97.
Silence.
The catering staff work around us, listening.
"Can we go somewhere private?" I ask witheringly.
His jaw tenses, then he takes my hand in his, guiding me back out through the party. I panic, dragging my heels; he pulls me and we walk out in front of everyone.
They stare.
Notice our hands clasped.
Edward keeps a steady pace, walking us all the way up the stairs until we're in his room.
"Was that necessary?" I blurt, standing near his bed.
"No more hiding." His voice is firm. Demanding.
"But—"
"No more excuses, Bella. Tell me what you want."
98.
I want days and nights in his bed.
I want him to meet my mother.
I want this game to end because it's going to run us into the ground, and I can't take it anymore.
"I want you," I say vulnerably. "Happy?"
He drops to his knees in front of me, looking up. Holding tight. The reflection of my dress in his eyes makes them impossibly green.
"Then fucking have me, baby." His voice is pleading. "No more games. Gonna drive me mad."
I brush fingers through his wild hair.
A small, relieved laugh. I whisper, "Be with me."