Chapter Twenty-Five

Edward slipped back into character, turning away from Bella in a swift and slightly stiff manner that he'd often seen soldiers do. He found the mask on the floor a few steps away and put it on, and shifted into position to show he was awaiting orders.

It took Bella a little longer to come back to herself, having to shake away the lust Edward's kiss had elicited. Damn him, she thought. He was so going to win if he kept kissing her like that, especially in front of others. She hadn't expected that, at all.

It was something they should probably discuss. Was he okay with PDA? She tried to remember what he was like while dating that one actress, Giana-something. Then again, that only made an unwelcome emotion rise to the surface—jealously. It was rather strange to deal with it; she'd rarely, if at all, experienced it in other relationships.

Catching sight of Jake making his way toward them, she tipped her chin and shook her head. They were okay, and if Jake made a scene, they'd risk exposing Edward. She turned away from her friend and looked at Edward with a neutral expression. She uttered The Winter Soldier's code words that they'd discovered in the latest film. With every word that passed through her lips, Edward agitation became clearer, his weapon at the ready by the time she said the last of the code words.

He looked fucking amazing, brilliant. If it wasn't for the fact that Sebastian Stan was out of town, she'd believe she was standing right beside him. Edward added a touch of himself into the character, his eyes scanning the room for any potential threats.

A growl emitted from his lips when he spotted someone dressed as Captain America, something they had discussed he'd do to any Avenger. It was all in fun and to help him remain in character while they were surrounded by so many people.

A small group started to form around them, including the Marvel group that wanted to take pictures later that day. She motioned for them to come closer and introduced herself but kept using Bucky instead of Edward, also as they agreed.

A sweet woman named April dressed as Natasha leaned closer. "Rumors are already spreading about you two. They think it's Seb under the costume." April showed her a tweet from the infamous DarkMonster.

Edward tensed by Bella and cursed under his breath. It was one thing to be exposed as himself, but to be taken for someone else wouldn't be any better. There were hundreds of people dressed as Marvel characters; he had no doubt word got around quickly there.

"Last I heard was that Seb wasn't feeling well and would not be attending tomorrow." Bella tried to appear as if nothing was wrong, even shrugging. "Trust me, if Sebastian Stan was standing right by me, do you think I'd be here instead of upstairs?" She threw her head back as she laughed, the others joining in, too.

Edward couldn't help but feel a flash of jealously at Bella's words, even though he knew she was just trying to defuse the situation. Then again, she already mentioned she was a huge fan of the man; he even thought they may know each other.

They agreed to meet in a few hours for photos and went their separate ways. The minute they were out of hearing range from most people, Edward took advantage of a nearby alcove and gently pushed her against the wall.

Edward tucked his face mask in his pocket and pulled her close. "I'm not sure how I feel about what you said." His lips trekked up Bella's slender neck and bit her earlobe, earning a tiny yelp. "You'd be upstairs if Sebastian was under the costume, but not me?"

She looked at him, a smile on her lips. A teasing one. "Trust me, if we could, I'd take you upstairs and find out if you can stay in character with your cock in my mouth."

Her words had him hardening against her stomach and groan rumbling in his chest. "That sounds like a challenge."

"Oh, it was, soldier."

He took her hand, ready to head upstairs to the suite they'd rented to take breaks. He knew Jake and Seth were staying in one of the bedrooms, but one of them had to be free.

"The panel starts in an hour!" She hissed and grabbed his mask, holding it up to him. "You promised."

He did and he also didn't want her to think this thing between them was all about sex. However, having had her, knowing what she felt like surrounding him, it wasn't enough. He needed her with an intensity he could barely understand.

He swallowed and nodded, resting his forehead on hers. "I'm sorry, I'm trying to overcome this…"

"You've never felt this way, have you?" She looked at him, answering the question on the tip of his tongue. Her fingers curled in his hair, along the back of his neck, not making it easier on him. "I haven't either, Edward. I never been so consumed by someone that all I want to do is let the rest of it go. We can do that, but we also have lives, babe. We'll just have to find balance until this newness wears off."

"I don't think it will."

She laughed and agreed out loud. "Do you have anything to do after this weekend?"

Edward mentally went over his schedule and knew the next couple of weeks were free, only a photoshoot was on the horizon in a month. He told her, and fuck, if she didn't smile so wide. "How about we seclude ourselves somewhere for a week after this?"

"How about two weeks?" He smiled down at her, pecking her lips a few times because he could. Plus, she was much too tempting when she looked at him like she was, as if he was everything to her. "Make that three?"

"Three weeks," she hummed, nodding. "I think I can delegate a few things and make that happen."

"Where should we go?" The thought of taking her to some beach, dressed in miniscule bikinis or nothing at all appealed to him. Then again, staying at his place, and just having her there did, too.

"Anywhere, as long as there's a bed, a full fridge and pantry, and a shower, I'm good."

"Fuck, I love that about you."

She seemed confused, her eyes softening after a moment. "I don't need some lavish, exotic vacation spot to enjoy my time with you. Or even spend a shit ton of money for us to have a good time."

"I'm figuring that out." He brushed his lips over hers and cleared his throat. "Let's go in there, visit this panel, then I'd very much like to take you up on your offer."

She cocked an eyebrow. "Does this mean you're going to break first?"

"Yes, and I have no problem with it, especially if it means your lips wrapped around me." He gave her a wink and smile before setting the mask in place. Taking in a deep breath, he was once again in character.

Bella loved how much Edward was willing to do something like this, but at the same time, she hated he couldn't be himself. She took another moment to gather herself, soon leading the way to the line for the manga panel. After several photos with others waiting in line, Bella showed Edward some of her work and they shared earbuds to watch one of her favorite anime shows. After a while, no one bothered them, allowing them to talk animatedly about some of their favorite comic book series.

Edward couldn't help the smile on his face, and thankfully, the mask covered it from prying eyes. Twice he'd seen Jake and Seth pass by, checking in with them to make sure everything was okay. Once inside the panel, Bella entertained him with quick drawings of body parts, his, during the Q&A. She paid particular attention his hands, fingers, and mouth.

He leaned toward her ear to whisper. "That's some incredible detail, baby." She gasped, as he had hoped. "Something tells me you're reliving a nice memory." She shivered. "Are you remembering what my lips felt against that spot on her neck?"

She nodded, her thighs rubbing against each other. "And other places."

"Yes, I particularly love this spot, right along your lower back." His hand dipped to the location, his thumb rubbing a small circle above the waistband of her leggings. "You're not the only one that loves dimples." Hers were incredible.

She exhaled sharply, checking the time on her phone—only ten minutes left in the panel. She gave him a look and gestured toward the exit. A few others seemed to have similar ideas to leave before it ended, and they were able to make their escape.

They had ninety minutes before they were supposed to meet up with the Marvel group to take photos. Edward hauled Bella against his side and practically ran to the elevators, and a deep chuckle made their steps falter.

Darth Vader cradled his stomach as the stormtrooper by his side laughed, too.

Edward and Bella stood side by side in the elevator. She leaned against his shoulder and they flipped off their so-called friends. The moment the doors closed and they were alone, Edward's mask fell off and he finally had her in his arms. He had no doubt she'd win the little game they were going to play upstairs. Could he remain in character when she put her mouth on him?

Hell no. He knew that, but it was still a fun, sexy way to find out how long he could hold out.

AN: Thanks to kyla713 for helping me with the chapter. Comic Con will be wrapping up in the next chapter and soon the entire fic. I don't know how to feel about that, lol. I love them. Now, is DarkMonster going to cause them trouble before Comic Con comes to a close?