63

"Really? You're not just saying that because I told you I'd kill myself when you expired?" she implores.

"I would never lie to you, Bella." I lean in and whisper against her lips, "I love you."

With a strangled cry, she throws her arms around me and presses her mouth to mine almost too roughly. I lose myself in her, and my hand is wandering under her shirt, enjoying the way her skin feels against mine. Cold and electrically charged. Bella's hand stops mine before it can pass her belly button.

"Stop."

I drop my hands, and she looks at me with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry," I blurt out.

"No. It's okay … I just." Her gaze falls to her lap. "I've never done anything with anyone."

My eyebrows disappear under my hairline, and I know she catches it.

"I grew up in a different time, and once I was changed, I never felt the need to explore. It wouldn't mean anything if it wasn't with my mate."

A dopey smile takes over my face. "I'm your first kiss?"

Her butterscotch eyes roll. "I didn't say that. It's foggy, but I remember kissing the man I fell in love with when I was human. You're my first genuine kiss. The first kiss that ever meant something to me."

I can't be mad, considering I have two children who will be home soon. I've done a lot more than kiss someone else. "Okay."

"I'm trying to make a point. What I'm saying is that I'm a virgin, Edward." if she could blush, she'd be tomato red right now.

"That's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not, I just … we can't do that … while you're still human," Bella stutters.

I'm confused because I'm positive we aren't the first female vampire and male human coupling in the world. It's a common thing that eventually leads to a couple visiting the fourth floor and getting run through the gauntlet for Eternal Life.

"We can't?"

Bella shakes her head. "I'd have no idea what I'm doing, and there are too many dangers. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you, and I would. I know myself enough to know that I would hurt you."

"Okay." I shrug and try to pull her to me. "Then we'll kiss and wait until I'm changed."

Bella chuckles darkly. "I said we couldn't have sex, but I didn't say we couldn't do other things."

I can't drag her upstairs to my bedroom fast enough, and she doesn't fight me.