Please don't kill me for not updating :( I just moved into the dorms this weekend and couldn't get internet set up. At all. Do you know how much it sucks to not have internet??
Anyway, here's the next chapter. Sorry to keep you all waiting! But it's a bit longer to make up for such bad timing :) It's been done for so long now, just never had the chance to post it… I promise the next chapter will be up sooner!
Keep up all the reviews and supports, thank you all :)
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The ever growing rift between Edward and I only caused me to jump into action. I wasn't going to give up just yet. He clearly wasn't falling for any of my mind games, so I had to resort to desperate measures… To put it in Alice's words, I'd have to seduce him.
The black dress Alice had packed for me was horrifying in the least. It was skin tight, extremely short, and gave me a surprising amount of cleavage (which, I had to admit, was sort of a plus). I definitely looked bold and seductive—standing still. Put me in a dark, slick floored night club and that's another story. I'd be dangerous alright, but not in an appealing or remotely sexy way. After giving up, I called to consult Alice for advice and a pep talk and let Angela do my smoky eye makeup. I left my room with Angela's approval, donned in all black and the "right" shade of red lip stick. My just below the knee length trench coat hid the dress completely (as there really wasn't much to cover) and the black pumps Alice had instructed me to wear really weren't half bad, surprisingly.
"The more expensive, the more comfortable," Alice's airy voice sounded in my head.
We took various taxis to a night club of Edward's choosing after the other girls complained about walking. Of course, I had to choose the worst car to sit in. Although the drive was relatively short, it was the most uncomfortable car ride of my life. By some stroke of bad luck I ended up wedged between a bubbly and chatty Mike Newton and very cold and very silent Edward. Mike tried to hold my attention and kept up a conversation from the moment I slid in next to him while Edward sat on my other side, tensed with either annoyance over Mike or pure hatred at my close proximity. I didn't get a chance to even speak a word to Edward, considering Mike was babbling the whole time. So far, Operation Seduction was not heading off to a good start.
The cabs pulled up to Eclipse, a very swanky, elegant, modern club illuminated in red and silver neon lights. I think to myself that this is exactly the kind of place I'd expect Edward to take us—somewhere fine and expensive. I absentmindedly wonder if he used to come here regularly on his nightly escapades to get his female fix…
Edward coughs behind me, bringing me back to the present. "Something wrong, Ms. Swan?" He still sounded detached, but he can't quite shake the sexy velvety softness that is ever present in his voice.
"No," I murmur, following the others into the darkness of the club. Of course Edward would make sure we didn't have to bother waiting in such long petty lines.
Inside of Eclipse, the music is pulsing, drumming right through my core. The vibrant blood red lights and dark shadows seem to dance playfully, setting an intimate yet vivacious tone for the entire club. Back in Seattle, I wasn't exactly the club hopper. Sure, I'd allow Alice to drag me out a few times here or there, but most of the time I preferred staying home curled up on my sofa with a good book. Growing up, I was uncommonly shy. Although I have broken out of my shell since then, I occasionally would be intimidated by something and slip back into my introverted self. Nothing did the trick quite like night clubs and dancing. I knew I had to put on a brave face, but I felt the urge to be comforted. I felt the urge for Jake.
Edward led us up to the V.I.P. lounge above the dance floors, seeming totally unfazed and blasé as if this was routine (and it probably was) while our co-workers gushed and stared with awe-struck gazes. This sure wasn't New York, but the night-life here was exhilarating nonetheless. Seattle wasn't exactly a neighborhood suburb, however compared to Chicago's dense metropolitan it might as well have been.
As we settled into a large circular booth, I placed a hand on Edward's shoulder and leaned into his ear—in what I hoped was an alluring manner—and spoke over the loud music, "If you'll excuse me, I have to use the lady's room."
He quirked a brow at me, but silently motioned towards a secluded corner where the restrooms were.
"I won't be long," I smiled up at him. Jeez, how corny could I get? I strode quickly into the women's side and hunched over the sink. The small, dimly lit room was just as elegant as the rest of the establishment, with all black marble counters and tiled floors and rich red accents. Every woman in the club was leggy, big breasted, and sexy. I felt completely out of place here. And of course, whenever I felt lonely I always thought of Jake. I never let anyone see how truly hurt I was by him, always hiding behind other emotions. After all, a girl who finds out her long time boyfriend had been cheating on her ought to feel bitter, angry, betrayed—not sappy and depressed… right? Either way, those long hours sitting through seminars and workshops all day had left me with time to think, time to wallow in my misery.
"Get over it, Bella," I muttered to myself, gazing at my reflection. "You're on a mission. Get out there and show Mr. Perfect the very essence of sexuality."
Suddenly growing some backbone, I grabbed my clutch, peeled off my coat, and headed out of the restroom. As soon as I stepped out, a kind attendant asked if I would like to check my coat and I eagerly shove it in his hands, stuffing the plastic numbered label he handed me into my bag. I made my way to back to the large, red vinyl booth, putting on the best strut I can conjure. I walked past Edward, too scared to try to catch a glimpse of his reaction, and slid in next to Mike on the opposite side instead.
"Um, hi Bella," Mike smiled at me, his blue eager eyes sparkling.
"Hi," I smiled back, feeling Edward's eyes on me from across the table. For the next few minutes, I honestly tried to listen to Mike's story with interest but all I could focus on was Jake, normally a constant reminder in the back of my mind brought to the forefront. Edward was coolly directing his attention elsewhere, sipping his drink quietly—most likely his signature drink, a whisky on the rocks. The table burst into laughter suddenly at some unheard joke from Mike. Pretending to be a part of the conversation, I faked a smile and laughed with them. I caught Edward smirking from the corner of my eyes and wondered what had caused it, Mike's story or my obviously phony reaction?
"Hey, check out Tyler!" Eric suddenly laughed loudly, pointing towards the mini stage in the corner. Sure enough, Tyler was up by the karaoke machines belting out an off-key rendition of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
"Aw, man this is hilarious," Mike shook his head, shifting to get up from the table. I moved aside, allowing everyone to slide out and join the rest of the crowd cheering on Tyler. And of course, all that was left was Edward and I. If I had thought our silences lately had been bloated, this was worse. Sitting there with him was agony; I could literally cut the tension between us with a knife. With my emotions already in a fizzle from thinking about Jake, I decided I didn't have time to deal with Edward's weird bullshit. I made a show of glaring at him and stood up with my drink in hand.
"What? Not having fun?" Edward scoffed, feigning shock.
"Not with you around," I replied sarcastically and started walking towards the bar. I had only taken three steps when, in true Bella fashion, my shoe slipped on a wet spot, sending me rushing to the floor backwards. Luckily, the fall wasn't so hard, but of course I landed on my ass. Admittedly, it's a lot better than landing on your back and having the wind knocked out of you, but it's humiliating either way. My cheeks began to flush, but I couldn't help laughing at myself—honestly I was beyond being embarrassed, what more could possibly go wrong with this night? Feeling a bit harebrained, I weakly attempted to pick myself up before Edward stooped down to help, propping me up in one arm.
"I suppose it's not a real party until you trip over yourself and wind up on the floor," Edward smirked, rolling his eyes.
"Great," I giggled, dusting myself off and still feeling giddy. "I spilled my drink all over myself." The front of my dress had a trail of wet splotches and smelled strongly of alcohol. Alice was going to kill me…
Edward grabbed a napkin from the table and began blotting my dress wearing a smug look. My arm was still hooked around his neck and I was just now realizing exactly how close we were standing. All traces of my loopy giddiness was gone, all I could concentrate on was Edward's electric touch: his warm grasp, his long elegant fingers against the small of my back... Lauren walked by suddenly with her friend and eyed me incredulously. I never knew what her deal was, but she's always hated me ever since I started working at Onyx. It didn't bother me too much, I just ignored her.
"Well, that was almost too painful to watch," she mocked, flipping her hair and walking away. And, of course, she stepped right over the puddle which I had so conveniently slipped on. I sighed, willing myself to push Edward way. I missed the feel of his skin already, which was scaring me.
"Thanks," I murmured quietly, feeling the heat rush to my face. I escaped back to the restroom to finish cleaning myself off. As I methodically wiped the front of my dress, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened out there. There was a part of me that ached for Jake; he was always present in my mind. The longing I felt for him was constantly battling with my resentment for his actions. And then there was another part that couldn't deny the serious physical chemistry between Edward and me. What if Alice's silly ideas had some truth? I sure as hell didn't want that to be the case. But there was something so right about it. I just had to be near him. But I didn't want to want Edward… did I?
I gave up on my dress left the room. Everyone was still crowded around the karaoke stage, now Eric was up picking a song. I chuckled and headed over to the bar to replace my drink.
"What can I get for the pretty lady?" The scruffy bartender asks me with a wink.
I smile and reply, "Just a vodka martini, please."
"Right away," he smiled back flirtatiously. I decide that he has a strong profile and pretty eyes, but his jaw line is no match for Edward's. I roll my eyes at myself, was I seriously starting to compare other men to Edward? It was pointless, there really was no comparison.
"You could probably sue the club for the little stunt you performed earlier," a heart meltingly smooth voice sounded behind me.
"Thanks, so much," I replied flippantly, turning to watch the beautiful creature settle into the seat next to mine. Seeing Edward's crooked grin inspired both a knee wobbling weakness and raging fury inside of me. Only Edward could make me want to knock him out and make out with him at the same time.
He shrugged, "Well, there wasn't a wet floor sign if you didn't notice." He proceeds to order himself another whiskey, I smile to myself.
"I'm sorry if I was too busy busting my ass to notice there wasn't a sign," I responded.
"Well, you can't say you didn't see it coming. You function less adequately than usual when you wear showy outfits and high heels," Edward raised an eyebrow and continued smirking.
"What does my choice of clothing have to do with my coordination?" I scoffed.
He eyed my dress and then shook his head, "You try much too hard Ms. Swan. You look like a showgirl. Are you really that desperate for a man's attention? You have to put on a show like that? I hope you don't dress like that on your dates."
"Why do you care so much how I dress on my dates?" I asked mockingly.
Edward rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by a breathtakingly gorgeous blonde woman. She was tall, beautiful and confident. As if she knew she was turning heads and making every other woman around her, no matter how hot or gorgeous, look like a frumpy old lady. And she was clearly unashamed of it. Her dress was short (even shorter than mine, which I had thought to be impossible), hugging her perfect curves and was the shade of blood red, matching the theme of the club. It complimented her long legs and magazine worthy figure perfectly. I visibly shrank, seeing no point in trying to rival her beauty.
"Why, hello, Edward," she smiled mischievously, her voice the sound of bells. "You aren't cheating on me, are you?" She turned her violet-blue eyes on me. I could almost imagine what she was thinking as she looked at my pitiful form.
"Ah, Rosalie," Edward chuckled and stood up to kiss the top of her hand. "I heard you have a new man in your life. How could you accuse me of cheating?"
Rosalie threw her head back and a beautiful wind chime laugh slipped from her lips. "Edward, you're always the gracious gentleman. Yes I do have a new man. Maybe you can meet him if you stay long enough." Her face was bright and enthusiastic, but she eyed me with suspicion.
"Maybe, I'm only in the city for a week," Edward replied.
"And, who is this? Did you pick up more women in Seattle?" The beautiful blonde quirked her head at me, her voice and smile were warm but her gaze was steely.
"Oh Ms. Swan, this is Rosalie Hale, we worked together prior to my time in Seattle. Rose, this is Isabella Swan. She works for the Onyx branch in Seattle," he motioned towards me.
"Please, just Bella," I smiled meekly, halfway raising my hand before putting it back down when she made no show of moving hers.
"Pleasure," Rosalie nodded, a look far from pleasure plastered on her perfect face. "Well, it was nice seeing you Edward. Keep in touch," she walked away, running a hand through Edward's tousled bronze hair (which I secretly hated her for because I've always wanted to do that). Sure she had treated me like an insignificant dog, but I couldn't help but stare at her in amazement. How did she do that, flirt with Edward playfully, without seeming clingy or desperate? I felt the sudden urge to glue my mouth shut and back away from Edward before I caused myself anymore embarrassment. Saving us from another awkward silence, the bartender returned with our drinks. I thanked him and fished out an olive from my martini glass.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?" He asked leaning against the counter. Too busy chewing, I shook my head and looked at Edward expectantly.
"No," Edward replied shortly. "Just put them both on my tab."
"Sure thing."
"Aw," I nudged Edward in the arm teasingly; desperate to forget about the walking perfection that was Rosalie. "You're so kind! Thanks for picking up the tab for the whole group. You really are a great tour guide."
"Why are you being so nice? Are you already drunk?" Edward chuckled.
"I'm not drunk," I mumbled, taking a sip of my martini.
"Well, at the rate you're going, you will be soon. I've witnessed your low tolerance for alcohol, Ms. Swan. Are you sure you want to push it, especially in front of all your colleagues?" He grinned smugly. There it was—that stupid, sexy, arrogant, crooked grin of his. A familiar rage began to boil under my skin, a rage only Edward has ever inspired. I took a larger gulp of my martini in response. The vodka was strong yet smooth as it slid down my throat.
"Thanks for your concern, Mr. Cullen, but I know when enough is enough. And I do not have a low tolerance for alcohol."
"Yes you do."
I set down my drink and turned my whole body towards him. "No. I don't. Would you like to bet on it?" I decided on a whim. It was all or nothing tonight. Either he'd go down, or I would—hard.
"Are you sure? I have never lost a bet before," Edward grinned at me arrogantly.
"Oh, is that so? Well, neither have I," I smiled proudly. The only reason I sounded so confident was because I wasn't lying. Sure I'd never lost a bet, but I had also never made one before. Edward didn't refuse so I called over the bartender, "Hey, can we get a round of shots over here?"
"What kind of trouble are you getting us into now, Ms. Swan?"
I smirked, "I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Are you scared, Cullen?"
"For you, yes," Edward flashed his white teeth at me haughtily.
"I'd be concerned for your own welfare, thank you. So, first to get drunk has to pick up the tab, deal?" I extended my right hand. Edward quirked an eyebrow, as if to say "you have no idea what you're in for," and then took my hand firmly and shook it. I ignored the heart-stopping buzz his touch had surged through my system, trying to keep things strictly business.
"Deal," he pulled one side of his mouth up into a smile as if I had just made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
An innumerable amount of shots later, Edward and I were still going. Something in the back of my mind told me that what I was doing was both stupid and completely pointless. I knew when I should've stopped, but I kept going. Edward's everlasting smirk only switched on my competitive drive, there was no way I could lose this bet. Besides, we were starting to attract an audience. I knew I couldn't back down now and surrender to him in front of everyone…
"Are you sure you should keep going, Ms. Swan?" Edward remarked.
I hiccupped, "Shut up!" I was buzzed and brazen. I had no sense at all and the sad part was I sort of knew I had lost it. "Wow, that was loud," I giggled. "Did you hear me? I just told you to shut up, how weird. Shut the fuck up!" I laughed even harder.
Edward raised an eyebrow at me, "I think you are done." He began to stand up but I pulled him back down forcefully—more forcefully than I would have if I weren't drunk…
"No! We're not done yet, Cullen," I giggled.
"Yes," Edward was half amused and half stern, "we are." He stood up with finality and began walking away.
"Wait," I called to him and started walking towards him with wobbly feet. Then everything went black.
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I could faintly sense the feel of a moving car, smell the musty scent of a cab, hear voices echoing—one smooth and angelic, the other rough and thick with an accent. Then I felt the sensation of a man's warm arms on my back and under my knees as he cradled me like a child. His breath was tinged with alcohol, but had a sweet undertone. As he carried me for who knows how long, his breathing remained perfectly normal, as if I were no heavier than your average book. He suddenly set me down in a chair of some sort, providing me with no support. I slumped over and moaned.
"What am I ever going to do with you?" The man laughed quietly in front of me, his mouth pulled up crookedly. His lips were pink and I longed to reach out and touch them. I moaned again, barely conscious.
"Bella, are you alright?" he mused, his voice the sound of angels singing. I heaved myself up and looked at the beautiful man in front of me. His sleeves were rolled up untidily and the first few buttons of his shirt was undone in such an alluring way, revealing part of his chest and a very faint jagged scar under his collar bone. I could barely register the features on his face; I just knew he was beautiful, his soft pink mouth pressed into a hard line. His head was cocked to the side, still waiting for my answer.
I giggled, "You want to kiss me right now, don't you?" I spoke more to his lips then his eyes.
The man looked down and shook his head, laughing silently. "Oh, I know you do. But you know what? I'm not going to let you," I smirked, poking him hard in the chest.
"I really think—"
"Shh!" I shushed him, putting my finger against his mouth. The feel of his warm lips against my skin was electrifying. "You want to kiss me, but I won't let you. Do you want to know why? Okay, I'll tell you. You're rude, selfish, and arrogant, the biggest prick I have ever met. You think you're just so great, with your Harvard diploma, MBA status, good looks, perfectly sculpted muscles, and your hair that just screams 'fuck me'," I rambled on carelessly.
"Wait, did you just say—what?" he laughed in utter shock.
"Oh! And you're a playboy. You're a one-night kind of man. But guess what? You'll never have me eating out of the palm of your hands. Never. I don't want that in a man. I don't need that!" I willed my feet to move, to step away but of course, in my drunken state and high heels, they failed me. I fell forward and the man caught me in his strong arms, our faces barely an inch apart. I could feel his hot breath against my trembling lips, our mouths practically touching. All it took was a simple shift of weight. I don't know who enacted it, but just a subtle readjustment of our bodies and then boom. Our lips made the contact I had been aching for. At first it was so sudden, we both tensed. He remained frozen under my unmoving form, our lips touching but not moving. And then I felt a slight pressure. I don't know if it was from him or me, but I responded.
And then he wasn't just touching me, he was kissing me. Or maybe I was kissing him. I didn't care. I didn't even know where we were. The sensation of his mouth moving against mine was too exhilarating. My mind was more abuzz than ever, even more then when I was completely drunk. I listened to the soft sound of our lips meeting and moving together over and over. We were leaning against nothing but each other, his hands pressed dangerously low against my back, my hands tangled in his soft messy hair. I moaned against his lips and he pulled me closer to him.
We continue like this as he leads me somewhere I don't know. I let him take me with him, not wanting to break contact. I pull away slightly to catch my breath and glance up into his half-lidded emerald eyes.
"Ms. Swan, I-I'm so, I didn't mean—"
The last image I have in my mind is his faded scar peeking out from his shirt, then everything went black again.