Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer
Chapter Six – Our Song
Betaed by: Caroline Z. Masen
Bella
I made it home shortly after leaving the gym and was mentally kicking myself for my lack of self-control. My level of attraction toward Edward was beyond anything I'd ever encountered. I'd heard of the kind of lust and passion I felt when I was around him, but had yet to actually experience it. What the fuck did this mean?
Refusing to dwell on it, I chose to analyze it later. I rested for a few hours, going over Daniel Mitchell's file.
He reminded me of a patient I had in California. They had similar personalities and afflictions. His marriage had crumbled due to his infidelity, much like my previous patient.
I really hoped I'd be able to help this one. My former patient, Thomas Grey, was unable to overcome his addiction while he was in my care. Upon further sessions, I had to refer him to someone else, because like others, Thomas had started to fixate on me. I needed to see if I could succeed in helping Daniel.
I had taken measures to make sure I dressed differently when I had Daniel scheduled for an appointment. I never really dressed provocatively, at least on intention. However, in our last session, the lack of skin I displayed seemed to only fuel his imagination further.
Daniel was going to be one of my toughest cases. Well, maybe second since Edward was surely going to be my undoing.
Shortly after receiving a phone call from Alice to confirm our plans, I dressed quickly in a deep purple halter-top and denim skirt. It wasn't something I usually wore, but Anita, my personal shopper, insisted I tried to dress more appropriately when I went clubbing.
Taking one last look in the mirror, I ignored the little voice in my head nagging that I've been getting too close to Edward's family. Though in previous cases family help was beneficial, in Edward's they seemed more of a hindrance. There were too many people that knew, too many variables. I just had to make sure they understood I ran the show.
Plus, I needed some girl time and a damn drink.
I took the elevator down to the parking garage and couldn't help but remember what it felt like to kiss Edward. God, his lips were both harsh and perfect. Moreover, the feel of his hands on me was incredible. I've never been fascinated by a man's hands, but his were downright worthy of worship. I couldn't help but imagine just what he was capable of doing with his long fingers. I shook off the lust that ran through me, because I really needed to control myself around him.
When my beautiful car was in sight, I sighed deeply. This was the one gift I'd given myself, and I thought I deserved it. For years, I had given to charities, helped Nessie through school, paid for all of Jordan's expenses, and had never really allowed myself something.
Besides my wardrobe, of course, now I had my dream car.
I removed my keys from my pocket and was about to disarm my car when I noticed someone dressed in a dark jacket and jeans about to hit my driver side window with a crowbar. I quickly pressed the panic button on my keys and called out to him.
"I'd step away from my car," I said calmly. He turned around suddenly, the sound of the horn and alarm amplified within the steel and concrete of the garage, his eyes narrowed perceptibly.
He was young, not much older than fifteen years old. The look in his eyes told me that I very likely wouldn't be able to defuse this situation peacefully; he was high.
"Put down the crowbar and you can walk away," I said in a soothing voice. "You won't get into any trouble."
"Fuck you, bitch," he spat as he held up the crowbar higher, and even though he was hesitant, he took a step toward me.
Fucking hell. I reached carefully into my jacket pocket to make sure it was there. I wouldn't use it unless it was completely necessary.
"You don't want to hurt me," I said as I held up one of my hands.
"I… I just want the car!"
I nodded and held out my keys. I knew in all likelihood he'd wreck my car and the though it pained me, it was just an object. Then again, the idea of him driving into unsuspecting drivers or pedestrians was much worse.
"Come closer," he muttered, his eyes frantically looking behind me. I heard pounding footsteps and knew that help was coming.
This of course, pissed him off.
He roared and took a wild swing that I was able to avoid easily. I quickly rolled on the ground away from him, and went for my weapon. I aimed quickly as he brought the crowbar over his head and he froze for just a moment, my hit was true.
"Ms. Swan!" called out one of the security guards.
Security quickly took over and after giving a quick statement, I was finally able to leave.
I swear, I seemed to be a magnet for trouble.
It was well after ten o'clock by the time I made it to the club. The club was already full with rowdy people, and apparently, Margarita Monday was popular.
I made my way to the VIP room where, before entering, I straightened out my top, smoothed out my hair and tugged at my skirt slightly.
I didn't realize this thing was so short.
Then I heard something that both frazzled my nerves and sent my woman parts in a frenzy, a rich manly laughter—Edward was here.
Had that little troublesome fairy planned this? Was I ready to face him again? Damn it, it was just a while ago that I was fantasizing about his hands. Did I have the strength to keep him at arms length?
I stood my ground and composed my face as I entered into the unknown.
Edward
"Bella, you made it!" Alice squealed, running up to Bella. She took her hand and pulled her further into the room. Our eyes locked for moment before she blushed and looked away. The memory of her soft lips on mine still burned clearly in my mind. I wanted to feel them against my lips, and everywhere else for that matter.
"Hello everyone," Bella said with a warm smile. "Sorry I'm late, Alice. I uh, had car problems." She laughed briefly. I looked at her in question.
"Your new car?" Alice paled. I guessed Bella and Alice were talking more outside of the office.
"Yeah, some guy was trying to break into it when I was getting ready to leave," Bella said, her head shaking in disbelief. I clenched my fists and barely managed to remain seated. Everything in me wanted to go to her and demand answers. And check for injuries—damn my dirty mind.
"What did you do?" Jasper asked, looking at Bella intently. Was he armed? Did he hurt her? What the fuck was she doing going down to a parking garage on her own?
"I tried to talk him down, but it didn't work. So, I tasered him. He was about to break a window." Bella shrugged. "Security took care of him after that."
"Wow," Alice said in awe. "Was he armed?"
"Just a crowbar," Bella muttered. From the look of discomfort her whole posture emanated, I'd say she wasn't used to being the center of attention.
"At least he didn't hurt you. So, when are you going to let me drive it?" Alice asked with her excitement reaching her eyes.
"Alice, I just barely got it. I was planning on going to the falls this weekend. Would you like to join me?"
"That sounds like fun," Rosalie said as she handed Bella a margarita. "Maybe we should all do that." Rosalie suggested, looking at Emmett.
"That sounds great. I haven't been able to take my jeep out in a while." Emmett agreed with Rosalie.
"Oh! I'd love to go up there in my Porsche!" Alice said, clapping her hands before taking a sip of her drink. Jasper called driver on the way up.
"I don't want to be a fifth wheel," Bella indicated with a small pout.
"You're not a fifth wheel, Bella." Alice said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you invite a friend?"
"I don't know. The only friend I have here is Jacob, and he's a little mad at me. My cousin Nessie is out of town, so—" Bella trailed off and seemed lost in thought. I was very pleased that she and Jacob were not talking right now.
"Maybe inviting Jacob with you will solve your little problem?" Alice countered. I clenched my fists; she had to know how much that would piss me off.
Damn her, sometimes Alice was just too meddlesome.
"Why don't you come with us, Edward?" Emmett suggested. A smile played at my lips, because I'd been trying to find a way to get an invite. This would be a perfect opportunity for me to get to know Bella a little better.
"Edward spending a Saturday driving around and hiking with us," Jasper said with a laugh. "I don't think so, Emmett."
I could do it. I used to do it all the time. "Hey, I could hike Jasper," I growled in my defense, glaring at him.
"When was the last time you went camping with us?" Jasper said in the same tone.
"I would love to come along with all of you," I said, ignoring Jasper's last comment and question. I looked at Bella expectantly, hoping to convey I wanted to ride with her.
Please invite me, beautiful.
She looked at me for a moment then rolled her eyes. "I take it you want to test those two-hundred-five miles per hour?" Bella smirked, cocking her perfectly arched eyebrow. I nodded and gave her a small smile.
"You let Edward drive it?" Alice whined, clasping a hand around Bella's bare arm.
"I had a headache after lunch, so I let him drive." Bella shrugged while looking at my sister.
"You two went to lunch together?" Jasper asked mockingly in my direction.
"Yes, we did. Does he always insist on paying?" Bella complained, directing her question to Jasper.
"Not unless there's something in it for him." Jasper laughed as Emmett joined him.
Bella looked disappointed and she looked hurt. Fucking hell. If my own family spoke ill of me, then I couldn't imagine what she really thought of me.
"You know, I'm right here," I sneered. I grabbed my beer and stalked out of the room. I swear they couldn't even at least try to talk about me discreetly. It was as if I was some kind of inside joke, except I wasn't in on it.
Did that mean they only saw the asshole?
I made my way to the bar and tried to scope the dance floor. I had to get Bella off my mind, and the only way that was going to happen was if I took someone home tonight.
Then again, that would only prove that what my family told her was true. It would make getting her in my bed that much harder. Plus, I had come to value Bella's opinion.
Damn this new found conscience. I never actually had to try so hard to land a woman in bed. Usually they initiated it. And even though it seemed that this afternoon Bella was weakening, I felt a new wall was about to come up.
Alice
Something must have happened today, and I wondered if our plan was going to work. It already seemed that Bella was confused about her feelings just as much as Edward was.
And all this Edward bashing was making the situation worse. This already was hard enough as it was. I'd have to talk with Jasper and Emmett to lay off my adopted brother.
I was sure that Jacob would not appreciate that our plan would come to a halt before it actually worked. This morning, I was glad that Emmett had called and told me about Edward's lunch with Bella. It had been an excellent opportunity to present Jacob without Bella's knowledge.
I stepped away from my family and took out my phone from my pocket. I slid it open and found his number before hitting send.
"Hey little pixie," Jacob greeted.
"Hey dog," I countered.
"What's up, Alice?" He laughed at my annoyance.
"How did the lunch go?" I asked.
"Perfect. Bella wasn't expecting me, so she was pissed. Plus, the look on Edward's face was priceless. I can't believe he's jealous so soon after meeting her." He laughed for a moment before continuing. "I knew Bella had it in her to break Edward, but I didn't think she'd do it lightning fast."
"Something must have happened when they went to the gym today," I concluded.
"Bella called Nessie the other day and said that she and Edward sparred. So, I'm guessing it turned a little more intense."
"Sparring?" I questioned.
"Yeah, Bella was at the gym Sunday to meet Nessie. We found out that she and Edward go to the same gym. Nessie cancelled purposely and Bella found a new partner in Edward. "
"That's another thing in common. You are right, Jacob. They are perfect for each other. I still don't know why you are doing this, though."
"I told you before. I need Edward distracted, so I can steal more clients," Jacob said and laughed for several moments. "But the real reason is because Bella needs someone just for her and to stop doing this shit."
"I agree. She may be a strong, independent woman, but all this must take a toll on her."
"It does, even though she doesn't show it."
"Why is she doing this, mongrel?" I smiled at my new nickname for him.
"It has to do with her brother, but it's not my story to tell, Tinkerbell," he answered solemnly. I gritted my teeth, rolling my eyes. How fucking original, Jake.
"I better go. I'll call you later with the outcome of tonight."
"That's cool. I'll let you go back to your Peter Pan." He was laughing as he hung up. I scowled at my phone. I swear, working with the mutt had better be worth it.
Bella
Alice stepped out from the VIP room to make a phone call as I started to sip my margarita. Emmett pulled me up after a few minutes to dance, but my heart wasn't really in it.
Edward had left and would likely hook up with someone. The thought was hurting a little more than I expected. I was starting to think that I needed to get out of this assignment. I was facing a dilemma.
If I walked away from this assignment, I wouldn't succeed, and I left the chance to bring my project to light. I had the money to start construction, but I knew I didn't have a chance to come up with the rest of it. It would take years to get the funding I needed.
I needed to talk to Edward. I needed to know if there was any hope there. Any hope of him becoming someone that treated women with more respect. I also needed to see if he was even capable of loving anyone besides himself.
Alice returned and seemed a little flushed. She had a look of concern on her face. "Is something wrong, Alice?" I asked as she made her way to the sofa, grabbing her drink.
"Nope," she answered quickly before taking a long drink from her glass. I noticed a tiny twitch under her left eye—damn it she was lying. "So, what happened today?"
I rolled my eyes at her quick change of subject. I had no idea what she was lying about, and for some reason, I felt it had something to do with Edward and me.
Also, the meddlesome nymph would of course know that something was different between Edward and me. I shrugged my shoulders while taking the seat beside her. The others gathered to hear the details of my last encounter with Edward.
"Not much to tell," I started, hoping not to give too much away. "We were sparring, and he was a little rough, so I kicked him a few times. He didn't like that I had a relationship with Jacob, so I guess he was taking it out on me. Anyway, at one point, he threw me on the mat." Alice gasped, while Emmett laughed. Jasper and Rosalie were shaking their heads as I continued.
"He thought he had hurt me, so my 'pain' distracted him enough for me to pull out his leg from under him and he fell to the floor. So I mounted him—"
Emmett choked on his drink, earning a healthy thump on the back from his wife. "You mounted him?"
"Yes, it a Brazilian jujitsu move," I clarified. When I used the word mount, I was positive Emmett was putting a dirty spin on the whole thing.
Hell, so was I. This afternoon could've turned into really hot sex and me failing my assignment completely.
Emmett and Jasper threw their heads back in laughter. I ignored them and was about to continue, but I felt strange giving them any insight on what was going on between Edward and me.
This had never been the case when I reported to past clients. I shook off the feelings of guilt and told them the rest.
"So I asked him if he was jealous of my relationship with Jacob, but he denied it at first. But as soon as I threatened him with details of my sexual relationship with him he caved. He said he was jealous." I smiled at my little victory from this afternoon.
"Edward Cullen, jealous. Who knew?" Jasper said.
"What happened then?" Alice asked, looking at me intently.
Damn her sixth sense.
"I kissed him," I admitted and averted my eyes from Alice's intense hazel eyes.
"How did he react to that?" Rosalie asked, taking my empty drink from me.
"Enthusiastically at first." I briefly remembered how his lips and tongue tasted, sending a lick of heat through me. I tried to ignore it, but failed miserably. "But I put a stop to it and left."
"Well, unless you want Edward to take someone home tonight, I think you better go and dance with him," Alice said before getting up and walking to the railing. I didn't follow her, although I knew I should have. I needed to see first hand how he operated, but I was afraid of what I might see.
I had to put a stop to this now, before it was too late.
"Everyone, I think I need to step away from this one. We have too much in common, and I don't want to get burned."
"Bella, you're doing a great job," Emmett said while placing a gentle hand over mine. "And if you couldn't handle it, I'm sure you could walk away, but we need you to do this."
"He's right Bella," Jasper said with a small smile. "Edward needs this."
I sighed, not even trying to put up a front anymore. I was in too deep. There was a part of me that wanted to see what would happen between Edward and me. However, staying on the case wouldn't be the right way for this to happen. Yet, if I took out the assignment aspect of it, it would leave more vulnerable. Wouldn't it? I looked at Edward's family and they all looked worried. If they knew I wanted him much more than I led on, would they want me still to do this for them? I should tell them, but I feared they'd tell me to step away. I couldn't allow that to happen, if this was the only way for me to be with Edward, so be it.
"You're right," I said thoughtfully. I wasn't about to admit the reasons that I wasn't going to quit. They were my reasons—not theirs. If—and only if—there was something real between Edward and me, I'd make it clear that I'm dropping the case and tell them the truth. Even Edward.
"I'm not one to quit when it's get tough." I got up and stood by Alice, looking over the dance floor. I could see that Edward was sitting by the bar, and from the look on his face, he was bored and maybe even a little angry. There was a woman that seemed to be trying to talk to him, but he ignored her or possibly was unaware of her.
I smiled, hmm, maybe this would be a good night after all. It was time to go to work. Edward was in for a little surprise.
"Alice, can you request a couple of songs from the DJ?" I asked. She nodded as I whispered in her ear the two songs before I left to see Edward.
I walked up to the bar just behind him and leaned in close. "No prospects tonight, Tiger?"
Edward
I wasn't surprised that she was there, I'd been aware of her approach since I'd seen her come down to the floor level. However, I couldn't help the sharp intake of breath when I heard Bella whisper in my ear. She was so close and smelled so good. I could easily pick out her perfume in the stagnant air around me.
I tried composing myself, but it was useless. Damn, the effect this woman had on me had my body reacting to just her voice. I turned in the bar stool to look at her.
"None that compare to you," I said with a small shrug.
She smiled that infectious smile again, and shook her head. A strand of her dark hair fell out of place, and I quickly tucked it behind her ear. I traced the delicate curve there, smiling wider when I felt a shiver run through her. My palm rested on her cheek, and a blush colored her face.
God, she was beautiful. Thankfully, my intimate touch didn't cause her to move away.
An all too familiar song started to play, and this earned me a smirk and a wink from the bewitching woman in front of me. She took my hand that was still on her cheek and pulled me up to dance. "We have to dance to our song, again."
"Our song," I teased, giving her my best-crooked smile.
"Yes, Future Sex/Love Sound by Justin Timberlake." We made it to the center of the dance floor and she pulled me closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. My arms wound around her waist, and my fingers splayed over her lower back. She felt incredibly good in my arms.
"I love the title of this song," I said as I pressed myself closer to her, inhaling deeply to savor her scent on my tongue. She had to taste as good as she smelled. I wanted to find out.
"Hmm, the lyrics are pretty good, too," she said coyly and bit her lower lip. This simple gesture had her laughing and me groaning. She pulled away slightly and turned when the chorus started, her back pressed against my chest. Our bodies harmonious as we danced to the beat.
I leaned in, taking the luminous glow of her neck. I desperately wanted to explore the skin there, feel her pulse under my tongue. Nibble on it until her words mingled together into a jumble of incoherent words.
"Do you like it this? Do you like it like that?" I sang, whispering the song and pulling her in closer. She wanted to turn around to face me again, but I held her firmly against my chest. I loved the way her tight little body felt against mine; she fit perfectly. Our hips lined up, and I couldn't help but think about how this would translate in bed together.
"Your enemy are your thoughts, baby. So just let 'em go," I continued to whisper, and Bella whimpered slightly. "'Cause all I need is a moment alone to give you my tongue and put you out of control." Before I could finish the next part, Bella pulled away roughly, and grabbed my head. For one brief moment, our eyes met, and I could see the desire there, but also fear.
Right then, I knew I was in fucking trouble.
She roughly plunged her tongue in my mouth, and I lost all coherent thought. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around her waist to pull her closer. The taste of her sweet mouth was overpowering my senses and seemed to be doing wicked things to my body. She pulled away suddenly, as if she regretted it.
She looked at me, and I could see the fear still there. "Sorry," she whispered, trying to pull away.
"Don't be," I said softly and caressed her cheek. I leaned in and placed another kiss on her lips. A soft, sweet one, one I'd hope wouldn't scare her further away.
She sighed softly and wrapped her arms around me. I pulled her up, so I wouldn't have to lean in. We remained kissing, and only broke away to breathe, but I kept my lips on her, giving in to my earlier desire. I kissed the pulse point of her neck, gently nipping there. The song finished and she started to pull away. She shook her head, looking at me.
"You, Mr. Cullen, are going to be the slow death of me," she said.
"Funny, I thought the same thing about you," I stated with a smile and a wink. She laughed and started to sway to the music.
I didn't recognize the song or group. "Who is this?" I asked.
"New Kids on the Block, Pussy Cat Dolls and Teddy Riley." She laughed, starting to mouth the lyrics. I laughed, because she never stopped surprising me.
"You're a fan of NKOTB." I laughed again.
"Excuse me, you know their nick name," she countered. She had me there. I had to listen to them around the house with Alice there back in the nineties.
"It's from their comeback album," Bella indicated, and then continued lip-syncing. Her arms were still around my neck as she continued to sway to the music. This time she chose to sing the lyrics, her eyes locked with mine. I loved the way her lips moved, and the way her chest felt against mine. She was warm, soft and real. I had been accustomed to the bought version of breasts, and real were few and far in between.
Bella pulled away from me and started to sing what sounded like the chorus.
"Do you like my body? Girl, you know I do," she sang.
Bella smiled when I laughed and wrapped her arms around me again. We swayed to the music as the chorus continued, her voice and lips lingering over my ear. We continued and she sang the female's part with perfection, but this time I sang her the responses looking straight in her incredible eyes.
Bella pulled away when another female part came. I tried to pull her closer but she shook her head and started to sing the part.
"So you want to get with me?" she sang and pointed at herself. "I gotta say that's what's up, but I must admit I ain't easy." Bella pointed at herself again, shaking her head as she continued to sway to the music.
"You gonna be workin' over time on me." Bella tapped at her wrist, laughing. I loved a challenge, and Bella was perfect for it.
"Hey, hey, hey, hey tell me what you want," she sang again, snapping her fingers.
I pulled her closer and joined her laughter. "You are one of a kind, Bella."
"Hmm, considering you met most of the Seattle's population of women—that actually means something," Bella stated with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"I thought you weren't going to listen to what others say and judge me yourself."
"I did say something like that, but it's a little hard when I hear it from all sides. That includes your family."
"C'mon, let's go talk. I think we need to. Don't you think?" Taking her hand, I kissed it softly awaiting her answer.
She nodded, and I led the way back to the VIP room. Luckily, no one was in there. My family must have been enjoying themselves on the dance floor. I led Bella to the couch against the west wall and pulled her to sit beside me.
"Bella, I want you to give me a chance," I said while my hand rubbed circles on her wrist. Her pulse was racing under my fingertips.
"I don't know, Edward," she murmured as she looked at our clasped hands. "I don't want to risk my job and a chance to move my project forward."
"I can't promise you that everything will work out, but I can promise you that I would never put something that is that important to you at risk."
"I don't know," she said thoughtfully. "You've been with so many women Edward. I can't compete with that. And I don't want to be just another number." She rested her head on my shoulder as if suddenly tired, or maybe unsure of how to proceed.
"What do I have to do for you to let me see you?" I asked, kissing the top of her head.
"We'd have to remain professional while at the office. You have to let me pace our physical relationship and—" she trailed off.
"And what, Bella?" I asked, but my family decided it was a good time to interrupt us.
"Whoa!" Emmett said as he walked into the room. He started laughing when he saw Bella and me wrapped around each other. Rosalie smacked him on the back of his head.
"You two look cute together." Alice smiled and came to sit beside Bella. Damn, my family had the worst timing. "What's up?" Alice asked Bella.
Bella shrugged likely not wanting to answer, her head still on my shoulder. I was very pleased that she chose to stay close to me and not move away.
"I was telling your brother the rules if he wants to date me." Bella smiled and winked at me.
"Edward," Emmett said in a warning tone. I turned and glared at him.
"Don't worry, Emmett," Bella said as if she knew my family would protest. "I have one more request, and I know he won't be able to do it."
"And what would that be?" I asked, pulling away enough to look into her eyes.
"You have to erase every phone number on your cell phone from every woman you've slept with." She smiled, trying not to laugh.
My family laughed hysterically. "Jasper, I bet you two hundred dollars that he won't do it," Emmett said smugly.
"You're on. My two hundred says he will, but only because he loves a challenge."
Everyone, except for Bella and me chuckled. I couldn't believe my family was laughing at me again.
Should I really try to pursue this dangerous creature beside me? Was it worth it just to get her in bed? Of course, she was worth it, but could we really remain professional once I turned her away? Am I even capable of turning her away? I had no idea, and that thought scared the fuck out of me.
I knew I needed to get her out of my system if I was even to attempt a normal life again. I was starting to believe that once I had her, I wouldn't want to let her go. Was I ready for that now? Bella snapped me out of my thoughts.
"It's okay, Edward," Bella said softly and there was perceptible pain in her voice. "Friends we'll remain." She pulled away and got up from the sofa, walking away.
Her giving up made my heart pound in my chest. I couldn't let this happen, not without knowing—I had to stop her. I pulled out my cell phone and took out the SIM card from the back.
"Bella," I called out to her. Emmett glared at me and Jasper smiled knowingly.
Bella turned to look at me with a questioning look on her face. I waved my SIM card for her to see before I dropped it into the nearest drink in front of me.
She'd be worth it, and I did love a challenge.