Sorry for the delay! You know when so many things are demanding your attention that your mind is constantly distracted? Yes, that's what is happening in my life right now. Nothing bad though, just time-consuming.

Thank you, Milk40 for giving me the perfect last line for this chapter!

A big thank you to the readers who voted in the Twilight Diversity Contest. My story-A Gift of Love-won the Judges Choice 3rd Place. It is now posted on my profile, so if you haven't read it yet, please do.

So, here is Bella making up to Edward!


Chapter-26

It is only at dinner that I see Edward again. He still looks a little uncertain, but smiles more when I and Irina engage him in light-hearted conversation. I am also very interested in the new techniques of horse-training his grooms are going to use. Edward promises me that he will take me to the training-ground so I can see for myself.

Irina and I have had a long chat, and I feel quite at ease with her. She is a little eccentric, with her ideas about being close to nature and following one's heart, or perhaps she just does not care for the constraints of the society. Having seen much more of life than I, she insists that old beliefs and practices are not always right, and if we want to do something to gain happiness we should do it. As long as it does not hurt anybody, of course.

After many suggestions from Irina and some nervous giggling on my part, I have decided what Edward's surprise should be. I just hope he does not think me a hussy for it, though Irina assures me that will never happen.

I have also had a word with Alice as well as Jasper to put my plan into action. Their cooperation, especially Jasper's, is essential for the success of this little scheme of mine.

Goodness me, I had never imagined I would be bold enough to do this!

Jasper has promised he would delay Edward by a few minutes while I change quickly in my room. No servants usually pass these corridors at night, but I still wear a dressing-gown over my relatively thin nightdress, for the sake of propriety. With my hair braided loosely, I step out of my room, my satin slippers perfectly silent on the carpeted floor.

It is a strange experience to be in this familiar passage so late. A taper set in an alcove in the wall shows me the way to Edward's room, which is luckily quite close to mine. Otherwise, the shadows lurking just at the edge of the candle-light might have driven me back to my room!

I knock lightly on the heavy, oak-panelled door, wondering if I am in time. It opens quickly to reveal Jasper, sombre as usual. He bows to me as I enter and points to the adjoining privy, indicating the presence of Edward.

I take a deep breath as I look around the room Anthony used to occupy, the one in which he breathed his last. I had imagined that I would never have to enter it again, even when I married Edward. Of course, what I have planned to do could have been done in my room as well, but I want to make this surprise as unexpected as possible.

Edward would not expect me in his room, and that is why I am here.

"Is everything ready?" I ask Jasper even as I glance at the king-size bed in the centre of the room. There is a small table near the foot, and a dark glass bottle upon it. A few squares of soft cotton cloth are stacked nearby.

"I hope it won't ruin the bedsheet," I murmur to myself, but Jasper must have heard it, for he presses his lips as if suppressing a snicker. I feel so conscious of what I am about to do.

Before I feel even more awkward, he wishes me goodnight and leaves, and I feel relieved. Of course I don't need to mind his opinion; he is only a valet. I suppose over six years of being a titled woman isn't enough for me to be rid of the notion of complete privacy.

"Bella?"

Edward's voice startles me. I was so lost in my thought that I had not noticed his presence.

My eyes take in his damp hair and face as he towels them dry. Then they stray to his unclothed chest. He must have been about to change into his nightshirt, I suppose.

"Is everything all right?" He is frowning, worry threading through his tone. I swallow before I can answer him.

"Uh, yes, everything is all right." I pause. "Iamheretogiveyouamassage." I add in a rush and then bite my tongue.

"I beg your pardon?" he says, looking completely at sea. I can't blame him, of course.

I clear my throat and try again, slowly. "I thought—I mean, I spoke with Irina and asked her what would be a nice surprise for you—something I had never done before, you know. She suggested that you might enjoy an intimate massage, and I thought it would double the surprise if I did that in your room. So…would you like that?" His expression doesn't change, and my voice peters off uncertainly towards the end.

After a few seconds Edward blinks and then shakes his head as if trying to clear it. "You want to give me a massage…because you thought it would be a nice surprise?" he asks as if he is unable to believe my words.

Or maybe he thinks I am an imbecile for having planned this. He can get a massage any time he wants from his personal masseur, so why would he be excited that I wanted to give him one? Heavens above, I will probably be a complete failure at it!

"Well," I stammer, "Irina suggested it, but yes, I wanted to do something nice for you. If you don't want me to…"

He huffs and smiles, a smile full of surprise and happiness. "Oh sweetheart, I want anything you would like to do to me. I was disbelieving because I was mentally preparing for asking your forgiveness some more. And then seeing you in my room…you have never been here since I returned, have you?"

I shake my head even though he knows the answer. "It did take me some courage to come here. And there is no need for asking my forgiveness. Yes, I was upset because you didn't tell me before, but I see now that it would have been an awkward topic to broach. I am sorry; I should not have reacted so badly."

His eyes light up even as he steps closer and his arms go around me. "You are not vexed any more, Bella? Truly, I never want to make you sad in any way."

In answer, I simply raise my head, silently asking him to kiss me. He does, and I can feel his smile on my lips. But then I let my tongue touch his lips, and he stops smiling and groans instead. The heat seems to rise between us as ours hands wander, but then I remember that I came here for a specific purpose and draw back.

"Bella?" Edward says, looking rather dazed. It is reassuring to see that kissing me can have that kind of effect on him.

"I would still like to give you that massage," I say while trying to slow down my breath. "Of course, I am not a trained masseur…"

For the first time his eyes leave me to glance in his bed's direction. "I see you have everything ready. It would be a shame to not take advantage of this opportunity, hmm?"

The tone of his voice tells me that he is teasing me, but I still feel shy. "Uh, you should take your pyjamas off then," I say softly, not looking at him.

"With pleasure," he says with a chuckle. A second later, I hear the rustling of clothes and see them landing on the floor in my peripheral vision.

"Shouldn't you take off your clothes as well?" he suggests from behind me. "Surely you don't want oil stains on your pretty gown?"

Slowly I remove my dressing-gown, fold it and place it on a chair. Always he is the one who disrobes me, so it feels strange taking my gown off in front of him.

"What about this one?" His hands tug lightly on the thin nightgown. My breath picks up as his hands pass over my breasts.

"I think I will keep it for now," I choke out. "Otherwise there will be no massage taking place. Now, please lie on the bed."

"On my back?" he says, his warm breath caressing my nape.

I clear my throat as a visual of my naked husband lounging on the bed flashes before me.

"No, on your stomach."

"As you wish."

He follows my instruction, and only then I dare to look at him. Did I imagine it would be easier to look at Edward when he is facing away from me?

No, it is not. His shoulders, back and legs are equally tempting as his front, all long and lean and muscled. Even his feet are shaped beautifully.

I sigh and pour a little oil into my palm, and then rub both palms lightly, warming it up. I recall Irina's instructions and begin with his feet and ankles. As I rub the oil into them and begin applying pressure with my thumbs, he groans with pleasure.

"That feels so good, Bella. Thank you."

I laugh. "I have just begun, Edward."

"I am sure I will be in heaven by the time you finish."

Hmm, I intend to see that he reaches that blissful stage by the time this massage is over.

From ankles I proceed to his calves, using my thumbs as well as fingers to press the firm flesh there. The sounds he makes reveal his enjoyment very clearly.

As I smile and continue up to his strong thighs, I discover something I had not even thought about when I decided Edward's surprise.

At that moment, the only thought in my mind was to do something that would give him pleasure, but it is only now, now that I am bent over him and my hands are slick with oil, kneading his muscles and making him groan, that I realise it is bringing me pleasure as well.

Even though I am familiar with Edward's body now, having him spread out in front of me is a different feeling. He is so relaxed and completely trusting of me, leaving his body in my hands. It makes me feel powerful. And my hands…gliding, stroking, pressing…the pleasure of touch works both ways, I feel. The whole experience is so intimate.

His hands have often been on my behind, but this is the first time that I have my hands on his firm cheeks. I don't spend much time there though. I have other plans after I have done his back.

"Bella, please stop if you become tired," he says, but I assure him I feel just fine.

"Well, don't bend so much. At least sit on me while doing my back."

I give in and seat myself on his bottom. It is definitely more comfortable for me to massage his back this way, but the contact is also making my lady-bits tingle. I can't help imagining what would have been happening had he been on his back right now.

I lay a few kisses on his back while kneading his muscles, earning a few sighs and words of gratitude. When it is done, he asks if he should turn over.

"Only if your hands are not aching already," he adds.

"Not yet, I mean, don't turn over yet. I want to try something new." I exhale and continue, "I don't know if you will like it or not. Do you trust me?"

His voice has a smile in it. "With my life, sweetheart."

I smile too. "In that case…"

I apply some more oil to his cheeks and stroke them, giving a squeeze here and there. Edward snickers but says nothing. He does give me a suspicious look when I ask him to rise on his knees and tuck his calves underneath. I shrug and raise an eyebrow, and he complies.

The next movement of my thumb has him hissing, probably in shock. He turns his head just enough to look at me.

"Are you giving me a massage there?" His tone is incredulous.

I swallow nervously. "Irina said it makes a man feel very good. But she also warned me that some men don't like anybody touching them there, so…I can stop if you…"

To my surprise, he looks more impressed than irritated or anything. "You are right that I wouldn't like anybody touching me in that manner. However, I said I trust you, and I do. If you are comfortable with the idea, go ahead and do it."

"Thank you."

He smiles and rests his head on the pillow.

I do it slowly and carefully. I do not want to apply too much pressure or injure him with my nail. It is certainly strange, but I can see that he is enjoying my ministrations, and that helps me feel less awkward. With a sudden burst of courage, I let my other hand walk over to his front and stroke his instrument.

"Oh heavens, Bella!" he swears in a low voice that sounds a little rough.

"Is that all right?" I ask, though my hand is already going up and down. It seems he has been ready for a while.

"Yes, yes. Just don't stop!"

It is a little awkward to manage both the actions at once, but I keep on with the stroking and the squeezing and the pressing, front and back, and slowly I develop a rhythm. Edward moves and moans, until finally his whole body shudders and then stills, and he collapses on his side, a blissful smile on his face.

I excuse myself to go and wash my hands. When I come back, he invites me to lie near him.

"On the other side," he says when I look for the wetness that accompanies sexual pleasures. "I used those cloths to clean myself and pat the bedsheet, but it must be still somewhat damp here."

"It is good your bed is really big, then," I tease him as I join him and he spoons me against himself. "I think four people can sleep here comfortably!"

He laughs and pulls a quilt over us. "Or two people can roll around and not fall over."

I hum in agreement and try to get closer to him, but there is still something that is not quite right. Suddenly I remember what it is and sit up quickly.

"Bella?" Of course he is surprised at my action. "What happened, darling?"

"I just remembered I was still wearing this gown," I answer, wiggling my hips and pulling the thin garment up and so I can take it off. "I am so used to sleeping without any clothes with you…" I throw it on the floor and sigh in relief. "There, that's better."

"Not that your nightwear was concealing much," Edward says, his arms tightening around me, "but yes, this is much better. In any case, you would have to take it off in a few minutes."

I shivered as his hands found my breasts and begin to play with them. "Why?" My voice wobbles a bit.

He throws a leg over mine and pulls me even closer. "Because it's your turn now, to receive pleasure. You didn't think I would be selfish enough to just go to sleep, did you?"

"You don't need to," I begin, but then he begins to kiss my neck, my shoulder, my back…and I forget what I was going to say. It was probably not important anyway.

His lips and hands work their magic on me until I am crying out his name, and then I lie boneless in his arms. As I am drifting off to sleep, I hear him murmur to me.

"Tu es mon amour. Tu es ma vie. Tu es tout pour moi."


A.N. : Hmm, what did Bella forget to say? :)

Edward: "You are my love. You are my life. You are my everything."

Most readers suggested a BJ, but one of you said prostate massage, and it kind of stuck in my head. Unusual, eh?