THANK YOU TO:

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Two special ladies sent right from above – Jittzpattzing and ALPieshell (you know why).

Every reader and reviewer I got to talk and gush with on PM's – you make this so much freaking fun!

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Pants

Come up to meet ya, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, tell you I need ya
And tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets, and nurse me your questions
Oh let's go back to the start
Running in circles, coming in tails
Heads on a science apart

-The Scientist by Coldplay-

I wake up with a start–like literally, arms flailing, chest heaving, and eyes bleary. I don't have to look beside me to know that Edward is no longer there. I can tell by the lack of heat pressed against me. We slept like a twisted pretzel, waking up during the night to shift and rub, uncurl and entangle limbs.

For a brief moment, I panic. What if he fucked and then fucked-off? What if this was all part of his plan?

I push the tangled bangs from my face and blink into the dim light of the room. It's silent apart from the faint tipper-tapper of rain against the windows. I scramble to reach for my phone on the bedside table to check the time, and instantly remember that it's still lying somewhere in the hallway where I dropped it last night, after speaking to Alice, before…before everything. My skin tingles at the memory of what I did last night–what we did. I stretch and point my toes, relishing in the delicious ache in my muscles.

With a heavy sigh, I throw my legs over the side of the bed and hiss at the coolness of the floor. Grabbing the sheet below me, I pull to twist it around my body and tuck it securely beneath my arms. I stand and step forward, eager to find the reason for my sheepish grin, and stumble.

Looking down, I find the culprit. Edward's shoe. What the hell is it doing on this side of the room? I bend to pick it up and notice a sliver of white flutter to the floor. I frown and pick up what now appears to be a piece of toilet paper. Snorting at the absurdity of it, I almost toss it aside, when I notice neat cursive writing covering the surface.

Morning, Bella,

I should tell you that I loved Cinderella as a boy. I begged my mother every night to read the story to me, when boys of my age were already into comic books. Now, I won't tell you how old I was when I begrudgingly changed my bedtime story preferences (it's embarrassing), but I can tell you this much–my dad was becoming increasingly worried. I would get home from school and find heaps of Batman and Spiderman comic books littering my bed. Yeah, my dad never was one for subtlety.

I blink a couple of times. What the hell is this?

Today I'll confess my deepest, darkest secrets to you. I'll share me, and hopefully, not scare you.

Holy shit.

Bring the clothing of the truths you like or dislike but can forgive.

Leave the clothing of the truths you need time to digest, or cannot forgive.

As homage to Cinderella, this last game will start with a shoe.

Edward

I blink several times. I'm stunned. Edward Cullen is finally going to open up to me and share the secrets I've been trying to pull from him since all this started. I look at the shoe lying on the floor beside my feet and feel my lips spread into a smile.

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I realize that I should be scared shitless right now. I have no idea what his confessions will entail. Whether they'll be small, sweet truths of a man completely closed off to me or big, scary confessions that could easily turn this into the beginning of the end.

I take a deep breath and drop the toilet paper on the bedside table. This is no time to be a chicken shit. I've accused him of hiding himself from me in the past, so turning my back on him when he's so obviously trying to reach out would be unforgiveable.

I bend and pick up the shoe.

Now, let's see if it leads to my prince charming.

With the bed sheet still covering my naked form, I shuffle around the room in search of my next clue. My eyes catch pieces of clothing scattered all over. It's all my clothing, I note, and feel my cheeks burn as I recall the way they were removed only hours ago. Flashes of skin and breaths and sighs assault me. Swirls of dirty words, writhing and silent cries accompany them. I'm a melting puddle, and Edward isn't even here to take advantage of it.

With another sigh, I spot a matching shoe in the doorway. I practically skip my way towards it, like the wanton woman he's changed me into. I roll my eyes at my foolishness and force my body to approach the shoe with more elegance. I fail–miserably. I pick up the note and scan his words covetously.

Curious little thing, aren't you?

I feel myself blushing at his assessment. Damn him.

I'm curious too, sugar.

I've been curious about what your body would do when I touched it just so. I've been curious about what words would make you turn completely inside out. I've been curious to know what would make you melt into my arms and pant against my chest.

Today, I know the answers to all these intimate ponderings, and I confess that I've wanted to know them for the longest time. For far longer than this arrangement has been going on. Maybe even from the very moment I met you.

Edward

I'm panting. I'm turned inside out. I'm greedy for more. But then, he already knows this.

Wrapping my brain around the fact that Edward just blatantly admitted to wanting me for over two years feels almost surreal. How is it possible that I missed it all this time? No, wait–that's a ridiculous question. I've had my eyes so steadily fixed on my career that Edward could have sprawled himself naked over my work desk, and I probably would have asked him to sharpen my pencil with his ass.

Then again, the thought of a man like him, wanting a woman like me, seemed a foreign concept until a few days ago. Until he wreaked havoc on my sensibility. Until he reduced me to nothing but a slobbering, desperate mess.

I grab the shoe and storm through the door. As much as I want to cherish the moment and appreciate this gift, I want Edward more. I want it all.

In the hallway, only a few feet away from the landing of the stairs, a pair of socks tucked into a ball lies waiting for me.

I bite down on my bottom lip and slowly pick them up. Soft, clean wool fills my hands as I smile down at the rolled up toilet paper tucked into it. I feel like a little girl on Christmas morning. I could never have imagined that I would wake up to this–to all of him.

I carefully uncurl the letter with shaky hands.

I started the "Ice Queen" nickname at work.

I burst out in laughter. Like I didn't know that already? If that knowledge ever fazed me, I certainly wouldn't have proceeded down this course with him. I gave him all the reasons in the world to call me such a cruel name. I know that now.

Obviously, I was wrong. The joke's on me. You're fire and heat. You scorch and burn, and I? I'm like a moth to the flame.

Edward

I tuck the socks into one of the shoes and walk towards the stairs, feeling giddy and excited.

I reach a pair of jeans. Edward's jeans. And for the first time since starting this little journey, I consider the possibility that he might be waiting for me–naked –at the end of all this. I feel myself shiver in anticipation.

Greedily grabbing his jeans, I can't resist the urge to stare at them for a moment. Button-up jeans will be the death of me. So, damn, hot.

I search for my next letter and find a ball of toilet paper in one of the front pockets. I imagine the hips these jeans were hanging on and swallow down the pool of saliva forming in my mouth. I know that body. I know what it can do to me. How it makes me feel when it's all warm and sweaty and pressed against mine. Can one come from a memory only? Maybe?

When I was fifteen, my first serious girlfriend, Vicky, cheated on me with my then best friend, Ben. That night I fingered her mother.

I gasp.

"I can hear you gasping from way down here."

I spin around in shock at the sound of his voice, echoing from the walls below.

"You fingered her mother, Edward!" I call down disapprovingly, eyes searching in vain to find him.

"I was young and impressionable," he retorts lamely. I can hear not even he's convinced by his excuse.

"That's disgusting." I shiver, but not from the delight of hearing his voice, although that's good too.

"Don't judge me, woman." His voice is teasing, and it makes me smile a little. So what? That voice had me barreling down Orgasmville earlier, don't you judge me.

I take another long look at the jeans still hanging limply in my hand and then drop them to the floor with a wicked grin.

I trudge down the stairs, aiming for the heap of black cloth beckoning me closer. It's a t-shirt.

I lower myself to the bottom step and reach for the folded paper, before scanning the ground floor one last time for any signs of him. Nothing. I want to raise the t-shirt to my nose and sniff it, but I don't know where Edward is, and him seeing me do that would be way too awkward.

I hope you're sitting down for this one. Please don't be pissed.

Here it goes…

I hate carrot cake. Like, really, really hate it.

"Are you shitting me?" I roar. Yes, apparently I can roar.

I hear a nervous chuckle nearby.

I'm about to spew something really rude when my eye catches the next sentence.

The cream cheese frosting is the worse part.

"You're dead to me, Cullen!" I shout at the top of my lungs, ready to lunge to my feet and track him down.

"Read the rest, please." He's laughing boisterously from somewhere in the house.

I bite down on my tongue, forcing myself to remain silent. I can't believe he licked all that frosting off my body, and hated it. I don't know if I should feel embarrassed or impressed that he did that without as much as cringing. In fact, if I recall correctly, which I do, because I've been obsessing about the sounds he was making for days now, he wasn't cringing at all. The fact that he's such a good actor settles heavily in my stomach, and just like that, I'm not sure whether I want to partake in this any further.

I drop my eyes back to the letter, pondering my next move. Do I stop this now?

"Please, read the rest." His voice is tender now, causing my heart to leap involuntarily.

I half groan, half sigh in defeat, and decide to do just that.

That morning in the kitchen converted me. Holy fuck, did it convert me. Cream cheese frosting and you, Bella, has to be my new kryptonite.

Well… When he puts it that way… I feel my resolve crumbling as it always does when it comes to Edward.

I'll probably never eat carrot cake. But if it's served on a platter of Bella, I'll have it every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Edward

My whole body is flushed. If cream cheese frosting is Edward's new kryptonite, then Edward's words are mine. Damn him.

I grin, like a freaking idiot, snatch up the t-shirt and find my footing on shaky legs. Who cares if he hates cream cheese frosting, right?

From where I stand, I see a small scrap of fabric dangling from the arm of a chair in the living room.

Edward's underwear.

I gulp, and then make a move towards it.

Once I reach the chair, I stand frozen for long moments, enthralled by the piece of clothing.

"It won't bite." He chuckles, which causes me to jump.

"Shut it. You're ruining this for me," I scold him, but feel my lips twitch in mirth. I peak around but still can't see him. "Where the hell are you?"

He doesn't answer.

I huff in fake annoyance, but secretly, I absolutely love this. I tentatively reach out a hand and pry the toilet paper from the confines of his boxer briefs, attempting as little contact with the damning fabric as possible, and carefully unfold the paper.

This is the hard part. Take a seat, Bella.

I swallow thickly and do as I'm instructed. This letter is a lot longer than the last. A sense of foreboding engulfs me as I fold my legs beneath me and start reading.

I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll start by apologizing. I wish I didn't have to share this with you, but if we're going to be truthful from here on out, you need to know.

As you correctly guessed yesterday, yes, I was going to teach you a lesson–with the emphasis on WAS.

I convinced you to go to Jacob's wedding, so I could do it there.

It feels like all the oxygen in the room is sucked out in one foul sweep. My lungs feel as if they've fallen flat in my chest. My chin quivers as tears instantly shoot to my eyes. I drop all the clothing I've collected to the floor. They stare up at me accusingly and make me feel cheap.

I wait for Edward to comment again–to convince me to proceed–but there's not a sound in the house, and the eerie silence is deafening.

I raise my hand with the paper still clutched in it. I deserve the truth. Yesterday, I demanded it. Whether I like it or not, this is the only way to move forward–with, or without Edward.

I don't know what I would have done.

That sounds like a copout, but I continue regardless.

I'm not trying to ease out of this. I was still undecided.

I could have spilled red wine all over your dress.

I could have told your parents the truth about our arrangement with enough guests to hear and spread the word.

I could have announced to the whole wedding party that you set me up, that you're not over Jacob, that you're a liar.

I may even have done all of the above.

I swipe the tears from the apples of my cheeks, briefly considering blowing my nose in Edward's letter.

But I won't. Not ever.

I'm sorry.

Edward

I turn my gaze back to the boxers still lying on the arm of the couch.

Is it fair of me to be angry at Edward for something he hasn't actually done yet?

Do I feel hurt by the plans he was conjuring up?

Am I tired of feeling betrayed and uncertain?

Once again, I feel like such an idiot. But, is it fair to consider that I might be a self-righteous bitch? Was I not plotting and scheming right along with him like a freaking rock star?

I raise my hand with the letter bunched between my fist and slam down on the crotch of the underwear. I hear a faint grunt in the background and smile wickedly.

Yes, I'm angry. Yes, I'm hurt. Yes, I'm tired of feeling betrayed and uncertain.

But, then again, who am I kidding? I didn't know all the details last night, but I knew he was planning on humiliating me; yet, I still proceeded. I forgave him all this, unknowingly, when I allowed him to take me. And, if I'm being completely honest, I still want him to take me. To take all of me. And I want to take him. To take all of him.

I take a deep breath, pull on my proverbial big girl panties, and make a grab for all the clothing scattered on the floor. I hook the underwear with a spare pinky and move towards the general direction of the earlier grunt.

I step into the kitchen. It doesn't take me long to spot him, standing with his legs folded at the ankles and arms crossed over his chest, gloriously naked.

The corner of my mouth twists up into a crooked smile, matching his, but my heart is hammering in my chest. He's the most arrogant, most beautiful creature I've ever seen.

Focusing on his eyes has to be the hardest thing I've ever done. The pale, toned canvas of his body–his manhood–has me enraptured. When I finally raise my eyes to his, the sincerity there causes my breath to catch. We stare at each other wordlessly for several long moments, speculatively, passionately, wantonly.

Finally, he speaks, and my skin erupts in goose bumps. The things this man can do to my body are ridiculous. Damn him.

"Ready to get a move on, baby?"

I smile and wink which causes him to chuckle.

"Get over here." And I do. With a rustle of sheets and clothing falling to the floor, I step straight into his arms, right where I need to be.

Xoxo

"Come with me," his voice is warm honey dripping over my skin as his breath fans across my neck.

I shake my head lamely and twist my fingers languidly into the hair at the nape of his neck, enjoying the silkiness of it.

"I promised Alice I would stop by." It sounds unconvincing, but it's the truth.

Edward and I are standing on the steps leading into my apartment building. I'm on the step right above his which grants me leverage to look straight into his eyes. My forearms are hanging limply on his shoulders as my fingers explore his scalp.

He tugs on my belt loops where his hands have taken purchase since we stepped out of the car after our trip back to Seattle. I let him, because I want the closeness too.

"You explained to Aro that we'll be back in the office tomorrow?" he asks again. I'm getting the distinct impression that Edward's stalling. I don't mind. I don't want him to leave either.

"Yes," I say with fake exasperation. "I explained that we'll be working out of the office today. Creative environment and whatnot."

"Still going on with the lies, then?" I see the mirth in his eyes as they bore into mine. This moment feels so intimate and tender and makes my skin buzz with excitement. He tugs on my jeans again, causing my hips to make delicious contact with his.

"What did you expect me to say?" My voice is breathy, and although it should be embarrassing how easy I make this for him, I keep my eyes fixed on his with confidence.

The fine laugh lines around his eyes crinkle as he smiles and places a slow kiss at the corner of my mouth. The sweet contact makes my stomach roll with anticipation. This is so different from the days preceding this moment. It feels almost bizarre standing like this with none other than Edward Cullen.

Before I can allow myself to ponder the absurdity of this moment, I turn my face to his and slip my tongue between his unsuspecting lips.

"Mhh," he moans deliciously into my mouth as his tongue strokes mine deeply and his fingers tug me closer yet. "We need to stop," he groans against my mouth but makes no move to pull away.

"Why?" I argue petulantly before capturing his mouth with mine again. Yes, he's definitely turned me into a real girl–a crazed, starving harpy simply addicted to his mouth and soft tongue.

He pulls away swiftly and chuckles at my stunned expression. "It would be really embarrassing to get a boner right now."

His words thrill me to no end. I love that I can make him loose control like that.

I drop my hands from his neck and circle them around his waist, pulling him into me as I place my hands on his ass and squeeze. His eyebrows shoot into his hairline in shock.

"More embarrassing than this?" I ask, tugging at the cloth covering him.

"Especially considering that," he chortles as the tips of his ears turn red. I want to suck on them.

To add insult to injury, I run my hands over the rounds of his butt one more time, softly scraping exposed flesh with my nails.

"Fuck," he chokes out a laugh and takes a deliberate step back, breaking all physical contact with me and lowering himself one step further. I smirk in response.

"Aren't you bold today?" he teases with a grin.

I shrug and giggle when I catch the shocked expression of an older lady passing by, her eyes fixed on Edward's ass.

"Are people staring?" he inquires with a sheepish grin, noticing my distraction.

"Can't say I blame them." I wink.

"Do you want to be fucked in public, Bella?" I gasp at his crass question and quiver at his challenging gaze. The older lady gapes and stumbles past us.

"No," I manage to choke.

"Then stop with the winking. You're making it impossible for me to walk away," he warns with a devilish grin. It's my turn to blush, and I do a stellar job at it, feeling the heat all the way to my chest.

"This was all your idea," I indicate towards his lower regions once I've recovered from his words.

"If I knew you would've chosen not to forgive me for the incident with Vicky's mother, I would've made that particular confession a fucking sock." His expression turns sour and causes me to double over in laughter.

I fight to gain control, but he just looks so ridiculous that it takes me several moments to calm down. Once I've wiped the tears from my eyes, I find him smiling lopsidedly at me.

"You done?" he asks with an arched eyebrow.

I nod, biting back another wave of laughter.

"I better get going," he sighs and makes a grab for my hand. I take a step down and let him pull me into him, all laughter forgotten in his proximity.

"See you later," he whispers. One. Two. Three soft kisses to my lips, and then he's gone.

"See you later," I sigh, watching his retreating form. I allow my eyes to roam over his form unabashedly. Black t-shirt, black socks, chucks and black boxer briefs. No jeans. Only miles of athletic legs. I shiver as my eyes zero in on his perfect butt.

"Stop staring at my ass," he calls over his shoulder. I whip my head up in mortification just as Edward turns his head over his shoulder and gives me a knowing wink.

"Do you want to get fucked in public?" I call after him, probably too loud, because the old lady, that has made her way at least a block further spins around and throws her hands into the air, before stomping off in disgust.

Edward is opening his door by the time I manage to tear my eyes away from the poor woman.

"Are you offering?" he shouts back.

"If you keep on winking like that, I'm taking," I retort bravely, feeling far less confident than I sound.

"Come and get it, then." He throws his arms open invitingly.

I tilt my head and narrow my eyes.

"You have laundry to do," I point out victoriously.

"Coward."

"Horndog." He laughs heartily, shakes his head and then disappears into his car before peeling out of the parking.

Xoxo

"I love that he did that." Alice sighs dreamily as I recap last night and this morning's events–leaving out the intimate parts, of course. We're currently discussing the letters in detail, like only women can.

I nod, taking a sip from my cup. We're seated in a small coffee shop we used to frequent regularly before the whole charade with Edward started.

"And the fact that he was willing to humiliate himself like that…" she trails off, referring to Edward's insistence to only wear the clothes I picked up, and therefore leaving him sans pants on our trip back to Seattle.

"I think he enjoyed my discomfort far more than actually feeling humiliated." I laugh softly and chug the last of my tea. "That man is very confident."

"Sounds like he has reason to be," Alice points out with a knowing smirk.

I blush and lower my eyes to my hands. I've never been comfortable discussing my sex life with anyone. Not even Alice. Then again, back when I still had a sex life, there really wasn't all that much to discuss. It was awkward and pleasant at best.

"Wow," she gasps. "That good, huh?"

"Pretty much," I mumble and fight the urge to smile like a dork.

I hear my cell phone chime in my bag and almost sigh in relief at the welcome intrusion.

Come to me, baby. – E

A warm tingle makes its way up my spine at his sexy command.

So demanding… *B*

"Edward?" Alice asks knowingly.

I nod and bite down on my bottom lip to avoid gushing. He's really doing a number on me. First, I start blushing, then giggling, and now I actually want to gush. Damn him.

Demanding would be if I asked you to come for me… Which I will… Soon. – E

I feel the heat rising in my cheeks and desperately attempt to cover the evidence with my hair. Alice is too quick for me though.

"Definitely sexting." Alice giggles knowingly. "It's written all over your face."

"Hush." I frown disapprovingly but find myself laughing along. I show her the texts and laugh even louder when I see her visibly flush.

"Holy shit," she murmurs lowly and stares ahead of her blankly. "I'm so having a talk with Jasper tonight."

"What should I say?" I decide to ignore her little revelation. Shit is going to go down in the Whitlock household, that's for sure.

"Say you're on the way," she practically shouts in excitement.

"No, you little hussy." I gape at her in surprise. "I want to play with him a little."

"I thought you were done with your games?" Alice frowns disapprovingly.

"We are," I defend. "I just want to tease him a bit. There's no harm in that."

Alice shrugs. The girl's got no game.

I'm busy. *B*

I'm just about to show Alice my response when my phone chimes again. Eager little fucker.

Where are you? – E

I feel my body vibrate with excitement and a slight hint of annoyance. I'm not sure I completely like where this is going. I like demanding Edward, but I have my limits.

Out with Alice. You know this… *B*

My eagerness to be playful is slipping as my brows pull together in a frown.

Ditch her. – E

And now I'm pissed.

"Oops," I hear Alice comment timidly. "Something happen?"

"Nothing important," I shrug nonchalantly. I don't want to make this a big issue. The fact that I find taking orders difficult is nothing new. My eagerness to dump my best friend for a romp in the hay is nonexistent.

No. That's rude, Edward. Stop being an ass. *B*

Are you angry now? Seriously? – E

I can almost taste the exasperation in his words and bite down on my tongue.

Annoyed. *B*

Which translates to angry, where you are concerned. – E

And now I'm just livid–partly because he's right and party because he has the balls to call me out on it.

Fuck off. *B*

I swallow the bitterness burning in my throat and toss my phone back in my bag. Screw him.

"Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," I offer her a small smile and fight to reign in my thoughts. I won't allow Edward's sour attitude to spoil my time with Alice.

I hear my phone chiming again and again, but choose to ignore it.

Alice notices but says nothing, choosing instead to talk about the renovations they're doing at their new home.

"So," Alice starts after our conversations trails of. "What happens now?"

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused after swallowing another mouth full of pecan pie.

"Between you and Edward." She shrugs, obviously trying to make light of the conversation. "Are you guys dating? Are you fuck buddies? What's the deal?"

I contemplate her questions for a moment and realize that I have absolutely no idea what we are. After our last texts, I don't even think it imperative to ponder.

"I don't know," I answer honestly, because I really don't. "We hardly trust each other. We're still a long ways from figuring that out."

"So, you're just going to go with the flow?" Alice asks in surprise.

"Yeah." I shrug. "I think so."

"Why, Bella Swan." She laughs delightedly. "How very modern of you."

"Shut up." I laugh along. I can certainly understand her shock. This is not the kind of arrangement I would have entered into a mere month ago. I don't relinquish control–ever. Not knowing where things might lead and how to get them there is very uncharacteristic of me. Edward has certainly loosened me up quite a bit. When he's not being a prick, of course.

We talk for another couple of hours, laughing and gossiping like we always do. We pay the bill and gather our things once the sun has set.

I pull on my coat as we approach the door of the coffee shop and step outside after Alice.

I almost run into her when she comes to a sudden stop.

"Holy shit," I hear her breathe.

"What?" I follow her hand in confusion as she points it to our right.

There, standing in much the same position as earlier this morning, only covered in more clothes, is Edward. He's leaning against an unfamiliar car, shirt rolled up to his elbows, hands pushed into the pockets of his jeans, legs crossed at the ankles.

My mouth turns dry as I raise my eyes to his. I can feel the intensity of his gaze even from where I'm standing, quite some distance away from him. His face isn't unfriendly. It's just…brooding? I feel like he's scorching every last piece of clothing from my body. Holy shit indeed.

"Well– I–" Alice stammers beside me. "I guess I'll just–" She points awkwardly to her car in the opposite direction from where he's standing.

"How did he–" It seems like Edward is capable of rendering two woman speechless at once.

"Jasper," Alice sighs and squeezes my hand before turning to back away. "Talk to you later."

I nod, keeping my eyes fixed on Edward, unable to look away.

"I'm so going to talk to Jasper tonight." I can still hear Alice's mumbling as she walks away.

"Bye, Alice," Edward calls after her. I faintly hear her reply, but the blood strumming through my ears has me rendered deaf and mute.

Edward smirks, running his eyes over the length of my body, only to return them to my face with renewed hunger. He pulls a hand from his pocket and curls his pointer and middle finger in a "come hither" gesture. So fucking hot.

I don't move, because, ungh…my knees won't be able to carry my shaky legs forward.

"What are you doing here, Edward?" I place my hand on my hip in exasperation. I do not appreciate the fact that he took it upon himself to track me down. Possessive much? Unacceptable.

His smirk grows wider at my reluctance, and before I have a chance to consider my options, he pushes himself off the side of the car. He takes one step forward, and automatically, I take one step back. It's our usual cat-and-mouse game. I want to be frightened of the heat in his eyes, but I also want to run towards it.

Another step forward from him and another one back for me, and then I feel the doorframe of the coffee shop against my back and start to panic.

"Stop this," I growl as my hands reach behind me to steady myself.

The smirk pulling at Edward's lush mouth intensifies even more once he realizes my predicament.

Without further contemplation, I turn to flee, hoping that he'll catch me, praying that he won't.

"Bella," I hear him growl, and then I'm spun around and pushed against the door.

"What are you–"I start to protest, but I'm cut off by hungry lips, desperately fused to mine.

My shock only lasts a second before I raise my arms and hug them around his waist, opening my mouth wide for the welcome intrusion. I want to be pissed. I know I should be–but I can't seem to find it in myself to resist him.

Have you been kissed by his lips? Has he experienced tongue touched and coaxed yours? No? Then shut it.

Edward responds with a groan and fills my mouth with his tongue. He pushes me further against the door, one hand behind my head, tilting it further to the right, the other still on my elbow where he initially grabbed hold of me.

I will never be able to resist this man.

I feel his kiss all the way to my toes. My hands clutch at his shirt and finally make their way beneath, where smooth, hard muscles rip. How can I ever describe the deep yearning and want ignited whenever my hands slide over his skin?

I'm engulfed by his scent, relishing in the feel of him and mindless to anything or anyone around us–until I hear a throat clearing.

I freeze in Edward's arms, drag my lips away and stiffly turn my face in the direction of the intrusion.

I blink profusely, noticing that Edward has joined me in staring at the aging face of an elderly woman. The very same woman that saw us earlier today outside my apartment.

Her lips are pursed, and her frown is deeply imbedded between her brows.

My cheeks immediately flame as I stumble to the side, taking Edward with me, in order to make space for her to enter the coffee shop. She gives us one final glare, clucks her tongue, and then steps through the doors.

I drop my head to Edward's shoulder in embarrassment and giggle until my sides hurt.

That poor grandma must think we are sexual deviants.

"Do you know her?" Edward chuckles in confusion.

"No." I shake my head against his shoulder before pulling back to look at him.

He's smiling wide–all teeth, and warmth and boy. I want to drape his sexiness over my shoulders and snuggle into its heat.

"I'm sorry for being a jackass earlier," he laments after a moment, moving his hands to my arms and running them slowly up and down.

"Want to talk about it?" I ask softly, trying to reign in my inner bitch.

"Maybe later?" he offers sheepishly.

"Okay," I concede. "I just need you to know that I don't like being told what to do."

"Like I don't know that already," he teases sarcastically.

"I have a right mind to tell you to fuck off again," I deadpan.

This earns a hearty laugh from Edward which causes the sides of my mouth to twitch.

"Tell me to fuck you instead, and I might listen this time," he whispers conspiratorially and places his hands on the side of my face, pushing my hair over my shoulder tenderly, before cupping my neck with his palms, rubbing circles with his thumbs under my jaw.

"Wanna take a ride with me?" he murmurs as his eyes focus on my mouth, causing my heartbeat to accelerate.

"Sure." I smile weakly, trying to regain some control.

Without much fanfare, he turns and then bends his knees in a quasi squat.

"What are you doing?" I frown in confusion, laughing lightly at his ridiculous pose.

"Giving you a ride," he replies as if it's the most obvious conclusion.

"You walked here?"

"Look around you, Bella." He laughs, but makes no move to straighten up. "This place is three blocks from my apartment."

"Gah," I respond and then jump onto his back without warning.

"Fuck," Edward laughs as he stumbles forward slightly. He straightens up and places his hands below my ass to secure me to him tightly.

"You could hold me under my knees, you know," I comment dryly.

"Where's the fun in that?" He laughs and starts towards his apartment, carrying me on his back effortlessly. I hug him tightly around his neck, enjoying the sturdiness of his frame against mine.

"So," I whisper against his neck, flicking my tongue against his skin, delighted in the way Edward's pulse doubles against my mouth. "What will we be doing at your apartment?"

"Well," he answers without hesitation, "there you get to ride this stallion bareback."

"Is there no end to your vulgarity?" I laugh but simultaneously wish I could squeeze my thighs together to relieve the ache his words cause.

"Doesn't seem so." He shrugs, causing me to bobble against him.

"Well then," I murmur, running my hands over his t-shirt covered chest and then stop to tweak his nipples. "Giddy-up."

xoxo

And? How was that?

I was so nervous about this chapter! I mean – it's kind of hard following the last one…

Please let me know what you think, girlies!

With love…

Your Mistress

Xoxo

I have three rec's for all you beautiful ladies as a special thanks for giving this story the time of day.

Fold your wings by JadaLulu (on TWCS) – This fic causes total heart fail! There are so many layers to these characters it's ridiculous. Amazing fic and a must read! Still WIP, but enough chapters to sink your teeth into until the next update.

Meet the Masens by FictionFreak95 (on FFnet) – If you haven't read this fic yet, you are missing out! It's complete and brilliant and just…yeah…do eeet!

Hell by OoLiviaCullenoO (on FFnet) – Also complete. It's only 7 chapters. A quick, amazing, heart wrenching read. Brilliantly written.

I'm on Twitter (still new to it, though), if you wanna say hi, hang out or pester me for updates. ;) (at)thesaintsmistress