Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.
Previously…
"I'm sorry our time was cut short, love." Edward said his voice full of regret.
"It's okay. Go save some lives." I said trying to put on a happy smile as I looked up at his sad face. I could tell he was mulling something around in his mind and for a moment, I thought he was going to say something. In the end, he did not. He kissed me tenderly, but pulled away all too soon.
"Miss you." He said as he touched my cheek.
"Miss you more." I said with a wry smile before he got back into his car and sped away. As much as I hated to admit it, I was going to watch the news tonight to see if there was a mention of the pile-up on the freeway. I felt disgusted with myself that I could not bring myself to trust him fully.
Sleeping With A Monster
Chapter 19 – Eye Candy
"Here she comes – hide!" Edward said in a loud whisper as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me away from the living room window. I let out a little giggle before we pressed out backs to the front door so she would not see us.
"Don't think I don't know you're in there! I saw you peeking out that window, Isabella Thomas!" Alice yelled as she marched up the walkway to Edward's house. The knob on Edward's front door started to turn, but Edward quickly turned the lock on the door, sliding the deadbolt into place.
"She's not here!" Edward yelled playfully through the door before he turned to face me and placed his hands on either side of my head trapping me to the door with his inviting lips just inches away. I inhaled his heady scent and felt my pulse race with excitement.
"I don't want to share you today." His eyes smoldered with his words as he gently brushed his lips against mine. I moved my head off the door behind me to kiss him properly, but he pulled his head back slightly so his lips, set in a small sexy smile, were just out of reach, teasing me. I growled in response and he gave me a throaty laugh.
"Emmett, where's that key?" Alice said from the other side of the door, causing Edward to grimace as he gave me a quick kiss before he pulled me from the door.
"Come on!" He said grabbing my hand. I tried not to trip on my flip-flops as he pulled me through his house and into his bedroom. He looked around for a moment before his eyes settled on the closet door. I was too busy looking around his room to pay attention to anything else. I had never been in here before. A large wrought-iron bed dominated the room. The black frame featured metal roses and vines that wound their way up the four posts of the bed. The rich comforter had a pattern of small gold diamond shapes between gold stripes all set on a background of deep red. The red and gold stripped bed skirt matched the comforter. Pillow shams, throw pillows and bolsters graced the head of the bed. And, in spite of the roses, the entire bed had a very commanding presence, looking as if it had come right off the cover of an interior design catalog. On either side of the bed were two dark cherry wood nightstands with black wrought iron lamps that matched the frame of the bed. There was a large lowboy dresser made of the same dark cherry wood. Based on what I had in my place, I suspected Esme's hand in the interior design of Edward's place.
"In here." Edward whispered as he opened the door to the walk-in closet and led me inside. Edward's closet seemed bigger than mine did or maybe it just seemed that way because it was organized. All his clothes were neatly folded or hung, everything pressed and displayed. I had no idea he was such a neat-nick. He gave me a quick kiss, followed my by another not so quick kiss. As soon as we heard the front door unlock, we pulled apart breathless, faces flushed with excitement.
"Stay here." Edward grinned and winked at me as he started to leave.
"Edward, stay." I pleaded playfully, wrapping my arms around his neck. He shook his head and chuckled as he kissed my lips again.
"I'll be right back." He was still chuckling softly as he left the closet and closed the door. He was sweet enough to leave the light on for me, so I was not in the dark. I looked around the closet, still amazed at the attention to detail. Did he hire a personal closet organizer or something?
"I know she's in here Edward!" Alice yelled, clearly agitated and I stifled a snicker. Evidently, she did not like it when someone tried to change one of her planned outings without her consent. I shrunk back into some of Edward's hanging clothing trying to hide, positive that the closet would be the first place Alice would look.
"Don't know what you are talking about." Edward said. Even from behind the closet door, I could tell that his tone was amused. Alice's footfalls echoed as she walked past Edward's room towards another part of the house. I started to come out of my hiding spot when I felt something around my foot.
"What the…" I started to mumble before I looked down to see something red. I furrowed my brow as I reached down to unwrap my foot. I pulled the item up to inspect it as Edward opened the door to the closet. I held out the item and immediately recognized it – a red lace thong. I just stood there, frozen. All I could think was whose is this?
"Bella, quick before Alice comes back." Edward said hand extended towards me, not really looking at me as he craned his head towards the door to his room. When I did not take his hand, he looked back at me holding up the thong. I wasn't aware of what expression was on my face, but it clearly did not register with Edward. He raised an eyebrow to me as his lips twisted into a playful smirk.
"Bella. What did you have in mind?" Edward said seductively. 'What?' My mind screamed. There I was holding up some other woman's thong that I found in his closet and he thinks I want to fool around with him.
"Aha! There you are!" Alice shrieked as she rushed past Edward into the closet. As soon as she saw what I was holding, she laughed. "There will be plenty of time for that after we get back from the lake." Alice pointed at the thong, obviously assuming the same thing as Edward. I could feel the hurt and anger claw at my heart, ripping it to shreds. My eyes narrowed and I set my mouth in a hard line as it finally sunk in. I had found some other woman's thong in my boyfriend's closet. Not only that, but now I have Alice here to witness my humiliation. I glanced back at Edward whose playful expression was replaced with one of confusion.
"No worries in that department." I said through my teeth as I walked towards the doorway of the closet. "This isn't mine." I growled as I threw the thong at a surprised Edward as I stalked past him. Before I could get to the door of his room, I felt his hand grab mine and spin me around to face him. His face was fully of confusion, fear, and panic among other things.
"Bella." Edward started, but I jerked my hand away, surprising Edward. I could not believe I was so foolish as to actually believe him. What a schmuck I turned out to be. I could feel that all too familiar sting of angry tears start to prick at my eyes. I felt jealous, betrayed and vulnerable – it scared me.
"Bella, I know Edward wouldn't –" Alice started but Edward cut her off.
"Alice, let me handle this." He said. She looked a little shocked, but said nothing as she walked out the door to give us some privacy.
"I'm going home." I said before he could say anything else. I was not going to give him the satisfaction of watching me cry over him.
"Oh, no you don't." Edward said, grabbing my hand again. "Bella, I don't know who that belongs to or how it got…" He suddenly stopped and I looked back at him. He was looking down shaking his head.
"That sounded pathetic even to my ears." Edward mumbled to himself as he ran his hand through his hair before he looked back up at me. "Bella, I swear. I really don't know whom that belongs to. And I don't have any explanation as to how it got in my closet." I could feel my anger seethe at that canned excuse.
"Wow, Edward. That was really pathetic." I shot back as Edward looked at me with a hurt expression on his face and for a moment, I felt bad for causing him pain.
"Bella." Edward said patiently, his voice gentle and sad. "Have I ever given you a reason to mistrust me?" His question brought me up short. He was right! Edward had never done anything to cause me concern. My suspicions were based on what other people had said; people who did not want Edward and me together.
"No, you haven't." I said quietly as my expression softened, my anger starting to melt away but not completely, as it turned towards me instead. The hurt however changed to regret as I realized how awful I had handled the situation. Here I was accusing him of cheating on me and he was not even mad at me.
"All I'm asking is that you trust me." Edward replied, his eyes pleading for that which I should have willingly given him – my trust. "I would never do anything to hurt you." He added his eyes burned with sincerity.
"Hey! You found it!" Emmett laughed from behind, startling me. He reached past me and grabbed the thong out of Edward's hand.
"Rose, honey! Edward found your thong!" Emmett shouted down the hallway before he turned and slapped Edward on the back. "We've been looking for that everywhere." He winked at Edward before he ran back the way he came, completely oblivious to the drama in front of him.
I covered my face with my hands to hide my shame as a small sob escaped my throat. I was so embarrassed and relieved at the same time. I didn't deserve someone like Edward. Here we were, barely a week since he asked me to be his girlfriend and I am already falsely accusing him of cheating. I felt his arms enfold me in a comforting embrace as he pulled me to him.
"Shhh, Love. It's okay." He said as he stroked my hair, trying to comfort me.
"No it's not. I cannot believe I treated you like that. I am such a jerk. I am so sorry. I overacted and – Oh you must think I'm such a… a witch!" I choked out through my tears that were staining his shirt.
"My Love, I could never think that." He sighed. "I'm just sorry you had to be the one who found Rose's underwear, although I'm curious how it ended up in my closet. I don't think I'm going to like their explanation." Edward said, shuttering at some thought. I looked up at him and gave him a weak smile, my tears subsiding. Edward gently wiped the tears from under my eyes before he kissed my forehead.
"I'm sorry I didn't trust you." My whispered apology was full of regret. I gently cupped his cheek with my hand while Edward leaned his head into my touch, his eyes closed with a content look on his face.
"Forgive me?" I whispered in a voice thick with emotion, still needing to atone for my mistakes. Edward's green eyes flew open as he looked at me intently.
"Bella. There's nothing to –" He started but I asked again.
"Yes there is! Forgive me?" I said more forcefully, holding his face in between both my hands, searching his eyes. I wasn't going to let him tell me there was nothing to forgive when there was. I felt awful for throwing his explanation back in his face, but I felt worse for not trusting him even though he had never given me any reason for concern since meeting him. It was all due to my insecurities - well, that coupled with Tanya and Rose's comments. However, my insecurities were feeding off those comments instead of keeping my eye on Edward and realizing his actions spoke much louder than anything Tanya and Rose could ever insinuate.
"Bella…" He said as he looked into my pleading eyes. "Yes, I forgive you." He sighed in resignation. I could tell he still did not think there was anything to forgive, but I accepted his offer just the same. Edward brought his head down and kissed me slowly. He raised his head and stroked my cheek softly, gazing into my face. I felt myself becoming lost in his emerald eyes when the realization hit me. I was hopelessly in love with this man! I brought my hand up and brushed the hair off his forehead with my fingers as Edward started to speak.
"Bella, I –" He started, but was interrupted before he could finish.
"Are you two ready yet? I would hate to get to Bartlett Lake only to find that it has reached capacity." Alice said from the doorway of Edward's room. Edward sighed as he rested his forehead against mine before we pulled apart. I wished Alice could have held off for a few seconds more before making her appearance. I so wanted to know what he was going to say. Edward smiled at me before we walked outside hand-in-hand to join the others. As we neared Emmett and Rose who were admiring Jasper's boat, Edward frowned.
"Okay you two. What was Rose's underwear doing in my closet?" Edward demanded, cringing slightly in anticipation of an explanation he did not want to hear. Emmett gave Rose a goofy grin while she smiled smugly back.
"Well, Rose and I were in the area last week and we were talking about something new we wanted to try and well… Um, your place was closer so we sort of used your place last week for some a… some… a… romp in the sack!" Emmett tried to be tactful, but his laughter completely ruined his efforts.
"Emmett!" Edward growled as he closed his eyes. "Why the hell did you have to use my place?" He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger before he opened his eyes to glare at his brother.
"We couldn't wait and like I said, your place was closer." Emmett slapped Edward on the back.
"You are such an ass!" Edward hissed through his teeth as he shoved Emmett away before he shook his head in disgust.
"By the way, your bed sure is pretty." Emmett said, batting his eyelashes, clearly not threatened by Edward's anger. "Besides, it was time your bed was used for something other than sleeping." He smirked walking past Edward on his way to Jasper's SUV. Alice made a gagging sound as she turned to get in the vehicle.
"Are you two coming?" Jasper asked as Edward grabbed our bag.
"I need to have a way home in case I get called into the hospital." He said before he steered me towards his car.
"I thought you weren't scheduled." I continued quietly. Edward glanced down at me with a smile.
"I'm not. But when it comes to holidays, the hospital puts everyone on call." Edward replied with a wry smile. "Besides, I still don't want to share you today." He winked as he opened my door. I guess that wasn't too bad, because I would be with Edward alone in the car and I did not have to ride with Rose and endure her comments and glares. With any luck, he would not get a call or, better yet, there would not be cell phone coverage at the lake. I brightened at the thought of the hospital being unable to interrupt our day.
*************
The drive to Bartlett Lake only took about an hour. I enjoyed the rugged beauty of the desert and the varied desert plant life. It was in stark contrast to the greens of Florida and the forests of Washington where I had lived before. My favorite was the saguaro cactus, as cliché as it was. I loved the silhouette of this majestic plant as it rose above the rest of the low-lying plants in the desert. They looked like random fingers reaching for the sky.
Edward and I listened to music and talked on the way to the lake. As we drove, I came to the decision that it was time to tell him my secret. I loved this man and it was killing me inside to lie to him. I did not know if he reciprocated my feelings of love, but I certainly knew that he cared for me a great deal. I would tell him tonight after we returned from boating. Edward didn't have to work until tomorrow afternoon and I had tomorrow off due to the holiday. We planned to spend the day together.
When we arrived, the line to the boat ramp had already formed. Jasper took his place in line while Edward and I pulled into the parking lot and got out, grabbing our towels and sunscreen. Edward grabbed my hand as walked over Jasper's boat to assist in prepping it to launch. To say Jasper had a nice boat was an insult. He had a spectacular boat or at least I thought so. For one thing, it was not a sailboat – not that I had anything against sailboats. It is just that James had one and I 'died' falling off one. Therefore, I did not have a close affinity to sailboats. However, Jasper's boat was built for speed. It was an open-bow and was white with a large black stripe that ran from bow to stern with a red and white design on the hull. There was a wakeboard tower with speakers and lights and a black bimini top. The interior was white with a gray stripe, wrap around seating across the back of the boat, and two chairs – one being a swivel for the driver. It had a swim platform complete with stereo speakers and a padded backrest for lounging in the sun. It even had its own head, so bathroom stops would not be required. Alice and Rose climbed in the boat as Jasper and Emmett had just finished taking the cover off.
"Bella! Get up here and keep me company." Alice grinned, standing above me in the boat with her hands on her hips.
"Okay. Give me a minute." I said in mock irritation before I grinned back. Edward chuckled beside me before he tossed our things in the boat. He turned to face me before he wrapped his hands around my waist and I grabbed his shoulders. He lifted me up and set me down on the swim platform, facing him. He leaned in and kissed me firmly.
"Get comfortable and save me a seat. I'm going to help Jasper." Edward said, pulling away from our kiss. I watched him walk over to Jasper and help with the prep. He looked good in his brown and tan plaid board shorts. The matching brown tee shirt hugged his torso outlining every curve of every muscle. The brightness of the morning sun glinted off Edward's hair, illuminating the bronze highlights even more. He looked delicious and I had a hard time tearing my eyes away.
"I see you like eye candy." Alice giggled quietly from behind me.
"Oh yeah." I sighed without taking my eyes off Edward. I felt Alice poke me, hard, effectively breaking my concentration, chasing my naughty fantasies of Edward away – for the moment.
"Ouch!" I protested. I lurched my body to the side, trying to avoid Alice and her sharp pointy fingers. I reluctantly got up and stepped into the boat. Rose had taken a seat in the bow of the boat, leaning back to sun herself. She had removed her white mesh cover up to reveal a white string bikini with a gold floral pattern that shimmered in the sunlight. I would be too self-conscience to wear something so tiny, but Rose had a body to die for and pulled it off with a confidence that amazed me. Alice was wearing a yellow tank and ruffled black mini skirt with yellow polka dots for her cover up, but as I moved to sit beside her she removed the tank to reveal the her bright yellow strapless bikini top.
My bikini was a halter top and belted hipster set in azure and not nearly as revealing as my two shipmates' swimwear. It was surprisingly comfortable and the bottoms seemed to stay put, much to my relief. The swimsuit reminded me a little of something you would see a Bond Girl from the 1960's wear. All I needed now was a leg strap to holster a knife or a small firearm to pull off the look. Of course, the ambiance of the Bond Girl sex appeal would wash away as soon as I tripped running up the beach. For now, my bikini remained safely hidden under my cover-up, which consisted of white cotton sleeveless button up shirt and an a-line mini skirt that matched the azure color of my swimsuit.
After waiting for a half hour, it was our turn to launch the boat. Emmett, Jasper and Edward took care of everything while Rose, Alice and I lounged in the sun on the boat. As soon as we were out of the 'no wake' zone of the launch area, Jasper floored the boat. I could not help the grin that spread out on my face at the exhilaration of the sudden speed as the wind whipped through my hair.
"Do you have on sunscreen?" Edward asked beside me, obviously eyeing my pale, tan less skin.
"Yes - except for my back. I'll need help with that." I winked at him, handing him the sunscreen.
"My pleasure." He said squirting some sunscreen into his hand. I quickly removed my shirt and turned my back to Edward as I waited in anticipation of the cold sensation of sunscreen when it initially touches the skin, but it never came. I turned to look back at Edward who sat there frozen with a stupid grin on his face as he looked at me with unfocused eyes.
"Edward." I said – no response. "Edward." I said snapping my fingers in front of his face breaking him from his trance as his emerald eyes refocused on me.
"That color looks, um… lovely on your skin, Bella." He said wistfully as he slowly started to rub his hands together to spread the sunscreen over his palms. I smirked at his reaction to me before I turned back around so he could proceed. His hands felt heavenly as he spread the sunscreen across my back. I did not complain at how long it took Edward to finish the job. Emmett on the other did notice, as he roughly nudged Edward.
"Are you quite done molesting Bella's back Edward? I'm pretty sure you'll get a better reaction if you turn her around and do that on the other side." Emmett's voice boomed over the noise of the engine. Edward grabbed a water bottle and chucked it at Emmett, hitting him in the side of the head. Emmett growled and tried to catch Edward in a headlock, but at the last minute Edward ducked out of the way so fast, I missed the movement completely. Emmett was about to try it again, when Alice scolded him.
"Stop rough-housing on my boat!" Alice said giving the evil eye to Edward and Emmett. Emmett settled back down next to Rose and kissed her on the cheek while Edward scooted back over to me.
"My turn." Edward whispered in my ear before he stripped off his shirt. I had to stifle the gasp at the sight of Edward shirtless, having the pleasure of this vision only once before. It was a sight that would never become commonplace for me. His pale skin seemed to accentuate every ripple of every muscle of his body. He smirked at me while he reached over and lifted my slack jaw closing my mouth. His touch snapped me out of my reverie and I realized I had made a fool out of myself. The familiar rush of blood to my skin alerted me to my spreading blush. I smacked him playfully on the shoulder.
"Turn around." I said in mock irritation.
"Yes ma'am." Edward shot back as he turned his body to present me with the sculpted plains of his back muscles. I smoothed the sunscreen over his skin, making sure I did not take too long. I did not want to give Emmett anymore ammunition to tease Edward and me with. We tucked our discarded shirts in one of the storage compartments, as the heat of the sun was causing the temperature to rise rapidly, signaling that the day was sure to be another scorcher. I eventually removed the skirt I was wearing, still a little self-conscience of the two-piece swimsuit Alice talked me into. Edward gave me a knowing smile I did not understand when he saw the rest of my suit.
We spent the some of the morning exploring the lake for a less crowded corner before the guys decided it was time to wakeboard. The rest of the morning was spent pulling one of our boys behind the boat as they took turns wakeboarding. Although Edward and Emmett were good, Jasper reigned supreme at this sport. The biggest surprise was Rose. Although she was not welcoming or happy to see me, she also was not hostile either. I wouldn't go so far as to say she was nice, but she did make an attempt once or twice to include me in the conversations she was having with Alice and even took a board interest in my contributions to the conversations. It was the most relaxed I had ever been around her and the apprehension I felt before arriving at the lake melted away. My fear of being trapped to the confines of a boat with a hostile Rose eased at the prospect of her starting to accept me as Edward's girlfriend.
I watched Edward get back in the boat when he finished his last turn wakeboarding. He was a remarkable sight – dripping wet, water running freely down his torso as his hair, twisted in dark curls as it fell across his forehead into his eyes. He grabbed a towel and dried his face before sat down next to me. I could not resist the impulse as I reached up and softly pushed his wet hair out of his eyes. I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back the urge to run my hands over his wet chest and arms. Edward looked at my hungry expression, leaned over and kissed the hollow below my ear. I shivered in response.
"Bella." He groaned. "Stop looking at me like that. It's driving me wild." His voice husky.
"Then you need to stop looking so irresistibly sexy." I said breathless embarrassed at my admission of finding him 'irresistibly sexy."
"I think I need to cool you off." He breathed into my ear and I nearly lost it. Before I knew what was happening, Edward scooped me into his arms and threw me over the side of the boat. I screamed just before my body made contact with the cold water of Bartlett Lake. I was still reeling from the surprise as I broke the surface of the water to see Alice and Rose in the water with me. Rose was cursing angrily at Emmett about her hair and makeup. Alice did not look to happy either, but she keep her angry comments to herself as she shot Jasper a death glare. Jasper set the anchor and a swim flag before he jumped in to join Alice. Edward and Emmett were already in the water making their way over to Rose and me. Emmett was moving slowly and cautiously as he approached Rose and I stifled a giggle at the sight. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me towards him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately before I pushed his head under the water.
"Way to go Bella!" Emmett laughed as Edward popped back up with an evil smirk on his face.
"Come here, love." He said as he made a grab for me, but I dove under the surface just out of his reach. When I resurfaced, Edward was not where I had left him. I spun around unable to find him. Suddenly I heard a low quiet voice from behind me.
"You can't escape me. I will always find you." I recognized the voice as Edward's but the words were the same ones James would say to me in my nightmares and I could not stop the panic that swelled up from the pit of my stomach as I spun around to face Edward. The playful look on Edward's face was immediately replaced with one of worry and confusion when he saw my expression.
"Bella?" He said as he quickly pulled me into his comforting embrace. "You're shaking. What's wrong?" I was trying so hard to squelch my panic; I couldn't answer him. Instead, I just shook my head and buried my head in his neck for a moment as I tried to calm racing heart. At that moment, I was glad the other two couples were momentarily distracted with each other to notice our exchange. Edward held me and stroked my hair as we floated in the water. After a second or two, I was able to find my voice.
"I'm so sorry, Edward. You just startled me for a moment. I didn't mean to frighten you."
"Bella, you were more than startled. You looked absolutely terrified. What did I do?"
"Oh, no! Sweetie, you didn't do anything wrong." I said trying to ease his misplaced guilt. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine now." I said with a rueful smile. Edward raised a disbelieving eyebrow at me as he opened his mouth to protest, but I brought my fingers up to his lips to silence him.
"Can we talk about it tonight? It's just not something I can explain to you right now." I whispered as I gazed intently into his confused eyes. As Edward returned my gaze, I could see the internal struggle raging as he tried to figure out what was going on with me. I gave him a lopsided smile before I kissed him briefly on the lips.
"Alright. Tonight then." Edward said. I was grateful he let it drop, accepting my promise to explain it to him later.
"Hey you love birds! Quit groping each other in the water and get over here and eat." Emmett yelled at us. Edward and I were so engrossed in our own little drama, we entirely missed that everyone else was back on the boat.
We quickly climbed onto the swim deck and toweled off before Alice handed each of us a sandwich, chips and a soft drink. Edward and I ate in silence on the swim deck. I could tell he was lost in his thoughts, probably mulling over in his mind the possibilities of what I was going to tell him tonight. I found myself saying a silent prayer hoping he could handle it.
*************
"Bella, wake up." Edward's smooth voice whispered in my ear and he gently shook my shoulder.
"Mmmm. What time is it?" I mumbled sleepily not wanting to open my eyes.
"About six in the evening." He chuckled before he released my seatbelt and slid his arms under my body. I put my arms around his neck and curled myself into him as he lifted me out of his car. As Edward carried me into the house, I rested my head on his shoulder. Edward set me down on the bed and I immediately knew it was Edward's; it was too heavenly to be mine bed as my body sank down into the soft comforter. I felt a soft blanket against my skin and I knew Edward had covered me up.
"Edward?" I mumbled as I opened my eyes to look for him.
"In here love." He said from his closet.
"What are you doing?" I said sleepily.
"I'm going to grab a quick shower. Why don't you sleep for a little bit longer?" He explained softly. I did not argue, my eyelids obeying Edward's command. I felt his soft lips kiss my forehead before he walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I lightly dozed while I waited for him to finish his shower. I must have fallen back asleep, because I was not aware that Edward had finished until I felt the bed next to me sag under the weight of someone sitting on it. I slowly opened my eyes to see Edward looking at me with a far off expression.
"Edward?" I said as I ran my hand through his damp hair.
"Hey there sleepyhead." He teased lightly.
"Wow. Boating must really take it out of me." I quietly laughed. However, remembering what I needed to say to him tonight sobered me up as my smile faded.
"What is it?" He asked, concerned. I pushed the blanket off, sat up and swung my legs off the side of the bed so I was sitting next to him. I took a deep breath as my heart started to quicken at the prospect of revealing my past to him.
"Sweetie, there's something I need to tell –" I started to say in a shaky voice, unable to look at his face, but Edward's pager went off, interrupting my confession.
"Damn it!" Edward cursed in frustration. "I'm sorry, Love." He offered as he glanced down at the message before he let out a groan.
"Hold that thought. Maybe I can get out of covering this shift." He said as he held up one finger to me while he called the hospital.
"Paul, it's Edward… But…" Edward started but Paul must have cut him off. Soon Edward let out a sigh of defeat as he said. "What are my choices…? Okay, I'll take the ER for two hours. I'll be there in a few." Edward ended the call before he looked at me, his face full of apologies and regrets.
"Can we continue this when I get back? I have to cover a shift in the ER for two hours." He asked. I nodded weakly as a cold sweat broke out on my upper lip when a wave of relief and regret washed over me. Relief that I had more time to get ready to tell him and regret that it would be prolonged, this adding to my nervousness and fear. It would be several more hours before I could tell him. The anticipation alone was enough to kill me.
"Okay, I'll go home and wait for you there." I started to get up from the bed, but Edward pulled me back down.
"Stay here. I'm afraid you will go over there and fall asleep and I would be able to wake you. Besides, our day isn't over yet, just interrupted." He smirked.
"Yea, but I need a shower and some clothes. I can't hang out here in my swim suit."
"I like what you have on. That swimsuit is very Bond Girl-ish." Edward teased before he leaned in and nuzzled my neck. "Besides, didn't Alice have you bring a change of clothes?" He mumbled against my skin.
"Yeah." I said distracted by his touch. "What was that about anyway?" I pulled away to look at Edward as the thought popped into my head that the evil pixie might be planning to abduct me later.
"Alice just likes to be prepared for anything. I think she was hoping we would all go out to dinner or something this evening, but Emmett and Rose had plans for tonight and now I'm working, so…" He explained, his voice trailing off.
"Okay. I'll stay." I said as I acquiesced to his request, hoping I could hide out here if Alice showed up. "Can I use your shower?"
"Sure. There are clean towels in the linen closet just inside the bathroom. I'll pick us up something to eat on my way back from work." He smiled kissing me before he left.
When I was positive Edward was gone, I retrieved my items from the bag Edward and I shared for the boating trip and made my way into his bathroom. I took a long relaxing shower before I dressed. Alice had insisted that I bring something nice to change into after boating, so I brought my voile sundress with a black and white floral print along with some white sandals. I let my hair air dry into natural waves that flowed down my back as I searched Edward's place looking for something to do to kill the time and apprehension. Being left to my own devices, I found my thoughts dwelling on all the negative things Edward could say in response to what I was going to tell him tonight. I ventured into his office where I found a bookshelf full of classic novels. I finally decided on one of my favorites, 'Wuthering Heights', before I pulled it from the shelf and returned to Edward's bedroom. I settled down on top of his bed, propped up by his many pillows and started reading. Before long though I felt my eyelids grow heavy as I drifted off to sleep.
*************
If could feel the panic start to rise as it bubbled up from the pit of my stomach as the realization settled in that James was in my house. The dishtowels in the kitchen folded to perfection. I flung open the pantry door to find the contents completely organized – all labels facing outward, the same. I felt the sob in my throat before I heard it. James was here to take me away. I looked around to see James unexpectedly standing next to me in the kitchen. I looked over to see Edward standing in the doorway that led from the living into the family room. He was looking at me with a sad expression on his face. As I tried to reach out to him, he slowly backed away from me, his face twisting in pain and disappointment. I tried to follow him, but James restrained me as he spat in my ear, "You can't escape me, Marie. I will always find you."
I tried to scream Edward's name, but James put his hand over my mouth as I watched in horror as the man I loved walked out the door without trying to save me, not even looking back. I was lost.
James wrapped his hands around my neck as he slammed me up against the refrigerator door, forcing the air out of my lungs in a loud 'whoosh'.
"Please don't do this." I whimpered as fear and hopelessness engulfed my body. James laughed at my pleas taking pleasure in my fear and willingness to beg for mercy.
"You will pay for this, Marie. I'm going to have to teach you a lesson you will never forget." James sneered as he raised his fist to hit me.
"No, Please don't hurt me!" I said a little louder as I struggled to free myself but found I could not get away. The panic started to take over as his fist started to move towards my head in slow motion. That's when I lost it.
No! NO JAMES!" I screamed loudly before I once again bolted upright in bed. My breaths were coming in gasps and perspiration covered my face. It was the most frightening dream yet and my heart was racing as I dropped my head in my trembling hands and started to cry. That is when I heard him and my head automatically turned in the direction of his voice.
"Marie?" Edward said hesitantly, his face full of bewilderment, recognition and the pain of my betrayal.
A/N: Dun, dun, dun! Super cliffy! You did not think Bella would just tell Edward, now did you? XD LOL
Sorry this has taken to so long. I had major writers block with this chapter. So I forced myself to write it, but did not like it, therefore I had to do a major re-write. I like this version much better. ;)
Now, it is time to give a SHOUT OUT to Washingtongirl-91 for guessing the discover scene correctly in her review of chapter 13. I had this scene worked out in my head when I started my story. We must think alike, because she was spot on! WOO HOO!
Now it's time for my thank-you speech… Thank-you to everyone for reviewing, reading, adding me to your favorites and alerts! Thank-you! I cannot say it enough! – SavageWoman