Chapter 5

Once she was done, Bella trudged down the stairs looking tiered as hell. Damn, she looked so fucking sexy in my clothes. DOWN BOY! Looking her up and down as she looked around my living room was not a good idea. Now I've got a fucking hard on! Just my luck.

"This is a really nice house you've got" Bella smiled, gesturing around her and plopping herself on the sofa. "I feel like I'm in a forest."

"Thanks" I smiled, sitting on the floor next to her with my back against the couch. "Krissy decorated it for me. She's an interior designer; it's her job."

"Cool" she smiled back. I couldn't wait for her to meet Krissy and Izzy. They're already begging me to let them meet her.

I watched her as she traced the dark smudges under my eyes and my eyes fluttered closed at the delicious feeling.

"When was the last time you slept?" Bella scolded me and I sighed.

"I honestly can't remember" I told her. There was no point in lying. She would see right through me. She always did.

"Sleep" she commanded, folding her arms across her chest and pouting. I hate it when she does that!

I sighed in defeat, leaning my head on the cushion next to hers, unable to stop the next yawn. "Guess I could rest for a minute..."

And, with that, I fell asleep.

Bella was talking on the phone to someone. I stood there, watching her. She'd been crying. I wanted nothing more than anything to comfort her but I couldn't move. All I could do was stand there and watch.

"Paul, I..." she began, and then gasps.

"Bella!" I shouted as a red-eyed vampire stepped in front of the car. She dropped the phone and stepped hard on the break. But she wasn't quick enough. The tries squealed in protest as she rammed into the vampire. She and the vampire went flying.

Someone was calling her name from the phone, but Bella wasn't listening. She was staring in horror as the vampire got up and slowly made her way towards her...

I started awake, gasping, as the door burst open and the light flickered on. I jumped to my feet, ready to protect my Bella.

"Sorry" Jared mumbled. "Did I wake you?"

I carefully assessed his expression. His eyes were filled with tears.

"Oh, no, Jared!" Bella moaned, jumping up from the sofa and hugged him tightly to her. I didn't have any room in my body to feel jealous right this minute. Not Harry! He was like a father to me along with Billy and Old Quil.

"I'm so sorry" Bella whispered, letting go of Jared.

Jared sighed. "It's gonna be hard all around."

"Where's Charlie?"

"Your dad is still at the hospital with Sue. There are a lot of...arrangements to be made."

As small sob broken free of Bella and I pulled her close to me.

"I'd better get back there" Jared sighed. "I only came to give you the news." And he ducked hastily out the door.

I sighed and sat down on the floor, putting my face in my hands. I didn't want Bella to see me cry. Bella sat down next to me and rubbed my shoulders, obviously trying desperately to find a way to comfort me.

After a long moment, I caught her hand and held it to my face, trying to calm myself down and focus on the task at hand.

"How are you feeling? Are you okay? I probably should have taken you to a doctor or something." I sighed. I was being a stupid fucking idiot today.

"Don't worry about me."

I twisted my head around to look at her.

"You don't look so good."

"Don't worry about me" she repeated.

"I'll go get your truck and then take you home. You probably ought to be there when Charlie gets back."

"Right."

I left her lying on the sofa, looking incredibly guilty though I hadn't the foggiest idea why. Harry was much of a loss to her as it was to us.

It didn't take me long. I helped her up from the couch silently, keeping my arm around her petite shoulders when the cold air outside made her shiver. I took the driver's seat, knowing I wouldn't have to ask, and pulled her next to me to keep my arm tight around her. She leaned her head against my chest automatically making me smile.

"How will you get home?" she asked quietly. Silly, Bella, always worrying about everyone else around her but never herself.

"I'm not going home. We still haven't caught the bloodsucker, remember?"

She shuddered, and I tightened my grip around her, though I knew it probably had nothing to do with the cold. Unfortunately, there are some things in the world I can't protect her from; such things as her nightmares.

I stopped the truck right in front of her house, cutting the engine. I knew exactly what she was thinking about, even if she didn't want me to know. I knew my other arm around her and hugged her tightly, binding her to me. It felt nice; like I was a whole person.

I wanted to apologise, to make things right again. She must be feeling pretty awful. "Know I've dumped a lot on you this past few weeks, sorry. I just want you to know that I don't mind whatever decision you make, as long as it will make you happy. I swear I don't mind, I'm just so glad you're okay that I could sing and that's something no one wants to hear." I laughed in her ear quietly.

Her breathing kicked up a notch and I smiled proudly, glad that I have that effect on her.

"Come on, let's get you inside" I said, jumping out of her truck and ran at full speed around her truck so I could open the door for her.

"Thanks" she smiled shyly, blushing. I just chuckled. That blush made her look so cute. So cute it hurt.

AN: BOO xxx he, he lol

Reviews:

Delilah69: Yep: P LOL

Daddys little crazy bitch: Goody :-)

Edger2deadly: I know, right! Jeez, I'm starting to sound like Jessica. That's never a good sign.