Artemis

Disclaimer: It's easy – I don't own the Twilight characters.

Chapter Fourteen

Bella

We were a tangle of limbs and flesh as we fell back onto Edward's bed. My resolve had fled alongside my morals. It seemed that Edward's lips had stirred something raw and fierce in me, tongue sweeping my own into action as I groaned. This time when I felt his erection pressed into me I knew it was going to happen. My heart was pounding, my breaths were ragged. And Edward… he was devouring me. Lips and tongue leaving hot trails all over me. It was better than everything I had ever experienced.

"Edward-" I choked out, and he growled against my stomach as his tongue swept over my bellybutton.

"Lay still, Bella," he whispered, placing a palm flat on my stomach. With his free hand he eased my legs apart, and though the nakedness ashamed me, I didn't object. Edward's eyes locked onto mine; he blew a breath over my heated core. I was trembling almost violently as his lips finally met my flesh. I gasped at the sensation, my hand immediately flitting to rest on his head. Whatever he was doing, I didn't want him to stop.

-

Edward

When I'd finally removed all of her pesky clothing I realized just how stupid I'd been not to give her a second look in the first place. She was marvelously built – perfect in all the right ways. Had I not been the experienced vampire that I was, I might have been intimidated. No, Bella did not intimidate me, but she was a challenge, One that I welcome, I added mentally, laying a small kiss on her forehead. It was a sweet gesture, one meant to calm her. And though her heart was pounding like a caged bird, and her legs were trembling, she settled back onto the pillow, gazing up me trustingly. Her lips taunted me, so I captured them with my own, tasting her as she thrashed beneath me. I don't think I'd ever wanted a woman more. Her thigh brushed against my straining erection and I cursed. I was fully clothed. In record time I tore the offending material from my body and collapsed on top of her body, so pliant under my skillful fingers. She moaned, low and soft, and I growled in return.

"Mmm," she breathed, fisting a hand in my hair as I prodded gently into her wet folds. I positioned myself, bracing my weight with hands on either side of her head.

"Bella," I started, my cock throbbing in anticipation. In all fairness it had been waiting for her – and I'd teased myself with the image of her naked body for too long. Her teeth scraped over her lush bottom lip; her hand slowly slid down between our bodies, fingers folding around my hard length. I fisted both hands into the blanket, hissing. I wanted to wait – I wanted to be a gentleman. Show Bella that I wasn't just an archaic monster. But what I wanted and what I needed were two very different things. So I plunged in. Bella's mouth opened in an O of surprise and she clung to me. I groaned at the heavenly feeling of her surrounding me. She was so tight. I began a slow pace, trembling with the effort of being gentle. I heard a slight sniff and I realized there were tears in her eyes. "Are you all right?" I asked, still rocking just slightly. I couldn't help it – it felt so damned good.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I can stop," I muttered, albeit a tad bit dejectedly. I didn't want to stop. Ever. I wanted to fuck Bella every second of every day. My dick twitched at the thought and Bella's eyes closed.

"No, don't," she replied, pushing her hips up towards mine. Her heated flesh collided with my own cold skin and I lost it. I pounded into her willing body over and over, tongue delving into the cavern of her mouth. She was mewing below me, her nails digging into my back.

"Fuck," I groaned. I was close. But I wouldn't come without her. I slowed my pace and slid my hand down her body which was glistening with sweat. My finger found that slick, sensitive bud and I slid my finger over it twice. Bella's body tightened and she pulled closer, grinding.

"E-Edwa-" Her words turned into a cry of ecstasy as I gave one finally flick and she came. She tightened around me, sending me spiraling into a world of bliss that took my breath away. I fell atop her, both of us trembling. She swallowed hard, her eyes drifting closed.

"Sleep, Bella," I soothed, and after she'd slipped into a contented slumber I pulled away from her, covering her still moist body with the blanket. Only after I'd left to fetch a cup of water for her did I realize that in the midst of my desire not once had I tried to bite her.

-

The night was cool – it was a pleasant escape from the hellish heat of the day. I stood at the front of the ship, watching the water surge up and swirl into foam at the apex. I was reflecting, mostly on my recent affair with Bella. It kept replaying in my mind, as if I couldn't believe it had actually happened. I saw her under me, her hair splayed out in wild tendrils, her mouth unbelievably stark red against the pallor of her skin. I shuddered. She was amazing. But what of me? How had I let myself stray from my original self? Perhaps it had something to do with Carlisle, and his sudden interest in letting me commandeer Artemis. It was easier to be the bad guy when the final decision wasn't mine to make.

I sighed. Either way, it looked as if I was going to have a chat with Alice again soon. When I saw Jasper approaching me, I realized it would sooner than I'd thought. He smiled, coming to stand next to me.

"What do you want?" I asked scathingly.

Jasper shrugged languidly, "Just enjoying the night." I scoffed.

"Sure." Jasper looked slightly offended.

"Are you suggesting I have an ulterior motive?" he asked. I shrugged, mimicking his gesture. My movement was slightly less fluid, bordering on awkward. It was a human gesture that I didn't use much anymore.

"What I am suggesting is that you aren't quite as innocent as you try to appear," I snapped. "You think I will turn the other cheek since Bella is looking kindly on you?" I rounded on him, pointing in his direction. "I will not." Jasper slapped my hand away.

"I am growing tired of these games – it's redundant. It's apparent that she cares for both of us. I would like to see her." Silence ensued, and I fought to control the temper that was slowly seeping out in stifled breaths. Jasper stepped closer. "Admit it, Edward. No matter how badly you want her to obey you, she won't. She'll come after me and we'll be right back where we started." Jasper's tone had dwindled into a plea. "Alice can't bear us fighting." I was stunned. Jasper was talking to me calmly, rationally? And about Bella? Was he insane? My first instinct was to deny his request. I didn't want Bella anywhere near him. But he was right. She would want to see him – want to talk to him. I knew too well the repercussions of sharing blood, and Alice was already at wit's end with Jasper and I. I sighed heavily, forcing all of my anger out.

"Fine." I whirled around then, unable to fight the urgency to find Alice. I wondered what the hell she'd said to him to change his tactics.

I know cliff-hangers are evil, but honestly I couldn't help it! =D I sat here debating whether or not to make a long chapter and make you guys wait MORE, or to just go ahead and post this lemon, which I know has been long-awaited. Obviously, I wanted to give you the lemon. So tell me what you think!