Edward

"Her breath began to speak as she stood right in front of me

Color of her eyes were the color of insanity

Crushed beneath her wave, like a ship I could not reach the shore

We're all just dancers, on the Devil's Dance Floor."

I chuckled softly as Bella began to tug against Alice's grasp. Did she actually think my sister would toss her out of a second story window?

Alice released her, shooting Bella a quizzical look. "I wasn't actually going to… Anyway, here," she said, shoving a garment bag into Bella's hands.

Bella held the bag nervously, awaiting further explanation.

"Jasper and Tanya have decided to come back early. They'll be here in about an hour."

Bella turned to me, a mix of concern and anger flickering across her features.

"It'll be fine, Bella," Alice soothed. "Now, out!" she shooed me.

I hugged Bella tightly, resting my forehead against hers. I gave her a quick kiss before making my way out the door.

Whatever plans Alice had in store for my love would likely require the majority of the next hour, so I made my way downstairs and took a seat before my piano. The notes poured from my mind through my hands; the slow, melancholy tone drifting throughout the house as I played. I held a picture of Bella in my mind as inspiration, trying to capture even a modicum of her beauty in the song.

I stopped abruptly when I heard Alice's door creak open and flashed to the base of the stairs in a fraction of a second. What I saw there damn near knocked the breath out of me.

My Bella gave me a shy smile as she carefully descended the stairs, dressed in a beautiful, tauntingly tight little black dress. The low-cut neckline displayed her – ahem - assets in a way that did terrible things to my self-control, the hem rested mid-thigh, emphasizing her long, smooth legs. Her hair fell against her shoulders in soft curls, her makeup lightly done, accentuating her lovely features rather than masking them. I could barely contain my excitement or impatience and as she reached the last two steps I wound my arms around her and whisked her from the stairs.

I held her to me as I ran my lips over her neck, breathing deeply and relishing every lick of fire that raged in my throat. "You look absolutely stunning, love," I whispered.

Her answering blush was the most beautiful thing ever beheld – easily outshining any sunset. Her mind's light shined brightly, a soft burgundy color haloed an image of our embrace as I basked in the warm, fuzzy glow of it all.

I was so utterly consumed by out interactions that I barely registered Alice's presence, not to mention her hushed words of "they're here" as she flitted to the door.

I felt Bella tense slightly in my arms and gave her a few quick, reassuring kisses. "Has Alice divulged her secret plans for this evening, my dear?" I asked softly.

She simply shook her head and pressed herself further into me as Alice opened the front door.

Alice dove into Jasper's waiting arms and I felt a wave of intense adoration and love wash over the room. They both stood entwined for several long seconds, staring into one another's eyes, before moving into the house arm-in-arm.

I gave both Tanya and Jasper a quick hello before the five of us took up seats in the living room. Bella and I sat together on her favorite Chaise Lounge, Alice and Jasper on the opposite couch next to Tanya.

Jasper shot me a quizzical look, taking in the affectionate atmosphere surrounding Bella and I. 'What the hell did I miss, Edward?' he asked silently, his mental voice laced with mirth. 'You guys are like two love sick puppies!'

I laughed softly, unable to control my delight at his assessment… of the two of us. I focused a bit more into his mind, on the emotions that Bella was emanating. The tone of her feelings matched mine almost perfectly- unbridled elation and… love? And a twinge of anger whenever she looked at Tanya.

I entwined her fingers with my own, raising our joined hands to my lips to plant a long, soft kiss against her knuckles. At this Jasper broke out in a fit of laughter, and Alice looked decidedly thrilled, bouncing slightly and clapping her tiny hands together.

"So!" she announced loudly. "Who's up for a few late-night adventures?"

Tanya's face lit up as she turned towards me. "Sounds fun. Maybe we could go to a club... I love to dance," she said in what I assume she believed to be a seductive tone – but sounded instead like a human infected with a bad case of laryngitis.

Bella's eyes grew wide in anger, her hand clenched around mine with such force that I knew she must be hurting herself. Alice shot her a stern "don't you dare" look, while mentally cautioning me.

I traced gentle circles on the top of my love's hand as I spoke. "Yes, Bella and I do as well." Be civil, Edward. Don't forget who you are just because of one aggravating bitch…

I saw tiny flickers of violent images racing through my love's mind, and I almost laughed at the notion of my Bella literally ripping Tanya's head off.

'She'd make one hell of a newborn,' Alice silently teased. The very idea set off a menacing growl, low in my chest.

Jasper sent waves of calm throughout the room and I took a deep, unnecessary breath as Bella slowly relaxed.

Bella then took me by surprise, jumping from the couch, never breaking her firm hold on my hand; I complied as she tugged me up with her.

"Why don't we get going, then?" she addressed the room firmly.

Alice bounced up in confirmation and the five of us made our way to the garage.

Alice, Jasper, and Tanya took the Volvo, while Bella and I rode in my Aston Martin…Partly so we could easily get Bella something to eat later, if she liked, and partly so we needn't be subjected to Tanya's Perma-PMS bullshit.

Bella rummaged through a book of CDs, unabashedly delighted with one particular find. She slipped the disc into the player and flipped several tracks in. Devil's Dance Floor blared over the sound system as Bella sang along happily.

"But nothing ever came, from a life that was a simple one. So pull yourself together girl, and have a little fun."

Bella turned in her seat and smiled sweetly at me before a wicked grin overtook her features. "I have an idea," she said, turning back to the windshield.

I waited silently for several long, curious seconds before I realized what she was doing. Individual letters clumped together erratically, each seeming to correspond with a different color and texture.

'Hi, Edward,' she spelled.

I laughed heartily, completely astounded by my love's clever mind.

"Hi, Bella," I responded aloud.

'Now I don't have to feel so left out of your little secret conversations,' she spelled in vibrant calligraphic letters.

I pulled into the parking structure where we would meet up with the others, and headed straight to the top level. Once parked, I turned to her and smiled warmly. I extended my hand to brush against her face and she held it there, allowing the warmth of her skin to seep into me. I shuddered involuntarily as she blushed, drastically increasing the heat beneath my hand.

She gave me a coy little smile before slipping out of the car and sauntering over towards the edge of the building.

She hopped onto the structure's ledge, her back pressed against the metal railing as she leaned her head backwards. I ran to her side and wrapped my arms securely around her waist.

"What on earth are you doing, Bella?!" Besides scaring the goddamn life out of me! … Un-life… Whatever.

She sighed heavily, her head still tilted backwards - exposing the length of her tender throat. "It's all about perspective, Edward. How else would you expect to freshen your views of the world, if you're always looking at it the same way?" she stated simply.

So odd were the workings of her mind! Not only were they intensely beautiful, but completely wondrous in their off-beat conception.

I slid my hands up her back and cradled her head as I pulled her upright towards me. Her pupils dilated slightly as she sat up, quickly planting her lips on mine, but breaking our contact all too soon.

"Woo… head rush," she giggled.

I heard the familiar purr of the Volvo's engine echoing through the lower levels and rushed to make good on our remaining seconds alone. I laid several slow kisses against her exposed clavicle, utterly delighted to hear her heart flutter in response.

My ministrations were interrupted by the harsh sound of squealing tires as the Volvo whipped towards us.

Alice launched herself from the car before it came to a stop, her thoughts raging. 'Damnit, Edward! If I ever have to be cooped up like that with that self-involved bitch again, I'm going to fucking kill her!'

I shot her an apologetic look as I held Bella closer to me.

Tanya's quick jealous glance didn't go unnoticed by Bella; she became suddenly very interested in her own feet as her arms tightened around me.

If it stayed, I'd never leave it

If that turned around I'd grieve

The special dirty things

That we used to talk about

I mean that loving you is strange

And adored by me throughout

Someday soon you'll find that someone

Waiting for the chance to beat you

Drooling on the set to feel you,

Blessing you with every kiss.

We arrived at the fashionably shabby club on foot, bypassing the lengthy line of people and heading straight to the doormen. I slipped them each a small fold of bills and they ushered us inside to the upper level of the club.

Jasper snaked his arm around Alice's waist as they both headed to the dance floor while Bella went straight to the bar. She expertly wedged herself between the mass of patrons and extended her money across the countertop, getting the bartender's immediate attention. She returned triumphantly to me moments later, a tall glass of mixed liquors in hand.

We took our seats at a small table along the outskirts of the dance floor. I watched with rapt attention as she took a delicate sip from her potent concoction.

"Have you ever been here before?" She leaned closer to me, as if I couldn't hear her over the music.

I shook my head, "I don't really… go out much. It's a recent trend that Alice has been subjecting me to. Though your presence makes the experience infinitely more enjoyable."

She smiled sweetly at me before her eyes returned to her drink.

My attention was then captured by Tanya's familiarly irritating mental voice. She was planning on a repeat performance of that kitchen scene. Can she not take a hint? I found her close proximity to be positively abhorrent and had no desire to keep her company in the ways that she frequently envisioned.

I quickly stood and lifted Bella from her seat, pulling her back against my chest and wrapping my arms around her protectively. I laid several soft kisses against her exposed shoulder, delighted by Tanya's internal grumblings as she turned her attention elsewhere.

Massive Attack's Angel began to play over the speakers. The music's thumping bass line reverberated through every possible surface. I watched as it traveled upwards through my love's feet, pulsating through her veins in time with her heartbeat. She spun around to face me; her eyes darkened with an almost animalistic desire as she grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor.

She wound her arms around my neck as she began to sway alluringly in time with the beat. I placed my hands on her lower back and pulled her against me, biting back a groan as her chest repeatedly brushed against my own.

Bella continued her entrancing movements as I trailed my hands down her sides, unable to control the hiss that escaped my lips when I found how high the dress had ridden up her creamy thighs.

Stitches thudded throughout the club as her lips stretched up in a playful smile. She turned and pressed her ass against my body's uncontrollable response to her bewitching dance.

I briefly wondered if I should feel embarrassed, or that I was somehow demeaning her. When her breath hitched, and her head rolled back in response, I quickly squashed such insecure notions. I wanted her. In every way.

And it seemed she felt the same…

I ran my hands along her stomach as she continued her rapturous movements.

So precious you know

This hate of mine exploded

I'm deranged you know

I will never be the same

I leaned down and buried my face in her hair, embracing with open arms the fire that her scent set ablaze within.

I planted my hands on her hips, reveling in the way the bones there shifted and rolled against my palms as she swayed. Bella began to grind against me and my breath caught in my throat. I held her against me firmly, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "You will be the death of me, Bella Swan." I nearly moaned the words, my voice rough with desire.

She turned to face me, giggling softly as Flo Rida's Right Round began.

She sauntered away towards our table, where Alice and Jasper were now sitting.

Jasper shot me a knowing smirk as I took a seat and pulled my love into my lap.

She sighed contently and resumed sipping on her drink.

"That was rather enjoyable, Edward. May I count on a repeat performance when we get home?" she spelled.

Fuck… If I could still blush…

Jasper held his fist over his mouth to muffle his laughter. Lust and insecurity simultaneously, brother? What on earth is that girl doing to you?

I growled at him, the pitch too low for Bella to hear. I didn't, however, count on her being able to feel the soft rumble in my chest. She shifted in my lap and gave me a quizzical look.

I responded with a sheepish grin and a shrug of my shoulders.

"Alice, I must thank you for arranging this little outing," I called over the table, a desperate attempt to change the subject.

Alice beamed at me in appreciation. "Where would you like to go next?!" she squealed, bouncing lightly in her seat.

"Maybe we should get back, it's probably far past a certain someone's bedtime," a grating voice chimed from behind.

I felt Bella's entire body tense against me as her mind turned dark.

Tanya pulled up a chair to my right, shamelessly flashing the table a shot of her panties as she crossed her legs. Fucking Skag.

"The hooker-boots are a little over-kill, Tanya. We already know how trashy you are, so there's no need to advertise," I seethed.

She rolled her heavily made-up eyes and turned to Alice. "There's a much better club three blocks down, we should go there. All of the humans here are terribly boring."

Bella rummaged violently through her tiny clutch purse, drawing out a cigarette and lighting it quickly.

"Shit-fucking-bitch-slut! Going to fucking kill her! Tear her apart and burn the pieces," she mentally spelled in scratchy, angry red letters.

I glanced towards Jasper, who was standing still as stone as a look of utter agony ripped across his face.

"Sorry, Jasper," Bella muttered. "I need a fucking drink."

I followed her silently as she hurried down the stairwell and out to the street below. Her every movement held an edge of frantic violence. She stomped down the sidewalk, as if with each step she was trying to hurt the cement underfoot.

She swerved suddenly, darting across the road to the first bar she laid eyes on. She held her ID out at arm's length, in the face of the bouncer as she entered. I passed the neck-less doorman without question, asking myself what would compel her to treat herself this way. Whatever it was, I wanted to fix it.

I took a seat next to her at the bar, watching silently as she ordered a double shot of Patron.

She gulped it down and quickly motioned to the bartender for another.

She turned towards me slowly, her eyes narrowed, her thoughts swirling in a darkened volatile storm, daring me to speak.

And I didn't speak – not a single word as she ordered several more rounds, her mind never calming, the sickening, crackling assault on her senses never ebbing. I simply grasped her hand in mine, rubbing tiny circles against her flesh.

And how I wanted to do more. To speak soft words of comfort, to make everything better for her.

But somehow I knew that wasn't what she needed in that moment… I would sit silently at her side for all eternity if that is what she required.

She then slid, a little less than gracefully, from the bar stool and lit a cigarette; slamming a fistful of bills onto the bar before walking silently outside.

We made our way to our lot, where Alice, Jasper and Tanya were already waiting around the Volvo.

'Stupid little girl. Don't know what the hell Edward sees in her… she's no fun at all!' Tanya's internal bitch-voice jeered.

I shot Tanya a murderous glare, unable to control the feral growl that rippled through me.

"If you're terribly fond of breathing, I'd suggest that you learn to control your thoughts, Tanya," I seethed.

Her once pleasant-looking face was then the most heinous thing I'd ever beheld as her features twisted up in a satisfied little smirk.

"Please take me home, Edward," Bella barely whispered.

We made the drive home quickly, in silence save for the one song, ZYQ9, that Bella insisted blasting on repeat.

Not waiting for my assistance, Bella threw open the car door and staggered into the house.

She kicked off her shoes and shoved a CD into the stereo system. Volture rang loudly throughout the house as Bella tried to drown her thoughts in the music – and more tequila.

Alice, Jasper and Tanya bustled through the door, each bombarding me with their agitated thoughts.

Alice and Jasper's thoughts held mostly concern for Bella, while Tanya's were venomous and self-involved, as always.

We all took our seats in the living room; trying in vain to uphold some semblance of civility, I suppose.

Bella reclined against my chest as Alice, Jasper and Tanya sat once again on the opposite couch.

Bella's stomach suddenly growled angrily in hunger. It was nearly two in the morning, and she hadn't eaten since late afternoon. I felt instantly remorseful for not being more attentive to her needs.

"Honestly, honey. I don't know what everyone sees in you. You're more of a burden than anything."

In an instant I was on my feet, inches from Tanya's face, roaring in sheer fucking anger.

Bella calmly stood and walked towards us. I complied as she gently nudged me to the side.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Tanya." She sounded genuinely remorseful. "But it would appear that Edward has made his choice. Maybe he prefers a burden to a bitch. And sadly… I can't bring myself to care too much about what a wretched cunt like you has to say."

Tanya rose from her seat and glared angrily at my love. A threatening growl rumbled deep in my chest as I felt my body lower slightly, ready to tear Tanya into tiny bitch-shreds the instant her thoughts turned violent.

Bella smiled sweetly as she pulled back her fist and aimed for Tanya's face.

Alice sprang from her seat and deftly caught Bella's wrist. "Allow me," she said.

And with that, Alice's tiny fist shot through the air, landing against Tanya's check with a sickening crack. Tanya stumbled backwards and clutched her face, the underlying structure of which was noticeably displaced.

Ensuring that her point would be clearly made, Alice then knocked her to the floor. "If you ever insult my family again, Tanya," she spat, leaning menacingly over her crumpled form. "May god have mercy on you… Because I sure as hell won't."