Long Kiss Goodnight Martini

1/2 oz Vanilla vodka

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz White Creme de Cacao

Shaved white chocolate

Freeze a martini glass with shaved chocolate on rim. In a shaker put ice, vanilla vodka, regular vodka, and white Creme de Cacao. Shake lightly and pour into the martini glass. Garnish with a chocolate kiss.

LtV

Chapter 16

"Edward, what the hell are you doing? The room's all dark." Bella walked to an end table and switched on the lamp. She gasped as she saw Edward slumped on the couch with the half-empty bottle of Jack in front of him. Every hair on his head was tousled, and a defeated look emanated from his face. Bella didn't recognize this Edward in front of her. He looked like a lost soul, anchorless and desperate. Not to mention more than a little intoxicated too.

"Bella, I waited up for you. Couldn't sleep knowing you were still out with him." The disdain in his voice was unmistakable as was the slurring of his words. Though they were clear enough for Bella to make out what he was saying, she was very troubled to see him in this state.

"You waited up for me?" Bella moved closer to the couch and stood in front of Edward as she spoke.

Patting the cushion next to him Edward asked, "Would you please sit with me?"

His eyes looked at Bella with such longing that she knew she couldn't say no. As she lowered herself onto the couch next to him she smelled his scent. It was a heady mix of Jack and want.

"Bella, we need to talk."

Bella placed her purse on the coffee table next to the bottle of Jack. Edward traced the curves of her hips with his eyes and traveled the bend leading up to her full breasts. He lingered on them and hoped that what was hidden to him was also hidden to Riley. The thought of another man seeing her, touching her, kissing her had driven him mad all night. Even now, in his drunken state, he knew that his feelings went well beyond lust and carnal desires. She's mine, or God I pray she will be. He had never felt a need like this before.

"Edward, I think you could use something else to drink. Let me get a couple bottles of water from the frig and some aspirin too."

"Alright, but I'm just glad you're back. I've been worried. Riley was pretty revved up about being with you tonight, and when you texted me that James was at the house earlier, I almost lost my shit. Why didn't you tell me that before you left?"

Bella, armed with bottled water and painkillers, took a seat on the couch, but kept a respectable two feet between them.

"Here, take these and I'll try to explain everything that happened starting with James. Also the time I spent with Riley tonight didn't quite turn out like I thought it would. You're going to be pleasantly surprised, I think." Bella stopped and stared at the half-empty bottle of Jack in front of them. "And after I'm finished, will you tell me what possessed you to drown yourself in this bottle?"

"I'll try." Edward desperately wanted to take Bella's hand into his, but he held back his desire to reach out and touch her. "Anyway, I'm done drinking for the night, now that you're here. Go ahead and tell me about James."

"I'll go back to when I left for the powder room. I had to get away from Riley for a bit. His hand was wandering around on my thigh and I…"

Edward interrupted, "I knew something was up with him. I heard, I mean, he seemed to be up to something anyway. That fucking rat bastard."

"Stop getting all worked up and listen to me." Bella knew that Edward's worries were unfounded so she continued. "Believe it or not, Edward, that was the only touch he had for the night. He tried again in the car but I picked up his hand and placed it back on the steering wheel. I told him I wouldn't tolerate any monkey business. After that he backed off and we talked as friends. Thankfully, there was no longer any buzzing chemistry between us. It was like we were brother and sister hanging out together."

"I find that impossible to believe. No chemistry with you? The guy would have to be a monk." Edward laughed as he pictured Riley cloistered in a monastery wearing a funny brown robe.

"Whatever, Edward. It really was just like I said. Now back to James."

Edward was troubled that James had fallen off the FBI's radar and wanted to share his concerns with Bella. "I still can't believe that our intelligence had no idea he was here in Forks. I contacted TAT as soon as I got your text. Of course, she was livid and wants us to brief her on every last detail. We have a call with her tomorrow morning. But please go on. Sorry I keep interrupting you."

"As I was saying, when I came out of the powder room, I looked for Natalia. She wasn't in the hallway but I heard her in the room across the hall. She was speaking to someone. And after peeking through the door jamb, I realized the someone was James. Let's just say they were in the process of getting reacquainted." Bella raised her brows and nodded to underscore the meaning of her words.

"Really, so they're lovers?" Shock registered across Edward's face. "No fucking way."

"It appears so. But the slime ball came walking towards me like I was something to eat." The thought of James' expression as he approached made her skin crawl.

"For God's sake Bella, what happened next?" Edward clutched his fists tightly and pressed them down into the couch cushions. "If I had any idea what you were walking into, I wouldn't have let you out of my sight."

"I was fine. Natalia was upset that I was getting attention from her dear "James," so she quickly ushered me back to the dining room." Bella remembered the strange conversation that she had with Natalia. "She appeared tense after I witnessed their little rendezvous, so I tried to reassure her that what I saw was really none of my business. I remembered the importance of keeping her trust and it seemed to work."

"Damn, Bella you handled that perfectly. We need to keep things smooth between all parties as best we can." Edward still had another question. "But why didn't you tell me that James was there when you came back to the dining room?"

"The second my foot crossed the threshold into the room Aro was speaking to me, remember? Telling me that Riley was ready to leave for Port Angeles." Bella searched Edward's face to see if he understood her explanation. Seeing his puzzled expression, she continued.

"Then you asked me to join you by the far window and Aro was still in the room." Bella stopped to collect her thoughts. "But what really distracted me was you."

"Me? I distracted you?"

"Yes, you." Bella looked down and gazed at the lines in her skirt. She couldn't meet his eyes in fear that she would give away the intense attraction she felt for him.

He felt his resolve fade away under a blur of whiskey and desire as he tentatively reached for her hand. She felt soft and delicate as he caressed her skin. His drinking had turned on the familiar "click" inside his head that kept him from hearing her thoughts just like it did the night they were at Café Saint Ex.

Whatever they were about to discuss was going to be a "real" conversation for him. There would be no cheating by delving into her unguarded mind as he touched her skin. It was uncharted territory for him and Edward knew what he had to do and say to her. He just hoped that she'd still be standing in the same room with him after he finished.

"Bella," he turned his body towards her as he spoke, clutching her hand in his. "We need to talk." But as she lifted her head and looked into his eyes, talking was the farthest thing from his mind. Moving his focus to her lips, he watched her wet pink tongue gently slide across her lower lip. As her tongue retreated he quietly moaned when her teeth pressed against her lower lip.

He moved his body flush against her side. They sat on the couch silently staring into the other's eyes. Words without sounds were being spoken between them. He raised his hand to softly caress her cheek, enjoying the color that their intimacy had brought to her face.

"I love your blush, Bella." Edward continued to rub her cheek with his thumb as his hand rested upon her face.

"Tell me, Edward, why were you drinking like this tonight?"

"You say that I distracted you. Well you've distracted me from the moment that I first saw you sitting by yourself in the Farm's cafeteria." Edward watched Bella's face to gauge her reaction to his confession. He knew that what he said would be a surprise to her.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. You saw me in the cafeteria, before we met in TAT's office?"

Edward nodded as he began to speak. "I'd just returned from Miami and I had some meetings to attend at the Farm. I decided to stop by the cafeteria and I chose a table behind you." He decided to keep the fact that he was specifically looking for her that day to himself. "You had your nose in a book and were eating some veggies. You looked so beautiful as you blocked out the world and escaped inside your reading."

Bella blushed again. "Yeah, that sounds like me. Lost in my head somewhere."

"As I watched you, I wanted to know what was going on in that pretty head of yours." Edward cupped Bella's face and held it gently in the palms of his hands. "I still want to know. You're a complete mystery to me."

"The same goes for you. At times you're so mercurial. I'm not sure I know who the real 'Edward' is." Bella spoke softly. "But I'm seeing a different side of you now and I really like what I'm seeing."

Edward wanted to reveal all his secrets, but doing so would likely kill the intimate moment they were having together. He was almost certain that Bella would be quite upset that he'd hidden his mind reading skills from her. Shit's gonna hit the fan when she discovers that I've keep this from her. But telling her now would be a mood killer.

Rationalizing his decision to wait, he continued, "You remember our introduction in TAT's office right?" He paused as Bella quietly nodded her head. "There was something happening between us that day. It was different than anything I've ever felt. And when we shook hands… was that surge between us something I imagined?"

"No, Edward. I felt it too. I still feel it now." Bella had wrapped her hands over his and brought them to her lap. She looked down and laced her fingers through his. "Why were you drinking tonight? Was it because I left with Riley?"

"It didn't start with Riley. Besides Jazz, frustration has been my closest friend since I've met you. Tonight, seeing you leave with him was so fucking hard for me. I wanted to find out where you were and bring you back here with me. Thankfully, Jazz was at the wheel or we would've headed to Port Angeles."

"I'm so glad that you didn't come after me. I learned a lot about Riley tonight. He's really not a bad guy, and he has no idea exactly what his father's business dealings entail. He knows that they are illegal, but I think he'd be very upset that Aro's heavily into human trafficking." Bella stopped and looked intently into Edward's eyes before continuing. "Nothing happened between us. He's actually here at the lodge asleep. I made him check into one of the rooms. I drove him here after realizing that he was too drunk to drive himself home, and I didn't want to take him back to the estate with James there."

"So what, you pulled down the covers and tucked him in bed?" Edward's mocking tone wasn't lost on Bella. She loosened her fingers around his and crossed her arms over her chest.

"You're kidding." Bella rolled her eyes, realizing that Edward hadn't really listened to what she said about Riley earlier. "I helped him with the key to his room, told him good night and then walked in here to find you sitting in the dark, two sheets to the wind."

"Damn Bella, I didn't mean that they way it sounded. You did the right thing. It seems that I'm the one who's fucking up. I'm truly sorry." Bella brought her eyes up to meet his and saw sincerity. She believed that something had shifted within him.

"You really are sorry, aren't you?"

"Completely. I've never had to work for someone's attention. Normally, I don't even have to work my own zipper when I'm out on a date." Edward stopped himself as he observed Bella's face. She looked like the words were slapped across her cheek. He realized, too late, how crude his words must have sounded to her. "Oh Bella, fuck. I didn't mean that. It was the Jack talking."

Needing some air and a little distance from Edward, Bella rose off the couch and walked to the glass doors leading to the wooden balcony off the common room. Stepping outside into the chilly night, she walked to the balcony railings and leaned against them. She observed the glow from the moon spreading out across the sea in front of her. The quiet waves turned white as they hit the shore.

Watching her hair glisten in the moonlight, Edward walked towards her on the deck's creaking slats.

Bella heard the sound of his footsteps approaching behind her and turned to face him. As she moved the wind caught her hair and blew it in waves around her face.

He stilled at the sight of her. Eerily pale and glowing in the soft moonlight, she'd never looked more beautiful to him. Her motionless stance nearly brought him to his knees and reminded him of a mythological figurehead on the bow of ship.

"You're simply breathtaking." His words were whispers upon the night's breeze.

"Edward, what do you want from me?" Bella's question was a plea.

"I deserve nothing from you, Bella. Somehow you've remained untainted by this crazy world. Me? Nothing about me deserves someone like you."

"But you're out here with me now." Bella brushed her hair to the side. "Is it the chase that draws you to me? Tell me, Edward, what is it?"

Edward approached her and grasped her hands.

"You have no reason to trust me. But it's not the chase. I don't think it's ever been about that." Edward's hands languorously traveled up Bella's arms. His slow, sensuous movements made her shiver. "I want anything you're willing to give me, no matter how small it may be."

"Do you really mean that?" Bella searched deep into his eyes to see if there was any visible deceit. "Please don't play with me. I'm not sure I can take it."

"I mean it. Anything. Anything you have to give to me. Even if it's a kiss and just for tonight."

Edward moved his hands up to cup Bella's face and inched his body closer to hers, hoping that she wouldn't stop his movements. He felt the softness of her skin under his fingertips as he held her delicately in the palms of his hands.

As their bodies came into contact, Edward slid his hand down to the small of her back. He fanned out his fingers and pulled her flush to him. Gasping as their bodies pressed together, she felt his rather substantial erection lying hard against her hip. His close and demanding contact brought memories of their intimate dance at Café Saint Ex.

I want this man. I've wanted him for so long.

He threaded his other hand through her hair and gently tugged on it, forcing her head to tilt up toward his. Now their lips were nearly touching and Edward had her where he wanted her. Pinned against the railing and secured within his arms. There was only one thing missing… her permission. He wouldn't make another move without her desiring the same thing he wanted… a kiss.

"You feel that, Bella? That's what you do to me." Edward gently ground his hips against her, closing his eyes and savoring the friction of his movements.

Bringing her hands together behind his waist, Bella breathlessly answered him. "I feel it, Edward. I feel you."

In the bright moonlight, Edward looked at her with darkened eyes and heavy lids. His desire was reflected in the shadows.

"Bella, I want to kiss you. May I?" Edward paused and searched Bella's face for any signs of hesitation. "I promise I'll only touch you with my lips. Promise."

"Please kiss me, Edward." Bella whispered her wish to him.

Edward's lips fell against hers and the passion that was boiling below the surface, pent up and steaming, was now unleashed. He held her tight and pulled away briefly to whisper in her ear.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted you in my arms." He nibbled lightly on her earlobe and a shiver ran down Bella's spine. "You taste delicious, Bella."

Returning to her parted lips, Edward let his tongue softly touch hers. He started twisting it in circles with hers and mirrored the same action with his hips. The feeling of both movements caused them both to moan.

"I want you so bad, Bella. I'm trying to be good, but I've never imagined a feeling like this. I just want to bury myself inside of you."

Forgetting his promise as he became infused with his desire for more, he smoothly ran his hand over her left leg. Edward placed it behind her knee and brought her leg up to wrap around his waist. Immediately, Bella felt his erection moving and thrusting against her sex… perfectly. She tilted her head back as she arched slightly over the rail. His lips left a trail of kisses along her neck and stopped to gently suck the sensitive skin behind her ears. Edward smiled as he felt her shudder in his arms.

"Oh Bella, what you do to me."Edward spoke between heavy breaths.

"God. I've never..." Bella was panting her words too.

"That's just a little taste of what's to come between us." Gingerly he lowered her leg from his hips. "It's killing me to stop, but I promised."

Surprised and disappointed that Edward stopped his love making, Bella took a few deep breaths to regain her composure and voice.

"Great, now you decide to be a gentleman." Bella teased Edward playfully punching him in the arm. "But really, I do appreciate it. I've got to trust you and this is something we can build on."

"One more kiss, okay?" Edward requested.

Bella answered by closing her eyes and folding into his arms. But this kiss was chaste and short.

"What was that, Edward?" Bella complained. "That felt like a kiss you'd give a girl you played spin the bottle with in eighth grade."

"You don't know much about me. I never played 'conventional' spin the bottle." Edward's goofy grin made Bella laugh. "It's time for you to get some rest. It's been a long day."

Edward held Bella's hand and walked her back into the common room. The Jack had worn off and he was hearing all her thoughts. He loved what he heard. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He smiled as he listened to the inner struggle that she was having. Part of her wanted to drag him to her bed and have him make love to her, but reason was winning over and telling her to wait and see if the leopard's spots really had changed.

I'm not sure how many of my spots have changed, but they've definitely been rearranged and are more honorable now. Edward knew that he could've pressed her for more, pushed his luck for the night. But, in the end, he chose the high road which was a path he'd rarely traveled.

"Good night, Bella." Edward kissed her hand as he brought it to his lips.

"Good night." Bella grasped the knob to her bedroom door and turned toward Edward. He smiled as he saw the happiness on her face. "Things have changed between us haven't they?"

"Yes, they've definitely changed, Bella." He strode the few feet to her side and wrapped his arms around her tightly. "You've helped me change. Thank you."

As Edward held Bella in his arms he thought about the one thing that he needed to tell her tonight but he didn't.

Damn, I'm such a chicken shit. I'll tell her tomorrow. Maybe Jasper can help me bring it up. He's good at keeping things calm. It'll come in handy when she blows her stack at me. Fuck.

James POV

James played his cards carefully with Natalia. He wanted as much information about the evening's guests as possible. After taking care of her physical needs, thoroughly and completely, he brought up the subject to her.

"Natalia, when I pulled up to the house with your new little servant girl, I noticed a group standing at the front door. One included the brown haired girl I met in the hallway."

"Oh, they're here to see the oceanfront property that Aro's trying to sell. I have to say that I didn't appreciate the attention you gave that mousy girl."

James laughed as he watched Natalia turn angry with envy.

Fuck that girl was anything but mousy. She was a virginal sight for my sore and desperate eyes.

After meeting Bella in the hallway, James planted a special listening device inside the Ferrari. He monitored Edward and Jasper's conversation, but the signal faded as they left the estates' property. James clearly heard what 'the man with the Texas accent' had said about Bella and it was enough to seal a deal that would provide him a cool million dollars.

"Just because she's a virgin." When James heard Jasper speak these words that defined Bella's sexual status, her fate with him was decided. Now he needed to gently milk some specifics about the girl from Natalia.

"You know that I only have eyes for you." James lightly brushed his fingers across Natalia exposed breast. "What was that girl's name anyway?"

"Bella, which ironically means 'beautiful.'" Natalia laughed wickedly.

"Ironic isn't it?" James couldn't think of a better name for the beautiful girl that would hopefully provide a beautiful escape for him.

"We're meeting them tomorrow to show them the property. Aro wants to sell it, but I don't really give a fuck what he ends up doing with it."

"So they're not coming back here again then?" James worried that his question would set off alarm bells with Natalia, but was relieved when she thought nothing of it.

"No we'll probably do the rest of the business at the Kalaloch Lodge where they're staying. It's closer to the property anyway."

James continued to graze his fingers over her hardened nipples, trying to keep Natalia from thinking too deeply about the conversation.

"It's getting late, James. Perhaps you should return to your room. I don't want Aro to catch you in here. He'd probably rip your fucking throat out."

"We're playing with fire, aren't we baby?" He took her nipple into his mouth and gently bit it with his teeth before he left her bed. "Night, Natalia."

"Fuck, James. You're a wicked man." Natalia giggled as she watched him quietly exit her room.

Sauntering back to his room, James knew what his next move would be and he only had a few hours to make it happen. He reached into his pocket and pulled out another pill to keep him awake then retrieved his cell phone from his back pocket.

He found the number that he was looking for and pressed send.

A gruff voice answered on the other end.

"Yes."

"I'm securing the prize you requested for the Middle Eastern customer."

"We'll need photos and the prize must be undefiled."

"It's completely undefiled and I'll send photos in a couple of hours. Believe me, he will be a very happy man."

"And you a very rich one." The man behind the gruff voice promptly ended the call.

James smiled slyly. Yep. This is my fucking lucky day.

A/N: We would liked to thank our Special Agents…..Betas Elizabethan and Aquariumjenn