A/N:

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Chapter 13:

June 2003- Paris

BPOV

His warm breath tickled my neck and I was pulled from my deep sleep. I could smell him before I even opened my eyes- a combination of sweat, soap and, well, him.

Heavenly.

I rolled over in my Edward-induced stupor to see him sleeping soundly next to me, wearing only boxers, looking like a fucking God. The morning light streamed in through the French doors, illuminating our grandiose bed and warming our bodies. My eyes moved over his body, noticing each muscle.

Holy shit, I fell asleep.

I admit that I was nervous when we got back to our room the night before. The carefully constructed walls that I had built up around myself as protection were coming crashing down and I knew that I wouldn't be able to resist Edward. I didn't want to resist him. I'd kept myself at a distance, trying to shield myself from potential pain but it was having the opposite effect. I knew there was a real possibility of getting hurt, but I was impossibly drawn to him.

It had been a while since I'd felt comfortable enough to be intimate with someone and that had ended in heartbreak for me. It had taken me a while to get over that heartbreak and start to feel whole again. But Edward wasn't Jacob and I didn't want my past to dictate my present; to determine or prevent my happiness. I wanted Edward with everything I had and I felt like he would guard my heart. I trusted him.

Despite my nerves, I certainly didn't intend to go right to sleep.

Who else but me would go straight to sleep with a God sharing her bed?

I was curious about Edward. I wanted to see what he would do once we were alone together. He had been the quintessential gentleman but I could tell that he was holding back. I had seen glimpses of him being aggressive and possessive and I liked it. And he did get us one room instead of two so I knew the desire was there. As for me, I definitely would not have minded some play time, but I guess my body had other plans. I didn't even remember my head hitting the pillow.

I moved slightly to get closer to Edward, which caused him to moan in his sleep and squirm. Was there anything about this man that was not sexy? That sound would wreck me if I heard it one more time. His body was a work of art. He was lying on his back with one of his hands behind his head while the other rested on his stomach. The muscles of his arms and chest were chiseled as if made of stone. He breathed deeply and slowly, his exposed chest rising and falling gently in time. His abs were firm and the ridged muscles of his hips disappeared into his boxers, leaving me far too curious. He looked fucking gorgeous. I wanted to trace every muscle, every line, with my finger and then follow it with my tongue.

And I fell asleep? Gah!

I decided I needed to make it up to him so I got up and threw on some clothes and left. The poor guy probably came out of the bathroom last night and wondered why he'd even bothered with me. Some date I was after he'd gone to such trouble to spoil me.

I walked briskly to a pastry shop on the corner, which was already bustling with a large crowd, and picked up a few croissants and some espresso. When I got back to the room, Edward was still sleeping so I set the food on the table on the balcony and sat on the bed to wake Edward up.

Do I have to? Can't I just stare at him some more?

I leaned down to his perfect face and breathed in his masculine scent. I kissed his cheek, scratchy with his morning stubble, as my hand rested on the side of his head. He didn't even stir so I continued to kiss his face lightly until I got some signs of life. He startled awake and when he realized what was happening, his strong arms pulled me down on top of him, his arousal prominent between us. I smiled seductively and squirmed a little to let him know that I definitely noticed, and to torture him a little bit too.

Hmm, looks like someone's awake?

"Now that's a nice way to wake up," he hummed, smiling widely. I straddled him as he pulled me close, grinding his hips against mine and locking his arms behind me.

"I thought I owed you one since I fell asleep on you last night," I admitted, letting my face fall to hide my embarrassment. "Sorry about that."

He released his hands, lifting my face as he caressed my cheek with his thumb. He lightly brushed a stray hair out of my eyes. "You were tired. It was a long day."

He's perfect.

I could feel the toned muscles of his chest and arms through my thin shirt and wanted to spend some serious time becoming intimately familiar with them.

In due time, Bella.

I hummed as his arms engulfed me, caressing my back. He kissed my ears and neck, reducing me to the consistency of a wet noodle lying on top of him.

Breathe, Bella! Breathe!

"So, how are you going to make it up to me?" he asked playfully, tickling my sides.

"I brought us breakfast," I said, finally able to gather my thoughts.

He released me and sat up, leaning against the headboard and smiled. "Well, aren't you thoughtful?"

I chuckled lightly, resting my hand on his chest. "Not so much thoughtful, as hungry. Come on, it's outside on the balcony."

I stood up and walked to the balcony, stealing glimpses of Edward's glorious body as he climbed out of bed, stretching his muscles.

Stop staring, Bella.

When he joined me on the balcony, he had put on the hotel-provided robe and gratefully ate the croissants. I think I even heard him hum in appreciation while he savored the amazing flavors of the freshly baked breakfast.

"I'm going to hop in the shower," he said after finishing his croissant. "We should get going, if we're going to see everything today."

I knew he was right, but it was so relaxing sitting on the balcony with him, admiring the view- both of the city and him.

He stood up and leaned down to kiss me, "Thanks for breakfast." He smiled that delicious crooked smile and I melted.

I stood up too and walked into the room to finish getting ready. The bathroom door was open a bit and I peered in to get a look at Edward as he got into the shower. I was sure that the backside view would be as nice as the front, but I needed confirmation. My curiosity was too much to resist.

He had his back to me as he shed his robe, revealing his broad shoulders and sculpted back that narrowed to his trim waist. He leaned over to start the water and I sucked in my breath at the sight of him. He looked so unbelievably hot and it took all my restraint not to join him.

He turned around just as he got in the shower and caught me staring at him. I could feel the heat rush to my face.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, trying to come up with an excuse.

"It's okay, Bella. Do you need something in here?" He smiled again and I knew that I was busted.

"Uh…no, I just need to get my makeup," I lied.

He pulled the shower curtain closed and laughed lightly to himself. I tried to recover and grabbed my makeup, practically running from the room.

Nice stealth job, Bella.

He emerged from the bathroom after his shower and I was eternally grateful that he didn't bring up my Peeping-Tom moment. He looked ravishing. His hair was tousled just the way I liked it and he wore long shorts and a fitted shirt. He really did look like a God.

I felt frumpy next to Edward, who could wear nothing but a potato sack and look hot. I had on a simple cotton sundress and flats. It was all about comfort for me when I traveled, but now that I was with Edward, I wished I had a better selection of clothes.

Maybe he won't notice.

We left the hotel room and walked down the Champs-Elysees toward the Louvre. I was excited about spending the day in the world famous museum. Edward held my hand as we walked, staring down any man who even glanced in my direction. It was cute that he was so possessive.

The day was already quite hot so we stopped to get gelato from a street vendor on the way to the museum, sitting down on a bench to finish it before we got there. Edward was adorable, making moaning noises in appreciation of the flavor, similar to the ones he made during breakfast. I loved how playful he could be. At one point, he reached over to wipe some gelato off my face. I couldn't control myself any longer and so I grabbed his hand and slid his finger into my mouth, sucking off the gelato. I closed my eyes and let my tongue run along the length of his finger. He tasted sweet and salty- delicious. He pulled his finger out slightly, but I pulled it back in.

His eyes went dark and he inhaled sharply, finally freeing his finger from my mouth. "Bella, I'm trying to be a gentleman, but even I have my limits."

I leaned in close to him and whispered in his ear, "I don't want you to be a gentleman." I figured I may as well make my feelings on the subject known. I knew he had been holding back because of me and I wanted him to know that it was no longer necessary. I wanted him too badly to deny myself, even if my heart could be hurt in the process.

He smiled flirtatiously and pulled me close to him, kissing my neck gently, his breath tickling me. "Is that a fact? Oh Bella, you really shouldn't have said that."

Fuck me.

All I could do was moan and enjoy his soft kisses.

We finally stood and finished walking to the museum. The Louvre was as amazing as I'd pictured. I could have easily spent a week in there, admiring the incredible works of art. As we walked through the endless halls filled with the world's most renowned art, Edward was attentive to my every need. He asked me questions about each piece and seemed genuinely interested in learning. In addition, he was tremendously affectionate. He snuck kisses and snaked his arms around me when we admired the art. I enjoyed the feeling of being so close to him. Perhaps we were both absorbed in the beauty of the museum. It was hard not to feel that way when at the Louvre. Even those who didn't know anything about art would be taken in by the magic of it.

Our conversation flowed as it always did. He was so easy to talk to and we talked about absolutely everything: what I wanted to do when I graduated, his experiences in medical school and our families. I was so impressed with all he had accomplished in his life. He was the most driven person I had ever met.

We wandered back to the hotel to change clothes for dinner. I took a long, hot shower, allowing my fears and worries to run off me like the water. I stepped out of the shower and as I was drying off, I could feel Edward's eyes on me, dark with lust. He stood unapologetically, with his arms crossed, in the doorway of the bathroom with a devilish smile on his face.

"Oh, I didn't see you standing there," I said, feeling suddenly self-conscious, covering up quickly with my towel.

"Turnabout is fair play," he said, not relinquishing his position, nor taking his eyes off me.

"What are you talking about?" I replied as I tucked in the ends of the towel to hold it in place.

He walked toward me seductively, taking his time with each step, "Well, you were checking me out earlier when I was showering, so I figure it's my turn now."

Yep, I was busted.

I was acutely aware of him being so close to me. All that was separating me from him was this little towel. My body reacted to his proximity, eager for his touch.

"I was not…"

Okay, I was and he knew it.

He kissed me lightly and smiled. "It's okay, I didn't mind you looking at me. As for me, I liked what I saw very much." And with that, he left the bathroom, leaving me and my beet red face to get ready. We were both exhausted, but got a second wind after a shower and my embarrassing encounter with Edward.

Wanting to impress him, I put on a fitted pair of jeans and loose silky top. It was one of the cutest outfits I had. I let my hair hang down the way Edward had said he liked it. I thought I looked pretty good. Edward wore black jeans and a black short-sleeved top. As usual, I gawked at how gorgeous he was. Who wouldn't? The man oozed sex.

We ate a casual dinner, which was nice after our five-hour long event from the night before. The food in Paris was quite a welcome change from that in London and we savored it as well as the wine, which seemed to be readily available and free flowing. After dinner, we had planned to go see an American rock band at a small club in the Latin Quarter. I was excited to dance and hear the sounds of home.

The walk to the bar was serene as we strolled along the river's edge, the light bouncing off of it in shimmers. It was nice just enjoying each other's company. The wine diminished my inhibitions and I felt comfortable being openly affectionate with Edward, giving him frequent kisses and affectionate touches. He seemed to appreciate it as well.

The bar was slightly stuffy and very crowded. The smell of cigarette smoke wafted throughout and the haze made the bar seem almost dreamlike. There weren't any tables available so we hung out by the bar, talking and enjoying the music, even occasionally dancing. Edward left me alone at one point to go to the bathroom, at which point, a young guy approached me.

"You're pretty hot, do you speak English?" he asked, in a thick New York accent.

Ewww. Not interested.

I nodded and flashed him a fake smile, glancing around for Edward.

Unrelenting, he brushed his hand on my arm, standing far too close for my comfort.

"Why don't we go dance? I bet you've got some really good moves." He was obviously not very good at reading non-verbal cues.

I winced at the thought. Just then, I saw Edward approaching us with a look of fury in his eyes.

Thank God he's back.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to interpret the jealousy seething from Edward at the sight of me talking to another man, especially the creepy one I was currently with. I liked that he felt that way, however unnecessary.

He grabbed my arm and dragged me out onto the dance floor, without so much as a word to the guy that was bothering me.

"What the fuck was that about, Bella?" The anger was still very much present in his voice.

"He was just some creep who wanted to dance." I rubbed my arms on his back to soothe him.

"Well, I almost beat the fuck out of him," Edward admitted, burying his face in my hair.

"Hey," I pulled back to look at him, "I'm not here with him. I don't want him. I want you."

A low groan emanated from Edward's chest as he squeezed me tightly, my explanation having apparently satisfied him.

After a long set, the lead singer stepped off the stage and the guitarist stepped up to the microphone to speak. "Nick is taking a quick break, so we hope you'll enjoy this instrumental song, which is a cover of a Joe Satriani song called 'Always with you, Always with me'."

I fucking LOVE that song.

The sensual music started playing and I pulled Edward tight against me, swaying to the slow and steady beat. He wrapped his strong arms tightly around my waist and leaned into my shoulder, our chests pressing against each other. I could feel his breath on my neck and I hummed in appreciation. He smelled masculine and clean; I buried my face in his neck to take it in. His body was warm and strong and I couldn't seem to get close enough.

As the song played on, he pulled me closer and closer into him. Our dancing became more and more needy as our touches spurred each other on. My leg straddled his as my arms clutched the firm muscles of his back, my fingers spread wide. I could feel his arousal on my hip and it only fueled my own. I enjoyed knowing that I could have that effect on him. As we swayed, I felt myself grind on his leg to create the friction my body desperately wanted. He should know the effect he had on me as well. He moaned into my neck as his hands moved all over my back with intention, eventually settling on my lower back. His fingers gripped the top of my jeans, tightening and releasing, revealing his desire as well as his restraint. I felt his fingers graze the skin on my back and I willed him to continue his ministrations. I was sure we were being inappropriate but I couldn't bring myself to care. I wanted him so badly and his touch set my skin on fire.

He leaned in to me and whispered in my ear, "Bella, I don't know how long I can do this. You're driving me crazy."

"Mmm, I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one here," I hummed.

"I can't stop touching you."

"I don't want you to stop," I admitted. He hissed at my words and we continued moving to the powerful music as he peppered my neck with kisses.

"You're going to be in big trouble later. Mmm, the things I'm going to do to you and it's going to be so fucking good," he said, exhaling sharply to emphasize the word "so".

Jesus Fucking Christ.

"Let's go." I was not going to wait another minute.

A/N: *ducks* Sorry for the cliffie! But to make it up to you, I am planning on posting the next chapter early and we'll see what happens from EPOV. Check the thread over at Twilighted for my inspiration pics of the hotel room. Also, I posted the song they were dancing to on there as well as Tweeted it. If you don't know the song- go check it out. It's Joe Satriani- Always with you, Always with me. It's so slow and sensual! Love it!