Edward

Finally, Bella and I were alone. I didn't think mom or the guys were ever going to leave. Then came the nurses doing their checks, taking more blood, and asking every embarrassing question after another. After they were satisfied I would survive the night, they left.

As the door shut, I sighed. "I didn't think they would ever leave."

"They are only doing their job," she replies from the chair she was sitting in by the bed.

"They really needed to know when my last bowel movement was?" I growled.

"Edward, they are only trying to get you healthy. Now let's change you out of the gown and into pajamas?"

I did want to get out of the gown, but I was worried about using the container for pissing. My hands were better, yet they still shook and I didn't want to piss all over the floor. "Yeah. However, just the pants and shirt."

Bella's eyebrows rose and her cheeks flushed. "No underwear?"

"It will be easier for me to go to the bathroom until I get stronger," I confess.

"Alright, let me get those for you," she said. A moment later, she was holding a pair of sleep pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. How did she know I was cold? She placed them on the bed. "How can I help you get them on?"

I looked at the pants and then at the gown, knowing I was naked underneath it. I didn't want her to see my dick like this. "Can you help me get my legs over the bed and slip the pants up to my knees? Then, if you will help me stand, I will be able to pull them up the rest of the way."

"I can pull them up all the way," she said.

Reaching out, I brushed her still-flushed cheek. "I know you can, but allow me to be the gentleman at this moment."

"Okay," she sighed, closing her eyes and leaning into my touch. I loved the feel of her skin and the warmth radiating from her. Her eyes fluttered open and she gave me a smile that reached all the way to her eyes.

She pulled the blanket back and helped me pull my legs over the side of the bed. Picking up the pants, she slid them over my feet and up to my knees. She stood in front of me, placed my hands on her shoulders, and slid off the bed. My feet landed on a cold tile floor and I frowned. "Why couldn't there be a nice rug?"

"Because it is a hospital, not the Plaza," she said with a raised eyebrow.

My legs shook as I stood. Damn, I couldn't believe how weak I was. I grasped the band of the pants and pulled them up my legs before collapsing back on the bed. "Damn, I'm like a new baby colt."

Putting her hands on her hips and narrowing her eyes, she said, "Well, that is what happens when you don't eat for three weeks. Damn it, Edward, I can't believe a man as smart as you would do something so stupid."

Hanging my head, I knew she was right. It was stupid of me not to take care of myself. However, a world without her by my side was something I couldn't take. "I'm sorry."

She wrapped her arms around me and placed a kiss on top of my head. "Don't do it again. I want to grow old with you."

My head shot up and I looked into her warm, amber eyes. "Oh, Bella, I want that more than I can ever say."

"Good. Now let's get this t-shirt on," she said as she reached behind me and untied the gown. She slipped it off, and a small gasp left her lips.

"I'll get better," I croak.

Shaking her head, she picks up the t-shirt and helps me put it on. "Do you need anything else?" she asks.

"A pair of socks."

She quickly gets a pair and puts them on. "Do you want me to get your toothbrush, or do you think you can make it to the bathroom?"

I take in the distance to the bathroom and know there is no way I can walk there, but there is a wheelchair the nurse brought in for me to use. It would be nice to brush my teeth and I needed to use the bathroom. "Can you help me into the chair and push me into the bathroom?"

"Of course," she says.

Thirty minutes later, I am back in bed, totally exhausted. I was able to brush my teeth and piss in the container without getting it all over me or the floor. Afraid I might cut my throat and bleed to death, I allowed Bella to shave me. I never knew getting a shave could be so sexually stimulating. The view of her full breasts as she leaned in as she carefully run the razor across my jaw caused my heart to race and my cock to swell. Images of her naked on my bed as I sucked her hard nipples until I made her come flooded my mind. She said she was still a virgin and I couldn't wait until I could make her mine. Only mine, forever. Thoughts of being with her fueled my reserve to get healthy as soon as possible.

After she helped me back into bed, she collected her night clothes and went into the bathroom. A few minutes later, the shower started. I wanted nothing more than to get up and join her, yet I fucked up. What the fuck was I thinking? Even if she was with Thomas, I should have fought for her. The connection we had was something that couldn't be ignored. However, I let my self-doubt get the best of me. I could take down the most powerful business without a blink of an eye, but I lost all confidence when it came to her.

The bathroom door opened and I gasped. She wore a pair of leggings and a loose-fitting t-shirt with the Guns N' Roses logo. Her heavy breast and perky nipples were outlined since she wasn't wearing a bra. I had to grasp the blanket to prevent myself from reaching out. I watched as she put her dirty clothes in a bag by the dresser. Opening the bottom drawer, she took out a blanket and pillow. She walked over to the chair and laid it back. It was a recliner that people used to sleep on when their loved ones were in the hospital. But she didn't need to sleep there. I needed her beside me.

"Bella, what are you doing?" I asked.

"Making a bed," she answered.

"The bed is big enough for both of us."

She looked at the bed and then back to the chair as she bit her bottom lip. "I can sleep on the chair."

I pulled back the covers and patted the mattress. "Please sleep beside me. I need to know you are still here because I don't think I can sleep without you. Knowing you are here will keep the nightmares at bay."

Without delay, she crawled into bed and laid down facing me. Her eyes glistened as she placed her hand over my heart. "I am truly here and will never leave unless you tell me to."

"I will never ask you to leave. We will be together and nothing or no one will come between us ever again. I'm so sorry it had to be in a hospital where I confessed my feelings for you. I should have told you sooner and somewhere special so we could tell our children the story with pride."

"Children?" She asked.

I reached out and cupped her face. Looking into her eyes, I sighed. "I want it all. I want to be your husband, the father to your children as many as you want, and a partner at work. A mind as special as yours needs to be allowed to bring to life new business avenues. I see a future of us taking on the world. A power couple of which everyone would be envious. We will hire the best nannies and set up places in the office so we can be close to them throughout the day. However, if you want to stay home, you will never have to work another day."

When I finish, I see tears running down her cheeks. Had I gone too far? Did she not want children or to get married? "Bella, if you don't..." But before I can finish, she throws her arms around my neck, nuzzling and kissing behind my ear.

"I want it all," she muttered in my ear. Her warm breath lit up every nerve in my body.

I drank in her warmth and the sweet aroma, which was Bella. It was the fragrant Magnolia flower. I wondered if she tasted as good as she smelled.

She pulled away quickly, putting distance between us. "Shit, sorry about grabbing you. Did I hurt you?" She asked concern painted all over her face as she searched my features.

I laid down and pulled her, so I tucked her against me. This was where she belonged. "You didn't hurt me, my love," I say, gently rubbing my hand across the soft skin on her arm. She closes her eyes and sighs. A faint smile forms as she breathes deeply. The contentment was so evident because it was the same for me. This was where we were meant to be. We were made for each other. It didn't matter that she was my employee. Hell, I was the damn owner and if I wanted to spend my life with her, no one would tell me it was against some stupid rule. I make the damn rules.

She opens her eyes and the amber color has turned into a warm caramel. I couldn't wait to see this color every morning when we awoke and see them just as she closed them at night. "This can't be real," she says.

"Oh, my love, it is very real."

"You really want to marry me?" she asks, nibbling her lower lip.

"Yes. When I get out of here, be prepared for an over-the-top proposal," I say with a wink.

"I don't need an over-the-top proposal. I need you to ask me," she confessed. The serenity on her face was evident.

I was one lucky bastard to have the love of this selfless woman. Unfortunately, there would be a lot of people who wouldn't believe we married for love. With our age difference and the fact that I was extremely wealthy, people would think she only married me for my money. I wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her. I hurt her enough by not admitting my true feelings and overreacting to the news she was a virgin. It was a shock to think no one had experienced the pleasure of being inside her hot wet pussy. She misread my surprise as disgust, which led to her Thomas. "Okay, but you can't throw a fit over the ring."

"Edward," she growled. "I don't need a massive ring."

"Too bad, so sad," I laughed.

"Just because you have enough money to buy an expensive ring, it doesn't mean you should," she said, her jaw tight.

God, she was even more beautiful when she was mad. I already knew the ring I would be giving her, and it was beyond stunning. It also wouldn't cost me one red dime. My grandmother on my mother's side willed me her engagement ring. It was a replica of Grace Kelley's ring. It is a 12-carat emerald-cut diamond with two baguettes on either side, set in an art déco setting. I know how much she loves the art déco design and the ring will be perfect on her finger.

"Why don't we get some rest? Tomorrow I want to strive to put on weight so we can get out of here and back to our apartment."

Her eyes grow large. "Ours?"

"Yes, ours. I don't want to waste another minute without you," I proclaim. I lean forward and place a soft kiss on her full lips. As much as I would love to deepen the kiss, I know I don't have the energy to ensure she is completely satisfied. I also didn't want our first time together to be in a hospital bed.

"But Edward, I just moved into my apartment," she said. "And what will people say?"

"I don't give a flying fuck what people say. I love you and you love me. We can't allow others to dictate our happiness. Now close your eyes, my love, and have sweet dreams of our future together."

"Okay, but we are not finished with this conversation." She rolled over to her side and I placed my arm over her waist, pulling her close. This was the first time I had ever cuddled with a woman. Damn, she felt so good nestled up against me. I don't care what kind of argument she brings up. There would be no way I could ever sleep without her ever again.