Disclaimer: Ms. Meyer owns Twilight and all of it's fabulous characters. I only own the Deliciously Dark Monsterous side of Edward. (Not even that I guess.) No copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I wonder why the responses dipped in the last chapter. But anyway, I still love the ones I got. Total WIN. Thanks guys. Oh and I seriously didn't want to be a cockblocker, but the chapter length was being a bitch.
So without further cockblocking, here you go.
"Bella, I want to try something," he whispered as he drew his face closer to hers.
'See if I can handle it. Let it be good. Let me not go after her blood. NO! I will NOT kill her, I'm strong enough.'
Her breathing hitched as she saw him coming closer. She had been able to deal with the situation fairly well so far, but this she had not anticipated. Her heart hammered in her chest as she saw his lips approaching hers.
Completely bewildered by his sudden urge to kiss her, she tried to think of a way out. 'Oh God! Think Issy, think! What did Angela say? - Just think of him as a man, a man who desires your company - No, that won't help.'
As he closed the distance between them, her head turned slightly in an involuntary move to avoid him. His lips ended up caressing her soft cheek instead. A shudder went through her body as she felt his cold lips on her heated cheek.
Edward had been able to note her evasive movement, but he hadn't stopped, for he wanted to feel her hot skin on his lips. He just about stopped himself from groaning in pleasure as his lips came in contact with her skin. Her taste was as exquisite as ever. He was overwhelmed by the sweetness of her skin. Yet, he didn't lose control. His lips lingered on her cheek for a while, then sensing her discomfort, he withdrew. He smiled at her as his eyes found hers. Her blush deepened under his gaze. This made his throat burn with thirst, but he didn't let it overpower his other urges.
"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Masen, it's just that… I-I ha-"
He stopped her by placing his finger on her lips.
"You don't have to explain yourself," he replied. "Besides, your cheek felt exquisite. I can only wonder about your lips." He stared hungrily at her alluring lips for a second, then turned his attention back to her eyes.
If possible, Isabella turned a few shades redder upon hearing his compliment. Edward laughed lightly, startling her a bit.
"You aren't used to taking compliments, I see. Might as well get used to it. I'll not be easy on you."
She bit her lip nervously and tried to smile, still not sure if he might try to kiss her again.
He moved back a little but kept her hands secured in his. "So, tell me, what type of wedding would you like? Grand and opulent, or a small and quiet one? "
She hadn't thought about it. Nevertheless, even now, as much as she tried, she actually didn't care. "I don't have any preference," she replied softly. 'Who cares about executions anyway, this way or that, you are going to end up dead only.'
He pondered upon it for a while, not sure himself. He had never paid any attention to weddings, even within his former coven. "Hmm, we'll see. How about the date? When do you want to fix it?"
"I thought that parents were the ones who decided upon such trivial matters." She wasn't enjoying this conversation one bit.
"Well, that being the norm, I'm afraid I can do little about it. My parents have been long dead. Therefore, I'm left with no choice but to decide myself." He grimaced, thinking about his parents and their faint memories that he desperately clung to. "As for you, I don't know if Charles is ready to talk about it yet."
Isabella stared at their conjoined hands as she thought about Charles. "He is still a little…" She didn't know how to explain it to Edward.
He nodded in reply and continued, "That's nothing to be worried about. I believe he's concerned about you, which is understandable. I'll talk to him myself in a few days."
The idea of Edward talking to Charles again didn't quite go down well with Isabella. The last time had almost been a disaster, and she didn't want a repeat of it.
"No," she blurted suddenly. "I'll talk to him. Then I'll let you know."
He flashed his typical uneven smile. "Are you trying to protect your uncle?"
"Umm, no…" She frowned. "Just trying to avoid a useless confrontation."
"There won't be any confrontation," he stated smugly.
She sighed at his argument, not really wanting to be a part of it. "You promised me."
He quirked an eyebrow at her. "About what? You know, your truncated sentences leave me frustrated." 'If only she knew how she frustrates me…'
His confession gave her a bit of satisfaction. She wanted to keep him frustrated. "I try to minimize the exertion. I was talking about your promise to not be harsh on my uncle."
"Well," he said thoughtfully, "you kept yours, so I'm not going to break mine. I won't say a thing to him, won't try to get back at him, won't try to harm him in any way. Happy?"
She gave him a slight nod, still looking at their hands.
"But I do want to fix a date, the sooner the better."
Isabella grimaced at his words, clearly not in a hurry to be wedded to him. "What's the hurry?" she asked tentatively, meeting his gaze finally.
Edward sighed in reply, again not knowing what excuse to give her. "I have," he struggled to put forth a convincing answer, "waited a long time. The loneliness is getting to me."
That made her wonder. 'Long time? How old is he anyway? He doesn't look that old. In fact, he looks pretty young. Then, his reasoning might be purely farce.'
She shifted awkwardly, remembering Angela's words. Then, on a whim, she decided to change the flow of their conversation. "You didn't call me by my full name. Why?"
"Why, your uncle also uses a sobriquet for you. Why not me, then?"
"Well… I'm not used to the one you call me by."
"You don't like it?" He started tracing slow circles on her wrists with his thumbs. "You know what 'Bella' means in Italian?" He could feel her pulse over there, and he enjoyed feeling it with his thumbs.
She shivered at his soft caresses but certainly not from the cold of his hands. "Umm, no, I don't speak Italian." Her voice came out a little strained, which surprised her a little.
"Well, it means 'beautiful' or 'pretty', both of which suit you just fine." His eyes twinkled with wicked charm as he said that. His ministrations on her wrists didn't cease. The slow, lingering movements were sending strange pulses down her spine. She tried to identify it as fear, but it didn't quite fit there. It felt as though her lower body was weightless, and she felt an urge to squeeze her legs tight. She was so lost into the strange sensations, that she didn't even notice her increasing heartbeat.
He smiled with satisfaction. "I'd prefer to call you Bella, if you would allow me, that is. Do you mind?"
"No…" she replied without even thinking much about it. The sensations within her body were meddling with her thinking process. Her answer came out as a breathless whisper, and she realized that she was breathing heavily, akin to some sort of exertion.
"Bella…" he sighed her new name reverently. "Thank you."
He got up and pulled her to her feet. "Come with me. I have to show you something."
She felt out of balance as her body refused listen to her. Her legs felt a little wobbly, but she kept up with him. He kept a hand on the small of her back and led her downstairs, out of the manor.
Outside, he called for an attendant and gave him a nod. Isabella observed him carefully, feeling more in control of her senses. Soon, a brand new horse car drew towards the main entrance. It was even fancier than his usual type, and it had two pretty looking white horses at the front.
Edward watched her intently as she took in the details of the carriage. Her reactions were becoming his newfound entertainment. "This," he said, gesturing towards the horse car, "is for you."
Her eyes widened in response, and she jerked her head in his direction. "But… I don't think I—"
"I don't want to hear any objections on this matter. It is yours, end of argument," came back his rather curt response.
Taken aback, Isabella almost flinched at his brusqueness. She lowered her head, feeling offended. All that she wanted at that moment was to be home, in the familiar and soothing surroundings of her room.
Edward sensed her distress right away. "Bella," he murmured as he came closer to her. "It came out wrong. It's just that I didn't want you to shun my gift away. You have a habit of doing that. I didn't want you to say no to it. I don't like it when someone refuses my gift, especially you." He tilted her head up and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. "I apologise."
She looked up at him with an apprehensive expression, not really trusting his apology. But his fingers on her cheek were distracting her again.
He softened his expression and tried his best to look repentant. 'I don't apologise to humans, so she better take it. This woman makes everything so damn difficult.'
She looked away and nodded, much to his relief.
"I have given you a chauffeur as well. You will have him at your service all the time. And don't worry about the maintenance of either the carriage or the chauffeur; I have already taken care of that." He opened the carriage door for her and continued, "You just have to enjoy the experience; the problems, I can handle. Now, tell me, do you like it, or shall I get another one for you? Tell me what your heart desires, and it will be done."
She sat inside and pondered upon his question. 'Should I tell him that I don't prefer such fancy things? Ugh, he probably won't be pleased with that. -- Just say what he wants to hear, and it will be over soon.'
Edward settled in right beside her, an expectant look on his face.
"Well," she started, "I do like it. But where will the chauffeur stay?"
He noted her troubled expression and sighed again, frustrated at her continuing barrage of questions. "I thought I told you not to worry about it."
Sensing the finality in his tone, she decided to let it go for the time being. "Thank you." She tried to end this conversation.
He moved closer to her and whispered in her ear, "You don't need to thank me for anything from now on. I'll feel insulted if you do."
A frisson shot through her body as she felt his cool breath on her neck. The strange tingling began again, and she found it difficult to speak. "I-I think… I n-need to go back now."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kept his mouth close to her ear. "Of course." He squeezed her arm slightly to make her relax a little.
Ordering the chauffeur to get going, he turned his attention back on her. "So, I was wondering, when are you planning to talk to Charles, you know, regarding the date?"
She cringed a little at the return of her least favourite topic. It really was the last thing she wanted to talk about and probably the last thing she wanted ask Charles. But she had to give a convincing reply to Edward, otherwise, she knew that he would keep coming back to it.
"I haven't planned about it, but I will surely talk to him. A wedding is a big event, so it may take more than a month to make the requisite arrangements," she replied matter of factly.
"Sure," he agreed, unhurriedly stroking her bare arm with his hand. "But I can take care of every arrangement. Charles won't have to do much, then. Just set a date, and let me know."
Her breathing faltered again, an involuntary response to his leisurely strokes. Edward smiled at her responsiveness, pleased with his efforts. All through the ride, he kept on with his feathery touches. At the end of it, Isabella found herself feeling extremely restless and jumpy. Sometimes, when his hand traced along her shoulder, she almost did wish for it to go beyond and touch more of her skin.
As the carriage came to a stop outside her uncle's house, Edward leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek again. His lips stayed there longer than usual, faintly sucking on her creamy skin. She shuddered again. The sweet pleasure that coursed through her body was foreign to her, and that scared her.
Upon entering the house, she dashed straight towards the kitchen and splashed water on her face. The water was cold, and it should have shocked her senses back to normal, but it didn't help at all. The coldness of the water reminded her of Edward; his hands, his lips, his smooth skin on hers.
'What is WRONG with me? I should feel revolted at his touch! I shouldn't wish for him to touch me, then why…?'
Her internal battle raged on as she went to her room. Edward was not her prince charming. In her eyes, he was a diabolical manipulator, nothing more than that. Then certainly, her urge to feel his hands baffled her.
"I must talk to Angela," she muttered to herself. "The only one who I can tell. She might give me a plausible explanation. If not that, then it'll help me get it off my chest, like a confessional."
"Bella…"
She shivered, feeling his cool hands on her skin. They traveled up her arms, slowly tracing her warm skin. His fingers drew irregular patterns on her skin, stroking, caressing her in a way that seemed almost sinful. She whimpered and looked into his golden eyes, that strange sensation rippling through her body again. His eyes burned and completely possessed her.
Isabella was powerless against his touch. She wanted to tell him to stop, but it felt so pleasant; she couldn't utter a word. He was staring at her with that same wicked glint in his eyes. His hands moved to her shoulders, slipping inside the fabric of her chemise. Her breathing stuttered, and she drew in a deep, longing breath. Once again, his heady smell clouded her senses.
Unable to control her reactions anymore, Isabella uttered low moans of pleasure.
"Mmmhh… M-Mr. Masssen…"
She lurched ahead on her bed and opened her eyes. Her hands felt clammy, and beads of sweat clung to her forehead.
"A dream…" she reasoned with herself. "A really bad dream… a nightmare."
Her whole body felt extremely sensitive, as if she hadn't been sleeping at all. She groaned and hid her face in her hands, an attempt to forget about the dream. More than anything, it was the feeling of immense pleasure that petrified her. Isabella couldn't understand why or how she was feeling what she was feeling. It felt wrong, yet she knew that she hadn't felt bad or repulsed in the dream. The site of Edward touching her, watching her with those hungry eyes, didn't make her cower away from him. Instead, his touch felt soothing and enjoyable.
'I have lost my mind. I cannot possibly like it. It is all so twisted!' she screamed in her mind.
But deep down, she knew that she was changing. She was beginning to respond to Edward, although, not ready to admit it yet. It worried her, even beyond the prospect of marrying him. Isabella wasn't so sure of her feelings towards him. She hated him, but a part of her--the curious part--wanted to experience his alluring touches. A want to feel Edward was beginning to take a grip on her, even though she managed to hush it down for the time being.
That night, and numerous other following nights, she didn't sleep well. Edward just wouldn't let her…
"Uncle, what is this?" A very disgruntled Isabella shoved a stack of letters into Charles's hands. He recognized it the moment he saw it, and his face showed guilt.
"I-uhh, Issy, well…"
"You went begging for money?" Her voice became shrill with anger; anger at herself, not him. Then, abruptly, Isabella collapsed on the sofa in a fit of tears.
She hated herself more than ever at this moment.
Charles had gone to every source possible to try and get some monetary help. He had hoped to repay Edward as quickly as possible so that Isabella could be saved from his clutches. However, he received nothing but rejection. He even went to Mr. Webber, but got nothing in return. His efforts had borne no fruits.
Isabella had found the letters in his room while cleaning. It broke her heart to see how much Charles had struggled for her sake and suffered as well. He had put everything on line for her, even his self respect.
"I'm sorry, Issy, but I couldn't just accept it. I couldn't just sit and watch while that devil took you away from me." He bent down and hugged her tightly. It eased her hiccups a little.
Wiping her tears, she turned towards him and mumbled, "Just have to accept fate sometimes, Uncle. I have…"
"It's very hard for me, Issy. The anger still burns inside me, even though it has been two weeks since… his damned offer." Charles hated Edward thoroughly. He wished nothing but his demise.
Isabella shifted a little, feeling the inevitable dread as she spoke, "He asked me about the date."
"Date?"
She looked away and continued, "The wedding date. He wants us to decide fast, says that he wants an early wedding."
Charles grumbled under his breath. He was beginning to lose his temper again.
"Uncle, anger isn't going to help us. Let's just decide upon a date. It will be easier on me that way. The more I think, the more difficult it gets," she stated dejectedly.
Charles gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into the fabric of the sofa. A moment of tense silence passed, where Charles attempted to control his anger. Isabella stayed quiet, not knowing how to soothe him.
After a few minutes, Charles finally spoke up, "Give me some time to think about it… without losing my temper. It's difficult for me as well." He stroked her head, "But I won't make it more difficult for you, my child."
After he left for work, Isabella busied herself with her daily chores. That way, she was able to suppress the trivial problems of her life. The plain daily chores simplified everything, even thought processes.
The next day, she cornered Angela for disappearing on her.
"Where were you, Angela? I thought some ogre took you away!"
Angela hesitated a bit, thinking of the best way to explain herself. "I-uhh-well, not an ogre." She giggled. "I'll explain, but you have to see it with an open mind."
She then caught site of the brilliant ring on Isabella's finger and forgot about her excuses. "But, first, what is that?" she exclaimed, pointing at it, "Is it what I think it is?"
Isabella rolled her eyes and raised her hand to show it to her. "Yes, it is. The final nail in the coffin."
Angela smacked her hand as a reprimand for talking like that, then pulled it back in her hand to examine the ring.
"Ruby, hmm, interesting choice. It sure looks exquisite. And it fits perfectly."
That alerted Isabella. She never thought about the perfect fit. 'How did he manage that? I don't remember him taking any measurements.'
"He… must have gone on a hunch. I assume it's just a coincidence that it fits perfectly." Albeit, Isabella herself was not convinced with that reasoning. The uncannily perfect fit caused her to doubt this theory. She made a mental note of asking him about it and to see how he would respond.
"Angela," she went back to the original topic, "where were you all this week? Oh, and not only that… If I count correctly, it's certainly more than a week. You completely forgot about me. If you were having problems, then why didn't you share them with me? I always do."
Angela dropped her hand and started pacing in front of her. "It's-It's Ben."
"Ben? Cheney? Your friend?"
Angela nodded. "And he's not a friend anymore."
"Huh?"
"Oh Issy, not that our friendship perished. He and I, well… it's more than a friendship. He proposed to me."
Isabella smiled at her, feeling happy for her friend. "I knew that you two would end up as a couple. And what a handsome couple at that!"
"Yes, Issy. But the problem is that he wants to wait."
"Wait?"
"Yes, he said that he wants to wait till he completes his studies. He wants to officially ask for my hand after he has become successful in his own right." Angela huffed in frustration.
"But… he's right. He would be treated with more respect then." Isabella gestured for her to sit down next to her.
"Yes, Issy, I know! But I won't be sitting here, without any suitors coming my way. It's a blessing that Forks Prairie is such a lonely place. But even then…" Angela frowned as she thought about the prospective suitors that might bother her.
"You can say no to them. You aren't under a compulsion to say yes… like I was."
"That is what I am saying! I just told him to at least let my parents know. They wouldn't mind at all. They already like him. But he is so stubborn sometimes."
"But he loves you, and you love him back. That is just so beautiful." Isabella sighed wistfully.
Angela shook her head. "It is a good thing that my father will never give me away to a man I don't want. I'm ready to wait for him. We have decided to keep seeing each other surreptitiously till then."
"But what is the use of such meetings?" Isabella couldn't control her laughter.
"Well, we get more acquainted with each other." Angela's eyes twinkled with anticipation. "It's like I can't stay away from him. I know why, but really, I'm ready to drown in love." She wiggled her eyebrows at her. "So, coming back to you. Other than the ring, what else happened. You look troubled again. Tell me."
Isabella shared her anguish with Angela, who was more than ready with her explanation. "Well, it certainly means something. It means that you are finally taking my advice."
"What advice? Kindly explain, Angela," Isabella urged her impatiently.
"To see him as your would-be husband. You are finally beginning to like his company, I believe?" Angela looked at her inquisitively.
Isabella let out a humourless laugh and stomped towards her friend. "You really think so? His company is oppressive, if anything. I'm talking about his touch; it is driving me mad."
"Mad in what sense?" Angela seemed unfazed by her petulant anger.
"Mad in the sense that it makes me hate myself. I don't like him, then why does it feel..." Isabella was having a little trouble admitting it, "...pleasant, when he kisses me or touches me otherwise."
Angela's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "What? He has kissed you?!"
Isabella rolled her eyes. "On the cheek, Angela, on the cheek! But well… he did try."
"Tried to kiss you properly? Oh, Issy, you must have refused him." Angela shook her head in amusement. "When will you learn? You are going to get married to that man. Refusing to kiss him now will not serve you any purpose. Sooner or later, you'll have to kiss him properly, and well… much more."
"I'll delay the sentence as much as I can. Why do you always have to remind me of these things, Angela? I wish to numb my mind and skip over these matters."
"That won't help you. It will only make you more miserable." Angela rubbed her shoulder gently and gave her explanation, "When you have agreed to marry him, you have to accept these things. Accept that he is going to touch you and kiss you. And as to why you like it, well, I'd suggest that you don't think about it. Thinking complicates certain things. There is no valid answer to your question. Perhaps your body likes him more than your mind." Angela grinned at her mischievously.
Isabella couldn't fight against the power of Angela's smile. "You have a rogue mind," she accused her, smiling in return. "Fine, I won't think about this matter. But I must admit, it scares me to feel this way. It is stranger than anything I have felt. This emotion, I can't place it anywhere; not anger, not fear, not even happiness. Maybe a mix of all of them, but strange nonetheless."
Angela knew what it was but kept quiet. She didn't want to scare Isabella more than she already was. 'Some things, I suppose, she'll have learn by herself. It will be easier for her to accept her feelings then.'
Both of them were lost in their own thoughts, in completely different worlds altogether. Isabella was still trying get acquainted with this unfamiliar emotion, while Angela was readily feeling it already.
"Let's go downstairs. I have to prepare lunch." Isabella got up from her bed and waved to Angela. "Angela, where are you?"
Angela woke up from her daydream and smiled at Isabella. "A happy island."
"Really?" Isabella narrowed her eyes. "Give me the address as well, please. I'm in dire need of it."
Angela laughed in response and accompanied her to the kitchen. "You can't be on my happy island; everyone has to find theirs. Don't worry, you'll find it eventually."
A knock on the main door alerted them, and they went straight to attend it. Isabella became nervous; she wasn't expecting anyone at this time. Unexpected visits reminded her of Henry.
"Who is it?" she asked with a shaky voice.
But Angela didn't stop for the answer from outside. She opened the door in a hurry, as if knowing who was outside. Isabella looked at her in horror and tried to stop her, but Angela was faster.
Outside, standing with his arms wide open, was Ben. Much to Isabella's surprise, Angela literally jumped into his arms.
"What took you so long? You're late!" she accused, grabbing at his shoulders.
Ben grinned at her and enveloped her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Angie, but-"
She stopped him mid-sentence by kissing him full on the lips.
Isabella stood there, a spectator to their intimate embrace. It baffled her, the way they were both so unabashed with each other. Angela behaved as though she had a right over Ben, and he just seemed to verify it. Their kiss reflected their need, their love for each other. Angela grabbed his neck and pulled him closer, while he deepened the kiss into a more passionate one. The air crackled with the intensity of their desire.
Isabella's jaw dropped. She had never seen such a thing before. All she had known was chaste kissing. What Angela and Ben were doing was far removed from that. She could see their tongues reaching out for each other's, hungry and wild. Averting her eyes from the couple, she moved away to the kitchen. Her face was red, but she didn't know if she was embarrassed or enraged. Once pondering on it, she ousted rage, citing her reaction as embarrassment only. But the strange thing was, she could feel the intensity emanating from them. And it wasn't the first time she had felt such intensity.
Isabella closed her eyes, in order to remember the time when she felt that sort of intense crackle in the air.
'Bella, I want to try something…'
Edward's silken voice echoed in her mind. Her eyes snapped open suddenly. She knew then, where she had felt that feeling before.
Isabella was out in the backyard, hanging up clothes for drying, when she heard the galloping of horses' hooves. Putting the clothes aside, she rushed towards the main entrance of the house to receive the person outside. She opened the door quickly, believing it to be Angela. But it wasn't Angela at the door.
"I thought I told you to always enquire before opening the door." Edward's lips twitched as he said that, but his tone remained serious and stern.
Isabella dropped her gaze and gave him a short nod. 'To give the devil his due, he is right. I shouldn't have opened the door in such haste.'
"I-I thought it was Angela; she usually comes here at this hour only." She could feel her ears heating up already. 'Why do I always end up making a fool of myself in front of him?'
Edward shook his head and grinned at her. "You always have an excuse ready."
She narrowed her eyes at him, feeling infuriated at his accusation. "We'll see how many excuses you present after our wedding."
Silence prevailed for a few seconds. They stared at each other, curious emotions running through them.
Isabella's face was now completely crimsoned from her latest gaffe. Her own words resonated inside her head, embarrassing her to the extreme. She had talked about their wedding in such frivolous manner; it seemed so light and chirpy a matter.
"I haven't seen you talking about it like this before. I'm immensely glad to see the change," he spoke, finally breaking the awkward silence.
She avoided his eyes and walked inside, prompting him to follow. Silence was like a respite to her, and she intended on maintaining it. 'You, anyway, talk like an imbecile when he's around; better to stay quiet.'
"So, I suppose you were working? Busy with clothes or cooking?" he asked, attempting small talk. It was all new to him, the humanness, the unnecessary conversations and emotions. He had tried it once before, when he was with Carlisle and others. He tried to blend in with humans, like the others, but the attempt was half hearted. The reason, as cited by him, was that he didn't need that interaction.
"Yes," she answered him back, feeling a compulsion to say something again. She chewed on her lip nervously as she stopped herself from inquiring him of his reason to visit her.
Edward didn't miss any of her actions; she always had his full attention. "Is there something you wanted to say?" He raised an eyebrow, his eyes fixated on her lips. 'Let me bite that lip for you…'
She folded and unfolded her hands as she carefully chose her next words. "Well, I was wondering… what brought you here. I mean, you sure are a busy man. Was anything bothering you?"
Edward's face reflected confusion and curiosity. "You didn't talk to your uncle about the wedding date," he replied, almost sure that she hadn't.
Her face drew into a scowl. "I did. What makes you think that I didn't? He said he needs some time to think upon it, might take a few days to fix it."
"But why is it taking so long for him to decide? I already told you that you don't need to worry about any of the arrangements."
"It's not about the arrangements, Mr. Masen," she said, anger evident in her eyes. "My uncle needs some time. It is a severely difficult decision for him. Have some sensitivity at least, if not compassion for your loyal employee."
Although he managed to keep his face neutral, Edward was definitely stunned by her little diatribe. He opened his mouth to speak but was at loss for words. For the first time in his long existence, he was left speechless.
Isabella stared at him, expecting a cocky reply, but none came. She shuffled her feet and waited for him to respond, but he just kept staring at her. The awkward silence got to her again, and she spoke up finally, "We-we'll let you know as soon as we decide upon a date." She looked down again, rankled by his silence. 'For the love of God, say something!'
Edward pursed his lips and replied, "I will take that into consideration. But… shall I say that I request you earnestly do not take this marriage as a contract. I intend to make you my wife for the obvious purposes, not to get even with Charles. Let go of that impression, please."
He moved closer to her, to hold her in his arms again. She panicked and stepped back. That halted him and made him retreat.
"Bella," he tried again, remaining at a distance. "You have to see this as more than just an arrangement. It might be too sudden for you, but believe me, my intentions are not misplaced."
Sincerity was written all over his face, and Isabella felt a tug at her heart as she took his words in.
'Please let her believe this. This is possibly the nearest to truth I can get. It isn't that I don't intend to make her my wife. I'm just going to concentrate on the physical gratification, though. Other things will be taken care of…'
She nodded at him in silence, feeling strange upon hearing his latest confession.
"I think I have disturbed you enough for a day, Bella. I'll take your leave now."
He started moving towards the door, hunching his shoulders a little for the purpose of convincing her.
She stared at his retreating form, feeling somewhat disconcerted. Then, in a pure instinctual move, she trailed towards him and put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. He stopped right there and turned around to face her.
Edward gazed at her in amazement, his eyes asking her the obvious.
"I-I." In a flustered state, she tried to come up with a credible reason for her actions.
"Yes, Bella?" he prompted.
His intoxicating breath wafted towards her, momentarily dispelling her inhibitions. "I… wanted to wish you good bye." 'Wanted to see if it happens the same way… if I can feel it with him…'
Her answer confused him, but he waited nonetheless. Her thrumming heartbeat was making him wonder, as well as her hitched breathing.
Isabella stared at his handsome face, willing herself to act on instinct again. Her hands trembled as she planted them on his shoulders to pull him towards her. Edward didn't move at first, but as he felt the tug of her hands, he complied. She stood on her toes, trying to close the distance, and that made her lean into him.
He then realized what she was trying to do and decided to take matters into his own hands. His hands encircled her waist and pulled her closer. He felt triumphant with his efforts so far. 'She finally gave in to my charms. I finally get to taste that saccharine mouth of hers. Sweet victory.'
Tipping his slightly, he leaned in and stopped when his face was close to hers. His thirst shot up. The venom flowing into his mouth nearly distracted him, but he didn't move away. He willed himself to stay in and take what she was giving.
Isabella was watching him, breathing heavily as she felt him moving in. Very slowly, he closed the distance between them, his own breathing laboured. Controlling the thirst took a gargantuan effort from him, but he did it nonetheless.
Finally, their lips brushed together in a feathery caress. But it was enough to ignite a fire inside Isabella, who planted her warm lips more firmly against his cold ones. It was against her nature to do so, but she couldn't control her actions at this moment.
Edward pulled her closer, tenderly moving his lips against her. It was hot against cold, fire against ice, and it overwhelmed both of them. Her hands grabbed fistful of his coat as he hungrily latched on to her lips.
Edward groaned into her mouth, reveling in her sweet freesia and lavender taste. His instinct told him to go further and take more. An urge to bite her luscious lips right there was beginning to take over. It would be pure bliss for him, but he wanted to more than that. So, he tried to ignore that urge.
Isabella whimpered, her body completely betraying her. The intensity she had felt before was now flowing between them with full force. There was no searching, no doubting, just wanting. It was like a craving, a hunger which desperately needed satiation.
Edward was struggling with twin hungers, but he kept himself under control. He knew that if he faltered at this moment, he'd never have a chance to go beyond this in the future. But even in his controlled state, he felt a part of him giving in. He enjoyed it thoroughly, while his unyielding lips acquainted themselves with her soft, cushiony ones. It was heaven, and he didn't want to stop. But he knew that if they kept on, he'd either suck her dry or ravish her right there. Thus, he pulled away slowly, albeit, reluctantly.
Unable to keep her balance, Isabella kept leaning on to him. She rested her head against his shoulder as she caught her breath. Her mind was unable to function properly at this moment, and in a way, she was glad for that. His sweet taste still lingered on her lips, delicious and even more potent than his smell.
Edward's voice was strained as he spoke, "I'd love to receive such heavenly goodbye kisses in the future as well."
His voice brought her back from her inert state. Her eyes refocused as she realized what had just happened. 'Oh. My. God. I didn't just… I did…'
She moved away from him awkwardly, not even daring to look into his eyes.
"Although I have no intention to leave, I must." He traced her cheek with his hand again. "Take care, Bella." With that, he left, leaving her alone to ponder upon what had just happened.
As she remembered the kiss again, her legs gave away. Plopping into the nearest sofa, she shuddered with pleasure and shock.
'I kissed Mr. Masen, and I liked it. And contrary to my wishful thinking, I'm not in a nightmare. Oh God!'
The kiss was difficult. I was so damn frazzled, I feared that it wouldn't come out right. I hope I did justice to it.