Chapter 34 - I'm Not Letting Go Again

BPOV

I woke up early, much earlier than I needed to and I soon realised what had disturbed my sleep...or should I say, who? Edward was pacing, back and forth, up and down, from one side of the bedroom to the other. I could see his lips moving rapidly, but no sound came from his mouth. His eyes were closed and his hands were knotted in front of his stomach. I could see how tense he was, the tendons in his neck were taut and his jaw was rigid.

"Nervous?" I asked, and he snapped his eyes open.

"Mm, I feel sick. I wish I'd told Emmett to ask Garrett instead." He flopped onto the bed beside me and groaned, burying his face into the pillow.

I reached over and played with the hairs at the nape of his neck, he lay still for a few minutes before he rolled back to face me. "God damn Rose and her big fucking wedding."

I laughed. "Hey, welcome to my way of thinking."

He sighed. "I can see why she's doing it. After all the shit that got printed about her and Em, I think she's enjoying saying a big 'up yours' to everyone. "

"Did they get a lot of bad press, then?" I wondered aloud.

Edward nodded. "She got labelled as a cougar and everyone went on and on at how it wouldn't last because he was part of a band and only in his twenties. It was stupid, I mean it's nine years not twenty-nine. I'm sure if it was the other way around Em would have been the ultimate stud."

"Did the age thing bother your parents?" I asked but I already knew his answer. Esme and Carlisle had to be the most easy-going and down to earth people I'd ever met.

"No, they saw it like I did—if he's happy then so what? The way I look at it, it's pretty black and white. Every morning I wake up with a huge grin plastered over my face just because you're there. If Rose makes Em feel anything like that then that's good enough for me. What else matters?" He shrugged casually and I was just staring at him in absolute awe.

Wow, this fella needs a promotion. Mr. Delicious just doesn't cover it. Edward, I knight thee Sir Delicious. There that's better.

We lounged about for an hour or so before breakfast. Well, I lounged about, Edward was growing increasingly anxious and couldn't sit still for long. He went over and over his speech in his head silently, still refusing to let anyone hear it until after the wedding.

When we all met for breakfast a little later, I noticed Emmett was in far worse shape than Edward. He looked like he had been awake all night and he barely managed more than a nod when he saw us.

"Goodness me, look at the pair of you," Esme remarked as we sat down. "Try to remember this is a happy occasion."

Neither replied with much more than a grunt and Carlisle laughed. "Oh, how I remember how you're feeling, Emmett." He patted his eldest son on the shoulder. "Trust me, as soon as you see her coming down the aisle you'll be right as rain." He turned his attention to Edward. "Unfortunately, Edward, you're pretty much done for until the toasts are done. Good luck with that."

I bit back a smile as Edward glared at his father incredulously. "Not helping, Dad," he growled and everyone else burst out laughing. It had the intended effect on Emmett and he was noticeably more relaxed. Edward, on the other hand, was not.

I squeezed his hand under the table and could feel his palms getting clammy. He picked at his breakfast without eating much of it, he did drink several cups of coffee and it made him even more jittery.

The majority of the conversation came from Caitlyn who was beyond excited, she was talking at such a fast speed that it sounded like someone had her on fast forward. She couldn't wait to head up to Rosalie's room to start getting ready and by the end of her breakfast everyone felt pretty much the same as she did.

Good luck, Rose. I swear that kid's on speed.

We finished up about ten and Edward was going to get ready with Emmett and his parents in their suite. I was invited of course, but I needed to be away from the nervous energy they were both oozing. I had to psyche myself up for this as it was, throw in Edward and Emmett and I'd end up needing Valium. Esme insisted that I come to their room as soon as I was ready and we could go downstairs to the ceremony together. I agreed and gave Edward a quick kiss before I went back to our room.

I had a relaxing bath and made good use of the alone time to focus on the wedding and clear my head of any worries about it. I needed to look at it as just a wedding. The guests were just regular guests, not famous actresses, singers, models etc. The photographers would just be trying to capture moments for Rose and Emmett, snd I refused to allow myself to think that these pictures would end up on the front page of OK magazine. I was just a guest who happened to be engaged to the best man and I would spend the evening with him as any other normal couple and it was as simple as that.

Yeah right. Normal wedding.

I managed to keep my head and got ready slowly. I didn't allow myself to get stressed when my hair refused to coöperate with the curling iron and I had to drastically reconsider my style. I was no Trevor Sorbie so I had to settle for tying it up into a loose, messy, side bun and let a few strands hang down. It wasn't the best look but I didn't have Alice or a stylist to help me...besides, all eyes would be fixed on the bride. I kept my make up simple, because I couldn't be bothered with frequent trips to and from the bathroom to touch it up. Finally, I slipped into my dress and shoes and took a peek in mirror.

The dress was so pretty and it made up for my less than average hair and plain make-up. With one last glance I snatched up my purse and headed upstairs to Esme and Carlisle's room. There was a little over an hour until the service was due to start and my nerves were beginning to build, so I could only imagine how Edward was feeling. He and Emmett had already gone downstairs to talk to the registrar and have a few photographs before the ceremony.

Carlisle opened the door and rolled his eyes. "Come on in, Bella. Esme isn't quite ready I'm afraid. Let me get you a glass of champagne, you look like you need it."

I scowled, thinking my poker face had been cemented in place. Obviously not. "Thanks, Carlisle."

"Edward and Emmett were in a bit of a mess when they left. I had to give them both a whiskey to try to calm them down. I hope it's done the trick." He smiled as he handed me the drink. "You look lovely."

"Um thanks." I smiled, feeling a little embarrassed. We made small talk for several minutes whilst waiting for Esme. When she did finally appear she looked stunning. She had on a knee-length tunic dress in a pretty duck egg blue. Over the top she wore a matching jacket which was the same length as her dress. She had her hair curled and left to hang down and she had a super chic white fascinator pinned to her curls. The striking bronze colour that Edward had inherited shone in the light and she looked like a movie star.

"Esme, you look amazing," I said, and she smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Bella, but my goodness so do you, sweetheart. I'm sorry I was late, I had a bit of a cry when the boys were ready to leave. You wait and see how handsome they are, Bella." She took a glass of champagne from Carlisle. "I can't believe my Emmett is getting married and having a child of his own. It's wonderful. And we've still got your wedding to look forward to." She shot me a beaming smile and I laughed.

"Esme, Edward told you not to hassle Bella about that," Carlisle warned, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke. "Come on drink up, we need to be downstairs to greet the guests."

Esme talked excitedly about how she was dying to see Caitlyn and Rosalie in their respective dresses. I could see where Edward's sister got her enthusiasm, she was a tiny version of Esme.

In the lobby we were directed to The Terrace Room in which the ceremony was being held. Outside the door we were greeted by a woman with a clipboard, ear piece, and a very stressed and scary looking face.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, you're a little late. This way, please, we need a few photographs before the guests begin to arrive." She flicked her dark hair and marched us into the room.

To say it was beautiful was an understatement. The room was almost palace like. The artistry which covered the ceilings was breathtaking. The light from the chandeliers illuminated the room perfectly and Rosalie had incorporated a Valentine's Day theme without detracting anything from the room itself. The row upon row of chairs had all been swathed in a white material and a posy of red roses fixed to the back of each individual chair with ribbon. The aisle was covered in red and white petals and huge arrangements of matching red and white roses were placed strategically around the room. At the end of the aisle was a slightly raised platform on which they would take their vows. Even though it wasn't how I would choose to get married, there was no denying the effort taken to prepare the room and it was exactly how Rose had envisaged it.

"You must be, Miss. Swan?" The bossy planner was standing in front of me tap, tap, tapping her foot impatiently. "Please make your way to the second row on the right."

I nodded and moved forward. Then I saw Edward and Emmett appear from behind one of the pillars at the side of the room. They were standing with the minister, talking intently about the service I presumed.

Holy moly, just take a look at Sir Delicious.

They were dressed in morning suits. Their jackets were black and they had on grey pin striped trousers. Their jackets were unbuttoned to reveal the crisp white shirts, red waistcoats, and matching red cravats they were wearing underneath. Edward was fidgeting nervously with his hands and Emmett was chewing on his fingers and almost looked a pale shade of green. As the minister continued to talk to them Edward looked up and caught my eye. He smiled and walked straight over after excusing himself from the conversation. As soon as he reached me he pulled me into a tight hug and kissed me.

"Bella, you look absolutely beautiful." He glanced up at Esme and Carlisle. "You too, Mom."

Esme smiled and then looked in the direction of Emmett. "How's he doing?"

"He's a mess, he almost threw up on the way downstairs." Edward laughed.

"Oh dear, come on, Carlisle, we'd better go and talk to him." Esme walked briskly away with Carlisle hot on her heels.

"Edward, you look so smart and handsome." I reached up and touched the lapel on his jacket.

"What do you think to all the red? A little much I thought."

"For me it is. But for Rosalie Hale's Valentine's Day wedding it's perfect." I felt his lips on my forehead and then my cheek and then he kissed me softly on my lips. As he kissed me I could hear a faint clicking sound but I refused to let it interrupt, this was probably the most I was going to get for a while.

"Ah, lovely shot," Bossy Planner woman cooed and I looked over at her in confusion.

"Pardon me?" I asked and she inclined her head towards a photographer who was standing in the room.

"Derrick loves to capture real moments, not just carefully prepared poses. The ones he has just caught of you two are perfect." She clapped her hands at Edward who was clearly unhappy with her for interrupting. "Edward, we need to get you to the door to greet the guests. We'll get a few more shots of the groom and his family up there."

Edward saluted her sarcastically and kissed me once more before walking away. I took my seat on the second row and turned to watch as soon as the guests began to arrive. They were all greeted politely by Esme, Carlisle, Edward, and then finally Emmett who quite obviously didn't recognize some of the people he was welcoming to his wedding. I sat alone for several minutes before I was joined by some of Edward's family. They congratulated me on our engagement and then continued to talk amongst themselves. Edward's nan, however, greeted me like an old friend.

"It's lovely to see you again, Bella. How are you?" She sat down beside me, smiling.

"I'm really good thank you, Mrs. Cullen. How about yourself?"

"I can't complain. I haven't seen you to congratulate you on your engagement. It's been a busy few months for the Cullen family." She laughed and began perusing the order of service which had been placed on each seat.

We were soon joined by Garrett, Seth, Johnny and Art who sat behind us.

"Hey, Bella. My, Mrs. Cullen, are you taking some reverse ageing potion?" Seth grinned at Edward's Nan who scoffed.

"Seth, you may be able to charm the panties of all the other women in the room, but I can assure you I don't appreciate the effort." She turned her nose up and looked forward. Seth stuck his tongue out like a petulant school boy and I smirked. "I saw that, Seth." Edward's Nan added without looking in his direction, and Seth hung his head sheepishly.

The room filled surprisingly quickly and with just over ten minutes to go before Rosalie's arrival, Edward, Emmett, and their parents came to sit down. The brothers took up their position in the front row and Edward reached behind and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. Esme was constantly trying to reassure Emmett to relax and enjoy the day but he was turning a darker shade of green with every passing minute.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding for the bride," the minister announced and everyone stood up.

I felt Edwards hand slip from mine and he turned to face the front, patting Emmett on the back. "You're up, buddy."

Emmett blew out his cheeks and nodded as they both stepped forward to stand in front of the minister at the makeshift altar. I turned to look for Rose as the doors opened. I first caught sight of Caitlyn and Emily each clutching a white bouquet of roses which stood out dramatically against the red of their dresses. Caitlyn was beaming from ear to ear, she looked as though she was about to begin skipping down the aisle, she shot us an even bigger grin as she walked past.

As soon as the bridesmaids were in position everyone began to watch for Rosalie. She had gone with traditional music and the all familiar sound of Here Comes the Bride began echoing through the room. She stepped forwards, her arm linked tightly in her fathers. She had on a beautiful ivory gown. It was off the shoulder and the material gathered in ruffles around her waist, hiding the slightest hint of a baby bump on her ordinarily tiny frame.

Her long blonde hair had been curled and pinned back and a tiara kept in place the veil which hung down her back. She had a simple bouquet of red roses in her other hand, but the prettiest thing about the entire ensemble was the smile on her face as she looked down the aisle at Emmett.

I glanced around to look at him and he was returning her gaze, he no longer looked nervous just blissfully happy.

As neither of the families was particularly religious the couple made no promises to God, just promises to each other. Their vows were heartfelt and sweet and it was less than twenty minutes before the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Everyone applauded as they shared a kiss and then began to walk back down the aisle hand in hand. Edward followed them and held out his hand to me to walk with him. I took it and we walked behind his parents to the top of the room.

"Now I'm going to get really fucking nervous," he complained. His hands were clammy again and he had paled considerably.

"You'll be fine. A few minutes talking to everyone and it will be over." I leaned into him and kissed his cheek.

The wedding planner was still on fine form and she ushered the majority of the guests into the Grand Ballroom where the evening reception was being held. A few remained, invited to be a part of the photographs. The photographer pulled and pushed people in and out of shots, clicking away furiously. I managed to avoid being involved and hovered near the back of the room with Art and Seth who looked bored to death.

"God, I hate shit like this," Art grumbled.

"Snap," I muttered, keeping my eyes on Edward's nervous smile.

"Yeah right. All girls love weddings don't they?" Seth scoffed.

"I most certainly don't. I couldn't be doing with all this stress. Worrying about where you're going to seat guests who you've not actually seen for god knows how many years." I shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat I suppose."

"Well, I'll never be following in Emmett's footsteps, there's certainly no future Mrs. Clearwater for me." Seth winked at me. "It would be a complete travesty if I were to settle down with one woman."

We were still chatting when the Hitler-esque wedding planner started rawping at the top of her voice. "OKAY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE GRAND BALLROOM FOR THE RECEPTION. THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE HAVING A FEW MORE PRIVATE FAMILY PHOTOS BEFORE JOINING YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH."

I began to follow Seth and Art out of the room when I felt a small hand yank my arm. "Bella, didn't you hear? We're having family photos, come on." Caitlyn dragged me towards the others.

Wow, you're officially family. How nice does that sound?

I went straight to give Rosalie and Emmett a hug. "Congratulations, guys, you looked so beautiful, Rose."

"Thanks, Bella, my mouths frickin' killing me. I'm getting fed up of smiling." Rose laughed.

I stepped to Edward's side and he put his hand on my back. We were ordered to smile and then the relentless flashing resumed. By the time he was done I was still seeing flashes in my eyes and I felt as though my smile had been frozen to my face.

We left Rosalie and Emmett to have one or two more shots on their own and were escorted to the Ballroom. This too had been transformed and looked amazing. Circular glass tables and the same white chairs were set to look upon the top table which was currently taking up position on the dance floor. In the centre of each table there was a red wreath of roses with a tall encased candle burning away. All the napkins and place cards were embroidered with R&E in each corner. Obviously Edward would be sitting at the top table and I was joined by, Edward's Nan, Art, Seth, Garrett, Seth's mother and father, and Edward's aunt and uncle. The table sat ten but there was an empty place beside me. I slipped the place card with my name on into my purse and fiddled with the napkin.

The master of ceremonies at the hotel asked us to be upstanding for Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Cullen and they emerged into the room amidst a huge round of applause and whistling. They took their seats at the top table with each set of parents, Caitlyn, Edward, and Rose's bridesmaid Emily.

The servers came round and poured everyone a glass of champagne for the speeches and first up was Rosalie's father. He stuck to the usual and thanked everyone for coming, congratulating the people who had helped put it all together, and gushed about his beautiful daughter. Emmett kept his extremely short and sweet. He followed the same line of thanks and then thanked Rose for making him the happiest man on the planet, which earned him a great deal of "awe" from the guests. As he handed over to Edward, I honestly thought he was about to bolt from the room. He loosened his top button on his shirt nervously and took a deep breath as he stood, all eyes waiting expectantly.

"Hello everyone, for those of you who don't know, I'm Edward, Emmett's younger brother. I have to admit that I was more than a little nervous about doing this whole best man thing and making the speech so I thought it would be best if I prepared a few lines beforehand." Edward paused. "And I have to say, having snorted them I feel much better."

The room erupted with shrieks of laughter and even Edwards eighty-seven year old nan smiled. As soon as the room had calmed down he continued. It seemed the appreciation for his joke had relaxed him and he flew through the rest with ease. The speech remained tasteful but he still managed to include several jokes at his brother's expense, which went down a storm. He finished with a toast to the bride and groom and threw back the glass quickly. He was given a huge cheer as he sat down. I smiled at him proudly as he chatted with Rosalie's mother. Just a few minutes later he appeared beside me and pulled out the empty chair at the table.

"You sitting with us, bud?" Art asked and Edward nodded.

"Yeah, I wanted to sit with Bella but Rose figured she'd rather not be sat up there so she moved me here instead." He shuffled his chair closer to mine, our legs touching under the table. "Thank God that's over." He leaned down and kissed my hair.

"You were great, Edward." I turned my face around to look at him and he kissed my lips softly.

"Hey come on, guys. We don't need to see that," Seth groaned and pulled a face. "I know you too can't seem to keep your hands off each other but I'm sure you can manage it for a few hours. You're not at Art's now you know?"

I looked at him in horror and Edward laughed. "Don't know what you're talking about, Seth." He shrugged.

"Shut up, Edward, everyone knew exactly what was going on..."

I cut Seth off sharply, "Please, Seth, just shut up. I am going to combust with shame if you keep talking."

Art frowned. "Yeah for the love of God, Seth, shut up. I don't want to hear another word." He turned to, Edward. "Seriously man? In my bar?"

Edward shook his head innocently. "No, Art, definitely not in your bar, maybe in one of the back rooms..." He tried to hide the smile but Art noticed and he groaned.

I was mortified, the entire table had listened in and I expected to see disapproving looks from Edward's family members. However, they were all laughing. Even his Nan.

See there's nothing wrong with a healthy sex life. We have constructed a list of all the available places to do it here. Let me know when you want an idea, okay?

As we ate, the conversation flowed easily. Edward's Nan hogged most of the attention, she was reeling off her life stories as only older people can. Seth and Art looked a little bored but I was enthralled. My own grandparents had passed away years ago and I had no one else of this generation to give me a play-by-play of their life. I could have listened to her all evening. A story about the night she met Edward's grandfather was interrupted by the announcement that the Bride and Groom were about to share their first dance.

Emmett had Rosalie's hand in his and they stopped in the middle of the dance floor. The lights dimmed and then the music started. Naturally, I was expecting a traditional ballad but as soon as I recognised the melody I laughed.

And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know,

Wo, wo, wo,

God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson, Heaven holds a place for those who pray,

Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey.

Well Rosalie was certainly achieving her "fuck you" jibe and the song was brilliant. A complete and utter piss take at the press and anyone else that made fun of her. I watched as Emmett sang to her and danced her around the floor, she let him twirl her and lead her all the way. She never stopped smiling. Everyone appreciated the song choice and they all gave a rapturous round of applause to which the happy couple took a bow. When a slow number began to play, Rose beckoned people to join them and then she wrapped her arms around her husband and they began to sway slowly to the music. They were joined on the dance floor by Carlisle and Esme, Rosalie's parents, Emily and her partner, and a few other couples who I didn't know. Seth stood and walked over to Caitlyn and took her to dance. She was giggling as he picked her up and set her upon his feet before beginning to move slowly.

Edward held out his hand. "Dance with me, Bella?"

I didn't do dancing, but I couldn't say no, it was actually a physical impossibility to say no to the puss in boots eyes that he seemed to master better and better as each hour passed. I sighed and took his hand, dragging my feet as he led me to the dance floor. As soon as I felt his arms encircle my waist and his face press against my hair I relaxed and lay my head on his shoulder. We didn't move much, in fact we barely did anything more than swaying on the spot. This kind of dancing I could happily deal with.

"I love you." I pulled back slightly to look at him. He smiled and I kissed him softly before he could say anything back.

The night was really good. Edward never left my side for more than a few minutes and he introduced me to all of his friends and family who were in attendance. I was thoroughly enjoying myself, everyone was having a good time, and the atmosphere in the room was fantastic. Thanks to a fair few glasses of Champagne I took to the dance floor once or twice with Caitlyn, Esme, and Rose. The few minutes on the dance floor were about as much as I saw her all night. She and Emmett were constantly on patrol talking to the guests, no one seemed to notice she kept the same glass of untouched champagne in her hand for the majority of the night.

The night seemed to fly by and just after midnight Edward and I escaped the room for a few minutes peace and quiet. We took a seat in the lobby and relaxed.

"So, have you enjoyed yourself?" Edward asked, he was tracing his fingertips along my shoulder, neck and other shoulder.

"Actually, I really have. It's nothing like I thought it would be. Honestly, I expected something like the party we went to in LA." I shivered and had to shuffle further down, his touch was quite literally too much to bear.

We remained on the couch for a good ten minutes before we were joined by Carlisle, Esme, Art, and a very sleepy looking Caitlyn.

Esme settled down in a chair and Caitlyn snuggled up beside Edward. "Well it's been a lovely day. Have you two enjoyed yourselves?"

I nodded, a huge smile fixed on my face. "It was really nice."

It was clear everyone was exhausted, it had been a long day. Only a few minutes after she'd sat beside Edward, Caitlyn had fallen asleep. It was the first time I'd been in her company and she hadn't been talking. Emmett walked over and gasped in horror.

"My God what have you done to my sister? Has she had her vocal chords removed?" He plonked down beside Art on the couch opposite.

"Where's the wife?" Edward winked.

"Shit, I still can't get used to that." Emmett laughed, "But she's just saying goodbye to some of her friends. Nice speech, bro."

"Yes it really was, Edward," Esme acknowledged with a proud smile.

"Well, that's the last time I'll ever be doing that. It was horrendous. I swear to god it's the worse thing I've ever done." He shook his head, looking like he was reliving those few minutes before he stood up. "I'm so getting you back for this, Em. You know it."

"I don't doubt your intentions, Edward, but unfortunately for you I have Bella on my side." Emmett winked and I looked at him.

"Um...excuse me?" I clarified.

"Well, there's no way in hell you guys will be having a big wedding like this, so at worst I'll have to say a few words to maybe fifty people. Sorry, Eddie, you lose on this one." He laughed and clapped his hands.

Edward sighed and shook his head at me. "Look at that, Bella, favouring my brother." I smiled and rolled my eyes.

"Come on, you two, have you even thought about when you'll be getting married or where you'd want to do it?" Esme perched forward and looked at us hopefully. "We've been bitten by the bug now, Bella, we need another wedding."

"Okay, if we're going to start talking my wedding, then I'm going to make my escape." I laughed and stood. Edward tried to follow me but he couldn't without disturbing Caitlyn.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Just to the bathroom," I whispered.

"Oh right, I thought you really were taking off." He looked around and nodded to someone. When I turned to look I frowned.

"I didn't know Felix was here," I grumbled. "Couldn't you have given the poor guy a night off?"

Edward shook his head. "Relax, Bella, he's not coming into the bathroom with you, but you're just too damn important to me and I'm not taking any chances until we know for sure he's gone."

I sighed and nodded, his concern was sweet but it was highly embarrassing that I needed an escort to go and pee. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Make sure the talk is not about our wedding when I get back, please?" I pleaded with him and he smirked.

"Try my very best, Ms. Swan."

I walked away, very much aware that the huge frame of Felix was close behind me. I wondered what this would look like to the average passer-by who didn't understand why his presence was necessary. Perhaps the headlines in tomorrow's papers would be, Edward Cullen's fiancée has late-night rendezvous in bathroom with huge man. It would certainly make for interesting reading.

The toilets were situated near the main doors and out of sight of Edward and the rest of the Cullens. I went to go inside and looked back. Felix had stopped by the entrance to the men's room and leaned back against the wall. I smiled politely and then stepped inside. I had my choice of cubicle as they were all empty and even the toilet attendant was nowhere to be found. I sat down and almost straight away my phone buzzed.

Sorry, Bella, Mom is very much insisting on continuing with the wedding talk when you get back. E x

I sighed.

You are supposed to be on my side, Cullen.

I'm afraid I'm with my mother on this. I know a way of shutting her up though?

Oh yeah, what's that?

Marry me?

I'd rather not have this conversation via text while I'm sitting on the toilet.

Okay, we'll talk about it later.

Much, much, later? Like next month or next year perhaps?

Jeez, Bella, how long are you planning on being in there?

Ha ha, I'll only be a few minutes. In fact I'd be finished already but this weird man keeps texting me while I'm trying to go to the loo.

Hurry back, or I might have to come looking for you ;)

Mm that sounds tempting...there's no one else in here so I might take my time on purpose ;)

That's teasing.

I know x

I put my phone down and went to wash my hands. I was smiling like a freak.

Good job there's no one else in here, if anyone saw you coming from the toilet smiling like that, they'd think you'd been up to something in there.

I was just touching up my lipstick when I heard the door open and the lights went out.

Oh yeah, he got fed up of waiting and came for some bathroom fun. How sturdy is that counter?

I couldn't see anything, my eyes were still adjusting to the sudden darkness. But I could hear his footsteps slowly move across the floor.

"Couldn't wait then?" I giggled, but he didn't reply.

I felt him press up behind me and I breathed in to take in his smell. Instead of being hit with his usual, heart racing and stomach-tingling, aroma, I was hit with a nasty combination of coffee and cigarettes. As I tried to fit the pieces together he spoke, "I've been waiting for seven fucking years, Isabella." James unmistakable voice growled in my ear and before I had chance to scream he clamped his hand down over my mouth. "Now I've got you, I'm not letting you go again."

I bit down hard on his hand and he roared. The pain momentarily distracted him and he released his grip on me. I darted out of his hold and made a run for the door. I didn't get more than two steps before something took out my legs from beneath me and I fell, striking my head on the solid granite counter. I slumped to the floor and could feel the blood slowly down my face. James squatted beside me. His hands moved to my head and he tangled them in my hair, as he brought his face to mine I thought he was going to kiss me. I felt a brief stab of fear before my head was slammed backwards against the wall and then everything went black.

A/N I am writing this and then hiding from you guys! Don't hate me for the ending of this chapter...it had to finish there. We all knew he was coming back right?

Thanks to Prettyflour for prereading this, but all mistakes belong to me...

I love you guys for reading and for all your amazing reviews!

Mwah,

Katy

xxx