So this is by far the longest chapter I've ever written for a fanfic... this is some kind of record. I probably should have separated it in to two parts, but I'm tired and I said "to hell with it!"
Here it is... hope it was worth the wait!
Chapter 12: This means War
"You guys are back already?"
"Already? Woman we've been gone for six hours and I'm starved! Where's my little Bee?" Peter looked around his wife for the baby who was sleeping soundly in her car seat.
"Still sleeping and lunch is almost finished. Ah, ah, ah... dirty hands," Charlotte slapped Peter's hand away from the sandwiches as Sue walked out from the cabin.
"You're back! Where's Charlie and Bells?" Sue set down the drinks and napkins as Peter went to the outside faucet.
"Tying up the boat and applying some first aid to our town klutz."
"What happened this time?" Sue asked rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
"There they are," Charlotte pointed out smiling as Bella and Charlie walked back with the cooler full of fish, two fishing poles, and scabbed knee.
"Isabella Swan, what did you trip on today?" Charlotte chucked shaking her head with her hands on her hips.
"Your husband, actually. I didn't see him tying his shoe lace and I practically ate dirt falling forward on my hands and knees. Bella held up her left hand with a large band-aid on her palm showing where she caught herself on the ground while she lifted the right side of the cooler with her good right hand.
"Why aren't you helping them? Get your lazy hide off that picnic bench and grab that cooler. What kind of gentleman are you?" Charlotte gently whacked the back of Peter's head before he hunched forward from the blow before lifting his arms to fend off his wife.
"What?! She's strong enough, and it builds character to haul in the catch of the day. Especially, since Bells did most of the catching," Peter protested with this arms out wide.
"He's just bitter 'cause his two catches were too small so we had to toss 'em back," Charlie guffawed as they set the cooler down by the foot of the before he gave Peter's back a good slap.
"Is that so?" Charlotte smirked captiously at her husband who scowled and became very interested in cleaning the dirt under his fingernail.
"Don't be so hard on him, Lottie. Pete helped me catch most of my fish today since my hand was too sore to hold the pole. So really, he caught five," Bella said sitting next to Peter who grinned at her affectionately and rustled her hair causing her to laugh.
"But the real champ of the day was Charlie, who caught eight fish and three small ones. Only he threw most of them back since Dad only chooses to keep the ones he plans to eat," Bella beamed proudly at her father who was giving Sue a kiss on the cheek as she finished tossing the salad.
"That's my man. Always considerate of nature," Sue said turning her head to give Charlie one peck on the lips.
"I simply follow the law, as every fisherman should. Never catch more than you can eat; it's the jungle law too. There's over fishing going on all over the world. Fishermen are catching more than the population can consume. It's becoming a big problem for fishing companies..." Charlie washed his hands and continued talking about all he knew regarding fishing.
"Wash your hand, Bells, we're about to eat. Whatcha got there?" Charlotte asked peeking over her shoulder before Bella dropped her phone and put it back in her pocket before Charlotte could read the message.
"You have a secret lover, Ms. Bella, that you're not telling me about? Or that you don't want Charlie finding out about? I can keep a secret... you can tell me," Charlotte teased poking her sides while Bella laughed and dodged her attacks.
"It's nothing, Lottie. Just a friend. I'll meet you back at the table," Bella walked further away from everyone as she made her way toward the sink to rinse the smell of fish and dirt off her hands.
For the past two days, Bella had been staring at the same text conversation on her cell phone between her and Edward as they made the two-hour flight from Long island to Manchester, New Hampshire, and car ride up to Lake Winnipesaukee from two days ago.
Are you back yet?—Edward
Lol, it's only six. We haven't even boarded the plane—Bella.
Good, it's not too late to change your mind, then. Come back home—Edward
I can't —Bella
There's that phrase again. I hate 'I can't.' Yes you can, just tell your dad you're not feeling well and to go without you. Then by tonight you miraculously recover in time for me to take you to an amazing fish dinner. No labor and worm guts required. See? Simple!—Edward
Gee, no worm guts? Where the fun in that? —Bella
Okay, no more mentioning worm guts. I'm loosing my appetite and I happen to be starving after I workout. —Edward
You started it—Bella
Yes, and I'm finishing it. When are you coming home?—Edward
Why? Are you missing me already?—Bella
Why must you always answer my questions with a question?
Does it bother you? =P —Bella
You're kind of annoying when you're sarcastic, you know that?—Edward
You're kind of adorable when you miss me, you know that?—Bella
I don't miss you... Nuh uh.. that wouldn't be manly of me—Edward
Need I remind you that you tried on every pair of pants in the store? How manly is that? I grabbed three things without trying them on in five minutes and I was done—Bella
It's not my fault they carried pants that were too small! I need space to breathe, thank you very much, and all the pants I tried on left little to the imagination, if you know what I mean... —Edward
TMI! TMI! Boarding the plane. GTG! See you on Friday!—Bella
What time? —Edward
I thought you were trying to be manly? —Bella
You know I'm all man, Isabella. I could tell you noticed last night. ;) —Edward
And leaving now... see you soon—Bella
Bon voyage—Edward
That was two days ago and she hadn't heard from him since they arrived at the cabin due to poor cell reception and no WiFi or internet on site. This was as roughing it as city folk got these days... especially city folk with an infant present.
There was no TV, no reception, outdoor bathrooms, and no air conditioning or heat. Everything you needed had to be either brought or caught, and the wildlife was everywhere. To Charlie, there was no better haven, and to Bella, she was just happy to be with her present company... but she wasn't going to lie. She missed Edward terribly. More than she anticipated or expected to feel in such a short while.
Every minute she thought of him, and at night she dreamed about him. She missed his sense of humor, his laughter, even his crabby mood swings, his eyes, and his holding her so close at night.
She wished she had chosen to spend the night in his arms the night before she left, but she knew if she had stayed, she never would have left... and Charlie would have wondered where she was, and she was definitely not ready to tell Charlie or anyone else about her infatuation with Edward Cullen.
No sir. She was sure that Edward felt something more than friendship toward her... but she wasn't sure if he was going to act on it.
She was the chauffeur's daughter and he was the head of one of the wealthiest companies in America. What could she offer him? The press would eat it up.
"The Prince falls for the pauper."
"The chauffeur's daughter wins wealthy billionaire. Is she a gold digger, or too beneath him?"
The publicity did not sound very appealing. They all would probably think she was after his money and good looks instead of the beautiful man inside that truly defined who Edward was... a good person.
I don't even think he knows it himself how good he really is, and very strong, and talented too. He's...
Who is that?
A man in a FBI like suit was walking toward their picnic table and stopped about five feet away as Charlie stood up and addressed the stranger, "Can I help you, sir?"
"I'm looking for a Ms. Isabella Swan. I have a message to give her from Mrs. Alice Whitlock," the man said holding out a piece of paper to Charlie to give to Bella.
"Is there a problem?" Charlie asked sounding concerned as he handed the paper to Bella and watched her open the note.
"No, sir. I'm just the messenger and transportation," the man replied with a smile waiting for Bella to read the note and ask to use his phone. Bella read the note carefully and looked back up at the stranger with a perplexed expression.
"What does it say, Bells?" Peter asked flanking Bella on the other side as if he were a guard dog.
"It's a letter from Alice, saying she's been trying to reach me for days. She's in some sort of trouble for her black and white ball tonight and needs my help. She's asking me to call her on the satellite phone so I can speak to her in person and explain," Bella stated wondrously and handed the letter to Charlie to review and look over to make sure the handwriting was authentic.
"I have the phone here, Ms. Swan if you would like to speak to Mrs. Whitlock," the stranger held out the large radio like phone and gave it to Bella who held it in her small hand and started dialing the number written on the bottom of the letter.
"This is strange. What would the Whitlocks want with Bella?' Sue whispered to Charlotte who looked just as baffled as the rest of the party.
The phone rang loudly in Bella's ear and it picked up immediately after the first ring. "Hello?"
"Bella? Is that you?" Alice's anxious voice was heard on the other end and it sounded panicked and little frightened. "Oh please be you, I'm stressing out to no end!"
"Yes, Mrs. Whitlock, this is Bella—"
"Oh please, none of that Mrs. Whitlock, stuff. Mrs. Whitlock is my mother-in-law. Please call me Alice, Bella... you're practically engaged to my best friend, and I know we're gong to be best friends very soon!"
Bella was completely shocked and speechless from Alice's rapid rambling and word vomit, but the words that stuck in her head were, 'practically engaged to my best friend.'
Who the Hell was she talking about? I'm not even dating anyone, let alone close to being engaged!
"Um... Alice, is there a reason you wanted me to call you?" Bella asked sweetly and curious of what this whole ordeal was about.
"Oh, yes of course. We haven't much time to spare. Bella, I'm in desperate need of your talent. You see I'm the host of a Black and White Ball fundraiser every year to raise money to give to third world countries to help impoverished towns and people get food and clean water, healthcare, and education. There's a huge auction, but during dinner I always provide entertainment and the musician I got this year bailed on me the last-minute so I'm left with no entertainment for a five hundred guests unless you agree to help me. Please, please, please! I'm going out of my mind crazy. I need you!"
"Alice! Alice! Please calm down, and take a deep breath." She heard Alice do as she requested, then Bella continued, "First of all, did you ask Edward if he would perform?"
"Are you kidding? I've asked him every single year if he would play for us, but every year he refuses. I know I live in the capital center of Entertainment, but who am I going to get so last-minute to perform? You're my only hope!"
"But Alice, I'm in New Hampshire. How am I supposed to get to New York in time for the performance?"
"I have that all covered. You can leave with our driver and pilot, Quill. He flew there to get you this morning and he can have you back here to get cleaned up and dressed in time for showtime. Trust me, it will work! Just please say you'll do it!"
"What dress? I don't have—"
"I do... I have dozens of couture gowns. I know I'm shorter than you but there is one that is too long that I haven't worn yet because I was intending to get it altered. I think it will look stunning on you! You could take your pick of whatever shoes fit and I can have a hair dresser and make-up artist ready at my house by the time you arrive."
"But what would you like me play? I— "
"Bella, I'm sure you have lots of pieces memorized from school and I hear you're also a composer, correct?" Bella shrugged her shoulders even though Alice couldn't see her, "Play whatever is comfortable, I know it will be fabulous. Edward said that you're the most gifted musician he's ever known, and coming from Edward, AKA Mr. Hard-to-impress, that's saying something. Therefore, I trust his judgment entirely."
"Will Edward be there tonight?"
"Absolutely. Even though he abhors these kind of events, he knows he doesn't have a choice in the matter because it's my party. He usually comes with some model, eats while criticizing or complaining about the entertainment, networks, then leaves before the auction and dancing."
He brings models, huh? Of course he does... why would Edward settle for anything less?
Jesus. This is crazy. Absolutely ludicrous!
Why should I care who he's bringing tonight? It's not like we're together... although the night before I left felt different from all the other interactions we've ever had before.
I can't help thinking about him every time a have a moment to myself. His face is imprinted on my mind and his voice is like listening to the sweetest music...
Get a GRIP Bella!
"Would you please hold on for a minute, Alice?" Bella put the phone on mute after she heard Alice's acquiescence, then relayed Alice's proposition to her family to get their opinions... and hopefully talk her out of it. The last thing she wanted to see was Edward there tonight with someone else. She hadn't spoken to him in three days and she had no clue where they stood as friends or… dare she hope for more?
"Bella this is marvelous! Do you realize the number of contacts you could make at the fundraiser. Think of all the networking possibilities this will benefit for your future?" Sue exclaimed clasping her hands in front of her lips excitedly, "What are you waiting for? Get out of here!"
"Sue's right. The majority of New York's élite will be there tonight listening to your music... you have to go, Bells. How great would it be if you meet a benefactor to take you to Europe?!" Charlotte said agreeing with Sue that Bella should take this opportunity and run with it. They all looked to Charlie who still stood there with a blank expression on his face, with a hint of distrust and uncertainty.
"Dad? What do you think?" Bella looked to her father. If he didn't think it was worth leaving family for this gig, then she would stay behind. But all Charlie did was shrug his shoulders and exhale a loud breath before saying, "You better get going if you're going to make it on time."
Bella smiled brightly and rushed over to Charlie giving him a death grip of a hug.
"Knock 'em dead, pumpkin," Charlie whispered in her ear which brought happy tears to her eyes, knowing that her father was proud of her.
"Break a leg, little monkey! We'll see you tomorrow!" Peter said giving her a big hug lifting her off her feet. Bella finished hugging everyone before lifting the cell phone once again to her ear.
"Hello, Alice?"
"Yes, yes I'm here! Have you decided?" she asked hopefully to which Bella replied, "I'll see you in four hours."
"OH Bella! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll see you soon! Toodles!"
Bella hung up the huge satellite phone and handed it back to Quill before running into the black of the Audi that looked entirely out-of-place amongst the wilderness and campers, then they set off for Manchester airport.
Three days...
Three long agonizing days since he'd heard from her, and four nights since he'd touched or kissed her.
Edward was going mad!
How was he to know if she was still safe if she never answered her text messages?
Is she ignoring me? Is she mad at me for some reason?
Had someone told her about the plan to make her fall in love with me so I could close the deal with Hale Electronics?
Would Emmett sell me out? Does he even know what I'm doing? Probably not. But all he's been asking for is Bella. "Where's Bella?" "How come Bella hasn't called?" "Why can't I reach her?" "When is she coming back?"
Question, questions, questions! Too many annoying little questions he didn't know the answers to!
I can't whack him over the head cause he's injured, and I can't sedate him because he's off the medication.
His stitches come out this afternoon. Oh Peachy!That means he'll be able to pursue Bella if he gets the chance... I will NOT give him that chance!
"Mr. Cullen, Mrs. Whitlock says it's time for you to dress for the fundraiser and leave in twenty minutes. The traffic is backed up."
Oh joy.
"Thank you, Siobhan," Edward stood up from behind his desk and briskly walked towards his adjoining apartment, removing his black striped silk tie on the way. He was unaware that he had company following him as he threw his white shirt on the bed before he turned around and became startled to death by a blushing Siobhan hot on his trail, awkwardly watching him strip.
"JESUS!"
"I'm sorry, sir. I just was—um—well... I was..." poor Siobhan couldn't form a complete sentence while she stood in the presence of her Godlike boss without his shirt on, and she knew she only had two seconds before he threw her out or fired her for being a blithering idiot.
"Well?" Edward stood impatiently while the incompetent girl who stood before him looked like she was about to pass out or something.
"Sir, I was wondering if I needed to phone someone to let her know you'll be on your way to pick her up?"
Edward crooked his eyebrow at the assistant's personal question, then nodded his head in understanding.
Of course she would ask that. That was the normal procedure for a night like tonight. Little did anyone know that I will be going 'stag' tonight, since I made a promise to a beautiful young woman that I would wait for her to return. And Edward Cullen always keeps his promises.
But he told himself that he would try not to think of her tonight. She was supposedly coming home tonight and if he knew when, then he would be rushing home that very instant and waiting by the window for her to return.
Not that she hadn't consumed his thoughts ever hour of every day since she left him three days ago. He couldn't take not knowing what was happening. He knew Charlie would keep her safe because that's what a father would do. And she was with her adopted family too, so what trouble could she possibly get into?
Then again, what if she met someone on her trip? Another young attractive camper, outdoorsy kind of man, who would follow her to the ends of the earth because he fell in love with her. It would be so easy for him to love Bella in just a short two days like I did... it would be like talking the next breath.
But could he give her everything I could give her? Could he support her? Make sacrifices for her...
Edward wondered himself, while the soap suds slid down his glistening wet skin, if he would leave everything he had worked so hard for his whole life to achieve just to be with her?
The truth was he wasn't sure of the answer at the moment.
What he did know for certain was that he ached something awful for her. He could feel the burning inside consume him night and day without relief, and thinking about her made it worse...
So once again he tried to consciously think of something else... like... like—um—all the digits of pi. Hmm, pie sounds really good right now. Nice warm apple pie that I'd just like to sink my... FUCK! What the hell is wrong with me? Shit, when did I become such a nasty old pervert? I need to get laid... with Bella. Soon.
No, no, no... concentrate. Now let's see pi... 3.14159265358979...uh... what came after 9?
Edward tried again and got stuck on the 42nd number, then gave up after he groaned in frustration. He became even more annoyed when his mind once again wondered to Bella, thinking about how whenever he was frustrated, Bella seemed to know exactly how to calm him and give him peace.
He got out of the shower after he helplessly relieved himself giving in with thoughts of a certain brown-eyed petite brunette several hundred miles away going down on him. Then he got dressed with his cell phone close by still waiting for her reply from his last text from yesterday.
Still nothing.
Shit, when did I turn into such a pussy, anyway? He thought to himself while putting on his four thousand dollar Giorgio Armani tuxedo and both two carat diamond cuff links.
He thought about leaving his phone at the office so he wouldn't be tempted to check it every minute while he actually needed to socialize during dinner and suffer through whatever lousy entertainment Alice had picked for this years torture.
Yes... he didn't need it until later tonight. Bella would have responded to him by then since she would be well within cell phone range when she got home. If she didn't call him back it would confirm something was indeed wrong. He didn't even want to think about that right now.
With determination he walked out of his office door and closed it behind him passing Siobhan, who was sitting at Alice's desk wishing him to have a good time as he made his way to the elevator. She watched him go inside the lift and kept staring at his amazing figure and handsome face until the elevator doors closed, hiding the Adonis from sight.
Siobhan sighed longingly then started banging her head on the desk, cursing her foolish crush and awkward behavior around the man of her dreams... when suddenly he reappeared at the elevators and she watched him pass by whiling covering her bruised head.
Edward paid no attention to the embarrassed assistant as he gave an obvious excuse for his quick return.
"Forgot my cell phone."
"Bella! Oh thank God! You've come just in time. Come in this way!"
Bella was yanked inside the door by the Alice as she led her inside the Whitlocks enormously large multimillion dollar home which took up the entire 35th floor of a sky-riser in uptown Manhattan, just five miles away from CCC headquarters.
"Now we have just under two hours to get you all pampered and primed for tonight's concert which will go on during dinner. You have the choice of eating before or after the performance which ever you prefer," Alice said while directing Bella toward her master suite and headed straight for the master bathroom.
"Um... after, preferably. I get nervous sometimes before performing, so it's safer to wait until afterward... if you know what I mean," Bella said meekly while watching Alice turn on the five headed shower and observed the cloud of steam instantly fog up the mirrors.
"Of course. It's completely understandable. I would be a wreck, I'm sure, going up and performing in front of all those people. But I'm so excited to finally hear you play. I must admit this was entirely selfish, me asking you leave your family and come all this way just for one night. But I truly think you will benefit from this evening as well. There will be dozens of music connoisseurs there and people from Lincoln center... so lots of opportunity for mingling, you know?"
Bella was shocked that Alice hardly drew breath during her whole speech while she got the bathroom ready for Bella's use. Then saw her turn around expectantly, as if waiting for Bella to perform a trick or something.
"Well, strip! We don't have much time," Alice gestured to Bella who stood there frozen and shy, not entirely confident to just 'strip' as Alice gently put it, in front of people she hardly knew.
"Oh it's no be deal! But if you're modest, even though you have no reason to be, I will step out and see if Kaure and Tia are here yet." Alice quickly stepped out of the bathroom suite with a smile, allowing Bella some privacy, then shut the door gently behind her.
Bella was a little overwhelmed by Alice's personality. Since Bella never paid attention to Edward's friends in the past, she didn't realize how spunky, energetic, and generous Alice was. She had seen her from a distance at the Cullen parties usually with her husband, and she also was aware the Edward had introduced Alice and Jasper to one another five years ago and they got married only six months later. But that was all she knew... and she was looking forward to learning more. Perhaps, Alice would be able to give more insight on Edward since she worked closely with him almost every day.
Bella enjoyed the luxury shower, which sprayed her body in five different directions like a car wash... then she got out and towel dried off. After five minutes, Bella exited the bathroom wearing the terry cloth robe Alice had set out for her to wear then looked over on the bed and saw the gown Alice intended for her to wear. She almost fainted where she stood.
"Um... Mrs. Whitlock? Alice!" Bella called out and saw the little fireball pixie leading two other woman into her bedroom and told them to set up by the vanity.
"Is there a problem, Bella? You look a little pale... did you not enjoy your shower?" Alice sat down looking concerned feeling Bella's head.
"Is this the dress you want me to wear?" Bella asked through a dry throat.
Alice nodded her head excitedly, "I'm so excited to see it on you. You see it's too long for me. I'm six inches shorter than you... but it will be a perfect length for you—"
"Alice, the bodice is practically see-through. It's a sheer corset! It will show everything!" Bella stood up and started pacing around the room trying not to hyperventilate.
"Bella, I don't understand your concern? Have you looked in the mirror recently? You haven't an ounce of fat on you. That dress will show all of your curves in the right way and the audience won't be able to take their eyes off of you! You, my dear, are my golden goose!"
"What does that mean? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh my darling new best friend... you are going to be part of the auction," Alice squeaked in excitement as Bella cried out,
"WHAT! You seemed to have left out that minor detail on the phone! Who the Hell is going to be bidding on me! What the—"
"Bella, Bella relax. Take deep breaths... come on. One, two... three..." Bella breathed along with Alice following her breaths as Alice lead her toward the director's chair in front of the hairstylist/make-up artist and manicurist. Once she calmed down, they got to work on her immediately like professions in fast forward.
"Bella look at me," Bella looked at Alice with her eyes still bugging out of her head, secretly wondering if it was too late to back out and exit the way she came. "Have you spoke to Edward since you left to go camping?"
Bella gasp and jolted in her chair, "Oh my gosh, Edward! I forgot to call him and tell him I'm back!" Bella made to go get her phone out of her jeans, but was stopped by the aggressive and rushed hairstylist who was busy tugging and pulling at her hair as if she were at war with it.
"You'll do no such thing!" Alice exclaimed, then sat herself on the vanity in front of Bella. "I'm going to let you in on a little secret..." Alice said leaning forward as Bella stared curiously at her. "Edward. Is. Crazy. About. You."
It took a second for Alice's words to sink in as Bella looked down then back up at Alice's cunning smile.
"How do you know?"
"Oh sweetie, I've been around him constantly for over the past five years! I know him better than he knows himself. He's fallen madly in love with you, and I think it's about bloody time he's found someone as wonderful and adorable as you. I don't think you understand what you've done to him in just a short while."
"What have I done to him?" Bella was completely baffled and taken back. Edward Cullen is falling in love with me? Why? How? It seemed too good to be true.
"My first clue was before you both flew back home from Martha's Vineyard. He was speaking on the phone with me about the order of business for the day, then asked me to look into donating his grandfather's building to the city as a halfway house seeing if there would be a tax deduction available... then he changed his mind..."
"You mean he's not donating the building?" Bella was shocked and saddened by this news, only Alice wasn't finished.
"No, he's donating it... with or without the tax deduction." Alice paused for effect. "Don't you see? Edward never does anything unless there's something in it for him... as least, that was the Edward Jasper knew most of his life. But that's not the only change..."
Bella looked up at Alice expectantly while the manicurist started on her nails, and Bella was becoming even more uncomfortable as she started scraping the dirt from under her fingernails from all the falls during her hikes.
"Edward has been miserable for the past two days! Isn't that exciting?" Alice jumped up and down in her seat while Bella crooked her eyebrow at her happiness due to Edward's despair.
"I don't see how that is something to celebrate..." Bella shook her head, only to have it yanked back into place by the annoyed hairstylist.
"Don't you see? Edward is miserable without you! He's never in a bad mood at work, that is usually the only place where he feels content. Plus he's been checking his cell phone and calls constantly as though he were waiting for someone important to call him back. Have you spoken to him in the past two days?"
"No. There was no signal where we were. Only payphones, and who uses those anymore, except for emergencies?"
"Of course! And what was the last message Edward sent you before your reception cut out?" asked having a hunch Bella would have memorized it, and she was correct.
"Is it Friday night yet?" Bella recited watching Alice's face light up brighter than the fourth of July.
"There... you see? What more proof do you need?"
"His admission," Bella mumbled while she watched her hair take shape as long waves of silken hair billowed down her shoulder and back.
"Be patient with him, Bella. He's a stubborn workaholic, and dense when it comes to feelings, but he's a very passionate man with lots of love to give. He just needed to find the right woman to trust his heart with," Alice said patting her cheek then walked away toward her closet that was filled with clothing on a revolving rack, like the one Bella saw in that movie "Clueless."
Bella realized the first day she returned home that Edward was passionate and had lots of love to give... but he had kept his heart dormant for so long... she wasn't entirely sure if Alice was correct in her assessment that it started to beat for her alone. There were holes in her logic... but it definitely gave Bella hope that she just might have a chance with a great man like Edward Cullen someday... if not... then she would always remember their time on Martha's Vineyard... even after he sold their memories to the highest bidder.
Bidder... auction! Holy Jebus! What had she gotten herself into!? What would Edward do if he saw her up there being auctioned away like a veal? Would he look at her disgustedly or would he bid for her... and do... whatever it is bidders did with their prize.
Geeze, she was giving herself a headache such thinking about it. What if Edward didn't even stay long enough for the auction in order to take his date home and do... whatever it is he was planning on doing with her.
She couldn't think on it anymore... she had to clear her mind of Edward so she could focus on what the hell she was going to play for everyone tonight. All... five... hundred... of them...
Fuck, I need a drink!
Right on cue, a glass of wine appeared in front of her with Alice holding the glass waiting for Bella to accept it.
"How did you know?"
"You looked like you needed it. I'm sorry I left out the auction part. Truly it skipped my mind because normally we auction off a man, since we've had a male the past four years. But you'll be the first female and I know you are going to raise thousands of dollars for all their world charity tonight. You're beyond beautiful Bella, inside and out. You're worth more than anything they will bid on you tonight. Know that."
Alice gave her a quick peck on the cheek and started to get ready herself while Bella tried to reel in her tears from Alice's kind words.
She would do it... she'll do it for charity, and for the benefit for all those less fortunate who she'll be helping today.
It's too bad she already gave all her jean overalls away... it was a popular item in Austria, so it turned out.
Bella chucked to herself remembering the bum that made off with all her clothes that were thrown out the window by Angela, when she heard the blow dryer and manicurist stop at the same time.
"All finished. The polish is long-lasting and fast drying, so you're all set to get dressed," Kaure said as Tia accepted the large tip from Alice for herself and her partner. "Thank you, Alice. We'll see you next time!" The girls left and now it was time to put on the see-through dress.
Dear God... please help me not make a fool of myself.
"Are you expecting anyone to join you here? Or did your date stand you up?" a familiar nasally voice spoke into Edward's ear causing him to shiver, but not in a good way.
I've checked my phone thirteen time already in the past hour... God, I'm making a complete fool of myself! Even Tanya noticed... cover it up.
"As you can see, Ms. Denali, there are plenty of single does present tonight just waiting for the right stag to come along. I don't think I'll be going home disappointed."
Edward took a whiskey from the bartender after tipping him a generous amount, and left Tanya to scowl after him as he made his way to find Jasper.
"Edward!"
Edward stopped in his tracks when he heard his father's voice calling him and turned around to see that his parents had decided to join the party as well as... Emmett, who was currently talking to the Hales.
Edward's heart went up to his throat. It looked like Emmett was being hospitable toward Eleazar and Carmen since he had them laughing as Edward walked up to them. He shook his father's hand and kissed his mother on the cheek before acknowledging his sibling.
"Good to see you're feeling better, brother." Edward held out his hand to Emmett who brought him into a one-sided hug while masking gritting his teeth with a grin as he felt his hand being crushed inside Emmett's fist.
"Feeling much better, bro. Thanks." Edward tried to keep his face neutral as Emmett showed him his anger as discreetly as possible in front of Rosalie's parents.
"It's so wonderful how loving your family is Esme. It makes me miss my Rosie terribly," Carmen hooked her arm with Esme's as they walked toward their table as t Carlisle and Eleazar followed their wives talking about their day on the green with Emmett.
"You played golf the day you removed your stitches?" Edward asked looking shocked but couldn't find it in himself to be mad about the handshake. Emmett was doing his part to keep Eleazar happy which meant the next meeting with Hale Electronics would hopefully go a lot smoother with the union between their two families.
"It's golf, Ed, not football. But I'm not all together pleased at your lack of assistance with trying to find Bella. First you steal her away for days and don't call, now she's supposedly out-of-town with her family but you don't know when she returning? Why are you hiding her from me? What did you do to her?"
"Will you listen to yourself? You're acting as if I kidnapped her and stashed the body somewhere! Get a grip Em! You're acting paranoid and may I remind you that you're still engaged to Rosalie. So although your concern is admirable, it's for the wrong woman," Edward hissed through his teeth speaking low into Emmett's face.
"I told you last week how I felt about Bella, and she's the one who's been on my mind since that day, not Rosie. I'm still engaged to Rosie because I refuse to break off an engagement over the phone. I intend to do it like a gentleman to her face."
"And what if Bella doesn't choose you? Huh? What if you're no longer her knight in shinning armor, what would you do? Has she made any attempts to contact you while she was away with me or on the one day she was back before she left to go camping with Charlie? Huh? How are you so certain that you're going to sweep her off her feet if she wants someone else now?"
As Edward spoke under this breath, Emmett's face changed from nonchalant to rage.
"What. Have. You. Done?" Emmett growled through his teeth looking like fire about to expel from his nostrils.
"You're not the only one she wants now..." Edward matched his brother up as they stood face to face sizing each other up. For the first time, they had broken their brotherly rule and now the game was on.
Edward could see the cogs and wheels turning in Emmett's brain as he realized what Edward had insinuated, but instead of punching him, he straightened up his posture and fixed his jacket before saying one final word.
"This is war, brother. Be prepared to lose," Emmett walked away from Edward who stood his ground grinding his teeth and clenching his fists so tightly to his sides that his nails almost broke the skin of his palm.
"Such hostility, Edward. You better watch yourselves or you might draw some unwanted attention," Irena Denali said while stroking the seam of his jacket sleeve as Edward debated on leaving early. But then Emmett would feel as though he'd won by getting under his skin and he didn't want to give him the satisfaction.
Bella was his... damn it. There was no way Emmett would come anywhere near her. Besides, Bella was too sensible and honorable to do anything of the sort with Em while he was still engaged. Time was running out fast. In five days, Rosalie would return and Emmett will ruin everything. That meant if Edward wanted to seal the deal with Hale Electronics and get the girl... he needed to work faster.
Failure is not an option.
I'm going to throw up... please don't puke... please don't fall on stage... please, oh please, God say that Edward decided to stay home today!
Bella was waiting backstage watching all of the patrons sit down at their round tables of ten as she paced back and forth in the wings.
She knew what pieces she was going to play... she had performed them flawlessly before the guests arrived... but she was scared shitless to be out there all alone on stage with five hundred people waiting to listen and critique her music and talent.
What was it that Jake said to do the night of the concerto competition? She thought hard to herself as she visualized Jake standing next to her and rubbing her shoulders like a boxer about to enter the ring.
"Bells, don't picture them naked because that will make you look at them rather than focus on stage, trust me," Bella laughed and already started to relax into his strong hands.
"This is what I do... imagine a meadow. Peaceful, quiet, and full of purple flowers. Imagine the breeze blowing through the tall grass and the flowers dancing in the sunlight. The rustling of the leaves and song of the birds singing while a cool river flows and ripples, sparkling in the distance." Bella pictured the place just as Jake described it, and she took a deep breath imagining the warn sunshine hitting her face and the sweet smell in the air.
When she opened her eyes, she was back in the present but must more relaxed and her stomach stopped churning. She was ready.
"Bella, are you ready?" Alice said quickly as she came up beside her.
"Yes," Bella smiled serenely like she had all the time in the world.
"Break a leg! You're going to be fabulous, I just know it!" Alice gave her a big hug, then walked on stage ready to announce tonight's surprise entertainer.
Edward looked behind him around the large ball room inside the Plaza Hotel. Everyone who was anyone was here tonight at Alice's fundraiser. She was expecting to raise several million tonight to send off to third world countries and Edward knew it was for a good cause, but these functions always bored him. The same fake people, always putting on their fake concerns for the less fortunate and paying money to prove it to everyone else.
He felt as though his mother, Esme, was one of the few who truly cared about being here for the cause and not for the new contacts and connections she could make by networking after the dinner. Edward decided he would donate as much as needed to impress the crowd then leave... he had no desire to be here when all he could think about was Isabella... then he heard her name.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all so much for being here to support the Laurent Brandon Charity Foundation. Fifteen years ago, my family adopted my younger brother, Laurent Okar Brandon, from Niger, Africa. At the time he only spoke French and weighed in at 15 pounds under weight improved from 30 pounds under weight from the start of the adoption. That was in 1995, and right now in 2010, Niger and other countries all over the world have even more children and people who are facing starvation from lack of clean water and basic nutrition. If their crops fail, their way of life fails... unless we do something to help them. And that's why we're all here tonight."
The auction will take place after dinner and before the dancing, but first we have a special treat for you this evening while you all enjoy your meals. I'll let you know had a small crisis and melt down this morning when our original entertainment backed out at the last-minute. But thankfully lady luck was on my side when my good friend graciously agreed to perform in his place with zero time to prepare. And let me just say that she is brilliant, beautiful, and the most humble person I know! So please if you would all help me give a warm welcome to our uprising star, Ms. Isabella Swan!"
Edward almost spit out his wine while Emmett choked on an hors d'oeuvre. Carlisle slapped his son on the back so he could swallow before the two brothers looked up to so see the most beautiful woman in the entire room standing on the stage next to Alice.
She's here, Edward thought as the burning sensation inside his chest suddenly started to disappear. The effect she had on his body by her mere presence was mind-boggling. And there she was... looking beyond gorgeous holding the microphone waiting for the applause inside the ballroom to cool down.
Edward wasn't surprised in the least that Bella was receiving such an ovation before performing just from the sight of her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, and stood only fifteen feet away. She was so close... and too far.
Finally the crowd silenced as Bella stood center stage next to the piano, and gave a dazzling smile to the crowd. She brought the mic to her lips and spoke in such a way that her soft voice sent an electric current directly down to every man's boner in the room.
"Good evening. I know this was last-minute and you all were probably expecting a full orchestra tonight," Bella looked expectantly around the stage for a moment, then gave the audience a crooked half grin, "But I guess they changed their minds once they discovered Alice's choice of costume," Bella waved her arm gesturing to the black see-through corseted sequined gown that she wore and everyone erupted in joyous laughter including the Cullen table.
"YOU LOOK FABULOUS!" Everyone in the room heard Alice's voice from backstage causing more laughter and applause to break out. Bella blushed all over and ducked her head bashfully covering her flaming cheeks with her free hand. Everyone found her humbleness very appealing and endearing.
Edward noted that Bella was indeed a vision tonight with nothing to be ashamed of regarding her appearance... then he became aware of the fact that everyone else in the room thought so too, and that didn't sit well with him at all. Not one person was eating while Bella held the microphone on stage. She had a captivated audience... literally.
Instantly, Edward's possessive side was making himself known for the first time in his life when he saw his brother's lustful stare. The caveman instinct inside him wished to run up on the stage and cover Bella's body with his jacket so no one but him could see her. The feeling grew even stronger when he noticed every other male in proximity was gaping at her too. He closed his eyes so that he could focus on keeping it together and not make an idiot of himself.
"Thank you," Bella shrugged still blushing from all the attention as she walked over to the piano and placed the microphone on the stand before sitting down on the bench.
"As Alice explained earlier, I have not had time to practice, only warm up before you all entered the room. I'm saying this now to cover my butt just in case I botch this up. But if I don't make any mistakes... forget about it," Bella flopped her wrist forward, giving her best Robert De Niro impersonation which received more laughter from the audience.
"She's so charming. That's your friend of the family, isn't it?" Carmen asked Esme leaning over as she applauded Bella for her light comedy.
"That's right. She's like a daughter to me." Esme smiled to Carmen before leaning into her husband and whispered, "Now you'll understand why we helped Charlie get her into that school. Just wait darling, Alice wasn't exaggerating," Esme said with pride and confidence as her husband shook his head, humoring his wife.
Bella cleared her throat, "I decided to pick a few well-known pieces out of my repertoire that meant or symbolized why we are all here this evening. I hope you enjoy it. The first piece is by George Gershwin, and it represents the city in which this charity was founded; here is Rhapsody in Blue."
There was silence and anticipation inside the ballroom, with only a few clinks and clatters of silverware, and waiters walking around pouring drinks and serving the second course. Bella took a deep breath and played the solitary note that led into the introduction of Gershwin's magnum opus.
The audience was stunned... Edward couldn't move; he couldn't eat; he could hardly breathe as Bella moved her body sensuously as she performed one of his favorite pieces flawlessly... from memory!
He could scarcely hear the whispered voices from the people sitting at the tables surrounding him:
"She's remarkable!"
"So stunning..."
"That girl is going somewhere..."
"I don't believe she didn't practice this piece tonight. What a load of crap!"
"Shhhhh!"
The sound came from his father who looked over at one of the patrons with a death glare as he looked back watching his chauffeur's daughter with pride and appreciation. For the first time, he was seeing Isabella Swan as a woman, and not the little girl he once knew. His wife was absolutely right... she is certainly something.
Ten minutes later, Bella was nearing the final cadence with open octaves and long scales up and down the keys. She finished the final phrase with her fortissimo tremolos and one final chord the audience practically tore the house down.
They were stunned, amazed... completely blown away by the young girl on stage who showed charisma, charm, and talent... everything that made a good performer within Isabella.
Edward was speechless. He knew Bella was a genius from what he'd seen at the house in Martha's Vineyard, but he wasn't anticipating this amount of professionalism and polished work. And now all he could think about was getting her alone and attacking her with his lips and holding her body close to his after three long days of separation.
He wondered if it was possible that she felt the same need for him as he did for her. It couldn't be. There was no way she could possibly want him the way he wanted her... it's inconceivable. He was a rake. A liar. An unworthy man who wasn't worth half of what this woman on stage was worth.
He was a coward and still wanted his father's approval. That's all he ever wanted... to have his father look at him with pride the way he was looking at his love on stage right now. He wanted that. And the man sitting next to his father who owned Hale Electronics could help him achieve that goal.
Shit, just one more week. Then this whole facade would be over and Rosalie would knock some sense in to his brother so there would be no more competition. He would die before he gave her up to his brother... or any man for that matter.
He knew what he wanted. He wanted Bella and his company to succeed... could he have both?
"Thank you! Thank you so much... and thank GOD that's over!" Bela breathed out puffing her cheeks adorably looking relieved as the audience chuckled.
"My first piano teacher used to tell me, 'Always put the hardest piece at the top of the program, that way the rest of the show is just a walk in the park!'" The crowd laughed again as the third course was being served.
"This next popular piece is considerably shorter than the first, and is also written by one of my late mother's favorite 20th century composers, Claude Debussy. I chose this particular song tonight because a friend of mine would play it every time it rained when I was a child... and when I asked him recently, why, he said the rain sounded like an orchestra accompanying the music and made it sound better. Well, as you can see it's pouring out there tonight, so hopefully his theory works for me too. Here is Clair de lune."
Oh, no she didn't. She's playing my song...
Bella breathed again waiting for silence, then began playing Debussy's enchanting music with so much passion and emotion that it was causing tears to well up behind Edward's eyes. It was like she was playing it just for him and he couldn't take this torment much longer. He needed to touch her, kiss her... just so he could confirm that she was in fact real and not a hallucination or figment of his imagination.
Could she be any more perfect? How does she do this to me? Make me completely lose myself to the point where all I can see, hear, and think about is her.
Thankfully the piece was almost over, and he hopped that was her last song because he couldn't handle the anticipation anymore. He could hardly contain himself just sitting down in his seat.
"Calm yourself, dear. You're huffing like you're running a marathon," his mother whispered into his ear, pointing out that he was indeed close to hyperventilating. His pulse was so fast and his skin could barely contain his insides from bursting.
The waiter brought the next course, but Edward had hardly touched his first three courses and the dishes were starting to pile up.
"Edward dear, you best start eating or else this $500 dollar meal will go to waste. Think of the starving children who would be grateful for this food." His mother was certainly toying with him. The smug look on her face confirmed his suspicions, and she was eating up his tortured expression as though it were dessert.
He looks like an animal in heat or like she's something to eat... He can hardly take his eyes off her for too long... Now I understand my son's bad mood swings for that past two days. HOW WONDERFUL!
Esme was almost jumping up and down in her seat from the just looking at the loving expression on her oldest son's face directed at the talented girl on stage. When she turned her head to see the rest of her family, she blanched and nearly lost her good mood and appetite based on the identical enamored expression on Emmett's face. She had hoped at her party that her son was merely drunk or was lost in the moment and would come to his senses about canceling his engagement, but he was harboring the infatuation for Isabella that Edward did, all while sitting across from his soon-to-be in-laws... this was not to born.
She would do everything in her power to be sure that Emmett would not be able to get near Isabella for the rest of the evening if she could hep it. She knew the fate of his future depended on it. She loved her son but he needed a good kick in the pants and Isabella was too sweet to be the one to give it to him. For that reason alone she knew Rosalie was the perfect woman for her wayward son. She would be his salvation and the cure.
Bella finished the final cord of Clair de Lune beautifully and stood up to take her final bow. Most of the crowd gave her a standing ovation as Alice came back on the stage to gesture for everyone to keep applauding her brilliant performance.
The lights in the ballroom went up so Bella could finally see the faces of hundreds of guests seated and standing around their tables applauding her and suddenly a familiar hair color in the front table caught her attention.
There he was. Standing and applauding her with his family beside him... dressed in a handsome tuxedo and with his green eyes focused entirely on her making her skin flush and her breath to hitch in her throat.
Then near the back of the room a voice shouted "Encore!" Then more voices around the room started to join in, including the Cullens. A loud voice next to Carlisle drew her attention and then she saw Emmett whistling and shouting for her to play one more song. She looked away from him embarrassed, and shy... and glanced back at Edward who expression hardened and switched from lustful to angry.
Alice nudged her and Bella shook her head hoping that her job for the evening was over, but Alice grabbed the microphone from the stand and shouted out to the crowd.
"Isn't she marvelous?!" The crowd agreed with shouts and applause. "Do you want her to play one more?!" Alice shouted out with a smile and Bella rolled her head back and smiled to the heavens as if asking why her?
"Well, you've seen her play extraordinarily well on the piano... but I've heard from a reliable source that Ms. Swan has a gorgeous singing voice as well..." Alice's eyebrows crooked wickedly to the audience as Isabella's eyes bugged out of her head. Suddenly she looked down to Esme who sweetly looked like she traded in her halo and angle wings for horns and a pitch fork.
Esme shrugged helplessly but not looking sorry in the least. This is what she had hoped for Isabella's future all along. She helped her get into her abroad program, but she also hoped to help her become known... which is why Bell was the first suggestion she gave Alice when she called her frantically for help.
The audience was insistent that Bella entertain them with one more song, so finally she agreed and took the microphone sportingly from Alice and sat back down on the bench. Bella saw the frustrated look on Edward's face as he sat back down at the table with everyone else in the room after she glanced at Emmett and figured that was why he was upset.
He obviously still felt insecure about her feelings for him... as if he couldn't tell from their night together before they left. But perhaps since she missed all twelve text messages while she was up in the mountains fishing, he thought she was ignoring him and didn't reciprocate his feelings for her. She was about to prove him wrong...
"Alright, since there a dirty little snitch in the audience..." Bella coughed in her hand Esme Cullen's name, getting a few laughs, "I would like to dedicate this song to someone special in the room I've know almost my whole life... just listen to the words and you'll know who you are... this is In a very unusual way from the Broadway musical Nine, by...um... something Yeston." the crowd chuckled as Bella cleared her throat gently and looked down at the keys, too shy to make eye contact with Edward just yet. She hoped the song would help give her strength.
She played the opening four measures to the song, then her sultry smooth voice began to sing:
In a very unusual way one time I needed you.
In a very unusual way you were my friend.
Bella looked up from the piano closing her eyes, imagining Edward's face...
Maybe it lasted a day, maybe it lasted an hour.
She remembered their time on Martha's Vineyard... how close they became...
But, somehow it will never end.
In a very unusual way, I think I'm in love with you.
At that moment, she turned her head and looked directly at Edward's face... who seemed as though in a trance. The lust and... something new returning in his eyes. Dare she even think... loving.
In a very unusual way I want to cry.
Something inside me goes week,
Something inside me surrenders.
She kept eye contact with him as she continued to feel the music and sing from her soul.
And you're the reason why,
You're the reason why...
Bella looked away from Edward and closed her eyes so she could prevent the tears from falling onto her cheeks. And shook her head as she sung the next lyrics as though she imagined them right on the spot.
You don't know what you do to me,
You don't have a clue.
You can't tell what its like to be me looking at you.
It scares me so, that I can hardly... speak.
No truer words were ever spoken... or sung in this matter. Edward did strange and wondrous things to her body... almost like it didn't belong to herself anymore... it belonged to him. Somehow... she knew then... she wanted to be his, and she and missed him terribly while she was away.
In a very unusual way, I owe what I am to you.
Though at times it appears I won't stay, I never go.
Bella looked up and out at the audience but was displeased to find that Edward's chair was vacant. She had somehow managed to sneak out without being detected and her heart dropped to her stomach and her throat started to close up.
Special to me in my life,
Since the first day that I met you.
How could I ever forget you,
Once you had touched my soul?
He left in the middle of her song... suddenly she couldn't hold the tears back anymore and allowed them to fall down her cheeks freely.
In a very unusual way,
You've made me whole.
She held the last note while her fingers finished the song as the room lay silent from her miniature emotional breakdown on stage. After a moment of silence after the echo of the last chord dissipated in the air, the entire room minus a handful at one table in the corner of the room were standing on their feet in awe and appreciation.
Bella smiled and wiped the traitorous tears from her cheeks and stood up from the piano for a final bow and a drowned out thank you as the crowd continued to applaud as she made her way off the stage, before Alice came back or another person shouted for an encore.
She entered the wings of the stage and was hidden from sight by the black curtains while the crowd continued to applaud, calling her back onto the stage. She covered her face trying to stop her eyes from crying when she was startled by a voice directly behind her.
"They want you to take another bow... you deserve it."
That voice... the voice she'd been missing for three days was standing right beside her and she turned her head to see his face to be sure she wasn't dreaming... and it was true.
Edward came backstage to see her... only to push her back on stage for her to take another bow.
"Go! Go on!" Edward urged her.
Bella smiled and laughed as she wiped her eyes and walked back on stage as the audience continued to applaud and stand showing how well she had done while Alice stood on stage applauding her and taking her under her arm.
"I told you she was the next rising star, didn't I? Isabella Swan, folks. And not only is she beautiful on the outside, but also beautiful on the inside. Bella informed me before the show that she didn't wish to get paid for tonight's performance, but that all of the money she earned would go straight toward the charity for tonight! Absolutely incredible. Thank you, so much!" Alice brought Bella into a huge hug as the audience praised her generosity, falling in love with her all over again.
Finally, Bella was allowed off the stage and her first thoughts were to find Edward...but she didn't have to look for long.
The second she exited the stage she felt a large warm hand wrap around hers pulling her quickly toward the back of the stage toward the dressing room, which was just another ballroom, but much smaller. Edward pulled her in and locked the door behind them right before Bella leaped into his arms and attacked his mouth.
"God, I—missed you," she muttered against his lips as Edward supported her weight walking them further into the room and found a sofa to sit on with Bella in his lap as he molded his lips to hers.
"Baby, you have—no idea. Fuck, I missed you so much. Don't. Ever... not call me... again! Was going out of my mind with worry... acted completely... crazy... without you!" he said in between kissing her chest and feeling most of her body through the thin material of her dress, driving him even more insane with need. She was sitting and grinding on his lap while kissing his mouth and neck, until he couldn't take it anymore and needed to feel her beneath him. With a great feet of strength, he lifted them both up off the from a sitting position while kissing her neck, then lay down on the couch lying on top of her. Bella hitched her bare leg around his waist with her fuck awesome shoes and Edward felt the soft skin of her thigh with his greedy hands.
"Baby, I want you so bad right now. I can't help myself. Your voice... your fucking song... it killed me." Edward kissed down her neck to her chest, "Shit, Bella, please tell me that song was for me...tell me, now!" Edward demanded as his kiss went lower, lower than they've ever gone on her body before.
She was on fire.
Edward was literally setting her skin on fire, and she could do nothing to stop it. She wanted to burn... she wanted the fire to consume her... like he was consuming every ounce of her. She dug her fingernails into his soft long hair on the top of his head and scratched his scalp causing Edward to moan louder and become more desperate with his hands and kisses.
He didn't know what he would do if she didn't answer or say it wasn't him she dedicated the song to. He was there... he witnessed her saying the words he longed to hear leave her lips, but the words were part of as song that wasn't written by her or about him... but fuck it all, if those lyrics didn't hit the mark dead on about what their relationship was about.
He had to hear it from her own mouth though... he saw her smile at Emmett and he saw red and green. He was angry and jealous... that was his smile. Only his smile... meant for him alone. Emmett didn't deserve that smile... Edward felt he had earned it. Earned his way into her heart... at least that was he was praying for... but she was still to busy moaning from his touch and kisses that she didn't answer him, or hadn't heard him. So he tried again before he was seconds from ripping this dangerous dress from her body.
"God dammit, Isabella, tell me now you sang that fucking song for me or I swear to God—"
Bella stopped his insecurity with a deep kiss and held his face closer while she controled his lips and tasted his mouth with her tongue. When she pulled away, Edward was breathless until she spoke into his ear, and heard his breathing stop.
"It was for you, baby. Every single word was meant for you."
That did it.
Edward couldn't control himself any longer... he groaned in relief, almost ripping his four thousand dollar suit from his body at the sound of her admission. But instead he found her lips and devoured her with a passion so intense, it was like he wasn't in control of his own body anymore... he was possessed... and it was all because of the sexy talented woman writhing beneath him causing the most delicious friction between their cores.
"Baby I need more... I need to touch you. Please..."
Without anymore words Bella lifted her torso off the couch and unzipped her corset half way down the back and Edward assisted her in releasing her glorious chest from his prison. Edward just about came in his pants just at the sight of her pert pink nipples beckoning him to be kissed. Without wasting another moment, Edward's mouth tasted all around the skin of her perfectly round breasts that once fit so nicely in his hand a few days ago, and tasted them eagerly with his tongue and teeth.
The second he captured her inside his mouth, they both groaned in ecstasy. The pleasure passed through Bella's body from Edward's mouth on her breast directly to her throbbing wet core. He was nipping and sucking on her body like she was his gift and dessert all in one. She would forever more crave this from him... this desire that only he could. She burned for only him.
Edward was completely under her spell. He had never felt so out of control before and he was a desperately horny man having not had a woman in months. He couldn't remember when and now all he could think about was one woman. He needed her... he wanted to be inside her... consuming her... possessing her... loving her.
And suddenly it occurred to him... he wanted to make love to her. Shit, he wanted it so badly... but not a couch. Their first time would not be in a hotel make-shift dressing room. Not his girl. She would get the best night of her life... a night to remember.
"Baby," he said continuing to kiss her other breast unable to stop himself from kissing her, "I need to stop here or else I won't be able to stop at all," he pulled up from her chest as Bella came down from her high and looked down at his face smiling.
"I suppose we did get carried away, huh? I'm sorry," she looked down feeling embarrassed by her display but Edward would have none of it.
"Don't apologize to me. I'm the one who couldn't keep my hands and mouth to myself. Jesus, you're so enticing, my brain has no control of my body... like it doesn't belong to me anymore; it belongs to you," Edward stroked her cheek so gently and lovingly that Bella's face winced with the power of what he was telling her.
Bella gasped as a lone tear escaped her right eye. Edward caught it with his finger and brought it straight to his lips as though tasting her tears, "My body doesn't belong to me either... it belongs... to you too."
At those words, Edward let his head drop forward and rested it on top of Bella's as he reached for her face and cupped both of her soft cool cheeks in his large warm hands. "Fuuuck, Bella. Say that again. Please!"
He need to hear that shit again. Never had he wanted someone to belong to him as much as Isabella. It was too good to be true.
"I'm yours, Edward... if you want me," Bella admitted meekly with her face still tense from fear of rejection.
"I've never wanted something more in my entire life... and I don't need anything... but fuck, I need you." With that Edward kissed her lips fast and hard right before they heart a knocking at the locked door. They heard the door handle jiggle and Edward got up off of Bella and helped zipper her back into her dress while she fixed her ruffled hair.
"Bella are you in there?" Emmett's voice was on the other side of the door and Bella looked back at Edward wondering what she should do.
Anger rose inside Edward and he immediately wanted to flaunt the fact in his brother's face that Bella had chosen him instead, but Bella stopped him with her hands on his chest.
"You look like you're preparing for battle. Let me handle this. I need to let him know that I just want to be his friend, nothing more," Bella confirmed and Edward debated whether or not that would be enough to send Emmett's stubborn ass on his way. Something told him inside that it wouldn't, but he was ready to gloat his victory after Isabella left them alone to talk civilly and rationally.
In reply to Bella's request, Edward stepped away from the door and walked over to take a seat on the couch to wait for Emmett to see him and answer his silent question.
Bella opened the door and saw Emmett anxiously waiting outside the door, "Emmett, hey. Come in, I was just speaking to Edward about the concert. Did you enjoy the show?"
Emmett walked in and saw his brother's smug catlike grin that told him all he needed to know. They weren't just in there talking.
The bastard got there first! Fuck! If only Mom hadn't sent me on that errand to fetch he lipstick from the car, that could have been me pouring my heart out to her... Well it's not over until the fat lady sings!
"Yeah the show was freaking awesome. You're an amazing woman, my little cricket!" Emmett lightly punched her shoulder, watching Edward's face turn from cocky to murderous for using a pet name for Bella.
Well, tough luck, bro. All is fair in love and war.
"Anyway, Alice asked me to remind you the auction is in half and hour and that your dinner is on the way from the kitchen. So yeah, that's all..." Bella nodded her head and smiled while Emmett ran out of excuses to stay behind, then turned around before exciting the door, "Ed, you comin? Ma was wondering where you'd gone. She wants to introduce you to a few ladies, if you know what I mean. Always trying to be a matchmaker, that woman. Anyhow they were asking for you..." Emmett said hoping to get a reaction out of Bella from mentioning Edward being set up with one of the rich debutantes out there. But he got nothing. So either she had an amazing poker face, or Edward cared more for her than she did for him.
"I'll be down in a bit, and tell Mother dear, thank you very much but I have no desire to be setup with a stranger or anyone else for that matter. I'm quite happy at the moment, so I'll see you at the auction," Edward said narrowing his eyes at his cunning brother to try and steal Bella from under him by trying to make her feel insecure and jealous... but lucky for him, Bella didn't fall for his tricks.
"Actually, I really should eat and get freshened up for the auction. Apparently, Alice said I'm supposed to be apart of it in someway," Bella shrugged her shoulders then when to the table to pick up her brush.
"In what way exactly," Edward asked crossing his arms over his chest looking very disapprovingly at her. He was almost certain that he was not going to like the next words out of her mouth.
"She said they are auctioning me off as a date to the highest bidder to get the ball rolling and I'm sweating bullets over it," Bella shivered while combing her hair but the shouting across the room distracted her from her grooming.
"WHAT THE FUCK!" The brothers seemed to say in almost unison before they each started rambling nonsense like "Over my dead body," and "Alice is out of her mind!" and "She'll have to get through me first," and "You're not going out there!"
Eventually, Bella had enough of their temper tantrums and clapped her hands loudly in front of the boys to get their attentions.
"Listen, the only reason I agreed is to help raise money for Alice's charity. It's not a big deal. A little humiliating, but I'll be fine. You know you're allowed to bid too, if you want. But trust me when I say that if a total stranger wins me, nothing … absolutely nothing will happen except a friendly dinner. Now you boys get out while I freshen up, and I'll see you in twenty minutes."
Bella showed the door for the boys to leave while she got ready to eat quickly and make her way to the auction hoping to raise enough for a good cause then go home.
Emmett gave her a hug then left waiting for his brother to follow. Edward wanted to kiss Bella goodbye on the lips, but settled for her cheek instead since he wasn't sure if Bella was comfortable showing public displays of affection even in front of his brother. He wanted her to make the first move and give the all clear... but it hadn't happened yet.
The Cullen men exited the room and watched Bella close the door before facing each other with their guns a blazing.
"Bella is mine," Edward growled.
"I didn't see your name written on her..." Emmett said punching his fist into his other hand.
"Why don't you give Rosalie a call like a good fiancé and tell her you miss her, rather than drag Bella into your non-existent morals and adulterous behavior."
"It's not adultery if you're not married, and you might recall me telling you that I'm probably calling off the wedding." They were nose to nose by now with their eyes shooting daggers at the other.
"Well I'm not giving her up. You'll see soon enough, Bella chose me and not you. So get over yourself and leave a few for the rest of us poor bastards?"
"I can't just tear Bella away from my mind. I'm not going to give her up without a fight," Emmett said with his voice getting louder only to be matched by his older brother's seething low voice.
"Then I guess this means war, brother. May the best man win," Edward said holding out his hand to Emmett who shook it agreeing to the challenge that Edward knew he already won.
Now he apparently had an auction to win because he would be damned if another man was taking his Bella away from him... charity or not. Bella belonged to him... just as he belonged to her.
There you have it folks. Let me inside your minds... I let you in mine!