Casket...this is chapter's for you.
Frumpy, Goldstar, MsSimone & Adranwen...I Love you hard!
Disclaimer: SM owns a hot Edward, I own a poster of him.
BPOV
"You have got to be kidding me!!" I opened the front door to none other than Jared and Victoria. How was it that of all the police that could have responded to my call, it was these two that Seattle's finest managed to send my way. "I really shouldn't be surprised, especially after the last stunt you pulled."
"Why Ms. Swan - That is what you're going by these days, right? I don't know what you mean." The sarcasm in his voice was evident and I didn't miss the verbal jab. Judging from the ugly grin on Victoria's face, it was clear that this was going to go much the same way as their last visit. Lucky for me I had something up my sleeve this time to ensure that I was treated fairly. The PI that Edward hired had uncovered quite a bit of dirt on James and his cronies. We had turned the information over to the lawyer that I hired after James had his fit with the bat. Although the lawyer wanted to pursue criminal charges, I had decided to wait and see what happened next. It seemed like it was a good move, as I had Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum at my door now. There was no doubt in my mind that they would do something to screw me over. "We got a call about a possible break in?"
"It was not a 'possible', it was a break in." I took a deep breath, running my hand through my hair in agitation, pulling it from my face, trying not to lose my cool. Edward walked up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. When he saw who was at the door, I heard him let out a huff.
"Officers? How are you doing today?" Edward said politely. They wouldn't know it, but under the politeness I could hear the contempt in his voice. I may not know everything about Edward, but I had learned a lot about him over the last few weeks, including his fierce protectiveness of the ones he loved and intolerance for unjustness. Edward squeezed my shoulders in a gesture of support. Amazingly, I was instantly calmed. It was refreshing to have him here, behind me, supporting me. It was a comfort. We had gained something last night, a new closeness, an understanding. I could count on Edward, trust him with anything. It was slowly dawning on me that my doubts about having feelings of love for him were being proven wrong. The wall was slowly crumbling down and taking those doubts with it. The surge of feelings I had at this realization gave me renewed strength. I was feeling something I never had with James and it struck me that maybe I did love him already after all. I pushed it to the back of my mind to ponder on later.
I backed up into Edward and he moved to the left out of my way. Raising my eyebrows I gestured with my hand and reluctantly invited Jared and Victoria in. They walked across the threshold passing Edward and I and moved from the hall and into the main living area, like they owned the place. Edward and I followed. As Jared got his notepad out and started asking questions, Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me in front of them, stopping their movement, establishing our dominance over the room.
Pausing briefly Jared flickered his eyes up to mine and glared at me. I cocked my head silently daring him to say something inappropriate. Clearing his throat he spoke, "I'm going to need you to fill out a form describing all the missing items and their value." Jared opened up the clipboard he had with him and pulled out a form, handing it to me. " Did you find any evidence of an intrusion?"
"Not immediately, no."
"Could you elaborate?" Jared quipped, raising his eyebrows, looking at me like I was stupid for not anticipating that he wanted more detail.
"I was in my room, packing my bag for work when Edward noticed that the pictures were missing from their frames."
"So Edward was in the room with you?" There was a slight sneer to his voice.
"Yes, of course. After he noticed the pictures missing, I looked around the room and noticed that my journal was missing as well."
"So, let me get this right - somebody broke into your house, took the pictures out of your frames and took your journal?"
I nodded my head, "Yes, that's exactly what happened. They also cut the wires to our security camera."
"Bella, you have to understand that this entire report sounds, well, a little far fetched." Jared gave me a look of exasperation.
"I don't care what it sounds like, I want to file a report. Someone broke into my home when I wasn't here; regardless of what they took it's still illegal and a complete invasion of my privacy."
"So, what time did you get home last night?"
"I wasn't home last night. I spent the night at Edward's." At my confession he immediately raised his eyebrows. Victoria just sat there stone faced, not saying a word. Was it that farfetched that I would spend the night at another man's house other than James? We weren't married any longer, I wasn't doing anything wrong. Let him go running to James squealing like a pig. What a lap dog...
"Oh, this changes things". His tone turned quiet, almost calculating. I could hear the wheels turning in his head. "Was anyone home last night?"
"Well, Alice and Rose would have gotten home after 2AM. You'll have to talk to them about that."
"What time did you get in this morning?"
"A little after 10AM; we came straight from Edward's house."
"Umm hmm... Is there anyone that you know of that holds a grudge against you, that may want to do you harm or scare you?"
"No, no one. Not even James could be that callous..." I thought back to my car and immediately changed my answer. "Actually, yes, I do believe James would do something like this". Jared rolled his eyes at me and continued scribbling on his pad furiously as he rattled off more questions. Eventually he wound the questions down and gave me a form to fill out for the missing items and asked me to go through the house and make sure nothing else was missing. Alice, who had been hanging back was questioned next and while he was talking to her I woke Rose up and filled her in on all the details of the morning and told her to get dresses, knowing she would be questioned next.
While Jared was questioning Alice and then Rose, Victoria was questioning Edward. I tried hard not to listen in and finish looking over the house, but it was difficult to resist temptation. I was standing in the converted dining room, my music room, when I overheard Victoria asking some of the most outlandish questions. I could tell that Edward was struggling to hold onto his patience and I was instantly fuming.
"So you were with Bella all night, is that correct?"
"That is correct, yes." Edwards lips were pulled tight and he was speaking in a clipped voice.
"You never left, in the middle of the night maybe?" She was taunting him, trying to get a rise.
"Now why in the hell would I leave Bella in the middle of the night?" It was evident at this point that Edward was about to blow a rod. Victoria just raised her eyebrows and smirked as she continued to scribble on her pad, likely making a note about Edward's continued hostility.
I stepped around the corner; I couldn't listen to it any longer. "That's enough, Victoria. You know good and well that Edward had nothing to do with this, so cut the bullshit."
Victoria sneered at me. "Listen to me, Bella, you may have been married to James before, but you're not any longer, so any protection you may have had is gone. I would watch my mouth if I were you because all I need is a reason."
"Empty threats again, Victoria? Haven't you learned by now that you never scared me before and you don't scare me now? I would appreciate it though if you would do what you came here for and stop harassing my boyfriend."
"Listen here, you little-" Victoria was abruptly cut off when Jared walked over and interrupted her. "Could I see you for a moment?"
Jared pulled Victoria to the other side of the room and started whispering furiously to her. We stood there patiently waiting for them to finish. After about five minutes they both approached me. "Bella, we've finished our interviews, if you need more time to finish going through the house you can keep the form and bring it by the station when you're done. We will have someone from the station call you to schedule forensics to come out and dust for prints. What is a good number to reach you at?" Warning bells went off in my head. It was an oddity to hear Jared being so professional and polite to me. I was hesitant to give him my cell number but there was no way I was staying at the house tonight.
After giving him my contact information he and Victoria informed me they were going to walk the perimeter of the house, check the outside camera and take some pictures. I walked them to the door and closed it behind me with a sigh of relief. I slumped over and placed my hands on my knees. Thank God that was over, at least for now. I wondered briefly if these occurrences would ever end. I was also beginning to see a pattern and it was becoming horribly frightening. Not just for me, but for all parties involved. This was at least the fourth incident in the last several months and Edward had been present in some form or fashion for all of them. My break in at the office, Jam Fest, James and my car and now the benefit. Someone did not like Edward and I together. As much as I know James despised me being with anyone other than him, I just could not see him being the culprit behind it all. It just didn't make sense. He stood to lose too much to even risk getting caught pulling stunts like this. It was breaking and entering, harassment and a multitude of other charges he would be facing. He may have slipped through the cracks with the car for now, but it would eventually catch up with him. I had to believe that.
I lifted my head to see Edward standing in front of me, Alice and Rose hovering like mother hens behind him. I could sense that they were trying to give me my space but were worried at the same time and did not know how to handle this version of me. Normally I would breakdown and cry in hurt and frustration, but this was getting to a point where I was just getting angry. Was I frightened? Well, of course - who wouldn't be? - but I was also simply tired of not being able to move on with my life.
It had been such a struggle to pick myself back up after James and I still wasn't whole but Edward and my friends were helping me, showing me I was worth more then he ever led me to believe. I felt cherished, needed and loved for the first time in my life by someone other then my parents. I knew in my heart that Alice and Rose always did, but with the emotional beating I had been taking from James it was hard to reconcile that.
I smiled at my friends in front of me. Lifting myself up straight I brushed off my hands and walked up to Edward placing my hand on his chest. He grabbed my wrist and brought it up behind his neck, running his hand over mine before lowering it to my waist. "I'm sorry for the questioning that Victoria put you through. It was inexcusable and completely out of line on her part."
"Bella, you apologize way too much, you know that? That woman was a bitch, plain and simple and I knew she was trying to get her jabs in on me. You said she was seeing James right?"
"Heh, yeah, I guess you could call it that - mistress turned girlfriend?" I grinned at what she would eventually have to endure once the newness wore off for James. I should have felt bad because he would eventually treat her abhorrently but I couldn't. She had given me so much grief in the last few years It was almost like repayment for her to suffer like I had.
Edward grinned back at me like he was reading my mind and finding amusement in the same thing I was. "Well then, what's there to apologize for?"
"Nothing I suppose." He leaned forward and gave me a peck on the lips, lingering just briefly.
"Ahem," Alice cleared her throat behind us. "Do you two ever cool it down?" I looked up at her, raising my eyebrows as I spoke.
"Don't you dare lecture me about PDA. You and Jasper would be doing the deed right in front of everyone if I let you. You guys are more public then I have ever been. Remember the time I walked in on you two on my office-"
"Okay, okay, that's enough of that, no need to share. I'm going to pack. There is no way I'm staying here tonight. I'll call Jazz and stay with him. I suggest you and Rose do the same, at least until we figure out who this maniac is." Alice turned around and went to her room to finish getting ready and gather her things.
"I was actually going to mention that as well. You don't need to be here and I would feel so much better if you weren't. Why don't you pack some stuff and come stay with me." His offer startled me, he was always so giving and generous.
"Edward, you don't have to do that. I can stay at a hotel. It's really not a problem." I was rushing my words out. I didn't want him to think that I was taking our relationship for granted, that he needed to feel obligated put me up at his place. After all he did live alone and one does get used to their privacy.
"No, I insist. Do you really think I would have you at a hotel when I can have you in my home, in my bed, all to myself for an indefinite period of time? I told you before Bella, I'm a selfish creature."
"I understand that Edward, but I really can take care of myself. If I stayed in a hotel I would be in a very public place and therefore out of any danger. Who would do anything with all those people around?
"Bella? Would you please indulge me?" he said in an almost pleading voice. "It would make me feel much better and as I said, I would have the added benefit of getting you all to myself." i giggled as he wiggled his eyebrows at me.
"Well now, I wouldn't want to disappoint you ..." I leaned up and placed my mouth on his, reveling in the warmth of his lips on mine, tasting him once again on my skin. It was a wonder I didn't attack him right there in the hallway the way his kisses sent shivers of desire coursing through my body. I turned him with my body and backed him up against the wall. My arms were wrapped around his neck, locking him to me and I could feel his want for me pressing against my stomach. I pressed my body more firmly against his, rubbing up slightly as I leaned up on my tip toes more. Edward growled in the back of his throat which only seemed to make me want him more. I bit his bottom lip lightly, raking my bottom teeth over it as I released it. Giving him one last kiss I pulled back and dropped my head on his chest, trying to regain my breathing. This was something I never wanted to get used to, I wanted it to always feel just this way, wanting him, needing him...loving him. My God, I really do love him.
Looking up at him, trying not to show exactly what I was feeling, I cracked a half smile. " Lets go get me packed then before I maul you in the hallway and we scar Alice."
********
EPOV
Bella finished her inventory of the condo and gathered enough of her things to tide her over for several days. After I dropped her at work I drove straight to the station for my rescheduled meeting with my program manager. This was a monthly planning meeting that we established at my request when I started working for the station. It was typically on a Friday after we were off the air but because of the benefit I requested it be moved to today.
Before last night I had so many ideas and things swimming through my mind regarding the morning show but today I was going to keep it all under my hat and save it for a later time. Today I had other things on my mind at present, namely Jessica. I had worked with difficult people before and wasn't the least bit afraid to handle a situation on my own, but when it turned into something personal and spilled over into my work, well that was a different story. There was no way I would be able to continue to work with Jessica if this was going to be the new normal. I saw little nuances over the last couple weeks, the way Jessica would speak to me about Bella, the way she was acting around me. It was no longer a peer to peer working relationship. Jessica was trying her damnest to take it to another level and I could not avoid the issue any longer. I had politely tried to dissuade her, letting her know I was not interested in anyone but Bella, only speaking to her in a professional manner when off the air and never being alone with her.
I pulled into the parking garage beside the building that the station was in and turned off the ignition. No sooner than when I reached over to unbuckle my belt did I hear a tapping on my window. I looked up to see Jessica standing beside my car with her arms crossed. I couldn't see it, but I'd bet on my life that she was tapping her foot as well. She had become so predictable. I opened the car and got out, pressing the lock on my key remote. I nodded my head at her and started walking toward the elevators when she spoke.
"Edward, please. Please let me apologize." She grabbed me by my arm trying to stop me. I lightly shook her off and kept walking. I made it to the bank of elevators and pressed the up button to take me to the main lobby of the building. Jessica came up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Please remove your hand from my shoulder." I tried to keep my voice as even and emotionless as possible. What I really wanted to do was cringe. I did not want Jessica touching me at all, it gave me the creeps.
"Edward, please just hear me out. I-I want to apologize for last night. I was completely wrong to do what I did. I never should have grabbed her like that."
I turned around to face Jessica. "First of all, her name is Bella and second of all, do you really think that grabbing her was the worst of what you did? What about what you said to her? Do you have any idea how insulting and cruel you were? And what about the fit you threw in front of all those donors? We were there for a charity, to raise money. We were the number one sponsors and our job was to convince these people that we are trustworthy enough to be responsible with their money. How are they supposed to feel that way when the co-host of the biggest morning show in Seattle throws a fit before dinner even starts? So don't tell me you're sorry just so you can try to save face. You fucked up Jessica, on a personal and a professional level and you are going to have to suffer the repercussions of said fuck up."
I turned around just as the doors to the elevator opened and stepped inside, Jessica following behind me. I could tell she was uncomfortable, shifting from one foot to the other, never being still. I said nothing, knowing if I did more insults that were probably a little overly harsh would come pouring out of my mouth.
The elevator ride seemed to last forever and when the doors opened I moved quickly into the main lobby, heading for the elevators that would take me to the 15th floor, again with Jessica hot on my heels. I assumed she didn't want me getting there before her, able to get Harry, our program manager alone. I pressed the button for the 15th floor and we endured another silent, excruciating ride up. When we got the the proper floor I made a bee line for Harry's office. I needed to sit down, get a hold of myself and Harry always seemed to have an impartial outlook on things, making me see two sides of the coin. Maybe this time he would too and I could get some of this anger to dissipate.
The good thing about this meeting was, what happened last night was witnessed by a great many people and I was sure that Peter would have no problem backing my story if need be. There was no way Jessica could wiggle out of this; she should have known better then to have gotten so emotional like that in public. Recovery from something like that could be virtually impossible.
"Edward, Jessica." Harry's voice was anything but calm today. Shit! He threw a copy of the Sun Morning Post, Seattle's biggest gossip rag, across the desk. I picked it up, glancing at the headline and the picture beneath it.
"Seattle's Top Morning Co-host Makes Spectacle at Battered Women's Benefit"
The picture underneath was of Jessica snarling at Bella, red wine covering the front of her dress. It was not an image we needed representing our station. I cringed as I looked at it, almost feeling bad for the wrath that Jessica was about to endure. Almost...
Harry leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest. "Does anyone care to explain to me why my two top co-hosts managed embarrass our station? Do you two realize what kind of damage control we are going to have to do?
"Actually Harry, last night went very well. We won't get the final donation numbers until later today but I think we did better this year than in years past. Guests were very generous with their wallets, despite the interruption."
"Edward, about that-"
"No!" I turned and glared at Jessica. You don't get to talk yet." I spat out. I was getting all riled up again, letting my anger fuel my words. It was not a part of me I was fond of.
"Jessica apparently has a thing for me, or a thing for my girlfriend. I haven't figured out which yet. So last night she decided it would be a good idea to make her feelings public, and loudly I might add. We did walk away but she kept on talking, running her mouth and making it worse."
"Edward, please I-" Jessica was squirming in her seat, trying to get a word in.
"No, I heard plenty last night." I turned to Jessica, "Why don't you you tell him what you did, what you said? Tell him the spectacle you made of yourself and how you embarrassed not only me and the guests but the station with your behavior? Not to mention the hateful words you said to my-"
"Edward, I really think you're overreacting." Jessica said in a small voice, trying to placate me.
"Overreacting? You think I'm overreacting?" I stood up. "So, you come in here all teary eyed trying to wiggle your way out of what happened and you think I'm overreacting? Harry"- I turned my head, looking at him - "Do you have any clue what she's done over the last month? Showing up where I am on my time off, making rude remarks to my girlfriend, insulting her and myself for that matter. And now she brings it to a business function, yells and practically physically assaults my girlfriend in front of our largest donor no less. I'm sorry Harry but I am NOT taking any of the fall for this, it was all her." I was completely incensed.
"Jessica, is this true?" Harry asked with a sharper edge to his voice.
"I- It," she started wringing her hands together and tears were forming in her eyes. Harry just stared at her waiting for some sort of answer.
"It may have happened kind of like that." She stared into her lap guiltily and let the water works flow. There were tears hitting her hands where she had the placed in her lap. Harry reached over and handed her a tissue and she began dabbing her eyes and nose.
"I think I've covered the basics. Jessica, is there anything you'd like to add?" I was purposefully being an ass and I knew it, but I couldn't help myself. She had pushed me over the edge this time and I was doing things I would never normally do without any thought at all.
"You're right. I was completely out of line last night and acted intolerably. I did everything Edward said I did, including grabbing Bella, which caused the wine to spill all over me. Edward had nothing to do with any of this." Her voice was weak and full of defeat. On any other occasion I may have felt pity for her, but after last night and then this morning, well I couldn't help it. I was out of pity and she was screwed.
Harry leaned down and placed his hand on his forehead, rubbing his temples. "Well, I don't think we're going to get anything accomplished today regarding the next month's worth of shows so Jessica, I will call you later this afternoon and we can discuss the next course of action we are taking regarding this matter. Edward, if you could stay?"
Jessica got up and shuffled to the door, before exiting she turned around and spoke. "Edward I really am sorry, could you please tell Bella that too?"
"Huh..." I rolled my eyes again. "Sure thing."
As the door closed I turned to Harry, "I'm not going to do this any longer; she crossed the line. I want to file a formal complaint and a request for her to be transferred to another station."
"You can file your complaint. I don't blame you for being upset, hell I'm upset and it didn't even happen to me. I just hope that the station doesn't take a big hit on this as well. There will be repercussions for last night regarding her behavior and the effects it could have on the station but I can't guarantee her transfer."
"It's her or me Harry and I'm not bluffing. If you think this is the first time she has crossed my path and made a fool of herself then you have another thing coming. I'm not tolerating it any longer. There has to be a sister station in the building she can go to." I was looking pointedly at Harry, daring him to call my bluff.
"Let me see what I can do, but for now, why don't you start at the beginning. Tell me everything."
********
Bella decided she was only going to work a few hours, so by the time I was done talking to Harry and filing my formal complaint with the H/R department it was time to go pick her up. We had dropped her car off at my place before she went into work, both of us figuring that she would feel safer not having to be alone in the car today. The parking lot was still empty when I arrived. I pulled out my phone and called Bella to let her know I had arrived. She came to the back door and let me in, shutting the door behind us and locking it.
I pulled her into my embrace, breathing in her scent. "Hey you." I nuzzled my face on her cheek, over her hair.
"Hey you." She squeezed me tightly, and placed a small kiss on the side of my neck. I felt a groan forming in the back of my throat and suppressed it. My God I was a complete fiend. All it took from her was an innocent kiss on the neck. She would think me a sex crazed fool if I didn't watch it. Not that I wasn't, at least for her anyway. "Come on, I'm almost done here and then we can go before everyone starts showing up for their shifts."
She pulled me to her office, sat down at her desk and started scribbling on a notepad that was in front of her. After a minute she started imputing numbers into what looked like some sort of tracking system on her computer. The small task made me remember a question I had been dying to ask her but had felt too intrusive in the past to do so. Since our relationship had escalated I felt it was not too farfetched for me to inquire now.
"Bella? Can I ask you something?"
She looked up at me and smiled. "Of course, you can ask me anything."
"I was just curious: how come James never got any part of the bar in your divorce settlement?" Bella's face lit up with a charming grin.
"Actually, that was Alice's doing. I didn't own any of the bar while James and I were married."
I looked at her quizzically, not grasping what she was telling me.
"You see, when Rose and Alice asked me to be partners in the bar, there was no way I could do so without always being under James' thumb. My piece of the pie would essentially also be his piece. If anything ever did happen to us, which, obviously it did, I would either have to buy him out or be tied to him forever. This wasn't something I could deal with. Also there was a matter of money. I had quite a bit saved, and could have gotten a loan for the rest but there again James would be tied to it. So Alice came up with this bright idea to front me the money and put it under a pseudo company name that she owned. All of the profits I earned from the bar over the years went into this company account, minus my monthly payment plus interest to Alice. Once my divorce to James was final, Alice signed everything over to me and I was able to pay off my portion of the loan in full. When I was married to James I took home a reasonable salary and he was none the wiser."
"She really did that for you? I don't have friends like that. I wish I did. It would make life a lot more pleasant."
"Yeah, she did and Rose would have too but Alice beat her to the punch. It's no secret that neither of them were ever hurting for money; their parents invested well for them , and it paid off. So, I have amazing friends, sisters really, a thriving business and a bright future." Bella was smiling at me like she hadn't a problem in the world. "So, how was your meeting?"
I proceeded to tell her about what transgressed and the future of Jessica. I still had hopes that she would be transferred to another station but even if that didn't happen she would at least be out of my hair and off my show or in another position. In the meantime, she had been suspended indefinitely. It was a step in the right direction. It would without doubt be difficult for us to work together again, although on reflection I couldn't help but feel the smallest twinge of regret that she had probably borne the brunt of my anger not only as a result of her behavior at the benefit but from the breaking as Bella's as well.
Standing up, Bella closed the lid to her laptop and started packing up. When she was finished she looked over at me. "You ready?"
"You bet. Let's go home." I grabbed her hand and she led me out of her office and into the main bar area to turn off some of the lights. "Hey baby?"
"Hmmm?" Bella replied.
"I do believe you still owe me a song." Her head snapped up and she looked at me, narrowing her eyes.
"You're really going to make me fulfill that part of the bet?"
I smiled widely. "Yes.." She glanced at the piano and then back at me, a soft smile suddenly playing upon her face."
"Okay." Placing her things on the bar she walked over to the piano, pulled the bench out and sat down. "Could you hit those lights over there for me please? It's a bit dim over here."
I turned the lights on that she had just switched off and pulled a chair down from the table closest to the piano and took a seat. Bella looked thoughtfully at the piano for a moment and then she started to play. The opening notes were vaguely recognizable and the melody seemed slower then what it would normally be. Then it dawned on me what song she was playing. She opened her mouth and that beautiful voice of hers started singing. The words...they spoke volumes. There was no way she had selected this song randomly.
Her voice floated over me, wrapping me in her. She wasn't looking at the keys, or music; she was looking at me, singing to me, telling me what I so desperately wanted her to tell me. It took everything I had not to jump out of my chair and rush over to her but I had started this, asked her to do this for me and I needed to let her finish. I took in her words, knowing they were for me and I wrapped that around me and held onto it. This was more then I could have hoped for: it was a statement, an admission. It was a beginning.
It's always been inside my head.
Sunlit hardwood floors and feather beds.
And children laughin' runnin' up and down the stairs.
It would be heaven without goin' nowhere.
And when a dream starts comin' true.
It feels like destiny, like i already knew.
Like you were meant for me, and me for you.
And it feels like i'm right where i've always belonged.
And it feels just like a love song.
The way we talk, the way you smile.
You kiss my lips, it drives me wild.
I never knew until i felt your touch.
That i could need someone so much.
Tell my wedding goodbye.
It's all blue skies.
Feels like comin' home.
And it feels just like a love song.
Feels like destiny, like i already knew.
Like you were meant for me, and me for you.
And it feels like i'm right where i've always belonged.
And it feels just like a love song.
And it feels just like a love song.
Slowly I stood up as the last notes played. Bella pushed back the bench and stood up. I reached down and moved it out of the way, Bella turned around and looked at me, questions in her eyes. I still never said a word as I placed my hands on her neck, threading my fingers through the bottom her hair and kissed her, backing her up, pressing her into the keys of the instrument making a random tune of their own.
Bella's hands reached up and grabbed the back of my head, willing me to be closer to her, the kiss was fierce, ravishing and full of hunger. My lips were hard and searching, wanting more and more. Bella's lips parted as she gave herself freely to the passion we were sharing. My tongue swept into her mouth, tasting and teasing, playing an aching game of want. I drank it in, never wanting it to end, but wanting to explore so much more of her, pleasure radiated outward and I could not control my desire for her any longer.
Reaching up under her legs I lifted her and sat her on the keys of the piano. I reached behind me and pulled the bench back in front of me, pushing it in all the way and placed Bella's feet on it. I leaned forward and stole another kiss, lingering for a moment before reaching down with my hands and unbuttoning the buttons on her shirt. I marveled at the swell of her breasts just above the line of her bra. The way they formed the perfect shape. They were made for me and for me alone. I placed my lips on her neck and moved down toward the lusciousness that awaited me. Taking my hands I moved them over her shoulders, sweeping her shirt off her body. Bella arched back, placing her elbows on the lyre that held up the music.
She was a sight to behold. Whoever came before me was no longer; it was here and now that mattered and I was determined to show Bella in every way I could that this was meant to be, that she was perfect in my eyes and we were destined to be together. I took a swelling mound of flesh into my mouth, gently sucking, brushing the fabric of her bra aside so I could move to her nipple, flicking the tip of it with my tongue, feeling it harden. I cupped her as I took more of her sweet skin into my mouth, the groans she was making fueling my fire.
My free hand unbuttoned the clasp on her pants, and my hand moved inside the waist band to work them down. When I felt no barrier I stopped and pulled back looking at Bella who instantly had a sheepish grin on her lustful face.
"What? I was in a hurry to get dressed before the police arrived at the house and didn't have time to put any on. Is this a problem...love?"
I groaned aloud and swooped in taking her mouth yet again in a mind blowing kiss as my hand moved further into her pants to find the sweet spot I was seeking. As I moved lower I felt the wetness pooling at her opening; it only served to make me hungrier with want. I circled her throbbing nub, feeling her slight bucking motion beneath my hand, the sound of the keys beneath us making noise, before sliding one finger in and then two. I moved them in a circular motion, trying to find just the right spot when I heard Bella emitting sounds of pleasure...There it is. I continued my movements, slowly at first, letting her savor the sensation; looking at her face as I brought her pleasure, it was almost more than I could bear. There was not only passion on her face but an almost intense look of concentration with her eyes closed and her head thrown back. Her lips were slightly parted and her tongue was peeking out. My mouth was salivating.
Bella lifted her hips, signaling me that she wanted more and I was a more than willing partner. The bulge in my pants was throbbing I wanted her so badly, her words, her body, her soul, they all called to me. I still had her voice in my head singing to me, her eyes penetrating into the depths of my soul. That thought alone was all I needed. I grasped the waistband of her pants and pulled down removing them completely. Bella reached down to my waist and lifted my shirt over my head. Leaning forward, she began to place teasing kisses on my chest as she ran her hands from my abs all the way up to my chest, slightly scoring me with her nails. The sensation was completely overwhelming and I reached down to unbutton my pants, I had to have her NOW.
"No." Bella said in a husky voice. "Let me." Running her tongue up my chest, sending shivers through my body, she took off my belt and unbuttoned my jeans, pushing them down as far as they would go before they fell to the floor of their own accord. Pulling Bella to the edge of the keys, I braced my knees on the bench; once again, there was random music as Bella braced a hand on the keys beside her, the other hooking behind my neck. I reached down one last time, feeling her wetness before slowly guiding myself into her, moving with slow steady strokes. The sensation was completely overwhelming: here I was, making love to the only woman I ever loved, knowing, hoping she loved me back just as fiercely.
"Bella... my God, I want-ohhh" That did it. Bella grabbed the base of my cock, wedging her tiny hand between our bodies and squeezed, and instinctively I started moving faster, letting the feelings and the sensations guide me. I could feel myself getting harder as I moved faster. Placing my hand at the small of her back and the other under her I picked her up, her legs wrapping around me. Pressing her against the wall I continued to move inside her, her tiny moans fueling me, her scent intoxicating me and the feel of myself inside her moving me to a new level of intimacy that I had never been to.
I took her mouth with my own, thrusting my tongue into her mouth just as I felt her walls tighten. I thrusted harder and faster, spilling myself into her as she released. I rested my head against her forehead, still holding her against the wall, still fully sheathed inside of her. I didn't want to withdraw, I needed the closeness, I would never get enough.
Bella placed a soft kiss on my neck, then my lips, running her fingers through the back of my hair.
"Edward, look at me." her face was serious yet serene. I had never seen her look so calm and peaceful, without worry or strife.
"Yes love?" I brushed the hair back from her face and smiled.
"Edward," she said softly, "I've been such a fool, so blind by trying to protect myself that I couldn't see what was right in front of me. I was wrong, Edward."
I looked at her quizzically, worry creeping in slowly. "What do you mean?" I did my best to keep my voice as light hearted as possible.
"I-I love you. I think I have for some time now." There was such tenderness in her gaze, she was completely open and venerable to me. She was giving me so much more than her love. She was giving me faith, hope and trust.
I held her tightly in my embrace, relief and elation coursing through me. Looking back up at her, I rubbed my thumb over her cheek and leaned over to kiss her as I replied. "I love you too, baby, I love you, too."
Question: If you could have one thing happen in the next chapter, what would it be? Drop me a line and let me know. The one I like best, I'll write in. :-)
I also want to add a BIG thank you for all my readers and reviewers. I love you all and you make writing this so much more fun for me. xoxo - MB
(Song credit goes to the wonderful Sara Evans)