First of all, a big shout out to my team of pre-readers and beta: NimNimBonjangles, bevey99, and Fran. Thank you so much for all the help with this story.
Secondly, a big 'THANK YOU' to all of you, who take the time to read reviews.
[Edward]
The attic door shut behind me, and I leaned against it while Bella stared around the vast space. I could fit my bed in here; it would occupy most of the room, but I wouldn't mind it. I watched as Bella walked around, stopping by the bookcase before sitting on the pillow I had placed on the windowsill.
"It's the best place in the world," she whispered.
"I know. I've tried to convince Esme to move me in here when I was little, but she had had none of it."
"I'd trade living in a palace to having this nook for myself," she admitted, opening her arms. I went to her, pressing her to my front, kissing the top of her head. "Can you wait until later? I'm not okay with doing anything here now."
The condom I'd gotten from my bedroom burned inside my back pocket. "Not without difficulty," I lamented, but smiled, showing her I'd wait for as long as she needed. Even if it meant a serious case of blue balls, not like I wasn't already suffering.
"I promise to make it worth the waiting," she purred, sneaking her fingers under my T-shirt.
I stilled her hand, staring at her, shocked. "Baby, if you don't want me to fuck you against the window right now, stop touching me."
She giggled, but her hands dropped, taking my hands. "I need you just as badly, believe me."
"Stop," I groaned, shifting from one foot to the other. My dick twitched, ready to burst through my jeans. "I'll see if I can manage to get away with going home with you after dinner; if not…later tonight, I'm coming."
"That's what he said," she snickered, pressing her face against my stomach. I could feel her warm breath through the thin material.
"Bella," I groaned. "My self-control is slipping away," I warned.
"Dinner is ready!" Carlisle's shout made me jump a foot in the air, but it was the best medicine for my erection.
"Damn, old man's got some lungs," I joked. "Come on." I led Bella downstairs, holding her hand tightly in mine.
We ate in the dining room, which shouldn't have been a surprise. The kitchen table could host only three of us.
After several minutes spent in silence, Carlisle asked what I'd expected them to ask me since I said others knew about Bella and me.
"Who else knows about this?"
I glanced at Bella, seeing she took an interest in the chicken leg on her plate. "Emmett and Rosalie," I said. "And sadly, Black found out too." Bella's lips twitched up, probably remembering my lapse of judgement when I'd strolled into the kitchen while her friends were there like it wasn't a big deal, I was present in her house – half-naked and sleepy. There would be no need to tell them how Bella's mom knew about us. That was a tragedy that shouldn't have happened.
"Coach Black?" Esme gasped, turning to look at Bella, worry evident in her eyes.
"Yeah, it's not like he'd tell anyone," I muttered.
Bella kicked me under the table, nailing me in the shin so hard, tears watered my eyes. She glared at me before focusing on Esme.
"Jacob found out on my birthday when Edward returned to get some forgotten clothes," she lied because my main reason to be back in Forks had been her. She couldn't very well tell them that or that the clothes she was talking about were her trophy panties.
My cock twitched in my jeans at the memories I shared with her panties. Garrett had been a good sport not to comment on seeing them in my drawer some time ago, but he'd probably figured out why I had a pair of women's underwear unless he believed I was into that shit.
I noticed Carlisle giving me a pointed look, and I recalled how I'd assured them I didn't mind them not being home during my short visit that weekend in September.
"Are you sure he won't say anything?" Esme insisted.
"We told him that we started dating during the summer. That's going to be the official story when people find out," I explained.
"Do you plan on…" Carlisle trailed off, scratching at his chin. "…coming out, for the lack of a better word?"
I rolled my eyes, though Bella beat me to reply.
"I can't hide anymore. Now that Edward's going to be here for the summer, I won't be able to pretend he's…well, I don't even know what he's supposed to be."
"Clearly, not a mere former student," I joked.
"Clearly," she said dryly, but a smile spread on her lips.
"That's a good idea," Esme mused.
"What's that?" I asked, not sure what she was referring to.
"Telling people you started dating over the summer. No need for trouble at school for Bella."
Bella nodded in agreement, her ancient fears coming to the surface. I saw the worry and fear I'd seen during senior year while I was trying to convince her to give us a shot.
I wanted to stop Esme from scaring Bella; thankfully, Carlisle changed the subject, asking me about what I'd decided to do in the upcoming year regarding the dorm situation. Garrett was most likely going to graduate in January, and as much as I'd liked dorm life, I'd hinted to Carlisle how I'd like my own place—something small that I could pay for with my own money.
"I'll probably stick to the dorm for the first term," I said, shrugging. "Kate said she'd send me the contact information of some of her friends who rented near campus. We'll see how that works out."
"You want to move out of the dorms?" Bella asked curiously.
"Well, Garrett's gonna graduate soon. I'd hate to live there alone or have someone else replace him."
"But you'd rather have your own place?" Carlisle asked, amused.
"That's different." I hoped they weren't going to read too much into why I wanted my own place. That way, I'd be able to have Bella over if she chose to sometimes visit me. I hoped she'd do it if there wasn't a roommate who might disturb us.
"Let me know what you decide," he said quietly.
When we were done eating, Bella seized the moment to excuse herself. I offered to drive her, completely forgetting we'd arrived in her car.
"Come get your stuff out of my trunk," she said, laughing.
We ambled out of the house in the light drizzle. "Shit. Let me take these upstairs. I'm coming with you."
"I think they want to talk to you about this…alone. I understand." She cupped my cheek. "Come by later."
I dipped my head to kiss her, feeling her small body fitting perfectly in my arms. I ripped away from her, before I bent her over the open trunk. "Later," I promised, grabbing my bags and hurrying back inside.
I stopped in the doorway of my room. Carlisle was leaning against my desk, hands resting against the edge.
I dropped the bags at the foot of my bed, folding my arms across my chest. It seemed Carlisle was upset. Had it been a show that they accepted Bella?
"Why haven't you told us? Did you feel like you couldn't trust us?"
I glared at my ceiling. "Can't imagine why," I muttered sarcastically.
"Did you think we were going to turn Bella into the police?"
"What?" I spat, narrowing my eyes at him. "Is that what you'd have done?"
His expression mollified. "You misunderstood me. I'm just trying to understand why you haven't told us."
"It's not a matter of trust, Carlisle. This was Bella's safety at risk. I had no guarantee how anyone would react. Heck, even when Emmett found out, I was terrified, and we're talking about my best friend."
"How long did you plan on hiding?" He wasn't done asking his billions of questions.
"Not much longer. You and Esme were first on our list," I admitted. "Of course, we didn't want you to find out like this."
"I was sure I was seeing things. At first, I was curious why Bella was here, but I figured she'd come over to talk to Esme. Then I noticed you were in the driver's seat - well, you were supposed to be there, but you were all over her in the passenger seat."
I winced, looking away. "I had no idea we had an audience," I mumbled.
"When others start finding out about you, I want you to be ready for their reaction. I hope you realize it's not going to be easy."
"I'm aware. I'll go later over to Bella's to talk about the best way to approach this. Now, I just want to take a shower and not think about it." It was a lie, but I had to get rid of him.
"If you need anything, you know where I am. Don't forget we're supportive even though you don't believe it."
I stared at him incredulously. "It's hard to believe you accept me dating Bella, who used to be my teacher last year, and found out I'd started dating her while she was still my teacher."
"Did you want me to point out how incredibly stupid you've been? I could go on for hours, but since no one found out while you were in school, no need to open that can of worms." Judging by his severe tone, he definitely judged us - me in particular - but he chose to close his eyes and forget it.
He was at the door when he turned to look at me, his eyes sparkling in a playful way. "Are you planning on coming back tonight?"
My eyes widened, and I snorted. "Probably not."
"I hope you still have the condoms."
"Carlsileeee!" I groaned, all but shoving him out of my room. Good God. I didn't need him embarrassing me like this.
.
.
.
It was late in the evening when I arrived at Bella's and let myself into her apartment. It was so quiet, which made me think she wasn't home, then I heard her voice in the bathroom.
I paused at the door, listening like a total creep. It wasn't her mother by the sound of Bella's voice. It didn't take long for her to wrap up that conversation.
I debated the best way to step into the bathroom without scaring her when my phone started ringing – her ringtone.
"Are you kidding me?" she yelled.
I opened the door, not prepared to find her in the bathtub, a look of surprise on her face. "Hi."
"When did you get here?" Her eyes narrowed.
"Just now?" I walked closer, groaning at the sight of her naked body in the water.
Her pink tongue ran over her bottom lip, as she looked at me through hooded eyes. I undressed on autopilot while she made room for me in the tub.
I sat in front of her, pulling her spread legs closer to me until she straddled my lap. Her pussy rubbed deliciously over the length of my aching dick. I wasn't going to make it for too long. Every fiber in my body was on fire for her. My hands went to her tits, massaging and kneading the soft skin, tugging at her nipples, until she tipped her head back, gripping my shoulders while rubbing all over my cock.
"Bella…" I warned her when the tip of my dick nearly slipped inside her wetness. "Fuck. What are you doing?"
"I need you so much." Her voice dripped with desire.
I leaned over the edge of the tub, spilling water everywhere as I dug into my jeans for the condom I'd pocketed earlier. Once it was in place, she sank on me, her jaw going slack as unadulterated pleasure was written all over her face. I gripped her hips, allowing her to guide our moves. My balls already felt too heavy, and the tell-tale signs of tingles in my toes told me I was close to exploding. She moved slowly so we wouldn't make a bigger mess on the bathroom floor than we'd already made, but the slow torture brought me even closer to release.
"Oh, fuck!" I shouted, lifting my hips into her, my groin a volcano ready to erupt. "Fuck," I gasped, clutching her close, as I pumped up into her tight pussy until sweet release washed over me.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was aware she hadn't come, but we had all night. I held her close; our chests pressed together. Her lips kissed at my neck as she lifted off me.
I groaned at the sight of her glistening pussy right in front of my eyes. "Are you trying to kill me?" I protested, pulling her closer, squeezing at her ass cheeks, while my mouth latched to her wetness.
"Edward!" she cried out, her fingers knotting in my hair. "I'm gonna fall."
"No, you're not," I said into her pussy, keeping a strong grip on her while I lapped at her wet lips.
Some minutes later, her legs shook as she came with a strangled cry. I stood, scooping her up in my arms, while walking to her bed, as Bella snatched a towel on the way out of the bathroom.
We lay on the towel until we were somewhat dry, though her wet hair had drenched her pillow.
"I'm staying," I said, wanting her to know I didn't have to be home any time soon.
She hummed, seemingly half asleep. I reached for her blanket to cover us, and Bella snatched the dry pillow.
"Hey!" I moved to take it back, but she hugged it to her chest, turning her back to me. "You're using it wrong, anyway."
She laughed loudly. "I've grown used to falling asleep hugging my pillow."
"How about you forget about that pillow and hug me?" I offered, surprising myself. Bella had ruined me. I liked to cuddle her, something I used to detest.
She kicked her wet pillow to the floor, placing the one in her arms under her head before she turned to face me. Her arms came around me, and I nestled against her naked chest. I couldn't help but lick at her boobs.
"Behave," she said sleepily.
"For now," I whispered, closing my eyes.
It was the best sleep I had in months.
I woke up in the middle of the night, or so it seemed to me, to find Bella missing from the bed. I didn't have to get out of the bed and search for her when I saw her silhouette returning to the bed through the darkness.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Sheesh," she gasped. "I have a pounding headache. I went to get a painkiller."
I welcomed her now-freezing body under the warm blanket. It didn't matter if it was May; the weather in Forks was still cool. She snuggled into my side, sighing heavily. I kissed her temple.
"I'll be fine in a few minutes," she promised.
"Okay." I stroked my fingers through her hair, slowly allowing sleep to take me again. I had forgotten how content I felt in her arms, having her so close.
.
.
.
When Bella's alarm blared loudly, I knocked over her phone, and she didn't even stir. I went back to sleep, only to be jerked awake by her feet running around the apartment not long later.
She attempted to wake me a couple of times, but I swatted at her hand, unsure why she was so mean. I was so tired. What the hell was wrong with her?
When I finally woke up, the sun was glaring at me through the window behind her bed. "Bella?" I called out, though there was no answer.
After a tour of the apartment, I realized she'd left.
Fuck. It was Monday.
Fuck. I'd stopped her alarm.
I searched for my phone, which let me know it was eleven o'clock. Holy fuck. I hadn't slept for so long in ages.
There was a text message from Bella, sent at eight-thirty this morning. I opened it, scared of her wrath.
YOU'RE IN TROUBLE FOR SHUTTING MY ALARM OFF! I WAS THIRTY MINUTES LATE BECAUSE OF YOU!
I gulped thickly, wondering what I could do so she'd forgive me. I'd been so tired that I hadn't realized it was a Monday and her alarm was important.
I was such an idiot.
I chose to head home and ask for Esme's advice. She should know the best way to apologize for my mistake.
Of course, Esme helped me, but not before she laughed at my predicament. At least, she found it amusing, and she didn't seem upset that I'd spent the night at Bella's.
I drove to the store and bought a box of chocolate candies, the kind I knew Bella loved and drove to school. Lunch break was almost over, and I hoped to catch her before her class started.
Old Marcus greeted me with a curious look in his eyes. I waved to him, grinning.
I got odd looks in the hallways, and it took me too long to understand why. I had washed-out jeans and a red T-shirt on, which were definitely against the school's policy. I ignored everyone as I went to the biology lab.
It felt like a lifetime had passed since I'd last been there.
The door was ajar, and I poked my head inside to see if Bella was there. She was at her desk, chewing at the end of a red pen, staring at the papers in front of her.
I knocked on the door, feeling my heart beating out of my chest.
She closed her eyes briefly, before looking my way. Relief washed over her, but it was soon replaced with irritation.
"What are you doing here?"
I slipped inside, footing the door shut. I presented her with the box in my hands, grinning.
She rolled her eyes. "You think some sweets and a cheeky smile will make me forgive you?"
"I'm hoping," I mumbled, approaching her. "Look, I'm really sorry."
"You're so lucky I don't have any class starting at eight this year. But I still have to be here on time."
I sighed in relief. I refrained from pointing out that there had been no damage done, because she'd probably go for the jugular.
I placed the candies on her desk.
Her eyes lit up. "My favorites," she gasped, finally noticing the box.
"So, am I forgiven?" I insisted. The last bell had rung as I was coming up the stairs. Soon, her class would start arriving. "Where's your class?"
"I have a free period after lunch."
"I see…" My fingers traced her desk. "Remember my last school day?"
Her cheeks flushed. "Edward, I really have to finish grading these papers before the next class."
"You're no fun," I mumbled, walking to my former desk. I slumped in the chair, staring at her.
"Stop it."
"I'm not doing anything," I said honestly. "No pen to click, Ms. Swan," I joked.
"You're staring – stop. It's unnerving."
"Do I make you nervous, Ms. Swan?" I sat up straighter in the chair, a strange feeling of déjà-vu coursing through me.
"Edward, if you plan to distract me, you better get out of here before I kick you out."
"You never kicked me out of class," I mused, grinning when her eyes flashed dangerously. "Though, you came close to doing it a few times, if I can recall."
"Go and find something for Eve. I have a couple more tests to grade," she said softly.
I laughed at her attempt to keep me away. I didn't have to look too far for some flies. It took skill to catch them, but since that had been my job for the past two years, I was now an expert.
On the way back to the lab, I wondered what Bella had in mind for us to do until her next class. All thoughts of possibly seeing or touching her soft skin vanished from my mind when I stepped inside.
Anger took over when I spotted an asshole crowding her, with a hand on the back of her chair and one on the desk. Bella didn't seem to particularly enjoy the attention, as she was leaning back, away from the boy.
"I think I was clear when I told you that the only way you'd pass my class is to attend it and try to get at least a B, Mr. Conner."
Fuck. It's that Conner jerk she kept complaining to me about.
Neither of them was aware of me being in the classroom. After closing the door as quietly as possible, I placed the paper coffee cup holding the flies on the nearest desk.
"Come on, Ms. S. It's not like such a thing never happened before. It's a win-win situation. I pass your class; you have a great time."
I saw red when one of his hands touched her face while the other one went to her tits. I was on him in two seconds flat, just as Bella sprung out of her chair, pushing him away. The fucker fell into my arms. He was too surprised to act, so I managed a good punch into his liver.
"Touch her again, and I'll break your face," I spat, grabbing the back of his shirt. "Get out of here!" I pushed him toward the door.
The recognition and anger in his eyes should have rung alarm bells in my head, but it didn't. I felt victorious when he left.
"Bella?" I reached for her shaking body. "Fuck. Come on, sit down." I helped her back in her chair. "What the fuck was that?"
Her trembling fingers curled around her portable water bottle. She took a few sips. "He's never tried anything like that," she said, clearly shaken.
I crouched by her side, rubbing her thigh. "Shh. I'm here. So, that's the fucker who's been upsetting you all year long."
"Like I told you in September, your behavior was a walk in the park compared to him."
"Regarding you, or in general?"
"Both," she mumbled, meeting my eyes. "But he hits on everyone. Tanya complains every time that she's going to punch him if he says anything about her ass again."
I scowled. "The fucking asshole touched you."
She lifted a brow, pursing her lips.
"No," I spat, realizing what she was thinking. "Don't you dare compare me to him. I wouldn't have insisted if I noticed you didn't want me."
"Forget it." She took my hands, squeezing them tightly. I stared up into her soft brown eyes. She was still visibly shaken. I wanted to track down the motherfucker and teach him how to treat a woman. And then beat his ass for daring to touch my Bella.
I'd just managed to calm her when the door of the room opened to reveal a wary Whitlock. His eyes widened when he noticed me; then, he looked at our joined hands.
For fuck's sake! Couldn't we get a breather?
DUM DUM DUM *goes into hiding until next week*
Reviews are love.
Don't forget to check out the facebook groups where I share teasers for my stories
- addict_writer fanfiction (my group) www dot facebook dot com/groups/274198112656668
- It All Started with Twilight (Fran's amazing group) www dot facebook dot com/groups/896806390388220
PS: Go and check Frannie's Song to Story Challenge - November edition. www dot facebook dot com /groups/834673544138327
The song is very inspirational and anyone is welcome to submit a story based on it.