Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.I also don't own Sleeping with the Enemy. The book belongs to Nancy Price and the movie belongs to Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.

Sleeping with a Monster

Previously…

Edward looked over at me and furrowed his brow. "I have to ask… Have we met before?" I froze for a moment but quickly recovered. I needed to play it cool. Any reaction on my part could tip him off.

"Because I keep getting this feeling that I know you from somewhere," he added.


Chapter 9 – Sleeping Together

Oh Crap! I found myself lost in his green eyes while trying to remember who I was. Could I tell Edward? Could I trust him? I knew in my heart I could, especially after everything Carlisle had told me. However, would that change how he saw me? I knew the answer to that was 'yes'. He would see a bruised and broken woman who was stupid enough to fall for James's lies, stupid enough to marry a monster, stupid enough to stay with him for over a year. A part of me understood Edward's desire to protect me that night. I am sure I was quite a sight and any decent human being would want to save another from the nightmare I was living. However, that did not mean he would want me – Bella, especially if he realized what an idiot I was.

I felt shame seep through the cracks of the fragile confidence I had worked on these last three months. Doubt started to lick at the edges as I recalled all the times James told me that I was worthless and no one would want me – I was used. I had allowed James to control me, abuse me. Why didn't I just leave him when he first hit me? Why didn't I see James for the monster he was before I married him? How could I trust my own judgment in men? It was clear to me. I had no one to blame but myself. How could I tell Edward? If I did, he would not want me. Oh, he would feign polite interest, but in the end, he would see that I'm not what he wants. He does not deserve someone with this much baggage. He was so out of my league in looks and as a human being. So I decided to keep my secret and keep Edward at arms length. I did not deserve him.

"I don't think so, Edward. I've never been to Arizona before," I replied keeping my face and voice calm and even. I wasn't lying here. Edward and I were never formally introduced.

"Well… Maybe in Florida then?" he asked trying to figure me out.

"Where in Florida have you been?" I asked knowing I could say something to deflect any attempts to place where he knew me.

"The Miami-area mostly," he responded. This was going to be easier than I thought.

"Hm. I have not been there for a couple of months. I was mostly in the Jacksonville area," I countered hoping that would end the direction of this conversation. Edward looked at me for a moment more, as if he were trying to decide if he did indeed know me.

"I was there couple of months ago too. Maybe we met…," Edward said, his voice trailing off. He seemed deep in thought for a moment. I held my breath hoping that my slip-up would not trigger his memory. "But I was with Carlisle and Esme the whole time, so probably not," he finally admitted.

I tried to control my breath as I exhaled and said, "I wasn't there long, just visiting some friends."

"Perhaps, you're right," he acquiesced with a resigned sigh. Edward drove me around Scottsdale, showing me the sites and the amenities of the community. It was comfortable being with him and I felt safe. After a while, my stomach betrayed me and growled loudly.

"Sounds like someone needs to eat," he said with a chuckle. I was embarrassed, but famished. "Do you like Mexican food?" He grinned at me.

"Yes. What did you have in mind?" I said returning his smile.

"There's a local place that has the best food." Edward's face was boyishly eager.

"Sounds wonderful," I laughed. "I'm starved."

We arrived at the restaurant and walked in. The place was very casual; the kind of place where you walk up to the counter, order your food and walk along with it while the server makes your meal to your specifications. Edward paid for my food, in spite of my protests and carried our tray of food. The place was crowded and noisy but we were able to find a small table in the corner. He held out my chair before he took his own. We made small talk while we ate.

"What do you do for a living, Edward?"

"I am in the final year of my residency at the Mayo Clinic," Edward responded much to my surprise.

"Really? What is your specialization?" I asked, seriously interested.

"Pediatrics," he said. Could he get any better? I thought to myself. He is gorgeous, built, charming, a complete gentleman, a doctor and he obviously loves kids. I realized that I didn't even know if he had a girlfriend. He probably did, which was just a well. It would be easier.

"How about you? What do you do?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

"I'm an English teacher. In fact finding a job is my first order of business." I smiled sheepishly.

"Do you teach anything in particular?" Edward asked eagerly.

"High school English and creative writing. I would love to teach English literature if it's on the curriculum," I said smiling that he seemed so interested. Of course he was probably just being polite, I told myself.

"There are a number of high schools in the area. I'm sure you can find a job somewhere," he said encouragingly.

"Thanks," I replied as I finished my meal. We threw away the remains of our meal and made our way out to Edward's car. We drove to a grocery store where I picked up a few things for the next few days. I still needed to buy pots and pans, plates, silverware, cups, etc to equip the kitchen for cooking. However, I could take care of that on another day. It was almost dark by the time we got back. Edward helped me carry my purchases into the house.

"Edward, thank-you for taking the time to show me around today. It was really sweet of you," I admitted with a little smile.

"You're welcome," he said softly. He lifted his hand to the side of my head. He paused before tucking my hair behind my ear.

He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Good night, Bella." He quickly walked out the door leaving me with a girly grin on my face.

*******

"James, please. I'll clean it up," I said frantically, trying to sweep up the sand that was all over the black marble floors. James moved menacingly towards me with a sickening sneer on his face. I could tell he was going to hurt me and I was powerless to stop him. I tried to run, but the sand on the floor got deeper and I struggled to run with any speed. James was closing in, getting closer and closer. Suddenly the sand started to sink underneath me and I found myself trapped. I tried to scream, but the sound seemed to get stuck on the walls of my dry throat.

"You can't escape me Marie. You will always belong to me. I will always find you," James whispered in my ear. He raised his hands, placed them on my throat, and started to squeeze. I started to gasp when my air supply cut off. I tried to struggle against James's hold, but the sand held me tight and I could not move. Then he stopped and whispered in my ear, "I'm coming to get you, Marie." He disappeared with a ghostly chuckle.

Then I felt warm hand on my shoulder and a familiar jolt passed through my body as I heard a velvet voice in my ear call my name – Bella. The sand drained away, and I turned to look at my savior. A pair emerald eyes blazing with an unidentified emotion met my gaze. "Edward!" I gasped.

My eyes flew open as I bolted upright in my bed. I looked around the unfamiliar room as my breathing came in quick gasps. Slowly I realized I was in my new house in Arizona. I groaned as I fell back onto the bed covering my face with my hands.

It was the same dream I had been having on and off for three months now. However, it was the first time I had the dream since moving to Arizona about a week ago. It usually ended the same way, James would disappear and a velvet voice would say my name as the hand on my shoulder would jolt my system. I knew that this person in my dream was Carlisle's nephew. However, he never had a face until now. This time the dream was different. It was the first time the velvet voice had a face and it was Edward.

"Edward," I sighed his name quietly. After he took me on a tour of the area, dinner and grocery shopping, I had not seen him other than in passing. Usually one of us was leaving while the other one was getting home. I knew Edward's schedule as a resident at the Mayo Clinic must be very demanding. I had been busy trying to find a job, purchasing things I needed for the house, as well as, buying a few professional outfits. I hoped I would get the chance to wear my new clothes in some job interviews and soon.

A glance at my alarm clock on the nightstand told me it was almost 2 o'clock in the morning. Knowing I would not be able to get back to sleep for a while, I got up. I went into the kitchen and made myself a cup of herbal tea. I was wearing a sleep set consisting of a tank top and matching shorts. I grabbed my cup of tea and stepped outside my front door. The cool air of the night felt good against my skin as I settled into the swing on the front porch gently swaying. The moonlight illuminated the front yard in a soft glow.

The gentle back and forth motion of the swing combined with the herbal tea started to ease my mind as I felt my shoulders relax. That's when I heard it, the beautiful strains of piano music dancing through the night air. I concentrated on the familiar tune and recognized it almost immediately – Claire de Lune by Debussy. It was one of my favorites and I wondered who else was up.

I quietly slid off the swing and put my tea down on the concrete of the porch. My feet slowly padded down the front walk as I listened for the music to guide me. I strolled down the sidewalk that passed in front of the houses as it ran along side the road. As I passed in front of Edward's home, I realized the music was emanating from the front window that was slightly ajar. I carefully tiptoed up the sidewalk that snaked its way up to his front porch. As I neared the front of the house, I could see the soft glow of a lamp illuminating a beautiful baby grand piano. I realized the music was not a recording; it was Edward playing the piano. I stopped my quiet advance up his sidewalk to watch him. His bronze tousled hair was in his eyes as he played and he appeared to be completely absorbed in the song. Edward was a beautiful sight; he was shirtless and I could see the muscular plains of his chest in the soft light as his toned arms moved guiding his hands over the keys.

With his eyes closed, Edward tilted his head back slightly as he continued to play. His face had a beautiful look of peace and contentment on it and I softly gasped at the sight. The music abruptly stopped as I realized Edward's eyes were open and looking at me. He slowly got up from the piano and started for the door.

"Oh shit," I giggled quietly as I made a mad dash for my place, hoping I would be out of sight before he reached the door – no such luck.

"Bella." I heard Edward laugh behind me as I neared my porch. I slowed my run to a walk as my shoulders slumped in mock defeat. I giggled and turned around to face him. My giggle cut off at the sight of him jogging up behind me in nothing but a pair of light cotton pajama bottoms. I could hardly believe that this barefoot, shirtless, sexy-haired Adonis was calling my name. I dropped my eyes as I felt the heat of a blush covering my cheeks. I was thankful that Edward probably would not be able to see my blush in the moonlight.

"You caught me," I laughed a little breathless from my sudden run and extreme embarrassment. Edward slowed to a walk as he approached me. He came to a stop in front of me and I looked up at him from under my eyelashes.

"Did you need something?" he asked sweetly as he ran his fingers through his messy hair. He smiled as he looked at me in my pajamas. I'm sure I was a sight with my unruly hair going every which way.

"Sorry," I mumbled. "This is so embarrassing. I could not sleep and came out here to relax in the swing when I heard one of my favorite songs. I was trying to see where it was coming from, when you caught me," I rambled in my embarrassment.

"You know Debussy?" Edward asked his smile widening.

"Yes. It's one of my favorites," I said returning his smile before he motioned for me to continue towards the porch. "You play beautifully by the way. Would you like to sit down?" I pointed to the swinging bench. As soon as we sat down, I became aware of how close shirtless Edward was, and I had to control the impulse to run my hand across his sculpted chest and down to his six-pack abs.

"Sorry I haven't been around much this week. The hospital has been crazy and I haven't had time to do much of anything," Edward offered with a sad smile.

"That's okay, Edward. You do not have to entertain me. Besides I've been very busy trying to find a job and buy things for the house," I said shyly.

"I don't mind entertaining you Bella; in fact, I would really like to get to know you better," Edward replied with wink. "I'm just sorry I haven't been around to help you if you need anything." He sounded a little sad. 'This is too dangerous,' my head argued. However, my heart yelled, 'Give him a chance.'

"Thanks." I smiled brightly. "I could use a friend or two. I still don't know anyone here yet. I've been so busy," I said trying to find some middle ground between my head and heart. Edward looked a little saddened at my offer to be friends but he returned my smile just the same. Just then, a cool breeze blew across my skin and I shivered as goose bumps rose on my arms.

"Cold?" Edward said simply as brought his arm around my shoulders and started rubbing his hands up and down my upper arms. I nodded as I let him warm me relishing the feeling of his hands on my bare arms. After a moment or two, he stopped rubbing my arms. He casually kept his arm around my shoulders as he pulled me into his side to keep me warm. I sighed as pulled my legs up onto the bench and tucked myself into his side, letting my head rest on chest. Edward slouched down a little so he could rest his head on the back of the bench. He slowly rocked the swing back and forth with his legs. As much as I wanted to, I refrained from running my hand across his flat stomach to wrap my arm around him. We sat like that in comfortable silence for a long time. It felt good; I felt happy, safe. I closed my eyelids enjoying the moment.

********

I was not aware I had fallen asleep with Edward on the bench until I awoke as the sun started to rise in the East. I was still snuggled into his side and he still had his arm around my shoulders. Sometime during the night, I had wrapped my arm around his stomach and his hand had slipped down onto my hip. His deep breathing told me he was still asleep. I carefully lifted my head, not wanting to wake him just yet. I wanted to take the opportunity to look at his sleeping face. He looked peaceful and relaxed with his messy hair falling in haphazard patterns across his forehead and into his eyes. His long eyelashes rested on the top of his cheeks as he slept. But, it was his slightly parted lips that drew my attention.

I pulled my hand from his stomach and cupped his cheek. His 5 o'clock shadow was prickly against my palm as I gently caressed his cheek with my thumb. I had been dying to touch his face, but still did not have enough nerve to run my fingers through his hair. Without opening his eyes, Edward's lips turned up into a smile.

"Good morning, Bella," he said in a low sexy morning voice. He opened his eyes just a little and looked down into my upturned face.

"Good morning Edward," I replied, my voice husky from sleep as I returned his smile.

"Sleep well?" he asked with a wink. I felt my cheeks grow pink as neither one of us moved out of our sleeping positions.

"Very. Did you?" I countered back.

"Best I've slept in a long time." He chuckled at the ever-darkening shade of my blush. I ducked my head down breaking our gaze. As I started to pull my hand away from his face, he quickly stopped me as he covered my hand with his. He brought my hand off his cheek and kissed the palm causing me to shiver again. He tightened his arm on my shoulders as he brought me closer to his side. "Still cold?" he mumbled against my palm, he eyes full of amusement. Yeah, he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

"Freezing," I lied with a sheepish smile. I could feel the rumble in his laughter in his chest, telling me he did not buy it. I poked him in the side with my free hand, causing his to jump.

"Hey!" he yelped softly, still laughing at me. We started to stretch our muscles as we broke out of our embrace. My skin felt cold from the absence of his warm body pressed up against mine. We sat on the swing for a moment before Edward broke the silence.

"Bella?" he said, sounding a little nervous. I looked up at him to see him run his hand through his unruly hair.

Why is he the only one who gets to do that?

"I wanted to know if you would like to go to a barbeque with me this Saturday." His nervousness was endearing.

"I'd love to," I said softly as I smiled at him. My heart was soaring as it did flip-flops in my chest. My head, of course tried to reason that Edward was just probably being nice, since I did not have any friends here.

"I'll pick-up around four o'clock, if that's alright," he asked as his eyes lit up along with his face as a big smile broke out on his face.

"Do I need to bring anything?" I asked.

"Just yourself," he said still smiling before he stood up from the bench and stretched with his back turned to me. I caught myself ogling the rippling muscles of his back. I let my gaze drift south, but quickly stopped myself before Edward caught me checking out his butt. I was already self-conscientious enough as it was.

I slowly stood up and stretched as well. I bent down to pick-up the paper that the newspaper carrier had left sometime in the morning while Edward and I slept. I smiled at the sight we must have presented when I looked up to see Edward looking a little dazed as he checked out my body. I tried to stifle a giggle, unsuccessfully. Edward's eyes snapped up to mine as he realized I had caught him eyeing my body. Now it was his turn to blush, causing my giggles to increase. His eyes narrowed and his mouth turned into a little smirk.

"I know you were checking out my butt just a minute ago, missy," he shot back, effectively putting an end to my giggles causing my face to blush profusely. Edward laughed out loud. If I had not been so embarrassed, I probably would have thought it was the most wonderful sound in the world.

"Humph!" I said, crossing my arms in front of me, still holding the newspaper. I stood there waiting for Edwards's laughter to die. "So who will be at this barbeque?" I asked hoping to distract Edward from embarrassing me further. Edward looked up at me still smiling.

"My brother Emmett, his wife Rose, her brother Jasper and his girlfriend Alice," Edward replied.

"Sounds like fun." I smiled as I felt my face returning to its normal pale color.

"Good, I think it's time my family and friends meet you," he said with a sly smile. I raised a questioning eyebrow at him. He turned to walk back to his house, but then he paused, looking over his shoulder at me.

"Now that we've slept together," he said with a wicked grin.

No, he did not just say that!

I glared at him playfully before Edward turned and laughed as he continued to walk down my sidewalk. I felt my hand tighten around the newspaper in my hand as I raised it and threw it at his retreating back. It hit him squarely in the butt and he let out a yelp, the newspaper making a smacking noise as it hit him.

Edward turned back towards me and narrowed his eyes mischievously at me as he raised his hand and wagged his index finger back and forth at me. Suddenly he started to run towards me and I squealed as the realization hit me that he was coming after me. I quickly darted back to the front door of my house. But before I could open the door, Edward had his hands round my waist. He started to tickle me mercilessly. I squealed with laughter as I tried to wiggle out of his grasp. He was laughing with me as he turned me around to face him.

"Uncle. UNCLE!" I yelped breathlessly as my chest heaved from my gasps for air. Edward stopped his assault on my sides as he looked into my eyes. The merriment in his eyes softened as he raised his hand to cup the side of my neck. He leaned his face down to mine and I audibly inhaled as I caught my breath. I thought he was going to kiss me, but then his head veered to the side as he grazed his nose along my jaw up to my ear, inhaling along the way. I felt a jolt run from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

"I'm looking forward to Saturday, Bella," he whispered as his breath fanned out and tickled my ear.


A/N: I love sexy Edward. Don't you? :o - SavageWoman