A/N – Hello everyone; a little bit of light relief before the serious stuff starts! Sorry to those who think I am dragging the story out – it won't get to Chapter 100, promise! And to the rest who have said they enjoy it – THANK YOU!
Chapter 61 – The Ball
My mouth literally gaped as I took a quick intake of breath. I stared at Alice as she descended the staircase; hopping from the last step she did a small pirouette on the tips of her toes, stopping metres from me.
She looked…
Simply amazing.
Absolutely amazing…
Oh, Alice always looked terrific, she could be wearing a sack with pearls and she'd pull it off, but this dress…
This little dress in midnight blue…
I took another intake of breath as Alice raised her eyebrow.
"Is everything okay Bella?" she politely asked, as she stepped closer to me.
Closer to me…
Now I could see the blue fabric that glided perfectly across her curves, revealing rather than concealing…
"Bella?" she asked again, with a small pout.
I swallowed hard.
"Alice, you're…"
Sensual, sultry, stunning, sexy as hell… and mine… my brain answered for me, as I swallowed again.
"I'm?" she questioned, as she placed a hand on her hip. The movement was subtle and my gaze fell down towards where her fingers were now resting on her hip.
Just looking at her made my stomach muscles tighten as an unbearable ache seemed to settle somewhere deep down below.
"Your blood pressure has risen" Alice continued, as my eyes darted back to hers.
Really?
Her head tilted to one side, a small smile now appearing on her red lips.
"Bella Swan, are you checking me out?" she teased as I now raised my eyebrow.
"Guilty as charged" I finally managed to answer, my voice more husky than it had been before.
"Alice, you look… beautiful" I answered as I held out my hand and entwined my fingers through hers.
Alice flashed me her brilliant smile.
"As do you Bella… you look exquisite… I knew that little black dress would look amazing on you"
Little black dress… and she wasn't joking. I recalled Rosalie entering the room when I had first arrived to get ready.
"A gift from Alice, Bella"
I looked at the dress as Rosalie held it up to me.
"Isn't it… a little… small?" I had enquired, as Rosalie smiled.
"Everybody needs to have a LBD in their closet Bella, Alice has bought this especially for you"
I frowned, "A LBD?" I enquired, as Rosalie walked behind me, her arms folding around me as she held out the dress in front of me, turning me to the mirror at the same time.
"A Little Black Dress, Bella. And it looks perfect on you"
Still, I frowned.
"Rosalie, it's very… thin…and short… I mean, it's lovely, it really is, but Alice didn't have to go to the trouble of buying me a dress, I have this one already…"
Rosalie turned me to face her again.
"Bella, it was Alice's pleasure to buy you this dress, believe me. And no offence, but this dress" she motioned to the green material that way laying on the bed, "this dress is… really not your colour… or style… or length…"
"Okay, okay… I get the picture" I replied, now smiling too.
Rosalie laughed, "Put it on Bella, you'll be surprised how well it will fit. Alice has a gift for that sort of thing, and if you need help with hair or makeup, let me know"
Hair and makeup… I had shuddered…
"Oh, and Alice passes on her apologies, she would have given you this but she is getting ready herself… and believe me, she takes ages, even at super vamp speed…"
I smiled as Rosalie stepped out of the room, but turned.
"And I think she's looking forward to removing the dress, rather than helping you put it on"
With a smile she had left the room, as my face reddened…
I returned Alice's smile as she lent in towards me, inhaling deeply.
"You look wonderful Bella, and you smell wonderful too" she whispered as she lent back, her amber eyes on mine.
I felt myself blush again.
"Your scent draws at me like a magnet Bella, so sweet; it wraps itself around me and intensifies the ache deep inside…"
I heard my ragged breath and felt myself tremble as Alice leaned against me again and slid her arms around my waist, as if to steady herself, and me. Although cold, complete warmth passed from her fingertips. Alice placed a quick kiss on my forehead before reluctantly setting me away from her with a shaky smile.
"Everything about you is so tempting Bella, it ill be forever branded in my mind… if I don't draw back from you now, we'll be late for the party"
I smiled, "I don't mind" I answered sweetly, as Alice linked her arm through mine.
"But I do, I want to show you off" she replied, her voice soft and melodious.
"I don't believe this" I whispered, as I stared at the seating plan that was on display.
"What's wrong" Eric asked, as I turned to face him, Angela and Alice.
"What's wrong? I'm seated in between Mike and Jessica, that's what's wrong" I muttered, as I glanced back at the plan, hoping it had somehow managed to change since I had glared at it five seconds ago.
Eric laughed.
"Eric, was this your plan?" I asked, as I lent forward, my finger now poking at his chest.
Eric stopped laughing, "Hey, don't blame me! The teachers sorted all that, I was just asked to arrange the music, that's all".
Great, I was about to spend at least two hours sat with Jess and Mike while the food was served…
"Bella"
I looked at Alice.
"It won't be for long" she whispered, as Angela looked at the plan.
"I'm with Eric and… Alice" she almost squealed, as I sighed, dramatically.
"Great, that's just….."
"Great?" Eric answered, before Angela shot him a pointed look.
I edged closer to Alice, "Isn't there something you can do Alice? Like, quickly swap the name cards or something?"
Alice smiled, "What, and spoil the fun" she replied, winking at me.
I groaned as Alice lent in and quickly kissed my cheek.
"I hate being away from you too, Bella, but at least our tables are nearby"
Angela smiled, "It won't be for long Bella"
Eric laughed, "Oh, I wish I could hear your conversation with those two" he replied, as Angela nodded.
Alice smiled, "It's okay, I can lip read"
Angela clasped her hands together, "Really?" she enquired, as Alice nodded.
This was going to be a long evening…
"Alice" I whispered, as Alice's gaze rested on me.
"I know you can hear me over this music" I continued.
Alice nodded as Jessica continued to talk, oblivious to my complete lack of attention, and interest, in her.
Somewhere, Mike was getting her a drink. Somewhere. No doubt he had also taken this opportunity to escape her endless chatter also.
"Take me home" I mouthed, as Alice smiled her mischievous smile.
Jessica continued.
"I mean, I'm trying Bella, I am really trying…."
Tell me about it…
"But I'm getting nothing. I mean, are we like, together or not?"
Probably not…
"Because he should realise, there are plenty of boys I could be dating, he doesn't realise how lucky he is…"
Unlucky you mean…
"I mean, what do you think? Is he into me, or not?"
Not…
I shrugged my shoulders, "Look Jessica, maybe you should be speaking to Mike about this? I'm not…"
"Experienced, I know" she interrupted.
Experienced?
She continued, "I mean, obviously don't take this the wrong way, but you don't have much dating experience do you Bella?"
Dating experience?
My eyes found Alice.
She winked.
I smiled.
"Bella… what is that smile for? Have you been keeping secrets? I mean… oh my god! Are you dating someone? I mean… is it Edward Cullen? It is, isn't it?"
I watched across the room as Alice placed a hand across her mouth to stifle a giggle.
She was loving this…
Not deterred by my lack of response, Jessica continued.
"I so thought you liked Mike…"
I frowned, "Of course I like Mike" I replied, before realising my faux paux.
Jessica almost screeched.
"What? Oh my god Bella, you're dating Edward Cullen and you like Mike? My Mike?"
Alice was now sitting with both hands across her mouth as her eyes continued to sparkle with humour. I watched as Angela poked her, a look of confusion on her face. Slowly Alice seemed to relate the story or some if it. Angela, it would seem, was indeed gullible and believed Alice's story earlier that she could, indeed, lip read.
I heard myself groan.
"Jess, I am not dating Edward, and of course I like Mike but as a friend only"
My response was firm as Jess sighed, with obvious relief, although I couldn't quite work out which of my statements had brought the most relief…
"Oh, okay Bella… but… is there a guy because you've really made an effort with your appearance…"
Gee, thanks…
"…and, well, it's not… like you"
Who needs an enemy with a friend like this one?
I'd had enough, as Alice and Angela were now both laughing.
A lot.
"There is NO guy" I replied as I stood up.
She followed my movement.
"At all?" she questioned.
I smiled sweetly, "I'm sorry Jess, but I'm leaving".
Jessica continued to hover by my side.
"What? Bella, it's only ten! We have at least two more hours to go"
Yeah, two more hours of listening to Jessica, two more hours of watching Alice and not being able to openly talk to her, or touch her…
"Is it because Edward didn't show? It is, isn't it? You can't hide it from me. Honestly Bella, you seriously need to get over that, he's…"
"Not my type" I answered for her, as my eyes flicked across to Alice. Angela was still by her side, talking, but I knew she was listening to one conversation and one conversation only.
"Really?" Jess sceptically responded before leaning into me.
"Do you prefer blondes then? Because if this is your way of telling me you like Mike, I…"
I laughed, then. I couldn't help it.
"What's so funny?"
We both turned to find Mike standing behind us.
Jessica smiled, "Oh, nothing, nothing. Bella was just…."
"Leaving" I interrupted for the second time.
Before either could respond I found myself handing Mike my Champaign flute that was still full.
"Mike, if you have to endure what I just have, you'll need this"
Mike took the glass, a quizzical look on his face.
Turning to face Jessica I found myself smile.
"Now, if you'll both excuse me, I'm going to find Alice… my girlfriend"
As I walked towards Alice, I couldn't help but hear Jessica gasp as Mike uttered "girlfriend?"
I also couldn't help but see Alice's dazzling smile as I moved closer and linked my arm through hers.
"Let's get out of here" I asked, as Alice laughed.
"Sure thing, girlfriend" she replied, turning to wave at a still startled Jessica and Mike.
Jess's mouth was still open as Angela and Eric joined her side.
"You'll catch flies if you open your mouth any wider" Eric joked, s Mike took a large gulp from his glass. Slowly he turned to Jessica.
"Girlfriend? Like… I mean… you have girlfriends, right? It's just a figure of speech?"
Jess closed her mouth as Angela swallowed a giggle.
Mike continued, "Right? I mean, Bella's not… there's no way she's…"
Still Jessica remained silent.
"Angela?" he questioned, as Angela smiled.
Jessica slowly turned, "How long have you both known?" she almost hissed.
Eric linked his arm through Angela's. Before turning away he smiled.
"It's so, like, last weeks news kids" he replied, as they both walked away laughing.
Mike turned to face Jessica, "Jess? This isn't, she isn't… she can't be…"
Jessica picked up her half empty glass and threw the contents into Mike's face.
"Mike? Shut up"
Alice's POV
We soon arrived back to my home. I was suprised Charlie had let Bella stay over again, but after he spoke to Esme on the phone...
Let's just say she was extremely good at getting her own way - that must have been where I got it from.
"I couldn't bear not being able to touch you this evening Bella".
Bella smiled, "You can touch me now" she whispered as desire slammed into me, almost depriving me of a breath I didn't actually need.
I scooped her up into my arms and as my mouth claimed hers I could hear a soft moan escape her lips. Her heart was pounding against me.
"I need you" I whispered against her lips as her breath emerged in small gasps as my tongue invaded her mouth. As it flicked and teased I could feel her respond immediately. Angling my head, I slowly threaded my fingers through her long hair, pulling her close into me.
I could never be close enough to her. I could hear her moan again and if my heart had worked as it once had, it would have slammed into my ribs then. The desire to drag her to the floor and take what I wanted and needed all night was overwhelming as a slight trace of venom coated my throat. Reluctantly I pulled away from her now swollen lips as my own lingered on the slender column of her throat.
You can't let go of her yet Alice, the venom chimed...
"Alice, I trust you" Bella murmured as my lips now made their own fire path up and down the soft, silken skin of her neck.
I could hear Bella's breath catch in her throat, feel it as her head fell back, allowing me more room to explore.
Her scent…
Bella's scent hit me hard, oh how I could drown…
My hands were now shaking as I slowly set her back. The impact that Bella had on me continued to surprise me. Gently my eyes roamed across Bella's delicate features.
Her mouth, swollen and deliciously red, was slightly open, eyes wistful…
It made me smile.
I watched as Bella placed her hand on hear heart, still pounding to its happy rhythm.
"Well" she whispered, a she looked at me and smiled.
"Well" I answered, bemused.
Bella, seemingly dazed, cocked her head to one side.
"Alice Cullen, if I'd have known you had that planned; we would have left the party a lot sooner!"
I watched as she smiled again, and bit at her bottom lip.
"I aim to please" I heard myself answer as I lent forward and buried my impatient fingers into her hair.
Ah, that scent again… like fresh jasmine and raindrops, so something so much more…
"Oh, you do" she whispered as I placed my fingers under her chin. Lifting her face I looked deeply into those chocolate orbs.
"As do you" I answered as I brushed my lips softly across hers.
"I need you Alice" she whispered again as my self control slowly started to vanish. Slowly she placed her hands around my neck, the action shooting desire throughout my entire body. How my body responded to her, and only her…
And then she kissed me.
Like no kiss I had ever experienced before.
Pushing herself against me, she covered my mouth with her own and deepened the kiss until nothing filled my entirety but Bella.
I allowed her to dictate the next move as her hands moved from my neck down to capture buttocks, pulling me even closer.
I growled as my hands found her hair again, my fingers running through the thick tresses. Slowly my mouth opened against hers as her tongue probed deeper and deeper.
You need her, Alice.
You'll always need her, Alice.
How can you exist without her, Alice?
Bite her, Alice…
The venom echoed around my brain…
It was right, I needed her, I always would…
My Bella, my sweet Bella, how you move me into a world I've never experienced before… to love and to be loved…
I was alive, wondrously alive…
Without another thought I lifted her into my arms and carried her into the bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. I could hear her whimper my name as I followed her down.
Bite her, Alice…
One, quick, bite… that's all it would take to make her yours, forever…
I could… it would be so simple… my Bella…
The hem of her black dress had ridden up slightly, revealing lace topped thigh high stockings….
Thank you Rosalie…
You're almost there, in a frenzy Alice… your aroused state is almost at its apex… one small, tiny, bite…
I couldn't stop myself as I kissed the top of her stockings, moving my trail to kiss the pale skin above it…
I could hear her moan as my kiss continued to move upwards. Her hands were quickly on my shoulders as she pulled me up to claim my mouth with hers…
She wants to feel your lips, your tongue, and your fangs, on her Alice…
My hand, craving the feel of her skin slipped under her and slip down the zipper on her dress, easing it off her shoulders revealing more pale skin and a lacy black bra.
My mouth moved from hers.
"I need to taste you Bella" all of you I whispered as the venom echoed around my head…
Need, you need this Alice. All of this…
Slowly Bella moved her head to one side, "Kiss me" she demanded as my lips moved from her mouth and lingered on her throat…
Kiss her, Alice.
Bite her, Alice.
It's what she wants…
My fingers joined the exploration as they too stroked her throat, gliding down to touch her breast.
"Alice" she cried, her voice full of a hunger that nearly sent me spiralling out of control…
Control, who needs control Alice… taste her, bite her…
As my mouth trailed down across her breast I could hear her ragged breathing. The front clasp was easily opened as I removed her bra, savouring the site before me. My fingers, itching to continue, now traced a route around her nipple as she groaned my name again…
Alice, can you hear that? She's calling out your name, asking you…
"My sweet Bella" I chimed as my mouth moved down and replaced my finger.
Bella gasped as I smiled against her soft skin.
Soft… so deliciously soft… imagine sinking your fangs into this Alice, imagine the feel… imagine the taste…
Her hands were now in my hair, moving me closer as her back arched…
Bella tasted…
"More" she whispered, as my hand, not content to linger, moved over her flat stomach then lower still…
Bella tugged at my dress.
"I need to feel you" she almost pleaded as I lifted back and removed all of my clothing in one swift movement…
Her hands were now on me and I could feel her warm skin as she then reached for me, pressing her eager lips to taste me.
Feel how warm her skin is, Alice? Imagine her blood…
As her tongue ran over the tip of my breast I could hear myself growl.
I wasn't going to be able to last much longer… I needed her too much…
You're not going to last much longer, are you Alice?
My breath was now ragged as I tore the whispers of black silk that covered Bella away in one tug...
"Alice" she whispered again, her head now back on the pillow, eyes glazed, "Alice..." she continued, desire thickening her words.
"I need you" she gasped…
… To bite me…the venom continued…
It was all the invitation I needed as my lips trailed across her stomach and down, until my tongue found the very centre of her.
As my tongue made its first gentle probe, Bella nearly screamed out as her hips involuntarily arched, pleasure rolling across her face as waved crash across the ocean.
Pleasure, she enjoys pleasure, bite her Alice, and show her what true pleasure is…
My tongue continued to push deeper as a growl escaped my lips once more.
My Bella, how sweet your taste…
How sweet your blood would taste…
The climax hit Bella as she screamed out my name.
I was consumed, all of my senses filled with Bella.
Groaning, she reached for me, lifting me towards her, moving me to her side as she straddled me.
The look of complete desire on her face made me growl again as she slid her fingers into my own heat.
I clutched at her hips as her fingers continued to move slowly in and then out. My own fingers dug deep into her hips as my free hand scraped across her nipples. Bella groaned as my mouth lent forward, claiming her lips. The need to taste her overwhelming…
The need to taste her blood…
Still Bella continued to drive into me savouring my heat as my hips arched, my hands now on the side of her face…
As her fingers thrust deeper and harder, pleasure soared through me. I watched as Bella thrust into me one last time as I fell over the edge.
"Bella" I growled as she kissed my lips.
"Bella" I growled again as she looked at me, eyes dark with passion, almost wild.
"I aim to please" she huskily whispered as she snuggled down beside me.
Then let me bite you, the venom demanded.
Let
Me
Bite
You.