Well I'm so happy you all loved the dinner lol, it was meant to be funny, hope you all found the humor in it. We all have someone like that in our families. I'm sorry if I didn't reply to your reviews more; I read them all and felt so honored by the love you all give. Awesome shout out to my Beta and friend Audrey, you are just the best! A big thank you to all who read, I love you so much! Yes the creepy figure Bella saw was James... I'm sorry if my updates have been lacking lately, life gets in the way!Huge writers block I been having, trying to regain my muse, but I'm losing him lol...

CHAPTER 31

After spilling my guts out to Edward I felt a huge weight lift off of me. I was now staring at his sleeping form lying next to me. He looked peaceful and rested. I loved him so much, I was so thankful to have him in my life.

After Christmas dinner and his complete declaration of love, I knew without a doubt, this man was madly in love and so was I. I knew he would protect me from anything, but even he wasn't God.

The memory of that shadowy figure began to creep into my head, I knew that the person I saw outside our building was James, even if I couldn't see his face, I just knew.

I quietly got off the bed and padded toward the bathroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked so pale and drawn out. I hadn't slept well in about two weeks. I was always on edge, knowing James was lurking out there in the city, watching, waiting.

Insane people don't have a conscience, they are completely deranged. No common sense exists in their lives. It may sound trite by James was not dealing with a full deck, the many encounters I'd had with him, proved it. Edward had effectively and lovingly blocked James out of my mind recently, I smiled a little to myself, but now it has all came back to me in my subconscious and woke me up.

I splashed my face with some water and quietly walked back in the bedroom. However my efforts were in vane because the sleeping man I left was now sitting up looking deliciously disheveled.

"Well good morning handsome." I smiled happily distracted walking toward his side of the bed.

"Bella." He smiled, pulling me close to him.

He squeezed my body to him, like if he didn't touch me right then and there he might explode. I ran my fingers through his hair, staring mesmerized into his shining green eyes.

"How did you sleep?" I asked still gazing at his face.

"Better than I have in days. What about you?" His voice was groggy.

"I slept okay. What should we have for breakfast? I think I'm in the mood for an omelet." Changing the subject, and I smiled brightly at him.

"Bella." Edward's tone warned.

"No nightmares Edward, I just want to try to be normal." I patted his arm and rose from the bed.

He looked unconvinced, but didn't say another word. I wrapped my robe around my waist and headed for the kitchen.

Edward trailed behind in just his pajama bottoms and took a seat at the counter. I pulled the juice from the fridge and the makings for omelets. He watched me closely.

"Bella I have a housekeeper for that." He grumbled.

"Edward please let me do this, I like to cook for you, please." I said returning to my task.

"So you finally admit you haven't been feeling normal then?" He quirked an eyebrow at me.

"How would you feel if someone stalked you for two years, then almost killed you, and then got out of jail and nobody told you?" I said through gritted teeth.

"I'd be pretty upset; no I'd be fucking furious; and that's why I been wondering when you would actually admit you are scared!" He retorted sharply.

I dropped the mixing bowl on the floor, glass scattering in all directions.

"Fuck, I liked that damn bowl." I mumbled as I bent down to clean up the pieces.

"Bella, leave it." I looked up from the floor and found Edward staring at me intensely.

"I think we should take a little vacation. How about couple weeks away, somewhere warm? We could invite everyone to come." He smiled softly at me.

"I can't run away from my life just because James is free. I can't let him win anymore." I sighed, picking up some of the broken glass and discarding it into the trash compactor.

"Baby." Edward took my hands between his. "You need a break; you haven't been able to be you in a while. Some downtime might be good for you." He gave me a gentle look.

"Fine, whatever, not like I have a say anyway." I said, not terribly annoyed. Leaning my head against Edward's warm body.

"That's my good girl." He kissed the top of my head chuckling.

"I don't want to live in fear. I did that for so long." I groaned holding him tighter.

"I won't let him ever have a chance to get close to you." I could feel his hold on me become protective.

I knew this was affecting him just as much. If I had learned anything about Edward, he protected those he loved and now I was included. Resolve setting into me; I refused to let James interfere in what I had now.

Mrs. Barker finished cleaning up the mess I'd made and also prepared a lovely breakfast for us. Edward spent a good part of the morning on the phone with his pilot and everyone else. I however began to sort through some of the boxes I'd brought here from my old apartment.

I came across the court order I had held onto for so long from when they sentenced James. I had really blocked so much out, but while I was reading it, it felt as if it happened yesterday.

FLASHBACK

"It's over, you won Bella. He is going to jail for a very long time." Jacob proclaimed as he held me tightly to his chest.

Tears rolled down my face in relief. Finally justice had been served to someone so very deserving of it. I looked around and caught a glimpse of James as the bailiff took him away. He gave me a bone chilling smile and then winked. I had to look away.

He was a very sick and twisted man, how did I not figure that out sooner? All the signs were there, yet I failed to really acknowledge them.

"Do you promise to always be there to protect me?" I looked up to ask Jake.

"I'll never leave your side." he smiled kissing me gently.

END FLASHBACK

Now I was left with another dilemma, do I call Jake and tell him or leave it alone? It had affected him too.

Edward's POV

"Isn't this a bit extreme, even for you?" Jasper chirped through the phone.

"It's what needs to be done. Jazz you have no idea what this fucker did to her. I don't care if it seems over the top, I will do whatever it takes." I said cocking the 9mm in my hand in place.

"Edward, I don't know if having a gun is the best idea." Grumbled Jasper, as he walked into the gun shop, placing hid phone in the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

"Good for me that I never asked for your opinion." I placed the gun down on the counter

"That there is a straight shooter." Commented the store clerk.

"I'll take it." I went to pull my wallet out of my pants.

"Do you got a gun permit? You need a permit in order to purchase a fire arm." The greasy looking man asked leaning over the counter.

I slammed the piece of paper down in front of him. He held his hands in defense, backing up.

"No problem, debit or credit." He asked.

"Cash." I pulled the wad of money from my wallet and threw it down on the counter.

The man snatched it up and began to count.

"Keep the change." I mumbled taking my new purchase and exiting with Jasper.

"What do you think you will accomplish now? You going to look for him and shoot him. Yeah, that's just what Bella needs, you in jail." Jasper said sarcastically.

"Jasper, shut the fuck up. It's for personal protection." I spat unlocking my car door.

"Ed, you got like 15 body guards. I don't even think that idiot would dare try to break in on you." Jasper commented getting into the passenger side.

"Not the point." I stated speeding off into Seattle traffic.

"Have you found out how he got into the club?" Jasper asked.

"Liam is working on it. So far though, nobody really knows how he got there. Irina is his possible cover, but she denies knowing him. It's supposed to be such a prestigious place, shit like this should' never happen. It's like he knew he would find her there." I ripped a hand through my hair while the other was planted on the steering wheel.

"Have you spoken to the authorities?" Jasper inquired as we turned into our garage.

"They are only investigating why she wasn't notified. However, I hired my own PI's to look into it. So far they haven't found much. I know where he is supposed to be living, but something tells me that it's not even close to where he actually stays." I groaned turning off the car.

We headed up to our respective places. I entered my penthouse to the blaring of the radio. I followed the noise into the kitchen where Bella was happily dancing around in a tee shirt and her underwear. She was covered in flour as she turned and sang along to the radio, she was oblivious to my presence. She was baking.

I stood in the doorway with my hands crossed over my chest amused. She was mixing ingredients into a bowl. She looked up and nearly dropped, yet another bowl, but I quickly grabbed it, saving it from an untimely death.

She smiled embarrassed at me, but all I could see was how beautiful she truly was, even covered in white dust, she stole my heart.

"Hey." I smirked.

"Hey." She moved a piece of hair from her face.

"What are you making?' I placed the bowl back in her hands.

"Chocolate chip cookies." She had a dreamy look on her face.

I hadn't really paid much attention to anything else in the room but her, when my eyes became fixed on the kitchen table. There were about 10 cooling racks decorating my table, and all were covered with cookies.

"Geez how do you expect me to eat all those? I will never get off the treadmill." I teased.

"Well I figured we could give everyone some. I like to bake." She shrugged.

"Yes woman I can see that." I laughed.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes with a smile.

"So our flight will leave Wednesday morning and everyone is on board to go. Are you excited?" I asked sitting down watching her bake.

"I suppose so." She shrugged again, continuing to stir harder.

"Bella?" I questioned.

"Edward, I hate flying is all. It's totally fine. I can't wait." She gave me a timid smirk.

"I need to make a call; I will be back in a few minutes.' I watched her as I walked out of the room.

Something about her right now, as sexy as she looked, worried me. I headed for my office and closed the door behind me. I picked through my phone to find Emmett's number. It rang about three times before he answered.

"Yo Bro, what's the deal?" Emmett's chipper voice came through.

"Can I speak to Rose?" I asked.

"Why do you need to speak to her?" Emmett inquired.

"Bella has about 10 dozen cookies on my kitchen table, I need to know why." I huffed.

"I will be down in five minutes!" Emmett's excited voice echoed.

I heard him yell for Rose and a fumble with the phone.

"Hey, what's up?' Rose's voice was full of concern.

"She's baking, what does that mean?"

"Oh no, not again." Rose mumbled.

"Rose?" I warned.

"When she is really nervous or scared, she bakes. It's her defense mechanism." Rose sighed.

"So what do I do? Ask her what's wrong"

"I'll be there in a few minutes, hang tight." Rose hung up before I could say another word.

I put the phone back in my jeans and headed back into the kitchen. I told Bella we would be having guests and she ran for the laundry room to grab something to put on her bare legs.

A few minutes later I heard the door open and in walked Emmett and Rose. Emmett ran to the table with all the cookies and Bella started smacking his hands with the spatula.

Rose took the stool next to me at the island, rolling her eyes in amusement at the antics of my brother and girlfriend.

"How many so far." Rose asked leaning over to look at the oven.

"I counted about 100." I rubbed my hand over my face.

"Damn something is really bothering her." Rose muttered.

"I think this James thing is having a toll on her. I wish I could make her more at ease."

"Once we get to St. Lucia, I hope she will forget this reality exists. I'm excited." Rose bounced a little in her seat.

"What are you two talking about?" Bella waved the spatula at us.

"You are sure baking up a storm, aren't you?" Rose gave her a sarcastic smile.

"Nothing's wrong, I'm fine." Bella stated.

"Oh sure." Rose waved nonchalantly.

"I just wanted to make cookies, thank everyone for being so gracious." Bella clarified.

"Right." Rose said.

"I'm serious Rose, please just drop it." Bella pleaded.

"Fine." Rose put up her hands in surrender.

Wednesday came sooner than expected and we were boarding my private jet for St. Lucia. I went into the cockpit to talk to my pilot, Marshall, while everyone else settled into their seats. I watched Alice and Rose chatting while Bella sat nervously in her seat.

"Isabella, come here for a minute." I motioned for her to join me in the private bedroom.

She dropped her book on the seat and walked over. I closed the door behind her, pinning her against it. Her eyes widen in surprise as my lips crashed down on hers. She moaned, pulling at my hair. I pushed my body into her. She had on a skirt with a white button up blouse. She instinctively wrapped her legs around my waist.

I encircled my hands around her hips to hold her in place. I pushed her skirt up around her waist and tore her stockings down. I dug my fingers into the flesh of her thighs.

"Yes!" She moaned as my nails dig into her.

"I want to fuck you Bella, right now!" I groaned as I bit into her neck.

"They will hear." Pleasure clear in her tone, she wanted it too.

"I don't care. Unzip my pants." I commanded.

She fumbled her hands on the front of my pants as I held her in place. Quickly she unzipped my jeans and they pooled at my feet. I angled her slightly so I could raise her to come down gently on my erection.

The moment I entered her she screeched loudly. She was very wet and ready for me to do bad, bad things to her.

"God Edward, I will never get used to how good you feel around me." She purred, pulling at my face to kiss her.

I shifted my hips upwards, snaking my hands around her to grab onto her beautiful round ass. I could feel her hips moving with my rhythm.

"I love you so much." I mumbled into her shoulder as I bit down lightly on it.

"I love you too!' She groaned.

I took my hand from her ass and began to rub on her clit. I needed to make her feel good.

"Just like that." She said breathlessly.

I continued to assault her with my dick and my fingers until I could feel her tightening around me. She fell over with one hard thrust and I came violently behind her. We sank onto the floor of the plane when I heard Marshall announce we were taking off.

Little did he know, I just took off and it was the best flight I ever had. I pulled Bella to her feet and straightened out her skirt.

"I liked those stockings you know, they were French." She gave me a sheepish grin.

"When did you start caring about that kind of stuff?" I returned her smile.

"When I met your sister; she claims I have no fashion sense." Bella looked at me with those brown eyes.

"I think you have wonderful sense." I kissed her forehead.

"I love you, so much." Her eyes glazed slightly.

"I love you too, shall we join the others?" I gestured to the door.

"Can we just stay in here; I just kind of want you to myself right now." She bit on her lip.

"Of course, would you like me to get your book?"

"Please." She batted her eyelashes at me.

I gave her a quick peck on the lips and opened the bedroom door. All eyes were on me but nobody said a single word. Emmett snickered and Rose was fighting back laughter. Surprisingly it was Alice who spoke first.

"Dear Brother, could you not wait until we were out of ears shot?" Alice's sweet voice flowed through the plane.

"Alice leave him alone, it's been what 20 minutes since he got laid last." Jasper burst out laughing.

"And this is why I never invite you idiots anywhere." I mumbled going back into the bedroom.

"They heard us?" Bella was sitting on the bed barefoot with her legs crossed.

I chuckled sitting next to her on the beige colored queen sized bed. I handed her the book, only nodding my head at her response.

"They are just jealous." I grinned pulling my laptop out of my bag.

"I highly doubt Alice is jealous." She rolled her eyes as she pulled the book mark out of the page she was reviewing last.

I got comfortable next to Bella, pulling my laptop into my lap, while Bella placed her head on my shoulder and read her book. We stayed like this for most of the flight. We all changed into more weather appropriate clothes before the plane descended.

Bella's POV

Once we exited the plane in St. Lucia we were assaulted with warm bright sunshine. It was around 3:30pm when we arrived. All I could see was blue water and bright skies. It was amazing to see such a perfect paradise.

I had never been anywhere like this. Edward had outdone himself as usual. We were ushered to a waiting car. We all piled in and our luggage was put in the back. Edward sat next to me looking so sexy in his white linen outfit with his beige sandals. His perfectly manicured toes stuck out. Were there any flaws on him?

He smiled brightly at me through his Ray Ban sun glasses, giving my hand a good squeeze. I gave him a sweet smile.

"This is so much better than what you see on those post cards." I felt overwhelmed.

"Just wait until you see the house." He kissed my cheek.

I watched as the scenery blurred by through the window. The beaches looked so white and the water looked so clear. You could see people just strolling around in barely anything. Suddenly I felt self conscious. My body wasn't thin and model like these women who had on barely anything. I was curvy.

We pulled down a long driveway up to a huge white house or did they call them villas here? I was not accustomed to the rich life style. I had grown up middle class; this was stuff you rarely got to see. The paint was worn away a little from the salt water, but it was beautiful. It had at least two stories.

The front of the house had a huge awning over it held up by large white pillars. There was wicker furniture outside and it had simple green wooden doors with square glass windows. Large ferns sat in ceramic pots around the porch.

We all piled out of the car. I looked around in fascination.

"Do you like it?" Edward's hot breath on my ear.

"It's gorgeous." I whispered.

"No you are, everything else pales in comparison, but I'm glad you like it." He kissed my ear lobe.

"Do you own this?" I asked.

"Edward owns everything." Emmett chuckled as he carried suitcases into the foyer.

"It was a gift from my grandfather when I earned my first million." Edward had his hands in his pockets, looking adoringly at the house.

"Nice grandfather." I muttered to myself.

"He was a great man, I miss him." Edward smiled, pushing the small of my back toward the inside of the house.

The inside was just as lovely. The walls were all painted a tan color with white furniture. It was very exotic but still relaxing.

"Welcome Mr. Cullen, how was your trip?" A tall dark skinned man stood in front of us.

"It was good Hans, this is Bella. Bella this is Hans, he is the housekeeper here. Anything you need, just ask him if you can't find me." Edward touched my back, introducing us.

"A pleasure." Hans smiled, kissing my hand, making me blush.

"Will she being using the suite?" Hans asked Edward.

"No, she will be sleeping with me." Edward smiled looking at me adoringly, pulling me toward the back of the house.

He showed me the back yard, which had a private pool. There was also another pool that actually poured out into the beach. It was private regardless.

"This view is just amazing! Do you own the beach too?" I looked up as Edward leaned over me.

"Just part of the beach." He smirked looking down at me.

"Will I ever get used to this?" I sighed.

"One day." He rubbed my shoulders.

"I'm impressed Cullen, very impressed." Rose came out of nowhere to stand next to me.

"Emmett has his own house too, don't let me fool you." Edward commented.

"Just one more thing to I have to love about him." She smiled walking away.

"Come, let me show you the bedroom." I took his outstretched hand.

He pulled me up a winding stair case into a beautiful open room. The walls were a cream color. Everything was white and bright in the room. The huge king sized bed that sat in the middle of the room, looked fluffy and inviting.

I jumped on the bed and my body bounced slightly. Edward hovered above me with a playful look on his face.

"You've brought your subs here." I stated it.

"Yes." Was his monosyllable answer as he nuzzled my neck.

"Have they ever slept in this bed with you?"I grabbed his hair to pull his face up to look at me.

"Never." He rubbed my face, looking lovingly at me.

"Do you have a play room here?" I felt my cheeks flame.

His grin grew wider as he kissed my lips gently. "No I don't. I entertain here a lot; I didn't want a guest to accidental stumble upon it. Plus my parents use this home also. Certain things I keep privately tucked away. If I could I would hide you under my mattress for safe keeping." He removed his body from mine and pulled me to my feet.

"Let's have an early dinner. I'm sure you have an appetite after our long flight." He took my hand, bringing me back down into the kitchen.

We had a nice dinner and when the sun went down we went down to the beach. Emmett and Jasper built a fire while Edward pulled some chairs off the deck to sit around it. I sat on Edward's lap sipping on some red wine, while listening to Jasper and Emmett talk about memories of this island.

"We used to come every summer. It was awesome. So many beautiful girls." Emmett nodded enthusiastically.

Rose just smiled with amusement. She wasn't the insecure type. She was beautiful in her own right. No matter what girl Emmett may have been interested in the past, she was his soon to be wife.

"I want to get married here." Rose announced.

"Oh that would be fabulous!" Alice bounced on Jasper's lap.

"We could do it at Edward's house, it would be really romantic." I chimed in.

"I can't wait to start planning it!" Alice was overjoyed.

It was starting to get late as we all descended back to the house. Edward grabbed my hand before we got to the landing of the back porch.

"Come and take a walk with me." He gave me a smoldering look.

I nodded and took his hand. We traveled some distance from the house. The beach was beautiful this time of night. The moon glowed so brightly in the sky with the stars twinkling. You never really saw anything like this in Seattle where it was mostly overcast and cloudy.

We walked to a secluded area where there was a tiny water fall. The inside of the water illuminated a fluorescent glow that made it look it like had lights in the bottom, but it didn't. The sand sparkled beneath our feet. I just wanted to bottle it up.

The weather here was something I would have to adjust to considering tonight it was around 80. Edward looked delicious in his white tee and swim trunks while I had on a teal tank top with boy shorts and sandals.

"Take off your shoes." Edward sultry voiced lingered in my ears

I slipped off the sandals, placing them on a nearby rock. I heard Edward shuffling behind me, probably taking off his sandals also. I felt his bodied lightly connect with mine before he whispered into my ear.

"Step into the water." He nibbled on my earlobe.

I hesitated and Edward must have noticed my stance.

"It's okay beautiful, it's warm." He purred.

I dipped my toes in to judge the water and it was delightful just like Edward said. I stepped in with my whole body this time. I walked to the middle of the small pool of water, which only went to my knees. The waterfall crashed around us in this tropical fantasy.

I felt Edward snake his arms around my stomach and he moved the hair from my shoulder with his free hand. He gently kissed my shoulder, ghosting his lips down over my neck. I sighed and leaned into his bare chest.

I was so caught up admiring the scenery I had failed to notice my sexy man take off his shirt, no scratch that, he had no trunks on either as his erection poked into my thigh. I groaned and I could hear him chuckle softly into my skin.

I was being twirled around, suddenly, meeting with heavy lustful green eyes. Edward didn't wear a smile; no he was in seduction mode. Without words, he joined our hands, reaching them above our heads.

"Keep your hands up there." His stare left me paralyzed.

His finger tips trailed down my arms, while his eyes watched me. I opened my mouth slightly inhaling sharply. He bit into his lip and I thought my knees were going to give out under me. His hands found the hem of my tank and it went flying over my head and onto a rock.

I was now in front of him topless and yet he was completely naked, not even feeling slightly self conscience about it. I gulped hard as his talented fingers massaged my nipples. He dropped down to his knees in front of me. My hands instinctively wound into his copper hair; those penetrating eyes commanding me to look down at him.

He tugged on my shorts, pulling those off too, discarded them somewhere. I was too focused at the sexy man kneeling below me to care. His sexy smirk appeared across those luscious lips as he pulled my body closer to him, bringing his face eye level to my aching center.

He licked his lips and gently blew his warm breath onto my clit. My eyes roll into the back of my head, but a bite to my left thigh forces my eyes down cast.

"What do you want me to do here Isabella?" He asked in a husky voice.

He teased my upper thigh with his tongue and open mouth tender bites, getting closer to my core. The urge to close my eyes was hard to resist, but I know that's not what he wants. He wants a word, a response.

"Whatever makes Edward happy." I just about spit out.

"Hmm." The sound vibrating off my mid section.

I touch my neck by habit and realize I don't have on my collar. Come to think of it, I haven't worn it in a while. Pieces start to fall into place then. Edward has been acting extra careful with me, extra sweet; did he notice that I hadn't had it on? Panic struck me suddenly and forcefully.

"Bella, what's wrong?' His voice was loud with concern.

I realize he'd stood up. I gaze at him and grab him tightly in my embrace, pulling our faces together, kissing him hard.

"I'm so sorry." I whisper into between our lips.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, why are you apologizing?" He held my face still, trying to read my eyes

"I haven't worn my collar, I totally forgot. You've been so gentle with me, I didn't know why." I babbled.

"Bella." I know that tone; he wants me to pay close attention.

"I didn't even realize you didn't have it on baby, it's not important." He was trying to reassure me, he was almost a good liar.

"It's not okay and it is a big deal. I can't do anything right." Sobs poured from my lips.

"Why are you crying?" He cradled me close to him.

I didn't know why. For some odd reason I felt unsure of myself, of everything.

"I wanted to bring you here so you could be happy, not sad, please don't be sad." He continued to caress my head and shoulders.

"I'm happy no matter where I am, as long as you are with me, please Edward stay with me." He kissed my then, hard and passionately.

"I'm here, I'm not going anywhere.' He vowed.

We made love deeply and passionately under the water fall. Cascades of water dripped down our bodies, enveloping us in its warmth. It was quiet when we entered the house, dripping wet from our late night escapades.

I was startled when the light in the living room clicked on, making me jump back into Edward. There in the living room sat someone I never thought I would see again.

"Hello Bella, Edward, have a good swim?"

So I'm taking bets, who do we think it is sitting in Edward's living room? I bet you will never get it lol. I love you all, sorry if I haven't replied more, I'm feeling a little depressed lately, trying to get back on track, it's hard. Hey I got a good one I would like to know, where you all live, just tell me the state, just curious...