A/N: Hey guys, I'm back. You guys were concerned with the shifty eyed James. Come on, don't we know by now that we can never trust James? ;)

These updates, unfortunately are going to continue to be fuckin spazzy because Ffnet is still being a dick to me. I've trying to upload this chapter for about 2 weeks and finally it accepted my document. I'm beyond annoyed and so sorry for being so late.

Also, the site had the story listed as complete but it's not and I fixed it. No worries, we're still stuck with these two. Thank you guys for sticking with me though my crazy updating!

Chapter 7: Indecent Proposal

"What you're wearing is fine, Bella, don't worry about it," Edward mumbled in my ear, coming behind me and wrapping his arms around me as he peppered kisses along my neck. I stared at the reflection of us in the mirror, pulling at the flowy white dress I was wearing.

"Are you sure it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard?"

"You're beautiful as ever. However, if we don't leave soon you're gonna be beautiful and late." He swatted me on the ass as he pulled away, grinning.

"But fashionably late all the same. Come on," I grabbed my purse and lead him out of the room.

It was Edward's idea to go to this beach party after we missed the one yesterday. He insisted I go to at least one party with him while I was here.

The party was sort of like a bonfire with little clans of people gathered here and there drinking and laughing and dancing to loud music that came from a little hut by the shore. Little handmade fires were all along the beach, lighting everyone with a bright orange glow. It was quaint and cool. I liked it.

Edward grabbed my hand, shooting me a grin as he pulled us in the direction of the cluster of people dancing. "God no, I suck at dancing." I objected.

He rolled his eyes. "I'd hardly call it dancing, Bella," he nodded his head to the group and I took in the mess of grinding bodies.

"You're right that's an orgy not a dance," I pointed out.

"You'll only be dancing with me. I can assure you that," he grinned at me again and pulled us into the center of the mess. Unfamiliar, hot bodies, bumped against me.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked as I looked around at all the hammered people surrounding me.

"Trust me," he whispered, turning me so that my back was flush against him. His arms wrapped around my waist and his hands found mine, twining with them and holding me to him. "Close your eyes," he whispered, his breath fanning the side of my face. I obeyed hesitantly. "Just move with me." He started to move behind me, swaying back and forth with the music, leading my body side to side with him. I exhaled and started to move with him, picking up a pace that better coincided with the music.

"Good," he smiled against my ear as I moved my hips to the music. His fingertips danced along the bottom of my dress, caressing my thighs as he toyed with the end of the dress, hitching it up for his eager hands to feel my skin.

My body broke out in goosebumps at the feel of the cold air on my legs and his warm touch. "Let go, Bella," he whispered, his lips pressing against my neck. I nodded and wordlessly followed his lead.

I swayed more freely letting my hips slide back and forth as I moved against him unabashedly. His soft moan of agreement spurred me on and brought a grin to my face as I pressed more firmly against him in my next movement.

"And here I thought you didn't know what you were doing," he half-laughed, half-groaned in my ear as his fingers became more bold, brazenly moving beneath my dress, inching further and further towards where I wanted them most. My breath hitched as for a second my dress was pushed up a bit farther then I ever thought he'd do it. "Scared?"

I shook my head. To be honest, it had the opposite effect. For some reason, it excited me. That was scary. "I'm thirsty." I informed. His fingers stilled and I felt the breath of a laugh on my neck.

"Do you want a drink?" Edward asked in my ear as the music was loud around us. I nodded to him. "Beer?"

"Yea."

"Are you sure you can handle it, Miss 'wine is too much for me'?" he teased.

"Shut up and get me something to drink." I spun around and punched his shoulder. He grabbed my hand, still smiling and pulled us out of the packed crowd. He led me over to the music hut where it was fairly less crowded. "Wait here, I'll be right back." He jogged away toward the table in the center of the madness.

I sighed and rubbed my arms as the ocean breeze hit me, making me wish I'd brought a jacket. The hut shook beside me and I turned in time to see James exiting through the rickety side door.

"Hey. Bella, right?" he asked, walking to me with those slitted eyes again.

"Yea. Hi, James."

"You here alone?"

"No. Edward's just gone to get some drinks," I smiled awkwardly, wanting this guy to just leave. He gave me the creeps.

"I should have known. You guys have been attached at the hip for the past few days. You look nice tonight, by the way." His beady eyes roamed the length of my body leisurely, making my skin crawl. I moved a half step away from him and craned my neck to search for Edward.

"Thank you. You know, I should really go find Edward. He's been gone a while. Excuse me." I started away but his hand grabbed me by the elbow, stopping me.

"Bella, maybe later we could get together. You should make more...friends. Edward's just being greedy keeping you all to himself."

"What?" I asked, pulling my arm away. "Just leave me alone, okay?" I tried to leave again but his arm shot out and grabbed me, this time yanking me to him.

"Oh, don't be like that."

"James, just stop! Let me go!" I yelled, struggling to pry his hands off of me. By now a small crowd had formed but they were all too hammered to step in, all wanting to just watch the show.

"I saw you on the dance floor. I know exactly what someone like you needs." He slimy voice purred in my ear, his fingers tugging at my dress.

"James! Get your fucking hands off me!" I screamed, slamming my heel down on his toe and my knee into his crotch. He bellowed and released me for a split second before pulling me back to him forcefully, a snarl on his face.

"Bitch!"

"James!" someone yelled, making James loosen his hold on me.

"Edward!" I acknowledged, still struggling under James' hold.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Edward asked furiously glaring at James.

"I thought you might like to share this one," he explained with a disgusting grin on his face.

"Let her go!" Edward said in a menacing voice that made even my eyes grow big. James pushed me away from him holding his hands up in surrender but keeping that stupid grin on his face. I ran to Edward, clutching at the arm James had been grabbing. Edward pulled me to him, kissing the top of my head in comfort, his eyes on James the entire time. "Start on home, I'll catch up with you, okay?" he asked, his eyes finally meeting mine.

"Edward, you don't have to do anything. It's over, I'm fine." The way he was looking at James was murderous and I didn't want him doing something stupid.

"Go home, Bella," he repeated, saying nothing more but walking away to James.

I bit my lip and started walking backwards, watching Edward as he and James started talking. Edward looked over his shoulder at me once and shot me a look that meant for me to stop dawdling. I picked up my pace and kept my head down as I walked away. My lip must've been red from all the gnawing I was doing on it.

"Bella," came from behind me.

"Thank God," I breathed, turning around. "What happened?"

"Nothing," he kept his head down as he shook it. I narrowed my eyes and lifted his chin. He had a scratch above his left brow and a busted lip.

"Edward, oh my God."

"It's nothing," he insisted, smiling a boyish grin at me to keep me from panicking. He held his right fist in his hand, flexing his fingers every now and then. "You should have seen the other guy."

"Not funny."

"Your lip," he said curiously, running his thumb across the lip I'd just been chewing.

"Your lip," I echoed.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. He's a creep."

"I meant I'm sorry for..." he trailed off, laughing to himself.

"What?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Let's get out of here, okay?"

"Yea, okay."

A/N: So...there ya go. A little drama, a little suspense, the usuals. This chapter was longer than usual, I dunno what's up with that but that's a good thing right?

Things can only go up from here.

And what could Edward possibly be sorry about? Guesses? ;)

~LazyMashochist(Marie)