Autor's note; From throwing punches, and the infamous underwear in Jake's face, to vomiting all over him. We even had the word pulverize in there too (which I LOVE). Your reviews were phenomenal. Thank you, and all the ladies that make this possible. That's Fran, Sassy, and Jill:)
So, here goes. The chapter you have all been so desperate for, I hope!
...Chapter 9...
"I can't believe you refuse to let me look at that," I point to Edward's hands, which are tightly gripping the steering wheel. His knuckles are red and angry - a bit like Edward's mood. "Are you sure you don't need to get that looked at?"
"It's fine. Stop worrying," he snaps.
Ever since we left the apartment, he's been off. Never before had I seen Edward as angry as he was when he walked into the bedroom and saw Jake and me fighting. Before I could blink, he was in front of us: Jake's hands were suddenly off me, and Edward took aim - flattening him in one punch.
One punch.
I should have been appalled because violence is never the answer, or at least it shouldn't be. But honestly, it was one of the hottest things I've ever seen.
While Jake was lying on the ground, moaning and groaning that his nose was broken, Edward took my hand in his and suggested we find a hotel because there was no way in hell we would be staying in the same room as that dog.
I agreed because, from the hostile looks he was sending Jake's way, I knew Edward wouldn't hesitate to kick his ass. Not that Jake deserved any sort of sympathy. No, I was merely worried about Edward's job … his reputation … the consequences of his actions.
Shit, he could lose his job for this. However, I wouldn't hesitate to stand with him; to lie if I had to; say Jake was hurting me. He was, in a sense - I did ask him to let me go. And he ignored me. Edward was protecting me. Yes, that's what I'd say.
"We'll be back tomorrow to collect the rest of my stuff. Make sure you're not here when we return," I told Jake on our way out.
Looking across at Edward now, he's focused solely on the road, but he lets out a sigh when the lights turn to red, and he draws the car to a stop. I've never seen him so tense or frustrated. I don't know what went wrong, what I did wrong. Is Edward annoyed at me? At Jake? Angry he needed to step in? Or is he concerned about the repercussions of hitting Jake?
I just don't know. I hate this uncertainty. I can't take this anymore - I have to break this awkward silence.
"Look, I'm sorry you had to get involved in that."
Edward's eyes snap to mine. My own were filled with confusion; his were filled with anger that immediately softens upon seeing my concerned expression.
"You think I'm angry because I got involved?" He asks incredulously.
I can only nod. My mouth is dry … the atmosphere is palpable as we stare across at one another.
Edward only breaks eye contact when the car behind us beeps because the lights have turned green. He mutters something under his breath that I don't catch. We were silent for the rest of the way to the hotel, and what was only a five-minute drive felt like hours. When we pull up, I'm almost grateful to hurry out of the tension-filled car. But Edward is faster. He's by my side before I've even shut my door.
"I'm sorry —" I begin, only for Edward to cut me off.
"Please, don't apologize. I'm not angry with you, Bella."
"You're not?" Now, I really am confused.
"No, not at all. I'm sorry if I made you think that way." He apologizes.
"Then why…" my voice drifts off when Edward steps forward into my space. I relish the contact as one of his hands cups my cheek, the other resting against the car, caging me in. He doesn't need to because I'm not going anywhere. Fuck, I just want him. Seeing him with Jake has only highlighted the feelings I have. I whimper when his thumb starts tracing patterns on my skin.
"I wanted to kill him … When I walked in there and saw his hands on you like that," Edward said through gritted teeth.
Possessiveness shouldn't be this attractive, but it is. His hand takes the same path Jake's did, only with the opposite result; Goosebumps erupt over my skin, and my pulse is frantic.
My breath comes out embarrassingly breathy. "Edward," I sigh as he places a finger against my lips.
"Please, don't say anything." He closed his eyes tightly, resting his forehead against mine. "Shit, I promised myself I wouldn't do this until you were ready … that I'd give you time to figure out what you want. I don't want to pressure you into something you're not ready for."
"What am I not ready for?" I ask, feeling hopeful but most of all excited by what I think he's about to say.
"A relationship … with me," he answers.
My heart is pounding against my chest so rapidly that I'm certain he can probably feel it against his own. We are so close our noses are touching; our bodies are pressed against one another. I have no recollection of when this happened. Did I reach for him? Did he reach for me? Who knows? All I know is that it feels right - perfect.
My eyes fill with tears at the revelation that everything that happened in the last month has led me here - to Edward. And if it weren't for Jake cheating, I'd probably still be with him, blissfully ignorant to his lies.
Seeing my tears, Edward immediately begins to panic … thinking the worst.
"Shit! I messed up, didn't I? I'm so sorry, Bella," he begins retreating, but I'm having none of that.
Taking action, I grab the back of his neck, and my lips latch onto his, silencing whatever he was about to say. And wow, what a kiss it is. It's sensual, needy, and desperate. His hands drop to my waist, bringing me to rest completely against him, as my hands buried themselves in his silky copper hair.
After a little teasing, his tongue finally enters my mouth. It's like nothing I've ever felt before, almost like I was drowning in Edward, our feelings, and the sensations I had never experienced before. I moan into his mouth as he continues to kiss me fervently while his hands roam freely over my body. When we pull apart, due to the lack of air in our lungs, we both breathe heavily and wear matching smiles.
"Thank fuck for that," Edward says, his voice rough and slightly breathless as his hand plays with my hair; the other caresses my face tenderly.
My hands are around his shoulder, gripping the firm muscles there. I can't wait to feel all of him. That thought brings a smile to my lips and a blush to my cheeks.
"What are you thinking?" He asks. His eyes are alight with need and desire, both of which I'm sure are reflected in my own gaze.
Leaning in, my lips brush his briefly before leaving a trail of kisses along his jaw, down to his Adam's apple, then repeating the cycle before settling on his all, too addictive lips. However, before we can get carried away, I pull back.
"What I think is that we need to get a room. Right now."
"You sure?" he asks, and I love that he's checking … not rushing me. It makes me all the more certain about my decisions. I've never been more sure of anything in my life, and I tell him this.
"I need you, Edward."
His hand captures mine, and I've never seen Edward move so fast as we practically sprint towards the reception desk.
Author's note; I know a lot of you wanted Jake beaten to a pulp, but I wanted him to be weasel-like and go down in one punch :) I hope it didn't disappoint.
There are so many wonderful WIPs at the moment. If you're not reading The Muse in the shadows by Lily Jill there are only two chapters left, so what are you waiting for...
For something, a little sexy, give The Lucky Club by DawnBreaker8 a read. It's her first story so show it some love.
xx
