A big shout out to all the readers who have shared their thoughts with me by reviewing this fic. I'm flattered and thankful to no end!
Just a reminder that I don't own twilight or any of the characters. I simply like to play with them.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
-The Pretender-
"Mr. Cullen." I announce as I step out of my office. The giver of great gifts is bent over his PC, hand wedged in his hair and frown pulling between his brows. He immediately straightens at the sound of my voice and looks at me inquisitively. Good to see he's able to recognize whose boss when we're at work. Edward may be the leader in all things Renee and Charlie related…and he's most certainly not lacking in the unwilling provider of toe curling O's…but at Breaking Dawn, I call the shots and I'm relieved that he doesn't seem to need reminding of that. "Walk with me." I tilt my head to the right and start in that direction without waiting for his response.
I hear him jogging up to me and then he's at my side keeping up with my militaristic pace. I'm extremely pleased to find that even after my shameful demonstration earlier this morning I still find myself relatively in control in his presence. I'm honest enough to be able to admit that my peace of mind is solely based on the fact that Edward appears to be an extremely sound sleeper. After his parting words this morning, or rather the imaginary words conjured up by my overly paranoid mind, I made my way towards the kitchen, finding Charlie already awake and dressed, as expected.
"I wanted to thank you for clearing up the scrabble board last night." I say to Edward, keeping my eyes in front of me and nodding my head at the passerby's as they greet me.
"Oh…I…" He stammers beside me. "I can't remember…" He trails of looking at me sideways as we turn into another corridor.
"That you cleared it up?" I finish his sentence for him.
"Yea." He admits with a sheepish laugh.
"Oh, well that would certainly explain the interesting conversation I had with my father this morning." I say with fake sincerity.
"Shit." He breathes beside me, causing the corner of my lip to twitch slightly.
"Shit would be a very accurate description of the very uncomfortable discussion I had with Charlie relating to the various slang words for the male genitalia." I nod in agreement and offer a tight smile as we pass Jessica Stanley who's once again providing anyone within a hundred mile radius with a view of her very bad boob job. She narrows her eyes at me in response, catching me slightly off guard. Jessica and I have never really been on good speaking terms, but we always put an effort in to appear civilized around the office.
Strange.
"Hi Eddie." She drawls as we pass her and I can literally feel the hairs on my neck standing up. So gross.
"Morning Jessica." Edward greets brightly and I roll my eyes.
"You free for coffee around noon?" She calls as I keep up my quick pace, forcing Edward to move along with me.
"I'll let you know!" He calls over his shoulder.
"Pfff." The sound leaves my mind before I can get hold of my irrational irritation and Edward responds with a soft chuckle. Whatever. Why would he want to drink coffee with that bimbo anyway? In the deep recesses of my mind I hope and pray that Jessica hasn't caught wind of my arrangement with Aro, or Edward for that matter.
I choose to ignore the gnawing feeling eating away at me and focus on the discussion at hand. "Did you know that I had to find out from my own father that one can also refer to it as a snot stick?" At this Edward guffaws. I frown at him which effectively silences his laughter.
"Hell Bella…" I raise my eyebrows at him in warning. "Miss Swan." He quickly corrects as we come to a halt outside of the reception area leading to Aro's office. "I didn't even think… My mind was somewhere else." I look at him expectantly, folding my arms over my chest, patiently waiting for him to form a complete sentence. "You could have cleared it up as well." He points at me accusingly, reminding me of a toddler being scolded for stealing cookies.
"I distinctly remember that I had a very good reason to excuse myself." I whisper forcefully and shake my head at him in disappointment. I know I'm probably being really unfair, but even though I'm willing to take the blame for my actions earlier this morning, last night was all his fault and he should have had the foresight to pack away the very inappropriate words we spelt.
"Regardless, Miss Swan," Edward replies in a hushed voice, "it takes two to…scrabble."
I laugh sarcastically at his attempt at humor. The man is incredulous, and annoyingly cute. Shit, this morning really screwed up my senses. Edward's shoulders relax slightly and his lips pull into a lopsided grin.
"Fine. Let's just try to be more careful in future." I concede quicker than usual. I mean, the man did give me the best orgasm in years; surely I could cut him some slack only this once. "I know we're pretending to be involved, but even if you were my real boyfriend, leaving traces of inappropriate behavior for my parents to find remains unacceptable."
"Will do." He agrees and stuffs his hands into the pockets of his pants, causing me to inadvertently shift my eyes to his groin. Oh come on! I lift my eyes to his accusingly and resist the urge to slap his pretty little face as he stares at me arrogantly.
"You're getting rather comfortable around me, Mr. Cullen." He shrugs. "I suggest you enjoy it while it lasts. In little over four weeks, things will be back to normal." He shrugs again, aggravating me to no end. "Seems like your education is disappointing you once again."
"I've learned when to…how should I put this?" He squints and raises his one hand to his chin in mock contemplation. "Come to the party."
I stare at him slack jawed, the possibility of Edward knowing exactly what happened this morning once again resurfacing. "What is that supposed to mean?" My heart is hammering in my chest and I feel the blood drain from my cheeks.
He looks at me innocently for a beat and then shrugs…once again. "I know when to speak up, that's all."
"And you don't think that now is a good time?" I swallow thickly as I consider his facial expressions carefully, dreading the possibility that he might be implying that he was awake throughout the whole…thing. If he is as good at 'knowing when to speak up', as he puts it, did he practice the same control this morning? Did he decide to speak up only after I came; in effect indicating that he was awake as I released myself on his thigh?
"No." He pushes his free hand through his hair, distracting me slightly. "You're looking to pick a fight and I'm not falling for it."
"You think…" I trail off as Eric Yorkie makes his way past us, eyeing our heated discussion suspiciously. "You think I want to argue with you?" I say in a lowered voice.
"No. I think you need to argue with me." He offers simply.
"I have no idea where you're going with this." Really? What the hell does he mean?
"All I'm saying is that I think you feel better when you argue with me. Helps you to stay in control." He sighs heavily in response.
"That's ridiculous. I don't need to fight with you to know I'm very much in control of this situation." I reply stubbornly and tilt my chin in challenge.
"Is that so?" His lips pull up in a devilish smile before he steps closer to me, causing my back to hit the wall behind me with a resounding thump.
"Mr. Cullen." I warn through clenched lips as my eyes scan our surroundings frantically, fearful that anyone in the office will notice our showdown. The last thing we need now is for enquiring minds to start gossiping.
"Miss Swan," He breathes close to my face and causes my eyes to jerk back to his. He's standing so close I can practically taste the heat of his skin and the familiar tingle between my thighs fires up once again, "I don't think you're as in control as you would like to believe."
"I don't think you know me at all, Mr. Cullen." I reply coldly, but my face is aflame and my stomach in knots.
"I know you better than you think." His eyes are burning into mine and the meaning behind his words, though unclear to me, is simmering behind the green-gold flecks of his irises.
"I don't have time for this." I say with a shaky breath and attempt to turn away from him, which proves to be difficult seeing as the space he left between his body and mine is practically nonexistent.
"Oh, me neither." He chuckles softly and takes a step back. "You see, I have this unrelenting boss that comes to work at the crack of dawn everyday, practically burying me under all the emails she sends."
"Well then," I straighten my shirt with shaky hands and clear my throat purposefully, "better get to it then."
"Yea." His voice is casual but his gaze is electrifying. It's becoming practically impossible for me to breathe under his heated stare. "Wouldn't want her to start cracking her whip." He winks at me, and I hate him, and want him, and hate him again all in the span of two seconds.
"Wouldn't you just love that?" I reply drily before thinking of the implications of my words. I feel my cheeks warm but keep my facial expression neutral.
Edward stares at me for a moment, his eyes somehow darkening and his lips parting slightly. I can feel my breathing picking up and the blood singing in my ears as my body responds to the age old signs of basic attraction. At this very moment, he's the most dangerously sexy man I've ever seen.
He breaks the spell by laughing darkly; before he turns on his heals and walks away with strong, purposeful strides.
Shit.
My chest constricts and I realize that I've been holding my breath. I take quick deep breaths and lean my back against the wall, supporting my shaky legs.
What the hell was that?
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Tonight
Dear Miss Swan (I'm sticking to formalities seeing as we're technically still on the clock),
What are the plans for this evening?
Scheming Edward
To: Edward
From: Bella
Subject: Re: Re: Tonight
Dear Mr. Cullen (I agree that we should stick to formalities when still at the office),
My mother and Alice have made plans behind my back, so it appears as if I will be subjected to a girl's night tonight.
Bella
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Pink Ladies?
Dear Miss Swan,
A girl's night? Sounds ominous. May I ask? Will there be pillows involved?
Downy Edward
From: Bella
To: Edward
Subject: Re: Do you believe in the tooth fairy?
Dear Mr. Cullen,
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that woman having pillow fights when left to their own devices is a myth told for centuries by sad and lonely teenage boys.
Part of the myth however rings true till this very day. If you find me with too many product in my hair, pink toenails and on a ridiculous sugar induced high, please don't judge. I have no choice when it comes to Alice.
Bella
From: Edward
To: Bella
Subject: Re: Rude awakening
Dear Miss Swan,
I would be lying if I told you that your words don't leave me disappointed and slightly sad. I was that lonely boy once, and am ever thankful that the myth was not busted in my teenage years.
Even though I'm sure finding you in fluffy PJ's and pink toenails will certainly be a shock to the system, I can't imagine how uncomfortable I will be at finding your father in the same state. Please tell me he will not be partaking in this evening's activities.
Mournful Edward
PS: Are you trying to tell me there is no tooth fairy?
From: Bella
To: Edward
Subject: Re: The American pastime
Dear Mr. Cullen,
I'm not sure whether I should take offence or be grateful that you don't see me as the fluffy PJ's and pink toenails type. I'll have you know that I can easily be just as girly as the rest of them, although it will be forced.
I am however very relieved to convey that Charlie will not be taking part in our activities. He will however be watching very manly sports and drinking obscene amounts of good beer (obviously not Budweiser) at Jasper's.
You therefore have the evening off, Mr. Cullen. I'm sure you'll be delighted to know.
Bella
PS: Of course he exists…along with Santa Claus and Donald Trump's toupee.
From: Edward
To: Bella
Subject: Re: Venue change
Dear Bella,
I'm sure that you are just as girl as the rest of your species out there and assure you that I never meant to imply the opposite. Personally I'm a fan of red toenails…very sexy…
Although I am rather elated that I get the evening off, as you put it, I thought it might be a nice break for Charlie to get out of the house.
Emmett and I are meeting for beers after work at a local pub (see how I'm discussing this with you beforehand?), and I thought it could be a great opportunity for Charlie to…let his hair down so to speak – not as much as Donald, but nonetheless. Jasper could join, seeing as they had similar plans of their own?
Heineken or nothing Edward
PS: Oh come on Miss Swan, everyone knows Santa isn't real!
To: Edward
From: Bella
Subject: Re: How nice of you
Dear Mr. Cullen,
I'm rather surprised at your suggestion, and equally pleased (I appreciate that you chose to discuss this with me in advance). I will make the suggestion to Charlie and Jasper and let you know.
This is truly unnecessary and once again I need to thank you for going over and beyond.
I got the distinct impression that you were upset with me this morning. Therefore, I must ask? Why so accommodating?
Bella
PS: The tooth fairy has halitosis.
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Man of my word
Dear Miss Swan,
I promised to act like your boyfriend until the five weeks are over (as you so pleasantly reminded me this morning), and taking my girlfriend's father out for beers with my friends seemed like very boyfriendly behavior.
I seem to remember the sequence of events of our meeting this morning slightly different from you. Could it be due to the fact that you still harbor fantasies about Santa?
Your imaginary friend Edward
PS: The fact that you admit to the tooth fairy's unfortunate breath, you also admit to his existence.
From: Bella
To: Edward
Subject: Re: RSVP
Dear Mr. Cullen,
I spoke to Jasper and he is more than keen to meet up with you. He mentioned something about possibly knowing you? He wasn't sure though. I gave him your number and he will contact you to confirm the time and place for this evening's debauchery.
I appreciate your gesture, Edward.
Bella
PS: I'm choosing to ignore your comment about Santa, and the tooth fairy for that matter.
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Bella
Dear Miss Swan,
What is Jasper's surname? I went to school with a Jasper Whitlock, but his parents moved him to Texas after ninth grade, and we lost touch.
There are many ways to show a man your appreciation, Miss Swan.
Into cupcakes Edward
To: Edward
From: Bella
Subject: Small world
Dear Mr. Cullen
Well I never! Jasper's surname is indeed Whitlock. How strange is it that you would know Alice's husbands? I'm sure you will have lots to catch up on.
Just so you know, Jasper is aware of the arrangement, so no need to tread lightly. I would however appreciate it if you could refrain from discussing me tonight as Charlie will be joining you.
I've already conceded to making you cupcakes Mr. Cullen – I'm a woman of my word too, believe it or not.
Bella
PS: I'm going into a meeting with one of my writers now and I fear that his breath will give your tooth fairy a run for his money.
"So, Jasper says he knows Edward." Alice whispers to me as I put the final touches on the cake I baked for this evening's festivity.
"Yes, how crazy is that?" I lift a finger covered in carrot cake icing and taste it before smearing a hefty amount all over the moist sponge.
"Jasper said he'll pretend like they've known since you guys started 'dating'." She air quotes and dips her finger in the bowl mine was in a second ago. "That is soooo gooood." She moans as she squeezes her eyes shut and rolls the icing around her tongue. I laugh softly and continue the spreading process.
"Edward said the same, so hopefully they'll be able to pull it off."
"So how are things going with you two?" Alice leans her lower back against the edge of the kitchen counter, folding her hands in her lap.
"Fine." I shrug, not meeting her eyes. Alice has known me for so long and will surely notice if anything is bothering me.
"What happened?" Clever little pixie.
"It's nothing I really want to discuss." I frown and fake intense concentration in icing the cake.
"Not something you want to discuss at all? Or just not with me?" I can tell she's mildly offended and sigh in resignation.
"With anyone."
"But I'm not just anyone! I'm your best friend!" I can hear the pout in her voice and lift my eyes to her apologetically.
"Come on Alice. You know I would tell you if I could. It's just…It's embarrassing."
"For him or you?" She's like a damn blood hound, narrowing her senses in on the target.
"For me." I whisper tiredly.
"What did you do?" Alice is practically bouncing with pent up curiosity.
"Not now, okay?" I plead with her as I lift the cake and place it on the kitchen island along with all the other ridiculously sweet treats we prepared for her girl's night.
"Hey girls." I hear my mother's voice from the living room. "Everything is set up in here if you're ready."
"Coming Renee!" Alice calls from behind me before placing a hand on my shoulder. I turn my head to look at her smiling face. "You'll tell me later?"
"Yes, much later. Tomorrow even." I agree and make my way towards the fridge to grab the jar of sangria. "Will you grab some wine glasses?"
"I won't forget, Bella." Alice warns with a playful scowl.
"Yes, yes. Just bring the glasses." I dismiss her persistence and make my way towards Renee, who's sprawled out on the living room couch illuminated by the soft glow of dozens of candles lit in the room.
"Ready?" I ask with a smile as I place the jar on the table.
"Oe, sangria!" Renee exclaims in answer and shoots up from her position eagerly.
"I'll take that as a yes." I laugh and fall down on one of the chairs opposite her.
"You should see the yummy stuff Bella has back there, Renee." Alice sing-songs as she enters carrying the three wine glasses in one hand and balancing a tray of finger food in the other.
"I've been smelling that cake bake all afternoon, Ali. I'm practically ready to attack the thing." Renee laughs and starts pouring sangria into the glasses Alice placed on the table.
"Just another half an hour to give it time to set, then we can eat or attack it, which ever you prefer." I smile at Renee over the brim of my glass before taking a sip.
"This is good." Alice nods her approval as she takes a sip of her own glass and then reaches over for remote to my music unit. She points it to the wall and the husky voice of Amy Macdonald fills the room.
"I love this song." Renee smiles wistfully and leans back against the cushions of the sofa, closing her eyes and humming along to Mr. Rock and Roll.
And they'll meet one day
Faraway
And say
I wish I was something more
And they'll meet one day
Faraway
And say
I wish I knew you…
I wish I knew you before.
All three of us sing along to the chorus and then spontaneously bust out laughing.
"Irish Folk music is highly underrated." Renee sighs once we calmed down and makes a grab for a pig in a blanket.
"South African music too." Alice agrees eagerly and sinks her teeth into a cheese pastry.
"Really?" Renee asks curiously. "I didn't even know they had a music scene. Accept for the African drum stuff you always hear in movies and so on."
"Are you kidding?" Alice bursts out and I roll my eyes.
"Here we go again." I sigh and fall against the back of the sofa, taking bigger sips from my sangria. I look up to see Renee watching me questioningly. "Sorry Mom, I've just heard this story a million times since Alice and Jasper returned from their trip to South Africa."
"Why were you guys in South Africa?" Renee asks Alice conversationally.
"Jasper's company gave him Soccer World Cup 2010 tickets, which was hosted in South Africa, and we decided to make a holiday of it." Alice explains excitedly. "It was amazing Renee. You should see that country. It's beautiful."
"I was under the impression that they have a lot of crime over there?" Renee ponders.
"They do, unfortunately. But so does most other places in the world." Alice shrugs and I find that my sangria is almost finished. I look at the progress of their glasses and note that I'm moving a little fast on my beverage. Who cares? I've had a stressful day and I'm nervous about what's happening at the pub with all the guys…and my dad. I lean forward for a refill and dig my phone out of my handbag that I slung over the side of the chair earlier this afternoon.
Alice and Renee are deep in conversation about how South Africa is a country no bigger than the state of Texas, yet it is ten countries rolled into one. I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. It's not that I have a problem with hearing about the country. Alice is certainly not the first person to say how amazing the place is, and I'd love to see it for myself one day. But I've heard this story more than once before, so I tune them out and start texting Edward.
Everything OK over there? *B*
"…rainforest, deserts, oceans, amazing mountain ranges and wildlife safaris all in the expanse of a view hundred miles." I catch the end of Alice's rant as I impatiently await Edward's response. I consider the fact that he might not hear his phone in a rowdy bar and take another generous gulp from my sangria. My phone chimes in my hand and my heart flutters in anticipation and fear.
All's good baby. Your dad's an animal, I can tell you that much. - E
I frown at my body's reaction to the use of his pet name. I really wish he's stop calling me that, and if he really needs to, I wish he'd only do it when my parents can actually hear it and I tell him as much.
"Dave Matthews band and Seather is only a couple of South African bands that's broken into the American music scene."
Aww…don't be mad. In my defense, you're dad is the cause of my cockiness. He has us slamming down tequila like it's nobody's business. – E
Please be careful. Many things are said when intoxicated. Things that could give us away. *B*
I gnaw at my thumbnail as I reread Edward's text. I knew going into this that they would probably be intoxicated by the end of the evening. I can only hope that Edward and Jasper will be careful not to let something slip that would make Charlie suspicious. I'm not that nervous about the fact that my parents will find out the truth. They'll forgive the lie. My only fear is that should they find out prematurely, all bets are off, and there will be no reason for Edward to keep me around when the prospect of publishing his book comes to fruition.
My lips are sealed. It's so fucking good to see Jasper again, by the way. Guess in some warped way I have you to thank for that. So, thank you Bella. – E
Still can't believe you actually know Jazz. *B*
Jazz? Well, Jazz has been telling me some interesting things about you… - E
I distinctly remember asking you not to discuss me tonight. What did he tell you? *B*
I bite my bottom lip anxiously. I was afraid of exactly this. I really didn't want them to discuss me in my absence. Who knows what kinds of things Jasper could be telling him. I'm no fool. I'm very well aware of the fact that the secrets I tell Alice are in turn told to Jasper. I've made my peace with it. What I never even considered a possibility is that Jasper would actually know Edward and then, in a state of drunkenness, tell him all these secrets.
Curious are we? :) Let's see…for one, he told me that you weren't always this stuck up. Apparently you used to be a bit of a wild child. – E
That's it. I'm going to kill Jasper when I see him again.
Firstly: It's rude to call someone stuck up. Secondly: If he's referring to the INSYNC show we went to, I was really young, I was really drunk and I had a huge crush on Lance. *B*
He replies almost immediately.
The gay guy? – E
My heart plummets to the floor.
He's gay? *B*
Shit B! Since Martha spent time in jail! You didn't know? – E
I seriously need to get out more….or get a TV. I don't reply for a while, contemplating how it's possible I didn't know this. My teen fantasies are officially crushed. Damn.
"…so many worthy causes one can easily get involved in. There is so much need over there." Parts of Renee and Alice's conversation registers in my mind as I stare at my phone blankly. The alert of a new text makes me start slightly and I hear the conversation in the room die down. I look up to find Renee and Alice's confused expressions directed at me.
"Everything okay Honey?" Renee asks suspiciously.
"Yea. Sorry. I was just lost in thought." I give them my watered down reply and realize that once again my sangria is finished. "Anyone want some more?" I ask as I reach for the pitcher.
"Top me up." Renee declares brightly and Alice pushes her glass towards me. I refill our glasses and once again sit back.
"I think your father and I should go to South Africa for our anniversary." I nearly spill my whole drink over myself as I stare at my mother stupidly.
"Are you kidding?" I declare, licking the spilled sangria from the back of my hand. "Africa is dangerous and far and you know nothing about the place."
"Alice told me quite a bit. Weren't you listening?" Renee counters confidently.
"Just go to Europe." I ignore her argument.
"Europe is overrated." Renee states stubbornly giving Alice in sly wink.
"No, it's not." I glare at Alice who shrugs indifferently. "It's beautiful, it's safe and you've never been."
"It's cold." I throw my hands up in submission and decide to avert my attention back to my Blackberry, knowing there's still an unread message from Edward.
You should get a TV, baby. At least Justin is still straight and available. – E
I snicker softly and reply.
"Are you sexting Edward?"
"Mom!" I screech in humiliation. "I swear I don't know where you come up with these notions. I'm most definitely not sexting Edward."
"It's fine if you do, Honey. Your dad and I do it all the time." Renee shrugs and Alice giggles unattractively. She never was one to hold her liquor well.
"I'm so not listening to this." I declare as I stand up. "Cake anyone?"
"Yes please!" Alice claps her hands in excitement.
"Need any help?" My mother offers reluctantly. I know she would much rather gossip with Alice about her sex life. It's always been like this with these two. They discuss sex like one would discuss the weather.
"Nope." I shake my head and practically run towards the kitchen, taking my phone with me.
Justin isn't THAT pale. I'm paler than him. Are you telling me you find me unattractive too? – E
I snort as I read his text. If Edward had any idea just how attractive I find him, I'm sure he'd be running for the door. I ignore his text for now and busy myself with cutting and plating the slices of carrot cake. Balancing the three plates and my phone I make my way towards the living room only to find my mother and Alice singing and dancing to blaring music.
But if I had you
That would be the only thing I ever need
Yea, if I had you
Then money fame and fortune never could compete
If I had you
Life would be a party it'd be ecstasy
Yea if I had you
"Adam Lambert? Really?" I ask as I place the plates on the table.
"Oh, Bella!" Alice declares as she swings her hips to the beat. "You know you love him."
I laugh at her attempt to dance sexy and focus my attention on the screen of my phone once I take a bite of the cake. Yum, if I may say so myself.
I see you chose not to reply. Probably better that way. There's a lot of alcohol where I am and I'm not opposed to drowning my sorrows. - E
Wish I were you. Renee and Alice are dancing to Adam Lambert in my living room. Kill. Me. Now. *B*
I eye the two dancing clowns warily, the cake long forgotten. Sometimes I think I was swopped at birth. Alice is a far better match for Renee than I'll ever be.
I cannot sympathize more. If it's any consolation, Emmett and your dad has been arm wrestling for the last half an hour. – E
I giggle at the image. I've never met Emmett before, but based on some things Edward has mentioned in the past, Emmett sounds like a huge guy.
Have they discussed their sex lives yet? *B*
They have not, but the night is still young. – E
"Come on Bella! It's time for manicures!" Alice exclaim in a laud voice, obviously feeling the effects of the sangria.
"Yes, tell Edward goodnight Honey." Renee smiles at me endearingly. "The two of them are so cute together." She says to Alice.
"Aren't they?" Alice responds sweetly, even though she's never seen Edward and me together.
"All over each other, I swear." Renee teases. "And good golly, is that boy hot or what?"
"Mom." I sigh and lower my head to my hands in embarrassment.
"What? He is, won't you agree Alice." She laughs at my discomfort.
Alice looks at me with an evil smile and I roll my eyes for the umpteenth time today.
"Indeed Renee." She agrees gleefully. "A real heartbreaker."
Let's hope not, I think to myself bitterly. Let's hope not.
It's past midnight when I finally get to bed. Alice left, promising to take a cab because of her inebriated state once we agreed that Jasper could come fetch her car tomorrow.
I took a quick shower, got into another t-shirt and boy shorts and fell into bed like a dead person. Tonight was exhausting to say the least. We consumed copious amounts of sangria, ate more cake than Mary Antoinette and successfully painted greater amounts of skin than nail when we eventually got to the manicures.
Edward told me not to expect them until much later, assuring me that he'll take good care of my dad. Apparently Emmett and Charlie's arm wrestling match created a rather big following at the pub and they were still taking bets when Edward texted me after eleven.
I was woken by a laud thud. My bleary eyes opened to find Edward stumbling around the room, his foot grasped in his hands.
"What are you doing?" I rasp as I note the time. "It's after three." I state accusingly.
"Sorry." He slurs and drops his foot. "I stubbed my foot against your bedshh…beshh…"
"Bedside table?" I finish the sentence for him and find myself giggling at his intoxicated state. He's standing at the side of the bed, looking at me like a lost boy. His hair is a complete mess, his eyes are bloodshot and his skin looks even paler than usual. There are beer stains on his white button down shirt and his jeans look haggard. "What happened to you?"
"Your father is a monster." He sighs dramatically and pouts his pretty lips like a toddler.
"How's he looking?" I enquire, sitting up straight and pulling the covers away for Edward to get into the bed without unwanted obstacles.
"Better than Emmett." He laughs loudly and then silences himself with a finger to his lips. "Sorry." He whisper-shouts and I fight to control my own laughter.
"Are you going to take a shower?" I ask as I watch him watching me with glassy eyes.
He frowns deeply in response and this time I can't help the giggle escaping my mouth. Drunk Edward is so darn adorable.
"Get in." I point to the bed, trying to keep my sentences short and simple to understand. "I'll get you water and some aspirin."
He nods his understanding as I stand and make my way towards the bedroom door. As I pass him, I feel his hand on arm and turn around to face him in surprise. Edward is looking at me, and the haziness of his expression moments ago seems to have vanished. He seems almost sober as he stares at me pensively.
He clumsily turns his body until his facing me and then releases my arm only to lift both his hands to my face. I jump slightly at the unexpected movement and swallow thickly as he steps closer without breaking eye contact for even a moment. I swallow thickly as we stand there, just looking at each other, and I'm sure he can see right through me. My hands shake slightly as they hang limply at my sides.
"You are one beautiful woman, Bella Swan." He whispers softly and sends my heart a flutter.
There is a stampede of butterfly wings in my stomach as I stare at him dumbstruck. His thumbs slowly move over my cheeks and stroke them gently. I blink rapidly, trying to fight back the tears caused by his seemingly sincere declaration. No one has ever given me a compliment in such a simple, honest manner and it's breathtaking and frightening at the same time.
"Most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He mumbles thoughtfully as his eyes scan my face and stop at my bottom lip, which I'm biting unintentionally. He moves his thumb to my mouth and gently pries my lip from between my teeth slowly running his thumb over my bottom lip in a caress softer than butterfly wings.
"You do that when you're nervous, did you know that?" He asks gently as he lifts his eyes to mine, the green of his irises clear and almost sparkling. He's dazzling. I shake my head which is still between the grips of his hands.
"Do I make you nervous, Bella?" I once again swallow thickly as his eyes seemingly darken and the intensity of his stare multiplies ten fold. He's looking at me, unblinkingly, and my whole body is buzzing with a feeling of exhilaration I've never felt before. Everything about this man is drawing me in. He lifts the corner of mouth and my breath nearly catches at the heat of his stare.
"Of course I don't. Nothing makes you nervous, right Bella?" I open my mouth to answer, but I can't seem to find the words. Edward drops his hands from my face and takes an unsteady step back. I immediately make a grab for his arms, but he pulls them away and clumsily falls to the bed with a groan.
I stand there, staring at him in a stupor, unable to make my heavy feet move. He's looking back at me through heavy eyelids, his face emotionless. The world feel like it's tilted on its axes, and for a brief moment I ponder exactly how sober I am, standing there, staring at this infuriating man.
"I'll be right back." I croak and finally find the strength to remove myself from his stare. My head is positively reeling as I grab some aspirin from the kitchen cupboard and a bottle of water from the fridge. I have no idea what just happened, I just know that Edward officially stripped me from all my defenses. I step into my bedroom and find him sprawled over his side of the bed in nothing other than a pair of black boxer briefs. His shoes, jeans and shirt are on a messy pile at the foot of the bed. I carefully place the aspirin and water on the bedside table beside him and softly make my way towards my side of the bed, careful not to wake him. I slip beneath the covers and lie on my back, staring at the ceiling blankly. The moment that passed between Edward and I flashing behind my eyes and making it impossible to fall asleep. I've never been this frightened before. This man has absolutely no idea how much power he has over me. Hell, even I didn't fully grasp it until a moment ago.
"Bella." Edward croaks beside me. I turn to look at him with a start and find his head turned in my direction, his eyes still closed. He swings his arm heavily over my torso and pulls me closer to his side. My breath catches at his unexpected movements and I immediately turn rigid in his grip. He slowly moves his head to my shoulder and rests it there, breathing heavily into my neck. I'm frozen, staring wide eyed into the darkness. "I was awake." He whispers so softly in my ear that I need to ask him to repeat himself.
"I said," he drawls, causing a shiver to run up my spine as his soft lips graze the shell of my ear, "I was awake."
My heart is hammering in my chest as I consider his words. It appears as if my body already connected the dots, but my fuzzy brain is fighting to understand what he's trying to say.
"This morning." He breathes huskily into my ear, and to emphasize his confession, he slowly moves the hand he has draped over me and places it gently between the juncture of my legs. My hips automatically thrust against his hand partly in recognition of the want boiling inside me and partly in shock. I gasp audibly, blood coursing through my ears and filling the silence of the room with a faint hum.
"Shit." I breathe in absolute mortification and pleasure as Edward decides to rub over my lips softly, before lifting his hand back to my side.
"Mhhh-hmmm." He nods and lifts his head slightly just as his hand grabs the back of my neck firmly, turning my face towards him. I stare at him in shocked silence, unable to form a coherent thought, not to mention defense. He licks his lips slowly, his eyes hooded due to the alcohol, or due to something completely different. Something closer to the reason I find myself panting beneath his stare. Something strong and unavoidable.
"You owe me." He murmurs before he crashes his lips to mine. His lips are harsh and yet incredibly soft as he smothers me with his passion. It's one solitary kiss. No sucking. No licking. Just one solid declaration…or promise if you will. He pulls back before I even have a chance to kiss him back, or push him away. Okay, who am I kidding? He pulls back before I get the chance to shove my tongue into his delicious mouth.
"Sweet dreams, baby." He whispers before extricating himself from my body, turning his back on me and falling into an almost instant sleep.
There are no words to describe my state of turmoil as I lay frozen on my back, my lady bits buzzing due to his touch, my lips tingling due to his kiss and my brain completely and utterly…fucked.
One thing is certain, I decide as I lay there staring at the ceiling unblinkingly, my body unmoving in shock. Edward Cullen is a far better actor than I gave him credit for…and that appears to be only one of his many, many devilish talents.
I hope you liked it! Drop me a line if you did, or have any questions, or just wanna say hi!
With love…
Your Mistress
xoxo