a while." She frowned. Even though, she had been the one to suggest it and she truly did want that earlier this morning, she now wanted him more than ever. Maybe it's that whole 'you don't really want something until you can't have it anymore' type of thing. How was she supposed to go for any amount of time without his hands on her, his kissing her, him inside her? How? Why the fuck had she been so stupid?

He saw all these thoughts play out on her face and he laughed. "Relax, Bells. That doesn't mean I won't still kiss you or hold you or anything." She breathed in relief. He smirked at her. "I don't think I could keep my hands off of you, anyway."

She rolled her eyes, smiled, leaned in, kissed his cheek, and laid her head back on his shoulder.

He smiled wider and kissed her forehead. "So, I think they'll definitely help. However," His smile faded and he held her tighter to him. Her smile dropped. Oh no.

He turned to look at her, earnest now. "However, I have some changes of my own I'd like to make." She stared up at him in confusion. He smiled a little and continued.

"Number one. If we're going to do this, if we're really gonna work on this then there has to be some sort of understanding between us. No more miscommunications, no more playing the cards close to the vest, none of that. We need to be on the same page." Bella nodded. Okay, he had a point.

He looked serious once more, no smile anywhere to be seen. She felt a little nervous.

"I've been absolutely faithful to you. I haven't been intimate with any other woman since I've been with you. And that includes Ness. You've gotta promise me the same."

She stared up at him like he was nuts. Did he really think that she was going to rush off and sleep with Edward first thing? What the hell?

He mistook her expression. "Bells, it's only fair. I know I said I wasn't going to push you or make demands on you, but that was before..." He shook his head and cleared his throat. "You've gotta promise me. It's hard enough as it is dealing with you still going home with him tonight when all I want is to grab you, throw you in the car and drive us to Bumblefuck, New Jersey. Not caring in the least if they never see us again as long as you're with me. So, you've gotta give me something. Give me this. I'm going crazy as it is."

Bella bit her lip. This wasn't going to be easy. Not that Edward was hot for her all the time, but there were those few occasions...when he had a really rough day at work or he was drinking...shit, this was not going to be easy. And then she spoke without even thinking.

"What if-"

He stared at her incredulously and cut her right off. "No. No what if's. None of that shit. You say no, Bells. No. It's not that hard. I've been saying it a lot since I met you. And you don't see me struggling with it."

His snippy tone rankled her anger. "Really? You seemed to be struggling with it quite a bit last night when she was all over you."

His eyes widened and then narrowed as he turned to stare at the table in front of them.

She wanted to smack herself. Here he was, trying to make things right between them, start over even, giving them both a fresh, clean slate and she was still taking shots at him about the past. Dammit!

She moved into him and buried her head against his neck, her left hand cupping his face to pull him into her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I was wrong. That was fucked up. I'm sorry."

He didn't respond. He just allowed her to move him where she wanted him to go.

She kissed his neck. "I'm sorry. Of course, you know I'll be faithful to you. Of course I will. You don't even have to ask. I told you I only wanted you and I meant it."

Then and only then did she feel him start to breathe again. She felt his free arm wrap around her and hug her tight to him.

She heard him sigh and then felt him kiss her head.

"I love you, Bells. I fucking wish you would believe me sometimes."

She kissed his neck again. "I do, Jake. I do. I'm sorry."

He laid his cheek on top of her head. "Don't worry about it. Let's just continue. Shall we?"

She nodded against him. He took a deep breath.

"I want you to know that when I say this, I'm not trying to piss you off in any way. I'm not trying to tell you what to do or threaten you. So, please don't take it that way. I need you to just stop and hear me on this. Okay?"

She nodded.

"Bells, from this day forward, if I find out that you slept with him or anyone else, and I will find out, it's over between us. No questions asked, no second chances, no talks, no tears, nothing. Over. Done. The end. Got it?"

She went to pull back, pissed more than ever. He held her tight. "No, Bells. See, this is exactly why I said don't take it the wrong way. I'm not trying to piss you off so we can fight even more. I'm just being completely honest with you. You certainly have the right to tell me the same thing."

She gritted her teeth. "Fine. Then same goes for you. I better not hear about you being with anyone else, even a fucking rumor. And I better never see anything like I did last night." Even though she had regretted throwing it back in his face before, she was not above mentioning it now when stating her own terms. "If I even see you kissing someone else other than her, we are done. Over. The end. Got it?"

He pulled a little away, stared down at her and smiled. "Got it."

She glared at him and nodded. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Bells."

She sighed and closed her eyes, finally relaxing against him. "I love you, too."

She felt him kiss her nose and she opened her eyes to find him staring intently at her. He leaned in and kissed her.

She felt his tongue swipe against her bottom lip and she opened up for him. And then he began to massage her tongue with his, gently sucking it into his mouth. He kissed her slowly yet passionately.

He tenderly laid her on her back, him following, the movement never interrupting the kiss. His hand reached down and hitched her leg around his waist. He lowered himself down to her a little and she could feel his hardness rubbing up against her. He began a slow movement, a rhythm copying the one of their tongues. She placed her hands on his sides, softly gripping the shirt in her hands as he moved.

She went to lift her hips to meet his gentle thrusts when he pulled a little away and tore his mouth from hers. "Bella."

Her eyes opened up at his ragged whisper to find him staring down at her, his movements never stopping. She did everything she could to keep her eyes from rolling into the back of her head.

"Go away with me these four days."

She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. "I-I thought we-"

He pressed his lips to hers once more before pulling back to look at her again, him never stopping his grinding.

"I know we did. But...I want you with me. That's my other change. I want some time with you. Don't you want to spend some time with me? Just us?"

She nodded and then gasped when he pressed a little harder. She could feel herself getting there quickly.

"Baby, go with me. Give me these four days. Please."

He had leaned down and whispered it to her lips.

He pushed even harder into her and he was moving a little faster.

Her breathing was coming in short loud gasps. She was right there.

She looked up at him, nodded and moved the inch separating them and kissed him.

He pulled away and buried his face into her neck, moving faster and harder, practically pushing her back into the couch.

She turned her head and moaned into his ear. She made sure he could hear her loud breathing.

He pushed hard and fast until she began to writhe underneath him, her moans coming in rapid succession. She could feel the heat spread throughout her body, her muscles tensing in preparation for the orgasm to follow.

She shut her eyes. Right when she was about to explode, he stopped. She opened her eyes wildly to try to find out why he would stop. She hadn't said anything this time. She couldn't even if she wanted to.

He was hovering above her, a small apologetic smile on his face. "I think I should take a shower."

She stared up at him incredulously. He smiled wider, leaned down and kissed her lips quickly before getting up off her and backing his way to the stairs. She could tell he was obviously as turned on as she was, so why the fuck did he stop now? And for a shower of all things? What the fuck?

He smirked at her. "Yep, I think a cold shower's definitely in order. Something tells me you might need one, too."

She glared at him. "Why you-"

His eyes lit up. "All's fair in love and war, Bells."

He grinned at her, that large cocky grin only he could give, and turned around and ascended a few steps before turning around. Her glare never left him.

"Besides, you requested that change, not me. I'm just keeping my end of the deal." He winked at her and then turned around and jogged up the steps.

Oh, she was gonna fucking kill him!

She hadn't meant to say his name before! She really hadn't. And so he had gotten back at her for her thoughtlessness stopping them from reaching their respective goals before. Ugh! Just wait. Four days, huh? Just wait. She'd get him back. She would. And she'd make them a long four days at that. She grinned wickedly at the thought.

She got up off the couch and made her way into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and got another bottle of water, her other one clearly forgotten back in the dining room. She took a sip and closed the door.

She needed to cool down. She could just go finish herself off in the bathroom if she wanted to. But that's what he'd planned on her having to do. And she'd be damned if she'd give him the satisfaction, orgasm be damned. Fuck that. It wouldn't be half as big without him giving it to her anyway. Sure it'd be a nice release, but it would be empty and hollow and lacking. Fuck. That.

She took a few more sips and stood by the counter.

Suddenly, the patio door slid open and Rose walked in. She shut the door behind her. She turned and gave Bella a knowing smile.

"You look a little flushed, Bella. Everything alright?"

Bella shook her head, glared at the woman and sipped her water.

Rose smiled wider and moved to the refrigerator.

"So, everything okay with you two?"

She grabbed a pitcher of orange juice and turned around to face Bella.

Bella nodded slightly. "Yeah, I think we are."

Rose smiled. "Good." She then went to the cabinets and pulled out a few glasses.

Bella's brows mashed together. "Hey, I thought you guys left before."

Rose shook her head, smiling. "Nope. Emmett and I rounded everyone up and took them out to the pool for breakfast so you two could have some time to work things out."

Bella shook her head. That son of a bitch! They had been outside the whole time. And he had known. Wait-how had he known?

"Wait, how did you guys know?"

Rose began pouring the juice into the glasses, not looking up, but answered her anyway.

"When Jake came back, he looked so pissed off we all thought he was gonna strangle Ness when she went over to hug him and pulled him over to say hello. And then she deposited him right next to that tramp and he was even more pissed. Then Emmett walked in and even though the rest didn't see you, I did. I saw the look on your face, Bella. You were hurt. And then you walked away. Emmett gave me a look, asking me to go find you and talk to you but Jake beat me to it. He made some excuse about needing coffee or something and went into the kitchen. Unfortunately, that tramp followed him. I was walking into the kitchen when I saw you closing the fridge and walking away, Jake and the tramp watching you. Then Jake followed you."

She placed the orange juice down and then grabbed some coffee mugs out of the cabinet.

"I went back into the living room to tell Emmett. I had just worked my way over to him and sat down when she stomped into the room and sat down by James. Emmett whispered to me to make sure you were okay. So I got up, went through the kitchen and was about to walk into the dining room when Jake practically ran into me. I asked him what he did to you this time and he just stared at me like he was gonna kill me or something. And then he seemed to calm down. He began to massage his temples and calm down. Then he asked me, no, more like begged me, for Emmett and I to get everyone out of the house. Just for a little while so you two could talk. That it was important. More important than the talk you guys had this morning."

Bella was shocked. That must've been when he had gotten pissed at her and walked out of the room.

Rose placed everything onto the tray Ness had been carrying the day before and then turned to Bella.

"I agreed and went and told Emmett. He wasn't crazy about that and didn't want to leave you here without some way to get in touch with us in case you needed us. So we came up with the idea to invite James and the tramp to breakfast, served outside on the deck near the pool. Emmett and I have been the only ones allowed inside. Since no one saw you before, Edward and Ness are still both under the impression that you're still upstairs sleeping. I wouldn't let him 'see you' so you could get some much needed rest. As far as they know, Jake got a call from the shop and had to go down to the office to make some calls to a few customers who aren't getting their cars back tomorrow as planned. Ness bought it because she knows how Jake likes to handle things personally and she also knows not to disturb him when he does. Plus, she and Edward are both a little preoccupied with our guests." She smiled at Bella.

Bella bit her lip. "But, Victoria saw us, though. And...I think she knows. I sort of..." She winced.

Rose rolled her eyes and laughed. "You don't have to worry about her, Bella. Believe me. She doesn't exactly want James to know of her illicit affairs, including the one she had with Jacob. Just because her husband is the firm's newest client, the hard sell that Ness, Edward and Emmett have been making for months, does not mean that Ness wouldn't hesitate to go after her personally if she knew Victoria was sleeping with her husband."

Bella winced and looked down. She wondered how nuts Ness would be if she found out Bella was seeing Jake. She winced again.

Rose walked forward and placed a hand on her shoulder in reassurance. Bella looked up gratefully at her.

Rose smiled. "Bella. James knows his wife is unfaithful to him. But he hasn't caught her yet. She knows if he ever got some hard proof, he'd divorce her so fast it would make her head spin. And she'd be left without anything. It's part of the pre-nup. So, you see, she'd be stupid to say anything about you and Jake. Because if there was even the slightest indication that she did or said anything to make your life a living hell, Jake would go right up to James and tell him about his time with her. We all would." She smiled wider and squeezed Bella's shoulder.

Bella smiled warmly at her. "Thank you, Rose. I don't know why you guys are so good to me, but I really do appreciate it. I really don't deserve it."

Rose rolled her eyes and moved back to the tray. "Don't start that again. You have nothing to worry about. Now, why don't you go upstairs and change, then come back down and I'll bring you some breakfast?"

She lifted the tray and began to walk to the door.

Bella rushed to help her. "Rose, let me help you with that."

Rose laughed. "No, no. I'm fine. Seriously, go get changed. I'll be back in a bit." She smiled at Bella and then made her way out of the patio door, closing it behind her.

Bella smiled and did as Rose instructed. She rushed upstairs into Rose and Emmett's room, grabbed her bag and carried it back into her room. She quickly showered (it was a cold one alright, damn you Jake!)and changed. She didn't even bother drying her hair. She just wanted to get back downstairs as quickly as possible. She didn't know what the urgency was but she wanted to be down there. Maybe it was because she was suddenly bubbly and could not wait to see Jake again, even if it was only from across the table. She smiled wide and left the room, closing the door.

She went down the stairs and made her way into the kitchen. She froze at the sight in front of her.

Victoria was next to Jake again, dangerously close. Their backs were turned to her.

"Come on, Jake. You know you want me. Give it up already."

"Victoria, for the last fucking time, no. Now cut it out before I ask Ness and James to come in here. Something tells me James won't take it too kindly if he sees us together."

Victoria jolted upright, her hands stopping their rubbing on his lower back.

"You're fucking her, aren't you? That's why you're being like this."

Jake took a sip of his juice, staring ahead. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Bella's heart clenched. She knew that he was just keeping it quiet like they always had but still, hearing it put that way, it hurt. She wanted Bella to do something, to react, to claim what was hers from this dirty whore who had her hands all over what belonged to her.

But there was no need. Victoria ripped her hands from Jake's body. "Yes, you do. You are! Edward Cullen's wife? Are you fucking serious? That bitch? She's as fucking plain as they come! And you're turning me down for her?"

Jake placed his empty glass down onto the counter in front of him. And then he turned to face her. "Victoria, I'm going to tell you this once and only once. You and I are over. Done. Kaput. No more. I do not appreciate you coming into my house, putting your hands all over me in clear view of my wife and accuse me of fucking other women when clearly it's not the case and I just don't want your skank ass anymore. Now, if you so much as touch me again, call me, hell, even look at me the wrong way, James and I are gonna have a heart to heart. Got that? So stop rubbing yourself all over my dick and get the fuck out. And don't ever come near me again. Ever."

Victoria went to say something when he cut her off with a pointed finger.

"The last time! The absolute last fucking time I'm telling you! Now go!"

She glared at him.

Bella moved back a little behind the archway so she would remain unseen.

Then Victoria began to walk away, headed to the deck. "As if I would ever want to jump on that tiny dick ever again. You will never have this again, I can promise you that. Go fuck yourself." Then she stepped out onto the deck and closed the door. Loudly.

She heard Jake chuckle. "Gladly."

Bella wanted to go and throw her arms around him. But, after everything they'd been through already, she didn't want to have to have another discussion about this latest incident. His actions and words were enough. She had seen him push her away. She quietly made her way back into the living room and to the stairs. She tiptoed up a few and then turned around, waiting a minute or two, then went back down them a little louder than before. She made her way into the kitchen to find Jake turned around, waiting for her.

He grinned widely at her when he saw her. She smiled just as wide.

"Hey."

She walked over to him.

"Hey."

He pulled her quickly into him and kissed her.

She pulled away and went to sit down at the kitchen table, facing him.

He turned around, glanced out the window, and then beckoned to her with his finger.

She shook her head. "Uh uh. I remember all too well what happened the last time you did that, Mr. Black. And I did request that change. Have to keep up my end of the deal, you know."

His mouth was hanging open.

She smiled wickedly at him and sat back in her chair, her arms crossed.

He laughed and shook his head, looking at her. He then walked over to the edge of the counter and stopped.

"Okay. Well, then can you come over here quickly so I can give you another kiss without them seeing?"

She smiled wider and shook her head.

He grinned impishly at her and inclined his head down to the tent beginning to pitch in his fresh pair of khaki shorts.

"You're killing me, Bells."

She shrugged her shoulders. "You know, I hear cold showers really help with that sort of thing."

She arched her brows at the word 'really'.

He narrowed his eyes at her in a mock glare. "What an evil, evil girl you are, Bells. Naughty."

She chuckled. "That I am." She gave him that sly smile.

He shook his head and stepped behind the counter again.

He poured himself some more juice. "Just you wait, Bells. Four days is a long time. We'll see who's laughing then." He gave her a wicked grin.

She returned it eagerly. "I'm counting on it." She then arched her eyebrow at him in challenge.

He laughed again and shook his head. "We'll see."

Just then the patio door opened and in stepped Rose. "Oh. Good. Bella, you hungry?"

New Bella was gone and Old Bella answered her. "Um, yeah. A little."

Rose smiled and closed the door. "Okay, great. Listen, I have a plate for you outside but Emmett asked me to tell you that he's saving you a seat. He said it's important for you to sit there and not to make a fuss." Her eyes twinkled and Bella narrowed her own.

"Rose..."

Rose smiled innocently and made her way to the refrigerator. Jake was watching the interaction with great interest, a goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Where exactly does Emmett want me to sit?"

Rose shrugged and smiled. "Only way to find out is if you go out there, I think."

Bella rolled her eyes.

"He said to remind you that you still owe him for keeping his end of the bargain from yesterday. Since you didn't dance with him last night." Her eyes twinkled again!

Bella glared at her.

Jake held up a hand. "Wait. What bargain?" He seemed amused.

Bella turned her glare on him. "Nothing. Don't worry about it. Drink your juice."

Jake snorted. "Yeah, okay, Mom. Not before I find out what 'bargain' you made." His eyes were twinkling, too! Damn them both!

Rose smiled knowingly. "I don't know, Jake. Something about him needing to be her 'hero' yesterday. Protect her or something like that."

Bella narrowed her eyes even further if it was possible. "Rose..."

Jake laughed. "Protect her? From what? Tripping over her own feet? He is a damn hero if he was able to do that for even five minutes."

Bella set her lips into a tight thin line. He laughed even more. Rose's smile grew even bigger.

"I'm not really sure, Jake." She had the bowl in her hands that she had grabbed from the fridge and made her way to the patio door again. "But I do believe the word 'cockblock' was used."

Jake stared at Bella, his eyes bugging and his jaw dropping as realization hit him. He then burst into hysterics, laughing so hard he was doubled over. Rose laughed herself at Bella's crimson face and walked out the door. Jake was gasping for breath, holding his stomach.

Bella glared at him and began to walk towards the door when Jake snatched her hand and pulled her back behind the counter with him.

He was still laughing and she saw tears in his eyes. She went to walk away again, pissed and humiliated, when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back into him.

"You really have trouble saying no, don't you?"

She elbowed him in the ribs but he didn't let go. "No! There. No. I don't. It's not what you think."

He chuckled and buried his face into her neck. "Uh huh. Now you being on his back makes sense. Remind me to send him a thank you card. He was an excellent...'cockblock'." He bust up laughing again and she sighed in annoyance. She tried to walk away but he held her tightly to him.

"Baby, you're cute when you blush. But you are downright adorable when you're this embarrassed. Hmmm...I should think of some ways to see it more often." He kissed her cheek.

She elbowed him in the ribs again. "Jacob Black, that's enough out of you. The change can be a permanent one if you'd like. I'll buy you a whole lifetime supply of Jergens to help you with that."

She heard him gulp behind her and she smiled triumphantly.

"Damn. Point well taken."

She patted his arm. "Good. Now, are you done laughing your ass off at my obvious humiliation so we can go outside or did you have a few more giggles you'd like to get out at my expense?"

She heard him swallow again. "Nope. I'm done."

She nodded her head in satisfaction. "Okay. Let's go then."

She began to walk away when he pulled her in again and kissed the side of her head.

"Sorry, baby. Don't be mad at me."

She laughed. "Don't worry. All's forgiven. Permanent celibacy hasn't been made law just yet so you're still good."

He chuckled and buried his face into her neck. "Oh good. I was worried there for a second." He inhaled. "I love that smell. Strawberries. Mmmm. My favorite."

She smiled and stroked his arm gently. He moved her wet hair away and placed an open-mouthed kiss to her neck, right where the bruise shone prominently from the night before.

"Hey Bells?"

She closed her eyes. "Mmm?"

"I love you."

She sighed contentedly.

"I love you, too."

He hugged her tighter, placed one more kiss to her neck and then let her go. He moved her hair back to cover the bruise and kissed the side of her head. He gave her ass a playful swat. "Come on, let's go. Emmett's waiting."

She opened her eyes, turned around and glared at him. He laughed and went to place his empty glass in the sink.

At that moment, Rose came in again. "Well, Bella. Emmett's waiting for you, come on."

Jake laughed again and Rose smiled mischievously. Bella rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in exasperation. She then made her way over to Rose. "Okay, Rose. Let's go."

Rose nodded. She then turned to Jake. "Give us a few. I'll come back and get you so you can 'help me carry some things out'."

Jake nodded and crossed his arms. "Works for me." Rose nodded again and turned to the door. Bella glanced at Jake. He gave her a smirk. "Go get 'em, tiger."

She glared at him and he laughed.

"Love you, babe."

Bella glared at him even more intensely and he laughed again. Rose laughed, too, and then opened the door, grabbing Bella's hand and leading her outside.

Jake gave her a quick wink before she stepped out.

~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~

Bella had never been more uncomfortable in her life.

The 'seat' Emmett had saved for her was right on his lap.

She had been red as a tomato when he gestured for her to take her seat.

He and Rose grinned wickedly while everyone else laughed.

She was going to kill them all!

Edward of course had stood up at the sight of her and made his way over to her, kissing her and asking if she was alright.

She had smiled politely and told him she was fine. That she felt much better.

Ness had been gracious, asking if she was feeling any better from last night.

Emmett and Rose sent a glare her way when she did. Edward looked a tad embarrassed in front of James and Victoria.

She had the strongest urge to tell her she was, thanks to her husband. But she didn't.

She really shouldn't hate the woman. After all, if it wasn't for Ness' unforgivable actions in her marriage to Jake, she might not have Jake in her life right now.

So, she smiled warmly and told her she was, thanks.

Victoria glared at her and she glared right back. Jake was hers now. Time the bitch got used to it.

True to her word, Rose went back to the house and got Jake. He helped her carry some plates outside and came to sit down. Ness kissed him hello and pulled him to a seat next to her. He said hello to everyone, shaking James' hand and clapping Edward on the back. She saw Edward flinch a bit and she shook her head. She should have expected something like that.

Victoria watched his every move like a cat watching its prey and Bella frowned and leaned back into Emmett. He kissed her head and rubbed her arm soothingly. Rose gave her a small smile in support.

They all started talking about work again and Bella zoned out. She didn't mean to be so rude, but God, it was so boring! She glanced around the table quickly and saw that Ness' hand was on Jake's arm. He picked it up and kissed it, holding it in his lap.

Normally, that would have bothered Bella but after their 'talks' she didn't feel as jealous and insecure as she would have before. Because as she lifted her eyes, she realized Jake only had eyes for her.

She could tell he was trying not to be too obvious, well aware he was being watched by almost everyone at this table, but he made sure to give her little smiles when he could, covering them with his hand. He even snuck in a wink that only she, Emmett and Rose saw.

Well, that she thought only the three of them saw. One quick glance at Victoria on her left and she knew that she saw it, too. Bella saw her stiffen and turn a glare on Jake. Shit.

Victoria then turned to Bella and gave her a smile which could only be described as evil, and then look pointedly in Edward's direction. Bella looked, too, and saw Edward talking animatedly about the work topic at hand. She swallowed and looked down. She felt Emmett grip her tighter and place a soft kiss to her cheek.

"Hey, Beautiful. Turn that frown upside down, will you? I hate to see my Bella looking so sad."

She smiled at his whisper as best she could and placed her head next to his, closing her eyes.

And then she heard him speak.

"Hey, James. You know, you should have Jake show you the car he's been working on. It's sick, man. You'd love it."

She opened her eyes when she heard Jake pipe up next.

"Yeah. I agree, Em. James, you really should come down to the shop and check it out. There's so many things I'd love to show you. I'm telling you, it is sick. Em took a spin in it just last week. You should've seen him; he was riding around like a big kid."

She looked over at Jake who didn't give anything away and then she glanced over at Victoria who seemed a little pale and looked down. She glanced down at Emmett who smiled and kissed her forehead then laughed.

"I am a big kid, Jake."

Jake laughed himself. "You got that right." And then he leaned back, dropping Ness' hand and placing his arms behind his head, giving Bella a sly wink.

Her heart lifted a little and she glanced down, smiling.

Victoria spoke then.

"You know, Ness, you guys have never shown me the library in this place. I'd love to see it."

Bella felt a chill go down her spine. She worriedly glanced at Victoria who was smiling maliciously.

Ness smiled. "Oh. Well, Jacob can give you a tour if you'd like." And then she turned to Jake. "Sweetie, would you mind showing her? There's a few more things I'd like to discuss with James here. If that's alright?"

Bella's heart was pounding now and her palms were starting to sweat.

Jake glared at Ness.

And then Emmett spoke again.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ness. We've all seen the library. It's no big whoop. I'll tell you what, I'll show it to her." He began to lift Bella and then stopped. "Actually, you know, I kind of like where I am at the moment. But Rose can show it to her. Can't you, babe?"

Rose grinned wickedly. "Sure, Em. I'd love to show it to her. Want to go see it, Victoria?"

Victoria glared at Rose who was only too happy to glare right back. "Maybe after breakfast. That would be great. Thanks, Rose."

Rose smirked wider. "Anytime."

The conversation started up again and Rose turned to look at Bella. She gave her a wink. Bella smiled in gratitude. And then she leaned into Emmett's ear. "Thank you, Em."

He whispered back to her, smiling. "Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. She then turned back to find Jake staring at her worriedly.

She smiled warmly and he smiled in return and glanced down at the table relieved.

She settled into Emmett and laid her head on his shoulder.

Thank God.

~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWM~~~~~~~~~

Breakfast had passed without further incident thanks to Rose and Emmett's quick thinking.

Victoria tried once more to get Jake alone, getting up when he did to help carry some of the food in which Rose was only too happy to help instead, insisting she sit down and relax. Rose stayed attached to Jake's side the whole time.

Victoria had lost. She was no match for the incredible tag team of Emmett and Rose.

And she knew it.

Once they all made their way inside and James and Victoria were gone, Ness declared that they were leaving in a few hours and it would be best to maybe go to the beach one last time.

Everyone agreed. Except Bella.

She really didn't feel like it. If anything, she just wanted to lay down and relax for a bit, reading a book or something. Edward stared at her confused. "Are you sure, love?"

"Yeah, Edward. I'm sorry. I'm just...not feeling up to it, to be honest. I'm better than I was last night but...I just want to lay down and rest."

He kissed her forehead and held her close.

"Are you sure you're not-"

She glared at him. "No. I'm. Not."

He held his hand up in defense.

"Okay, love. I'm just asking, I'm sorry. I know we only just...you know...but...it's just that...it seems like...last time...that's all."

She pushed him away from her. "Have fun, Edward."

He grabbed her arm gently. "I'm sorry, love. I'm not trying to make you upset. I just want to make sure you're okay, that's all."

She let him turn her around and kiss her, hugging her to him.

She sighed. "It's okay. Just...go hang out with the others. Enjoy your time at the beach. I'll be fine. Maybe I'll take a nap or something."

He smiled. "If you're sure, love."

She nodded and smiled back. "Okay."

He then walked out of the kitchen and she heard him go upstairs to change. Rose and Emmett were outside on the deck waiting along with Ness.

Bella sighed and had one hand on her hip and the other covering her eyes. Damn Edward for killing her good mood.

And then she felt a warm hand at her back.

"Hey."

She dropped her hand and turned around. "Hey."

He looked concerned. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

He moved a little closer and began to rub her back.

"Because you look a little upset. I just want to make sure you're okay. That's all."

She glanced up at him.

He bit his lip. "It's not about...before, is it? I mean, I know she was being pushy but-"

"Thank God for Em and Rose. Apparently, I'm not the only one who has trouble saying no around here."

He frowned and bit his lip harder, looking down.

She covered her eyes again. "I'm sorry, Jake. I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I'm sorry. I'm just...tired and really bitchy. It's not you or her, I promise. It's just me." She dropped her hand and looked at him.

He nodded and looked up at her. He leaned forward and kissed her nose. And then he pulled her into his arms for a hug. She held him tightly; feeling so much more relaxed than she had two minutes ago, in his embrace.

He kissed her hairline and then pulled back. "Hey, can I see your phone for a sec?"

She gave him a confused look but pulled it out of her pocket and handed it to him.

He flipped it open, hit a few buttons and then closed it. He handed it back to her and smiled.

She arched her brows at him expectantly.

"My new number."

Her eyes widened in realization and he smiled wider.

"Now make sure you keep it to yourself. I only want certain people having it. So no giving it out without permission first, you hear me?"

She laughed and then kissed him.

They heard a sound and pulled away quickly. Bella shoved her phone into her pocket fast.

Edward was just getting off the last step it sounded like.

Jake began to move towards the door, giving her a small smile and she returning it. And then he changed course. Instead, he sat down in the stool nearest the door.

She arched her brows again and he just grinned impishly. She smiled and shook her head.

Edward walked into the room in shorts and a T-shirt, a towel slung over his shoulder. He smiled at Bella which dimmed a little when he saw who was sitting behind her.

"Jake, man. Ready to go?"

Jake laughed. "Yeah. Let's go before Ness comes and herds us all down there, whipping us as we go."

They all laughed and Edward walked over to Bella. "Alright, love. I'll be back as soon as I can. If you need anything, I have my phone with me."

She smiled. "I'll be fine. Go have some fun, will you? All you've been doing is working all weekend. So go enjoy what's left of it. Sheesh." She rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

He chuckled and kissed her. She was about to pull away, very aware that Jake was sitting there watching them, when it hit her that Edward was taking this long on purpose, to prove a point. If she pulled away now, Edward would know there was definitely something going on. She felt bad. She just hoped Jake wouldn't hate her for it.

Edward pulled away first and smiled, placing his forehead against Bella's, eyes closed.

"Wow."

She laughed nervously. "Yeah."

She glanced towards Jake out of the corner of her eye. His expression was unreadable. He definitely wasn't smiling anymore. Shit.

Edward opened his eyes slowly and pulled away, pecking her lips one more time.

"Okay, honey. I'll see you soon. Love you."

Internally, she winced. "Love you, too. See you later."

He smiled and walked near Jake. He clapped Jake on the shoulder. "You ready?"

Jake nodded and turned to follow Edward out the door.

She tried to catch his eye but failed. Instead, they both walked out the door without looking back.

Bella's heart sank.

Shit.

She wasn't trying to hurt him. She wasn't trying to make him jealous. Fuck.

And then her phone vibrated in her pocket.

She pulled it out and flipped it open.

She had a new text message from 'Sexiest Man Alive'.

She normally would have laughed at the name but she was nervous as to what the message contained.

She took a deep breath and opened it.

Relax baby. I know what hes doing. Dont worry. Smile. I love u.

She smiled and bit her lip.

I love u 2.

She closed her phone and went upstairs. She grabbed her book out of her bag, went back downstairs and sat outside at a table on the deck.

She opened the book and began to read.

Wuthering Heights. Her favorite.

Her phone vibrated again.

What u reading?

She looked up, trying to see where he could be seeing her from.

But she couldn't find him.

Where r u?

She glanced down at the beach. She didn't see any of them.

Bzzzzzz

Somewhere...

She laughed.

Stalk much?

Bzzzzzzz

Wuthering Heights, huh? I always knew u were one 4 the classics.

Her head shot up. Where the fuck could he be? She glanced down near the pool.

Nope.

The beach.

Nope.

Ok, srsly, where r u?

She heard his laugh behind her and she jumped.

He had been sitting at one of the tables in the corner the whole time.

She held her hand to heart. "You scared the shit out of me!"

He laughed again and got up slowly, making his way over to her.

She glared at him.

He leaned down close to her face and stopped a little bit away from her lips.

He stared at her and she could feel herself swallowing in nervousness.

"So, that's one of your favorites, huh?"

She nodded.

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"That makes you kind of sadistic, don't you think?"

He smirked at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"No. It's a great story. One of the best ever written."

He didn't take his eyes off her.

"Um-hmm."

She swallowed again. He was leaning in closer.

She didn't know what it was but something about the way he was looking at her made her think of a predator moving in on its prey. Had she not been so nervous she would have laughed at her ridiculous analogy.

"Where's everybody else?"

He lowered his eyes to her lips. She saw him lick his.

"Still down at the beach. I gotta head back."

She felt her heart pounding.

"What are you doing here? Won't they be suspicious?"

He never took his eyes off her lips but he shrugged.

"I forgot something."

Her breaths were starting to shorten.

"What'd you forget?"

He moved in closer.

His lips were hovering right over hers.

His eyes were drifting closed.

"This."

Then he kissed her. She closed her eyes.

He kissed her ardently.

Her fingers found their way into his hair and she pulled him down to meet her fully.

He forced her lips apart and began moving his tongue with hers.

She kissed him more passionately and his hands cupped her face, tilting her head up a little.

He kissed her deeper and deeper. She moaned into his mouth. He pulled back a little and dug his teeth into her bottom lip, pulling it into his mouth. She moaned again.

A throat clearing forced their lips apart and their eyes toward the source of the sound.

It was Rose, smiling wide.

Bella blushed and pulled away. Jake didn't move.

"Jake, were you able to find that thing you had forgotten earlier?"

Jake smiled wide.

"Sure did, Rose. Thanks."

Bella bit her lip and looked down, smiling.

"Well, if you two are done sucking face, I'd like to get back to the beach now and take Jake with me. Ness is asking for him."

Bella glanced up at Rose. She was smiling warmly at them. She then looked up at Jake. He rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Okay, Rose. Just give me a minute and I'll meet you near the steps."

She glared at them knowingly. "Okay, one. Don't make me come back up here and get you. I would like to spend some time with my boyfriend this weekend."

Bella blushed and gave her a sheepish smile.

Jake knelt down next to her. "You got it, Rose. One minute."

"One."

Rose looked at Bella, giving her a small smile and a wink. And then she turned and walked back down the deck, descending the steps.

"Bells."

She turned to look at him. He raised his hand to her cheek, stroking it softly and smiling at her gently.

"Baby, I just wanted to tell you. I'm probably not gonna be able to get you alone for the rest of the time we're here. Ness is all over my shit. I don't know what's going on with her but she's not letting me out of her sight. We pretty much got into a fight just so I could come back up here for a few minutes."

Bella frowned at him. What the fuck was Ness' problem now?

"Baby, don't be mad at me."

She shook her head as if to clear it. "I'm not mad at you. I just don't like her making things harder on you. Especially, when she's not Miss Innocent herself."

Jake snorted. "Yeah, well, doesn't surprise me. She's never been one to look at what she's doing. Or who."

His eyes went hard and he dropped his head. She leaned down and kissed his head. Then she wrapped her arms around him.

"Baby, I love you. You're perfect."

He hugged her back, taking a deep breath.

"I'm far from perfect, Bells. I think you know that."

Bella shook her head and began to massage his scalp with her fingers. She felt him begin to relax.

"Uh uh. You're perfect to me."

She kissed his head again and laid her cheek down on top of his hair.

She felt him sigh.

"I love you too, baby. I love you, too."

He hugged her tighter and then pulled away to look up at her.

He leaned in and kissed her nose and gave her a smile.

"So, I'm perfect, huh?" He arched his eyebrow at her.

She laughed and hit him in the chest. "Oh God. Why do I never think before I speak?"

He smiled and leaned in. "You're not a thinker, Bells."

She glared at him and hit him again. He laughed.

"I love that about you, though."

She scoffed and pushed his head away, crossing her arms. He laughed again and placed kisses on her arms, her cheeks, her forehead, her nose and then her lips. He pulled back and placed his forehead against hers, his eyes closed.

"God, I can't wait to spend some time with you. Every time I think I'm at my wit's end with all this shit, I just think about that and I immediately feel better. But regardless of all the bullshit, you're worth it, honey. I'd do anything to be with you."

She smiled and kissed his nose.

He pulled back quickly and she saw him pull his phone out of his pocket. He flipped it open, read the message, rolled his eyes, sighed and stood up.

"It's Rose. I gave her and Em my number just in case. She says Ness is on her way up."

Bella sighed heavily and looked down. "Okay."

"Hey."

His finger lifted her chin so she would look at him.

He smiled at her.

"I love you."

She smiled back.

"I love you, too."

"Two more days, baby. Two more days."

She smiled wider. "Yeah, two more days."

He leaned down and kissed her one last time and then turned and walked down to where Rose had gone.

She watched him walk away sadly.

She just had to hang on for two more days. She just had to keep herself together until they were in the car, driving home, away from this wretched place.

She could do that.

She sat back with her book in her hand and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

Two more days.

She could definitely do that.