Disclaimer- all characters sadly belongs to the one and only Stephanie Meyer!
Happy Sunday my wonderful readers! I am so embarrassed and sad about how late this update is. I promised myself when I first started writing this story, that I wouldn't be one of those writers who take two months a time to write another chapter. But alas, here we are. I just want to say I am so incredibly sorry for how late this is. My inspiration has been so low. The last chapter took a lot out of me, with all the info – so I definitely needed a break. Within the time I have been away, I have finished my first year at Uni, so my schedule in terms of writing is so much more flexible! While I can't promise that updates will be every week, you will never have a two-month hiatus again!
Thank you to all of you who are sticking around with this story and for reviewing, favouriting and following. Please know that every single one is recognised with appreciating and lots and lots of love! I have big plans for each and every character, so please continue this journey with me!
Here is a very fluffy chapter for you all – enjoy!
Love you all, and many apologies again.
Xo
13.
I run a single wrinkled finger across his cheek, causing him to shiver but I am unsure whether it's really down to the simple movement or the coolness of the bathwater. Pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek, I murmur: "Shall we get out now?"
He sighs, "but I am so damn comfortable."
He squeezes my ass cheeks to emphasise his point, resulting in a giggle pouring from my lips. Delighting in my laughter, his fingers tickle the back of my kneecap lightly and soon the giggles turn into full on belly laughs. I playfully bat his hands away, squirming on his lap as more water splashes onto the floor. I swear there is more water on the floor than there is in the tub at this point.
"We have to," I say but instead of extracting myself from his arms I just snuggle deeper into the crook of his neck "I am turning into a prune."
Edward's hands stroke up and down my spine "well we can't have that. Bed?"
I nod against him, my whole body tensing in anticipation. Although my brain is totally overwhelmed by the onslaught of information I had been told, I was on a high from our mutual confessions of love. Edward Mason loves me. An elated smile spreads across my face from the thought alone.
"What are you grinning about?" Edward smiles, looking down at me.
I shrug coyly, "you love me."
Somehow his smile grows even bigger, his eyes shining like jewels. He looks eerily similar to the Cheshire cat, "yes. Yes I do. And you love me."
Slipping a hand into his wet hair, I pull his head down so that our lips are brushing against each other, "More than anything."
We kiss with a featherlike softness that makes my toes curl against Edward's thighs. He gently takes my bottom lip between the two of his, sucking on it. I exhale heavily through my nose, removing my lips from his to breathe before placing them back on again. I snake my tongue out, swirling it against his lips and then his tongue. They twine together and I can feel his erection hard against my stomach. My breasts crush against his incredible chest; and our skin slip against each other in glorious ways, delicious sounds echoing around the room.
"Bed." I say firmly.
He picks me up without further question, holding me tightly against him. The movement causes my centre to rub against him and the friction sends my eyes rolling into the back of my head.
He walks us slowly over to the bathroom counter, careful so that we don't slip on the soaking floor. I flinch as my ass meets the cold marble. Pulling away, Edward grabs a fluffy white towel from beside him and wraps it around his waist – making me pout.
He snickers at my expression, "it won't be staying on for long, don't worry."
I cross my arms over my chest like a stubborn child – "so why don't you just leave it off?"
"Because I have to focus on getting my beautiful girlfriend dry, before I make her wet all over again."
I giggle, "You are so cheesy… in a highly perverted way."
He leers at me mockingly, "I think we established a long time ago that you love my perverted ways."
I chuckle, but do not reproach him. It's true after all.
He takes another towel, and kneels before me. I raise an eyebrow at him and his suggestive position, "I thought you wanted to get me dry?"
"And you call me perverted, Isabella Swan." He shakes his head.
He takes my left leg, putting it over his shoulder. I watch him interestedly as he kisses my ankle tenderly, brushing the towel over my calf and up my thigh, towards the part that craves him most.
The torturous pattern forces me to lean back against the mirror, my eyes slipping shut as he peppers kisses up and down my leg as he dries it.
"Do you realise how insanely gorgeous you are?"
With effort, I open my eyes to look at him. He gazes up at me so earnestly, so lovingly, that tears spring to my eyes.
"You make me feel beautiful."
"That's because you are," he whispers seriously.
He begins drying my right leg in a similar fashion but this time he runs a commentary.
"Your toes are beyond adorable," he tells me, pecking the tip of my big toe "I don't even know how. I didn't ever think that feet could be cute – but somehow yours are."
"Maybe you have a foot fetish," I tease but it comes out all shaky.
Edward winks but otherwise ignores my joke, continuing his perusal of my body. He kisses the instep of my foot, before moving upwards.
"Then there are your legs... Fuck baby, I think you have the sexiest legs I have ever laid my eyes on."
I snort at that, and his eyes harden, "what? You don't think you have sexy legs?"
"Your cousin/ adopted sister is Rosalie Cullen, Edward. Who is a model, need I remind you. I don't even want to know how many catwalks or fashion shows you have seen. Or the amount of supermodels you have met."
"Bella, those models' legs are stick thin and have been lathered with fancy as fuck moisturiser to make them appear somewhat good. But you? You have gorgeous, shapely legs that are smooth as silk – no moisturiser needed." His nails graze the sensitive inner part of my thigh, sending sparks through my body. I am desperate for him.
The towel moves higher, and wet, open-mouthed kisses follow it closely. At this point, I am about to grab his head and place it where I am wet most.
"You also have the sweetest, most detectable pussy."
My plea rests on the tip of my tongue, but then his mouth is right there.
"Shit!" I squeal; one hand pinches my clit whilst his tongue licks my folds in wet, hot strokes.
My head hits the mirror, sending a dull sting into my skull. But I hardly feel it as Edward's fingers enter my body, playing alongside his tongue.
"Jesus," I cry, digging my hand into his thick hair. It had been too long since I had felt Edward's mouth on my body. I would never deprive myself from this pleasure ever again.
"Edward" I pant as he nibbles as he kisses the inside of my thigh, his fingers still driving inside of me.
"Come on baby, come for me." He says urgently, his mouth returning to my clit.
I cross my ankles behind his head, holding him to me tightly.
"I-I… Uh…"
I slump down, my orgasm ripping through me something furious. Edward doesn't stop however. I don't know if the orgasm was that long or whether I came twice in a record amount of time. All I know is that my whole body feel like jello, and I need him inside me.
"I think we need to move this to the bedroom – now," he states dazedly.
I nod eagerly, reaching out for him. He hurriedly takes me into his arms, and brings me to his bedroom. The towel around his waist gets lost along the way, but neither of us is too concerned. We are so utterly consumed by one another that a natural disaster could happen and we would remain completely oblivious.
As we enter his bedroom, I kiss up and down his neck, flicking my tongue out occasionally, humming against his throat. His Adam's apple bobs up and down, as I nibble on it. The vibrations feel amazing against my tongue.
Pulling back the covers, he puts me in the middle of the bed and flicks the bedside lamp on, bathing the room in golden light.
"Now, where was I?"
He takes my wrists, pinning them above my head, and ghosts his nose down the column of my neck.
"Well, there is your hips" he kisses my hipbones "and your waist. A perfect hourglass figure… Stunning. Your curves are beyond incredible, do you know that?"
I just sigh, between his touches and words, I am surprised that I haven't turned into a puddle of goo. His tongue flicks inside my bellybutton, then drags up the centre of my body.
"Your breasts are perfect. Two perfect handfuls," he demonstrates this by taking my breasts into his hands, kneading them. I moan.
"Please, Edward."
"Please what baby? What would you like me to do? Do you want me to show you how much I love your tits?"
"Y-yes. Pleease…" I draw out the final word; his fingers pluck at my nipples, rolling them between his fingertips.
"As you wish."
While his right hand continues to pinch at my right nipple, tugging at it, his mouth takes in my left – suckling on it ardently. My back arches upwards, and my hands move to cradle the back of his head.
Edward releases my nipple with a pop, green meeting brown – "uh uh Angel. Keep your hands above your head, or I'll be forced to punish you."
To say I am intrigued by the word "punish" is an understatement. But if that punishment means more teasing and less playing, then it is in my best interest to be a good girl… for now.
I gingerly put my hands back above the bed, clutching at the rungs of the bed-frame.
He smiles with satisfaction and goes back to worshiping me.
He licks and kisses my breast, then does the same with the other. I moan as he skims his nails down the sides of my body while he sucks and bites and licks.
By the time he finishes with my breasts, they are tingling from his administrations. I whimper when he bites down on the point where my shoulder meets my neck, then swipes his tongue over my collarbones.
"Edward, Edward, Edward," I murmur over and over, whilst he licks his way up my neck. Fire rips me through like wildfire, feeling him against me. Then the pressure of his lips disappears.
"Open your eyes baby."
His face is inches from mine. He's so close that I can feel his eyelashes flutter against my skin, his breath on my lips.
Edward releases a whoosh of air when I meet his eyes. They are so fucking pretty it hurts, but I cannot look away.
He looks just as mesmerised as I do, "God. Your eyes."
His index finger dusts across my cheekbone, "They were the first things that drew me to you, you know?"
I do. He told me once, during our date at Aro's restaurant in the early days of our relationship. He told me that they were the colour of Hershey's kisses.
"I thought – and I still do – that you were the most beautiful person I has ever seen."
I remain silent, but the doubt I feel must be all over my features because he suddenly cups my face.
"You don't believe me do you?"
I simply look at him.
He searches my eyes, "why can't you see yourself the way I see you?"
I close my eyes, digesting his words. In spite of reading the likes of Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen and Bronte on a daily basis, I had never heard such beautiful words.
One word from Edward had so much power over me, and it didn't scare me one bit.
"You have doe-like eyes," he purrs "I think that's why I thought you were so young in the beginning. They are just so big and innocent. Then they are framed with these long dark eyelashes. Christ, one blink and I swear I would do anything you'd say."
"Sounds dangerous."
Edward smirks, "I am totally at your mercy."
Next, he kisses my cheek, slowly – hovering there.
"Your blush. Now that can bring me to my knees… so god damned beautiful."
As if on cue, my cheeks turn a bright pink. He chuckles, immediately feeling the heat radiate from me.
"Your nose, your lips. I don't think I could ever get sick of them."
I totally get where he's coming from. Since that night at the club we must have shared hundreds upon hundreds of kisses, but it always felt like the first. The same fire that burned then continued to coarse through me now – like wildfire, impossible to get rid of. I'm sure that he has ruined me for all other men.
No one could kiss me and evoke the same feeling Edward can. Affirming this, his lips meet mine sending sparks straight to my centre. The weight of his naked body against me combined with the wondrous movement of our lips make my pussy ache.
"I love you. So much it hurts." He says passionately.
With as much strength I can muster, I flip our bodies over so I am on top of him. He gazes up at me mollified; I press two fingers to his lips.
"I know. I can feel it. In every word you say, in every touch you bestow on my body. But I am afraid. I don't think you are aware of how much I love you."
Edward's eyes are wide, but he doesn't speak. He knows that I need to get this out.
"When I first saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful man I had ever seen. Yes, beautiful, ruggedly handsome, gorgeous – all of it combined. And then you opened your mouth, and I thought you were the most arrogant asshole on the planet with your pretty smirk and overly confident stance," the same smirk appears in his face. I pinch his nipple playfully, making him yelp.
"Then we kissed. And it was so completely mind-blowing, but I chalked it up to the fact that I never really do that type of thing. That it was the adrenaline of the moment that made it so fucking good. Then there was the party fiasco, and you left me alone on the bed – I was so embarrassed by how much I wanted you. I lost all sense of a filter or self-will."
Edward looks up at me guiltily, opening his mouth to more than likely apologise, but I will not be deterred. He has been so fucking brave tonight. With my left hand, I trace the dark shadows under his eyes. The shadows that tell me about how wary he must have been over the course of the week. To confess everything that has been weighing on his mind since far beyond the beginning of our relationship.
But here we are, stronger than ever and ready to take hold of our future – bitchy adoptive mother/ aunt or not. And while he doesn't believe me, it is clear to me how strong he is. Telling me everything in one night, and rehashing his painful childhood and messed up history with no restraint or hesitation. He just laid it all on the table, and I am so fucking proud of him.
And the least I can do is tell him how much he means to me.
"No Edward. It was my fault as well. I mean you were an asshole, and if you ever do that again, I'll kill you. But I am also in the wrong. First - we both were massively influenced by our lust and secondly, I totally stereotyped you. I thought you were this guy who wanted a quick fuck. Who spent all his days in a bar, flirting and fucking girls."
I run an affectionate hand through his hair, "but you aren't. You are this incredible man who is able to make me beautiful through your words alone. You're generous and thoughtful; you put so much thought into our dates and make sure that I have the best time possible. You are so dorky; you'll chat to me about the mechanics of apparition and make jokes about Disney films. You're loyal – you literally gave up your independence to Esme, just so Emmett wouldn't have to struggle with money alone. You are passionate – about music, about me, about your job. Everything you do, you put your heart and soul into.
And while you did keep secrets away from me, I get it. You were trying to protect me. You didn't want me to bear a load that you have been carrying around for so fucking long. But Edward, you aren't alone anymore. I love you."
The expression on his face is indescribable. His mouth gapes open for a few moments, like he is trying to string together a coherent sentence.
However, there are no more words.
He sits up, wrapping his strong arms around me and bringing our chests into full contact. I weave my hands through his hair and we kiss again, over and over.
He kisses every part of me he can reach, the space between my eyebrows, tip of my nose, my forehead and my cheeks.
"Edward, I need you inside me" I say as he kisses my neck. He nods against me.
I am still on top of him, so I push him gently backwards so that he is lying fully on his back.
He places his hands on my waist, helping me as I line myself up with his cock. When I lower myself on him, we both groan in pleasure. I don't stop till he is fully inside me.
"Christ Bella." Edward breathes.
And then I start moving up and down.
Ecstasy fills me. It was amazing the first time we slept together, but somehow this is more. Perhaps it's because of the knowledge that there are no secrets hanging between us anymore. Maybe it's more down to the love that is bubbling between us in the movement.
He slips his hand between us, rubbing at my clit as I bounce up and down. I moan louder at this, "you are phenomenal Bella. You look amazing, riding me."
"Edward!" I scream, my orgasm building and building to unreachable levels.
"That's it baby! Holy shit, I coming. Fuck, you are beyond incredible. So tight!"
"I love you."
"I love you."
The three words set me off, and I'm gone – my orgasm ripples through me in waves, with Edward following close behind.
I drop on top of him, his dick slipping out from me. The loss of contact makes me whimper, and our skin is slick from sweat.
"That was unbelievable," Edward gasps in our post-coital glow.
I have no energy. My head stays lolls against his chest, and I kiss the spot over his heart.
"I love you Edward Mason."
"You are my everything, Isabella Swan."
…
Four times.
It doesn't fully register until I full wake up at one o'clock in the afternoon, the following day.
The first thing I feel is the soreness between my legs. But it's a good soreness… the best kind. Like I just had the best workout of my life.
The faint ache mirrors that of my throat. We must have talked into the early hours of the morning. Between my speech, our conversation and screams – well… I think its safe to say, my voice has been run ragged.
Giggling to myself huskily, I open my eyes. The sun streams through the curtains. Towels strung across the wooden floor, besides the comforter that we had tossed off sometime during the night. To my right however, I am surprised to find – not the muscular back of my handsome boyfriend – but a single piece of paper.
I sit up heavily and open the note.
Bella –
There was an incident at Eclipse last night. Nothing that we haven't experienced before, but Emmett needed me. I should be back soon with our breakfast. Be free to take a shower or something, what's mine is yours.
Love you,
E x
I smile at his cursive writing, ghosting my fingers over them last three words. God. I still couldn't get my head around it… Would it always be like this?
There was that nagging voice at the back of my head – the part that witnessed the aftermath of my parent's divorce, that begged to differ. But a much larger, optimistic side of me knew that this thing Edward and I had was forever.
I slowly get out of bed, walking over to the chest of drawers at the side of the room. I grab another pair of Edward's boxers, but as I move to get a t-shirt – I spot the white button up shirt he wore the night before.
Grinning evilly to myself I take that instead, and skip to the shower – ignoring the omnipresent ache.
…
One shower and two cups of tea later, I am standing in front of Edward's impressive guitar collection. There are at least six of them – all extremely shiny and expensive looking.
I lean forward inspecting the third one in line. It's a glossy brown and white with an odd, retro looking shape.
"That one is called 'Jude.'"
I leap away from the beautiful instrument, hand over my chest.
Turning sharply in the direction of the voice, I find Edward leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, watching me amusedly.
"Jesus, Edward! You need to get a goddamned bell. Shit." I narrow my eyes at him playfully.
He grins at my expression and walks over to me, his eyes greedily taking in my attire. In return, my eyes hungrily rake over his body – even after having several, earth-shattering rounds of love making, I feel this inexplicable urge to mount him.
His black jeans hang low on his hips, and his pale blue t-shirt highlights his lean muscles. I unconsciously lick my lips at the sight of him. All mine.
"Did you sort it?" I ask shakily, trying to keep the lust from out of my voice – unsuccessfully, I might add.
He shrugs, unconcerned "a couple of minors tried to break in to the main bar in the early hours of this morning. Thankfully, the security alarm went off so Emmett and the cops got down there before any real damage could be done. They needed to talk to both owners before carrying out any charges."
"And did you? Charge them?"
He pulls my body to his and strong arms surround my waist; a long contented sigh leaves my lips. I embrace him, resting my chin against his chest.
"Nah, they were just kids – barely sixteen. We gave them one hell of a warning though, like I said; Emmett can be quite intimidating when he wants to be."
"Oh? So you're the brains and he's the muscle?" I trail my fingertips down the sensitive part of his neck, over his pecks and down to his abs, then back. He shivers slightly under my touch.
"Hey. I have muscles too. You would know…"
I chuckle, and stand on my tiptoes to kiss him. I can feel his smile, which automatically make the corners of lips upturn.
We stand there, taken in by the light heartedness of the moment.
He teases the top button of his/my shirt, flicking it back and forth.
"You're going to break it if you carry on, and I am quite partial to this shirt."
"Hmm," Edward breathes, his fingers dancing away from the buttons and to the collar of the shirt. He brings it down with agonising slowness, revealing my bare shoulder. My eyelids flutter as he places an open mouthed kiss against it, I can feel his long eyelashes against my skin – light and perfect.
"S-so… uh. J-Jude?"
As he chuckles, his teeth graze my skin. I squeeze my thighs together in response.
"It's a replica of Paul McCartney's guitar. Hence the name."
I laugh breathlessly, "geek."
His hand travels up the length of my thigh "are you sore?"
At his question, that dull ache makes itself known again. I groan.
"Yes," I say regretfully, pulling myself away "I am not used to marathon sex."
Edward snickers, "well, hopefully with a little practice…"
"Uh huh. We'll see."
I turn back to his guitars, resting against his body a little.
"You have so many."
His chin meets my shoulder, "Like you said – I am a music geek. But my favourite isn't actually here…"
I tilt my head towards him, raising an eyebrow; "oh? Then why isn't it displayed with these ones?"
"It's not as flashy as these ones. And it's a bit more personal. Come, I'll show you."
We entwine our hands together, and he tugs me to his sofa.
"Wait here."
I sit obediently, crossing my legs. He jogs out of the room and I here the faint sound of a door banging.
Not a minute later, he returns with a beaten acoustic guitar with scribblings all over it.
But he holds it with such care and reverence, as though it is Jude.
Edward places his gentle into my hands – "it was my mother's. My dad gave it to her."
My eyes flash to his, before shooting back to the instrument in my hands.
"How'd you know your dad gave it to her?"
He turns it over, where there is a message engraved into the back.
"To my darling Elizabeth, for bringing the sweetest music into my life. Love always, Edward."
I smile at the words.
I turn it back over, reading the bits of writing that cover the body of the guitar.
Some of it is written in a slanted hand, similar to Edwards, while other bits are written in more upright script. They are mostly lyrics to love songs, but there are also more personal notes that belong in a love letter.
"I think my dad wrote some of this" Edward says, confirming what I suspect.
"It's beautiful."
And it is. Sure, it isn't as extravagant as Jude or the other guitars Edward has but there is something so organic and honest about this one.
"I always wanted to learn how to play a guitar," I murmur.
"Really? Why didn't you?"
"My mom kind of put me off. The guitar was one of her harebrained adventures. But she couldn't for the life of her, play it."
I shudder at the memory of her rendition of 'Sweet Child of Mine.'
I look at Edward, who watches me thoughtfully. He then moves closer to me, so our thighs are completely touching. His left arm comes over me, bringing my left hand up to encircle the neck of the guitar.
"What are you doing?"
I can feel his shrug, "teaching you how to play the guitar."
He picks my right hand up and puts it on the strings. He is so close, that his lip brushes over the shell of my ear and I can feel the warmth of his body all over my body.
"Okay," he whispers – despite us being the only two in the apartment, "this is E."
Our fingers rest over the top string, plucking it softly. With the other hand he presses our fingers over the strings, so that the sound is almost tuneful.
"A," he says, doing the same with the next.
This pattern continues as he goes over the name of the strings, but to be honest – all I can really take in is him: the close proximity, the smell of sandalwood, and his heart thrumming against my arm.
He moves our hands so that we are strumming. There is no tune or specific song we are playing.
I turn my head so that our noses and foreheads are practically touching. Who knew that guitar playing could be so damned erotic?
It seems that Edward thinks this as well, because the guitar is no longer in my hands. He places it on the coffee table before kneeling in front of me.
Then our lips touch.
Lips. Hands. Skin.
He twiddles with the top button of our shirt, but gets impatient. He ends up ripping the shirt apart – buttons flying in every direction.
"Edward!" I gasp through my laughter "I liked that shirt!"
"I'll buy you a thousand of them," He says against my neck.
Our shirts find themselves on the floor within no time, and I am straddling Edward on the floor. Soreness forgotten.
As I hover over him, my hair falls in a curtain over my shoulder. He reaches up, tucking it behind my ear, and then cradling my neck, he brings my head down so that he can kiss me.
There is no foreplay or words. I know what he is saying through his movements alone.
All there is love. Then moving. Pounding. Pounding.
And explosions.
…
We lie there on the floor, too tired to move. My head lies on his chest, arm across his waist while he plays with my hair with one hand and strokes my arm with the other.
"Esme called me when I was walking back home."
I look up, but all I see is chin.
"She did?"
"Yeah. She basically tore me a new one for ditching the Gala and…"
Suddenly his whole body tenses, and all movement ceases. I immediately sit up in concern.
"Edward?"
He squeezes his eyes close, "Shit. I completely forgot. I mean as soon as I saw you in my shirt, it just escaped me –"
"What did you forget? Edward? You're scaring me!"
Edward sits up with me, he strokes the top of my leg comfortingly.
"Last night, someone took a picture of us leaving the hotel. Someone must have had me followed from the Gala… I am so fucking sorry Bella, if I had known…"
I blink. Holy shit.
I leap up, running to his room.
"Bella?" Edward calls worriedly.
I hear his heavy footsteps behind me as I rummage through my clutch. His body sidles up behind me.
"Bella? I'm so sorry."
25 missed calls, 10 voice messages and 17 texts. All from Alice. And… what the fuck? Fifty-seven DM's on Instagram? I hadn't spoken to Lauren Mallory since High School!
Have a good night babe! Gonna have an early one – probs going to watch last week's Riverdale. Let me know how your speech went!xx
OMG Bells, Juggie is in mortal peril!xx
BELLA! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! I JUST GOT AN E! NEWS UPDATE! CALL ME ASAP!
ISABELLA, THIS NEWS CANNOT BE DELIVERED OVER TEXT! CALL ME!
BELLAAAAA – ANSWER YOUR FUCKING PHONE BITCH!
I SWEAR TO GOD BELLA, IF YOU DON'T ANSWER…
Fuck. Bella – Edward is Anthony. As in the elusive Anthony Cullen! He is all over E! Holy fuck, this is insane!
Bella… he's leaving! Shit, where the hell is he going? Have you spoken to him? FUCKING HELL, BELLA! ANSWER. I AM LOSING MY MIND.
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
BELLA YOU ARE ON E!
THIS IS AMAZING! YOU GUYS LOOK HOT AS FUCK!
As soon as you guys are done fucking, give your girl a call? I think I nearly had a heart attack!
Just to let you know – the press are calling you 'Brunette Beauty'. Hell yeah! TMZ, Gossip Cop, Hollywood Life. You're famous Bella!
"Oh. My. God."
When my legs begin to wobble, Edward puts his hands on my shoulders – leading me to the bed.
"T-they took a picture."
I vaguely feel Edward's thumb rubbing circles on the palm of my hand.
"I know. I tried to get E! To take it off their site, but by the time I rang – well. You know the Internet. It was everywhere. I am so sorry baby."
I smile half-heartedly, "it's not your fault. You didn't ask for this to happen. I just didn't think… God, I better call Alice."
Edward nods solemnly, "want me to leave?"
"Just give me a moment. I'll be fine."
He smiles sadly at me, "I'll go make us something to eat."
"Sounds good."
He reluctantly leaves me, but I am already tapping in Alice's number.
I don't even get in a word before she begins talking.
"Seriously? Five fucking thirty? Have you only just come up for air? Why is life so unfair? Not only are you dating New York's most eligible bachelor but also while I am weeping over Riverdale, eating Cheetos and fucking pregnant – you are having marathon sex! God. I am so horny. I miss Jazzy."
"Alice…"
God her hormones must be driving her crazy…
"Hang on! I get why you weren't answering your phone, but… did you seriously not know that Edward was THEE Anthony Cullen?"
"No – of course I didn't! That was the big secret. That was what he wasn't telling me!"
"Why the hell not? It's not like he is in the mafia? Or is he? Fuck, that would be a plot twist! And it's not like you are some kind of gold digger!"
"He knows that Ali. It's not like that! It's a bit more complex… It's a long story."
"Well, you can tell me about it later. In the meantime, I will send you the photo that everyone is talking about! I swear B; you are going to be the talk of the city! The next power couple of New York."
"So no one has said anything bad?" I ask hopefully.
"Fuck no! Well, there were a few jealous bitches in the comment section of one site, but I shut down that shit right away. Besides that, everyone is talking about how stunning you two are Bella! I mean I know the situation is far from ideal, but imagine if they caught you guys during a run to the grocery store? Or worse - while you were at work, with no one to defend you! You are always beautiful, but you look beyond gorgeous in these pics."
I exhale deeply. It was a good choice to call Alice before discussing this any further with Edward. She knew exactly what to say to calm me down.
"Thanks Al."
"I've sent them to you on Whatsapp. Go check them out! We can have a girly catch up later!"
"Okay, cool."
"You'll be fine Bella," she says in a much more softer voice "you look so in love. Don't let this get in the way of that, love you."
"Thanks Al, love you too."
As if on cue, my phone bleeps with a picture message. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, I open the picture. And – wow.
The picture was taken outside the hotel, when we were looking for a ride back to Edward's. Edward looks just as perfect as he did last night (although the picture does pale in comparison to how he looks in real life.) He stands straight in that ink black suit, both arms wrapped around my waist securely. The way he holds me, with such care makes my heart melt.
I stand in the encirclement of his arms, staring into his eyes with the happiest goddamn smile ever. We look so in love – looking at each other as though we are the only people in the world. My hair spills in curls over his arms, and my right hand rests on his chest whilst the other is holding him to me.
Seeing the picture – a visual of the love we have for each other brings tears to my eyes.
Unable to contain myself, I run to the kitchen – only stopping in the living room to pull on Edward's blue t-shirt.
The kitchen is filled with a wonderful, spicy smell and my mouth instantly waters. Edward stands topless in front of the stove; the strong lines of his back prominent.
As soon as hears my approach he turns, a wary look marring his face.
"Baby…"
I simply cup his face and kiss him tenderly. His lips are frozen for a second, surprised by my movement – but its not long after, until his lips return my kiss.
I smile, pulling away – "I love you."
He grins, "I love you too."
"I saw the picture…"
"Oh?" he furrows his brows.
"It's… it's…"
"Perfect?" he inserts, his crooked smile appearing shyly.
I nod happily, "it is."
He kisses me on the forehead, turning back to the food quickly.
"Is fajitas okay with you?"
"Sounds great! I am so hungry."
"I have to work tonight," he says ruefully "and I know you are probably exhausted from last night but…"
"I would love to come," I say quickly. After a whole week of not having him by my side, and the night we had before – I really didn't want to part with him again.
He sends me an ecstatic smile over his shoulder, "Thank God. I really didn't want to leave you. I don't know if that sounds really clingy but…"
"I get it. Trust me."
I sit at the kitchen counter, resting my chin against my hand as I watch Edward cook. Seriously, is there anything sexier than watching a man cook? And a topless one at that!
"Oh, uh – there's also something I wanted to ask you."
His voice sounds nervous. I don't like the sound.
"What is it?"
"Well, you remember when I said Esme called?"
My eyes widen with realisation, "Oh shit, yeah! What did she say about the picture?"
Edward hesitates, "she wasn't too happy to be honest. She was furious that I left the Gala. I have to 'make up for it' apparently."
My hands ball up into tight fists. What a bitch! After everything she has done, how can she think that he owes her?
"What the hell did she want?" I seethe.
Edward faces me, a bitter look on his face "I have to go to Rosalie's Halloween Bash next weekend."
I marginally relax – marginally.
"Oh. That doesn't seem… so bad? I mean will it be anything like that party she held the last time?"
He shakes his head, "I wish. That is laid back in comparison. No, this is more similar to Esme and Carlisle's style of party. Rosalie holds a big event where she invites her 'friends' and Esme's friends. It's basically a way for her to establish herself as the next socialite. It's absolute bullshit."
"And you have to go?"
"It's either that or something far more public. She has this hold on me Bella. I have been in it for years – to be honest, I feel lucky to have avoided this for so long."
"But you shouldn't feel like that Edward! You are a grown man, you should get to decide where and when you want to go!"
Edward looks ashamed, which makes me feel guilty. He explained everything to me; why he is so entwined with Esme and her scheme and here I am, making him feel even more emasculated.
I walk up to him with slow, purposeful steps.
"Baby, I get it. She has got you – but we need to get you out."
"You think I haven't tried to cut her loose Bella? I told you – her hold on me… it runs so far deep. It's not going to be easy. I have tried and tried."
"You were alone before," I soothe him "but I am going to help you Edward. It may take time, but not everyone is perfect. There is going to be some sort of chink in her armour. We just have to find it."
He looks at me deeply, "I literally have no idea how I got so lucky."
I snuggle into his arms, "We'll get through this Edward. I promise you."
His whole body shudders with emotion, and I can feel his breath against my hair.
"Come with me."
"What?"
"Come with me to Rosalie's Halloween party next week."
My eyebrows disappear into my hairline, "Rosalie's? I'm meeting Esme and Carlisle?"
His hands grip the top of my arms, pushing me back lightly.
"When I went to the Gala last night, it was the most alone I had felt since… well in a very long time. I felt like a child again. Greeting and talking to people who I didn't know, people who only know or care about me for my name and money. They just wanted gossip. It was just so fucking lonely. And all I could think about was you – what you were doing, how you were feeling. I wanted to be by your side at the ball, to walk in with you, to meet all your friends. I get if you don't want to go –"
I place my index finger over his lips, silencing him "of course I'll go."
He kisses my finger, eyes glittering.
As we begin plating up our food, my mind mulls over the idea of meeting the Cullen family. And then something hits me.
"Edward?"
"Hmm?"
"What the hell are we going to wear?"
…
"I can't believe you are going to Eclipse and Edward didn't even have to force you. The guy must have some sort of voodoo."
I roll my eyes, "zip me up?"
Alice walks over to me.
"Bella?" she whispers.
"Yeah?"
"Anthony Cullen is in our kitchen."
I chuckle at her awed tone, "Alice, how many times has Edward been over?"
"I know, I know. You know I'm kidding. It's still crazy though. I used to cut out his sister's pictures from magazines."
I look at her, confused "what the hell?"
"For fashion inspiration Bella, Rosalie Cullen is a Burberry model remember! Imagine if she wore one of my designs." Her eyes glaze over, "it would be epic!"
I smooth my hands over the sparkly purple dress I am wearing. It has thin spaghetti straps, highlights every curve and a deep neckline.
"You look fabulous Bells," Alice comments, tugging at my high ponytail. Her voice sounds wistful.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?"
She sits cross-legged on my bed, picking at the loose thread of her t-shirt. Her black hair is mussed a little, and there are dark bags beneath her eyes. Despite being pregnant, her little body swims in one of Jasper's old baseball jerseys.
I sit next to her, stroking her back "you need to call him Ali. This is driving you mad. It can't be good for the baby."
She doesn't even flinch at the word 'baby' which is progress in itself, "I can't Bella. He will hate me. I have destroyed his future."
"Alice, there are several things wrong with that statement. First, you don't know if he is going to hate you. He loves you Al, I have seen the way he looks at you! And don't you think it would hurt him more if he never knew his own child? Plus, you didn't destroy his future Alice. It takes two to make a baby and sure, you both could've been more responsible – but it's done."
Alice sniffs, "I know…"
"Do you? You gave me good advice about Edward Alice – don't you think you should be applying that to your own relationship?"
"I'm scared, B."
I smile at her, "of course Ali. This is huge. But you have a man who loves you and a network of friends to support you. We'll be with you every step of the way."
A tear runs down her cheek, "I love you – do you know that? And if Edward/Anthony, whatever, ever hurts you – I am going to kill him."
I grin, "Right back at you Ali."
We embrace tightly, "do you want me to stay with you?"
"No! Go! Have fun with your handsome boyfriend. Then we will have night in tomorrow, yeah?"
"Sound good."
A knock on my bedroom door breaks us apart. Edward leans against the doorframe, looking gorgeous in his customary Eclipse black tee, jeans and black boots. He smiles at us affectionately.
"Sorry to break this up," he says apologetically.
Alice giggles, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand "it's okay. You two kids have fun."
I laugh, standing up "think about what I said, yeah?"
"I will," she says meaningfully "but right now I have a date with Klaus."
"Well lets get going then."
Edward holds out his hand to me, to which I take gratefully. The black sandals I am wearing are thick but a little taller than what I am used to.
"You look stunning," Edward tells me, kissing my hand.
"Ugh, you guys are sickening. Go on - get lost, lovebirds."
…
I sat at the bar, watching Edward serving customers.
His pretty smirk drew both girls and many guys like a moth to flame. Every so often, his eyes would make their way back to me at the end of the bar and that confident, cocky look would melt into that soft, loving one that I am so used to.
"Blake! How are you?"
I grin as Emmett settles in front of me, a huge smile on his boyish face.
"I'm good thanks Em! You?"
"Even better now that you are here – Ryan was a fucking mess without you. I was going to go to your apartment and beg for your forgiveness on his behalf."
"I heard," I look down at my hands.
"Hey, it's all in the past now Amal. I am just happy you guys are good again. I don't think I'd be able to believe in love again if you two didn't make it."
I roll my eyes.
"It's the truth" he says honestly, "and also – what's this about you hooking D up with some hottie from College? What about me?"
"How'd you hear about that?" I laugh.
"D came in just now with the smuggest smile I have ever seen, lucky bastard."
"Well I will keep an eye out for some hot blondes for you, Em."
He wipes an imaginary tear away mockingly, "I knew there was a reason I loved you. "
We chat for another five minutes before Emmett is dragged away to serve someone.
I sip on my Jack and Coke, eyes on Edward while he makes a drink for some redhead who will not take her eyes off his ass. She looks hungry, and I am a second away from throwing myself over to the bar to rip her hair out of her head.
"Hey beautiful."
I jerk away from my staring, to look at the guy who sat next to me. His brown hair flops into his eyes and his eyes are extremely dark. He looks young; the only thing that would make me think he is older than me is the thick stubble.
I raise an inquisitive eyebrow, "do I know you?"
"No, but I really want to know you. The name is Randall but you can call me Randy."
I release a loud laugh, wow, this guys thinks he is smooth. How deluded.
"Sorry Randy but I have a boyfriend."
He shrugs, "what he doesn't know, can't hurt him."
At that, a disgusted look twists my face.
"Look-"
"No, but he can hurt you."
Randall's eyes grow comically large "uh-"
"Now, I know despite that fucking pathetic attempt to grow a beard, that you are below age. So step the fuck away from my girlfriend and out of my club, or I'll escort you out myself."
Randall looks like he is about to shit himself as he half runs out of the club. Edward's steely look and tense stance paired with his stern words have a strange effect on my body. Suddenly, all I need is him.
"Edward?"
He immediately deflates "oh shit, I am sorry Bella. I know you could've handled it, but all I could think was… well, you're mine. And that asshole – he can't have you."
His possessive tone should have turned me straight off, but my panties grow impossibly wetter.
"Edward?"
"What?"
I stand up, placing both hands on his shoulders. I drag him to me, caressing his ear with my lips.
"Can you go on break now?"
He breathes sharply through his nose, "I-"
I run my fingers down the centre of his body towards his belt buckle, lingering teasingly.
"Fuck. Let's go."
I hurriedly run to the door labelled 'STAFF'.
"Em! I am taking a break!"
"Dude, you had a break an hour ago!"
"Well then, I am taking tomorrow's break!"
"You son of a bitch."
Edward runs over to me, "office?"
Hell no. I was not having 'the box' incident ever again "alley."
"Jesus Christ Bella."
I pull him through the back exit into the deserted alleyway. The crisp air feels heavenly against my hot skin. I push him against the rough, brick wall and fall to my knees.
"Bella – holy shit."
I get his jeans and boxers down to his ankles in record time. His cock stands at full attention. I lick my right hand, and move it up and down his length at just the right pressure. I hear his curses as his hands meet my hair.
I take his dick into my mouth, swirling my tongue around the head, then down the side.
As I start bobbing up and down, a throaty groan escapes him.
"Bella. Fuck Bella. Just like that – SHIT."
I swallow, his orgasm coming in waves.
"That was fucking incredible," he gasps.
He pulls me off my knees and turns us so that I am the one with my back against the wall.
His trousers and boxers are still pooled around his feet. He picks me up by the thighs – and I slide up the wall with my legs wrapped around his waist. The wall scrapes against my skin but the pain is somehow pleasurable.
Edward's frantic wet kisses along my neck and face feel absolutely amazing.
"This okay?"
"More than" I cry "Please Edward!"
His left hand holds me up against the wall as his right one rips the lacy panties right off my body. They were ruined anyway.
"Fuck, Edward."
"You ready, baby?"
"Please!"
He thrusts upward filling me wholly.
"Harder!"
He drives into me harder and faster, making me scream. The feeling of him inside me, the wall against my skin, his lips sucking my ear are fucking indescribable.
"EDWAAAARD!"
"I'm coming baby!"
"Meee tooooo."
"Shit!"
He comes, and I follow closely behind.
"I fucking love you. Shit."
He sounds so tired but so sated, I dazed smile lights my face.
"I fucking love you too."
"Home?"
I stare at him, "what about work?"
"Emmett owes me a favour, right now all I want is to lie in bed with my girl."
I kiss him with as much passion I can muster: "Let's go home."
A/N: Hello again! Hope you liked this chapter, please let me know what you think! Now – big question. I have a very faint idea of what I want Edward and Bella to dress up as for Rosalie's Halloween bash – but what do you think? Let me know, if you have any ideas! Remember, she will be amongst the highest socialites of New York so nothing outrageously sexy (sadly ;D). Love you all.