This chapter contains the lemon that inspired this short story, and that was meant to be posted for Tiickledpink's Carlisle & Esme lemon contest.

So, thanks Tiickledpink for making me write it, and thanks Mackenzie L. for your super beta powers.

Also, thanks to JUJU, Chrissi, twilightfan86 and Becky; your Private messaging is disabled, and haven't been able to reply to your reviews, still I want to thank you for them.=)

Chapter IV

Elope with Me

During their last days together, Carlisle and Esme's love for each other had grown immeasurably to the point where they not only managed to escape the palace during the mornings, but also during the nights. It was easier to make love in the darkness without the fear of being caught, and so they shared a blanket every night, learning to make love. They cherished the sweet taste of their lips under the light of the moon that never seemed to leave the sky.

They exposed themselves in the most vulnerable of all ways, but never did they discover who they were truly making love to.

If they only knew.

Esme appeared like a ghost one night before the last one they would share together - the night Carlisle was determined to confess to her who he was. The warm summer breeze fluttered against her nightgown as she approached Edward shoeless on the lukewarm sand. Carlisle observed every step she took towards him whilst the light of the full moon illuminated the beach.

With the moon as the only witness, their bodies clashed into the most passionate kiss. Their lips blended together with intensity before she parted to look at him.

"I'm so happy you are here." Carlisle's heart leaped in his chest.

"I'm happy to be here too." She coyly commented. "I…"

Her lips closed under the soft caress of his fingers that quietly drifted down her neck, relishing in the feeling of touching her smooth skin. Slowly he tilted his head down, looking for a spot to savor. Moving a strand of hair behind the shell of her ear, his lips left a burning kiss there. Esme closed her eyes when the familiar tingling sensation began to run through her body.

His lips roamed just a bit lower, leaving another soft kiss…it was going to be one of those nights. She sighed, tilting her head to allow his lips to leave a trail of fire on her neck as her arms wrapped around him in fear of losing her balance. Reading her mind, Carlisle's hands moved to hold her steady.

"Esme..." He quickly forgot the important subject he had to bring up.

Even though it was just her name, the way he whispered it managed to send her over the edge. She quickly claimed his lips in the most ardent manner, and Carlisle surrendered to her. His knees weakened at the sweet feeling. Unwillingly, but to avoid falling to his knees, he parted their kiss.

He looked into her eyes before speaking, breathless. "Would you like to swim?"

Esme stared at him, a little confused. That wasn't exactly what she had in mind…

"Now?"She asked. "But it's the middle of the night."

A smile drew on his face as his fingers began to unbutton his white chemise.

Esme covered her mouth to keep her smile from turning into laugher. "Edward!"

He dropped his chemise down onto the sand and soon began to undo his trousers. Esme turned around for a little modesty. "Edward, you are absolutely insane!"

"I know."

She heard his words running towards the dark blue waters of the sea, and just the way God had brought him to earth, she saw him diving into them. Esme laughed at the view, shaking her head at the hopeless man that had stolen her heart.

"Come!" He yelled, waving his arm in the air.

She pondered it for a second, but… Why not? Taking a deep breath, Esme pulled her nightgown over her head and tossed it on Carlisle's clothes. In the next moment, she found herself stepping into the dark waters that moved up from her knees, to her thighs, to her waist, and finally above her shoulders.

The warm Mediterranean Sea rose to embrace her and it felt wonderful. Its waters caressed her skin as she dove under, daring to swim a few yards beneath only to go back to the surface. The moon had climbed up the sky, bathing the sea in silver all around her. It was beautiful.

Carlisle suddenly appeared behind her with his wet hair slicked against his forehead and an impish smile written on his face. He reached to brush his fingertips lightly down the length of her shoulder, and Esme inevitably shuddered under his touch. She quickly turned around to face him. Happy to have her with him, his hands dipped in the water to claim her waist, pulling her closer to him and languidly caressing her under the water, purposely leaving a trail of fire on her skin.

"Don't take me further into the sea." She suddenly warned him, recalling an incident when Heidi had pushed her off the imperial yacht when they were children. "I'm not a good swimmer if there isn't sand under my feet."

"I'm here." Carlisle smiled. "I will keep you safe. Put your hands around my shoulders."

Their bodies came into contact with excitement. He enclosed her in his arms, and Esme trustingly placed her hands on his shoulders. Her body settled against his chest.

As predicted, their skin began to burn against each other with desire. It was unavoidable; suddenly everything was stimulating, from the parts of their bodies where they touched to the water that rocked them softly in a comforting rhythm. Even the silver sheet the moon was casting on their bodies was arousing.

Her hands drifted up to follow the line of his shoulders to his neck, wandering down along his chest. Almost immediately, Carlisle tilted his head down to savor the spot under her ear. He knew she loved it; there was no better way to answer to her caresses…

Suddenly their hands were wandering all over each other, sliding softly as if memorizing every inch of the other's skin. Esme was amazed to feel his arousal brushing insistently against her.

How had they gotten to that point so rapidly?

Carlisle breathed hard as her bosom tingled against his chest.

Blood began to scorch in her veins, and Esme knew he was feeling the same. Their responsiveness was incredible. The cool water slid shamefully past her thighs while his burning hardness pressed against her.

"Esme, you are killing me…" He breathed against her ear.

She let out a nervous sigh as she felt Carlisle's hands moving down the curve of her back, pushing her up against him. He wanted her. His face buried in the crook of her neck, and her legs inevitably wrapped around him, clinging almost desperately to him. The following movement was natural and much anticipated as he entered her.

It felt amazing.

He clutched her hips, holding her steady against him as he gently thrust into her, moving in and out in a slow and steady rhythm, savoring every second. Esme wrapped her legs more tightly around him, inevitably closing her eyes as Carlisle pressed her even harder against him.

The point of no return arrived promptly. Minutes later, she wasn't been able to think straight, not anymore. All she could do was give into the pleasure he was offering her, and only a few seconds later she found herself coming apart. The moon high above broke into a million tiny sparkles of light, and her fingers dug into the skin of his shoulders as she came without preamble. Minutes later, Carlisle instantly grunted her name against her sweet-scented hair, coming intensely, clasping her body against him.

Maybe tomorrow he would be able to tell her.

o)O(o

Their last night together couldn't have been more perfect. It was warm, sweet, filled with affection and lovemaking. Carlisle reached up to kiss her forehead, caressing her face as they laid together on a blanket in their secret deck. Esme nuzzled the crook of his neck as his fingers brushed her hair, making her long waves fall beautifully around her shoulders.

Carlisle loved Esme's hair. No, he loved all of her, and there was no doubt that he wanted to be with this woman for the rest of his life. He would die with, and for her.

"I like your hair." He whispered, combing his fingers through the never ending strands of reddish brown waves.

"I don't." She giggled against the skin of his neck and raised her head to look at him. "I don't like how long it is; it takes hours to care for it." She nestled her head against his shoulder again. "My mother doesn't allow me to cut it, but someday I will."

He chuckled. "How short?"

"Like yours." She teased him, though by the way he suddenly looked at her, he didn't seem to understand it was just a joke. "Two inches below my shoulders, maybe more." Esme laughed softly.

"I will like it that way too." Carlisle approved as his eyes travelled from her face to the locket around her neck.

"You always wear it." He whispered as his fingers touched the silver locket.

"It was a gift from my father." Esme looked down at the locket, too.

Curious to know who was being kept inside, Carlisle's fingers opened the precious jewel to reveal what was inside. There was not a single picture to be found.

"I'm supposed to place the picture of my husband and child here." She commented. "That's the reason why it's empty."

Carlisle smiled softly at the idea of him being the one who would be kept in her locket, and the idea of…

"Only one child?" He asked with interest.

"There's only room for two pictures." Esme looked down at the locket.

"How many children would you like to have?" He kissed her temple, naively picturing a family he didn't know they were going to have.

Esme giggled. "Many"

He embraced her tightly. "Then we can always make the photographer take a group shot."

Esme beamed at the idea he was painting in her mind. Her family... Their family. She happily nuzzled her head into his shoulder.

They snuggled against each other like that for a long time, the way they had been doing for hours. Carlisle looked up to the dark sky. They fit so perfectly together, nestled in each other's arms; he never wanted to move, ever. His hand moved to the small of her back, caressing it gently, resting on the curve.

"Come with me." He whispered suddenly. "Let me take you to England."

She nuzzled against his neck, seeking refuge. "I wish I could..."

He suddenly found himself out of his mind, the shameful plan rushing in his head. "I would keep you safe." But then the thought of only being able to keep Esme safe if he turned her into his paramour dragged him harshly back to earth. "I would…" It was frustrating.

Esme lifted her head one more time and quieted his words with a gentle kiss. They couldn't be together, it was simply impossible. "Just love me…" She told him. "Love me all night, as if there will be no tomorrow."

He rolled her onto her back, cuddling her in his arms. He would love her not only that night, but forever. At least no one could take that feeling away from him.

o)O(o

Esme sighed beneath him, rendered by his thrusts, captivated by the touch of his hands that generously wandered the lines of her thighs, arousing her even more. Carlisle whimpered her name and his love for her whilst he adored her under the light of the moon, wishing he could worship her this way forever.

"Elope with me," He breathed into her ear, his thrusts intensified in pleasure while his mind reached pure insanity.

She arched her body against her love. "Yes…"

Carlisle suddenly wrapped his arms around Esme, pulling her along with him into a sitting position. She quickly placed her arms around his shoulders for support. She looked so beautiful when they made love.

"Yes?" He asked in awe.

She nodded.

"I'm going to have to confess something to you…" Carlisle kissed her nose, her lips, her face, feeling extremely content.

"What?" She giggled.

"That I love you," He simply said, bringing her hand to where his heart was. "And that I will keep you here, always."

He could see her eyes brightening with a glimpse of the most tender tears. "Don't cry." He cradled her against his chest. "We'll be together."

Esme looked up at him, shaking her head in denial, already anxious at the idea of fleeing together. "Eloping is insane."

"I'll take you to England." He whispered, hoping his plan would succeed. "I'll buy you a house." He smiled, brushing her hair with his fingers. But the truth was that there were very few chances it would succeed.

"A house?" Esme let out a surprised laugh. "Are you rich?"

Carlisle's gaze filled with guilt. Guilt he held ever since he knew he was hiding his true self from her - and a plan that would surely made her rethink their relationship. "Enough to make you happy." He knew he had to reveal his identity to her and confess his upsetting plan before fleeing with her back to England.

"Oh, Edward." She buried her face in the crook of his neck.

He pressed her even closer against his chest. "I'll wait here for you tomorrow, and we will leave together…but I must speak to you first."

Her caramel eyes stared at him with confusion. "About what?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow." He kissed her forehead.

And with the moonlight as their witness, they drew up a plan.

Carlisle would wait for Esme on the beach early in the morning, and then he would disguise her aboard the royal yacht. They would escape together.

o)O(o

That night, Esme climbed her way up to the balcony the way she had done it every summer since she was a child. Clever and audacious, she always succeeded to escape from the crystal world she had to live in, into the simpler one. And now she was going to leave that crystal world forever to join her future with Edward - the only person in the world besides Jane who loved her exactly the way she was.

It was scary to think she would have to face an unknown future with him, but Esme knew that no matter what, it was going to be a most promising future indeed.

Quietly, she closed the glass doors of the balcony and tiptoed into the darkness of the parlor. Fortunately, and like the previous nights, no one was awake to see her.

Though as she walked towards the doors of the bedchamber she shared with Jane, a shadow moved in the darkness to turn a lamp on.

Her mother.

Esme froze in place.

"Where were you?" The Empress walked towards her daughter. Heidi and Corin appeared with the meanest of all smiles on their faces behind their mother, followed by a baffled Renata.

Esme opened her mouth to answer but was too late to give her excuse. In a swift movement the Empress lifted her hand and delivered a hard slap across her daughter's face.

Esme could heard her sisters gasping in shock as her mother's hand grasped her arm with unusual strength, dragging her into the closest room. "I never thought you capable of this." The Empress spoke. "How could you?"

As the Empress closed the doors, Esme only managed to touch the throbbing side of her face. She was in shock, too terrified to even think.

"Is it one of the guards?" Her mother raised her voice. "Did you give yourself to him? Did he touch you?" Her mother approached her with harshness.

"No!" Esme's voice broke, crying in the shame of having to lie.

"What am I going to do with you?" Sulpicia shook her head, absolutely disappointed and frustrated. "I should've thought you would end up like this." To Sulpicia, Esme had always been the most difficult of her daughters. An inconsiderate, thoughtless girl that lacked class and who had now turned into a lady of pleasure. The Empress confronted her daughter with severity. "From now on, you are forbidden to even step out of this room."

"No." Esme wept quietly.

"We are going to have to marry you fast…" Sulpicia began to pace. "And who on earth is going to want you this way?" She stopped pacing to look at Esme from head to toe.

"Mamma please…"Esme begged. "Listen to me…"

"You brought this upon yourself, Esme." Sulpicia looked overwhelmed. "I love you, but I can't see you disgracing yourself and the name of our family this way." The Empress' face filled with sickness. "How could you, Esme?"

Esme looked away, crying. It was true, she had behaved inexcusably, but she was in love. She loved Edward, and he wanted to marry her. "Mamma…"

Sulpicia suddenly got closer to Esme, and her hands began to undo the top of Esme's nightgown. The traces of her lover's touch were there on her shoulders, neck and surely all over the rest of her body.

"You worth nothing now." Sulpicia stepped back, horrified. "We are going to have to pretend you are still unblemished…and may God have mercy on you if you find yourself with child."

Unable to keep looking at her daughter, the Empress rushed to leave the room.

Esme sunk crying onto the floor as Jane, who had observed everything from a corner of the room, approached her.

"I'm sorry, Jane, I'm not someone to look up to..." Esme wept as Jane embraced her with tenderness.

"You are." Jane whispered, already relishing the knowledge only she possessed: that this was going to ruin her older sisters' vain, wicked pleasure.

Poor Esme! What is going to happen now? Maybe Royalisle will come to save his princess. Cross your fingers, because the end is just around the corner, and its an ending that will connect the story to the Twilight saga.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for taking your time in leaving a review, each one of your comments is always very appreciated.