Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.
A/N: Unedited chapter folks.
Thank you to my reviewers.
WARNING: Please be advised, strong sexual content in this chapter.
Chapter 55
The realization came far too late as an arm encircled my torso and I was hauled against something that felt like a cold, unyielding chest. The arm began to constrict like an anaconda in immediate response to my struggles.
My mind was suddenly flooded with images of red eyes and a promise to check up on me. I felt the blood drain from my face.
In the midst of my panic, questions began to swirl around my mind. Did they finally come for me? How did they find me? Why didn't Alice see –?
That's what Alice's nonstop phone calls were about. She was trying to warn me that the Volturi had finally come for me.
I opened my mouth to scream, but my attacker had already anticipated I would do that, and successfully moved to cover my mouth before I was able to make a note. My terrified shrieks were muffled by a cold hand as I renewed my frantic efforts to escape. I was convinced that I was going to die. After all, the Voturi didn't give second chances. I would never see my friends or family again. I'd never see Taylor or Jacob…
"Bella," my captor spoke and I ceased my struggling.
Edward?
He removed his hand from my mouth, relaxing his grip and I quickly spun around. In the darkness of the basement, I was still able to make out Edward's striking features. To my annoyance, my heart seized up for a second before I was able to reign in my reaction to seeing Edward again.
So I wasn't going to be murdered and have my body dumped in a shallow grave.
Relief washed over me, but didn't last long as happiness to see him warred with exasperation. Indignant anger was the emotion that won out in the end and I lashed out in my fury, hitting Edward on his chest.
"Damn it, Edward! What the - Frigging hell!" Anger instantly morphed into agony as the blow sent a rush of pain racing up my arm. Cursing myself for my stupidity, I broke away from him, furiously rubbing at my tenderized flesh.
Edward stopped my tirade by pressing a frigid finger to my lips, using his other hand to point in the direction of the elevator. The lift's doors slid opened to reveal Liz as she burst into the parking lot, mumbling about being late for… something. In the process of running toward her car, Liz suddenly stopped and scanned the lot. Although we were shrouded in darkness, my breath still caught when her gaze seemed to land on us.
The tense moment was broken when Liz glanced down at her wrist watch and gasped, "Shit." She climbed into her car and peeled out of the basement without a second glance.
"We shouldn't stay here and risk running into any more of your friends," Edward advised.
Taking a firm hold of my arm, Edward led me over to my car that I used to drive us away from the apartment. We drove around in silence while I tried to find a place where we could talk privately. I didn't dare try to talk to him while the car was in motion for fear that I would try to hit him again and get my ass killed.
I was pretty damn sure Edward Cullen just shaved five years off my life span. My fingers dug into the cushion on the steering wheel as I pulled into a secluded area and parked the car. I was so damn mad at him for scaring me like he did.
I turned in my seat to level him with an incensed stare. "Jeez, Edward. You really scared the shit out of me back there."
Edward raised an eyebrow and my face warmed, realizing that he'd never heard me use such language before. I supposed I had Zach to thank for my vocabulary.
"I had to see you," Edward confessed and damn if all my irritation didn't just evaporate. Why couldn't I ever stay mad at him?
"You could have called," I grumbled, looking at his smooth, eternally youthful face out of the corner of my eye.
"I thought you would refuse to see me." His sorrowful gaze resurrected memories of old feelings, tugging at my heart. God, I was such a sucker for brooding, tortured men.
"I will always want to see you, Edward. That will never change." Unable to resist, I reach over, placed a hand on his knee and immediately felt his body stiffen under my touch.
With mild trepidation, I noted one of Edward's hands gripping the edge of the car seat. It had been more than a year since he'd last seen me in person and it was taking him a while to get used to the scent of my blood again. In hopes of making things easier for him, I pulled away, letting my hand find a home on my lap. There was no need for me to tempt him further.
"Why are you here, Edward?"
"Alice is trying to get me to date." Embarrassment was slashed all over his features.
My heart stammered in my chest and I was surprised at the small stab of jealousy I experienced at his confession. In my heart, I felt conflicted. I knew that I had no right, still the feeling was there. I mentally scolded myself for being unfair. If I could move on with Taylor, Edward had every right to try to find some happiness of his own. If I could let Jacob go and be happy for him, then I surely owed Edward the same courtesy.
"Who? Someone at the university?" Another human? The thought of Edward dating another girl and giving her all the things I'd practically begged him for in the past, bothered me on a personal level.
"No and I want you to know that I'd never pursue a relationship with another human." I saw the truth of his words on his face and oddly enough, it gave me some small comfort. Although, we would never be together again, Edward would always be my vampire and I, his human.
"Alice must already have someone in mind. Who then?"
"Tanya," Edward confessed.
"Oh," was all I could manage.
His admission shouldn't have surprised me, and yet it did. I recalled Alice telling me about Tanya's feelings for Edward, which he'd never reciprocated. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't think that Tanya was the one for him. By Alice's description of the vampire, I imagined her to be eager to please and… easy. If I was correct in my assumptions then she and Edward would never work out.
Edward needed someone to challenge him, call him on his shit, and maybe even make him chase her. He needed someone who wouldn't be so easily blinded by the perfection of his beauty like I once was. Someone who was his equal, someone to help him deal with his self-loathing. Someone who was… immortal.
While I was lost in my inner thoughts, Edward was intently searching my face, trying to read my emotions. By his anxious, slightly guilty expression, I began to understand why he had come to see me. He needed to hear that it was okay for him to get on with his life because the thought of moving on, still felt like a betrayal to the love he still harbored for me.
I had to put my selfish, petty feelings aside and attempt to be a real friend to him. As romantic as the idea of Edward forever pining over me was, the reality of it would have been far too tragic. Edward needed to get out there and try. How else would he find his soul mate?
"Alice is right, Edward. You really should start dating again and if you want to go out with Tanya well… I think it's a great idea." I even managed to muster up a convincing smile for him.
Even though, I'm already convinced that any relationship with Tanya will eventually crash and burn, I thought silently.
Edward's chuckle caused me to frown. "What's so funny?"
"I was laughing at the crash and burn comment you made." Edward's eyes were full of mirth as he turned to face me. His humor vanished upon seeing the horrified look on my face. "Bella, what's wrong?"
"Edward, I didn't say that part out loud… I thought it."
Upon my disturbing revelation, Edward's face lit up and within the blink of an eye, his face was inches away from mine. The sudden movement startled me and I drew back, pressing my back against the door. In that moment, he appeared more predator than man. Edward seemed not to have noticed how much he was creeping me out, and eliminated any distance between our heads.
His eyes closed and face became rigid with concentration as he worked on trying to hear my thoughts. His addictive scent was even more magnetic up-close and I fought the desire to run my fingers through his hair.
Disappointment shone in Edward's eyes when he reopened them, and I relaxed marginally under the knowledge that my thoughts were once again safe from his prying mind.
In the dying light of the sun, I noticed that Edward's eyes had changed from honey to black, triggering warning bells in my mind. Did he feed before coming to see me? I became all too aware that with the heater on, I probably smelt like his favorite meal warmed over. And he was close, too close.
Why didn't he move away?
"Edward, I…" The movement of my lips drew his gaze and my voice trailed off.
Edward looked like he was torn between a desire to kiss me and wanting to rip my throat out. His acting on any one of those choices would ruin my day.
I knew I should have pushed him away at that moment, but my body seemed unwilling to cooperate as Edward began to edge in closer, and closer…
The cool chill of his nose brushed mine, snapping me out of my transfixion, and I was made conscious of his intent to kiss me. Temptation rose and before I realized what I was doing, my eyes slid close. The sweet scent of his breath made my heart pound with excitement. But just before his lips touched mine, an image of Taylor's face suddenly appeared in my mind and broke the spell.
This is wrong.
Everything about this entire situation felt wrong. I wasn't the girl who tripped over her own feet anymore. I was no longer the girl whose only life ambition had involved being cold and beautiful. And sadly, that was the girl Edward still wanted.
What the hell was I doing here, on the verge of making out with my ex-boyfriend? I was supposed to be home, ogling Taylor while he prepared dinner for us.
I swiftly braced both hands against his firm chest, turning my face away from the oncoming path of his lips. "Edward, no."
In hindsight, exposing my neck to a vampire on the edge might not have been the wisest choice, but I couldn't let him kiss me. Although Taylor and I were yet to define our relationship, I was certain that we were exclusive. I knew myself well enough to be sure that I was no cheat. And kissing Edward would be cheating. No bones about it.
Beneath my palms, his chest was as immovable as solid rock, refusing to give an inch, but I refused to be deterred. Anger flared up and I latched onto it like a drowning woman. With a stern, hard voice, I shouted, "I said no, Edward!"
If I had a rolled up newspaper, I would've used it to smack him on the nose. Thankfully, it didn't come to that as Edward abruptly snapped out of whatever trance he was in and immediately backed off. Faster than I could blink, he returned to his former position, holding onto the seat.
"I apologize, Bella. I don't know what came over me." His eyes held traces of shame, and it looked as if he had stopped breathing completely.
"It's okay, Edward. Just don't let it happen again." I placed a hand over my rapidly pounding heart, unwilling to admit, even to myself, just how much Edward's proximity still had the power to affect me.
The distance between us had been for my benefit as much as it was for Edward's. On some level, I would always be attracted to him. Although the intensity of it had faded somewhat, I knew my feelings for him would never really go away. I was still drawn to him, but now I was certain that some of my feelings had something to do with his natural vampiric allure. His irresistible beauty and intoxicating smell were his weapons. He could disarm me with one of his smiles and perhaps, that was where the real danger resided. The danger to my heart.
"So… you heard what I was thinking?" I asked, struggling to regain control of the situation.
"Yes, but only for a few seconds then your mind went silent again." His eyebrows pulled together in confusion.
"Strange," I murmured and felt a tangible wave of unease wash over me.
I wondered if it had anything to do with the frequent headaches I'd been experiencing for the past year. A trip to the doctor, at Taylor's persuasion, had diagnosed me with migraine headaches. I'd been content to attribute the headaches to my increased workload, but everyone had been growing increasingly concerned with my mood swings, and my occasional bouts of fatigue. Not wanting to worry my friends anymore than they already were, I decided to keep my increasing memory loss to myself.
Whatever my affliction was, I hoped it would disappear in time for my dance recital in a few weeks.
Pushing my worries aside, I turned to Edward with a teasing smirk on my face. "Okay, new rule. The next time you decide to visit, you have to call first. And, this part is nonnegotiable; you come to my apartment like a normal guy. No more skulking around like a weirdo."
My terms were met with skepticism. "Your apartment? I don't think that's such a good idea, Bella. Taylor doesn't like me and I can't say that I feel differently about him."
"That's too damn bad, Edward, because you two are going to make nice and be polite to each other. Okay?" I wasn't going to put up with any jealous, male crap. They were both going to have to get over themselves and fast.
"Okay." Edward returned my smile and I started up the car and drove us back to the apartment. As much as I enjoyed visiting with Edward, I just really wanted to go home.
On the way back, Edward talked about how his original plan was just to see me. But when his plans changed, that's when Alice decided to call to give me a heads up. He didn't mean to scare me, he was just trying to get to me before I ran into Liz.
Back in the basement, Edward escorted me to the elevator. But before I got in it, there was something I had to ask. It was a question that had been on my mind for quite some time.
"Edward, has Alice said anything to you about the Volturi?" Per our agreement, Alice was only allowed to check five minutes into my future at a time. I was worried that she might have missed some things.
"They've brought up your name once in passing, but it didn't turn into anything beyond that. Time passes differently for a vampire, Bella. It could be another fifty years before they decide to check up on you. Besides, I could say with confidence that you are not a priority for the Volturi at this time."
Not a priority? "What do you mean?"
"Let's just say that the Volturi already have their hands full with internal and external conflicts." Edward's mouth relaxed into a half smile.
His words gave me pause for thought. Internal? I took that to mean that there might be some infighting among the Volturi members. But Edward's talk of external threats confused me. What group was powerful enough to pose a threat to the ruling body of the vampire nation?
Although Edward's news delivered some relief, I was still worried. Somehow, I didn't think it would be another fifty years before the Volturi came looking for me. What would I do if they did? Would my friends get caught in the crossfire? How much was I risking by staying with them?
As if he sensed my inner turmoil, Edward reached out and touched my hand. "You have nothing to worry about."
"You know what, Edward? Forget what you heard about the whole crashing and burning thing. Sometimes you have to take a chance and see where things go. And don't let Alice use her visions to show you how things will turn out. Just enjoy the ride for however long it lasts. Okay?" I offered, what I hoped was, a reassuring smile.
"Okay." He wrapped his arms around me and I laid my head on his chest, enjoying the slight chill of his embrace. The absence of a beating heart made me sad. Perhaps I'd grown too used to hugs from Taylor. With a decisive nod, I made up my mind to appreciate Edward for everything that he was, instead of concentrating on what he wasn't.
Edward released me after on last squeeze and stepped away. I waited for him to leave, and grew perplexed when he didn't. He regarded me with clear marks of indecision on his face.
Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, I felt the briefest brush of cold lips against my own and then Edward was gone.
I was in a state of amazement as I brought my fingers up to my lips. Edward Cullen had broken his gentlemanly code and had stolen a kiss from me. I knew I should've been angry, but as the elevator doors slid close, all I could feel was a sense of nostalgia as I recalled another stolen kiss from a few years earlier.
I think I'm going to be sick.
Anxiety floated off me in waves as I stood backstage at my very first dance recital. After months of practice, midnight dancing in my room and every spare chance I got, it was finally time to perform in front of a real audience.
I ended up purchasing two outfits from Rhonda's store because I couldn't decide which I liked most. After days of deliberation (and driving Liz crazy), I finally chose a green and burgundy outfit for tonight's performance.
Examining my appearance in the mirror for the twentieth time, I concluded I'd made the right choice. An intricate design of green and burgundy sequins decorated my bra and belt, which was connected by a motif that extended diagonally along my stomach. A combination of green and burgundy beads hung from my belt and wrist cuffs, swaying gently each time I moved. My full circle skirt was made of green chiffon with burgundy inserts, which left a great deal of my legs exposed.
Liz stood next to me, retouching her makeup and giving her hair one last fluff. She wore a gold bra with matching beads and crystals that decorated the cups. Her skirt was made of gold lycra, with chiffon panels over each leg, that moved like liquid gold. Her hair was styled identical to mine, with lots of waves and bounce.
In preparation for our performances, Liz and I watched countless belly dancing videos and Taylor helped us pick out the music for our routines. For weeks on end, I would sneak into Taylor's room late at night and he would help me fine-tune my performance. As requested, he didn't cut me any slack. If a move looked sloppy or needed more work, he would challenge me to push myself until I got it right.
I was standing backstage with Liz and Ryan, watching one of my classmates perform a baladi solo using a cane as a prop. Zach and Taylor were already sitting in the audience. Zach had brought his camera to film our performances or epic humiliation; however you chose to look at it. With my sweaty palms, I was beginning to lean toward the latter. I was entering the first stages of a full blown panic attack.
"I don't think I can go out there, you guys," I confessed with my pounding heart in my throat.
What on earth was I thinking? There were too many people in the audience and the stage lights looked so bright. It was too hot to dance.
"Oh no. Don't you dare freak out on me now, Izzy. If you freak then I'll freak and I have to go on after you, so you can't freak!" Liz's eyebrows were pinched together in worry. Her face was pale, as if she was also on the verge of running out of here.
I really think I'm going to be sick.
When her words failed to have the desired effect, Liz turned to Ryan. "Go get Taylor."
Ryan disappeared without another word, and quickly returned with Taylor following close behind. Taylor opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but one look at my ashen face had him rushing to my aid.
Taylor began to run his hands up and down my arms in a soothing gesture. It seemed to work as my shaking gradually slowed to a stop and my queasy stomach settled.
"I can't go out there and dance in front of all those people, Taylor."
"You can."
"What if I forget my routine?"
"You won't."
"What if I trip on my sweaty feet and fall off the stage?"
"If that happens, I promise not to laugh too loudly," Taylor supplied with an amused twitch of his mouth.
"You jerk." I smacked him on the chest, giggling in spite of myself. I had to admit that the laughter felt good, and helped distract me from my stage fright.
Taylor spun me around to face the stage where the dancer was just wrapping up her performance. "You'll be fine. Just go out there and pretend you're dancing in my room," Taylor coached, keeping his voice low as he massaged the tension out of my shoulders.
Liz and Ryan stood off to the side; both radiating with curiosity. Well, Ryan's gaze was questioning while brooding suspicion clouded Liz's features.
"Now take a deep breath." One of his hands came to rest flat on my stomach as I deeply inhaled. "Remember your posture, keep your shoulders relaxed. If you mess up just keep dancing, the audience won't be able to tell the difference. And remember to feel the music. Okay?"
"All right." As I watched, the dancer finished her routine and left the stage. It was my turn.
"You can do this." Taylor gave my shoulder one last squeeze and I drew in a deep breath, letting the audience disappear.
I can do this, I thought and then everything seemed to fall into place. The floor's cooling effect on my bare feet calmed me further.
The unmistakable strings of a violin floated through the speakers as I ran onto the stage with my green veil fluttering behind me. I was to perform an American style cabaret with some Egyptian elements thrown in.
About thirty seconds into my routine, I performed a veil spiral turn and sent it flying over my shoulder. Raising my hands above my head, I slowly rolled my hips in a figure eight motion to the alluring beat of the drum. I brought my arms down like a serpent in tune with the slow tempo of the violin.
When the music began to build in momentum, the audience began to clap in time with the beat, cheering me on. Above the noise, I heard the supportive yells of my friends (Ryan's voice being the loudest). Their support filled me with a sense of buoyancy, and I actually found myself smiling and flirting with the crowd.
I utilized my dance area, completing several traveling hip thrusts from one end of the stage to the other. I could almost feel Taylor's gaze on me as I undulated my hips and then pulled off a belly roll. On the inside, I was jumping for joy. I'd managed to execute one of the moves I'd had some difficulty with in our practice sessions.
As the song barreled toward its end, I performed a few spins and concluded my act with a dramatic split. The sound of whistling and applause filled the room as I rose from the ground, breathing heavily. I bowed to the crowd, feeling immensely grateful for their praise.
Thank you for not booing.
Taylor was right! No one in the crowd noticed when I improvised because I'd forgotten a few parts of my choreography.
Following one last wave, I exited the stage on a cloud. Backstage I was immediately swarmed and greeted with hugs and praise from my classmates. Taylor hung back from the elated women, waiting for his chance to congratulate me. He didn't have long to wait.
With all eyes watching, I threw myself at Taylor, my arms going around his neck and buried my face in his chest. He'd staggered slightly when my body collided with his, but quickly regained his footing with a surprised laugh before returning my embrace. I was so grateful to him for being the one to give me the courage to do something that terrified me.
Our moment was interrupted by Ryan loudly clearing his throat, and we broke apart with a bit of embarrassment on my part. Turning away from Taylor, I discovered Liz openly regarding us with suspicion. She appeared as if she wanted to interrogate us, but luckily for us, she wouldn't get the opportunity. The next performance was hers and she needed to get her head in the game.
Following a good luck kiss and a quick break a leg, Ryan hurried back to his seat in the audience, leaving Taylor and me to watch from backstage. Some of my classmates returned to the dressing room to finish getting ready, while a couple of them stayed behind to catch Liz's performance.
Her solo ended without any mistakes, that I could see, and I made sure that my cheers were among the loudest.
I returned to the dressing room to change out of my costume, remembering that Taylor and I had made plans for later. Although, there was going to be a celebratory party after the recital, we were not going to be in attendance.
We met Liz in the crowded lobby and gave her a phony excuse about me not feeling very well. Maybe my explanation was lame, but I thought it was better than saying I was ditching her to go do her brother.
Liz's expression was shuttered as she regarded her brother. "You'll take care of her. Right, Taylor?"
A silent message or warning passed from Liz to Taylor whose shoulders stiffened imperceptibly, his mouth tightening ever so slightly at the corners. Following a curt nod from her brother, Liz left to go find Ryan and Zach.
Whatever confusion I might have felt at Liz's reaction was quickly forgotten when I glanced up to find Taylor giving me his I wanna do bad things with you look.
Taylor's body was rigid with tension as he drove us back to the apartment. Heat filled my system each time he took his eyes off the road to rake them over my body. Arousal darkened the depths of his green eyes, revealing the extent of his hunger. In the meanwhile, I was locked in my own admiration for his male form. I could barely keep my own eyes from traveling over his thick hair, broad shoulders that were accentuated by the black T-shirt that clung to his body.
Back at our building, Taylor was like a man on a mission as he grabbed hold of my hand, and briskly led me to his apartment. Once there, I anxiously waited for him to unlock the door.
The door had barely swung open before Taylor brought his mouth down hard on mine, swallowing the sound of my moan. My lips parted beneath his, desperate for the feel of his tongue in my mouth. His kiss was a wordless seduction with lips and a talented tongue that only hinted at the pleasure to come.
Large hands fumbled for the edges of my jersey, tugging it upward while I carelessly kicked off my shoes. Our heated kisses were interrupted as he jerked the material over my head, carelessly tossing it somewhere in the living room. After Taylor's shirt had been discarded in a similar fashion, I reached for his belt, impatiently tugging at it before moving to unfasten his pants.
No sooner had Taylor abandoned his pants than I felt myself being lifted, legs parted, so he could position his hardened length against the apex of my thighs. My arms latched around his neck, fingers threading through the thickness of his hair. Firm hands clamped around my ass, squeezing and kneading as he walked us down the hall. Each jolt of his footsteps sent ripples of pleasure throughout my body.
I gently suctioned his bottom lip into my mouth, biting down as my fingernails dug into the muscles of his back. With an animalistic groan, Taylor had me braced against the wall in the hallway with his hard body firmly holding me in place. One muscular hand curved around my breast, fingers rasping over my bra-covered nipple, sending electric jolts of pleasure hurtling through me. Kissing fiercely, our bodies moved against each other, hips flexing and straining together.
"Mío," he growled possessively, tearing himself away from my mouth to lick and nibble along the curve of my neck. My head tilted to the side to grant him better access.
Almost to the point of pain, my legs tightened around his waist, muscles in my thighs straining in an effort to draw him even closer. I could feel his heat through the thin layers of fabric that separated our bodies, making me desperate for more. Pure instinct drove me as I gyrated my body against his, yearning for some relief from the burning ache of arousal sweeping through my body.
His breath was hot and sweet against my lips as he whispered, "I want you… I want you so bad."
Heat flowed through me and my eyes fluttered close, reveling in the exquisite feel of my sensitive nipples rubbing against his solid muscles. Taylor bucked against my moist heat with a seductive roll of his hips. Insistent fingers encircled my nipple, eliciting a long, drawn out moan from my lips.
My legs slipped from around his back and I was lowered to stand on wobbly feet. The sexual tension in the atmosphere swirled around us, igniting a burning heat that made me tremble for more.
Warm hands stroked along the sides of my body as Taylor dropped to his knees in front of me. Goosebumps rose on my flesh, following the path of his fingers. I was dazed and surprised when Taylor licked at my swollen flesh through the flimsy material of my panties.
"I could just eat you up." I shivered at the raw promise in his tone.
His lips blazed a burning trail along my skin as he stood. Taylor groaned, a tortured sound, when I reached out to grab hold of him through his boxers, and felt his heated flesh jerk at my touch.
Taking delight in his response, I experienced a rush of feminine power at his reaction to my touch. I smiled with a slow deliberate curl of my lips that oozed confidence. Moving away from him, I allowed my fingertips to trail over his contoured muscles of torso.
I took slow, purposeful steps away from him, pausing briefly when I arrived at his door. A glance over my shoulder confirmed that Taylor was still standing, seemingly frozen in the same spot, gazing at me with hot male eyes. I slipped into his room with the unshakeable certainty that he would follow.
Inside his room, the light of the moon shone through the window, illuminating the surface of all it touched. I strolled over to stand at the foot of the bed and a moment later, Taylor appeared in the doorway.
I sensed his hesitation as he hovered in the doorway, refusing to enter. "Are you sure? Once we cross this line there'll be no turning back."
Was there some hidden meaning to his words? I didn't know, but I did know in that moment, there was nowhere else in the world I would rather be than with him. Everything, from the first day we met till tonight, had been leading up to this moment and there wasn't a doubt in my mind. I was ready.
"I'm sure." A soft smile tugged at my lips.
At my reply, Taylor finally crossed over the threshold. It seemed like his fingers barely touched the door and yet it slammed shut with a resounding bang that resonated deep within me. There would truly be no backing out now.
Sinewy muscles rippled as he moved toward me with the languid pace of a predator approaching his prey.
"You know what I want." Danger-tinged lust hardened Taylor's features, his dark sexuality finally coming to the surface.
"Do I?" I taunted, knowing he wanted me to remove my underwear, but a part of me delighted in feigning ignorance.
Looking over my shoulder, I tossed a challenging smile at Taylor. Under his dark stare, a subtle push of my fingers sent one bra strap sliding off each shoulder, one after the next. As I spun around, the bra slipped off completely, leaving my breasts unbound and bare to his penetrating stare.
Sending him a saucy smile, I made a show of removing my underwear. My hands traveled up the sides of my body, until they encountered the little black bows resting on my hips. After two gentle tugs, the sheer material came off in my hand and I was completely naked.
On the other side of the room, Taylor stood watching me with a severe intensity that sent prickles of awareness up my spine. His eyes traveled down my body before coming to a screeching halt at the apex of my thighs.
A few days prior, Liz and I visited a salon and treated ourselves to a couple of Brazilian waxes. Although it had been twenty minutes of painfully embarrassing torture, it had been completely worth it to see the look on Taylor's face. It was almost like he was an excited, little boy on Christmas morning, receiving the gift he'd always wanted.
I balled up my underwear and threw it at him as if he were my favorite musician, performing on stage. With lightening quickness, Taylor caught the offending object with one hand. A warm flush crept up my neck when he brought it to his face, and inhaled deeply with a ragged groan.
"My favorite scent."
I settled on the edge of the bed and sent him an impish smile before parting my legs, letting him see how wet I was.
"Is this what you want?" I continued to bait, gazing at him through lowered lashes.
Taylor let out a stream of Spanish curses and stripped out his boxers with a barely restrained display of violence. My eyes drank in the sight of his completely nude body as he wrapped a hand around the thickness of his arousal, stroking slowly. I gave a silent word of thanks to God, Budda, Krishna or whatever higher power responsible that Taylor was big and not circus big. Come morning, I wanted to be able to walk out instead of being rolled out in a wheelchair.
Sharp determination was stamped across his face as he quickly moved toward the bed. The mattress shifted under his weight as he crawled between the spread of my open legs. My heart fluttered with excitement and I bit back a nervous giggle. This was really going to happen. His body was warm and hard against mine as his weight pressed me down into the mattress.
His fingers slipped between my thighs, probing my wet folds and I assumed he was checking to see if I was ready. God was I ready, but his fingers were not what I wanted, and I didn't hesitate to tell him so.
"You're still too small," I heard him explain in a strained voice, his breath rougher than before. In the dim light of his room, Taylor's eyes were almost black with a burning hunger that betrayed his dark intentions.
Glancing down at his impressive size, a knot of anxiety grew in my stomach. He seemed even bigger up close, and I realized that he'd been right to be concerned. Although I wasn't a virgin, I'd only had sex once and that had been almost three years ago.
His body was poised above me, his weight supported by one hand. My strangled moan filled the rising temperature of the room when he slipped one broad finger inside me. A hot gust of breath was my only warning before Taylor's mouth covered one breast, teasing my taut nipple with sensual sweeps of his tongue.
Delirious with mounting sensations, my hands clutched at the sheets, body arching up in a silent plea. I raised my hips, pushing against the intrusion, craving a deeper penetration. My muted request was granted when Taylor slipped another finger into my tight channel. My body instinctively stiffened, tightening around the painful intrusion of the additional finger. After one final caress of his tongue, Taylor released my distended nipple, letting it cool in the air.
"Try to relax." Taylor's voice held a deep rumbled as he continued to work his fingers in and out, stretching me from the inside out. He lowered his head again, this time to lavish some attention on my other breast, rasping his tongue over the aching peak. Soon enough, the pain melted away, and my hips began to roll, moving against his pumping fingers. A tingle of warmth flowed through my body like a gentle caress.
I almost screamed with frustration when Taylor withdrew his fingers from my body. Flashing a wicked smile, he bent down to lick the flesh between my breasts.
He crawled up the length of my body and quickly positioned himself between my legs. I lifted my hands, placing them flat against the hard slabs of his chest, and felt his heart beating wildly under my fingertips.
Hooking his elbow under one of my knees, Taylor slowly sank into the warmth my narrow opening, stretching me more than his two fingers ever did. He kept his eyes locked on my face as he withdrew, and then surged forward in a smooth motion that made me arch off the bed with my head thrown back in a silent cry. My sensitive muscles burned, protesting painfully at its forced expansion.
Oh, I did not miss this feeling, I thought as my body sank back down to the bed. In some ways it was almost like being a virgin again, although the pain wasn't as bad as I remembered.
It took a moment for me to realize that although Taylor was buried inside me, he had yet to make anymore movements. My heart gave off a disturbing little flutter when I glanced up to find him gazing down at me with fierce tender. The muscles in his chest tensed and shook beneath my palms as he fought for some semblance of control.
"Tell me it gets better," I gasped, feeling full beyond belief.
"I'll do better than tell you. I'll show you," he growled seductively, his hand moving to lift my hips, tilting it toward him.
His hips reared back to fully sheath himself up to the hilt in one long thrust. Gradually, my flesh began to yield to his powerful thrusts and the sharp bite of pain disappeared, and I felt the stirrings of a familiar heat that curled my toes. This new angle of penetration made my eyes crossed beneath my closed eyelids.
My fingers clutched at the thick muscles in his broad shoulders, nails biting into his flesh. A light sheen of sweat covered our bodies, making our skin slide slickly against each other. Sublime sensation built, a sweet ache growing between my legs, feeding on the hot rhythm of his thrusts. But as the first tremors of my orgasm approached, Taylor backed off, his thrusts becoming shallow.
"Not yet," Taylor leaned in to whisper against my mouth.
I let out a whimper of protest before I was able to prevent it and Taylor flashed a knowing smile. The bastard was toying with me!
Taylor grasped my hips firmly and without withdrawing from my body, rolled until I was the one on top of him.
"Ride me." The dark demand in his voice made my breath catch and the furnace inside me burn anew. My body was so racked with torturous need that it never occurred to me to be embarrassed by his demand. In this place and time, there was no room for shyness.
My head fell back with my eyes drifting close as I began to rock my body against his. Rough, calloused hands slid passed my hips to grip my waist possessively. From his place beneath me, Taylor began to drive a rough rhythm, creating a pleasurable friction that compelled me to rake my nails across his muscular chest. Taylor let out a hiss of pain, and I was rewarded with a sharp thrust that raised us off the bed.
"Jesus. You're a wildcat," Taylor managed to ground out between clenched teeth. The smile I shot him could only be described as naughty. He would probably have red, angry welts across his chest come morning.
"Oh God. So good," I groaned, unable to suppress the breathy moans of pleasure leaving my lips. My body strained against the firm grip of hands that restrained the pace and intensity of my movements. It was torture being kept on the fringes, and not be allowed to fly apart like I badly needed to do. One look at his tight face confirmed that Taylor was experiencing a similar torment. The dark sweep of his eyebrows was furrowed in concentration, his jaw tense as he struggled to rein in his instinctual need to dominate.
"You're holding back." Was he inhibiting himself for my benefit?
With slow undulations of my hips, I attempted to drive him deeper and felt his sharp nails bite into my flesh. I didn't remember his nails being so sharp.
"Not yet," Taylor repeated in a low and guttural voice.
Before I was able to make another play for control, Taylor rolled until I was lying beneath him once more. He retreated, leaving my body completely and then I was flipped onto my stomach. Slightly shaking hands grasped my hips, pulling at them until my body rested on my knees and forearms. In this position, I was completely vulnerable to Taylor and I had to force myself to keep still. I got the sense that Taylor was waiting for something, so I decided to wait too.
I jumped when feathery light touches whispered along the slope of my spine. Taylor's hands travelled all over my flesh, stroking and exploring as if he were claiming his territory. By the time he ended his caresses, I was a whimpering, quivering mess.
Warm breath bathed my back, and then the heated swirls of Taylor's tongue danced on the tattooed dip of my back. A moan spilled from my lips at the wet, silken sensations of his inquisitive tongue. He licked an upward path toward my shoulder, his solid heat layering my back.
"Soy tuyo para siempre." His accent was heavy, breath harsh against my ear.
The sound of his voice sent shivers up my spine, although the meaning behind his words was completely lost on me. Taylor could have been talking about tire slashers and puppy kickers, and I wouldn't have cared one bit. Everything sounded sexier in Spanish.
Taylor's body trembled as his hips rocked forward, and invaded me again. Another shudder rippled through his body, and I could have sworn that the entire bed shook right along with him. With each driving thrust, with each deep growl that rumbled in his chest, I could tell that Taylor's tightly reined grip on his control was slipping.
Blood rushed through my body, my hands clutched at the sheets as the fiery wave of pleasure began to wash over me once more. One firm hand fisted in my hair while the other reached around to cup the swell of my breast. My body was on edge and screaming for release. But just like before, as soon as Taylor sensed how close I was, he backed off, giving me just enough stimulation to drive me crazy.
"Damn it, Taylor. Quit teasing me." My outburst was layered in a strained plea.
In a lightning fast move, Taylor grabbed my hips and flipped me over once more. Taylor bent over and covered my mouth with a deep groan, tunneling his way inside me. Legs wrapped around his waist, fingernails dug into his back as our bodies slid together, creating slick friction. Our lips fused, mouths moving together in ravenous kisses.
Taylor's mouth traveled licking and nipping its way across my jaw, toward my neck. I arched my back, took him in even deeper and felt his rhythmic pumping become wilder. Erogenous sensations intensified as white hot ecstasy seared me from the inside out. My inner muscles clamped down on him and felt his body tense and shake. It was incredible. I never imagined that anything could feel so amazing.
Taylor cried out hoarsely against my neck, his sharp teeth grazed my flesh before he bit down. Through the haze of seemingly endless pleasure, I felt a small sting on my neck, and was lost in the tingling heat that spread, engulfing my whole body. My head began to spin with the deliciously vibrant aura that flooded my bloodstream. I was lost, drowning in the honeyed liquid of pure euphoria.
The rapture dimmed, slipping away like the remnants of a dream as Taylor raised his head. He looked drunk. His dark eyes were heavy-lidded and unfocused. It was almost as if he was locked in some sort of blissful trance.
A bit hesitantly, I called his name and he blinked, eyes finally focusing on my face. For a long moment, he just stared at me.
There it was again, that look. It was the same look he gave me the night of our first lesson. It looked a lot like… It felt a lot like… something I didn't want to analyze right now.
And then I noticed the dark liquid on his lips.
It was blood.
"Did you… did you bite me?" I brought my hand to my neck and discovered a bit of wetness, my fingers coming away with a little blood. "Jeez, Taylor. I'm not gonna turn into anything, am I?"
Knowing that vampire bites carried venom and that Taylor wasn't exactly normal, it was a question I had to ask. I was finally learning to be happy in my own skin. I didn't want to turn into… something else.
"No. It doesn't work that way." A small smile curved his lips and my body sagged in relief. I was worried that my question would offend him. "Sorry. I got carried away."
"Funny, you don't look sorry." In fact, Taylor looked rather pleased with himself. He licked the blood off his lips, looking like the cat that got the cream.
In answer, he pressed a soft, delicate kiss on my lips, his thumb stroking my cheek. The tenderhearted action struck a chord of discomfort inside of me.
"Well, no more biting." Not because it hurt, but because it was unnerving how much I liked it.
'No more biting." Taylor carefully shifted his weight off me to settle on the soft bedding.
Releasing a long, exhausted sigh, I settled in, head resting on Taylor's chest, fingers splayed directly over his beating heart. Sleep began to claim me, my eyes drifting shut. How naïve I was to assume that our first night together had come to an end.
"Get some rest. We have a long night ahead of us."
"Long night?" I was unable to hide my disbelief as my eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, I'm nowhere near finished with you." Taylor chuckled darkly. "I want to see how flexible you really are."
12.45am
Lesson: Subjugation
I was awakened by a deep groan and a soft tongue lapping between my legs. I tried to move my hands, but was prevented from doing so by the rope that bound them to the headboard.
Lips and tongue mercilessly teased my fevered flesh, drawing a moan from my mouth.
Well, he did say he could eat me up…
2.13am
Lesson: Atonement
Taylor rested on his back, panting with exertion while I peppered his chest and face with kisses.
"Damn, woman. Give me five... five minutes."
"Make it four, unless… you can't keep up." My head tilted to the side, my gaze became challenging.
Green eyes darkened. "I'll make you pay for that crack."
"I hope so."
3.51am
Lesson: Touch, Taste, Feel
I tried to open my eyes, but my vision was hampered by a blindfold.
The firm press of two fingers on my hand halted me when I moved to touch it.
"Leave it," he instructed softly, willing me to obey.
The sweet taste of desire.
A brush of invisible lips.
The corruption of innocence.
Silk gliding against steel.
4.37am
A deep, contented sigh.
Our bodies tangled together, fingers laced, slipping into sleep.
A murmured confession.
Early morning light crept through the window, coaxing me into wakefulness. With eyes still closed, I rolled over to rest on my back, stretching languidly on sheets that smelt like sex and Taylor. I couldn't remember the last time I'd had such a deep, dreamless night's sleep. Although, I still had that strange recurring dream about a giant hourglass, it seemed like I'd left the scary nightmares behind me the day I left Forks.
Next to me, Taylor still slumbered, his back rose and fell steadily with each breath. In the early light of day, he looked peaceful with the worry wrinkle between his eyebrows missing in action. Lately, it was worry over my migraines causing those wrinkles.
I lifted my hand to brush the hair out of his face, but before my fingers reached their destination, a particularly worrying memory from the night before came flooding back.
I love you…
A cold wave of dread and anxiety shot through my body forcing me to sit up.
Did he say he loved me?
At some point during the night I could have sworn Taylor told me he loved me as I was drifting off to sleep.
Why would Taylor even say something like that? Was it because we slept together?
My anger flared and I moved to climb off of the bed, suppressing a groan of discomfort. Sore muscles ached and protested at the sudden movement as I moved to stand. But I didn't let that slow me down. I had to get out of there before Taylor woke up and said it again. Or even worse, ask me if I loved him back.
Damn it, that wasn't part of our deal. We were supposed to be keeping things light and breezy. But no… stupid Spanish man just had to go and ruin things by bringing up feelings.
I was surprised to discover my clothes draped over a chair. Taylor must have brought in our stuff while I was sleeping.
I glanced up, in the process of viciously tugging on my pants, and froze.
There were ten deep gouge marks on the headboard, in the very place Taylor had been clinging to the night before. The scratches looked as if it had been carved into the wood by… claws.
What the hell did I get myself into?
The urge to flee grew and I found myself struggling to dress quickly while throwing glances over at Taylor's still slumbering figure.
His door swung open without a sound and I tiptoed out of his room, clutching my shoes to my chest. I almost peed myself when I heard someone snort. Startled, I looked up to discover Zach propped up on his doorframe, arms folded across his chest, smirking at me.
Damn! I hadn't been I quiet as I'd hoped.
Under his lecherous grin, my cheeks colored, remembering that Taylor and I hadn't tried to keep down the noise level. Zach must have heard quite a show last night… and then again, a few times this morning.
What was he doing up so early anyway? Zach was never one to drag himself out of bed before noon on a Saturday, for any reason. His mouth stretched into an idiotic grin and the reason he was awake finally dawned on me. The bastard made sure he'd be awake to witness my walk of shame. The big pervert probably wanted to get in a few chuckles as he teased me mercilessly.
Well, Zach would have to get his yucks elsewhere because I was in no mood. Through narrowed eyes, I took a menacing step in his direction and fixed him with a scowl that could peel paint off the walls. Zach's eyes widened, eyebrows flying up into his hairline as he raised both hands defensively and backed into his room.
Completely alone again, I made my way down the hall, stopping in the living room to put on my shoes.
"Isabella?" Taylor called out; his voice was heavy with sleep.
"Shit." I whispered, panic flaring up again.
After a couple of frantic attempts, I gave up and quickly fled the apartment, wearing only one shoe.
A/N: Yes, yes. I know. I'm delivering this chapter amongst many grumbles of death-threats and Bitch, where were you? In my defense, work has just been insane lately and this chapter was an absolute bitch to write. So many times, I was tempted to give up on the lemon and do a fade to black. But I was sure if I did that, Guilchris would come to my house and cut me! So I pushed through and delivered. Hope the 10,000 word chapter makes up for my tardiness.
Hope you guys enjoy the lemon. Damn thing gave me so much grief. I love to read me some smut but can't write the shit.
Anyway, the countdown has begun. Only five college chapters left then Bella returns home. Yay!
Back to the story: Edward temporarily heard Bella's thoughts. What's going on there?
The Volturi are experiencing trouble of their own. Hmm...
Bella's right to worry about Volturi. Is she jeopardizing her friends by staying in Hanover?
What was up with Liz's cryptic question/warning to Taylor?
A Bella/Taylor lemon sprinkled with lessons... Team Taylors scream, "FINALLY!", Team Jacob grumbles, "Bitch, don't even talk to us."
Bella should really pay attention to the things Taylor says, both english and spanish!
Taylor bit her... Oh boy. What do you think it means?
Did he say he loved her?
Bella ran off... it maybe too late for that.
A/N: The link to pics of Liz and Bella's belly dance costumes are up on my profile.
I'm very excited for the next chapter. You guys are definitely gonna want your teasers! Things will be getting dangerous folks.
Review and receive your teasers people!