Chapter 21 – International House of…?

BELLA

I sat on my bed, thinking of Edward. He had slipped out, so I could take a shower. I had planned on getting up right away, but I wanted a moment alone to process everything that had been happening in my life. I was basically dating one of my kidnappers. I was constantly questioning my sanity. I kept telling myself that I wasn't really kidnapped. I knew Edward would take me anywhere I wanted to go, I was sure of it. I just didn't know if he would ever let me get back to my old life. Sure, I would make allowances for him in my life. I didn't think I could a stand to be away from him, either. Maybe I was nuts.

I finally got up and walked into my shower. I must have been nuts, if I wanted to give up this place for the rat hole I had lived in, but you know, it was my apartment. I just didn't feel like anything here was mine, and really, there wasn't much to do. I knew I sounded like a bratty kid at the end of summer, but I was starting to get bored.

Things hadn't really changed between Edward and me. Well, other than he had started dressing more formally and wore a huge smile constantly. It was cute, really. He even brought me flowers, but nothing more than hand holding and a chaste kiss on the cheek was ever exchanged. I understood that he was more conservative and from a different time, but I was going to go nuts if he didn't express some sort of want soon. I was a woman; I needed to be desired. I felt like I was courting a toddler with a crush. All of our interactions were so innocent, that it was as if we weren't in a real relationship.

I let out a sigh of frustration.

"So, are you ready for me to step in?" Alice asked.

"I hope you're not talking about getting in the shower, Alice, because I just don't swing that way."

She let out a laugh. "No, silly, I'm talking about me interfering in your relationship with Edward. Jasper can sense your frustration. So, I was thinking romantic weekend getaway with some new sexy clothes."

"Edward doesn't like sexy."

"Ah, but this is Edward sexy, something that covers everything, but is tight and made of soft material. We can do your hair in a classic early 1900's style and…Oooh, we should send you to our English Villa! That's the perfect setting for this!" Alice rambled on.

EDWARD

I didn't know what had happened. One minute, I was waiting for Bella to get out of the shower, and the next, I was on a plane headed for England. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous that we were traveling without a chaperone. It was quite improper, but Alice seemed very insistent about us going. Bella had voiced a desire to visit England, so I would not deprive her of the chance. It had been a while since I had been in England, so it seemed like a good idea.

Bella had insisted that I join her for dinner this evening, and I was nervous about the whole thing. I was sure she would be exhausted from the trip, but she spent most of the flight sleeping on the plane curled up next to me. I had to admit, it was nice to have her holding onto my arm as she slept. It was something she did consciously before she fell asleep. She took my hand in hers and snuggled into my shoulder before she dozed off. She wanted to sleep next to me, and it made me smile much wider than a sane person should.

When we arrived, I half wanted to just carry her off the plane, but I suspected she would not like that. She wasn't one to make a scene, and that probably would have. I gently kissed her forehead, and she nuzzled into me more and whispered my name in her sleep.

"Bella, my sweet girl, we're finally here," I spoke softly into her ear.

At this, she pulled me closer to her and put her face in my neck, kissing it softly in her sleep. A soft purr escaped my throat, before I realized what had happened.

Apparently, that was enough to wake her, because she smiled up at me and kissed my cheek.

"We're here."

She nodded her head okay and then stood up, stretching. She let out a yawn.

"Still sleepy?" I asked.

She smiled. "I think a cup of coffee will get me up and going. I've had plenty of rest."

I grabbed our luggage, and we stopped at a little café in the airport for her coffee. She did seem to perk up after that.

When we arrived at the villa, Bella smiled at the ivy-covered building. "It's perfect," she said, but I wasn't sure what she meant by that. I carried our luggage up to our respective rooms. I knew I would spend the evening in her room watching her sleep, but I needed a place to dress for dinner.

Speaking of dinner, she was dressing for dinner now. I put on my evening suit and waited by her door to accompany her downstairs.

"Edward," she called softly, and she knew I could hear her. It was nice to know that was one more secret that was out between us.

"Yes?" I called through the door.

"I need a hand, you my mind assisting me for a moment?" she asked.

There was no one else here to help her, so it would have to be me. "Of course, what do you need?"

"Well, come inside, silly."

I carefully opened the door and saw her bare back. I quickly closed my eyes and cleared my throat. She laughed at me, but I could function fine with my eyes closed. I had this place memorized. I could help her and not dishonor her at the same time.

"How can I assist you?"

She chuckled. "Come here, silly, and get the back buttons, please. Whoever designed this dress must've had a dressing maid or something, because this is insane! I'm all for authentic, but would it have been so bad to add a zipper to this dress?"

I moved toward her voice, and I was relieved, when she grabbed my hands and directed them to the offending buttons. The dress was such a soft material, and I found myself rubbing my fingertips on it more than proper, so I tried to redirect my fingers. I brushed against her underclothes, and they were a soft silk as well, with a little lace edge.

I had to redirect my thoughts, and halfway through my buttoning, she pulled away. "Oh, I almost forgot."

She didn't say what she was forgetting, she just pulled away, and I heard the rustling of her dress.

"There, that's better. Can you believe I almost forgot my stockings?"

If I could blush, I would have. Lady's stockings were not a proper topic of discussion.

"Oh, I made you nervous again. I'm sorry, Edward. I promise, I'm trying to make this night more comfortable for you, I swear."

I felt bad for making her feel guilty for something a normal person would talk about with ease.

"Just let me get my shoes on," she mumbled. "I don't want to snag the stockings." I heard her messing with something. Then, I smelled it. I faintly heard her curse the button hook. But all I could focus on was that heavenly smell of blood. I held my body rigid and tried to suppress the growl, but I knew she'd heard it when she gasped.

My eyes popped open, and I was shocked by what I saw. She was dressed in period clothing and looked amazing. The sweet perfume of her blood just made her all the more appetizing, I mean beautiful. I needed to leave, but I couldn't move my feet. I was afraid if I did move, it would be to lunge at her.

"Edward? Are you alright?" she asked nervously.

"Go," I managed to growl out. She looked up at me, shocked, and then she looked down at her finger and then back to me.

"You drink blood," she said, finally getting it.

I was trying to hold my breath and just nodded in her direction.

"Do you want mine?" she asked.

Was she barking mad? Why wasn't she running from me? "Go!" I snapped at her again.

She jumped a little. I could tell I was scaring her. I needed her to calm down; if she ran from me, she would trigger my hunting instincts, and I was barely hanging on as it was.

"Don't run," I growled lowly at her.

She looked at me and nodded, as if she understood me. She got up and started moving toward the door. I started growling louder, as my monster realized the most delicious meal ever was getting away. I closed my eyes again and focused on keeping my feet still. She had to get out alive. I needed her alive! How could Alice do this to me? She had to have seen this accident. I thought she loved Bella. How could she send us away for me to kill her? Bella had to get out of here alive!