Title: You Found Me
Full Summary: Edward Masen has lived the life of a nomadic vampire, travelling with James and Victoria since he awoke as an immortal. His ability to read minds has had the unusual side effect of making him a vampire with a conscience. Despite the ridicule from his coven mates, he's confident he's making the best of his existence and doing what's morally right... until he stumbles upon a brown-eyed girl reading in a meadow in Forks. As he attempts to befriend her and learns more about the sleepy town of Forks, Edward finds there's a lot more to being a vampire than he ever thought possible.
Pairings: Canon
Rating: M, for language and sexing.
Chapter: Thirty-one; Relief
POV: Edward
AN: There seemed to be quite a bit of confusion over the last chapter about how exactly James and Victoria knew to take Edward, and why they would want him at all. Since this was a concern brought up by multiple people, I thought I'd address it for those of you who might have had concerns but didn't voice them.
James explains, in the chapter before the CPOV, that he and Victoria were passing through Chicago and happened to overhear Carlisle and Eleazar talking, which prompted Victoria to decide she wanted Edward for his gift. Thanks to Victoria's talent for evading detection and James tracking abilities, they're skilled at gathering information quietly. Since the last chapter was in Carlisle's point of view and he wasn't aware that James and Victoria were listening in on his conversation, he didn't mention them.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to support this fic, whether it's by leaving a review that makes me think or simply by continuing to read :) I've been horrible at responding to reviews lately, but I read every one and appreciate them all the same. The response to the last chapter was lovely. I was terrified of writing Carlisle, and you all made me think maybe taking risk here or there isn't so bad sometimes :)
Also thanks to Jana for talking me down from a ledge or two this time around. You might not have been seeing this chapter for a decade or two if it weren't for her much needed influence and general pushiness. And I mean that in the nicest way ;)
xx
"That's how I got my scar," Carlisle continued quietly. "I believe James took the piece that would have fit here," he tapped the pink mark that brushed his cheek, "as a trophy. Or perhaps he burned it to ensure I would forever be marked. It's healed over, but it doesn't look quite like it once did. "
"I can't believe they would stoop so low," I muttered, dumbfounded by the entire tale. I had been rendered speechless for the majority of it, my bewilderment ensuring I had nothing insightful to contribute.
My uncharacteristic silence was distressing Carlisle and the others. They were worried that the revelations would permanently damage the friendships we had built.
It wasn't that I was purposefully holding a grudge – though I was certainly still upset no one had made it a priority to tell me before today – it was the only way I knew how to deal with the life-altering information that was being thrown at me. Reuniting with Bella had lightened my mood considerably but the underlying tension stemming from the fact I'd been lied to for weeks remained.
I had wanted answers. The ones I received were not what I had been expecting.
The visuals and accompanying emotions that ran a torrent through Carlisle's mind as he recounted his story were simultaneously amazing and horrifying. The clarity with which he remembered my mother and I was touching, his affection for us evident. As a human nearing the end of my mortal life, I'd been so fragile and broken. Yet Carlisle treated each of his patients, myself included, with the utmost care and respect, simply because we were living beings. Then there was the way he had been mercilessly bulldozed by James.
My opinion of my former coven mates had reached an all time low. I had never imagined they could be so cruel to a vampire who had no hope of overpowering them. Carlisle's only crime had been to save me from certain death.
Sensing how tense I'd become, Bella's arm tightened around my waist, fisting the shirt Esme had given me to replace my torn one. I drew her closer, pulling her body against the length of mine. As always, having her near brought peace of mind.
Carlisle smiled weakly. "It was a very difficult time for me. If I hadn't found Esme shortly thereafter, I don't know what would have become of me. She saved my life, more than I ever did hers." Esme sidled up to him, soothing him with a silent hand to the small of his back. His pained expression remained, despite her best efforts.
"I attempted to locate you, but as you're probably well aware, James and Victoria are far more powerful than I am. Even with Eleazar's help, I didn't get very far. We lost their trail less than a mile from my home. As it turns out, James and Victoria were the reckless pair the guard had been sent to deal with. My understanding is that the problem dissolved and the Volturi decided return to Italy rather than pursue the issue."
"It's true," Eleazar chimed in. "James and Victoria were the reason we had been summoned to Chicago. That was before Aro acquired Demetri. Our tracking methods were quite archaic. They evaded us quite easily as a result, and unfortunately, when they ceased their conspicuous hunting practices – due to your presence, we believe – Aro called for us to return to Italy. Second chances were much easier to come by once upon a time. We never quite understood why they felt the need involve you, however."
"James said it was Victoria's idea," I said quietly. "They overheard you tell Carlisle that you thought I would be able to read minds. She thought she could use that to her advantage."
Eleazar smiled wanly. "It's fortunate my prediction wasn't far from the truth, if that's the case. It seems probable they would have killed you, if it had turned out that I was incorrect."
"Regardless of how or why it happened," Carlisle said solemnly, "I created you and then failed to protect you and for that I am sorry."
I nodded. Though Carlisle carried the heavy weight of guilt, I didn't blame him for his inability to fend off James and Victoria. I had always known their combined gifts made them a formidable force. I'd been overpowered and outsmarted by them often enough myself. It wouldn't have been fair to expect Carlisle to fare any better than I had.
"Please know that I did not forget about you," he continued. "I didn't know where you were or what they wanted with you. Or if you were alive at all, for that matter. You remained in the back of my mind over the decades. Whenever we would relocate, I would wonder if perhaps you lived there, too. It wasn't until more than thirty years later–"
"Alice," I interrupted quietly, realizing that she would have held the key to the information he was seeking.
"Yes. She told me how you had helped her survive James and Victoria. Edward, when she told me what you had done, I was relieved, I was thankful and above all I was immensely proud. It was vindication, proof of the goodness I knew you had within you."
I shrugged nonchalantly, unaccustomed to accepting praise.
Bella squeezed my hip. "Oh, now you're modest. But during gym class…" she whispered into my shirt. My heart lightened at the teasing note in her voice, as I'm sure she knew it would. I loved that she knew me so well.
Carlisle chuckled at Bella's comment. "I hope you understand how proud I am of you. Even without guidance and positive role models you have evolved into a beautiful person. I don't regret my choice to change you and I highly doubt there is anything that will ever change that."
"Why did you keep it a secret then?" I asked coolly, not quite prepared to hand over all my trust to him again. "Don't you think I deserved to know weeks ago? If it weren't for James, would you have ever told me?"
I sympathized with everything that he had gone through. There was no doubt in my mind that our separation had been an unfortunate twist of fate. However the fact remained that he had had ample opportunity to tell me the truth. Instead he had lied by omission and he had yet to explain to me why he had done it.
Carlisle looked down, chastened by the question. "I didn't know how much you remembered, if anything. You were already so reluctant to trust us. I didn't want you to think I was using our history as leverage to steal you away from your coven and end up scaring you away. I thought perhaps if we built a solid relationship prior to my confession, you would be more comfortable with the idea and more willing to give me a chance to explain."
"I suppose you got everything you wanted then." I tried to keep the disdain out of my tone, but failed miserably. "I'm still listening to you, aren't I?"
He shook his head. "Not at all. You're hurt by the manner in which you discovered the truth. I don't blame you. Please believe it was never my intention to hurt you. I should have known better than to assume that I knew what was best for you. It was selfish of me to withhold the truth from you and I'm sorry I did."
I inhaled deeply, allowing strength of Bella's scent to overwhelm my senses and distract me. No matter how her scent taunted and tempted me, it was a soothing balm, reminding me she was near. As always, I drew strength from her nearness.
"I accept your apology," I said quietly. I meant it; I didn't agree with the decision Carlisle had made but there was no use harbouring resentment. Regardless of all that had happened, I did care about all of the Cullens. I was willing to let the past rest and look towards the future.
"But it's been a long day. I'd like some time to myself to process. If you don't mind, I think Bella and I would like to take our leave for the night." I looked to her for confirmation; she smiled warmly at me, saying without words that she would be there however I needed her.
"Of course. That's understandable," Carlisle agreed readily. "Your room is always open to you, if you would like to use it."
While I appreciated the offer, I didn't feel comfortable processing the day's events within hearing distance of all the Cullens. I needed some time away from all of their thoughts and suggestions and hopes and worries. They were already far too embroiled in the proceedings. I wanted my thoughts to myself for a few hours. Now that I was confident James was no longer a threat, I felt perfectly comfortable bringing Bella to a nearby hotel where we could be alone. I was about to tell them so when Esme spoke.
"Sweetheart?" she addressed Carlisle, but winked at me knowingly. "Perhaps the kids would be more comfortable in the cottage? I'm under the impression Edward is feeling stifled by our intrusion into his headspace. I think he might appreciate a little distance while he comes to terms with everything he's learned. If he remains nearby, we can keep an eye on him and Bella in case of an emergency."
I suddenly understood why Carlisle had been so inexplicably drawn to my mother. Esme and Elizabeth were alike in more than just their looks. I had never been more appreciative of her motherly compassion than in that moment.
"Brilliant as always," he complimented. "I'm sorry I didn't think of it first."
"If you would like, it's yours for the night," Esme offered.
Bella squeezed me, silently telling me the choice was mine.
"That would be lovely, thank you."
xx
The cottage was everything I would have expected from the Cullens. It was tiny, but somehow, the limited space managed to seem cozy rather than cramped. Warm wood furnishings and fabrics in a rich blue decorated the space. It was the massive sleigh bed in the centre of the room that dominated attention, however.
"Wow," Bella mouthed, her eyes wide as she took it in. "That's what I call a bed! Do you think if we break my mattress again I could convince Alice to get me one of these instead?"
"Bella," I admonished. I didn't like talking about the incident which had resulted in the destruction of her mattress. It only served as a reminder of how close I had come to hurting her.
She bounded onto the bed, sinking into the plush duvet that covered it. Poking her head out from the mountain of bedding that surrounded her, she gestured for me to join her with a brilliant smile. I climbed up next to her, kneeling beside her sprawled form. Even as gigantic as the bed was, she had splayed her arms and legs so that she took up most of the available space.
"Relax. I'm just joking. How would we explain that one to my dad? We'll just have to make use of this one while we're here."
She sat up, running her small fingers over the knots in my shoulders. My flesh was too solid to yield under her touch but the warmth of her hands on me felt incredible. The day's stresses seemed less important when she was touching me.
I shivered. For the briefest moment I allowed my mind to wander over the possibilities.
"How do you propose we do that?" I willed myself to match her playfulness. I knew I was susceptible to brooding at times. Fortunately, Bella appeared to be the antidote to my bad moods. I hated the thought of ruining our time together.
As nice as her hands felt on my shoulders, I needed her in my arms right then. They were nearly twitching with the compulsion to hold her.
At my prompting, she laid her head on my chest and curled a leg around one of mine. I could feel the day's tension begin to melt away, Bella's lightness seeping in to replace my dark. It was so easy to wrap myself up in her and forget the world existed. For the first time in hours I felt relaxed. I would happily remain like this for as long as she would let me.
"I'm open to anything," she breathed, her words hot against my shoulder. Something in the vicinity of my stomach twisted expectantly. Did she have any idea what she did to me?
I lifted my lips to hers, unsure how to express the swell of affection for her any other way. As always, she was soft and responsive. Her fingers combed through the hair at the back of my neck.
"This is nice," she murmured. Her hands framed my face, serious brown peering down at me. "You know that I love kissing you and if that's what you feel like doing, I'm all for it, trust me. But please don't use it as an excuse not to talk to me. I'm here to listen. You know that, don't you? You can tell me anything. You don't always have to be my protector. Let me help you, too."
I considered the request. There were things I wanted to share with her but they could wait. Tonight we could exist in our little bubble. I wanted to soak up all the comfort she had to offer and forget my troubles. Tomorrow we could worry about dealing with the outside world.
"All I've done today is talk," I admitted. "I'm tired of talking. I just want to feel close to you. If today has taught me anything, it's how much I need you. I love you so much."
I pulled her face back to mine for a quick peck.
She brushed a finger over my forehead, tracing my eyebrows. "Okay, but remember, the offer stands. No bottling stuff up and internalizing everything until you can't hold it in any longer. If you're upset, I want to be the first to know."
I laughed at her determined expression. I loved that she cared enough to make sure I knew she would listen. I loved that she made me laugh even more. But most of all, I just loved her. I told her so, again. It didn't matter that I'd told her less than a minute ago. I would never be able to tell her enough.
She smiled her wide, happy smile at me. "Hearing that never gets old."
"I'll tell you every single day of forever," I promised, kissing her eyelids. She yawned. "Tired?"
"A little. I think I want take a quick shower before I go to bed, though. Esme gave me some sweats to change into while you were gone but I didn't get to shower. I feel a little gross."
She looked at me with concern when my arms didn't loosen from around her. "What's wrong?"
"I don't want to be separated from you right now," I explained quietly, feeling stupid and juvenile for asking her to stay. I was positive that, if left to my own devices, my mind would slip into overdrive. As I had explained to her, I wasn't in the mood to think yet. Once she fell asleep I would have plenty of time alone with my thoughts.
Bella nodded, seeming to understand my dilemma without further explanation. I considered, for the first time, how difficult it must have been for her to wait for me to return, knowing all the while that I was conferencing with a sadistic killer.
"You could always come with me," she offered readily. "This thing," she waved her cast at me, "makes some things difficult. I could use some help reaching certain areas."
The timidity I was used to seeing from her regarding sexual matters was long gone. In place of the shy girl I had once known was someone confident and effortlessly sultry. It struck me how far we had come in the last few weeks. We had progressed from tentative first touches to two people who were comfortable with one another and shared intimacy.
If I were to agree, it would be the first time we'd ever seen one another completely naked. We had explored one another often enough but layers of clothes and blankets had always remained preventing complete exposure.
She slid off the luxurious bed and extended a hand to me. Though she tried to hide it, I recognized a spark of nervousness. After everything we had been through together, she was still afraid I might reject her. I hated that she considered it a possibility.
I took her proffered hand but instead of allowing her to lead me into the gleaming bathroom, I settled on the edge of the bed and pulled her to stand between my knees. I wanted her to know she could ask me anything.
"I would love nothing more." I kissed her temple softly.
She beamed at me. "Really?"
"Are you kidding? Being wet and naked with you? Absolutely." I traced her clothed hip with my free hand, imagining what it might feel like bare and slick under a stream of warm water. "I believe that's what they call a dream come true."
She squeezed my hand so tightly her knuckles turned white. "So what are you waiting for, then? Let's make some dreams come true."
I allowed her to pull me into the immaculate marble bathroom. We stood surrounded by white, holding hands, both unsure how to make the next move.
"I can't believe we're going to do this," she confessed. "When I suggested it, I thought for sure you would say no."
I tucked her hair behind her ear. "Never be afraid to ask me anything. I know I'm set in my ways and that sometimes we may not see eye to eye on certain issues but I only ever want to make you happy."
She hugged me. "I know."
"And because I'm such a gentleman, and care so much about your happiness, I'm going to let you choose the temperature," I teased.
There wasn't a moment's hesitation in her answer.
"Hot."
Her cheeks tinted red. I paid no attention, not wanting to draw attention to her embarrassment. "That will probably be most comfortable for you. My skin will be arctic next to yours. It might make me feel more normal."
"You are normal to me," she insisted, busying herself twisting and turning the various knobs that controlled the flow of water into the frosted glass shower stall. It didn't take long before the bathroom began to fill with plumes of steam.
"Do you need to tape up your cast to keep it dry?"
She shook her head. "Nope. Dr. Cullen used waterproof padding."
Bella fingered my shirt tails hesitantly. I lifted her fingers to the row of buttons. She set about undoing them at an achingly slow pace. Once I had shed my shirt, she placed my hands on the hem of hers. I pulled it over her head.
We continued undressing one another one article at a time until we were left standing in only our underwear.
"You're wearing boxers," she told me when she had undone my belt and let my pants fall to the floor. "Usually you go commando."
"What?" I laughed. I'd never heard the term before. That was a rarity. I'd heard all sorts of odd phrases in people's thoughts over the years.
"You know, not wearing underwear?"
"Oh. Most the time I find them unnecessary but it seemed more appropriate to wear an extra layer with a suit. More formal."
I pulled her back against my chest, relishing the fiery warmth of her heat against me. I slid one of my hands down smooth, bare skin, over soft feminine curves and across flat stomach, stopping only when I reached her sweet cotton panties, the only article of clothing remaining on her. I stroked the little hot pink bow decorating the front of them. The little bow was probably intended to be sweet and innocent but somehow managed to be the most erotic thing I'd ever seen.
I suddenly respected the fascination most of the male population had with women's undergarments. I had never understood how bits of cloth and thread could elicit such intense reactions. Now that Bella was standing in front of me wearing only a pair of simple cotton panties, it all snapped into sense. Innocent though they were, those panties stirred something primal inside of me. My body responded of its own volition.
"These are adorable," I told her, stroking a finger along the band of the maddening garment. "I almost don't want to see them go."
She laughed, twining her fingers with mine. "How do you expect me to get clean?"
"You don't need to be worrying about getting clean," I whispered into her hair. "I'll be very thorough, I promise."
"I'll hold you to that." She turned in my arms so we were facing one another. "We better get inside. We don't want the water to get cold."
I shook my head, unable to resist teasing her. "No, definitely not. We know how much you like it hot."
She rolled her eyes at me. "Do you want me to kick you out?"
"You wouldn't."
"No," she agreed, "I wouldn't. Are you gonna get naked and get in or not?" She snapped the waistband of my boxers.
"I'll get in," I promised. "But you're coming with me."
I lifted her into my arms easily and pulled her into the shower with me, underwear and all. I moved so quickly she had no hope of resisting me.
"Edward!" she screeched once she realized what had happened.
I set her on her feet. The shower stall wasn't particularly large, so we were forced to stand close together. Not that I minded in the least. The closer the better.
It was equipped with multiple showerheads that shot at us from every angle. It didn't take long until we were both soaked. She was gorgeous dripping wet, with her hair plastered to her face, her skin pinked by the balmy heat. Mixed with the steam, her scent filled the stall, weaving all around me. Every one of my senses was filled with her.
"Sorry, love," I told her insincerely. She let me kiss her, so I knew she wasn't truly upset with me for the stunt.
"You're lucky I love you," she told me when I had released her. "But just for that you're going first." Without further warning, she yanked my sopping boxers down to my feet. I don't think I would have protested even if she had. I knew how we felt about one another. That helped banish any self-consciousness I might have felt.
Instead of the chill of nerves, I felt warm under her scrutiny. The small smile that lit her face told me all I needed to know.
"It's not fair," she muttered, once she had gotten in her fill of staring. "You're so damn beautiful in every way. You sure know to make a girl feel inadequate."
I pulled her slick body against mine. She was even warmer than usual under the stream of heated water. "Inadequate is not a word you get to use to describe yourself. Ever. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Stunning. Radiant. Luminescent. Those words have my endorsement. Any additions to the list must be approved by me."
"Clumsy?" she suggested cheekily, her eyes tilting to mine defiantly.
"Denied," I said firmly. "You're perfect the way you are. When you tip over, it gives me an excuse to catch you."
She didn't say anything, she simply hugged me tighter. Having her soft weight pressed against me was nice but it only served to remind me of the one layer that remained between us.
"Your turn," I whispered.
She didn't protest when I bent to help her step out of her pink-bow panties. I could have ripped them off of her and been done quicker but I was determined to see them on her again. Someday.
Her fingers twisted into my wet hair, pulling my face towards hers before my eyes could linger too long. I was aware she was attempting to distract me. There was nothing for her to be nervous about.
I could have stared at her perfect form for hours. The image of her bare, water streaming freely down her body, would be branded in my head for all eternity. Soft milky skin, gently sloped in all the right places…
Over the decades I'd seen thousands upon thousands of naked women ranging in all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, as pictured by men that appreciated them. Bella outshined them all. There was something about the natural, effortless beauty she radiated that struck a chord in me. Or perhaps it was the simple fact that I knew she was mine. A possessive male part of me swelled with pride, confident that only I would ever have this part of her.
"You're gorgeous," I reassured her, my thumbs gently skimming the outside swell of her breasts. Satisfaction swept my senses when her body responded, instantly tightening under my touch.
She plucked a bottle of shampoo from the well-stocked shower rack. "Can I wash your hair?"
"Are you going to be able to do that?" I looked at her cast doubtfully. She still had use of all of her fingers, but it seemed the limited range of motion would complicate the process of lathering shampoo.
"How do you think I've been washing myself the last few weeks?"
I kissed her neck. "You told me you needed help in the shower because the cast makes things – and I believe this is a direct quote – 'difficult.'"
She shrugged innocently. "I may have been stretching the truth a little bit. Can you blame me? What was it you said? Oh right. Seeing me wet and naked would be a dream come true. Well, ditto."
"Crafty." I laughed, kneeling before her so she could reach the top of my head.
"That's right, get on your knees," she teased. If only she knew I was on my knees for her more often than not.
"For you, always."
Even the seemingly innocent touches of her hands on my scalp were maddening. I had grown to love the feel of her hands on me, innocently or otherwise. At first, it had been a challenge, resisting the draw of her blood when I let my instincts dominate my consciousness. Now I knew I could survive without human blood. I would not survive without Bella.
While she rubbed her hands through my hair, building a foamy lather, I kissed the smooth skin surrounding her bellybutton, encouraging myself to remain calm. All too soon she turned me to face one of the showerheads.
"I love your hair. It's so soft but strangely durable," she said playfully, washing the suds from my head, taking care not to get any of the soap in my eyes. My chest squeezed at the unnecessary care she took.
"It has to be. What we have at the time of our change is all we'll have for eternity," I explained. "It never grows back. See how much I trust you? You could turn me bald for the rest of my existence."
She laughed. "I like your hair too much. Besides, I've pulled on it often enough. It's pretty resilient." She scratched her fingers through the hair at the back of my neck and pulled, as if I needed another demonstration; I was well aware of her propensity for hair pulling. I also knew how much I liked it when she did.
"Ow," I complained, rubbing the spot melodramatically and pretending to look down the drain for lost hair. "I think I just lost a few strands forever." She slapped my shoulder lightly. I grabbed her hand, kissing it before she could retreat. "Sorry. I meant thank you."
I stood, combing my hands through her wet hair, gathering it along her spine. It was longer and darker than I was used to seeing it. "Is it my turn now?"
She nodded, handing me the shampoo bottle. "Let's see what you've got."
"I think you've seen everything I have to offer, Bella," I teased. "But this isn't about me. It's about you."
I had enjoyed her washing my hair but being able to reciprocate was a new pleasure in and of itself. The little hums and sighs she emitted as I massaged the shampoo into her scalp were just as maddening as having her hands on me. I loved being the one to draw those sounds from her lips.
"There," I said proudly once I had carefully rinsed every strand.
Wordlessly she handed me another bottle with a big smile and pleading eyes. Conditioner, I read off the label. It was not something I had ever had a use for, but then I had never bathed my human girlfriend before. I hastily I read the label and followed the directions, pleased to find Bella seemed happy with my competence.
After I'd rinsed her head a second time, she laid it on my shoulder, tilting back just enough to meet my eyes. "Thank you. That was amazing. I think I understand why some girls like going to hair salons so much, now."
I kissed her ear. "Anytime you want a repeat, day or night, you know where to find me." It would certainly be preferable to her going out and paying another man to put his hands on her in the name of providing a service. The possessive part of me did not like that idea at all. Nor did any other part, for that matter.
She raised a questioning eyebrow at me. "Anytime? I might hold you to that."
"Not a problem," I assured, retrieving the body wash so I would have an excuse to touch her again. Keeping my hands in strictly innocent places for as long as I had, had been torturous. "I keep my promises."
She took the soap from me, lathering it between her fingers. Words fell away as we washed one another. All I could concentrate on were my hands on her and hers on me.
The delicious feel of her skin, pert under my fingers… just enough flesh to make a perfect handful caused something low in my stomach to tighten and tingle, twisting with anticipation.
When her small hand gripped the most excited part of me, liquid soap contributing to smooth strokes, I knew I was in trouble.
What had started as an innocent shower was about to degenerate into something much less chaste. The wicked smirk on Bella's face told me she had intended it from the beginning. I had to admire her well laid plans. I had never had a hope of resisting. After the day's events, I needed this connection that I would only ever share with her.
"Good?" she whispered into my neck, slyly. She was fully aware of what she was doing to me.
I nodded, leaning helplessly against the granite shower for support, praying I wouldn't damage anything. The ruined mattress had been bad enough. I could only imagine the reaction a shower stall cracked under suspicious circumstances would elicit from the others.
"You're doing even better than last time, baby," she murmured into my skin. "Do you remember?"
Of course I remembered. I nodded again, unable to grasp the words to respond.
"Good. Just like last time. No one is going to get hurt. Just concentrate on how good it feels. Absorb the pleasure."
Once again I nodded. I was fairly certain I would have done anything she asked of me. Anything at all.
This time I was determined nothing would be broken. I did exactly as she asked, blanking my mind and absorbing the sensations. It didn't take long for me to reach breaking point. Bella seemed to understand when I was on the verge of losing control.
She cupped my cheek with her free hand, demanding I look at her. I don't know how she knew it would help, but the sight of warm brown flecked with copper instilled an instant calmness. This was Bella. We were meant to be together in this way. In every way.
As my climax washed over me, I kept my gaze focused on Bella's. The world beyond her face blurred and faded away and then returned in even sharper focus than before. She was peering up at me, her pride evident on her face.
She hugged me tightly. "You didn't break anything." The words were so softly spoken, I felt them vibrate over my skin more than I heard them.
I looked around to confirm; I couldn't find anything amiss. I could hardly contain my surprise at my findings or lack thereof. "It seems that way."
"I told you that you could do it. Remember what Eleazar said? Control. You just need to harness it."
"I still think he's seeing something that isn't there," I insisted. "Why does my gift need to extend beyond mind reading? Isn't that enough?"
She shrugged, repressing a slight shiver. We had been running the water for so long that it was starting to droop in warmth. I was thankful my body took on the temperature of my surroundings; I was still warmed from the shower. For once my nearness would keep Bella warm.
"I'm safe, you're safe. Everything is working out for the best. Do you really think it's all just a coincidence? It shouldn't be possible for us to be together like this. Maybe he has a point?"
"I suppose," I agreed, turning the taps to shut off the water. "Come on." I lifted her into my arms. She wrapped herself around me eagerly, sinking against my abnormally warm body. "Let me take you to bed."
We didn't bother with towels. I deposited her directly on the bed, pausing only long enough to lift the down comforter. I slid in behind Bella, wrapping myself around her.
"You're so warm," she told me, snuggling her back against my chest.
"Which is why most vampires love a hot shower. This is as close to feeling human as I'll ever get."
She turned in my arms to place a series of kisses on my face. "You still feel like Edward to me. I love Edward."
She cuddled into my side, laying her head on my chest. I stroked her back lightly, encouraging her to relax. I loved it when she fell asleep half on top of me. I could listen to the rhythmic sounds of her breathing mix with the steady pound of her heartbeat for hours. With every exhale, her body pressed closer to mine, yet never close enough.
Instead of taking the opportunity to rest, Bella's fingers found my chest, caressing and stroking bare flesh. It seemed she was in a playful mood tonight. Perhaps playful wasn't the correct word.
Her hands scratched lightly through the sparse hair on my chest, skimming down to my stomach and lower and back again, on a repeated cycle I was quite sure had been crafted with the sole purpose of torturing me.
I could only lay silently while Bella continued her hand wandering. Her caresses were innocent, sensual but hardly sexual. There was nothing for me to protest.
Her fingers would come close to breaching tenuously set boundaries and then deftly dance away. It was all me and my inability to get her naked body and the new possibilities it presented out of my head. Each time her hand would stop just short of providing relief, my mind would wander, mentally closing the gap for her.
I struggled against my instincts, reassuring myself she would fall asleep soon, that she wasn't aware of what she was doing to me.
That theory was quickly put to rest when one of her pinkies innocently grazed a nipple. It was a barely there touch, but it wasn't accidental.
My body knew it. I knew it. Bella's smirk told me she knew it.
"Bella. What are you doing?"
"Shh…" She licked her lips and pressed them to mine, swallowing my protests. Then she was on top of me, the heat of her centre pressing against my stomach. My aroused body reacted without consent.
My hands found their way to her hips. My lips returned her kiss. It felt as though my body was running on autopilot, doing what it wanted without my mind's permission.
"We're ready," Bella told me quietly, her words sure and confident.
Those words hit home reality like a splash of cold water to the face.
Bella thought we were ready to make love.
xx
Erm, so you guys can probably guess what's coming next. Thirty-one chapters is long enough to wait, no?
My question to you is… would you rather see it in EPOV or BPOV? I haven't started writing it, and I'm torn. I'm sure either of them will have some interesting things to share. So thoughts on which perspective you'd like to see would be greatly appreciated ;)
As always, thanks for reading (and I hope) enjoying :)