Persuasion

"Your arms are lovely. Yellow and rose
Your back`s a meadow. Covered in snow

Your thighs are thistles and hot-house grapes
You breathe your sweet breath. And have me wait"

So two weeks went by, still no news from Edward about my wish. And my 20-year-old birthday is just creeping closer and closer every day, and I've already decided that I would be transformed into a vampire before I'm leaving my teenage-years. Yea, if Edward was staying in his teen years forever, well then the same goes for me! Unfortunately, talking about my "farewell to humanity and hello to immorality" was not on Edwards's top-10 list over subjects he loves to discuss. And neither was my wish to have sex with him. But believe me when I say, that really doesn't stop me from brining the subject up whenever I get a possibility to do it.

But Edward always found a new way to distract me. And in the last two weeks we also spend more time down in the living-room with Charlie than we ever had before. Well, surely I could deal with the whole "I-don't-want-you-to-become-a-monster-and-lose-your-soul" that Edward was complaining about, because that was now out of his hands. Carlisle already agreed to do the transformation if Edward wouldn't. But it still bugged me that we couldn't even talk about it, because reality is that I'm becoming a vampire, and Edward might as well get used to the thought. But like I said, the "we-don't-talk-about-Bella-becoming-a-vampire" I could deal with, because when the transformation was done, Edward would have eternity getting used to the thought of me being vampire.

But the other issue, well, the sex issue, we really didn't have eternity to figure that one out, and I was SO tired of all the excuses and distractions Edward pulled on me. Did he really think that I was that stupid? I could see right through him. So one night I decided it was time to invite sexy Bella out of the closet again.

We were lying in my bed. I was wrapped up in a blanket, Edward lying next to me shirtless. He sounded really relaxed while he was humming my lullaby. I guess he was glad that I had not brought up the "let's-get-it-on" issue tonight. But that was only because I couldn't really think about anything but the "God of beauty" lying half-naked next to me. It was the most breathtaking sight ever seeing Edward shirtless. That's another thing about him I don't think I'll ever get used to looking at. His bare chest was unbelievably perfect. Very muscular, but not in an exaggerated way, no it was just right, just perfect. Seeing his stunning body, smelling his sweet, delicious scent and hearing his soft, velvet voice humming by lullaby, well the lust building up inside me was just unavoidable.

I let my fingertips trace his collarbone and afterwards letting them explore his entire godlike chest. Edward let out a sigh, but luckily I could tell that the sigh indicated that he enjoyed me caressing him, and he didn't stop me. So I would start being a good girl, not doing anything that might upset him or put an end to our cuddling. But "being-the-good-girl" was definitely not my plan for the rest of the night. I let my fingers trace up his jaw line to his hair, and then I began tousle in it. He let out a silent growl. That seriously turned me on. Why did he have to be so stubborn, I could see that he really enjoyed this, enjoyed us being physical? A little more touching wouldn't do any harm. Hmphf. While I grumbled with my own thoughts, I continued tousling his hair. But then I felt an extreme urge to do something more, take it to the next level.

To push my luck.

So I gently pulled my hand out of his hair, and then positioned like I would go to sleep. So I just lay all still, thinking about my next move. I would have to be fast, or else Edward would stop me on the halfway. So I would have to do something really unexpected. By the thought of the things I could do to him my heart began beating insanely fast, argh why did my heart always have to give my intensions away! I knew Edward heard my heartbeat changed, so before he could react to it, well before he really could react to anything at all, in one quick move I swung myself on top of him, sitting on his lap, while he was still lying down.

Oh, he really didn't see that one coming. And trust me; it takes a lot to surprise a vampire! "Bella, what are you doin…" He began, but before he could finish his sentence, I reached out and placed my fingers over his lips. Dead silence passed between us as we looked into each other's eyes. I ran my fingers slightly over his lips. I looked into his eyes for what seemed like an eternity. He didn't stop me. I slowly leaned forward and gently kissed his lips so softly. Then I pulled back slightly, hoping and waiting for any encouragement from Edward. He then placed his hands on my face and I willingly lowered my body on his, until I could feel every inch of his chest at mine. He then leaned in for a deeper kiss and so did I.

I felt his lips part and touch mine. His tongue gently probed my mouth for entrance. I parted my lips and allowed his tongue entry. Our kiss was so soft and pure, like nothing I had ever experienced with Edward before. Unable to stop it, I let out a silent moan. The kiss became deeper and more intense. I let my fingers run through Edward's hair as he held me close. I pulled my lips away; I needed to get some air, to breathe. Then I looked at him, looked him in the eyes again, and saw such a look of love and passion in his eyes that it took my breath away yet again. I had never seen him this way before. Our lips then forced their way back to each other, with more intensity becoming deeper and rapid as our hands roamed each other's bodies pulling each other closer if that was even possible.

I had definitely woken up the monster inside of him, only this wasn't the monster who was craving for my blood. This was the monster inside Edward who was craving for my body, as much as I craved for his. I felt the triumph rushing through my veins as I realized this battle was going to be a lot easier to win than I first feared! If this was all it took to talk him into having sex with me, I had surely wasted my time the last two weeks. So this new feeling of victory made me wanting to push the boundaries even further, along with Edward's strict rules.

As our bodies felt like they have totally melted together, I gave my best try to take my top of, which really wasn't easy with Edward's stone arms, holding me as close as my fragile human body allowed him. But I kept on trying an eventually I got a good grip on the top and I had almost slipped it up, when I felt Edward's body stiffened below me. "No no no no no" my mind began telling me.

This was definitely one of signs when Edward thought we crossed a line, and the fun was soon to be over "No no no, react Bella, do something" my mind kept telling me. But I knew that there was nothing left to do. Edward gently put my top back in its place, and then pulled me down on the bed. I shouldn't be surprise that Edward stopped. We already broke almost every rule that he had made about our physical relationship. But I didn't feel sorry. No. I never felt this alive before! My heart almost ripped out of my chest with its beating speed. My head again looked like one big red tomato, my lips were swollen to double size and my hair was a total mess. I turned my head over to look at Edward, and was surprised to see that Edward looked just as blown away as I felt. Off course he didn't look like a mess at all, but he had a really hard time slowing down his rapid breathing as well as I did, and I could see that he clenched his fist into the sheets. I wanted to say something. But it was nearly impossible with my heart beating at double speed.

I only managed to say, well I kind of whispered it with a trembling voice:

"E-e-e-dward, that w-a-a-s… T-h-h-at was… Wauw".

I didn't know what else to say. Edward then turned his head over to look me in the eyes. It really suited him to be out of his perfect self-control. His hair was also a bit messy from all my grabbing.

"I'm so sorry Bella; I shouldn't have let it get that far, but you… Well you took me by surprise and I guess there was a lack in my self-control because I really couldn't find the strength to stop you, to push you away and I for that I am truly sorry…" I stopped him, what was he babbling about:

"Edward that was the best minutes of my life, don't ruin it! Because I'm not sorry. I never felt more alive before so just stop regretting it, please!" I touched his cheek as I leaned in for another kiss, only this kiss was very innocent and sweet. I pulled away, smiling at him, hoping that I was convincing enough. "I love you" I said "And I'm very proud of your self-control, I think you did a perfect job. Practice makes perfect, right?" I winked at him.

"Bella, you should go to sleep now. It's been a long night." Edward responded. Oh, come on, why did he had to be so serious. He smiled a little at my obvious irritation with him and then leaned forward placing a soft kiss on my forehead "Sleep now, beautiful" and then he began humming my lullaby. Slowly I let my body relax and I gave in to his beautiful voice as I drifted to sleep.

I woke up the next day, feeling great. I stretched my body, my hand searching for Edward and I totally relaxed as my hand felt the cold from his marble hand. I peeked out in my room to catch a glimpse of Edward, but it was much lighter in my room than I expected, so I closed my eyes again. I coddled myself closer to him as I asked: "What time is it?"

"Its one pm love" he answered. One pm? Wow I really must have needed the sleep then. How did I get that tired? I felt so rested now. I took another sneak peek my out into the room. I needed to see the beautiful boy lying next to me. Ah, the first thing I saw was Edward looking down at me. Off course, his perfectness stunned me as always. But there was something about his eyes. They weren't my favorite topaz color, no, they were actually almost black. God, how long had I kept him from hunting?

He was always so good to remember my human needs; I need to learn to pay more attention to his needs as a vampire. Well, soon we would be equal on that part. I smiled at the thought. But then I tried to look serious and asked him: "Edward, when was the last time you were out hunting? You're eyes are kind of giving you away". He chuckled.

"My Bella, always so observant." Obliviously I wasn't observant enough, because then I would have told him to go hunting earlier. "Well, it's a week or two. But it really doesn't matter that much, the painful thoughts of being away from you kind of makes me forget the thirst".

The thought of him being away from me wasn't tempting for me either. But he needed to go hunting, he shouldn't make things harder for himself, I know it's not too easy for him to be around me when his not thirsty, but when he is, it's almost painful for him.

"Edward, I demand that you go hunting with your brothers today. I don't like that I'm keeping you from hunting and I know that it's hard for you being around me when you're thirsty." I made me sad than I hadn't noticed it earlier.

Edward saw it in my face immediately. He took his hand and gently brushed my cheek "Don't be sad dear, it's really not your fault that you are unbearably hard to be away from, even if it's only for a day."

I tried to smile at him, but failed. I hate that my scent caused him that much pain.

"Enough about my hunting. I'm dying to know what you have been dreaming about most of the night. You were making some quite…" He smiled my favorite crooked smile at me as he continued "interesting noises."

Oh, I really didn't think that I dreamt last night. My body felt as if I had a very peaceful, dreamless sleep. No, wait. I do remember something. I dreamt about Edward and I dreamt about…

Oh my god, I looked away from him, completely blushing. I did dream last night. I dreamt that Edward and I… Well, let's just say we crossed a lot more of Edward's rules than me and Edward did yesterday. And I guess I didn't just dream about the noises our actions made me say.

I had actually moaned in my sleep. I was too embarrassed to even look at Edward again. I heard him chuckle to himself. I guess he could kind of guess what my dream was about then.

As the pictures of my dream last night floated along inside my head, it made me think about the things Edward and I actually did do last night, and somehow my deeply craving for him began running through my body again. We did so well last night, we definitely should give it another go. But deep inside me I knew that my tricks from yesterday wouldn't work on him now. He would be prepared and he would instantly know my intensions.

I needed to try something new to persuade him into believing that he has enough control to sleep with me. And help wake up the craving he had for my body to be close to his as well, as he had shown me yesterday. Hmm maybe…then I got an idea. I didn't know if it would affect him, but it always helped in movies so I might as well give it a try. And I really didn't feel like talking about my dream last night either so I quickly said:

"Well, I had a very pleasant dream and let's not talk about it anymore. I can't help were my mind is taking me when I'm asleep. But back to the hunting. You really should go hunting today. I would love to spend some quality time with Alice; I haven't seen her in days. I miss her. And by now she's probably already seeing me coming over for a visit, so if I canceled now she would just be upset."

I really hoped Edward wasn't about to be stubborn. But he just smiled down at me, pulling onto his lap. Then he kissed my quickly on the mouth. Well too quickly. But I was too busy inhaling his delicious scent, that I didn't even have time trying to me the kiss last longer.

"Im sure Alice would love that, I know she misses you too. And it would be a lot easier leaving you back home with Alice. Then I can be sure you won't go playing with werewolves"

The thought of Jacob sent a twinge of pain through my body. He was still missing. He had run away. Away from me and all the pain I was constantly causing him. It hurt so much to think about him that it made my eyes filled with tears. "Love, I'm so so sorry! I know you don't like to talk about him, I know it hurts for you to even think about him. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up" Edward said, as he stroked my back, comforting me. He really shouldn't comfort me. I didn't deserve it. And I was just the biggest coward because I have tried so hard to suppress the guilt I felt when I thought about him. And I missed him. I missed him very much. His big smile, his bear-hugs, his laugh...i just missed my best friend. But I couldn't and wouldn't take about him in front of Edward. I know that it hurts Edward to think about me and Jacob, though Edward tried to be reasonable about it. "Its n-n-n-ot your fault Edward, it's just a very touchy subject for me t-t-t-to talk about" I answered him, wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Bella I want you to feel that you can share everything with me, you know that right?" I nodded "But if you want to change subject there actually is something I would like to talk about. Or rather, ask you about" he smiled a very tender smile at me, and then my hopes definitely went up. Was he really going to discuss the same thing that I was thinking about all the time? And apparently also dreaming about now.

"You see love, the thing is my parents and my siblings are planning on visiting Tanya, Kate and Irina in Denali next week. Off course they asked me if I would like to join them and the offer goes for you as well. But then I thought that maybe you and I could do something else instead. Because this will mean we could have the whole house to ourselves. And I really don't get to spend much alone time with you. Well, I mean not without sneaking in your window in the night behind Charlie's back."

I guessed my face must look quite surprised because Edward quickly continued: "And if you rather go and meet Tanya and her sisters then I can mostly certainly understand that as well. You decide, love."

I tried to focus but my mind was already picturing the whole next weekend inside my head "me and Edward alone, no other vampires with exceptional hearing, no one to disturb us, me and Edward totally alone all evening, all night long…".

"Oh!" I gasped. This would fit perfectly into my plan in persuading Edward! "I would love to!" I said, very enthusiastic. A little too enthusiastic maybe.

"Well would you love to spend the weekend alone with me or with my family at Denali?" Was he being serious? Like I would ever pass a chance for a whole "Edward-Bella-home-alone" weekend!

"Well, being home alone with you of course!" I smiled. Edward then sent me a brilliant smile in return.

Oh shoot. What about Charlie? I'm sure he wouldn't approve med spending the whole weekend alone with Edward. Okay approve would be an understatement. He would simply forbid me to do it.

"What about Charlie? He is not going to be too pleased with the idea".

"Oh, well I actually already thought part trough. But my plan contains some lying to Charlie…" Edward knew I didn't like lying to my father, but in this case I guess it was worth it so I nodded in agreement.

"Well you should tell your father that my family and I are leaving town for the weekend which isn't a total lie. But that Alice wants to stay back home because she wants to totally redecorate Jaspers room as a surprise for his birthday. And that Alice doesn't like to stay home alone so ask him if you could have a sleep-over weekend, helping her with the surprise. I will do my part to make it sound convincing of course. You think you can do that, love?"

He sounded a little skeptical. Edward knew I was a bad liar, but this shouldn't be too hard to pull off.

"You really have a lack of confidence in my lying-skills…" I said trying to sound offended.

"Just being realistic darling" he answered smiling and leaned forward to kiss my nose. "Sure, sure" I mumbled, as I prepared to go downstairs and say good morning to Charlie. I turned around, looking at Edward as he sat there on my bed, looking incredibly gorgeous. "See you in ten minutes?" I said.

"I'll miss you" Edward said smiling as he stood up and wrapped his arm around me.

"I love you" he mumbled in my ear and then the next second he was gone out of the window. I felt the right part of my heart jumped right out of the window with him. I sighed and headed down to Charlie.

"Hello sleepyhead" Charlie greeted me. "Morning' dad" I smiled at him. I fried some eggs and sat next to Charlie. "Umh, dad?" He looked up from his newspaper "Well it's just because Edward and his family is leaving town next week to visit some friends in Denali in Alaska." I wanted to stick to the truth as much as possible. "But Alice wants to stay home to prepare a surprise birthday-present for Jasper. She wants to give his room a complete make-over. But she doesn't like to stay home alone, but she can't take the risk to ask anyone from her family to stay home with her, because she is afraid that they might reveal the surprise. So she asked me if I would like to have a sleep-over weekend at her house, helping her with the surprise. That's okay, right?"

I tried to sound casually as I spoke. First Charlie looked skeptically into my eyes. Like he was trying to find a hint of lie in them. But I really, really wanted this weekend with Edward so I had my best poker-face on. Eventually he gave up and just nodded to himself: "Well that's so sweet of Alice and of course she shouldn't be home alone! Edward was also leaving, right?" I just told him that Edward and his family was leaving! "Yea dad, Edward is also leaving." Then Charlie smiled. He really wasn't being fair to Edward but I guess he was just overprotecting, the whole "daddy's little girl" thing. "I'm going fishing most the weekend anyway Bells, so you should go have a girls-weekend with Alice."

Then there was a knock on the door. "Finally" I thought to myself. "Oh, that must be Edward" I said, trying to sound surprised. Of course I already knew that he would come but Charlie wouldn't be too happy to know I already spent the whole night next to him in my bed.

He stood in my doorway, looking perfect as always. He had changed clothes as well. I couldn't help smiling all over my face as I saw him even though it only been ten minutes since I last saw him. And I felt whole again the minute his was in my sight. I know that Edward had been eavesdropping on my conversation with Charlie because he practically beamed when he saw me as well.

"So it worked…" he whispered in my ear, to low for Charlie to hear. "I told you that you don't give me enough credit for my lying-skills" I whispered back as I lifted one of my eyebrows. Edward just chuckled, kissing me on the cheek. Then he went for the kitchen.

"Hello Chief Swan" Edward greeted Charlie. Charlie mumbled a silent hello in return, not even caring to look up from his newspaper. But then suddenly he looked up, looking kind of smug. "So Edward, what are you going to do next weekend?" Oh my, he still tried to figure out if I was lying before.

"Oh I thought Bella already told you" Edward answered. Of course he was totally in on the lie.

"Well, my family and myself are going to visit some old friends in Denali. Well, all of my family except Alice. She is determined to stay home but she doesn't want to tell any of us the exact reason why…" Edward said, looking very thoughtful. God, he was so goodat this. I almost began believing that it was the truth he was telling. "Which remind me…" he now turned to look at me, and winked as he did "Alice wanted me to ask you, no rather demanded me to make sure you don't have any plans for next weekend."

I smiled at him and rolled my eyes "I'm way ahead of you Edward; I already made plans with Alice next weekend".

"Always one step ahead of me" he answered smiling, probably at his own little private joke, and then he took my hand and squeezed it lightly. I looked over at Charlie. He seemed truly convinced now. "I actually promised Alice I would come over and visit her today as well, she wanted to fill me in on the details about the weekend" I began dragging Edward to my room. I knew that Charlie could still hear us as we made our way up the stairs because then Edward added "Please Bella, tell me what she's planning, I promise I won't tell anyone!" I closed the door behind us when we were in my room. And then I had to laugh. We were a really convincing team. And somehow I couldn't seem to stop laughing.

I wrapped my arm around my stomach, trying to calm myself. Then I felt Edward cold arms around me and he kissed me in the hair. "I don't think there is anything more beautiful in this world than you laughing" he whispered in my ear, dazzling me with his sweet breath and scent. I freed my arms from my stomach and caressed his face with my fingers as I leaned in for a kiss. I felt his sweet breath between my lips and my heart stopped beating. I let my fingers find their way into his hair and he grabbed my back tightly, closing the distance between us completely. He let his lips trace down my jaw line, down to my neck.

Then he loosened his tight grab around me and removed his lips from my neck whispering as he chuckled a little "As much as I love this, you should breathe love". Breathe… Breathe… Oh yea I guess I should breathe. Í let the air fill my lungs, only to once again be overwhelmed by his delicious scent.

"Well, should we go to my place then?" Edward said smiling at me. Yea we should. I had plans, I had to remember that. So I quickly picked a pair of jeans, and a sweatshirt to wear. I went into the bathroom, taking a quick shower, changed clothes and went back to Edward. "Mmmhm, you really do look lovely with all wet hair" he complemented me. I took his hand as we went for his house.

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