A/N: Your support has been amazing guys! Keep it up! Next chapter will be up soon, just giving it the final read through before it can be posted. My laptop died last week but has since been fixed so hopefully there will be no long pauses between updates.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bella

I wasn't surprised in the slightest when Mike and Jessica invited themselves to our table, and it only took a look around at everyone else to see they felt the exact same way I did.

Annoyed.

We'd been having a perfectly good nice, apart from the issue with Rosaline but I had expected nothing less, but now we had intruders our conversations had to be limited. It was hard to remember that any references to vampirism had to be monitored, which severely limited being able to speak freely.

Like I said, it was an annoyance.

Deciding that the quicker I finished my burger and fries the quicker I could get away from them and hopefully spend some quality time with Edward I took a bite of my burger before moaning at the taste. I hadn't realised how hungry I was until I had a plate in front of me.

"So Bella," Mike licked his lips. "I didn't know you were a partying type of girl. You're the same age as me, right? Seventeen?"

I nodded, swallowing my mouthful before taking another bite.

"Then how did you manage to get into any clubs?"

I frowned, how did he even know we went clubbing?

"We're you following us?"

I hoped to god he wasn't, because I knew Mike wasn't the most cleverest person I knew but it would be practically suicidal to try and stalk a bunch of vampires. I may not fear them, having complete and utter trust that they would never hurt me intentionally, but Mike didn't have that kind of security.

He rapidly shook his head, eying Edward nervously as his eyes narrowed onto his human form. I was partly curious to wonder what he was thinking, but if one look at Edward's expression was anything to go by it wasn't anything good.

"We saw you leave, right Jess?"

Jessica rapidly nodded her head. "Yea. I can't believe you managed to get into New Moon, I heard from Lauren it's meant to be incredible inside. Do you have a fake ID?"

I shook my head. "My dad's a cop, if I went looking for a fake ID he would know about it." She could be so stupid sometimes.

She scowled. "Then what did you do when they carded you? I tried once, they immediately knew I wasn't twenty-five."

I resisted the urge to snort. How could she think she could pull off looking twenty-five? She should have tried something much younger, like eighteen or nineteen if she wanted to have a chance at being even considered.

"They didn't card me," I replied simply.

It had caused confusion when the doorman had simply waved us all in but I wasn't under the impression I looked old enough to not even be asked to see my identification. But then again being surrounded by abnormally gorgeous people who were dressed up to look not only sexy by model worthy it would seem like a crime to send them all away only to find another establishment.

Jessica looked outraged that I had managed to get in while she had been turned away almost automatically, and as I took a sip of my coke I found myself snorting out-loud at her expression.

"Are you going back?" she asked hopefully.

I shrugged, trying to face Edward. "Are we?"

"We can if you would like, Love. It is still early, perhaps another club which is actually one of Jaspers personal favourites."

That shocked me slightly, not having put Jasper down for a bloke who enjoyed clubbing.

He must have seen my look as he chuckled lowly in his throat. "The music isn't as loud, darlin', but it has enough of a beat that I can dance with my Ally."

Aw…

While I knew I had already had too much to drink, and that it was getting late, Alice had managed to persuade Charlie to let me sleep-over since he couldn't seem to deny her anything. He adored Alice, but then again it was hard not to.

Even so I found the urge to sleep was overcome with the urge to see what kind of dancing Jasper was into. He seemed extremely laid back, which while contrasted with Alice's hyperactive personality, seemed to suit the couple perfectly.

Then again, they were made for each other.

It was similar to me and Edward. We were both more reserved then most people, enjoying the quiet and calmness of life over other more boisterous things.

It worked for us.

Nodding my agreement I stayed silent as Jessica eagerly tried to invite herself along, pretending I didn't hear her even though I knew it was rude. I figured I could blame it on the booze even though I had only had a few fruity cocktails.

In the end Emmett seemed to cave and invite them to join us much to everyone's disgruntlement. I had a feeling Jasper must have briefly messed with his emotions when the large vampire started to squirm in his seat before sending the Texan a furious look.

I woke up in the morning with a dry throat and a splitting headache. Cringing, I made a move to open my eyes only to clench them tightly shut once again when I took in the morning light which seemed to be filtering in through the windows. It wasn't doing my headache any good.

"Morning, Love."

Relieved at his soft tone I finally managed to part my slightly sticky eyes apart only to smile dreamily when I caught sight of Edward perched on the edge of the bed. However horrid I felt, it only took me seeing him for my mood to considerably lighten.

"Hi," I croaked out. "What time is it?"

"Ten to seven. Everyone is out hunting, Esme put you out some clean towels if you want a shower."

"A shower sounds like heaven."

Reluctantly I managed to pull myself up with a wince, silently cursing myself for having so such to drink. Who knew I was pathetic enough to wake up with a hangover after only a few drinks?

"Thanks," I smiled when I felt him gently wrap an arm around my waist when I risked stumbling. "I am such a light weight."

Edward chuckled. "You did consume more than a few drinks last night, Love. I tried to intervene but Alice mentioned it was all part of you being human. She said the experience would be good for you."

I wanted to curse Alice. I didn't even remember the night so how was it a good thing?

"What happened?"

I felt him pause slightly before helping me towards the impressive bathroom. It put the one I had at home to shame, what with the expensively decorated flooring, the incredible shower and bath along with the fact I knew the towels alone must have cost a fortune.

He gently sat me on the toilet seat as he moved to turn on the shower. "You don't remember?" I shook my head. He sighed. "I knew Emmett shouldn't have encouraged you to try a wide variety of shots. I apologise."

I frowned. "For what?"

He looked at me. "I am supposed to look after you, and I failed."

Oh.

"I would hardly say you failed. If I was stupid enough to get drunk then it's my own fault."

I hated to admit it but it was true. I could hardly blame him for my own actions, and why he was blaming himself I didn't know.

"I still feel responsible," he frowned before handing me a cup of water a few pills. "Carlisle told me to give you these as soon as you wake up. They could help with your headache, but you will need to eat something afterwards to settle your stomach."

I internally thanked Carlisle being a doctor. "Thanks."

Quickly swallowing the two tablets I placed the empty glass on the counter before making a move to pull off my dress, only to then realise I seemed to be wearing nothing other than one of Edward's shirts and a pair of panties.

Looking up I quirked a brow as best I could with a splitting headache. I knew if he had of been human he would have been blushing.

"Alice told me it would be uncomfortable for you to sleep in that dress, so…I uh…helped you into one of my shirts."

I fought back a grin. "And my lack of bra?" I teased.

He stumbled over his words. "I…I apologise, it's just…uh…I mean…"

"It's fine, Edward" I soothed his worries.

He looked at me sceptically. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Don't get me wrong, I had imagined you seeing my breasts for the first time when I was actually conscious, but I appreciate it."

I watched as he swallowed, his old-fashioned nature seemingly taking a front row seat as I watched him debate whether to come out and say what he as thinking or whether he would try and bury it. It had me curious to what was on his mind.

"You think about it?" he finally blurted out before clenching his jaw. "About us…doing that?"

I blushed, biting my bottom lip before shyly nodding. "Yea. Do you?"

"All the time!" he growled out before he could stop himself.

My eyes widened as did his own, and I figured he hadn't intended to let that little bit of information slip. Still, I was relieved. I hated to admit it but there were times I worried that I wasn't good enough for him, that he dreaded getting intimate and that was why he was putting it off.

It was stupid, I knew that. He was old-fashioned, having been both born and brought up in a world where marriage was expected before sex, and while some girls wouldn't agree for me it only seemed to show just how much he cared about me.

I loved it.

I loved him.

"I mean…" he struggled with his wording. "The fight with my instincts isn't so much with your blood. Why would I wish to harm my mate? It is more to do with my…animalistic urges of…uh…."

"Mounting me?" I cut in with a grin.

He scowled. "I do not like the term, but yes. I don't know whether it helps that you are pure or not. In one instance it pleases me greatly that you are untouched, yet my instincts are screaming at me that you are pure and in need to me claiming you to show others that you are taken, that you are mine. It is very conflicting."

"You know you're it for me, right? That there will never be anyone else."

I was relieved when he nodded without so much as a glimpse of hesitation. "As I am yours. I have waited decades for you, my Love. I will not be letting you go."

I grinned. I loved it when he talked like that, about our future.

"I shall leave you to your shower," he pressed his cool lips gently against my cheek. "If you need my help then all you need to do is ask. I will be in the bedroom."

I appreciated his concern, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face even if I tried as I watched him gracefully exit the bathroom leaving me on my own.

I sighed out loud, love struck.

Taking my time in the shower I quickly rinsed my hair when I realised that I was on a time limit. It was no longer the weekend and I mentally cursed the fact I could still feel my head pounding. It may not have been as bad as when I woke up, the pills clearly starting to kick in, but I hoped it wouldn't get any worse by the end of the day.

Closing my eyes I allowed myself a few extra minutes simply standing under the hot water, trying to think back to the other night. I wasn't lying to Edward when I told him I could barely remember a thing, and while I could vaguely recall what occurred in the start of the night out, after we reached the second club I was drawing a complete blank.

It was frustrating.

"Edward?" I called softly as I slipped out the shower and wrapped myself in a towel.

He was in front of me in an instant.

Jumping in surprise, still getting used to the incredible speed he could move at, I shivered under his gaze. It was only then that I realised I was standing in front of him wearing nothing other than a fluffy white towel which felt like heaven against my skin.

"Bella…" he croaked out.

As I stared at him, a flush covering my cheeks, I couldn't help but notice how deliciously tense he looked. His dark eyes were hungrily scanning my half naked form, not even seemingly aware of his own actions as he practically eye-fucked me right there and then.

…I liked it.

I liked it when he made it known to me that he found my body desirable. I knew compared to others such as Rosaline I was seen as nothing special, as average and normal, but as I stood in front of Edward right then I had never felt more desired then at that moment.

How could a girl not like it when her man looked at her with such want?

"God Bella," he grunted. "I-I want…"

"What?" I took a small step towards him. "What do you want?"

Edward licked his lips, his eyes pausing on my bare legs making me shiver under his gaze. It made me drop my gaze only to bite my lip to stifle a moan when I saw that his jeans had tightened around his groin area.

Fuck…

"You know that I want you, Bella."

I shivered again at his husky tone, never having heard it so deep before. I would be lying if I said it didn't make my thighs quiver and my sex to grow wet with anticipation.

"Having you standing here….like this," he gestured to my lack of dress. "Fuck, it makes me want you even more so!"

I moaned out loud, I couldn't help it.

The next thing I knew Edward was standing in front of me, his own chest heaving even though I knew he didn't need to breath. The fact I was making him react in such a way was satisfying in itself, but more so it seemed to turn me on more at the realisation of just how much he seemed to want me.

I stood still as my thighs continued to quiver, though what he did next shocked me into silence as he reached out with his hand to trace my damp collar bone with the tips of his fingers.

"Since the moment I first saw you I knew you were perfection," he murmured. "Knew that you were to be mine and I would be the only one to ever see you like this." He looked straight into my eyes as he lowered his fingers just enough to brush against the seam of the towel causing my breath to hitch. "When I smelt that you were pure…fuck Bella, I knew you were perfect."

I bit my lip to contain another moan which wanted to realise, knowing that he only ever cursed when he was too wound up with lust to be able to have full control over his words.

I loved it.

"You made me think things I had never allowed to cross my mind before. My desire to see you in the mists of pleasure, to know that I am the one to bring you to such heights, that you are for my eyes only."

I shivered.

"May I?" he gently pulled the towel into his fingers, not tugging it but is implication was clear.

Was I really ready for him to see me naked?

….what if he didn't like what he saw?

I knew I wasn't perfect. I had flaws like the next person, flaws I hadn't realised I even had until I found myself comparing my own body to those who I knew Edward would have no trouble getting if he wanted to.

Don't get me wrong, I knew Edward would never cheat on me, but it didn't make my insecurities any better. He could have any model he desired, and I couldn't help the stray thoughts of what would he want with me.

But then he would look at me with adoration and lust and I found myself melting in his arms. He may not be used to this whole dating thing, having as much inexperience as I did, but he sure knew how to make a girl feel treasured.

With that thought…I let the towel drop.

Forgive me for the wait?

xxx