Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight Stephanie Meyers has that right.
Chapter Fourteen
Edward stood looking at me. I somehow had stood up, mesmerized by his gaze. He strummed his guitar, smirking at me. My insides trembled. The band came to life beginning to play Kings of Leon's 'Sex is on fire'. All I could do was laugh. Somehow, I think Edward had a meaning behind his first choice of song. Alice and Rose stood up shouting and clapping. Before I knew it Eclipse had the whole party up on their feet singing and dancing. Edward was incredible. He had everyone in the palm of his hands. His voice blasting out of the speakers with such perfection, it knocked me off my feet.
By the third song, I was leaning at the front of the stage, like a mad groupie, dancing, shouting enjoying this rock god standing in front of me. Alice and Rose were dancing with me, screaming and shouting almost as much as me. As I turned to look behind me, I noticed the dance floor was full. Everyone was crammed in, standing as close to the stage as they could, clearly wanting a better look at this new amazing band. Edward couldn't have asked for a better response, and it just pushed him even further.
The set list was amazing, from disco classics like 'Disco inferno' to U2's 'with or without you'; there was nothing this band couldn't do. Even Jasper sung a few lead vocals. I almost lost it as Edward sang 'Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap'. He knew I loved the song. His eyes hardly left mine as he sang, making my head spin with the beautiful tones of his voice. My sexy bar man was on fire.
I was losing it by the time the band were half way through their set list. The sweat was running down Edward's face, as the raw passion exploded in his voice, taking me over. He was consuming me. I was dizzy with feelings.
The band stopped for a water break and Edward spoke to the crowd who were going crazy.
"I want to take this moment to thanks the person we are all here for tonight." Fuck, Edward was going to say my name. Hold it together Bella, people are going to be watching you. "As we all know it's her birthday today, so I think we should get her up on stage. What do you reckon?" Edward asked the crowd, everyone cheered. Fuck, crap what was he doing? "Bella Swan, are you out there?" Like he didn't know where I was. Rose and Alice threw their hands up in the air, shouting and screaming pointing at me. "There she is. Bella, can you join me on stage please." He smirked sipping his water. I walked onto the stage, waving at the crowd before walking over to him. Fuck, he was hot tonight, between my legs began tingling just looking at him. I hope I didn't lick my lips, but I was so lost watching him I wasn't too sure.
"You are dead," I whispered as I approached him.
"I wanted you to hear your song on this stage, not down there in the crowd," Edward whispered before he went back to the mike. I just glared after him, his words suddenly hitting me. My song, what was he talking about? "I think we should sing Bella a special birthday song. What do you think?" The crowd went crazy like I knew they would.
Emmet came out with a chair. "You might need this, Bella," he chuckled. I sat down looking wary at him.
I could see the producers and scouts deep in conversation with each other. It looked promising. I couldn't see how anyone wouldn't sign this band, they were amazing. I could just about make out my parents, shit, with Aro and the rest of his family. Alex didn't look happy, it might have been the fact that I hadn't even spoken to him yet, but it was my party. I could do what I wanted and right now I didn't want to be anywhere else.
Edward began to strum on his guitar. I was on fire. This tune was new. I had never heard him play this before. God, was this the song he had written. Was his original song about me?
Everything disappeared the moment he began to sing. His voice was tender, the emotion clear to see as he sang to me. The words were sweet and pure and spoke straight to my heart. His song was incredible. My heart burst as he sang the words of the chorus. 'Our love never dies'.
I was fighting my tears as the song came to an end when Edward smiled breathtakingly at me. He helped me down off the stage. I was still trembling. I wanted him right there and then.
"That was all for you, Bella. You inspired every single word." He muttered in my ear as he helped me down.
"Edward . . ." I was speechless, I had no words.
"I better finish the set. I think you will like the next few songs." He teased as he went back to the centre of the stage.
When I joined Rose and Alice I froze to see Jane and Alex standing with them, double fuck!
"They are amazing," Jane chimed. "Happy birthday, Bella. This party is awesome." I wasn't sure if Jane had noticed Edward was the bar man from Twilight, but looking at him on stage now they were worlds apart. Edward owned this crowd tonight and most of them were of a high society. Edward was where he had always belonged. He was better than every single person here, I had always known that.
"Happy birthday, Bella." Alex moved in to kiss my cheek, pushing his body against me as he did it. Why did I have to be so close to the stage? I was sure Edward was watching everything and as I turned I was right.
The band had begun to play 'carry out'. I couldn't hold my giggles, watching Jasper sing Timberlands part while Edward sang Justin's. They were having the time of their lives up there. I knew Edward would play 'set the fire to the third bar by snow patrol'; it was our song after all, the one that had won me over all those months ago. The whole garden drew silent as they watched a single spot light fall on him as he sang the song acoustic. The atmosphere was magic. I was in no doubt he had won his dream just by that single performance alone.
Eclipse rounded the set off with 'Use somebody By Kings of Leon', the crowd went crazy begging for more, but the band were exhausted having already done two encores. They had been on stage for almost two hours. They took their bows and left the stage to a roaring sound of applause and screams.
The hysteria calmed a little after the DJ returned, so many people were asking me about the band. I was only happy to explain where they could see them perform again.
I was searching the crowd for green eyes, just wanting to tell him how his song had taken over my heart. I was trembling, longing to be in his arms.
"You promised me a dance." Alex engulfed me with his arms as I passed him in the crowd. "I think I will take you up on that offer now." He smiled taking my hand leading me to the dance floor. I had no choice. I had put this off too many times. I would have to find Edward later. "The band was very good tonight." He commented as we swayed to the music. "They perform at Twilight and New Moon is that correct?" Crap, had Alex worked out Edward was the bar man that he had an argument with?
"Yes," I whispered pulling him closer. I had to do something to change the subject. Alex caught his breath at our closeness as he took me in.
"Bella, you are incredible." Alex muttered watching my lips. Crap, please don't kiss me.
"I'm sorry I have been so distant." I replied looking at him. "It's hard for me. Alex. You aren't the first man to want to claim me. I have to make sure I am making the right choices."
"Bella, you would want for nothing with me. I would treat you like a goddess every second of every day." Alex moved his hands up my waist and shuddered as his hands touched my bare back. Fuck, this was bad. I could tell by the hungry look in his eyes. "God, you're beautiful," he murmured, becoming lost in my lips as he moved closer.
"Alex," I giggled moving back. "Not here, everyone is watching."
Alex snapped out of his trance. "Sorry Bella, but you do things to me. I just can't explain."
"It's fine," I smiled. Alex twirled me around the dance floor just like the first time we had met. It was nice, but I was distracted watching the crowd, looking for Edward. I knew he couldn't be too far away. I hoped he wasn't watching. I could only imagine how he would be reacting watching me in another man's arms.
I eventually escaped Alex and began my search again, only to find my father instead.
"Hi, Daddy," I smiled, grabbing a drink from the waiter as he walked by.
"Are you having a good time, sweetheart?" He smiled.
"The best," I beamed about to walk off.
"Wait a minute, Bella." My father grabbed my arm. "I wanted to say that I'm proud of you."
"You are?"
"You and Alex looked wonderful out there. Everyone was talking about it. You two are quite the topic as well as the band your mother booked." I just nodded. "That band was quite something. The lead singer, what is his name?"
"Edward," I choked out.
"He has some talent that boy."
"He sure does," I smiled about to walk off again, but my dad grabbed me again. "What now dad?"
"He seemed quite taken with you. I could tell by the way he was looking at you."
"Everyone is taken with me in your eyes," I glared, feeling my throat go dry. Had he worked it out? God, I hope not, we only had four weeks left.
"I know," my dad chuckled. "I was just saying. I know you wouldn't go there. I bet someone like him has a different girl on his arm every night."
"That's Edward," I joked. "The male slut is his nick name at the club." Well, it was until I tamed him. My dad just laughed and finally let me go.
I was losing my mind. Where was he? Edward must have been close. It didn't make any sense. I was wondering round for at least an hour, slowly going insane. I gave up searching the garden and wandered into the house. I needed to change my shoes anyway. The balls of my feet were killing.
I was rummaging through my walk in wardrobe, trying to find some lower shoes, when I felt a hand caress my back. I knew the touch, it was impossible to mistake as his hands moved from my back to cup my breasts. I moaned falling back into his chest, as Edward attacked my neck with his lips. "I could be anyone. Don't you even want to check it's me, Bella?" Edward chuckled against my neck.
"I know your touch, Edward." I moaned, feeling his hands massage my breasts. I was dripping and wanted him to take me right here, right now.
"I want you," Edward groaned, moving his fingers over my nipples.
"Fuck," I moaned. "Just take me." Edward spun me round roughly, crashing his lips against mine, while lifting me up against the wall. It was hot. I was moaning, not caring who heard me. All the frustration from seeing him on stage earlier erupted. I couldn't get close enough to him. Edward practically ripped my underwear from my body and as he made love to me up against the wall. I didn't give a fuck who walked in. I needed him right then like the air I breathed.
Once we climbed down from our high, I giggled straightening my dress out, while Edward did his trousers up. I noticed he had gotten change after being on stage as I took in his dark jeans and tight white shirt.
"What?" He smiled watching me.
"Someone could have come in."
"I locked the door, Bella," Edward smirked.
"You mean we could have used the bed?" I pouted.
"No, I couldn't have waited to get you onto the bed." He smiled kissing my lips, "God, you are breath taking." I hit his chest remembering he had been hiding from me. "What was that for?" He laughed.
"Where were you? I have been looking for you for an hour and a half."
"I was following you, waiting to get you alone. Then lucky for me, you came up here," he smirked, putting his hands through my hair. "What were you doing in here anyway?"
"Getting some new shoes, my feet are killing," I remembered and went back to look for some.
"Your wardrobe is the size of my bedroom, how can you find anything in here?"
"I know where everything is," I smiled, finding the shoes I was looking for.
"I was watching you with Alex," Edward said softly as I put my shoes on. "Alex seems really smitten with you."
"Please, I don't want to talk about this. Not tonight. Not after you performing and my song. Have you any idea what you have done to me tonight?" I yelled.
I was angry, but not with Edward. I had made this mess. I was so deeply in love with him, I wasn't sure I could come out of this without my heart being destroyed.
"Tell me what I have done, Bella." Edward asked tenderly, pulling me into his chest.
"You have taken over my heart," I whimpered. "It's going to cause me physical pain to be separated from you in four weeks."
"Bella . . ."
"Edward, don't," I whimpered. "No more wonderful words, enough is enough. I can't take the hurt, knowing I can't keep you." I glared. "We need to calm this down, otherwise both our heart are going to break in four weeks."
"It doesn't have to be four weeks. Stay with me, Bella. I know I have nothing to offer you, but my heart, isn't that enough?" The pain in his face was clear. I had taken this too far. I needed to cut him off now before I ruined his heart forever.
"I think you need to go," I winced, walking out of the wardrobe.
"Bella, please . . ."
"No Edward, I told you from the word go what would happen. You knew this was never going to be long term." I walked towards the window, pulling him with me. "Look, this is my life," I pointed to the garden and all the wealth spread across it. "I have certain obligations, a lifestyle that I have to be in. This is all I have known, and this is the life I must lead." I pulled him away from the window, my heart shattering at his wounded face. "You don't belong in my world Edward, that night when you said we were worlds apart, you were right." I didn't believe a word I was saying, but I had been selfish enough. I needed to set him free. I would never have the strength to go against my parents. This life had been rooted in me since birth. It was all I knew. "I think we should just end it here. It's clear to see things have gone too far."
"Bella, please don't say that." Edward pleaded, tears filling his eyes, "I love you. You can't end this, not yet."
"I think you should leave." I replied, turning away from him.
"I don't believe you," he whispered.
"Just leave, Edward," I yelled, pushing at his chest.
"I'll go, but this isn't over. I still have four weeks. I won't give up on you Bella." I didn't answer instead I just walked to my window, watching the party in full swing. As I heard the door close I fell to the ground, crushed by the fear, I had just let my whole world walk out the door.
Why couldn't I be strong enough to be with him?
oxoxoxo
It had only been a few days since the party, but my body felt as if it had been years. Three days without him. Three days not seeing his face or feeling his touch. I was going insane, but I had to do this. I needed to wean myself off him. I had been so addicted to him to have to go 'cold turkey' was killing me.
I hadn't eaten in three days. I had managed to make my parents believe I was ill, so spent the last three days in my room. Rose had left endless amounts of calls as had Alice and even Edward, but I had ignored them all. This was the best way. It was the only way I could protect him.
"How are you feeling darling?" My mother wandered in with a bouquet of red roses. "Alex sent these. He sends his best wishes."
"That was nice of him," I smiled weakly.
"You have a little colour back." My mother smiled putting her hands on my forehead. "Rose is down stairs desperate to see you. Do you feel up for company?"
"Not really," I muttered, rolling under my duvet.
"Your father and I are going away tomorrow. We have to go to New York for a conference. We will be gone for about a week. I hate to leave you when you have been so ill."
"Its fine mom," I muttered under my duvet. "I'm getting better each day."
"Why don't you see Rose just for a little while, she might make you feel better?" I sighed knowing I wasn't going to win.
"Alright," I moaned. "But only for an hour or so."
"I'll send her up." My mother smiled kissing my forehead. "Make sure you keep up your fluids. I'll get Monty to bring you some more water."
I lay waiting for the storm to come. I didn't have the energy for this. My body was drained and my mind was so fucked up I had no idea what I was doing.
Rose flew through the door glaring at me. God, she scared the shit out of me at times.
"Thanks for returning my calls." She spat sitting on the bed looking at me.
"I've been ill."
"Bullocks," Rose yelled. "Would you like to explain what the hell is going on because Emmet and I have no idea what to do with Edward?"
"What do you mean?" I asked sitting up.
"Well, he looks like hell. Just like you in fact," Rose laughed. "But the problem is that some scouts have come to the nightclub to see him, but the idiot won't get out of bed to perform for them."
"You're joking." For Christ sakes this was his dream, what was he playing at?
"Losing you has hit him hard."
"It's for the best. He wasn't going to let go, I could tell," I groaned. "This is so fucked up."
"You can't leave him like this, Bella. He is a real mess." I groaned, pulling the duvet over my head. "You need it to. You look like hell as well."
"I'M ILL!" I yelled just as Monty walked in with my water.
"I think Miss Hale already knows that Miss Swan," Monty commented as he put my water down "Is there anything else you need?"
"No thank you, Monty," I muttered.
"She needs to get her ass out of this bed and sort out her mess, that's what she needs," Rose glared. I threw a pillow at her. "Bella, come on, have a shower. We could take your Ferrari," Rose nudged me. "You can't leave him like this and you know it. Not with the big break he might get, if he can get his sorry ass out of bed." I rolled my eyes, pulling the duvet off me. "Good girl. I'll have a look for an outfit for you. Do you want me to do your hair?"
"Rose," I laughed, "I can manage."
"But I thought you were ill?" She teased. I just stuck my tongue out at her as I went into my bathroom.
"God, this car is something else," Rose sighed, stroking the seats.
"Stop getting turned on by my car," I teased.
"Bella, it's a Ferrari? What's not to get turned on about it?"
"I can't believe you are making me do this."
"We are nearly there now so you can't wimp out."
"Who were the scouts anyway?" I asked interested, knowing exactly who they would be really.
"Some guy called Garret. He owns a music label in New York. He heard about the gig they did at your party and wanted to see them for himself."
"That's great," I smiled. My plan had clearly worked. Damn Edward, I just needed to get his ass out of bed to perform for them. Why was nothing ever easy?
I was hyperventilating as I began to climb the stairs to his flat. What if Edward didn't want to see me? Maybe I had destroyed his heart enough that he realised he was better off without me.
"Bella relax. Edward will understand why you did it," Rose called snapping me out of my daydream. "You just need to get his sorry ass out of bed."
Emmet was at the door way. Rose entered first. "Holy hell babe, I didn't think you would manage it," Emmet chuckled. "Hello Bella, how are you this beautiful morning?"
"Hi Emmet," I sighed. "Where is he?"
"In bed, he has been for three days, but he did shower this morning."
"So has Bella, but she was ill apparently," Rose sniggered. Just listening to these two was enough to drive me to Edward's room.
I didn't knock. As I stepped in, the room was silent no music, nothing. I could make out Edward on his side, lay down. "Emmet, you could at least knock," Edward yelled turning around to freeze when he saw me. "Bella," Edward muttered sitting up. "What are you doing here?" I took him in, even a mess, he was still beautiful. The stubble on his chin made him look rough, but sexy. His hair was all over the place, but it was always that way. The only thing that stabbed at my heart was his eyes. Blood shot from tears, with black bags under them, clearly from not getting enough sleep.
"Rose told me you weren't too good," I smiled sitting on the edge of the bed. "She told me about the scout as well. Edward, what are doing? This could be your big break."
"I just needed some time to sort my head out," Edward got out of the bed. He was in just his sweats. I had to hold back a moan looking at his bare chest. "I mean when you drop shit like that on me, I kind of need time to adjust. I thought I had another four weeks left with you Bella, and just like that you took it away from me. How the hell did you expect me to react?"
"I'm sorry. I thought it was for the best," I whimpered.
"Do you still think that now?" Edward asked standing in front of me.
"I'm not sure," I whispered, looking down at the floor. Edward was there in a flash, kneeling on the floor, lifting my chin up to look into his eyes.
"What do you want from me, Bella? You can have anything, do you understand?"
"I'm sick of hurting you," I touched his face, tracing his lips with my fingertips. "I can't stay with you forever, do you understand that?" Edward nodded sadly, "Do you really understand that Edward, because if you don't, there is no point carrying on with this."
"I'm sorry about the other night. It was just an intense night. My feelings were everywhere after singing you my song and seeing you with Alex. I just lost it for a bit. I always knew this had to end. I am just asking you to give me the last four weeks back. I need them Bella." His eyes were softly burning into mine as he spoke.
"As long as you sing for the scout tonight," I smiled touching his face. "You don't have to let all your dreams go."
"Bella, all I dream about is you."
"Then we need to find you some new dreams in these last four weeks." I smiled, resting my head against his. "I don't want to hurt you anymore. You are too important to me."
"I don't want to dream of anything else," Edward muttered.
"Will you play tonight for the scout?" I whispered.
"I will," Edward turned his head to look at me. "But I'm playing for you, not the scout."
"That's good enough for me." I smiled pressing my lips softly against his. Edward groaned pushing me back against his bed as we began to trace all the parts of each other we had been starved of.
This chapter was difficult. I was actually going to separate them here but just couldn't.
Let me know what you thought!
Thanks
Bee xx