A/N: First of all, sorry that this didn't get out yesterday. FFn was being stupid and couldn't get it to work to upload the chapter or anything. So, I'm sorry!

Second of all, I don't own Twilight. If I did, I'd be vacationing on a tropical island somewhere while my very own Eddie and a few wolf-boys fed me grapes... ;)

Next, Welcome to all the new followers! I am humbled by the response to this story! I am so glad that you guys like it! Thanks you for all the reviews too! To the guests that review- I appreciate your words too! Unfortunately I can only reply to those that are logged in and leave a signed review AND if your account is set to accept personal messages. I do respond to each review that I can! :)

Last, and most importantly- Thanks you to my awesome betas- Ninmesarra and prettyflour- I appreciate all the effort you put into helping me make this story better! Any remaining errors are my own stupidity and no reflection of their amazing-ness.

~*C2C*~

Chapter 12- Inner War

EPOV

The days that I didn't see Bella were long-ass days. I didn't know how she'd managed it, but in a matter of just a couple of real conversations, the girl had managed to get under my skin like no one else before her. The thought of her still made me feel like pubescent teenager whose hormones were out of control. It was kind of nice to say the heck with it and let the chips fall where they may.

I still felt bad about decking Al- though he really deserved it. No one should talk shit about someone else's girl when she didn't to jack do them. But, I shouldn't have brought his mother in on it either. I was a nitwit for that. I'm just lucky I'd been working out a lot lately and that my instincts from Tae Kwon Do were still intact. I may have had a broken jaw otherwise. Al was not someone you messed with. I hadn't seen him since then, but I knew the club he trained at. I needed to find him and apologize. There was absolutely no good reason for me to have handled the situation that way.

I'd been a bartender for a couple years, plus I'd had my share of intense situations in med school. I shouldn't have let his mouth get the best of me. I'd make it right though. All things on the level, Al was one of my boys. Always looking out for me and I shouldn't have hit him.

Back to Bella. That kiss last night. Holy shit. I almost lost my load right there. It'd been a while sure, but not long enough for that! Girl had me wrapped around her finger, and she didn't even know it.

That was something that drove me crazy. She was insecure and had absolutely no confidence. I was determined that if things didn't work out between us, she'd walk away knowing how amazing she is. That she is a beautiful girl worth the best the world had to offer.

Speaking of offers, I needed to call my brother. Carlisle had left a message telling me that he had an offer I'd never be able to refuse. That just goes to show he's not clairvoyant at all. I had yet to except one of his offers. I loved my brother and understood that he was just looking out for me, but sometimes a man had to prove he could do things for himself. I wasn't about taking the easy way out on anything. I never had, why would I start now?

But that was Carlisle for you. He wasn't above taking short cuts to get what he wanted or where he thought he should be. What politician did? – Eh, I'm just kidding. I can't lump them all in together, even if I think it most of the time.

I glanced at the clock. Three in the morning. He'd still be sleeping, but I wasn't sure I cared. I couldn't sleep, why should he? Then again, he'd think something was wrong, and then when nothing was, he'd figure out there was a girl keeping me up at night, and that would be a whole other can of questions. I wasn't ready for that.

I grabbed the picture of our family off the table by my bed. Carlisle had been the product of his dad's first marriage, and I was the product of my mom's. Carlisle had the golden childhood and I couldn't really wish it otherwise for him, but I could wish we'd have had the same dad.

Instead, mine was low-life scum- the kind of guy that beat the hell out of his wife and kid for fun. I was never so glad as when he got shot by the cops for robbing that gas station. I had been nine at the time and so fucking relieved. I'd cried for days because I was thrilled to be rid of the bastard and then cried because what kid should feel that way? I'd come to terms with it and figured out that life is what we make of it.

I was making damn sure mine was going to be a good life, even if I had to work till I died; I was going to be an honest, respectful man. I wanted to be the kind of man that Carlisle's dad was. He'd taken me in and made me his son even though I gave him nothing but grief for years.

It was John that had put up bail and gotten me out of way too many scrapes when I was a teenager. Then he sat me down and explained that if I didn't get my shit together, I could kiss medical school good-bye because none of them would want a juvenile delinquent in their halls.

That was a real eye-opener. He'd paid for my schooling and treated me just like his son. I missed him. The son of a bitch had to go and get cancer and die on me. Thankfully, mom was still around, but she was constantly buried in the bottom of a bottle these days. Carlisle and I had tried to run an intervention and sent her to rehab, but that didn't work at all.

It was just me and Car left. Well, and his wife Esme. They'd been trying to have kids for ages, but weren't having any luck. I felt bad for them, but Carlisle wanted to keep trying. Of course he did. I love my brother, but he loved sex and the fact that he was getting laid regularly was not a bad thing for him. He wasn't above adopting, but Esme wasn't ready to give up on having a little tiny Carme? Esle? I didn't know how to combine their names, and shit, isn't that a chick kind of thing to do?

I wouldn't mind having kids someday, but that was someday far in the future. Besides, I wasn't about to knock up a girl that I had no real feeling for. Parenting was sacred and should be done with two parents- I thought anyway. Those single parents out there, I admire them and their determination to raise a kid on their own. But I know my limits and while I'd love the monster, I wouldn't have the first clue of how to care for them.

I punched my pillow and turned over again, dragging the blanket up over my naked shoulders. I needed to sleep.

~*C2C*~

BPOV

His lips were hot on mine, burning and searing my flesh with every new kiss he placed. His hands caressed and whispered across my skin causing goose bumps to break out over it. I loved the way this felt. It was perfect harmony- the way he played my body.

His hands trailed along my jawline as the passion burned to a roaring flame inside me. I felt as though I would incinerate with each touch. His tongue swirled and danced with mine as he kissed me deeply, exploring it like a pirate searching for lost booty.

The man was talented. He wrapped one arm around me to unhook my bra, sliding it off with his other hand as soon as the clasp was unfastened. His mouth left mine to graze over my heated neck. His eyes locked onto mine as he traveled lower. When he finally reached my breasts, he drew my nipple deep into his hot mouth. My back arched up off the bed as I encouraged him. I felt as though I were going to come apart right then. His long, slender fingers ghosted over my body while his lips continued their sensual assault.

"MMM, more. Please, more!" I cried out. I needed… something. My body was begging for release.

My panties were the next casualty- the small scrap of fabric was ripped from my body. The stinging sensation actually increased the pleasure for me. My body wept for his. I could feel my core crying with the intense desire I had for him to claim me as his. Fingers slicked through my folds and stroked my most sensual spot, swollen with desire.

"Ungh, Oh God!" my head was thrown back as I panted and moaned when his fingers finally penetrated and entered where I needed him most. Slowly. So slowly he thrust in and out. Building the wildfire that pulsed within. So hot- I was so hot! He brought me to climax with his fingers. I'd never shattered so completely from fingers before, ever. It was insane to me how he knew just what to do.

Ragged breaths heaved from my lungs as I tried to catch my breath. He refused to let me rest, though, forcing my legs apart with his knees he settled between my legs. His thick erection was nestled between my thighs and he looked questioningly at me.

"Oh, yes, please," I begged for more.

On his elbows, he positioned himself at my entrance and-

I sat up and ran my hand over my face. My heart pounded in my chest and my lungs burned with the exercise I'd given my body in my dream. Eddie sure as hell knew how to work me over. It was hard to believe that one kiss could result in this reaction.

Reaching into the drawer on my nightstand, I pulled my bright-yellow buddy out of his case. I may not have a real man to satisfy me right now, but I sure had a vivid imagination that wouldn't let me forget how good it would feel to be with my Eddie.

I could picture his hands with perfect recall. His copper hair enflamed my memory and his emerald eyes bore into mine in my mind.

After one battery-induced orgasm, I decided to take a shower. When I emerged, I glanced at the clock. It was after three in the morning. It was really too late, or early-depending on how you looked at it, to call him. I decided to send a text and if he got it tonight, that would be awesome. If not, maybe it would be a welcome good morning?

I picked up my phone and found his name. Selecting message, I debated about just what to send him. Thinking of you? You make me hot? I'm dreaming of you? Nothing sounded quite right. I was really making this harder than it had to be.

Hey. I had a great time tonight, despite rehashing my past. Thanks -B

Not expecting a reply, I put my phone down and powered up my laptop. I had just logged into facebook when it chimed. My heart raced and I slowly picked it up. I clenched my eyes tight- hoping it would be the name I wanted to see.

Eddie. My breath hitched as I opened the phone and selected view now.

It was bound to come out eventually. I'm not scared Bella. I had a good time too beautiful. –E

You're not scared yet? Even after all the horrible dates I had before this one? –B

It will take much more than your ex's little brother to scare me off. –E

I couldn't help the giddy scream that escaped my lips. I don't know what came over me, but it was an amazing feeling to know that he wouldn't easily scare.

Just wait until Jake tells dad. You're going to be invited to the next family dinner, lol! –B

What did I say, Bella? Your family doesn't scare me. –E

So you're fearless? –E

I wouldn't say fearless, but that's a story for another night. You should get some sleep. –E

I just got up. Lol. I'll try to sleep before long. B4 we go- when do you meet up next? –B

How's Wednesday? I'm off work. Garrett took my shift. –E

Sounds good. 8 ok? –B

It's perfect. Night Beautiful Isabella. –E

Night –B

With the next meeting in place, I was able to relax and write for half an hour before I felt myself falling asleep. Closing the laptop, I cuddled down into the pillows and fell asleep. Wednesday couldn't come soon enough.

~*C2C*~

Ok, guys- Can you feel it? Are you ready to combust from the UST? Not yet... Hmmm, let me see what I can do about that... ;)

With the holidays upon us, I am not getting as much writing done. :( I think I'm going to have to switch from weekly updates to every other week at least until December is over. Sorry! I promise, I will finish this story!

Now leave me and Eddie some love and review! :D Thanks!