Edward pulled his face back, taking in Bella's devastating beauty, though the rest of him refused to let her go. He was aware of many things at once, but her hand tangled in his hair, the feel of her skin against his own as he held her tightly, the soothing way she played with his hand, and of course, her intense deep chocolate brown eyes, were the things in the forefront of his mind, completely consuming him. She looked at him curiously; troubled by the loss of contact.

"Wait…" he barely whispered, his lips gracing hers again, unable to pull away for long. He momentarily rested his forehead against hers, trying to stay in control of his emotions and desires.

"What? Is something wrong?" He heard her ask and he pulled back, a little more, to again take in her powerful gaze. He watched her lips jut out, as though they were being pulled to his and then stop, waiting for him to continue. He cocked his head slightly and grinned her favorite grin, and the moment seemed to slow down for both of them.

"I have something, I need to tell you," he told her, obstinately.

"What? What is it?" He laughed slightly at her worried tone. He didn't want to give her the wrong idea.

"I love you," he replied with full bravado, his face becoming more concerted, evaluating her expression, to his admission.

"I think we've already established that," she teased, her lips capturing his, showing no mercy. It took him a good long minute to break the kiss again; though he was strong, he wasn't that strong.

"Bella…please," he said as she continued to nibble on his lip. "I have been waiting what feels like a lifetime to tell you that… for you to just pass right over it… without a second thought…" he managed to get out between kisses, in an effort to sound put out. She pulled back in surrender, assessing his tone and need.

"Say it again," she whispered into his ear.

"I love you, Bella...forever." His vehement look subsided as he saw her radiant smile swell. He couldn't help but smile just the same, watching her.

"I know," she said simply, as though it were old news. He laughed at her teasing words and didn't fight this time as her mouth consumed his…at least not against it.

After a long while, Bella finally pulled back.

"I've been selfish for far to long now…come on," she told him, leading him by the hand, "…but I don't care or feel bad one bit; I've waited this long to have you and I want you all to myself."

"Where are we going?"

"There are a few other people I think you'll be wanting to see…they've certainly missed you."

Edward understood immediately who the 'they' were and was overcome with happiness at the thought of seeing his family again, but a twinge of guilt ate at his heart, for letting himself forget them.

"They've missed you so much. They blame themselves…you are all very much alike," she told him, giving him a knowing look. He smiled at her, loving how she knew him so well. Down the stairs and into the streets of Venice, he held onto her tightly, neither of them willing to let go, until she suddenly stopped walking, nudging him on and releasing his hand.

"Go on…" she prodded, jutting out her chin, pointing ahead into the mass of people crowding the canal streets. He hesitated, not wanting to let go of her hand, but she reassured him with a smile and he stepped forward, scanning the crowd. Immediately six figures emerged from the shadows, walking swiftly to where he stood. In an instant they were recognizable as they clobbered him with hugs and kisses, and cluttered noises of joy.

*

Bella stood back, letting Edward have time with his family. Every few seconds his eyes would find hers and light up. Eventually Emmett caught her standing there and pulled her into the tangled mess. Edward immediately put one of his arms around her, kissing her forehead, finally completely at ease.

"Let's give these two a little alone time," Esme, finally said, looking at the two of them.

"It's going to be nearly impossible leaving you, not now," Edward stated, holding her face in his hands. Bella gripped onto his hands with her own, saying, " What do you mean leave? Of course you're not leaving!"

"I have to Bella. I have to go back and end this."

"No! No,no,no. There is no reason for it. You're staying right here."

"Right here on this crowded street in Venice?" he asked playfully, knowing it would not work.

"With. Us!" She Emphasized each word with severity.

"I'm going, Bella..."

If you're going, then so am I—!" She was always so stubborn, he thought.

"No!" He didn't mean to shout, but the idea of her going near those creatures, enraged him. "This will never be over if I don't go now, and I won't have them coming after you. I won't let them hurt you. They will never touch you…Please, Bella, understand what I'm asking you to do. You must let me go…alone." He managed to keep his voice calm as he spoke, though inside he was going insane.

"Why?" she couldn't help but ask, simply unable to comprehend the situation. "... I just got you back…" The words sounded choked and her eyes looked tormented.

"They are expecting me to come back. I can make them believe I followed through with their plan. I can get close to them. I can take her down. I can take them all down."

"You can't handle them all, Edward. You don't have to do this alone! You're not alone anymore. We won't let you!" she yelled and Edward knew if she could cry tears, her eyes would be flooded over.

Edward thought stubbornly for a long moment. "We have to do this thing my way…."

*

*