A/N: This one's hefty—biggest chapter yet—so, I hope you enjoy it. There's a little lemon somewhere down there, proceed with caution!
CHAPTER 5 | CATCHING UP
EPOV_
"Hey.. Hello.. Salve.. Hi.. Ciao.." I'm walking through Volterra for the last time, appreciating all of the sights, breathing in the crisp air. However, I'm thrown off, as pretty much everyone that passes me greets me fervently. It's nice and all, but this isn't going to fly. I slip on my newly purchased Henry's frames from Tom Ford, just for a little anonymity.
I need to enjoy these last moments here. Over the course of my time here, I've learned so much. Not just formal education, but also self improvement. I've learned mixed martial arts, and many social arts, as before I'd never been this graceful. I've learned about the world, and just scratched the surface on figuring the way it works. I've been given much wisdom from elders which I try to incorporate into my daily life. I've learned many languages, so that I'm never at a disadvantage when abroad. But most importantly, I've learned so much about myself. Never in a million years did I think that any of this would happen to me; that I'd be given an opportunity so grand, so life changing. That I'd become a merited scholar. I enjoy learning. That I'd inherit this unnatural beauty. Gain this amazing strength, along with the abs, the muscles. And I have to give all of the credit to Aro. I wouldn't have any of it or be any of it without him.
I break my thoughts to stop and buy an apple at a nearby newsstand. "Sì, proprio questa mela, per favore." I hand him the cash. As I wait for change I look down at the tabloids. One in particular catches my eye.
Socialite Italiana Edward Cullen è visto con i Capelli Castani Bellezza. Matrimonio in Trattative.
"Italian Socialite Edward Cullen Spotted With Brunette Beauty. Marriage in talks." I read aloud. Hm. With Ade? I take my change, and continue walking. I pull out my phone to call Audrey. "Hey birthday boy!" she greets me. "Hey, babe. Did you know we're getting married?" I chuckle. "We are? I thought you weren't into the whole marriage thing?" She questions. "I'm not," I take a bite of the apple,"but, I mean, if the paps say so then it has to be true." She laughs pleasantly. Aro is one of Italy's most prominent bachelors, and is held in such high regard by everyone who has met him. Each year, he hosts dozens of these lavish events at our home, with the biggest being the philanthropic ball. During my first months here, at my first philanthropic ball, the paparazzi learned of my presence and did quite a bit of snooping in attempt to find out whom I was. All they really knew was that I lived with him, yet that was still somehow stretched way out of proportion. Headlines were made, claiming I was his illegitimate son. The tabs had finally found a way to try to "tarnish" his pristine image. Of course he didn't mind, but I wasn't having that. The next month, I had him debut me at his annual Summer Gala. He established that I was his nephew, not his son, but most surprisingly—even to me— his heir. From then on, I'd attend balls, cotillions and other major social gatherings, simultaneously making a name for myself. At this point I'd earned myself hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and a verified Twitter account. I'd wake to find myself on the television and in magazines, and started receiving contract offers from the likes of Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo. This was all happening extremely fast, so Aro hired me an agent. Next thing you know, I, little old Edweird, am the face of Dolce & Gabbana and have become a bit of a socialite. Juggling all of this, along with my schooling and personal development taught me virtues such as modesty and time management. Dad really wasn't shitting me when he said my life would change.
"Hey, so what time are you coming over?" Ade asks as I cross the street. We're spending our last night in Italy together in celebration of my eighteenth birthday tomorrow, which will be spent traveling. "Walking through the city now. Should be there in half an hour tops."
"Sounds good. I can't believe we head back to Washington tomorrow." Sigh. Right. "I know, it sucks. But hey, I think we're ready for it. We're ready for anything this world throws at us." Italy has really been my stomping ground these past few years. This is where I was reborn. This is home. "You're right, we've got this."
"Damn right. I'll see you in a bit." I smile.
"I love you," she says.
About that. I have some explaining to do. It's not what you think. Well, maybe it is.
[Flashback]
"Edward, it's Friday night. Why are you here, nephew?" Aro asked.
"What do you mean, Aro?"
"Well, you're sixteen now. Most sixteen year-olds are never home on Friday night. Why don't you call a girl and take her out?"
"Hm, I guess thats not a bad idea." I responded.
"Go out, be a kid. Have fun." He winks as he tosses a small golden square my way. I caught it and flipped it over to read the front. "Trojan. Magnum." I smirk at him and start to blush. "Not too much fun! I'm not promoting anything!" He throws this hands up and leaves the room. I suppose it is about time I go on that 'coveted' first date. But with whom?
I pull out my phone, dial Ade's number and put the phone to my ear. We'd already hung out quite a bit— especially when we first got here— and we text all the time. We don't see each other as frequently anymore because of our hectic schedules, and the fact that we live on opposite sides of town, but we still make time every now and then.. And this, an actual date, will be good. She's beautiful all around, I haven't been friend-zoned. She'd be a perfect first date. Maybe there's more there between us. Plus, she hasn't seen me as of late... a clear face, new haircut and toting an additional thirty pounds of muscle, currently.
"Hello?"
"Audrey, hey!"
"Edward? Have you grown even more since I saw you last? Your voice sounds..." And a deeper voice.
"Oh? I'm sorry, I just-"
"Sexy." Well then. I smile, "Thanks. Hey uh, I was actually wondering if you'd allow me to take you on a date tonight."
"Hm," she ponders playfully. "Say yes, since you think I'm sexy." We both burst out laughing.
"Aw, of course I will." She says giddily. I chuckle at the thought of her seeing me. Because right now, I know she's only agreeing to this because she's my friend. "Great. I'm going to gas up and should be over your way around nine."
"Sounds great!" She exclaims. "Awesome, see you then."
Wow... my first date.
I run upstairs, shower and get dressed. I grab my keys, and debate which car I am going to take? Aro surprised me with TWO for my sixteenth. My grey Maserati Quattroporte S Q4, or white Bentley Continental GT. My eyes move between the two. Hm, the shimmering grey looks magnificent at night..
I hop in the Maserati and drive to Audrey's side of town. I arrive at the gates of Ade's home. She must've been expecting me, as she exits her home as soon as I pull in. I get out and walk to the passenger's side to open the door for her.
"You ready?" I asked. She ran down her steps, squinting, attempting to get a better look at me. She stops about three feet away. "Edward?" She asked, confused. "Howdy," I smile, and give a half-hearted wave. "Wow. You look... good." She smiles as she eyes me up and down. "Thanks, as do you.. Ready to head out?" I ask.
"Yes sir," she slightly cocks her head to the side, bites her lip, and gets in. Let's do this. "So, where are we going?"
"Aro told me about this one place, Le Perfezione, it's intimate and overlooks the city. I figured we'd start there." I look over to her smiling."You're kind of dreamy. You know that?" She smiles. "Well, shucks," I shrug mockingly cocky, we both chuckle. On the drive to the city, she and I talk about a range of things and share a few laughs. It's always so easy-going with Ade, that's why I love hanging out with her. I can be myself around her. She's genuine. As we walk into, the restaurant Audrey takes my hand. It sends a tingle throughout my body. I've never felt this before. No girl has ever held my hand. I like it. My lips curl into a smirk and I look down to find her staring at me, smiling subtly, with a gleam in her beautiful, lusty blue eyes.
Le Perfezione was a lot more intimate than I'd thought. Situated in the center of the city, it's in a building similar to the space needle in Seattle, but a tad smaller, prettier, more elegant. It's dimly lit, with a very relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant's "walls" were made of one sheet of floor to ceiling glass that wrapped around the entire room, allotting a breathtaking view. The tables are inside of personal, modular pods aligned in front of the glass, and the room rotates, allowing for a full 360 degree scope of the city. In each pod is one cozy, two-person couch. We sit down silently, and marvel at the beautiful city Volterra truly is. I look over at Ade, and I can't quite read her. She looks as if she's lost in thought..
"Hey, Ade," I begin, "I'm sorry if this too intimate, or a bit weird. I—"
"Edward." She whispered and looked up at me. "Yeah?" Without warning, she takes the back of my neck and leans in for one, soft kiss. Whoa.
"You're perfect."
...
We finish dinner an hour and a half later. I take the long way back to Ade's house, which gives me an excuse to pass this particular cliff in the countryside.
"Where are we going?" She laughs. "Just watch," I pull up to the edge of the cliff and we both get out of the car and lean on the hood. The sudden change of the height of the terrain offers a grand view of the moon.
She hugs me, and we maintain our embrace. "Thank you for allowing me to take you out tonight," I look down into her eyes. She wraps her arms around my neck. "No, thank you. I've had a really great time. You really are great, Edward. Can I tell you something?" She asks, rather sheepishly. "Sure," I smile at her. "I'm finding myself way more attracted to you than I should be.." she laughs mildly and I smirk. "Hm, what do you mean?" I say. "Oh, don't play coy. I mean, I've always been attracted to you, I think you've known that. All of this blossoming you've done is only a plus."
"So, does that give me permission to kiss you?" I blush. She looks up at me, briefly nibbles at her bottom lip and gives the slightest nod. "I really want you to."
I pull her in by her lower back and slowly mesh my mouth to hers. Her hand travels up my bicep and traces circles on my shoulder. Things begin to heat up as I grab her ass, and trail kisses along her neck. Her breath hitches as my mouth strokes her skin, and I moan as she digs into my hair. She's sweet, like nectar, and her scent is intoxicating. The way she responds to my touch arouses me, and the pace of her heartbeat assures me she's into this too. We're now panting heavily, both of us craving the other's contact. I pick her up and place her on the hood of my car. She pulls me in by the collar and whispers into my ear. "I want you." I moan into our kiss as she grabs my buttocks and pulls me in, grinding me against her core. "Take me home tonight," she whispers, her forehead against mine.
...
I throw her over my shoulder, and run up to my room. I set her down, and she kisses me as she pushes me back onto my bed. We're kissing deeply, rolling about and grabbing each other, all the while laughing like giddy grade-schoolers. She pulls my shirt over my head, then steps out of her dress. "Mm," she licks her lips as she hovers over me. My abdomen tightens in reaction to her fingers caressing lightly over my torso, she slowly makes her way down to my zipper. She pulls down my slacks and palms my erection through my briefs."So big," she whispers, "you're perfect." I soon feel the breeze from where my undershorts once were. Ade glances up at me seductively through her eyelashes and lightly licks her lips. I could feel the intensity and irregularity of her pulse as she ran her pink tip across my tip, flicking her wet tongue over the slit. I gasp as she ever so slowly takes me in her delicate, warm mouth.
I moan as she begins to find a pace; a pleasant rhythm my entire body was reacting to. My hips buck, and I take a shallow breath as I lightly thrust into her mouth, taking care I didn't hurt her. I run my tongue over my teeth, inundated by the gratification I'm currently experiencing. Audrey continues stroking, bobbing her head, and I moan once more. The only other thing audible was the quiet sounds of her sucking. I dig my nails into the bed, "Ade," I breathe out. She takes all of me in, and grabs my ass for support. I throw my head back in absolute pleasure. I grab a fistful of the sheets on either side of me and begin to gently fuck her mouth. I want her. I carefully reach down into her panties, ensuring I didn't interrupt her. My fingers lightly cascade over her core, and I fondle her clit. I trace up and down her lips and steadily fit one finger. "Mmph," I nearly release when she hums onto my cock. My pointer finger slowly enters and withdraws, eliciting more moans from her tight, wet mouth. She slowly pulls me out of her airtight mouth, ensuring she left me dry.
"I can't take it anymore," she urged, "Fuck me." Without a second thought, I rip off her thong and unlatch her bra. I flip her over and into missionary position. I begin prodding her very small center, observing her winced expression as I begin to stretch her internally. I stop at about half-shaft, and hold still, allowing her to feel my presence. My impression. My girth that expands her so. I place my hands on either side of her, and begin to fuck. She fists my hair and grabs my shoulder, her grip tightening whenever my half-enlodged cock occasionally thieves a deeper stroke."Fuck," she pants, "Edward.." That's right, say my name."Edward.." She grabs my hips, egging me on. "Fucking yes," Audrey pulls me in and bites my neck. I begin to stroke deeper, but she places her hand between us. Confused, I slow down a bit, but she halts me even more, attempting to say something. "C...Fuck, that's good...but.. get a...fuck" I stop moving my hips and softly thumb over her cheek. "What is it, doll?" She breathes lightly. "Condom." I look down to our intersection to see we were missing just that. "Fuck.. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Just get one on, quick. I need you back inside me," she urged. I shuffle to find that Trojan Aro gave me earlier. I tear open the shimmering golden package and slide on the condom. "I want you baby," she whispers softly as I rub my throbbing cock against her begging center, "all of you." Slowly, I slide back in, stopping once all of my length was inside of her. Balls deep. She buries her face into a pillow and screams. I try to control my pace, but my thoughts are clouded with lust, and how pleasant it feels to occupy her flesh. I focus on her expression as I pick up tempo. I observe her features, the way her luscious brown locks cascade around her face, and the expression her eyes make as I plow into her. I note the plumpness of her lips, swollen from all of our kissing. I'm encouraged by her breathy moans and begin to thrust quicker, deeper. She opens her mouth to shriek, and grabs my lower back tighter than ever. I move around inside of her, easing into a full on fuck. Our bodies move together in synchrony. I lean down and kiss her along the neck, inhaling her scent as if it was the sweetest drug. I pick her up and put her back up against the wall. She wraps her legs around my waist and digs her heels into my ass as I pump into her.
"Edward!" Hearing her scream my name made me pump even harder, and I relish every second of it. "I'm going to come," she says into my neck and clenches herself around me, beginning her fall over the edge. I continue stroking through her twitch of euphoria and bite her neck as her eyes roll backward before her lids flutter closed. Beautiful.
I set her down from the wall and placed her in front of me.
"Bend over, sugar," I order. She turns around, still flustered and seductively bends over, propping her ass in front of me ever so deliciously. I grab her waist and pull her hips into mine. "Fuuuuck," I groan at the feeling of her flesh crashing into mine. I wrap around her torso and begin to thrust mightily. She's screaming my name as I'm finally thrown over the edge.
We both collapse, panting. She strokes my hair as we hold each other's gaze. I try to speak, but find no words. I can't help but just stare at her, admire her beauty. "Perfection," she gently breaks the silence, before placing one more soft kiss on my lips as I slip myself out of her. I turn off the beside lamp, and without another word she embraces me and we both drift into a slumber.
[/Flashback]
...And we've been this way ever since.
"Love you too."
That night, Audrey and I revisit our first date. We eat at Le Perfezione and watch stars at the moon cliff. We aren't officially "an item," but everything always feels so right with her. I enjoy her. Do I expect us to have to label our relationship soon? Possibly. But for now, we're just exploring each other. Feeling everything out.
"May I have your attention, passengers. The plane is approximately ten minutes from landing. Please stow away all tray tables and position your seat backs upright. Thank you for choosing..." It's good be back 'home.' I don't know why, but I've sort of missed it here.. Sort of. About 20 minutes later, after the plane landed and I've collected my things, I'm waiting outside for Carlisle. When he pulls up, he gets out and nearly walks right by me. "Dad, I'm right here." I said, startling him.
"Edward? Wow, son. I didn't even recognize you!" he says as he hugs me, "you've changed so much." He steps back and looks at me,"Welcome back."
"I like change," I sigh, "it's one for the better." I smile confidently. Italy was the best thing to ever happen to me.
"Indeed it is. Oh, and happy birthday, my boy." Dad grabs a few of my bags and begins loading them up.
Well, Seattle, we meet again.
A/N: We're back in Seattle, folks.