All recognisable characters belong to SM. I just own the plot.

Thank you for all the faves, reviews, alerts for this story.

This chapter has been tweaked multiple times, even after A Jasper For Me had gone over it, so I apologise in advance for errors that you might encounter.

Also, I want to make something clear - Edward did/does not whore around in this story.

I'm a little bit late in posting, but here you go. See you at the end!

"Bella."

The incessant knocking continued. Alice was behind the door, making sure I didn't forget she was there. The frantic banging increased as the minutes I stayed locked inside the restroom passed, but I ignored her. This was her fault and she knew it.

"Bella, just let me in and I'll explain everything."

It had taken only the sight of Felix at the entrance door for me to know who was here. Alice was the one who brought me, insisting my presence was highly needed. Her lack of surprise upon the sight of Edward's head security only meant one thing – she knew the Cullens would be in attendance. I wasn't sure what the worst part was – being in the same place with the Royal family, knowing they were the host of this party or being duped by my only sister.

This was not a good idea, no way no how, and I wasn't sure whether Alice chose to ignore that fact or she just didn't care. My sister's motives were unclear and that didn't sit well with me.

I had just wiped my hands with the paper towel and was about to throw it in the trash when Alice spoke again, her voice – soft but determined – penetrated through the door, resonating inside the luxurious restroom of the club.

"Open the door, Bella! I need to explain."

I yanked the door open to find her looking docile and a little ashamed.

"Why'd you bring me here, Alice?" I asked, annoyed. She should have known better than to allow this to happen.

"Mrs. Cope said she'll be attending this event, I already told you this. "

Mrs. Cope was one of the biggest suppliers of the newest trends of jewelry and Alice wanted to have her sell for S. It still, however, didn't explain what that got to do with me.

"And she mentioned once or twice that she's interested in meeting you."

"Dammit, Alice! You should have known to just schedule a lunch or dinner with her. You didn't have to drag me here just because you want to close a deal."

"She's always overseas and this is the only time she has … and I thought this would be the best time to introduce you," she explained, her face apologetic.

I narrowed my eyes at her, doubtful she was telling the whole truth. She squirmed under my scrutiny and finally confessed,

"I thought you knew, Bella. I swear!"

"You thought I knew? Are you insane?!" I shrieked. We were attracting attention, so I pulled her inside the restroom and locked the door.

"The invitation I gave you … it's there – the Cullen logo. It's etched on the paper. Didn't you notice it?"

I wanted to strangle her. "No, I didn't. I wouldn't have come if I would've known Edward would be here."

"Bella, I gave you the invitation a week ago. I thought you would've opened it, then I wouldn't have to explain … you know." Guilt radiated from her.

"Arrgh!" I held my hands up in exasperation. I had been so busy with my hours at the hospital, I had overlooked the invitation card she had given me. It didn't seem important to check the details, as she had already informed me of this luncheon event a week earlier. It seemed she purposely left out the fact the Cullens would be here.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I just thought us being here together would bring more attention to S … a sort of free advertisement, you know. How –"

"The press would just love to see me here," I cut her off, my tone full of sarcasm.

Her brows furrowed and a shadow of doubt cast on her face.

"It's been so long since anyone mentioned you in the news, so I'm positive your presence here won't garner any negative press to us … or them. I wouldn't have brought you here if there's any remote chance of that happening."

I freaking sure hope not.

"Alice, if something happens here … I'll blame you," I warned.

She nodded her head, biting her lower lip in anxiousness.

"Good, because this is not your brightest idea to date."

"I said I was sorry," she grumbled, apologetic but still a bit stubborn to admit she was completely wrong this time.

"You should be. Just hope this idea of yours doesn't backfire, because if it does, I'm going to kick your ass."

Instead of answering, she grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the restroom.

"Now, just act normal. There's no need for you to worry. It has been over for you and Edward for three years now … so just breathe," she reassured me, but the tinge of panic in her voice made me believe she was trying to reassure herself as well. I doubted she would back down on this matter. She was used to getting what she wanted, and if she wanted Mrs. Cope then she would get it, consequences be damned.

"I hate you, Alice."

"Yeah, yeah," she replied dismissively. "Now, let's go."

The clubhouse was full of people, old and young, fraternizing and mingling with their own kind. There was this excited buzz in the air, like a confirmation of sorts for being invited … for being favored.

The Cullens would throw a party once a year just because – some kind of socialization thing for the wealthy and powerful. It had been quite a long time since I attended one of these parties I had forgotten how lavish they were. This was only an afternoon affair, but you could see the expensive, albeit casual, dresses the rich folks wore. These people had the same social status as I did, and somehow that fact made me more uncomfortable.

We made our way to the buffet table at the far corner, where a number of friends I knew from way before were gathered together, chit chatting. Their curious glances made me wary to join their group, so instead I stood next to Alice, trying to look anything but nervous. She had brought Jasper, but he was nowhere in sight.

I was becoming jittery as the minutes passed. Edward and his family were somewhere in this building, and it took all of my strength to not search for them in this crowd. The idea that I was mere yards or feet away from them made my heart hammer inside my chest. It didn't help there were at least a dozen press people that seemed to have noticed my entrance earlier.

I ignored them all and tried to concentrate on the conversation between my sister and a woman named Jenna. She loved everything about our store and was all too willing to talk about it with Alice – about the decors recently set up in time for Halloween, about the silk scarves on the third floor, about the bags and other accessories she could only find in S – but it was when she started talking about someone she knew that had the same quality as our bags at a cheaper price, I tuned her out. We had been here for about half an hour and still there was no sign of Mrs. Cope. I would give it another thirty minutes then I would go … with or without Alice.

I sipped the champagne and was about to get another flute from the waiter when I halted.

Queen Esme. She was staring, her eyes focused on me.

It felt like the air whooshed out and left my lungs and I thought I would faint. I didn't want to be rude, but I wasn't sure what the protocol in these types of situation was. I managed to give her a small smile though, which she responded to by a little nod of her head.

Although I was relieved she acknowledged me, I wasn't sure what to think of her gesture. My nervousness had increased tenfold and I intended to ignore the fluttering in my stomach when I felt fingers wrapped around my wrist. Goosebumps broke throughout my body.

It was Edward.

No matter how I tried to deny he no longer had any effect on me, my body's reaction to his simple touch said otherwise.

"You're here." His voice was like a whisper, but I heard him loud and clear.

"Yes," I replied breathlessly.

He raked his eyes all over me in a slow, sensuous way … like an intimate caress, making me feel embarrassed. I felt the heat on my cheeks, and I hated how he could still do that to me.

"You're still so beautiful."

I opened my mouth to reply, but no words came out. If he noticed my nervousness, he didn't show it. Instead, he turned my right hand so my palm faced upward. He then started to slowly trace each finger with his, making my senses much more aware to him than ever. When common sense returned, I pulled my hand away and hid it behind me.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yeah, so far so good. Alice dragged me here, and I'm sure …" I turned to look for what I just realized was a missing Alice …"she's doing what she came here for." I really did hope my sister found Mrs. Cope.

"And that is?"

"Huh?" I was having a hard time concentrating.

"You seem bored with me."

"No! I-I was just thinking. Please Prince-"

"Now, you stop right there. You don't call me anything but Edward. You understand?" He had stepped closer, and I had to tilt my head so I could see his face.

A band started to play a slow song and I took that chance to break my gaze away from him. I could tell he was still staring, but I didn't have the courage to do a staring match with him. The way my heart was thumping so hard and fast felt like it would jump out of my chest any time.

"Dance with me."

"I-I don't-"

He ignored my protest and proceeded to lead me onto the dance floor.

"Edward."

"Don't over think this." It was like he meant something else other than us simply dancing. His eyes held mine, making it hard for me to breathe. I wanted to flee so badly, but I could tell we had attracted attention. Resisting him would only result to chaos. I wasn't willing to give the people around us something to talk about, so I would stay and finish this dance. It was only one dance, and I doubt I would die from it.

"Just follow my lead, Bella."

I blew out a long breath before he put his hands around my waist and pulled me to him. He was so close. I could smell his aftershave and the familiar scent was making it hard for me to concentrate on anything. I stumbled a few times, even stepping on his foot. Every time I fell, however, he caught me, pulling me even closer to him.

His were hands splayed over my naked back, and when his fingers started to slowly trace my skin, I couldn't help the shiver that ran through me.

"Cold?" he asked.

It was almost comical … his question. It was midday, and there was no reason for me to shiver other than a simple reaction to his touch.

Damn you, Alice. She was the one who chose this dress. It was a chic, white and green skirt and blouse – a simple dress all in all, except for the open back portion of the blouse. I didn't have any problem wearing it earlier, but now was another matter … and it was all because of Edward.

The circling of his fingers on my back continued. I had my suspicions his rubbing my skin was intentional; I just couldn't call him out on it. Call it cowardice.

I refused to stare at him while we finished the song, just looking behind his shoulders while we danced. I felt him move to lean down and whisper in my ear. "Did you get my flowers?"

He knew I did. He made sure of it. "Yes."

"Did you like them?" He had this twinkle in his eyes, like someone just handed him a candy. I didn't like the direction of our conversation, and I needed to stop it.

"Edward, what are you doing?"

"I'm just asking you a question, Bella." He was amused, and it showed in his eyes. I wanted to slap that smirk off his face. This was all a game to him.

"That's not what you're doing."

"Then enlighten me."

That did it.

I pulled away, not really concerned anymore whether or not anyone was watching us. This has got to stop … whatever it was.

"I think I had enough of this."

Before he could answer, I had turned around and left him all alone on the dance floor. I passed a few reporters, and they had this evil, knowing smile on their faces that told me they had a plan … a plan that included me. Yeah, I would definitely be in the tabloids or the news tomorrow, but I would worry about it later. I just needed to get out of here first. Or better yet, find my sister so I could do the damage I wanted to her. She needed a good kick in her butt.

Grrr! This was all her fault.

I was too busy thinking about Alice and how I would make her pay for making me come here, I didn't notice I had entered what looked like an abandoned workroom of the club. I turned around to leave when I hit something … or someone.

"Ooof!"

"Careful there, little bird." It was Edward.

I scrambled to get away from him, ignoring the butterflies that seemed to have gone wild inside my stomach. He used his old endearment for me; it always did have some kind effect on me.

Shit.

He was the reason why I was acting like a crazy person.

"You left me all alone there, Bella. That wasn't nice."

"What did you expect? You're making me nervous!" Oh God, I didn't mean to admit it. It just slipped out.

He looked so shocked, but at the same time, happy at my admission. "I do? I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just trying to have fun … with you."

"You're playing with me," I said, holding my right hand up when he started to argue. "I know you are and I don't want any part of it."

"I'm insulted," he said, placing a hand over his heart for emphasis. "I don't play games … I don't scheme, especially not with you." He was serious and I suddenly felt guilty. "Not with you."

"Stop this, please."

"Stop what?"

"All this, Edward," I said and waved my hands around as if I could explain what I wanted to say. "The flowers … the gifts … the visit to the library. What the hell was all that? And that … that dance!"

"What about that dance? I don't see anything bad with dancing."

He knew what I meant, but he just wanted me to say it out loud. The reason I hated our dance earlier was because of that weird burning heat when our skin touched. Once I had relished it, but not any more. I loathed it because it just confirmed my fears that he still had an effect on me, something I had a hard time accepting.

"I don't want to be rude, but I really need to go." I tried to push past him, but he blocked my path, stepping closer as I backed away, eventually trapping me between him and a wall.

I hadn't realized he was closer than I thought he was, not until his breath fanned my cheek.

"You still don't get it, do you?" He tilted my chin with his finger so I was staring at him. Any trace of confusion and amusement had left his face, and all I could see was the dark yearning in his eyes.

"What do you mean?" I gulped, scared to hear the words.

"I don't want to stop."

He leaned forward and captured my mouth with his.

I was lost.

This was so familiar.

His mouth insistent on mine, coaxing me to open for him. I pulled away enough so I could breathe.

He was panting, and so was I. His nostrils flared as he shifted his gaze down my lips.

"I missed this … I missed you," he whispered and proceeded to kiss a path down my jaw to my neck. I was paralyzed from both the pleasure and fear of what he was doing.

"Let me be the one, Bella. I want to be the one again."

His words were like ice poured onto me. I pushed him away, as hard as I could, but he held firm. He captured my face in both his hands and kissed me again. This time I had my mouth open, and he took that opportunity to invade my mouth with his tongue, savoring and tasting.

I could feel my blood raging, awakening my desire from a long, deep slumber. As the heat started to travel from my toes to my stomach, I had a sudden jolt of realization and that fueled my anger. After all these years, he was the only one who could elicit such a reaction from me. I had tried to replace him, but it was always lacking. I was frigid because of him.

It was his fault. Dammit! And now I was aroused just from kissing him.

I pushed him hard and slapped him.

"Oh, God!" I didn't mean to do that … but it didn't mean he didn't deserve it.

"Bella-"

"No! Please … there's nothing here for us!" I could feel my hands shake from fear … from frustration.

"I just need you to hear me out."

"We said everything we had to say to each other when we parted ways," I told him, pleading for him to understand. "And when you didn't return for me … well, that's just the answer to the burning question as to how well loved I was." I snorted sarcastically.

"No, you don't understand! I thought you didn't need me," he pleaded. His hands held my face, urging me to look at him. "I saw you … I saw you. You were happy, and I wasn't there. I thought maybe you had moved on, and that scared me more than you'll ever know. I never wanted to let you go, you have to know that … but you were happy, so I did."

I closed my eyes, trying to block out his words. I didn't need to hear them.

"I waited for you," I whispered, not sure why I said it.

It seemed like forever before he spoke again.

"I didn't know," he said, his voice full of shock … of longing. "Oh God, I didn't know." He leaned his forehead onto mine, his eyes closed like he was breathing me in.

I turned away. This was too much. "Please, Edward. I can't do this again."

Yup, Edward is working to get her back. We're getting there people, slow but sure. *grins*

Press that little review button and tell me your thoughts.

xoxox

P.S For those who didn't get a response from me, you might want to check your private messaging (PM) status. Enable it so I can reply.