Just Stay With Me

by cantobycomeoutandplay

AU/AH. Sometimes when we least expect it, the one thing we never knew we needed walks right in the door. Reposted. Posted chapters currently being beta'd. Will be finished

8. Harder

A/N: All info located in chapter "Over" posting.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Stephenie Meyer, the creator of Twilight.

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Bella opened her eyes slowly, blinking at the bright light coming in.

She dug the heels of her palms into them as she yawned.

She began to stretch as she looked at the clock on the nightstand.

10:20

She rubbed her forehead. Damn.

She turned her head to find she was alone in her bed.

She then trained her eyes on the ceiling in front of her.

She was exhausted.

She'd only slept about five hours.

Edward had "helped" Jacob up to bed and then came back down for her.

No words had been spoken between the two but none were needed.

Bella could tell hers and Jake's little charade had worked.

Maybe Bella wasn't such a horrible liar after all.

And not surprisingly, Bella didn't feel too good about that.

She sat upright, held the blankets and sheets up and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

She placed her feet to the floor and stood up.

She winced.

Her muscles were sore. Like she had been doing squats and lunges all night long.

She smiled and blushed a little.

Yeah, far from that.

She made her way to the bathroom despite the pain.

Her back was aching, too.

Jake was going to have to stop slamming her into things so damn hard.

It was exciting when he was aggressive with her but she always paid for it the next day.

This wouldn't be the first time she'd have to pop some Advil and take a scalding shower.

She shook her head and smiled again.

She wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

She hadn't meant to sleep so late.

As a matter of fact, she was surprised Edward let her sleep so late.

For this type of weekend, being the wife, she wasn't doing a very good job.

She grimaced.

Now that she and Jake were straightened out (well, as straightened out as they could be) she had no excuse.

She was going to have to make a better effort.

For Edward.

She knew how important this weekend was to him.

She quickly showered and got dressed.

She blew her hair out even though it almost didn't seem worth it since she was at the beach and would most likely go in the water at some point. She had her bathing suit on underneath her clothes already.

Just a cute yet classic one piece. A solid royal blue, nothing special.

It didn't make her look sexy like she knew Rose would in one of her infamous two pieces but it didn't look so bad on her.

Alice had scoffed at it of course and refused to touch it.

She sighed.

Alice.

She would have to call her soon and apologize.

She missed her friend.

She put her hair up into a decent ponytail with a few wispy strands framing her face and her loose curls bouncing around down her back.

She looked tired and really pale. She was whiter than milk by nature but this looked like an unhealthy shade of pale. Sickly.

She cringed. She could see the faint traces of dark circles underneath her eyes. She put on a little make-up to help with her little imperfections. But she kept it light and natural. That's how she always wore it. That's how she liked it.

After taking one last glimpse in the mirror, satisfied with her work, she then made her way out of the room (leaving the bed making for later, she was on vacation after all) and down the stairs.

She didn't see anyone in the kitchen or living room. She heard some voices coming from the open door leading to the deck. The door was open but the screen had been left closed.

She practically bounced over to the refrigerator and opened it, looking for some water. She found it in the same spot she had last night and pulled it out.

Bella was happier than a woman who was cheating on her husband, in love with another man even, should be. But she couldn't help it. She just felt lighter and...better. She felt like something new and exciting was starting. She was content and felt younger than she had in a while. Almost like a girl who had gone out on a date that went really well. Or had received that call she had been waiting on from that guy. She couldn't describe it but something about Jake just brightened something in her, bringing all her good qualities to the surface.

She smiled as she thought of him, smiling at her, laughing with her (and at her 'cause that's Jake), kissing her. She replayed his words in her head. "I love you, Bells." And just like that, she seemed to get even brighter.

Why had she tried to push this away? Why had she been so scared of it before? She felt new, alive, happy, carefree, and light. She was a new person today. And that person wasn't letting Jacob Black go anytime soon. Her need for him last night had been so great it had consumed her entire being. But now she felt a new need arise within her that called for Jacob. And it wasn't sexual. It was an all-encompassing need. She just needed to be near him, to see him, to know he was there. To see his smile, to feel his touch, his warmth. To hear him laugh, talk about something he was passionate about. To smell his scent as she hugged him close. She smiled and closed her eyes. Three days. She opened them happily.

She could do that. For him.

She closed the door and headed out to the deck.

There, sitting at a table farther from the door than the one she and Jake had occupied last night, was Edward, Rose, Ness and Emmett, all sitting down, talking animatedly and laughing. They were drinking coffee and eating breakfast it seemed.

Ness was the first to see her, beaming at her.

"Bella! Good morning! How are you? I hope you're feeling better. You look like you are." Ness laughed and got to her feet, air kissing Bella.

Bella smiled widely. "Thank you. I am feeling better. I'm sorry I woke up so late."

Edward got up and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, love."

She smiled at him.

Rose ignored her even though Bella waved and said good morning. Emmett gave her a huge grin. "Mornin', Sleepyhead."

She laughed. Ness gestured to the food on the table. "Are you hungry? There's plenty of food here and there's some more in the kitchen."

Bella smiled warmly at the girl. Jacob's wife or not, Ness was a very nice person.

"No, I'm okay. Thank you, though. I actually was thinking of taking a walk on the beach, if that's okay. Unless you guys have something planned, that is."

Ness shook her head and smiled. "No, no. That sounds like a wonderful idea. But before you do, Bella, I was wondering if maybe you could help me in the kitchen for a second."

She didn't even wait for Bella's response as she turned to go back in the house.

Bella's heart plummeted in her chest. Uh oh. Why would she need to talk to Bella? Alone? Shit. And for that matter, where was Jacob? Did Ness know? Did she kick Jacob out, make him leave?

She felt herself beginning to hyperventilate as she thought of Jacob being gone and she not even knowing. Surely, if Ness knew, then Jake would have woken Bella up to tell her he was leaving. There would be no reason for secrecy at that point.

And then Bella felt her heart start to beat really fast. Or what if Ness did know and she threatened Jacob, forcing him to end it? What if he agreed because he didn't want to lose Ness and he didn't really love Bella like he had claimed? What if it wasn't enough?

Miraculously through all her racing thoughts and panic button pushing, the warm smile stayed plastered on her face as she looked towards Edward. She mouthed 'What's that about?' He gave her an apologetic smile and mouthed back 'Sorry.'

She narrowed her eyes at him and let the smile finally wipe off her face. Great. He had told Ness about last night. And Ness must've put two and two together. Fucking great.

She glared at him and at least he had the decency to look sheepish before she turned and walked away, following Ness' path into the house.

Ness was standing at the counter, unwrapping some fruit from the fridge and grabbing another pot of coffee that had just been brewed. Bella had been so oblivious in her reverie before the scent never even entered her nostrils.

The woman looked so at home (well, of course, it was her house after all) and so...perfect. How could Jake not love her? Or anyone for that matter.

Ness smiled when she noticed Bella had walked in.

"Can I get you some coffee, Bella?"

Bella gave her a small smile and shook her head, looking down.

"No, I'm okay, thank you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Ness waved her hand dismissively. "Bella, you are a guest here. Please. Sit down." She waved to the stools underneath the counter facing her.

Bella nodded and made her way over to one.

She sat down and faced the younger woman. Ness was cutting up the fruit and placing it onto a plate in some elegant fashion. Great. She's got a knife. Yeah, this is gonna end well.

"So Bella..."

She looked up at Bella and gave her a smile before looking back down at her hands.

Bella swallowed.

"Edward tells me you had a very late night last night."

Bella's heart plummeted once more. Shit! What the fuck, Edward? Goddammit! Do you have to tell her everything? Is she your boss or your mother? Jesus Christ!

"Umm...yeah...I wasn't feeling very well and I woke up and came downstairs to get some water. I didn't want to wake him."

She was somewhat relieved that her voice didn't sound as shaky as she felt.

It's not that she was scared of Ness confronting her now that she obviously knew the truth. It was being without Jake. That need only increased as her fear of losing him soared to new heights. It even outweighed her fear of her marriage to Edward ending, because that would surely happen once he knew. She knew Edward. This wouldn't be something he could ever forgive or move past.

Ness smiled but didn't look up. "Of course." She kept cutting the fruit into halves and then quarters.

Shit. Why do I get the feeling that after that piece of melon, I'm next?

Ness sighed and then put the knife down, looking at Bella while placing her palms face down on the counter next to her.

"You know, Bella,"

Bella cringed internally and all panic reactions were going off simultaneously. Here it comes.

"I wanted to thank you for last night. Edward told me about Jacob. And I just wanted to say thank you for not leaving him here to drink himself into oblivion. Thank you for keeping an eye on him."

Oh, she had more than an eye on him last night. Bella bit her lip and tried to focus on the conversation at hand rather than recall the 'hot' episode that played out in that room with the desk down the hall.

Ness scoffed and returned back to her cutting. "You know, that's why he stayed down here. He knows I hate it when he drinks. He started at dinner and seemed real perturbed about something. Although..."

Ness trailed off brokenly, stopping her cutting for a second. Bella felt the guilt stab into her chest at the sound. Dammit, she didn't want to hurt this woman! She really didn't! But her need for Jake was too great. She just silently prayed that somehow this would all work out, that there would be no need for Ness or Edward to ever be hurt. She didn't know how that would be possible given the situation and its circumstances but she prayed anyway.

Ness cleared her throat, smiled at Bella and resumed her cutting. Before Ness lowered her eyes to the fruit, Bella could see they were glistening. Shit.

Whatever happiness Bella felt this morning, even ten minutes ago, was now gone.

"Although, I had no idea what was bothering him so much. He drank all through dinner and continued even after we came home. He was rude and sarcastic and completely out of line any time I or the others would try to talk to him. Eventually, we all went off to bed but he stayed. I've never been more embarrassed, Bella."

Bella lowered her eyes to the counter. She had really hurt Jake. She had done that.

She forced her eyes back up to Ness when she began talking again.

"Sorry. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, Bella." She gave Bella a warm smile that let the guilt move from her chest to every nerve ending in her body. Bella shook her head.

"No, no. I understand. It's okay."

Ness smiled wider and lowered her eyes to her hands, the knife being placed on the cutting board. "It's just..." Ness then raised her head to look at Bella. "I didn't know that he thought...we were having problems. I mean, we're not, as far as I know. And I don't understand what he means by that and why he would talk to you about it of all people."

Bella winced involuntarily and looked down.

Ness shook her head. "Oh no, I'm sorry, Bella. That came out wrong. I don't mean anything against you. I appreciate you listening to him and letting him talk to you. I guess he needed to get some things off his chest. I just...wish he had talked to me about it."

Ness then looked away and she could see her right hand lift up and wipe something off the side of her face that wasn't facing Bella. Bella's stomach clenched. Shit. What the fuck was she doing? Why did this all have to be so damn complicated? Why, oh why, did she have to be in love with this woman's husband? Why?

She heard Ness take in a deep breath, cleared her throat and turned a warm smile onto Bella.

"But thank you for taking care of him last night." Bella gulped. She was sure Ness could hear it.

Bella nodded and looked down with a small smile. "Sure."

Ness then began cutting again. "So..." Her voice sounded cheerier than it had a minute ago. "My father and mother are throwing a little soiree at their house tonight. It's just a little ways down the beach here. It's casual but classy. Some potential clients are going to be there and such. We're all invited." She looked up at Bella and smiled. "I'll hope you come, Bella. If you're feeling better, that is."

Bella smiled. "Yeah, it sounds like fun. I feel bad for missing dinner last night. I'm sorry about that."

Ness shook her head and smiled good-naturedly going back to her handiwork. "Nonsense. I'm just sorry that you weren't feeling well. But I'm glad you're doing better this morning."

Bella smiled wider. "Much."

Ness finished and put the knife in the sink. She then put the plate of beautifully arranged fruit onto a tray with the coffee pot along with cream and milk from the fridge.

Bella got up and moved towards her. "Oh here, let me help with you that."

Ness picked up the tray laughing. "No, no. You relax, Bella. I told you, you're a guest. But thank you, though."

Bella moved to the door. "At least let me get the door for you." She opened both the glass and the screen doors so Ness could get through. Ness stopped in front of her and flashed her a quick smile. "Thanks again, Bella. For listening. You're a real sweetheart."

Bella's heart fell. She looked down. "Anytime."

Ness' smile got wider and she walked out, making her way to the table as Rose stepped in.

"Oh. Hello, Bella."

Bella gave her a meek smile. "Good morning, Rose."

Rose put her nose up in the air and walked past her, heading over to the cabinets. Emmett then bounded in. "Bella! I haven't given you a hug yet today. C'mere!"

He grabbed Bella up into a huge bear hug and spun her around laughing. She giggled as she hung helplessly from his large frame.

Right behind Emmett's large shoulder, she saw Jacob come into view. And even though she had no air to speak of, she suddenly felt like she was able to breathe.

He looked freshly showered, his hair still somewhat damp and he had on khaki shorts along with a nice looking dark t-shirt.

Her mouth watered.

As well as...other things.

"Morning, guys."

Rose mumbled a hello without looking at him. Emmett dropped Bella and turned around. He smiled wide and made his way over to Jake, hand extended.

"Morning, man. Afternoon, I mean. Late night?"

Jake laughed and grasped his hand firmly and shook it while clapping Emmett on the shoulder.

"You might say that."

Bella knew she was blushing so she turned around, pretending that she was looking on the deck for someone. Even though Ness and Edward were right in her view, sitting and laughing.

She and Jake still hadn't made eye contact yet. She knew he wasn't ignoring her but with Emmett right there it was too risky. She felt her nerves begin to tingle in anticipation. She was nervous of all things. She hated this shy schoolgirl persona she seemed to take on now whenever she thought of Jake. And he seemed to be the senior guy she was crushing on. She bit her lip to distract herself.

She heard Jake speak again. "Besides, man, it's only 11:15. Still morning."

Emmett's booming laugh filled the kitchen.

"Uh huh. You're lucky, dude. If I got up that late, my woman would beat my ass."

Bella couldn't resist. She risked a glance at Rose. She saw the blonde straighten up and turn around, a murderous glare settled on her features towards her boyfriend.

Bella laughed internally and rolled her eyes. Oh, Emmett. Sometimes you really should think before you speak.

"Emmett, do you see me standing right here?"

Bella winced at the icy venom in her tone.

She turned to look towards Emmett. Jake was staring between the two, watching the likely fight unfold, just as much as she was.

Emmett shrugged nonchalantly and gave Rose his huge grin. "Babe, I'm just kidding around. No biggie. I don't mean you would literally. Chill."

Rose scoffed and turned back to the cabinets, grabbing the Splenda, her coffee mug and soy milk before turning around to head in Bella's direction.

They heard Rose mutter low, obviously not caring who heard. "Whatever. I need caffeine. I am fucking exhausted. Asshole." And with that she disappeared out the door.

She turned back to Emmett and he rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "She's just a little tired, that's all."

Bella nodded.

Jake clapped Emmett's shoulder again. "Really? Late night, Em? You guys sleep okay? I mean, it sounded like you did." Bella's eyes widened. Christ, Jake!

Emmett roared with laughter. She pressed her lips together fighting the laugh that was trying to force its way out of her mouth. She couldn't help the smile though, no matter how tight she clamped them down.

"We slept okay. Thanks."

Jake laughed. Bella turned back to the door. She could see Rose sitting down talking and Edward looking back at her. She smiled and he smiled, giving a small wave before turning back to the conversation. Ness turned and smiled. Then Rose said something that drew Ness's attention back towards her.

She heard Emmett behind her. "Bella, Bella, Bella." She turned around to find Emmett grinning down at her. She grinned right back at him.

"Emmett, Emmett, Emmett."

He laughed and pulled her into a one-armed embrace and turned them both towards Jake. He was grabbing a coffee mug out of the cabinet and grinning goofily at her. She bit her lip and forced her eyes to Emmett next to her.

"Bella, you are one of the best chicks I know. The coolest, even."

Bella's eyes widened in false shock. "Really? The coolest?"

Emmett smiled and pecked her forehead. "Hell yeah. Isn't that right, Jake?" He turned towards Jake and so did she. He had that amused grin on his face.

He nodded. "Yep. She's definitely got the coolness factor." His eyes had that humorous glint to them.

Emmett laughed. "Seriously, Bella. You need to come hang out with us guys today, okay? I mean, don't tell anyone this but," He looked around as if he was making sure he was in the clear and then leaned down towards her, making his voice a little lower. "I need you to hang around me today. Okay?"

Bella gave him a smirk. "And why do you need me to hang around you today?"

Emmett leaned a little closer. "Because I think Rose is pissed at me. And if she attacks, I need you there to protect me."

Bella nodded her head and bit her lip while frowning. She made sure to look dead serious, as if she was considering the validity of his request.

"Mmmm, I see. And Rose is pissed at you, you say?"

Emmett raised his head and nodded. "Um-hmm."

Bella nodded again and looked away for a second down at the counter (and not the spot where Jake was because if she did she wouldn't be able to hold it in) and dug her teeth into her bottom lip. She then turned back to Emmett who was giving her a cocky grin.

"Really? It didn't sound like she was pissed at you last night."

Emmett's mouth dropped in shock.

She heard Jake bust up laughing. Emmett then joined him.

Bella smiled smugly.

"What did I tell you, man? The coolest chick ever!"

Jake nodded, still laughing, grabbing a spoon from a drawer.

Emmett looked down at her in clear admiration. "Damn, Bella. You think you're funny, dontcha? You're gonna pick on your Emmett like that?" He gave her a fake pout and she laughed. "You're gonna have to make it up to me now."

Bella gave him an 'uh-oh' look while still grinning. "Oh no, what's going on in that big head of yours?"

"Tonight when we go to this little party they're having, I get you for a dance." Bella's mouth gaped open in utter horror. Emmett gave her a sleazy grin.

"Twice."

Bella smacked his chest. "Emmett, you know I can't dance."

He laughed. "I never said you'd be dancing, Bella. We all know that, for crying out loud. Hell, even Jake here knows it."

Jake nodded. "Yep, it's true."

She turned and glared at him.

He smiled wickedly.

"First time we met, she broke four of my toes and almost wiped me out damn near three times."

She huffed and when Emmett guffawed, she smacked his chest again before glaring back at Jake.

"I gave you plenty of warning, if memory serves me correctly."

Jake shrugged his shoulders, smirking at her. "Yeah, but, is there really anyone out there that's truly that much of a klutz, that uncoordinated?"

"Yeah, this girl right here." Emmett pointed at her and laughed even harder when Bella turned her glare on him. She huffed again and crossed her arms.

Emmett pulled her into a hug laughingly. "I love you, Bella. You're too much." Her eyes snapped to Jake's worriedly. She knew Emmett meant it in a strictly platonic way but she wasn't so sure if Jake did.

Turns out she had nothing to worry about. Jake's grin was plastered on his face and he gave her a wink before Emmett pulled back to look at her.

"So is that it, Em? Will that make it up to you if this highly uncoordinated klutzy person steps all over your feet and breaks a few bones? Will that do?"

Emmett smirked. "Nope."

She glared mockingly. "What else?"

Emmett smirked wider. "A kiss."

Her eyebrows arched and she smiled. "Really?"

He moved in closer. "Uh huh."

She stared right back at him, giving him her own smirk.

Emmett moved closer and she didn't budge nor did her expression change.

He then laughed and pointed to his cheek while offering it.

Bella giggled and kissed it. "There. All better now?"

Emmett smiled. "Much." He then laughed and pulled her into a hug. Jake was silently laughing.

Emmett then released her and rolled his eyes. "Okay, I'm gonna go out there. If Rose eats me alive, you can't say I didn't warn you. And then I'll be gone for good, Bella. Who's gonna come and sweep you off your feet?"

Bella laughed and kissed him on the cheek once more. "You know it's funny, Em, something tells me I'm gonna be okay." He pouted at her and she laughed again while kissing his cheek. "You'll be fine. You're a big boy, you can handle it."

He laughed and gave her a peck on the forehead. "Wish me luck." And then he walked out the door leaving the two of them alone.

She turned and faced Jake. His eyes were boring into hers and he gave her a small smile.

"Hey."

She smiled.

"Hey."

He bit his lip and turned to glance out the window. When satisfied, he turned to her and beckoned her with his finger.

She frowned and leaned back to look outside. Emmett had made his way to the table and was now seated next to a very surly looking Rose. They were all talking. She swallowed and made her way over to him quickly.

He pulled her to him roughly and he pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes popped open. Was he insane? They were right outside!

He moved his lips with hers for a moment before pulling back, his eyes still closed.

"Mmmmm. Morning."

He then opened his eyes and looked at her. She whispered. "Morning."

He smiled and leaned in and began placing kisses on her neck. She could hear laughing outside. She just hoped they wouldn't come anywhere near here for right now.

"How'd you sleep?"

Bella closed her eyes. "Okay, I guess. You?"

He worked his kisses up to her ear. "Very well."

Bella nodded. Her breaths were starting to pick up. That need was building again.

"That's good."

He took her ear lobe into his teeth and bit down lightly. "Umhmm."

Bella sighed contentedly and leaned into his touch.

She then heard a shout and pulled from his grasp to look out the window.

Her heart was beating fast.

Emmett was standing up doing some sort of impression or something that had them all laughing.

But they were all still there.

She felt Jake behind her.

He pressed himself against her and whispered in her ear.

"Relax, honey. They can't see us from here."

He bent his head and began kissing her neck, making a flooding warmth in her panties.

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. God, I should just stop wearing underwear.

Jake chuckled. Her eyes flipped open. Had she just said that out loud?

"Well, I certainly wouldn't object to that. Hell, I wouldn't mind if you chose to skip the clothes altogether and walked around naked. I'd actually prefer it. That way I can see your sexy body all the time and I can take advantage of you anytime I want."

And then he pushed her into the counter with his hips and she felt his erection in her back.

She gasped. She could still see them all out there from where she was standing so she risked it and closed her eyes and leaned her head back against him.

He let his tongue glide on her neck and a quiet moan escaped her. She was beginning to breathe erratically. She forced her eyes open and she saw that no one had moved yet.

She could feel the need for him gnawing at her, clawing its way to the surface, trying to gain control. She boldly moved her arm back between them and grabbed his erection. She squeezed him and he moaned into her neck.

"Fuck, Bells. You're not gonna make this easy on me, are you? I mean, I've taken two cold showers and jerked off three times already this morning just from thinking about last night and I've still got this fucking hard-on."

Bella let him go but continued to rub him through his shorts. She could hear his breathing start to speed up. She watched the others outside. She should feel guilty, especially since the talk with his wife this morning. But, she just couldn't. She needed this man like air. She needed his hands that were now working their way into her shorts, past her panties and stroking her folds.

He groaned and buried his face into her neck. "Fuck, Bells. You're wet for me again. You have no idea what that does to me. Fuck. What am I gonna do? How am I not gonna just bend you over this counter right now and fuck the living shit out of you?" He began to circle her clit in gentle circles.

She began to rub him faster. She saw Edward laugh and yet she felt nothing. No love for him, no hatred, no shame, no guilt, no resentment, no longing, nothing.

She heard Jake groan again. "Bells, I can't take this. I know we're risking it and it's probably not our smartest move right now but, I need to take you. I need to be inside you. Right. Now."

And just like that, the need took control.

The new Bella snaked his hand out of her shorts and spun around to face him.

"No."

He frowned. "Bells, I-"

She held a finger to his lips.

"No. I want you to watch out that window and keep a look out. And while you do, I want you to tell me what your favorite parts were of last night. The parts that make your dick throb so hard it hurts when you think of them."

Jake's eyes were wide in shock. His mouth was hanging open.

The new Bella gave him that sexy smile of hers as she stroked his face.

"Jake?"

He swallowed.

"Yeah?"

Bella smiled more. She leaned in and began to rub his erection again while whispering to his lips.

"Are you going to do as I tell you or am I just going to have to take what I want?"

She nipped playfully at his chin.

He gulped. She heard it.

"U-Umm...o-okay. Yeah."

She smiled in satisfaction. She had this big man stammering. She felt powerful and she liked it.

She tapped his nose and gave him her most playful sex kitten look ever.

"Okay. Now I want you to keep your eyes on them. And I want you to enjoy yourself but try to keep it down, okay?"

He nodded eagerly.

She smiled. "We don't want to attract their attention, do we?"

He shook his head.

She leaned in and brushed her lips across his lightly but didn't kiss him.

She stuck her tongue out and swiped her tongue across his closed lips, tasting them.

"Are they coming in?"

Jake's chest was heaving in and out.

"I-"

"Jake, I told you to watch them. Now tell me, are they coming in?"

He looked past her. He shook his head. "No."

She smiled. "Okay then."

She dropped to her knees and popped the button on his shorts and unzipped them as fast as she could.

Jake stared down at her in shock. "Bells, you don't have to d-"

She snapped up at him. "Are you watching them?"

His head shot up rigidly to look out the window.

"Yes."

Bella stilled her fingers that were working his erection out of his boxers.

"And?"

He swallowed. "And, they're still talking."

She nodded her head in approval.

"Good."

And then she maneuvered his dick out and lowered his clothes just a bit.

She could hear his heavy breathing above her.

"Oh and Jake?"

He snuck a peek down at her.

"Start talking."

And then she took him into her eagerly awaiting mouth.

She heard him hiss above her. "Shit."

She engulfed him and slowly pulled him back out.

"Fuuckk."

She had swiped her tongue underneath the head and then trailed down his shaft coming back up on the other side.

She heard him groan. She glanced up to see he had both hands on the counter, gripping it so tight his palms were white where the skin met the surface. He was leaning towards her and the counter. He was staring out the window but she could see he was trying hard to focus like she told him to.

She worked her way with the tip of her tongue around the head this time and then pulled back, placing a feather light kiss on top of it, somehow missing the glistening pre-come making its way out just inches from where she kissed.

She then wrapped both hands around his shaft, holding him there.

She looked up at him.

"Jake?"

He didn't look down at her but whispered in response.

"Yes, baby?"

She began to twist her hands in opposing directions slowly.

She saw him close his eyes but then open them right back up again.

"What were your favorite parts from last night? Tell me."

She heard him let out another harsh breath as she picked up a little speed.

"So many, baby. I don't know where to start."

"Try."

She leaned forward and let the tip of her tongue slowly lick his opening, tasting his juices and smearing them all around.

She felt him jerk forward a little at the movement.

"Fuck." She then removed her top hand and began to slowly suck on him while pumping the remainder of his dick with her other.

"Ummm...I...uh...I...loved it when you-uh-you-c-came for-me."

She pulled him out of her mouth and snuck a glance upwards.

"Really? That's it?"

She then held his erection slightly higher and dove in towards his sac, taking one of them in her mouth and gently grazing the skin with her teeth.

She felt him jerk towards her again.

"Ho-ly shit!" She then felt a hand tangle itself into her hair and grab it gently but with a little force.

She suckled him and then released him with a pop. She leaned back to find him staring down at her, wide-eyed.

She smiled her sexy little smile. "I don't believe I said you could watch me. Eyes back to the window, buddy. Now!"

Jake's head snapped back up at her command.

She smiled wider.

She loved that he listened to her.

She was in control. And for once, she was telling him what to do.

And she loved it.

"Clear?"

She saw him nod, clearly struggling not to look down at her again.

She began to move her hand up and down his shaft again. His hand was still in her hair and from this angle, she was able to hold his arm to her, turn her head and lick the skin before nipping it.

"So? Continue. Another favorite part."

She heard him begin to breathe even faster than before.

"My...shit...my next-fuck Bells!"

She had released his member only to then shove him into her mouth and take him all in until he was hitting the back of her throat. Even then, she still wasn't able to take him completely in all the way. She left him in there for a few seconds before pulling him back out, twisting her head and trying with great effort to trail her tongue over several areas of skin as she did.

She then replaced her right hand on his shaft and took the remaining top part into her mouth, bobbing her head up and down while pumping him faster than she had before.

She felt him begin to thrust his hips towards her, fucking her mouth gently.

She felt like she had died and gone to Jacob heaven. His body was her salvation.

His hand was still in her hair, trying to lightly guide her movements.

She then worked her way back up to the head and grazed him with her teeth, earning another hiss from him, and then suckled it before releasing it with a pop.

She looked up to find him staring down at her.

"Jake..."

He looked back towards the window, groaning. "Sorry Bells, it's just -fucking torture to not be able to watch you. They're still there-don't worry." He closed his eyes, shutting them tightly and then opened them again.

She released him earning another groan of disappointment.

"Jake?"

He risked a quick glance downwards.

"Do you want to know what my favorite part was?"

He was breathing pretty heavily but he managed that sexy smirk that only made her wet her panties more.

"I think I have an idea."

She smiled and stood up making him whimper and give her a pleading look.

She leaned in and kissed his lips lightly, cupping his cheek.

She turned slightly to look behind her out the window, not letting him go.

Yep, they were all still there, eating and drinking coffee. Wow.

But she knew they wouldn't be for long.

And she would not let him go without getting what she wanted.

So she would have to make this fast.

She turned back to him, smirking.

He smiled at her and leaned in for another kiss but she pulled away.

She instead moved around him and then came up behind him.

He was taller than her and a big guy at that so she moved him a little to the left so they could both see out the window.

She nipped his covered shoulder and then kissed it softly.

"Do you know why I kept biting you last night, Jake?"

He started to turn back to her but she clamped her hands on his shoulders and barked out a "Stay there!"

He did as he was told and then shook his head. He swallowed.

She smiled, never taking her eyes off him, and with her right hand, grasped his erection from behind. She heard him take a sharp breath as she did.

She kissed his shoulder again.

"Because I want you, Jake."

She began to pump her hand faster.

She heard him moan quietly and saw his head tilt back a bit, his eyes closed.

She smiled.

From the corner of her eye, she could see no one had moved from their spots outside.

She picked up her pace.

"I want all of you, Jake."

She stuck her tongue out to the bare skin of his arm that wasn't covered by the shirt. She then gave it an open-mouthed kiss.

Afterwards with some difficult maneuvering, still trying to maintain her grip and speed on him, she was able to wriggle her left hand into her shorts and underwear, bury two fingers inside herself for a moment (making her groan in frustration, she wanted nothing more than to fuck them at this point, she was so turned on but this was about him right now, not her) and then pull them out.

She then brought her hand up to his face and placed the two wet fingers to his lips. He opened his eyes and took them into his mouth, sucking them greedily. She moaned but never slowed her pace on him.

"I want you to have all of me."

She started to feel the coil tighten in her stomach as he held a hand up to hers and began to perform the same actions on her fingers that she had before on his dick. He was making her so hot!

She moved her hand on him even faster. She checked once more out the window. They were still good.

And then the new Bella spoke again.

"And I want to make you mine!"

She growled and then bit down into his shoulder, making him grunt in pain against her fingers.

He pulled her fingers out quickly and grabbed the counter tightly with both hands.

"I'm-fuck-ungh-gon-nna-"

She immediately got down to her knees in front of him and took him in her mouth. She was pumping him just as fast from this direction, never missing a beat. She suckled the tip before pulling it out of her mouth and looking up at him.

He was faced towards the window but she knew he wasn't really watching. And right now, she couldn't be bothered to care.

"Come for me, baby. I want to taste you. I want you. All of you."

She then placed his head into her mouth and she began to suck vigorously.

She could hear him struggling for breath.

He was close.

She then did something the old Bella had never done before.

She hummed around him.

She heard a sound she didn't recognize come from him that started deep within the bottom of his torso and then slowly climbed to his chest. His right hand clamped down on her head, his fingers in her hair, holding her to him. She heard another muffled sound and then she felt him jerk and swell inside her mouth.

He spilled onto her tongue fast and thickly, coating it and never stopping.

She swallowed every bit.

She didn't waste a drop.

The heat of him practically scorched her throat as it flowed down.

And she could swear it was the best thing she had ever tasted because it was him.

She now knew what he had meant all the times he had tasted her, saying she was delicious and there was nothing better, nothing sweeter, that he had ever had in his mouth.

Now, she knew.

And she loved him even more for it.

She milked every last drop out of him and when he was done and slumped against the counter but keeping his lower half still as best he could for her sake, she then placed him back into his boxers as he was starting to soften. She then lifted his shorts and closed them up for him.

She glanced up. His head was on the counter, face down on his left arm, his whole body heaving in the fight for air.

And just like that the need took its leave and the loving gentle need for him took its place instead.

She softly stroked his thighs through his shorts. "You okay, baby?"

He nodded without lifting his head. He coughed. "Yeah-just-gimme a sec."

She smiled warmly up at him even though he couldn't see it. "Okay."

She took the moment to wipe her mouth discreetly on the back of her hand.

It took a minute but he then slowly raised his head and stood up, looking down at her.

She saw awe reflecting back at her and his lips were slightly parted.

His chest was still moving in and out, but a little slower than before.

She smiled up at him.

He cupped her face with his right hand and began to stroke her cheek softly. He looked like he was about to say something when his head snapped up suddenly towards the window.

He let her go and grasped her shoulders, picking her up. "Bella, get up."

She frowned in confusion. To be honest, she was still on her own high and nothing else made sense except for Jake. Everything else was a blur.

He pulled her up and looked her up and down. He tightened her ponytail and pushed the wisps of hair she had left out behind her ears. "They're coming in right now. They're halfway to the door."

Bella's eyes widened and he quickly kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, honey. Leave the talking to me."

And just like that the new Bella made herself known once again.

"No. Your cheeks are flushed and you're still breathing heavy. Go to the bathroom and I'll take care of it."

She then removed herself from his grip and walked hurriedly towards the fridge, not stopping to look at his shocked expression. She opened the door and grabbed the orange juice at lightning speed. She quickly snatched a glass from the drying board beside them and began pouring the juice.

Jake hadn't moved. He just stared. She turned to look out the window and at him. They were all carrying things, slowing their progress but they were about ten feet from the door. She then turned towards Jake and looked at him seriously. "Go." She then motioned with her eyes in the direction of the bathroom. "Now."

He snapped back to reality, nodded and began making heavy strides towards the hallway. She turned around, taking a sip of juice and realized she was now alone. She swallowed and smiled.

She leaned against the counter, wrapped one arm around herself and waited, sipping the juice in front of her.

Then she heard the doors open. She silently thanked whoever was listening that Emmett had closed both doors.

Rose came in first, carrying the tray Ness had brought out before.

Emmett was behind her, laughing and carrying the coffee mugs and some food.

"Come on, babe. It was only a joke. Gimme a kiss."

Rose hmph'ed and continued towards the sink where Bella was standing. She didn't look at Bella but began to put the creamer and milk away along with the sugar.

Edward came in chuckling, carrying plates that were half-full with Ness right behind him, smiling widely, carrying some empty plates of her own.

Rose walked over to the fridge and Emmett came up next to Bella, giving her the widest grin she had ever seen as he looked down at her. She smiled and narrowed her eyes, turning to wash her hands. Didn't that make his cheeks hurt?

He wriggled his eyebrows at her and she laughed quietly.

Edward and Ness were still talking as they placed the plates onto the counter, something about going to the opera and how it might be a good idea to take some clients of theirs along.

Bella rolled her eyes. As long as she didn't have to go to that one, she'd be all right. It wasn't the opera itself; it was just the dress-up part. Again.

Emmett lifted his hand and tugged her ponytail. "So Bella, you gonna come hang out with us today?" He then motioned his eyes and inclined his head to Rose's back before mouthing the word 'Please,' and giving her the puppy dog eyes.

She laughed and picked her glass back up. "Sure. Why not?"

Emmett let out a breath and mouthed 'Thank you'.

Bella rolled her eyes again and smiled.

And then Jake worked his way back into the room.

He didn't say anything at first and no one noticed him since Rose and Emmett had their backs to him, she had joined them at the sink not too long ago on Emmett's other side, and Ness and Edward were faced away from him still engaged in their conversation.

He risked a glance at her and smiled quickly.

The new Bella was still in place.

She let her tongue out to lick her lips slowly before pulling it back in and giving him a wicked grin.

His smile melted away into a face of shock.

Hell, she shocked herself.

Who the fuck was this insatiable, confident, sexy, wily temptress in her body?

His eyes began to smolder and she smirked wider before lowering her eyes and taking another sip of her juice.

She lifted her eyes back up at him and saw him swallow hard before turning towards the fridge. She saw a look of pain flash across his face. Normally, this would have frightened her and started the worry train.

But this new sexy Bella recognized that torment. It was a pleasurable one. She wouldn't be surprised if he had to stand behind the counter again soon. She smiled in smug satisfaction to herself.

"Jake, man! You're up!"

Bella's eyes shot over to Edward. Edward was smiling but she could tell he was annoyed. Obviously, last night had only served to further his dislike for Jacob.

Jake turned and laughed, milk in hand. "Yeah. I've been up for a while, man. How are you guys this morning? Sleep okay?"

Emmett turned around and leaned his back against the sink with an arm around Rose, her doing the same.

Ness didn't look happy, trying not to give away how upset she really was.

Edward chuckled and completely ignored the pleasantries. "You have? Why didn't you join us? Ness made coffee and had a nice breakfast waiting for you."

Bella frowned. What the fuck was going on with him? Why was he being so spiteful towards Jake all of a sudden? Was he really that pissed that Jake had kept her up last night "talking" or did he know a little more than he let on?

Jake nodded, his eyes lowering to the ground. "Oh." He then raised his eyes to Edward and Ness. He began to rub the back of his neck, as he always did when he didn't know what to say, smiling apologetically.

"Sorry about that. I had no idea."

Edward chuckled darkly and stared right at Jacob. "Don't apologize to me. Ness is the one you should apologize to. After all, she's the one who clearly slipped your mind while you were the only one on hers."

Jake lowered his eyes to the ground. Bella saw a small flush begin to flood his cheeks. He was embarrassed. And she could tell he felt bad.

Even in this moment, it still amazed her when she could so easily read him sometimes. And now she felt even more in tune with him and she knew exactly what he was feeling. And it squeezed her heart painfully.

It wasn't Jake's fault that no one had told him this morning that Ness had cooked for him and was waiting. Now she understood why they had been out there so long before. She felt bad then about keeping him from Ness when clearly she had been upset this morning. So if anyone had the right to be angry, it was Ness.

Jake started to say something without looking up.

"I didn't-"

Edward cut him off sharply.

"No, you didn't."

Jake's cheeks got redder and his eyes lowered down to his chest. She started to feel protective of him. Why wouldn't he say anything to shut her bastard husband up when he was clearly being nothing more than a meddling prick right now?

And then she saw him bite his lip and that was it.

New Bella got angry.

Real angry.

And something inside her snapped.

Her brain disconnected from her body. And then her body began to act of its own accord.

She chuckled loudly, a wicked laugh.

The new Bella placed her glass down on the counter gently on the side no one was occupying and began to walk towards her husband. She knew it was the sexiest walk she had ever made, her hips swaying enticingly while she moved slowly and purposely, like a cat stalking its prey.

She plastered that sexy grin on her face and began to speak in the sexiest voice she could muster.

"You know, Edward,"

She bit her lip and gave him that sex kitten look as she sidled up to him. She heard Emmett whistle low followed by a smack and a quiet "Ow," and she knew she had done her job well.

Edward looked dumbfounded.

She smiled wider at her triumph.

She circled her arms around his neck and pushed into him so he could feel every inch of her body as she hung off him.

"I must not be doing my job right if you have the time to worry about getting involved in other people's business." And then she leaned into his ear and whispered loudly. "Why don't you and I take a walk down the beach and you can show me just how bad a wife I've been?"

She then took his lobe into her ear and bit lightly. It was nothing like Jake's. The skin was too rough and didn't have his taste. New Bella kept her grimace at bay.

She knew she was risking hurting Jake and his eventual wrath right now but dammit, if he wouldn't stick up for himself, then she would. And she would do it in a way that wouldn't arouse suspicion but something else, effectively shutting Edward the hell up!

Edward started to squirm uncomfortably and tried to unwind her arms from around his neck. He was red in the face and he chuckled nervously. She let him remove her arms and smiled wider.

"Bella..."

She wanted to laugh out loud. She knew he'd pull away. He hated PDA and it was very clear that now he was the embarrassed one.

He looked down at her pleadingly and spoke quietly to her.

"I just think Jacob should-"

He was cut off by Bella grabbing his face down to her and pressing his lips to her own while pushing her body into him.

Emmett roared, "Yeowwwwww!" and then whistled in appreciation. The subsequent loud smack didn't stop his chanting. "Damn, Bella! Go get 'em!"

She felt Edward try to pull away but she kept him there. She hoped he could taste him on her. Serves him right. New Bella was furious. How dare he think he could treat her Jake like that and make him feel like a piece of shit? Was he delirious?

She felt his struggles die down and he began to press himself back into her, his growing arousal evident against her.

Then and only then did she release him with a loud smack.

Edward was out of breath and staring down at her in exasperation. His eyes were dark and full of desire.

Bella licked her lips.

"Mmmm."

She looked up, smoldering at him.

"Tastes good."

Edward swallowed thickly.

Bella smiled wickedly again and then pulled away from him.

"I'm sorry, honey. What were you saying before I so rudely interrupted?"

She didn't venture a look back at Jake but Rose, Emmett and Ness were all staring at her intently, mouths hanging open, gaping at her.

She chuckled.

Edward shook his head, stammering. "Um-I-um-"

She laughed louder and gave him a smug smile before turning around to go get her glass. She caught Jake's expression quickly before facing Emmett and Rose head on. His eyes were wide, his hand still on the back of his neck, completely still, his mouth hanging open. She smiled wider and gave him a discreet wink. She saw him gulp again and she felt more powerful than ever before.

Who was this Bella?

Emmett had the goofiest, proudest grin on his face when she grabbed her glass and dumped it in the sink. She couldn't help but chuckle.

Rose glared at her and she rolled her eyes.

No one had spoken a word since her little show.

And she was more than happy with that result.

She turned around and leaned back against the sink on her elbows, her legs sticking out in front of her at a sexy angle.

They were all still staring at her. She bit her lip sexily and grinned at them.

"Sooo, I was thinking. It's a gorgeous day outside and I want to be on the beach. Emmett," He turned to smirk at her. She could see Rose twitching on his other side but the new Bella could care less. "Why don't you, Rose and I head down there? Since Edward doesn't seem to want to take advantage of my very generous offer..."

Her eyes flickered to him. He looked like he wanted to do otherwise. She gave him a cocky grin.

She then looked back towards Emmett who was still smirking down at her.

"Why don't we do that then? And we'll leave Jacob and Ness here to talk along with Dr. Phil over there since he seems dead set on setting things straight between them."

She looked over at Edward and expected to see him angry with her. But all she saw was that fiery desire she had successfully ignited. She was more than satisfied with her victory.

She turned her eyes back on Emmett.

"That sound good?"

He nodded and laughed. "Rose, why don't you go up and put your suit on, baby? We'll wait down here for you." He turned and kissed her lips. Rose nodded and quietly answered him.

"Okay. I'll be right back." She kissed Emmett one more time and then walked out of the kitchen, glaring at Bella as she passed. Bella smirked.

She didn't think of Emmett in that way but she supposed she couldn't blame the woman. She was surprised actually (and quite relieved) that Ness hadn't made her way over to Jacob, clinging to her husband for dear life.

The new Bella was mewling in pleasure. She liked this control thing.

So much better than the weak, insecure, easily scared, whiny, old Bella.

She risked a glance up at Jake.

His eyes were on her as he began to make his way to the cabinets on the opposite end of her and they were burning.

For her.

She looked back up at Emmett and smiled warmly as Jake opened the cabinet he had been reaching for and took out a glass.

She was trying not to make it too obvious. She could still feel Edward's and Ness' eyes on her.

Emmett grinned goofily back at her.

She risked a glance at Ness.

Ness looked stricken.

Oh shit. Had Bella been too obvious? Fuck.

But Ness' eyes weren't on her.

They were on Jacob's back.

And then Ness' eyes narrowed and she looked a little angry.

"Jacob,"

Jake stopped pouring the milk and turned to look at her.

"Yes, honey?"

Bella tried not to wince at the word.

After all, she had used it with Edward not that long ago.

Speaking of which, she looked over at him.

His eyes were on Jake, too.

And they were also narrowed.

Shit, maybe Bella had been too obvious.

Ness looked down and then back up at her husband and spoke sweetly.

"Do you think I could see you upstairs for a moment?"

Jacob lowered his eyes and nodded. He then lifted them back up to her and gave her a typical Jacob grin.

"Of course, honey. Just give me one minute and I'll be right up."

He smiled wider at her, obviously trying to ease the angry tension between them.

She nodded curtly and left the kitchen without looking at or saying a word to anyone else.

Jake lowered his eyes and his smile dimmed a bit. Then he turned and continued to pour the milk into his glass.

Bella kept her eyes on the refrigerator in front of her.

Then she heard her name.

"Bella."

She turned to look at Edward and smiled.

"I think I'll join you three on the beach."

Bella nodded and smiled warmly at him. Good, maybe he'd stop being such an asshole then. She had no idea why he was acting like this but she would put a stop to that shit and fast.

"And maybe...you and I will...take that walk, after all."

She saw the fire in his eyes.

Shiiiiit.

Bella couldn't rescind that offer now that she had made it. Fuck. Why didn't her brain take over and keep her from making it in the first place. Oh, right, because she went all fucking possessive and wanted to protect him from the big bad words of her husband. Goddammit!

She smiled and he smiled in return.

"I'm gonna head out and start walking. I'll meet you guys down there."

Bella knew exactly what he was getting at but she didn't show it.

She smiled sweetly.

"Okay, honey. We won't be long."

He nodded, giving her the crooked smile that always worked on the old Bella, his Bella.

And then he turned and walked out to the deck.

Bella shook her head to herself. Nice job, Bella. How the fuck are you going to get out of this one?

She looked up at Emmett who was looking down at her, still grinning.

She laughed. "What? You've been grinning at me like an idiot for the last ten minutes. What?"

He shook his head, still smiling. "What do you mean what? What was that, Bella?"

She shrugged and looked down at her feet, smiling.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Em."

He laughed. "Right. Damn, Bella, I didn't know you had it in you."

She smiled and muttered to herself. "Neither did I."

Emmett heard and guffawed loudly, making her blush.

Slowly but surely, the old Bella was coming back.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Jake was drinking his milk, but he hadn't turned around once.

It seemed a little off.

Maybe he was just waiting for Emmett to leave.

Emmett put an arm around her and kissed her forehead.

"Coolest chick ever."

She laughed and lifted up to peck him quickly on the cheek.

He smiled down at her and then kissed her forehead once more before removing his arm, standing up.

"Let me go see if Rose is ready. Give you some time to catch up with Edward."

She winced and then she saw Jake's back stiffen.

"I'll just wait down here for you guys, Em. Edward needs some time to cool off, I think." She laughed and winced again when she heard how nervous it sounded.

Emmett gave her a knowing smirk. "Uh huh. Okay. Be right back."

He smirked wider and then walked out of the room.

Her smile wiped off her face and she glanced towards Jake.

He still hadn't turned around to face her.

Something was wrong.

She waited for him to turn around.

She waited two minutes and he still hadn't. His milk had been drained and he was still standing there, facing the cabinets, holding his glass on the counter.

She began to panic. She bit her lip and stared down at her shoes. She was trying not to get worked up but she could tell something was definitely very wrong.

Was he mad at her again?

She honestly hadn't done that to rub it in his face or to make him jealous.

She was just trying to distract Edward so Jake wouldn't be even more humiliated than he already was in front of everyone.

That was all.

"He's gonna be all over you now, you know."

Her head snapped up to Jake's back at the sound of his voice.

She returned her eyes to her shoes.

She tried to make her voice sound normal, casual.

She snickered. "Who? Emmett? He's been secretly wanting me for years. He's always all over me."

It was a poor attempt at a joke and was made even worse by the nervous edge in her tone.

He turned around to face her, forcing her eyes up to meet his, looking completely serious.

"You know who I'm talking about."

Bella sighed in frustration and stood up straight.

"It's not what you think."

He arched his eyebrows.

"It's not?"

She looked at him in exasperation. "No! What, do you think I could just go from something like that with you to fucking him?"

Jake grimaced.

"That's not what I was talking about, Bella."

She dropped her hands to her sides and narrowed her eyes in frustration. "Then what are you talking about?"

He shook his head and sighed. "Bells, I know you wouldn't do that. And I know you wouldn't have done that before in front of me if you didn't think it would help. But that's not what I'm talking about."

She arched her eyebrows at him, waiting.

He rubbed his face and looked at her.

He looked exhausted.

"They know something's up. We're not being careful enough. And now we've got them suspicious and they're not gonna make it easy on us. I guarantee Ness is up there just waiting to ambush me. I know her, Bells. Something's up."

Bella nodded and bit her lip. And then it was like a light went off in her head. She completely forgot with everything going on.

"Edward told her about...last night and-"

"Motherfucker! I fucking knew it! That fucking cocksucker!"

He had stood up and begun to pace angrily at the beginning of his outburst, his fists in his hair, grabbing in frustration.

Bella stood up and walked over to him and placed her hand gently on his shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay. It's not as bad as you think. Ness talked to me this morning and-"

Jake turned and looked at her, eyes widened. "She talked to you?" He shirked her hand off and walked back to the counter, glaring maliciously at her. "Thanks for the fucking warning, Bella."

Her hand dropped as if she'd been burned and she glared at him.

"Jake, I fucking forgot, okay? And why did I forget? Because-"

He cut her off before she could finish.

"Because you were too busy stuffing my cock in your mouth?" He stared coldly at her.

Bella felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

She didn't say anything for a moment and neither did he. They just glared at each other.

She scoffed. "I was going to say because it wasn't that big of a deal. But you know what? Fuck you. Don't worry. My mouth will never come near your cock again!"

She turned around and began to storm off when he grabbed her hand. She snatched it back.

"Don't even!"

"Bella..."

He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around.

She wriggled her way out of his grip.

"No. Go fuck yourself, Jake."

He snaked his arms around her back before she could react and pulled her into him until his forehead was resting against hers.

She tried to struggle but he held her fast.

He swallowed. They were both breathing heavily from the physical battling.

He looked into her eyes and swallowed again, breathing hard.

"I'm sorry. That was a complete asshole thing to say. I'm sorry. I was a dick. I'm sorry."

Bella glared at him. "I don't give a shit. You are a dick. And I am done with you. Now let me go."

Jake groaned in frustration and let his head roll back, closing his eyes.

"Bella, I am not fucking doing this with you again. Stop always going to the fucking extreme. I fucked up and I said I'm sorry." He then looked down at her angrily. "What more do you want?"

Bella formed her lips into that tight thin line she had come to know so well these last five weeks. "Oh, I don't know, how about you stop treating me like shit for starters? I did that for you, Jake. Because I wanted to and because I love you. But if you don't appreciate it, then I can just go meet Edward down at the beach and do it for him. I'm sure he'd appreciate it."

She knew it was a low blow but she didn't care. She was pissed. How dare he fucking talk to her that way?

She could tell he was even angrier than before and he was about to explode at her. She welcomed it. The fucking nerve of this guy! What, he's feeling the heat coming from their spouses and automatically it's her fault and she's shit? Uh uh.

Maybe he's been lying to her all along. Maybe he doesn't really feel about her the way he said he did.

But instead, he narrowed his eyes down between them and nodded. "Fine. I deserved that. I was a prick. Point taken." He then looked up at her again. This time his eyes weren't as hard as before. He closed them and then swallowed. Then he opened them back up and softly placed his forehead against hers again.

"I'm sorry."

She didn't say anything, just kept staring at him. Bit by bit, she could see the anger draining from his eyes. She was still too pissed to speak.

He kissed her nose. "I'm sorry." And then he pushed against her forehead with his affectionately. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

She could feel herself melting against his spell, the magical hold he seemed to have on her now. Her body began to relax but she didn't stop glaring at him.

He kissed her nose again. "Please?"

She swallowed and looked down. She nodded once.

She heard him sigh in relief. He put his arms around her tighter and pulled her in for a hug. She laid her head down on his chest and he breathed into her strands. "Thank you."

Bella just stared at the table she was facing. "For what?"

He kissed her head and brought his mouth to her ear. "For everything. For before. For that earlier. For last night. For telling me you love me."

She pulled back to look at him, frowning in confusion. "Why would you thank me for that?"

He began to stroke her hair gently with his right hand, loosening the ponytail a little. "Because it's nice to hear. And I don't ever want you to stop saying it."

He moved forward and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Bella."

She didn't say anything, just let him wrap her up in another hug with her head back on his chest, his cheek on top of her head.

She suddenly felt tired, drained. And all she wanted to do was be in his arms, having him hold her like this. But they weren't alone so she couldn't and she hated that.

He sighed and held her tighter to him.

"Bells, please don't freak out when I say this. Please."

Bella shut her eyes and held him a little tighter, too. This couldn't be good if that's how he was starting out.

When she didn't say anything, he took a deep breath and continued.

"Maybe we should cool it for a while."

Her eyes popped open and she pulled back to look at him. She couldn't help the tears that swam before her eyes. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

He kissed her nose. "Baby, relax. Don't cry. I'm not saying I wanna stop seeing you. So please, don't cry."

She couldn't help it. A tear escaped, anyway, and slowly drifted down her cheek. He brushed it away with the pad of his left thumb.

She sniffled. This was all her fault. If she hadn't been so starved for him like a goddamn animal, then maybe he wouldn't be feeling pressure from both their spouses and trying to get them to back off.

There would be no reason for suspicions had she controlled her need for him.

"Shhh. Hey."

He leaned in and kissed her lips quickly.

"I love you, honey. I just told you that. So please hear me out."

She sniffled again and nodded her head, looking away.

He cupped her chin gently and brought her eyes back to his.

"I'm just saying maybe we should tone down the physical stuff. Okay? No more sex or kissing or brushing up against each other, things like that. This way we don't give them a reason to suspect anything further. This way we can control ourselves."

He gave her his amused smirk, obviously trying to make her feel better. It didn't and another tear escaped. She sniffled and pulled her chin out of his hands, looking away. She wiped the tear and whispered brokenly to him. "I'm sorry."

He pulled her chin back to him, anyway. He looked concerned now. "For what, baby?"

"For screwing everything up. I wasn't thinking, I'm sorry."

He scoffed and shook his head. "What are you talking about, Bells? You didn't screw anything up. Why would you think that?"

She looked down and swallowed thickly. "Maybe if I hadn't needed you so badly, maybe-"

He forced her eyes up to him. "And you think I don't need you just as badly? Bells, look at me. This isn't your fault. This was bound to happen sooner or later. I know what I'm doing here. And I don't regret any of it. And I'm certainly not giving you up, regardless of anything that comes our way. You've got a damn hold on me, woman!"

Bella giggled and he smiled warmly down at her. He pulled her into him until their noses were touching. He whispered to her. "It's just three days, baby. Three days. It'll be over before you know it. I promise. And then I'm all yours. Okay? Three days."

Bella sniffled and nodded. She whispered back. "Three days."

Jake smiled. "That's right. Three days. Stay strong for me, honey. We'll make it. Three days."

Bella sighed. "Well...I guess you're going be taking a lot of cold showers then and jerking off repeatedly for the next couple of days."

Jake laughed quietly. "You got that right. I'm gonna be living in that damn shower. But you've given me some nice images to work with over the past twenty-four hours. Especially, earlier with him. We've definitely gotta bring her around more often. But yeah, that oughta make things a bit easier. So thank you."

She smiled warmly at him. "Anytime."

He laughed again and rubbed his nose against hers tenderly.

"Jake?"

He looked at her through half-lidded eyes. "Hmmm?"

She lifted a hand to his face and stroked his cheek gently.

"I really do love you."

Jake opened his eyes fully and looked at her. He then tilted his head to the side, leaned in, closing his eyes, and kissed her.

He moved his lips slowly with hers, making small smacking sounds each time they broke apart.

He pulled away and placed his forehead gently back on hers.

"Honey, I love you. So damn much. You don't even know."

He kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes. He whispered against her skin.

"Honey, please trust me. Have faith in me. I won't let us down, honey, I promise. Please."

Bella nodded against him.

He took a deep breath. "Baby, I can't wait for Tuesday. There's so many things I want to do with you. I want to cuddle up with you and not be so goddamn rushed for once. I want to be able to kiss you and hold your hand without having to worry about it. I want to have you in my arms when you fall asleep. I-"

"Nah, Ness. Don't worry about it. You stay there. I gotta go grab Bella, anyway. I'll send him on up."

Emmett's voice roared throughout the house and it was a lot closer than either of them expected. Bella jumped in response.

She looked up at Jake and she felt the tears start brimming to the surface again. This was the last time he was gonna hold her or touch her for the next three days. The sexual fire between them was hard enough to deal with, being so close to one another and not being able to douse it. But this was harder. So much harder.

He unwrapped his arms from around her and kissed her forehead, her nose and then her lips one last time.

As he stepped back over to the other side of the counter, away from her, he whispered to her.

"Three days, baby. Three days."

Bella swallowed thickly and whispered back.

"Three days."

He nodded, giving her a warm smile and sat down on one of the stools.

She turned and lifted herself up slowly onto the counter, her legs dangling over the edge.

She cleared her throat quietly to try to break up the lump that was forming.

She blinked her eyes rapidly trying to clear away the tears.

She stole one more glance at him.

He was smiling sadly at her. He didn't want to be away from her any more than she did him.

She gave him a meek smile in return.

He winked at her.

She smiled wider and looked down, biting her lip.

Just then, Emmett walked in.

"Hey, Beautiful. You ready to go?"

Bella grinned at him. "Yeah. Where's Rose?"

Emmett laughed. "She decided she wants to stay by the pool. I think me mentioning that maybe we'd go for a dip in the ocean had something to do with that. She was holding her hair tightly when she told me she'd stay."

Bella giggled. Good old Rose. God forbid any saltwater get in that beautiful luscious blonde hair of hers.

Emmett smiled widely at her.

"So you ready to go?"

She jumped off the counter. "Yessir."

She acted braver than she felt. She really didn't want to leave him.

And right on cue, Emmett's smile wiped off his face and turned to Jake who was watching the interaction between them.

"Jake, man. Ness is upstairs looking for you. I think she was waiting for you to go up and talk to her or something." He gestured behind him with his thumb.

Jake sighed. "Yeah, thanks. I'm on my way." He got up from the stool and began to walk towards Emmett who was blocking the exit with his huge frame.

It took everything Bella had not to run over to him and put her arms around him, refusing to let him go, Emmett or no Emmett. But she kept herself in check and mentally chastised herself for being so childish, so needy. She was a grown woman and she could do three measly fucking days. Hadn't Jake always been the one to tell her she was a lot tougher than she realized?

Emmett clapped him on the shoulder as he passed, making him stop. "Don't worry, man. I find when I'm in the doghouse, a lot of begging and pleading and ass-kissing gets me right out." He then turned to Bella. "Isn't that right, Bella? How you women work?"

She swallowed but smiled encouragingly, anyway. "That's right, Em. Although, I would refrain from using words like ass-kissing when doing it. 'Cause that'll just get you thrown out of the doghouse and right into the damn pound." She laughed humorlessly at her stupid little joke. She really wasn't feeling up to making an effort on her comedy routine.

Jake smirked at her. "Well, maybe the pound is where I need to be. That way someone else can take me home."

Bella's mouth dropped open and Emmett guffawed. Had he really just said that? In front of Emmett?

Emmett clapped him on the shoulder again. "Man, whatever you do, do not say anything like that. Trust me, you will never be able to kiss her ass enough to recover from that."

Jake shrugged good-naturedly. "Nah, she'll be fine. She's just pissed right now. I'll take care of it."

Emmett laughed and punched him in the shoulder. "Yeah, I bet you'll 'take care of it'. Just don't blow out Rose's eardrums, okay?"

Bella winced and looked down.

Jake snorted. "Yeah, okay, Em. Hey, do me a favor and make Bella smile today, would you? She feels bad and thinks this problem has to do with her helping me out last night." Bella's head shot up and she looked at him confused. What the fuck was he doing? Didn't he just get done telling her that they had to restore their boundaries for the next three days?

He smiled warmly at her. "I keep telling her that's not the case but she won't listen to me. Maybe you can get her to go have some fun, take her mind off things while I deal with this here." Emmett stared between them. He looked shocked at Jake and in disbelief at Bella.

"Maybe you guys can practice dancing before the real thing tonight so you can avoid the trip to the Emergency Room later, Em."

Bella glared at him making he and Emmett laugh. "Yeah, right. Nice try, Jake. This is Bella we're talking about."

Bella sniffed and crossed her arms, leveling her death glare at both of them.

They both laughed again. Emmett slapped him on the back. "No worries, man. I'll take care of it. Bella likes me better than you, anyway."

Jake laughed. "I don't doubt that."

Bella rolled her eyes.

Jake stepped away from Emmett, smiling. "Thanks, man." He then turned to face Bella and gave her a friendly smile. "I'll see you later. Have a good day, okay?"

Bella nodded. "Um, thanks. You, too. Good luck."

He chuckled. "Thanks, I'll need it." He gave her another wink and walked out of the room.

When he left, she felt a heavy weight come crashing down around her, crushing her. She felt very tight and suffocated. Her mind started going crazy with her insecurities flooding to the surface. She tried to hold onto his words, to the promise he made her, to all he said he wanted to do Tuesday...she was drowning.

"So, Beautiful. Let's get out of here, whaddya say?"

She turned a grateful smile on him. She hadn't realized he'd been watching her so closely. But he had seen a flash of her pain and pulled her back from the brink she always seemed to be at whenever she thought about losing Jake. She loved Emmett. She hated this neediness she had for Jake now. It was becoming a bit obsessive almost. He had wanted her to smile today, to have some fun, he had said. And that was what she would do. And she knew Emmett would help her take her mind off things transpiring upstairs.

She nodded eagerly. "Yeah, let's go."

Emmett smiled and put his arm around her and gave her a hug. "Don't worry, sweetie. Your Em's gonna take care of everything."

She laughed and hugged him back. He smiled and took her hand and led her out of the house.

As they made their way off the deck and onto the beach, Emmett turned to her and smiled.

"So, what do you want to do? You wanna go for a swim, a walk? Or did you and Edward have plans?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her and she froze, stopping him in his tracks.

"Bella? What's wrong?" He looked concerned.

She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Nothing. Listen, Em," She looked down, tucked a wispy hair behind her ear and then looked back up at him. "Do you remember when you asked me to 'protect' you from Rose today?"

He laughed. "Yeah. Why?"

Bella blushed. "Well, I was wondering if...maybe...you could...um...'protect' me...from...Edward?"

Emmett guffawed loudly. Bella blushed even further and kept her eyes on the ground.

She felt him kiss her forehead. She turned up to look at him.

He was grinning. "Are you asking me to be your 'cockblock', Bella?"

She glared at him. "Not...exactly by that term but...yes."

Emmett shook his head at her. "You were all over him in the kitchen, Bella. What happened that changed your mind since then?"

Bella grimaced but then returned to her glare. She didn't answer him. "So will you?"

Emmett scratched his head and looked sheepish. "I don't know, Bella. I mean, if he asks to be alone with you or talk with you, what am I supposed to say? No? He's not gonna like that too much."

Bella scoffed. "I don't really care what he likes, Em. He fucked up big time with me today. I don't want to really be anywhere near him. At least not like that." She flinched as she said the words.

Emmett stared incredulously at her and he dropped his hand from his head. "Bella, I know it's not really my business but how did the guy 'fuck up' with you today? I mean, he was nothing but good to you like always. And you made him all hot and heavy and now you're just gonna ice him out? That's not cool, Bella. You can't do that to a guy."

Bella snorted. "Yeah, well, I guess I'm not as cool as you thought."

She turned from him and crossed her arms, staring at the wide expanse of beach in front of them. Thankfully, Edward was nowhere to be seen.

"You don't understand, Em. Ness came to me this morning crying because of what Edward had told her about last night. And now she's unnecessarily hurt and pissed off at Jacob. And all because he couldn't keep his fucking mouth shut with her. I mean, didn't he realize that it was going to do nothing but cause problems between her and Jacob?"

He didn't respond so Bella looked over at him. He was staring at the ground, scratching his head in thought. He looked a bit...abashed. She felt her heart clench. She had made him uncomfortable.

"Em?"

He raised his eyes to hers.

"Sorry, I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable or put you in the middle. It's no big deal. I can handle it. I'm sorry I asked you. I hope you don't hate me for it."

She tacked on a little smile at the end.

He grinned. "Bella. As if I could ever hate you. Besides, don't worry about it. I'm just not used to you asking me to be your knight in shining armor. But somebody's gotta do it..." He blew on his bent fingers and rubbed them on his shirt.

She laughed. "No, Em. It's okay. You're right, he'll just get mad. I don't want to do that to you. I can deal with this."

He snorted. "Please. You think Edward could take me? I'll kick his scrawny little ass if he tries to get anywhere near my Bella." He smiled wide at her.

She giggled. "You know, Em. You really are my hero."

He laughed loudly and pulled Bella up into a big bear hug. "You got that right, honey. But on one condition."

He lowered her down. She was out of breath. "Anything."

"Four."

She looked at him confused.

"Four what?"

He grinned wickedly at her.

"Dances."

Her mouth shot open.

"Fuck."

"Yep. Which is, my guess, what will be happening in the next five minutes when we find your husband if you don't agree to my terms."

Bella winced and then whined. "Emmett..."

Emmett mocked her and whined as well. "Bella..."

Bella scoffed. "Fine. Four dances. No more. And they better be slow ones." She glared at him.

Emmett laughed. "Slow ones? I have to save those for Rose. Do you know how pissed she'll be?"

"Choose, Emmett. Pissed off Rose or ER?"

He scratched his head again in thought. "Well, either way, one is gonna lead to the other so..."

Bella rolled her eyes. "I'm not the one making demands on the dance floor."

Emmett snorted again. "And I'm not the one trying to keep Edward from humping my leg here."

Bella glared at him. "Maybe you should sleep with Edward and then we'll see just how willing you are to do it again afterwards." She felt a little guilty. Edward wasn't horrible in bed. She just didn't want to sleep with him today. Or any day after that until she figured things out.

Emmett looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, I am prettier than you are so that actually might work out. Plus I think he likes me better, too. You know what? I should give him a call."

He pulled out his phone and began pressing buttons.

Bella stamped her foot. "Emmett!"

He grinned up at her.

"Nah, Bella. Come on, two fast and two slow. I gotta save at least two of those slow ones for Rose or I won't have a girlfriend by Monday."

"One fast and three slow is as far as I'm willing to go."

Emmett shook his head. "No deal."

"Hey! I'm trying to help you here."

"Good point. Alright, I'll take it."

Emmett grinned at her. "Now was that so hard?"

Bella narrowed her eyes. "I really don't like you sometimes, Em."

Emmett put his arm around her and they began walking again. "Maybe not. But you love me, I know you do. How could you not? I'm cute, I'm cuddly, I'm funny. I mean, just ask Rose."

Bella laughed. "Oh okay. So that way, you'll definitely be single in 48 hours."

Emmett turned to her. "That would mean that the position's opened up." He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Interested, Bella?"

She smacked his chest. "I'm married!"

Emmett looked thoughtful but skeptical. "Yeah, but I mean, let's face it, Bella. You're in love with me, we all know this. It's only a matter of time before you leave Edward and come to me. Why not speed up the process? I mean, you're gonna marry me and we are gonna have kids. And you're what, 30 now? That babymaker's cooking so I think we should get a move on already!"

Bella smacked him in the back of the head while smirking at him.

"First of all, I am not 30 but thank you for the compliment none the less. Secondly, you never mention a woman's age, ever! Thirdly and more importantly, you do not tell a woman she's getting older by reminding her that her biological clock is ticking because that is a surefire way for you to never get laid again in your marriage. And lastly, Emmett, it would never work between us. You are just too good for me." She rolled her eyes and spoke her last statement sarcastically.

Emmett laughed. "Oh please. Bella, you're perfect for me. And I'd do anything for you. I'm cockblocking your husband for you, for crying out loud! Not to mention, putting my life on the line because once Rose sees how I'm gonna make you move on that floor later, she's definitely gonna rip my arms out and beat me to death with them."

Bella growled. "Emmett, I swear to God, you better not be planning anything with grinding or anything dirty. Hell, anything that requires any type of movement. Because if you do I promise I'm going to give you a lap dance right in front of Rose."

Emmett stopped them and turned to her, beaming like a kid at Christmas. "Really?"

Bella snickered and smacked his shoulder. "No. What do you think I am? Suicidal? Rose would kill me then, too."

Emmett let out another guffaw. "That's true. She would. And then I'd be sad. My little beautiful Bella would be gone."

Bella snorted. "Oh yeah. Well, at least I'd go out with a bang, right?"

Emmett looked down at her smiling impishly. "Nope, not if I'm able to do my job properly today."

Bella smacked him again. "Emmett!"

He laughed and kissed her forehead. "Bella! Soo...let's go find that charming yet resistible husband of yours."

Bella chuckled darkly. "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

They walked a little ways, getting nearer to the surf, not saying anything.

Emmett then turned to her, giving her a small smile and spoke to her quietly.

"Hey Bella?"

She looked up at him. "Yeah?"

"What's in three days?"

Ohhh shit!