A bottle of champagne materialized from a side compartment and Aro poured each of us a glass. I took the delicate flute carefully and sipped. The bubbly elixir tickled my nose and warmed my stomach. This would be my liquid courage.

"So Bella, have you ever really been introduced to Edward Cullen?" Aro sipped his champagne as well watching me. I nearly spit out the expensive drink but I turned the action into a cough. Aro looked bemused.

"Yes I have. I met him at a Sports Benefit a long time ago." I hoped I sounded polite but uninterested in the topic.

"That is strange." Aro gazed out the window at the night flying by.

"Why is that strange?" His eyes looked back at me.

"It's strange because you two do not even exchange salutations to each other at my parties. You would think someone you have met would say hello in a public place." My brain worked quickly trying to come up with a plausible answer.

"Ah, well you see… Tanya was always very hostile towards me so I tried to avoid them. It was nothing against Edward; I just didn't want to cause him relationship problems." This was partially true.

"I bet you didn't." His tone might have been considered dry and slightly sarcastic but I blocked Aro's suspicion from my mind.

We reached the yacht faster than I expected. It was beautifully decorated with millions of twinkle lights. The boat itself was huge and the epitome of luxury.

"Would you like a tour?" Aro offered his hand to me as we walked up the gangplank. I took it and glanced around.

"Where are the bunnies off to?" The bimbos were making a b-line to the upper deck area.

"They are going to the full bar and hot tub." I nodded and let him lead me below deck. The floors were covered in a thick cream colored carpet. My heels sunk into the fabric so Aro took a hold of my elbow to keep me from falling. Despite the fact that we were in a harbor the boat still rocked with each wave putting me in more danger of falling. Since the boat was so large the rocking could barely be felt above, but below the feeling was much stronger.

The walls were all mahogany and everything was pristine.

"This is the kitchen. Down here we have three bedrooms, my office, a living room area, two bathrooms, and a small soundproof room for when I have music artists onboard." The bedrooms all had beautiful silk sheets, the office had a gorgeous mahogany desk to match the siding, and the living room boasted a massive plasma screen mounted on the wall. This was definitely a life of luxury I doubt I would ever have.

"This boat is amazing Aro. I am truly jealous." I smiled at him despite his earlier sarcasm. He returned the smile and pulled me over to the plush sofa in the living room area. The only thing that would make this seem like a boat were the high small windows. All the light in the room was artificial.

"Now Bella." He sat and patted the space next to him. I toppled into the couch. "I want you to be honest with me." The seriousness of his tone had the hair on the back of my neck standing. "Why are you pretending you did not have sex with Edward Cullen?" My blush must have crept to the ends of my hair. How could he possibly know that?!

He sat patiently with his hands folded in his lap waiting for my response. I could feel myself surrender to his will.

"How do you know?" I sounded utterly defeated. His look turned sympathetic.

"I spoke to Alice and I had information she did not. I see you avoid each other and that speaks louder than forced small talk."

"You probably think I am such a whore." I pressed the heel of my hands into my forehead.

"Bella, I supply prostitutes for my party guests. I could never think something like that about you. You must think I am a pimp, which technically I am even if I do not have a cane." I laughed at the joke but it didn't lessen my fear. "You care for him."

"Why are you prying this out of me?"

"So you can see what I see." His hand patted mine before he stood. "Isabella, you need to figure out what you want. Tanya and Edward were destined to end, however you and Edward, that could be a something." I wiped the tears forming in my eyes before they could fall. Aro smiled sadly and walked back to the main deck.

I remained sitting on the couch for a long time. Eventually I listened to him welcome guests. Occasionally I would hear names, but never the one that mattered. I carefully walked to the bathroom to check the damage to my face. Nothing earth shattering but I wiped a few stray tears from my cheeks. Even though it made me uncomfortable that Aro knew details about my sex life, it felt good to have someone else know. Not to mention his comment about relationships. I hadn't known him long enough to know how accurate his predictions were but I desperately wanted that one to come true.

I took a deep breath and made my way back to the stairs. I had to maneuver around a bimbo towing her prey to the lower bedrooms. For the rest of the party I promised myself not to go below deck again, I did not want to hear any extracurricular activities going on.

The bar was easy enough to find, I just climbed a flight of stairs and the upper deck spread before me. There was a hot tub teaming with people. Along with a dance floor and the bar. I skirted around the dance floor and hopped onto a bar stool. The bartender smiled at me. I smiled back.

"What can I get for you Miss?" He leaned towards me interest sparking in his eyes.

"I would like a vodka martini, three olives please." I smiled sweetly but didn't flirt. He nodded and moved around collecting ingredients. I surveyed the people dancing. Whoever said alcohol helped white people dance was horribly mistaken. I felt my eyebrows rise as an older man tried to grind. He looked as if he would break his hip any minute.

"Awful isn't it?" I turned to my right and saw a beautiful girl. Her legs were crossed daintily under her black dress. She had black hair and vibrant green eyes along with sharp features.

"Definitely, I could have gone my entire life and not seen that, and I suspect I would be all the happier." I did a mock shudder. She laughed a tinkling laugh.

"I'm Amber Franklin." She held a long elegant hand out to shake, silver bangles clanging at the movement.

"Isabella Swan." I took hers in mine. We released and surveyed each other.

"So what do you do Isabella?"

"Please, call me Bella; I am a journalist for the Seattle Sun Times. And yourself?"

"I'm a singer actually. I'm the lead singer for the band the Bangles." I nodded along as if I knew exactly which band she was speaking of. She smirked at my expression. "You have no idea who we are do you?" I blushed.

"You caught me." She rolled her eyes but didn't seem angry.

"It's ok, we aren't widely known in America yet." She sipped her drink. I glanced down and saw that mine had arrived as well. I took a sip and popped an olive in my mouth.

"What country are you from?" I hadn't detected any type of accent.

"The UK actually. But I came to live here when I was young, only going back for University, thus no accent."

"I see." Our conversation continued on for a while about our favorite bands and things to do, who we hated in Hollywood and such. By the end I noticed how much information I had collected. "So did Aro invite you to this party specifically?" I thought back to Rose's comment about Aro making or breaking careers.

"No, my agent finagled me an invitation and I did speak to him a bit. He's kind of eerie in a polite sort of way. Why?"

"I was wondering if I could use our conversation in an article. It would give you publicity as well as a page in the paper. Would that be alright?"

"Of course! That sounds great. And here I thought I had just made a new friend, but I also get free publicity, isn't life just grand." She smiled and toasted. We had both gotten numerous refills at this point and were feeling quite loose.

I turned my head to glance around the upper deck and something caught my eye. I could see the back a copper head descending the stairs. Was that Edward? Had he seen me? I felt the blood drop to my feet and I forced a deep breath.

"Amber, I'll be back eventually. Here's my cell number we should definitely stay in touch."

"Cheerio darling!" She laughed. I had made a comment about what the stereotypical English person said and she forced her speech to fit it like a t to prove her heritage. I stood and wobbled a bit. I grabbed the edge of the bar to steady myself before I trekked off to see if that really was Edward. I decided that I would walk right up to Edward and tell him I was sorry, that I wanted to try and be together, but that was only a plan. Now I had to do it.

The stairs were easier than I had anticipated but the throng of people was hazardous. With models teetering on spike heels and drunken young men sloshing their drinks anything could happen. I kept my eyes open for copper hair as I slid through the crowd. I kept moving until I heard my name.

"Yeah, her name is Bella Swan. No, she is completely fake! I swear that little skank stole Edward from me." Tanya confided in a woman next to her.

"Did you catch them together?" The other woman looked vaguely familiar.

"No, but every time I would look at her she would be staring at him. It was embarrassing, but the worst part is when she wasn't looking at him, he was watching her! I swear society is going downhill quickly."

"I didn't know you and Edward were that serious." That was it! The mystery speaker was Jessica Stanley from the news.

"Most people didn't. I mean sure I still needed to iron out his personality a bit, make him need me a bit more, but then I'm positive he would have bought me a five carat engagement ring and made everything official. It's too bad his brother is already married though, I would go after him next otherwise, even if their sister is worse than Bella." She laughed. I took a few steps back so they wouldn't notice me listening to their conversation. Did I really stare at Edward? I was so careful to be discreet, but apparently not discreet enough.

I worked my way to the bow of the ship and leaned against the rail. There weren't that many people near me so I just stared at the sea and the black night. Stars twinkled in the sky and I felt slightly more collected. I turned back around and saw him immediately. He stood on the upper level staring at me. There was a girl holding one of his hands and chatting with one of the bimbos.

His eyes looked almost black from this angle and his face looked rugged. He wore a black polo over slacks and he had never looked better. The girl on his arm tugged to get his attention; he turned his head seemingly reluctant to speak with her. My hands shook slightly as I made my way back through the throng.

"Ah Bella, so good of you to make it." The venom in Tanya's voice was deadly. I wanted to run up the stairs to Edward but she was in my way.

"Hi Tanya." I was going to say 'it's good to see you again' but I opted out of the lie.

"Have you met my friend Jessica Stanley? She's a reporter for channel five."

"No I haven't. It's nice to meet you Jessica, I'm Isabella Swan." She smiled tightly in response. She's the one who covered my Mikhail fiasco. "Well if you'll excuse me…" I tried to sneak by.

"No I will not." Tanya pushed my discreetly. I stumbled as if I was drunk. My face grew hot. She didn't even care about Edward and we obviously weren't together, so why was she being so hostile? Maybe the angry conversation had built while I was gone.

"What's the big idea?" I was flabbergasted that she would actually lay a hand on me.

"Do we have a problem here?" Amber slid smoothly to my side. At least now we had even numbers.

"Of course not." Jessica tried to defuse the confrontation. She tugged on Tanya's wrist trying to pull her away.

"This isn't finished Bella." She spat my name and walked away.

"Jeez, what was that all about?" Amber raised her brows.

"It's nothing."

"Don't worry about it. That bitch is fugly anyway so don't think about her for another second cause she isn't worth it." Amber was quite drunk at this point. I wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned against the railing for support. When our hips bumped the metal Amber's drink sloshed onto the floor. "Dammit." She frowned at the puddle around her feet.

"I'll find something to clean it up."

"Ok." I left her holding the rail and climbed the stairs. Sure I might find a towel elsewhere, but I figured the bar would also have one along with putting me near Edward. He came into view as I climbed. My mouth went dry at the sight. He was smiling with his arm around that girl. It broke my heart. A camera flashed and his smile along with his arm dropped.

I started towards him before I could stop myself. He noticed me and watched my approach but I could not read his expression. The girl tried to wrap her arms around his waist but he shifted away from her.

"Eddypoo why won't you let me hold you?" She looked to be in her early twenties but she acted like a five year old. Her dress was designer and I suspected the gems in her jewelry were completely real.

"Hello Edward." I stopped a little ways away; I didn't want to start another cat fight with Miss Dior.

"Bella." My resolve faltered as I watched his indifference at seeing me. He seemed almost bored. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind I found more courage.

"I needed to talk to you eventually." I clasped my hands trying to keep them still. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair, wipe away the exhausted smudges from under his eyes, but that would not be appropriate. Instead of speaking he just nodded once. I took that as a dismissal but I saw a spark in his gaze as I left.

The bar did have a towel so I borrowed it and worked my way back to Amber. I glanced at Edward as I climbed back down the stairs and he was still watching me.

Amber was surrounded by two men by the time I made it back to her.

"Listen guys, I'm flattered, but really I'm not interested."

"Come on, I heard all the girls at these parties put out." One guy lifted a piece of her hair. She slapped his hand away.

"Ease off bud, I told you I'm not interested." I immediately sped up trying to reach her. Something caught the edge of my shoe and I ended up stumbling to the rail. Instead of stopping I flipped right over it. The last thing I saw was Amber deck a guy and shock on the other party goers faces.

It wasn't a long fall to the water but the icy waves stung when they touched my skin. That was when it went dark.

Lights blinded me as something heavy pushed on my chest. If possible I felt even colder as the wind kissed my skin.

"Hang on Bella…" His emerald eyes pleaded.

OOOOOOOoo

I came to gasping for air. I thought I was still in the water from the deep chill in my bones, but I soon realized blankets had trapped my arms not sea weed. Sunlight gently lit the living room windows as I glanced around. I was still on Aro's yacht but I was wrapped in numerous blankets. I didn't see anyone in my immediate vicinity.

I wiggled my arms free and noticed that I was completely naked under all the blankets. The thought of someone undressing me made me blush. A faint sizzling sound could be heard down the small hallway. I stood carefully and wrapped one blanket around my torso like a toga and another around my shoulders for warmth. Walking slowly I made my way down the corridor.

The scent of bacon had my stomach growling. I peeked into the room to see who was cooking. His back was sculpted to perfection and his hair glistened from a recent shower. Edward, I must have died last night and gone to heaven. He didn't hear me enter. I sat at the table and waited for him to notice me.

I felt rather awkward when he didn't turn around right away, almost stalker-ish to sit in a room without the other occupant's knowledge. It was too late to say anything now so I waited with bated breath. He skillfully flipped pancakes in a pan and kept the bacon from burning. He seemed to work with utter concentration.

When the final pancake was flipped onto a plate he finally turned. He jumped a bit when he saw me but did not drop the plates he was juggling. He even blushed ever so slightly. He put one plate in front of me and the other across from it. He didn't speak; instead he sat and began eating.

"Thank you." My voice sounded hoarse and rough as if someone had rubbed my vocal chords with sandpaper. Edward grimaced slightly at the sound, his eyes looked worried.

"How are you feeling?"

"I seem to be alright, but to be honest the details of last night are a bit… fuzzy." He seemed to relax. We did not speak again until the food was gone. "I need to talk to you." I stared at my plate hoping it would reveal life's secrets.

"So talk." I took a deep breath.

"I feel like you don't want to hear what I have to say." I glanced at him. His arms were crossed and he leaned back in his chair. His jaw was sent in a determined line.

"I think it best that you tell me the truth."

"Well I tried that and you never responded." I forced myself to hold his gaze. He seemed to be having an internal battle.

"What?" it was a whisper.

"I tried that already. The day we were attacked by the paparazzi! I sent you a message that afternoon!" He looked confused. "I'm still waiting for a response actually." I gulped and bit my lip.

"What did this message say?" I played with my knife to avoid eye contact.

"I apologized."

"For what?"

"For reacting like that." I peeked at him again. His chair was on all fours now as if he wanted to be stable for this information. "And asking if we could work around it, but it's ok, I don't expect a response anymore. I understand if you need someone who's better at the public appearance thing." I realized then that every word was true. I could live with Edward's decision to leave me before we began if it would make him happy. Anything to make him happy would be the right course of action, even if I am never the same from it.

"So you think I want a camera loving girl who basks in the limelight?" His eyes danced with some hidden emotion.

"It would make your life easier."

"No it wouldn't. A girl who loves attention also likes keeping it, which means she will find ways to get it. I'm looking for someone who can walk with me down the street and smile for the cameras but not pose for them or seek them out."

"I'm not that either." The cold in my bones deepened and I felt my teeth chatter quietly. Edward noticed.

"Yes you are." His eyes smoldered but hardened with concern. "Are you still cold?" I nodded yes as my extremities twitched. He stood and held out his arm. "May I?" I nodded again and he scooped me up effortlessly. Before I knew what we happening Edward was in the bathroom with me. He stuck his hand under the running shower to check the temperature before unraveling my blankets.

I had forgotten again that I was naked so when I stood before him in my birthday suit shivering I felt heat in my face from my blush. He shoved me under the spray with a smirk. I closed my eyes and let the water cascade over my chilled skin. It warmed the surface but I could not stop shaking. I heard something light hit the floor before his arms came around me.

I jumped from the touch but my body automatically moved closer to the warm presence behind me. Without thought I molded every inch possible together trying to gain heat. Edward chuckled and rested his chin on my head. I froze. I had forgotten who was supplying this heat, who was naked with me.

"What are you doing?" I tipped my head back to see him.

"Making you warm." He began to rub my upper arms restoring proper blood flow. His hands then moved to my shoulders, then back, etc. coercing blood back through. Despite all my best efforts to not be turned on, the feel of his hands had me trembling from desire instead of cold.

He must be feeling something from all this contact? I looked at his body and my mouth watered. His hands moved down my back and worked the backs of my thighs. My knees turned to jelly and I had to put my hands on a kneeling Edward's shoulders to keep myself upright. Once Edward had worked his way back up I was panting slightly.

"Is that better?" His voice was a bit gruff by the time he was standing but he reluctantly stopped touching me. I was sorely disappointed when he did. I looked at him again and noticed he was just as excited as I was. I would have to take the reins on this one, for one last time.

"I could be better." I tried for husky and got hoarse but Edward's eyes still dilated. I reached forward slowly and trailed a nail along his erection. The tendons in his neck tensed at the contact. If I couldn't have Edward indefinitely I would give him something to remember me by. I felt fevered as I lowered myself to my knees. Edward watched me kneel in front of him but said nothing.

Tentatively leaned forward and flicked the tip of my tongue along its head. His fists clenched and a bead of precum formed. I must be doing something right. I swirled the tip into my mouth and I heard Edward groan. I began working it farther into my mouth and throat while creating a ring with my hand to include his whole length. Before I knew it Edward's hands were in my hair coaxing my speed. His eyes burned bright green as he watched me do this for him.

When I thought I couldn't go any deeper he penetrated my mouth one last time as he came. He was gasping for breath as he pulled me to my feet. I was unstable from the mild oxygen deprivation but when his lips touched mine I was perfectly content.

He pushed me against the tile wall and kissed me fiercely. This meeting of our lips would forever be burned in my mind. His tongue dueled with mine as I poured my whole self into our kiss. We were both out of breath when we broke apart.

"Bella, I…" I kissed him again, softly to stop his apology. I reached down and shut off the water and slid out of the shower to dry off. Edward came out behind me and followed suit. I wandered back to the living room to find my clothes but they were nowhere to be seen. "Aro is having them dry cleaned for you. I think he said there were some clothes in one of the bedrooms." Edward leaned against the door casing watching me. He had put his clothes back on so I could no longer admire his chest. I wandered off to find the clothes.

Edward followed me from room to room. Finally I found a ratty t-shirt and a pair of shorts, no panties or bra were available. Edward watched me dress but neither of us spoke.

"Can I see your cell phone?" he asked as we made our way back to the kitchen.

"Sure it's…" I frowned. "In the deep blue sea." I had wondered why no one had called to see how I was.

"Oh."

"Why did you want to see it?"

"I think you entered my number incorrectly." He inspected his toes.

"What makes you think that?"

"Because I never got your message." My eyes widened. "I'm still waiting to hear from you actually." He smiled a beautiful smile.

"But that girl…"

"I had a strong suspicion you would be here last night so I had to bring someone to distract myself." I frowned at the thought of her touching him. "Bella," he reached out and captured my hand. "Why didn't you come and tell me in person? I thought you didn't want to be with me, like the paparazzi were a deal breaker for you." My mind was moving slowly. I could not comprehend what was being said.

"What?"

"Bella, I think we should give us a legitimate try." He smiled but there was a touch of vulnerability in the action.

"But you don't want me." I was searching for the exit from this dream.

"Yes, I do. But do you want me in return?"

"Well that's a stupid question. I died didn't I? Crap! Who's going to take care of Charlie?" I started to pace. Edward's smiled widened.

"Bella."

"And what about Maurice? He can't live on the street! He's to pampered!"

"Bella." He grabbed my hand and pulled me back to him. "Do you want to be with me?"

"Of course I do." I snorted. Who would be stupid enough not to want Edward Cullen?

"Ok then. We'll go from there."

"But Edward! I died! I can't go anywhere. I'm destined to haunt Aro's boat for all eternity." Edward laughed.

"Sure you are, now come on." We climbed the stairs into sunlight and reality began to sink in.

"This is really happening?" I stumbled towards Edward's car.

"Yes." I planted my feet and we halted next to the fender. I launched myself and hooked my heels around his waist. He stumbled back and leaned against the car. I started to bombard his face with kisses. He got a firm grip and pulled me away slightly. "What are you doing?"

"If I have you, I want you right now." He looked bemused but my heart was racing. If I was dreaming I did not want to wake and if this was heaven I could live with it.

"Well, Aro told me we could use the boat for as long as he needed." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Let's take it for a test drive shall we?"

"Definitely."