We made our way downstairs to find that almost everyone was there. I did not see Tanya, Rose or Esme; I could not hear their thoughts so they were not in the house either. We sat at the end of one of the couches. Alice and Jasper were at the other end, talking to Emmett who sat in an armchair next to them. They were discussing the trip back to Forks. Kate, Irina and Carlisle were talking about hunting possibilities. There were so many of us here at one time that we would have to go farther out on our hunting trips so that we did not impact the local wildlife in a negative way. Carmen and Eleazar were listening but not speaking.
Alice bent forward, looking around me to talk to Bella.
"Bella, we are going to have to come up with some convincing stories for you to tell Charlie when you get back."
"I know Alice. And we will have to make sure that we include Jasper in them too. Charlie thinks we were all together. And I assume that you have documents made up to prove that I was there? He'll want to see those too you know." She said meaningfully.
She is getting good that this, Alice thought. She grinned at Bella.
"Of course. I already have them. You were distributing supplies to areas that were very much in need of them. I would have had us administering vaccinations but I know how much you hate needles. And blood." She laughed. Can it get anymore ironic?
Kate and Irina were looking at Bella with curiosity and amazement.
"You hate blood, Bella?" Kate asked. Bella blushed; she hated that blood made her nauseous and hated attention more.
"Oh yes, our Bella here gets nauseous just at the sight of it. Faints dead away." Emmett pressed the back of his hand against his forehead and pretended to faint. He burst out laughing. Kate and Irina both laughed.
"Thanks Emmett." Bella said, disgust in her voice.
"It's just ironic." Irina said. "Your boyfriend drinks blood and the sight of it makes you faint." Such a paradox those two. She thought.
"Actually it is the smell, not the sight." Bella said, and then looked like she wished she hadn't spoken.
"Most humans can't smell blood Bella. It is unusual that you can. You might have better than average olfactory development." Carlisle was in doctor mode.
"I don't know about that Carlisle. I mean I know I don't have vampire senses but I don't think I smell better than anyone else." Bella looked uncomfortable so I decided to lighten the moment.
"You do to me," I said, smirking at Bella. She smiled at me and everyone laughed and went back to their conversations.
Kate and Irina looked over at Bella with curiosity. They were both secretly amused at how a simple human girl could affect me so much. I was too for that matter. But they didn't know my Bella. She had always held my attention, from that very first moment in the cafeteria.
Bella leaned over to me and spoke in a soft voice.
"I think I would like to go for a walk for a while."
I nodded and would have gotten up but she stopped me.
"No, you sit here and visit with your family. I'm not going to go far."
I didn't like the thought of Bella wandering around outside alone.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I just need some fresh air. It's good for my olfactory development." She laughed softly. Perhaps she really did need some air and if I knew Bella, some time to think by herself. I was not going to crowd her if she needed her space. I was not going to be that guy. I simply nodded and she excused herself and walked outside. I heard her walk down the steps and into the yard.
I sat there for a moment, lost in my own thoughts, when Carlisle pulled me to the present.
Edward, I would like to speak to you outside please.
I nodded and got up. Carlisle excused himself from Kate and Irina and we walked out the back door. We went about fifty yards into the trees then stopped.
"What is it Carlisle?" I asked.
There are a few things that I would like to talk to you about before we return to Forks.
"Alright, what?" I was a little wary now.
First, how are you going to deal with the Charlie situation? If what I suspect is true, Bella was not in the best shape after you left. I flinched at that. I was beginning to understand how much I had hurt her. I knew Charlie would not easily forgive me for what I had done to Bella.
"I'm not really certain at this point. I will have to explain to him why I left. Well, not the real reason I left but something close to it. Charlie is a cop and I am sure that even with my skills at lying he will see something amiss. I haven't got the story quite settled in my head yet. But I do know that he will have to accept the fact that Bella and I are together again." I spoke the last words with conviction.
Just be careful son. He is a father and they are very, very protective. Especially of their only children. Even more so when that only child is a girl.
"I know Carlisle. And I will have to make sure that I do not cause any problems for Bella as well. It is a sticky situation but I will speak to Bella about it and we will try to figure out the best approach. She knows him better than I do." Carlisle knew about my inability to read Charlie's thoughts. I was only able to get impressions. I would have to play it by ear.
Carlisle nodded. That sounds like a good plan.
He hesitated before he continued.
There is something else, Edward. I know that we have had this discussion before but I think that now it is even more pertinent.
I saw what was on his mind. This was not a discussion I wanted to have.
"I know what you are going to say, Carlisle, and the answer is still no. I do not want Bella to become one of us, Alice's vision be damned."
Do you believe that Bella has changed her mind?
"We have not discussed it." I had not even thought about it again. I had not wanted to disrupt our reunion.
It is something you need to discuss with her Edward. Now more than ever.
"What do you mean?" I could not see where he was going with this conversation.
Edward, we all saw the misery that you went through when you were parted from her this time and it was your decision. What would you do if something happened to her? If she…died?
I gasped at the sudden pain that thought caused in my chest. What would I do if Bella were gone forever? These last months I had lost her but only in the figurative sense. She was still alive and I could have seen her whenever I had chosen to. Bella's description of her accident, the one that had brought her back to me, flashed through my mind. What if it had killed her? What if I never ever had the chance to see her again? The anguish that caused me had me gripping my chest and bowing my head.
I felt Carlisle's hand grip my shoulder.
That's exactly what I am talking about, Edward. She is human and with that comes mortality. She may not die for sixty or seventy years but eventually she will. You have to think about that. If this is something that Bella truly wants you should consider it.
I drew in a shocked breath andrecoiled from Carlisle's touch.
"How can you think that? Do you really think that she should be condemned to this life like the rest of us? You know how all of us struggle with what we are! You think Bella should have that same kind of torment? She doesn't even know what she would be getting into! She doesn't understand what it is like, this life of ours."
Have you tried explaining it to her? I shook my head. Then perhaps you should. It might change her mind. I have never met anyone who wanted to enter into this life willingly. She may not be as tormented as you think if it is what she wants in the first place. I do know that you cannot bear to be parted from her, even in death. I know you Edward, I know you cannot and will not survive without her.
He was right. There was no way I would be able to go on if Bella were dead.
"I will think about what you have said Carlisle. But I would rather nothing be said to her about this. She may have changed her mind and I don't want to give her ideas."
Fair enough.
I could tell that there was something else on his mind. I heard what he was thinking and gasped.
"I am not ready for that discussion, Carlisle." I said angrily.
Edward, you are going to have to face it someday. Bella is a healthy young woman and she does have physical needs. Just like you do.
I groaned. I knew I had physical needs. It was all I could do not to keep my hands off of Bella every minute of the day. More so when I kissed her. But I did not want to hurt her either.
"Carlisle, it is not safe for her. What if I were to lose control. I could never forgive myself for hurting her."
Then perhaps you need to work on it. Practice with her to build up your…tolerance.
I looked at him, shocked.
"Build up my tolerance? How?"
Start slowly and work your way through. There are many ways to give and receive pleasure that do not involve actual intercourse.
I could not believe I was having this discussion.
Perhaps just start with touching her in a more intimate way. You can always stop when you feel your control slipping. I think you will be surprised at how much control you do have. Don't be afraid to go slow. This is all new to you and I know that it will take time before you are ready to "go all the way" as it were.
"Thanks Carlisle. I really do appreciate your advice. Um, can we go back inside now?" I asked pleadingly.
Carlisle laughed. Sure.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief.
We walked back inside and I noticed that Bella was not back yet. I was becoming a little worried by her continued absence. I decided to go out onto the porch to see if I could see her. When I did I saw her walking with Rose and Rose had her arm around Bella's shoulder. I was shocked. Rosalie had hardly ever even spoken to Bella, much less show her physical affection. I wondered what had happened to change things.
"Everything okay?" I asked warily. Rosalie answered.
"Sure, I saw Bella walking and joined her. I knew you would want her to be safe. So we have just been having a sisterly walk and talk." She smiled. Just getting to know my new sister, Edward. Don't freak out.
This didn't sound like the Rose I knew at all. I would have to ask her in private just what had occurred on this walk of Bella's.
We all turned and walked into the house.
I sat back down on the couch with Bella. I could see that she was deep in thought.
"Did you have a good walk?" I asked. I watched her reaction. She kept her face impassive but I could see a slight tightening around her eyes. So something had happened. I would definitely have to get the story from Rose now. Bella's voice was a little too casual when she answered.
"Yes, thanks. I just had some stuff to think about, ya' know?" I was about to ask her what she was thinking about when Esme entered the room.
She was carrying two large white bags from a local Italian restaurant. Ah, she must have gotten Bella dinner. I could smell the oregano, cheese and tomato sauce. Yuck. But I was glad that Bella would have some real food to eat.
"Bella, I got you something to eat for dinner. I hope you like Italian." Esme said, holding up the bags.
"Sure, thanks Esme. That was really thoughtful." Bella said. "Let's take it into the kitchen."
She got up and I would have followed her but she waved me back. I knew it made her a little uncomfortable when people watched her eat. It was just so fascinating to me, not to mention just a little erotic. Stop it Edward, I said to myself angrily. You have a hard enough time keeping your hands to yourself as it is.
I looked over and Jasper was looking at me, his eyebrow raised.
You are putting off quite a bit of lust there, brother. You alright?
I glowered at him and he smirked at me.
Just leash it a little, for me. You keep hitting me with that and I will have to drag Alice out of here. I blocked the images that came flooding into my head of Jasper and Alice together and grimaced.
Jasper just laughed.
I was only halfway tuning into what was going on in the kitchen. I did want to give Bella as much privacy as I could. But some things could not be ignored. I did not have to be able to read minds to hear the alarm in Esme's voice
"Bella, what in the world happened to your arm?"
I was up and in the kitchen before anyone could blink.
I crossed quickly over to Bella and saw that Esme was holding Bella's right arm. I looked down and drew in a harsh gasp. There was a large black and blue bruise forming on Bella's narrow forearm. It looked like it went all the way around. And it was in the shape of a hand.
"Bella! What happened? Who did this?" I was mortified. Had I done this somehow? I could not remember if I had held her a little too tightly at some point. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it when I placed my fingers over the bruise. I could see that my fingers did not fit the marks and relaxed for a moment then realized that the bruises were the size of a woman's fingers. I stiffened.
"Did Rose do this to you?" If she had she would answer to me, Emmett or no Emmett.
"Of course not!" Bella said disapprovingly. "You know Rose would never do that!"
She was right of course. I felt disloyal for saying it.
"You're right, I'm sorry. Then who?" She seemed reluctant to tell me and I was not going to have that. I stared down at her until she gave a resigned sigh.
"Tanya."
I growled. What in the hell was Tanya thinking? How dare she put her hand on Bella? She was going to answer to me for this and she would be lucky if I didn't tear her limb from limb. I spun on my heel and stalked out of the room, finding Tanya my only thought.
I was startled when I heard Bella yell.
"Emmett! Stop him!" It took me a moment to process what she had said and it was long enough for Emmett to grab me from behind as I came into the living room.
Emmett never used his full strength on us. He was so much stronger than the rest of us there was no need. But he did now. He held me so firmly I could not break free. I struggled against his hold, growling and snarling, but I could not move.
Bella was in front of me, speaking, but I was so furious I could not decipher the words.
She reached up and placed her hand over my heart.
"Edward! Stop it! Now!" She sounded angry. Her voice started to penetrate the red haze I was looking through and I knew I had to stop struggling. I did not want to hurt Bella on accident. I could not stop the growls from emanating from my chest though.
Bella reached up and placed her hands on the side of my face. She forced me to look at her.
"You have to calm down Edward. It's over. It's done. I'm fine. So calm down." Somehow her touch on my skin was soothing. I could feel myself calming down, almost against my will. What power did she possess over me? I looked at her disbelievingly and relaxed my body. I was still upset but I did not feel the killing rage. Her simple touch had calmed me down enough to think more clearly. She released me and stepped back.
"Emmett, you can let him go." She said. Emmett looked over at Jasper who simply nodded.
Emmett released me and I went to stand by Bella.
It was Alice who broke the silence.
"Now will someone please tell us what the hell just happened?"
Bella answered.
"When I was out for a walk Tanya caught up with me. She grabbed my arm and left a bruise." She held up her arm and everyone saw the tell tale markings on her skin. Irina and Alice gasped. I flinched to see the damaged inflicted on her beautiful skin. I felt myself growing angry again and was hit by a wave of calm. I looked over at Jasper, who just shrugged.
Don't need you going off again, bro.
"Why did she grab you?" Esme was asking now. What on earth could have possessed her?
Bella's face became angry.
"She told me to back off, that Edward was hers." I felt disbelief pouring from everyone in the room. Except Rose. She knew more than she was letting on. I would find out what. Before I could speak though, Kate was standing at Bella's side.
"I cannot believe that my sister would do such a thing!" She said.
Bella shrugged and started to turn away. Kate grabbed Bella's left arm. But before I could move to make her release her hold, Bella turned on her, enraged beyond anything I had ever seen.
"Damn it! Let go of me!" Shocked, Kate released her. "Why can't you people keep your damn hands to yourselves? I am so sick of being manhandled! You know, I might be some simple human but I am not a toy and I am not a pet. You got that? I have thoughts and feelings just like everyone else. If your sister doesn't like that Edward and I are together that is just too damn bad! He loves me and I love him, bottom line, end of discussion. And you tell her for me that if she tries to come between us or if she ever touches me again, I will personally start the bonfire that burns her to ash! Got it?"
Bella turned and stalked out of the house, slamming the door and rattling the windows.
We all stood, stunned, looking at the front door.
"Well, shit." Carlisle said.
Everyone turned to look at him disbelievingly. Carlisle very rarely ever cursed. In fact, in ninety years I could only remember him having used profanity three times. All of them at moments like this. Moments of complete and utter shock.
Carlisle just shrugged and scratched the back of his head. "Wow, she really was something wasn't she?"
"Go Bella!" Emmett said and everyone laughed.
We all looked at Jasper.
"Don't look at me," He said, holding up his hands. "That was all Bella."
"I didn't know she had it in her." Alice said. She sounded proud.
"I did." Rose said. I turned to look at her.
"What happened when she was out for a walk, Rose? I know there was more to it than you let on."
Rose sighed. "Okay, I was coming back from taking a run in the woods and I saw Bella walking, looking like she was really deep in thought. She realized that she had gotten too far from the house and turned back and that is when Tanya caught up with her. I could hear what they were saying but I waited to see what Tanya would do. She has been so bitchy since she heard Bella was coming back and I knew she needed to get whatever she was feeling off her chest. Then I heard her tell Bella to back off, that Edward was hers."
I snorted. There was no way on this earth that I would ever be Tanya's plaything.
Rose continued her story.
"Well Bella got mad. She told Tanya that there was no way she was going to give you up after going all the way to South America to get you. She told Tanya she was insane to think it." Rose grinned and I could see she was proud of Bella for standing up for herself.
"So, Tanya told Bella that being a simple human she could never keep Edward and that Tanya would get him. Then Bella got really mad. Told Tanya she felt sorry for her. Said she knew Edward loved her and that Tanya was a pathetic creature to think otherwise."
I heard Emmett's low whistle behind me.
"That's when it got a little dicey. Tanya looked seriously mad then and grabbed Bella. So I ran up and got Tanya off of her before she could hurt her. Then Tanya ran into the woods."
"Thanks Rosalie, I owe you." I said. I did. Bella might have been seriously hurt.
"I'll remember that you said that. " Rosalie grinned. I think I am starting to like Bella, Edward. That girl has some real spunk. AND she drives you crazy, in every way possible so that is a bonus. She chuckled evilly.
I rolled my eyes. But I was glad to see that Rose's and Bella's relationship had taken a better turn.
"Edward, I am sorry that my sister would do such a thing." Kate said contritely. "I will promise you now that I will have a very long hard talk with her about this. This is inexcusable behavior."
I was still seething about this but blaming Kate was not going to help.
"I would appreciate it, Kate. I doubt that I would be able to have a rational discussion with Tanya right now." I would probably tear her limb from limb.
"And I will say," Kate continued, "your Bella showed a lot of spunk. She is not the shy girl I thought she was. You know, I almost believed her about lighting the bonfire."
Emmett laughed until he could not stand up.
Esme came up to me then and spoke softly.
"Edward, it is dark outside and Bella should not be alone out there. She is probably upset by what happened. Go find her and bring her back inside."
I nodded and went outside to find my beautiful warrior.
I went out on the porch but Bella was not there. Evening had fallen and it was dark; the only light was coming from the windows of the house. Of course I could see perfectly but it took me a moment to locate Bella. Then I saw her standing next to a tree about twenty feet from the house. I was relieved that she had not gone far.
I approached and saw that she was hugging the tree with her face pressed against it. What a strange position.
"Bella?" I called softly. I did not want to startle her. She did not move.
"Bella, are you okay?" I moved closer and put my hand on her shoulder. She still did not move except to shake her head no. I was starting to become alarmed. What was wrong with her?
"Bella, look at me. Please?" I pleaded. I was relieved to see her release her grip on the tree and turn to face me. She kept her eyes on the ground.
"Bella, what's wrong? Please say something." I wished I could hear her thoughts. I used my finger to raise her chin and saw tears on her cheeks. I brushed them away.
"My love, why are you crying?" She looked up at me then and I gasped. Her eyes were so full of misery it tore my heart out. Before I could speak she threw her arms around me and turned her face into my chest.
"Oh, Edward! I'm so sorry! I can't believe I did that! Yelling at Kate and threatening Tanya and storming out of the house. I am so embarrassed. Your family must think I am the biggest idiot on the whole planet and-." I cut her off before she could finish.
"Bella! Bella! You have it all wrong! They are so proud of you! Standing up for yourself like that-it makes them all very happy. Honestly they didn't know you had it in you. Emmett laughed so hard at the expression on Kate's face I think they still may be having trouble getting him off the floor." I couldn't believe that this was the cause of her worry. Silly girl.
"Really? They don't think it was ridiculous for a mere human to threaten a vampire with bodily harm?" She seemed to find the humor in that statement. She giggled. Then she started laughing. I joined her and ended up having to hold on to her because she was laughing so hard she might fall over. Tears were streaming from her eyes and she wiped them away and calmed down.
"I'm sorry. I really am acting like an idiot now." She sniffed then smiled at me.
"No, not an idiot." I smiled at her. "Just a very possessive girlfriend." I liked that part of her. The part that was willing to fight for me. Even standing up to indestructible vampires to do it.
She stuck her tongue out at me and I grinned. Then I remembered how her kisses, and her tongue, tasted on my lips and felt the desire rise in me.
"I think I like the possessive Bella. You know, you were very sexy in there." I ran my finger along her bottom lip, reveling in its softness.
"R-Really?" She said breathlessly. Her heart started to race and her skin became flushed. I bent and brushed the tip of my nose along her chin to the sweet hollow beneath her ear. Then returned along the same path. She smelled so amazing.
"Really. You looked like the powerful, beautiful woman I always knew you were." She had been amazing. The passion in her voice, the flush to her skin, the way her eyes flashed. She was magnificent when she was angry.
I moved my hands to her neck and brushed my thumbs along its warmth from her ear to the lovely curve of her collarbone. I used my thumb to raise her lips to mine and kissed her.
She began to breathe more erratically and her arms came up around my neck, playing in my hair. Her touch felt electrifying. She stood up on her toes and held herself to me tightly. I wrapped my arm around her back and pulled her flush against me. I could not resist touching her warm soft lip with my tongue and she moaned deep in her throat. Like before just that sound nearly drove me over the edge.
I kissed her more urgently, more forcefully but she did not seem to mind. I needed more contact with her so I reached down and wrapped my arm underneath her backside and pulled her up off the ground. Our chests were flush against each other. She wrapped her legs around my waist and we were locked together. Her soft warm body pressed against mine was so erotic. I stepped forward and pressed her into the tree, loving the way her body moved against mine. I moved my arm from around her back and pushed my fingers into her thick soft hair. I pulled her head back so I could kiss the beautiful column of her throat.
"Edward," she breathed. The sound of my name brought me out of my passionate frenzy and back to my senses. I was quickly losing my grip on my self control. A few more minutes and I would not be able to stop myself from taking her against this tree. Slow it down Edward. I thought to myself.
I kept kissing her, though not with the same all-consuming urgency as before. I released her head and carefully pulled her legs from around me. I lowered her down my body, still kissing her. Finally I forced myself to pull away. I kept my eyes closed for a moment, knowing if I looked at her at this moment I might not be able to stop myself from pulling her back into my arms and picking up where we left off. Her arms were around my neck and I still had her hips in my grip. She withdrew one arm and touched my cheek with her soft warm hand. I opened my eyes and the look on her face was almost my undoing. Her lips were slightly swollen from my kiss, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes glowed with banked passion. She smiled at me.
"Good thing for you that I have so much self-control, Edward Cullen." Then she grinned.
I was shocked for a moment. This woman was driving me to distraction, and I loved it. I burst out laughing.
"I thought I knew the meaning of self-control until I met you, Bella Swan. You could tempt the Devil himself and make him thank God for it." I kissed her then led her back to the house.
God I love this woman! I thought.
We walked back towards the house. I stole a quick kiss before we went inside. I opened the door and everyone turned expectantly.
We walked inside. I sat down in a large armchair and Bella climbed up into my lap seemingly without thought.
She blushed an interesting shade of magenta when she realized that everyone was looking at her. She made an attempt to move but I held her there. She looked at me and I shook my head slightly. She seemed to understand that I wanted her to stay where she was and she relaxed a little.
"Hey Bella!" Alice trilled. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm really sorry that I lost my temper before."
"You should do it more often, little sister." Emmett said with a huge grin on his face. "Funniest thing I have seen in a while" She looked like a cranky kitten. He thought. I had to smile at that. I had always thought her anger was a little endearing.
"Yes, I kind of liked seeing Evil Bella come out." Alice said. Seriously, where has she been hiding and can she come out to play more often?
Bella laughed with everyone else.
"I'm sorry Bella," Kate said. "I should not have grabbed you like that. I didn't hurt you did I?"
Bella held out her arm to look at it and I gasped to see another set of bruises on her arm. I glared at Kate.
"Well, at least I match now." Bella said poking at the new hand shaped bruise on her left arm. She seemed nonchalant.
"Oh Bella, I am so sorry! I truly did not mean to hurt you!" Kate exclaimed. I am very sorry Edward. I promise I will not touch her again. I nodded.
"Its okay, Kate. I am used to bruises by now." Bella laughed a little. Kate looked at her quizzically.
Emmett intercepted the look and laughed.
"Our Bella here is the world's biggest klutz, Kate. I don't think I have ever seen anyone fall down as much as her. It makes it worth having her around, just for comic relief." He laughed loudly. Bella sighed and shook her head.
I glared at Emmett.
You know its true Edward. That girl is a walking disaster. He grinned at me. I smiled a little back. Life around Bella was always interesting to say the least.
We all sat around talking about inconsequential things. Bella had curled into my chest and I realized that she had not spoken in a while. When I looked down I saw that she was asleep. It had been quite a long emotional day for her. I was about to lift her up to take her upstairs when I noticed that everyone had stopped talking and were looking at her.
"What?" I said, too softly to wake Bella up. I knew they would all hear me.
Carlisle looked at everyone and then spoke first.
"It's just kind of fascinating watching her sleep. I think most of us have forgotten what it was like to actually do it."
I smiled. "I know what you mean. She thinks I am crazy of course. She doesn't see anything interesting in it at all and can't see how I can sit for hours and watch her."
"She looks so peaceful." Irina said, and Carmen and Eleazar both nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Bella frowned and said quite clearly, "Do your own dishes."
Everyone looked shocked. Then they all laughed quietly, including Emmett. I could tell he was fascinated by Bella's sleeping too.
"She talks in her sleep." I said, somewhat guiltily. I had not told them about this quirk.
"This explains how you can watch her for hours on end." Esme winked at me.
"Maybe you should take her upstairs and put her in bed. I am sure that she is not as comfortable as she could be." She said. And she would not like anyone other than you hearing her talk in her sleep. I nodded.
I lifted Bella up, careful not to jostle her and carried her upstairs. I held her in one arm and opened the door with the other, pushing it closed with my foot. I carried her over to the bed and laid her down gently. I stood back and looked at her for a moment. Irina was right; she did look peaceful. Her soft hair flowed around her like a river and her long dark lashes fanned out on her lovely smooth cheeks. Her lips were parted a little and her breathing was deep and even. She was unbelievably beautiful.
As I watched her she moved to her side and I could see that the dress she wore became twisted in her legs. I frowned. She could not be comfortable like that. I reached down and untied her shoes, setting them next to the bed. I looked at her, torn. She needed to be comfortable to sleep but the thought of undressing her had my breath coming faster. I had never seen her in her underwear. Suck it up and do it Edward, it is for her comfort, nothing else.
I gritted my teeth and careful rolled her so that I could reach the zipper in the back of the dress. I unzipped it gently, trying not to wake her. I turned her onto her back, sucked in a deep breath and slid her dress off of her shoulders. I blew that breath out sharply when the dress slipped down past her breasts. She had on a pink and white striped bra with a pink bow in the middle. Her skin looked so soft and creamy and I had to clench my fists for a moment to regain control. How I wanted to touch her!
Comfort only Cullen! I berated myself.
I quickly but gently pulled her dress the rest of the way down and off of her. I clenched my fists and my jaw when I saw her undressed before me. She was wearing a pair of ridiculously short boy shorts with the same pink and white stripe as the bra. With the same pink bow. It should be illegal to even purchase those things, much less wear them. They were temptation itself. Focus damn it!
I quickly turned away before I could act on the lustful thoughts in my mind. I went over to her luggage to find her some pajamas. After pulling out several bits of lace and silk I gave up. There was no way I would be able to keep my hands off her in those miniscule things. I opened my own bag and pulled out one of my t-shirts. I crossed back over to the bed and sat down next to Bella.
I lifted her up, trying to ignore the feeling of her soft skin under mine and carefully pulled the shirt down over her head. Bella did not wake up during any of this. She must really be tired, I thought.
I put her arms through the proper holes and pulled the shirt down her body. I was able to think a little clearer now that she was covered. I lifted her up carefully and pulled the blankets back. I laid her down and pulled the covers up over her. Then I finally released the breath I had been holding.
I walked over to stare out the window until I had myself under control. As I stood there, slowing my breathing and trying to rein in my lustful thoughts I saw a movement in the yard below me.
Tanya.
She was standing outside looking up at our window. She beckoned to me when she saw me standing there. I did not want to leave Bella but I was going to have this out with Tanya once and for all. I would not tolerate her threatening or hurting Bella again.
With one last look at my sleeping love I crossed swiftly to the door and down the stairs. I could feel the eyes of my family on me as I walked outside.
I hope you know what you are doing Edward-Esme
Be careful Edward, you are putting out a lot of anger-Jasper
Kick that bitches ass!-Rosalie
I ignored the rest of the thoughts as I leapt down the steps and crossed over to where Tanya was standing. We were about sixty feet from the house.
"Well?" I said rudely. My hands were clenched at my sides.
"I wanted to talk to you, Edward," she said silkily.
I crossed my arms in front of me.
"About what?" I had a pretty good idea about what she wanted.
"Well I am sure your human told you everything that happened when she was out here walking." She said snidely. Running crying to her boyfriend, typical.
"Actually she didn't say anything about it. It was only after we noticed that you had hurt her that the story came out." I growled. How dare she put her hands on Bella!
"Well, I didn't mean to hurt her or anything. You know how fragile they are." She said spitefully. I can't help it if she is as fragile as a dry twig.
"You should never have put your hands on her in the first place, Tanya. What in the hell were you thinking?" I asked angrily.
"She wasn't listening to me Edward!" Her voice became more strident. "I told her that she should step aside and she was ignoring me! I was just trying to get her attention." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Of course she ignored you!" My voice rose. "What did you really think would happen? That she would just say 'oh, well ok Tanya. I'll just go home and you can have him'?" I said sarcastically.
"She's no good for you Edward. You know we could be great together. At least you would not have to worry about breaking me!" She said smugly.
Her words stung, but not in the way she intended. They only reminded me of the things that I had said to Bella in the forest. Reminded me that my true love was upstairs sleeping peacefully while this catty woman was trying to destroy my happiness.
Tanya must have seen my reflection on her words as a victory because she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my neck. The woman never quit! I grabbed her by the upper arms and pushed her away. Hard. She stumbled back a few steps then looked at me as if I had lost my mind.
What? He's rejecting me? Again? With everything I could show him he should be worshipping at my feet! Maybe he is just uncertain about how to progress…I can help with that…
I decided to set her straight once and for all.
"Tanya, I have tried to be as gentlemanly as possible with this because I have not wanted to hurt your feelings. But in hurting Bella you have gone too far. So I will tell you in no uncertain terms that there will never, ever be anything between us. My heart, and the rest of me for that matter, have already been claimed. Do us both a favor and stop pursuing. Nothing will come of it and you will only be angering me and hurting yourself."
She only stood staring at me and I turned to walk away.
"Just one more thing, Edward." Tanya said. What now? I just wanted to escape, to go back to Bella.
"What now, Tanya?" I said wearily, turning back to her.
"This." She said, grabbing my shirt and yanking me to her. She crashed her lips to mine in what she thought was a passionate kiss. The only thing I felt was disgust at her maneuvering.
I grabbed her hands and shoved her from me. Then I very deliberately wiped the back of my hand across my mouth. Tanya looked dumbfounded. I opened my mouth to speak when I heard a giggle coming from the house. I looked up and saw Bella standing at the window, looking down at us. When she realized I saw her she ducked back into the room, letting the curtain drop.
I turned on Tanya, hands clenched, rage flowing through me like a river.
"I swear to GOD, Tanya, if you have screwed up anything with Bella and me I will tear you limb from limb!" She shrank back from the ferocity in my voice. I ran back towards the house, praying to all that was holy that Bella would let me explain what had happened.
I charged into the house and up the stairs. My only focus was Bella; I did not even try to hear the thoughts of my family.
I reached the door of the bedroom and paused for a moment. I took a deep breath to steady myself before knocking once and opening the door.
"Bella?" I said tentatively. I had no idea what her reaction would be. What had she seen and what meaning had she given it?
She was looking out the window, arms crossed over her chest. She was still in my t-shirt and it barely covered her bottom. Her lovely pale legs gleamed in the moon light. Focus Edward!
She slowly turned to face me, looking at the floor.
"Bella, I-." I started to speak but she held up her hand to stop me. She walked over towards me slowly, still looking down. She stopped in front of me and I realized she was shaking. Was she crying? I felt my heart twist. What had Tanya done?
"Please look at me." I said, hoping there was some way to repair this disaster.
She looked up at me and if my heart had been beating it would have stopped.
She was laughing! Laughing! So hard she was shaking and tears were pouring down her face.
I couldn't stand it anymore. I reached out and grabbed her by her arms, picked her up off the floor and clutched her to me. I swung around in a circle, laughing in relief.
"Don't ever do that to me again, woman. You almost gave me a heart attack!" I set her down on the ground and looked at her face. She was smiling radiantly.
"A heart attack? Now that would really be something!" She giggled.
I took her face in my hands and kissed her. I pressed kisses to her face, her cheeks, and her neck as I spoke.
"You *kiss* scared *kiss* me *kiss* to *kiss* death *kiss*. I was giddy with relief.
She started laughing again.
"I wish you could have seen your face when she kissed you, Edward. It was like someone made you eat human food or something. You looked so disgusted it was hilarious. I hope that witch finally understands once and for all that you are all mine."
"All yours, now and forever." I kissed her slowly this time, brushing my lips back and forth across hers. She sighed with pleasure. Then she yawned.
I laughed. "Come on Sleeping Beauty. Time to go back to bed."
"I would still be sleeping if someone hadn't been trying to steal the love of my life out from under my nose." She smirked.
I took her hand and led her back to the bed. She got under the covers and I laid down on top of them, next to her. She snuggled up against me, throwing her arm over me. I ran my fingers up and down her back, stopping before reaching the hem of the shirt she wore. I didn't need to tempt fate.
"Edward?" she said my name softly.
"Yes, my Bella?"
"Who changed my clothes?"
Damn!
"Um, well…you wouldn't have been comfortable in that dress but you couldn't just sleep in your…well…without any pajamas. But the ones in your bag were too…I mean…they didn't seem that comfortable either…so I figured the shirt would be better." I couldn't believe that I was stuttering. I was sure that if I were human I would be blushing.
"So you changed my clothes." It was a statement.
"Um, yes." Would she be angry?
She laughed and I felt relief pour through me.
"Well your shirt is a whole lot more comfortable than any of those lace and silk things that Alice bought me." She took a deep breath. Inhaling. "Smells better too. It smells like you. I like it."
She was quiet for a long time and I thought she had gone to sleep. Then she spoke.
"Edward?"
"Hmmm?"
"That means you saw me in my…underwear. Were you, you know, tempted at all?" She sounded embarrassed.
So tempted I had almost undressed her completely and taken her right there. So tempted that I could have crushed granite with my teeth from clenching them together. So tempted that it had taken all my self control not to rip her clothes from her body and show her the meaning of temptation. I could not say those things to her though. Not without acting on the thoughts that went with them.
"Very much," was all I said.
"Really?" She looked up at me.
I bent my head and kissed her softly before whispering in her ear.
"Very, very, very much," I said. She shuddered.
"Oh." She sounded surprised. I laughed softly.
"Now sleep, my love. You have had one hell of a long day and you need your rest."
She reached up and kissed my jaw then yawned and nestled back into my chest.
"Good night Edward."
"Good night Bella."