We're getting so close to the end of this story, and everyone hates Edward. It wasn't a matter of Bella speaking her mind, but her respect for his decision (good or bad as it may have been).

The following days were pure torture.

Edward didn't make it easy for Bella. She spent most of her time with Alice, and when her friend was busy, Bella took long walks with Harley and Jake.

The times when she couldn't avoid Edward were the worst, because he'd made it his mission to torment her any way he could. Bella was so wrung out that his mere touch made her want to start crying.

On New Year's Eve, Bella was returning from a walk with Harley and Jake, when she noticed Jasper's truck gone. He'd probably gone into town for last minute shopping.

Inside the cabana, Jake offered to clean Harley's paws, which Bella was grateful for, knowing how hysteric her dog got when his paws were touched.

Rosalie was working on the fruit salad with the kids, and with Emmett hovering close by, mostly getting in her way. Bella chose to let them be, and went into the sitting room, where she found Alice by the fireplace.

"Hey," Bella greeted her. "Feeling better?"

Alice huddled better under the blanket she had draped over her shoulders. "I'm so not used to this weather. Jasper went into town to find some cold medicine."

"Did you try drinking a hot tea?" Bella asked, sitting next to her.

"Yeah, it didn't help. It's just a cold, Bella, but I hate it that I'm ruining Cynthia's fun."

"She has plenty of fun in the kitchen."

Alice grinned, nodding. "She really likes Elliott. I mean, it's not like she's been around many kids." She shrugged, before sneezing a couple of times. She reached for the paper tissues on the side table. "Distract me."

Bella brought her knees up, hugging them. "I do have some questions," she started slowly, glancing at the door, hoping Jake wouldn't return with Harley.

"Oh, right! Edward told me, we should talk about the party."

"I think that's the least of my worries now." Bella sighed loudly, hugging her knees to her chest and rocking slowly.

"Is this about what you wanted to tell us the other day? I can't believe what Edward wanted to do!"

"It has to do with that," Bella agreed. "I covered for us, because I can tell he's not ready for that step, and frankly, I'm not, either."

"Okay…" Alice watched her curiously. Her nose was red and shining from her cold, which Bella found amusing. "What's wrong?"

Checking the hallway again, Bella leaned closer. "Edward's punishing me," she whispered. "He's never denied me before. I don't think I can do it."

"Deny you…what? Ohhhh! Oh!" Alice's eyes widened, then she giggled. "Oh, Bella!"

"Some advice on how not to lose my mind would be nice," she muttered.

"It shouldn't be that difficult. I mean, it's like when he's on his business trips, right?"

Bella narrowed her eyes at Alice. "No, it's not! He's set to drive me crazy. Have you noticed how he's in my personal space every fucking second? Do you have any idea what he's whispering to me while we cuddle here with you guys every evening?"

"Oh, dear! What did you do to upset him so much?"

"I covered for us," Bella reminded her friend.

"Shit! Well, all I can tell you…brace yourself for when he allows you to come," Alice murmured, grinning wickedly.

Bella moaned loudly, pressing her face into her knees.

"I'm never cleaning his paws again!" Jake complained loudly, joining them. He threw himself on the opposite couch.

Bella looked up to see Jake's arms covered in scratches. "Did I forget to mention he doesn't like his paws touched?"

Jake growled, throwing a cushion at her. "Witch!"

Bella laughed, throwing the cushion back, missing him by a foot.

"Your aim is still shit, Bells. Always has been."

Upset and determined to hit her target, Bella grabbed another cushion from their couch, throwing it at Jake, and hitting him in the face. "Ha!"

"That calls for war!" Jake lunged at her, his fingers finding their target in her sides.

Bella squirmed, giggling and kicking her feet. She managed to knee her friend in the stomach, but it didn't deter his attack on her. She could hear Alice laughing, but she didn't try to save her. Bella wrapped her arms around Jake's neck, trying to find leverage for some good kick with her foot, but his fingers went under her armpits, which left her breathless, as she continued to struggle under him.

"What the hell is going on here?" Edward's voice had never sounded more angry or beautiful.

"Help!" Bella managed a breathless plea.

"Get off her, asshole!"

Not a moment later, Jake was off her, and she could breathe again. She felt only a little bad for Jake laying on the floor and rubbing his arm.

Edward hovered over her, worry clear in his green eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." She managed to nod. Alice giggled at her side, making Bella turn to scowl at her so-called friend. "Thanks a lot for helping me, Alice!"

"Oh, come on! I had no idea you were into wrestling."

"I bet there's a lot you don't know about Bella," Jake joked. "Like, her right hook!"

"Want to feel it in your jaw?" Bella challenged, turning to glare at him.

"No, I'm good," he teased.

"I can help with that," Edward offered, bending to grab Jake's shirt. "Touch her again, and I will break your jaw."

"We were playing, man."

"It didn't look like that to me."

Bella chose to break them apart before Jake's mouth got him in trouble with Edward's fist. She leaned to take Edward's hand, tugging him closer. "Come here. I think Harley covered him in scars enough."

Jake went back to the couch he'd claimed earlier, keeping his narrowed eyes on Edward. They'd probably never get along, Bella decided, but neither of them was even trying to be friendly.

Bella snuggled into Edward's side, kissing along his jaw. "I'm fine, really."

He peered down at her, smiling softly. "I know. Your friend just knows how to get on my nerves," he admitted, kissing her slowly.

His face and lips were cold from the frigid weather, but Bella didn't mind. She melted against his chest, enjoying the moment of just being with him.

As the day wore on, bringing evening closer, everyone gathered in the sitting room. They were all divided in pairs, playing various games of cards or chess, or even coloring with the kids. Jake and Emmett were the ones coloring, while the kids were watching their progress. Bella was playing cards with Jasper and Rosalie, but most of their focus was on Edward and Alice playing chess. That was entertaining, because Alice seemed to guess all his moves, and Edward, the ever perceptive guy, realized she'd know his move before he reached for a piece. They had yet to move a piece for the past half an hour, which was amusing.

Since Bella was distracted, she lost most of the games, but she wasn't a sore loser.

Unlike Edward, apparently.

"Fuck this shit!" He got up, and stormed out of the room.

"Who's next?" Alice beamed, looking at them.

"Me! I bet I could win!" Jake declared loudly.

Bella wasn't even aware he'd been paying attention. She pushed her cards on the coffee table. "I lost anyway. I'm going to check on the party pooper."

Jasper chuckled. "Careful. He's a sore loser."

"I can tell." Bella rolled her eyes, leaving the room and taking the stairs to their bedroom.

She found Edward in the chair by the closet, where he'd sat on Christmas night, when he'd prohibited her release for the upcoming future.

"Did they send you to check if my feelings were hurt?" he muttered.

Bella bit back a snort. "No, I thought we could wallow in misery together. I lost all the hands at the games we were playing."

Edward laughed loudly, getting up and walking to her. "I love you, Bella."

She met his eyes, curious at his sudden declaration. "Love you, too."

He stroked the side of her face. "You always make me laugh, even when I tend to forget to enjoy the small moments of life. I'd probably turn into this grumpy old man if it weren't for you."

"Oh, you mean you're not a grumpy old man anyway?" she joked, looping her arms around his neck.

"You're already in trouble, baby girl," Edward reminded her gently.

"Might as well put an end to my misery and deny me release forever."

Edward chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd be the one going crazy, if I couldn't have you again." He pressed his lips to hers. "Your punishment ends tonight – at midnight."

"Really?" She pulled back to make sure he wasn't kidding.

"While I was in town with Jasper, I got you something."

"Yeah?"

"You'll have to wear it for the rest of the evening."

"What is it?" she asked warily.

Edward leaned over her to lock the door, then unbuttoned her jeans. He pulled them down along with her underwear, then knelt in front of her. He kissed her stomach and thighs, before nosing at the place she desired his touch the most.

"You're still not allowed to come – not until midnight."

"Yes, Sir."

Edward smirked against her skin, reaching for something in his pocket. He unwrapped the surprise, making Bella whimper.

"Do you know what this is?"

Bella controlled her reaction. She wanted to shout at him and accuse him of teasing her like that. "It's a tiny vibrator?"

"It's called a love egg."

She didn't care for the term. That device would be her undoing.

Edward stroked his thumb over her clit, making her unsteady on her feet. Then he dipped a finger into her already wet sex. She'd been in a constant state of arousal ever since that night.

"Wait!" Bella stilled the hand holding the love egg.

Edward's eyes hardened.

"What's the punishment if I fail?" She gripped his wrist tightly, keeping her eyes on his.

"When would you stop thinking like this? You always worry about not succeeding."

"Because I know I'll fail this. I know my body, Edward."

Edward's finger curled up inside her, making her nearly topple over. "Don't forget your place, Isabella. I guess, spanking is on the table. With the belt."

"Fuck."

"We have to do something about that potty mouth of yours, but first, let's test this new toy."

Bella decided not to amplify her punishment, so she chose her words carefully. "Can I please hold on to your shoulder, Sir?"

Edward met her eyes, amused. "Of course." He lifted one of her legs on his shoulder, while she gripped his other shoulder, hoping her balance wouldn't betray her.

Edward pushed the egg inside her wetness, and Bella clench around it involuntarily. Edward squeezed her thigh, grounding her.

"Color?" he requested.

"Green, Sir."

"Good girl." He straightened up, and Bella watching him warily.

That was all? She had to keep that thing inside her? It would be uncomfortable, but Bella doubted the tiny, pink device could bring her an orgasm just by sitting there.

"Kneel," Edward ordered, undoing his own jeans. "I don't want to hear another bad word out of your mouth when we play."

Bella gulped loudly. "Yes, Sir."

"Hands behind your back. Open your mouth."

Bella knew the egg wouldn't make her come, but his dirty talking was going to be her undoing.

Edward guided his erection into her mouth, holding her head with a hand knotted into her hair. Bella was too busy getting accustomed with the intrusion down her throat to notice the small remote controller in Edward's other hand.

When the egg started vibrating inside her, it took all her might not to clamp her teeth down on his dick. She pulled away, gasping for air.

"Oh, shit!"

"What did I just tell you?" he demanded.

For once, Bella chose not to retort, because she had no witty comeback. She was going to fail.

"Suck, Isabella."

Bella moaned in her throat, as she wrapped her lips around his hardness again. Her back arched, pushing her chest forward as Edward upped the power on the egg. He started a punishing rhythm in her mouth, which kept her focused on that. But all too soon, she felt the tell-tale signs of an impending orgasm, as the muscles in her tummy constricted and her toes curled.

When Bella was positive she was going to come, Edward turned the device off, groaning loudly as he emptied down her throat.

He helped her up, stroking his thumb over her swollen lips, cleaning them of saliva and cum, before kissing her roughly. "All mine."

"All yours," she whispered shakily.

After cleaning up, they joined their friends downstairs, who were aware of where they had disappeared to for over an hour.

As the evening wore on, Edward kept toying with the remote controller, making Bella jump every time he turned it on.

By midnight, Bella was sweating and her panties were ruined.

"So, what's your New Year resolution?" Rosalie asked her, as midnight approached fast.

I want to come, Bella bit on her tongue not to blurt out the most embarrassing thing ever to Edward's sister. "I don't know. I'm pretty happy with what I have." She made sure to catch Edward's eyes, on the other side of the couch.

He grinned innocently, turning the egg to full speed.

Bella gritted her teeth, inhaling sharply.

"Everything okay?" Rosalie asked, concerned.

"Oh, yes!" Bella was aware how breathy her reply came.

Alice saved her further embarrassment by bringing Champagne and glasses. She demanded they got dressed for outside, because that would be the best way to ring into the new year. Jasper tried protesting, reminding her that she was already sick.

"It will be for a few minutes! It will be fun!" she insisted, pouting.

Edward, who'd stopped his torture on Bella's body, helped her into her winter coat, leading her outside. He kept his arms around her, kissing her neck.

"Midnight," he reminded her, with his lips pressed against her ear.

Bella's legs felt weak, and she was grateful for his support. She wanted to refuse the Champagne flute, but it might look weird. It was going to fall from her hand the moment she came. At least, it would land in the snow.

As everyone started chanting the countdown from twenty downwards, Edward turned the love egg on. It was a bearable buzzing at first, but as they got into the single digits, he upped the speed, keeping his lips on her neck.

"Oh, God! Ohhh!" Bella squeezed her eyes shut.

Edward turned her head to claim her lips into a bruising kiss. His arm tightened around her waist, when Bella felt her knees giving out. Her back arched into his chest, and she shouted into his mouth as their friends erupted in cheers around them.

Bella was sure, she'd lost contact with reality for a moment. She blinked slowly, focusing on Edward's beautiful face. He smiled widely, kissing her nose.

"Happy New Year, love!"

"It's a promising one," she giggled breathlessly.

He laughed along, kissing her lips. "Can you stand on your own?"

"I'm not sure. My legs feel like jelly."

But she shouldn't have worried, because she didn't have to focus on her equilibrium when Jake all but ripped her from Edward's embrace. He hugged her tightly, even attempting a joke at being the Best Man. She laughed, telling him that position might be taken, but he could be the Flower Boy.

Edward chose to be the better man and offer his hand for shaking to Jake, wishing him a nice new year, while Bella was hugged tightly by Alice.

After endless minutes spent outside hugging and drinking Champagne, they all went to their respective rooms.

"Hey, I didn't see Felix," Bella said, as she pulled the drenched panties off her body.

"We took him to the airport this morning, so he'd spend tonight with Tanya."

"Oh. That's nice of you."

"So, we're driving back the Caddy."

"Lord have mercy! A roadtrip with you?" She shuddered. "Will I even be allowed to sing?"

Edward laughed loudly. "Why do I look like the bad guy? Felix made sure to tell me not to spoil the roadtrip for you."

"Because you're the bad guy," Bella deadpanned, amused.

"I think you love being punished."

"I think…" she said seriously, climbing in the bed next to him "…after this past punishment, I deserve a break. Indefinitely."

"You were a very good girl, indeed." Edward nodded in agreement, reaching to take something from the nightstand.

"Oh, fuck! Really?" she squeaked, when the offending egg starting vibrating again.

"Shit." Edward extracted the controller from his pocket. "Let me take that out, before we have another accident."

"Christ! I thought you did it intentionally."

"No. I'm sorry. I forgot it in my pocket," he said sheepishly. "Deep breath," he advised, as he pulled the love egg out.

Bella shuddered, possibly coming again as the toy left her body. "What did you want to do?"

"Oh, right!" Edward took his phone from the nightstand. "Let's plan that roadtrip. Anywhere you want to stop along the way, we will."

"Have I told you lately that I love you?" Bella leaned into his chest, kissing his lips.

"No." He returned the kiss.

"I love you so much, Edward."

"As I love you, Bella."

There are two more chapters before I'm going to post the outtakes.

For teasers please check the amazing group: It All Started with Twilight - www dot facebook dot com/groups/896806390388220

Also, my group: addict_writer fanfiction - www dot facebook dot com/groups/274198112656668

PS: If you didn't know, I started posting a new story. It's called Illicit Affair. Please go and check it out.