Disclaimer- Stephenie still owns the usual suspects.
I own my original characters and original story.

* parallels V&V chap 48 'Bite Marks & Sweet Revenge' and 49 'Edible Art & First Steps'. As always, read those chapters of V&V before attempting this.

Enjoy!

****************************LRM****************************

Chapter 48&49 - Sweet Torture For The Lovesick Fool

Early the next morning, I found myself snuggled against Bella as usual. I didn't want to move away from her, but my morning wood was pressing into her back, so I reluctantly rolled onto my stomach.

As I drifted back to sleep, I thought about last night. She'd surprised me by allowing me to partially undress her. She was so lovely, I couldn't stop myself from worshiping her body.

The horny teenager in me smiled like an idiot at the thought that we'd almost seen Bella completely naked.

Pervert

My dreams were filled with images of Bella. Bella in a tub full of bubbles. Bella, naked and wrapped in my arms. I was fairly sure that what happened next was still a dream.

I felt the sheet that was covering the lower half of my body start to move, this continued until it was below my hips. I started to realize this wasn't a dream when I felt very light fingertips on the waistband of my boxer briefs.

What is she doing?

Then Bella tried to stealthily slip her finger under the waistband and start to lift.

"Are you peeking Miss Swan?" I said in a groggy voice. Trying to keep from laughing. After all, I had promised her a look.

I must have startled Bella, because at the sound of my voice, she let go and the elastic popped me in the ass.

"Ow," I moaned in a sleepy voice, although it didn't really hurt.

Bella, Bella, Bella, you would never make it as a pick-pocket.

I immediately rolled to face her, and was treated once again to a view of her naked breasts. I grinned, unashamed.

As soon as she realized that she was giving me a show, Bella blushed and grabbed the sheet, pulling it up.

"Good morning beautiful." I breathed.

"Good morning." She smiled back.

"Are you ready for today?" I asked quietly, knowing that soon, Bella would be flying home.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She whispered.

Where had the time gone?

I sat up and pecked her lips. "I'm going to jump in the shower, I've got to meet with Alec in a few minutes. I don't have to go to the studio until after you leave this afternoon."

She suddenly frowned and cleared her throat. "Edward, do you have any more sex scenes to film?" She asked.

Why did I find her jealousy so hot?

I laughed. "Bella, you are so unexpected." I smiled again. "No, Miss Swan, I am done filming those scenes that offend you so." I leaned up again and kissed her nose, before going into the bathroom, purposely leaving my clothes in the bedroom.

As soon as I had undressed, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked back into the bedroom, enjoying the way Bella's mouth fell open in surprise when she saw my lack of clothing.

"I forgot something." I announced, feigning innocence, as I stood beside her, grabbing a pair of boxer briefs from the dresser. I turned and walked back toward the bathroom. Once I reached the threshold, I took a quick look over my shoulder to make sure she was still watching. I then dropped the towel before disappearing into the steam-filled bathroom.

The expression on Bella's face: priceless.

After showering and dressing, I walked into the sitting room to find Bella chatting with Crystal. I said hello, and then turned to Bella "Sweetheart, I'm going next door to speak with Alec about my schedule. I'll be back in less than fifteen minutes." I leaned down and pecked her lips before heading over to Alec's room.

Once again, Alec was dressed and ready for the day.

"Good morning Alec" I said with a smile.

"Hey Edward" He answered. "Everything has been set up for today." He assured. "I'm even having that chip shop you like deliver lunch. I don't know if that's something that's usually allowed on The London Eye, but they didn't question it when I told them it was for you." He said with a smirk.

"Sometimes it pays to be famous I guess." I said with a light chuckle. "Thank you Alec. I appreciate all your hard work."

He nodded.

I cleared my throat and put my hands in my pockets. "Here's the thing" I hesitated, which immediately got Alec's attention. "I've decided that you and Sidney will switch rooms today." At those words, Alec seemed a bit crestfallen. "I appreciate your professionalism during Bella's stay, well with the exception of the first day." I gave him a hard look.

He had the good grace to look remorseful.

"But, the truth is I just can't trust that you won't slip back into your old habits. Also, Sidney believes that for security purposes, it would be better that he had the adjoining room. I had to agree."

"Okay Edward." He looked down at the floor. "If it means anything, I'm really sorry about the day Bella arrived."

"I believe you Alec, and thank you." I grinned. "Cheer up. After all, we're going to Cannes next week."

His eyes lit up at that, and he grinned cheekily.

When I arrived back at my suite, Bella and Crystal were just exiting the bedroom, giggling like school girls. As soon as they locked eyes on me, the giggles turned into cackles.

What the fuck is so funny?

-LRM-

Bella was thrilled with my surprise. When I'd come up with the idea of spending our last afternoon together high above the city, I'd neglected to take Bella's fear of heights into consideration.

In the end, I couldn't regret a single moment. Especially when Bella spent the entire time wrapped around me. It made things a little awkward when trying to eat our lunch, or drink the champagne, but I wouldn't have changed things for the world.

As we looked out over the city, I silently made note of all the places I still wanted to take her.

I was standing with my front to her back, my arms wrapped around her as we looked out over the city. "Oh Edward, it's wonderful, thank you." She rubbed her hands on my arms. "Now I can truly say that I saw all of London."

I leaned down and kissed her neck, lingering there as I spoke. "Next time we'll see everything. We'll explore London. I'll take you to Wales, Bath, and Scotland. We've got to come back soon, we have a house to furnish."

Bella smiled.

All too soon, we were back down to earth, and it was time to take Bella to the airport.

The ride to the airport was quiet as Bella leaned into my side, our arms around each other. Before I knew it, we were at the security gate beyond which I couldn't follow.

"Skype tonight baby." I reminded.

She nodded in response and wrapped her arms around my neck for one last goodbye. "I love you Edward."

"I love you too Bella, and I can't wait to marry you." We didn't care that we were in full view of the paps as I pulled her into my arms for our last kiss before she'd have to board her plane.

I would have to make this memorable. This kiss, along with the other memories from her visit would have to sustain me during the coming separation.

I lightly brushed my lips against hers before pressing against her forcefully. The electric current that always existed between us intensified. Bella surprised me by pulling away slightly before tracing first my bottom lip and then the top lightly with the tip of her tongue. When she took my bottom lip gently between her teeth, I moaned at the effect her sweet torture was having on my dick. As soon as she released my lip, I kissed her again while pulling her body impossibly closer to mine. I kept my hands locked on her hips, resisting the urge to let them roam her body, fully aware of our audience. I could hear the click of the cameras, knowing they were capturing our kiss, but couldn't bring myself to give a fuck.

We broke the kiss, but stayed close enough for our lips to almost touch. "I'm going to miss you so much." She whispered.

"I know baby. The time will fly, you'll see." I breathed.

She nodded. "I guess I'd better go. Oh Edward, I don't want to leave." I gently wiped away the tears that escaped down her cheeks.

"Tonight Bella. We'll talk tonight." I leaned down and kissed her briefly one last time.

I forced my expression into an emotionless mask as Bella turned and began to walk away.

The paps had already had enough of a show today, they didn't need to see me break down.

Suddenly, she turned and came running back to me.

Maybe she's decided to stay after all. No, I couldn't let her do that. She's too close to obtaining her degree, it would be foolish to walk away now.

I found out rather quickly Bella's real reason for turning around as she pulled me down in order to whisper in my ear.

"By the way, Edward, I know you stole my panties."

Oh fuckity, fuck, fuck.

Here comes the moment when she calls me a pervert.

She continued, "It's okay, but I figured that turnabout is fair play so…." She hesitated, drawing out my agony, "I want you to know.." She said slowly "I'm wearing your underwear."

I was vaguely aware of her peck on my cheek, before she turned and ran away, leaving me looking like a dumbstruck idiot.

When I noticed her wave and blow me a kiss, I snapped out of my trance and flashed her a meaningful smile before she rounded the corner and disappeared from sight.

There goes the woman I'm going to marry.

And she's wearing my underwear.

Once I pulled myself together, Sidney, Maureen and I returned to the car and began the drive to the studio. No sooner were we out on the road than my cell chimed with an incoming message. Bella had sent two photos and a text. I opened the photos first.

I groaned out loud when I saw the first one, which gained me a couple of questioning looks from Sidney and Maureen in the front seat. There was my beautiful smiling girl wearing nothing but her Little Mermaid panties. Up until that moment, I'd had to use my imagination to determine what she looked like wearing them.

Fuck if my imagination did not do her justice. Not one bit.

I was more than curious, and also a little afraid to view the second photo. This time I was able to keep my groan in check, just barely.

There was Bella in all her glory wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs, my black boxer briefs, her lips puckered into a kiss.

Fuuuuck.

If her intent was to torture me, she has succeeded. She has got to be the sexiest creature alive.

The only saving grace was that she'd kept her breasts covered with her hands. If she hadn't, I'm sure I would have embarrassed myself in front of Sidney and Maureen more than I already had.

I read the text:

E-

Don't worry, I put the Little Mermaid panties back in your suitcase after taking the photos.

I love you.

P.S. I'm keeping your boxer briefs.

-B

I chuckled, relieved that she'd left the panties.

After I'd gotten my breathing under control, I dialed her.

"Hello" She answered in a sweet voice.

I drew in a breath before speaking. "Baby, what are you trying to do to me?"

Hoping that Sidney and Maureen weren't listening.

"I don't know what you're talking about sweetie" She said, toying with me.

I chuckled. "You know, I can't decide which of these is going to be my new screensaver, so I think I'll alternate between them."

"I don't have a problem with that Edward, as long as your computer is password protected." She responded. "Those were for your eyes only." She whispered.

Abso-fucking-lutely.

All I need is for Alec to get an eyeful of my half naked girl.

"Trust me Bella, no one will ever see these but me." I chuckled. "You always find ways to surprise me."

"I try Mr. Movie Star." She answered quietly.

I sighed. "I'd better let you go. I'm sure you'll be boarding soon."

"And you have to go to work." She added.

"I actually just arrived at the studio." I said as Sidney pulled into the lot.

She sighed. "I'll talk to you tonight. I love you Edward, and I can't wait to marry you either."

"Love you too Bella, so much. Goodbye."

-LRM-

After thanking Maureen for her assistance this week, and promising to call on her services the next time Bella and I were in England, I headed to work.

Hal pulled me aside before my first scene to explain that after the incident with Nicole the week before, they'd rushed to finish her scenes over the weekend, everyone more than happy to see her go. He also told me that because of the relatively incident-free shoot, we were ahead of schedule.

I couldn't pin him down to admit if that meant I'd be able to return to Seattle sooner than anticipated though.

With the possibility of returning home sooner than I'd thought, I found it surprisingly easy to focus on the task at hand. Before I knew it, the work day, which had stretched late into the evening, was over.

Bella had texted me when she landed, so I knew everything was okay on that front. As soon as I reached the suite, I signed on to skype, not wanting to miss her. After my shower, I settled into bed waiting for her to appear.

"Hello my love, did you have a pleasant flight?" I asked as soon as I saw her beautiful face.

"It was uneventful. I wish I could have stayed longer." She admitted sadly.

I drew in a deep breath. "Me too Bella. I missed you as soon as you rounded the corner in the airport."

She nodded in agreement. "Edward, it's really late there, you need to get some sleep."

"Will you lay down with me?" I asked.

"Certainly." I watched as she crawled into bed, and drifted off to sleep, following soon after.

-LRM-

Before leaving for the studio the next day, I had a brief meeting with Sidney.

Evidently he had spoken with Lou and discovered that Bella had been greeted by a throng of reporters when she landed in Seattle. He informed me of his fears about both mine and Bella's security now that we were engaged. In the end, we decided that neither Bella nor I would fly alone any more. Once I returned home, we would always have one or both Sidney and Lou with us when we ventured out in public. I phoned Lou to offer him a full-time position as Bella's driver and bodyguard. It was a job he'd already been doing, but we'd never had a formal agreement until now. He was happy to accept.

That settled, I left for another full day at the studio.

-LRM-

"You're mentioned in the latest People magazine." Jasper informed.

"What else is new?" I replied sarcastically.

"True." Jasper answered with a laugh.

"You've got an interview tomorrow morning in your hotel suite with Entertainment Tonight. They've been informed about how far they can go with personal questions."

"Okay." I answered.

"Everything is set for Cannes. You've got a full schedule of interviews and a photo shoot." Jasper continued. "I'll e-mail the exact schedule to you along with the information about tomorrow."

"Sounds good." I answered.

"Do you still expect to return to the states around the 24th?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. Hal said we were ahead of schedule, but I don't know what that means for me."

I wished it meant that I could return to my girl sooner, but I wasn't getting my hopes up.

The next morning, I was greeted by a smiling Bella soon after I woke up. "Hey baby." I said with a smile.

"Hi." She answered with a slight smile. "I have to tell you something."

I braced myself. She didn't look happy.

"Oh yeah?"

She swallowed. "I got another vase of yellow carnations today."

I looked down and muttered a low "fuck" before raising my eyes to look at Bella. "Was there a card?"

I was angry, someone was fucking with my girl. My fragile girl.

"Yes. It just said the word 'soon', and was unsigned." She answered. "But I've already spoken with my Dad, he's investigating it, and has involved the Seattle police. Everything's fine, no need to worry."

I was pleased that she'd acted so quickly, and without prompting from me or her family. "I'm glad to hear that you're taking this seriously Bella, but I'm always going to worry about you." I blew out a breath. "What did Charlie say?"

She informed me of the details of her conversation with her Dad. I felt better knowing that Charlie was involved.

I informed Bella that I didn't need to go to the studio until afternoon, because we'd been shooting late into the night. After I yawned loudly, she insisted that I get a couple more hours sleep.

It was a restless sleep. I knew I wouldn't rest easy until I spoke with Charlie later today.

-LRM-

The interview was awkward. Never before had I answered questions about my personal life, because never before did I have a personal life. I made sure to flash my bracelet as often as possible, just in case Bella were to see it. The interviewer assured me that the segment wouldn't air until next week, so I had plenty of time to let her know.

On my way to the studio, I phoned Charlie.

"Hello Edward, everything okay?" Charlie answered in his usual gruff tone.

"Hello Charlie" I responded "I suppose you can guess the reason for my call."

"Yeah, but there's nothing I can tell you Edward." He said with an exasperated sigh. "I'm following a couple of leads, I'll let you know if anything pans out."

"Thank you Charlie. I'd never forgive myself if anything were to happen to her." I admitted.

"Edward, I fail to see how anything happening to Bella would be your fault son." His tone serious.

"I just need to be there with her."

"As I said before, you do your job and we'll keep everything here under control until you get back."

"You really think this is not a big deal?" I questioned.

He let out a breath. "I'm hoping this turns out to be nothing." He cleared his throat. "I can't think about the alternative Edward. If anyone were to ever hurt her again" His voice seemed to catch. "I can promise you that I would find them and tear them limb from fucking limb, even if it was the last thing I ever did." He said in almost a whisper.

There was silence for a long moment before Charlie cleared his throat again.

"But as I said, even if it is something, Bella is well-protected. We won't let anyone get close."

I finally took a breath. "Thanks Charlie."

"You're welcome Edward."

-LRM-

"Guess who I had lunch with today?" She asked as we spoke on skype.

"Hmm, I don't think I can guess." I grinned. "Possibly my mother?"

"How did you know?" She questioned.

"I try to call her every few days as I'm leaving the studio, just to touch base. She told me she wanted to have lunch with you some time this week. She didn't pressure you about wedding plans did she?"

"Oh no Edward, nothing of the kind. We had a really nice visit. She told me all about her family."

I smiled.

"She mentioned that her father lives in Chicago, and that got me thinking."

"Yes?"

"Well, do you suppose I could meet him, you know, when we go on the Route 66 trip. We're starting in Chicago." She said in a quiet voice.

"Bella, that's a wonderful idea. I've had such tunnel vision about finishing this film, I'd completely forgotten about the road trip. That would be great. He'll like you very much." I said with a wink.

I secretly can't wait to show her off to my Grandfather. He will adore her.

She smiled, seeming extremely happy with my answer.

"I was also thinking about our wedding." She said, looking a little nervous.

This got my attention. "Yes?"

I hope she hasn't changed her mind.

"Well, at the very least, we should start thinking about the when. Don't you think?" She asked timidly.

I knew I was smiling from ear to ear. "Of course Bella. I told you if it were up to me, I'd have married you yesterday. I'll be happy with any date you choose sweetheart."

She cleared her throat.

Why was she so nervous about this?

"Well, at first I thought December would be a good time. You know, after you finish filming with Clint. Alice had mentioned how she 'saw us' having a winter wedding."

I kept the smile frozen in place, but inside I was disappointed. If it were up to me, I'd marry Bella the moment my plane touches down in Seattle.

"But" She took in a deep breath before continuing "the more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn't want to wait that long."

Maybe Bella can read my mind.

At that moment, I was hanging on her every word.

"So," She blew out a breath "how would you feel about August? Maybe around August 14th? It would be after Emmett and Rose return from their honeymoon, but before you start filming. If you don't want to do it then I'll totally understand…" she babbled on before she finally lifted her head to look at me.

I was overwhelmed with happiness. This date was so much sooner than I'd dared hope for. Bella didn't want to wait. Here was tangible proof that Bella wanted this as much as I did.

I need to hold her in my arms and kiss her right the fuck now.

"Say something Edward." She whispered.

I cleared my throat. "I really wish you were here with me right now, because I desperately need to kiss you Bella."

She smiled.

"I love you so much." I said as I considered what she'd said. "So three months huh?"

She bit her lip. "I know. It's not a lot of time to plan a big wedding. Alice is probably going to kill me." She said with a guilty shrug.

I barked out a laugh. "Bella, I don't care about a big, lavish wedding. Three months is plenty of time to plan what we want."

She nodded in agreement.

-LRM-

"So I just scrapped the designs I'd come up with for a winter wedding." Alice informed. "What's the exact date brother dear?"

Bella and I had only discussed this a few hours before, but somehow I wasn't surprised that my sister already knew.

"August 14th" I beamed as I said the date out loud for the first time, although no one was around to see my happy expression.

"Poor Charlie's going to have a busy summer." She said lightly. "Marrying off both his children."

"It will be a summer to remember." I stated sincerely.

"Alice, can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course." She responded.

"Try no to overwhelm Bella with wedding plans yet. I'd like it to wait until I get home."

"Not a problem Edward. Right now I'm so busy with Rose's wedding and other weddings here in California, that I can easily wait until you're back to start."

"Thank you Alice."

"I am however going to work up some dress designs for her and her bridesmaids. I already have a feel for what Bella would like, but how about you? Will you want the traditional black tux?"

I thought about that.

Every award show I attend seems to find me in the traditional black tux. Now and then I get bored and Alice dresses me in another color.

Suddenly, I had a brainstorm. "Come to think of it" I hesitated before continuing. "Bella has a weakness for white dinner jackets."

Alice hummed in appreciation. "Oh Edward, how very James Bond of you." She said with a giggle. "Coupled with black tuxedo pants?"

"Yes, I think so." I answered.

"It's a good thing you decided on a summer wedding." She concluded. "I think we may have the beginnings of a plan" She laughed lightly. "This will be perfect."

-LRM-

After an intense day of filming, I was finally on my way back to my suite. It was Friday, so that meant 'movie night'.

Upon entering the bedroom, I immediately connected to skype. There she was, my own personal angel, waiting for me.

"Hey baby. How are you this morning?" I murmured.

"I'm good Edward. Have you eaten dinner?" She asked.

"Not yet, I'm having something delivered. Today was grueling." I moaned as I removed my shirt, wanting nothing more than a hot shower at that moment.

"Have you eaten breakfast Bella?"

"Not yet." She answered.

I walked back over to the screen and smirked when I caught the expression on Bella's face as she reacted to my bare chest.

"Tell you what. Why don't you go grab your breakfast and bring it back with you. I'll take a quick shower. Hopefully by the time I'm finished, my food will be here and we'll eat before we watch the movie."

She smiled and nodded.

My dinner arrived just as I stepped out of the bathroom, so Bella and I could eat and enjoy the movie together.

Young Victoria was very well done. I teased Bella by labeling it a 'chick flick', but was drawn into the story almost immediately. I decided that Victoria and Albert were almost as much in love as Bella and I.

Almost.

"It would seem that Queen Victoria had to suffer through her fair share of negative public opinion." Bella concluded.

I nodded in agreement. It was very true. She and Albert even had lunatics shooting at them.

"Did you see the most recent story about Tanya?" Bella brought up, out of the blue.

I hadn't heard anything. Alec had backed-off bringing me tabloids, knowing that they put me in a bad mood.

I shook my head, frowning. "No, what's going on now?"

"It would appear that someone took photos of her leaving her doctor's office, her very prominent baby bump showing. Now the photos are all over the internet." She smiled, shaking her head. "Suddenly, everyone is in love with the thought of her as a mother."

I shook my head and chuckled. "I'm not surprised Bella. Remember, we discussed how fickle people can be."

I was glad for Tanya. Maybe she'd be able to salvage her career from all the fuckery.

"Yeah." She said with a sigh.

I smiled at her and yawned. "Okay, that's my cue." She said with a wink.

"No, don't go." I pleaded with a grin.

"I have to Edward. You need to sleep, and I have an appointment, remember?"

How could I have forgotten? The therapist. "Oh, yes, I forgot. Are you going to be okay?" I asked quietly.

She forced a smile as she answered. "I will be fine. This is necessary." She paused. "I can't wait until you're home though, I'm better when you're with me."

"I feel the same way baby." I thought for a moment. "We'll skype first thing in the morning, and you can tell me everything. I love you Bella."

"I love you too."

My dreams, as usual, were filled with my beautiful girl. Soon I hoped to be holding her in my arms again.

***************************************A/N**********************************

A/N Tell me you're happy. We're getting so close to finally catching up these two stories. One more LRM chap, then back to V&V.

Follow me on the blog for sneak peeks at next V&V chaps. Anything else I need to say, I'll say it on face book. Both links on my profile page. Reviews make me work faster. You know what to do. Ciao until next time!