Wow! Thanks for all the reviews, readers! Much appreciated! This one's long, but I need to post a warning. This chapter has a lemon! If you are not comfortable with that, feel free to skip that part. However, make sure you read what happens in the aftermath or the next chapter may not make sense. Also, this is my first lemon, so be kind. I had my husband read it, and he liked it and really encouraged me to keep it in the story. So I'm trusting his judgement and passing this chapter along to you all.

Can we shoot for 50+ reviews?

Thanks everyone for reading. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

xo

-A

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I really thought Emmett and I were going to lose it within the first three weeks. It took everything in me to keep up the ruse, especially when we would argue. He would say the most horrible things, but the shame in his eyes was blatant. I would pretend to get upset, and oblivious Edward would get downright enraged. Most times I would find myself in between the two, a hand on each chest holding them apart. Emmett would always end up laughing it off and pulling my hand away, giving it a little squeeze before letting it go.

But I still loved Edward. He was sweet, and really knew how to take care of me. He always said the right things and his kiss was electric. But since I told him about my past, there was never anything more. He wouldn't touch me beyond a gentle caress of the cheek, a quick embrace, or holding hands. He wouldn't hold me the way that he used to. It was almost as if I had become toxic to him and it was devastating.

Things with Emmett were entirely different. Despite hearing what I had to say, he hadn't been afraid to hold me. And when he held me, the feelings that emerged were beyond explanation. His willingness to take me in his arms and accept me for all my faults had brought me to life. And his kiss made me tingle in places I didn't know could. I was on fire since the moment he first touched me, and it was getting very hard to fight the flames.

Edward pulled up in front of my house late one Friday night in November. We had just spent the evening at the movies, then enjoying each other's company while stargazing. Well, him more than me. I was bored out of my mind. He took me to an absolutely horrendous romantic comedy that I ended up sleeping through, and insisted on taking me out stargazing despite the frigid temperatures. Part of me wished I had stayed home with Charlie. Even watching the ball game would have been more fun than my date with Edward. At least I would have been warm.

"Did you want me to come in?" He asked, turning to face me.

"No, I want you tell me," I demanded.

"Tell you what?" He cocked his head

"About your past," I folded my arms across my chest. "I want to know about your past."

"Bella, I told you," he sighed. "In due time."

"It's been three weeks!" I shouted.

"It just isn't the right time," he shook his head.

"You're not being fair, Edward!" I sputtered. "I've told you everything about me! Everything! I thought we were being honest with each other."

"We are, my Bella," he smiled.

"Correction," I frowned. "I am. The only thing I know about you is that you're a vampire and you can read minds."

"It's not like I'm not going to tell you. It's just that it's quite graphic and I don't think you're ready," his face became solemn.

"I'm not ready?! What's that supposed to mean?!" I spat. "After all the shit I've seen and what I've been through, you think I'm not ready?"

"That's not what I meant," Edward took my hands. "I just think that everything is still too raw, and that we should let things settle down a little bit."

"What things?" I pursed my lips.

"You know, the battle between you and Emmett," he mumbled.

"Oh, I see," I looked down at our hands. An awkward silence fell over us.

"So, did you want me to come in or not?" he asked again.

"No, I'm kind of tired. I think I'm just going to take a shower then call it a night."

"You're not still upset over your fight with Emmett today, are you?" he frowned and his eyes got dark.

"Which part?" I laughed. "The insults? Or the part where he threatened to eat me again? Because really, Edward. He doesn't scare me."

"It isn't funny," Edward snapped. "He could lose control at any second."

"But he won't," I swallowed a chuckle.

"You don't know that!" he growled. "You've never seen him hunt…"

"Only because you won't let me," I mumbled.

"And with just cause! Bella he is savage. I don't know what I'd do if he ever hurt you," he squeezed my hands and looked away.

"Oh lighten up, would you?" I sighed. "You know he'd never hurt me. He cares about you too much."

"If he cared so much, he wouldn't say such horrendous things to you," he said. "Especially knowing how much you mean to me."

"Edward, it's fine," I smiled and shook my head. "I'm fine. His words are meaningless and his threats are baseless."

He still frowned at me. I laughed again, took his face in my hands and kissed him lightly.

"You're thinking too much on it, honey," I said. "Nothing will happen, I assure you. I'm going inside now." I opened my door and hopped out, slamming it behind me. I started up the walk.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow?" He called out his window. I stopped and turned to him.

"No, it's alright. I'll just meet you at your house." I called. "Good night!" I blew him a kiss and waved, then watched him pull away from the curb and down the street. I opened the front door, let myself in, then threw the dead bolt and extinguished the porch light. I kicked off my shoes and shucked my purse and jacket, hanging them on pegs by the door. Thankfully it was warm in the house, so I took off my sweat shirt and hung it next to my coat.

"Dad, I'm home!" I yelled as I adjusted the straps of my tank top and hiked up my jeans, which had started to slide a bit down my hips. Upon receiving no answer, I snuck a peek down the hall. I saw the glow of the television, heard the low mumbles of the anchors on Sports Center, and not much else. I tiptoed into the living room and found Charlie fast asleep in his recliner.

"Typical," I chuckled to myself. I gently shook him and he snorted. He looked up at me with bleary eyes. "Come on, Dad. Time for bed."

"Oh hey, Bells," he greeted. "Did you have fun?"

"Always," I answered. "Come on. I'll help you."

I escorted him to his room and helped him into bed. I gave him a peck on the cheek, adjusted his blankets and closed the door behind me. I stayed for a minute and listened, and sure enough he was snoring within two minutes. I walked the short distance to my own bedroom and shut the door behind me. I flicked on the switch, turned and yelped.

"Hey Babe," Emmett greeted me. He sat on the edge of my bed, elbows resting on his knees. He looked up at me and half-smiled. I felt my knees get weak at the sight of him.

"Jesus, Emmett!" I exclaimed in a raised whisper.

"Did I scare you?" he chuckled.

"What would ever give you that idea?" I waited for my heart to slow down. "How…how did you get in here?"

"Well, that, my dear is your fault," he answered.

"My fault?" I raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"You shouldn't leave your window unlocked," he crooked a finger and beckoned me to him. "You don't know what kinds of things are crawling around out there."

"Scary things?" I pushed myself off of the wall by the door. I knew what game he was playing. And I was more than happy to play along.

"Awful," he said. "You need someone to protect you."

"Oh yeah?" I took my time crossing the room. "Someone like…you…perhaps?" I stopped within inches of him.

"More than happy to take the job," he reached out and pulled me to him, clasping his hands at the small of my back. I stood between his knees and twined my fingers in his curls. He leaned his head back into my hands.

"Where's Prudence?" he asked, closing his eyes as I played with his hair.

"I wish you wouldn't call him that," I scolded.

"Even though he's a prude?" he retorted, opening one eye.

"Yes, even though he's a prude," I pursed my lips.

"Fine. Spoil sport," Emmett pouted and rolled his eyes. "Where's Edward?"

"Much better," I loved getting my way. "I sent him home. He bored the shit out of me tonight, and I was ready for bed."

"I see," Emmett answered absently. His hands were traveling along my curves, making me shudder.

"Emmett…" I said quietly, enjoying his touch.

"Hmm?" he was studying my hips where his hands had come to rest.

"Em, look at me," I drew his face up. "You're not supposed to be here. What happened to our agreement?"

"Agreement?" he smirked. "What agreement?"

"The one where you hate me, and I can't stand the sight of you?" I reminded him.

"Right, right," he began tracing the strip of bare skin between the bottom of my tank top and the top of my jeans. "That one."

"Well…?" I smiled.

"Well, I've kept it up for almost a month ," he slid his hands up the back of my shirt and yanked me against his chest. "Isn't that enough?"

His eyes kept mine in a smoldering gaze. I trailed my fingers along his jaw and slid them slowly down his neck and over his shoulders. I worked my way down his thickly muscled arms and couldn't help but stare at his chiseled pectorals. Damn, was he sexy.

"Bella?" he prompted, bringing me back to reality.

"Works for me," I purred.

"Fantastic," he crashed his lips onto mine. I returned the kiss willingly, opening my mouth slightly to allow him entrance. He accepted the invitation and swept his tongue in slowly, eliciting a soft moan from deep in my chest.

"My God, that's hot," Emmett whispered hoarsely when he pulled back.

"Don't stop," my voice was low and throaty. "Don't ever stop." I grabbed the back of his head with both hands and kissed him hard, sucking on his lower lip and biting it, ever so slightly. He growled into my mouth and quicker than I could blink I found myself on my bed, stretched out underneath him. His hands rested on either side of my head.

"Do you know what you do to me?" he asked and ran one hand through my hair.

I shook my head with a shy smile.

"You are positively enchanting," he began. "From the way you laugh, to the way you blush, to the way you sway your hips when you walk. Everything you do drives me absolutely wild."

I blushed.

"I am under your spell," he leaned in until our lips brushed as he spoke. "Anything you ask, I have no choice but to obey."

"Kiss me," I whispered. He grinned and took my mouth in a long, slow kiss. I felt the heat begin to rise within me. I slid my arms around him and dragged my nails down his well-developed back. I reached the top of his jeans and tugged his t shirt out. With both hands, I inched it up his torso until it reached his shoulders. He broke the kiss long enough to pull the shirt over his head and toss it aside. He looked down at me and slipped a hand under the hem of my tank top. He ran his hand over my stomach and I gasped at the iciness of his touch. He frowned momentarily, thinking he had hurt me. I shook my head with a sly smile, grabbed the hem of my shirt with both hands and drew it over my head. Emmett's eyes widened.

"Wow," he swallowed hard. "You…wow."

"Is that a good wow or a bad wow?" Now realizing that I was bare from the waist up, I suddenly felt very exposed.

"Oh, it's a good wow," Emmett snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me against his chest. "A very, very good wow." He took my mouth again in a fiery kiss, melding his tongue with mine. He eased us back down on the bed, being very careful not to crush me. I trailed my hands down his chest to the top of his jeans and slipped a finger down to trace his hip with my nail.

"Goddamn," he said through his teeth as his eyes rolled back in his head. I smiled, then began work at his belt. He stayed my hand. "Bella, wait."

"Did…did I do something wrong?" I was mortified.

"No, no you're doing everything right," he reassured me. "Are you ready, though?"

"I've never been more ready," I unfastened the belt and slid my hands around to grip his rock hard glutes. He half smiled, then helped me by shedding the rest of his clothing. I could only gasp. Good God, he really was perfect. I reached out to him but he caught my hand and gently placed it on the pillow above my head. He took the other and did the same, then carefully clasped both wrists together in one massive hand. He caressed my face with his free hand, then let it travel down my naked torso to the waist of my jeans. He lingered for a moment, and looked up at me for permission. I nodded and he slowly and torturously undid the snap and slid my jeans and underwear down my hips and onto the floor. He stroked the outside of my thigh to my knee, then began working his way up the sensitive inner portion. His eyes took in every inch of me.

"Amazing," he breathed. "Absolutely beautiful."

I was too caught up in the moment to speak. I could only watch his hand in anticipation of what he would do next. He pushed my leg aside gently and caressed my most delicate area. I breathed in sharply as I felt a finger slip carefully inside me. He began a steady movement with his hand that made me squirm in pleasure. I moaned softly when he withdrew. He chuckled and released my wrists, returning to his previous position above me. He nudged my legs apart with a knee and stopped.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked, hovering above me.

"I've never wanted you more," I whispered, "Than I do right now."

He kissed me slowly as he eased himself inside me. I gasped at the initial sting and he looked at me in alarm. I shook my head and smiled encouragingly, and he began to move rhythmically back and forth. As the pain eased I was overcome by an increasing warmth. I hitched my legs around his waist as the warmth became a burn. I latched my arms around his neck and stared deep into his eyes. He held my gaze as he pushed into me, and I was unable to stop myself from throwing my head back in pleasure. He groaned and laid a trail of kisses up my throat until he found my mouth and ravaged it. The burn became a fire and I arched my hips up to him, forcing him to go deeper. He began to move faster and the fire suddenly blazed as I climaxed. I buried my face in his shoulder to muffle my cries and clutched onto him as he pushed harder. He groaned into my hair and I felt him shudder as he finally reached his own release. He took my mouth in a long, slow kiss one last time before lowering me back to the bed. He pulled the sheet over us, rolled onto his side and propped himself up on an elbow. I closed my eyes and waited for my breathing to slow and my heart to stop racing. When I was finally able to take a deep breath, I opened my eyes.

"Are you okay?" he swept my hair from my face.

"I'm great," I answered, "That was incredible."

"I aim to please," he grinned.

"And that you did," I couldn't suppress my giggle. It had been the most mind-blowing experience of my life. Wait a minute. My brow furrowed. "Did I…? Was I…Good?"

"You were amazing," he answered with another soft kiss. "Why?"

"It's just…well…" I bit my lip. "You know that was my first time."

"I noticed," he gently detangled a knot from my hair.

"I…I just…" I took another deep breath. "I just hope I didn't disappoint you."

"You could never disappoint me," he caressed my face.

"Really?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"Not in a million years," he kissed me again. "Now sleep, my love,"

"Am I?" I asked in a yawn.

"Are you what?"

"Your love," I yawned again. Damn. I was getting tired.

"My only," he responded.

I smiled sleepily and cuddled into him, by back pressed against his chest. He slid an arm around my waist and I sighed, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. My eyelids felt heavy and I let them droop, and I soon drifted into a peaceful sleep in the arms of my lover.

I woke in the wee hours of the morning, tangled in the sheets and still very naked. I clutched my sheet to my chest and rolled onto my back. Emmett was in the same position, still staring down at me.

"Have you been watching me all night?" I asked and laid a hand on his cheek. He kissed my palm and I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face.

"You're beautiful when you sleep," he answered.

I snuggled up to him, forcing him to roll over on his back so I could lay on his chest. I laced one leg between his and began to trace patterns on his abs.

"How do you feel?" he inquired, rubbing my arm lightly.

"Hmmm…" I sighed contentedly. "Fantastic."

We laid like that for a good half hour, enjoying the post-coital glow. I began drawing circles on his chest with my finger.

"What are you thinking?" I asked quietly

"I'm thinking that we need to talk about this," he responded solemnly.

"Can't we do it later?" I mumbled. I knew what was going to happen; what he wanted to say. I was hoping we could avoid it. He covered my hand with his own.

"Afraid not," he said.

"Damn," I sat up and pulled my knees to my chest. I really didn't want to do this right now.

"What just happened," he began, "What we just shared, was unlike anything I have experienced in my life."

"Is that good or bad?" I rested my chin on my knees.

"It's a ten on a scale of one to five," he said. "But Bella, I… I don't think I can hold up my end of the bargain anymore."

"What do you mean?" I turned my head slightly. Out of my periphery I could see the conflict on his face.

"I can't pretend to hate you anymore," he slid into a reclining position against the headboard. "It's just too much."

"So, what? Do you want to tell Edward?" I turned to him, tucking the sheet under my arms. "He's already threatened to kill you simply for touching me. What do think he'll do if he finds out about this?"

I pointed in between the two of us.

"No, we're not going to tell him," he shook his head. "I just think that…maybe…"

"Maybe what, Em?" I crinkled my nose. "What are you trying to say?"

"Maybe we shouldn't see each other so much," he answered sadly. "Contrary to how it looks, I actually do care about my brother. And I don't want to see him get hurt if he discovers us."

I drew in a deep breath through my nose and let it out slowly.

"And I don't want to hurt him," I conceded. "You're right. I think it's better if we avoid one another for a while. Edward is still harboring a lot of hostility, and I really don't want to come between you two."

"I hate to say it, but considering the circumstances, this is what's best for all of us," he sighed.

"I don't want it to be this way, but Edward is such a big part of my life right now. I can't afford to lose him," I reached out and stroked his cheek. Why was I was agreeing to this?

"I'll…I'll just make a point of not being around when you're there," his voice was strained. "We just can't be near each other right now."

"I think you're right," I felt my chin begin to tremble. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"I wish I wasn't," he whispered. He opened his arms to me and I crawled into his embrace. He held me as tight as he could, and I fought the tears that were now burning my eyes. I couldn't believe after everything that had just transpired, this is how we were going to end it. After a few minutes he kissed the top of my head. "I should go," he mumbled into my hair.

"I know," I did my best to hide the quiver in my voice, but was given away by the sniffle that followed. He stroked my hair one last time before releasing me and climbing out from under the sheets. I adjusted the sheets around my chest and watched him as he dressed. He smoothed out the last wrinkle in his shirt and looked up at me.

"Remember, it's not forever" he said. He returned to my bedside and took my chin in his hand, kissing me tenderly and momentarily resting his forehead on mine. I sighed as he pulled away and crossed the room to my window. "Goodbye, my love." He looked wistfully into my eyes, then disappeared into the night.

I stared at the window for a couple of minutes, willing him to return. When I finally decided that he wasn't coming back, I pulled the blankets up over me and switched off the bedside lamp. I laid my head on my pillow, curled into the fetal position, and cried myself to sleep.