A/N: Okay, you people better worship me for this. Worship, you hear me? This chapter is over double the length of a normal chapter, and I got it all done today, just to give you guys something to read. I could've waited, but no, I just had to show you all how much I love and appreciate you. Please return the favor by telling me what you think, I read every single review and they're the reason I'm up to writing like this. Thanks guys.
Chapter 6
"What I'm saying is that Bella needs a passenger," Rosalie told Emmett hotly. "You know how easy it is for people to get lost on the way to our house. Even if she is following us, she can still get turned around."
"Why can't that passenger be me?" Emmett all but whined. "I want to spend more time with Bella too!"
"We drove to school in your car," Rosalie reminded him. "Obviously, as it's your car, you need to drive it back home."
"But-"
"Guys, it's just a drive to your house, right?" Bella interrupted, immediately becoming shy when two pairs of golden eyes landed on her. Her blush all but made Rosalie purr out loud while Emmett was torn between smiling at the human and attempting to glare at Rosalie. "It's really sweet how you're trying to make me feel wanted or whatever, but don't you think this is a bit over the top? It's only like a fifteen minute drive."
"Nothing is over the top for you, Bellsy," Emmett said when Rosalie frowned, about to say something similar. "We want to spend time with you, and if you wouldn't get towed for leaving your truck here overnight, we'd just all take my jeep together. Trust me, I don't want to spend time apart if I don't have to."
"Oh." Bella found herself blushing even more at the sincerity in his words. It should have come off as a little too strong seeing as they had just met and all, but every second Bella spent with both of them only solidified this feeling of belonging. Like fate had decided they were all meant to be together, and that Bella had known him her entire life and then some. So instead of feeling nervous, she felt warmed by his statement and had to agree with him. She really didn't want to be apart from the two if she didn't have to be.
However, fighting over who would be with Bella for a car ride was still well beyond ridiculous.
"Since it's your jeep, you should drive it," Bella told Emmett once she got a hold of herself. "Rosalie is right about getting lost. Just because I'm going to be following your car doesn't mean something might not happen, so I'd like her to ride with me." Rosalie immediately straightened, shooting a triumphant, gloating look at her brother that Bella chose to ignore. When Emmett groaned, she was unable to hide a small smile at their antics, and so turned away and started walking to her truck so as not to encourage the two.
Rosalie followed her immediately, walking so close Bella could swear she felt a buzz between their bodies. It was so distracting, having the girl that close, that she of course managed to trip-again. Again, Rosalie was there to catch her, arms wrapping around her middle, and when Bella looked up to thank her, she found herself breathless as she gazed into Rosalie's eyes. There was amusement there, of course, as well as a fondness. There was something else there too, something powerful, something that made Bella's heart stutter in her chest. She couldn't look away, not even when she could have sworn Rosalie's eyes darkened, even when the taller girl pulled Bella's body firmly against hers. It was too intense for the human, and Bella wanted nothing more than to look away, to hide, but at the same time couldn't bring herself to want to leave the blonde's cold embrace, even if the only reason Bella was in it was just because Rosalie hadn't wanted her to fall.
The loud blare of a horn interrupted the moment, startling Bella to the point she jumped and would have fallen on her ass if Rosalie still hadn't been holding her. She swore she almost heard something like a snarl coming from the blonde, but decided she was imagining it as both she and Rosalie glanced over at Emmett.
"You good, Bella?" Emmett called over teasingly, but Bella also noticed how he was trying to hide his frown, like he was worried, or protective.
Shit, that's right. Rosalie was his girlfriend. And here was Bella, probably being way too obvious in how she was staring at Rosalie...just what was wrong with her? These were her friends; friends she only met today, yeah, but Bella already couldn't imagine life without them in it. Yet here she was, screwing it up and potentially making Emmett second guess being Bella's friend.
The idea of Emmett being upset with her made Bella's heart twist in her chest, panic almost choking the brunette. No, she couldn't keep acting like this. She had to get over her crush and now. She just couldn't have Emmett dislike her, she couldn't.
"Yeah, we're fine," Bella quickly assured Emmett, all but shoving herself out of Rosalie's arms. Okay Swan, take it back a little. No need to make it look like she was desperate to get away, that would be way too obvious, right? Bella glanced up at Rosalie about to apologize for almost pushing her, only to see Rosalie's glare locked on Emmett, her lips seeming to move but no words coming out. "We are fine, right Rosalie?"
Rosalie's gaze snapped back to her, a soft smile replacing her scowl. "Of course, Bella. I'm just happy I was here to catch you."
Nodding her head as she looked anywhere but at Rosalie or Emmett, Bella walked over to the driver side of her truck, unlocking the doors and sliding in. Rosalie entered the passenger side door, and while Bella could tell she tried, she didn't succeed in hiding the grimace or look of distaste as the blonde surveyed the vehicle.
"My truck is great," Bella said protectively, needing to save the vehicle's honor.
Rosalie's grimace became more pronounced. "It's a deathtrap, Bella," Rosalie said carefully. She didn't want to upset her mate, already noticing her strange love for the rusty contraption.
"She is not!" Bella had to resist the urge to hug the steering wheel. "She might not be the newest-"
"Newest? Bella, this thing is older than you. It's ancient."
"Well she's still my baby." For the first time, Bella managed to hold steady as she met Rosalie's eyes. Even when Rosalie arched an eyebrow at her, Bella didn't waver...much. "She's my baby and I love her."
Another honk from Emmett sounded before Rosalie could answer. He was clearly impatient to head out, and so Bella met his eyes and nodded to signal she was ready to follow, starting her truck.
After a few seconds of silence, Rosalie decided to continue the conversation. "I understand you have an...attachment to the vehicle." Calling it a vehicle should be a crime in itself, but she forced herself to call it that, if only for Bella's sake. "All I'm saying is that it's a bit of a…" At Bella's frown, Rosalie decided it would be best not to finish that sentence "I would prefer you be in a safer vehicle."
"My truck is plenty safe," Bella grumbled as she did her best to follow Emmett's jeep without breaking any speed limits. Why did he have to go so fast? Did he not realize he was speeding right in front of the Chief of Police's daughter?
"Bella, we both know that isn't true," Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, at the last second realizing she was about to start pouting, stopping herself just in time. Rosalie Hale didn't pout, and she wasn't about to start now. "The fact that you're driving in this thing makes me concerned for your safety."
"Oh? And what would you suggest I do to remedy the situation then?" Bella asked sarcastically.
Seeing the fire in Bella would have been quite the turn on for the blonde, had she not been focused on trying to potentially protect Bella's life. "Tell me what car you want, and I'll buy it for you."
Thank god they were at a stoplight, because Rosalie's reply deserved Bella's full attention. She turned to Rosalie, mouth dropped open and eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "You did not just offer to buy me a car."
"I did," Rosalie confirmed firmly, proudly, with a nod of her head and a proud smile on her lips. She would do anything to protect Bella, to provide for her, and money wasn't exactly hard to come by.
For a moment, Bella could only continue to stare slack jawed. Rosalie couldn't be serious...but it was clear she was. Bella was not one to enjoy gifts, especially expensive ones. She didn't know why Rosalie was throwing money at her or where it came from, but she was nipping it in the bud, and now. She didn't want their relationship to be based on money, even if Bella did want to replace her baby.
"You did not just offer to buy me a car," Bella repeated, narrowing her eyes at her passenger. "Did you, Rosalie?"
Rosalie suddenly realized she had made a mistake. Of course, offering a human a car wasn't exactly common for human friends, especially on the first day of friendship. No matter what her instincts told her to do, she would have to save replacing the death trap for a different time.
"I did not," Rosalie confirmed, just as firmly as when she had said the opposite only moments ago. "The light is green."
Focusing back on the road and realizing Emmett was well ahead of them, Bella let out a soft curse and started to drive again.
"However, I do insist on at least fixing your vehicle up," Rosalie interjected, unable to let it go. If she couldn't replace the heap of scrap metal, making it as safe as possible would at least soothe her a little.
"I'm not letting you spend money on me," Bella insisted tightly. "Besides, my baby is doing great, she doesn't need a mechanic."
"I won't be spending money on you, fixing up cars is a hobby of mine."
Bella side eyed Rosalie suspiciously, but Rosalie could see the human's indecision. "I'm not sure…"
They arrived at the next stoplight, and Rosalie took this moment to put her hand on the human's hand that rested between the seats. When Bella turned to look at her, Rosalie gave the girl a pleading, begging look that no one was able to resist.
"Please, Bella?" Rosalie purred imploringly. Her voice was a perfect mix of promise and need. It was like she wasn't begging Bella to let her fix up her car, but begging for something much more intimate from the brunette. That was a voice that belonged in a bedroom, not in Bella's car, and definitely not used on Bella.
Dazed, Bella could only blink and nod her head, unable to resist the two punch combo for even a second. The arousal that Rosalie smelled off of the human would have potentially coaxed the vampire into trying her luck, had the car behind them not honked loudly.
"Shit, right, I'm driving," Bella said, tearing her hand from Rosalie's and putting both back on the wheel. Of course, the light had turned green again, and Bella had to hurry to try to catch up to Emmett. Sadly, he was long gone.
Rosalie folded her arms over her chest, trying not to outwardly glower. She knew it was stupid, they had been stopped at a green light...but she really wanted to make the person behind them pay for interrupting her moment with Bella. In fact, she kept her mind busy with ideas of how to make them pay, all while giving Bella directions to their home.
At least she had convinced Bella to let Rosalie fix up her jeep. That was one important victory for the blonde, and Rosalie was more than a little smug at how easily she had gotten Bella to agree when Rosalie turned on the charm.
Rosalie was certain; it wouldn't take long for her and Bella to become closer. She knew who Bella was; who Bella used to be for her and Emmett. She was determined to have eternity with Bella so long as Bella wanted it. It would just take time...something her instincts didn't seem to get. If only she could just jump Bella now. If only she could kiss her, mark her, claim her, take her...what Rosalie would do to hear Bella moan her name right now...
"Wow, you were right, I totally would have missed this if I didn't have someone help me," Bella said, unaware of the lusty turn her passenger's thoughts had taken. "Thanks for riding with me."
"Of course, Bella. Anytime," Rosalie murmured casually. Apparently not as casually as she had hoped, given how she heard Bella's heart skip a beat.
Oops, Rosalie thought without an ounce of guilt or regret. Instead, she had to hide her smirk by looking out the window. She was more than pleased with herself as she heard Bella swallow hard, then take a deep breath in an attempt to calm down. Every reaction Bella had to Rosalie, every skipped heartbeat, every blush and stutter from the brunette, Rosalie relished. She loved knowing she was the cause, loved seeing and smelling and hearing how Bella reacted to her. There was no better feeling in the world...besides having the girl herself, of course.
"Bells!" Emmett exclaimed the second Bella parked, throwing open the driver side's door and pulling the girl out of the truck before she could even get her keys out of the ignition. He squeezed her tight, swinging her back and forth like he hadn't seen her in months. Bella laughed loudly in response, hugging the big man child back while Rosalie rolled her eyes and pulled the key out of the ignition for Bella.
"Couldn't you wait five seconds Emmett?" Rosalie asked dryly as she exited the truck.
"Could you have if you were in my shoes?" Emmett shot back as a response. Rosalie's grimace as she averted her eyes was all the answer Emmett needed. Grinning, he spun Bella around one last time and put her down. "Score one for Emmett," he bragged.
Bella staggered, dizzy from all of the spinning, and it was only thanks to Rosalie's cold, strong hand on her shoulder that Bella didn't fall. Seriously, Bella had never thought she was clumsy before, but the amount of times she's nearly fallen was definitely getting ridiculous. "You guys are way too excited to have me over," Bella said breathlessly. "I'm starting to think you two need more friends."
Rosalie rolled her eyes as Emmett laughed. "No we don't," Rosalie grumbled.
"Oh, c'mon, Rose, I say go for it," Emmett teased. "I know the entire male student body at least would happily line up to be your friends. You might need to spank them once or twice to keep them in line, but"
"Shut up, Emmett," Rosalie snapped, slugging him hard in the shoulder. Hard enough to hurt, judging by Emmett's wince despite the grin never leaving his lips. Bella had already known Rosalie was more than a pretty face, but to know the girl could do damage to Emmett when Bella couldn't made her even more amazingly sexy in Bella's eyes.
"Be as grumpy as you want, you know you love me," Emmett teased, throwing an arm around Rosalie's shoulders and kissing her temple.
"I tolerate you," Rosalie replied hotly, but Bella could see how the blonde was fighting a smile.
Just like that, Bella remembered that Rosalie and Emmett were a thing, and all of the feel good warmth Bella had inside of her from watching the scene vanished like smoke. That's right, two of the most important people in Bella's life were an item. Why did Bella have to keep forgetting that? For the love of fuck, why did it have to hurt so much each time? Like a surprise blow to the stomach, knocking the air out of Bella's lungs while somehow ripping her heart in half in the process.
Despite herself, a ball of pain settled in Bella's stomach and the smile slipped from Bella's face.
"Bella, are you alright?" "You okay Bells?" Rosalie and Emmett said at the same time, turning to her as if pulled by the same string, reacting to Bella's emotional state before Bella even fully registered those emotions herself. Both of them had concern in their eyes, concern for Bella, and it made Bella's guilt worse.
"I'm great," Bella said, forcing her smile back on her face. "So are we going into your house, or are we just going to hang out here?"
"Of course! Right this way! We're gonna play video games until your fingers fall off," Emmett said cheerfully, despite the pang in his chest that told him something was wrong with Bella.
"What did you do?" Rosalie hissed at a vampire volume, also sensing something was wrong.
"What did I do? What did you do?" Emmett growled, a protective gleam to his eyes as he shot a look over Bella's head. "Don't think I didn't smell all that nasty shit coming off of you when I got Bella out of the car."
"It's arousal, Emmett," Rosalie snarked. "In case you didn't realize, Bella felt it too. She wants me like I want her." Emmett couldn't stop the growl that slipped out, thankfully keeping it low so that the human didn't hear. Rosalie's lips lifted in a snarl, but she forced herself to stop. "As my best friend, I thought you would be happy for me."
The protective glint left Emmett's eyes, and his shoulders sagged. He looked guilty as he mumbled, "I am...and if she really is somehow my sister, I'm even happier for you, and for me, cause that means…"
That means we really didn't lose her. Both of them thought it, but neither dared say it out loud. They were too scared of jinxing it, of their hopes and even Bella herself turning out to be some kind of twisted hallucination.
"So what's the problem?" Rosalie demanded when Emmett still didn't continue. Since when was Emmett of all
"I don't know," Emmett replied helplessly. "I just can't help but get protective over her, it's instinctual. I don't mean to be all grumpy-"
"Uh, guys?" Bella asked awkwardly. She had tried to be patient as they had their silent conversation, really she did, but they had been standing on the porch for a long time. Not only that, but both of them had moved closer to each other and Bella was finding herself sandwiched in the middle. "It's okay if we don't go in and all, but I'd just really appreciate it if I could get some breathing room here…"
"Sorry Bells," Emmett said sheepishly.
"I'm sorry too," Rosalie added. "We didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"No problem," Bella was quick to assure them. They all stood awkwardly for a moment, Bella blushing as both of them stared at her. "So, about that breathing room?"
"Right," Rosalie said, stepping away, but still staying way too close for Bella's heart.
"My bad," Emmett said, taking a larger step back, but all of them were still strangely crowded together. "You ready to get creamed, Bells?"
Bella chewed absently on her bottom lip, drawing Rosalie's attention. Emmett had to struggle not to snarl or glare as he felt a surge of overprotectiveness. This was Rose, damn it. His best friend, the only one he told everything to, the only one who truly knew everything that Emmett and his sister had been through...the only one who felt Isabelle's loss just as strongly as he had, despite having never met his sister in person. Why did he have to keep getting so protective? Vampire instincts were a pain in the ass.
"I guess," Bella said at last.
"What's wrong?" Emmett had to ask, wanting to ease at least some of Bella's worry. "Talk to me, Bells. I've got your back."
Her heart squeezed at the phrase, filling Bella with comfort, safety...but also regret and guilt. Why? "Well, it's just...do you think your family will like me?"
"What?" Emmett and Rosalie asked in confusion, like the idea had never occurred to either of them that Bella meeting their family might go wrong.
Of course, Bella had. In fact, now that she had that bit of breathing room, it was all she could think about. Because it only made sense for Bella's brain to remember what had happened at lunch, how two of their siblings had all but run away when Bella had shown up. Now it was all she could think about, and it made her nervous. She wanted, needed, their family to like her. If only for Rosalie and Emmett's sake.
Rosalie was the first to recover.
"They'll love you, I promise," Rosalie murmured in Bella's ear, putting a hand on Bella's back in a show of support. Of course, having Rosalie's breath so close to her ear made the poor human blush pathetically, kicking herself for it as she silently suffered. Still, Bella couldn't get over how quickly the two other siblings who had been at school had run at her arrival.
"But your siblings-"
"Will love you, too," Rosalie interrupted. Now she was rubbing Bella's back soothingly, pulling the girl against her side, and it was all Bella could do to stay on her feet as Rosalie's scent threatened to overwhelm her.
"Don't worry, Bellsy," Emmett said, giving Bella a huge slap to the back that almost sent her flying. Oops. "My bad," Emmett said sheepishly as he caught the human, well aware of how hard Rosalie was glaring at him.
"Really Em, you're something else," Bella said with a laugh, shaking her head in a kind of fond exasperation.
Again, Emmett's dead heart squeezed. How many times had Isabelle said the same thing to him while growing up?
"What Emmett was trying to say is that our parents are the only ones home," Rosalie said, covering for Emmett when she saw he was lost in his memories.
"Oh." Bella tried not to appear too guilty, but she had to ask; "Your siblings didn't leave the house because of me, did they?"
"Of course not," Rosalie replied quickly, not wanting Bella to think that way for even a second.
"Yeah, they all left because Rosalie threat-" Emmett started, only to shut up with a grunt as Rosalie elbowed him hard in the stomach.
"They had prior engagements," Rosalie smoothly interjected. Prior engagements Rosalie had admittedly forced onto them when she realized Alice had let it slip how overwhelmed Bella would be when they all met her at once, but prior engagements nonetheless. Not that Emmett was one to talk; while he had originally found it funny when he heard how hard Bella was going to be trying to please the family, when he heard how overwhelmed and stressed the human was going to be in the process and that she was going to assume Jasper didn't like her and feel guilty, he had immediately started backing Rosalie up. The only difference was that Emmett's tactics were more along the line of suggestions and apologies while Rosalie had made it clear that she would start removing body parts if they didn't all go at Bella's pace. She had apparently been so terrifying while talking to them in the school halls that the normal human students were afraid to pass her. Rosalie had caused quite the traffic jam.
"If you say so," Bella mumbled, but quickly took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "No use thinking about it now, I still have your parents to meet."
"That's the spirit!" Emmett cheered, going for another back pat. This time, Rosalie put her hand in the way, saving Bella from a potential faceplant against the door.
"Can you be careful already?" Rosalie snapped at Emmett.
"Trust me Rosalie, this is Emmett being careful," Bella said knowingly with a chuckle, again leaving the two vampires more than a little stunned. Unaware of what she had said, she nudged Emmett lightly in the ribs. "So are you going to open the door for me or what? Where are those gentlemanly manners I taught you?"
"You haven't taught me anything yet," Emmett tried to tease.
"Yes I have," Bella said with a huff. Crossing her arms, she glared playfully at Emmett. Rosalie found it absolutely adorable. "How many times must I tell you? If you want to impress the ladies-"
"You have to treat them like one," Emmett finished, unable to hide the turmoil on his face. This wasn't just coincidence. No matter what Emmett said or didn't say, no matter how afraid he was that he was getting his hopes up for nothing, it was undeniable. Somehow there was at least some part of Isabelle, some part of his big sister, living in Bella, and the girl didn't seem to even realize it.
"I'll do it. Sad to say, Emmett hasn't learned his manners yet," Rosalie said, rolling her eyes as she purposefully inserted herself between Emmett and Bella. She reached behind her back and squeezed Emmett's hand in a silent show of understanding and support. She opened the door and led Bella inside, giving Emmett a moment to compose himself before following.
By the time he had joined Rosalie and Bella, Bella was busy shaking Carlisle's hand, clearly trying to hide her nerves. As Esme said something to her about having snacks prepared for Bella's arrival, Bella gave the woman a big grin that Emmett found himself mirroring. He had always wished Isabelle had been able to meet his vampiric family, had always known that they would get along great, that they would love and be charmed by Isabelle if they had been lucky enough to meet her. Never had he actually expected it to happen, yet here it was; happening. It blew Emmett's mind.
"So Em, you ready to get your ass kicked?" Bella asked excitedly, now completely at ease as she all but vibrated with excitement. It was clear meeting Carlisle and Esme had put her at ease.
"You can try, short stack," Emmett teased. "I get to pick the first game."
"For the last time, I'm not short," Bella huffed as she followed after Emmett, Rosalie trailing after her with a loving smile on her face that stunned Esme and Carlisle. It was a look neither had seen before, and it only solidified how much the human meant to their family.
"Emmett, she's a guest, let her pick first," Esme scolded her son.
For a moment, Bella froze and looked at Esme with an expressionless face that none of the Cullens could interpret. It was gone in a second, and had they not been vampires, they might have wondered if it had truly been there at all.
"It's fine Esme," Bella said with a charming smile. "I want Emmett to pick first. There's no greater pleasure than beating someone at their favorite game."
"Those are fighting words," Emmett said, grinning at the challenge Bella had thrown down. "Prepare to eat them."
"The only thing I'll be eating is the delicious snacks Esme made for me," Bella replied primly. Her words made Esme smile warmly at her words as she brought in a plate of treats, placing them on the side table.. "Now pick your poison, Cullen."
"Just you wait, your end is near," Emmett said as he crouched in front of the game system, trying to figure out which game to start with.
"Sure." Bella laughed as she sat on the couch. Her laughter quickly died off as her original sitting destination was forcibly changed, and Bella found herself pulled down to sit between Rosalie's legs. For a moment she could only blush as she panicked, having no idea how to respond to Rosalie's actions or what to do in general. Holy shit, was that Rosalie's lips she just felt against her neck? It had felt more like a ghost of a touch, but…no. Bella had to calm down, she was totally hallucinating.
"We'll leave you kids to your fun," Carlisle said as Rosalie subtly buried her face in Bella's neck, inhaling her scent. Right now the blonde didn't think much of her actions, too lost to her own excitement, relief, and instinct. Later, however, she would certainly become embarrassed if she knew she had been seen acting in such a way in front of anyone other than Emmett. How was Rosalie feeling right now? Did she feel like she was meeting her mate for the first time, or did she feel like this was a reunion with her mate after nearly seventy years? How much was Rosalie fighting her instincts right now? It had to have been a lot…
"Later, dear," Esme said, pulling him further away from the room. "I'm sure you can sate your curiosity when things settle down more."
"Right, of course," Carlisle murmured sheepishly. "How about we go for a walk? Give them some more space."
"Sounds wonderful."
Of course, space was the one thing Bella really, really needed. Just not from them. Instead, she needed it from the blonde who currently had her arms wrapped around Bella's waist, unconcerned with how it might look if Emmett turned around.
She's his girlfriend, Bella thought to herself desperately. Rosalie is Emmett's girlfriend. Why can't I get that through my head? Damn it, I need to put up some boundaries, and I need to do it now.
"Uh…" Bella started, unsure of how to bring up her current predicament without potentially coming across as rude. "Are you always like this?"
Rosalie tightened her grip on Bella, pulling the girl further into her body. It took more willpower than she would admit not to bury her face deeper into the human's neck and start purring. "Yes," she answered simply.
"Well okay then." Bella didn't mind how much the gorgeous girl touched her; what she minded was her own embarrassing reaction to said blonde.
Of course, the moment the conversation ended, Bella wanted to slam her head against the nearest wall. "Well okay then?" That was the best response Bella could think of? That didn't help Bella at all! She was still between Rosalie's legs, still way too happy with the predicament for her own good, and Rosalie was obviously still Emmett's-
"I've decided!" Emmett announced with excitement as he put the game in his xbox. He landed next to Rosalie and Bella on the couch, handing a controller to Bella with only the briefest of pauses after he saw Bella's situation. Did he not care? Or was he trying not to show it? "Prepare to get your ass handed to you, Bella, because you're going down!"
The second Bella had the controller in her hands, she decided the best thing to do was completely focus on the game. To not focus on the blonde's cool arms around her waist, the way Rosalie's breath felt against the side of her neck, how much she enjoyed being between Rosalie's legs, almost as if she belonged there-
"Never gonna happen," Bella replied with more force than necessary, but she didn't care. She was not going down; not on Rosalie, and not in this game, either. "I've got this in the bag, dude. I'm way skilled."
"I can't wait to see how skilled you are," Rosalie purred in Bella's ear.
Bella stifled the shiver, but couldn't help the soft, pathetically needy whimper that slipped out from between her lips. Thankfully, she managed it at a volume that no one would be able to hear.
Unless they were a vampire, anyway.
As Rosalie had to remind herself that jumping Bella right that very moment wasn't a good idea, Emmett bit back the urge to gag, instead shooting Bella's ingame character.
"Skilled, huh?" Emmett taunted, effectively taking Bella's mind off of her current painful predicament. "You sure about that?"
"That's it, you asked for it," Bella said. "This means war."
To Emmett's disbelief, he lost every single time; and he loved every second of it.