Previously:
He knew it was going to be a long night if one errant thought from Jessica could unhinge him. Just the sheer thought of not seeing Bella for the next eight hours had his stomach in a knot. Even though he knew his time in this charade was almost over, he knew, for now the facade must remain in place.
Edward finally was off at 5 am. It had been a long night in the busy ER. If he were human, he would have been exhausted. Of course, he kept up the charade and pretended to yawn and complain of a neck ache.
Jessica tried again to talk to him, "Dr. Cullen would you like to grab some coffee?"
"No, I'm going home to relax," he quickly dismissed her.
"I could help you out with that," when she offered him a massage, he had finally reached his toleration limit.
He informed her that, "The hospital has a strict no fraternizing policy and I would turn you in, without any hesitation if you even look at me again."
Finally, her thoughts turned into other things other than chaining him to a bed and flogging him to grant some type of sexual gratification. He actually shuddered totally repulsed.
Thankfully, it had been dark still and he was able to race to Bella's house. Edward waited until about 8 am before he went quickly to the local coffee shop and bought Bella her favorite muffin and a large cappuccino. He contemplated between leaving it and actually knocking on her door. Bella actually made his mind up for him.
As he was about to bend down to place it on the doormat, Bella threw open her door and collided with Edward. Her coffee went one way and her muffin crashed to the ground at their feet.
Edward quickly put his arms around her to steady her, and in the process stepped on her muffin. He glanced down at his foot and then his arms as he had Bella completely against him. Bella's scent completely engulfed them both and he inhaled deeply allowing it linger in his unneeded lungs. Being around Bella had helped him control his urges a little bit more. To him it was crucial. The last thing he wanted to do was drain his long awaited mate.
"Edward?" she gasped sharply.
"Hello, I - um, brought you some breakfast, but it would seem you will need another one." His arms lingered in place until she stepped back.
"You're the one who has been leaving me my coffee?"
He sighed, "Yes," he whispered softly and turned to leave.
"Wait! I am late again, but maybe tomorrow, you could come earlier and have coffee with me?" Bella looked into his eyes and seemed to understand.
A smiled played on Edward's lips as he agreed to come earlier the next day. He neglected to tell her that, he would be watching her every movement today, as he had for the last few days.
As Bella rushed to her truck, she couldn't help but think about how Edward had been stopping by and bring her her breakfast. Why had he not just knocked?
For some reason he seemed less intimidating now that she knew he was trying not to be caught. It was almost sweet the way he was trying to care for her. It was also a foreign feeling to Bella; she had never been taken care of.
As the morning dragged on Bella could not stop thinking about Edward and his sweet gesture towards her. How was it so easy for him to disarm her so completely?
From his usual spot behind the tree in the courtyard, Edward watched as she made her way through tedious her day. Seeing her do, the everyday things that humans did fascinated him. Never before had he been fascinated by a human, but then again, she was no mere human. She was his mate; she just did not know it yet. She would have an eternity to know whom she belonged to.
Tonight would be another treat for him, since he was not expected to work at the hospital; he would have the whole night to watch her. Maybe even do it from the comfort of her bedroom.
There was no doubt in Edward's mind that he could get in and observe her without being seen. The idea of being so close to her for such an extended time thrilled him tremendously.
The nasty thoughts of one male human in particular caught his attention,
'Man - she would look good wrapped around me! She wouldn't even have to enjoy it as long as I did. Maybe at tomorrow nights frat party? There is always someone there with enough GHB to knock a horse. Then again, she would probably want to actively participate. I'll invite her tomorrow morning before the teacher arrives.'
A possessive snarl emanated from deep in Edward's chest. 'No one touches my mate!' his mind screamed. It took every once of control he possessed not to shred the boy as he ogled Bella.
'Something would have to be done about this,' he started to formulate a plan to keep his mate safe.
This time when the phone vibrated in his pocket, he ignored the pixie. However, he also knew if he wanted to protect her, he would have to wait and decide what to do when the time was right.
Bella dropped her bag next to her seat and sighed. 'This day is dragging on and on,' she thought. The guy next to her, James brought her out of her musings. She recognized him because he was in her friend Jacob's fraternity.
Come to think of that, ever since Jake had gotten into that stupid fraternity she had not really been able to spend any time with him. James again brought her out of her thoughts, "Bella, hello...earth to you." James waved his hand in front of her face.
She quickly shoved his hand away annoyed. "What do you want James?" She looked at him with disgust. In her opinion, he was a vile waste of being.
Jacob knew this and she sometimes thought that was why he encouraged James, to just irritate the shit out of her. "Wow, you're in a great mood. That's okay; I love it when you're feisty." Bella rolled her eyes and focused on the front of the classes. Hoping that James would get the hint.
Of course, he didn't. "So, there's a frat party on Friday." Bella stopped James from continuing.
"Yes, James, I am well aware of all the parties you guys have. Before you continue, no I don't want to go with you or anyone else or even come anywhere close so please stop wasting your breath." James was about to retort with some nasty comment when a student aide walked in.
"Mr. Banner isn't going to be able to make it today or Friday. You're free to go." Everyone quickly got their things and rushed out of the room.
The only two people left in the room were her and James. Bella grabbed her bag and began to walk towards the door. Just as she reached it, James was suddenly in front of her blocking her only exit.
"You know I'm getting real sick of your self-righteous attitude. There are other girls that would kill at a chance to hang out with me and the guys from the frat house!"
"Yeah, I'm sure they would just kill for a chance to get raped at one of your famous parties. Now, move aside so I can go. I've got things to do." Bella tried to make a move for the door and James blocked her by grabbing her hand.
He brought his other hand up to cup her face and pulled her to him to kiss her. She flung her book bag into him, but all it did was egg him on. "Told you, I like it feisty."
James crashed his lips to hers and moved her up against the wall. She shoved, pushed, and finally she bit his lip. "Agghh! You stupid Bitch!" He flung her into the wall.
He grabbed her cheeks and tried again to kiss her. She stomped on his foot and shot her knee up to his groin. He screamed out at her, "This isn't over yet!"
Bella just kept running out of the building until she collided with a body. She let out a shriek and began to push the person away. All she could think of was James' hands all over her. His lips on hers. "Get off of me!" she screamed.
"Bella...BELLA! Stop it! It's me, Edward! Bella, honey look at me...c'mon baby look at me..." Edward brushed his fingers through her hair and then brought them around her face.
He proceeded to run them up and down her arms in an attempt to calm her. Finally, she was able to breathe and he guided them over to a bench. "Bella, love, tell me what happened. What's wrong?" Bella looked up at him with fearful eyes.
"James, Jacob's fraternity brother, he tried…and…I - I tried...and he…," Bella took a shaky breath and tried again, "James tried to attack me, he kissed me and I was able get away. Then, I ran into you. I didn't hurt you did I?" Edward chuckled at this.
"No, love, you didn't hurt me. Are you okay now; I mean you're not hurt are you?" Bella blushed and looked down, "you shouldn't look down love. I love it when you blush," Edward laughed when it seemed Bella blushed even harder.
"Bella would you like to go out to dinner - with me?" Bella blinked in shock and finally formulated some words. She looked over at Edward's hopeful eyes. She bumped her shoulder against his and playfully asked, "Are you asking me out on a date, Dr. Cullen?" Edward was taken back by her playful banter. She was actually flirting with him.
When Edward did not respond immediately, he sensed her wall coming back up. Her heart rate increased and she ducked her head. "Hmm, I - I mean...it doesn't have to...you know…be...a date...friends go to dinner...I better go...I" Bella tried to pull her hands out of Edward's hands, but he just gripped them tighter.
She started to tear up and Edward pulled her close. "Bella, you misunderstand me. Of course, I want it to be a date. I was just a little taken back because I could have sworn I have told you to call me Edward. Please beautiful, dry up your eyes and look at me." Edward swiped his finger under her eyes and gently dried her tears.
He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "So my love what do you say? Would you go out to dinner with me?" Bella's entire face lit up and she nodded her head against Edward's.
"Yes, Edward, I would love to go have dinner with you." Edward picked up Bella and spun her around all the while hearing her giggle and telling him to put her down.
He reluctantly put her down and they began walking towards his car. "Edward, where are we going?"
"You're done aren't you? For the day?" Edward asked Bella.
She looked at him questioningly. "Yeah, but - how did you know that?"
Edward realized his mistake so he quickly backtracked. "I just figured you were done for the day, after everything that happened, I thought maybe on top of our date tonight, we could go get that coffee and muffin? For a snack before dinner? Only if you want to...I."
Edward ran his hand through his hair and Bella reached out to touch his face. Edward's instincts kicked in and he quickly grabbed her hand.
"Edward, are you okay? Your eyes, they were topaz a moment ago and now they are - pitch black." Edward closed his eyes for a moment and calmed himself down. It wasn't that he was angry. No, he wanted Bella, in every way possible. Gathering himself, he opened his eyes.
Bella was looking at him with concern, "Okay, this - is - different. Now they are topaz again. Are you all right? Are you…"
"I'm fine Bella, just drop it," Edward demanded.
Bella looked at him with wide eyes and nodded her head. "Why don't we skip coffee? I'm not that hungry anyways. If you still want to go to dinner what time do you want to go?" Bella asked.
They had reached Edward's car and he held open the door. "I'll pick you up at 7 pm," Edward stated, "dress casual and make sure you bring a coat."
Bella slid in the seat and Edward shut the door. He went around to the other side and got in. The drive to Bella's apartment went by fast. Edward walked around and opened the car door for Bella. She began walking towards the building and Edward was suddenly in front of her. "Edward, what are you doing?"
"Listen to me Bella; I want you to stay with me. Do you understand? You are not to leave my side."
"What for Edward? What's wrong?"
"Just promise me Bella. Just listen to me and do it. Do not ask questions. You'll find out soon enough," Edward told her.
She looked up at his eyes and once again, they were smoldering, yet, Edward seemed to be pleading with her and she knew in her heart that she could trust him. "Okay Edward, I'll do what you ask."
Edward leaned down and kissed Bella fiercely before breaking away and leading Bella up to her apartment.
Hello peeps! I have a beta! Her name is nails 233 and she is absolutely AMAZAING! I LOVE her! :) Anyways, things are finally starting to come together and I've started a new story. It's called As If She Never Existed. You should check it out. :) Thanks to everyone reading and BIG thanks to my beta nails 233 because without her this story and my new story would be nothing. :o) Thanks everyone!