A/N
Steph Meyer should have made better use of that Vanquish. You know what I mean. Can Vampires fog up windows?
Spesh thanks and gropes to lambcullen to looks after me and the demon. Dunno what I'd do without her.
Hugs and dirty cheap feels to snshyne who prereads and reassures that these words aren't made of fail.
Music:
Father Lucifer: Tori Amos
The Night Will Go As Follows: Spill Canvas
My Immortal: Vitamin String Quartet (cover)
Stateless: Bloodstream
'Do you really think ... that it is weakness that yields to temptation? I tell you that there are terrible temptations that it requires strength, strength and courage, to yield to.'
Act 2, An Ideal Husband, by Oscar Wilde
BPOV
I couldn't move for Edward shadowing me, and his eyes watched me, constantly. At first I had felt boxed in, but I realized it was because we seemed to be in limbo, waiting for something to happen.
Edward looked over at me as my phone lit up with a message. We were sitting in his house, as a realtor showed my property to a young couple.
Edward was at his piano, and I sat on a chair he had carried in for me. My nose was currently buried in a book, but I wasn't really concentrating.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket; it was a message from Jess.
Hi hun. Give me a call when you get a chance x
I placed my book over the arm of the chair, and quickly pressed the call button. Edward's face was full of questions, and I mouthed Jess to him. His eyebrow rose.
She answered after the first ring.
"Hi!" she trilled. That tone meant plans. It meant big plans, that I was rarely allowed to say no to.
"Hi. What's up?" I asked, barely able to keep the trepidation out of my voice.
"Oh this and that." I was totally suspicious at this point, Jess was horrible at nonchalance.
I laughed, "Out with it Jess."
I could almost see her smiling as she began in one long breath, "What are you doing Friday? And you cannot say no because Tyler already made reservations, and they are for both of you. You and Edward. It's time we all had a meal together, to make sure you're getting on ok, and I want to meet him, and make sure he's not a dickhead."
When she paused, I interrupted her, "God, Jess. Take a breath. Things are a bit funny now, I don't know if I'll be able to-"
"What do you mean funny? Have you guys broken up? Is he being a dick-"
"No! No, no, no. It's not that. I've just got some heavy stuff going on-at the theater, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it off-"
"Try, Bella. Try for me? Because you love me? And you love Italian food?"
"Oh my God, you're bribing me with fettuccini?" I asked in mock horror.
"Uh huh. You know I fight dirty." There was a male voice in the background, and Jess said to me, "And Tyler says he wants to meet this Edward and size him up. Man to man."
I snorted, and glanced at Edward, who was taking in this conversation quietly from the piano. I knew he could hear it all, but I wondered what he thought of it.
"I'll talk to Edward. But Jess, I meant what I said, I've got a lot on, ok?"
She sighed, "Yeah yeah. Just let me know soon as?"
I nodded as I answered her, "I will. I promise. Call you later?"
"Ok. Bye honey."
I smiled, "Bye."
I looked over at Edward. He quietly regarded me, his crimson eyes studying me.
I got up slowly from the chair, and sat next to him on the edge of the piano seat. It was like flicking on a switch, turning a dial, and my body went from zero to sixty as soon as I brushed against him.
Would it really be this way all the time? This intense?
It was never, ever like this with Jake. Even before we were married.
Nothing had ever been like this. Maybe nothing ever would be again.
I looked at him, and laid my hand over his, where it rested on the keys.
"If I became…like you, would I still go to work? Could I still see Jess?"
He took a breath to speak, "The first year of your immortal life, all you will crave is blood. You will thirst for it, the need will claw at you, and you will quite willingly kill whatever pulses in front of you for it."
I couldn't imagine killing anything. The thought must have shown across my face as I watched one side of his mouth lift in a cruel smile.
"I'm afraid it's true, Bella. You will be stronger than you have ever known, you will be stronger than me as a newly born vampire. It is best to sever the ties you have to your mortal life as quickly as possible. You will not have much time to do so."
"And after the first year?"
"After the first year, you will have until eternity to do as you wish."
"Could I go back to my old job? Could I see Jess?"
He shook his head, "No Bella. You will not be the same, you will not see things the same, you will not be human."
Something that fluttered in the back of my mind decided to finally move to the front.
"What will I eat?"
The thought of killing anyone, anything, disgusted me. I imagined myself breaking into blood banks at night, and stealing slurpee straws from 7-11.
He smiled that cold smile again, "You will eat what I give you to eat, until you can control yourself to hunt on your own."
"Hunt?"
He turned towards me, and with his other hand, brushed my hair away from my face, "Yes, Bella. Hunt."
I shivered at his cold fingers, and his words. They were heavy, and the weight closed around me, settling inside me, as the full scope of what I was actually considering wrapped around my brain.
Hunting. Drinking blood. Killing.
I shrank a little inwardly, and Edward misconstrued it for shrinking away from him. He dropped his hand.
"It's good you are finally grasping this." His eyes seemed so much older than his face.
"Will I still be able to smoke?" Defense mechanism to the rescue.
He smiled this time, both corners, "You can smoke until it comes out of your ears."
Another thought occurred to me, "What about money? How will I live?"
He inhaled again, "That's not something you'll need to worry about."
I leaned away from him, so I could fully look at his face, "What do you mean? You don't steal from people, do you?"
He laughed this time, showing all of his lethal teeth, "No, Bella. My financial situation is based on good investments and old money. I promise you, I am not swindling anyone."
I felt my brows furrow, "I have my own money. I don't want to be dependent on you."
His face grew serious again, and I felt his finger move down my cheek, "Something tells me, even after you are changed, that we will be dependent on each other, Bella."
I didn't want to argue about money, not right now. I had my own, and the sale of the house would add to the savings I already had stashed away. I wasn't an idiot, I wanted to bring my share to the table, but I wasn't going to be kept again.
"I need you to know that the money thing is an issue for me," I was pushing, and I felt nauseous for even bringing it up as a topic of conversation, but I'd rather talk about it now, until it was too late.
"Bella, in my world, we will be mates," his hand moved over my arm, to the crease, and I bit my lip as his finger traced the vulnerable veins beneath my skin. "I need you to understand that we will be more than linked over physical intimacy, more than connected than my siring you, it will be something that will shift your entire world, your entire existence. Perhaps you will understand fully after the change. If that is what you decide."
Again, the words from his mouth were so heavy. I was afraid, I could acknowledge that much. Afraid of the unknown, of tying myself to someone again. I had already opened myself to Edward in so many ways, was I ready to make the final steps?
He sighed beside me, and the hand on the piano turned under mine, lacing his long fingers through mine.
"I believe you have had enough for the moment," he said, and raised an eyebrow at me in question.
He rose, his movements fluid, and I had no choice but to follow him. He tugged me into the living room, and I sat with him on the couch. His arm was around me, and although he was cold, and hard, his solid chest comforted me.
"Were you going to ask me about dinner with Jessica?"
"Oh yeah. You don't have to if you don't want to, though." I bit the inside of my lip.
"I think it would be important for you to see her. And for her to see you."
I looked up at him, "And you want to come with me?"
His face almost seemed gentle when he answered me, "I suppose if you are considering my world, I can take a step into yours for a while."
I blinked at him, staring at his face, "What about your eyes?"
The ruby crimson was something I was used to, but I wasn't sure Jess would be able to get her ravioli to her mouth without staring at Edward.
"I'm sure I can think of something. Leave that to me."
That evening, Edward drove me to work, and lingered as I walked inside. I knew he would join me shortly. I could feel his presence, watching me, listening. At first it was daunting, as aware of him as I was. Today was the fourth day, and I could still feel my skin tingling in awareness as I measured a piece of wood before cutting it on the saw table.
I had a pencil between my lips as I slowly ran the wood through the table saw, small pieces of sawdust flew onto the table, and the smell was oddly comforting.
Would this be the same when I was…different? Would I still enjoy tasks like this? Or would I rather rip the head off of people and drain their insides?
I shuddered as I marked another place for cutting.
It crashed into me then, things I never finished or did because I assumed I would have time to do them. I had always wanted to take up knitting, quit smoking, start a vegetable garden, eat healthier, see Ireland.
But there was something else I wanted to do, something I wanted to get back into doing, something I hadn't done since college...
I dropped my pencil, and it made a small plunking sound as it hit the floor and rolled under the table. I flicked off the saw, pulled off my goggles, and bent down to get it. As I stood up, I hit my head off the top of the saw table.
"Fuck!"
Lucky me, I even got sawdust in my fucking hair. I patted and smoothed it out as best I could. Shoving the pencil behind my ear, I stalked off in search of Victoria.
I found her filing her nails, with her feet up on the box office desk. There weren't any customers in, and I rolled my eyes at her laziness. Ever the professional, our Victoria.
"Hey Vic, got a minute?"
She looked up from her nails, and flicked her flaming red hair over her shoulder, "Hi Bella." She smiled like a toothpaste advertisement, and I swallowed down a sarcastic comment.
"Are there any spots open next week Wednesday?" I shifted uncomfortably on my feet, and wondered if my face was as red as it felt.
Her face was suddenly serious, and she was all business as she dropped the fake smile. Her feet came off the desk as well, "What do you mean? For the Local Night?"
"Yeah," I said, smoothing my pony tail, hoping I still didn't have sawdust in my hair.
"Who are you trying to sneak onto the roster, Bella?" Her face was knowing, and she tapped her pen against the desk.
"Me."
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head, "You?"
"Um yeah. I used to perform all the time in high school and college. I play the guitar."
She couldn't drag her eyes from me, and then realized she was being rude, before opening the diary she'd had her feet on.
Using her pink pen, she ran down what looked like a list, "Yeah, there's some room. How long do you think your set will be? I've got fifteen minutes here that's free."
Considering I was slightly out of practice, that was perfect.
"I'll take it. Do you need a deposit or whatever?"
She waved her hand at me, "Don't be ridiculous. You're family."
I was taken slightly aback at that statement. Especially coming from Victoria.
"OK…What time then?"
"Nine thirty, Bella."
"Cool." I turned to go, but she stopped me.
"Hey Bella?" she called. I looked back at her, "Break a leg!"
A small rumble that almost sounded like a growl thundered from somewhere in the theater. Victoria shuddered.
"Oh my, that wind is violent today."
+IA+
Friday came too quickly, it felt as if time was like running water, and it didn't matter what way I held my hands together, it continued to trickle away from me at an alarming rate.
I checked myself in the hall mirror, smoothing out a wrinkle in my dress, and studied my reflection one last time.
I was wearing a black vintage swing dress, the boat neckline showed a hint of my collarbone, and the capped sleeves cupped my shoulders. The back of the dress opened up over my shoulder blades, revealing a folded over white collar that was pinned back by two black buttons. I wore a white layered petticoat underneath, and when I walked, the white satin lined edges peaked out. I wore nude stockings with it, that had a black seam that ran up the back of my legs.
I hated getting dressed up, but it's more all the fumbling to finally get to this point. Once I was zipped and buttoned, I was fine. More than fine, actually.
I stepped into my simple black Louboutins, and smoothed my hair back, which was up in a simple ponytail. My bangs curled over my forehead, and I checked my make up one last time. Simple was always better: black lined eyes, a hint of blush and red lips.
I wanted to look my best tonight, since I had finally made a decision.
I wanted to tell Edward I was as ready as I was ever going to be. I wanted to do this, I wanted to try.
I descended the stairs slowly, and Edward was downstairs waiting, his hands in the pockets of his trousers. He wore a black suit, white skinny tie, and his hair slightly mussed.
I wanted to jump him right there.
He smiled at me, and moved over to take my hand as I descended the last stair. I looked at him, and there was something different about his face.
"Your eyes!" I saw them, and it looked as though he was wearing green contact lenses. They were done very well, they looked incredibly real.
His free hand ran through his hair, "I thought my previous color would be best."
I blinked at him, realizing what he meant, "Your eyes were green? When you were human?"
He nodded, and for once the confident look that normally graced his face faltered, "If they are unsuitable, I can wear-"
I shook my head, "No, they look fine. It's just-I'm just used to the red I guess. You look almost-human."
"Almost?"
I blushed, "You're way too good looking to pass as a human male, Edward. Sorry."
He pulled me towards him, "You've never complained." He couldn't resist kissing my cheek, which then turned into kissing my neck, and somehow I was clinging to him, pressing myself against his chest, as he nibbled at my neck.
"Let's not go," I said breathlessly, as his lips found a sweet spot that made my whole body tremble.
He purred against my neck, a low sound that seemed to reverberate from his chest, "As much as I agree with you, you will regret it later."
I sighed as he kissed my ear, "Ok. We better go."
He placed a wet kiss on the part of my collarbone that was exposed, before looking intently into my eyes. He seemed to hesitate, as if he wanted to say something, but then changed his mind. I watched his jaw tick, and then he was reaching for the door, his hand at my back. My heels clicked ominously on the cement floor of the garage, as he moved to open the car door for me.
I was fastening my seatbelt when Edward slid into his own seat, and started the car, the rumble of the powerful engine exciting, as he opened the garage door and backed down the driveway.
I wanted to blurt it out, right then and there, I wanted to tell him that I was ready.
But I didn't. I held it back, because I didn't want it to seem like it was some sort of impulsive decision. And I didn't want it hanging between us during dinner.
He drove, and the car obeyed him. I watched his hands on the steering wheel, lit in flashes by the passing streetlights. The sound of his skin sliding over the steering wheel as we took a corner unnerved me, and I licked my lips. Whatever it was that was always there between us, an energy, something that vibrated in the air, it filled the interior of the car and laid itself against my chest, pressing against my breasts, twisting inside my stomach, and flowed down between my legs. I rubbed my thighs together, and suddenly wished I hadn't picked tonight to be so brave.
The entire drive was tense, and I wondered if he felt it too. At one point, I thought I saw his fingers flex, tightening on the steering wheel. I glanced at his handsome face, but it gave away nothing.
Eventually we pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, it was near the docks, and the far windows looked out onto the Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Edward opened my door, and helped me out of the car. I took his hand, and pressed close to him, my hands on his chest. Into his ear, I whispered, "I forgot to tell you something."
He tensed, "What?"
"I'm not wearing any panties," I said, and kissed his neck this time.
His hands gripped my hips, and for a moment, I wondered if he was going to throw me over his shoulder, but he was stopped by a familiar voice calling my name.
"Bella!"
Jess and Tyler were just walking up the steps, Jess's dark hair swept up, and a waterfall of curls graced down her back. She wore a soft pink dress, and had obviously found a tie for Tyler that would match her dress.
Jess smiled as she waved at us, and I introduced them to Edward, who greeted Jess, and shook Tyler's hand.
Jess kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, "Oh my God, Bella. He looks hot. I love your dress by the way."
I knew Edward could hear her, and I smiled as she stepped back, "You look really pretty, Jess. And only you could find a tie for Tyler that would perfectly match your dress."
She giggled, and Tyler smoothed a hand down his tie. He was a tall handsome guy, and the two of them sparkled with health. Tyler had a mop of blonde hair that he kept tucked behind his ears, and baby blue eyes that Jess had talked non stop about for the first two weeks they started dating.
The guys sized each other up in that male way, and Tyler smiled as I felt Edward behind me, my body buzzing with awareness of where his hand rested on my back.
It was weird, there was something annoying me, I felt really on edge. I searched, trying to find out why, and then I realized exactly what it was.
I didn't want to share Edward. With anyone. Even if it was just for a meal with my best friend.
Was it the same for him?
We sat down at the table we were shown, and I had a sudden moment of panic, something I had totally forgotten about. Edward must have heard it, he glanced at me, his green eyes meeting mine as if to say, What is it?
What was Edward going to eat? Would he be able to stomach anything?
I shook my head, and shifted in my seat. I could tell I had unsettled him slightly, but he turned back to the menu that was handed to him.
The restaurant's interior was low lit, the walls creamy, and the decoration minimal. There were candles on the table, and their light glinted off of the wineglasses in front of us. The table cloth was a soft cream, and I placed my matching napkin on my lap. Tyler requested a bottle of red wine from the wine list, and after tasting it, he nodded and the waiter sat it on the table.
After awhile, the waiter came back and requested our orders, and I felt myself go limp as Edward calmly placed his order, his soft velvety voice like fine chocolate.
The waitress looked at him, and I wanted to rip her throat out.
It wasn't until she walked away that I was aware there was awkward silence at the table.
I turned to Jess, who was never short of conversation, but was stopped by Edward, who politely engaged Tyler.
"So Tyler, Bella tells me you own your own business?"
I sat back as they launched into a conversation about business, about customers, and advertising. Jess winked at me when I caught her eye. I gave her a look of approval, shifting my eyes between the guys and she mouthed to me, I know, right?
I sipped my wine, and the fact that this could be the last time I see Jess hit me. I tried not to let the lump that was suddenly in my throat erupt.
I hate being so goddamn emotional.
Edward glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes, and we shared a brief look. The moment was broken though, as Jess caught my attention.
"So Bella, I feel like we haven't caught up in ages. Tell me something new," she smiled.
I cleared my throat, and set my wine glass down, "Well, I put myself on the list for the Local's Night at the theater."
Jess's eyes nearly bugged out of her head, "Wait. Do you mean to work it or…?"
I nodded, and could feel my stomach twist at the thought of being on stage again, "Performing, Jess."
"Oh my God! Bella Swan, I am so proud of you. And I miss your music." Her eyes moved to Edward, "Have you ever heard Bella play?"
Edward glances at me, and his green contacts regard me. It's like looking at a mask, and knowing the real identity of the person there.
"No, I don't believe I have," he answers, and my body feels his voice like a caress.
Jess turned back to me, "What songs are you going to sing? Do you have a set planned out? How long are you on stage for?"
I laugh at her twenty questions, "I don't know, no, and fifteen minutes."
"You're going to be great, Bella. You should have gone professional."
I shook my head, "No way, Jess. It wouldn't be fun if I had to do it. Fifteen minutes this Wednesday is all I need."
Tyler smiled and sipped his wine, "Everyone should have their fifteen minutes, Bella."
"Can we come?" Jess asked, hopeful.
"Yeah, if you want to. You don't have to though-"
"Shut up, Bella. Of course I'm there, in the front row. Every good performer needs a fan girl."
I smile at her, and let the caustic wall down for a moment, and I can feel those fucking tears itching at my eyes, "Thanks, Jess."
She reaches across the table to me, and takes my hand, where it rests near my glass, "You never have to thank me, honey."
I bite my lip, and Jess can see me about to go.
She sighs, "I'm going to the ladies. Come with me, Bella?"
I nod, and pick up my clutch. The guys stand as we leave, and I brush against Edward. I can smell him, and like a flower looking for sunlight, I involuntarily lean against him, my hand on the center of his back.
Jess leads me towards the door marked WOMEN and we head inside. It's artfully decorated, and carpeted before braking into tiling. There was a make up counter, couches, and flattering lighting. Jess pulls out her lip gloss and reapplies it. I stand awkwardly next to her.
Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, "Are you going to tell me what's going on, or do I have to drag it out of you?"
"It's nothing, Jess."
"Bullshit, Bella. Is it Edward? Did you guys have a fight?" She capped her lip gloss, and pressed her lips together.
"No, it's nothing like that."
She raises an eyebrow at me, "So it is something then. What is it?"
I wanted to come out with it, to Jess. But I didn't want her involved in this shit, so I tried to come up with a lie that might explain my departure, "I'm thinking about quitting my job."
"You what? But you love that job."
I shrug, "It's the same old shit, the same old people. I'm selling that house, I'm tired of bumping around in there by myself. I'm thinking about taking a vacation."
Her mouth dropped open, "How long?"
"A long one. I think I need to get away from Seattle, from my dad in Forks. I can feel myself starting to crack up a little."
Her eyes were full of concern, and Jess just couldn't help herself, those arms of hers were around me, and she squeezed. Her perfume was sweet and innocent and I swallowed hard against that lump.
"I'm really gonna miss you, Jess." And I meant that, every fucking consonant and vowel, and it seemed to bounce off the walls, in the nice lighting, of the all too quiet bathroom. Tears rolled down my cheeks and into her hair.
"I know, but you'll be back before you know it, honey. And you can text and e-mail or whatever. I'll be here. You better come back and dance in my wedding, though. You know you're chief bridesmaid."
I rolled my eyes, "Jess, you know I don't fucking dance."
"Bella, you should know me well enough to know this will be a choreographed affair."
I laughed wetly and she stepped away from me, and her eyes were sympathetic, "Look at you, Bella. I can't take you back out there like this." She set her handbag down on the counter, it was five times larger than mine, and knowing Jess, she had everything in there from a fully equipped medical kit, emergency rations, and a full make up case.
Jess attacked me with make up, patching up my face and fixing my liner.
"There. You look gorgeous. Now come on before the boys get antsy."
We walked out arm in arm, and Jess steered the conversation until dinner arrived. We ate, Edward shared a little about himself, details that would seem acceptable to humans.
He went to an Ivy League school back East, studied medicine, finished his residency, and was currently on a brief hiatus until he settled into his father's small town practice.
He was charming, he was polite, and played the attentive boyfriend well, his hand brushing my arm more than once, his eyes meeting mine, and once he leaned over and whispered into my ear while Jess and Tyler were debating wedding music.
"You are alright?"
I nodded, and I felt his lips touch my ear, "I believe I have won over Tyler and Jessica."
I smiled slightly, "I think you have. Thanks for doing this, I owe you."
His lips touched my ear again, and I couldn't help the goose bumps, "I will collect on that later."
Dessert was served, Edward abstained, but I couldn't resist the chocolate cake slice Jess and I decided to share.
The sun had set at this point, and the outside lights glistened on the lapping waves of the sound, the mountains lost to the darkness, and only squinting could bring their outline into focus.
I set down my fork and picked up my clutch, "I'm going for a quick smoke, Edward do you wanna come with me?"
He nodded and stood up with me, his hand at my elbow. The outside doors pushed open and out onto railed decking. The smell of the sea wafted in, and a chilly breeze brushed through my hair, and tickled the edges of my skirt, lifting it slightly. I looked down, and saw the satin white ribbon edges of the petticoat.
I dug my cigarettes and lighter out of my clutch, and held it under my arm as I flicked the lighter to life. The brief orange glow lit the small dome I had made out of my fingers as I lit the cigarette.
I puffed, and the smoke rose and caught the breeze, dramatically whipped away from my body and carried off.
I leaned against the railing and Edward stood behind me, and I watched as his hands settled on either side of me on the old wooden board in front of us. I vaguely wondered if he had to worry about splinters.
But that was forgotten as his body pressed against mine, and his face rested against my neck.
Again, I just wanted to sink into him, into his strength, and not think about saying good bye to Jess.
"You were crying earlier." It was a statement, an observation, but his lips moved against my skin, and I wanted more than was possible in front of a restaurant full of people.
"Yes."
"This is hard for you." His lips moved again, and my ragged nerves from earlier were soothed.
I nodded, and there was that damn lump again.
I inhaled, felt the burn, enjoyed the feeling, and exhaled more ghostly smoke, "It is. A lot harder than I ever thought it would be. I don't want to say good bye."
He was quiet while I finished my cigarette. I stubbed it out, and he released me so we could walk back in together. He excused himself when we reached the table, and I watched his retreating back head towards the men's room.
Tyler must have settled the bill while we were outside, there were mints on the table.
I started to protest, and Tyler held his hand up, "Bella. You're like my little sister. So let me take my little sister and her guy out for dinner. Ok?"
Edward rejoined us, his eyes fierce. Tyler and Jess stood to leave, and we followed them outside. Edward and Tyler walked towards the cars, leaving me and Jess behind them.
"I'll leave your tickets at the box office for you and Tyler."
"Make sure they're good seats, seeing as I'm president of the Bella Swan fan club."
I laughed and bumped her side, and she affectionately bumped me back. We stopped and I stared at the moon, which seemed unusually bright this evening.
"I guess I'll see you later, Jess. Next Wednesday?"
She nodded, "Next Wednesday."
I watched her walk away, and I wanted to call her back, and tell her thank you over and over again, for every time she had helped me, for every time she hadn't let me wallow in self pity, for every time she had picked me up, dusted me off, and encouraged me.
"I love you, Jess," I whispered, as she walked away.
She stopped to wave and I waved back, scrunching my fingers, and it was more of a clawing motion, than an actual wave.
+IA+
EPOV
I watched Bella wave at her friend, and held the car door open as she stepped in.
The engine purred as I left the parking lot, and we pulled out onto the main road. It was almost too quiet, and I could feel Bella fidgeting in the seat beside me.
"So I watched you eat dinner. Where did the food actually go?"
"I swallowed it, but brought it back up before we left."
Bella studied my profile, "I thought you couldn't get sick?"
"I can't. But I don't digest things like you do. It's very uncomfortable to eat human food. It all tastes like ash to me."
"Oh."
The silence seeped back into the car. It had been a long time since I'd had to consume eating human food. I had forgotten just how foul it could be. I turned on the radio, and this seemed to soothe some of Bella's movements.
It did not however, soothe me.
Her smell was driving me close to madness, her body wrapped in its lovely packaging only served to make the clawing desire worse.
Her whispered confession still rang in my ear, and I thought of the naked flesh underneath her skirt. I could feel my cock lengthen and harden further, as I imagined lifting her skirt up, and run my hands up her thighs. I had noticed the seam running up her legs, and wondered if she wore stockings underneath.
Bella didn't seem to notice the speed I was driving at to get us home, I could feel my cock straining against my trousers, and I shifted the engine into a higher gear, pushing the powerful engine to stretch out to its full stride. I heard Bella inhale slowly, her heart pumping in her chest, and slowly exhale. The smell of wine and Bella filled the interior, and I could take no more.
My hand moved over my eyes, I pressed the button for the window, and quickly deposited my contacts in the wind, before raising the window. I down shifted violently, the engine protested, and once we were slow enough, I pulled the car onto the shoulder of the deserted road. We were in the middle of nowhere, trees lined either side of the car, and there were no streetlights this far out. When I cut the headlights, darkness enveloped us.
Bella's head snapped over to look at me, "Why have we stopped?"
"Take off your seatbelt."
Her eyebrows drew together, "What? Why?"
I turned towards her, until my face was inches from her, "Take. Off. Your. Seatbelt."
Her hands trembled as she released the latch and the snarl of the fabric being pulled back filled the silence.
"What's going on?"
I reached underneath me and pushed the seat back from the steering wheel.
"I'm afraid we aren't going to wait until we are back at the house."
It took Bella two seconds, two beats of her heart to put it together, "We're gonna um..in the car?"
"I suggest you remove your shoes."
I heard her swallow and reach down for her shoes, "OK."
My fingers moved over the button and zip of my trousers, and I dragged them down my hips, lifting. Bella's eyes were adjusting, and I could smell the sharp tang of her arousal, it was heavier now.
"Climb over the console, Bella."
I helped her, and she kneeled astride me, her thighs on either side of mine. Her petticoat surrounded us, and I ran my hands underneath her dress, finding her warm skin encased in the silk of her stockings.
Her hands rested on my shoulders, bracing herself, as my hands graced over the lacy tops of her stockings. I wanted to see it so badly, but knew that would be an impossibility in the enclosed space.
So I continued up her legs, up the soft skin of her thighs. Her body seemed poised ready, and my cock brushed her slick sex. I lined her up, and as I pulled her down, she sank onto me. She gasped as I slowly filled her. The moist silky heat of her making my head fall back on the headrest.
Her hands moved into my hair as her hips flexed, and the smell of sex filled the car. She moved slowly, sinking back down, and then faster.
Her lips found mine, and she breathlessly kissed me.
I pumped my hips with her, meeting her, needing her warmth. Each time our bodies met, we both let out a sound: hers a gaspy moan, mine a deep throated groan.
She started to move faster, and I knew she was close, my hands helped her, gripping her hips close to me. It was a race towards gratification, and she broke through, her body contracting, her back arching as she pulled my hair. I continued to move her hips, she was incredibly slick, and I felt a tightening in my abdomen that tingled and eventually shocked its way lower as I joined her.
She collapsed against me, her breath in my ear, her cheek resting against mine. I listened as her breathing calmed, her heart rate slowing.
"Can I confess something?" she said, her voice a hoarse whisper.
"Of course," I answered, unzipping her dress so I could touch the perfect skin of her back.
"I hated sharing you tonight," I felt her jaw move as she licked her lips, "I needed you all to myself. It was strange."
"Why was it strange?" I stroked along the delicate line of her spine, feeling her shiver.
"I'm not used to feeling that…possessive."
I closed my eyes, the intensity of her words slicing through me.
"Edward, there's something else I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
I heard her heart pump faster, it beat against her chest and in turn mine, like a hummingbird's wings. There was a long pause, and I was about to say something when she spoke.
She inhaled deeply and then let it go, "I want you to change me."
I pulled back, trying to see her face, her eyes, "You're sure?"
She nodded, and I was overcome. She was mine already, but now, she would be mine forever.
+IA+
I turned the car onto our street, but tensed as I heard something, a voice echo through the darkness, reaching me.
"Do you think he'll listen? Is this a wasted energy?"
"I cannot let him face this alone. He is my son."
"I'm afraid for him, Carlisle. Alice said he has so much to lose."
"We all do, sweetheart."
A/N
Hmmm. Three more to go. I have them planned out, and I'm 1K into next chapter. Go me!
If you're not the twitter type, and you missed it, there is an amazing video link for IA made by the lovely MyRobAddiction. I'm floored, it's amazing. It's on my profile, please watch and leave her some love!