Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The author of this story is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Chapter 19

Emmett and I discuss a few more tactics in the kitchen before I finally decide I've had enough and need to see Bella.

I'm glad she's been talking to Rosalie, but we've given them an hour and a half since I've been here, and I know they've been talking since before I arrived. I just can't stand it anymore. I don't know where my deep attachment to Bella has come from lately, but I find it hard to be away from her. I guess I know what it is. I just don't want to lose her in any capacity … emotionally, physically, or permanently. I know I can't try anything physically with her for awhile. Hell, I guess I shouldn't try anything at all unless she initiates it or lets me know she wants it. It's just hard to wait. However, my sexual appetite has decreased, but not completely gone away since everything that has happened.

As we enter the room, we find Rosalie and Bella in an embrace. I can see dried tear tracks on her cheeks.

"We can come back later," Emmett offers.

"No, I think we're done for today," Rosalie says as she kisses Bella's cheek and then rises from the sofa. She puts her hand on Bella's shoulder. "Remember, you can call me day or night … anytime. Ok?"

"Ok," she answers meekly and pats Rosalie's hand on her shoulder. "Thanks again."

"Anytime."

Rosalie surprises me by telling me goodbye as she leaves without even a hint of sarcasm.

After she and Emmett have gone, I take a seat next to Bella.

"Are you hungry?" I ask, not really knowing what else to say.

"No, not really." Then she adds, "We did have a snack earlier."

"Are you ok?" I hesitantly ask her.

"Yeah, um, I had a nice talk with Rose," she says to me and looks down at her lap.

I guess she doesn't want to discuss it.

"Do you want to go out?" I'm really at a loss here. I don't know what to say, so I'm just letting anything come out.

"No, I'd prefer to stay in here. Maybe take a bath?" She questions, as if she has to ask.

"You know you don't have to ask me permission, don't you?"

"I know, but ...," her face turns red and she looks down. "…but I was hoping you'd join me?" She asks me fully embarrassed.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Of course, I'd love to, but after what she's been through I just can't imagine she would want close contact like that especially in the nude.

"Yes." She's still looking down, so I can't see her face.

"What if I just stay in the bathroom while you bathe?" I offer.

"You make me feel safe. I want you in the tub with me," she says as she looks up and makes eye contact with me letting me know that she is serious.

"Then, yes, I'd love to join you." I stand up and offer her my hand.

She puts her hand in mine and together we walk into the bathroom.

I'm not positive that this is the best idea, but if this is want my girl wants then this is what my girl will get.

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We've been in the tub for about five minutes just soaking in the hot water. It's very relaxing. Bella is in front of me, and her head is lying on my shoulder.

I'm positive she can feel my erection poking her just above her ass.

"Sorry, I can't help it," I apologize.

"It's ok, Edward," she answers.

Thank goodness for that.

"Can you hand me the body wash?" she asks.

I hand her the bottle and the sponge.

As she squirts the soap onto the sponge, I can feel myself harden even more as I realize she will be touching herself in just a moment. Even though it's not sexual … well, for her … but, it's kind of sexual for me.

I can't help but watch as she glides the sponge around her neck and then her arms. Soon she is washing her chest, going over each breast, then down to her stomach and her legs.

She turns halfway around and looks at me.

"Will you do my back?" She asks as she hands the sponge to me.

I gulp and nod my head.

I start gently at the back of her neck and over to each shoulder before I glide the sponge up and down both sides of her back. I want desperately to move around the front of her body and wash her tits, but she's already done that, plus I don't think she asked for that.

My dick is having a hard time as he realizes nothing is going to happen. I will have to sneak in here later and jerk off.

When I am finished, she slowly slips down into the water without submerging her hair and washes off all the soap.

Before I realize what she's doing, she turns around and is on my lap facing me. My cock is in happyland, realizing how close it is to her heat.

"Now it's time for me to clean you," she says as she glides the sponge down my chest.

I swear her voice seems husky and very seductive, but I know I must be imagining things. My Bella wouldn't do that, especially right now after everything that has happened.

She's moving slowly and sensually, and her tits are right in my face. I want to lean in and suck on her nipples, but I refrain as hard as it is. Speaking of hard ….

As she moves the sponge back up my chest, she leans in and before I know it, she is sucking on my lip. I don't think; I just react. I begin taking her lip in mine and soon we are exploring one another's mouths.

She moves closer to me, her tits pressed up against my chest as her ass is practically on my throbbing cock.

Soon, I realize the situation and gently push her back.

"Bella, we can't do this," I whisper as I lay my forehead against hers.

"Yes, Edward, I'm ready," she says pleadingly, sitting up and looking into my eyes. "I know how I feel. I want to do this."

She carefully rises from the tub and steps out. She grabs two towels and holds one out to me as I get out.

My cock is pulsing, and I am unable to say 'no' to her. I can't really tell if she is being honest with me or not, but I'm not going to refuse her if she says this is what she wants. It's definitely what I want.

Once we seem dry, I gently take her hand and lead us into the bedroom and over to the bed.

She lies down in the middle of the bed, and soon I am hovering over her.

"Are you sure about this, sweetheart?" I ask as I look deeply into her eyes.

"Yes and please don't ask me again," she answers maintaining eye contact with me.

I lean in and take her lips in mine. Our kiss grows from small kisses to a full on passionate kiss. Our tongues are intermingling, and her taste has me literally on fire. I have dreamed of kissing Bella like this for a long time, and finally it is happening. Not only that, but she is participating willingly.

Soon my lips move down her jaw to her shoulders, and finally down to her breast, where I immediately take her nipple into my mouth and suck on it. My other hand wanders down to her pussy and begins gliding up and down her slit spreading the wetness with my fingers.

"Oh God, Bella, you feel so good," I tell her breathlessly.

She just moans in response.

I begin circling her clit, and her breathing becomes more labored. I stop before she reaches her peak, because I want to be inside her when she does.

I sit up and pump my cock a few times. Then, I take it and position it at her entrance. I just barely have the tip in when I hear what sounds like a sob coming from Bella.

I quickly move away and lay beside her. I pull her into my arms and just hold her.

"I'm so sorry Edward," she sniffs and lets out another heart wrenching sob.

"It's ok, sweetheart. We don't have to do this right now. You're not ready," I say softly.

"I thought I was," she barely whispers.

"Why?" I can't help but ask her. Why would she try something like this knowing what a vulnerable position she is in?

"What if someone came after me again like that? I'm not strong enough to stop them. If I am going to have to have sex then I want my first time to be with someone who cares about me. I knew you would be gentle with me. I don't want to be forced," she cried.

"Oh baby, that's not going to happen. I promise you, no one will ever touch you again. We can do this when you're truly ready, no matter how long it takes. You are worth the wait Bella. I would never force you and neither will anyone else … I won't let them."

"You're not mad?" She asks hesitantly.

"Of course not, you didn't do anything wrong. Just please talk to me anytime you want to. You can't do anything that would make me angry anymore. If one day when we know you're safer and you want to leave, I won't stop you." I can't believe what's coming out of my mouth, but I can't help it. I don't want her to do anything against her will anymore even if it's staying with me.

"I don't think I want to anymore. For one thing, I have nowhere to go, and I like being with you now. I feel safer now."

"I'm glad." I pulled her closer to me and kissed the top of her head. "Sleep now; it's been an emotional day."

"You'll stay and hold me?" She says looking into my eyes, dried tears on her cheeks.

"Always."

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We had a little more Sweetward this time. He's learning albeit slowly, and Bella is just plain confused.