A/N

Because Annie and May demanded it.

I know my place ...

"Do you know what it'll do to me? Watching you leave for that fucking ball on his arm?"

I turn to face him, confused, noticing Connor approach.

Connor.

In all his tall, broad, blonde-ness. Pale blue eyes, strong features, gaze glued to Edward's back.

"Do you know what it does to me to see the way he looks at you?" I manage to whisper, confusing Edward. He opens his mouth to speak, but Connor throwing himself onto the sofa behind him, cuts him off.

I watch as Connor reaches out, his hand finding the soft hair at the nape of Edward's neck -the hair I love- it's like I'm not even here. Edward keeps his body angled towards me, his back to Connor.

I scowl, looking away.

"I've missed you," I hear Connor say, all breathy, meant for Edward and no one else.

If anything, competing with men is harder. I can't compete when we're not on an even playing field. I can't offer him what Connor can, whatever it is that Edward seeks in men.

Edward growls, telling Connor to fuck off, but Connor is too drunk to heed the warning. Too bold.

This sucks.

Edward leans forward, mouth to my ear. "Say the word, and I'm yours. All yours. Only yours."

My heart hammers. My pulse jungle drums in my ears.

If only it was that simple.

"Please don't do this to me," I whimper, not appreciating what he's implying. If I say no, is he going to indulge Connor? That's not fair.

I'm not ready for all of Edward yet. And he's not ready either … we still barely know each other. We've been through this.

"What about what you're doing to me?" he asks.

I turn, but the first thing I see is Connor's hands in Edward's hair. It's all I can see.

"Is this about Tyler and the ball?"

He doesn't answer.

His silence speaks volumes.

He's still playing games.