18+

LIX

When I get back downstairs, the pill's kicked in and I feel pretty fucking good.

Jasper is in the chair opposite Edward, tilting on the back legs, and Edward's resting his head on the table, his eyes closed. There's still some bruising around his right eye, but the swelling's gone and the cuts are scabbed over now.

My heart clenches.

'We ready?' I ask, alerting them to my presence.

The front of Jasper's chair hits the floor with a bang and Edward starts, blinking blearily.

My lips curve up at the sight of him, something fluttering in my chest as his sleepy green eyes meet mine.

I can't help myself from bending down to kiss his warm cheeks. I place a kiss on his mouth, and a laugh falls from my lips as he pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me.

'You look pretty baby.' He mumbles in my hair sending my heart lurching up. It hangs for a moment and then free falls, a rush going through me that makes my skin tingle.

I hear Jasper's chair move and Edward stands up with me in his arms, gently dropping my feet to the floor.

I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head against his chest. He clutches me tightly and I run my hand up and down his back, my heart hitting my stomach and sinking slowly.

Today is going to be painful for us both.

We've barely been apart for the past 80 hours, and now…

Now we have to go through most of the day pretending the other doesn't exist.

I have to leave him to the wolves, and I'm not sure he'll survive it.

Not right now, not when he's like this.

I slip my hand under his t-shirt, the skin-to-skin contact soothing the ache that's building in my chest and Edward's hands rest against my lower back, warm and safe.

We separate and Edward cups my cheek, kissing me softly.

'Break and lunch at our spot.' I breathe against his mouth.

It's not a question, it's a promise.

Jasper chucks me his keys and I grin, I'd much rather drive his car than mine.

I guide Edward to sit shotgun, and he cocks his head at me.

I smirk. 'We're gonna pick up Alice and trust me, you don't wanna get in between them.'

Edward smirks back, leaning his head against the seat.

I rest my hand on his thigh as I drive, savouring the contact before I have to lose it.

When we get close to school, I go down a side road and stop the car.

Edward sighs, unclips his seatbelt and then leans over to me, pressing his head against my shoulder.

Alice and Jasper are practically fucking in the backseat, oblivious to the fact the car's not moving anymore.

I drop my head to Edward's. He smells like my shampoo and it makes my chest do a weird little jump.

'It's gonna be okay baby.' I mumble in his soft hair.

Edward jerks back from me with wide eyes, his face breaking into a grin that takes my breath away.

I raise an eyebrow, unable to help myself from smiling back at him. 'What?'

He just kisses me on the mouth softly, cupping my cheek in his warm hand. He runs his thumb over it, then pulls back, his hand falling at his side.

We stare at each other for a second, and then Edward tilts his head at me slightly, a smile playing at his lips as he taps his chest once.

I freeze in suprise.

My heart stops for a second before it kickstarts in my chest, beating so quickly and loudly it sounds in my ears.

I automatically glance to the backseat where Jasper is molesting Alice.

How did…

When?

Edward winks at me and gets out the car, shutting the door behind him.