Chapter Nine
Edward sat, stunned, for a moment, before bursting into a fit of side splitting laughter.
He turned just in time to see Bella enter an elevator.
She had a wicked grin on her face as she sent a dramatic wink his way before the doors slid shut, hiding her from his view.
He turned back to the barman, ordered another drink and carefully tried to mop up the liquid seeping through his shirt.
He could see that he would enjoy working with Bella over the coming months.
He even admitted, begrudgingly, that he liked her. A little.
No, more than a little.
She had spunk.
Fire.
Spirit.
Edward knew that he would enjoy riling her up and that he would take every opportunity to do so.
On the outside, Bella appeared shy, unworldly. But Edward could see the boldness inside her, just begging to be released.
And so, he would teach her to thicken her skin to protect her from her new life and in doing so, he would wind her up to the point where she would undoubtedly fall into his arms.
It was a challenge.
A game.
And it had been so long since Edward had played with such an able opponent.
Yes, Edward thought, this will be fun.