Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer

"Love is a lot like dancing; you just surrender to the music." -Pierce Brosnan

Isabella tripped down the porch steps gathering her skirts in her hand. She braced her fall with her free palm outstretched. Without a sound she found her feet again and took the remainder of the descent at a slower pace. It was dark but the moon was heavy and full and it bathed the front lawn in white light. The stabbing pangs in her chest from the effort it took to control her sobs had her doubled-over each time she tried to stand upright. It was no use. She was going to fall apart, but she had to keep moving.

"Coward."

The voice came from above and stopped Isabella in her tracks. Divine intervention at a moment like this? She looked up at the starry sky and saw Alex sitting in the eaves under the second story window smoking a cigarette.

"Did you not hear me, love? I called you a coward. One who lacks courage. A timid or easily intimidated person. Which surprises me because Edward has always spoken so highly of you; 'Fair Isabella so brave and strong'. Yet, to see you scurrying away like a field mouse in the night…tut tut. For shame."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Is that a fact? Well, I know what I'm looking at. What more is there?" Alex took a deep drag from his hand-rolled ciggie and exhaled the smoke through his nostrils. "Running away into the night barefoot and crying?" He rolled his eyes. "Save that drama for the stage and get back inside to Edward."

"It has to be this way." The explanation fell out of her mouth before she could stop it. "I was a fool to think this would work. They will find him. And when they do," she choked. "They will kill him. One of two ways. Quickly and with no warning, or slowly, messily, and for all to see. He's biding his time, Alex. Demetri is wealthy beyond comprehension. He has enough men to scour this city and when the moment strikes him, he will turn them loose. They will find this house. They will find Edward's family. And they will kill them to get to me."

Isabella hitched her skirts and continued down the grass to the graveled drive.

"They'll kill him anyway, Isabella!" Alex called out after her. The words stung like a poisoned arrow between her shoulder blades and she tensed.

"…Wh-what do you mean?" she breathlessly asked the wind.

In a series of agile movements, Alex straightened, slid to the edge of the ledge and down the gutter railing with ease. He trotted towards Isabella with the laces of his boots untied. She stood unmoved with her back to him, her head tilted to the sky with tears rolling down her cheeks in delicate rivulets of anguish. Alex took her by the shoulder and turned her around to face him.

"They. Will. Kill. Him. Anyway," Alex repeated. Isabella's chin trembled and she wobbled on shaky legs. Alex stubbed his cigarette butt out on the bottom of his boot and rifled through his shirt pocket for another. He sighed, putting the fresh cigarette to his lips and flicking a match against the side of the house. "Do you understand what it feels like to be a rich man scorned, Isabella?' he asked with his head cocked to the side. "I didn't think so. Do you think after Demetri has you back, that he will forget all about Edward? Do you know what jealousy does to a proud man's insides? Every time he looks at you, what will he see? Even after he bloodies your face beyond recognition, which he will do, he will still see Edward in your eyes. It will plague him. It will drive him mad and the only thing that will pacify the beast within...will be to see Edward suffer. And under his thumb you will be powerless to stop him. But you're not powerless here."

Isabella could do nothing but whimper and nod in understanding. The artist house rose behind Alex like the only standing beacon of hope left in the cruel world and Edward's caring heart beat within its walls.

"Come on, bella. Let's go back inside." Alex reached out for her hand which still clung to the hem of her bunched up skirts. "Come." He took the two steps that separated them and pried her hand loose from the fabric. "It's going to be ok."

"Oh god," she whimpered weakly. "Oh Alex, I'm so scared," she crumbled to pieces in his arms, finally giving in to the pressure and letting go of the pent up fear that she hid from Edward. "I don't want him to know. I don't want him to worry about me. I love him so much it hurts. Please don't tell him. Don't tell him this happened. Don't tell him I left."

"I won't tell him anything, darling," Alex said in a voice as smooth as silver. He put his arm around Isabella's shoulder and led her to the front door. "I won't have to. You're going back inside. You're going to climb into bed next to Edward and you're going to wake up in the same spot next to him in the morning." He smiled at her and held the door open with his foot. "In you go."

"And you? Where are you going?"

"Out."

"To do what?"

Alex shrugged and adjusted the crotch of his trousers. "Depends. Yelena or Anna. Oooh maybe Alexei if he's around. Maybe Nadia," he pondered. "They're not Edward, of course," he winked sadly. "But they'll suffice. They always do. They have to. Moscow nights are unforgiving when you're alone."

Entering their bedroom, the thick scent of semen and fluid and sex, of woodsy air and warm breath, coated Isabella's skin like a second layer. It felt natural and automatic to be in a room that contained Edward Cullen. She inhaled the tangy aroma and joined her lover in bed.

"What did he want?" Edward mumbled still half asleep.

"He wanted me to tell you that he loves you," Isabella grinned into Edward's neck, placing small kisses on his tender skin.

Edward hurrrumphed and rolled on top of Isabella, caging her under his sleepy body. He laid his weight on top of her and she nuzzled into his chest.

"It's true," she giggled.

"You're a terrible liar, my love. Your eyes betray you. They storm and roll because they don't like doing it. Thank you for the compliment, though. However, I'd prefer it if the sentiment came from you."

"My love for you is a given. I just wanted you to remember that you are loved by many, not just by me."

Edward sighed and smiled. He gave Isabella a gentle peck on the lips and they snuggled together under the threadbare covers. The mood soon overtook them once again; the closeness, the sensation of skin on skin, desire that was just as raw and new as their first time together. They swore everlasting devotion and made love until the sun came up.

Short chapter I know. Just wanted to clear that up. Things will be taking a turn shortly. Thank you for your patience.