Edward's POV:

I watched her in slumber. She looked so peaceful, without a care on her perfect, unlined face. I wished she could always sleep so deeply, so carelessly. I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and ran my fingers down her neck. Unable to help myself, I drew the bedspread down to reveal my Bella's beautiful form . The smooth curve of her shoulder, her arm modestly covering her flawless breasts. Her hips were a smooth curve that ended in long, silky legs. I loved the way her alabaster skin shown in the moonlight that streamed in through the open window. Oh, how I adore her.

I felt the hot blood coursing through her veins. So fragrant. So delicious. I bent my head down and took a deep breath, savoring the scent. At that moment I was instantly reminded of my earlier restraint. I was close to her, closer than I have ever been to another person, living or dead, and I was able to control myself. It was almost laughable how worried I was. I was convinced I would crush her or not be able to suppress my urge to feed, but I did. Now I believe I have found a new way to pass the time in our hotel room.

I glanced up at a clock on the mantle piece. Bella had been sleeping for quite some time and would be up soon, or so I figured, and would probably like to eat again. Slowly, I slid out of bed, making sure not to disturb her. Then I pulled on some boxers and went over to her side of the bed. I pulled the coverlet back over her shoulders and she instantly stirred.

"Edward?" She whispered, sleep in her voice.

"Yes, love, I'm here." I sat back on the edge of the bed.

She sat up, clutching the golden sheets around her. "How long have I been sleeping?"

"Not long." I lied, stroking her hair. "Would you like to order something to eat?"

"Sure. But I want to get in the shower before I eat."

"Of course." I crossed the room and retrieved a pink silk robe for her to wear. "What shall I order you?"

"Anything." She blushed as she struggled to put on the robe without revealing her nakedness to me.

I reached over and took her hands in mine. "There's no need to hind yourself from me, Bella. I have already seen and love every inch of your body." I kissed her forehead to drive my point home.

Her face burst into color. She was obviously embarrassed, but kissed me nonetheless before prancing towards the bathroom. Before she closed the door, she stuck her head back out. "After you're done ordering, you can join me in the shower... by the time the food gets here we'll be done… washing my hair."

I grinned as the door closed and rushed to the phone, eager to join her. Who could have ever guessed that Bella had this deep, sexual side? It was incredibly attractive. I hurriedly placed an order for one of everything from the menu. However, as soon as I hung up the phone, I heard something.

It was a creek. Or a step… almost a whisper of a step. I ran to the door, bracing myself for what would come. I strained to hear a thought, but I could not. I heard a maid down the hall thinking about going home and a man on the floor above me wondering why his wife didn't answer his calls, and a million other, pointless mind babble. I could hear nothing of the one who now stood on the other side of the door.

There was a light tap on the door. "Hello? Edward?" The voice was feminine and had the lightest French accent.

"Who are you?" I asked through the door, not recognizing the voice.

"My name is Emma. Open the door. I must speak with you. I am a friend of Carlisle." Cautiously, I opened the door to find a young, red haired girl that wore a nervous expression. Her eyes glowed red and scanned the room before entering. She slipped past me and I slammed the door behind her. "Thank goodness I found you."

"Found me?"

"Yes, Carlisle has warned me about a woman named Rachael who is after your human mate." Her eyes drifted down from my face to my lower body. She raised her eyebrows. "I apologize… I was not aware that I was interrupting."

"How do you know Carlisle?" I questioned as I pulled on a pair of jeans, trying to keep the topic off my pantless body.

"We both worked for the Volturi at one point. He was already a member when I was changed. He took me under his wing, so to speak, and has checking in every few decades."

"Oh, you worked for the Volturi, that must explain why I could not read your thoughts." I sat on the plush couch in the sitting room and she perched on the coffee table, much like Alice would do were she here.

"I suppose. My gifts are small. It is not that you cannot read my mind; it is just that I have perfected the art of clearing my thoughts when I want to. I did not want anyone else to know where I was going. I was afraid I was being followed."

"Followed? By whom?"

"Rachael. There are whispers of her coming in Paris."

"She's followed us?" I looked back towards the bedroom; I could hear Bella moving about in the shower. It pained me to know that we would have to uproot again when she seemed so happy.

"It appears that way." Her porcelain face took a grim expression. At that moment I noticed how doll-like she was. A tiny figure with large, unyielding eyes. "I have not seen her myself, but I believe the rumors to be true.

"Well, then, it looks like we must leave."

"Not true. The vampires of Paris owe something to Carlisle. I have come to offer our protection, if you'll have it."

"How many of you are there? I have only met three during my previous travels here."

"A handful. We are not many, but there is no reason that we could not take care of this Rachael."

"I appreciate your help and any you may be able to give in the future."

"Do not think of it. Only know that you and your mate will be safe while in Paris. You will be well looked out for here." Emma smiled and stood. "The human is coming."

Bella rounded the corner, donning her robe. "Edward, I thought you were coming to-" Her chocolate eyes locked with Emma's red ones. "Um… hi?"

"Hello. I'm Emma."

"I'm Bella…" She looked up at me, obviously wanting an explanation.

I knew I had to lie. I did not want to worry her unless it was absolutely necessary. "Emma is an old friend of Carlisle's and is here about Rachael. There is no reason to be alarmed, but she was just offering the protection of her and her friends if we were to ever need it." I crossed to Bella's side and put an arm around her.

Emma's attention was locked to Bella. "I am so pleased to meet you, Bella. Throughout our world, you are something of a novelty."

"Um… thank you?" Bella nervously tugged her robe closer around her.

"I meant no disrespect, we just find it so interesting that Edward can be in such close proximity to you without wanting to, well, to be frank, eat you." She giggled. "Nonetheless, the others would love to meet you. Tomorrow night if possible."

I knew I had to protect Bella and trusting this new person might be our only hope in the event of Rachael's attack. "Where?"

"9PM, in front of Notre Dame." She told me, turning towards the door. "Bella, you might like to bring a jacket. It gets cold where we're going." Then she was gone.