Carlisle had stayed the night, his hand never attempting to move from Bella's grasp. Every once in a while he could hear her moan in her sleep, or a small sob would escape from her lips, her dreams reminding her of the pain she was in. Sleep brought no relief for her, it only seemed to dull what she felt, but somewhere deep down inside she took comfort in the fact that Carlisle was there, keeping watch over her.

When she awoke her eyes met his and a silent understanding passed between their eyes. They had both given their hearts to someone they had trusted and they both had been deceived in their affections. Carlisle was a bit further in his healing, having had a few months to digest what had happened to him, but Bella was just in the beginning.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X

"It has been three weeks Bella! Get your butt up and move or I am sending you to Florida with your mother!" Charlie bellowed at her, his face turning from pink to red with a few seconds.

"What?" she asked innocently, knowing full well what he was referring too. She had barely moved from her perch on the couch, her eyes only staring out the windows, searching the faces of the people who passed in cars and on the sidewalk. She didn't understand how their faces could be filled with such liveliness while she felt so horrible. Somehow she was not surprised at what had happened with Edward, but it hurt nonetheless.

"The Newton's called. They said they could not hold the position for you anymore, you calling in so often. They had to let you go." Bella could hear the disappointment in his voice. Great. Just what I needed. She was disappointed to, but for other reasons, this would just free up more time for her to think about him.

"Bella, he is not coming back."

"Don't you think I know that!" she practically yelled. "I know he isn't coming back, he made it perfectly clear the day he left that he didn't want anything else to do with me!" She could feel her eyes begin to fill with tears and her cheeks became hot.

"No, no, no…" Charlie quickly rushed to her side, trying to avoid anything that may bring on a bout of sobbing; he didn't like tears, especially when he knew that he could not do anything to take her pain away. "Baby girl, maybe you need to get away. This place, it reminds you too much of Edward."

Bella could feel herself flinch inwardly at the sound of his name. "I don't want to go. All of my friends are here."

"You have barely spoken to them in the last few weeks. Avoiding them will not help the situation."

She knew he was right. When she was not on the couch, she was in her room. When she would lie in her bed she could almost feel his cool arms wrapped around her, she could smell the musky scent that wafted off of his diamond skin, and her lips longed to form themselves around his. There were just too many memories there. She knew that she needed to move on; wishing for him to return was only making her more depressed. And even if he did come back what would she do? The things he had said to her had cut her deep. Even if an apology followed his return, would she ever be able to trust him again? She wasn't sure, her pained heart almost always winning out against her logic.

"Maybe I'll go visit Alice today. She has not been by in a few days."

"Bella, I really think you need to get away. Some place new, some place where you can clear your head."

Bella narrowed here eyes suspiciously. Why did he keep pushing the issue? Something was going on. "Where would you have me go, dad, besides to Renee?"

Right then Alice came bounding into the living room from the kitchen. Her face was alight with excitement and her smile reached from ear to ear.

"Charlie and I have talked it over and you are coming with our family on vacation. Carlisle owns an island near Rio, and we are going to spend the winter there!" Her body bounced up and down as she spoke and Bella found her enthusiasm contagious, suddenly excited at the thought of getting out of Forks.

"Seriously?! When do we leave?" Bella couldn't wait! This would be just what she needed!

"You don't have to bring anything besides a passport. I had fun doing all the clothes shopping for you. I didn't think that you would want to be in those boring stores. You are all packed. We leave in an hour." Alice must have seen that Bella would put up a fight if she knew about this ahead of time; the ambush worked better than Charlie could have hoped for.

"Wow, must be nice to own an island," Charlie whistled. "Just behave yourself, young lady."

"Oh, Alice…dad…thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me, it was Carlisle's idea."

X-X-X-X-X-X-X

In just a few short hours Bella found herself at the airport in Port Angeles, practically bouncing up and down with anticipation. The Cullen's had rented a small private plane to take them halfway. Bella stared in wonder at the luxurious interior; it was more lavish than she realized an airplane could be. Jasper and Alice were coming with them right now while Emmett and Rose stayed behind for a few weeks for some much needed alone time.

When Bella saw Carlisle her mouth split open into a huge grin and she couldn't stop herself from throwing her arms around him. It bothered him just a bit and not because it was unwelcomed, but because of a growing concern he had. The night he had stayed with her, holding her hand for comfort, he had studied her face all night. When the blotchiness subsided and her face had softened from the relief of sleep, she really was a beautiful woman. Edward was cruel fro hurting her the way he did, and the more Carlisle though about it, the more protective he felt towards Bella. Once he had tried to pull his hand away from her, afraid she would be to cold, but her grip tightened instantly and she moaned his name, not Edward's name, but his name, while she slept.

He had not been able to get that moan out of his head, it echoed in his thoughts and troubled him. Maybe he was just craving the love of another woman, Esme had just left a few months ago and the pain was numbing. He didn't think he was ready to move on, not yet. But the idea that he had even thought of Bella that way, even for a split second, was unnerving to him.

"Bella, we are so glad you decided to come. I thought we could all use some vacation time." He beamed down at her, not letting his unease ruin her happiness.

"Thank you so much for asking me to come," she gave him one last firm hug before releasing him.

Why, oh, why did she have to smile at me like that? He had only gone over to check on her two more times after the forest and both times she had lit up like he was the best thing in her life, no, he didn't want her to think of him like that… especially not as a rebound.

The flight to Huston was uneventful and they made their first class connection to Rio without any problems. Alice and Jasper kept Bella busy with, in hushed voices to not disturb the other passengers, colorful stories about their pasts. Bella finally fell asleep halfway there before Alice turned to Carlisle.

"Carlisle, I am seeing some strange things," her voice was sharp and matter-of-fact, her eyebrows raised.

Damn he and her visions! "What exactly are you seeing?" he asked dully.

"Nothing definite, there are a few different futures. I just want you to be careful with everything," she looked at him with sad eyes, he hated when people showed him pity, especially when it was his children. He was supposed to be their father, their rock, and things seemed to have turned around when his world crumbled.

"I don't know what you are referring too." He knew it involved Bella and his rational side was not about to be thrown over by some silly attraction to a young woman.

Alice just rolled her eyes and turned back to Jasper, their fingers entwined, their bodies leaned naturally towards each other, with the happiness of being with their soul mate. It irked Carlisle, the fact that someone else could be so happy when that joy was denied to him. He closed his, pretending to sleep, while his thoughts went, unwillingly to the woman sitting close to him, her thudding heart strumming along at a steady sleepy pace.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X

The island was more beautiful then Bella could have hoped for. Beautiful flowers and evergreen stubs coated the island floor, green trees that she had never seen before cast cooling shadows around her. The air was thick and sweet, almost intoxicating, and birds chirped and squawked in the tree tops. It was paradise. They had to use a speed boat to get to the island and Bella let the calming sounds of the waves work their magic in her mind, erasing all the stress she had felt before.

"Well, Bella," Jasper said in his velvet drawl. "Welcome to Isle…er, umm." He stopped short and Carlisle hissed behind him before daring into the huge house before them.

"What is it?" She was confused; he had never heard him react like that before.

Alice wrapped a stone arm around Bella and pulled her along the path, Japer trailing behind with the huge suitcases. "This is Isle Esme. Carlisle bought it for her a few years ago as a present… but she never once came here. Ungrateful wench!"

Wow, no wonder he acted the way he did. Her hear ached for him. Giving something like an island was a grand gesture, and Esme had practically thrown it back in his face. The man did not deserve that, he was kind and caring and warranted better than that. He needed better than Esme. "Maybe I should talk to him." she suggested. Who could understand him better right now? Suddenly they heard glass breaking from nearby.

"If you think it would help. He is in the last bedroom up the stairs." She pointed up to the second floor. "I'll be putting your stuff in your room; you are on the first floor. Heaven forbid you have to go up and down the stairs on a regular basis! And you don't know what I bough you anyways." Alice was trying to distract Bella; she knew what kind of mood Carlisle was in, it was better to avoid him right now.

The house was gorgeous, light and airy, with windows taking up most of the outer walls, letting in the views of the ocean. Bella made her way up the wooden stairs, trying to keep her feet from falling heavy on the floor; it would seem out of place in this peaceful oasis.

The last door on the left was open and glass littered the floor. Bella saw a wood picture frame, that contained a photo of Esme, splintered on the floor. Carlisle was staring intently out of a large picture window, his forehead resting against his arm on the glass, his eyes concentrating on the water. He had been so intent in his thoughts of the woman who had betrayed him that he didn't notice the petite frame sneak up behind him.

Her fingertips had barely grazed his elbow when his startled instincts took over. He whipped around, grabbing Bella by her shoulders, shoving her roughly into the wall, pinning her so she couldn't move. His face was only inched from her and his eyes were black with anger. Fear coursed through her blood, he was dangerous in this moment, she couldn't deny that, but she was surprised that her stomach fluttered at his nearness, and her heart sped up, as his cool body pressed against hers.

"Carlisle…" she was breathless from the swiftness of the attack. "Are you alright?"

His livid face took on the sudden recognition of what was happening, his eyes returning to their honey color. He released her, pushing back, glass crunching under his feet. "What is it Mrs. Swan?" he spat at her, still angry because of the memory of Esme and also because he couldn't control himself, his instincts.

"I just came to see if you were alright. I was concerned." She was definitely affronted by his tone.

"Your concern is not necessary. Nor is it wanted." He didn't want anyone to pity him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a mess to clean up." His voice was sharp and left no room for discussion. Bella turned on her heels and stomped out.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X

"He didn't mean it!" the pixie sighed loudly as Bella entered what Alice had designated as her room. A large four post bed sat in the middle of a cream colored room with bamboo flooring, pale and serene. A canopy fell around the bed and gauzy curtains covered the windows. Alice had unloaded Bella's new clothing into the closet already and she had lazed comfortably on a chaise lounge in the corner of the room. Jasper had gone to prepare their room, leaving the girls alone.

"I know," Of course she had heard everything! Bella's thought went instantly to the way she reacted. Yes he was devilishly handsome, but he was Carlisle, Alice's adopted father! She liked the way his hard body had pressed into her, she could feel the massive power behind his muscles, and his face had been so close; close enough to kiss. No! She didn't know why she suddenly had those thoughts, she had never entertained the idea before, it was morally wrong! Alice's father!

"He has just been a bit snappy lately. That is why we wanted to get away! This will be great, I can see it! You will have a very memorable experience here. Come on, there is a waterfall I want to show you. It's a great place to swim and you need to relax." Alice jumped up and pulled her into the huge walk-in closet, filled with clothing and shoes. Before Bella could protest Alice had found a skimpy blue bikini and tossed it into her arms. It was almost always useless to argue with the tiny woman and Bella undressed quickly and found a towel to wrap around herself as she made her way, in practically nothing, to here Alice was waiting, in the living room, in a bright red bikini. Alice was not embarrassed about her body, and for good reason, she looked like a porcelain goddess in swimwear, and it made Bella's ego take a hit.

Alice scooped Bella up in her store arms and raced out of the house. The trees flew by and all Bella could see was a blur colors, but the ride only lasted for a few minutes before Alice found the lagoon. The water was so clear that they could see all the way to the bottom. Alice didn't stop after she set Bella down; she took a flying leap and dove gracefully into the crystal water.

Bella followed her example; the water was warm and refreshing, washing the salty spray from her skin. Soon the girls were engaged in water play, splashing and diving. It really was what Bella needed. Bella didn't notice as a set of feet drew a body closer to observe the girls, and if Alice noticed, she didn't say anything or let it bother her.

Carlisle had taken off into the forest after swiftly cleaning the glass up. He threw the frame and the picture in the garbage, muttering under his breath the entire time. He didn't like the reaction that Bella had to him. He could smell the adrenaline in her blood, the fear. He felt horrid about it; he didn't want her to be scared of him. On the other hand he could hear her heart accelerate and he saw something cross her face, and it had looked like desire. He smirked a little at the thought as he traveled through the lush greenery. The vampire in him wanted her to desire him, it bolstered his ego, and his lips tingled at the thought of tasting her skin under this tongue.

No! It was Bella! He looked at her as a daughter! Yes, a daughter! He tried to convince himself. Then he heard the delighted squeals of females. His curiosity got the better of him and he headed off to see what they were doing. The sight before him stopped him short; there was Bella, drenched in water, splashing with Alice. He could have cared less that Alice was there, he couldn't take his eyes off of the chocolate haired woman before him. The bikini did nothing to hide her round breasts, her smooth stomach, or her plump buttocks. And why did she have to pick blue! The color looked wonderful against her alabaster skin. Alice must have done this! But the thought didn't stop him from watching the nubile beauty.

The water sparkled on her skin, streaming down her, the warmth of it intensifying her smell. She had always smelled good to all of them, but now the scent made a distinct warmth grow in his abdomen, his pants tightening and his member begging for release. He began to growl; his animal side needing to be satisfied and slowly turned into a purr, to low for Bella to hear.

He had visions of diving in to the water with them, and somehow Alice would make an excuse to leave, then he could splash and play with her, getting closer and closer. Then he would make his move and she would welcome it; his hard body would lean into her, his member pushing against her thighs while his hands found her mounds, slipping beneath the barely there fabric….

NO! It was Bella! He shook his blond hair, trying to dislodge the wicked thoughts. His son had just broken up with her, she was in a very vulnerable state, and this was not any time to be thinking about her like that. Before he could anything that he would regret he took off in the opposite direction, flying as fast as he could away from the temptation.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X

The day passed quickly into night, Jasper and Alice had one priority; keeping Bella entertained. Andy it worked, she had not thought of Edward once that day. Carlisle kept his distance, his eyes glancing at Bella when she was not looking his way. She didn't try to talk to him again; she assumed he was still upset from earlier. They had cooked her a delicious Italian dinner and she ate until she felt like her belly would explode. Her eyelids began to droop over the meal and she had excuse herself and retired to her room. She dropped onto her bed, barely having time to strip to her underwear, before sleep dragged her into darkness.

Carlisle escaped before Alice could corner him. He knew she would ask him about the waterfall; she wasn't that oblivious to him, she had heard his purring, he had seen it in her tight expression before he darted away. His bare feet enjoyed the water as it lapped over them, but it only reminded him of Bella and the water dripping from her skin. Certainly what he felt for her was only lust, he did care for her, but this seemed to be mainly physical.

She was beautiful, her russet hair looked even darker against her pale skin, her brown orbs were wide and trusting, her pink lips were desirable, and practically begged to be kissed. The vampire in him cried out for her body. No! Her body was soft and curved in all the right ways… Stop! His nature tore at the edges of his sanity… ripping away at the walls he had built up. He wanted to see her wriggle in pleasure under him… calling out his name. The beast wrestled his logic… his human mind slowly slipped away… clouded with his vampire instinct. He had no control. He could feel his mind, his conscious screaming at him, but his body would not listen.

He took off in search of his prey. His feet had him flying to the house, knowing that she was lying in the bed, she would not say no… the animal was sure of it. He found her quickly, her breathing slow and soft; she was asleep. He crawled onto the bed, careful not to jostle her body. His mouth found her jaw and softly nipped at it, the taste of her skin was like sugar on his taste buds.

She moaned and rolled her head back, so lost to the world of dreams that she believed that this was one of her lovely imaginings. His mouth found hers and tickled eagerly at her until she parted her lips, giving him full access to her, demanding more. She pushed back with her tongue just as eagerly. Her body enjoying the attentions of the cool shadowy man didn't flinch as his hands found her breasts and began palming them, her back arching. She began breathing heavily, her hands snaked up around his neck and trailed down his powerful shoulders, amazed at the hardness and the smooth feel of the sinew beneath her fingers.

No, No, No! His mind screamed as his hand slipped beneath her panties, already moist with anticipation. He could smell her arousal, her heat, and he slid a cool finger into her slit, searching impatiently for her core. She groaned as his cool fingers found their way into the slick entrance. She moaned, her hips grinding upwards, asking, begging for more.

His instincts had had enough; they slipped her panties down and tossed them to the ground. He quickly positioned himself between her legs, his mouth sucking gently at her neck, and entered her with one swift thrust. His mind cried out in horror as he encountered resistance. Oh, God no! She's a virgin! His vampire side hissed in satisfaction and she grunted in a bit of pain, getting use to his size. Her hands traced down to his powerful hips and tried to pull him deeper when she was ready. He moved in and out, faster and faster. His growls came with every thrust until it sounded like one long vibrating hum.

Her legs wrapped around him and she whimpered until she was mewing along with him. "Please… please… please…" her voice pled as her body shook under her. Her release was coming and he could feel her muscles throbbing and pulsing around his member. He feel and smell the sweet and salty liquid spilling over his thighs as she rode the waves of her orgasm, her legs shaking against his thighs.

God no! His human self fought against his instincts and suddenly won. His eyes cleared and he could clearly see the young beauty bucking beneath him, but he could not stop himself, he needed to complete the sacred act of intimacy that he had been denied for so long. Please don't let her wake! Her hot channel seared around him as he felt his release, his head rolled back, his teeth bighting sharply into his lips, stifling a growl. He let out an audible groan as his shaft was milked for a second time, spilling into her warmth.

Her skin was glowing and flushed and a satisfied smile played across her lips, her dream man having satisfied her so well, she wished the dream would have continued on longer. He stayed inside of her until his euphoric high wore off and then darted out of the house, shame finally claiming him.

Oh No! What will happen next? Will Bella find out? What will Carlisle do? Please Review!