Hey guys. I know I have taken a while to get this out, but I have started the next chapter. I just don't have as much time these days as I used to...
Thank you so much Mabinda. You are such a huge help to me and my story. You keep me on track. xx
Again, I don't own twilight, but my daughter (bless her heart) bought me a present of a twilight book mark, so I do own that!
/
/
/
EPOV.
After dropping Bella off, I felt like I'd lost something. The uneasy feeling had begun on leaving Bella at her mother's house and I wasn't sure if it was because of her recent troubles or if it was just me but the farther away I got from her, the more uncomfortable I felt. I could almost have turned the car around and gone back for her but I couldn't go back on my word to Aro and leave him in the lurch with the retreat. I was torn in two.
After mentally kicking myself all the way back to the retreat, I threw myself into work after secreting my phone into my pocket in case Bella needed me or if she called for something. I worked hard all day, working on everything I was meant to, but I knew that my heart wasn't in it. All I could think about was Bella. What was she doing now? Was her mother still taking care of her? Was she eating properly? Was she safe? I refused to call her five times that day like I wanted to, I would let her have her time off, but I would torture myself with thoughts of her that I could neither prove nor deny.
By the time her first text came through that evening while I was cleaning up the kitchen, I felt on edge. I couldn't wait to hear from her and if I texted her with flowery messages, would I look like I was desperate or possessive? I quickly got my cell out of my pocket and read the message. I smiled as I texted back to her. Moments later another text came in and I imagined her in bed smiling at my text messages. It was a sort of comfort for me to know that she was safe and about to go to sleep. I hoped that I could join her in her dreams, but I didn't write that. I thought I was getting a little soppy by just telling her that I missed her. We said good night and by this stage, most of the cleaning up was done, thank god. I was pooped and ready to find my own bed...even though mine too would seem very empty.
I tossed and turned that night even though my body was screaming at me for rest, my brain didn't seem to want to turn off. I kept thinking of things I needed to do and to remember. At one stage, I even got up and packed my bag to go away with Bella and then after getting back into bed, I kept thinking of things that I needed to take along. I got up again and packed those things into my bag and then tried to get to sleep.
It was about three am when I finally fell into a fitful sleep, still flailing my arms and legs out, possibly unconsciously to try and find Bella...
I awoke to a knocking on the door and I felt slightly confused as to where I was. I think I had dreamed that I was holding Bella but as I squeezed the pillow into my stomach I remembered that she wasn't with me last night. My body and mind had used the memory of Bella to keep the melancholy at bay until I could hold her and be with her for real. I rubbed my eyes as I heard the knocking again. I groaned as I got up, my tired limbs protesting as I padded to the door and opened it.
'Hey' Emmet said.
'Hey.' I said back to him, running my hand through my hair, fully aware that it was probably standing on end.
'Do you want to go to breakfast with us or do you want to sleep in?' Emmet seemed a bit dull this morning which wasn't like him, but I put it down to the fact that he was probably just tired, we all were.
I grabbed my shoes and as I was sleeping in long black cotton pants and a white shirt, then I figured I wasn't too underdressed.
We went into the dining area where Alice, Jasper and Rosalie were waiting for us, and after we all helped ourselves to the food on offer this morning, we took our seats.
We all made small talk and picked at our food, including Emmet and as I looked around and the quiet group of friends, I finally realised what was going on here.
'You guy's all miss Bella.' I stated. This had to be it...
'Well, we haven't seen her for two days Edward. I talked to her last night but...' Alice sighed
'Yeah, we miss her. We are all a team. It doesn't seem right without her...' Rose murmured
'I'm worried about her; do you think she is ok? Remember what happened last time she left the retreat...' Emmet said quietly.
'She is fun to be around, and fun to tease...' Jasper finally said.
'Yeah, me too. I couldn't sleep without her here last night. I must look a fright.' I said running my hand through my hair once again.
'You always look a fright Edward.' Rosalie and Jasper said at the same time and then laughed at each other.
'Very funny guys.' I said smiling at their lame joke.
'Edward...do you think she is safe?' Emmet leaned in toward me to ask quietly and concerned.
'I bloody well hope so, but she was when we texted each other late last night. She was in bed then, so I would say so. You can call her if you want Emmet, if you are worried.'
'I don't want to worry her that I'm worried. I'm just glad to hear that she is ok...'
We finished our breakfast with only a small amount of conversation and then we all left to start our day, all of us had something or someone to think of, and I was certain that it all revolved around Bella.
I returned to my room, realising that I didn't even have a photo of Bella to look at or hang on my wall or beside my bed. I felt anxious like I may have missed any opportunity to take a photograph. Why hadn't I taken one yet? Why hadn't I taken one of a happy time of us together laying on the bed...our bed, with my phone? I could kick myself for it but it was not something I would normally do.
As if reading my thoughts, my phone began to ring. I grabbed for it and I smiled to myself as I saw Bella's name flash up on the screen. I almost dropped it trying to answer it and in what felt like forever, I answered.
'Hey baby.'
'Hey, how are you, you delicious man.'
'Delicious? How do you know?'
'I've tasted you remember?' she giggled and I groaned.
'You shouldn't remind me of things like that when you are so far away.' I smiled at the memory suddenly feeling a stirring down below.
'I thought I was whetting the appetite!' I could hear her smiling on the other end.
'You whet that by just breathing Bella.' I said to her honestly.
'I can't wait to see you Edward. I've been missing you.' She sounded a little down.
'I've missed you too baby. I will get up early tomorrow and be there for breakfast with you ok?' I wanted to promise her anything right now to help make her feel better.
'Yeah, thank you. I'm sorry Edward...I'm just being a sook. So how is the kitchen going?' She changed the subject.
'Really good. I feel ok to leave it for a few days to the other chef and I've done as much preparation as I can. I think we will make it through.'
'That is so good to hear Edward; as long as I'm not missed too much.'
'Oh, you're missed, don't you worry about that!' I laughed because if she could have been a fly on the wall at breakfast, she would know exactly what I meant.
'Well, as long as I won't be forgotten in a hurry, I can be happy then.' I could hear her smiling again and it warmed me from within.
'That you won't beautiful.'
'I've got to go Edward, Mom and I have got a big day planned, so I'll call you tonight?'
'Perfect. Talk to you later baby.'
'Bye lover boy.' She giggled and then disconnected. I sighed and thought of what she would be doing that day. I was really hoping that she was enjoying her break with her mom.
I couldn't stop thinking about her all day, the way she had teased me with her beautiful body only two nights ago, how whenever I was near her, I just had to touch her. The kitchen just wasn't the same without her. I really missed her presence here, but the other kitchen staff seemed to be oblivious. I wanted to yell at them at one point. Yell and ask them if they could even tell that she wasn't here...but not everyone felt the way I did...
My mind churned on, not giving me even a moments rest until I had made up my mind...Fuck it. I would drive to her tonight. I would go and be with her because I knew that I wouldn't be sleeping much without her...
I finished my shift as fast as possible and when I returned to my room, I was again grateful that I had gotten up during the night and packed most of my things. I showered and changed and finished packing my personal items into my bag and then left as quickly as possible, not even looking back as I locked the door.
I threw my bag into the back of the car and drove out as quickly as possible without waking the entire retreat with the squealing of my tyres and revving of my engine.
The drive to Bella's mom's place seemed to take forever. It had recently rained, and in some tree lined areas, the lights bounced off of the water on the road and reflected onto the trees. It appeared as ghostly figures flying out of the bushes for quick moments. Seeing this, kept me on my game, because after an hour's driving, I realised how tired I was from working and lack of sleep for the last few days, but the thought of getting to Bella always kept my eyes open.
Finally I arrived at Renee's place. Suddenly I was wide awake, all weariness having left me as the knowledge of Bella only yards away perked me up considerably. I crept around to the side of the house that I could guess would be Bella's window and I tapped on it. I tapped again, and then again. I hoped that she would wake soon and come to the window and let me in. I couldn't wait to see her. A sudden thought flitted through my mind that I may scare her by doing this unexpectedly, and when the curtains in the room were swept back and I could just make out the outline of Bella with her hand at her throat, I realised that I really should have given her some notice.
A light flashed suddenly on my face and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to get some respite from the brightness burning into my retinas.
'Bella...It's me, Edward.'
'Edward? What are you doing here? It must be the middle of the night!' I heard her whisper as she opened the window for me.
I climbed in and as soon as my feet hit the floor, Bella flew at me and into my arms. I caught her and buried my face into her hair. She smelled so good, like wild flowers and rain and...home.
'I couldn't stay away...' was all I managed in answer to her questions. Once I got a look at her, words wouldn't form in my mouth anyway. She was wearing a camisole and little cotton boy leg panties. She looked hot.
'You must be so tired. Come lie down with me.' Bella tugged at my hand, motioning toward the bed.
I gratefully complied, wanting Bella as close with me as possible even though I was feeling high on adrenalin after seeing her for the first time in what felt like too long.
I took my shoes off and lay on the bed, Bella pulled the covers over us and she snuggled into the nook of my arm, putting her arm over my chest. 'I'm so glad you are here. I missed you.'
'I missed you too baby.' I held her tighter for a moment before swooping in to kiss her lips, not being able to contain myself any longer.
'How is everyone back home?' Bella asked sleepily.
'Really missing you. You do realise you just called the Retreat home right?' I was surprised at the slip up.
'Oh...of course...I meant the retreat.'
I smiled into the darkness thinking how sweet she was. 'Hey, did you check your emails yet?' I asked suddenly.
'No, I haven't had time...The results won't be in yet though will they?' I loved how she knew what I was thinking at times so I didn't have to explain every little thing.
'No, probably not until tomorrow sometime. Are you worried?'
'No, I'm not actually...are you?' She asked tentatively.
'No...I don't think so...' ...Should I be?
'So, has anything happened since I've been away... anything exciting and fun?'
'No, nothing, just everyone doing their job. The kitchen staffs are all chugging along nicely. Jasper, Emmet, Alice and Rose all say hi by the way. They miss you too.' I said softly.
'Awww that is so sweet. I miss them too.'
I couldn't help it. Hearing her voice so soft, I leaned in and kissed her. Her hands snaked behind my head and our kiss deepened. My hand slid up of its own accord and found the area it was looking for in the shape of a breast. She felt so good. God I had hated being away from her. This felt right, so right that we should be here together. I hoped that feeling the need to be with her 24/7 would go away or I could just be with her all of the time, the latter was preferable to me.
'Edward...Edward...my mother is in the next room. This could get noisy if we keep going.' Bella sounded breathless and it took all my strength to stop touching and kissing her. I planted a few kisses on her neck for good measure before moving back and resting my head on the pillow.
'You're right. I'm sorry, I should behave more respectfully than that. I apologise.' I realised that I had forgotten where we were and it was the last thing that I wanted to do by offending her mother by pawing her daughter in her home.
'I wanted it too. It's ok. Let's get some rest so that we have lots of energy for tomorrow.' Bella said hugging me to her side.
'Ok. Goodnight beautiful.' I murmured into her hair.
'Goodnight exclusive.'
'Hmmm, I kind of liked lover boy.' I smiled saying this.
'Ok then, goodnight lover boy.'
I held her in my arms and for the first time in two days I felt relaxed enough to allow my subconscious to rest. I fell into a deep sleep beside Bella and knew no more until I felt a tickling on my face. I batted it away which was my first reaction and then I batted it away again. I was awake now but unwilling to open my eyes and when I felt something tickle me again I cracked one tired eye open and I realised it was Bella watching me with a curl of hair brushing against my cheek.
'Wakey wakey sleepy head. Do you want coffee? Mom's been up for ages, and I've packed my things away already.'
'Oh, what time is it?' I croaked out in my tired voice.
'It's 9 am. You slept well.'
'Because I was with you. You make my soul rest.'
'Awww that's so sweet. I sleep better with you too.'
We kissed briefly and then we got up to go chase some coffee. When we emerged from the Room, Renee looked up in surprise.
'Well well! I didn't hear you come in!' She exclaimed looking at me.
'Yeah, it was pretty late. I decided to come last night instead of this morning. I hope you don't mind.'
'Not at all. If I had have known, I would have made up a bed for you.'
'Thank you, but I was happy with what we sorted out.'
Renee got up and poured two cups of coffee and we sat at the table and chatted for a little while, eating the pancakes that she had made for us.
When we realised that it was ten o'clock, Bella and I went back to her room and fired up her laptop so that we could check our emails. I let Bella look at her results first and I waited with bated breath for her to tell me the outcome of her tests.
My heart stopped beating when Bella looked up at me with a stricken expression after reading for a moment and I went instantly to her side, looking into her eyes and about to tell her that we could sort anything out, anything at all.
Her face cracked into a smile and showed me the email telling her that every test came back negative to disease and pregnancy. I blew out a sigh of relief and turned a half accusing half amused glare onto her.
'Jesus, you had me worried then.'
'Sorry, I couldn't help it. Now it's your turn.' Bella said as she logged off her email site and handed the laptop over to me.
I logged on and quickly scanned through my emails finding the one that I needed to see close to the top. I read through my results and then logged off handing the computer back to Bella.
'Well?' Bella said watching me expectantly.
'Oh, did you want to know the results?'
'You know I do! Tell!' Bella said eagerly.
'Yeah, everything is negative, and I'm not pregnant either. Just as I thought.' I smiled at her and ducked as she threw a pillow at me. We both laughed when she missed me
'Excellent, so neither of us have to walk down the street calling out 'unclean, unclean' then eh?' She giggled.
'No thankfully, although I thought they only did that if you got leprosy...'
'Yeah, but I am glad we don't have anything to make me feel that way anyway.'
'True. So, did you want to do anything with your mother before we go? Play scrabble, wash windows, knitting...?'
'Knitting? No, I'm good. Are you all ready to go too?'
'Sure am.' I picked up Bella's bag and walked back out to the front door to deposit it into my car and then returned to the house.
'Are you going already?' Renee asked.
'Yes, we need to get moving. We have a long drive and then check in so we need to make some tracks.' I answered for Bella because I knew the schedule better than her.
'Well, it was great that you came for a visit honey. And it was wonderful to meet you Edward.' Renee hugged Bella and then came over and hugged me. It was nice in a motherly way but I was eager to have Bella all to myself for the first time ever. A small thrill went through me at the thought and I made haste in collecting the rest of her things to transfer to the car.
I couldn't hear what Renee was saying to Bella but I saw Bella smile and nod happily and then hug her mother. I looked away for a moment to give them privacy and when I felt a tug at my arm with Bella smiling up into my eyes, I couldn't help but be lost in them.
'Have a great break wont you, you two.'
I looked away with a start. We aren't alone. I turned toward Renee and said 'Thankyou Renee. We will.'
I felt a little silly for a moment and Bella hugged her mother again and said goodbye. Finally we got to the car, and waving goodbye, we were finally on the road.
'So...Where are we going?' Bella asked.
'Somewhere nice. Somewhere secluded. You'll see.' I wanted her to enjoy the anticipation and maybe to just trust me in this, to anticipate what she would like.
When we arrived at our destination, I got out of the car to check in. I could see Bella looking around in curiosity, trying to take as much in as she could.
I made quick work of signing in and getting our instructions and offers and then I returned to the car quickly.
'So...what do you think of this place?' I asked Bella sitting so quietly.
'Well...I'm not sure. I haven't seen much yet...'
'Ok, well then, off to our cabin we go.' I said with a smile as I started the car and drove off slowly down the small winding road to the cabin that we would be living in for the next three days.
As we drove, I noticed the odd little track going off up into the woods with different names on signs beside the main road. This must be how they made the cabins so secluded. I found the track that led up to our cottage and I drove the short distance and pulled up in front of the porch.
We both got out of the car and I noticed Bella turning a full 360 degrees with a look of wonderment on her face. She turned toward what could only be described as a quaint cottage and I noticed her quick intake of breath.
'Its...lovely.' She breathed.
I hadn't been sure what sort of cabin they would give us but I realised that this was perfect. From where we stood we could see a large covered porch area with climbing roses dripping down from the roof. There were no other cabins that we could see and just as promised, the place was very private.
I collected our bags from my car and walked up the few steps to where Bella stood looking at the little table and chairs that sat by the front door.
'For breakfast?' She asked.
'For anytime.' I smiled at her before putting the key in the lock and swinging open the front door.
Before Bella could even move to walk inside, I grabbed her around the waist and knees and then swung her up to carry her over the threshold. I heard Bella squeal in surprise and I laughed at her expression. She laughed along with me after she had gotten over her initial shock.
'Um...aren't you supposed to do this when people get married?'
'Well, it's a symbol really. I thought it would be fun...and...this is our first time alone together.' I said as I let her slide down my body slowly, all the while keeping eye contact with her.
'Yes...well, I like symbols.' Bella whispered.
'Me too.' I whispered back as I bent down and kissed her beautiful lips. 'Mmm you taste so good.'
'You're not too bad yourself.' Bella said gazing up at me with an intense expression in her eyes.
'Come, let's go put our things away and then we can explore.' I collected our bags and walked into a huge bedroom with plush carpet, billowing gauzy curtains and a massive wooden bed piled high with pillows and a very thick, comfortable comforter.
'It is so lovely.' Bella murmured again, slowly walking all around the room, softly running her fingers along the wooden canopy and gently brushing the gauzy drapes aside. The material gave her a dream like quality as I watched her with a faraway look in her eyes.
'Yes, very.' I said watching her, for indeed she was incredibly lovely to me and watching her enjoying something beautiful was inspiring.
She looked up at me when I spoke and our eyes met. I felt an exchange of energy as something passed between us and I knew for certain that these next few days were going to change our lives forever. My body moved of its own accord until I was only a step away from her, all the while keeping eye contact. I raised my hand and cupped her face, running my thumb over her cheek.
'You are so beautiful Bella...' I murmured as I leaned in and kissed her lips softly. I felt the familiar heat flush through my limbs and caused a stirring down below. I broke the kiss and stepped back and gazed at her once more. She had a dreamy expression on her face and then she smiled shyly at me. I grabbed her hand and tugged it lightly.
'Let's check out the rest of the place shall we?' I murmured before I turned and led the way out to the kitchenette, not letting go of her hand.
'Ohh, it's quaint!' Bella said of the petite kitchen with an oven and cook top and small sink.
I had organised the people that owned the place to stock our fridge and cupboard and every morning there was going to be a basket filled with gourmet breakfast things delivered to our door. I wanted to make sure that if we didn't feel like leaving our haven, then we didn't have to.
In a corner before you walk onto the back porch, there was a cupboard with a washer and drier in it. It really was the perfect place to stay for a few days or even more than a week. I tucked that piece of information away in the back of my head and I opened the door to the back porch.
We walked outside and we both noticed immediately that there was a large outdoor spa sitting there, covered and waiting to be used. Bella looked up at me and I smiled and squeezed her hand. This was going to be a time to remember.
The scenery from the porch was amazing too. The woods opened up to a rolling green hill and a pond filled with Lilly's spread out before us. It was breath taking in its wild beauty and I hoped that perhaps Bella and I might go for a walk sometime while we were here.
There was a small table for two sitting on the other side of the porch, and I realised that it was probably past lunch time.
'Bella, I'm going to make us some lunch, do you want to unpack some of your things while I make something for us?' I asked, realising that we had hardly spoken except for the odd word or sentence since arriving.
'Yeah, sure. Do you want me to unpack some of your things too?' She asked hesitantly.
'No, that's ok. I don't have much to unpack. You go ahead though.' I walked to the bedroom with her and collected my ipod to put some music on. 'Bathroom's behind that door too.' I said pointing to the door off to one side.
Bella walked over and opened this door. There was a walk in closet and beyond this, there was a shower and toilet and vanity.
'Hmp, I didn't even notice this before.' She sounded surprised.
'That's because you were too busy dreaming of other things.' I teased her and watched the tell tale blush rise up her face.
'Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't...maybe I'll tell you sometime...'
We smiled at each other and I left the room to put the ipod in the dock in the lounge area and programmed it to play random songs. There was nothing too heavy or anything on it at the moment, so I set it to mood music and went to the kitchen to find some inspiration for our late lunch.
I opened the fridge and peered in, hoping something would help me decide and as I had hoped, I found the ingredients for an interesting smoked salmon salad. I got to work immediately and once I had finished, I couldn't wait for Bella to taste it. I poured two long glasses of iced tea that I had found in the fridge and grabbed some plates and headed out the back.
I came back inside to collect the salad and almost collided with Bella who was in the kitchen area peering into the salad bowl.
'This looks interesting.' She said looking up at me.
'Always the chef. Come and relax and eat.' I said collecting the bowl and motioning to her to come outside.
We sat down at the table and I placed the bowl into the middle of it.
'After you. I look forward to seeing what you think of the flavours.' I handed the salad utensils to her and once she had decanted herself some food, I watched as she took her first bite.
She closed her eyes and hummed. It was like music to my cock and I had to reposition myself or risk extreme discomfort.
'I take it that you like it?' I asked after a moment.
'It is...I have no words Edward...it is so good.' She said with a smile and it warmed me to my toes.
I returned her smile and took a portion for myself and it was then that I realised that the music was also piped outside from the music system inside.
We sat together and ate, talking and laughing together and absorbing the atmosphere of this beautiful place and just unwinding with each other.
It kind of felt unreal, but also really awesome. It was just so good to be here with Bella all on my own.
'You know what? I think I want to try out this hot tub.' Bella stated suddenly and I couldn't agree more. We collected up our used things to place them in the kitchen and then we headed to the bedroom. I opened my suitcase and grabbed a pair of shorts. Bella disappeared into the walk in closet and then I headed back out the back to sort the hot tub out.
I checked the temperature gauge on the side and undid the fastenings and flipped the top off the tub to reveal the heated water underneath. The strong smell of chlorine assaulted my nose. I decided to grab a couple of glasses of wine before jumping in and I went to the kitchen and collected the wine and glasses and made my way back to the hot tub.
I put the bottle and glasses on the flat area on the hot tub and sat down into the water after I pressed the button to start the bubbles. I popped the cork on the wine and poured two glasses and then I sat back and waited for Bella. She had been gone for what felt like forever and I wondered what could be taking so long. I sat forward, about to get up and go looking for her when I saw her at the doorway and then take a step outside placing two towels on a chair.
Bella had put her little blue bikini on and I watched as she walked toward the hot tub. The late afternoon coolness in the air made her nipples stand to attention and I noticed. I could hardly tear my eyes away... I looked up into her face. She had tied her hair back into a messy bun and I marvelled at how beautiful she looked in the soft glow of afternoon light. She smiled shyly at me as she stepped into the water and sunk beneath the warm bubbling brew. It was warm, but she shimmied over to me anyway to sit close beside me...and I loved it, every minute of it.
I heard her sigh in contentment and lie back to rest her head on my arm. This was heaven and I loved being here, alone with my girl. It was so nice knowing that no one could bang on the door to get us up early or even ask us to do anything at all, except relax.
A cool breeze picked up and I felt Bella shiver beside me. I put my arm around her and pulled her closer to my body. Hey, I can be a kind and thoughtful guy, and I also got to feel her chest against my side...
'I wonder what the others are doing now...' Bella said absentmindedly.
'Probably thinking about dinner...and wondering what we are doing now...' I smiled because it probably really was what they were doing.
'Edward...this is kind of a dumb question...but what's your story? Why did you decide to come to America? I know you wanted a change and all, but...why did you want a change?' She looked so innocent asking the question that I wasn't looking forward to answering, and I swallowed hard, knowing that it was time to tell her the truth, and not knowing how she would take it.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before opening them again to see Bella watching me intently. 'I don't mean to pry...'
'No, you're not prying and I should have told you this before now...' God, where do I begin?
'...It all happened when I was 22...' I sighed and I noticed that Bella looked concerned and honestly, I didn't know how she was going to take what I was about to say. I handed her one of the glasses of wine and I took a large gulp from my own. Here goes...
'...My Grandfather has a lot of money...old money... which meant that we...Jasper and I were prey to a lot of gold diggers. We used to party with society people sometimes, not a lot because it's not really our scene, but one night, I think my drink was spiked and I woke up next to some girl that had been buzzing around me at a few parties. One night stands really aren't my thing, but then the next thing I knew, she was coming back telling me that she was pregnant. I almost had a meltdown. I realised that I had ruined my life and probably my parent's lives as well. It was a really bad time. I decided to do the right thing and try to make a go of it with this girl and try to get to know her and see if anything could come out of having a relationship with her. Well, as the baby grew, I made the decision to go to the doctors with her when she was going to have a scan. She seemed adamant that she didn't want me to and she would be fine on her own, but I had made my mind up to face it all and to see my child. Well, the Doctor mentioned during the scan how far along the baby was and when the baby would be born because of conception and something started churning in my head. The night and the date that I had ruined my life was burned into my memory and the doctor's dates for conception didn't match the ones that I knew, so I ended up questioning the doctor. Well, Lauren got so angry and upset that we couldn't discuss the subject any longer. I returned to see the doctor later in the week and put the dates to him that I knew were the right ones and he told me that the baby was much more advanced than that. Well, I took my findings to Lauren and called her out on her deception. She denied it all and was so angry. She went to a reporter and told her 'sad' story of my abandonment of her to the press. The next thing I knew was that my humiliation was splashed out over some cheap magazines. Anyway, to make a long story short, I proved that the child wasn't mine when it was born with a DNA test and the torrid story unfolded about the deception to try to get me into bed and pin a baby onto me so that I would either marry her to do my duty or keep her in the lap of luxury to raise this child or that grandfather would. She outsmarted herself because she was already pregnant.'
'Oh Edward, I am so sorry. What a bitch to do that to you. Thank goodness that the baby wasn't yours.'
'Yes, well, as beautiful as she was, there is no way that I would ever want to be tied to her.' I rubbed my hand over my face, grateful once again for the fates that had saved me from that particular hell.
'She's beautiful?'
Ugh, why do girls go and get insecure when guys say that? 'Yes, very. Tall, blonde and a rack that most girls would die for, but she was shallow and empty, so all of the beauty becomes nothing after a short while. It fades into insignificance and almost becomes ugly, and I was never attracted to her, unlike the first time I laid eyes on you, now that was when I got a bolt from the blue and I knew I was in trouble.'
'Yes, I know exactly what you mean.' Bella said softly looking down at her hands and then looked back at me curiously and I knew that she wasn't finished with the subject yet. 'So...you came to America because you wanted to escape her?'
'No, I came to America because I wanted a fresh start, where no one knew me and if someone likes me, then it is for me. Listen, don't get me wrong, I had an enviable job at a top restaurant in London with a very promising career where I was, loads of friends, but like I have said to you before, it doesn't matter where you are in this world, if you aren't happy, it doesn't mean shit and I wasn't happy...until I met you.'
Bella was nodding her head looking thoughtful and I waited for her to speak, hoping that I hadn't offended her with all that I had said.
'I remember when you first told me that and I had thought that it was easy enough for you to say when you had been all over the world, but now I really realise what you mean. I'm so sorry that this shitty thing happened to you.'
'I'm not.' I said and Bella looked at me in surprise. 'Because it bought me my happiness...it bought me to you.'
'Awww, that's so sweet...and a really mature way to look at it.' She said and then leaned in and kissed me.
I was blown away by how accepting she was of all of this. She didn't even mention anything about money or inheritance or anything and it was then that I knew that she was really real, she was the only girl for me.
'I'm just glad that you didn't tell me you had a wife and kids somewhere else or anything.' She smiled as she cut a glance at me.
'Not yet I don't.' I said as I reached for her to tickle under her arms. She squealed, trying to get away from me before turning the tables and trying to get me.
We wrestled and tickled each other for a little while before calling a truce and we sank back into the tub to relax once again. It really was a beautiful place to spend some time.
Movement caught my eye and I pointed toward it in case Bella hadn't seen it. Mist rolled over the pond in the near distance and flowed in toward us and after a moment, we heard drops falling on the roof. Rain. What a great sound.
'Wow.' Bella breathed out as she watched the awe inspiring display of Mother Nature.
'I know.' I murmured beside her. We both breathed in the fresh air and new scents of fall that we could smell.
After a while we decided to get dressed and prepare something easy for dinner. We had other nights to make fancy things and so we ended up with cheese and crusty French stick with antipasto and more wine. Bella really enjoyed our picnic on the rug beside the fireplace in the lounge room, and I was overcome with tender feelings for her. She was not pretentious or superficial, she was just...perfect. I didn't know how to describe her, she just fitted me perfectly, complimenting my personality and I suddenly wanted her to meet my parents, really, really badly. I just knew instinctively that my mother would love her to pieces and after everything that I had been through; she would appreciate someone like Bella.
'Hey, where did you go?' Bella asked softly and I realised that I had become quiet in my reverie.
'Oh, just thinking of my parents actually...and you meeting them. They are coming over next month and I am really looking forward to it, and to them getting to know you. They will love you.'
'Oh Edward. I'll look forward to it too.' Bella flushed, shy all of a sudden and I cupped her cheek with my hand and leaned in to kiss her softly. I didn't want to push her or try to sleep with her immediately because as much as I knew she wanted to be with me, I was worried that she wasn't sure about jumping into the next step all of a sudden, her shyness of earlier made me think this.
'Mmmm' Bella murmured and moved closer and put her hand on my thigh. Our lips met once again and our kiss turned deeper. I could feel myself getting lost in the passion and I wanted to hold onto some form of consciousness in case she wanted to slow down. I needed for us to be perfect together. Bella broke the kiss to look at me and said
'Edward, I'm going to get the dishes, why don't you go get ready for bed and I'll be there in a minute.
'Uh, ok.' I had hoped that I hadn't upset her but Bella just smiled and tapped me lightly on the leg before collecting our plates and heading into the kitchen. Maybe she just needed a little alone time?
I showered quickly, brushed my teeth and put on a pair of cotton pants and slipped into the bed. Bella returned to the room and disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a smile.
I lay on the bed listening to the shower and thought about how I was unbelievably looking forward to making love to Bella, but part of me was a little worried too. Maybe she had changed her mind? I desperately hoped that this wouldn't change anything between us and only make our relationship stronger, and I was kind of worried about pleasing her...
She walked out of the huge bathroom and switched off the lights. That was ok because I had left the lamps on softly beside the bed so I could still see her. She walked to the bed, her hair falling down her back and a white cotton sarong loosely draped around her, looking almost virginal. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and when she dropped the sarong, I couldn't help but take a huge breath.
Magnificent.
Bella in all her naked glory, slipped into the bed and I moved to her immediately, holding her face between my hands and kissing her sweet lips softly.
'Beautiful...we don't have to do anything if you don't want to, you know that right?'
'Edward, I'm here aren't I? I want to.'
I searched her eyes for any sign of distress or concern and I found only happiness and devotion. I lowered my lips to hers and tasted her mouth. She opened immediately and deepened the kiss and I complied, my passion ignited after having been denied for so long.
My hand found her breast and I gently massaged. I felt encouraged when I heard her moan. It was like music to my ears. Oh how I loved kissing this woman. She was beauty and goodness personified. The way she was rubbing my chest turned me on even more if it were possible and I had to break the kiss for a moment to look at her and take a breather.
'Ah, Bella...you have no idea what you do to me.' I whispered breathlessly with a smile.
'I think I can guess from my own experience.' She murmured back, pulling at my neck to bring me back down to kiss her again.
I felt her small hand slide down my body and into my pants to grasp my full throbbing member and I almost came undone. I broke the kiss so that I could plant smaller ones down her chest to lick and suck on her nipples. I tried to pay equal attention to each enticing little orb. They were so erect and firm and I loved spending time in this particular region of her body.
'I want to touch you Edward.' Bella whispered when she could no longer reach my cock.
'I know baby, but... I don't want this to be over before it has even begun. Let me make you feel good...let me love your body...' I said as I moved lower kissing bare skin between each word. ...'I just want to try something...may I?' I asked when I had finally kissed a path down to the peak of her woman hood between her thighs.
'Uh...no one has ever...you know...' She replied almost shyly.
'Do you trust me baby? You know I would never do anything that you don't want. I don't have to...I just wanted to please you...'
'Yes, I trust you Edward, I was just surprised. I don't mind if you don't mind...' I could see her blush even in the dim light and it turned me on no end.
I blew on the apex of her thighs and from where I was situated, I could see her looking on in curiosity and interest.
When I put my mouth on her I heard her groan and she closed her eyes for a moment. I felt like groaning too with how good she tasted. I pushed her thighs apart further and let my tongue get to work. I could see her skin getting all goose fleshed and her nipples were begging for attention the way they were standing up so erect, so I reached my arms up without taking my mouth off the sensitive area and fondled her nipples. It wasn't long before I felt the beginning of her climax. I kept up my ministrations on her body and it wasn't long before she erupted in a loud orgasm. I smiled to myself, quite proud that I had brought my woman pleasure, and incredibly close to my own release.
She lay back on the bed, panting as I kissed my way back up her body to her neck. She turned her head slowly and kissed me. I hadn't intended to kiss her on the mouth in case she was offended by it but she didn't seem to care.
'Now it's my turn.' She smiled at me and kissed my chest and moved lower to lick my nipples.
I was incredibly turned on by her attention and I decided to lie there and enjoy the moment. After a little while, she moved lower and pulled my pants off swiftly and then took my hard dick in her hands and licked up the shaft. She looked so sexy to me when she did this, and when she put her mouth around me...the feeling was just...indescribable.
After enjoying her attentions for a few moments I reached for her and said 'Baby, it feels so good when you do that but...I want to last for you...'
She smiled a knowing smile and crawled back up to me again. My hands were instantly on her breasts and I kissed her neck and mouth. I wanted to kiss everywhere. I was so turned on by this amazing woman and I couldn't get enough.
I rolled so that I was once again between her legs and positioned at her entrance. I wanted her so much but before we went any further I whispered into her ear 'Baby, you can tell me to stop at any time, you know that right?'
I knew she wasn't a virgin, but somehow, this time...us being together like this, was just as important.
She smiled and nodded, reaching up to kiss me with one hand reaching down below to rub my cock on her sweet, sweet woman hood. I could take it no longer. I had waited for this moment since the first second that I had laid eyes on her... I had wanted to be with her like this, but it felt like so much more than a physical thing now, it meant so much more.
I looked deep into her eyes as I slowly entered her and she held my gaze, taking a deep breath when I finally filled her to the hilt. She felt divine...so, so tight. I felt my legs shake and for one scary moment, I didn't think I was going to be able to hold my load.
I buried my face in her neck, her hair all around us and I whispered 'Are you ok?'
'More than ok. I'm perfect.'
It was then I knew that she wouldn't regret this and she was just as much into this as I was and deep inside, I rejoiced. I began to move inside her and the feeling was just so unbelievably good. It was more than I had ever experienced because it felt like home, like it was always meant to be.
The sight of Bella writhing under me was almost my undoing and as I heard her moans, I held on with all that I could. I bent my head and licked her nipples once again and then she began to thrust up urgently to meet my downward movements.
'Ohhh...ohhh...yes Edward...uhhhhh...' I could hear stimulating noises of pleasure and I realised that she was about to come. Only moments later I heard her squeal and then I felt the muscles of her body clenching around me in waves. I could take no more of this sweet torture and I thrust twice more into her before I spilled myself deep within her and I held her to me, panting and still inside of her. Neither of us could speak for a while and then after a minute I heard Bella murmur 'Oh, Edward...You were amazing.'
It's what every guy wants to hear after sex for the first time or any time really, and I was no exception.
'Thank you baby, you were pretty awesome yourself.' I said as I pulled out of her and rolled onto my side, bringing Bella with me to her side.
I could see her smile contentedly and then she stretched over and kissed me. 'Are you tired now?
'Yeah, I am. You got me pretty worked up baby.' I answered her honestly as we pulled up the messed up covers.
'Mmm, me too. I think I'll catch a little nap before I attack you again later.' Bella said sleepily.
'Good idea baby, good idea...' I murmured and kissed the top of her head in affection.
'Lover boy...I think I'm under your spell... Goodnight.'
'Good night beautiful.' I smoothed her hair back and then rolled onto my back to stare at the ceiling as I listened to Bella's breathing become deeper.
I had thought I would fall asleep immediately, but I couldn't. So much was going through my head and I was trying to make sense of it all.
I rolled back onto my side to look at Bella while she was sleeping. Something was growing in my chest and part of me was scared about what it all meant. A conversation slowly came to mind that my father had had with me and Jasper many years ago when I was only sixteen and I think perhaps I could only now understand what he had intended to convey...
Edward...when you feel it you will know it. It is more than physical and it's almost more than words. When I met your mother, I didn't immediately know how I felt – there was just something about her that I was drawn to and I couldn't stay away, but after some time, I just knew that she was the one, and now I could never be without her. I mean, don't get me wrong, sex will always be great, but with the right person it is so much more...
As I gently brushed a few wayward strands off Bella's face, I realised that I finally knew what my father had meant. It is more than words; it is more than...This feeling is huge, like I would walk through fire to get to her, like I would die without her. Before Bella, I had always felt that sex was great, and it didn't really matter who it was with although I would always rather be in a relationship until the last disaster...but now that I had found Bella, I could never be with anyone else, it would be her or no one, because I knew that I could never settle for anything less than how I felt now.
I watched as Bella's lashes fluttered in her slumber and I smiled at her. The feeling in my chest expanded more if it was possible and I was so grateful to have found her. This woman...I could trust beyond all others; that I loved above all others...and even these words were not enough...
I absolutely knew that this was love but I just could not put into words how I felt...there are just no words that fit. It felt like the most intense, highest and hugest love that ever was and I could not survive without her. The best I could put it as is this - more than my own life.
I loved her more than my own life.
I tossed up whether or not I should tell her how I felt as I pulled her gently against me so that I could feel her body flush against mine as I held her tenderly, kissing her on the shoulder and promising to always protect her and never let her go. If I tried to explain, would she understand what I was feeling? A simple 'I love you' just didn't feel like it would even come close...
'No Bella...I think I am under your spell...' I murmured before I faded into oblivion and bliss.
/
/
Thank you for reading. There will be more bliss and then drama, of course! It's what life is all about!
Those who review will get a teaser as I have been doing for the last couple of chappies.
Have a great week and stay safe until we meet again.
Kacull. xx