DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.

Oh, and this chapter comes with a lemon warning!

~Chapter 42 ~

The short journey back to our home is eventful, to say the least. Our driver would have had quite the show if Edward hadn't pulled down the divide. The delay ... the teasing only increases my desire - my need for my husband.

It's the same for Edward too, and when we pull up outside our home, he is out of the car in a flash; his hand grips mine as he pulls me into the house once the security has given him the all-clear. We rush inside, and in our haste, we don't realize we have company until Alister's voice interrupts us when we enter the living room.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Cullen. I hope you had a nice night?"

His politeness is wasted on Edward, who reluctantly lets me go, though his hand remains locked in mine - keeping me by his side.

"As you instructed, we've checked the entire house. We have also placed extra guards outside," Alister says, completely oblivious to the death stares my husband is sending his way.

"Good work," Edward forces out. His jaw is set, and his hand is tense in mine; a clear sign he's agitated, but Alister remains blissfully unaware of Edward's impatience.

He's thorough; I'll give him that. Shame he doesn't know when to shut up.

"We have installed those extra cameras around the house, excluding the locations you requested, and I've ordered that extra ..."

"That sounds great, Alister," Edward cuts in.

Apparently, he has reached his limit for small talk.

"We will talk more tomorrow," His voice is low and deadly and leaves no room for discussion.

Thankfully, Alister doesn't need to be told twice. "Of course," he says sheepishly before he walks towards the door to give us some privacy. As he passes, he sends me an apologetic smile that makes me blush.

He's so on to us.

Edward releases my hand temporarily to follow him. The two of them exchange a few quiet words before Edward practically pushes him out the door. He sets the alarm before stalking towards me, and as soon as he's close enough, he pounces. His lips part mine, his tongue seeks mine ... stroking ...teasing.

I'm desperate; Edward is too. I can feel his cock straining against his pants. We're close, but it's not close enough. We kiss until we are both breathless, and when Edward pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine as we take a moment to catch our breath.

Our eyes meet, and my pulse quickens; just looking at him and I know we need to move now; otherwise, we won't make it to our room.

"Bedroom," I whimper.

Edward takes my hand in his, pulling me through the house and up the stairs, his mouth never leaving mine. By some miracle, we make it to the bedroom, where things go from passionate to slow, almost gentle—unhurried. Edward's lips leave a trail of kisses along my jaw before finding my lips again in a much slower yet equally intense kiss. I realize he's showing me how much he loves and cares for me through his touch ... his kisses. It melts my heart, and my poor overheated body thrives on the closeness.

But it's not enough ...

Edward's touch is light and gentle; controlled … way too controlled. All this sweetness is driving me insane. And when he pulled back suddenly, I almost groan in frustration. He cups my chin in his hands, gently lifting my gaze back to his. His eyes are almost black, filled with desire- a complete contrast to his light touch.

"Please, I need you so much; tell me you want this," he pleads.

That's the final straw.

I know he's trying to be considerate, and I love how thoughtful he's being, but damn it, I'm fucking horny and want him to just let go.

"Of course you can. I'm not fragile, Edward; I want this as much as you do."

The surprise on his face is almost comical. But I'm done with being patient. I want him to stop being so cautious, to stop worrying, and just let go. I loved it when he lost control. I guess I should understand, since I was the one who set the rules after the …

"Please stop holding back."

And he doesn't

Edward's eyes flash, and then he crushes his body to mine. His hand cups the back of my neck as his mouth lands on mine with such force it takes me by surprise. I moan into his mouth as he deepens the kiss, tasting and exploring as his hands drifted down my back, cradling my hips, drawing me even closer to him. My hands make their way around Edward's shoulders to steady myself, holding on for dear life. I can feel how worked up he is; his cock straining against his trousers tells me exactly how he feels.

Suddenly his hands are pulling at my dress, practically ripping it down my shoulders while my hands are frantically trying to keep up; desperately tugging his jacket ... his tie ... the buttons on his shirt, fumbling in my haste. I can't get close enough; I'm desperate—my hands frantically pulling at him. I tug at his shirt, trying to remove it. In the end, Edward pulls back, yanking his shirt over his head, tossing it aside.

It's been so long, or at least it feels that way. We're both so worked up it's not going to be anything other than fast and frantic fucking. Gentle lovemaking will come later. Right now, I need this; we both do.

Our kisses turn frantic ... our touches desperate as we cling onto one another, trying to get as close as physically possible.

I sigh and exhale when Edward momentarily breaks the kiss so we can both catch our breath.

"Edward ... please," I try not to sound desperate, but the need in my voice gives me away.

Thankfully, he doesn't need telling twice, and my dress joins his shirt on the floor, my underwear quickly following. I'm conscious my body is not what it once was, but the way Edward is looking at me makes me feel beautiful. I no longer felt inadequate or insecure - I'm with Edward, the man I love and who loves me regardless. He has proven time and time again how much he wants me. His words tell me as much.

"Fuck, Bella ... I need you so much," he whispers, looking at me with such desire that I'm sure is reflected in my own gaze. I push him back against the bed because the only way this will work is if I'm on top, and even that is a tough ask with the baby between us.

We learned a long time ago that missionary sex is a no-no, especially so close to my due date. Since then, we've experimented—explored different positions, and discovered me on top works best. It kills the mood somewhat, trying to get comfortable, but when Edward pulls me down to capture my lips in a passionate kiss, all I can do is feel; feel the softness of his lips … his touch. His mouth never leaves my skin as his hands roam over my body before trailing down and settling on my waist as my hips rolled instinctively over him.

There's no need for foreplay- I'm so worked up; we both won't last long. I'm so oversensitive … I know it won't take much to send me over the edge. Edward is too. His erection pressed against my entrance tells me how ready he is.

His eyes don't leave mine, never taking his eyes off me as he slowly slides inside me, inch by glorious inch, until he was all the way in. Edward's arms settled on my hips as I move, setting a slow, excruciatingly steady pace. Without breaking eye contact, we move together, perfectly in sync. It's impossible to describe the feeling of Edward inside me, and whether it's the hormones or simply Edward himself, I didn't know it could feel like this—feel so good to be completely connected in this way. It amazes me how, after how many times we've been together, we so easily become lost in each other and the connection we share.

"God, Bella, so good," Edward moans loudly as he starts to buck his hips against mine.

"So good ... don't stop." I plead, my voice breathless.

I'm close; I can feel building. Edward's eyes burn into mine as we move as one, together. I rock my hips, my eyes close, and my head falls back as I lose myself in the pleasure. The feeling of Edward's hand caressing my body ... his cock moving inside … his hand teasing my nipple, his lips sucking on my neck is too much ... too many sensations.

My fingers dig into his skin as my peak draws close. My movements turn frantic; my nails, no doubt leaving their marks on his skin as I seek my release. Edward is close too; He's panting - his breath warm on my already overheated skin.

"Fuck, Bella ..." he groans. The huskiness in his voice, combined with his word ... his touch, brings me closer to my release.

"I'm going to ... " I can barely get the word out as the knot in my stomach tightens. I can feel my orgasm building, and when Edward's hand traveled down my body between my legs so he can tease my clit, that's my undoing. I fall apart, moaning his name as my orgasm rocks through me.

"Oh God, Edward," I sigh his name over and over; my voice is but a whisper as I come down from my high.

Edward is not far behind; his breath comes faster, his thrust becoming harder ... more erratic. He tenses below me as his orgasm rocks through him. When he's caught his breath, he pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me, holding me against him as we come down from our highs.

When we've caught our breaths, Edward shifts onto his side to face me. Looking down, he brushes the hair out of my eyes, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

When I look up, he smiles that wonderfully crooked, slightly smug, incredibly satisfied smile.

"That was ... " his voice trails off.

"Worth the wait," I say, laughing because, yes, it was worth the wait.

"I love you," he whispers as he kissed my hair.

"I love you too," I say back.

Settling against Edward's chest, the only way I can describe how I feel is blissful, and even that doesn't come close to how happy I am. As I start to drift to sleep, Edward's hands trail up and down my belly, and I can't keep the smile off my face.

Our reunion is complete; we're back on track. The only thing that can add to our joy is the arrival of this little one in a few short weeks.

...

Between our many rounds of lovemaking, we don't get a lot of rest, but I must have fallen asleep again because when I wake some hours later, Edward is gone, and the bed is cold.

Slipping out of bed, I put on one of his shirts, smirking to myself at my deviousness. I know what it does to Edward seeing me in his clothes, and I can't resist torturing him a little. Whether it's caused by our recent abstinence or my raging hormones, but I can't wait to have my way with my husband again.

I just need to find him first ...

I head downstairs, knowing exactly where to find him. I can hear Edward's voice coming from the kitchen, along with the sound of plates and cutlery being moved.

Is he cooking?

One thing is for sure; he's on the phone, and by the sounds of it, he isn't happy. When I reach the kitchen, the door is slightly ajar, and I peek inside. The sight that greets me nearly takes my breath away, and I make no effort not to stare because Edward is wearing a pair of sweatpants so low on his hips it should be illegal.

That's not all …

Edward is shirtless - he's got his back to me- showing off the hard muscle and strong arms as he grips the phone in obvious irritation. But that's not what has my cheeks burning in both embarrassment and desire; it's the scratch marks running all along his back - his shoulders; scratches I made during last night's lovemaking.

For a few moments, all I can do is stare, but Edward doesn't seem to notice. He's too preoccupied with his call to see me lingering in the doorway. I don't want to interrupt, but I don't want Edward to think I'm listening in, either, especially hearing part of what sounds like a very heated discussion.

"I don't fucking care what you have to do, or how you do it, just get it done. Yes, you heard me right, Liam. Put him on the phone now. Wake him up if you have to - I want to talk to him right now," he vents angrily while his hand is fisted in his hair; abusing the locks I so love.

While he's preoccupied, I hover for a while, watching as Edward turns away from me, reaching for something in the fridge, listening as he talks to Emmett, I assume. There's a lot of nodding and frustrated sighs before he finally gets a word in.

"I know what I said, Emmett," he says, confirming my suspicions, "but there's been a change of plan. No, I want all of them on this as of yesterday," he demands; his voice is strong and determined.

"I don't care! This is non-negotiable." Edward growls, running his hand through his hair.

Edward is adamant and beautiful and all other kinds of sexy when he sets his mind to something. Unable to stand the distance any longer, I edge closer, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind when I reach him. I lean closer - a difficult task given the substantial baby bump pressing into my husband's back.

He instantly relaxes at my touch, and I kiss the marks I've left on his shoulder ... his back. I feel guilty for a moment, but that quickly morphs into smugness when he turns to face me, as a satisfied, lazy grin stretches across his face as he tucks me against his side.

We stay that way, for I don't know how long while Edward speaks to Emmett.

His fingers lazily trial over my skin before repeating the cycle, and I feel my heart flutter when he places a soft kiss against my hair as he continues his conversation.

While he's talking, I can't resist running my hands up and down his toned chest, feeling every one of his muscles clench at my touch. His phone call is almost forgotten when he leans to kiss my cheek, and I shiver as his hands slide around my face, my neck, and into my hair, lifting my gaze to his. He sends me a teasing smile before his lips trace a line of kisses from my lips, across my jaw … towards my neck, nibbling on the skin there. Unable to help myself, I tilt my head to the side to give him better access.

He keeps up his sweet torture before he returns his attention to his phone again.

He really needs to wrap up this call.

"Hello … anyone there?" I hear the annoyance in Emmett's voice through the receiver.

"Yes, I'm still here. Sorry, I lost you for a second," he apologizes, though he doesn't look sorry in the slightest.

"Yeah, I heard you!"

Sensing I'm pissing Emmett off, I go to leave, but Edward is having none of it. Strong arms wrap around my waist, tucking me back into his side. There are no more kisses, but with his arm around my shoulder, his fingers lazily trace up and down my side.

The conversation continues for several minutes before they appear to come to some sort of understanding, or at least I think they do.

"Fine, let us settle for that," Edward agrees though I sense he isn't particularly happy with the outcome of their conversation.

"We can discuss it again tomorrow," he says abruptly before ending the call.

He puts the phone down and looks down at me.

I reach up, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "That sounded intense," I comment while his free hand finds my hips, his fingers creeping under his shirt I'm wearing. He thinks he's cunning, but I'm on to him. He's trying to distract me, but it won't work this time.

"What was that all about?" I ask, raising a knowing eyebrow at him.

"We were discussing security. We're gonna have more around here for a while," he informs me. I nod back, having already suspected as much from his conversation with Alister yesterday. If the last few weeks alone have proven anything, it's that Edward's top priority has always been to keep our baby and me safe. Even if I dislike the idea of being followed around by a ridiculous amount of security, I know it will put his mind at ease, and to some extent, mine.

"Just how many are we talking about?" I ask, weary of his answer.

"Five of our best and most loyal men," Edward reveals, looking pleased with himself.

"A little excessive, don't you think?" I jab at his chiseled stomach before he catches my hand in his, bringing my fingers to his lips, placing a soft kiss on my palm.

"I wanted more, but Emmett managed to talk me down. Plus, I knew you'd go crazy with so many people around the house." Edward teases.

"Whatever it takes to put your mind at ease," I offer, knowing how much he worries.

"Whatever it takes, huh?" he smirks, leaning down to claim my lips with his in a sweet but all too brief kiss.

"Was last night okay?" I see concern flash on his face as his eyes search my body for any sign of pain and discomfort. "Was it too much?"

"Not at all."

"You look okay, well, you look beautiful, but are you … okay?"

Yes, at times, last night was a little rougher than usual, but I enjoyed every second of it, and I can't find it in me to regret anything, and that's what I tell my worried husband.

"Before you start worrying, you didn't hurt me," I refuse to let him think he hurt me or that I regret anything about last night.

My hands reached up around his broad shoulder, pulling him even closer. Taking his face in my hands, forcing his eyes down to mine so he can see I'm telling the truth.

"I may be pregnant, but I wanted last night to happen, Edward. In fact ... I want you again, now."

To prove my point, I remove my hands from his face, bringing them down to his shirt I'm wearing. His eyes don't leave mine as I slowly and very deliberately start undoing the buttons. When I'm down to the last one, I leave it hanging open, teasing him with the skin I'm showing.

"Bella, what are you doing?" Edward's voice is low ... husky.

Our eyes meet. His are dark, stormy—mine are full of mischief.

"I would hope it's pretty obvious," I snort, causing him to laugh. I smile back because I love how we can be like this; silly and teasing - completely natural around one another, even when I'm trying to be flirty.

"We're alone, right?" I check.

Edward only manages a nod. His eyes flickering to the shirt I am wearing, and they're filled with lust.

"This is mine." His voice low, seductive, and full of desire as his fingers reach out and linger on the edges of his shirt.

He gives me a confidence I've never felt before. "You want it back?" I smirk.

Feeling bold, I slip the shirt off my shoulders. All the while, Edward is drinking in my body. Rather than shy away from the attention, his heated expression makes me crave his touch all the more. Reaching up, my arms wrap around his shoulders as I tell him, "I want you."

Edward leans in closer, gently pressing his lips against mine. It starts slow but quickly turns more aggressive, and I moan as the kiss deepens. His tongue meets mine as our bodies press against each other, where I feel him hard and ready. Despite the slight ache I feel from last night's activities, I still want him. I'll always want him.

"I'm never going to stop wanting you," he tells me.

Sometimes, I swear he can read my mind.

And then, there's no more time for talking ...

This time we don't even make it to the bedroom …

Author's note: One more chapter, plus the epilogue :(

I think you know what's coming next. Place your bets - Boy or girl? Any name suggestions? I'm still in the process of writing the next chapter, so your suggestion may make it in! I will even drop a clue over on the It All Started with Twilight Facebook group teaser ;)

www dot facebook dot com/groups/896806390388220/?ref=share

Just replace the dots!

With so many incredible stories out there in the Fandom, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read mine. I'm so thankful to have so many of you still with me; the readers, the lurkers, the people who review every chapter. There's a group of you (you know who you are), who genuinely make my day. THANK YOU ALL :)