Chapter 10 EPOV

I could smell the intruder's scent the minute I entered the room. It frightened me that he could have gotten so close to Bella right under our noses. If she had not had that nightmare, I shutter to think of what could have happened.

I closed the door and walked back into the hallway. "Let's go downstairs with the others. I think there are some new things we need to discuss." Emmett took off to gather everyone together.

Bella was leaning against the wall, she looked so exhausted. I hated to have to keep her from sleep, but we needed to talk about how better to protect her, and for that we needed her. I took the time to really look at her, and realized that she was only wearing a shirt. The long sleeved gray shirt that I had been looking for all evening. The one that matched the pajama pants I was wearing. We don't usually dress for sleep, but I was trying to make Bella feel more comfortable.

I was so confused as to how she had gotten my shirt that I did not realize I had been staring. She looked down at the shirt to see what had my attention. I opened my mouth to ask, but my mind was stuck thinking about Bella going through my room. What I would not give to have her there, among my things.

"How did you get my shirt?" I asked as I finally got control of my thoughts.

"I asked Rosalie to borrow one of Emmett's. Alice only brought me inappropriate night time attire. I'm sorry, I just assumed it was Emmett's." She said, nervously pulling at the hem of the shirt, inadvertently flashing me her black lace panties. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to keep myself under control.

My mouth opened before I could stop it. "No, I'm sorry. I was just surprised to see you wearing it. I had been looking for it tonight, it matches my pants."

Her gaze slid down my body, her eyebrows raising as she noticed my pants. Her eyes started the return trip, but got stuck on my lower abdomen. I could feel the warmth of her stare on my skin, silently begging her to just reach out and touch, like she wanted to. As is she heard me say this aloud, her hands clenched into fists and I chuckled.

She finally looked back up, her face flooding pink. I motioned to the stairs and placed her hand on my arm, using any excuse to be close to her. Everyone was seated in the living room, leaving the couch for Bella and I. She immediately laid down, and I took my place next to her gladly.

I quickly explained to the others what I had found. The intruder's scent was vaguely familiar, but I could not pinpoint from where. We continued to discuss how better to patrol for intruders when I heard Esme's thoughts.

Honey, she is exhausted. Why don't you put her to bed. We will figure this out tomorrow.

I looked down to see that Bella had fallen asleep. It was a testament to her trust in us that she was able to sleep. I gently placed my hand on her bare thigh, appreciating how warm and soft it was.

"Bella, do you want to sleep here tonight. It is not very comfortable, but at least we can all keep you safe here." I suggested

"No Edward, why don't you just come up and lay in that nice comfy bed with me." She breathed, barely opening her eyes. Her comment earning a laugh from Esme.

I pulled her body into my arms, loving the way her small form curled into my chest. Her arms were wrapped around my neck with her face smooched into me. Was she.... was she smelling me?

"Why does my shirt not smell like you?" She mumbled. I don't think that she meant to say that out loud, but I answered it anyway.

"I had not worn it yet silly girl." I said, unable to hold in my chuckle.

"Oh damn, I must have said that out loud." She said.

My laugh was louder this time. "Yes precious, you are saying those things out loud."

She snuggled further into my chest, getting as close as she could. I was not looking forward to having her draped over me all night. My new found attraction to her would make it hard to get comfortable.