Chapter Eight!

EPOV

Bella loved me? My head was spinning so fast and it was like it wasn't ever going to stop. I had to sit down just so that I could concentrate. What did she mean it didn't matter? Of course it mattered! She almost said she loved me for fuck sake! I sighed in frustration and slammed both hands open-palmed on the desk. That woman was going to make me go after her. Again. Jeez, she was lucky I loved her. WOAH! Backtrack for a second!

I stopped in the middle of the room as I realized what content my last thought had. I loved her? I frowned as I thought and then it came to me. I didn't have to think hard. Of course I loved her. Despite the short time I'd known the woman, I'd come to love her, I'm sure I probably loved her on the first day I saw her even. Hell. I exhaled heavily at the recent realization and began running. Running hard. I had to find her. I couldn't let this go, for the subject to be untouched for weeks. I wouldn't let it.

I ran throughout the empty hallways, skidding around a corner when I saw her. There she was, standing in front of some lockers, with a frown on her face, her beautiful face, as she texted on her phone, to who I presumed was a friend to pick her up. I clenched my jaw hard as I thought of Jacob having to come pick her up. To my surprise my fists had also balled up and I gasped at the involuntary reaction, wincing as I relaxed my hands. Wow, I had some problems with that boy. And I didn't know why.

Shaking my head, I frowned at the sight only a bit away from me in the hollow corridor. A tear. Rolled down Bella's cheek. What-why was she crying? It wasn't because of me, was it? Oh God, please say it had nothing to do with me. I took a step back around the corner, not wanting to attract attention. As much as I hated to see my girl -my girl? Oh well- cry, I despreatly wanted to see if she would break down-sick I know- or if she would take it out on the world, shouting? I'd never seen my girl emotional like this and I wanted to know more about her. Weird, I get it.

"Why did I say it? Nearly said it. I can't say it. Not allowed to say it. I knew he'd freak out, I'm so fucked! He'll never love me now, it was too soon and now .. the best I'm likely to get will be that damned Mike Newton! I shouldn't have said it!"

At first Bella was only mumbling to herself, making herself almost inaudible but then as she carried on, her voice had become shakier and the volume of her words had gone up a few octaves to the point where she was screaming. I winced at my girl as she began sobbing, leaning onto the lockers behind her for support. I had to save her. And Mike Newton, really? My girl was too good for Mike Newton!

"Bella!" I shouted as I ran up to her. I was gonna save my girl and she'd be loved and no-one was gonna take that right away from me. I wasn't surprised to see that her face conveyed of nothing but shock, surprise and mild embarrassment at the possibility of me seeing her outburst.

"Edward, what the hell? I told you it didn't matter, so just leave it, Alice is on her way to pick me up, so just leave it please?" Her eyes pleaded with mine before a very obvious factor to the both of us suddenly came to her. "Wait, did you- were you listening to me just the- OHMYGOD!"

Apparently my face gave me up and I'm a crap liar. Which helps. Not. Bella's eyes had suddenly widened to an alarming rate and a hand had flew to her mouth before swiftly swiping against my left cheek. Ouch.

I winced as I held my reddened cheek with my right hand, slowly removing it after a few, long seconds. I had no idea what my face was projecting but Bella's was genuine surprise and shock at her actions. You better be regretting that, Swan, coz you're too beautiful for punishments...or are you? I smirked internally at my dirty thought, hoping it wasn't showing on my face. Too late.

"Edward Anthony Masen! What were you even thinki- you know what? I really don't wanna know!" Bella shook her head, covering her face with both hands, of course, trying to change the course of the conversation but I wasn't stupid. I hoped.

"No, Bella," I took both her hands away from her face and held them with mine as I looked straight into her eyes, which I knew made her umcomfortable and self-conscience but she had to hear what I was saying. "I'm not going to let it go. You were gonna say it but you stopped yourself, you know it, I know it, we both know it. What I don't know is why. I want to know why you stopped yourself from telling me that you love me."

Evidently giving up, Bella sighed despreatly. Tell me, my thoughts urged her, cursing the fact that I couldn't read what was going through the mind of hers. Finally after minutes of silent suspense, she lashed her anger on me.

"Because! I knew it'd be awkward coz I love you but you don't feel the same plus it's too soon anyway, and we both know it! I'd look like the idiot, and do I want that? I don't think so! I just, I-" I cut Bella off as I placed a finger on her sweet lips then replaced it with my mouth, my lips crashing to hers urgently. She needed to know I cared. And I did.

Bella moaned into my mouth, making my dick twitch. Oh God.

"I love you, why wouldn't you think that?" I murmered against her lips as I ran my fingers through her chocolate brown locks. Bella gasped in shock, and realizing her stillness when I opened my eyes, her shocked and widened eyes looked back at me.

"Y-you do? But, I've seen the way you looked at Tanya Denali in class today and stuff, so how could you? I mean, I'm just another student for you, huh? And um, I like you too much for that to come between us despite the fact that it gets to me so much.." She trailed off lamely and I stared at her open-mouthed. How could she think that? How?

"Bella," I started, licking my lips awkwardly, stroking her cheeks with my thumbs as I looked at her, trying to find the right words. OK, how do I do this? Can I admit everything to her..? Yes, I have to. "OK, well, forgive me if it sounds crazy, which it probably does, but I love you. I probably loved you from that first day, I dunno, but it sure felt like it. Even after that excruciating week when you painfully ignored me, I think I loved you even more." I murmur the last part as I look at Bella's surprised face at the revelation.

"No, Edward. It was perfect." Bella whispered and I couldn't help but flash her a quick crooked smile, which I knew for a fact that she loved. Her eyes lit up as she grasped fully what I had said.

I barely had time to let out a sigh of relief before she attacked me with her mouth and instinctively, I pressed her body as close to mine as I could. Her body was a perfect fit to mine, I noticed once again and I relished at the thought.

Bella gasped at my urgency in my kisses to her and jumped up, wrapping her legs around my waist, crushing her breasts to my chest as she grabbed both sides of my neck with both hands. I slipped my tongue slowly into her mouth and squeezed her ass tightly as she moaned, causing her to thrust against me involuntarily. Man, did it feel good, yet sexily wrong at the same time.

My bliss with Bella was soon shortlived however when we both heard a shrill voice, which obviously made us tense up. Shit, who the fu-?

"Isabella Marie Swan! You text me to come pick you up coz you said something awkward to hot-pants over there, then when I finally get here, no thanks to the fucking horr-i-fic(!) blooody traffic, you're sexing it up with said hot-pants teacher slash boyfriend. Jeez! You so confuse me! And it takes alot to confuse me, considering I am the one usually confusing other people!"

Alice. I sigh, relieved, and lean my head down onto Bella's shoulder, in the crook of her neck. Why, oh why, didn't the traffic become worse? Then again, if she didn't come then god knows what would've happened. I smirk internally at the thought. Bella against the lockers, naked and sweaty as I plunge deep into her... Me gripping the edge of my desk as Bella takes me in her mouth... OK, Masen, slow down! I shake my head against Bella's body, trying to get rid of the thoughts before lil Eddie wakes up.

Sighing, a huffing and puffing Alice soon dragged Bella away and I waved a couple of fingers at Alice with a goofy smile as they walked away making Bella giggle as Alice mock smiles at me. Well, she's a happy little trouper when she's held back. I smirk and head back to my classroom after adjusting myself.

As I reach my classroom, I freeze as I notice the note on my door. Crap.

Eddie. I know your secret Muaahahha... No. Seriously, we need to talk. Been too long, baby ;).. Anywhoo... Alistair's at 6 tonittee ! Xxxx

Lots and lots of love, Irina ;)

Irina. I cringe as I notice the perfect scrawl of her signature. I hadn't seen the pretty blonde since the...the incident...five years ago. I shivered at the memories and images that came with that thought. Blood...knives...guns...death... I shake my head, trying to come back to the present. What would she wanna know? What is there to say? I didn't know, but what I did know was that I had to do this without alerting Bella. She couldn't know. It was essential that she didn't find out. I'd had so many people walk out on me because of what I did back then, I can't handle her leaving me too. If I could I'd make her stay, but deep in my heart I didn't have the guts to, Bella was a no-nonsense girl, that's why I loved her.

My previous thought bring me back to this afternoon's events. Did I love Bella? Maybe I was just saying it so she would calm down. Bella was attractive and funny, no doubt, perfect girlfriend but could I honestly say that I loved her? I mean, it had been only a few months yet 'I-love-you's? I don't know. Why did she say it then? Something Bella said last month came to my mind:

"I don't want to be on my own, and I fall too easily. Why do you think that I like you so much? Fuck... Um. I just don't want to be hurt but yet I want to have someone there for me. You'll be there, right?"

Her eyes had been so scared and she was so beautiful I couldn't say no, and that night was one of the best nights in my life. She was my life. I may not love her. Yet. But she was my life now. It's just too early, that's all. Yeah.

I nodded in approval and once again, came back to the present. I snatched the note off my door as I grabbed my bag, locking the door and headed to my car. If I hurried and the traffic wasn't bad, I'd be able to get to mine, drop off my stuff and still have time to meet Irina.

Pleased with my plan, I hit my foot against the gas pedal and within 10 minutes, I was already at my appartment complex. I headed into the building quickly then after changing my mind from the elevator, I run up the stairs. I didn't even know why I was so eager, but I needed to know what she knew.

When I reached my floor, I slowed down dramatically, barely moving as I reached Number 28. Home. I unlocked my door and step inside, dropping my bag at the entrance as I close the wooden door behind me. I thought I heard someone's steps but dismissed the thought with a shake of my head. How could someone be here? It was stupid. I didn't know why I was being so paranoid but with hearing from Irina again it was no wonder.

I glanced at myself in the mirror on the wall then frowned. Who cared what I looked like? It was Irina. Not Bella. No way could she be even close to Bella.

I wiped the frown off my face and walk to my bedroom only to be blown away by the sight in front of me. Oh my God. I couldn't believe my eyes because there lying on my bed, reading a compact version of the Bible was Irina. Irina.

"Irina, what the hell?" I had gotten past my shock and surprise and had moved quickly onto disbelief and mild anger.

"Oh, Eddie! There you are! Took your time, didn't ya? What were you doing, fucking one of your students? And damn! Have you read this crap? Hell, can you imagine me as some frickin' Christian bitch? Lmao! Worshipping Jesus and such? Don't think so! But hell, with a look like that, I'm ready to worship you right now baby!" Irina winked her twinkling left blue eye and burst into a fit of giggles before chucking the bible onto the floor.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the blush that had began creeping onto my cheeks at the mention of fucking one of my students. Damn if only you knew. Wait, what if she did? Nah, she couldn't...Then again she did get into my appartment after finding me and knew what I was doing for a job now. Speaking of...

"How the hell did you find me, Irina? I thought you were in London or whatever trying out modelling..." I raised my eyebrows at Irina's briefly confused face before her expression turned to a knowing and smug one. I sighed and shook my head at her. Only she would have forever changing moods. It was just so Irina and I couldn't say it was a trait that I missed either.

"What, you didn't miss me?" Irina mock pouted and laughed at my expression of unamusement. I gritted my teeth, letting her know I wasn't up for games. Rolling her eyes, Irina smiled sweetly as she sat up, crossing one leg over the other. "Now, now. You know why I'm here. OK, by the look on your troubled, sexy face maybe you're a tad confused. But we'll sort that out in due time child." She giggled again before continuing. "So, I quit that modelling crap coz they were telling me I should start sniffing drugs, right? Not my scene at all, maybe Kate's but not mine. I mean, have you seen her teeth?" Irina shook her head, rolling her eyes as I smirked at the mention of Irina's hooker/drugs mule sister. Ah, Kate, the centre of our jokes.

"Very funny. Barely thought about you." I smiled mockingly sweet and continued. "Don't play games, Irina. Yeah, her teeth are horrible, but back to my previous question, sweetheart. Why. Are. You. Here?" I sighed heavily, gripping the bridge of my nose with my forefinger and thumb.

I stared at Irina for a long moment as I removed both fingers from my nose and tucked both hands into my pockets before I did something I shouldn't, like strangle her or something. Irina rolled her eyes.

"You killed him."

I froze as I locked my eyes with hers yet again.

"What?" I whispered. How could she know? She couldn't...

"I know. Edward. He..you killed Carlisle. You know you did. I was there, well, I heard screams and fighting, so I ran there and got scared so I hid. And you did it. Shot him and then stabbed him. About a million times! And then...kicked him. Hard. You killed your dad, Edward." Irina's eyes had now began to glisten with tears and I gulped hard. She wasn't wrong. And I could see it in her eyes. She expected me to break down, cry, or whatever. Like a normal person. But was I a normal person, and was that my reaction? Was it fuck.

"He was an asshole! He abused me, you know he did! And did anyone stop him? Fuck, he got Ange, who was my girlfriend at the time, may I remind you, pregnant! Carlisle pushed me...too far. He deserved it." I finished coldly.

"I know..." Irina whispered as she looked down at her entwined hands.

I froze.

"You knew? Someone knew about the hell he put me through and did nothing...huh?" I punched the wall in anger and frustration.

I couldn't believe it. She could've-should've-done something! I cursed at the searing pain that started coursing through my hand.

"Edward, please!" Irina pleaded, looking at me with guilt and shame in her eyes. "I tried to tell someone! I told your mom but she didn't believe me, just thought that I was high. But I'm not Kate. You know that."

I sighed. Irina hated being compared to her sisters, especially Kate.

"Only my mom?" I whispered after what seemed like an eternity of silence. "That was it, yeah? Fuck, Irina! You should've told someone else, not just given up! Especially if you knew...God!"

I was getting angrier by the second. I tried to focus on Irina's sad face which had small, silent tears crawling down her cheeks. I tried to feel sorry and bad for my recent actions but I couldn't. I knew I was being selfish, but who cared.

At that moment, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and flipped it open, looking at the caller ID. Bella. Laughing without humour, I smiled. My saviour.

Ignoring Irina's pleads for forgiveness, I answered the call, silencing her with a hand in the air.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Bella's beautiful voice ranf through my ear. I smiled at her tone. Ah, Bella.

"Bella. I'm fine, just...yeah. So, are you okay? Sorry about earlier. And, uh, I've been meaning to call you when I got home but things got...complicated." I muttered the last word with a glance towards Irina's confused face.

"Oh." I could hear Bella's pause and almost hear her frown. I chuckled lowly at the picture. "Is it a bad time? Coz I was kinda wonderin' if you maybe wanted to come over? Erm, coz I am kinda lonely and very, very..." Her voice had dropped to a whisper now and I smirked. "...horny." JACKPOT.

"Well, Miss Swan, I'm sure I could help you with your, um, problem..." I smirked as I heard Bella giggle over the phone.

"That's amazing, Mr. Masen. I knew I could count on you. I shall see you in 15 minutes or...not at all. Because you know I'm impatient, yes? Perfect." I could hear her smirk as she sighed mockingly before hanging up.

"Who's Bella? Your girlfriend? Edward, you can't leave me, you need to stay so that we can talk! Don't leave, Eddie!" Irina bombarded me before I could even pocket my phone.

"Bella? She's my life now. And if you don't mind. I'm going to see my girlfriend for some good old-fashioned sex."

I smiled not-so-politely at Irina's gobsmacked face before leaving her to herself as I slammed the door behind me.

A/N

Okay, folks, this is the new update and hope it is long enough for Veddy and awesome enough for Crys ;-) .. Xx So, whatcha think of Edward's response? What you wanted, the complete opposite, or no idea? Plus lemons for deffo next chapter ;-) Xx

Hope you have enjoyed it and have fun :-D Xx

Until next time, my pervs :-)

PS Sorry for the AN's being so short but totally have no idea what to write at the end! LOL xD

-Louise Xxx