THE OTHER WOMAN
DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS IT ALL.
September 12, 2015
EDWARD
I step out of my car and a smile escapes my lips when I feel the rain droplets falling on my hair. God, I even missed the overcast weather. I'm finally back home. I run a hand through my hair and check my watch. 12 noon. Not bad. I offer a warm smile to everyone as I enter my office on a Saturday.
When the doors open to the 22nd floor, I step out and into the reception lobby and see my assistants working. I smile and make my way over to them. Victoria and Julie are working behind their desks while Gina and Camila are answering calls. Victoria catches my eye and beams at me. She struts in my direction and Julie offers me a warm smile and a nod.
"Mr. Cullen, I thought your flight was supposed to land at six."
"Well, I decided to cut my assistants a little slack since they are working on a Saturday." I say softly and she chuckles, giving me a quick hug.
"Why thank you. And how was the trip?"
"Fun," I say sarcastically and she laughs. "How about yours?"
"Really fun."
"Good, that's good." I nod and her phone beeps. Vic excuses herself, and I turn when I hear the clicking of heels approaching me. It's Julie.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Cullen. May I bring you a coffee?"
"No, thank you. I'd rather have chamomile tea."
"Yes, sir."
Julie walks away and I stride in my office's direction. I step inside and feel oddly at peace. It has been exactly twenty-one days since I've been here. I sit in my chair and contemplate whether to call Bella or not. She mentioned yesterday that she's working today and I wonder why. I hope it's nothing serious.
Bella must be having lunch right now. There is a knock on the door and Alex walks in with a wide grin on his face. I smile back. Why the fuck is he in the office today?
"Wow, who can tell you travelled for fourteen hours?" He mentions and takes a seat across from me.
"I showered and changed." I motion to my sweater, shirt and jeans.
"Whatever. I thought you would go to see Bella first."
I sigh. "I figured she must be eating lunch right now. Until then, I can catch up on the tasks I've missed."
Alex rolls his eyes. "You're an idiot. Go surprise her. She'll be so happy to see you. For being so smart, you are a real dumbfuck sometimes."
"Fine, I'll go! You don't have to start insulting me." I mutter and stand up. We both walk out of my office, just as Victoria is coming in our direction with a file in her hands.
"Vic, he'll power through his work later. He is going to see his girlfriend right now." Alex pats my back.
"Oh, that's great news Corn Pop," Vic smiles and turns to me. "Send Vanilla my regards."
I frown and turn to Alex—who shrugs. "I swear I didn't tell her. And stop calling me Corn Pop, Victoria!"
"Fine, how about SpongeBob? Or Custard Cap?"
I roll my eyes and walk away from their stupid bickering and instead make my way to the elevators. God, I can't wait to see Bella.
I just hope she is happy and surprised to see me as well.
Bella's store has a few customers lingering around and I spot Seth and Paul at the far end. I'm surprised to see Emily here as well. God, the store is amazing, just like Bella. I could make so many changes to make it better but I'm not sure if Bella will let me do it.
I run a hand through my hair and my eyes fall on the billing counter. I frown when I see a redhead sitting there instead of my girl. Where is Bella? For some weird reason, I can sense her near me but I need to figure out where she is. I hunt down every corner of the store, trying to search her gorgeous face somewhere but weirdly, she is not around.
God, I missed her so much. I hear an audible gasp behind me and turn to see it's Seth and Paul, not Bella.
"Hey, guys."
"You're here early," Seth says with a smile. "You should go see Bella. I think she is going crazy without you."
"She's fine, right?"
Paul scratches the back of his neck. "Eh, she's been better. But you know, it's probably because it's her birthday tomorrow, that's…" He trails off when they both look past my shoulder and then scurry away. I turn and it's Emily—who is glaring at both Paul's and Seth's retreating forms. Her dark eyes lock with mine and she smiles at me.
"Hi, Edward. I'm glad you're here early."
I frown. "Okay, what has happened? And what is this about a birthday?"
"Bella doesn't celebrate her birthday," Her smile turns hopeful. "We were hoping that she can't refuse you so maybe you can convince her to celebrate her birthday."
I chuckle softly. "I'll try my best, don't worry. Where is she?"
"She's in her office," Her gaze turns concerned. "She hasn't left her office since this morning. We are getting worried and now you're here," She offers me a key. "To the office. She's locked it from the inside."
"Thank you so much, Emily," I dash over to the office and insert the key in the hole. I unlock the door and step inside.
A cold, hostile air hits me inside the dark room. The only hint of light is coming from the shutters of the only window that are open. I close the door and lock it before turning to gaze at the small desk.
A figure is sitting on a chair; hugging her knees and the brown hair tumbling over her arms and head. Her entire form is wracking with sobs and I bet she didn't hear me enter. My heart terribly aches staring at her. What the fuck happened?
I'm seeing her after twelve days and this is not the sight I wanted to be welcomed with. Has it been the same way for the past twelve days? Perhaps, not. Otherwise Alice would've told me to hop on a plane. I can't possibly feel my legs even though I want to walk over to her. God, I need to see her face. I've lived for twelve days without looking at it.
"Bella?" I call out, loud enough for her to hear and she looks up in shock.
Her brown eyes gaze at me with a dazed expression and her mouth is slightly agape. Her cheeks are flushed red with tears and she still manages to look like the most beautiful person in the world. I love her so much; it kills me to see her like this.
Bella unwraps her folded arms and stands up. Her shaky hands grasp the top of her desk as she stands on wobbly feet.
"Edward." Her voice is nothing but a whisper and I offer her a soft smile. She starts weeping again and runs in my direction. I open my arms and she slams into them.
There is a fresh air of reunion around us and I fall to my knees with Bella when her legs give out. I bury my face against her hair and breathe in the familiar, sweet and comfortable scent. Her arms tighten around my neck and I feel her hot tears rolling down my neck.
"Oh Bella, I missed you so much." I rasp out and she whimpers softly.
"I missed you too." Bella croaks out and I caress her back.
"Hush now, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Stop crying, baby. Please stop crying."
"Don't go anywhere for now."
"I won't, I promise. Please, stop crying," I beg and Bella pulls back and wipes away her tears. She stares at her fingers and I sigh. "Hey, let me see that face," I murmur and tip her chin up to look at me. "You're so beautiful."
A blush flames her cheeks and I smile. Her brown eyes lock with mine and she cradles my face in her cold hands.
"You really are here." She gives me a teary smile and I chuckle.
"Yes, my love. I'm here."
"I didn't think you would come to see me, after what he said…" She trails off and frowns at me.
What?
"Bella, who said what?"
"N-Nothing," She stutters and hugs my kneeling form again. I wrap my arms around her and nuzzle against her hair. "It's not important anymore."
"Love, let's go sit. Your legs might turn stiff like this."
"I'm good." Bella mumbles and touches her forehead to mine.
I close my eyes and lean forward to press my lips against her soft ones. A low moan escapes her lips as she parts her lips to kiss me back. My hands land on her hips and I pull her torso flush against mine. I tug against her bottom lip and she sighs softly.
Bella knots her hands in my hair and I feel her winding down in my arms. She knew I was coming home today and she sounded upbeat and cheerful on the phone yesterday; yet she was crying before I walked in. Something has gone wrong since then.
I shake off the thoughts and deepen our kiss, letting her tongue tangle with mine. Her sweet breath washes over me and I can't help but suck on her lips. My hands travel north and cradle her precious face in my hands. I stroke her cheeks and wipe away the hint of tears on them.
Our kiss is so comforting and familiar and I never want to stop kissing her. But we reluctantly pull back when we are both out of breath. Bella pants against me and opens her warm eyes to look at me.
"Emily mentioned that you haven't left this room since you came in here this morning." Bella blushes and bites her bottom lip.
"I just wanted to be by myself."
"To cry?" I ask angrily and she looks away to blink back her tears. "Bella, you don't have to behave this way. What has happened?"
"I can't tell you."
"Then I'm leaving." I say roughly, which works, and she snaps her head my way.
"No, no. Don't go."
Bella hugs me tightly and wraps herself to me. I carefully hold her in my arms and stand up. I carry her to the only chair in the room and sit on it. She curls up on my lap and I stroke her hair. I place a soft kiss against her hair and she pulls back to look at me.
"I can't tell you here," Bella murmurs honestly. "I'll tell you at my apartment, I promise."
I sigh with relief. "Okay, so can we please talk about something else? About anything you want." I smile and her lips curve into a small grin.
"You came early. It was a very nice surprise." She says sweetly and gives me a chaste kiss.
"That was my plan exactly which seems to be working," Bella finally rewards me with a real smile of hers and I chuckle. "God, I missed that smile." She rests her head on my shoulder and I kiss her hair.
"You look tired, honey."
"I feel like I haven't slept in three weeks."
"I know."
"Hmm," I take a look around the dark room and repress an internal shudder. "Baby, no offence but this room is really depressing. Can we get out of here?"
"Okay, hold on," She opens her purse and grabs a brush to comb her hair. Bella stands up and I smile.
"That sweater looks lovely on you." I whisper, motioning to her grey double layer sweater that she has matched with a pair of black skinny jeans.
"Alice has a good eye for clothes."
I rise to my feet and stroke her cheek. "It suits you well," She rolls her eyes and I chuckle. "You need to stop rolling your eyes every time I compliment you."
"Why, what are you going to do?" She mutters under her breath and grabs her purse.
I squat and scoop her up bridal style in my arms. Bella gasps and her face turns red and I laugh taking in her embarrassed expression. She hides her face against my chest and I wait until she peeks at me.
"Edward, I can walk!" She giggles, despite her glare and I'm just glad she is past her sad, gloomy mood. "I am very heavy."
I scoff and roll my eyes. "Bella, please. Anyway, you want us to go to your apartment?" She nods and I give her a quick kiss.
"You need to sleep." Bella says pointedly and I roll my eyes again.
"Shh, quit talking."
"You roll your eyes quite a lot."
"I've learned from the best." I say and start carrying her outside the suicidal-creepy office. She helps me open the door and wraps her arms around my neck. As soon as I step outside, I can feel all eyes on us and Bella hides her face against my neck making me laugh.
I catch Emily's eyes who smiles at us and sends me a grateful look while Paul and Seth are holding in their laughter looking at my girl. I shake my head and quickly exit the store. Matt hops out of the car and holds the door open for us, trying to mask his amusement as we get in.
Bella scrambles away from me as soon as we are settled in and sits on the opposite end. She turns to me with an irritated expression although there is a hint of blush on her face.
"What the hell was that?! I'm not a kid! It was so embarrassing!"
"I'm sorry, baby," I pout and she looks away. "Come here, please."
"No. Do you realize that everyone was staring at us?"
"Bella, I'm sorry," A chuckle escapes my lips even though Bella doesn't find it funny. She sends a withering glare in my direction and gazes out of the window. "Bella?"
"Matt, please tell Edward I'm not talking to him."
"Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan is not talking to you." Matt dictates wryly and starts the car. I try not to get mad at him.
"Bella!" I whine a little. "I haven't seen you for twelve days. Love, please."
"Matt, please let Edward know that if he hadn't been stupid enough to carry me all the way to the car, I would be sitting next to him."
"Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan wants to let you know that if you weren't...uh stupid enough to carry her all the way to the car, she would be sitting next to you." I glare at Matt through the rearview mirror and he gulps, looking away.
"I've apologized like a billion times. Enough is enough." I mutter and move farther away from her towards the other end of the car.
"Matt, please tell Edward that he doesn't have to act so dramatic because it wasn't my fault."
"Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan believes that you shouldn't be acting so dramatic—" I cut him off.
"I got it, Matt!" I snap and cross my arms over my chest. I stare out of the window and sigh softly. I think it'll take us another forty minutes to reach her apartment with the rain and traffic. I close my eyes when exhaustion dawns over me as I try to drift off to sleep.
I frown when I hear soft whispers around me and I open my eyes to see Bella sitting next to me, talking to Matt. Her eyes lock with mine and she smiles softly.
"Go to sleep, honey." I wrap my arms around her and pull her on my lap. I nuzzle against her neck and close my eyes. I feel her hand stroking my hair and the soothing motions put me right to sleep.
"Edward? Wake up," Bella's voice calls me out of my sleep. I sit up straight and open my eyes into her loving brown ones. "Hey, good nap?" I nod and she smiles, tipping her head in the door's direction. I look over to find Matt holding it open. I nod and help Bella get out and follow suit.
Bella quickly rushes over to the elevators to prevent herself from getting soaked in the drizzling rain and I walk over to Matt. I take a bag from the car and make my way over to Bella.
"What's in the bag?" Bella asks curiously once we are inside the elevator.
I chuckle. "My stuff."
"Oh."
I smile when I see Bella smiling out of my periphery. Oh, it's her birthday tomorrow. Will she be willing to celebrate it? I hope so. Maybe I can try to find out what had happened on her birthday all those years ago. It has been a long time since she has been bottling everything up. I hope she will speak to me about it. I should test the waters first.
"Hey Bella," I whisper and she looks at me. "Are you open to accepting birthday presents tomorrow?" I cautiously observe her reaction.
"Um, I'm sorry but no."
Bella unclasps her hand from mine and mutters something under her breath. Her hands start shaking and she fiddles with her purse. I catch hold of her when she trips after stepping out of the elevator. She walks ahead of me and hastily unlocks her apartment.
"I'll… go freshen up if you don't mind." Bella mutters and I nod.
I place my bag on the sofa and follow her to the bedroom. I sit on the bed and wait for her to come out. Two minutes later, she walks out with a composed face. She smiles and stands in front of me.
"Bella, are you really fine?"
She nods. "Of course. Should I make something quick for lunch?"
I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer to me. She rests her hands on my shoulders and kisses my forehead.
"Do you have plans for your birthday tomorrow?" I ask softly and her smile falters.
"Edward, I hate to talk about it. Please, let it go." She pleads and I pull her on my lap.
"Not unless you tell me what is bothering you. Does it have something to do with your mom?" Bella immediately stands up but I grab her wrist in a hard clasp. "Tell me, love. I just want you to open up. It's your birthday."
"Edward, don't."
Bella moves past me and sits at the end of the bed. I take off my shoes and sit right next to her. I wrap an arm around her shoulders and her eyes meet mine. I sigh when I notice they are pooling with tears. I shake my head and she cuddles against my chest.
"It's the worst day of my life."
"What had happened on your birthday?"
"Your father is a good man, right?"
"Yes." I whisper and stroke her hair.
"Well, I thought so too about my father. I loved my dad. More than I loved mom. I used to copy everything he did. He used to always tell me that I was his favorite child and I would remind him that I was his only child. I wasn't aware about the concept of death, abandonment or birth when I was four."
Bella clasps my hand in both of hers and I kiss them. "It was my fourth birthday, and I was finally getting around to understanding how birthdays worked. It's surprising, even to me; that I still remember that day so vividly. I had gone out with mom a week before to get a birthday dress. Mom was pregnant, I remember. But there was no baby bump yet I was overjoyed to become a big sister.
She clears her throat and continues. "Mom and dad had bought me a new bike for my birthday; mom had decorated the house and invited all of my friends. Mom used to love kids. She taught the fourth grade. That day, dad never left my side, and I was more than happy with that. I was getting all the attention, and I loved it. My dad and I rode the bike, we watched movies in the afternoon; I thought I had the best dad in the world."
A sob escapes her lips, and she buries her face against my chest. I tighten my arms around her and rub her back. "My friends started to gather at my house and it was a big mess. Mom was making sure that neither the kids nor my nana touched the cake. At some point of time, dad wasn't in the room."
"I saw him standing outside our home and staring at me through the window. I ran over to him and saw the car keys in his hands. I told him to stay, but he had to get groceries. I told him to come back soon because I wasn't going to cut my cake if he wasn't here".
"He just gave me a tight hug. The hug was so tight, Edward. I couldn't even breathe," I kiss her hair and stroke her back. My poor baby. "If I was a little older, I could've figured out that it was the last time I was going to see my father. So, I smiled and kissed him and he made a beeline for the car. He didn't even turn back, not once. I waved at the car until it disappeared from my view."
"When I got back inside, mom asked me where dad went and I told her. She started to cry and ran to her bedroom. Nana went after her and I had no idea what to do. I waited for my dad to come back home. I sat there ignoring my friends and stared out of the window; waiting. The parents started to pick up their kids and everybody left hungry."
"I sat there, all alone in that room that night. I stared out of the window until my eyes couldn't stay open. My mom and nana were careless enough to not care about me in that moment and everything suddenly seemed scary. I cried myself to sleep but woke up in my bed. I told mom to preserve the cake until it was to be desperately thrown out. I was hopeful, dad was coming back.
"He didn't, Edward. I waited… and waited. He was my father, Edward. How could I not love him? Mom left me one year later, and I just had nana to help me take care of Jake."
I wipe away the stream of tears on her cheeks and brush my lips against hers. I crush her against my chest and stroke her hair.
"Shh, I've got you now." I whisper soothingly and she nods.
"Thank you for being here for me and for everything that you do. It means the world to me."
"And thank you for sharing this with me."
I close my eyes as silence fills in the room and my thoughts are filled with the image of my Bella as a four-year–old little girl. She had no idea she was going to lose a parent that day. On her fucking birthday! I bet her mother wasn't much help for a few months afterward. Oh my poor baby.
"I feel better." Bella says softly and pulls back to look at me. I smile and wipe away the stray tears.
"Maybe it's time to move on from past memories, love. We can make news ones." I suggest and she shakes her head.
Bella hops off the bed and starts pacing in front of me. She runs her hands through her hair and I stand up.
"I hate that day, Edward. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it," She rambles on and her beautiful eyes prick with tears. "I hate it," I nod and she clasps my extended hand in hers. I protectively envelope her in my arms and kiss her temple. "I hate it." She mumbles again and I nod.
"I know, it's okay."
She releases me and looks at me from under her eyelashes. "Can you spend tomorrow with me?"
"Of course," I smile and kiss her forehead. "I would love to."
"Thank you, you're so sweet." Bella whispers and strokes my cheek.
"Well, I have a condition."
Her eyes widen. "What?"
"You'll have to open the gift I got for you." I say firmly and she shakes her head, pouting adorably.
"No, I won't. You promised you wouldn't get me anything."
"I never promised."
"I won't." She retorts in a hard voice.
Well, I can use Alice's trick then.
I sigh and put on a mask of hurt.
"Okay, if that's what you want," I say softly and continue. "It took me hours to find you something special, and I was so hopeful that you'd love it. It's the first time I have picked out a gift for you. I won't force you, love. I just thought that maybe you'd at least take a look at it before rejecting it."
I unwrap my arms from around Bella and look away. She timidly tugs on my sweater and my eyes lock with hers. Oh, it worked.
"Won't hurt to see it." She mutters with a small smile and I grin. I duck a little and lift her over my shoulder. She squeals and flails her legs and I slap her butt playfully.
"Quit moving so much, Bella."
"Put me down right now, Edward!" She yells but laughs following that. I carry her to the sofa and set her down on it. Her brown eyes glare at me and fall on the bag next to her.
"Just because you carried me over here like a five–year-old, doesn't mean I'm opening your present." Bella snaps and I smirk.
"You know you have to."
I place the bag on the floor and take a seat next to my girl. I open it and pile up the five gift wrapped boxes on the coffee table. Bella stares at the boxes with her mouth agape and I raise my hands to stop her before she protests about them.
"Just one of them is mine, the rest are from Alice." I point out and she giggles.
"Thank you so much," She leans over and gives me a quick kiss. "Okay, I'll open Alice's first then."
I make a face. "Great. So I brought them here, convinced you to open them and made you happy but you want to see her presents first?"
"Oh Edward," Bella straddles my lap and places her hands on either side of my face. "Your gift will be more special to me than the ones from Alice. I think I should keep the special one for last," She leans her forehead against mine and I nod, sufficed with her answer.
"Okay."
Bella turns and shifts a little to slide off my lap but I hug her to me, not letting her go. She gives me a smile and grabs the first gift from the pile. She slowly unwraps it and opens the box. It's a Dior bullcalf leather handbag in cherry red. She turns to me with her mouth hanging open and tugs on the price tag.
"Really? Why?"
"Keep it. Alice will kill me if you don't."
"It's a $4000 handbag! I can get more than one Golden Retriever puppy with that much money!"
I frown. "You want a puppy?"
She rolls her eyes. "No! It's just a lot of money."
"Keep it, love. Please? For me," I whisper and pin her with my stare. I offer her a charming smile and brush my lips against hers. "Please?"
"Okay." She whispers back and nods.
I grin and put my box aside and pick up the next one. Bella snaps out of her reverie and gazes at the bag with a smile on her face.
"Alice wanted to give you a lot of things from her recent collection but she decided to give them to you after her show tomorrow." I mention and she nods.
"I love her designs. She gave me a bagful of items from her store few weeks ago."
"Hmm."
"And this bag is beautiful."
"I know. Do you want to open the next one?"
"Okay, but I…" She trails off and turns to me. "Why does she buy me such expensive things? I don't want them. I don't buy them and she gives me so much. I give her nothing in return but the desserts she asks me to make for her."
I smile softly and lean my forehead against hers. "Alice never had any close friends, Bella. She has a lot of friends but they aren't all close to her. She considers you a very close friend of hers. I'm glad she does. You care deeply about her and she doesn't hesitate to share anything with you. This is just Alice's way of showing you how much she loves you. She'll be crushed if you don't accept the items."
"If it makes her happy, I'll keep them. Thank you for letting me know." She murmurs and pecks my lips.
"Now, open the other presents."
Bella unwraps the second one and gasps when she finds the exact same boots that she had checked out at a store when they had gone shopping. They are black over the knee boots which will look extremely sexy on her. God, I would love to see her in these.
The next box contains a flower brooch in fuchsia silk and the last one is a cotton dress in ecru, pink and turquoise colors.
"All the gifts are wonderful." She says softly and rests her head on my shoulder.
"Yes, she has a good eye for fashion."
"Hold on."
Bella gets up and gathers all the items in her arms and carries them to the bedroom. I pick up my box and place it on the couch and throw the strewn wrappers in the trash. She reenters the room with a big grin on her face and we both sit on the sofa again. She grabs the rectangular box in her hand and shakes it. It rattles a little, making her smile curiously.
"Open it."
"Okay."
Bella discards the wrapping paper and sighs softly noticing the Cartier box. She touches her fingertips over the words and then opens the box. She gasps when her eyes fall on the platinum diamond necklace. It has an orchid pendant made of 18k white gold and is set with 77 brilliant cut diamonds. It will look beautiful on Bella.
She gives me a tearful smile and gently puts the box away and slams herself into my arms. I laugh and hug her back tightly. I stroke her hair and she takes a deep breath against me.
"Thank you so much, it's the best present I've ever received."
"I'm so glad you like it," I murmur and nuzzle against her hair. "Do you want to put it on?"
"Yes, of course."
Bella hands the box to me and turns around. I smile and take the necklace out and she holds her hair up. I hook it and place a soft kiss against the back of her neck, making her tremble a little. She faces me again and we both gaze at the pendant hanging around her neck. I stroke her cheek and she gives me a soft smile.
"Hey, don't cry," I whisper and she tackles me for another hug and I laugh as I lie down on the couch. She lands on top of me and plants soft kisses all over my face. I chuckle and pull her closer. "You really like it, huh?"
"I love it. The orchid is so beautiful," She perches the pendant on her index finger and strokes it.
"Orchid stands for love, luxury, beauty and strength."
A blush flames her cheeks and she lies on top of me. I pull her closer and she hides her face against my chest. My hand caresses her back and we remain peacefully quiet in our embrace. Her legs tangle with mine and I smile.
My mind runs around with idle thoughts and the memory of Bella's gloomy mood from the bookstore resurfaces again. What must have happened? Is it about Rosalie? Or Tanya? But, I'm sure Tanya won't come back here. Did she fight with Alex? Does it have something to do with Riley? James? Fuck, I need to get a heads up about Riley from Zidek soon.
I can hear Bella saying something to me and I finally snap out of my reverie.
"Yes?" I look at her and she frowns, tracing my face with her index finger.
"What is it, honey?"
I shake my head and hug her tighter. "Nothing, I just missed you that's all."
"I missed you too."
Bella leans up and bends forward to press her lips against mine for a kiss. Even though I kiss her back, my mind if unable to put off the topic we need to discuss. I love her and she shouldn't be crying as much as she was at the bookstore. She is fine when I'm around but what happens when I'm not here? What is it that keeps coming back to her when I'm not with her?
Her lips trail kisses from my jaw down to my neck and her warm hands roam over my body. She gently tugs on my sweater and smiles at me but I need to know what is going on before we go any further. Her grin gradually disappears when she takes in my expression. I sit up with her in my arms and tip her chin to look at me.
"Bella, why were you crying at the bookstore?"
"Not now, Edward."
"You promised me you would tell me once we were here."
She takes a deep breath and nods. "Okay. Um, Rosalie dropped by my bookstore yesterday to yell at me. She threw all the magazines in front of me and said that I was doing this all for money. That I'm never going to be good enough to a part of your family. Her words didn't mean anything to me but everyone in the store was watching, Edward."
"Bella, why didn't you tell me?" I ask softly and wipe away her tears.
"Because I don't care about Rosalie. I hate her and I just wanted to forget about it," Bella chuckles humorlessly. "Her exact words were 'you poor little street whore'. It didn't take long for people to empty the store after watching such an incident. How—how am I going to run the store if something like this happens all the time?"
Oh, I'm going to kill Rosalie. How dare she say things to my Bella? She has no right. Just because Bella is being strong for me doesn't mean she needs to be patient with my family; especially Rosalie.
"It won't. I'll make sure of it," I promise her and hug her tightly. "Why didn't you call the police on her?"
Bella chuckles softly. "She is your family. I never want to create a rift between you and your family."
"You're too good for me." I whisper and kiss her hair.
"She also said that you will marry Tanya."
I grab her right hand in mine and place it over my heart. "This, is yours. Always remember that."
"Yes." I can hear the smile in her voice.
"Is that all?"
"Yes."
"So, you were crying today about something that happened yesterday?" I ask again and she nods. I release her and stare at her face.
"Tell me," She looks away. "Bella, tell me damn it!" I snap angrily and she jumps a little.
"Just a second."
Bella goes over to the TV cabinet and opens a drawer. She grabs something and walks over to me. She sits a little away from me and sniffles. I extend my hand to her and she places the piece of paper in my hands. I bring it closer to me and frown. It's a check.
"Look who has signed it."
I notice the familiar signature that makes my blood boil. No, he didn't just do this. If I had anyway to kill him right this second, I would.
"When?" I ask through gritted teeth and hear her sigh.
"This morning. Eleazar Denali dropped it by himself with his lawyers and a suitcase full of cash and this empty check. He said I can fill in whatever amount I want if I stay away from you. He was giving me the extra money to leave the city. He warned me if I don't give him the check by tomorrow, he will make sure that I'll never see you again. Ever. I just couldn't handle the thought of not being able to see you again, Edward. The money means nothing to me."
My eyes soften and I nod. "I know, baby. Come here," She crawls over to me and I fold her in my arms. "I'm sorry I wasn't here with you. I don't want you to be a part of any of this. If Eleazar doesn't understand that, I'm going to make him."
"How…" Her sentence trails off when I stand up. I give her a quick kiss and grab the check lying next to her. I wordlessly leave her apartment and slam the door shut. I reach the car and Matt leaps out taking in my expression.
"Matt, get my briefcase out. I need the files for the Denali project." I say calmly and he nods.
"The one with the contract papers?"
"Yes."
I put the files in the passenger seat and take the car keys from Matt. He patiently stands behind me and I sigh.
"Stay outside Bella's apartment. Tell her I'll be back in a while." He nods and I get in the car. The engine revs to life and I speed in the pouring rain towards the 2nd Avenue.
I have no idea what I might do with so much pent-up anger.
The elevators open on the tenth floor and I step out and into the reception lobby. The woman reading on her phone immediately recognizes me and rushes over to greet me. I run a hand through my hair and take a look around the sleek interior as I try to find the familiar face I came here to hunt down.
"May I help you, Mr. Cullen?"
"Where's your boss?"
"Mr. Denali is in an important meeting in Conference Room no. 2. May I take a message, sir?"
"How long until the meeting is over?"
"About an hour. May I get you anything, Mr. Cullen?"
"I don't have an hour." I snap and make my way towards the conference room. I can hear her running after me and saying that it is prohibited to enter the meeting but I don't give a flying fuck. He sent a check to my Bella and tried to put a price on our love.
"Does this room have cameras?" I whisper to the breathless blond and she shakes her head. I smile internally and burst open the door. As soon as I step inside, approximately twelve pairs of eyes turn in my direction. Eleazar stands up and buttons his jacket. The shock from his face wears off and he plasters on a fake smile.
Nothing is heard in the room but my ragged breathing and the ticking of a nearby clock.
"Edward what a pleasant surprise, son." Son? Did this asshole just say that?
"Is it?" I ask in a deadly calm voice and fear surfaces in his gray eyes.
"I-I thought your flight was landing at six."
I chuckle. "You surprisingly know a lot about my schedule. Did you also know that I planned an early flight to come back and surprise my girlfriend?"
"Oh," He smiles nervously. "Tanya is in London."
"She doesn't count and you know it." I smirk and he clears her throat and turns to his colleagues.
"Everyone, I believe we all know Edward Cullen who is my soon to be son-in-law."
"What a load of fucking crap!" I yell and take slow, dangerous steps in his direction. My eyes radiate nothing but pure annoyance and hatred as I watch him back away from me. "You little shit, who the fuck do you think you are?!"
"Edward, calm—"
"This?!" I ask incredulously and hold the blank check in my hand. "You think you can do whatever the fuck you want to make a business deal so I'll marry your dumbass daughter?! You want a business deal? I'll give you one."
"Here," I whisper and throw the files in front of him. "There is your project. I give it back. It's officially on suspension. My team will brief you on it. This is just your one project, wait until you see what I do to your chain of hotels."
Eleazar touches the files with his shaky hands. "You want to throw this money away for somebody you found on the street?"
"Bella is mine, do you hear me?" I say firmly and take a deep breath. "I love her and there is nothing you can do to take her away from me. Mark my word; this is just a preview of what might happen if you involve her in anything."
"My daughter—"
"Your daughter means nothing to me! This check," I pull out the fake check and tear it into pieces and throw it at his face. "Is just a reminder of that. Bella is the only woman I have eyes for. Not your daughter or anybody else."
Eleazar looks past my shoulder with his ashen face and then back at me. I can hear a few whispers running around but I ignore them. I smile at him.
"You know what? Let's even things out," I pull out my checkbook and sign a check with his name on it. "Here, fill in whatever amount you want. I'll date it for tomorrow. I don't want you within a mile radius from my Bella."
I tear the check and put it on the file. He raises an eyebrow and then frowns at me. Read the bank account, you fucking idiot.
"You think bribery is going to make things easier for you? Maybe you should grow."
"I'm not as stupid as you think I am," I whisper and shrug. "It was nice to meet you. Have a great day," I turn to the audience sitting here. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, it was rude of me to barge into your meeting and I hope you have it in your hearts to forgive me. Excuse me."
As soon as I exit his office, I call one of my lawyers.
"Did you give the file to him?" Laurent asks and I sigh.
"Yep. It's on his desk right now. Should I send you that blank check he gave Bella?"
"Sure, have Matt drop it by. We'll look into it. Now, be careful. We're done with our first step. We still have nine days to go."
"Yeah, yeah. We'll be fine. Plus, I signed him a blank check from an unusual checkbook. I'm sure he'll try to find out about it but it'll be too late. Tell Kate to merge the shares from Air World Corp. back into CPA. I don't want any mistakes."
"Air World Corp. is the holding company for Eleazar's airlines," Laurent mutters under his breath. "Are you certain?"
"Of course I am. Do it. I want to fuck him over before he discovers what my plan is. He will know about it because that bank account is from London."
"Yes, sir."
"Have a good day." I hang up and almost immediately receive a call from Zidek.
"Cullen." I snap and walk in my car's direction.
"Mr. Cullen, we have good news and bad news."
I roll my eyes. "Zidek, we can do this later. Just tell me already."
"Uh, R-Riley was um… taken to the rehab after the police released him due to his mental illness."
"I know that, Zidek. Tell me something I don't know!"
"Well, he was discharged last night."
My stomach drops and mouth hangs open. What?! He was released! I need to get back to Bella right now.
"Who did this?" I mutter angrily and run a hand through my hair.
"We're looking into it."
"Do you think it was James?"
"No, Mr. Cullen. We've had our eye on James at all times. It definitely wasn't him. We'll look into it."
"Do you have any confirmation that Riley is in Seattle?"
"We're tracking the airports, train stations, bus terminals and every other possible place he may have gone. He is in Seattle, sir."
I groan. "Find out who is responsible for this."
"Yes, Mr. Cullen."
"What was your good news?"
"That James wasn't the one who bailed him out."
"I guess that's some good news. Anyway, keep me updated."
"Mr. Cullen, may I ask for a favor?"
"Sure."
"It would really help if Ms. Swan was not in town for the next two days at least. We can catch Riley at the most obvious spots when tries to look for her."
"Okay, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, sir." I disconnect the call.
I drive towards my next stop on 5th Avenue which is just as important as throwing a fake check at Eleazar Denali's face. Security opens the metal gates and I speed past the gigantic lawn and the big white marble water fountain and pull over in the driveway of the massive suburban house.
I step out and walk over to the main door. I press on the doorbell and a redhead opens the door and blushes brightly. I walk past her inside the house and find Rosalie nowhere.
"Rosalie! Rosalie?! Come out here right now!"
I walk over to the den and hear the clicking of heels behind me. I spin around and find the Ice Queen standing in all her glory with a scowl on her face. I glare back and walk towards her with cautious steps. Her eyes widen with fear and I take a deep breath.
"How dare you talk to my Bella?!"
"I'm just trying to save the family reputation from being ruined. Plus, she can't call the cops on my best friend." She haughtily mutters and tries to push past me but I grab her wrist and turn her around to me again.
I give her a chilling smile and she gulps.
"No, do you know what you're trying to do? You're trying to be an asshole to a person who is unlike you. You're jealous! You're jealous that she has her face in the tabloids! You're jealous that she actually has a heart! You're jealous that she is happier than you are. You're jealous because my mom probably likes her more than you. You're jealous because she works for a living and is more qualified for a job than you are!" I yell my rant and she pales.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Plus, who wants their face in the newspaper?"
"You do. Isn't that why you hang out with Tanya? One day your face will be in the newspapers and for all the wrong reasons and trust me, you'll regret it. If you so much as talk to Bella again, I'll drop off some very confidential files at both the Cullen Mansion and your husband's law firm. Am I clear, Rosalie Hale?"
Rosalie nods and looks away making me sigh. I leave my hold on her wrist and check the time on my watch. It's twenty past two. God, I'm getting hungry. I get back in my car and feel lighter as I drive towards Bella's apartment. I haven't felt this free in a long time.
Now, I need to make plans to take Bella away from the city.
I use the spare key to enter her apartment and chuckle when I hear Alice Key's Girl on Fire playing on some device with Bella's voice singing to it. Oh, she has such a beautiful voice. I walk further in and find her working in the kitchen. She has changed into a blue floral maxi dress which looks lovely on her.
"Fuck." I mutter under my breath when she turns away and I see the open back interlaced with crisscrossing ties. I could undo one knot and the whole dress would fall… Ahem, not now. I smile when I notice the pendant glinting around her neck. Her phone is on the island and she is mixing ingredients in a large bowl. I see rows of peppers, steaks and an avocado.
I decide to announce my presence and softly clear my throat. Bella yelps and a blush flames her cheeks. Her brown eyes gaze at me and she pauses the music. I laugh and walk over to her. She shyly turns away and I wrap my arms around her waist. I plant a soft kiss on her shoulder and she sighs.
"Hi, baby."
"Hey." She says with a smile and her hands stop working.
"I'm sorry if you stopped dancing at my expense. Should I leave the room so you can continue your routine?" I tease making her pout. I turn her in my arms and she stares at my chest. I tip her chin up to look at me and brush my lips against hers.
"Welcome back." Bella murmurs, wrapping her arms around my neck. I place my hands on her open back and she shivers a little.
"Food smells delicious. What are you cooking?"
Her lips curl into a smile. "Whatever I could make in thirty minutes. I made Saltimbocca alla Romana and a carpaccio salad."
"Wow, okay. Is it Italian?"
"Hmm, yes. I hope you'll like it."
"Of course I will, how can I not? When are we eating? I'm starved."
"After you give me a kiss."
Bella gazes at me from under her eyelashes and I lean forward and passionately crash my lips against hers. She moans when my tongue enters her mouth and tangles with hers. My hand caresses the knot at the back of her dress while the other one buries in her soft hair. I bite on her bottom lip and she whimpers softly.
Her arms tighten around my waist and I pull her flush against me. God, I love kissing her. My fingers play with the ties of her dress at the back and she gasps against my mouth. We lose ourselves in the kiss, unaware of our surroundings and break apart to breathe.
"Lunch." I mumble against her lips and she nods.
"You give a hell of a kiss, Cullen."
Bella kisses my lips soundly and grabs two plates. I set the table and arrange the wine glasses and cutlery. I pour each of us a glass of white wine and she serves the steaming, hot food. Fuck, it looks heavenly.
"What about Matt?" She asks with concern and I lean over to kiss her lips softly.
"He'll go out for lunch when he wants."
"Okay." She sighs, offering me a smile.
"If you try to think about yourself before others, there is a chance you'll look much healthier," I mutter and take a bite of the veal. Oh, it's great. "Do you really think I didn't notice that you've lost weight since I have been gone?"
Bella blushes and starts eating her lunch. I smile to myself and continue eating. I'm glad she is eating without any complaints. Sometimes, it's better to be stern with Bella; at least she eats her food. I hate to see her lose weight. I continue staring at her face as she eats until she frowns at me.
"Eat."
"Yes, ma'am."
"… and lastly, I went over to Rosalie's place. And let's just say that she won't be speaking to you again unless I am around."
Bella gives me a warm smile and continues stroking my hair. I smile and kiss the back of her hand. She is sitting at one end of the couch with my head on her lap and it feels so comforting and familiar, I never want to move. I stretch my legs and take her soft hand in mine.
"Thank you for helping me again, Edward."
"I always want you safe."
"I know," She says softly and plants a kiss on my forehead. "Baby, please get some sleep."
I pout. "I don't want to. I want spend some time with you."
"We have tomorrow, don't we? Or are you attending Alice's show in New York?"
"No," I frown and shake my head. "She's always having one show or another. But, tomorrow is your birthday, and I promised you that I wouldn't leave your side," I sigh softly. "It would've been better if I had had a chance to wish you a happy birthday tomorrow." I mutter under my breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Bella laughs and strokes my face. "You can wish me a happy birthday if you want, Edward. I'll be happy if you do."
I grin at her. "Really?"
"Yes and nobody will disturb us because all my friends know that I don't answer any calls."
"How about we cut a cake?"
Her eyes tighten but she nods, taking in my hopeful expression. "S-Sure, just be here with me."
"I promise."
"And you need to sleep right now."
I groan and bury my face against her lap. "No!"
"Then I won't cut a cake or let you wish me a happy birthday."
"Fine! I'll sleep."
My phone rings and I pull it out to answer but Bella gives me a death stare. I hang up and set it on the coffee table.
"Can't you switch it off? It's Saturday."
"I haven't been to the office in over twenty days. I can't do that." She sighs and resumes stroking my hair.
"Your assistants can answer the calls at your office then. Switch off your phone."
"Okay."
I switch off my phone and put it away. I press my face against her lap and shift closer to her. I close my eyes and feel myself drifting off to sleep.
"Why were you mad at me in the car before?" I mutter and hear Bella chuckling.
"I wasn't. But, you wouldn't have slept if I was sitting next to you. I was hoping you would catch some sleep, and you did."
"You're so weird, Bella."
"You still like me."
I love you.
"I'm having second thoughts."
"That doesn't sound good."
"Let me sleep."
"Happily."
A while later, I frown when I feel something vibrate against my face. And, I can hear a voice muttering something. I sigh and cuddle closer to get comfortable as a hand soothingly strokes my hair.
"Hello?" A soft voice whispers. "Yes… He's here… I had him switch it off so he could get some sleep… I know, he looks very tired… Sure, Victoria. Thanks… No, I actually miss Jared; it's been a while since I met him… Yes, tomorrow… Is he?" I hear a chuckle. "Tell him thanks… Oh, chocolates and flowers; he is a little boy after my heart… I know, I was right there when they spoke… Jared is a sweetheart, of course… Yes, I will… Okay, bye. Have a great weekend."
I feel a soft pressure on my forehead and then it's gone.
"Sweet dreams, honey."
Sweet dreams, indeed.
BELLA
My head bobs to the cheerful upbeat music playing on my phone as I set aside the chocolate cake mix and grab the electric beater. I beat the castor sugar and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and light. I add vanilla paste and sugar until it's velvety.
I grab three mini mason jars and alternatively fill them with layers of cheesecake and chocolate. I put the jars into a water bath and insert a toothpick at the center of each and later, I leave them in my rusty spare oven for twenty minutes.
Around six-thirty, I remove the jars and pluck the toothpicks out with ease without letting them touch anything. I let the chocolate cheesecake cool and then seal it. I put them in the fridge and start working on the main dish.
I heat my oven to the required temperature and smile when Amy Winehouse's Rehab starts playing on the phone. I hum the tune under my breath and tear a loaf of bread into big, ragged pieces. I spread them over a large baking sheet and sprinkle with two tablespoons of oil. I rub the oil and sprinkle salt and place the sheet in the oven to make croutons.
I idly start singing the song and smile to myself.
"I don't ever want to drink again I just, oh, I just need a fri—" I scream when I turn and find Edward sexily leaning against the doorway. "Edward! Stop doing that!"
God, he is so annoying. But, he looks mighty fine today in a body hugging shirt, sweater and jeans. I missed him so much. His tousled copper hair, vibrant green eyes and panty dropping smile turns me into a pile of goo. It's not fair he is so perfect.
Edward starts walking towards me and I turn away to resume my work. He sighs behind me and I instinctually want to turn to him but I don't.
"Oh, Bella." He whispers in an irresistible, seductive voice. I can feel the charge around our bodies and I stifle a sigh when his hands push my hair over my right shoulder. His fingers run over my open back and tug on the crisscross ties.
I moan softly when his lips drag wet kisses on my open back and his hot breathing lights my body on fire. He showers kisses on the back of my neck and trails north towards my ear. His teeth gently graze against my earlobe and my knees almost buckle from his electric touch. He places a hand on my stomach and the other one is stroking my arm.
"Dance with me." Edward says sultrily, and I am flushed with desire that pools at the pit of my stomach. Oh, I wish he could just throw me on this kitchen island and we could make love but I know we have to wait. Just a little longer. He presses his nose against my hair and his hardness pokes me in the back. I'm glad that I have the same effect on him as he does on me.
"Bella?"
Edward brushes his lips against my ear and I am unable to form a coherent word in my mind or find my voice. He turns me in his arms and I look at him from under my eyelashes. His green eyes are almost dark with desire and my breathing hitches when he closes the space between our bodies.
He smiles softly and clasps his right hand with mine and snakes the other one around my waist. I place my hand on his shoulder and continue staring into his beautiful eyes.
"You look so beautiful, baby." He murmurs, gazing at me with adoration on his face and I blush redder. The song comes to an end and a slow smile appears on his face when the next one comes along.
"Good choice."
"It's a recent addition to my cooking playlist." I say sweetly and he chuckles.
Of course I had to add Lady in Red, to every playlist I have on my phone. It's our song. Oh, the night of the fundraiser was so beautiful; it's burned into my memory. This song means so much to me because Edward and I danced for the first time to it. I can never forget the way he looked at me that night. He became mine that very night.
Edward whispers the lyrics in my ear like he did that night as we rhythmically dance to the slow song and stay in our little bubble. I interlace my hands together behind his neck and close my eyes. His arms fold around my waist and he hides his face against the curtain of my hair.
"I missed this." He says softly and I pull back to look at him.
"So did I."
Edward leans down and connects our lips for a kiss. We break apart when we run out of breath and share a warm smile. He lifts his arm and twirls me in a circle making me laugh. He smiles as we gently sway to the music. I press my lips against his shoulder and gaze at him.
When the song comes to an end, Edward dips me down until the tips of my hair touch the floor and kisses my lips sweetly. He helps me stand up and I am hot and bothered by his scorching look.
I gasp when I remember the croutons and rush over to the rusty oven. I pause the timer and take the tray of croutons out. I turn them over and put the tray back inside. I resume the timer and walk over to the counter.
"It smells like Christmas. I love it." Edward comments and I laugh, turning to him.
"Does it now?"
"Yeah, what are you cooking? I'm starving."
"I'm making roast duck with blackberry orange sauce and a side of chicken caesar salad."
He raises an eyebrow. "Wow, that's heavenly but what about dessert?"
"Um, I haven't given much thought to it yet." I lie.
"Really?" He saunters over to me and runs his nose down mine. "Guess I'll just have you for dessert then."
I try to breathe and blink rapidly as I stare at him. He plants a soft kiss on my cheek and I bite my bottom lip. He pulls my lip out of its assault and captures my lips for a kiss. The ovens—both beep at the same time and Edward sighs softly. He helps me remove tray while I take the roasting pan out from the other oven. I let it cool and turn the duck breast side up and set it back in the oven at 165 F for another sixty minutes.
"How much more time until dinner?"
"Sixty minutes."
Edward smirks at me. "That's a lot of time."
"No," I mutter and turn away from him. "There is a lot to do. I still have to make the salad and sauce."
He stands behind me and starts dragging soft kisses over my neck and I moan when his fingers reach towards the knot of my dress. My hands stop working and he hitches my maxi dress higher.
"Edward," I sigh softly and he hums against my neck. "Honey, I have a lot of work to do."
"I'll help you later."
"Not like this."
"We have sixty minutes," He mumbles and sucks on my neck. I whimper when his thumbs brush against my nipples, making them hard. "That's a lot of time. Plus, I need to burn some calories off before dinner."
I turn in his arms and crash my lips against his passionately. I cradle his face in my hands and smile when he roughly tugs on the knot at the small of my back. My dress loosens around me and his hands immediately pull the straps down. His erection presses against my stomach and my resolve breaks.
"I'm all for burning calories." I pant out and he rewards me with a sexy smile.
Edward takes a step back and quickly tries to push the dress down from my body. I place my hand atop his and help him force it down. It pools at my feet and I step out of it quickly. His hungry eyes drink in the sight of me in just my black silk satin thong and I flush.
"You're so fucking beautiful, Bella."
He closes the distance between us and connects our lips for a passionate, heated kiss. I moan when he showers kisses from my jaw down to my neck. I moan when he sucks and bites against my skin. His hands palm my breasts and I arch my back to him. His thumb and forefingers stretch and tug my nipples and I feel a jolt of electricity running through me.
I wrap my arms around his neck and he bends down to suck and lick my nipples in his warm mouth. My shaky hands grip him tightly so I don't fall to the floor in a heap. I whimper when his hand cups my sex, moves my panties to the side and his index finger probes against my wet folds. I press my thighs together and sigh with pleasure when he thrusts a finger inside me.
I grab his face in my hands and hungrily kiss him as we consume ourselves with the feeling of being together again. His tongue explores mine and I groan when he sucks on my lips. He plants soft kisses on my neck, my breasts and grips my waist before kneeling in front of me. My hands knot in his soft hair when his kisses trail from my navel down to the waistband of my thong.
"This is clearly in the way." Edward whispers softly as he kisses my thighs. With a swift motion, he yanks on them and I hear the material ripping apart. I gasp and look down to find my wet thong disintegrated in his hands.
"Edward, that was my favorite one! Do you know how expensive it—oh god," I moan when he sucks on my clit. "Don't stop." I whisper and arch my body upwards as he sucks and bites against my clit. He thrusts three fingers inside me and I grab a fistful of his hair in my hands.
My hips rock against his mouth and hands as he flicks his tongue over my hood. God, I've never felt such a heightened sense of emotions before. It's an out of this world experience. I can feel myself going over the edge as my nerves tighten down there and I bite my bottom lip trying to stifle a moan.
"Edward, I'm so clo…" My sentence trails off when he unexpectedly stands up and leaves me hanging. I let out a restrained groan, and he smiles at me.
Edward wraps me in his arms and presses his lips against mine. I moan against his mouth and he takes a step forward, making me stagger back. My naked body touches the cold marble island and I gasp softly. He breaks our kiss and smiles at me. I blush and breathlessly gaze at his handsome face.
He places his hands on either side of my waist and suddenly turns me around. I feel his strong arms lifting me and he places me on the island with my front pressed against it. He kisses my back, down until my waist and over my hips. I feel his fingers teasing my wet opening and I put my clammy palms on the cold countertop.
"Your skin is so soft and flawless."
"Edward, please." I whisper, squirming a little as he chuckles behind me.
"Hmm you are an impatient little thing, aren't you?" His voice is velvet soft and I feel his nose skimming against my sex. "You're so wet, baby."
"Please."
I gasp with surprise when his fingers plunge inside me and massage my G-spot. His wet kisses trail over my back and I close my eyes, losing myself in the sensations that take over my body. Edward licks my folds and moves his tongue side to side against my overheated center. I grind my hips back, trying to create some friction against him and he spreads my legs wide eagle.
"I-I'm close." I say breathlessly and moan when he circles my clit.
"Come for me Bella," Edward rasps out and my nerves build up the familiar pressure. "Now!" He demands and my body gives in to his command as I convulse around him.
I try to bring my heart back to its normal rhythm as a shudder runs through me. He places a kiss against the back of my neck and runs his supple hand up and down my naked back. That was mind-blowing. Better than mind-blowing. My legs have turned into jello but I need to get up. I feel something soft brushing against my arm and I see it's my dress.
Edward helps me stand up and put on the maxi dress. He doesn't tie up the laces, and it remains loosely wrapped around my body. He gathers in me in his arms and hugs me tightly. I smile and nestle closer against him.
"How are you feeling?" He whispers against my ear and I pull back to gaze at him.
"Great, thank you."
I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips against his. I whimper when he bites my bottom lip and tugs on it. He deepens our kiss and keeps his lips connected with mine as he picks me up in his arms, bridal style. I'm so engrossed in the kiss that I don't even realize where he is carrying me.
I open my eyes and realize we are sitting on the sofa with me straddling his lap. I rock my hips against his and he groans softly.
"Baby, don't do that."
"Why not?" I innocently ask and flutter my eyelashes.
"We can't." He murmurs with a restrained, pained expression as I feel his growing member pressed against my ass.
I smile and stroke his cheek. "Shh, let me take care of you."
I give Edward a chaste kiss and tug on his sweater and he removes it over his head. I start unbuttoning his shirt and trail warm kisses on his neck. I grow impatient when his shirt takes time to open and just rip it apart, sending the buttons flying around us. He laughs and kisses my lips soundly.
"I see how this works. Tit for tat, huh?"
I nod and push his shirt down his arms and he takes it off. My hands roam over his flawless, sculpted chest that make him look like an underwear model and come to rest on his strong arms. I notice his breathing turning shallow as my lips plant wet kisses on his smooth chest and down to his abdominal muscles.
My fingers rub the tent in his jeans and Edward sighs softly, running his hand through my hair. I comfortably kneel on the carpet and unbutton the fly and push them down. When his erection is released and flaps against his stomach, my eyes widen. Wow, he is big! I look up at Edward who has a smirk on his face which makes me blush.
I wrap my hand around his erection and slowly pump up and down, making him moan softly. I smile and lean down to swipe my tongue over the head, earning a sigh.
"That's it, Bella." He murmurs happily and I smile wider.
I create a slow rhythm as I stroke my hands and seal my lips around the head and suck on it like a popsicle. I hear him groan again and throb against my lips. His hands hold back the little tendrils of hair that fall on my face and his hot breath blows against them. I never thought that giving somebody head could be this enjoyable. Not that I have a lot of expertise in giving it.
I push him into my mouth—he is hard and soft too and tastes delicious; very salty and musky. I never thought before that I would say this about a guy. I moan against him and suck him harder into my mouth.
"Whoa, baby. Go slow." He whispers. I look up at him and notice his green eyes staring at me with an obvious lust. I swirl my tongue around the tip and he groans closing his eyes as pleasure overcomes his body. His hips flex and he pushes his erection further into my mouth as his hold on my head tightens.
Edward tenses in my mouth as I draw him deeper and deeper using my tongue and lips against his very admirable erection as he chases his orgasm.
"Oh, that feels so great, Bella."
I slurp and suck on his cock and feel him against the back of my throat making him moan and flex his hips even more. It's probably the first time I haven't had a gag reflex. I can taste him and feel him tensing further in my mouth. He is close.
"Baby, I'm about to come. Pull back," He groans as I suck him harder and cup his balls in my hands. His hands grasp my hair tightly and it hurts, but it's an incredible turn too. "Bella, pull back."
I don't want to. I want to try something with Edward that I have never done with a man before. I feel him holding his breath and in a moment of feeling like a temptress, I tug on his balls which does the tick as he convulses in my mouth. I swallow the salty, musty liquid spurting out as he cries out my name.
I have never been prouder of anything sexually before. I pull back and lick my lips one last time before standing up and adjusting my dress. I look at Edward and can't help gloat over the relaxed, sated expression on his face. I sit next to him and kiss his shoulder.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Cullen?" I ask softly; my voice husky and slightly breathless. Edward turns his head in my direction and smiles.
"That was fucking incredible, Bella." He whispers and I beam at him. I lean in and kiss his lips. He moans against my mouth and folds his arms around me and pulls me on his lap. I shake my head and break apart.
"Let's not start something we can't finish," I mumble against his lips and he nods. "Dinner is yet to be cooked," He buries his face against the crook of my neck and I chuckle. "We have all night, baby."
Edward grins and gazes at me with an impish glint in his eyes. "I always knew you were smart."
He slides me off his lap and stands up to button his jeans. He lifts me in his arms and I protest as he carries me to my bedroom. My efforts are futile as I try to unclasp myself from his firm grip. He sets me down on the bed and looks at me pointedly.
"Put on some panties or else I won't wait until dinner is over."
"Okay." I blush and bite my bottom lip.
He gives me a soft smile and bends down to peck my lips. "Are you mad that I tore your thong?"
"Kinda."
"Maybe I can buy you a whole bunch to replace it. I'll give Ursula a call."
"Ursula?" I ask as my mind wonders who the hell she is.
"Ursula King; she is a freelance personal shopper. A friend of Alice's."
"Oh."
"How old is she?"
"Twenty-four."
"Hmm," I nod and cross my arms over my chest. He gives me an amused smile and kneels in front of me. "Too young, isn't she?"
"I don't think so."
"Of course you don't."
"She's very smart and has a good eye for clothes."
"I can see that." I whisper and he laughs, kissing my hands.
"She's engaged to Peter, actually. They're getting married next summer."
I frown. "Who is Peter?"
"Peter Kyle."
"Oh. I thought Kyle was his first name. Anyway, that's great." I smile and he shakes his head.
"Any more questions in this greatly captivating inquisition?" He asks sarcastically and I shake my head.
"I'm feeling rather nonchalant about the services I offered before. I think you're fine for now." I lie down on the bed and he smiles with mirth, hovering over me.
"Sometimes, you are so unpredictable," I blush and his index finger sensually runs along my jaw down to my neck. "I'm really looking forward to my dessert."
"I made dessert for us." I blurt out as my breathing falters with the intensity of his smoldering green eyes.
"What did you make?"
"Chocolate cheesecake in little mason jars," He runs his nose along my cheek and I try to keep my eyes open. "I didn't have enough time to make an actual cake."
"Oh, that's okay. It's the perfect amount to eat off of you."
Edward plants a swift kiss on my lips and casually saunters out of the room. I remain sprawled on the bed with my feet dangling at the edge and try to think about what Edward would do. My mind comes up with nothing.
I feel butterflies swirling in my stomach at the thought of us being together. I want him all to myself because I know he is going to be busy this coming week and I might not get to see him very much. Plus, I don't want to be alone tomorrow because I will only end up crying all day. I get off the bed and walk over to my chest of drawers.
I'm incredibly lucky to have Edward in my life. He is perfect for me. I don't think I can love anybody as much as I love him. I would've never imagined that the same man whose picture I was staring at on the cover of Forbes magazine turned out to be the most caring, protective, handsome, loving man I would ever know so deeply and closely.
It's safe to say I'm the luckiest person in the world.
SPECIAL THANKS TO EdwardsFirstKiss FOR EDITING MY CHAPTER!
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Paint the Walls.