Hello! Another day, another chapter. Lets see some relationship progression, eh?

This chapter is named after 'Young and Beautiful' by Lana Del Rey

Bella Swan's Point of View

I slipped my gown on, loving the feel of the material as it worked its way up my body. It fitted like a glove, hugging my body in all the right places and making my figure look amazing. Alice arranged my hair, letting the loose waves she'd created hang around my shoulders. My make-up was light and natural, Alice pairing it with a bold red lip.

I looked like a movie star as I admired myself in the mirror, twirling a few times to see every inch of my body. I'd never looked so glamorous or sophisticated in my life.

"Alice… I…" I began.

"You look dazzling, Bella," she grinned, very pleased with her work. "You're going to look more beautiful than half the vampires there. Edward will flip when he sees you."

"You think?" I asked, smoothing the dress down a little around my hips.

"I know," she answered, collecting her make-up bag together. "He'll be here soon. Now don't mess with your hair, I've set it perfectly." She made her way to the door.

"Thank you," I smiled. "It's amazing how you've transformed me."

"Anytime, Bella," she replied. "I'll see you at the ball." She gave me a tiny wave as she exited the room, closing the door behind her. This gave me ample opportunity to admire myself again.

If I'd known I could look this amazing glammed up, I'd have invested in more make-up years ago! The red lip only solidified the beauty of my look. Everything just came together; my face my dress, the loose waves in my hair, the heels on my feet. I had to admit, I looked hot.

"Holy fuck…" came Edward's voice from behind me, I turned round to see him standing in the door way, his eyes wide as they looked at every part of my body. I bit my lip, blushing a little under his intense gaze.

"It was Alice," I said. "She did all the work so-"

And suddenly he was in front of me, his hand resting on my waist as he looked me up and down, his red eyes darkening a little.

"You look…" he started.

"Pretty? Over done? Okay?" I suggested.

"Stunning," he finished. "I've never seen anything like it."

I swallowed my heart pounding. Alice was right, Edward would flip out… and it was in the best way. He'd never looked at me this way before. His look was intense, almost hungry, but not for my blood this time. This look was different from any other he had given me, it was predatory, it was concentrated, it was passionate.

Like he saw me as more than just a blood source.

He was seeing me as a woman.

He slowly lowered his head to my neck, breathing my scent in deeply, my heart catching in my throat. My heart pounded as my eyes flickered closed. Never had another man looked at me or acted like this around me before, and my body was reacting to it, a strange yet enjoyable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I was enjoying what was happening.

I liked the handsome vampire's attentions.

"You need to stop blushing, Isabella," he whispered. "It'd be such a shame to ruin such a gorgeous dress by me ripping it off your body. And with how you look right now, it's all I want to do…"

"God…" I let out an unexpected moan, a noise that surprised us both.

Edward smirked against my skin, running his tongue along the thumping pulse in my neck. "I don't think you'd care if I did. In fact I think you'd beg me to do it."

"Edward…" I whispered, pressing against him, my body doing it of its own accord. I wanted closer contact, I wanted him to move his lips higher, I wanted the dress ripped from my body. I couldn't help it.

Ever since Edward had become my ally, I'd seen him… differently. I noticed the little things now; the way he smiled, the cute way his hair fell over his forehead, the child-like way his face lit up as he did something he enjoyed. But not just that. I noticed how the muscles flexed in his arm, how his jeans fitted perfectly over his ass, how big and luscious his lips were when he smirked at me.

And I wanted those lips right now.

Whether it was simply lust flooding my brain, or just what was happening in the moment, but all I knew was that I wanted him. Even just a light kiss would be enough.

Anything.

All I wanted was him.

But my wishes would not be granted. He pulled away, offering me a smile. "I'd love to, but we have a ball to attend, and the last thing I want is hundreds of male eyes on my Blood Slave's body. So let's keep the dress in tact for now."

Damn you, Edward Cullen. You big tease!

I sighed, nodding in agreement. "I guess you're right. This dress is too pretty to destroy." I reluctantly turned to look back in the mirror.

"Oh I don't know," Edward chuckled. "It can afford a few rips here and there." He winked at me and I looked at him incredulously.

I wanted a kiss, sure. But was he suggesting what I thought he was suggesting? My face blushed furiously at the mere thought.

"You're blushing again, Isabella," he commented, searching through the wardrobe for his suit and shirt. "I won't warn you again."

He swiftly dressed, his vampire speed meaning I saw nothing of it, just a big blur. He then ran to his bedside table and pulled out a box, approaching me.

"What's that?" I asked. It looked like a jewellery box. He opened it to reveal the most beautiful pearl necklace I'd ever seen. Each pearl was in pristine condition, all held together with a gold clasp. He removed it from the box gently, holding it between his fingers.

"It was my mother's, my human mother's, I mean. She left it to me before she died. It's over 100 years old and very precious to me. I'd love if you'd wear it tonight, Bella."

My eyes widened, my mouth agape. "Edward, I can't. It's too precious. I-"

"Please," he begged. "It would mean the world to me if you did."

His face looked so genuine and honest in the moment that I couldn't turn him down. I slowly nodded and he stood behind me to put the necklace around my neck. He closed the clasp then looked over my shoulder as we both admired it in the mirror.

"Wow…" I murmured as I ran my fingers lightly over the jewels, each one as smooth as the last.

"Perfect," Edward smiled, giving my shoulder a light kiss as he pulled away. "It completes the outfit." I did one last twirl in the mirror before he offered me his arm. "Shall we?" he asked.

I nodded, taking his arm, letting him lead me from the room, my nerves building as we walked to the vampire ball.