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

A big shout out to A Jasper For Me for all her awesomeness.

And for you lovely readers, here's another one. Enjoy.

The seconds passed that they didn't speak made me more nervous. It had been a long time since I sought their approval for something although I certainly didn't need to ask for it. Their support was, however, important to me. Once we gave an official statement, not only was it my life that would change but theirs as well. The scrutiny would start, and somehow, no matter how we would try to prevent it, their privacy would be invaded for the simple reason they were a part of my life. We had gone through this before, but this time felt different, more daunting … scarier.

"I don't know whether to be happy or sad about this, dear," my mother finally said, smiling through her worried expression. My renewed relationship with Edward was something she had to get used to again, as well as the pressure that came along with it. I couldn't blame her if she would oppose. Love and dating was already complicated in itself, then add in the fact Edward was one of the most influential people in this country, then it could be a freaking circus. Although I dreaded the part where every detail about my life and my relationship with Edward would be minced and diced, I would just have to suck it up and deal with it, considering it was my choice to get into this situation. It wouldn't be fair for them to be thrust into this again without a warning.

"I can't help what I feel about him, Mother." Hopefully the truth would make them understand. "I know I'm asking a lot from you, and it's not easy. It won't be easy."

I moved my eyes from my mother to Alice, who was seated in one of the couches in front of me, her expression unreadable. She also had yet to say anything.

"I want to be with Edward, but I can't do this without you."

"I know, baby. I just don't want to see you go through all of that again."

The that my mother referred to was the expectations and the demands of being the girlfriend of the prince. I knew what it felt like to be judged and inspected like I was some kind of specimen, and it wasn't easy. Three years hadn't changed anything. It even looked worse now, especially since the advancement in social media. The road ahead wouldn't be smooth, and that was the reason I needed to arm myself with all the support and encouragement I could get. So here I was, practically begging my family for help.

"Are you really sure about this, Bella?" It was my sister's turn to ask. The contemplative look on her face gave me hope she would give in and support me.

"Honestly? No," I told her, not wanting to lie. "I'm scared … but I l-love him … and I don't want to be without him."

"Does he know how you feel?"

I nodded my head. "We talked yesterday. He even encouraged me to talk to you guys about us.

"We have a lot to lose here, Bella. Sales of S are at its highest to date … and I don't want anything to affect that." Alice loved our S stores like it was her child, and she had a right to worry about it. It was understandable, and I didn't take any offense.

"I know, Ali. I'll try my best not to do anything that would jeopardize what you have worked so hard for so long." I gave her a smile, pleading.

"Do you really need our approval?" Alice wasn't being mean, but she seemed to want to know my answer to this question. "You can make your own decision."

"No, but I want it … need it, Ali. This thing with Edward … it's going to change my life ... again… just like before, but it's also going to change yours. You know it will."

"Just like before," Alice said in a disgusted tone. She turned to me and clasped her hands together as she leaned forward.

Seconds passed without anyone speaking, each absorbed in her own thoughts.

"Tell me one thing." My mother held up a finger while she took a sip from the wine glass she held. "I know you love him, darling, but do you trust him?"

Did I?

It was a valid question. Perhaps if she asked me the same question a few weeks ago, I would have second-guessed my answer, but no longer.

"Yes, Mom. I trust Edward."

She stared at me for what seemed like the longest time before she smiled and nodded her head in acceptance.

"Okay then."

"I just need to know you're going to be there for me, Mom … good or bad."

"Bella, you know I will ... we will. You don't need to ask that of us. I'm more worried about you. Me and your sister …" she glanced at Alice "… we're your family, and family always sticks together.

I looked over at Alice, trying to assess if she agreed with my mother. The small nod she made was all the answer I needed.

"Oh my God, thank you!" I said in relief, and shot out of my chair to give my mother and Alice a big hug. "You don't know how happy I am."

"Just make sure he treats you well this time," my mother whispered. I hugged her tight, grateful for her unconditional love.

"The Christmas ball is in a week and I'm going."

The mention of the affair made my sister's eyes go wide in surprise. They knew what my attendance at this ball entailed. My mother was in shock, but she just nodded slowly in acquiescence, patting my arm and kissing my cheek before moving away to grab another drink.

"Shit, that's a whole new ball game, Bella," Alice said.

"I know. And that's why I need your help, Ali." She was the expert on fashion and this was one of those times I could give her free reign.

"Say you'll help me. You have to," I pleaded with her.

She gave me a reassuring smile. "Of course, I would! What kind of sister would I be if I didn't?" She winked, and I grinned cheekily.

If I had doubts before that I wouldn't be able to do this, it were all erased now that I knew my family had my back. My father had given me his support when I went to see him this morning. Although he couldn't say it, I knew he was happy about this new development between Edward and me. I had seen the happiness in his eyes, and that was enough.

And of course, knowing Edward would be beside me on this journey.

OOOOOOOOOO

The next few days passed in a blur. My classes and my clinical duties kept me busy. It was a little harder to maneuver myself when I was outside because of the number of reporters hounding my ass, which was why Edward sent me another one of his security people. If I were to choose, I would have holed myself up inside the apartment. The press seemed more relentless now. Perhaps they sensed something was in the air. Edward agreed when I told him I wanted a little time before we made an official announcement about our relationship.

It had been three days since I saw him last, and two days after I had that meeting with my family. He was in Forks, made to attend several meetings with the king. Although he was busy, he made it a point to call me several times a day, assuring me his constant need to talk to me wasn't keeping him from doing his duty properly. He said he missed me and promised to come visit soon.

I miss him, too.

Memories of the kiss we shared before he said goodbye came rushing in and I couldn't help the sigh that escaped my lips. That kiss … it was amazing, more so than I remembered. Perhaps it had been too long since he had his lips on me because now I wanted more. Funny how life worked sometimes; I had fought tooth and nail against my very much existent attraction to him and did everything to prevent succumbing to his charms again, but now that we were back together, all I could think about was him.

The sound of my phone beeping made me realize I had been staring stupidly at the medical journal I had been trying to read for the last hour. My back ached from the long hour of reading and I rubbed my neck to ease a little of the tension. It was time for me to rest.

I plopped down on my bed and grabbed my phone, intending to read the text message I just received when my phone started to vibrate. It was Edward.

"Hi." My voice was breathless, and I hoped he wouldn't sense it was from excitement. I didn't want to sound so desperate, even though I was.

"Hi," he said. I could hear the smile in his tone and I grinned. "What ya doing, little bird?"

"I was just about to go to bed when you called."

"Oh, good. I'm not too late."

"Too late for what?"

There was a long pause before he said, "Open the door, baby."

"Huh?" I asked stupidly then realized what he just said. "You're here!"

I jumped up from the bed and raced to the living room to open the door. He stood there grinning, looking utterly delicious in his suit. The top two buttons were open, making me swoon.

"Hi," he said, pulling his phone away from his ear and eased it inside his coat pocket.

"Hi," I greeted, out of breath. It was good to see him, and I stood there stupidly, just languishing in his presence.

"Baby, don't tell me you make a habit of opening doors wearing … " he waved towards me "… only that?"

"What?"

His eyes slowly traveled from my head down to my legs then back again. I quickly realized what I was wearing. Shit!

"No, I don't," I told him and pulled him inside so I could close the door.

"Not that I'm complaining, though," he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes. I stood, uncomfortable as he removed his overcoat to drape it on the arm of a chair, not knowing whether to get a coat to cover myself or just act as if I really didn't care I was wearing a cami-set. Although, it wasn't sheer … it was very short. And I wasn't wearing a bra.

I could feel his penetrating gaze, even when I broke our stare.

"I like what I'm seeing."

"Stop it!" I could feel my cheeks flush in embarrassment, and I bit my lip. I gave in to my embarrassment and decided to get a robe. I was about to turn around when I felt a hand wrapped around my wrist, making me jerk my head to face him

"Where are you going? I don't want you going anywhere but near me."

"I-I'm-" I started, suddenly lost for words.

"You don't have to hide," he whispered. He still had his hand around my wrist even when he sat down on the couch like he was afraid I would leave him. Silly man. Before I knew what was happening, he pulled me down to sit on his lap.

"Edward!"

"This," he whispered, his breath on my cheek, "is nice. Comfortable, don't you think?" I didn't know if he was joking or not, but his proximity was making me dizzy.

"Why are you here? Not that I don't want you here but I thought-"

"The meeting adjourned early," he said, twirling a strand of my hair in his hand. "And I told Emmett to free my schedule for tomorrow. I wanted to see you … so here I am."

He ran his finger across my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. "I know it's a little late, but I really didn't want to wait until tomorrow to see you. I hope it's okay with you … my coming here this late."

I nodded, not trusting my voice, but then remembered why he was allowed entrance from the lobby. And realized further that he had been allowed the same liberty in previous occasions. Security was tight in this building, and that was the reason I bought this apartment.

"Care to explain why the doorman allowed you up here? He isn't supposed to, you know."

"Because I'm the prince," he answered cockily, like that was enough explanation.

"Just because you're the prince doesn't make it justifiable for him to allow you up." I tried to sound indignant, but failed.

"Ok, so being royalty isn't a valid reason for me to be let up. I see… hmm," he said, looking as if he was thinking. "But could me being your boyfriend be justifiable enough?"

"You are arrogant."

"I am not! I'm just stating a fact here," he argued as he smiled, his dimples visible against his cheeks. "I am your boyfriend and I have every right to be where you are … so I should be here … with you."

"Yes, I agr-"

Before I could even finish the statement he pulled my face so I was only inches away from his mouth. He gave me a peck on the lips and when I didn't make a move to protest, he leaned forward to catch my mouth in his. His tongue sought entrance and I opened my mouth to his invasion. The kiss started off as light but then slowly turned heavy, desperate even. His hands were on my hips, and the tightening of his hold reminded me he was holding off. Perhaps he was afraid I would get angry if he touched me somewhere else. I pulled away, wanting to tell him he could touch me anywhere, but afraid I would give him the wrong impression. He was panting, his nostrils flared when I rested my forehead against his. I wanted to kiss him, but I wasn't ready to have sex with him just yet.

"I missed you, Bella."

Instead of answering, I kissed him on the cheek and rested my head on his shoulder. A moment like this with him was all I could ask for.

It felt like forever that we sat like that – me straddling him while his arms were around me – before he finally spoke.

"Is it okay if stayed the night?"

I raised my head so I could see his face. "I would love that."

He grinned and stood up with me still wrapped around him. "Let's go get ready before I change my mind and seduce you."

"I can't be seduced that easily."

"Oh, really? You wanna bet?" He had pulled his head back a little so he was looking directly in my eyes, the dare evident there. It was clear he wanted me to take the dare, because he knew he would win. He could seduce me with just the snap of his fingers, but truth be told, I needed time and I couldn't risk giving into the demands of my body when mentally I wasn't prepared to have sex with him just yet. I climbed down, and pulled his hand.

"No more talks about seducing and dares. Let's go sleep, Edward."

I could feel him chuckle while I tugged him towards my bedroom. I knew sooner or later we would become intimate, and although that thought excited me, it also scared me to death.

After he washed up, we curled together in bed. He spooned me, and I lay content in his arms.

"The ball is in three days." His voice was so soft I almost didn't hear him. "Are you sure you want to go with me?"

The uncertainty was strong in his tone. I turned around so I could see him.

"Edward, I said I would." He didn't seem convinced.

"You might have announced it to the press but we could always say they misunderstood, you know. I don't want you to be pressured into coming just because you made a mistake."

"Who said I did?" I touched his cheek, reassuring him. "I want to go."

He searched my face, and when he saw I wasn't lying he gave me a small smile. "You do know what your attendance means, don't you?" He looked so hopeful. My dear, insecure prince. I caressed his cheek with my fingers.

"Yes, Edward. I made my choice. It's you I want, so I'm going …unless of course you don't want me too."

"Oh God, Bella. I want you, you know this."

"Then it's settled. I'm going to the Christmas ball with you."

"If you say so." He kissed me on my lips and pulled me closer. "I'll make damn sure you won't regret this, little bird."

"I won't."

Press that little button and tell me what you think.

Thank you for reading.

xoxo