Hi Ladies,

I promised some sweetness and I hope you all enjoy it. Bella will probably get some hate at the beginning of this chapter but I hope you see where she is coming from by the end of the encounter.

Also, you were all right. There was a Pretty Woman moment earlier in the story and this chapter will complete that scene.

Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think. Every review pushes me to write faster.

Chapter 25

Bella-

The diamond on that ring was the size of my thumbnail and had to cost a fortune. My whole body quivered with the thought of slipping something so elegant onto my finger. I probably wouldn't be able to lift my damn hand. I lifted my gaze to Edward's, noting the twinkle in his eyes.

This wasn't the type of ring a person uses for a ruse. I barely expected a fleck of a gem inside a cheap band. A nervous laugh escaped my throat, and I shot another look at the ring encased in platinum gold. "Did you rob the queen?" Another strangled laugh erupted filling the silence. "What am I supposed to do with it?"

Some of the excitement lighting Edward's eyes dimmed and I felt like a real asshole. The meaning and the ring, and the changing relationship were so out of my element, and I had no idea what to do. A part of me blossomed with a hope I'd never had—that perhaps this relationship might mean something more than a ploy to deceive his father—but the wiser part—the logical part—approached this cautiously.

"Well," he started, crouching down in front of me, he took my limp hand. With some maneuvering, he singled out my ring finger and slipped the band over my knuckle. His thumb caressed the back of my hand, and little bursts of excitement exploded, creating sensations—warm sensations swirling in my gut. My belly fluttered when his gaze connected with mine. "You're supposed to wear it, princess."

I swallowed, dragging my eyes back to the diamond resting on my finger. "Edward," I began, slicking my tongue across my lips as I forced myself to meet his gaze. "This isn't the type of ring people use for a ruse" Holding my hand up, I inspected the diamond glaring at me from beneath the dining room light. The Weeknd sang he couldn't feel his face, and I sat there trying to keep from going boneless. This was all so romantic, but—but this diamond, this ring wasn't me. "It's absolutely gorgeous, but …"

His smile faltered and I felt like the biggest jackass. Weeks ago I had been stealing jewelry like this for scraps to eat, and here I sat with the biggest diamond I'd ever seen decorating my finger. I gulped. I didn't want to kill the glow radiating from his eyes, but with each silent moment, it dimmed. He shook my hand to get my full attention, his voice sounded forced as he said, "Babe, if you don't like it we can go exchange it for something better."

My eyebrow lifted with sarcasm. "They make them better? Edward," I started, blowing out a long deep breath. "A few weeks ago, I didn't even know if I could afford dinner. There is no better than this ring." I waved it in his face for emphasis, praying I didn't offend the one person besides Alice that was starting to mean so much more than a fucking scheme. "This ring is brilliant. If I were a movie star or the pope, or someone else of importance. I'm just me, Edward. I don't need fancy jewelry or clothes …"

"Do you want me to take it back?" Confusion was written all over his handsome face and I could just kick myself. I'd gone and killed the magic of this morning, and damn, it sucked. "We can do whatever you want, princess."

This was important. I needed him to know me, and to understand his gestures kicked me straight in the heart. They meant everything. Reaching out, I cupped his jaw with shaking fingers, letting my thumb coast over the stubble on his jaw. "You make me feel like I'm on top of the world. I don't know what's real or part of this our scheme… but all of it—from bringing me here and giving me a home, buying me a rat of a kitten with one eye. Or stomping out my shitty past …" I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "No one has ever done anything like that for me. I figured we'd buy a ring for a few hundred bucks. This had to cost … Jesus, I don't even know."

He looked defeated as he plopped down on his ass next to my chair, and the strangest urge had me slipping from my chair to crawl into his lap. Automatically, as if it took no thought, his arm went around my waist, and a look of euphoria passed across his stern features. Kissing his jaw, I leaned my forehead against his warm cheek, relishing the way it heated my skin. "I was just thinking of all the good we could do with that money. Do you have any idea how many people we could feed, or buy warm blankets for?"

My stomach churned knowing I was likely disappointing him. Hoping to distract him from my idiocy for ruining a great morning, I brushed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. His arms flexed in response, and I knew he was affected by my touch. "It's beautiful, Edward. Everything about it. If you want me to keep it and wear it, I will. There's just so much we could do to help …"

Edward's hand dove into my hair, his eyes drilling into mine. Instead of anger and hurt, admiration and pride shined back at me. "You're fucking amazing. When—how did we even manage to meet? You're unlike anyone I've ever met." His thumb slid along my jaw, and he tipped my face up to his. Strong, firm, demanding lips collided with mine, and the cocoon of safety I found in Edward's arms mortified into something very different.

His tongue nudged my lips, requesting—demanding entrance— and I fucking melted. Impulsively, my fingers tangled in his hair, holding him closer as I returned his kiss. "So." Sharp teeth nipped my lip. "You're." A long sweep of his tongue tangling with mine. "Not." A predatory growl tore at his throat, sending a thrill down my spine. "Mad at me?"

His fingers were digging into my hips as he ravaged my mouth. When his teeth raked down the slope of my neck, the breath rushed from my lungs, and I gasped when he sucked at my pulse. He cupped my jaw in his palm, licking a path up my throat to my ear. His teeth stung my earlobe as he bit into the tender nub before sucking it hard, making me breathless with every nibble. Letting it pop free, he buried his face into the side of my neck while his thumb swept over the throbbing pulse. "How the fuck could I be mad about you wanting to help other people?"

"I don't know," I answered, combing his hair back, and forcing him to look at me. "I didn't want to disappoint you. Hell, I will take a picture with it, but it's so out of character for me."

He simply stared at me. He appeared as if he were trying to figure out a mystery, and wasn't even close to solving it. Then he leaned in and pressed another kiss to my lips. "After dinner tomorrow, we will return to the jeweler and exchange it. We can do whatever you want with the money."

"You're so awesome," I laughed but fell silent when I noticed a hard rigid pressing against my ass for the first time.

Holy shit. I wiggled. His eyes flared. I gave him an awkward smile and swallowed hard as a sliver of fear lanced my belly. When he did not attempt to press matters any further, I relaxed. The veins on his forearm protruded as his hold around my waist tightened, his hand sliding down my thigh. The nylon shorts slipped up until his fingers grazed my bare skin, and I caught my breath, startled by the warmth of his touch.

Instead of wanting to jump up and run for cover, something odd happened. A heat I'd never experienced coursed through me, my stomach clenching, and neediness pulsing hard. Releasing a tense sigh, I would've burrowed closer to his welcoming warmth, yet Edward squeezed my thigh and pressed a fleeting kiss to my temple, saying, "Why don't you go get ready? I will hop in the shower real quick and we can head out for a few hours."

Slowly I climbed to my feet, and my gaze darted south. Noticing his erection pressing against his sweats, I nervously licked my lips. Gulping, my gaze climbed his chest, roaming through the dusting of hair until I met his blue eyes. He met my stare, navy fire burning into mine, his jaw pulsing as he clenched his teeth.

I felt strangely empowered. The fact that I could cause such a reaction from a man so powerful left me feeling elated. My stomach fluttered and wicked heat slipped down my spine to settle in my lower belly. That look in his eye intensified until I started to throb.

Was this desire? Was this what people felt when they wanted someone else?

Last night while I was pressed up against him, there had been this magnetic pull to him I didn't want to break. I'd felt comfortable in his arms, safe, protected, treasured. When I woke up this morning it had taken every ounce of willpower to climb out of that bed.

After what seemed like an eternity, Edward hopped to his feet. His nostrils flared and with one last hot look that could set a forest ablaze, he pivoted on his heel and headed for his room.

—

"I'm not spending three hundred dollars on a dress," I stated, glancing at the price tag. "How do they expect people to be able to afford this shit?"

Edward pulled the price tag out of my fingers. "Princess, stop focusing on the price. I have more than enough to cover this or any dress you like." He thumbed the silken flowing skirt of the burgundy gown. "It would look amazing on you."

The weight of the ring on my finger drew my attention, and I glanced at the diamond shimmering beneath the fluorescent lights. If Edward was willing to spend that on one dress I would never wear after dinner with his parents, I could just imagine what the ring cost. "I know, babe. That's hardly my point. You've already spent so much. God. I feel like a huge charity case."

Edward didn't seem to be worried. He glanced around the shop. With purpose and intent, he plucked several gowns from surrounding racks and turned back to me. He all but shoved them in my arms with a half smile. When I sorted through the wads of lace and silk in search of the price tags, his hand closed over mine. "No. Don't even dare look at the price. Just take your fine ass over to the dressing room and try them on."

"But …" I started to protest, yet his forefinger landed across my lips.

"No buts, princess. I want you to have them, stop fighting it." Edward turned me toward the dressing room and punctuated his statement with a swat to my ass. If anyone other than Edward ever dared touch my butt, I would've torn his face off.

A jolt of sensation spun through me, however, and I staggered forward. Glaring at him over my shoulder, I stuck my tongue out. I knew what he was thinking when his eyes darkened and he focused on my tongue. My heartbeat kicked up in tempo and my lady bits pulsed in response.

Short of breath, I went still, taken off guard by my body's reaction. What the hell was that? Suddenly, I had the impulse to drag him into the dressing room and explore whatever this feeling was. I forced my legs to move instead, hurrying into the cubicle and shutting the door.

After several deep breaths, I managed to strip down to my bra and panties. My whole body hummed with awareness. I might not understand what was happening, but my body seemed to know. My mouth was uncharacteristically dry, goosebumps kept popping up on my arms, and this weight in my gut made me antsy as fuck. My nipples were hard and achy, and my panties were damp.

Ignoring the fire creeping into my limbs, I sorted through the gowns. I settled on a full-length burgundy dress with a split that came up to mid-thigh. One shoulder was left bare once I wiggled into the dress, leaving my plain white bra visible. Hurriedly, I stripped it away, loving the way the smooth material hugged my curves.

I ran my hands down the skirt as I stared into the mirror. A stranger looked back at me. The scowl I typically wore wasn't present, leaving my features softer, and unrecognizable. The gown emphasized the slopes and valleys of my body perfectly, and I felt beautiful.

Tears welled up in my eyes, leaving me more vulnerable than I ever had been. "Shit. What the hell is happening to me?"

I licked my dry lips, brushing the tears away, I turned this way and that. A light tap on the door had my nerves scattering in a million different directions.

"You alright, princess?" Edward's gruff voice cut through the barrier.

I cleared my throat, making sure my eyes were dry. "Yep. I'm coming."

Edward was resting against the adjacent wall when I pulled the door open. His sweeping gaze ran from my head to my toes before slowly returning to my face. He appeared entranced, the muscle in his temple jumping. "Ravishing. You look …"

His voice trailed off like he couldn't find the right words. He swallowed hard and he fidgeted. Honestly, he looked ready to pounce. There went that ache again, pulsing through me, making me breathless. I turned to present my back and glanced over my shoulder. "Does it look okay?"

He stuck his hands deep into his pockets like he was resisting the urge to reach for me. His wandering eye slid down my spine to my ass, leaving a tingling trail scorching the silk. "Oh, it looks more than okay, princess."

"Should I try the others or do you think this one will work?" Pure lust darkened his eyes. I might be naive to most reactions but I recognized a man's desire. The fact that Edward was trying so hard to hide it, meant so much to me. He was more worried about scaring me than his wants. The urge to flirt left me staggering. I'd never wanted to encourage such a reaction so bad before. "I think maybe that short black one would be better. What do you think?"

"I think you should try them all on," he growled, his lips pinching. His hand moved in his pocket drawing my attention down his lean body. The crotch of his pants was noticeably tighter. A thrill shot through me, and a strange daze clouded my rational thoughts.

I went back into the dressing room and grabbed the short-back dress on the peg. Changing, I slipped the dress into place, reaching for the zipper that rested between my shoulder blades. If I stretched just right, I could reach it, but an idea came to mind.

Feeling bold, I unlocked the door and cracked it open. I jerked back when I found Edward leaning against the wall beside it, surprised to find him standing so close. "You moved."

He brushed a finger along my cheek, my entire body clenching as his gaze trailed to the low-cut bodice. "I felt the need to be closer."

My lips tingled and I wanted to kiss him. Inhaling a deep breath, I nervously licked my lips, butterflies fluttering in my belly when his wolfish gaze landed on my mouth, obviously fighting his desires. My voice shook when I whispered, "The zippers in the back and I can't reach it."

The muscle in his jaw jumped and he seemed to be leaning closer. "Turn around, princess."

My legs were shaking as I followed his command, hot blood rushing through my veins and my heart hammering against my ribs. Goosebumps raced across my skin when he took hold of the zipper, his knuckle grazing my spine as he closed the gapping material. When he pushed my hair over my shoulder and his breath coasted down my neck, I felt boneless. Any minute I would be a puddle beneath his feet.

His hand curved around my waist and with a light pressure of his fingers, he pulled me against his chest to look into the mirror over my shoulder. His gaze collided with mine and I couldn't look away. Caressing down my hip, his chest vibrated against my back. "Buy them all, baby. I will make sure you wear every one of them." He pressed a kiss against the pulse in my throat, his lips parting slightly as he licked my skin. "I want you to wear this one out of the store."

"Edward," I squeaked, needing something. God, I needed him to kiss me so bad but I couldn't make myself formulate the words.

He must've misunderstood because he abruptly released me and took a step back. "Don't fight me on spending money on you. I will exchange the ring, but the dresses are essential."

I stood there like a fish out of water. There was so much I wanted to say but my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth. Finally, I gave him a short nod, a nervous laugh escaping my throat. "I'm going to look really strange with this dress and sneakers, but if you insist."

"We will fix that," he stated, hurrying from the hall to flag down a sales lady.

By the end of our shopping expedition, I walked out of the shop with four new dresses excluding the one Edward insisted I wear, three new pairs of heels, and underwear to match every single one.

Jasper's hands and arms were draped with countless bags as we headed to the car. Once Jasper placed everything in the trunk, Edward wound his fingers through mine and pulled me down the sidewalk. "Where is this shop that refused to sell you that bag?"

The look of determination on his face took me by surprise. Catching his arm, my brow furrowed. "It's across the street, but why? I'm not spending a dime in that shitty store."

He simply wound his fingers through mine as he led me to the crosswalk. "Edward, I mean it. She doesn't deserve your money."

Wordlessly, we crossed the street with Jasper on our heels and stopped on the sidewalk, his navy blues roaming the storefronts. He must've spotted the bags in the window because he stomped toward the entrance. A bell rang when he yanked the door open and tugged me inside. Two sales clerks immediately turned in our direction with smiles on their faces, yet the rude one stood behind the counter.

Edward glanced down at me. "Which one, princess?"

I tipped my head in the direction of the tall blonde. "Her."

Without hesitation, Edward pulled me to stand in front of the snooty bitch. Of course, when she saw Edward her whole demeanor changed. With a bright big smile, she focused on him. "How can I help you, sir?"

From the look in her eyes, she didn't just notice his big fat wallet, her gaze sliding down his chest. Immediately a feeling of possession overwhelmed me, and I acted on pure instinct. I boldly lifted my chin and stepped in front of him, elated when Edward's hand settled over my belly. His words were clipped as he addressed the woman before us. "My wife was in here yesterday and you rudely informed her she couldn't afford anything in your shop. Do you remember her?"

She jerked back, her eyes widening as her gaze slid over me, and she gave a hesitant nod. "Yes. I would like to offer my apologies. It was a rough day …"

"It's about to be a rough few months," he stated, his entire body went rigid and I could feel the anger he withheld. "I have a lot of pull in this city. By the time I get done telling my mother, sister-in-law, and everyone else how you treated Bella, you won't have a leg to stand on. You will be begging for pennies."

Her mouth snapped shut and obvious fear laced her delicate features. "Sir, really. I apologize. Let me make it up to you."

Edward's palm caressed my belly. Warmth swirled in my gut and I placed my hand over his, trying to ignore the rush of blood running hot throughout my body. "It's not me you need to apologize to, and I suggest you make it good, otherwise you won't get another customer."

I felt dwarfed by his size, cocooned by his strength, and belonging overtook me. The woman forcibly ripped her attention from Edward to study me, her lips pursed and annoyance flashing in her eyes. "Ma'am, let me offer my sincerest apologies. I was having a bad day and unwisely took it out on you." Her arm did a broad sweep as she indicated her shop. "Please, pick any bag and I will give you fifty percent off."

When Edward cleared his throat, she swallowed hard. "Actually, I will put it on the house. Any bag of your choice."

I grinned back with satisfaction, and I tilted my head back to glance up at Edward. His lips were soft but firm as he dropped a kiss on my forehead before he asked, "Do you want to look around? Or would you rather go someplace else?"

"We can sort through this rubble and see if there's anything worth getting," I passed the clerk a smug smile, noticing the way her lashes dropped at my remark. "Come on, babe, let's see what there is."

For the next hour, I sorted through what seemed like a zillion purses before finally settling on a black clutch purse, the silk as soft as a baby's bottom. "I think this one will do."

The woman stiffened when she saw the fifteen hundred dollar price tag. She murmured something intangible under her breath. Aside from that she quickly rang up the sale and proceeded to print up a receipt. Neatly she tucked the bag inside a sack and stuffed the receipt in behind it. "In case you change your mind and would like to exchange it."

"This should be a lesson not to judge people by their outer appearance," I stated, taking the bag. "You never know who you are dealing with."

With those parting words, Edward and I turned for the door, Jasper trailing behind. After walking the length of Michigan Avenue we headed to the car and slipped into the backseat. A comfortable silence filled the space as Jasper dropped into the driver's seat and drove us to the condo. We were collecting our things from the trunk when Edward pinned Jasper with a hard look. "That will be all for the evening. Call Emmett and remind him to meet me at Mom's tomorrow evening. I'm sure Bella would love to see Rose."

"You got it, Mr. Cullen." Jasper was eyeing me a bit strangely, giving me pause. "Ma'am?"

"Puppy?" I grinned when he scowled at me. "Did you need something?"

"I-ah … was going to see if I could call Alice sometime?" His cheeks went pink and his stern expression slipped.

"You're asking the wrong person," I told him with a wink and a sympathetic smile. "She works the bar at Blinkers. You should drop in and ask her yourself."

"Thanks, Bella," he grinned, slipping back into the car. "What time does she usually work?"

"She should be there now, puppy," I told him with a knowing look. Edward stiffened beside me and I cast him a questioning glance. Did it bother him that I was calling Jasper a puppy?

We left Jasper in the parking garage smiling like a fool. The second the sliding doors closed to the elevator, I turned to Edward. "Did I do something to upset you?"

"You and Jasper seem rather familiar, don't you think?" Was Edward jealous? He seemed a bit pouty. The idea of making Edward jealous was thrilling on so many levels. How many women could say they affected Edward so much he became envious?

I shrugged nonchalantly. "The puppy thing started as a joke, but I think he secretly likes it. Are you upset about the pet name?"

His jaw tightened but other than that there wasn't any outward sign of his irritation. The elevator pinged as we reached our floor and the doors slid open. The thought of teasing him was too much to resist. "Do you want a pet name, Edward?"

Edward didn't bother to answer as he unlocked the door and walked into the apartment. It was nearing eight o'clock and the sunset left an orange tinge over the white walls. He didn't pause as he went to my room and dumped the bags on the bed. When he turned back to me with that predatory heat in his eyes, I melted a bit as I hovered on the threshold. Purpose filled his gait as he walked in my direction, backing me up until I bumped into the wall.

I should be afraid of the intent in his eyes. I knew that look. I spent years avoiding that wanton gleam. Perhaps if it were any other man I would've been terrified. But it wasn't any other guy. This was Edward and despite the hunger evident in his eyes and his stance, I knew he'd never force me to do anything I didn't want. Oddly excitement rolled in the pit of my stomach, and mustering courage I met his heated stare. "What's on your mind, husband?"

A growl erupted from his throat and he leaned down until his nose pressed into mine. His lips skimmed mine and I gasped as unfamiliar tension snapped and popped between us. Suddenly I wondered what his skin would taste like, letting my gaze trail the length of his throat, and my mouth went dry.

His hot breath blew across my cheek making me shiver as he said, "I think since dinner is tomorrow night we should get a round of practice in."

"Practice?" All thought flew from my mind as he nibbled a path along my jaw.

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