Chapter 29 – Distractions

EDWARD

I realized now that I could not make Bella happy. She was a free spirit. Alice had mentioned more than once that she was going stir crazy on the estate, even with a full wing of the house to herself. I should have known better, the way she was fascinated by the world and literally ran across England with an adorable spark in her eyes. She was not one to be caged, and that was all my life was. I'd caged the animal I was and tried to act human. I'd caged the family I had and tried to play normal while protecting them. I was trying to pull her into my cage, and now, I was surprised that she was hesitant to follow?

I was an idiot for ever believing she would want to be with me. That she would willingly join me in the cage that was my life. She had been forced into it and then held captive by me. Why on earth would I think she could love me?

My thoughts were interrupted by a hand on my shoulder. I was not used to being snuck up on, but her silent mind and my distracted brain gave her the upper hand.

"Edward." I looked at her and gave her a tight smile. "I'm sorry," she said, surprising me.

"What for? Being kidnapped? Or held against your will? Or maybe it was all the fashion torture my sister put you through."

"Edward," she said in a scolding voice.

"No, what are you sorry for, Bella? Having to put up with a strange guy watching you sleep and stalking you in your every waking moment? Is that what you're sorry for?" I snapped.

"EDWARD! Stop it now!" she said, gripping my shoulders. She gave me a shove, but I didn't budge. My hands clamped her waist to keep her from falling back. "I'm sorry I took you from your family. I'm sorry I thought you were being held against your will. I'm sorry…"

"Wait, what?" I stopped her, looking down at her pink cheeks. "You thought they were keeping me against my will?" Her pink cheeks darkened. "That's why you made us leave? You were trying to save me?" I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. She was so adorably ridiculous.

"Stop laughing at me," she pouted.

"I'm not laughing," I said, trying to suppress my grin.

"You are, too, in that crazy-haired head of yours."

"So, now you're the mind reader?"

She jutted her chin out at me. "If you're going to laugh at me, I'm not going to finish what I was saying."

"I'm sorry, love."

Her face softened. "I'm sorry I thought your family was a group of evil brainwashing rebels."

I pouted a little, trying to hold in my snicker. I made my face as serious as possible. "Apology accepted."

She smacked my shoulder and then gripped her hand because it hurt. "Stop laughing at me, you brat. I swear I'm going to find a way to hurt you. If I didn't think kicking you in the nuts would break my toes, I would!"

I quickly covered my nuts, as my eyes about popped out of my head at her crass words. "It's plenty easy to hurt me and not involve my lower anatomy. A little fire will do the trick, but I beg you to keep it away from certain areas."

She started giggling. "Serves you right, Mr. Poppycock, I can't believe you used that word."

"Why? It's a real word."

"It's also a delicious candied popcorn mix."

"What?"

"Yup, your swear word is the name of a delicious caramel-covered popcorn mix with nuts."

"Caramel, like on your apples you enjoy?"

"Yes, like the apples, sort of. Anyway, it's really good and no longer an effective swear word, unless there's popcorn involved."

"Popcorn?"

"Yes, if someone gives you plain popcorn, you can throw it back at them and yell 'Poppycock!' to let them know you want the good stuff."

I chuckled lightly. "Bella, I don't like popcorn."

"See, no reason to embarrass yourself by using the word, then."

"Embarrass myself?" I said, completely shocked.

"Really, Edward, did you think I broke into to a fit of giggles because hysteria set in?" I asked.

"I thought you just didn't want to fight anymore."

"I never want to fight with you, Edward. I hope you know that." She touched my forearm, running her hand up to my elbow, sending shocks of lighting and fire through my arm. I wondered if her touch would ever cool or if it would always call to the human boy in me?

"I don't like fighting with you, either. I'm sorry I upset you and raised my voice. I should never take that tone with a lady," I apologized.

"It was my fault for not voicing my fears sooner."

"I hope you'll always feel safe enough with me to tell me what's upsetting you."

She smiled sweetly and hugged me. I carefully wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"I think it's time I take you home, Bella," I whispered, not sure if she would hear it.

"I'll get my things; just promise me you'll protect me from Violet," she said, half joking, half serious.

I frowned. "That's not what I meant, love. I'm taking you home. I know you miss your parents. I know your heart is hurting to be kept from them."

"Edward, stop."

"No, we shouldn't have taken you, and I shouldn't have tried to force you into my world."

"That's an understatement," a voice from outside said.

It was then I realized we were not alone. There was another vampire at our cabin. Where was my gift today? I was too distracted with Bella to realize someone had slipped up on us. Damn it!

Bella was about to speak, but I covered her mouth. "We're not alone." I looked down at her with worried eyes. I hoped I would be enough to protect her.

I leaned my head down to ear. "Go to our room," I whispered so softly I hoped the awaiting vampire would not hear. I silently prayed Alice had seen this, and they were on their way to help. I would not survive if something happened to my Bella.

I hoped I was enough to save her.