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…

"I've been wanting to do that for a very long time," Edward confessed in a rough voice, still breathing heavy.

"Why did you stop?" I teased, still trying to regulate my own breathing.

"Bella, please," he moaned. "Are you trying to test the limits of my self-control?"

"Your control appears to be fine. It's mine that needs the help." I laughed softly at the way I attacked him. I was too happy to be embarrassed. He answered with a laugh as he pulled me into his chest. I closed my eyes and inhaled his glorious scent. We lay in each other embrace on the couch as the forgotten movie played on. My previous night of sleeplessness finally caught up with me and I fell into a blissful slumber in Edward's arms. I was vaguely aware of Edward turning off the TV and pulling a blanket off the back of the couch and spreading it over us. I was right where I wanted to be, snuggled into his chest with his arms wound tightly around me.


Sleeping With A Monster


Chapter 15 – Play For Me

As much as I hated to admit it, Alice was right – something I would never tell that pixie. I did need more outfits besides work clothes if I was going to be dating Edward. I am glad I let her talk me into some fun clothing and nice eveningwear. Of course, I did not have a clue which outfit to wear on my date with Edward tonight. I really needed the opinion of a friend. I wondered what Alice was doing a little later…

The final bell startled me out of my swirling thoughts of Edward, Alice and dresses.

"Don't forget, you're essays are due on Monday!" I said loudly to my students as they quickly filed out of the room to a weekend of freedom.

I sighed and started to sit down at my desk. I quickly got to work, in an attempt to get out of here by three. Mike Newton made a point of stopping by my classroom everyday this week just as I was about to leave at four. He would then drone on for half an hour while I tried to drop subtle hints that I needed to go. I was determined not to be stuck here this Friday listening to him. That left me with less than an hour to get everything done.

As I finished the last of my work, I glanced up at the clock. It was after three so I grabbed the stacks of papers I needed to grade putting them in my messenger bag. I picked up my purse, turned off the lights in my classroom and closed the door. The quickest way to my car took me past Mike's room, so I decided to take the scenic route, just in case he saw me and wanted to talk. I knew the heels of my shoes would echo in the hallway, so I went as fast as I could, making a break for it. As I rounded the corner, I could hear a chair squeak coming from the hallway I had just left. I didn't look back as I hurried out to my car, almost laughing at my escape.

I felt light-hearted as I drove home knowing that in a few hours I would be with Edward. As I approached my house, I saw a yellow Porsche in the driveway and a very irritated Alice sitting on my front porch swing. There was a large black bag on the porch next to her. I waved as I pulled in next to her car in the driveway, but she just scowled at me.

As I exited my car I tried to smile at Alice, but I think it looked more like a grimace than a smile. "Alice?" I said cautiously as I approached her. "What's wrong?"

"How took you sweet time getting home," she snapped at me. "I've been waiting out here in the heat for –" She glanced down at her wrist and her non-existent watch. "– fifteen minutes!" Alice huffed like a little child and folded her arms across her chest.

"Was I supposed to meet you? I don't remember you saying you were coming over." Confusion filled my mind as I racked my brain trying to remember if I had made plans with Alice on the same night I was going out with Edward.

Alice just rolled her eyes at me and picked up the black bag. "Bella, because you are late getting home, we barely have two hours to get you ready for you date with Edward." She stood up, grabbed my keys out of my hand, and unlocked the front door before she shoved me into the house.

"Alice, what are you talking about?" I was still confused as to why she was here. I was a grown woman who knew how to dress herself, so why did I need help. Then I remembered my half-hearted wish earlier about opinions and what to wear. But, how did she know?

"You do have a date with him tonight, right?" she asked and I gave her a positive nod. "Come on." She sounded annoyed as she grabbed my arm and proceeded to drag me back to my room. This reminded me again, of how strong she was. "You go take a shower while I figure out what you're going to wear." She shoved me into the bathroom and closed the door in my face before I could protest.

I just stood there for a moment trying to figure out what I had gotten myself into when I heard Alice yell through the door, "I don't hear the water running!"

"I wasn't late, by the way!" I shot back through the door deciding two could play at this game.

"Shower. Now!" she yelled. I sighed and turned on the shower. I decided it would be easier to acquiesce to her demands rather than resist the inevitable. I undressed and stepped in the shower, allowing the hot water to relax my body. Fifteen minutes later, I found myself sitting in my robe in front of my mirror as Alice started in on my hair. I peeked in the black bag Alice brought only to find it filled with an assortment of hair products, make-up and heated hair implements of torture.

"Is this really necessary?" I said a little annoyed that she didn't ask me if this is what I wanted as I motioned to her black bag. I seriously hoped she was not planning to use all this stuff on me. "And how did you know I had a date with Edward?" I had not talked to Alice since our shopping trip.

"Yes it is necessary." Her tone was matter-of-fact. Alice was in a much better mood by the time I finished with my shower, all traces of her previous ill mood gone. That left me with a hyperactive pixie that was now tugging and pulling at my hair. "I had a feeling this afternoon that you needed my help, so I cleared the rest of my day. And as for how I knew, Edward told Emmett, who told Rose, who told me."

"Great. I bet that made Rose happy," I muttered sarcastically, not please at the prospect of Rose knowing about my activities with Edward. The last time my path crossed Rose's was the baseball game where we managed to say as little as possible to each other while I made a point of staying out of her way. If Edward and I continued to date, being around Rose would be inevitable at some point in the future.

Alice snorted at my comment. "Yeah, well you know. Just give her time. She will get over it." I thought about that for a moment. I wondered how long it would take. Moreover, if she did get over it, there was no promise that Rose would even like me. In fact, I was sure that all she would ever do is tolerate me. I sighed as I turned my attention to what Alice was doing to my hair as she finished up. I had to admit, that talented pixie knew what she was doing. My hair looked great with half of it pulled up in a loose ponytail as my hair cascaded down my back in big loose curls. She left a few loose strands out to frame my face.

As Alice started to pull out the makeup, I started to protest, "Alice I don't want to wear a lot of heavy makeup." In my life with James, he always insisted that I wear make-up – more makeup than I was comfortable wearing. Now that I had a choice in the matter, I found I did not really like to wear a lot. It's not that I was against it; I just did not see the need to be made-up to the hilt every second of the day.

"A little credit, Bella," she said a little offended. "I was planning on enhancing your natural beauty. You already have beautiful skin, so all we really need to do is bring out your best features." I just rolled my eyes at her reference to me having natural beauty, and as for my skin, it was nothing but pale. However, Alice ignored my antics and continued to work. A few minutes later she stepped back so I could take in the full effect of her work. I was amazed at how good I looked. She managed to give me exactly what I wanted without me knowing what it was. My eyes and lips looked amazing without looking overly done up.

"Let's get you dressed. Edward will be here in a few minutes." Alice walked out of the bathroom and back into my bedroom. As I followed her, I could hear her muttering under her breath something about Edward's deplorable decorating skills. I laughed internally as I realized Esme would probably say the same thing.

"Put this on," Alice said handing something purple to wear along with a black lace bra and panty set. I raised my eyebrows at Alice, realizing she had picked out my underwear. "You know what they say about feeling sexy underneath your clothes."

Alice walked into the bathroom to pack-up her things and to give me some privacy. I took off my robe and quickly dressed in the clothing Alice had picked out for me. The purple silk dress was one of the favorites I had purchases on my trip with Alice last Saturday. It was sleeveless with one-inch straps that ran up my shoulders and to the back of the dress. It had a scooped neck with little pleats that embellished the bodice. The waistband of the dress fell just below my breasts. The pleats continued from under the waistband and were present in the back of the dress, giving the knee-length skirt volume so it swished around my thighs as I walked.

"I'm done," I called to Alice in the bathroom. I grabbed my silver evening bag and went to find my phone and keys.

I walked back into the room for a final approval to find Alice nowhere in sight.

"Alice?" I called.

"In here." She emerged from the closet holding a pair of spiky heeled shoes she had forced upon me last week.

We had argued a good ten minutes about the strappy sling-backs she wanted me to buy. I argued that the 4-inch skinny heels looked too precarious for my sometimes-clumsy ways. I was by no means as clumsy as I was a kid, but I never possessed the any natural grace either. I groaned when she pointed out that, the color matched the purple cocktail dress perfectly and that the heels were only three and a half inches. I scoffed and told her that a half inch would not make much of a difference to my clumsy nature. But, when she mentioned that, the shoes were called the 'Dazzle' Satin Sandal and that I would be sure to 'dazzle' Edward when I wore them, I snatched them out of her hand, took them to the cash register and paid for them immediately.

"Where are all your clothes? Most of what I see here is what we bought last week," Alice said incredulously.

I had forgotten that that my wardrobe did not have the usual amounts of clothing for a normal woman. I had to leave all my clothing when I left James, not wanting to raise any suspicions if he noticed certain pieces of my wardrobe missing. In addition, in my three months of travel, I had bought mostly casual clothing, making selections based on comfort rather than fashion. I felt the panic start to well in my throat as I realized I needed to think of a response that would garner the least amount of questions while seeming realistic. I certainly could not tell Alice the truth. If there was anyone who deserved the truth it was Edward, and I wasn't ready for that yet. Therefore, I did what I had been doing now for a while in order to protect my secrets. I lied.

"I lost most of my things in an apartment fire a couple of months ago and I'm still rebuilding my wardrobe." I hoped she would not notice the quiver in my voice.

I did not get the reaction I expected. I thought Alice would bombard me with questions. Instead, Alice started to jump up and down clapping her hands like a little girl.

"Oh! We get to do LOTS of shopping!" she squealed.

I groaned in response, but Alice ignored me as she grabbed a pen and paper out of her purse and started to make note of what I she thought I would need in my wardrobe.

I was so engrossed watching Alice in fascination that the sound of the doorbell caused me to jump. Before I could react, Alice shot out of the room like a bullet and was opening the front door before I rounded the corner into the entryway. I grabbed my silver bag before I walked to the door, being careful not to trip in my shoes. As I approached the door, a bronze-haired God with beautiful green eyes and a crooked smile greeted me. He looked amazing in his slate blue, two-button suit. He had a baby blue dress shirt and a gray and blue striped tie that matched perfectly. His black shiny loafers completed the look.

Before Edward or I could say anything, Alice said, "Wow Edward. You clean up well." Edward chuckled in response as he tried to ruffle her hair as she dodged out of the way. He looked up at me, his eyes sparkling as he took in my outfit.

"Wow is right," he replied softly as he stared at me. "Bella, you look amazing." I felt my cheeks blush as ducked my head.

"You look pretty amazing yourself." I looked back up at his smiling face.

"Well…," Alice said drawing out the word longer than necessary, trying to break Edward and me out of our mutual ogling. "I think I'll be going now that my work here is done."

"Thanks Alice." I gave her a hug before she left.

"Bye." Edward smiled at Alice as she passed by.

"Have fun you two!" she called back to us as she skipped off to her car. Edward quickly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I've missed you," he confessed looking into my eyes. I inhaled his intoxicating scent as it swirled around me.

"I've missed you too." He lowered his head and kissed me softly and I felt a swell of happiness start to build in my chest. It was so powerful that it almost hurt.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked as we pulled out of our embrace. I nodded as we walked out the door and locked the house.

Edward held my hand as he walked me to his silver Volvo parked on the street in from of my house. He opened my door and helped me into my seat like a perfect gentleman. I smiled up at him before he closed the door. He quickly walked around and got in the driver's seat of his car. While we drove to the restaurant, he asked about my day and I asked about his. Little did he know that all activities that did not involve Edward were simply filler until I could be with him. I knew I was in trouble, but I could not be happier about if I tried.

We arrived at an Italian restaurant and Edward quickly got out of the car to open my door and help me from the car. He tossed the keys to the valet and we made our way into La Bella Italia. As we entered, the host greeted us. She was a tall young woman with bottle blond hair and too much make-up. She adjusted her name badge so we could clearly make out her name – Melissa – when she took in Edward's appearance. Melissa addressed him with an almost inappropriate amount of friendliness as he told her we had reservations under Mason for two.

I felt myself stiffen as the desire to yell at the woman for coming on to Edward; he was my date. It annoyed me she would shamelessly flirt with him right in front of me as she refused to acknowledge my presence. He glanced down at me with an apologetic look in his eyes as he caressed my cheek. I relaxed and smiled up at him. This caused Melissa to bark an irritated "your table is ready" before she turned on her heel and stalked off towards our seats. I could not help but smile at her reaction.

She led us to a private table for two. After we sat down, she handed us our menus. She gave Edward one last lingering look before she walked away.

Shortly after Melissa left, our server walked over and addressed us with a thick Italian accent. He introduced himself as Antonio as he offered his handshake to Edward and me. When I told him my name, his lifted my hand and kissed it. I glanced as Edward who was no longer smiling but was shooting Antonio a dark glare as he sat stiffly in his seat. My eyes widened at little shock that Antonio would be as bold as to flirt with me in front of Edward.

I quickly pulled my hand away from Antonio's grasp and place it quickly on top of Edward's hand as he held it clenched into a fist on stop of the table. I smiled at Edward and he instantly relaxed as he returned my smile. Antonio nervously cleared his throat before he recommended some of the house specialties for dinner. Edward asked to see the wine list before he ordered a bottle. Antonio excused himself so we could peruse our menus.

"Well that was interesting," Edward chuckled under his breath.

I laughed in response. "Tell me about it. Maybe we should get Antonio together will Melissa." Edward's beautiful laughter rang out and it filled my heart with joy that he felt the same way. Antonio returned with the wine and poured us each a glass.

"Are you ready to order?" Antonio said turning to me.

"I'll have the mushroom ravioli," I replied, keeping my eyes on Edward the whole time so Antonio would not be encouraged to continue his flirting. Antonio reluctantly turned to Edward for his order.

"I'll have the spinach tortellini." Edward's tone was flat – clearly annoyed with Antonio. I smirked at Edward as I nudged him under the table with my foot. Edward grinned in response.

"Is it my turn yet?" I asked him hesitantly as soon as Antonio left with our order.

"Oh that's right – time for the questions." Edward smirked at me. "What do you want to know?" I had decided not to go with the same line of questions Edward had asked me earlier. I wanted to know the man.

"Where did you grow up?" I asked, deciding to start out simple.

"Chicago," he said fondly.

"Did you live there before or after your parents…?" I was not sure if I should mention their death or just leave it. However, Edward just smiled at me in understanding before he responded.

"Both. My father was a lawyer and my mother stayed home to raise Emmett and me. We lived in Chicago. After their death, Carlisle and Esme decided leave Dartmouth where he was teaching at the Medical School and move to Chicago to take care of us," he said.

"They moved to take care of you?" I asked incredulously.

"I know. It was immensely selfless of them. I asked Carlisle why they moved. It would be so much easier to move a ten and twelve year old. But, Carlisle told me that because Emmett and I had lost so much already, he and Esme thought it would be easier on us not to uproot us from everything we knew. It was bad enough we had lost both our parents, but to lose the only home we had known, our friends, our school, everything that was familiar to us was unbearable to Esme and him."

"That's so beautiful." I felt my eyes sting with tears. I decided to continue with my questions before Edward noticed my emotions getting the better of me. "Where did you go to college?"

"Dartmouth," he replied with a chuckle. Just then, Antonio returned with our entrées. He topped off our wine before he asked if there was anything else. Edward looked at me and I shook my head before he turned back to Antonio to dismiss him. We ate in silence for a few minutes enjoying our food.

"Is Carlisle the reason you became a doctor?" I nudged my plate back after having my fill of ravioli.

"Yes. Carlisle and Esme both have been wonderful examples of selflessness towards Emmett and me. But it was his desire to help people that inspired me to want to do the same." It was amazing to hear Edward talk about the two people in this world who had shown me the same unconditional help and love they had given him.

It was a bittersweet feeling. I knew how wonderful Carlisle and Esme were. They saved my life, literally. They took care of me, a stranger and helped me get back on my feet. I owed them so much. Because of them, I was sitting across from the most incredible man I had ever met. In addition, I wanted to share that with Edward. I wanted to let him know I knew first-hand exactly how wonderful his aunt and uncle were. I wanted him to know! How could I broach the subject with Edward?

Hey Edward, do you remember that pathetic broken woman named Marie? Well surprise, it's me.

Yeah right. I decided to push it out of my mind for now, vowing to work on a way to tell him soon. I could not stand deceiving him anymore.

The conversation flowed easily as Edward and I continued to talk about school, friends, and our childhoods as we got to know each other. I was completely unaware of how long we had been in the restaurant.

"Shall we go? I think they want to close up." Edward pushed his chair away from the table to stand up. I looked around me only to realize we were the only patrons left in the restaurant.

"Oh, wow. I completely lost track of time." I blushed at how absorbed I had been in Edward tonight. Edward was already pulling my chair out for me. He offered his hand to help me up from my chair and I took it. We walked out to the front of the restaurant where Edward's Volvo sat waiting for us. The valet had my door already open.

Edward leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Now that's service – I guess it pays to overstay our welcome." I squeezed his hand in mine in response as we neared the valet.

After we got in the car, we drove home for a time in comfortable silence. I was holding his hand in my lap as I remember I had something else I wanted to ask. I wanted to know the nature of his relationship with Tanya. Alice and Jasper had assured me that there was nothing between Edward and Tanya, but Edward was silent on the subject. And, although I didn't really think he was involved with her and I knew he did not owe me an explanation, my fragile self-esteem needed the reassurance.

"Edward, can I ask you something?" I was a little nervous to ask, unsure of how to bring it up.

"More questions? I didn't think you left a single stone unturned, but go ahead," he joked. As I opened my mouth, I chickened and asked a different one.

"Do you think maybe I could come by the hospital sometime and see what you do?" Maybe if I went to his work place I could get a feel for the situation without having to bring it up. His face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"I think that would be great!" He sounded happy at the prospect and I felt myself relax a little about Tanya. Certainly, he would not be this excited for me to see him at work if he was involved with her outside of a working relationship.

"When would be a good time?"

"How does Wednesday after you get off work sound? I have evening rounds at the hospital. There is also story time for the children. Maybe you could read to them if you want?" he asked, looking at me tentatively.

"I would love to." I smiled at him before I added, "On one condition – you have to play the piano for me sometime. If I continue to sneak around at night to hear you play, it will totally mess up my sleep patterns." I gave him a sly wink.

"I think that can be arranged," he smirked at me.

We pulled into Edward's driveway and he cut the engine.

"Shall I play for you now?" he turned to face me.

"Yes!" I could barely conceal my enthusiasm as Edward got out of the car and moved around to open my door. I took a hold of his offered hand and rose out of the car. He closed the door behind me before he placed his hand on the small of my back and walked me to his front door. He unlocked his house and he held the door open for me to go in.

It was dark inside and the only light coming in was from the outside light on the porch through the front door we had opened. Edward walked past me and turned on a lamp illuminating the living room in a warm soft glow. I turned and closed the front door. He walked back over to me, took my hand and led me to the piano.

"Come sit next to me." He gave me my favorite crooked smile as he sat down and pulled me down to sit next to him. "What would you like to hear?"

"Clare de Lune," I said without a second thought.

"I thought so." He caressed my cheek and I felt a wave of shyness wash over me as memories of that night returned to my mind. I do not know why I was feeling this way, but I wasn't embarrassed, just shy.

The air filled with the beautiful music of Edward's piano playing. I watched in amazement as his long slender fingers caressed the keys effortlessly. I let my head settle on his shoulder as I listened to the familiar strains of the song. I closed my eyes as I let the music flood my senses and fill my mind with the melody.

The song ended and Edward held the last note before he shifted slightly. I lifted my head off his shoulder and looked up at him. He was looking at me with an unfathomable expression on his face as his eyes smoldered.

"That was beautiful," I whispered, not wanting to disturb the lingering vibrations that still filled the room from the now absent song.

"So beautiful." He placed his hands on either side of my face and brought his face down to mine. His warm lips moved gently with mine as we kissed. Soon our kiss became more passionate as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Edward placed his hands on my waist before he slid me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me.

When he brushed his tongue along my bottom lip asking for entry, I gladly granted it. He deepened our kiss as our tongues danced together in perfect rhythm, my body alive with excitement. I knotted my fingers in his soft hair and pulled lightly. He moaned in my mouth in response and kissed me more fervently. He moved one hand to my hair and would his fingers in the hair at the nape of my neck. He released my swollen lips as he continued his passionate kisses down my neck and chest, my skin already on fire with my desire for his touch. I tilted my head back to give him better access to my neck as I gasped in pleasure as his lips continued to caress my skin. Eventually Edward slowed his kisses before he stopped, much to my disappointment. He just held me for an immeasurable amount of time before kissing my temple.

"If I don't walk you home now, I'm afraid I won't be able to let you leave, ever," he teased.

"Mmmm. Sounds perfect," I sighed dreamily. I felt Edward's chuckle vibrate his body underneath me.

"Come on Love, before I drag you back to my cave." He lifted me off his lap and set me on my feet. He stood up and put his arm around my waist as we left his house and walked over to mine. On the front porch Edward pulled me into another passion filled kiss before we broke apart breathless from our excitement.

"You'd better go before I drag you back to my cave and have my way with you." I laughed lightly mimicking his earlier statement.

A/N: I know I promised some drama in this chapter, but Alice – that evil pixie – high-jacked this chapter! She did even ask me what I thought; she must have felt neglected. LOL And I know, you're all disappointed in having to endure more of Bella and Edward's fluff. ;p Because of Alice, this chapter started to get super long, so I split it and will try to get the next chapter posted early – Saturday or Sunday – now that I have half of it written now. YAY! (Thanks Alice!)

A picture of Edward's suit, Bella's dress and the 'Dazzle' sandals are on my profile. And yes, they really are called the 'Dazzle' sandals!

Thanks for all the reviews! And even if you didn't review – Thanks for reading. I know I say this every time, but that's how I feel. And thanks to my sweet husband for being my beta (he says he's my alpha) ;p - SavageWoman