HI THIS IS MY EDITED VERSION. ONE OF MY AWESOME REVIEWERS JALESIA POINTED OUT A COUPLE OF THINGS I MISSED SO I'M SO SORRY FOR UPLOADING AGAIN BUT IT NEEDED TO BE DONE. I'M SORRY FOR ANY CONFUSION! THANKS! Hi. I don't think ya'll realize how much I hate myself for not updating this chapter in so long. Don't worry about not throwing tomatoes at me. Feel free to chuck them at my head. Hard. But the longer the coma ya'll put me in, the longer it'll be until the next chapter. I was having some serious issues with how to proceed with this so here's the conversation I had with Edward about this (cause Bella has no say...sorry, Bella).
Jessica: Hi. So, I know I haven't written you guys in a while...sorry, about that.
Edward: Hmm. Yes, I noticed that. Do you mind telling me what you were thinking, leaving things between Bella and I so...incredibly tense?
Jessica: *stuttering* Um, yeah, I, uh was trying to, er, build up suspense?
Edward: Build up tension, perhaps?
Jessica: *gulp* Yeah...
Edward: Well, that was very irresponsible of you...maybe you need to be punished...
Jessica: *nodding feverishly* I need to be...I've been bad. So, so, so bad...
Edward: *smiles crookedly* Well in that case...
AND THEENNNN...I got distracted. Ahem. Whoops.
ANYWAYS...I hope you enjoy the long over-due chapter :)
READ ON READERS. (All 4 of you) READ ON.
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…
What the hell?
And they're like, it's better than yours…damn right…
I groaned into my pillow at the obnoxious song. I grabbed another pillow to hide under, willing the song to go away.
It's better than yours…I could teach you but I have to charge…
"Jesus Christ," I muttered, groping my bedside table for my iPhone.
"Damn it, Jasper," I rasped into the phone after I answered. "You know how much I hate that song."
"Mr. Cullen?" I heard a shocked voice that definitely did not belong to Jasper.
"Aro?" I questioned, mortified my outburst.
"Yes, Edward, it's me. Did I interrupt something?" I could almost hear his eyebrows raising.
"Of course not, sir. Only my REM cycle. But it's not like that's important." I replied with a forced chuckle, and an undertone of biting sarcasm I knew he wouldn't pick up.
"Oh, good." He laughed. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm calling at this early of an hour,"
"No, not at all," I mumbled too low for him to hear.
"What was that, Mr. Cullen?" He asked into the phone.
"Nothing, sir. I just coughed," I covered up quickly. "So, what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?"
He chuckled. Score. Got him back on subject. "I was just informing you that Ms. Isabella Swan will be a guest for tonight's performance."
I nearly groaned. Of course. I hadn't spoken two words to her in my entire life. I hadn't even seen her for Christ's sake! And I hated her. That bitch was threatening my position as Concert Master. She had become a virtuoso just like I had. We were almost exactly like. Except she was a frigid bitch that wanted to claw me out of my chair with her razor sharp claws, and I was the innocent bystander that hadn't been anything but sincere to everyone I had met in my journey as a violinist.
Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating. I'm sure she didn't have razor sharp claws.
"That sounds fine, Aro. I'm sure she'd get the feel of just how rigorous we are here," I smirked and laughed.
"Oh, I don't think rigor will be an issue for her, Edward," He laughed and I grimaced. Damn. If Aro said that...
I forced out a laugh anyway. "I'm sure you're right,"
"So, you'll introduce her to everyone and accompany her at Trinity after the concert tonight, correct? Okay, thank you so much, Edward. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. See you tonight," He said in a rush and hung up before I had a chance to respond.
"Damn it!" I exclaimed, dropping my phone to the floor and burying my face into my pillow.
I had to escort...it tonight? And show it around? And introduce it to everyone? Gah. I had to be around the she-witch for an entire night, and make Aro think I was enjoying it. No easy task. Groaning, I ran a hand over my face then through my hair, willing myself to get out of bed. I glanced over at the clock.
Eight-thirty.
Far too early for daywalkers.
But I knew I wasn't going to able to go back to sleep now. Climbing out of bed and not bothering to out a shirt on, I padded across the hardwood in my apartment over to the kitchen. As I lazily prepared myself a nutritious breakfast of Cocoa Puffs with chocolate milk, I heard the ghastly ring tone again screeching from the bedroom.
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…
"What now?" I groaned and begrudgingly shuffled back over to my phone.
Alice. The caller-ID read. I answered. "Alice tell your boyfriend that I'm going to kill him for changing my ringtone."
"Well, good morning to you too, Mr. Grumpy Gills," Alice replied in a cheery voice.
"God, Alice, don't be so loud," I told her, wincing at her volume.
"What are you, hungover?"
"No. Some people, such as myself, aren't morning people like you are and can't handle a volume of over fifty at 7:45 in the morning."
"Touché." She said with a huff.
"Whatever. What do you want, short stack?" I asked, exasperated by her antics.
"Hey! What I lack in altitude, I make up for in attitude, so shut it brother," I couldn't help but chuckle at my little sister.
"Okay, okay, Ali," I surrendered immediately. "So, what did you want, again?"
"Well, there's this girl—" Alice began before I cut her off.
I groaned. "No, Alice. I don't want to be set up with some obnoxious girl that doesn't know anything but what color looks best on her nails, and which Victoria's Secret perfume smells the best,"
She huffed. "Edward, when have I ever set you up on a date like that?"
"Well, there was Kate," I listed.
"Well she was—"
I cut her off. "And Jessica,"
"Hey! She was pre-med!"
"To be a plastic surgeon," I quipped.
"Well, she wasn't—"
"And let's not forget, Tanya," I shuddered.
"Okay, I'll give you that one," Alice finally amended. "But this girl is totally different! I swear! She's my roommate. She's like you're match, Edward!"
I rolled my eyes. "No one's my match, Alice. I've given up on trying to find her,"
I heard a long sigh from the other end of the line. "Fine. I won't force you to date her. Or even meet her,"
I knew she was pouting in purpose. "Alice, don't try that with me. You know I'm immune to it,"
I heard her huff in annoyance again. "Whatever, Edward,"
"Bye, Alice," I chuckled.
"Wait, one more thing,"
I sighed, exasperated. "What now, Alice?"
"Geez, I was only going to ask who you were taking to the party after the concert tonight. You know it's formal, so a date is required,"
I rolled me eyes. "Yes, I know. But, don't worry. Aro already got me covered. I have to take Isabella Swan since she's new, which is something I really don't want to do, considering she wants my Concert Master position. Like that'll happen." I scoffed.
"Oh, Isabella Swan? That's nice. I heard she's really good," Alice said disinterestedly, with an undertone of something I couldn't quite pin-point.
I groaned. "Don't remind me. I am legitimately scared for my position, Alice. Of course, I'd never tell her that, but whatever."
"Maybe sitting second chair would be a humbling experience for you. You're not exactly the most modest of people, Edward,"
"You think I need to be humbled?" I scoffed.
"No, I know you need to be humbled, Edward. And you know it too. You just don't want to admit it, as usual," I could practically feel her rolling her eyes. "Just give Isabella a chance, you might be surprised." She finished ominously.
"I think you're getting to far ahead of yourself there, Tink. And that's not probable,"
"You never know. Well, I have to run. I'm spending the day with my new roommate. Hey, I think she's going to the concert tonight. Maybe I'll introduce her to you if I get the chance."
"Not likely, Alice. I don't want to be set up," I told her with finality. "Bye," I hung up the phone before she could respond. I would pay for that later.
By the time I was finished talking with Alice, it was nearly ten o'clock. Jasper called at one point during my routine asking if I wanted to meet up for a late lunch before we headed to the concert hall. So, donning a plain black t-shirt and an old pair of jeans, I was out the door and ready to meet Jasper at our favorite local diner.
"Hey Jazz," I greeted with a nod as he sat down across from me at the small table.
"Hey man," He replied. "You good for the concert tonight?"
I chuckled. "More than ready. I just don't want to deal with that Isabella Swan bitch tonight at the party after the concert."
Mischief twinkled through Jasper's eyes. "You know, she's probably not that bad,"
I groaned. "God, not you too," He looked at me quizzically.
"Alice already tried to sell me on that one," He laughed, bemused by my obvious annoyance.
I glared at him and he backed off, biting his lip to keep from laughing. "Sorry, not funny. Got it, dude. But seriously, you need to lighten up. She's not bad at all. She's actually really nice. She's a sarcastic spit-fire if you mess with her, but she's really kind. She'd be good for you."
I gaped at him. "You've met her?" I asked incredulously.
He shrugged. "She was in my Theory in Composition class at Julliard,"
I was shocked when annoyance and almost— jealousy shot through me. I couldn't understand this unjustified envy for my best friend. He had simply met her first. But the way he described her with such admiration and humor. No, he loved Alice. Not Isabella.
Where is this coming from?
I shook the disconcerting thoughts from my head. "Oh, that's cool."
"Edward, I was serious. I think she's, like, you're match,"
I groaned and buried my face in my hands. "Alice said the same phrase about her roommate she tried to set me up with,"
To my surprise, Jasper guffawed and shook his head. However, when I asked him what he found funny in my response, he simply waved me off and never answered. I tried not to let his vagueness bother me, to no avail, and after another forty-five minutes of inane chatter, we both were on our way to the concert hall.
"Well, well, you two are awfully early," Aro smiled as we entered his office.
"Yes, sir, we figured we would come by a little early to see if we could help out with anything," Jasper explained.
"Ah, well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but everything is taken care of already for tonight," Aro replied with slight remorse.
"That's okay, sir. We can just go home and change into concert attire, if that's alright," I suggested, purposely sucking up to him for my behavior this morning.
"Sounds good. I'll see you boys later tonight," Aro said before returning to his work.
An hour and a half later, Jasper and I had returned to the concert hall dressed in our concert attire; a simple, black tuxedo with a skinny black tie for me and a bowtie for Jasper. I had attempted to tame my disorderly hair, to no avail and it stood in its usual disarray. When we arrived, several of the members of the orchestra were already there and greeted us politely, some of the newer members watching us with reverence.
I smirked and unpacked my instrument, careful to wipe the excess rosin off of the ancient wood. Dark, intricate patterns swirled along the sides of my instrument and up the scrolls. Ebony pegs adorned with golden tips were the same color as the chin rest at the bottom of the instrument. My bow was of the same color and wood of my instrument, re-haired a few weeks prior to the concert. Though my violin and bow were in perfect condition, my case was lovingly worn from my years through high school and college. The leather of my handle was torn and faded, peeling up from the metal.
I sighed; it was time. I straightened my tie and ran a hand through my hair as Jasper clapped a hand on my shoulder.
"Good luck man," He told me.
I smirked. "As if I needed it,"
He rolled his eyes and headed out on stage. I could hear the bustling of the crowd through the thick curtains of the stage. With violin in hand, I made my way to the wings and stood back as my orchestra mates passed me and took their places behind the curtain. After everyone was seated, Aro came along to stand beside me.
"How are you, Mr. Cullen? Ready for tonight?" He asked, smiling.
I forced a smile in return. "Of course, sir. I look forward to showing Isabella around,"
"Good, good. I'm happy you feel that way, because I'm going to ask that you try and get to know her well, considering you two will be stand partners,"
I gaped. "But-but sir, what about Jasper?"
He waved me off. "He'll sit third chair. I've already spoken to him about it. He's perfectly fine with it. I assumed you would be too," He raised an eyebrow.
I cleared my throat quickly. "Of course, I am. That's no problem at all,"
"Good," He nodded, seeming satisfied before checking his watch. "Well I suppose we should get going," Just as he spoke, the concert hall got quiet as the same deep voice came over the speakers announcing for everyone to turn their cell phones and other electronics. I knew the lights had dimmed and it was my turn to walk out on stage.
My violin clutched tightly in my hand, I took a deep breath and made my way to the stage. The heel of my shoes thudded lightly across the hardwood of the stage, echoing throughout the silent hall, before they were drowned by applause. When I finally reached my chair and faced the audience, noticing how large the crowd was for the first time, smiled slightly then turned to sit down in my chair.
Moments later, Aro walked on stage with a bright smile, and we all stood up and applauded lightly along with the crowd. Soon, the concert was well on its way. All of the selections went on without a hitch, and finally, after a hour and a half of exhausting play, the concert was over. We were given a standing ovation and I bowed individually to the crowd, scanning the audience for my sister and her roommate Jasper had said was attending tonight.
"Great job everyone!" Aro praised everyone once we were backstage. I took off my tuxedo jacket and rolled up the sleeves of my white shirt, loosening my tie slightly after I had packed up my instrument.
"Good job, dude," Jasper came up behind me and smiled.
"Thanks, man. You too. Adagio went really well," I commented.
He nodded. "Yeah, it did. I could hear you having a few intonation issues in a couple of parts, but other than that," He chuckled.
I narrowed my eyes. "Ha ha. Funny, Jazz."
He laughed. "Get that stick out of your ass, Cullen. I was kidding,"
I rolled my eyes and chuckled sheepishly along with him. "So, are you ready to go to this party or what?"
"Yeah, whenever you are. Alice is supposed to be meeting me in the lobby, and I think that Isabella Swan girl is meeting you in the lobby as well. We can take your car."
"Whoa, whoa," I held my hands up. "Why can't we take your car?"
He rolled his eyes as if it were obvious. "Because you have an Aston Martin One-77 that you use for concerts. Why wouldn't we use your car, douche?"
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever," I muttered. Grabbing our violin cases, we both headed out to the lobby to meet the girls. I had no idea where they would be as I searched the large lobby.
"Hey, there's Alice," Jasper said while I followed him over to where Alice was. Soon, I realized Alice was not alone.
Alice sprang up to greet Jasper, but I barely noticed it because of the brunette standing next to her. She was the same brunette I had run into just yesterday, only even more stunning than when I saw her in street clothes. My jaw dropped as I took in her form, a black dress that stopped just below mid-thigh and clung to her subtle, yet womanly curves against her creamy skin. Her hips flared out beneath her tiny waist and my fingers itched to place their hands on them, while her goddamn beautiful breasts were just hinted with the low cut neckline the dress had. Her feet were cloaked in high, red, fuck-me stilettos that made my pants tighten just thinking about them being wrapped around my waist. Her mahogany hair flowed down her back in cascading waves and lips were curved up in a small, mischievous smile. My eyes finally met hers, and I took note of the same mischief twinkling in her eyes as was displayed on her lips.
"Edward," Alice began. "This is my best friend, and roommate, Bella Swan. Bella, this is my brother, Edward Cullen,"
"Ah, the infamous Edward Cullen. Isn't it about time we ran into each other?" She smirked.
My jaw dropped for a moment. This was Isabella Swan? Fuck my life. She's fucking gorgeous and feisty? Damn, this girl was going to be the death of me.
I barely noticed that Jasper and Alice quickly left the conversation and headed out towards my car. I quickly composed myself, and tried to throw her off. "Yes, Isabella, I agree. However, I feel like we've met before, but you I feel like I'd remember that gorgeous face of yours. So clearly, I'm mistaken," I smiled crookedly at her.
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, boosting her cleavage up even more. I struggled to keep my eyes away. "It's Bella,"
My smirk grew more broad. "I'm sorry. What, Isabella?"
She shot daggers at me, but I simply smirked in return, pleased to know I got under her skin. "Now, Isabella. I believe that we have a date to a certain after-party, or didn't Aro tell you?"
"Hmph," She replied with her eyes narrowed. "He might have told me," She grumbled.
"Well, then," I held out my arm for her to take, smiling broadly at her annoyance. "Let's go,"
"I'll escort myself, thank you," She said defiantly before marching over across the lobby away from the door.
I chuckled at her antics. "My car is that way, Isabella,"
"What makes you think I'm going in your car?" She challenged, raising an eyebrow.
I smiled crookedly at her and walked over to where she stood, and leaned down, so that my face was just inches away from hers. She looked shocked and I smirked before exhaling a breath to wash over her face as I whispered. "Because if you don't comply, I'll pick you up over my shoulder and force you into my car. And as appealing as that sounds, I don't think I'd be able to have your delicious ass that close to my face without taking you to my apartment and fucking you until you couldn't walk for a week,"
I heard her gasp, and watched as her eyes darken marginally. Fuck, she was sexy.
Wait, what? No, you're supposed to be getting under her skin, not the other way around. She's going to try to take your Concert Master position!
I smirked again at her and leaned away, watching as her eyes returned to normal. When she regained composure, I smiled innocently at her and held my arm out to her again.
"Ready to go, sweetheart?" I asked sweetly.
She threw her arms up. "Ugh! You cocky, disgusting bastard! I hate you!" She shouted at me, causing a few heads to turn.
"Now, now, love. You wouldn't want to cause a scene, now would you? Let's go," I grabbed her hand without her permission, reveling at the sparks that ran through my arm from our point of contact.
"Let me go, you sick, infuriating, person!" Each word was punctuated with jabs with her other hand at my chest.
It was more than amusing to watch her tiger kitten fury as we walked to my car where Alice and Jasper were already there. I opened the door for her and smiled at her for good measure, making sure she was good and annoyed before I closed the door behind her.
This was turning out to be a fun night.
BPOV
"C'mon, Bella! Let's go!" Alice yelled across the apartment.
I attempted to pull down the dress as best I could, smoothing down the silken, ebony fabric and trying to get used to the feel of the black lace thong I was wearing underneath.. "Alice, there is no way in hell I'm wearing this," I called back.
"Yes, ma'am you are. You look hot!" Alice loped back into the room in time for her to see me roll my eyes. "Don't roll your eyes at me! You do! And that's what you're wearing."
I huffed. "Alice, I'm going to a concert for the Seattle Philharmonic, not a night club."
"You're going to an after-party too, which is, conveniently at a night club. And Edward will be there," She waggled her eyebrows at me. Every since I told her about me running into him yesterday, she had teased me senseless about him. I had waved her off constantly, trying not to let her know how much our encounter affected me. But I had a sneaking suspicion she knew exactly how much it affected me.
I rolled my eyes anyway, trying to salvage any last shred of indifference I could manage. "Don't remind me. No offense, Alice, but I honestly don't know how you two share genes."
"Oh, he's not that bad once you get to know him. He just—he just uses his cockiness to cover his insecurities,"
"Insecurities? Yeah, right." I scoffed.
"Seriously, Bella. He's a good guy. Just give him a chance,"
"Fine. But only because you're my best friend and his sister," I finally said.
"Yay! I knew I loved you for a reason," She clapped her hands together and beamed at me.
"Yeah, yeah. Now c'mon, shorty. We're going to be late if we don't leave now,"
After almost forty-five minutes of traffic and walking what felt like miles from our parking space, we were in our seats. I admired the high ceilings and the wide stage, covered in hardwood floors where I would soon play.
Alongside Edward Cullen. I mentally amended.
Shortly after we were seated, the lights dimmed and a voice came over the speakers informing us to turn off our cell phones as the crowd became silent. Seconds later, I heard the dull thud of tuxedo heels clicking across the hardwood floors, and I knew it was him. True to my thoughts, there Edward Cullen came across the stage, looking devastatingly attractive in his tuxedo as he smirked shortly and bowed before taking his seat.
The concert was, in a word, phenomenal. In truth, I was mesmerized by the way the whole orchestra swelled as one, like one person breathing. And if I was being honest with myself, I loved watching Edward play as well. I loved the way he closed his eyes through each of the songs, letting the music flow through him. If only he was as open and honest when in real life as he was when he played.
By the end of the concert, I was floored by the talent exuding from each member of the orchestra. The entire audience was on their feet, and for the first time, I saw a genuine smile of Edward's face as he took in the scene in front of him. And for a moment, I almost liked him.
Almost.
We made our way the lobby to wait for Edward and Jasper. I was interested to see how things would play out considering Edward still had no idea that the girl he had run into yesterday was also the girl that was planning on taking his seat.
"There they are!" Alice exclaimed, pointing over at Jasper and Edward. Jasper smiled when he caught sight of Alice and got Edward's attention before they walked towards us.
When they reached us, I couldn't help but quickly give Edward the once-over. He had shed his tuxedo jacket and rolled up the sleeves of the white button-down he wore underneath, exposing his muscled forearms. His skinny black tie triggered emotions within me that made me blush to think about, just as his perfectly unkempt hair and his tighter black slacks did. When I my inspection reached his face, I was immensely pleased to find such a shocked expression there. He remembered me from yesterday, shock was replaced with desire as he looked me over, and I internally thanked Alice for dressing me the way she did. As Alice introduced me to him, his face was one of incredulity.
"Ah, the infamous Edward Cullen. Isn't it about time we ran into each other?" I smirked at him.
I barely noticed that Alice and Jasper quickly left the conversation and headed out the front door as I watched him to see what he would say.
"Yes, Isabella, I agree. However, I feel like we've met before, but you I feel like I'd remember that gorgeous face of yours. So clearly, I'm mistaken," He replied with a panty-dropping, crooked smile.
Damn him. He was getting me worked up on purpose.
I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest, turning my head away from him slightly. "It's Bella," I mumbled lamely.
From the corner of my eye, I saw his smirk grow broader. "I'm sorry. What, Isabella?"
Bastard! My gaze snapped to him, furious. I took back anything I ever thought about him being a decent person. I knew he was getting under my skin as much as I tried to prevent it. That infuriating smirk reappeared on his incredible face.
"Now, Isabella. I believe that we have a date to a certain after-party, or didn't Aro tell you?"
"Hmph," I replied. Fuck. I forgot about that. "He might have told me," I finally said.
"Well, then," He held his arm for me to take, smiling at me. "Let's go,"
"I'll escort myself, thank you," I said defiantly, lifting my chin and marching across the lobby, not exactly sure where I was going.
I heard him chuckle, only serving to annoy me more. "My car is that way, Isabella,"
"What makes you think I'm going in your car?" I challenged, raising an eyebrow at him, trying to ignore how hot he looked.
He smiled crookedly at me, mischief sparkling in his emerald eyes before he walked over to where I stood, and leaned down, my faces just inches away from his.
Oh, God. I couldn't breathe.
He exhaled, his cool, sweet breath washing over my face, intoxicating me. My lips parted and my heart pounded faster in anticipation.
I don't care if you're a cocky bastard. Please, just kiss me. Please…
"Because if you don't comply, I'll pick you up over my shoulder and force you into my car. And as appealing as that sounds, I don't think I'd be able to have your delicious ass that close to my face without taking you to my apartment and fucking you until you couldn't walk for a week,"
Oh my…I felt my panties flood with moisture as his words sunk in. Dear God, he sounded fuck-hot when he said that stuff to me. I was on the brink of loosing control and launching myself at him to kiss him, when he leaned away, smirking.
What. The. Fuck?
I quickly regained composure and looked up at him once my head was clear.
"Ready to go, sweetheart?" He asked, giving me an innocent smile.
I threw her arms up in disgust, nearly giving up on him. But I wouldn't let him win. "Ugh! You cocky, disgusting bastard! I hate you!" I shouted at him, causing a few heads to turn.
"Now, now, love. You wouldn't want to cause a scene, now would you? Let's go," He grabbed my hand against my will, but the shock that shot from our point of contact was too strong for me to let go.
"Let me go, you sick, infuriating, person!" I punched his chest with each word, careful not to think about how solid he was beneath my hand.
When we reached his car, I couldn't help but admire his Aston Martin One-77 internally, but I was determined not to let my guard down. I huffed and struggled against him, but I really was no match for his strength as he opened the door for me and smiled at me to anger me even more before closing the door and quickly climbing in on the other side.
Jasper and Alice were chatting quietly in the backseat as Edward and I sat in silence in the front. I finally gave in and spoke first.
"Where are we even going?"
"Trinity. It's this club where—" Edward began but I cut him off.
"I know what Trinity is, thanks," I replied icily.
He took one hand off the wheel and put it palm up in surrender. "Okay, okay, just thought I'd tell you,"
"Whatever," Deep down, I knew I was being a complete bitch, and that I was over-reacting. It was just something about him that made every bone and my body irate and icy. I stole a few glances over at him, and was shocked by his facial expression. It looked…crestfallen. Downright, depressed. I was completely confused. His expression showed no traces of the cockiness I knew. That confidence that was both irritating and incredibly sexy.
I decided to ignore it, writing it off as a misinterpretation. If I chose to believe that his forlorn expression was real, I wouldn't be able to resist trying to figure him out. And when that started happened, I would risk my heart. Because I knew that Edward Cullen could break my heart into a thousand pieces easily. That wouldn't happen.
We finally pulled up to the club, thankfully ended my internal musings, and parked in a special VIP section. I raised my eyebrows at Edward.
He shrugged in return and led us to the front of the line where the huge, six-foot-five bouncer simply looked at Edward and let him in along with the rest of us. "Good evening, Mr. Cullen,"
Edward nodded once. "Hello, Walter,"
I looked up at him in wonder. "What was that about?"
Edward looked almost…sheepish. "Well, my cousin kind of owns this place,"
My jaw dropped. "You're cousin owns this club? You're shitting me,"
He chuckled. "I shit you not,"
"Wow,"
"Impressed?" I could hear the smug smile seep through his voice.
I rolled my eyes. "Keep walking, Cullen,"
We entered a secluded lounge off the main room where a few of the members of the orchestra were seated sipping champagne. Edward caught their attention and walked with me over to them.
"Isabella, this is first violist, Angela Weber, and percussionist Eric Yorkie. Angela, Eric, this is Isabella Swan," Edward said disinterestedly.
Angela and Eric greeted me politely as did the other members Edward introduced me to. I met Tyler Crowley, a cellist with a little too much enthusiasm for my taste, Ben Cheney, a second violinist who's affections for Angela were not very well hidden, and Lauren Mallory, a fellow first violinist whose claws tried to dig into Edward as she shamelessly threw herself at him.
The jealousy I felt shoot through me was foreign, and I gripped his arm tighter before leading him away from her with a tight smile.
"What was that?" Edward smirked.
"Nothing, she gives me the creeps," I stumbled slightly.
His smirk broadened a little but he said nothing as we reentered the main room of the club. Jasper and Alice trailed close behind, but I barely noticed through my captivation with the throbbing beats of the music, throngs of people moving together as one entity. I strained my ears to try and hear what song had just turned on.
Them apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was lookin' at her. She hit the flo, next thing you know, shawty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low.
Them baggy sweat pants and those Reebox with the stripes, she turned around and gave that big booty a slap, Hey! She hit the flo, next thing you know, shawty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low…
"C'mon, Bella! Let's dance!" Alice yelled over the pounding music, trying to drag me onto the dance floor, but I quickly protested.
"Oh, no, no, no," I replied, pulling her off of me. "There's no way. Not even with alcohol in me."
Alice smiled devilishly. "Oh, we'll see about that. Edward, go get a round of shots."
Edward looked at me skeptically as if to say "Can you really take shots?" I jutted my chin out defiantly, prepared to prove him wrong.
"What are you waiting for? Go get, them!" I smirked at him and raised my eyebrows.
Moments later, he returned with Tequila shots, three for each of us and a smirk on his face. "Ready, Swan?"
"Bring it, Cullen," I replied, grabbing a shot glass while Jasper, Alice and Edward got one as well. "One,"
"Two," He continued.
"Three," I said and threw my shot glass back, my eyes closed and let the alcohol burn my throat.
When I looked around at the others, I noticed Alice giggling with her arms around a calm Jasper. I rolled my eyes. Alice was such a light weight. Edward looked just as at ease with alcohol as I was. Since we did the other two shots and I had had some huge fruity drink that was sent from the bartender to me, I was feeling a more than a little buzzed.
"Ooh! I love this song!" Alice squealed when a heavy bass beat started to vibrate through the hall as she dragged me out on to the lighted dance floor.
She moves her body like a cyclone, and she makes me wanna do it all night long
"C'mon, Bella! Dance with me!" Alice said, slurring her words slightly.
"Alice, you know I can't dance!" I yelled back as she started moving her hips in a slow, circular motion.
"Yes, you totally can!" She yelled before a mischievous look came into her eye as she moved closer to me. "Pretend you're dancing for Edward. I know you two have been eye-fucking all night. Seriously, the sexual tension between you two is thick enough to cut with a butcher's knife."
I rolled my eyes, but didn't disagree because I knew she was right. Well, at least about me eye-fucking him. Him looking at me like that? Not so much. Suddenly an idea came to mind. I would make him look at me. I would let him get worked up by letting him see me like this. That would wipe that smug smile off my face.
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on, because she moves her body like a cyclone, a mighty cyclone….
I let the music carry me, just like it did when I played. And I let go.
EPOV
After the third shot, I stuck to Guinness, knowing I wouldn't want to try and risk driving with any more hard liquor in me. Alice drug Bella out to the dance floor, and I couldn't help but admire her ass as she trotted away. Damn that girl. She was feisty and sarcastic and obviously kind and smart and sexy as hell. Maybe if she wasn't trying to get my position….
Nope. Not even then would I go out with her.
My internal voice raised his eyebrows at me.
Shut up. I told him.
I heard the beginning beats of Cyclone by Baby Bash and knew I was in deep shit if I watched the two on the dance floor. But I could seem to keep my eyes away. Bella, at first, seemed to hesitate about what to do, but Alice said something to her, and I could see a thought click into her head as she started to dance.
As she started dancing, my mouth went dry. I was hypnotized by the movements of her hips as she circled them in a slow motion before dropping the ground and slowly popping back up in fluid, graceful motion. The lyrics to the song never seemed so true.
Going hard when they turn the spotlights on, because she moves her body like a cyclone, a mighty cyclone…
Good God. My pants were becoming uncomfortably tight, and after my second Guinness, I knew my self-control was wearing thin. On the last chorus of the song, she dropped down to the floor again and when she popped back up she looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with me before proceeding to lick her lips and wink at me. I felt my jeans tighten and I realized that I didn't care that I was supposed to hate her.
I wanted her.
And I was sure as hell going to have her.
Feeling a little buzzed, I made my way through the crowd easily, Jasper in tow, to reach where the girls where dancing in the center of the room. There seemed to be a circle of guys surrounding them all vying for their opportunity to dance with our girls.
Our girls? Where did that come from? Bella was not, by any means, mine.
But I still wanted her. So I followed Jasper's example when he grabbed Alice by the waist and spun her around to face him, and went up behind Bella as the song changed. She tensed at first, not knowing who it was before she relaxed into my body, everyline of her body aligning with mine, matching perfectly.
How you doin' young lady
The feeling that you give me really drive me crazy
You're dope have a player by the choke
I was at a loss for words first time that we spokeYou're looking for a girl that'll treat you right
Have you lookin' for a woman daytime and nightYou expect me to just let you hit it
But will you still respect me if you get itYou wanna get in my world, get lost in it
Boy I'm tired of runnin' let's walk for a minute
You might be the type if I play my cards right
I'll find out by the end of the night
All I can do is try, give me one chance
What's the problem I don't see no ring on your hand
I'll be the first to admit it, I'm curious about you, you seem so innocent
I felt one arm wrap around my neck, and I used one of the hands on her hip to press her into my back, growing harder by the minute as she grinded against me. I knew she could feel her effect on me. Pushing her hair over her shoulder so I could position my lips by her ear, I whispered the next lyrics in her ear.
"Promiscuous girl, wherever you are, I'm all alone, and it's you that I want," I sang. Waiting for the girls part to finish I sang again. "Promiscuous girl, you're teasing me, you know what I want and I got what you need," I punctuated what I said with a light thrust into her backside. I heard her whimper with the need that reflected within my own body.
I spun her around quickly and wrapped her arms around my neck and planted one hand on her hips and one low on her back, brushing her delicious ass with my fingertips. She pressed herself against my chest, allowing me a fantastic view of her breasts.
My body now moving of its own accord, I leaned down to capture her lips with mine, watching her eyes fill with desire. Suddenly, her eyes started to droop, and her entire body slumped in my arms.
I sobered immediately. "Bella!" I lifted her effortlessly into my arms and carried her outside, catching the confused glances of Jasper and Alice.
Jasper and Alice stumbled out a few minutes later. "Edward, what's—" Alice started.
"I'm sorry, but I have to take care of Bella. I'm taking her back to my place. She just collapsed on me. Her heart rate is fine, but I think the alcohol in that last cocktail really slammed her. I'll probably get Carlisle to look at her. You two have fun, but I need to take care of her." Without waiting for them to remark, I was off to my car, only thinking of one thing: My Bella.
Well? *shields self from too many tomatoes* I hoped you guys liked it...I worked my ASS off...seriously.
Okay. I swear it won't be four months until I update again. Like legit.
REVIEW.
And, yeah, I'm stealing this from Iadorepugs in "A Stable Romance" But I'm going to bribe you with different Edward's to review...and as always the trivia question. :)
I humbly give you Workerward. He works hard day in and day out as you watch him from your bedroom window. Today, he's cutting the grass in the sweltering heat...sweat dripping down his tanned, muscular body. He lifts up the hem of his nearly transparent white t-shirt to wipe his face of the sweat dripping from his unkempt locks of bronze hair. Eventually, he slowly peels his shirt off, giving you a full view of his muscled abdomen and perfect chest. He glances upward and catches you watching. Giving you a crooked smile, he hooks one finger and motions for you to come down. When you reach him, he still has that smile on his face and his eyes darken as he catches sight of you as he huskily says, "How about you see how I really work?"
Mmmmmmmm...
I hope that was good enough for ya'll ;)
xoxo
Jessica
